Training Widget

Friday, November 30, 2007

Another Month Comes To A Close

Day 85 - November 30, 2007

I closed out November with a chilly run this morning. I needed to get a quick run in before heading back home today because I know full well there won't be time to run once I get home. So I sacrificed 30 degrees of warmth to get the run in early.

November has been a good month for running. I completed 130 miles in just under 16 hours of running and dropped my average pace for the month down to 7:18. If I can match this type of performance for December, I will be in great shape to start training for the Charlottesville 10 miler.

Have a great Friday,
Chris

Day: 85..... Time/Date: 5:25 AM 11/30/2007..... Weather: Cloudy, 26F
Run: Cascade, Main, Waverly..... Miles: 2.4..... Time: 17:05 .....Pace: 7:07 min/mile
Miles to Date: 345.9 .....Total Running Time: 42:38:18

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Let it Snow

Day 84 - November 29, 2007

Today was another fun weather run as it began to snow mid-afternoon and was blanketing the ground by the time I ran. The snow was steady the entire run, but wouldn't have been that bad if it weren't for those nasty winds. Fortunately, this town knows how to use salt - and they use it a lot of it. The sidewalks were mostly bare, and I only found myself slipping in a few places.

But, the run today was much easier to take than with the sleet we had on Tuesday and I ran it at a much better pace today. All in all, I'm happy that I've managed to get through another business trip and keep the streak alive. I'm feeling more confident that I can keep it going and reach my goal of 1000 days. Only 916 more days to go!

Chris

Day: 84 .....Time/Date: 4:40 PM 11/29/2007 .....Weather: Snow, Windy, 31F
Run: Waverly, Main, 240..... Miles: 5.4..... Time: 37:52 .....Pace: 7:01 min/mile
Miles to Date: 343.5 .....Total Running Time: 42:21:13

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Almost pleasant

Day 83 - November 28, 2007
Today was a piece of cake after the two miserable runs of earlier this week. I was ready for an easy day, and the weather decided to cooperate. The wind was still blowing, but was a gentle 10 miles an hour with temperatures in the low 30's. It almost felt warm.

Tomorrow, winter returns with snow forecasts of up to 7 inches - stay tuned.

Chris

Day: 83..... Time/Date: 5:15 PM 11/28/2007 .....Weather: Cloudy, 34F
Run: Waverly, Buffalo .....Miles: 2.8..... Time: 19:11..... Pace: 6:51 min/mile
Miles to Date: 338.1 .....Total Running Time: 41:43:21

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The worst weather ever

Day 82 - November 27, 2007

I am no longer going to complain about the weather when I run because it will never be worse than tonight. The wind was blowing about 30 miles an hour to the point that running into a headwind was almost impossible. At one point I actually felt my body begin to lift. So why run in these conditions?

Well, admittedly, when I first walked out of the hotel, the wind was tough to take. But I thought I could get a 2-3 mile run in and it wouldn't be that bad. My running friend and I headed down the side street to avoid the traffic and the wind appeared to stop. In fact, after about a half mile, even the temperature didn't feel that bad. So the 2-3 mile run got stretched out to a 20 minute out and 20 minute back run. Despite some soreness from yesterday's run, I thought no big deal.

At the turn around point, the error of our ways hit us like a ton of bricks. As we turned back down Main Street, the wind was just ferocious. Apparently, running with the wind, we didn't notice it blowing the leaves past us, kind of like running down a long steady decline. But, turning around now, the wind was ferocious. To make matters worse, it started to sleet. Tiny ice pellets began to tear into my cheeks and eyes. I was forced to run head down and eyes squinted shut most of the way back. It was miserable. Ive never run in wind like that before, and the stinging ice pellets really were a nice touch.

So, if I can run through that kind of crappy weather, I will never have an excuse (short of hurricane or tornado) for not running due to weather. I can't wait to see what Buffalo ha in store for me tomorrow. Until then...

