Overview

Although I wasn't able to run with the KTC group, I had a good day on Saturday. I coached my son's basketball team and we won 37-7 and then I ran 10 miles in the afternoon. I ran my mileage at a nearby track. Did you know if you ran each line on the track one time that the distance is 2.25 miles? Actually it is a little over that but it is pretty close. You see the track has 8 lanes on it, but 9 lines to mark those lanes. I began on the inner most line and worked my way out. I then reversed directions and ran from the outside line back to the middle of the track. In following this pattern, I was able to break up the monotony of running.

A couple of interesting things happened during my run. 1) I outlasted two other runners at the track. Both guys started after me and left before me. I had this big smile on my face as I realized that I was running longer and further than these two runners. That may sound selfish, but there is something to be said for staying with something even though you would rather leave and eat nacho's. 2) My wife called me as I was approaching 7 1/2 miles. She called to "check" on me cause I told her if I didn't come back by a certain time then I was probably lying in a ditch with nacho cheese sauce on my face. I know that doesn't make sense, but the image is kinda funny. Anyway, she called to check on me and I explained that I was doing fine even though I was going at a very slow pace. That's when things got interesting. Right after I hung up the phone, a little bunny rabbit ran out of the woods right in front of me. (Don't shake your head at me cause it really happened!) The rabbit ran about 10 feet, stopped, and then hopped back into the woods.

(Did you get the irony? I had just finished saying that I was slow, I call myself a "turttlerunner" and a rabbit ran in front of me. If I have to draw you a picture, then it will cost you extra!)

One sad note to the story. I was supposed to run 12-13 miles today and I stopped at 10. I simply ran out of energy. I know I must prepare to run by eating the right things and drinking lots of water. I was well hydrated, but my stomach started growling at about 8 miles. (If you know anything about me, you know that is a "big stomach" growling.

One other thing before I go. I didn't write anything last week because I didn't run that much. I had a heal bruise and took a couple of days off.

Until next time,

Jay

Tags: Turtle runner, Training run, Knoxville Covenant Health Marathon

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 I did my long run of 9.33 miles on Saturday. I began with the intent of running 10 miles but due to it raining and a little miscalculation on my part, and the Jeep being ever so close, I stopped at the aforementioned distance.

I was able to jog the first six miles without walking any. I attribute this to staying at a 14 minute pace and bringing some Gatorade to drink along the way. Everyone keeps telling me a 14 minute pace is extremely slow, and I agree, but my goal is to run a 11:30 to 12:00 minute pace during the marathon. From what I have been reading, I am supposed to run at a 2-3 minute pace slower on my "Long runs" than my race day pace. I also am running faster on my Wednesday "speed days." Which are laps at about 1 minute faster than my race day pace.

My course was an out and back at the local park. This course included some running on a track as well. Things worked out well for me in doing this because I ran to the track which was 2.83 miles away from the Jeep. Once I made it to the track I ran laps. I began the laps by running on the outside lanes to the inside ones and the reversing the direction once I reached the lane closest to the middle. This may sound confusing, however, it was nice to count down the laps according to which lane I was in. After the laps I ran back to my Jeep and that is where the rain took it's toll. I had a choice between finishing the 10 miles by taking a loop around my car or going directly to the car and stopping. I chose to reward myself and stop for the day and drink a chocolate milk.

Overall, I am proud because the 9.33 miles is the longest I have run in about 6 years. I actually think I can finish the marathon! I know it is going to be difficult and I welcome the challenges to come. The biggest of which are the Nachos that I am craving.

Tags: Long run, Training run, Turttlerunner, Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, Knoxville Marathon

Post Views: 244

I did the impossible this past Saturday morning. I managed to get lost on a training run. O.k. That is prone to happen when you are about a minute and a half slower than everyone and you don't take a map with you. While it is true, the course was "well" marked with purple arrows to show the way, I somehow did not see the last one tell me to turn and I went straight instead. This wasn't that big of deal because I was in the general area and knew how to get back to the shoe store. However, it caused me to run almost a mile longer than I had scheduled.  Curse you purple arrows!

In other news, I was glad that I went to the run Saturday. I started out leading the pack for about 10 feet and then everyone ran past me. I know what it means to be a "rabbit" now. To have everyone chase you for a change. This excitement soon faded as two by two the people caught up and proceeded to leave me far behind. (See previous paragraph for a description)

I did finish my goal in mileage and according to Hal Higdon I shouldn't worry about the amount of time it took to finish. Hal says that I should concentrate on the mileage and that will carry me through the day of the Marathon. I hope he is right because after Saturday, I felt like someone should have carried me home!

Tags: Turtle runner, Training run, Knoxville Covenant Health Marathon

Post Views: 185

Today was a good day for running.  I ran my scheduled 3 miles and it felt pretty good. The temp was in mid 60's and it was windy. It was good to get back on track after my letdown on Saturday. I guess we all face the trials of staying motivated. If training and running were easy then my body would not be so out of shape and the TV would not be on so much.

Tonight is basketball practice. I coach my son's 9-10 yr old team. It should be a good practice because I feel motivated after my run and it is easier to motivate others when you feel motivated.

Tomorrow is 4 miles!

Tags: Turtlerunner, Knoxville marathon, back on track, training

Post Views: 186

Have you ever seen the show "Made" on MTV? If you have then you will know that in each episode the person being "made" into (insert their dream here) always reaches a point in training where the coach yells at them for a lack of motivation and commitment. This past Saturday would have been one of those points for me. I stayed up late Friday night and slept through my morning run with my team. Then I had to make a decision as to whether or not I would run during the SEC championship game. I probably do not need to explain the outcome! BTW Florida won.

I feel embarrassed and I'm sure Coach Kane is going to show up any minute now and call me outside to give me a "talking to!"

Tags: Turtlerunner, Knoxville marathon, made, failed run

Post Views: 229

This past weekend I did something that I did not believe I would actually do. I ran 5 miles in the rain. Well to be absolutely honest, I ran a total of 4.25 miles and walked .75 miles, but who cares. I finished what I set out to do and that was to complete Saturday's scheduled run. I felt good about the fact that I kept going and did not give in to the elements. I guess that means I am getting one step, albeit a soggy one, closer to my goal of being called a runner.

Tags: Raining, running in the rain, training

Post Views: 205

Today was the 1st KTC training run. We had the choice of running 3 or 4 miles. I chose to run the 3  miles. I started out running at about a 12 minute pace. After about a mile and a half my shins were knotted up and pretty painful. I'm not sure if the pain was from the cold weather, it was 20 degrees, or if the pain was caused by the way I was stepping down with my foot. I mean to say that I was landing flat on my feet and not rolling through the step. I go to my running evaluation on Tuesday, so I guess i'll bring it up with the PT.

In other news, I really learned a lot from our hydration class today. The main thing I learned was that I am currently dehydrated and I need to drink more water. I also asked about running and weight loss. I learned some good things there too although I am keeping those to myself.

Tomorrow is a rest day and then I cross train on Monday. 1 week down and 18 more to go before the Marathon.

Tags: Knoxville Covenant Health Marathon, Begining running

Post Views: 207

Training Gadgets are good when they work. I had a very trying day today. By that I mean, I kept trying to get my Garmin Forerunner to work but it kept jumping around. I spent a good 15 minutes starting and re-starting my run. I finally gave up and ran my usual route. I'm not sure of the time it took or the exact mileage. I just ran.

I may try to use this problem to "invest" in new equipment. So if you want to donate to the cause, I will allow you the opportunity!

Tags:

Post Views: 184