San Francisco - Treadmill

Run: 2 miles at 6.4 miles per hour

Distance: 2.0 miles

Time: 18:44

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy  ★ ★ 

Mind:  ★ ★ .5

Overall:  ★ ★ ★

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     Welcome to San Francisco! This was my first time to the city, and I was pretty excited to check things out. We had our annual conference in San Fran this year, and it is a great location for the conference. Like a lot of my work trips, I was hoping to get a run in. I just love to get a little map of my run in each new city, and get a picture off my phone of where I had run.

     Turns out, San Francisco is a little scary for the novice - at least where I was staying. It's very much a city - so it's pretty packed in. You can say the same for New Orleans, Las Vegas and Kansas City (some of my more recent travel runs). But here in San Fran they also have some weird traffic patterns to go with the trollies. I actually found it pretty hard to drive around here with the different lanes and all.

     So one thing, I wasn't able to find my bearings. Second, there was a fair amount of construction going on where I was staying, and I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get in much "running" without some pretty regular stop and go's. Lastly, there are a good amount of folks spending the nights on the streets. I have to say that the homeless of San Fran are quite kind and interesting - I did get to chat up a few folks throughout my stay. But with a possible 4:30 AM run, I just wasn't comfortable being out on the streets of a city that was brand new to me.

     Instead I made my way down to the gym. I was due for some weight training as well, so I thought that I could get both in. I was expecting: 1) a tiny gym, and 2) a packed gym, but what I found instead was an amazing gym with just one other person in it. Check this photo out:

Pretty sweet gym at the Parc 55 hotel in San Francisco

     I was so excited for the weights and machines, that I actually spent way too long over there and only was able to get in a two mile run. Even the treadmills were pretty awesome (check out the photo that is the header for this post). The run was good, and a little part of me started thinking - you know, after all of this bad mouthing of the treadmill all winter, I'm having a tough time transitioning back to road running. And so all in all, this may be the truth of the matter - I may be having a hard time giving up the treadmill :) !!!

     Well, I hear the weather in Connecticut is warming up. I'll try to get in a few more runs out here in San Fran. We do have our Bill Lander's 5K coming up next weekend, so I'll have to get ready for that. But at some point, I do need to get back on the roads, and wean off of these treadmills. The spring is here, and we've got some hills and tempo runs to do!

Treadmill

Run: 3 miles at 6.0 miles per hour

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 30:04

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★ .5

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy  ★ ★ ★.5

Mind:  ★ ★ 

Overall:  ★ ★ ★

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     Well, it's officially true - I have fallen off the wagon. Sorry runner fans, but I have just found that the balance between work, life and running has fallen to the work. I'd love to say that I kept my running up through all of this, but April was a tough month!

     The fact of the matter is that I finished up my Master in Clinical and Translational Research just last week. This was actually a big accomplishment for me, and I am super happy and proud. I will be putting this to good use, and hopefully beefing up the Statistics Podcast as part of this website soon.

     With the thesis due last week, I just have had to sacrifice all of my free time to getting this done, and done well. That combined with the chilly mornings made the running just too hard to get in. But I came back for a little jog this morning, and even thought about running out on the streets. Ha - not quite there yet.

     When I had my morning runs down (see some posts from last fall), I had purchased a very nice headlamp, so that I wasn't running in the dark (something I WAS doing - see posts from late summer last year!). This morning I went to find the headlamp, which was successful. Only problem - not charged. AND, turns out this company also makes a charger that fits with no other charger!! I'm sure there is an engineering reason behind this, but wouldn't it be great if every electronic had pretty much the same charger!

     So back to the treadmill - which was actually fine because it was 37 degrees out this morning. I arrived to the gym to find it locked. It was funny - I pulled in and saw all my morning usuals sitting in their cars, and still proceed to get out and walk up to the door. Ha, embarrassment. I was just about to leave feeling pretty bummed about the whole thing, when our wonderful AM gym manager pulled in to let us all in.

