yoherb's blog

OK, tomorrow is the official start of my 10 week build up to the Boulder Backroads 1/2 Marathon. I've never run a 1/2, only full. So, I'm obviously not worried about the distance, but I know that going faster can be hard.

I'm going to follow a 3 day/week running program. It's called FIRST (don't remember why) and comes off the Runner's World web site:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,ssssssss6-238-244--9369-1-1X2...

I've been in Boulder for over 20 years. I've been running since I arrived. In the last few weeks I've done two things that everyone runner in Boulder has probably done before:

1). Run the Mesa trail.
2). Run the Bolder Boulder.

It just struck me as interesting that I hadn't done this before. Regarding the BB, I usualy travel Memorial Day weekend, so that's why.

Anyway, I wonder what other "must do" things I haven't done as a Runner in Boulder!

I'm happy to report that I am in my 8th consecutive week of building my base. I had planned to do 4 easy weeks, then 4 solid weeks, then step it up a notch for 4 weeks then back off. It looks like I'll probably only get 2 harder weeks in since I'm traveling to Alaska and might not have a chance to run much.

Anyway, 8 weeks of base building without a specific goal in mind has been hard in the past. I'm 2 days into the week, with only needing 3 more 45 min runs to meet my goal.

Go Herb!

I'm feeling pretty good about my consistency over the last few weeks. I had two weeks with 6 of 7 days, and this week was close (too many scheduling complications). I'm hoping I can get at least one more 6/7 week in this week. Then, the real work begins. My real goal is to get 5/7 days, 45 min./day average for a month. After that, I will have 2 solid months of training complete, and I'm hoping a nice solid base with a little weight loss. Then, if I'm still doing well, I'll take a week of rest, and for 2, 4 week cycles of 3 up 1 down.

My challenge over the next 3 weeks = travel. Hoping if I don't over schedule myself and get good rest that I'll pull this off.

I'm happy to report, I took a rest day that didn't turn into a rest week :-)

It's been a tough last few months since the marathon. I haven't been able to consistent. However, I think I'm finally getting going (again!).

So, today I needed a rest. I have run 10 of the last 11 days. Slow and easy, with a few minor "speed" workouts.

I need to get out on the road again tomorrow and prove this was just a rest day, not the start of another slump. Wish me luck.

If anyone is running in Boulder this weekend and wants a partner let me know.

Well, I'm fully recovered from my marathon 3 weeks ago, and I'm struggling to decide what's next for me. I definitely don't do well without a clear goal.

As I'm thinking this through I'm putting "weight loss" at the top of the list. No, it's not so I look hot, it's too late for that! Basically, I want to be a lifetime runner, and I am concerned that I can't do that with 180-185 pounds on my frame. As I think about all the miles I hope to still run over the years, even a 5% improvement in my weight will really pay off. 10% would be even better, but I'm not willing to stop drinking beer and nice wine :-)

Last Sunday I ran the Phoenix marathon. It was my second marathon, and the previous one was 6 years ago. I followed the "Less is More" training method on Runners World. My mileage was low, but I generally felt ready.

The morning of the run the temp was 27 F. The coldest morning in Phoenix in 17 years! Luckily I was prepared, and very used to running in the cold.

The race started with all the normal excitement. My running partner (Erika) and I managed to hold ourselves back. It was hard, but both of us are long time runners and know how important pacing is. At mile 8 we we run a 8:55, a bit too fast. But, almost all our splits for the first 18 miles were +/- 15 seconds. Not bad.

I just finished a small speed workout. 3x1600. I ran it around 30 secs slower than 10k pace. It wasn't all that hard, but far from fun.

The whole idea of a speed workout is to get your HR up. In all my years of working out, that's never felt all that good :-)

I like the feeling of going fast, until the feeling of "when will this be over" sets in. I like the confidence it builds knowing that I can go several minutes at a fast pace, in pain without puking. That's really helpful near the end of a race. And overall, I'm really into HR training, and I know speed workouts are critical to success. But, all that said, I dread these workouts.

2007, can you believe it? No special new years resolutions yet (regarding fitness).

I wasn't in the mood to write for a few weeks. Needed to unplug...

So, back on 12/23 I attempted my last 20 mile run before the marathon. Ended up doing 18. It was a crappy run in many ways. I was visiting family and the weather was bad. Everyone was asking my about my running, and I just got tired of thinking about it all. Tired of thinking about running for 3+ hrs. in the wind an cold.

So, in the middle of my lunch I decide to just head out and "get it over with." My plan was to run 2 days later. So, I got on my mom's treadmill and started going for my 20. Watching many many episodes of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" helped, but not much. The night before I eat pizza and french fries for dinner. That morning I had skipped breakfast. I was running on a full stomach (pasta at least). I had made no attempt to hydrate myself. Some of this because I was thinking I had a few more days until the big run, some because I wasn't taking it seriously enough.