Chris

Day: 82 .....Time/Date: 5:00 PM 11/27/2007 .....Weather: Wind, Sleet, 36F
Run: Waverly, Main, 240 .....Miles: 5.4..... Time: 39:55 .....Pace: 7:24 min/mile
Miles to Date: 335.3 .....Total Running Time: 41:24:10

Monday, November 26, 2007

I guess it could have been snow

Day 81 - November 26, 2007

Work ended early today so I thought I was going to get nice late afternoon run in for my first run in Buffalo. My plan was to go for a 3 or 4 mile run in the cold November rain. My friend had other ideas. Well, to be more accurate, he had no clue where he was going. Seven plus miles later, I was soaked to the point of no longer avoiding the puddles and covered in mud.

It was good though - without the lack of direction, I never would have run that far in those conditions. I'm not a big fan of running till I'm pink. I was the punch line of the classic what's black and white and red all over.

I actually wish the rain had been snow. For the amount of rain that fell today, it would have been 8-10 inches of fresh powder. Maybe later in the week I'll get a good snow run in if something comes off the lake.

Chris

Day: 81 .....Time/Date: 4:30 PM 11/26/2007..... Weather: Rain, 40F
Run: Blue Bridge Run .....Miles: 7.2..... Time: 53:04..... Pace: 7:22 min/mile
Miles to Date: 329.9 .....Total Running Time: 40:44:15

Sunday, November 25, 2007

80 down - 920 to go

Day 80 - November 25, 2007

Wow - 8% done. Today was one of those days that was just to keep the streak going. I decided to push the pace a bit since time was short. Hopefully there will be more time for running next week as my mileage was pretty low this week.

Day: .....Time/Date: 11:40 AM 11/25/2007 .....Weather: Light Rain, 39F
Run: Amicus 2 Mile..... Miles: 2.0..... Time: 13:15 .....Pace: 6:37 min/mile
Miles to Date: 322.7 .....Total Running Time: 39:51:11

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Sometimes this is all you got

Day 79 - November 24, 2007

Ughhh - I'm telling you - holidays are exhausting. The SIL is gone, but so is my energy. With three days worth of time to make up, I decided to take the easy route today and only run enough to make it count. This is probably a good week to back off the mileage and rest up a bit before heading into December.

Day: 79..... Time/Date: 7:00 PM 11/24/2007 .....Weather: Cloudy, 38F
Run: Carnation Loop .....Miles: 2.6..... Time: 19:36..... Pace: 7:32 min/mile
Miles to Date: 320.7..... Total Running Time: 39:37:56

Friday, November 23, 2007

Winds of Change

Day 78 - November 23, 2007

Yesterday's warm temperatures lasted about as long a Black Friday sale at Wal-Mart. The winds were whipping this morning and made the sub 40 degree temperatures feel down right frigid. I guess its good preparation for my upcoming trip to Buffalo. At least I had one more nice day before the winter routine sets in.

Chris

Day: 78 .....Time/Date: 7:00 AM 11/13/2007 .....Weather: Clear, Windy 37F
Run: N Carnation-Davis ..... Miles: 3.6 .....Time: 26:25 .....Pace: 7:20min/mile
Miles to Date: 318.1 .....Total Running Time: 39:18:20

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

Day 77 - November 22, 2007

Go Figure - Thanksgiving morning and its 60 degrees. Last April, Easter morning we had 4 inches of snow. I am thankful that it was such a nice morning. Apparently I was not alone. Three miles into the run, I actually met another runner - that never happens out here. A little later I met a couple of walkers. I guess lots of people out getting some exercise before the big meal today.

Well, time to go enjoy the family and festivities. Enjoy the day.

Chris

Day: 77 .....Time/Date: 6:45AM 11/22/2007 .....Weather: Clear 59F
Run: Beazely .....Miles: 5.1 .....Time: 38:24 .....Pace: 7:32min/mile
Miles to Date: 314.5..... Total Running Time: 38:51:55

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Invasion of the SIL

Day 76 - November 21, 2007

The next three days of running may be interesting. Today, I just need a quick run before work because tonight the SIL arrives. While I'm going to want to run to stay away this week, I'm sure I will not have a lot of time free. Hopefully I can get a good run in on Saturday before I head out of town. It will be challenging to keep the streak alive the next 10 days or so, but I'm sure I can find a way.

