November comes to an end

Day 334 - November 30, 2009

The running streak is officially 11 months old and one-third of the way to 1000 days! After 11 months of running every day, I have logged 1330 miles and run for 172 hours, 22 minutes and 9 seconds.

Today was a rainy run with the running group. We were three strong again but we lost two today because of the rain. I felt surprising well considering the weather and had one of my better 5 mile times.

I also signed up for the Charlottesville Men's 4 miler this weekend. I've run this race in the past, but the last couple of years I've missed due to scheduling conflicts. I'm excited to get back out for it this year. After last week's Turkey Trot, I've got sub 25 minutes in the back of my mind, but 25:30 is probably more likely.

I also received the official press release that the Charlottesville Marathon has gone to a flatter and hopefully much faster course this year. I'm flirting with the idea of signing up...hmmmm. I've got a decent base of runs in and 4 and a half months to prepare....hmmmm. I'm going to have to think about this one for a few days.

I love the long run, but . . .

Day 332 - November 28, 2009

Going into the weekend I knew I was behind on my monthly mileage and I was going to need to step it up. Thursday, I logged almost 6 miles at the Turkey Trot, Friday was another 4.5, and today I laced up the Asics and pounded out 12.5 miles. I love long runs. I love the challenge. I love the solitude. I love being dead tired when I finish. What I don't like...chafing. I tried to protect myself with strategically placed band-aids, but I wasn't prepared for the arm-pit rub caused by my shirt. I'll have to wear a better fitting shirt next time.

Those 23 miles in the last three days put me at 33 for the week and 122 for the month. With 33 days left in the year, I need just 140 miles to reach my goal of 1460 for the year. If December were a normal month I'd say it was a done deal, but the busyness of the holidays may keep me from logging enough miles. I'll just keep plugging away and see where the road leads.

Turkey Trot

Day 330 - November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone got out to run this morning before the parades and eating festivities begin. I started the day at the first annual Earlysville Turkey Trot 5K and kids half mile. I convinced my girls this would be a fun way to start Thanksgiving. Both girls came with me and they did great - they even showed a little competitiveness passing some other kids in the last 100 meters.




























As for me, I'm pretty pleased with my performance. I ran my fastest 5K of the year, in 19:22 (unofficial watch time). I placed 6th overall, and 1st in my age group. I felt pretty good right up until the last hill at 2.5 miles. What a nasty place to put a hill. I have to admit that I probably gave up a few seconds there.

For a first year race, it went pretty well. The race directors were completely overwhelmed with the registration and sign in, but to be fair, they only anticipated ~90 runners. Everyone was surprised when more than 275 people showed up. I'll plan on running it again next year and hopefully my girls will too.

Still here

Day 328 - November 24, 2009

Just wanted to post to say that I am still running, but it feels like it has been really hard to get any miles the last few days. I did sign up for a 5K that I will be running Thursday morning, so maybe the lighter than usual miles will make that race special. I'll post my result on Thursday afternoon.

Surprise after dark

Day 324 - November 20, 2009

Tonight was another one of those nights where I didn't feel like running. It was late, I wasn't feeling particularly energetic, and the temperature was dropping with every hour I delayed.

The skies were crystal clear tonight and with the shallow crescent moon, the stars were very bright. As I ran along, I looked up through the leafless trees and admired the few constellation I can identify. Then I saw something out of the corner of my eye. At first, I assumed it was just the lights playing tricks on me as it filtered through the branches. Once, twice, and even a third time. I was starting to believe they were meteors, but the Leonids were earlier this week.


Then, right in front of me, above the road in unobstructed sky, a meteor streak appeared as far as I could see. Definitely one of the longest ones I've ever seen. It definitely made the run worth it.

Seven Miles on Dickerson

Day 320 - November 16, 2009

After work tonight, I took advantage of the warmer than normal temperatures and logged 7 miles on Dickerson Road. Dickerson is a great place to run but has many challenging hills. The toughest comes between miles 4.5 and 6 where you gain 200 feet of elevation climbing from the river back up to the top of the research park. The hill isn't that steep, but steadily climbs for all but maybe 200 yards of that mile and half. For me, that equates to nearly 10 solid minutes of climbing. Mentally, that's a little challenging for me, but I love the endurance benefit.

I normally wouldn't run that far so soon after a 9 mile run but yesterday I was only able to squeeze in 2 miles. That meant a longer run tonight to get my weekly average back up to where it needs to be to get to 1460 by December 31. Hopefully I won't be too sore tomorrow.