     The run was pretty standard. I set my pace a little slower just because it's been so long. I guess the good thing that has come from all of this is that the tendonitis in my left ankle from last fall's half marathon has really subsided. As my father always likes to say, "there is a reason for everything".

     So fatalists around the world, I am going to get back on track with this running. Just to let you know. And there is a reason behind this too - to have an awesome running season this year! See you all on the streets.

Treadmill

Run: 3 miles at 6.5 miles per hour

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 27:44

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★ .5

Gut: ★ ★ ★ .5

Energy  ★ ★ ★

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     Yep, still cold, and still working the treadmill. Twenty degrees out this morning, and that's just too cold. So off I went to the gym to meet up with my 4:30 AM crew. Mostly everyone was there. We have a few that stick to the weights, and a several that stick to the treadmills and ellipticals. Today was a running day for me, and so I made my way over to my usual treadmill - row two, seat six.

     As I walked past the two treadmills next to mine, I saw that they were out of service. Nothing new for regularly used gym equipment, but both of these also had scribbled on the 'not-to-be-used' message the milage that each treadmill had racked up over the years. Apparently one had gone 18,170 miles and the other 17,576 miles. Now I'm no treadmill, but that seems pretty good.

     So this got me to thinking, I wonder how long: 1) the average runner runs in a year, and 2) how many miles I put on in this past year. The answer to number two is easy, because I am going to have to put it off for a while. I began this website with a 4.3 mile run on August 3, 2014 - click the link to see the first ever blog post to the site. I have pretty much documented every run that I have gotten in since then, so I will tally up the score when we get to August and let you know.

     The answer to number one however... So, according to Running Competitor.com, the average runner puts in over 35 miles per week. Running For Fitness.org actually has a nice table of recommended distances for those interested in completing different distance races, and at different levels of training. You can see the range here for maximum weekly miles is anywhere from 10-20 miles per week up to 40-60 miles per week. And really my favorite source for setting a good program for your running, and running safely, Runner's World suggests this schedule which focuses more on time and effort than distance.

     So in the thick of it, I probably was running about 3 - 4 miles two to three days a week, with about 8 miles on the weekend. That would be about 20 miles per week. Take that out 50 weeks (gotta have some kind of break) and you're looking at 1000 miles in a year. That's me at my ideal finest, which clearly, I'm not there. In reality, I'm gonna guess I put in about a quarter of that last year, if I'm lucky. For the 35.5 miles per week professional, you are looking at 1846 miles (I didn't give them the 2 weeks off) per year. 

     So little treadmill, I may have given you a lot of crap this winter, but I'm impressed with what you've pulled off. Looks like you've packed in 10 professional runner years before needing a new belt and deck. I'd have to say, I think that I'm gonna need a new set of both if I ever get myself up to 35 miles week. One can always dream!

Treadmill - Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Run: 3 miles at 6.5 miles per hour

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 27:45

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ .5

Gut: ★ ★ ★ .5

Energy  ★ ★ ★

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     Not gonna lie - I woke up a little sore this morning from Sunday's 6.7 mile run. Butt, hamstrings, knees, left ankle. All a good sign that I am not at the same level of conditioning as when I left my 3 x / week training last fall. On the flip side, it looks like we are back at it, and in a few weeks, I think that all of my training will be back on the road and trails.

     So this St. Patrick's Day started off in an interesting way. You ever have those early mornings where you wake up right at the end of a sleep cycle, and you are perfectly awake? Sometimes on the weekends you will actually go back to sleep because it's too early, and then when you wake up the next time you are all sorts of groggy, and you wish you had gotten up in the first place. Well, that was about 3:50 AM this morning.

     I knew that I had to be close to 4:00 AM, since I could tell that I had slept for some time. I was lying there wondering if I should try to fall back a sleep or check to see what time it was when the alarm clock went off. Just prior to it going off I thought, "man I feel good for this early in the morning. All sorts of energy for the day." But as soon as it went off I thought, "well, I have to get my two 5-minute snoozes in."

