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Archive for the 'running' Category

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Done! Paper’s in the mail. But my knee still hurts.

Published on September 2, 2008 in infostudies and running. 2 Comments

My convienient semi-injury freed up some time this weekend for me to actually finish my qualifying paper. Two years in the making! I feel like a new man– and as I just told a colleague– like maybe I’m doing what I should be doing for the first time in a while. Just waiting for some feedback to make it official, then down to Austin for my exams.

Running-wise, though, my cookie has crumbled a bit. The fatigue hast totally left my legs, but my knee is sore in places it hasn’t been sore before (partially because of a bruise from yoga), but once I stretch it out it usually feels mostly better. Sitting is what kills it.

I’m heading back to the gym tomorrow to try some sorta cardio and to do some strengthening on my calves and shins. Two weeks off of real running has been a bummer, but at least I’m still getting things done.

Still finishing up my qualifying paper, grounded myself from running until next week (at least)

Published on August 31, 2008 in austin, infostudies, nyc, pain and running. 1 Comment

I made a lot of progress on my paper last weekend, and got some very helpful feedback from my doctoral committee chair on Monday night. Tuesday night, I went for another see-how-it-feels run that ended badly. At the 2-mile point, my knee was barely hanging on, so I walked another two (walking is painless) and headed to an easy yoga class. The good news is, every day since Wednesday, the fatigue has been gone from my legs, and the pain is reducing. I still fully intend to run the marathon (8 weeks away still), but I am not going to push the training at all– definitely not going to try and get back up to the 40/50 miles a week range. I ran the last marathon with only about 25 miles a week, so I’m not worried about finishing. Maybe it won’t be my fastest race ever, but I’m going to do all I can to keep from injuring myself.

Paper-wise, though, I’m at the point where I’m putting the finishing touches on this thing. Nearly two years in the making, it’s the biggest milestone I’ve had since starting graduate school. The next step after it is accepted (might have to do a revision or two) is to fly down to Austin the first week of October and take my qualifying exams. Once that happens, and after some relaxing and celebrating, I’ll begin my dissertation proposal.

Laying low this weekend to get some work done on a writing project…

Published on August 23, 2008 in politics and running. 1 Comment

Still a little sore, but looking forward to getting back to the training schedule on Tuesday– next week was already a step-down week, so I think I’ll be ok. The weather, of course, is frustratingly perfect for a run.

Have to say I’m pleased to see Biden in the #2 spot– He’s not my favorite guy, but he fills some gaps and he’s survived plenty of negative media attention. Several months ago, after the “articulate” remark, I never thought I’d be voting for this guy, but Obama and his people must be confident he’s the right guy despite all of that. Classy! I just with I would have heard it from Obama first– I didn’t my email until this afternoon. I thought I was an insider.

Feeling so much better today… convinced that there’s little to worry about

Published on August 21, 2008 in pain and running. 0 Comments

Knee’s feeling much better, so’s the psyche, thanks to the good folks at AskMeFi. That is all.

Ooops. Time for a break.

Published on August 20, 2008 in nyc, pain and running. 0 Comments

My accidental 2-mile overage on Sunday seems to have been a bit too much for my tendons– the back of my left knee is very, very sore. Apart from a bit of walking around campus, I took Monday off, and didn’t go running until Tuesday afternoon. I had decided to just run a couple of miles to see how it felt. It was not so good. My outer-calves felt very week, and the back of my left knee was a little… pinchy? I struggled through a mile, walked a bit, and then ran a second mile that felt a little better. But I knew I shouldn’t go any further. I stopped by the gym on the way home to give my legs the big stretch I should have energy to do on Sunday: rolled out my quads and IT band, rolled out my shins and calves, and stretched the front of my legs on that ankle/calf strengthening machine.

Once I was back at home, I iced. I think things are less painful today, and I brought the heating pad to work for some additional therapy. I found a few things online that have me believing that after a few days off, I should be ready to go again. It’s the only thing keeping my spirits up; every day I can’t train bums me out a little more. I just hope that the time I take off doesn’t force me to step down the last several weeks of my training too much.

Turning the page; many WNY runs; back to Brooklyn; hospital

Published on August 18, 2008 in family, pain, photos, running and travel. 1 Comment

It’s been a while since I updated do to travel (bus rides to Fredonia & back), visitors (Jeremy was here), and lots of miles logged on the roads in the last two weeks (86!). The Fredonia runs were great– make sure to click on the maps to see the satellite view. It was pretty hot while we were there, but the change of scenery was great.

