Modem and Today's Run

Verizon had said that my connectivity problem was the DSL Modem. The new one came and did the same thing: nothing. Yesterday's technician was finally able to fix it. It was a problem at their end. I'm returning the modem. In the mean time, I've been using some neighbor's wireless network.

Another bad run today - that's two in a row. Even though it was a nice morning, I ran on the mill today. There were a variety of reasons, none of which were very good. But the main one was that I felt the need to do some speed and didn't have much time to get to the track.

The stinker part was that I couldn't get going once again. I wound up with 2 x 3MI tempo runs, 11 in all in 78 minutes. But there was way too much holding on.

1st run in new Gel-Empire shoes.

Today's Run 2006-06-28

I had semi-high hopes of doing a semi-long run today - at least 16 or so. Turned into a stinker. For one thing the deer flies started getting to me, so I was already planning to cut it to 11, but then do some more after returning home. But then my legs sort of gradually gave out, and I finished off with 9+ minute miles. So it was 11 in 96 minutes.

Problems

Need a new dsl modem - finally got through to the right people and got the order in today. Hope to have it tomorrow. Still gotta get this hotel room so I can work.

The Caprice's transmission won't make it out of 2nd gear. Could be a big problem - gonna have it checked out.

Today's Run - 2006-06-26

Excellent running on a sultry morning. I did my 3 x (1600, 1200, 800) routine at the Brunswick track.

It was tough, but I managed to be consistent. Did have to stop between sets though. Good to have this one in.

The times: 6:17, 4:44, 2:56, 6:18, 4:42, 2:57, 6:15, 4:40, 2:56.
Altogether 12 in 89 minutes.

Today's Run - 2006-06-25

Ran over to the non-existent Brunswick 5K (evidently it was cancelled), and wound up just running around, including some on Brunswick(!) Track. 8 in 63. I'll do speedwork tomorrow since there was no race.

Recent Running and other stuff

Dan was not accepted at Northwestern and will attend Notre Dame. Valerie will stay in Chicago and keep her job. We've committed to give them the Cavalier to get back and forth. Meanwhile, I think the whale is dying - can't get out of 2nd gear. So we may be down to 1 car. And I can't stand the thought of buying another.

I did the Wadsworth Matchstick Festival 4-mile last night. Debbie came along and we went to the wonderful festival afterwards. I ran better than expected - 24:40, but didn't get an award.

Today I ran about 13 miles in 1:50 with Dave and Amy.

Today's Run - 2006-06-21

Having some time on my hands again, I did the Grand Rounds for the second time this week. Today it was much warmer (low 70s) and much more humid. My goal was to finish stronger and have a slightly faster time than that of Monday.

The humidity hit me right away. Even though my legs were remarkably un-sore and un-tired, by breathing was labored. so the first few miles were slightly slower than Monday's. I was able to pick it up just a bit in the middle section on Minnihaha Parkway, and yes, I finished stronger as well. Not a lot stronger, just a little. But considering the heat, I'll call it a very good run.

I did: first 7.25 or so down to South Beach on Lake Harriet (59). 5.5 or so on Minnehaha Parkway (43). last 7.25 (55.5). Altogether it was 2:38. I decided to add one minute to this time and to Monday's because running from the Courtyard is just slightly shorter than from the Marriott.

Today's Run - 2006-06-20

10 fairly easy miles along the Mississippi today in about 83 minutes. Nothing too strenuous - I may do another long run again tomorrow.

It was a pretty morning with a spectacular sunrise. Yes, Rain's coming.

To try something new, I also went east on Franklin for about 2 miles into St. Paul. Thinking just a bit about the Twin Cities Marathon in October, which runs along most of my usual lakes and river Grand Rounds routes, but also finishes by going up Franklin. That part isn't as nice as the rest.

Got blisters on the backs of my ankles from my new dress shoes that I have to walk a couple miles a day in. Shoring things up with band-aids.

Today's Run - 2006-06-19

One of the better times for the Grand Rounds 20-mile course (2:38:30). I just made it an official route. I used to call it 21, but now it seems short for even 20. Good start and middle, slower finish on tired legs.

