Just run

Turkey trot route: 36:18.27

Morning warm up (1.65)

Commandant's run.  Really slow pace even for me.  Price Field to Soldier Field. (2.8)

Slow run.  Legs hurt from the previous day's mandatory "run".  Just happy my legs still work.

40:25.88

60/120 (Sprint for a minute and walk for two.)  6 laps

El Estero loop 2 times.  Just glad to get a run in.  First run of the week.

17:33.39 1st half

15:20.14 2nd half

32:53.53 Total time

Body never really woke up but it managed to trudge along.  Lack of good sleep on Tuesday seems to have affected me more than usual.  Kind of weird.  Now that I'm at work, I feel like I need to go out and run again.

Route: To Drake and back. 43:42.95

Turkey trot route.  Body's just felt really tired all week.  Don't really seem to sleep well.  Have had to use an alarm clock to get me up and going in the morning instead of just relying on my natural rhythm to get me up.  I'm just happy to get three days in this week.  Three days is better than two.  My next step is to consistently get up to six days a week.

I always feel like I'm walking when I go out for a run and see other runners, but this morning, I actually passed a walker which brought a smile to my face.  I really am running.

35:37.87

So this one doesn't really count since I walked the miles instead of running them.  There is a hill which I avoid at all costs since I can never make it up without having to walk a little ways.  Today, I could not avoid it since my primary route was closed.  Oh how I hate this hill!

Franklin and back.

First real run of the week.  Beautiful morning.  I love getting out before the streets get crowded with traffic.  Don't have to worry about getting hit by a car, bike or a faster runner.  I was the fastest runner out there until someone appeared at my turn around point and very easily breezed by me.  Everything clicked this morning and I felt like I could run forever.

56:09.71

Slow but once I got moving I was happy to be out.  It seems like every time I put on those shoes and get out the door, I have achieved a mini victory.

Fun Run: 40:18.47

Beautiful, cool rainy day.  Two easy laps around the park to work off stress from work.  Good way to start off the weekend.

35:00.63

Almost had the whole course to myself.  Love getting out early in the morning before others get out.  Nothing like a good run to start the day off right.  From Trader Vic's to the Police Station takes a little over 5 reps of 60/120s.

32:38.19

Last week was a horrible week for running, but awesome for work and family.  Spent the whole week feeling sorry for myself and being overwhelmed by my allergies.  I am the biggest baby when I think I am coming down with something.  I also try to maximize my rest which to me meant sacrificing a week of running.  My wife and two kids are a constant reminder to me that life doesn't stop when you get sick, but it doesn't haven't to be a miserable experience either.  They keep me smiling and motivated.

I'm back on the board this week.  Slow jog.  Everything seems to be working properly.  All systems go!  

36:43.32

Feeling sorry for myself yesterday because allergy attacks had me down and out.  Was going to continue to feel sorry for myself today since I overslept.  I guess my body was just really tired.  Anyway, my brain said who cares if you don't get to run as far as you want to today just get out and get a mile on the board.  One quick lap around the park has me on the board for the week.  Woo hoo!  Made it to work on time so all is well!

17:39.29

Mistakenly posted this week for last week Monday the 7th.  Oh well.  That's life.

36:43.32 El Estero x 2

Only enough time for a quick lap around the park.  Stressful week because of exams, but the last exam is tomorrow and all the stress will be over.  Hopefully.

Two laps around the park.  Didn't feel like getting out, but once I completed one lap, I felt good enough to do another.  

Warm up lap around the track which was followed by a last man up run and when that got boring we paired up to race about 50 yards with a slow jog to catch your breath.

Guessing the distance.  Time cut short from 30 to 20 minutes.

Walked 3 miles, but that doesn't count.  Or does it?  I guess if this was fast running and walking blog it would.  1.5 to work and 1.5 back.

This recent bout of inconsistent running left me unsure of my legs, but they are still there and they still work.

Mile 1 - 11:03.29

Mile 2 - 11:12.59

Mile 3 - 10:52.47

1/2 - 5:18.78 (Total - 38:27.13)

Slow jog until the fast group turned around.  Managed to make it past the aquarium before meeting up with the last runner.

Apparently my body was in shock that I got more than 1 mile in yesterday.  Slow jog down to Drake and back.  Everything is kind of stiff but nothing that a little stretching and a little more consistent running can't heal.  

21:45.04 to Drake

22:00.82 Return

Pretty sure that return leg is shorter or maybe it's just mostly flat and downhill.

Turkey trot.  Woke up early enough that I had the route all to myself.  However, the boardwalk was locked at both ends.  Easy solution was just to take the detour so it was a little longer than a 5K but not significantly enough for me to bother to see what the distance is.  Slight drizzle with a cool breeze made it the perfect jog for me.

60/120s on the track.  I manage to just get past the halfway point on the track but not quite to 3/4 of the track.  It was a good workout.  Legs were burning.  Only got 8 in before time ran out so need to start a little earlier next time.

Ran from the museum to NPS.  Started off slow to warm up then tried to catch up to the faster runners.  They're faster for a reason and obviously they started off slow too because I never even came close to catching up to them.  Coming back up the little hill hurt more than usual but oh how sweet it is to be done.

My body finally told me enough was enough and refused to wake up this morning.  The past few nights my sleep quality has been poor because my two little girls have come down with something.  However, had enough time to get a quick lap in before work.  Take that tired body.  And I'm off to sleep now.

We'll call this an even 5 miles.  Dropped my car off at the dealer for service and ran home to clean the house and pack up.  Ran back to the dealer at a slower pace and my body said you better cut this out since you have been inconsistent in your running up to this point.  Although I felt like I was walking, I did manage to pass some walkers and was starting to feel good until bikers came flying by me and another runner just breezed on by me like I was the walker.  Its good to be humble.  Stomach and legs started cramping and as I was pondering fighting through it, I remembered that tomorrow is another day.  Imagine that.  Walked the rest of the way to the dealer about a half mile.  I live to fight another day. 

31:08.10 home

39:45 back to the dealer

The boardwalk remains closed.  I think that something must have happened on it or perhaps some residents just want some privacy.  Didn't see anyone but some people getting up early to get out on their boats.  Felt like a good opportunity to stretch and enjoy some awesome weather.  My body finally warmed up the last half mile.  Oh well. 

40:43.35

60/120s again today.  We completed 8 iterations again and then called it a day.  I guess that was good since my legs felt heavy and I didn't feel like I could breathe.  Of course, who has time to breathe when you're trying not to be the last guy.

Late start again.  Two miles better than no miles.

Today just kind of sucked.   I wanted to go back to bed.  My back for some reason just stiffened up on me.  Somehow, I made it out the door and just put one foot in front of the other for a couple of laps around the park.  That seemed to be the best route since it keeps me close to home and a bathroom in case of emergency.  Jogged around the park and then was surprised at how slow I jogged.  (39:23.94)  I guess in the end, I'm just glad that I can put one foot in front of the other and make it out of bed on my own.

Started doing 60/120s on the track but apparently you can reserve the track so we got kicked off way earlier than usual.  Only got 5 laps in.

Did two laps around the park after dinner.  It was just me and a few walkers.  I love the quiet, peaceful feel when the crowds are all gone.  Probably should've eaten just a little bit less because I could feel that dinner with every step I took.  Oh well.

1st lap - 18:18.01

2nd lap - 18:16.29 (36:34.30)

I'm so loving this website.  It shows me how little and inconsistent my runs are.  I always imagined I ran more, but by logging my runs here, I see the cold hard truth.

Yup I am counting it.  Three laps on the track.  For some reason Tuesdays are always hard to get a run in.  Must be my mental state.  I think I'm in denial.  

Best advice for the day is that if you have an appointment, and your appointment is far away from your running group's starting location, go to your appointment and just run on your own.  Apparently running in a group can be addictive and overrule common sense but you still have to own up to your other commitments in life.