Chris

Day: 76 .....Time/Date: 6:10 AM 11/21/2007..... Weather: Clear, 43F
Run: Amicus 2 Mile .....Miles: 2.0 .....Time: 14:15..... Pace: 7:07 min/mile
Miles to Date: 309.4 .....Total Running Time: 38:13:31

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Time to Share One of Running's Dirty Secrets

Day 75 - November 20, 2007

So here's something they never tell you when they recommend starting a running program...nipple burn hurts. Yep - they warn you about shin splints, side stitches, runner's knee, plantar fasciitis, and sciatic nerve pain. But no one ever tells you to protect your nipples.

Back when I was running marathons, I learned that lesson the hard way, but learned to protect myself with lots of pre-run band aids and vaseline. Sunday, I went out for my first 10 mile run in over a year. When I got home and walked into the house, the wife says, "that's gotta hurt". I looked down and there were the tell-tale signs - bloody trails running down my shirt.

So, for the last two days, I've been suffering through stinging showers and rubbing shirts. It has not been fun. And nothing is much more disgusting than scabbed up nipples.

So, hear me now - when the temperatures are cool and you are planning a long run, take some protection. First, where wicking clothing. Don't let your shirt be soaking wet for the entire run. Another trick is to use band-aids to help prevent rubbing. It sounds goofy, but it works.

So there you have it - chaffing is the enemy - avoid it anyway you can.

Chris

Day: 74 .....Time/Date: 8:30 PM 11/20/2007 .....Weather: Clear, 59F
Run: Geranium-Amicus .....Miles: 3.5..... Time: 25:15 .....Pace: 7:13 min/mile
Miles to Date: 307.4 .....Total Running Time: 37:59:16

Monday, November 19, 2007

Early run before a LOOOOONG day

Day 74 - November 19, 2007

Nothin' fancy today - just a quick 2 mile recovery run. The legs felt surprisingly good for such a quick turn around after yesterday afternoon's long run. So, with no soreness to complain about, I'll check out for today.

Chris

Day: 74 .....Time/Date: 6:10 AM 11/19/2007 .....Weather:Cloudy, 40F
Run: Amicus 2 Mile .....Miles: 2.0 .....Time: 14:30 .....Pace: 7:15 min/mile
Miles to Date: 303.9 .....Total Running Time: 37:34:01

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Finally out of California

Day 73 - November 18, 2007

I'm glad I saved this week's long run for today. The weather this afternoon was perfect for running. Temperatures were in the mid 50's, there was a light breeze, and big puffy clouds broke up the moments of bright sun. At mile 6, I found myself running along the edge of a mowed hay field. The field was the deepest shade of green and the sun was casting my shadow across the grasses. The yellow, red, and orange oaks boarding the field glowed brilliantly in the late afternoon sun. I couldn't have painted a prettier picture.

Today's run was the first time I've cracked 10 miles this year. In fact, the last time I ran that far was July 2006. It felt great to get out and find a rhythm and let the miles just click away. It also was pretty cool that today's run took me over the 300 mile mark. It was just 22 days ago that I reached the 200 mile mark. Running 100 miles every three weeks should be a decent amount of mileage to get me through the holidays.

The other cool thing about today was that I crossed into Nevada on my imaginary journey across the county. I can almost see the bright lights from Vegas on the horizon.


