Cooper running

It was a "rest" day on the training calendar for me, but Cooper wanted to go running. He was sporting his new runner's ID tag on his shoes and raring to go. Of course, he took off too fast. Soon he was begging me to "carry him." Of cours, he had enough energy to play on the playground equipment, but he could not run another step. We had a fun morning anyway, working some fun segments in between slides. I am going to have to run with him on the fun run and may have to carry him some of the way in Sept.; he is just too young for the distance.

Greenway

I ran on the Greenway today. What a GREAT place to run. It is about a block wide and runs north and south for miles. It has limited cross streets and has tunnels under the road at the busier streets. In Fargo, that counts as hills, although it is strange to have the downhill first! I parked at a playground that Cooper likes and started south. I first ran around by a couple of softball fields and a couple of soccer fields. Then under 32nd Ave S and into a residential area. In some areas, it was only about 200' wide with trees lining the path. There was also at least one runner running in the grass next to the path this morning. Now and then it would widen with a bench area or a playground for kids. At one place, there was a school property next to greenway and I again ran by softball fields and a football field. The route started to get real hilly at Rose Creek where it turned to skirt the edge of the golf course. But my garmin alerted me that I had gone 1.5 miles and I turned back for the car.

I read something yesterday that said what other sport calls its participants "community" like the "running community." Most of the runners I met said "hi" and it was a very friendly run.

While I was running, I realized that the greenway passed fairly close to Dale's. I had this feeling I would see him, but I ran past and did not. When I was about 0.4 mile from the car and had forgotten about him, I met him with him running in the other direction. I had a cap and sunglasses on, and he did not expect to see me; he did not recognize me at first. Only time for a quick "hi" and we both continued on with our workout.

Recap Stats -- 13.18 miles for the week. 30.48 since I started running on 7/13.

Another thing to learn

"Always know the goal pace for each quality run and record it in your log. Then stick to it. "

Link

Went out way to fast last night and it took until rep 3 of 7 of my interval cycle to get back on track.

I also wonder if I am not pushing my pace too fast on most of my workouts? Have to do some researching this weekend!

Why run?

From "the Penguin" (John Bingham):

"The signs of success were all there -- a frustrating job, a floundering relationship, the dismal prospect of pushing the same stone up the same hill for eternity. Relief came only in moments of mind-numbing self pity induced by too much food or drink.

Making my life increasingly complex wasn't working. Adding layer upon layer of responsibility and debt had produced only the trappings of upward mobility. I discovered that I owned very little of my life. Most of what I turned to for comfort and reinforcement actually owned me."

Link

I can add to that chronic fatigue and depression due to Sleep Apnea and about 6+years with little REM sleep. Body chemicals and metabolism were out of whack. I was heading for Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Attack, and going psychotic from a lack of REM. It really screwed me up. I didn't enjoy life and was mad about everything.

I also hated running. I had knee problems from skiing at a young age and never knew how to train at running and didn't enjoy it. Fast forward 25 years and I have an MP3 player, a training plan, a gym in my office building with a treadmill and a GPS based trainer to teach be pacing. I am really enjoying it.

Struggles, doubts and Problems

Dennis writes:

"I just wrapped up the story on trail and mountain running that I've been working on, and I have to say that some of the interviews I did for it really opened my eyes. I had the chance to talk to Dean Karnazes, Scott Jurek, Janice Anderson and Kevin Setnes, among others for the story, and the thing that struck me is how normal they all are. Obviously normal is a relative term when you're talking about people who run 100 miles or more at a time, but they all have struggles and doubts and problems just like we do."
Link

I think this is important for all of us to understand and remember. I always used to think I was some whack job weirdo and no one else thought like I did. I now hope I am pretty normal. . . But more importantly, I spend less time worrying about everything and more time enjoying the scenery. . .

"Duel in the Sun"

Dennis reviews the book and makes this poing:

"I've interviewed Beardsley a couple of times, and he's one of the most honest, likable people I've ever run across. Reading this book just confirmed my opinion of him. But it changed greatly what I thought of Salazar, who was one of the members of my club, Greater Boston, back in the '70s, and whom I regarded as an arrogant, selfish guy who was only out for himself. He was that in 1982, but he's changed 180 degrees since then, and it's a story worth reading"

Link

I have listened to Beardsley speak twice and met him and talked to him and Dennis is 100% correct. Dick is one of the most honest, likeable people you will ever meet.

Although I have not meet Salazar, I had the same impression of him from interviews and other stories. I read the book a couple of weeks ago after my first 5k and meeting Dick and I must say that I came out of it realizing I was wrong about Salazar. Today, he is someone I would like to meet.

I second the great read; John Brant has written what will quickly become a classic; just like the race he uses as the focus of his story about two runners.

Running Club Today

Attending my first running club event tonight. I have a million reasons to not go, but the fact is, that just means that I cannot miss it. Results later.




Results. It was 92* and I started way too fast. I have been running on the treadmill for most of my miles. Wind and traffic meant that I had some new things to learn. I was running intervals and it was like "don't look at your watch!!!! Just run to that next parked car!!! Just finish strong!" Hokey, but it works great. I read that Frank Shorter said something to the effect that you need time between marathons to trick your mind into forgetting what is coming.

Survived. I will take that as another win!

First Post

This is a blog that I will use to keep myself motivated. I will post thoughts and times as I train for going from 110 pounds overweight to running marathons. If anything here helps you, so much the better!