The only back-in-Brooklyn run I’ll comment on was yesterday’s 18 miles. I got a bit of a late start and was feeling quite sluggish all along. The splits tell a sad tale– I went to my dark place at the end of mile 15 and walked .25 mi or so for each of the last three miles. It turns out that I was really only supposed to go 16 (an error on my fridge sheet!), so I can’t feel too bad about it, but I know that getting up the endurance to run it all the way through will be slow to come. I have another chance this weekend, with 17 on the same course. The first 15 miles were right where I need to be pace-wise. I took an ice bath afterward, and though I was moving slowly this morning, I feel ok now. You should have seen me get off the bus this morning at work, though.  Here’s the links to my runs:

18 miles Sunset Park to Coney Island & back
8 miles in Prospect Park
4 miles on treadmill
8 miles in Prospect Park
4 miles on the treadmill
10 miles in Prospect Park
7 miles in Western NY
3 miles around Lake Erie State Park
7 miles SUNY Fredonia to Lake Erie State Park
3 miles around Lake Erie State Park
14 miles Lake Erie State Park to SUNY Fredonia & back

The trip to Fredonia was great, and we got to see many people. Had tons of great food, but I’m glad to be back on a regular diet again. The one bad part about the trip was that I ended up in the hospital with stomach pains one morning, but it seems like it was just a bug (though they mentioned the possibility of an ulcer!). The hospital in Dunkirk has a bad reputation, but it was about the best ER experience I’ve ever had. Got checked out by my own doctor this afternoon, and it seems like I should be fine– he took more blood to check to see if there was anything to worry about. He gave me the additional good news that my cholesterol numbers were great (which I wasn’t expecting) and that I have the blood pressure of a pre-teen. I’m interpreting that as permission to eat buffalo wings and bacon at every opportunity.

There is probably so much more to tell, but I have a million other things to do. Including finishing my redesign of this site. The upgrade went pretty smoothly, but left me with the irresistable opportunity to overhaul everything. Some stuff still points to older pages, but that should be over soon. Let me know if anything starts looking kooky.

Last Prospect Park run for a while; change of scenery and weather coming right up

Published on August 1, 2008 in photos, running and travel. 1 Comment

I had a rough 7 miles in Prospect Park this morning. Usually Friday is my rest day, but since we’ll be on a bus all night, and clamoring to get the cabin stocked and set up tomorrow, I figured I’d better get it in while I can. The good news is that Sunday’s 14 miles will take place in Fredonia, probably this loop 2x. For the next week, we’ll be at the same cabin at Lake Erie State Park we stayed in last year. I can’t wait for all of the campfires and outdoor cooking. Best of all, 82 is the projected highest temperature all week. I’ll try to post about my runs, and maybe some pictures, but I will likely be without a web connection while were out. Probably a good thing.

13 miles — Bay Ridge to Coney Island and back

Published on July 27, 2008 in brooklyn, food and running. 0 Comments

For my long run this week, I decided to take the Shore Road path from Bay Ridge to as far as it would get me towards Coney Island, then switch to the streets to get all the way there. It was great to have new scenery, and the run felt good and went by quickly.

Splits-wise, I was right on track. Average pace was 8:44, and most of my miles were within about 10 seconds of this pace– nothing too fast (not even mile 2!). That is an unheard-of level of consistency for me.  There were a couple of 9+ plus miles, when I was navigating the boardwalk and the streets leading back to the trail, but all in all, each mile was within the 90 seconds of my marathon pace I was shooting for. The only downer about the whole run was getting splashed with gutter water by a minivan on Cropsey just after I reached Coney Island.

Kelly met up with me about 2 miles before I finished so we could go get bagels from 5-Star together, and we finished running just in time to be caught in a downpouer. Literally at 12.96 miles, the sky opened up and ruined most people’s day. Once I finished, we found shelter and waited fo a bus that took us to the bagel shop. Delicious.

I was already soaked with sweat before the rain came down, and my feet were sloshing in my shoes. I’ve never had this much of a foot-sweat problem, so I’m hoping it’s not my newish shoes. I have no complaints about them or the toe-socks otherwise. Not a single blister since I started using them.

Also, today was one of my safest runs– the Road ID that mom bought me arrived yesterday and I broke it in today. Let’s hope I never need it. Getting ready for the run last night, I laid out all my gear, and realized how much stuff I have when I run. I’ll post a breakdown of this soon; it’s kind of funny how much I take with me… I always think of running as this free-and-easy, no-equipment-required sport, but I’m loaded down with junk on these long runs.

