tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33687037289457757032024-03-14T00:25:29.962-04:00Ultra Runner In TrainingRunning Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-24564966882608702882010-05-04T20:35:00.002-04:002010-05-04T21:18:34.255-04:002010 Pittsburgh MarathonThe last four months of my life have been very good on the running front. I've had the opportunity to run with 4 wonderful friends as they trained for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon and I prepared for the full on the same day.<br /><br />We met on the snow, in the sun, and I think I remember a few runs in the rain! It was cold, it was cool, it was windy, it was Pennsylvania winter training.<br /><br />Now what makes this training so special to me is not the destination race, not my second marathon, but WHO I trained with. Christine, Shannon, Tina, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Saima</span> were all part of the beginner 5K program I helped coach last summer. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Saima</span> had run before, but the rest were just starting out. They went from being nervous about their first 10 minute continuous run to 13.1 miles in less than a year. It was such an honor to take that journey with them, to see the joy on their faces when they ran their first 10 miler (well, Shannon and Christine! Tina actually ran a half in January and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Saima</span> was in San Fransisco when she ran hers...) and the excitement on race day was incredible.<br /><br />The night before the marathon, we all met at Robin's house (she ran her first half with me in October 2009) for a pasta dinner. It was pot luck and FANTASTIC. The company was great and the atmosphere was electrifying. We ate, talked, laughed, joked, and burned some of the nerves and excitement to help us all "try" to sleep just a little that night.<br /><br />The next morning came early for me. I got up at 3:50 am to get ready and make the 45 minute or so drive into Pittsburgh. They were closing the streets down at 6, so I wanted to be there by 5:30 to make sure I wasn't miles away. We all met at the drop bag check in and made our way to the start.<br /><br />Pittsburgh had the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nugo</span> Bar Pace Team for the full, but no pacers for the half. Christine, Shannon, Tina, and I were going to run with the 5 hour group to the 10 mile mark, then I was going to continue on and they were going to run their best 5K in together. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Saima</span> is a bit faster, so she ran with our friend Marie who was go leading the 4:45 pace group. As we made our way through the crowd, I realized we were not going to get much closer to our pacer than we were--about 50 yards or so. When the gun went off, we headed for the line and crossed 9 minutes after the start (about 30 seconds behind the pacer.)<br /><br />We kept up with him for the first 4 miles, then at a water stop, he disappeared. But in hindsight, I'm kind of glad. Our first 4 mile splits were 11:19, 11:13, 11:15, and 11:23. We were supposed to be running an 11:27 pace. (I learned later from my wife who was at the finish that the 5 hour group finished around 4:55 GUN TIME--remember, it took 8 and a half minutes to cross the start!)<br /><br />At the fluid stations I point out to my running partners to make sure they drank. It was hot, humid, raining, and breezy--all dehydration factors! <br /><br />At 7 miles, Shannon ran into the first relay exchange and passed her bracelet off to Jessa (another amazing runner from last summer) and continued on to finish her half. We ran together until around mile 11 then I was with Jessa for another 1/2 mile.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Saima</span> finished in 2:18:22, Shannon in 2:31:08, Christine and Tina in 2:40:55.<br /><br />It was around the time that the girls made the turn for the half that I realized I was in trouble. My legs were feeling heavy and my lower back was starting to cramp. I was carrying my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Camelbak</span>, but for some reason, I wasn't drinking much from it! I had NOTHING at the first 3 or 4 fluid stations. I was dehydrated! I had been preaching hydration for a week!<br /><br />At mile 12-1/2 or so, my buddy Mike caught up to me. I was walking at this time after bonking. He was pacing a friend for the half and was on his way to finish the full. He could have finished 2 hours ahead of me, but being the selfless ultra-runner that he is, he stayed with me.<br /><br />At mile 13 my calves and shins cramped. At mile 14 I thought for sure I was going to throw up. At mile 20 we were warned that my pace had slowed to the point that I was close to being moved off the course and onto the sidewalk.<br /><br />I tried to catch up on my fluids. But too much water or Gatorade made my stomach sick. I took my S!Caps and nursed my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Camelbak</span> (filled with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Succeed's</span> Ultra.) Mike talked to me, told me stories about his friends and running. Told me about some of his races. He made me laugh a few times, threatened to take my watch off of me, and told me to set the pace when I said "that's it, we're running the last 5K in."<br /><br />At 5:47:23 into the race, I held Mikes hand high as we crossed the line together. As strong and as tough as I think I am, I needed Mike on Sunday. I don't think I would have quit. in fact, I never even thought about it, but I might have if I was on my own.<br /><br />I hugged my wife hard. Michelle (our friend Mike was pacing) rushed to get me extra water and popped me with electrolyte pills. We made our way to the drop bag area and I gathered my composure. I must have thanked Mike 20 times.<br /><br />We headed to our cars. I told my wife that I was so disappointed in myself. I wanted 5 hours BAD. I finished 35 minutes slower than my first marathon and was sulking in my failure. Dawn said that I should be proud for going the distance, not quitting in the face of unusual conditions, and not surrendering. I felt a little better.<br /><br />It took a few days for it all to sink in. Today's Tuesday and my stomach is still a bit queasy. I've consumed a little more than 100 ounces of fluids today and am starting to feel a little better physically. But what really hit me today is the fact that I actually made it. I didn't give up. I didn't lay down and die. I kept moving forward, I wanted to vomit, but I kept going.<br /><br />I may be slow. I may have bonked. But Dammit, I didn't quit! On June 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span>, outside of Washington DC, I'll be embarking on another 26.2 mile journey. But this time, I'll be a little smarter!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep those soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!<br /><br />Run on,<br />BradRunning Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-62496270832127395372010-03-28T22:23:00.002-04:002010-03-29T00:18:30.904-04:00No Surrender!