Just me and the road for the majority of the time.  Saw a few other runners out there, but not too many.  Perfect time of day.  Wanted to keep going but time is always a factor and my stomach started acting up.  Trying to make sure I don't do too much.  Consistency is what I'm after.  One week at a time.  One day at a time.

27:35.13 Aquarium

27:01.82 Via trail (54:36.95)

One last opportunity to stretch out and enjoy the beautiful weather.  Perfect cool temperature for me to be out and jogging in.  Jogged the modified Turkey trot route and discovered at the end of it that the boardwalk is open again.  Busy day today.

39:58.25

So it was supposed to be two miles, but I'm pretty sure whoever measured the distance was about 100 meters short.  No matter.  Time for shortened route is 17:05.88.  Factor in an additional 100 meters and it looks to be like 17:30 or 17:40 somewhere around there.  Now, if I could hold that pace for another mile and some change, I would meet my short term goal.  Just need to enter into a race.

Hill repeats.  Road construction has led to traffic being routed to the hill we normally use.  Had to settle for less of an incline which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but you just don't get the same effect.

Only a handful of people out on the trail.  I just love early morning runs.  The roads are so peaceful.  For most of the time, it is just me and the road.  Should've stretched yesterday, but I didn't so my legs were stiff until about halfway.  I would say that I'm getting old except that I've seen the age of some other bloggers who are logging way more miles than I am.  That just means I can do it too.  Good motivation.

51:20.20

Three miles around the track.  I stayed in the outside lane to avoid the faster runners on the inside lane.  Overall, not very many people on the track today so no worries about having to dodge walkers or random people who come out to the track.

Mile 1 10:37.20

Mile 2 10:43.69

Mile 3 10:08.42 (31:29.31)

The boardwalk is open again.  Woke up later than usual but still got out the door.  Time 33:53.30.

Six laps around the track.  That's exactly what it felt like.  Well, maybe more like six looooong laps.

Feeling good this morning.  Didn't have to worry about straggler control.  So there are a bunch of vehicles parking in our usual parking spot.  Turns out there is some filming going on.  While I haven't seen any of the actors, probably because they're in a hotel, they sure have a lot of stuff.

Bad week.  Allergies acting up caused runny nose, cough and headache along with an excuse to rest and drink fluids.  However, I think I caught a bug from someone although I don't know who because I don't usually get the body aches.  Still alive to run another day or jog or walk.

Two miles around the track doing a last man up run.  Finished that off with a 300 yard shuttle sprint. 

At last, finally got a jog in on a Tuesday.  Two laps around the park during rush hour.  Lots of cars on the street but the route for the most part is free and clear.  Every runner I encounter is moving along pretty well, but I don't care.  It's a warm day and I'm sticking to the pace I need to survive.

34:14.29

Probably the roughest two miles I've seen in a while because of a hill.  Franklin street is pretty much all up hill.  Just kept those feet moving even though I really felt like walking or stopping for a break and reached the top of the hill and the welcome relief of going back down the hill.  I still hate Franklin street though.

It never ceases to amaze me that my procrastination knows no bounds.  Almost procrastinated this morning away, but got out the door.  Beautiful, cool morning to get outside and move.  Legs felt good after about a mile.

51:07.66

Got out really early this morning.  Had a weigh in and didn't feel like starving myself to make weight.  Went to bed early (9pm) and hit the road early (3am) to drop the last couple of pounds.  It was a beautiful morning.  Didn't see anyone at all except for a few cars driving around.  Just the kind of atmosphere I enjoy.  Nothing like a mandatory weigh in to hold you accountable and motivated.

51:19.41

Mile jog in the morning followed by a lap around the park before bed.  Getting back to adding in body weight exercises.  Let's just say I'll probably be sore tomorrow when I wake up.  That feeling you get when you stopped lifting for a while and then started getting back into it.  Looks like core exercises and easy jogging 3 times a week followed by running the other three days of the week is my next phase.  Trying to get out the door to just run was killing me with boredom since I already knew I was capable of doing it.  At least I thought I was.  This log seems to disagree with me.

No idea what the distance was but it was at least a mile.  I'm pretty sure the half mile was a half mile.  Did some short yardage sprints between the mile and half mile.  It was actually pretty fun except for the fact that I'm the least fastest person in the group.  Oh well.

Meeting after work and youth activity at the pool sidelined my evening workout.  However, the YM enjoyed playing water basketball in the pool and the YW seemed to enjoy socializing in the pool.  Costco pizza afterwards as "refreshments".

I was thinking really hard about staying in bed this morning when the alarm went off, but eating that pizza and ice cream last night for dinner was the deciding factor.  I think I could still feel it digesting in my stomach for the first half of the run.  After that, the soreness in my legs mostly vanished and I felt mostly awesome except for the ghost of a runner in front of me who I was trying to keep in sight.  He or she was just too fast and pulled away.  Thursday's are my favorite day to get out and run around in the quiet of the morning all by myself.

25:34.71 to the Aqarium

26:46.72 back (52:21.43)

Had to adjust the route a little because the gates were locked again.  I have no idea what is behind these seemingly random gate closures.  It seems this is close to 5.5 miles, but I'm always doubtful even after seeing the result for myself.  Ran to University and back.  Outgoing was longer than the return because of the adjustment for the gate and I was in a hurry to make an appointment.

33:19.15 Out

26:43.19 Return (1:00:02)

Shamming in Sacramento for a family event which meant sleeping in without an alarm to wake me up.  It is amazing how restful sleep can be when you just sleep until your body says it is time to wake up.  I almost got in a full eight hours.  Needless to say, we were late to the family event, but we still made it.

To my surprise the boardwalk was open.  I'm not sure who keeps locking the gates but I wonder what the reason is.  Focus for the day was just keeping one foot in front of the other.  Finished right around 6.  I was happy with the effort.  The jog helped to eliminate some of the eating that began on Saturday and just continued up until bed time on Monday.  One day I'm going to have to run the exact route for time and see what I get, but for now just getting out the door is enough.

37:17

Got the first mile in at 8:50.  Looking to get another couple of miles in after work.  We'll see though because those after work miles always seem to be interupted with something "more pressing."  Didn't feel like running that single mile either, but it is amazing what happens when you just start moving and decide to keep moving until you reach what you set out to do.  Still felt the after effects of binge eating over the weekend, but everything still works.  For now.

2.5 miles sprinkled in with a few short sprints.  Last man up run.

Never did make it back out the door in the evening.  I did get to spend some wonderful time watching my oldest play in the park.  She enjoyed running around with a playmate until it was dinner time for him.  Afterwards, she sparked a tantrum in another playmate who is still learning to share.  Tip my hat to his father for not giving in to his demands, but we took off a little early so he could enjoy his playtime as well.

Woke up early enough to get two laps in and pay off some bills.  Got dropped off at work because everyone, except the little one, was wide awake.  Just not feeling it this morning, but just keep getting out the door until I feel like it will eventually work.

34:47

Beautiful morning for a run.  Had a nice breeze to aid me in my efforts.  Still felt last night's dinner in my gut (Taco Bell).  I think once I get serious about my diet, I'll see the result I'm looking for.  In fact, I'm sure of it.

One day I will figure out the mystery behind the gate schedule, but today is not that day.  Gates were closed once again.  I guess that's why I run because I can bypass the closed gates faster running than I can walking.  Or I could just jump the fence.

For the next three weeks, looking to run 3 miles a day six times a week.  Anything over that is just a bonus.

Turkey Trot 36:47.51

1.75 in the morning consisting of a 1/4 mile warm up and six reps of 60/120s.  Jogged two laps around the park after dinner.  Nothing earth shattering.  However, this is the week that I finally am gonna nail a 3 mile average for six days.  I can feel it!

2 laps around the park at 35:11.26.  Some might consider it a fast walk, but I'll call it a run for now.