Nice weather returns, but for how long?

Published on July 25, 2008 in austin, pain, running and Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Some boring-borderline-incredible thunderstorms and showers interupted my schedule this week, but an early 3 miles this morning in about 70-degree breezy made up for it. Here’s the rundown of this weeks’ runs:

3 miles in Prospect Park
6 miles in Prospect Park
3 miles in Prospect Park

I seem to be getting better at slowing down, and things have felt pretty good. I’ve made it to three yoga classes this week and have done some leg strengthening, and I’m pleased to report that the soreness in my calves seems to be subsiding. I think I need to be warming up a little more before I begin my runs so I don’t have the lower-leg weak feelings when I bust into my run. Spending an hour at yoga this morning before my run got rid of that weird feeling, but it’s not realistic to think that I can do that most days.

Something strange that I did notice: my 2nd mile is always too fast, maybe a reaction to all the traffic and people evasion I traditionally have to do on my first mile. Kelly suggest walking to the park before I start my run, and I think I’ll start doing that.

400 miles so far this year!

Published on July 21, 2008 in running. 2 Comments

I just missed it this week, but I’ve passed 400 miles for the year. This puts me way ahead of schedule to beat my 535 miles last year, even with a month of downtime. With some aggressive running after the marathon for November and December, I may even break 1,000. Not that I’m gonna push it.

A weeks’ worth of run updates

Published on July 21, 2008 in running. 0 Comments

Week three of my training is complete. While it was a step-down mileage week, the unbelievable heat and humidity made it rough. My calves are feeling a bit less tired in the mornings, perhaps because I spent some time doing strength work at the gym this week. Here’re the breakdown.

I’ve gotten a little more control of my pace– still a few too-quick miles during my long run– but I’m able to tell when it’s getting out of hand.
I also debuted my new iPod shuffle on Saturday and Sunday, and it promptly died near the end of my Sunday run. I was able to exchange it for a new one, but things look bleak for it lasting like my iPod nano that I’d used for the last 4 years. Otherwise, it’ s perfect. Looking for a water-resistant case for it now.

Change of scenery proves strangely problematic, though my splits are where they should be

Published on July 14, 2008 in nyc, running and Uncategorized. 0 Comments

Rather than do 3 laps in Prospect Park for my 11 miles on Sunday, Kelly and I decided to head to Central Park (about a 3 minute ride on the Q train) for a change of pace. I did alright, staying between 45 and 90 seconds over my marathon pace… fastest mile was 8:02 (#11!), slowest was 9:18 (#8). It was only about 74 degrees, but the general lack of shade and the intense humidity really took its toll… I think the fast final mile was just me trying to get it over with.

Kelly came along and ran for about an hour, then greeted me with a cold lime Gatorade at the end. I wore a cotton shirt again, and ended up regretting it as I had to wring out about a gallon of sweat and ultimately finish shirtless. It was a while post run before I fully dried off.

Since it was a bit of a treat to go to Manhattan for a run, we decided to find a bagel for breakfast afterward, but being in midtown, it was ultimately expensive and unsatisfying. Why can’t everywhere be Brooklyn– land of delicious, cheap, and convenient bagels?

The change of pace was nice, but thinking I may hit the shore in Bay Ridge for next Sunday’s 8 miler. At least I can be certain to find great bagels there. Looking forward to the trip to Fredonia, though, in August, where I have at least on 10+ mile run scheduled.

Marathon Pace Saturdays — I need to SLOW DOWN

Published on July 12, 2008 in nyc and running. 2 Comments

So, my 5 miles on Saturday is supposed to be at my marathon pace. I’m aiming for about 8 minute miles, based on my performance in Buffalo and to get my PR in NYC. I’m planning to do these at around 7:50 just for safety’s sake and to learn what that pace feels like. Somehow, though, today I went way too fast because I wasn’t paying attention. I averaged 7:20 per mile, with mile 2 at 6:33. Way too fast. I can’t remember running a faster mile than that. Ever. The good news is that it didn’t feel that fast, but still. Heart rate was up pretty high, which is also good news… I’m usually a little fearful about getting into my higher zone at the beginning of the run, and I kept it up.