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Well, we made a promise<br />we swore we'd always remember</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">No retreat, baby, no surrender</span>"<br />No Surrender by Bruce Springsteen<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'll bet these lyrics apply to just about all of us runners. We made a promise to ourselves that we would carry on, make it that extra mile, storm up that hill, conquer the distance. Or maybe we swore we'd get thin, healthy, and fit. But how often do we forget the promises we make to ourselves?<br /><br />This song is one of many in my LSD (long slow distance-just in case the ATF is reading) play list on my iPod. It came threw my headphones during the first of 4, five mile loops in Mingo Park today and really made me think. It was raining, making the 45 degree temperature feel a bit chilly when the wind blew--even slightly!<br /><br />A few weeks ago I explained that I developed a personal mantra of "Mind Over Mind" help me control my ADHD and "other" disorder. Today was a perfect day to pump up that mantra. It was cold, I was soaked, and 20 miles is a long way. I left the house with intentions of running 17-20 miles, but I knew I wouldn't be happy with anything less than 20--guess that's a part of the ADHD over focus thing.<br /><br />I turned the corner of my first loop and saw my Jeep sitting in the rain. "No Retreat, Baby, No Surrender!" I stopped, filled my bottle, downed a <a href="http://www.carbboom.com/">Carb Boom</a> gel (they are my new favorites!) and headed out on my second loop.<br /><br />I watched a Blue Heron fly from Mingo Creek into a tree, then fly up stream to another tree. It was as if this beautiful bird was watching me run up the road as I admired his wing span and beauty. The rain kept coming, my hands were still warm from the dry gloves I just put on at my "aid station." <br /><br />My mind went back to the song. <span style="font-style: italic;">"We swore blood brothers against the wind, Now I'm ready to grow young again." </span><br /><br />On Friday I had the honor to be chosen to speak at one of the Pittsburgh Marathon Seminars as an "Inspirational Runner." My emotions started to explode almost as soon I started. Running has become such a passion in my life. It has become a part of me--a Blood Brother. I started out close to 400 pounds and on a fast track to the cemetery. My heart beat slow. It was efficiant, but slow. A "Natural Bradycardia" was the diagnosis. Not a disease, but something that was going to catch up to me as I aged and be a problem. That's when I realized I wanted to grow young again and running was my transportation to get there.<br /><br />I stopped to pet a German Shepherd Dog and talk to a very nice man. He asked how far I was running today. I told him 20 miles. His eyes lit up, asked how long I've been a runner, then told me he was proud of me. I never would have thought another person would be out in the park today, but I found one that shared my passion for being outside--and lifted me up with his encouragement. <br /><br />My Jeep was all alone in the parking lot as I finished mile 10. I filled my bottle, Carb Boomed up, took a S!Cap, and headed out for my third loop. I passed the Blue Heron again. I smiled at him. He has his wings to fly him where he wants to go, runners have their legs. His sense of freedom comes from hundreds of feet above the earth. Mine in an 11 minute 30 second mile. <br /><br />I thought back to Friday night. My emotional talk. I had to refocus at times to gain my composure. I shifted from a heart felt explanation to levity, and back again, when I choked up. My Blood Brother and I have come far and we still have a long journey ahead of us. <br /><br />I realized my emotions were hypomania's from my "secret disorder"--<a href="http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-2-disorder">Bipolar 2 Disorder</a>. The biggest difference between Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar 2 are the manic episodes. Fortunately, Bipolar 2's hypomanias are not as severe as the manic episodes of Bipolar Disorder. I've been learning to control my hypomanic episodes, but during my talk it was difficult. I spoke from my heart. I spoke with passion. I spoke with emotion. I told the audience that I am living proof that you don't have to be fast to be a winner--and I think that's the very first time in my life I actually believed I am a winner. I also explained that you get a medal, food, water, a sense of pride and accomplishment, and maybe a little pain at the finish line. But you also get a ticket, one that no one else can see, one that takes you on the journey to the next goal. <br /><br />Running doesn't stop at the finish line. It goes on forever. It's <span style="font-style: italic;">"the promise we'll always remember." </span>I saw my Jeep and remembered, <span style="font-style: italic;">"no retreat baby, no surrender!"</span><br /><br />I didn't have another pair of dry gloves. My legs were feeling the cold in my running shorts. the brim of my cap was dripping with rain. I filled my bottle, Carb Boomed, S!Capped, and turned my sights toward another 5 miles.<br /><br />The Heron looked at me as I ran by for the seventh time. I felt a connection. There was no other place in the world I would have rather been at that time. My legs were tired from carrying 283 pounds 16 miles. My ears were chilled. My hands were warming up. The rain started to slow, then it stopped.<br /><br />As I approached the 2.5 mile turn-around of my 5 mile out and back loop for the last time today, my legs started to cramp. In all the miles I've run since I became Blood Brothers with my passion, today brought the first leg cramps ON a run. 18 miles in, I stopped at one of the parks bathrooms and tried to stretch the cramps out. For the first time today, I wanted my run to be over. I thought of the warmth inside my Jeep. The hot air blasting from the heater on my cold legs. <br /><br />"Mind Over Mind!" <br /><br />The pain went away when I hit the flats. I picked up the pace. I said good-bye for now to the Heron as I finished my last mile. My Jeep waited patiently for me to finish my 4 hour run. The Boss reminded me again the there's <span style="font-style: italic;">"No retreat, Baby, No Surrender!" </span><br /><br />The cramps kicked hard when I stopped. I couldn't stretch them out. I put on a dry top and reluctantly got in the drivers seat. It took a little while, but soon the heat was blaring on my legs. The cramps went away. Tired, hungry, and warming up, I pulled into my driveway and realized how lucky we are<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>as runners<span style="font-style: italic;">. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Non-runners will never be able to feel the joyful pain of leg cramps after a 20 mile run. They will never see the world from the bouncing eyes of a body breathing heavy. And some folks just don't have the luxury of being able to run.