Ran a mile around the track in the morning at 8:42 which is flying for me.  Debated getting out again this evening and finally did it after doing some core work.  Pulled out the old book and started back at the beginning level 1.  Ready to move up to level 2 next week but need to get a few things.  Jogged a lap around the park.  Legs feel a little heavy, but everything else feels just fine.  One lap around the park at 21:53.86.

We ran out to the aquarium.  Took it easy on the way out and pushed hard on the way back.  Coming back up the little hill was tough but it always feels good to know that once you reach the top of the hill, you are done.  Running in a group makes it easier to run because I have faster guys to chase and slower people who make me feel faster.  The group also makes me run where I might not have if I were left to do it on my own.

Didn't feel like running.  As I sat in my chair, I thought of how I would never hit my running goal if I never ever ran.  Out the door I went.  I love the early mornings and being able to jog across the streets without worrying about traffic.  There is no hurry at all.  Everything is at my pace.  I always feel like I can go further as I head back home, but I think that is just because I am headed home.

Embassy Suites (54:13.91)

Trail - 8:56.04                  8:04.37

Mile - 9:59.62                  9:47.83

1/4 Mile - 2:37.28            2:33.68

Turn Around - 6:06.42     6:08.67

Procrastinated my lap away this morning, but got to play ultimate football.  Got home after work and everyone was taking a nap.  What perfect timing!  Was thinking about taking a nap too, but the siren call of finally hitting 18 miles in a week was too much.  Did core workout level 1 again.  Did a lap around the park and just ran really slow because that's what my legs felt like.  Got back home and everyone was wide awake and ready to play all night long.

I got it!  Finally managed to hit 18 miles.  Ran or jogged a little every day.  Now, I have to maintain consistency and ramp up a little.  I'd like to set my next goal at 24 miles a week.  I ran the modified Turkey Trot loop and to my surprise I discovered the boardwalk gates were open.  I don't think I'll ever figure out who controls these silly gates, but I don't really care.  If they're open then good, but if they're closed then I just go around.

36:13.71

(Kind of funny that I used to be able to do 4 miles under 36 minutes, but that was a younger, hungrier me.)

Rough start to the week, but at least I got something on the board.  A one mile jog with some short sprints interspersed throughout, followed by a 300 yd shuttle run and two 50 yd sprints.  It looks like that would be a really short workout, but because I rested so much it took about 40 minutes.

One lap around the track carrying a 15 lb weight.  It seemed easy at first, but after the first 100 meters, the weight started to get annoying.  It was just one lap.  Followed by a total of 75 pushups, 100 situps, 100 squats and 50 assisted pullups.

Got sidetracked by a dinner appointment which I thought was next week, but they called me last night to confirm for today.  Something I thought would take an hour ended up taking 3 but it was enjoyable.  Needless to say, all I have to show for today is a quarter mile.  Just have to work harder the rest of the week to stay on track.

First jog of the day is two laps around the park.  Nobody out there but me, the geese and a whole lot of bugs. (Lap 1: 17:55.60  Lap 2: 17:50.47 = 35:46.07)

Finish the day with another two laps around the park.  Amazing how much faster you can run when you're trying to catch someone.  I saw a runner that I thought I could catch, but I didn't.  Needless to say it made my second lap go by so much quicker.

(Lap 1: 17:34.16  Lap 2: 16:38.05 = 34:12.21)

I was chomping at the bit until I actually hit the road.  Putting one foot in front of the other seemed like a good idea.  I thought I was running a little smoother on the way back once I finally got warmed up.  I like the idea of jogging.  Jogging is good for my soul.  I could hear my right knee creaking the whole way back.  It was kind of odd but it didn't hurt so I ignored it.

To 1.25 Trail Marker (3.5 Miles)

Trail         8:28.88      6:35.00

Mile         9:53.92     10:24.24

1/4 Mile   3:09.22      3:08.01 (41:39.27) 

Just looking at the splits I'm pretty sure I got my landmarks mixed up.  Oh well.

For the evening, confirmed that I need to move on to the next level of the core workout by doing an extra set within the prescribed time.  Level 2 here I come!  Jogged 2 laps around the park.  Legs were tired but undaunted.  Love just jogging at my own pace and not caring who passes me up because everyone passes me up all the time.

Still on track to hit 18 miles for two consecutive weeks.  That's a milestone right there.  Next week it will be 20 miles or maybe 21.  We'll see.  Vacation ends and its back to the real world but 20 is still doable.

Turkey Trot - 33:05.72

Wonder if I could get that time under 30 mins if I was chasing somebody.  Guess I'll have to enter a race to find out.  Was feeling really good at the end like I could continue for another 5K, but I always wake up sore the next morning so I exercised a little restraint.  Maybe a little too cautious.

My honey-do list was not very long, but it was very time consuming.  In fact, even now I'm only about half done.  I probably shouldn't have taken that short nap, but I woke up refreshed and ready to go.  Then the origins of the Orlando Magic with Shaq and Penny sidetracked me for a little while too.  Needless to say, I was gonna skip my run today, but that just did not sit well.

Out the door I went.  I decided to just take it easy.  I started off at a real slow jog.  I saw some ducks and decided to walk by them because the biggest one was hissing at me.  Not sure why it saw me as a threat.  They just need to share the road.  It's big enough for all of us.  Then someone decided to tag along behind me.  He looked fast so I kept waiting for him to pass, but he didn't so I decided to see if I could put some distance between us.  And just like that, my slow, easy, let's enjoy the scenery today jog turned into a I'm gonna see if I can run away from you and forget about how beautiful today is because I don't care any more.  It worked.  He must have just been enjoying the scenery.  Oh well.

Turkey Trot: 33:07.37  

Got it!  Two weeks in a row with 19 miles!  Might just be starting to show some consistency.

Judgement day.  Round 2 of testing.  Slept in knowing that I didn't have to set my alarm.  Well rested for the exam.  Now we wait for the results.

Nothing like a good brisk jog to get the blood flowing.  Contemplated skipping it again today because of testing, but decided not to.  I want to hit 20 miles this week without having to jam all the mileage into a couple of days.  It was cool enough to where wearing a sweatshirt was ok.

1.25 Mile Trail Marker

21:21.93 (Out) 20:01.84 (Back) = 41:23.77

Made it up to core level 2 work out for the evening.  Think I can master the moves in a week to move up to the next level.  Finished with a slow lap around the park.  It felt good to be out and about but that twinge in my knee reminds me that I am but a mere mortal.

I was trying to catch someone.  It's kind of funny that we stayed at the same pace until the turn around point.  Then he turned on the afterburners.  I couldn't catch him, but I did pass a couple of faster runners who were just jogging along.

I was just cruising along enjoying the cool morning weather until I hit the turn around.  Once I started up the little incline, the enjoyable morning got rough.  I guess my body decided to vote against going up the incline.  Regardless, we kept going but I struggled all the way back.  It always feels good to turn the last corner and see home.

25:35.31 (Out)  26:57.96 (Back) = 52:33.27

Today was kind of a curve ball.  Let's just say nothing that I expected to happen, happened.  One of those days when life just wants to see how you respond and prioritize.  Didn't get my run in this morning, but I just happened to have a window of opportunity in the evening.  What a beautiful evening it was too!  I got to see the sunset while just enjoying the rest of the surroundings at my pace.  I got passed up by a few runners I thought I might be able to keep up with, but I resisted the urge.  Everything felt good.  Life is beautiful.

University - 26:29.65 (Out)  26:27.87 (Back) = 52:57.52

Missed my window of opportunity and I didn't even know it.  Just goes to show if you aren't ready for the opportunity when it arrives, it could very well just disappear without you.  Was looking to get out when the kids went down for their afternoon nap, but that never happened.  Oh well.  So close to hitting that 20 mile mark.  Try again next week. 

No good excuse that I can think of except that I had to grade this morning which meant I couldn't join the group for a run.  It was just a few sprints anyway.  Yes, my sour grapes attitude for the day.  On the plus side, I discovered that someone measured the track and discovered it to be a little long which means that when we run our two mile, we can cut off about 100 yards.  Seemed a little fishy to me, but I'll take it.

