Riley again

I just really like this picture!

Crash and burn

Todays plan was to run 16 miles. Running wise this was a bad week for running, but a great week for other reasons. But given that I had run a 22 miler 2 weeks ago and was meeting some friends to run most of the run with, mostly on trails, I thought I would be fine. What I didn't anticpate was the heat. Normally I think run good in the heat. But it would be over 80* by the time I finished. I guess I need some adjusting to the heat.

It started good. I got to the park a little later then planned and only ran 2 miles before the others showed up. But all is well. Suzy showed up first and I showed her some pictures of my granddaughter. Bob and Len showed up right on time. Then we did the loop around Lake Newport. The trails had more shade then the roads but was still hot. While I dont think it was a killer pace for the loop normally but to me going longer, in this heat, on trails it seemed to be more then I should of done. 6 miles into a run and was wasted.

We got done with the loop and Suzy called it day and went back to car. Bob, Len and me went on for a mile or so more together. Then they decided to double back, mostly I think cause of the heat. Running with Len on a long run isnt a good sometimes cause he is such a better runner. They said my face was really red. But I decided to go my way and get in a few more miles. At least get close to 16. I took a hammer gel then and walked for a bit. I kept going on the trail doing mostly a walk/run till I got off the trail and Pioneer pavillon. (Yes I know people that dont know Mill Creek park wont know where im talking about)

I sat down for like 5 minutes just trying to cool off a bit. I had to get back to my car so took the other trail back, just for some variety. Some trees were down and blocked the trails so I had to climb up the hill to get around.

I got done and was glad I survived, even though I didn't get in the 16 miles has planned. I figure I did about 11.5 miles on the trails. Im really hoping its not this hot on May 17th.

Beautiful day

A few more pictures of Riley Jane.

I havent been able to run last few days but its a great day out and I got a chance so going out now.

Riley Jane

The first pictures of my granddaughter, Riley Jane. Less then an hour old in the picture.

Reevaluation

I have been rethinking my goal for the Cleveland marathon. I orginally was going for a 4:15. But things haven't gone has good has planned. I had some shin and foot problems so my mileage hasnt been quite as high has I would like. Plus I missed a large chunk of the speed training I was going to do. I have veered off my plan too much. But the shin and foot are doing better. Lots of icing is helping. I may of had the wrong shoes too. Also hitting the trails more often might help, even though there tough technical trails. Its not totally gone but is improved.

But I did a 22 miler last saturday so I feel confident now I can finish. Without some race day magic a 4:15 might be a dream right now.

Now I amthink of dropping my goal time and basically run it to just finish the race. so now Im considering a few options. Just so you know, not running it was never an option.

First choice is still go out at a 4:15 pace and try to hold on long has I can. Hopefully things will go good and make it! If do this Im going to try and get in some speed work. I still have time to do some mile repeats and tempos.

Option 2 is go out slower at a 4:30 pace. For this I wouldnt need to kill myself. Just get some decent mileage and maybe a tempo or 3 and some runs with some easy speed work like fartleks.

Option 3 is forget the speedwork just do the miles planned and run the race, just to finish in whatever time.

Decisions, decisions.

Long runs, potato soup and Kazoo's

This has been a hectic week starting a new job and all. Hopefully next week will be better.

Today I got in my 22 mile long run with Rick. Went fairly well, even though I did kind of die at the end. Last mile got ugly. while I dont think I will set any time records it left me feeling confident I could finish. I haven't done any speedwork in a while and I really want to get in something but it seems to bother my shin more then the long runs. So if I just finish the Cleveland marathon I will still be happy I did that, regardless of time. Of course if I happen to get some race day magic and meet my goal of 4:15 I will be thrilled. Any suggestions on how to get some good race day karma??

When I got home today I had a package. It was my kazoo's from Coach Ken of the running stupid podcast. You can go to Runningstupid.net to check it out. That was a totally unpaid endorsement of the podcast. The kazoo's are a beautiful bright orange. It only took minutes after I opened them to have the wife annoyed. What can I say I need practice. Thanks again Coach Ken. Also if anyone is on Buckeyeoutdoors.com sign up for the podcasters challenge, there can be only one is the name. Join me and Coach Ken on Team Running Stupid. Hey you can even go ahead and sign up for buckeyeoutdoors.com and join. Nobodys stopping you.