</span><br /><br />Remember that promise<span style="font-style: italic;"> "we swore we'd always remember!"<br /><br />No retreat Baby! No Surrender!<br /><br /></span>Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!<br /><br />Run on,<br />Brad<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-25768724764296752822010-03-07T21:07:00.002-05:002010-03-07T21:33:46.594-05:00Time to set a MANTRA!!!<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">OK</span>, so I have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ADHD</span>. And last week I discovered I have another disorder as well (not ready to talk about that one yet.) It's been a year of discovery. But although I don't WANT either of my disorders (I will talk about the other eventually!) I need to learn to manage them.<br /><br />These disorders are not curable. I've had them ALL of my life. And after learning about them, I finally understand why I do certain things. A lot of the stressful and problematic areas of my life have a direct relationship to one, or both, of my God given brain "talent!" Now, after almost 37 years of breathing air, I need to learn how to deal with the transgressions of life caused by said "problems."<br /><br />I have a few plans of action, making lists (some so simple that I feel like a moron) of things I need to do on a day to day basis. Things like pack your lunch, take your lunch, fill your water bottles, take your water bottles, put your keys away (I lose those little buggers at least 3 times a week... <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">OK</span>, sometimes 3 times a day!) all make my lists. Simple, yet so far effective!<br /><br />Compassion and support are a must. I need my wife to understand that somethings I do, I do as a manifestation of said problems and not just to tick her off! Learning to acknowledge symptoms as they start, finding the cause, and stopping it. And living a simple lifestyle (no more hashing) where I can control how the stimuli of the world effect me.<br /><br />But the two plans of action I lake the best are MAINTAINING AN ULTRA HEALTHY <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">LIFESTYLE</span> and realizing it's really, honestly, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">truly</span> MIND OVER MIND!!!!<br /><br />Now, how about that! I just got a doctor's permission to be almost obsessive about my health! I can go back to the stick diet I was on before and know that I have to be strict and splurging once in a while really is BAD for ME. That splurge can lead into months of making poor or less than appropriate food decisions. And now I have a physical AND a mental reason to run and work-out! That's right, some people like the stress relief of exercise, but I need <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tha</span>t relief to burn energy and help myself stay focused in life! How sweet is that!!!!!<br /><br />And MIND OVER MIND!!!! What an awesome mantra to have as a budding Ultra Runner? On today's 19 miles, I forgot my mantra a few times and allowed myself to walk a bit. I allowed myself to want to give up at times. It was a bad run after 11 or so miles. I struggled, but when I remembered that my mind was shutting me down, I was able to get that extra effort. <br /><br />I'm determined to turn my minds problem into a strength. My secret disorder comes with excessive optimism, so why not put it to use? All the motivating things you read in Runner's World or online in blogs (like this one) needs to be put into place. My mind is a very powerful thing. I've managed to get by all these years and function in our society. I have a problem that I kept hidden and learned to work around. Now, I'm aware of that problem and dammit, I'm going to exploit my mind for all it's worth.<br /><br />After all, isn't everything we do in life a direct reflection of our mind? Want to have ice cream, your mind lets you know it's <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">OK</span> and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">deliciousness</span> is worth the extra calories. my mind tells me it's super swell and I need to eat the entire carton. My mind over mind tells me to skip the ice cream <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">because</span> it's going to lead me down a path I'm better leaving untraveled.<br /><br />So my mind tells me I'm a strong person that has a lot of love to give the world. It tells me to go out and run. Run a mile, then maybe 2. Why not go for that half-marathon? Why not shoot big and run that 50K? But my mind is also able to tell me I am just a human with limitations. By allowing my mind to work over the mind will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">greatly</span> increase those limitations.<br /><br />Nothing is too far, nothing is too hard, nothing is out of reach!<br /><br />MIND OVER MIND baby!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!<br /><br />Run on,<br />BradRunning Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-89492738483686465282010-02-18T23:44:00.002-05:002010-02-18T23:58:37.269-05:00It feels so good...To be running again!<br /><br />I threw my back out a few weeks ago shoveling snow--after snOwMG 2010. It was the first time in my life I hurt my lower back. I guess age is catching up with me. Anyway, I've been seeing a new Chiropractor who is also a runner. Well, he's actually a triathlete! <br /><br />What a refreshing experience to visit a doctor that shares your passion! I learned of Dr. Geo Toomey at one of Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners races. I was volunteering at the race (one of my goals this year is to help out at more races) and someone mentioned that Geo is a doctor. When I found out he's a chiropractor, I decided that I would go to him the next time I needed adjusted, I like to support the folks in the organizations I belong.<br /><br />Turns out Geo is a fantastic chiropractor! He had me running after 2 adjustments and is really helping me get a better understanding of what I need to do to become a better runner. He offers great advice on core exercises, strength training, intervals, and more. I never felt a friendship with a doctor as much as I have with Geo!<br /><br />Training for the Pittsburgh Marathon is coming along a little slower than I had hoped (due to the back and the lack of motivation/ADHD) but it's back on track.<br /><br />I've learned that I need to really concentrate on what outcomes in life I really desire and make sure my actions support what I want. I placed little stickers with 180 and 76.5 on my rear view mirror, stereo, and control panel of my Jeep. I want to weigh 180 pounds someday and the Laurel Highlands Ultra is now 76.5 miles (6 extra miles due to a detour for an unsafe bridge.) It may seem like 3 different places in my Jeep is a little extreme, but I see these little reminders often (I'm a salesman, so my Jeep is kind of my office) and remember that my decisions today will affect these goals in the future. <br /><br />It's helped with my impulses so far!