Ran three laps in the morning along with some pushups and core exercises.  Discovered that I had a weigh in tomorrow instead of Thursday which motivated me to get out and go for a slow jog and ignore the medic's advice to avoid exertion after donating blood.  Hence the slow jog.  Nothing like a weigh in to add some motivation to a run.  I did finally manage to circle the pond and so I can check that off my bucket list.

Embassy Suites and little pond (5.25 miles)

Embassy Suites        29:21.34       29:35.89

Pond                           4:54.90         4:55.37 (1 hr 8:47)

Woke up at 2:30 to go jog a little to drop a couple pounds before my weigh in.  Jogged the aquarium loop really slow.  Combined with last night's running, dropped 9 lbs and weighed in at 260.  I'm pretty sure that 8.9 lbs was just water.  The trick for next month is to not procrastinate.  If I hover around 263 for the month, I'll be ok.  I think this is payback for not having to drop weight while wrestling in high school since I was always a few pounds underweight.  I ate whatever I wanted while some of my teammates had to be careful with what they ate throughout the season to keep at their weight.

Aquarium Loop

28:00.41 (Out)  27:29.94 (Back) = 55:30.35

A slow jog out to the trail to warm up.  It seems kind of funny that I never seem to be able to speed up unless I have a timer.  Set the timer to 2 minutes.  Completed 8 sets of moderate running for 2 minutes with 2 minutes of jogging.  It felt really good and with nobody else on the trail it seemed like I was flying.  Love the feeling of the wind in your face and your arms and legs just pumping in perfect rhythm.

To 1.25 Mile Marker

22:26.37 (Out)  20:30.16 (Back) = 42:56.53

My youngest had trouble sleeping because she was congested.  She woke up in the middle of the night crying.  After my wife gave me some pointers, I took her out to the living room and we both eventually fell asleep.  Woke up early enough to get out for a run, but just looking at her sleeping was excuse enough not to.  I figured I would get to make it up at the end of the day like I did last friday.  As you can see from the big fat zero, I did not get that opportunity, but I'm ok with it.  I don't know how many mornings I'll get to be able to enjoy seeing my little ones sleeping peacefully.

There is a little, impatient youth that lives in my head.  Today the impatient one told me that because I enjoyed alternating 2 minutes of a moderate pace with 2 minutes of a jog that 3 minutes would be even better.  Jogged out to Emery Point to warm up and started the timer.  Made it out to University in the middle of the 3rd rep and almost made it to Chevy's by the start of the 6th recovery rep.  While I was cursing myself for listening to that youthful voice during the workout, I was glad that I did it after the workout.  Next time, I think 7 reps will be doable.

Fast University Route

25:56.01 (Out)   25:17.19 (Back)  = 51:13.20

After shamming the past couple Mondays, I finally get back on the board to start the week off right.  I was thinking up an excuse to get out of running today since it is a holiday, but decided to celebrate my independence by going out for a run and enjoying that freedom and fresh air.  Jogged a little to warm up and then my body started to settle into a rhythm were my jogging pace starts to feel like the only pace I can handle.  Set the timer for 3 minute intervals to break out of that funk.

Turkey Trot Route 32:00.75 (My new PR for this route.)

Legs unwilling to cooperate.  I think they dislike doing 3 minute intervals.  It was like dragging lead weights.  I'm seeing the effects of aging and not taking care of my body.  It doesn't do whatever I want to do whenever I want to do it especially if I neglect it.  (But I still see some brief spurts that make me think I can continue down the path I've always tread upon.  Yes, I'm in denial.  Isn't age just a number afterall?)

Group run got scrapped this morning, but no complaints because I just went on a longer individual run.  Was just going to do 3.5 but what's another 1.25 on top of that?  Easy out and pushed a little harder on the way back.  I like feeling fast when I'm on the way home and with only walkers in front of me, I felt really fast.

Embassy Suites  27:00.06 (Out)  25:46.76 (Back) = 52:46.82

I think I have a bad attitude which is negatively affecting me.  So hard to move today.  Felt like I was dragging lead weights around for legs and I couldn't get my breathing down.  Even though I was just out for an easy run, it felt so hard.  All those negative vibes getting to my legs to weigh them down.  I started a little later than usual with a light meal still in my stomach which was probably a bad idea.  I was worried about the heat but it was perfect for running.  I'll just chalk this one up to a hard easy run.  The only easy mile is a mile that I've already run.

1.25 Mile marker 20:30.26 (Out)  19:58.84 (Back) = 40:29.10

Added 3 sets of 25 pushups and rowers, 3 sets of 30 sec planks.  That made me feel like I did a little bit of everything today, but it all felt so difficult.

Flat out procrastinated my running time away.  Had an opportunity before work and after work but it is amazing what kind of excuses I can come up with when given a chance.

Woke up way too late and gambled that there would be an opportunity later on in the day.  Unfortunately, my girls did not nap at the same time.  In fact, they tag teamed.  One would sleep and when she awoke, the other would sleep.  Needless to say I should've taken advantage of having woken up briefly at 3 and gone out and ran then instead of rolling over and thinking that I was going to get out of bed in another hour.

Clocked a mile in the morning at an 8:33 pace which is flying for me.  I was considering calling that good, but went for a 3.5 mile jog this evening after dinner.  Legs felt good and loose, but my shoulders were really tight.  I tried to focus on relaxing my shoulders and then just gave up and went with it.  Jogged out to the 1.25 Mile Marker and back.

21:14.00 (Out)  20:41.71 (Back) = 41:55.71

I've figured out that traffic lights and traffic play a role in my times.  While my return leg seems a little faster, I ignored the lights and darted across the streets while traffic was far away.  Probably took the same amount of time for both legs once you factor out the wait times at the stop lights since traffic was heavier to start the run.

Had the opportunity to hit the weight room this morning.  Let's just say it has been a while and everything feels heavy.  Got two laps around the park afterward.  Was aiming for a slow jog, but somehow it just felt harder than usual.  For some reason, I was chomping at the bit and had to restrain myself.  I should've just gone with it.  Might have gotten a new PR.  Oh well.

Lap 1 - 16:45.02  Lap 2 - 15:59.90 = 32:44.92

Boss allowed me time off to drop ma off at the airport.  Grateful for that.

It was at least a mile.  Maybe a mile and a half if I want to push it.  We did hill repeats.  After stretching, we jogged over to the hill and started.  The goal was to get 8 - 10 with the time we had.  I got to 9.  We didn't run out of time, but I guess the regulation says the number of reps should be 8 to 10.  I felt fast at the bottom of the hill then like I was slogging through sand near the top of the hill.  However, as I walked down the hill, I felt awesome once I caught my breath only to start the process over again.

Since we did hills yesterday, I figured today would be a good day for a fun run.  Went out to the aquarium and back.  I think I have a PR for my return leg.  The lack of traffic played out in my favor as I didn't have to pause at the crosswalks.  One of these days I might miss seeing a speeding car and get run over, but today was not that day.

28:01.10 (Out)   24:04.69 (Back) = 52:05.79

Easy miles.  Just went off of feel.  I think it was the first time that I intended to go easy where it actually felt easy.  Stomach started acting up on the way back.  Tried to ignore it, then slowed down but I had to sit down for a few minutes until it settled.

Fastest University Route

27:36.59 (Out)   33:10.26 (Back) = 1 hr 46 sec

Wife was sick.  Stayed in so I could handle the kids when they woke up and allow her more time to sleep.  I was expecting the kids to nap in the afternoon like they usually do so I could sneak out for a couple of miles.  It never happened.  Instead I walked them around and around trying to tire them out.  What do you know?  That was a dumb idea.  I was the one that got tired of carrying them when they got tired.  Oh well.  It was a wonderful day to spend playing with my girls.  They're growing up so fast.