This was from the Courtyard, not the Marriott, but the distance should be about the same. - first 7.25 or so down to South Beach on Lake Harriet (58). 5.5 or so on Minnehaha Parkway (44). last 7.25 (58.5).

Today's Track Workout and other stuff

Went to Sans Souchi last night for our anniversary. The night before Debbie made me chicken paprikas for Fathers Day. TOO MUCH Good food! Today we do to Mario's Baptism. More food. Then I take off for Minneapolis. More food.

Today's run was a real tough one. I wanted to improve on last week's 10k workout, but wasn't even close. It was soooo hot and humid - in the mid 70s - probably 25F more than last week.

I almost quit at half-way, but somehow I struggled though it.

And I'm glad I did. Even though it almost killed me. A minute+ slower than last time, but I'm happy just to have finished in that heat.

87(37),87(36),86(43),85(44),87(44),86(38),88(43),86(51),86(46),88(36),89(45),90(46),89(48),89(39),89(43),90(54),90(44),90(38),89(43),86(22)
overall 43:39. splits: 21.5, 22

Today's Run - 2006-06-17

A very nice 15 miles today in 2:12.

It was on the towpath and up the Old Carriage Trail with Dave and brother Don. The trail running was fairly slow, but the rest was decent, as we got faster towards the end.

Today's Long Run - 2006-06-15

I didn't plan to do 24 on the Lester Rail Trail. That is, until I awoke at 2:30 and got out of bed at 3:15. THEN I decided to do 24 on the trail.

And it was a great run! By far my fastest on that course. And the last 4 were (barely) at marathon pace. Couldn't have been much better. Beautiful morning too.

6-mi splits: 49:18, 47:48, 46:17, 43:14

3:09:39!

Today's Running - 2006-06-13

3 on the mill and then 10 with Dave on the usual loop. Old tired legs could only do 83 minutes for that one. But that's ok - yesterday was great.

Today's Run - 2006-06-12

86(41,88(37),86(40),85(41),89(45),87(37),88(41),86(46),88(46),87(35),87(43),87(38),88(44),88(34),87(36),87(47),87(40),86(35)87(41),85(22)

These were my 400 meter times for a run that I had approached with as much trepidation as any. It was probably a combination of the tummy problems (tons of Thai last night) and fear that I hadn't done this workout in a long long time. But I didn't think it would go well. I figured about 94 or so for each 400 and about 45 minutes overall. Here all were under 90 and my overall time was 42:30 - one of my best for this workout.

Now if I can only lose that weight back.

Today's Run and Walk - 2006-06-11

I did my 11-mile Substation loop again today. I started decently, but the middle was very slow. The last 4 were decent again. Overall, just a so-so run - 93 minutes. Maybe tomorrow will be better.

Nice walk with Debbie on the Old Carriage Trail. It's a tough 5.5 mile hike, but we managed just fine. That is such a beautiful trail.

Saw 3 snakes - 2 of them good-sized garters, and one a very large black snake. That's the biggest snake I've seen in NE Ohio. Debbie was afraid to cross it's path, but it eventually crossed over and moved on - it had it's own snake business to attend to.

Also saw a baltimore oriole.

Today's Run and Graduation Party

Ran on the towpath and various wooded trails with Dave, Amy and Brian for 2:20 or so. Very nice trail running. When we got back on the towpath, Dave wanted to pick it up for the last mile - to a 6:00 pace. I answered that I had never ever run a 6 minute mile on the towpath, but that I'd try to pick it up anyway. The other two started fast, but I finished fast, passing them in the last quarter or so. My time? 5:53! Dave and Brian did 6 minutes flat. I'll call it 17 today - most was pretty slow, but we did gradually pick it up. Fun going.

Nice talking with Dave, Brett and Amy at Bruggers afterwards.

Then it was on to Tom and Debbie's son Andrew's Graduation party. It was really great to see all my cousins again. And we're all excited to be seeing each other again in 3 more weeks.

