Saturday, December 31, 2011

Day 069

Start: 6:41am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 57:28 - 5.5 miles - 10:27
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/64350208

Thoughts: I didn't run a particularly good pace but I got the miles in, that has been my overall goal after all. It's hard to exercise during the holidays and I've been missing my non-running exercises as well. I'm just glad I haven't missed a run like over Thanksgiving break. I need to start getting serious about my weight in the new year so that I'm down to a good weight for the marathon.


Total Training Distance: 97.13 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 16:56:59

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Day 067

Start: 5:11am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 24:59 - 2.51 miles - 9:58
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/64122595

Thoughts: I got home at around 12:30am from a Clutch concert and had a hard time falling asleep. I figured I'd have a crappy morning and a terrible run, but it wasn't so bad. This morning was about as cold as I can take it without putting on thicker gloves and a full winter hood. It was 22 degrees and breezy. As I descended the New Hill with the eastern sky at my disposal, I caught a shooting star rocketing toward the horizon. That is always awe inspiring to me.


Total Training Distance: 91.63 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 15:59:31

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Day 065

Start: 5:14am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 29:32 - 3 miles - 9:51
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/63952755

Thoughts: The roads were covered with compacted snow and ice which caused some slippage and ginger running conditions, but the weather was pretty mild. I kept a decent pace after a slower than average first mile. I made sure to ice fairly well after the run as my left knee has been throbbing lately.


Total Training Distance: 89.12 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 15:34:32

Monday, December 26, 2011

Day 064

Start: 9:42am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 24:54 - 2.51 miles - 9:56
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/63842633

Thoughts: There was about an inch of snow on the road, not quite enough for it to be my first run with STABILicers. I figured the roads would be clear of snow, but for the most part they were not. My feet slipped quite a bit which always kills my back for some reason. For the most part it was an okay run.

Total Training Distance: 86.12 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 15:05:00

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Day 062

Start: 10:40am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 28:11 - 3 miles - 9:24
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/63676329

Thoughts:  This Christmas Eve run took place in Weymouth, Massachusetts. I guessed at a loop that turned out to be almost exactly 3 miles. I found this run to be more exhaustive than running on the island. I think it was a combination of higher pollution, stepping up and off curbs and having to stop at crosswalks and wait for cars. I still kept a good pace though and it was a much needed run on a vacation weekend full of eating good food.

Total Training Distance: 83.61 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 14:40:06

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Day 060

Start: 5:19am
Weather: Cold, Icy and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 24:06 - 2.5 miles - 9:38
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/63495853

Thoughts:  I haven't felt very energetic this week so I wasn't looking forward to this run as much as I typically do. But, once I got going I felt pretty good and kept a nice pace. The street was covered with black ice so there was a bit of slippage. A sliver of moon was rising as I got to the east end, and it was one of those mornings that was so dark that that dark side of the moon was visible. It was quite the visual treat.


I adjusted my training calendar today. I read an article that said one of the mistakes that people make when training for a marathon is not leaving ample amount of time for recovery between their big run and marathon day. Hal Higdon's training guide leaves 3 weeks between the big run week and the marathon. This article suggested 4 weeks with a mileage of 32, 24, 16 an 8 miles. So, I removed the final week of "Spring Training" (which is a clone of the first week of "Novice 1" anyway), shifted all my weeks up to gain a week after my long run, and then adjusted the miles so they taper as suggested.

Total Training Distance: 80.61 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 14:11:55

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Day 058

Start: 5:11am
Weather: Cold, Breezy and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 32:50 - 3 miles - 10:56
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/63336954

Thoughts:  I awoke with a sharp pain on the inside of my left knee. So, this morning I was concerned about hurting it more during my run and kept my pace real easy. I'd much rather get the miles in and run consistently than worry about having a good pace and possibly put myself out of commission. I'm not even to the real training yet, so I'd hate to hurt myself now.

Total Training Distance: 78.11 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 13:47:49

Monday, December 19, 2011

Day 057

Start: 8:42pm
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 23:28 - 2.5 miles - 9:24
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/63318370

Thoughts:  I forgot to turn on my alarm the evening before and woke up at the time I normally return from my run. So, I had to run when I got home in the evening. I felt very light on my feet and kept a comparably fast pace. About two miles in I had to remind myself that I would be running again in less than 10 hours and slowed my pace.

Total Training Distance: 75.11 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 13:14:59

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Day 055

Start: 6:51am
Weather: Cold and Snowy
Time/Distance/Pace: 50:05 - 5 miles - 10:01
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/63085999

Thoughts:  I did pretty well considering that I was out drinking last night. I was pretty excited for this run as it was the first 5 miler. Once again I did a kettlebell workout on Friday, so my hamstrings were tight. But, I felt much better than last week when I was hobbling around. About a mile and a half into the run it began to lightly snow, which was nice. During the entire run I did not see a single person or vehicle, which was also nice.

