Finish Strong's blog

I moved from the D.C. area to the Triangle area of North Carolina yesterday. It wasn't my job that prompted me , but a desire to inspire ( hey , it could happen ) college students to make a difference in the upcoming election.

It's been awhile since I
ve logged in. I hope your training is going well. I got a bit sedentary and let my nutritional choices slide a bit. As a result I thickened up and am slowly running it off. I've yet to step onto a track this year , but have been feeling like a "sound" clydesdale.
It's coming along. I've been focusing on progression runs and turf running. My weight is just under 185 , and I've promisied myself not to call on much speed until I get below 175.
All the best , my fellow travellers , keep striding out !
Happy trails !

I got some much needed bounce back in my stride by simply buying a new pair of shoes. I even changed brands (to Saucony from Asics) because the store manager was extolling the virtues of the new "paramount." I've never paid this much money for a pair of shoes and fear that my running may not be worthy of such a magnificent pair of shoes.

This morning I had a memorable run that almost didn't happen. My work often doesn't bring me home until close to , or after , midnight. That made my choice as to whether to join some friends for a 6 a.m. run , a matter of internal debate. The group often includes a sub 3 hour marathoner , a black belt in one of the martial arts , and a guy who has a running commentary during the runs ( I'm more of a silent type ) with a great sense of humor. I hadn't attended in quite awhile , so when I arrived at the rendezvous point , I was the only one there.

It's been a time of change in my life recently. My father's passing has led to a period of introspection and, I hope, positive new direction. I will write off my recently acquired tendency to eat like a bear preparing to hibernate as a comfort food grief reaction, rather than a total loss of discipline. I didn't want to test the shelf life of ice cream, so one day became a common time period for it to remain in my freezer. I was buying foods I rarely used to buy, and devouring them in short order.

...is a concept that rings true to me right now. The stress that creeps into you as you stare at monitors in an ICU ward, is beautifully dissipated with a good run. My dad died yesterday morning after a long bout with a progressive, degenerative, disease. He was 82, and had amyloidosis.

What a huge day this will prove to be for racing. There is so much that will come out of this race. Obviously the first concern is for the many who fell victim to the heat. I'll reserve any opinion I might have to focus on the amazing lessons in belief and perseverance displayed in both the men's and women's elite races. Go to www.letsrun.com to watch the stunning conclusions to these races.

Happy trails !

Chase

Don't you think ?

Just the sheer joy in being in motion. I think we sometimes forget what a gift that is.

I've been having fun again with my running. I raced one time this Summer - a 5:20.49 mile. This is my first full week back after having to rest my strained left calf ( gastroc ). I did a progressive 5k in 26:02. That isn't impressive until you consider that it's over seven minutes faster than I ran three weeks ago. I'm letting speed go for awhile , but think I'll be able to call upon it next Spring as big goals are met.

I did a 5K progressive run today. It was the slowest I can ever remember running - 33:29 . . . and it was wonderful ! I've been biking and walking , but have been resting a strained left calf muscle for quite a few days. There was no excessive tightness and I relaxed while gradually increasing the tempo , ending at 9:15 pace.
My thought is to go very easy , and only every other day. The strain was slight , but real , and I don't want to risk re-injuring it , but it felt good to be back in motion.
Delays are not denials.
Happy trails.
Chase

...but my weekly " running " mileage this week will be 2 miles ( in 24+ minutes - very carefully on a treadmill ) and 200 meters ( at a crawl ). Next week will be zero. I am injured , and need a brief season away from running. I'll be back.
Happy trails !
Chase

p.s. The reason for my calf strain was insufficient rest between hard runs. I also didn't take the time to build a solid base. The lesson is being learned , and I should come back a wiser ( << could certainly use a dose of that ) and healthier man.