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!<br />BradRunning Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-41884035271989957622010-02-14T21:58:00.002-05:002010-02-14T22:33:22.502-05:00A very open blog entry!The last few months have been HARD! <br /><br />I've been making some poor decisions regarding my training, eating, and hydration habits. I've been eating on impulse, giving in to temptation, and allowing myself to eat unhealthy food WAY too often! I've bagged a few long runs because "I just didn't feel right." I've been a total training mess!<br /><br />Well, thanks to the help of my therapist, I've discovered a few interesting things about myself. It seems that I've been trying to be someone I'm not. I'm trying to be the employee that I <span style="font-style: italic;">think</span> my superiors want, the person I <span style="font-style: italic;">think</span> my friends want me to be, the runner that I <span style="font-style: italic;">think</span> others see when they look at me. All of this <span style="font-style: italic;">thinking </span>has prevented me from being <span style="font-style: italic;">who</span> my superiors hired, <span style="font-style: italic;">who </span>my friends know, and <span style="font-style: italic;">who </span>I <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">want</span></span> to be as a runner! I've been trying to live my life as someone I'm not.<br /><br />Throughout my therapy, the therapist noticed a few traits in me and decided I should be screened for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ADHD</span>. My wife has been telling me I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ADHD</span> for years, but I always thought she was teasing me about a few of my idiosyncrasies! Well, I was wrong. It turns out I <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">am</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ADHD</span>--with hyperactive and impulsive traits!<br /><br />OH, so that's why I fidget so much? That's why I misplace things, am unorganized, and have a hard time concentrating when there are the slightest distractions! That's why I buy things, eat things, and have other impulsive behaviors! I never thought I would be <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">happy</span></span> with a diagnosis of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ADHD</span>, but it's a real relief!<br /><br />Losing my identity came from wanting everyone to like me for who I thought they want me to be and not who I really am. This caused me to forget the ways I've learned to deal with my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ADHD</span> for the last 36 years and my impulsive nature really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">flared</span> up--thus the binge eating, run bagging, etc. Knowing that I have these tendencies is a real plus for my future!<br /><br />So now, I'm going to have to learn to think about what I do before I actually do it. Before I make that late night bowl of cereal, I need to think about what I really want--to be a lean, fit, ultra runner. When I'm out for a run and decide I need to pick up my pace, I need to think about how it's going to affect my overall run (will I tucker out early, is this a hard run day, what's the focus for today's training?) My therapist and I are working on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">strategies</span> to help me with everyday things that I've struggled with forever--losing things (like my keys a few days a week,) keeping focused on finishing tasks, and a few more.<br /><br />I think knowing about my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ADHD</span> is going to help me use my "problem" areas as strengths. I can focus on who I really am, what I really want, and how I'm going to get there. I just may need to make some things <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">conscious</span> for myself that others may do automatically.<br /><br />I hope this all made sense. It's an eye opener for me. I need to live by a modified version of Isaak Newton's Third Law of Motion, "for every action I take, is the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">consequence</span> what I want?"<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!<br />BradRunning Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-27329540176484651482010-02-10T23:10:00.002-05:002010-02-10T23:19:16.949-05:00Snow, Snow, and more Snow!We've been pummeled with snow here in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">South</span> Western Pennsylvania. Not as much as some of the country <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">received</span>, but 24 inches Friday into Saturday and another 5 or so inches today. <br /><br />I love winter and a LITTLE snow. I don't mind 3 feet of snow if it comes in a week, but 2 feet overnight is killer. Plus, it took out our power for 4 days and 5 nights! My back had enough with the shoveling, but sleeping on the recliner in the family room (the only room with heat,) and carrying firewood for 4 days did it in! I'm having a hard time standing up <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">straight</span>--and I'm only 36 years old! Hopefully Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Toomey</span> will take care of me tomorrow!<br /><br />With all this snow leading to a very sore back, I haven't been able to run for a week. Good news for my Planters <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fasciitis</span>; bad news for my mind! I'm going threw some serious running <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">withdrawals</span>! Hopefully, I'll be back and running by Saturday!<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mingo</span> Mingle FA 50k was postponed <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">indefinitely</span>. Snow has the park shut down. Plus, the idea was to get a lot of folks together for a fun and exciting time on the trails--the snow would have kept the number of runners at a very small number. <br /><br />BUT, we have power! And right now it feels like a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">luxury</span>! <br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!<br />BradRunning Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-20148078609076204302010-02-03T23:07:00.002-05:002010-02-03T23:15:50.220-05:00Finally...After 2 years of working on raising my good cholesterol, I finally managed to pull out a 42! My doc wants it 40 or higher, so I'm good for now! Bad cholesterol is 92 with triglycerides coming in at 66. Blood work is looking good!<br /><br />I've been exhausted for the last few days and actually bagged a long run on Sunday. I felt that bad! This week I've managed to keep up with the marathon training schedule. Seems as though running is the only thing pulling me out of a funk.<br /><br />I'm loving the YMCA. I've decided that I'm going to make the ETR (Express Training Room) my strength training workout 2 days a week. It's taking me WAY to long to get a workout in the Wellness center.