Rainy, dreary Saturday run

Steph and I got our long run in today in the worst weather. It was cold and rainy. Blech!!! We toughed it out however. I did 10 and she did 12. Next week I'll do 5-5-5-12 and Steph will do the same. She'll then begin her taper while I continue on the 5-5-5-12 pace. I want to get two 12 mile runs in before the Shamrock.

Other than that, not much to report.

Cheers!!!

The crazy backpack guy

So I've been doing most of running indoors on a treadmill. It's been pretty cold and since the sun doesn't come up when I need to run, I've decided to do my short runs at the WVU Rec Center. I still do my long weekend run outdoors (which reminds me that I have to pick up some pepper spray....Steph and I have had some run-ins with a dog the last few weeks).

Anyway, I usually get to the gym around 6:30am. Well yesterday I saw something I've never seen before. There was a guy who must be preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail on the treadmill next to me. You may be wondering how I know that he was preparing to hike...well, the nutjob had on full hiking regalia. That's right, he had on the boots, shorts, shirt, etc. which, in itself, is not that weird. What weirded me out was the fact that he had a full external frame backpack on. So for my entire five miles yesterday, I had Ranger Bob walking next to me.

What makes it worse was that everyone was staring at him and, of course, since I was next to him, they were staring at me (or at least I think they were). Good times....

Tomorrow, Steph and I will get our long runs in. She's doing 12 and I'm doing 10.

Cheers!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 5 miles
Weather: Indoors.

Sometimes it's so hard to keep up the blog...

Sorry for not posting lately. I've been so busy!!!!

My dad had back surgery earlier this month, I've been running, I took up a martial arts system that's a blend of Aikido and Modern Arnis, I've been weightlifting on a consistent basis, I've been teaching, I've been setting up and running a few new projects (read companies), and Steph and I have been traveling. Sooooo, sorry for the delay :)

Anyway, things have been going well. My foot has almost healed. Steph ran 10 and I ran 8 last Saturday. I've been running 5 miles three times a week and then my long run on Saturday. This weekend, I'm going to up it to 10 miles. We have a little under a month for the Shamrock Half-Mary and I want to make sure I'm trained for it. Steph is doing great with her running. I'm so proud and happy for her.

Ohh, Steph and I booked our vacation for this summer. We are staying here....of course, its at the Outer Banks. That's where we go every summer. After the week there, Steph has to come back home in order to work. I, however, get to learn how to sail. I'm traveling to Charleston, SC to take part in a live-aboard program where I will spend a week on board a sailboat with one other guy learning how to sail.

I'm going to try and keep the blog up-to-date. Sorry again :)

Cheers!!

Super Wednesday

Got in 4 miles again. Actually, I think I got in more than 4 as the stupid treadmill reset itself about halfway through the run. In addition, as it was a new treadmill I was using and not the normal one I use, I forgot to start the timer when I started running. Doh!!!! Anyway, my foot still feels sore, but it certainly is better than what it was.

I also lifted today. I thought I could increase to 40lbs for my stuff, but nope...it looks like I'll be at 35 for a while. I was really looking forward to getting some preacher curls in, but the curling bars were used by other people the entire time I was there. That's the one thing I hate about going to the gym. You have to wait for the equipment. Oh well.

Tomorrow is just running (4 miles) and Friday is just lifting.

Cheers!!!

Weight: 159lbs
Exercise: Running 4 miles, Weightlifting
Weather: Warm 60 degrees.

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4 miles and some weight

I changed my lifting schedule a bit and am doing some incline and decline presses. If you haven't tried those, you should. They help more fully develop your chest. I also added some significant ab work and arms/shoulder work. Moreover, I increased my weight today. I usually do all my work with 30lb dumbbells. Today, I increased it to 35lbs and may increase it to 40 on Wednesday depending on how I feel.

There is a school of thought that says if you can lift a specific weight more than 10 times, you should increase the weight to a point where you can only lift it 6 times. Once you can lift that weight 10 times, then you increase it again. That way you are always challenging your muscles. Soooooo, that's what I'm doing. I'm also sticking with dumbbells as I feel like they work more muscles than just a barbell.

So I got 4 miles in today as well, which felt pretty good. My foot is still sore, but it actually feels better when I run rather than when I don't. Tomorrow is a rest day and then I think I'm going to do 4 miles again on Wed. and then the same on Thursday. I'm looking forward to doing 5 on Saturday. I have to begin to increase the mileages if I intend to race the Shamrock Half.

Cheers!!

Weight: 159lbs
Exercise:Running 4 miles, Weightlifting
Weather:40 degrees. Cloudy.