Day: 73 .....Time/Date: 2:30 PM 11/18/2007 .....Weather: Partly Cloudy, 53F
Run: Ruckersville 10 miler..... Miles: 10.1..... Time: 1:12:07 .....Pace: 7:08 min/mile
Miles to Date: 301.9 .....Total Running Time: 37:19:31

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Just a few hills this morning

Day 72 - November 17, 2007

Waking up this morning I decided to delay the long run another day. I guess that is one of the benefits of running every day - there is always tomorrow. Instead, I decided to venture over to the other side of the neighborhood and reacquaint myself with those nasty hills on Jonquil. Jonquil is just under a mile long and has two seriously steep hills and another shorter hill. I turned onto Jonquil off of Morning Glory Turn, which is right at the lowest lake overflow... i.e. the lowest elevation in the neighborhood. After passing by the lake, it immediately turns upward and rises 95 feet in elevation in just the first quarter mile. The road then drops 50 feet in less than a 10th of a mile before climbing back another 65 feet in the next 10th of a mile. That accounts for 160 feet of climb (16 flights of stairs) in less than half a mile or about 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Jonquil then turns back down, but at a gentle 75 feet over the next 4/10ths of a mile. Then, for the grand finally, and just so you don't forget, the road climbs another 60 feet back up to Amicus over the last 10th of a mile. All in all about 220 feet of gross elevation gain over that short mile.

I would have loved to have a had a road like Jonquil when I was training for Cross-Country back in high school. Hill repeats like that are almost as good as going to the track to build leg strength. I'm sure I will be back to attempt those hills over the next few weeks as I begin to prepare for the Charlottesville 10 miler in April.

Day: 72 ..... Time/Date: 8:20 AM 11/17/2007 ..... Weather: Cloudy, 38F
Run: Jonquil Hills ..... Miles: 5.5 ..... Time: 40:41 ..... Pace: 7:24 min/mile
Miles to Date: 291.8 ..... Total Running Time: 36:07:24

Friday, November 16, 2007

And the Front Came Through

Day 71 - November 16, 2007

Yep - it got cold. It isn't so much the temperature as it is the wind. Mornings like today are tough for me because it takes me so long to warm up, that by the time I do, I'm almost done with the run. I think tomorrow I will take advantage of the cold and go for a long run. That way, I can take 3 miles to warm up and still get in a good workout - we'll see if it is actually in the 20's like predicted.

Chris

Day: 71 Time/Date: 6:40 AM 11/16/2007 Weather: Clear, 39F
Run: N Carnation-Davis Miles: 3.6 Time: 26:36 Pace: 7:23min/mile
Miles to Date: 286.3 Total Running Time: 35:26:43

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Morning Rain or Evening Cold

Day 70 – November 15, 2007

That's the choice I was faced with this morning. At first it was pretty easy. The torrential downpour that ushered in today's cold front was a lock for pushing me to a date with the freezing temperatures expected this evening. But around 6:00, the rains gave way and I decided to take advantage of the window of opportunity. I quickly changed into my rain gear and headed out. The temperature wasn't too bad at first, but the rains returned about a mile into the run. I managed to avoid the heaviest downpours and it really was only uncomfortable for about 10 minutes.

There is something about running in the rain that really focuses me. The hills today, and I ran quite a few, did not seem to bother me at all. Sure, I am getting stronger with running them every day, but I'm talking about a significant difference even from this past weekend. It reminded me of the time I ran the Charlottesville 10 miler race in a nasty thunderstorm. The day of that race started with a steady light rain that had been falling all evening. The temperature was warm enough, but the rain was cold. About three miles into the race, a large thunderstorm rolled in and it let loose. By Mile 8, we were running in water that was over an inch deep, and in places it was over the tops of my shoes. Not exactly great conditions for a race. My goal that day was to run sub 65 minutes. When I crossed the finish line, the clock read 64:10. I was so focused on the rain and the puddles that I didn't notice my own discomfort and had run the best 10 miler of my life. This was 1:20 faster than my previous best.

So, some days, the bad weather can actually help get you through a run. It seems counter intuitive, but I've noticed it over and over. Yes, it is still hard to go out when you know the weather is bad, but I try not to get discouraged when the weather suddenly turns bad on a run. I think this supports the idea that running really is as much of a mental exercise as a physical one. Another reason to stay positive and not let the negative things get me down.