<br /><br />The ETR has 12 Strive machines. The idea is that you complete 3 sets on each machine with around a 30 second rest between sets. Maximum amount of time on each machine is 3 minutes. Combine the quick time on the machine with the lack of a crowd, I should be able to get a full body workout in less than 40 minutes. Looking forward to giving it a whirl!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!<br />BradRunning Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-38310657782123344002010-01-24T20:21:00.002-05:002010-01-24T20:27:12.340-05:00Been a bit since I posted last....I'm not sure where the time has gone since my last entry?<br /><br />I ran the "Recover from the Holidays FA 50K" on January 2nd, ran 22 miles of the loops. Had a great time. My planters fasciitis was killing me at the end and it was the beginning of a bad bout of arch pain.<br /><br />Kept up the trail running--about once a week--at a local park and continued running my marathon training program for Pittsburgh. My left foot kept ticking away until I decided to take a week off!<br /><br />Yesterday I ran the "Get Together 15K" and had a blast. It was my first run in a week and led to MAJOR arch pain last night. I hydrated, stretched, iced, and stretched some more in hopes I would be able to meet up with the Elite Runner Trail Running Team (ERTR) this morning for a 4 mile trail loop. <br /><br />After the first 4 mile loop, I decided that I was feeling good and it was time to end today's run! More stretching, hydrating, and icing throughout the day and I think I'm making some progress!<br /><br />I WILL SURVIVE THIS!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!<br /><br />BradRunning Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-74623658653613388942009-12-27T21:47:00.007-05:002009-12-27T22:57:40.511-05:00Mud, Ice, and Kahuna!What a great vacation it's been so far! I've been off of work since Christmas Eve and am off until January 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span>. It's always a welcome time off--even if the weather isn't very nice.<br /><br />We had a nice white Christmas this year. Started the Holiday season out with a 4 mile run with my friends from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Uno</span> Fish Running Club, then Dawn and I spent Christmas Eve at my parents house and Christmas day at her parents. It's always great to watch the kids open their gifts (niece and nephew, none of our own.) Dawn and I didn't buy for each other this year after our $4800 plumbing repair two weeks ago.<br /><br />Saturday was also a great day. Ran with Luau (AKA the Big Kahuna) in the morning (my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Uno</span> Fish buddies slept in!) and then went to her parents in the afternoon for "left-over" lunch. I love cold turkey and stuffing! And we capped off the evening with dinner out and gift exchange with friends--a great 2010 Running Log and a Super University of Pittsburgh sweatshirt came home with me!<br /><br />And the vacation kept getting better today! I planned on taking Luau to the trails early today while Dawn went with friends and practised with the dogs (she runs them in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AKC</span> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_agility">Agility</a> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">competitions</span>.) BUT, instead, I spent a lazy day relaxing around the house. I did make it to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mingo</span> Creek Park and run for a few hours on the trail. It was a great afternoon to be out.<br /><br />Weather was in the high 30's with a slight breeze. I left the shorts at home today and opted for tights in the shade of the trees. Since trails are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">relatively</span> new to me, I'm still exploring the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">possible</span> loops at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mingo</span>. Today we started on the horse trail at the south east horse trailer parking and made our way. I was planning on spending around 2 hours running; at the hour mark, we popped out of the woods onto a gravel road and I knew where we were. I decided to make make take the "cut across" trail and finish the run on a part of the trail I've run before. Turned out to make almost a perfect 2 hour jaunt. We only covered 6.88 miles, but we stopped for pictures, to get out bearings, and had to slow down the pace for a few steep slick down hills!<br /><br />Here are a few pictures from today:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgqHk26oSI/AAAAAAAAAFw/JCagNqkrfyo/s1600-h/1261945188721.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgqHk26oSI/AAAAAAAAAFw/JCagNqkrfyo/s320/1261945188721.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420128461181853986" border="0" /></a>Luau at the first "water crossing!" More like a muddy run off!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgovYjdppI/AAAAAAAAAEY/Am5bsPZ13n0/s1600-h/1261945330165.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgovYjdppI/AAAAAAAAAEY/Am5bsPZ13n0/s320/1261945330165.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420126946050549394" border="0" /></a>There's still a fair amount of snow left along the trail. Here's Luau leading the way. At least this section of the trail didn't have ice on it!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgovBELa1I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/JPLRB41FQSw/s1600-h/1261946195033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgovBELa1I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/JPLRB41FQSw/s320/1261946195033.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420126939745315666" border="0" /></a>Just a beautiful forest to be in!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/Szgou5IULvI/AAAAAAAAAEI/9xmHNIxCh10/s1600-h/1261947914993.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/Szgou5IULvI/AAAAAAAAAEI/9xmHNIxCh10/s320/1261947914993.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420126937615183602" border="0" /></a>Entering into the pines. I love running on the soft bed of pine needles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgpcIVHJAI/AAAAAAAAAFo/gQg0w3ZeGuA/s1600-h/1261948000066.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgpcIVHJAI/AAAAAAAAAFo/gQg0w3ZeGuA/s320/1261948000066.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420127714789499906" border="0" /></a>A shot inside the pines.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgpbxSRYkI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ClyRjWTSnlM/s1600-h/1261948261896.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgpbxSRYkI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ClyRjWTSnlM/s320/1261948261896.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420127708603572802" border="0" /></a>Snow through this valley.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgpbvjhTvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/0U0sfo28WvQ/s1600-h/1261948909887.