Good Saturday and 'Bodies'

Steph ran her usual 8 miles yesterday and I ran 3. My foot is still feeling better. I think I'm going to try for 4 tomorrow. If that goes well, I think I'll 4 on Wed and Thursday and then go for 5 on Saturday next week. If everything goes well and I continue to heal, I'll be ready for the Shamrock Dolphin Challenge in March. Slow and Steady :)

After our run on Saturday, Steph and I went to the Bodies exhibit. I have to say that I left there feeling more than a little creeped out. It wasn't the fact that the exhibit featured the disemboweled bodies of my fellow human beings. Science is good. And, anything that helps promote science in the masses is good.

It is more the fact that the folks in the exhibit used to be people. I know that sounds weird, but man, it is weird to see people with no skin and not think of them as people. Also, I'm not really sure where they got the folks who participated in the exhibition. My understanding is that they were from China. And, according to rumor, they may have been Chinese political prisoners. Now, I don't know that, but if it is true, I'm really upset that I spent 22 bucks for it. It's kind of like blood money.

Well, now that I've made this post really depressing. I'll leave on an upnote by telling you that I swear Steph and I saw a real live member of Whoville at dinner. She was about 75, but could have easily been a Who. Also, check out the video below Cindy Who....it's why I run ;)

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles, Steph 8 miles
Weather: Cold, 35 degrees.

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Getting Stronger

So I got in 3 miles today and my normal lifting. I can tell that my foot is on the mend and, perhaps more exciting, is that I'm able to lift more weight than when I started...woohoo!!!! I'm now doing 30 lbs curls instead of 25. That is, I'm lifting 30 lbs in each arm. I do 12 reps in 3 sets. Next week, I'm going to start an inclined bench regiment.

Remember, I want to be able to benchpress my bodyweight at least 3 times by the end of the year. Looks like I'm on my way!!!

I hope I can get back in shape enough to get the Shamrock half-mary. Although I'm not pushing it, I can feel a little pressure to make sure I can run it. I had to have to miss that one too. I'm going to try for 3 miles again tomorrow.

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles, Weightlifting
Weather: Rainy, cold 35 degrees.

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Woohooo!!!!

Man am I happy. I got in three miles today and I lifted. Woohoo!!! My foot feels pretty good; however, my legs are sore. I think since I took almost 4 weeks off, my legs got used to being flabby :) I can really feel the three miles. But its a good sore.

I'm also putting on some weight as I think my muscle mass is starting to increase from the lifting. I'm about 160 now.

I'll do 3 miles tomorrow (hopefully), lift on Friday, and then 3 again on Saturday.

Cheers!!

Weight: 160lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles, weightlifting
Weather: Cold and Windy 33 degrees.

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Treadmill Mileage

I went to the WVU Rec Center today and logged in 2.5 miles. I picked it up towards the end because treadmill miles and outside running miles just don't feel the same. Granted I'm not a big treadmill runner. In fact, this is like the 2nd or 3rd time that I've actually run on one. My foot is a little sore, but no worse than Saturday.

I also lifted today. I did my normal chest and arms routine. I also did this Ab machine thing that really kills. It feels like someone is pouring acid on my stomach it burns so bad :)

Wednesday will be my next run/workout day as tomorrow is full of meetings. i think I'll 2-3 miles again and see where I'm at. Slow, but sure :)

Cheers!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:Running 2.5 miles, weightlifting
Weather:Cold, but I was inside.

Back in the Saddle

Whew!!! Sorry for the lack of posting recently. Things have been pretty hectic. And, to add insult to injury, I haven't run at all. Today was the first day back running. I put in 2 miles and I felt pretty good. My heel is still hurting, but it seemed to loosen up as I was running. Steph ran 8 miles today as well. After that, we joined some friends of ours for a bout of ice skating. The last and only time I ice skated I was in college. So, needless to say, it was a comedy of errors. I only busted my butt once :)

So I hope I'm on the mend. In the meantime, I've been lifting every other day and I even started swimming to try and keep my cardio conditioning.

All in all, I've been driving myself batty since I haven't been running, but with today's run, I think I'll be trying 2 again on Monday. Things feel so much better when I run. And because I'm addicted to it, when I don't run I get withdrawals :) Of course, I'll be keeping up with the weightlifting and I think I may be keeping up with the swimming too.

As faculty at WVU, I'm eligible for membership to our recreation center. So, last week I went in and signed up for a membership. My hope is that if I still need to hold back on running I can do other things to keep things moving forward. My half-mary in VA beach is a little over a month and half away and I want to be injury free when I run it. So, I guess its slow and easy for a while.

Oh, and lastly, I turned 34 on Friday. Woohoo!!!!

Cheers!!!!


Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 2 miles, Ice Skating 2 hours
Weather: Cold, 25 degrees.

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Lifting Today

So I got my lifting in today. I'm still not running, but my heel feels much better. I started ab work today as well. Ugh!!!! I hate ab crap. Anyway, I got it in. That's what counts. I hope to try a little running at the end of this week. I feel like such a slug when I don't run. I hope to not be as sore today as I was last week. We'll see.

