Training Log: 2/13 to 2/19

Last week was a good week. I've learned a lot about my body. I've been running 8:30 miles for most of my training for the past month or so—and my knee has been having a difficult time getting rid of this nagging tightness. So, for my 14 mile long run, I decided to scale things WAY back and ran about 10:57 miles. I also ran it on the treadmill, which was much easier on my knees (and a good mental workout).

I've been kicking around trying PT on my knee, but I think that I just needed to slow down a bit for the bulk of my training—at least for a while.

Also, I registered today for the Pandora's Box of Rox Endurance Trail Run (marathon) on May 5 in Burnet, TX. My friend (and prof) Paul Martens is going to run it with me, I think. Should be epic.

And the treadmill is WAY better than the road...

Happy trails!

Week Stats Total Distance (mi) 36.00   Total Calories 5161   Total Time 06:18   Workouts 6

The One Thing That Has Made All The Difference

One thing can be found at the foundation of all that I have accomplished over the past 8 months or so, going from overweight and out of shape to a finely tuned (newbie) runner on his way to his first ultra. What is that one thing you might ask? The support of Rachel, my beautiful and lovely wife.

Rachel and me at the finish line of the Rocky Raccoon 25k—she volunteered at the start/finish line

It takes a lot of commitment to live and love a person who (1) radically changes his diet in ways that have not always been palatable and (2) spends a good tons of time running or studying (I'm also a PhD student)—especially with my long runs on Saturday, which is otherwise dedicated to time together.

Though she is not herself a runner, she still shares my excitement and supports the totally insane idea of me running for 31 or 50 or 60 or 100(+) miles at one time. I couldn't do this without her by my side, nor would I want to.

So, here's to you, my love. Thanks for all of your support. I hope that this year will find you enjoying your dreams to the hilt—and that my support is felt every step of the way.

Training Log: 2/6 to 2/12

This week marks the first week of my training in earnest for the Palo Duro Trail 50 to be run on Oct 20, 2012. Having built my base fitness up with a tailored plan devised by my awesome coach, I'm now moving to a modified version of one of the plans found in the great book by iRunFar's Bryon Powell, Relentless Forward Progress. Here's my digits:

Total Distance (mi) 35.16 Total Calories 4186 Total Time 05:05 Workouts 6

My long run this week was 12 miles (at an 8:49 pace) in the frigid and gusty cold (22º wind chill). The run was good and I felt great, with plenty left in the tank.

My knee keeps getting better (though today it is a bit stiff—3 out of 10 with dull pain). Over the past four weeks, I've averaged an 8:38 pace for 100 miles total. I didn't realize things have been picking up for that long. Since all of those miles have been on runs between 5-12 miles, I'm pretty happy with pace. Actually, I couldn't be happier. Now, I need to focus on continuing to get healthier and paying careful attention to my body.

Palo Duro 50, here I come!