Ran to the Toyota dealer to pick up my car.  Used the 1/4 mile marker to add in an extra mile to get 4 out of the route instead of just 3.  I felt really good today.  Because I felt really good I automatically became suspicious and restrained myself from just letting loose.  Easy jog all the way out to the dealer with the traffic lights not in my favor.  However, the sun was out and smiling down upon me.  Good day to get outside.

45:44.89

Ahh yes.  There is that thing called procrastination.  Took a nap and didn't set an alarm to wake myself up.  Big mistake.  By the time I woke up, I was already into my timeline for preparing for my last youth activity with the branch.  Went down to the chapel and did a run through with audio and video.  The setup was not the best but it worked.  Went and ordered the "refreshments" from Costco and got home in time to chat with the family for a little while before hitting the bed.  I think I ran maybe 10 meters.  Not anything significant to log.

We'll call it a mile in the morning.  Timed run which seemed to run out way too fast.  It was at least a mile.

In the afternoon, I was feeling tired and looking for a nap.  However, doing so would have put in jeopardy my preparation time for my last activity with the youth here.  Instead, jogged out to the Embassy Suites and back and I was no longer tired after that.

26:35.59 (Out)  28:36.28 (Back) = 55:11.87

I discovered it takes me about 5 minutes to stroll a lap around the track.  That puts me at about a 20 minute mile with no weight on my back.  Interesting.  Walked a mile and a half this morning.  Rather I strolled along for a mile and a half.

Jogged out to Embassy Suites again but this time took two laps around the lake.  I think I'm getting bored with that route.  At the same time, it is the best route for an afternoon jog because it has the least traffic.  Regardless of how I feel about the route, I will probably continue to go that way if I run in the afternoons or evenings.  (In the mornings, I can go the other way.)

35:59.53 (Out)  37:11.72 (Back) = 1hr 13:11

Got up at 2:40 to give my body some time to wake up.  Sipped a little water.  Dinner last night was two tacos.  Enough to convince myself that I put something in my stomach.  Could I have eaten more?  Absolutely!  Jogged the aquarium loop to work off those tacos.  Mission complete for the day.  Now I have one more month to hit that target weight.  Close but not there yet.  Weighed in at 255.

29:11.59 (Out)  27:10.93 (Back) = 56:22.52

Did not run.  Pulled a 24 hour CQ shift that started this morning at 8 am.

Six repetitions of 60/120s around the track.  I forget if I included the warmup lap, but I know we did at least six laps.  While I feel a little faster, you would never know it by how many people pass me up on the track.  Good thing I don't have to run faster than they do.  Was going to run a little more in the afternoon but opted to make a run for home.  Always nice to go home.

I was trying really hard to talk myself out of this run.  I thought that I was feeling ill, but a little fresh air and jogging at my own pace cured all of that.  I was thinking of doing 3 then 3.5 but decided to just do the whole route.  Next time I might hit the beach.

Embassy Suites

26:54.00 (Out)  26:31.06 (Back) = 53:25.06

Call it a mile.  Really slow pace.  Kept pace with the slowest runner on the way out.  Group turned around at 10 minutes.  Kept going until I found the rabbit who was suffering from hunger pangs and couldn't maintain his pace coming back.  It was an easy mile until the rabbit regained his energy on the hill at the finish line.

Completed a 24 hr CQ shift this morning at 8 am.  After turning in the books, took a nap and headed home to spend some time with my family.

Once again I opted to head for home.  This might come back to haunt me especially after abandoning my normal diet in favor of garlic fries at McD's and a mango banana smoothie and half of a big mac.

Ahhh yesss!  The weekend has arrived.  Thought I ran more this week, but guess I didn't.  At least the crazy work week is over.  Ran the turkey trot route this morning.  The gates were closed when I started but opened by the time I finished.  Felt good running at an easy pace.  I could've gone faster but opted against it.

36:19.85

The first day of vacation.  I still had to go into work for a few minutes to take care of a potential schedule conflict a couple of weeks down the road.  Everything seems to be ok for now.  Trouble averted.

Ran two laps around El Estero park.  I just felt lighter when I started out.  It could have been my mind playing tricks on me but my legs did not feel like lead.  I felt really good.  Picked up the pace just a little on the second lap and even managed to catch the traffic lights in my favor.  It was a good way to start the week.

16:08.52 (Lap 1)  14:31.44 (Lap 2) = 30:39.96

Got out the door at 0430.  There was nobody out on the trail but me and one cyclist and a skunk.  The skunk laid claim to the middle of the trail.  He heard me coming and lifted his tail.  I stopped and considered my options very carefully.  I just made sure there was no oncoming traffic and then gave him a really wide berth.  I think he was following me because I ran into him again on the way back and gave him that extra wide berth again because his tail was up.

Ran the fast University route.  (55:24)

2 sets: 20 pu, 30 su, 20 squats (Just ran out of time to do more.)

It is rather unbelievable that I am feeling so good this week.  I guess rest and relaxation really is good for the soul every now and then.  I have enjoyed the past two days watching my girls play with each other and just run around and laugh.  I have also been exposed to all the fighting and crying, but just having the opportunity to observe them and interact with them is all I can ask for.

Hit the turkey trot route today and followed that up with four 30 second sprints.  The first sprint seemed kind of long as I tried to gauge how much distance I could actually cover.  I thought I was faster than I truly am.  The last three were awesome as I simply tried to cover more distance than I had in the previous sprint.  It would be no surprise that I covered the shortest distance in my first sprint.

Turkey trot - 31:07.09

Woke up in the middle of the night for no reason and should've just gotten up and went running.  Instead, I read a little about sports and then went back to bed and overslept.  I woke up at the same time as my little girl and that was that.  Got a couple sprints in chasing my oldest around the building but that was it.

Took the trail all the way down to Seaside Beach.  The twists and curves make the trail a little longer.  Took the beach all the way back to the wharf then turned for home.  Love running on the beach near the water with no worries about traffic.  Weather was overcast with a hint of fog.  Perfect for running.

33:09.79 (Out)  32:08.00 (Back) = 1 hr 5:17

Ooohhh yeah!  I'm counting it.  Every little bit counts.  I did end up walking a mile for every lap I ran around the track because I had to drop off my car for repair which meant I was walking to work.  Good thing I live so close to the dealer and to work.  No matter what speed I use to get up that hill to work, I always end up sweating and breathing hard.  I hate that hill.  I'm sure the feeling is mutual.  Oh well.

I'm home for jury duty which gave me the opportunity to get out and run the University route.  I love getting out on that route in the morning before all the real runners hit it.  Warmed up about half way through the first leg and felt good coming back.  I feel like I could run all day.  I love that feeling.  It beats feeling like my legs have turned to stone and the sky is falling and this run really sucks days.

26:33.87 (Out)  24:51.90 (Back) = 51:25.77

Today our run was cancelled due to air conditions.  Smoke from the forest fire had blown into our area and you could actually smell it.  Our instructions were to limit our exertion outdoors.  I decided to run by myself but at a really slow pace to control my breathing.  Ran to the 1.25 mile marker and back.

24:54.01 (Out)  25:18.74 (Back) = 50:12.75

Walked 3 miles in the morning because of the smoke from the forest fire.  It actually wasn't that bad, but it got worse as the morning progressed until it cleared up in the afternoon.  I jumped on the opportunity to breathe in some seemingly fresh air this evening and ran to Seaside Beach and back.  Used the Monterey trail to get to the beach and took the beach back.  The sand was a little more wet and the high tide forced me to run a little higher up in the softer sand.  However, once I got to the wharf and got back on the pavement, it was like getting a power up in a video game.  I suddenly felt so much faster.

32:32.35 (Out)  33:28.05 (Back) = 1 hr 6:00

The air quality was supposed to be bad today as well.  I started walking but couldn't smell any smoke so I started a slow jog.  After a few minutes, I just decided to proceed with the workout I had planned which was intervals with 3 minutes of running followed by 2 minutes of jogging.  I felt really good.  I think I'm going to cut the recovery time by just a little and try a sprint over the third minute of each iteration.  We'll see how that goes.