Tomorrow is a rest day and the lifting again on Wednesday.

Cheers!!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Weight Lifting (Arms/Chest/Abs)
Weather: Warm. Felt like spring. 65 degrees.

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Steph completes her first Half-Marathon!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

She did great!!! The weather here was pretty stinky though. She had to run through rain and snow in 30 degree weather, but she toughed it out. You can tell she's my wife :)

I'll let her fill you in on how it went, but I can't tell you how happy and proud I am. My wife rocks!!!!!

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Updates, Updates

I'm still not running. My foot is recovering slowly and, like David, I have no desire to further hurt myself. So, it's a few more days off. I lifted on Monday and was so sore that I haven't lifted since. I may lift tomorrow depending on how I feel. It usually takes me a week or so to get to the point that I can lift three times a week with no soreness. I also tried to lift what I was lifting before I stopped last year and that was a mistake. I was lifting a pretty substantial weight that I can no longer get off the floor.

In more important news, I test drove the Jeep and hated it. I really wanted to like it, but I didn't. Today, I'm headed to the local Honda dealership to test drive a Honda Element. I really like the looks and options for it, but the drive will determine if I want it or not.

Finally, Steph runs her first Half-Marathon on Saturday. Join me in wishing her a good race.

Have a good race Steph!!!!!

Weight: 156lbs
Exercise: None
Wather: Cold, snowy.

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Stupid does hurt

A few months ago I posted on how stupid should hurt. Well, I have found out first hand that it does. I have what's known in the medical world as Achilles tendinitis. That's right. After my long run last Saturday I had some heel pain. I ended up running 5 on that Monday, and then the day after Christmas, decided I would put in my 8. BIG MISTAKE!!! I was fine until I got 5 miles or so. My heel then began to scream.

Of course, being the stubborn person I am, I thought that I could push through (which I did BTW). The problem was I could barely walk after I was done. So for the last few days I have not been running (I've barely been walking) as the heel pain is incredibly bad. Thankfully, things appear to be on the mend. I'm not sure what caused this problem, but it could have been the ramp up of my mileage. Also, I think my shoes are in need of replacement (I'll be taking care of that tomorrow)

But, it looks like I won't be taking part in the half-mary this coming Saturday. Steph will be doing it alone. She did 13 yesterday (woohoo for her!!) and I'll be cheering her on next Saturday.

As the new year approaches, I've been contemplating my New Year's resolutions. Last year, I resolved to lose weight and begin running. In reflection, not only did I lose weight (70lbs), but I also ran a marathon. This year, I think I'd like to bench press my body weight 3-5 times. That'll be my resolution. I'll also be keeping the weight off, but I'd like to increase my strength.

SOOOOOO, beginning tomorrow (I'm going to start a day early), I'll begin my lifting program. Once my heel heals (ha), I'll be back to 5-8-5-12.

Oh, one more thing. Since I kept to my resolution last year, I will be rewarding myself in the coming days. I'm buying a 2008 Red Jeep Wrangler X 4x4. Woohoo for me :)



Happy New Year!!!!

Weight: 156lbs
Exercise: None
Weather: Cool

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56 miles this week for the family

Steph and I ran 12 miles today, and man did it feel great!!!! This was the first time that Steph has ever run 12 miles, so WooooHoooo for her!!! Total this week for her she ran 26 miles and I ran 30.

I'm soooooo glad to be back to that mileage. My left foot is a little sore (I'm not sure why). Also, Steph's knee is causing her some problems, but otherwise we'll feel wonderful. The weather today was wonderful as well. We're experiencing a bit of a heat wave. The temp was around 50 degrees.

Next week will be 5-8-5-12.

Due to the holidays, I may not post much next week. But, nevertheless, Steph and I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. If you don't celebrate Christmas, then have a safe and happy holiday!!!

Cheers!

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Jason running 12 miles, Steph running 12 miles
Weather: Cool, temperate 50 degrees.

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So I either set a PR or my timer messed up

Steph and I made it back from vacation. It was a lot of fun. We ran on Saturday and this past Monday.

Today, I ran 5 miles. I put in 8 yesterday and 5 on Monday (in Colonial Williamsburg), but here's the thing. I ran 5 miles today in 42:54. That's the fastest I've ever run 5 miles. Last week, I ran 5 miles in like 45 minutes. Both times, I ran through a tunnel on our trail that's like 1/4 miles long. Usually, my Garmin 205 loses the satellite signal when I go through the tunnel, but I think the timer keeps going. It has this thing called "auto-pause" that senses when you are stopped and pauses the timer.