Total Training Distance: 72.61 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 12:51:31

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Day 053

Start: 5:10am
Weather: Cold, Breezy and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 19:21 - 2 miles - 9:40
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/62936448

Thoughts:  A decent run. I tried to determine which way the wind was blowing prior to my run so I could stay out of it. Unfortunately I chose wrong and had the wind in my face for the first half of the run. But, that meant I had it to my back the second half. My legs feel about 90% from last week's Friday workout. I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to do the same workout tomorrow.

Total Training Distance: 67.61 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 12:01:26

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Day 051

Start: 5:09am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 29:47 - 3 miles - 9:56
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/62765387

Thoughts:  A much better run. My legs were a little sore to begin, but after the first mile they loosened up. Strangely enough, I saw two people while running this morning. It has gotten to the point where I don't typically see vehicles, let alone people. I'm looking forward to being able to walk again, hopefully I didn't push more sore legs too much this morning.

Total Training Distance: 65.61 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 11:42:05

Monday, December 12, 2011

Day 050

Start: 5:10am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 28:38 - 2.51 miles - 11:25
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/62677812

Thoughts:  As my pace suggests, it was another difficult run. My legs were still very sore from my kettlebell workout on Friday. I was hoping that I would have recovered by now, and now I hope that continuing to run doesn't make things worse.

Total Training Distance: 62.61 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 11:12:18

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Day 048

Start: 7:13am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 31:37 - 3 miles - 10:32
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/62491900

Thoughts:  Typically on non-run days, Wednesdays and Fridays, I do an upper body strength workout to give my legs a break. Yesterday I was stupid enough to change things up and do a kettlebell workout. In doing so I used my legs in ways I'm not used to and spent the rest of the day hobbling around in pain. As a result my first mile this morning was utter hell, and the remaining two were not much better. But, if there are muscles I'm not working while doing all this running, then I'm probably compensating for them with my joints. So, I'm better off finding ways to work them.

Total Training Distance: 60.1 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 10:43:40

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Day 046

Start: 5:13am
Weather: Cold, Rainy, Snowy and Breezy
Time/Distance/Pace: 20:20 - 2 miles - 10:10
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/62329569

Thoughts:  Awful weather this morning, I loved it. It started off as rain and switched over to snow shortly after. As giant snowflake clusters pelted me in the face I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Running through the winter will make running in May that much easier.

Total Training Distance: 57.1 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 10:12:03

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Day 044

Start: 5:11am
Weather: Cool and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 28:01 - 3 miles - 9:21
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/62156526

Thoughts:  A very good run. I'm really starting to like Tuesday's run. I thought it would be the most difficult day because it's the only run of the week that doesn't have a non-run day before it and it isn't a short run. Instead I have felt my best on Tuesdays. It was another mild morning; nearly 50 degrees. During the run I started thinking that when I complete this marathon I should next train for the Maine Marathon and try to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Getting a little ahead of myself, but it's nice to have some of my running confidence back.

Total Training Distance: 55.1 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 9:51:43

Monday, December 5, 2011

Day 043

Start: 5:06am
Weather: Cool and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 18:51 - 2 miles - 9:25
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/62061987

Thoughts:  It's hard to believe that the mornings are so mild still. I anticipated to be running with my STABILicers at this point. I won't complain. I think my biggest issue right now (besides my eating) is patience. Since I am still in the "Spring season" stage of my training I don't feel like my miles are increasing, so it is hard to see that I am accomplishing anything. My weekly miles are still low, but I think this is a good thing. My knees aren't bothering me anymore and I imagine that they are strengthening, which will help me push beyond my previous wall of 24 miles per week. When that week comes.

Total Training Distance: 52.1 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 9:23:42

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Day 041

Start: 6:02am
Weather: Cold and Clear
Time/Distance/Pace: 46:04 - 4.51 miles - 10:13
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/61860586

Thoughts:  One of the colder runs of the year so far, so of course I struggled with my breathing. I even considered slowing to a walk after the New Hill, but pushed on. Mostly I thought about my weight. When I'm exercising 4-5 days a week and eating well my weight stays at about 195 pounds. I'm fairly frustrated that I'm currently having a hard time getting my weight below 200 pounds considering all the running I'm doing. I don't think I have a chance of completing the marathon without getting my weight to 185 or lower. I know I have plenty of time, but if I want to keep my weight loss healthy by losing 1 pound per week, I have 23 pounds to lose with 24 weeks to go.

Total Training Distance: 55.1 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 9:04:51

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Day 039

Start: 5:22am
Weather: Clear and Cold
Time/Distance/Pace: 22:05 - 2 miles - 11:02
RunKeeper: http://runkeeper.com/user/cadebro/activity/61692135

Thoughts:  As much as my head was like "Gogogo!" my body was like "slow...slow...slow..." My legs were leaden, my energy nil and my breathing labored. I believe it's because I'm slacking on my diet. It's funny because when I eat right (2200 calories or less) I feel great, I sleep well, I have lots of energy, I'm happy. When I overeat all of that changes. Why then do I overeat? I guess that's most of our problems. On the up side, my knees and hips feel fine!


Tip: Inspiration: http://www.livestrong.com/blog/blog/is-fitness-dead/

Total Training Distance: 50.59 miles
Total Training Time: 0D 8:18:47