Day: 70 .....Time/Date: 6:40 AM 11/15/2007 .....Weather: Rain, 51F
Run: Twin Lakes 4.8..... Miles: 4.8 .....Time: 36:30 .....Pace: 7:36 min/mile
Miles to Date: 282.7 .....Total Running Time: 35:00:07

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Foggy Morning

Day 69 - November 14, 2007

It was extremely foggy when I first dressed for the run this morning and despite the new LED warning lights I bought yesterday, I decided to wait for a bit more daylight. It was a good choice. By 7:00, the sun had started to burn off the fog and it was beginning to lift. Being short of time with the late start, I opted for the relatively flat 3.6 mile Davis run to get some easy miles in.

Other than scaring my neighbor half to death, it was a pretty normal run. I run pretty light on my feet and was able to get within about 3 feet of her before she noticed. I bet she's looking over her shoulder tomorrow morning.

Day: 69 .....Time/Date: 7:10 AM 11/14/2007 .....Weather: Fog, 51F
Run: N Carnation-Davis..... Miles: 3.6 .....Time: 26:07 .....Pace: 7:15 min/mile
Miles to Date: 277.9 .....Total Running Time: 34:23:37

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Farewell to OHILL

Day 68 - November 13, 2007

Today was probably the end of my runs starting on OHill. My office is moving off grounds and I won't have any reason to come up here to start a run. In tribute, my friend and I tried to get in as many parts of the different courses that we would normally run. We started off like normal running up to the top near the observatory and back down the other side to McCormack. From there we headed out toward Dirty Nelley's, turned and headed down to Shamrock and back up Cleveland. Once we got back to JPA, we turned out Stribling and ran over to Fontaine. From there we left the road and jumped on the Rivanna Trail for a jaunt through the woods. The leaves were absolutely amazing today with every shade of yellow and red you can imagine. It made the burning thighs tolerable as we climbed the steep side of OHill. I will miss running up here. OHill is an amazing island of peace and quiet hidden within the heart of Charlottesville. I'm sure that I will still venture up here in the middle of a run on occasion, but it won't be as often as I would like.

Day: 68 .....Time/Date: 8:00 AM 11/13/2007 .....Weather: Cloudy, 57F
Run: Ohill Farewell .....Miles: 5.4 .....Time: 40:04 .....Pace: 7:25 min/mile
Miles to Date: 274.3 .....Total Running Time: 33:57:30

Monday, November 12, 2007

The Recovery Run

Day 67 - November 12, 2007

Today I ran the third of the 4 types of runs - the recovery day. This one is pretty easy to figure out. The day after a long run or a speed workout, it is important to back off and rest. Rest can be a complete day off, but I prefer to go out for a short run at a comfortable pace. By not taking the day off, I still get out and loosen up, and I'm less sore the next day. I still get some mileage in, but don't' have to spend a lot of energy doing it.

This morning I took it easy and only ran 2 miles. I was still feeling the effects of yesterday's long run. My legs were pretty dead and my hips felt like there was sandpaper in the joints when I started out. But, by the end of the run, I was feeling pretty good. The recovery run had served its purpose.

Day: 67 ..... Time/Date: 6:30 AM 11/12/2007 ..... Weather:Clear, 41F
Run: Amicus 2 Mile..... Miles: 2.0 ..... Time: 15:07 ..... Pace: 7:34 min/mile
Miles to Date: 268.9 .....Total Running Time: 33:17:26

Sunday, November 11, 2007

The Long Run

Day 66 - November 11, 2007

Today is a good example of what I call the long run. I define a long run as being at least 8 miles or 2x the length of my average run. But this definition is kind of fluid for me depending on how well my training is going. When I set out on a long run, my focus is a steady pace that will be 20-40 seconds per mile slower than average. I'm solely looking to increase my endurance and mileage.

Long runs are actually my favorite of all the runs. There's just something about running a 15 mile run. Of course you are tired when you finish, but the endorphins and the sense of accomplishment are worth it. If I had unlimited time, I'd run a 2-2.5 hour run every weekend.

The other benefit of the long run comes the next day. No matter what distance you choose for your recovery run, it feels incredibly short and fast.