     So I DID snooze times two, and what happens at the end of this? My little brain starts to say, "you know, you could just go back to sleep for an hour...?" The good news is that the rest of my brain knows that when I wake up like this, I cannot go back to sleep right away, and I lie around in bed for a good 20 - 30 minutes before falling asleep. I usually wake up the next time much sleepier than the first.

     And this thought ends up winning, and gets me out of bed. Once the feet hit the floor, I'm golden, but it's amazing how there are two sides of the brain at this hour of the morning, really fighting over what the body is going to do. The even better news is that I ALWAYS come back from the run and think to myself, "I'm glad that I did that". And the part of the brain that made me get out of bed is a little happier.

     So on this St. Patrick's Day, my sore legs and that little sleepy, dangerous, lazy part of my brain lost early to the excited, energetic, pumped up part of my brain, and three happy miles on the treadmill later we are ready to see what the corn beef, cabbage and green beer will bring us! Happy St. Patty'd everyone!

Treadmill

Run: 3 miles at 6.5 miles per hour

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 27:45

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★ .5

Energy  ★ ★ ★ ★ .5

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ ★ .5

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

    Yes people, Spring is here! OK, it's not quite HERE, but you can feel that it's coming. Now I learned my lesson from San Antonio, and cold is still cold. It was 22 oF this morning, so any plans of running outside I quickly packed away. But, to put things into perspective, it was about 2 oF in the mornings a week ago, and any time you go up twenty degrees, you can feel the change. Think of going from 50 degrees in the afternoon to 70 degrees. Yeah, that's what I'm talking about.

     You may think that this has been a little over stated, but I'm telling you, people are different around here. I went to get my mail last night after work, and 1) it was still bright out (hello time change!), and 2) I didn't have a coat on, and it was fine. Well, it was probably 36 degrees, but I was comfortably talking with my neighbor about how exciting it is to see some grass again. It's even on the news. Everyone is excited.

     So last night I contemplated running on the roads this morning, but I knew it was going to be too chilly. Also, there is still a good amount of snow on the sides of the road. I came across one fella running over the weekend. He very smartly had on a bright neon yellow coat, but he was literally in the middle of the lane that my car was in. He couldn't help it from the snow banks. This backed up traffic, and you could just tell that he wasn't enjoying the run. How can you?!?

     But it's coming. You can feel it. I think we get up to 48 oF today, and 50s tomorrow with some rain, and these roads are going to start clearing up. I'm signing up for some 5Ks, and I'm going to get my training manual out to get back on track for a half marathon coming up. It's time to start running again!

Treadmill: The Breaking Point

Run: 5 miles at 6.0 miles per hour

Distance: 5.0 miles

Time: 50:03

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★ .5

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy  ★ ★ ★ ★

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     Alright Mother Nature, we are going to have to have a talk. See it's March, and we are about to turn the clocks ahead next weekend. There is just something growing inside of all of us here in little Glastonbury, Connecticut, USA. Sort of like a little tomato seed tilled into the dirt of the garden last fall. We are beginning to realize that Spring is coming, and the little shells of our seeds are starting to shake, rumble and crack.

     I was just saying to my son yesterday morning, "You know Kyle, I think that we are all done with snow for the year." His replied, "Thank goodness, Daddy!" And then I turned on the news - more snow on it's way. I know that I live in New England, and I do love the winter, but heading out to the gym for a 5 mile treadmill run today at 10 degrees with a plan for 3 - 6 more inches of snow tonight - it's getting to be a bit much.

     The other thing is that I am starting to get super-psyched for some of these early Spring races. There are all sorts of St. Patty's day 5K's coming up over the next few weekends, and holy hell if they are gonna be in the middle of a snow storm - yikes! There is something OK about running in cold rain, sleet and a little snow in October and November, but by March, it's time for that warm sun to start shining on our beautiful, sweaty running faces, and to have the snow off the roads.