One last note on last weekends race. I think after the race I had the best tasting bowl of potato soup I have ever had. Its so good a week later I still talking about it. I even considered asking about a recipe, but I think it had something to do with being outside, after the race that enhanced the flavor. But it was really good soup!! I would run that race again for the soup. But im keeping the shorts anyways.

Fools 50K/25K Trail Race

On Sunday, all 3 members of the RBRC, myself, Bob and Rick, went to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to particpate in the Fools Trail Race. It has a 50K and 25K, we were doing the 25K. I had woken up at 4 am. Exactly what you want to do on a Sunday morning. We planned to get there an hour before the start of the race. Me and Rick got to Bob's house at 5:30 and off we went. I had gone toVertical Runner - Ohio's Premier Running Store the day before for packet pickup. No shirt for this race they did something different and gave away a pair of shorts. Nice Brooks shorts almost worth the price of admission. They also put in 2 Hammer energy Gels.
We arrived there and sun was coming up. We made some bath room breaks and waited for the start. For those that haven't done a trail race the whole atmosphere is differnt, lot more laid back.

So the race starts and its lot more muddier then I thought it would be. It is also hillier then I thought it would be. I run in a hilly place with tough technical trails on a regular basis. This was different. I was prepared for the mud. The hills seemed longer then I was ready for. Some of them had wood steps which at time may of been tougher to climb. But a large portion of the trail was smoother then im used to from running at Mill Creek park. Then you would have to climb a big hill. Then another hill.

Then we started to have to do pit stops. Some things simply cannt be controlled. Other then a few road crossings there was no pavement. If your someone who doesnt like to get dirty and dont want your new running shoes to get dirty, this wasnt the race for you.

For someone who wants a fun race where getting dirty is part of the fun this was a good race for you. The 3 of us stuck together for the race, eventually finishing. It was a tough run, But we did all PR in the race. Being it was our first time running a 25K had nothing to do with it. They had some good food afterwards, the potato soup was great. After a few beers and trip to the Winking Lizard we were on a way home. Ready to pass out.

New Job

I went to an interview yesterday and ended up getting the job. I considered not taking it for a few reasons. First it pays less then I make when I am working. Second, I dont actually like the schedule but I can live with it. Guess I have to now. Thirdly, and this sounds funny, but it's a job they expect you to wear dress clothes at. I have very litle to wear then right now. Hopefully I hit a jackpot at a garage sale soon.

Now, why did I take? This getting laid off every couple weeks was getting to me. The new job starts lower but I think will be steadier and more income potential in future. And thats without working extra hours. Also from running standpoint it looks like it will be better on the legs. Instead of walking for 8 to 10 hours on hard concrete I will be sitting or walking in a carpeted floor. So I'm hoping thats a plus. Running wise the schedule will have an effect on my racing. After my first week of training I will be working 2-11 monday thru Thursday and Saturday 9-6. If Saturday started later I could make alot of the Saturday morning local 5K races. I figure this will save me some money. I will be off on Fridays and Sundays, which is good since Friday is golf day and I do alot of bigger races on Sunday.

I weighed the pros and cons and I am taking a chance on the new place. Its all new to me so hoping for the best. I figure I can run most days in the morning, with long run on Sunday. Might use Saturday has my rest day now. Not to worry im sure I can find plenty of races to fit in my new schedule.

April Fools day

I got in a 5 miler with Bob and L today. It was my first run on the roads since last wednesday. I will probably be doing more trail runs, but maybe not has many has I did the last couple weeks. After Sunday's 12 mile trail run I did 8.3 miles on trails Tuesday. I think thru the summer I will try for maybe a 50/50 split, just to keep things interesting.

I do feel ready for my trail race on Sunday. I know I can do the mileage and with all the trail running feel ready for it. And since I dont exactly have a time goal no pressure. I am pretty certain I can PR in the 25K. In trail races I think PR's would almost have to be course specific.

I got an email from the race director. No im not special he sent to all race particpants. Or at least those that gave email address. He assured everyone the race course will be well marked. Would hate to get lost out there. He also said there will be no cups out on the course and to bring your own water bottle. Also the aid stations are stocked lot different then road races. Im sure there wont be any PB&J sandwiches at the Cleveland marathon aid stations.

He also stated in the race packets will be 2 Hammer Gels and a packet of enduralyte. There will be none at the aid stations so its in your race packet. I wonder if thats for the 50K's?? In 25K do you need them? Of course since im likely to get lost I might.