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgpbvjhTvI/AAAAAAAAAFY/0U0sfo28WvQ/s320/1261948909887.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420127708139048690" border="0" /></a>Luau getting a drink out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Mingo</span> Creek. We crossed the creek here. He loved it, I found it to be VERY, VERY cold! <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgpboagmmI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Jxt-CLVq6gM/s1600-h/1261951623231.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SzgpboagmmI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Jxt-CLVq6gM/s320/1261951623231.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420127706222205538" border="0" /></a>We got to the top of "Generator Hill" just in time to see the sun setting. We ran along the ridge in the distance at the beginning. Just about a half mile to go before we get back to the Jeep.<br /><br />How lucky am I?<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-26797776319633904142009-12-20T23:20:00.003-05:002009-12-20T23:47:24.014-05:00Running with the ERTR<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">That's Elite Runners Trail Runners!!!<br /></div><br />Some of the local trail runners decided to put together a trail running "team" to promote trail running in and around the Pittsburgh Area. My favorite running store, <a href="http://www.eliterunners.com/">Elite Runners and Walkers</a>, and my favorite running shoes, <a href="http://www.brooksrunning.com/">Brooks</a>, are sponsoring the team. I attended an informational meeting yesterday and decided to become a "Full Time Racer!"<br /><br />There are 3 different levels of membership you can belong to: Full Time Racer, Part Time Racer, and Part Time Racer without the Brooks deals. Each level has it's own membership dues and has different <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">benefits</span> and requirements. My level cost $25 and comes with discounts on Brooks merchandise, 10% off everything in the store throughout the year, and a few other perks. I need to volunteer at a couple races and wear Brooks shoes and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ERTR</span> shirts to major trail races. <br /><br />I'm really excited about this group! As a budding trail runner who lost his best friend and training partner to a career relocation (which was SO GOOD for her!!!) I'm looking for as many experienced folks to run with as possible. And to have a group dedicated to running trails and helping each other out is just fantastic!<br /><br />Today was our first group run. We met at 10 am and planned on running at least a 4 mile trail loop. As you can see from this picture, it snowed here this weekend. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/Sy74wMj8Q1I/AAAAAAAAAEA/-cTHutiWddc/s1600-h/000_0004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/Sy74wMj8Q1I/AAAAAAAAAEA/-cTHutiWddc/s320/000_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417540908662670162" border="0" /></a>We headed off along the side of a golf course to catch the trail through about 4-5 inches of fresh snow. This was my first time to run in snow like this and it added a little bit of a challenge. Each step brought a small "slip" backwards, and by the end of the run, I could really feel my quads!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/Sy74Qzx_c-I/AAAAAAAAADo/7eyVRvqeRKk/s1600-h/000_0006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/Sy74Qzx_c-I/AAAAAAAAADo/7eyVRvqeRKk/s320/000_0006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417540369434768354" border="0" /></a>Carl brought Bella, his Australian Shepherd. I had some dog treats in my Jeep and Bella and I became close friends right away. Here they are running through the snow!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/Sy74QqmTWPI/AAAAAAAAADg/ojW4avtsK4o/s1600-h/000_0011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/Sy74QqmTWPI/AAAAAAAAADg/ojW4avtsK4o/s320/000_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417540366969821426" border="0" /></a>Here's a shot of today's group. Wayne (on the left in the gray) just finished a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">deca</span> Iron Man and was pour guide today. If you don't know, a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">deca</span> Iron Man is 10 straight days of Iron Man competitions--WOW!<br /><br />It was a great run and I managed to keep up with the group. It was nice to meet new friends and learn about trail running. I love to listen to peoples stories of races, training runs, and pacing. <br /><br />I'm really going to enjoy being a member of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ERTR</span>!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-29692383517889167052009-12-13T18:09:00.003-05:002009-12-13T18:55:52.043-05:00Ice, Ice, Baby<a href="http://www.eliterunners.com/">Elite Runners and Walkers</a>, a local running store, has put together a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=156328669123">group on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Facebook</span></a> to promote trail running in the Pittsburgh area. Being a budding trail runner, I joined the group. Unlike most <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Facebook</span> groups, this group is active outside of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Facebook</span>! They send out event notices for local trail races--both supported and unsupported--and are planning on putting together a team of folks that promote the fun and excitement of trail running. Today we were going to meet to run a 4 mile loop of trail then hit another trail for a few more miles.<br /><br />WELL.... I knew they were calling for rain this morning, but I didn't realize it was going to be freezing rain! <br /><br />I got up at 6 AM, made coffee, took care of the dogs, ate breakfast, grabbed my gear and was out the door by 6:45. It seems like everything is 20 minutes or an hour from our house, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">today's</span> run was going to be just a hair over the 60 minute mark. I was greeted with a cool winter drizzle when I walked out the door, I second guessed the shorts, and hit the road. About a mile and a half later, the rain started to freeze as it hit my windshield!<br /><br />Now, I should have turned around and went home. But being a dedicated runner and looking forward to meeting new friends, I continued onward! The roads were slick within the next .75 miles. I got on the highway and hoped that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PennDOT</span> was out salting the roads. They weren't! It took me 30 minutes to go 10 miles on I70, and I got to watch a car spin completely around twice before coming to an abrupt stop against the Jersey barrier taking up all of the passing lane and a portion of the driving lane. I got off the next exit, pulled into a parking lot, and notified both my friends and my new friends that Mother Nature was keeping me from the run! They were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">turning</span> back as well!