Running Dreams

Apparently, the liturgical disaster dreams have given way to running dreams. Two nights in a row now.

Last night, I dreamt I was running the Twin Cities Marathon. I was about 9 minutes into the race when I decided it was time for lunch. So I stopped at Subway. Then, about 17 minutes later, I was hungry again, so I stopped a another (slightly sketchy) Subway. I decided that I was probably not doing so good with the running part of the marathon, so no more lunches for me. I finished with a time of 7 hours, 47 minutes. Does that make this a running nightmare/disaster? I don't know, but let's hope I'm significantly faster than that on October 4.

TC Marathon Countdown: 101 days

2 Weeks Done

Week 3 of training began today. Hooray!

One of my favorite things about when/where I run is that at any given time I can look around and see at least 4 other runners.

TC Marathon Countdown: 110 days

So it begins, officially

Today marks the beginning of my official marathon training program. My knee is feeling good with the brace, so this easy start shouldn't be too bad. Today was 3 miles. Tomorrow is 3 miles. But the mileage will increase soon enough.

TC Marathon Countdown: 124 days

The Return

After touring the world with my rock band, The Iliotibials...

It's been 2 weeks since my last run. I spent most of the first week limping around and riding elevators. I finally caved and saw the doctor, which turned out to be a good thing. He was able to diagnose what was wrong (Iliotibial Band Syndrome) and show me what to do to help it get better (stretch). I'm supposed to ease back into running, so I only went about 1.25 miles today (and it was an agonizingly slow pace). It was starting to hurt at that point, so instead of running through it, I just walked.

The Doc also suggested biking so I could keep my fitness level up until I'm ready to fully return to training. It felt good to run again, but I need to be careful. Marathon training starts in 3 weeks, so I don't need any more injuries.

TC Marathon Countdown: 148 days

New Shoes and a Wonky Knee

I bought a new pair of running shoes this weekend. Decided to go with the new model of my trusty Brooks Adrenaline GTS's. Best pair of running shoes I've ever had, so here's hoping the new model isn't so different.

I also managed to do something to my knee. Started running and my left knee felt funny. I stretched it and kept going. Then it became too painful to keep running, so I decided it was ok to stop running and give the knee a break. Unfortunately I was about a mile from the apartment when I decided this (stubborn me), and had to walk/limp the whole way back.

It's feeling a bit better today, so hopefully I'll put shoes to the pavement Monday or Tuesday.

TC Marathon Countdown: 161 days

An Accidental 5k

I run on Summit Avenue. Many people run on Summit Avenue. It is quite beautiful, and has a wonderful grass median for most of its length (I should post pictures). It also connects directly to the Mississippi River Parkway--also very nice.

This past Saturday, I set out for a longer run (~5 miles). About 1.5 miles into the run, I was approaching the University of St. Thomas along Summit, and there was a grouping of people under a big "Start" banner. I figured it was a race. As luck would have it, the gun went off the exact same time I passed the starting line. So, lo and behold, I found myself in a 5k!

Well, I was running on the grass, and they were on the tarmac. I had already run a mile and a half, and they were quite fresh, but it was exciting nonetheless. I stuck with them along the river parkway, but peeled off around their 2k marker. For this, I was rewarded with a Cranbrook-esque hill.

'Twas a fun 2 kilometers, and maybe I'll incorporate a 5k into my training this summer.

Registration Complete

I am officially registered for the Twin Cities Marathon. There's no going back now (especially since it cost $100!). The official training program starts June 1, and I can't wait.

13 Short Eastland Routes

I ran yesterday, and once again, that's not the big news. It was a great run, though: fifty degrees, sunny, lots of people out running and biking. But I digress.

I have decided that it is time to tackle one of my lifetime goals. I am a distance runner, and who can claim to be a distance runner if they don't run a marathon once in their life? So, that's what I'm going to do. On October 4, 2009, you will see me complete 26.2 miles in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It certainly won't be easy, but I'm going to do it.

Thanks to Kelli for pointing me to a great training program, found here:

Hal Higdon's Marathon Training Guide

Here is the marathon's website if you're interested:

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

If you're in the Twin Cities on October 4, I would love to see you out on the course!

Twin Cities Marathon Countdown: 184 Days

Technology is on our side...well, kinda

I ran yesterday. This is not the big news. It was a good run. The weather was nice, the ground free of snow and ice.

But, what is excited is that I finally got the Nike+ gizmo to do automatic Facebook updates. Now, whenever I run, you'll read about it within 2 hours right on Facebook.

It's been a while...

My running frequency has taken a hit over the past 2 or 3 months. I blame it on the weather mostly. (No amount of Under Armour can protect you from -50 wind chills).

But, I'm hoping to increase my frequency. I went out today for 20 minutes. The temps were in the low 40s, so it felt good to wear shorts again. I also particularly enjoyed Summit today. The snow was melting, and I could almost feel the trees waking up. I can't wait to run through there in the spring and summer.