Today's long run was pretty typical of what I like to do. I started out at a comfortable pace and slowly warmed up. After about 3 miles, I stopped and stretched for like 5-10 minutes. Not only does this loosen up your stride, but it also allows you to catch your breath and prepare for the hard part of the run. I then start back up at a slightly faster pace (still slower than average) and try and maintain that for the remainder or the run. Depending on the total distance, I may stop one or two more times to stretch along the way. I have found that this really helps with recovery the next day and I am no where near as sore as I might expect to be. Today, I stopped again at the 5 mile mark, then finished the last 3.4 miles uninterrupted.

As I continue, I plan to extend my long run out to 10, 12, and then maybe 15 miles. If I loose my senses, and decide to try for another marathon at some point, I'll bump that up to the 20+ range. Probably not this coming year, but maybe the second year. We'll see.

Chris

Day: 66 ..... Time/Date: 4:45 PM 11/11/2007 ..... Weather: Cloudy, 47F
Run: Twilight Long .....Run Miles: 8.4 .....Time: 1:02:22...... Pace: 7:25 min/mile
Miles to Date: 266.9 .....Total Running Time: 33:02:19

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Routine run

Day 65 - November 10, 2007

To maintain a streak like this, it is impossible to run hard every day. That means that several times a week, I run just to run. I call these routine days. Routine days are short to mid mileage days at a very comfortable pace. I use them the same way many people use rest days in their training. While not very exciting, injury would be inevitable if were to try and run hard every day.

Routine days are great for the day before a long run or a speed workout. Since I plan to run 8+ miles tomorrow, I decided today was a good day to take it easy. Check back tomorrow to see how the long run goes.

Chris

Day: 65 ..... Time/Date: 4:10 PM 11/10/2007 .....Weather: Cloudy, 44F
Run: N Carnation-Davis..... Miles: 3.6 ..... Time: 25:41 ..... Pace: 7:08 min/mile
Miles to Date: 258.5 ..... Total Running Time: 31:59:57

Friday, November 9, 2007

Not exactly motivating weather

Day 64 - November 9, 2007

Well, blowing off the run this morning in favor of an extra 30 minutes of sleep was rewarded with a cold, dark, rainy evening run. Without even climbing out of bed this morning, I decided it must be too cold to go out and that it would be warmer after work. Nice rationalization, but no where near accurate. In fact, when I finally did get up and take the dog out, I was surprised by how warm it actually was. Funny how 40 feels warm after one day in the 20's. I guess it never really got any warmer than that today and the cold rain that started 2 minutes into my run made it feel even cooler. Undeterred by the lousy visibility and weather, I decided to stick to my plan to run a bit farther than normal. In fact, I extended the 4.5 mile run an additional mile just to make the out and back comparison easier (20:33 out, 19:36 in). It was a good run to complete. There were plenty of hills and every run I complete in crappy weather makes it that much easier to keep the streak going in the future on days I don't want to run. But again, without this streak, there would have been no chance of me running today. So, chalk up another victory for the new training program.

Chris

Day: 64 ..... Time/Date: 6:15 PM 11/09/2007 ..... Weather: Light Rain, 41F
Run: Twin Lakes 5.4 ..... Miles: 5.4 .....Time: 40:09 ..... Pace: 7:08 min/mile
Miles to Date: 254.9 ..... Total Running Time: 31:34:16

Thursday, November 8, 2007

That was cold

Day 63 - November 8, 2007

Woke up this morning to the first day with temperatures in the 20's. Not exactly the most motivating thing to see when I turned on the TV. So, I gathered up the winter gear and headed out for a short run. My two mile run got extended to 3.3, mostly because I wanted to make sure I hit 30 miles for the week. It wasn't too bad running in the cold - I had nice skies again this morning and very little traffic. One more day checked off.