<br /><br />I sat in the parking lot for 20 minutes then decided to chance it to the local park a few miles away. I figured the trails were probably <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">treacherous</span> with the rain on top of frozen ground, so I decided to run my normal 5 mile road loop... maybe twice. Until I got out of the Jeep. The roads were very slick, or slippy as my Pittsburgh friends like to say. I drove to the other end of the park, sliding around every turn and skidding through at least one stop, to the other side of the horse trail I've been running. <br /><br />I decided to wait a bit, so I took a little nap. At 10 I decided the rain wasn't letting up and it was now or never! I put the sleeves back on my jacket/vest combo, attached the hood, and headed up the trail!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0rXebdhI/AAAAAAAAAB4/05UvDUkua2M/s1600-h/100_0614.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0rXebdhI/AAAAAAAAAB4/05UvDUkua2M/s320/100_0614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862415367730706" border="0" /></a>It started out with a nice hill. A gain of around 232 feet in the first .6 miles (I love the elevation correction on <a href="http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">SportTracks</span></a>!) The trail was tricky along this portion, and others, because of the horse traffic leaving deep, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">frozen</span> pock marks! I power walked most of this hill, but I did run a little.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0syV2BeI/AAAAAAAAACY/lVrVsVLOo4c/s1600-h/100_0618.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0syV2BeI/AAAAAAAAACY/lVrVsVLOo4c/s320/100_0618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862439759349218" border="0" /></a>At the top of the hill there is a large opening into a few farm fields. The county who runs this park bails the hay to help offset some of the costs. Here's a picture of the buildings that house the equipment.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0ssIvlvI/AAAAAAAAACQ/6AIYDh1bjNc/s1600-h/100_0617.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0ssIvlvI/AAAAAAAAACQ/6AIYDh1bjNc/s320/100_0617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862438093788914" border="0" /></a>Through the fog and into the pines! The pine trees provided a little shelter from the rain; running on the needles through this section was magical!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0sNX1I6I/AAAAAAAAACI/bua9N-riz7c/s1600-h/100_0616.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0sNX1I6I/AAAAAAAAACI/bua9N-riz7c/s320/100_0616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862429835568034" border="0" /></a>Some horse pocked trail filled with ice.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0rlQvF9I/AAAAAAAAACA/zitj4MVECDs/s1600-h/100_0615.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mH6EpG81qKY/SyV0rlQvF9I/AAAAAAAAACA/zitj4MVECDs/s320/100_0615.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414862419068393426" border="0" /></a>I missed the turn for the trail I wanted to run and continued along the horse trail for 3 miles. After I crossed a road and a frozen stream, I decided to head back. I knew where I was and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">contemplated</span> running a cross trail to the other side of the park then back to my Jeep, but I had a meeting at 1. So I turned around and headed back.<br /><br />The trail was tough today. Some of the down hills had to be walked or slowly jogged to prevent a nasty fall on the frozen mud and rocks. Some of the areas had to be lightly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">tread</span> due to the horse traffic, unless a turned or broken ankle was wanted! But the trail was nice! <br /><br />I sent my friend Jess, who really helped me get into running and I give her ALL the credit for my new found interest (and love) for trails, a text message after the run. It simply read, "Ice sucks. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Injinji's</span> are wonderful for wet feet. Deer are gorgeous. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Cascadias</span> rock. Pine trees are magical. You created an addict."<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your feet to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-8375964583926591972009-12-12T18:59:00.002-05:002009-12-12T19:17:46.349-05:00Enjoying the simple things...The last few days have been kind of rough. The back-up of the floor drain in the basement has led to very expensive project. I had to take 2 vacation days Thursday and Friday for a guy to come out and dig up part of my drive-way and yard; which led to further problems. To sum up the plumbing problem, terracotta pipe should never have been used!<br /><br />I did manage to get in some running this week despite the plumbing issue. I ran 6 miles of "commercial <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">fartleks</span>" on the treadmill Thursday night--kind of boring, but better than no running at all. Friday I managed to put in 4.5 miles on a local horse trail! Now that was fun and educational!<br /><br />I practiced "power-walking" on the hills that were not runnable, learned to slow down after it gets dark, discovered that horse trails can get very rough when frozen, and most important--time means nothing on the trail! Even though I wore my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Garmin</span>, I never really looked at my time or pace. I did check out my heart rate during some of the climbs, but that was more for learning how to pace my "power-walks." I'm sure I'll get stronger on the trail. It'll take some time, and I'm looking forward to putting that time in!<br /><br />Today was the Jingle Bell Run for the Arthritis Foundation in Pittsburgh. It was a nice 5K that I ran with some of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Uno</span> Fish Running Club buddies. The temps were in the low 30's and the sun was bright! A perfect morning for shorts, long sleeve tech shirt, vest, ear warmers, and a Santa Hat! We had a ball. Shannon ran a 3 minute PR! I'm so happy for her! She's come such a long way!<br /><br />Anyway, I managed to run my way through the stress of the plumbing problem. They're just pipes. We really didn't want to spend the money that we really don't have right now, but there's nothing we can do about it. Letting these things go and enjoying life for what it has to offer is so much more important. <br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-67044906592244411872009-12-10T16:49:00.002-05:002009-12-10T17:00:51.025-05:00NEXT...They say God only gives you as much as you can handle. Well, I believe God has a lot more faith in me than I do! Just when I was getting ready to ramp up my running to prepare for the Pittsburgh Marathon and the Buckeye Trail 50K, a minor disaster hits at home.