22:38.68 (Out)  18:56.54 (Back) = 41:35.22

Now if I can just get out the door tomorrow, I can finally hit that elusive 20 mile mark for the week.

Woke up on time but was so tired so I rolled over.  Got up a few minutes later and looked at my clock and still estimated that I had enough time to run a 5K and make it to my appointment by 0630.  Got out the door at 0458 and jogged to the start point and then had to adjust my route for the closed gates.  Still thought everything was ok.  Almost 39 minutes later, I finished.  I thought I was faster than I really was.  That made me just a few minutes late to my appointment.  Everything worked out.  I'll just have to cut my route short next time.

38:47.44

Had to wake up really early for a 200 mile drive.  Upon reaching my destination, I saw that I still had 90 minutes before my hit time.  Should I go for a quick run or take a nap?  That nap was awfully tempting but as I did a little reasoning in my head, I realized that this would be my only chance for a run today.  Out the door it was.

Turkey Trot route 31:16.72

Call it 3 miles, but it was the adjusted Turkey Trot route when the gates are closed.  Finally figured it out.  The gates open around 6 when the grounds workers get in.  Or maybe it was 7.  No pretty sure it is 6.  Anyway, got out the door at 4 and I wasn't the only one out and about.  The guys at the pier were already getting on their boats and getting underway.

34:30.25

Easy run today.  Yesterday was the attempt to run fast.  Tomorrow is the almost 5 mile run.

Just couldn't get my hand to hit the timer.  Yes, that little movement required to start the countdown and also start my intervals was a huge impassable chasm this morning.  I just opted to run like I felt.  University route and back, but I hit a new milestone today.  I actually crossed over University avenue and then turned around and came back.  Felt really good at the end like I could just keep running forever.

27:03.47 (Out)  25:35.14 (Back) = 52:38.61

Call it 5 miles.  Ran the usual University route at an enjoy the scenery pace and took a left over the little pedestrian bridge to the first crosswalk past the intersection leading to the park.  Was going to do some intervals, but my left knee was saying that I should be careful so I opted for a fun run instead.  I want to run all the way to the park next time.  We will see.

33:23.67 (Out)  31:58.39 (Back)  (Pause 3:21.30) = 1 hr 8:43

Oh yeah.  Not sure why my stomach started acting up on the way back, but I had to take a short break to allow everything to settle back down.  Maybe it didn't like my detour.

Easy pace this morning.  I was surprised by a whole group of runners out on the trail besides me.

22:39.82 (Out)  23:52.30 (Back) = 46:32.12

Judgement day is fast approaching.  As always, it comes sooner rather than later.  This one is gonna be close.

Jogged out and looped around the pond twice.  Looked like some young runners were out on the trail today.  They were just oozing speed.  I just kept chugging along.

31:38.04 (Out)  34:27.19 (Back) = 1 hr 6:05

Felt good running but I might pay for this in the morning.  We'll see.

About a mile and a half.  We did a couple of sprints in the sand.  It is amazing how fast you feel once you hit the pavement after having run in the sand.

Didn't really feel like running but ran anyway.  Jogged anyway.  Out to the hotel and two times around the pond then back.

33:24.61 (Out)  35:05.36 (Back) = 1 hr 8:29

Felt like I could've pushed it a little bit but held back.  I'll make that push on Saturday over the 5K route.

Felt like the hardest run ever.  Woke up at 0230 to give my body time to wake up.  Hit the road at 0255 with an expected time of about 50 to 55 minutes.  It took a little longer.  Slow jog all the way to knock off those last few pounds before the weigh in.  I don't know if I will continue to have this luxury of time before a weigh in.  Felt good to finish even though I'm sure there are walkers out there who can complete the route a lot faster.

30:09.47 (Out)  27:39.35 (Back) = 57:48.82

I was going to take this morning off, but an easy run is better than no run.  Ran the Turkey Trot loop and felt good about it.  Actually, about two thirds of the way through the route I pass by my house, I thought about just calling it a good week and going home.  I had to think of a distraction in my head to get me past that point.  "Wake up Lachy" by The Wiggles is what popped into my head especially since it has a good tempo.  I only know the chorus though and so that is what recycled continuously in a loop through my head.

32:16.69

And now I can call it a good week.

Didn't run.  Pulled away to grade a test.  Afterwards, stuck on a 24 hour shift.

Slept a couple of hours to make up for no sleep then headed home to be with the family.

Managed to finally get on the board this week.  A bunch of assumptions worked against me when I wrongfully assumed things would work out according to my logic.  Ran out to the 1.25 mile marker and back when we were released early.

22:31.98 (Out)  20:21.37 (Back) = 42:53.35

Was about to run after work until I learned that I have a 24 hour shift during the weekend.  Packed it up and went home to enjoy some family time.

Easy run around the Turkey Trot loop.  Ran it backwards this time to change things up.  Can't bring myself to break from the run routes I've already measured out.  I really am so lucky to enjoy a view like this morning.

35:14

Didn't get much this week, but three short runs are better than nothing.  Two laps around the park before heading to work to pull a 24 hour shift.  Added an easy set of 20 pushups and 45 situps just for fun.  On the second lap, alternated 1 minute fast with 1 minute slow.  Just happy to get out.

16:55.97 (Out)  15:07.19 (Back) = 32:03.16

Spent the morning on watch during renovation.  Shift was supposed to run from 0600 to 1000 but I didn't get the memo that it changed to 0700 to 1100.  Not that it was hard, everyone has to show proper documentation to get in and everyone wears white.  I didn't realize that the construction workers had to wear white.  Great opportunity to do some reading from a book rather than my phone.

Finally got it.  We did hill repeats today.  The goal is always to get 10 reps in the time allowed.  I always end up with 7 or 8.  Today, however, I was the first in line but the last in my group to get up the hill.  I hit 9 within the time limit.  As I came down the hill, I saw that they were still allowing a few people to get one more rep in.  That's all I needed to see.  At the start point, I turned and at this point in the work out it must have looked like a walk up the hill but it sure felt like I was running.  I was the last one to finish, but I finally got it.  The magic and elusive number 10.

I was going to run towards Embassy Suites but I always run that way.  Opted not to cross at the crosswalk and just continued straight for the Aquarium Loop.  Think I ate too much yesterday because my stomach felt a little full still which made me feel slow.  On the return leg, my mind ignored how my stomach felt just focused on running and finishing.

27:09.14 (Out)  24:19.93 (Back) = 51:29.07

Jogged a 1/4 mile then drove to storage and ran back.

From storage: 20:25.79

Ran out to University and made that left for about a 1/4 mile.  Probably closer to 5.5 miles.  Only a handful of people out on the trail.  Felt really good running especially on the way back.  I could hear my right knee creaking along the whole way, but if it doesn't hurt, it must be ok.

University  26:29.23    24:53.50

Intersection  3:27.49    3:23.29

Total: 58:13.51

30/60 sprint workout.  Alternate 30 seconds of sprinting with 60 seconds of walking as recovery.  Lost count of the laps but pretty sure I got 5 in the time allowed.  Thought it was 6 but we'll take the lower number to be sure.

Mile on an elliptical trainer for 23 minutes.  A mile is a safe estimate.

Guy in my run group was having trouble with his shins.  Stayed with him until it was time to turn around.  Picked him back up after I got everyone else together and sent them back.  We ran out to the Aquarium and back.

Last time to run this loop for a little while.  I was really cold when I headed out.  Thought about going back to put on another layer and decided against it.  Just had to be patient and wait for my body to warm up and chase that cold away.  At about 3/4 mile I was just fine.  Started out heading towards Pacific and then finished running by the park.  Only saw one other runner out there, but a beautiful morning for a run.

26:24.47 (Out)  23:06.21 (Back) = 49:30.68

I think this is a new PR for this route.

Missed my opportunity to get out due to lack of sleep.  Operated on two hours of sleep which is better than zero hours.  Got a power nap in but didn't recognize my opportunity midday to get out for a run until it was gone.  Oh well, wonderful opportunity to watch my kids play and laugh.