     So my message here after this nice 5 mile run on the treadmill is that I'm ready. I'm ready for 4AM hills and tempo runs on our back roads with my head lamp on. I'm ready for long hill runs going out 60 - 70 minutes on the weekends. I'm ready for some trail runs in our local small parks. And I'm ready to get registered for some 5K and half marathon road races, and get this season going! C'mon, Mother Nature, you have to like Spring too - it's time!

P.S. Everyone from Boston, sorry for complaining!

Treadmill

Run: 3 miles at 6.5 miles per hour

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 27:45

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★ .5

Gut: ★ ★ ★ .5

Energy  ★ ★ ★ ★

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     Yes folks, back at the treadmill this morning. And yet again, a perfect 27:45 for exactly 3 miles. I thought about kicking it up to 6.7 mph, but this was at 2.15 miles, and it just didn't seem rounded off. It's not so much that I want it to look clean for the blog post, I just seem to want to either do it for the whole mile or not. And, that's probably my type-A OCD personality, but it just feels right. I'm sure there is benefit out of running a little faster for 0.85 miles, rather than not at all. So maybe next time I'll click it up a few notches, even if it's not on the mile.

     So my wife is off to a conference for a few days. I'll see if I can get someone to watch the kids so that I can get in a distance run. It's been 2 weeks, and if I'm gonna do some of these spring half marathons, I need to start getting some distance in. Not that I'm too sad to not have to run 8 miles on the treadmill! We also have some really cold weather coming in, so hibernation sounds like a better game plan than getting out in the cold for running, but eventually it's got to happen!

     Run on my friends. I'll probably see you on the other side of this conference. In the meantime, I hope to have a new podcast or two for those of you who enjoy that part of the web site. Take care, take it easy and keep on running.

Treadmill

Run: 3 miles at 6.5 miles per hour

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 27:45

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★

Energy  ★ ★ ★ ★

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Overall:  ★ ★ ★

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     So I woke up this morning to the snow plow coming back around again. I thought this was interesting because it seemed that he had gotten most of the snow off the road by late afternoon yesterday. My snowblower is mostly on the fritz, so I ended up shoveling my driveway twice, and getting it to work for another go around, especially around the mailbox. When I heard the scrape of the plow on my street at 4:30AM, I thought, "great more snow to have to shovel back off the end of the driveway."

     I knew that no way I was running outside with all this snow piled up everyone, so off again it was to the gym. The good news was, the gym would be open. I think that this snow and cold really is getting to everyone, because now they shut down everything for any amount of snow. I mean we did get about 8 - 10 inches over the past 2 days, but c'mon, no gym on the weekend is sad! When I got out of my car to shovel up the little pile the plow had pushed onto my driveway, I thought, "boy it's cold out here!" And sure enough, minus 9 degrees - yikes.

     It was beautifully clear, and a great crescent moon rising from the east. Unfortunately, I can think of no possible way to actually 'run' on these streets, and with the winds howling, the wind chill has to be even worse! So back to the gym, and my trusty treadmill for me. We've had some good blog posts over the weekend about the ups and downs of treadmill running, and we've be talking about this all winter. But this morning, I'm telling you, it's the only way to get in a decent run around here.

     The funny thing about dialing into a run like this, is that you get the exact same run. I ran this 3 miles in 27:45, exactly the same as my last 3 mile treadmill post. I do have to say, my right hamstring may feel a little different about it, but the rest is mostly the same. I'm sure there is something to say for consistency, but as a nice blogger put it on Google+ this past weekend, if you are going to run in road races, it's the variation in hill, pitch and terrain that helps you get to the finish line all the faster.

     So today we make due. Another 2-4 inches is predicted for tomorrow. I'm ready for some spring, but we are going to have to get through this chill first. For now, I'll be happy that my gym is open, the power to the treadmill is working, and I can keep up a decent little persistent pace.