Chris

Day: 63 ..... Time/Date: 6:45 AM 11/08/2007 ..... Weather: Clear, 26F
Run: Davis Run ..... Miles: 3.3 ..... Time: 23:34 ..... Pace: 7:08 min/mile
Miles to Date: 249.5 ..... Total Running Time: 30:54:07

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Lovin' the Time Change

Day 62 - November 7, 2007

I was chatting with a friend yesterday who was not happy that it was already dark at 5:30. Normally I would agree with that, but since I've started running earlier, I really appreciate that the skies are starting to lighten by 6:15. This morning I was blessed with a kaleidoscope sky that changed by the minute. Last week, running at 6:30 would have meant complete darkness. I never would have seen the two deer that stepped out onto the road and challenged me to a real cross country race (I politely declined) if we hadn't gained back that extra hour. I would have missed the moment the sun just starts to peak through the trees as it rises above the horizon. So, for the next couple of weeks, I will enjoy the time change until the days shorten further and the darkness returns to my early morning runs.

Chris

Day: 62 .....Time/Date: 6:30 AM 11/07/2007 .....Weather: Partly Cloudy, 33F
Run: N Carnation-Davis..... Miles: 3.6 .....Time: 26:37..... Pace: 7:24 min/mile
Miles to Date: 246.2 .....Total Running Time: 30:30:33

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

2 Months and counting

Day 61 - November 6, 2007

Today celebrates another milestone. Two months complete - 242 miles and over 30 hours of running. I'm feeling really good about my running and have even survived a few challenges. I expected that I would have run a lot more 2 mile runs just to get them in, but there have been relatively few. I also expected there to be a lot more days where I was really tempted to just bag it and pretend this never existed.

But, I'm feeling great. I've had very few aches and pains which tells me that I've handled the mileage well. I'm getting close to averaging over 4 miles a day, so I'm not taking it too easy. And I'm getting back to the speed that I was running at a few years ago. All in all, I couldn't be happier with my progress and I'm looking forward to month 3.

I ran a new run with a friend today. Mostly an out and back course, but near the end, we decided to jump on the Rivanna Trails and come up the backside of O-Hill. The footing wasn't great, but it was like being back in high school running a cross-country meet. The burn in the quads felt about the same anyway. All together we ran 5 miles and even with the trail section we maintained a decent pace. I should run the trails more often for something different, and that should assure me the opportunity to run more in the daylight.

Chris

Day: 61 .....Time/Date: 8:00 AM 11/06/2007 .....Weather: Sunny, 49F
Run: Ohill-Nat’l Res-Trail..... Miles: 5.0 .....Time: 37:01..... Pace: 7:24 min/mile
Miles to Date: 242.6 .....Total Running Time: 30:03:56

Monday, November 5, 2007

Geranium again?

Day 60 - November 5, 2007

Ok, so I guess the Geranium-Amicus run has become my safe evening run. It's getting a little old, but it definitely has the least amount of traffic and it is long enough to feel like a run. For some reason, I don't feel comfortable running after dark at night on some of the other runs. I guess it is the extra traffic. Anyway, a boring run is better than no run.

Day: 60 ..... Time/Date: 6:30 PM 11/05/2007 ..... Weather: Cloudy, 51F
Run: Geranium-Amicus ..... Miles: 3.5 ..... Time: 24:40 ..... Pace: 7:03 min/mile
Miles to Date: 237.6 ..... Total Running Time: 29:26:55

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Taking advantage of the extra hour

Day 59 - November 4, 2007

Ahhh - the 25 hour day. I love it. Today I could run for an hour and it was like I didn't spend any time at all. I decided on an out and back course and ventured out over the rolling hills. I hit the turn-around point in 30:03, stopped and stretched for a quick minute, and then headed back in. It was great to get out and take advantage of a stress-free hour. I hope everyone took advantage of the extra hour today, and if not yet, enjoy it later today.