The group did meet tonight and three other runners joined me for at least part of the run. I think two of the guys ran 3 miles each, while the 4th, a beginning runner, ran a mile. I find it so much easier to get out and run when I know others are waiting for me. As you all know, the hardest part of any run is usually just getting out the door.

Capping off a rough week

Day 318 - November 14, 2009

This was a tough week for running. Wednesday through Friday were miserable. It was cold, raining, and the wind was blowing 30+ miles an hour. On Thursday, it was actually blowing so hard that the tailwind was pushing me down the road. that wouldn't be so bad, except, that was on the way out of an out and back run!

All of that made today's 9 miler that much sweeter. There was no wind or rain, and warmer temperatures returned to the 60's. I felt pretty good and the miles clicked away quickly. That run today pushed my weekly total up to 32 getting me that much closer to my goal of 1460 for the year.

45 Degrees, pouring rain, and heavy wind

Day 315 - November 11, 2009

I was sitting down to right about how miserable it was to run in the cold wind and rain today and then I remembered the date. I guess suffering for 36 minutes out on a run is a pretty insignificant thing compared to the sacrifices our veterans. So, instead, I'm just going to say thanks to those who have served and fought for our freedoms. I know it isn't much, but know that I am truly grateful for all that you have given up so that I did not have to.

M/W group run

Day 313 - November 9, 2009

The Monday/Wednesday running group was back out tonight. We had three runners who ran three different distances. I like that we aren't letting abilities keep anyone from coming out. It is all about holding each other accountable to running and encouraging our running success. I ran the normal 5 mile route and still felt a little sluggish after Saturday's race. I'll take it a little easier tomorrow and then hopefully crank out a good run on Wednesday.

Fall Foilage 5K

Day 311 - November 7, 2009

Today was the Fall Foilage 5k trail run at the Blue Ridge School. All I can say is I forgot how much harder cross country is than road running. What a course. Not only were there two stream crossings, but there was also a hill so steep that I doubt many cars would have been able to make the climb. It was so fun, they had us run it twice.

I got out with the lead group of runners and we hit the first stream crossing as a group. The first three all tried for the same rock and ended up ankle deep in water. Being older (I was going to say wiser)and a bit less willing to be wet the entire race, I took a slightly longer approach to the stream and made it across dry. The group stayed together until we reached the hill. The first 30 yards are like climbing out of a stream bank - I'm talking steep and the third place runner just stopped to walk. I felt pretty good the first time up the hill and managed to work into second place and was gaining on the leader by the time we reached the summit. After that, he destroyed me on the downhill.

The race was pretty uneventful after that - I did make a challenge to close the gap on the second time up the hill, but I think the leader was just taking it easy because I never saw him again after he crested the hill. I held on to finish second, comfortably in front of third place.

I've only run this race one other time and that year I finished in 4th place in 22:17. Today I was a bit faster in 21:40, but they did extend the course, so pace wise I think I was even faster.

It was a fun morning and the weather was beautiful for November. I look forward to running it again next year.

It gets dark so fast

Day 309 - November 5, 2009

I tried to beat the sunset tonight and ran after work. Starting at 5:10, I thought for sure I could finish before dark. Not even close. Not a big deal, except I didn't have my flashlight or a reflective jacket. I'll be sure to take them with me next week.

Today's run - 6.25 miles 0:47:20

No running group

Day 308 - November 4, 2009

Well, it was bound to happen sooner or later - no one could make the running group tonight. I think the chili cook off we had at lunch may have been a contributing factor. With no one to run with I just came home and ran in the neighborhood. That gave me a couple of extra hours to digest all that chili. Hopefully next week we'll be back as a group.

A streak ends

Not mine, but Ace's streak over at The Longest Run has come to an end at 666 consecutive days. From what I've read, it was a back injury that prevented him from getting in his next run.

If you have a minute, take a look at his blog and wish him well on his recovery and congratulate him for running every day for almost two years.

I look forward to Day 1 of his next streak.

Monday Running Group

Day 306 - November 2, 2009

Three of us again tonight. I ran the 5 mile out and back to Chris Greene Lake, and the others ran 3 miles to the guard shack. My left leg was really sore and I have no idea what I could have done to it. My quad muscle felt like I had done about 1000 squats. Hopefully it is nothing serious and I won't even notice it in a few days.