Distance / Treadmill

Run: 6 miles at 6.0 miles per hour, with 0.5 miles at 6.5 miles per hour

Distance: 6.0 miles

Time: 59:37

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy  ★ ★ ★ ★

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Soundtrack: Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     Well after all of my love for the treadmill on my last post, 6 miles does get a little dull. I was able to lock in and just cruise, but 6 miles is probably my upper limit of distance. I may try for a little more next weekend, but I am hoping that we get some clearing of the roads, and maybe I can get outside. They are predicting another good sized storm, so we'll see about that.

     I came across an interesting dilemma the other day, which kept me thinking and motivated throughout the run today. The Hartford Marathon Foundation is putting up a challenge to run three half marathons in 2015. There is a new half marathon in Mystic, CT in May, and this is part of the promotion. The first will be in Middletown in early April. I ran the 4 mile run that was part of this inaugural event last year - it was nice. The third marathon is the Hartford Half Marathon in October - which is my baby.

     So, I'm not sure if I'm up for three half marathons this year, but I'm coming at this with a thought. Perhaps I train up during the Spring, but smart and slow. Then I can use the April and May half marathons as a nice slow weekend pace. This should get me into some good shape early on. I can then either keep up this distance and see if I can start working on my half marathon pace throughout the summer, or use this as a base for some fast paced 5K's this summer - which was my original plan.

     All in all, I like this idea. I thinks it's a nice little challenge, and I think that if I come at this with my smarter almost-forty-year-old brain, I should avoid injury. I'm still a little hesitant, but I'll let you all know what I decide. Ether way, I'm glad for the six miles under my belt, but I'm still pretty excited to get off the belt and back onto the roads for my next distance run!

Treadmill

Run: 3 miles at 6.5 miles per hour

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 27:45

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy  ★ ★ ★ ★

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ ★ .5

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     We sure did get a serious amount of snow with the latest snowstorm. There was about 15 to 16 inches of snow in my neighborhood. The snowplows had pushed most of the snow up onto the sides of the streets, and seriously there was nowhere possible to run, even if you wanted to. Throw in some below freezing temperatures and a good deal of ice, and back to the gym it was for a treadmill run for me.

     I did get a hilarious e-mail from one of the local running clubs, describing some pointers on running in the winter weather.  I will poke some fun here at their suggestions, but they did do a good job of saying 'run smart and head in if all else fails.' That said, get these comments:

1. Always run facing traffic, they will have a more difficult time seeing you. Yeah, and that's because no one expects to see a crazy person running on the roads when the breakdown lanes are all covering in plowed snow.

2. Wear reflective clothing, and always wear a light if you are running in the dark. Are you kidding me?! No way you should be running in the dark on these roads!

3. Run single-file when running in groups. Yeah, you better since everyone is running ON the road with the cars anyway.

4. Wear warm and protective clothing. I do agree with this, but I also agree that it is COLD out here! Can you say polar vortex?

     In all seriousness, I get that there are the die-hards who will run outside no matter what. And there are those who think that treadmill running isn't running, but c'mon. With all of the starts and stops, slipping on the ice, dodging cars and stopping traffic, I have to believe that you ACTUALLY get a better run on the treadmill when it's like this outside.

     So back in I was today. I actually had a nice run with a good pace. I'm going to hopefully get myself up to 7.0 miles per hour by the Spring time, and hit the streets with a good pace and a good base. Oh treadmill, you are a necessary evil, and I thank you for keeping me somewhat fit until the snow clears and the roads open back up.

Treadmill

Run: 1 mile at 6.3 mph, then 2 miles at 6.5 mph for each mile

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 28:04

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy  ★ ★ ★ .5

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     What an interesting and odd little morning! I'm hoping that the rest of the day is a little more straightforward. Nothing major, but not my usual morning. Firsts things first, when the alarm clock went off at 4AM, my brain was like, "oh heck no!" I was up a little late last night recording and uploading one of my Podcasts to the website. So I made a quick attempt at sleeping in, when by good fortune my wife's cold and gentle snoring was enough to get me out of bed. I kind of get this guilty feeling every time I try to sleep in, so any little thing will keep me from falling back to sleep.