Chris

Day: 59 ..... Time/Date: 11:30 AM 11/04/2007..... Weather: Cloudy, Windy, 54F
Run: Blue Run..... Miles: 8.2..... Time: 58:24..... Pace: 7:07 min/mile
Miles to Date: 234.1..... Total Running Time: 29:02:15

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Darkness

Day 58 - November 3, 2007

Running after dark has given me a new appreciation for the entire running experience. Tonight, I felt like I was running blind. Sure I had my flashlight and the occasional street light, but for most of the run, I was running with only my sense of touch to guide me. There was the occasional whiff of chimney smoke, the distant sounds of far off cars, and faint glimmer of light reflecting from passing mailboxes, but when I finished the run, there was almost nothing I could remember of it. I realized tonight that the run is more than the burn in my legs, the racing of my heart rate, or the time on my watch. It's about the escape from the grind and resetting my mind with the fresh reboot that I get from the overall experience.

Day: 58 .....Time/Date: 9:55 PM 11/03/2007 ..... Weather: Clear, 43F
Run: Geranium-Amicus ..... Miles: 3.5 .....Time: 26:06 ..... Pace: 7:27 min/mile
Miles to Date: 225.9..... Total Running Time: 28:03:51

Friday, November 2, 2007

Shooting stars

Day 57 - November 2, 2007

I don't know if was some kind of Leonids preview, or if I just happened to see some space junk returning to earth. The sky was perfectly clear tonight and I saw half a dozen meteors streak across the sky. The first really got my attention as it lit up the north sky. A few minutes later, a second fainter streak appeared. All in all, four out of the six were very faint, but the other two were quite bright. It was awesome.

The cool thing is, without the streak, I never would have run today. I was exhausted this morning from the craziness and lack of sleep this week. Work was very intense today without a minutes rest. Family arrived this afternoon for a weekend visit, which meant a large dinner. So as you can imagine, it would have been very easy to blow off the run today. Fortunately, they like to go to bed early, and I was able to sneak out at 9:30. But after tonight's light show, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

Chris

Day: 57 .....Time/Date: 9:30 PM 11/02/2007 .....Weather: Clear, 41F
Run: Geranium-Amicus .....Miles: 3.5 .....Time: 25:55 .....Pace: 7:24 min/mile
Miles to Date: 222.4 .....Total Running Time: 27:37:45

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Crossing California

Day 56 - November 1, 2007

One of the ideas I had to track my progress along my 1000 day journey was to plot an imaginary course across the country as I logged the miles. I decided to start in San Diego and have now completed almost 220 miles. That puts me smack dab in the middle of Nowhere California on my way to Las Vegas.



I originally wanted to be to Las Vegas by New Years, but it doesn't look like that is a reality with over 300 miles to go. Maybe I'll just try and get to Nevada. After Las Vegas I'll probably head north east and check out Yellowstone. That should keep me busy for a good portion of 2008.


Today's run was at a leisurely pace to recover a bit from yesterday's madness. It was another perfect day with temperatures well above normal. I hope I don't pay for this in February.


Chris

Day: 56..... Time/Date: 4:30 PM 11/01/2007 .....Weather: Partly Cloudy, 65F
Run: N Carnation-Davis .....Miles: 3.6 .....Time: 26:00 .....Pace: 7:13 min/mile
Miles to Date: 218.9 .....Total Running Time: 27:11:50

The end of October

Day 55 - October 31, 2007

The only thing scary about this Halloween was how fast the day went by. I was planning to run at least 5 miles today, but that was not what fate had in store for me today. Bla, bla, bla - long story short, I was lucky to squeeze in 13 minutes for my 2 mile run today.

So another month comes to a close and the streak lives on. I pounded the pavement for a total of 15 hours and 39 minutes this month to the tune of 127.5 miles (Tomorrow I'll give an update on my fictional cross country run). That's just over 4 miles a day and I'm getting closer to the average I'll need to reach Key West in another 945 days. Until then...I'll take it one day at a time.

Chris (sorry for the late post - like I said, bla, bla, bla)

Day: 55 .....Time/Date: 2:25PM 10/31/2007 .....Weather:Sunny, 68F
Run: Amicus 2 Mile..... Miles: 2.0..... Time: 12:50 .....Pace: 6:25 min/mile
Miles to Date: 215.3 .....Total Running Time: 26:45:50