My question, for all the other Garmin users, is does the auto-pause kick in when the signal is lost? If it does, then I don't have a PR, but if it doesn't then Woohoo for me!!!! Anyone know?

This Saturday is 12 miles for Steph and I. We are preparing for our half-mary on January 5th and this will be the first of our 12 mile runs in preparation.

BTW, I'm catching a cold. It's not too bad in terms of running yet, so I'll be muddling through I think.

Cheers!!


Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Sat. running 8 miles, Mon. running 5 miles, Wed. running 8 miles, today running 5 miles
Weather: Cold.

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8 yesterday and 5 today

Over the past two days, I've run 13 miles. Steph has done about the same. I won't be blogging for a little while as Steph and I are taking a much needed vacation to Colonial Williamsburg. We'll still be running though. We are going to do 6 on Saturday and then 5 on Monday. It'll be really cool to run in Colonial Williamsburg. And, we are going to get runner's massages at the spa there. I've never gotten a massage before, so this should be a interesting experience for me. In the words of George Costanza, I hope it doesn't move ;)

Anyway, we'll back next week.

My legs felt really good this week. I did 5-8-5 (and then the 6 on Sat.). Next week it'll be 5-8-5-12. Finally, I'll be back on the schedule I want. On the 5th, Steph and I are running a half (this will be her first compettive race) and we're both excited.

See you next week. Cheers!!


Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Running 8 miles Wed, running 5 miles today.
Weather: Cold and Rainy, 40-50 degrees

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Back in the swing again

I did 5 miles this morning, which felt really good. In fact, it was the best 5 miles I've ever run. My time was like 6 minutes faster than the 5 miles I ran last week. So, I think my legs are finally recovered. I have some residual soreness every now and again, but overall I feel as good as I did going into the marathon.

Steph and I have run into a bit of a problem though. Now that we are both into the double-digits in terms of distance, we both have to carry water with us. But, we only have one Fuelbelt. I have a Nathan sports bottle that I can carry, but we really need to get another Fuelbelt. So, I'll be ordering another one this week. I hope she doesn't want a Garmin 205.....we'll be broke :)

Cheers!!!

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Running 5 miles
Weather: Overcast, rainy, 50 degrees.

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46 miles this week for the family

Steph and I did ten miles each today...woohoo for her...that's the most she's ever run. The trail stunk though. Most of the running was done either in the snow or in the slushy, melty crap that used to be snow. I knew today's environmental conditions would suck, but we endured. Today's run felt great for me. Steph has a little soreness, but she did great. So, for the week, Steph and I ran 46 total miles, 23 for her and 23 for me.

The plan is to take a break next Saturday as we'll be in Colonial Williamsburg, so we'll only run six I think. We'll then conquer 12 the following Saturday. Then two weeks after that we run the Run To Read Half.

I think my schedule for next week will be 5-7-5-6 Then 5-8-5-12 the following week. At that point, I'll be on the schedule I want to maintain until I begin to train for the Marine Corps Marathon.

One final bit of news, I just got confirmation that I'll be learning to sail this summer. It is a week-long, live-aboard program in Charleston, SC. I'm really psyched. The plan is to go to the Outer Banks for a week (so I can SCUBA) with Steph. Steph will come back home as she will only be able to take one week vacation. I'll then head to Charleston and spend the next week sailing the high seas (and pillaging of course)!!! WooHoo!!!

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Jason running 10 miles, Steph running 10 miles
Weather: Overcast, 35-40 degrees.

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Marathon Parkour

So Steph and I ran 4 miles last night at the local track. It was covered in snow and we ran in the dark, but it was fun. Tomorrow we're shooting for 10 miles each. I may or may not do 10. The last two days of running in the snow made me use muscles that I think I've never used so I'm a tad sore. We'll see. If I don't do 10 I'll still do 8 I think.

We'll be running on the rail-trail. Hopefully, the rain tonight will clear away the snow. There is a chance that we'll be running in the cold rain. Yuck!!! Either way, it doesn't look like the weather is going to cooperate.

Oh, I forgot to mention. Steph and I are headed to Colonial Williamsburg next Friday for our gift to each other for Christmas. We'll be back in time for Christmas day, but we'll be celebrating "our" Christmas next week. After that, we're headed to the Greenbrier for a fun filled Martin Luther King Day weekend. I'm going to learn Falconry. How cool is that? I'm going to see if I can become a certified Falconeer while I'm there. Count me in with Ghengis Khan and Conan the Barbarian.

I've also been thinking about New Year's resolutions lately. Last year, I decided to begin running and I ended up running a marathon. This year, I think my resolution will be to bench-press my own body weight 3-5 times. We'll see how that goes.

Actually, I think my goal for next year will be to run like the guys in this video. If there was a Parkour Marathon, I'd sign up:



Cheers!!

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Running 4 miles
Weather: Cold, Snow, 20 degrees

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