Busy day today.  Overslept and cut my run short to make up for the loss of time.  Ran to University Ave and back.  I think I set a new PR for the route because I was in a hurry to get back.  Got so many things to do today, but the first two are knocked off the list.  Next two are about to get knocked off.  Just taking them down as they pop up.

25:33.60 (Out)  23:57.38 (Back) = 49:30.98

Just went for a nice, long, slow jog out to University and hung a left for another quarter mile.  Not sure when I will be able to come back out this way again, but I enjoyed it for one more time.  The headlights from oncoming traffic impeded my vision at times on the way out, but coming back it was no problem.  Easy pace.  Just the way I like it.

University   30:36.39      35:18.91

Turn around  4:10.13     4:06.84

Total = 1 hr 14:12 

Stomach problems slowed me down on the way back, but it just provided more of an opportunity to wax nostalgic.

Woke up at 0200.  Out the door at 0300.  Took I-80 East through Reno.  Stopped twice to refuel both car and my stomach in Lovelock and Wendover.  Took I-15 because it was a few minutes faster than I-215.  Hit Provo right around 1700 local time.  Light traffic all the way even through the road construction going on.

Ran the Provo River Parkway trail while looking to get 4 or 5 miles in.  Ran for time instead.  Jogged for 40 minutes then turned around and came back.  Course tool logs the run at about 3.5 one way.  More than I wanted, but on the bright side, I thought I saw Rio Olympian Jared Ward running past me in the other direction with a running buddy.  I could be wrong since he was running way faster than I was while maintaining a conversation, but I'm pretty sure.

40:23.58 (Out)  40:53.62 (Back) = 1 hr 21:17 (Days Inn to Lakeshore)

I was feeling good on the way out.  Started sucking on the way back.

Made it to Albuquerque, NM.

Arrived right on time.

Maybe 2.5 miles but it was a slow jog to get used to the area.  Set timer to 17 minutes and just went out to explore.

Started out too fast because I was scared.  The whole pack just kind of left me in the dust.  Well, that's the way it usually is anyway, but for some reason I thought there might be some slow people around me.  There were no slow people any place near me.  Hit 8:30.92 at the turn around point.  For some reason, I thought I would get the second mile in a faster time, but it just hurt too bad.  Finished the second mile in 8:52.48 for a time of 17:23.40.  Stopped at 41 pushups and 45 situps to conserve energy for the run.

Call it about 2 miles.  Fun, slow run in an ability group.  Did a couple sprints.  Could've probably sprinted faster, but saving that energy for the run home.

Big group run.  Everybody running together.  Slow.  Just the pace I like.

4 sets of 15 pushups, 5 pullups, 20 situps and 1 lap around the track.

Probably have to look this one up later.  Feels like about 4.4 or 4.5.  Got up at 5 and out the door at 6 for a fun run.  Ran a nice easy pace with the timer set to 30 mins.  Felt good to get out in the morning and just run at my own pace.  Made it back with 30 seconds to spare.  Funny thing is I was passed by a runner and thought nothing of it.  However, an hour and a half later, that runner was still running.  That's dedication.

I was the least fastest guy out on the track today except for a couple of walkers who almost caught me.

About 3.5 miles at a 9:10 pace.  Maybe.  I'm just going off what my run buddy told me.  Without him, I'm pretty sure I would've managed to go substantially slower.

Short 2 mile run for time.  Hit the turn around at 8:31.12.  Finished with a 9:12.20 on the second mile for a time of 17:43.  I was just sucking on the return leg and at the same time running with no real sense of urgency.  Find it funny though that I ran out quicker than coming back because it usually is the other way around.  Got an extra pushup in for 42 and a couple extra situps in for 47.  Also heard an amazing story of a guy who did 1000 situps without taking a break.  There are some amazing people out there capable of some amazing feats.

Easy group pace out with a couple of sprints thrown in for good luck followed by a slow pace for recovery then a mile at your own pace.  Group jog back to the start.

About to drive this route to get an estimate of the distance because I don't trust my watch even though I've run it in about the same time.  Nothing like a good morning jog to get started.  However, stomach problems sidelined me for a couple of minutes.  Saw two runners out there that were really running and not jogging like I was.

Total Loop Time: 57:22.34

This amount of time would leave me to believe that it was close to five miles, but I remain skeptical.  We'll see.

The weirdest thing happened.  On my way home from Lubbock, my right side starts to hurt.  It was a little pin prick that morphed into that stitch you feel in your side when you run and drink too much water before you run.  It hurt to breathe deeply.  Needless to say, I did not make it on my Saturday run.  I went to bed and laid on my right side because that was the most comfortable position.

My first Stripes run.  I beat all of the walkers and the one guy who started way late because he was using the restroom.  Other than that, this was a hard run.  I thought I would be feeling good, but my shins hurt and it felt muggy.  Just another complaint.  Complain, complain, complain.  I'm good at that.  I didn't complain once I finished though.

This one was a race.  We all bunched up at the starting line.  I made sure to stay well in the rear out of the way of the fast guys.  I was one of the last ones to finish, but surprisingly I managed to out run a few younger runners.  I could tell they were just out for fun and not really trying to run hard.  Finished in 27:27.66.  This makes me doubt the length of the course because it would put me at about a 9:09 average per mile.  Highly suspect.  I will go and drive it later to see.  It did feel good to finish though.

A series of sprints that culminated into a mile and a half.  Of course, half of that was walking as part of the recovery phase.  The last couple of sprints were 200m with a short break in between.  My shins disliked the sprinting because they are used to the slow jogs.  Oh well.

Felt really good this morning.  I think I could have just kept running and running at that pace.  Fun run this morning and it was truly enjoyable.  I saw one other runner out there who branched off and took a different route.  That left just me and the road all to myself.  I just don't think there is anything out there that can compare to the quiet of morning before traffic and all the other noises of the day drown everything out.

51:42.40

Stripes run to the gas station and back.  No doubt about it.  I'm the slowest guy in the group.  Let's just say that is ok with me.

24:27.99

One mile interspersed with an exercise at each corner.  Supine bicycle, jumping jacks, 8 count pushups, and lunges.

Five iterations of 60/120s.  First lap threw me off because I covered a little too much distance.  After that, my form tightened up and sucked real bad.

I'm gonna guess that we went a mile.  It was a group Halloween run.  Two guys ran in inflatable T-Rex costumes.  It was pretty cool.  I don't think I could pull that off.  Short run just for fun.

Favorite run day of the week.  Nobody out there but one other runner.  Perfect weather.  Light breeze to remind me to just keep going.  Love just running at my pace with no traffic to worry about.  Did the loop.

50:30

Set a new PR on this route.  Stripes run to the gas station and back.  I acutally managed to stay ahead of a handful of people.  It kind of surprised me, but I don't think they were trying all that hard.  Oh well.

23:37.93

I think we could call this 3 miles.  Didn't have to wake up early because of Halloween last night.  Apparently, someone thought it was a good idea to give us time to recover from the sugar rush.  It was a good idea.  Jogged for 39:59.32 and ended up on the field for three sets of pushups and situps.  In my mind, I can still do a set of 40 pushups easily.  The reality is that I did 3 sets of 25.  I barely made the first set.  The second set I only got halfway before going to my knees and finishing the set from there.  I got 6 pushups on the last set before collapsing to my knees and finishing the set in the kneeling position.  Horrible.  As for the situps, 3 sets of 30 was good enough for me.  The reality is so much different from my ideal.  Just have to actually do more pushups and situps to get better at them.

Seems like 6 is the magic number for this workout.  Six laps around the track.  If the timer is accurate, I'm covering a little more distance.  Dare I say there is some improvement?  Maybe.

Woke up this morning and was surprised to see the ground wet and a light drizzle of rain.  It really does rain here in Texas.  Because the Chicago Cubs won the World Series last night, our boss let us run on our own.  Ran an abbreviated loop in the rain.  Can't remember the last time I ran in the rain.  It has been a while.  Beautiful start to a day!