More on Travel and Running Yesterday and Today

Looks like Debbie can go to Prague and Budapest with me! We did it with FF miles. This is exciting.

Yesterday I got to the track and did well. No more soreness. Very steady running of the old 3 x (1600, 1200, 800) routine. Averaged 6:28, 4:46, 2:59. Just what I wanted to do.

Today I just did two on the mill but I managed to get my weight back down by another pound - to 155. Sure is going down slower this time. More news - I'm not so tired and sore anymore.

Today's Run 2006-06-06

6-6-06 - scary.

I did 3 on the mill in just 22 minutes and then headed over to Broadview Heights. There I ran a few with Dave, including Boston Hill, and then we picked up Debbie and Amy. After we dropped Dave off I ran Amy and Debbie back and did some more extra - including by the old house - to wind up with 2:16. I'll call it 16 miles.

Still tired and slow...

Travel! and Today's Run - 2006-06-05

We're in the process of booking our trip to Greece. Took Debbie all day, but it looks like we'll be doing the Cosmos land and cruise 2-week tour. Complicated situation trying to use FF miles and also save on the tour, but it looks like it's gonna happen.

Now for the running news: why o why am I so sore all the time? Is it the recent racing? The extra weight? (back down to 156, but still a ways to go) The weight lifting? (not doing all that much). I just don't understand it.

Today's run was ok - the 11-mile route through the new subs in 91 minutes. I didn't expect great things due to the soreness - only wanted a steady pace and I got that. Just woulda liked it to be slightly faster.

Today's Running - 2006-06-04

Slow going today. Really slow.

I did 2 on the mill before heading over to Rocky River Park to run with George, Bob and Laura. Did about 8 more there in 76 minutes. Legs very tired.

Orrville YMCA 10K

A sub-40 minute 10k isn't as good as a sub-3 hour marathon, but it's still quite an achievement, and it's always a goal for any 10k I consider. I'm not always able to do it, even when I'm in good shape. I think I managed my last one about 2 years ago. I wanted to do it in Cleveland a few weeks ago, but the course snafu put the cabash on that idea. That was too bad, because based on my split times, I think my 10k time would have been very good indeed. For those keeping score, 40 minutes over 6.2 miles equates to about a 6:26 pace.

Today's weather wasn't too bad: it was probably in the upper 60s, with a lot of humidity. Luckily the sun wasn't out to bake us too much. And there were some hills, especially in the first half. Nothing unmanageable, but enough to make the course challenging.

Today's mile splits: 6:23, 6:31, 6:25 (half-way in something like 19:50 to 19:55), 6:22, 6:21, and 7:54 for the last 1.2. I finished in 39:57!!! 1st in my AG too. Still got some mojo left, but it may be going fast.

More On Travel (or is it Moron Travel)

It still looks like I'm going to Romania, Czeck Republic and Hungary in July, but it's still not 100% confirmed. We've pretty much decided that Debbie shouldn't go along. She doesn't want to just sit in hotel rooms the whole time, considering the cost. I'll sure miss her - especially when going to these neat places.

Instead, we're looking into going to Greece for a tour and/or a cruise. They're expensive, so we're trying to weigh all the options.

Today's Run - 2006-06-02

I was about as tired as I thought I'd be, so this wasn't a great day for running. I did 2 on the mill and then 3 outside at 9 minute pace. Weighed in for the first time since the trip: 157. Exactly what I thought. I probably put on 10 lbs during the trip and am now down to 5. These will be tougher though.

Today's Run - 2006-06-01

O what a difference a day off makes. It was warm again (70) and very humid, but something got into me and I managed a PR for the Substation 11 course: 83 minutes.

I started fast with miles 2-4 in a blazing 19:03 - my fastest tempo run in quite a while. After another good mile, I slowed down substantially during those middle miles. My still sore legs and the humidity were taking their toll. I was barely hanging on with 8-9 minute miles. Then I somehow managed to pick it up again for the last two at about 7 minute pace.

Had a cold bath to help my weary legs recover afterwards.