Wednesday, February 21, 2007

3 miles in 24:03

9:48pm

Just finished a 3 miler on the good old treadmill. It is tough getting in some of these weekday runs but I always feel better when I am done! I am feeling decent this week although I have some discomfort in my left hamstring. Nothing I really need to worry about but I will try stretching more - I need to get better at doing that.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, Buffalo will be my fifth marathon. I have learned quite a lot about my running throught the last three years. Marathon running has really helped me focus in a lot of areas. For this next race I am really focusing on my nutrition leading up to the race and on race day. There is nothing worse than completely bonking at mile 18 with nothing left in the tank. I think if I make some adjustments it could help me on race day. More on this plan later but I have some ideas. For now I will try to get many fruits and vegetables in my system. This really works for me.

I bought a few Powerbars so I can pack one for my weekend long run. I am looking for Clif Shot Blocks but have yet to find a local store that carries them. I want to compare this to the GU I usually pack. Often I find that I require a little "solid" food on a long run rather than just GU and liquid.

More thoughts and stories soon. There is tons to talk about in the world of running!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

4 miles in 32:33

The post headlines simply read my overall time for my daily run...no big statement, just a way for me to highlight my times in the effort to run better and faster.

I ran 2 x 1 mile @ 7:30 pace and did .5 mile @ 7:30 pace. The balance of the run was at a comfortable pace.

I felt decent during the run - I cranked up the tunes on my iPod which definately helps with treadmill running!

My schedule for the rest of the week:

Wed = 3M
Thurs = 5M
Sat = 3M
Sun = 15M

The weather might actually be decent this weekend. Long range forecast calls for 35 degrees Sunday, although icy in the morning with cooler temps. Let's see if they are right.

By the way, I posted a few items from Amazon that some of you may be interested in if you currently run or are thinking of running. These are products that I currently use and would recommend. I know every runner is different and each foot varies for a particular shoe, but the items are worth looking into.

Asics shoes have worked out well for me. I have run in 5 pairs of the 2100 model and have one more pair left. I'll be switching to the 2110 model since the 2100 model is only available in limited sizes.

The Garmin Forerunner is also a great GPS watch. I can run wherever I want and track all my mileage etc. There are a couple newer models out now but this watch still works great for me.

GU is also excellent for long runs. Every runner has their own favorites...these are just a few essential items for me.

More to follow soon. Have a good run!

Monday, February 19, 2007

Day off from training today

My current training plan allows me a day off on Monday. This is a good day for rest since I usually plan my long run on Sunday. I will discuss my training plan in more detail as I continue to post in the days and weeks ahead.

I plan to run about 29 miles this week with a long run of 15 miles this weekend. I will have more details to follow.

Get out for a run! (Or at least hit the treadmill this week!)

Sunday, February 18, 2007

5 miles in 45:02

I am finally starting my blog. One of my reasons for starting this blog is to have another way to document my training. This blog will help me focus on my training plans and share my running experiences will fellow runners. This will be my 5th marathon. I will have some race stories and other thoughts on training and running as the weeks unfold. The Buffalo Marathon is approaching fast and I would love a new personal record! My marathon PR is 4:21:57 (2004 Chicago).

This morning I ran 5 miles on the treadmill in 45:02. Most of my training is indoors on a treadmill right now. I can't wait for spring!

More to follow...stay tuned.