45:31.30

Easily two and half.  We ran out to the mile marker and turned around to come back.  Did some sprints on our way.  Coming back it was a free for all.  We did probably the fastest recovery stretching in the history of our run group so we could all go and get breakfast and still make it in to work on time.

Ran it a little different today.  Stopped off at the field to do some pushups and situps.  3 sets.  The situps come a little easier than the pushups do.  Afterwards, slow jog back home on a little back road that I rediscovered.  Total run time 1 hour 3 seconds.  Total overall time: 1hr 25:28.

I caught up to another runner this morning who was seemingly slapping at mosquitoes.  I guess when I caught up to him, he realized there were no mosquitoes around and then proceeded to speed up and leave me in the dust.  It brought a smile to my face.

Really humid out this morning.  Got a good run in.  I think becoming familiar with the route helps to increase my confidence and decrease my time.  Stripes run Monday.  

Out: 11:37.36       Back: 11:40.75 = 23:18.11

Although it is better than my time last week, everyone ahead of me simply vanished allowing me to think that I had actually slowed down when that was not the case.  They just simply sped up.

Sprint for 8 seconds and recover for 52 seconds.  Never tried this before but it was interesting because it was something new.  It was a good warm up and probably could have sprinted a little faster.  Moved on to 30/60s.  Lost track of distance but we covered at least 5 laps minus the warm ups.

Easy walk with 35 lbs in the rain for 2.2 miles.  Nothing like walking in the rain.  Finished in 31 minutes.  I won't count these miles for running since I didn't run.

Holiday!  Yay!  Off to visit the family.  Been waiting for this for a whole month now.  Finally.  I'm sure I'll get some miles in tomorrow.

I had the perfect opportunity to get out and run this morning and I procrastinated it away.  I hate when I do that.  My oldest awoke to find me reading when I should have been running.  I got a couple sprints in chasing her around, but that's about it.  That's what happens when you procrastinate.  You'd think I would have already learned that lesson long ago.  Nope.  Gotta keep relearning that one over and over because I'm probably the biggest procrastinator in the world.

I was feeling really good this morning.  The holiday weekend must have added to my happiness.  It also added to my waist line.  Just love to eat on those long holiday weekends.  I'm going to try to get under 23 minutes for this route.

Out: 11:31.64              Back: 11:50.95     =   23:22.59

If I could just hold that pace out and back, I'd be really close.  

I'm kind of suspicious about my route measurement.  I think I will have to re-measure it again because it seems like the route is shorter than what I measured.  Got today off from the group to run on my own.  I think I started off to quickly because I reminded myself to slow down until I warmed up.  The weather was chilly which is the perfect running weather for me at 47 degrees.  Set a new PR for the course.  Now I just have to find out how long the course really is.  Running at about a 10 - 11 minute mile.

49:22.71 (PR) 

Went to visit the city of Dallas.  On my return, I wasn't feeling so well.  You know what that means.  Yup.  Zero miles running, but a ton of miles in the car.  Too bad car miles don't count as a workout.

Just a little longer than our usual route but not significantly enough to add any real distance.  I thought I was faster on the way back, but that was just my imagination playing tricks on me.  I think it is that hill that stands in my way even though the incline isn't that much.

Out: 12:39.24

Back: 12:43.51 = 25:22.75

50 pullups, 100 pushups, 150 squats (half Murph)

Not enough time to do a full Murph workout so we only did a half.  Started with half a mile then half of the workout followed by another half mile.  I was the last one done.  It was a great workout though.

Sports day.  Played half court basketball 4 on 4.  Let's just say that my team got slaughtered.  We had one good player, but he wasn't good enough to carry us against the other team which had two good players one of them was the best player on the court.  It was fun though.

Yummy mashed potatoes and stuffing with a little turkey.  Skipped the pie and ate doughnuts instead.  Managed to stop before I went into a Thanksgiving day food coma.  Zero running although I thought about it.

Ran out to University and back.  It was chilly but after a few minutes I was warm enough to not notice the temperature.  Only saw three walkers out there.  I think everybody else was still sleeping or out shopping on Black Friday to find good deals.

Out: 26:22.20    Back: 25:39.47 = 52:01.67

Feeling a little sluggish today.  I think turkey day affected me a little more than I thought.  Hit a slow down on the way back.  Thought I was picking up the pace but I guess I wasn't or perhaps I was walking and actually did pick up the pace to a jog.

Out: 12:51.16    Back: 13:25.25 = 26:16.41

First two laps at a nice, slow jog.  Next 8 laps averaged at 3 minutes a lap doing 60/120s.  Sadly, not my best day for this workout.

Warm up and cool down lap with a lot of pullups and abs in between.

Nothing but sprints.  The only difference was on the 30/60s where the recovery period was a jog instead of a walk.

While I measured this at close to 5 miles, I'm pretty sure that it is just over 4.5.  I just need a more reliable method of measuring.  To get to the mile marker 9:34.27, then a 10:04.75 mile, followed by 28:05.26 to finish the loop and get back home.  I'll re-measure and see what I get.

Loop time: 47:44.28

Climbing drills.  If I were hanging on to the edge of a cliff, I'm pretty sure I'd be a goner after the results of today's workout.  Fit three laps in.  One for a warmup, one for a cooldown and one in the middle for good luck.

Stripes run this morning.  I am painfully aware that all the people I can outrun have moved on to greener pastures.  For now, just trying to enjoy the fact that I can still "run."

Out - 12:48.76   Back - 13:21.50 = 26:10.26

I was slightly disappointed to walk outside and see no snow on the ground.  On the other hand, as I headed out on my jog, I didn't have to worry about slipping or obstacles or holes hidden by freshly fallen snow.  It was extremely quiet and peaceful just like a weekend jog.  I saw two walkers and two cars and that was it.  It was a little windy, but I just took my time and tried to enjoy the moment.  Took a little detour at the end to lengthen the route just a little.  Jogged at about 11:10 pace.  I really do have to re-measure this route again.

58:06.81

Went for a jog since I'd been sitting all day.  Didn't help that I felt bloated, but jogging at my own pace means I can put up with just about anything.  I did have to slow to a walk for a few minutes because of stomach trouble.

Two miles in the morning.  Out - 8:41.69   Back - 8:58.04 = 17:39.73

Still had a little left in the tank.  Wonder what my mile time would be for just one mile.  I would like a little bit more of a buffer on that second mile.  Well, I'd like to work down to 17:00.  I just suck really bad at pacing.  It feels to me like I'm running the same speed the whole time.

Did the loop this evening.  Clear blue skies with a full moon and no auto traffic at all.  Just took my time.  58:31.

The route is probably closer to 2.25 rather than 2.5.  Good morning for a run.  Temp at just above freezing at 34 degrees.

Out - 12:54.92  Back - 13:21.52 = 26:16.44

Walked with 67 lbs.  Finished in just under 2 hours.  I was worried about my feet, but my feet were fine.  My shins got a little stiff.  I just hadn't done any "speed" walking in a while.  I would definitely need to train for any distances longer than 6 miles.  My legs started to lose their zeal right around the 4.5 mark.

First real run of the week.  I wasn't feeling it at all.  My stomach felt full from whatever it was that I ate last night.  My left shin felt that running was not the right thing to be doing until I hit the 2 mile mark.  After that, everything felt about normal for a fun run.  I was definitely not trying for any speed records today.  Getting out this morning was an accomplishment.

To the mile marker: 10:15.18

Mile: 10:48.92

Remainder of the loop: 31:47.45 = 52:51.55

Still feeling that Christmas dinner in my stomach.  The roast was really good.  Turkey trot route.

37:51.13

University route.  Let's just say that there was a little too much celebration with lots of good food.  Glad I got out for a jog.  

Out - 28:34.29    Back - 28:18.65  = 56:52.94