     So I made it out the door, where it is a chilly 15oF this AM - yikes! When I got to the gym, I noticed that something was off. I couldn't place it at first, but then I realized - no music. Now, I usually listen to my headphones while at the gym, but when I walk in and out, they are out of my ears. I really wasn't missing anything because I knew that I would have Pandora in my ears for the morning, but it just seemed odd. And then I hop up on to the treadmill, and low and behold, no TVs either. What's more - no WiFi. Basically an electronics meltdown at WOW! this morning, but the good news was that the cell service worked, as did the treadmills, and I still got in a great run.

     With about one mile left on the treadmill, in comes a pretty good sized dude wearing exactly the same outfit as me. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, black shorts and a red shirt are fairly common, but when he rolled right up next to me, we looked like kind-of-silly little twins. Probably nobody noticed, and it did seem that the early morning gym faithful were the only folks in the gym this morning, so no worries - whew!

     So I got the run in. The legs feel pretty good even after this weekend's longer run, and I'm super psyched that I didn't sleep in. They'll be time for that come the weekend - yeah long flight out to Cali!

Treadmill

Run: 3 miles at 6.0 mph, 6.3 mph, 6.5 mph for each mile

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 28:50

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy  ★ ★ ★ .5

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Soundtrack: The Crystal Method Radio, Pandora

     It's good to be back! Man, my legs were some kind of good sore all day yesterday. It was a very nice reminder of my return to some outdoor road running from the day prior. I'm not sure if it was because I was out on the pavement, or if I just got back to a little bit more distance than I have been pulling on the treadmill, but I definitely got the sense yesterday that I had been on a legit run the day prior.

     This morning I was back on the treadmill. I actually was still a little stiff from yesterday, but wanted to give a good showing. I figured that this little jog would be a little bit more painful, but all the worth it to get to the other side. All bets were true. I did have a pretty good stitch in my right ribs for about a mile, which is a funny concept in and of itself. That is one little mystery of the human body that this doctor has yet to figure out. My guess is that there is something with hypoxia to the expanding rib cage, but it's just so inconsistent. I'll look it up, and let you all know if I figure this one out.

     But sitting here with my cup of coffee, I am sure glad that I pushed myself a little bit harder this morning. I expect to have most of my post-run stiffness out of my legs after todays 3 miles, and if I can get in one more good run this week, that's gonna be a trend, and I think that we are back on track. With winter upon us, I am sure that motivation will be tough, but this feels like the post-half marathon tendonitis (which really wasn't a problem this morning) and strep throat is behind us, and now it's back to business.

Treadmill

Run: 3 miles at 6.3 mph for 1.5 miles, then 6.5 mph for 1.5 miles

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 28:13

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Mind:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Soundtrack: Pandora, The Crystal Method Radio 

     As the speed get faster and faster on the treadmill, it's always important to remember one thing - this doesn't necessarily translate to the same amount of speed or endurance on the road. This is probably intuitive, but for some reason, I am usually pretty surprised to find that even after  I start increasing my speed and distance on the treadmill, if i jump into an early 5K (like the one coming up in January), I find that my training seems not adequate at all, and my time for the 5K is much slower compared to the shorter races in the fall.

     The biggest problem actually is less training. I certainly make it out a lot more often when I'm running on the roads. Yesterday was actually a beautiful day out, but there was enough fresh snow on the ground that running around moving cars just wasn't going to be safe. So in I went again to the treadmill at the gym. This works on the motivated days, but I can tell you, on the not-so-motivated days, this just doesn't happen.

