Merry Christmas

Only about a week until Christmas. I have had some time off work and have gotten in some good runs. I have had some tempo runs at around an 8:40 pace, which would get me well under 2 hrs for the half. I feel as though I'm in fairly good shape, having done nearly all my scheduled runs in the 14 or so weeks of training. Now the next step, I actually have to sign up for the race. I have put it off as long as possible, but Jan 9 is really near.

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

Update

Why dont I seem to want to take the time to update this blog. It was suppose to be sorta like a journal. Something I could look back on and see how my running progressed or regressed. So far all I have recorded are a few snippets of how things have gone. Im happy to say, my running is going much better than my blogging.

I am currently 10 weeks into a 16 week half marathon plan. If all goes well, I will be running a half in early January. The most difficult part thus far, has been juggling workouts with my crazy work schedule. Sometimes doing tempo and long runs much to close together. However I do feel pretty good most of the time. It has kinda been a trial to see if I can manage marathon training with my work schedule. The jury is still out on that one. But running a marathon is still my ultimate goal as far as running goes. Hopefully not to far in the future.

New found respect for trail runners

I have always enjoyed getting off the asphalt as much as possible. In fact, probably about half my mileage is done on grass or well groomed trails. It seems to break up the monotony of running on the streets. Plus, no dodging of cars, with crazy drivers behind the wheel. Most of whom think its perfectly acceptable to drive 55 mph through a residential area. So when I found out that the 5k I was gonna be running, was actually a cross country race, it didn't concern me.

The temperature wasn't bad for this time of year, though it was humid. And it never crossed my mind that the 3 inches of rain the day before would be a factor. I was thinking, " I like trails, and its only a 5k. But I soon learned, running on wet trails is a whole different ballgame. And a game that I knew little about.

I had a good plan, I was gonna run the first 2 miles at about a 8 min per mile pace. Then turn it up a notch the last mile. It was a good plan, but you know what they say about the good plans of mice and men.

Did I mention that I dont have trail shoes ? Or that my old 2140s were soaking wet before I ever got to the starting line. That may be why the crowd was so small for this race. The majority of the runners were at least half my age. I guess all the old folks said " I will just sit this one out. "

In spite of the mud, wet grass and a slightly twisted ankle, I did have a lot of fun. It was another chance to run with my Son. And because of the small turnout, I was able to finish 2cnd in my age group. And yes, there were more than 2 people in my age group. Not many more though. lol

So I have learned a couple things. I need some trail shoes, and a bad day of running, still makes for a great day.

Florence Track Club Cross Country 5k

splits

Mile 1 8:07 pace
Mile 2 9:13 pace
Mile 3 9:19 pace
.15 8:18 pace

27:05

Time to say goodbye

I have been using Nike+ for well over a year now. While it get its share of criticism, I think for the price of 29 dollars it does quite well. It certainly has its place in the running world. However, it is not quite accurate enough for me anymore. Thus I have ordered a Garmin 305. Goodbye Nike+, we had some good times together.

Bring home the hardware

Well, I have finally figured out how to win a medal in a foot race. Keep running and get old. I ran the Spirit of Florence 5k, On July 4th, and finished second in my age group. I finished in a not so blistering time of 24:20. However only one other person over the age of 45 was ahead of me. The weather was about as cool as it gets for July in South Carolina, 72 F at the start. I had the chance to run once again with my son. He beat me again , but by a much smaller margin this time. I told him to watch out, old people can sneak up on you. He finished third in his age group.
It was a great 4th, and one I'm sure I wont forget.

Until next time,

Burt

Worlds Worst Blogger

I don't think there is an award like this,if there were, I'm sure I would be in the running. (pardon the pun) My running has been much more consistent than my blogging. I have been getting in four runs a week, and throwing in a couple trips to the gym, just for good measure. My Shins have been much better. I would like to increase my mileage a little, but that dull ache in my lower legs says " easy boy. " My 2140s have about 300 miles on them now, maybe time for some new ones.
Im planning on running another 5k with my son on July 4th if all works out. Another chance for him to outrun the old man. Im looking forward to it.
Though I havnt committed to it, if all goes well, I hope to be running Myrtle Beach in February. I havnt decided for sure if it will be the marathon or the half. I will decide by October in time to begin training. I would love the run the full, Im just not sure if my legs will hold up for the training. If I can get my mileage up my October, without injury, I will give it a go.

Until next time

Burt

Just finished Mecleod Medicine 5k

There was nothing special about this race, just another 5k that pops up all around this time of year. However I do love to run every one of them. Though Im just the shadow of the runner i was 15years ago, I havnt lost the passion. This race I was expecting to be about 6 slower than my Pr set in the mid 1990'3. Mind you I was 15 years younger and 20 pounds lighter. But I havnt really trained for a 5k. I have been just getting the miles in slowly, trying to nurse my sore shins.
Even though I had to work until midnight, friday, and then work again Saturday. I felt it was worth the extra effort to run this one.
Why, Becuase it was the third time in the last few months that my son has asked me to run one with him. And he is realy enjoying running, but the impact it has made on is life, is just short of incredible.
Hopefully I will get the offical results, and my sons permission to post the changes running has made in his life. And what this first oppratunity to run a race with him ment to me.


until later Burt

Im still here

Just a quick post, to remind me, that I need to post every once in a while. I have been running, just not blogging. Somehow I just cant seem to find the time to do everything I want. But I promise I will do better, at least post more often.

Carolina Blizzard 09

Just to prove that we Southerners are just as tuff as you Northern folks, I will brave the Carolina Blizzard of 2009, for three miles. I will let you know later how I managed these brutal conditions. Note the picture of my house, covered with one inch of snow and up to two inch snow drifts. lol

Lofty goals

I have such lofty goals for 2009. Only problem, my legs aren't quite as ambitious. I'm once again dealing with shin pain, and slight heal pain. I'm sure it has to do with tight calves. So I'm only running every other day, stretching and doing my shin exercises. Hopefully, I will soon shed this, and once again build mileage slowly. My wife promised me a new mustang for Christmas, I finally took a picture of it.