Once I realized how fast that mile was, I tried to slow waaaay down; eventually by miles 4 & 5, I was on track, but it felt like I was running 10 minute miles at that point. I don’t know if it had something to do with the heat, or with the low-key music I was listening to, but I lost all sense of speed. I’m going to research how to get more comfortable with my pace. I think a piece of duct tape over my watch display would be a good start…

Longest run since Buffalo felt ok

Published on July 6, 2008 in running. 0 Comments

Closed out training week one with a 10 miler in Prospect Park this morning. The weather is still a bit eerie around here– seems like 6pm all day long, with a soupy grey layer of cloud covering everything. Probably shouldn’t have worn a cotton shirt during my run– it weighed about 5 lbs when I got home.

I’m supposed to be taking these runs pretty slow, but I was all over the place split-wise:

Fastest was 7:38 (mile 2) and slowest was 8:47 (mile 4). I’d have been happier if they were all in the 8:30 to 8:50 range… I’ll have to work on that.

Something else I’m working on is a training beard. I’ll post some pics of that as well as the weeks go by, if I choose to keep it. Makes me look old and grey.

I’m heading to a 90-minute yoga session this evening, and then tomorrow’s a cross-training day. I hope to get up early enough to get back to my strength training at the gym before work, then maybe a spinning class tomorrow evening.

Official training begins, 3 California runs, and some other updates

Published on July 5, 2008 in food, music, running, travel and trivia. 2 Comments

I got back from California sorta late on Wednesday. I had a great time; squeezed in a few nice runs, some pool time, a couple of movies, and plenty of good food in between all of the ALA conference sessions I attended. .

The first run, a 7-miler finishing up the 21-mile week in my interim training plan. The next two, a 3-miler and a 5-miler, were the first two runs on the Hal Higdon plan I’m using; it starts with a 23-mile week, so I should be ready to go without risking increasing my mileage too quickly. I put all my runs in the program on my calendar this evening, and noticed that there are a few 50-mile weeks in there– a terrifying proposition for now, but I’ll work up to it. Even though these runs were on the street in high-traffic areas, they definitely broke up the monotony of the Prospect Park runs, which is about to begin again.

It was really easy to get up early and run in Pacific time, and the weather was generally low-60s when I was running. It is unfortunately a lot warmer and muggier back in NYC. Yesterday’s 3 miles were on the treadmill in the AC.

I walked a lot while in Anaheim, probably 8 or so miles a day, which I guess begins to justify all of the lavish meals, donuts, and hamburgers I consumed. I have to admit, though, it will be nice to get back on a regular diet of my own design this week. I got up early on the 4th to pick up tickets to see the Feelies reunite, one of Kelly and my favorite bands, in a Battery Park, and stopped at Trader Joe’s on the way home for most of the week’s groceries. I’ll make a produce run tomorrow to fill out the pantry.  I think I’m gonna share some of my sloppy recipes this week if anyone’s interested.

Saw Hulk and Wanted while in Anaheim, which were both better than I expected. Left my phone behind at the latter, and when I returned to the theatre (a 2 mile walk each way!) to retrieve it, it had been swiped. But I got a new phone now; the cheapest one in the store. Give me a call to hear me struggle with it.

For the 4th, we attended that free Feelies show in the afternoon, and then headed over to Union Hall with some Friends for the R&B-B-Q, featuring our faves the Sweet Divines. They get better every time we see them. The icing on the cake was that the show (and another buger) was also free, due to Kelly and I once again dominating at Name That Tune before I left for California (we took first at trivia the next night at the Black Sheep!).

No more bummer morning runs

Published on June 24, 2008 in music, nyc and running. 0 Comments

Another 7 miles in Prospect Park this morning, and I couldn’t be looking more forward to my upcoming  change of venue. I ran late enough this morning that there were cars in the park… don’t think I’ll do that again. It totally freaks me out, and, on top of that, the morning drivers seem a bit more preoccupied with getting to where they’re going than those in the early evenings.

The run itself was ok; a little slow, but consistent. Slowest mile (8:35) was right smack in the middle. I felt pretty good, and had no trouble getting up, but the run was a bit of a drag, possibly because of what I listened to. This week’s This American Life was both a rerun and a bummer (though a great story) and just didn’t get me motivated. I actually remember listening to it before running the exact same route a couple of years ago. This is why I’ve been concentrating on making mixes and playlists and things, it really does make a difference for me.

On that note, I have to recommend the new pay-what-you-want Girl Talk album, Feed The Animals. It’s a hyper-ADD mix of bits and pieces of all sorts of songs. I’m not really a fan of mash-ups, but this album is perfect for exercising… I strongly recommend it to Beth for her spinning classes (at least the ones that don’t mind some dirty words). It’s this album (and specifically the masterful sampling of VU’s “Sunday Morning”) that really got me through the muggy run Sunday evening. It’s an album that keeps you listening for what’s next– great for running, but perhaps a little too distracting for real life. We’ll see.

