Yes, it has been a while. That is a combination of factors, including a busy fall, crazy winter and general lack of motivation. So to preserve my running record for posterity, a brief recap is in order.
Fall 2013 -- I was out of shape, but in decent enough shape to consider running NY marathon in November. I had completed an 18 miler in good shape, and a couple other longish runs. Then, in early October, I had a trip to Dallas scheduled, and planned on doing something I had always wanted to do, but had never done -- run White Rock Lake. The basic route around is approximately 9 miles, and my plan was to go 2x around for an 18 miler. I planned for it extensively, and was ready to go. Well,one thing I should have remembered October is hot in Dallas. And White Rock Lake is windy. So the day started at about 84 degrees with high humidity. And about a 11-15 mph wind on the lake (there were little whitecaps). That's not good. I was drained from the get go, drenched in sweat and battered by the wind. I made it a little more than once around and pulled the plug to fight another day. So yes, I ran the Rock. But that day also really, really affected my confidence. I was not coming off a long cycle of training. I didn't feel strong running; in fact, I was surprised when I did well (like my 18 miler in Central Park in September). And then I caught a little cold. That was enough for me to pull the plug on NYC rather than risk serious injury in a race I really wasn't ready for. After that, I fell off the wagon and enjoyed my fall 2013, running maybe 3 times in a month. I did run a 9 mile race in December to finalize my entry in 2014 NYC marathon. And not a bad race either (I think I averaged 8:20 or so, which I was pleased with.)
Winter 2014 -- Nothing. No running. And a bad diet led to weight gain. So, after a ski vacation that totally sapped me (I was not ready for physical rigor and altitude), I simply knew it was time to get back in the game.
Now -- I have been back at it for about 3 weeks. The running is harder, but hey, that is to be expected. The pay off for this will be this summer when hopefully I will feel stronger.
One thing I am for sure committed to this time is more lifting, stretching, body strength. The Runners World article in March 2014 convinced me, and I have started the IronStrength workouts (basically about 40 minutes of body iso and plyometric exercises). Very, very hard, but that means it is working, right?
And I am in NYC 2014 from last year's effort. So that's the goal race, some 8 months out.
In other news, I bought a Garmin 620. Nice device, crazy software. After I have more experience with it. I will post my thoughts.
And I have missed everyone in the running world!
Interested in what you think of the 620 - if the vertical oscillation, cadence data are useful? Know a couple of people who like them. Not sure if it's worth upgrading my 305 though.
ReplyDelete