     The other part is that the training is different. There is a lot less change in terrain and incline. I also tend not to use my settings well, and don't build in the equivalent of intervals or hills. I know that you can do this with a few settings on the treadmill, but for the most part I'm like a crock-pot on this thing - set it and forget it!

     But you have to appreciate it for what it is. Three miles on the treadmill, especially with starting to pick up the pace is still three miles behind you - even though you didn't move far from your actual position! A run is a run for your legs and health, and each day is one day closer to Spring. With some good motivation this week, we'll try to keep up the early morning runs through the Christmas celebrations, and see how fit we can be for the new year!

Treadmill - Chicken or Egg

Run: 3 miles at 6.3 miles per hour

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 28:43

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★ ★

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy:  ★ ★ ★ .5

Mind:  ★ ★★ .5

Overall:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Soundtrack: Pandora, The Crystal Method Radio 

     What comes first, the increased feeling of fitness to push yourself, or the increased feeling of fitness once you've pushed yourself? That was a little of what I was wondering in the locker-room this morning after today's run.

     OK, for starters, increasing my pace by :30 seconds per mile isn't so amazing, but I have just been in this running funk. It's a combo of strep throat / ankle sprain following the half marathon, but also the cold weather and no real race to look forward to....

     Except, that I do have a conference in under four weeks, we do have a little fund raiser 5K, and I'm starting to feel that race coming on. So this morning I'm back at the treadmill after losing last week to black ice and laziness, and here we go. I'm gonna turn this thing up one or two clicks. Well, it goes up three, and the start is pretty good. So I just keep doing it, and three miles later we are done.

     Not such an accomplishment, until I'm changing the running shoes to head back home. And... well, I feel just a little better about myself. At litter fast, a little more fit. I'm pretty pumped to get back on this thing in a day or two. Maybe I'll stick to this faster pace, maybe I'll increase it even further.

     So I'm not sure if I'm feeling this way BECAUSE I increased my pace this morning, or maybe I increased my pace BECAUSE I was feeling this way heading to the gym. Or maybe I'm feeling this race deadline, or maybe it's just time to get back at it. Either which way, I'm pretty excited to have that little treadmill run behind me, and I'm looking forward to another one this week.

Treadmill - Jog

Run: 30 minutes at 6 miles per hour

Distance: 3.0 miles

Time: 30:04

Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)

Legs: ★ ★ ★  .5

Gut: ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy:  ★ ★ ★ ★

Mind:  ★ ★  .5

Overall:  ★ ★ ★  .5

Soundtrack: Pandora, The Crystal Method Radio 

A perfect day to try to get back on track - 35 degrees, rainy ,dark... So, it's a good thing that I had pretty much planned on running on the treadmill at the gym. This turned out to be a wise decision, and probably the treadmill is going to be the mainstay of my runs for the next few months.

If you have read several of my previous blog posts, you will find that I am a little nervous about getting back onto the treadmill. While I have been battling colds and such these past few weeks, it was just over a year ago that I pulled my left hamstring on the treadmill getting ready to smoke the Thanksgiving Day Manchester Road Race. But, the smarter, wiser me knows that these next few runs up to the race need to be slow and steady, and there is also a limit to how fast I am ever going to run on the treadmill. It's better to be able to run at a jog all winter long, rather than blow it all trying to get faster for the spring.

As planned, today's jog was pretty chill. New treadmills at the gym this year gave me a little trouble getting things started today, but I don't have an M.D. for nothing, and I was able to figure it out. About halfway through the run, I thought I could kick it up a notch, but I stuck to my chilled-approach goals, and stayed at a very comfortable pace.

So I already have a new approach to the upcoming MCRR as well - just enjoy it. I'm clearly out of training, and won't get back in time for the next two weeks. There are something like 18,000 people who run the race, so a PR is nearly impossible. And, the original reason I started running this Turkey Trot years ago was because, it's fun!

So here's to a winter of treadmill runs, and taking it easy. I'll try to change things up a little for the readers. And here's to getting back to running, and to the sport I love. See you all soon.