Oh, and happy birthday, Bethy! I wish I was there to celebrate with you.

Next run, and probably next report, will be from sunny Southern California. I’ve got another 7 to finish up this week, then it’s on to week one of my NYC Marathon training.

Super sweaty despite the cool weather

Published on June 23, 2008 in music, nyc, pain and running. 0 Comments

Embarked on my 21-mile week last night at 7:45. We had an early evening storm, so I went to a 90 minute yoga class before I ran, counting on the rain to cool things down. All it did was make it unbearably humid. My 7 miles were sluggish, but pretty unremarkable otherwise. Probably as much due to the North Carolina overload we engaged in at the Birds of Avalon/Polvo show the night before as much as the weather. I took it pretty easy, but still managed to nearly reach my heart-rate ceiling. My splits were pretty consistent. My lower legs were a bit weak for the rest of the evening, and kinda sore when I woke up this morning.

Luckily I ran into Kelly before she left the park so I could change my pizza order for dinner. The Grandma and Sicilian slices she brought me were exactly what I needed.

Running with a stranger: not so scary as you’d think

Published on June 21, 2008 in music, nyc and running. 1 Comment

Finished a 7-miler yesterday evening just in time to meet Kelly for a picnic and the Metropolitan Opera in Prospect Park. Split-wise, it was an interesting run; I don’t know that I’ve ever had a non-race run with 2 sub-7-minute miles. Mile 2, which I thought I was running at about 8:30 pace, was actually 6:55– a testament to how good I’ve been feeling lately, I guess. I also had a 6:55 mile at mile six, thanks to an anonymous stranger.

Somewhere during mile 5 I heard a weird sound, and turned to see a kid on a little training bike careening toward me and a guy close on my tail. Usually, the few people who pass me totally smoke me, but I eventually heard this guy’s steps steady behind me. Once there was room (lots of walkers on the path due to the opera) he caught me, and we kept pace with one another, non competitively, for the next mile and a half or so. It was great. He really kept me going. About halfway into mile 6, right at the base of the hill, he chirped “thanks!” and headed off out of the park.  I’ve never really run with anyone before, but it was really nice to have someone keeping me honest through the part of the run I’d likely have slacked on were I alone.

This was one of those moments where I felt like an actual real runner, which is rare. Nathaniel mentions being treated badly at running stores until he reached a certain level of fitness and running acumen, and I’ve experienced the same thing. I guess this was a more positive one of those moments.

Twelve, Fourteen, Nineteen, Twenty-one

Published on June 20, 2008 in running and travel. 0 Comments

That’s my plan for building from my post-marathon week off toward starting my training, in 2 weeks for NYC. I’m in the middle of my 19 week; running 7 tonight or tomorrow to make the target. Part of my 21 miles next week will be in Southern California!

Two of my other runs this week were on the awesome Charlotte Greenway, in different directions. Nathaniel wanted to see them, so here they are:

I didn’t get temps for the Charlotte runs, but it was hot as hell. The last two of those I ran with my new shoes, some Brooks Adrenalines, and some new Injinji toe-socks. I’m a big fan of both now (sorry New Balance 992s and Target socks– I still got much love for you).

The folks at Run For Your Life were really helpful and taught me a lot about shoes. This pair is much, much lighter, and are only giving me support where I need it. & the socks are keeping my jacked-up toes from tearing one another apart. I went back and picked up a few more pairs before leaving Charlotte.

Heading out, some changes.

Published on June 12, 2008 in running and travel. 0 Comments

One last 4 mile run to post before I leave for Charlotte to see my peeps. I’m looking forward to some great southern food, some cheerwine, and hopeful, my first 5+ mile run since the ‘thon. Also, though she doesn’t know it, I’m gonna bug Beth to take me to Run For Your Life to pick up some new kicks. I’ve been running in NB 992s for years, and feel I might benefit from a change– something a little lighter, hopefully (not that there aren’t other reasons!). I currently use some posted heel orthotics, and I’m interested to see if the gait analysis will set me free from those. They’re an extry $60 a year or so.

I’m also working out some changes for this site; I’ve upgraded WordPress (for the first time since 2004!) and figure I might as well give things an overhaul and play with some of the new features and add-ons.

So, I’m off to Charlotte in the morning, returning Monday night. Sadly, I’m going to miss Beth’s spinning class, which is probably for the best, so she won’t work me to death out of sibling competition.