Still running

Usually a lapse in posts means that I've stumbled in my training efforts.  I have good news... I've just been on vacation and busy at work.  These too usually mean that I've stopped running.  Not this time.  

While my family was in town, my dad and I made it to the gym four days.  They were here for a 8 days.  Although I ate a bunch of junk, I ran (on a treadmill).  Today I ran outside at work.  It was too busy yesterday to even think about going to the gym.  Today was a great day to run.  I felt so good on my 4 mile run.  Runs like today are the reason I love to run.  I can't wait to get back outside tomorrow.

I returned my undersized Brooks to Road Runner Sports today.  I'm thankful they have a good policy for shoes that do not fit right.  I wish I would have tried them on first, but at least I bought them from the right place.  They run quite a bit smaller than my Asics.  

What pays the bills

I've always had conflict with my running schedule when it comes to my job. I like to run at lunch and I fit my workout into the hour I have for lunch each day. However, there are days when work is hectic and lunch gets pushed back. On days like this, I've always struggled with the will-power to go for a run during my late lunch. On days that I just don't get lunch, I find it even harder to motivate myself to run after work.

This week is a busy one in the office. Many people are out for spring break and our group is in the midst of a large project with a looming deadline. I'm wearing several hats this week, which means the likelihood of a workout interruption is high. I did manage to make my trip to the gym today, but I have a feeling that I'm not going to have such luck everyday this week.

I do have priorities in life. My family is first and my job is second. My commitment to my health is high, but it is frequently a lower priority than my job. I'll admit that my physical health should be equal to my job in commitment and has not been throughout the years. Almost all of my failures to continue training can be linked to a burst in activity at work. This is something that I need to work on. I'm not about to reduce my efforts at work, instead I need to work on my willpower to continue to train despite the extra effort required.

Finishing Kick

My week of running started off on a sour note. I felt drained almost every day this week. To top it off, one foot didn't like my new shoes for the first few runs and I suffered a stomache cramp after running too soon after lunch on Saturday. As I reviewed my running pace for the week, I noticed that the first mile of each run as been better than 8:30, a significant improvement from a few weeks ago. Of, course each run fell apart after the first mile.

So I know that I've been running too fast in that first mile for my current condition, but I'm also happy to see that I can rattle off those miles. I mean, those are the type of miles I expect to run throughout my runs as I get into better condition. Four years ago, I was running sub 8 minute miles, mile after mile, after mile. I know I can get there.

Today I went for a final run of the week. I noticed a few things right away. I had energy... My foot seemed to be getting along with my new shoe... No sign of cramping... Again, my first mile was quick, but this time miles two and three were right at 9 minutes. It felt good to finish off the week on a good note. The run gave me confidence that I am getting better despite a poor start to the week.

The weather is supposed to be bad the first few days of the week. I plan to run outside unless it's too bad.

Piss Poor

That's how I would describe my week of running. I did manage to get out every day this week (Monday through Thursday), but I felt bad just about every run. I also got a new pair of shoes this week and I'm not sure if they are the right pair for me. I'll give them a few more miles, otherwise they will be going back to Roadrunner sports for a half size larger. I could easily order a pair of Asics with confidence online, but this is my first pair of Brooks. I probably should have gone into a store to try them on first.

I'm going to go for another run at home tomorrow and hopefully I will have more energy. I'm sure this is just part of the process, but I enjoy running more when the miles don't feel so long. It's been quite hot this week too, which is always tough; more so when I'm not in top shape.

I'll just try to keep a positive attitude and push through the feelings. I can see light at the end of this short tunnel.

New Shades

My old sunglasses have been with me through thick and thin and have seen better days. I purchased my polarized Ray Ban's in 2005 and I ran many miles with the glasses. I've noticed that sun gets in above my eye's and causes glare, exactly what a polarized glass should stop.

This time around, I decided to get something built for sport and I tried out several pairs before choosing a pair of Oakley Polarized Flak Jacket Sunglasses. I wasn't sure about getting a pair of polarized lenses this time, especially since my old pair didn't seem to stop the glare. I googled like mad looking for pro's and con's of a polarized lense. Of course, the lenses are toughted by fishermen, and even golfers, because they refract the glare from water.

My runs are not usually near water, although the Florida sun is extremely bright. My wife's eye doctor recommends polarized lenses because she says glare causes damage to the eye, and protecting against UVa and UVb are not enough to assure healthy eyes. I've been fortunate to have adequate eye site without prescription lenses and I look at my sunglasses as a measure to protect my eyes.

My first run with the glasses was a huge change from my old pair. No more glare, the sun can't get in above the rim, because the frame fits snug. I'm glad I went with a new pair of glasses, even though I didn't want to spend the money on them.

Saturday, I ended my with with a 4 mile run, bringing my total miles for the week to 20. I'm feeling my conditioning improve significantly already. It feels so good to run and not feel like your legs are going to give out at any minute.

Today, I ran another 4 mile loop at home. It was rainy this morning - (we really need it), so I ran in the afternoon. The wind from yesterday died down and the four miles clipped by very nicely. Can't wait to get back out tomorrow :)