<br /><br />We had horrible downpours yesterday leading to a flooded basement. No big deal, we know the water backs up when it rains exceptionally hard, it happens very infrequent, so we have everything in a flood safe place. But the water wasn't going down. Could there be something in the pipes?<br /><br />I spent 2 hours working a snake last night and decided to call in the pro. For $275 they were going to fix the problem. I had no choice; see, our house was built in the early 60's and all the gray water is tied together somewhere under the basement floor--so every drop of water that goes down the drains upstairs, comes back up the floor drain downstairs! After 2 hours of power snaking the drain, the plumber said he'd knock off $75 and give me an estimate to dig up all the pipes in the morning. Um, I need a second opinion!<br /><br />Changing one of my vacation days from the Christmas Holiday to today, i had <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Roto</span>-Rooter come in. He snaked every possible entry and exit into and out of the house... no clog. So he ran a camera and low and behold he found the problem. The pipes have come apart under a portion of my paved driveway causing the water in the basement to not drain.<br /><br />Changing yet another <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">vacation</span> day to tomorrow, I will watch as the $3000 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">excavation</span> crew digs up and fixes the problem! <br /><br />Maybe I'll run tonight and take an quick shower. It's been a 3 day lay off and I'm ready to burn some stress!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward.<br /><br />PS... please cross your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">fingers</span> or say a prayer that this will fix the problem!!!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-19691997236683788522009-12-08T23:17:00.002-05:002009-12-08T23:23:12.429-05:00Glad to be doneI have been the treasurer for our dog training club for the last 2 years. Tonight I passed the torch off to someone else.<br /><br />The job's not that bad. It's time consuming and thankless, but it's not rocket science. But sometime in 2009 I became a bad guy with the members. They all of a sudden didn't like how I did things, when I did things, and what I did. I lost total interest in the club and the position around June. I went through the motions and got things done, but now it's over!!!!!<br /><br />Because of tonight's meeting, I ended up taking another rest day. I really wanted to put in 4 or 5 miles. It was our Christmas party and my wife really wanted me to go. It was a fun time hanging out with friends.<br /><br />This weekend brings the Jingle Bell Run 5K and maybe a nice trail run on Sunday. Tomorrow I'll get 4-6 miles in and enjoy them all.<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward.Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-29976455221505653212009-12-06T16:53:00.002-05:002009-12-06T17:01:39.274-05:00Every journey begins with a first step...That's kind of my thought process for today. I'm not sure why, but I'm feeling like my running has just begun. A new passion.<br /><br />Maybe it was registering for the Buckeye Trail 50K, maybe it's the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">exhilaration</span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"></span> of running in the 30 degree temps 2 days in a row. Maybe it's been the 4 "cut back" weeks to try and let my body get ready for the upcoming training for the Pittsburgh Marathon and then the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BT</span>50K. <br /><br />I don't care what it is, I'm really enjoying it! I feel alive again. Ready to take on the hills, the roads, and the mountains. Ready to run.<br /><br />I'm thinking like a runner again. Food has become fuel; drinks have become hydration. I'm planning my meals for the week and have tightened up what's allowed on my plate. Vegetables, fruit, grains, and beans are what I'm craving. It's running food... fuel for the future!<br /><br />I hope that all of you can find a renewed passion!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-75651205147634077442009-12-05T14:37:00.003-05:002009-12-05T15:01:31.304-05:00I Committed!!Well as the title of my blog suggests, I want to be an Ultra Runner!!! I want to cover distances and smile with like minded folks beating the H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks out of themselves just for the fun of it! <br /><br />So, I signed up for my FIRST 50K! <a href="http://www.verticalrunner.com/store/bt50k.asp">The Buckeye Trail 50K!!</a><br /><br />It may be early in my running career (it will be 2 years in April of 2010,) but I know I can do it. I'm looking forward to the challenge and the training leading up to it! And best of all, my best friend and Sis, Jess, is going to run it as well! <br /><br />This will be Jess's second running of the summer Buckeye and she kicked butt last year with a time of 5:38:50 for her SECOND EVER 50K. It'll be great to see here at the finish and chat about our training as we get there... She's one heck of a runner, clocking in 70 some miles this week!<br /><br />So, the training begins. I have the Pittsburgh Marathon on May 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> on my way to my first <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">BT</span>50K! Great way to get my distance up then concentrate on the trails!<br /><br />I'll keep you posted!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-37026278570151221602009-12-01T00:01:00.003-05:002009-12-01T00:24:43.178-05:00Trails revisited...I've been enthralled with the idea of running a 50K sometime in 2010. In fact, I'm actually trying to use the idea of going the 31 miles as motivation to get back on my healthy diet and think of food as fuel and not as a satisfaction. I've always used food as a vice and it seems that I've been doing that yet again--healthier foods than most, but not the correct balance and probably not enough. BUT, that's a topic for another post.<br /><br />With the idea of running a 50K came the realization that most are run on trails. Now, I've had a few attempts at trail running in the past and have had very mixed feelings after each run! After my first real trail run, I decided that I'd stick to the roads. I was slow, the terrain was rough, and there were hundreds of hills that reduced me to walking. I swore of the dirt.<br /><br />While I helped coach a group of folks to run their first 5K, my best friend Jess was helping me get ready for my first marathon. Jess LOVES running on trails. She has completed two 50K's at this point and paced a friend at Burning River. I listened to her talk about the hills and the mud and the trees and the animals and so much more she experienced on a single track. I kept thinking that her love of trail running was proof that I should give it a second chance.<br /><br />After my marathon, I decided to run a trail 10K in Ohio--the <a href="http://www.ovrunnersandwalkers.org/barkcamp.htm"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Barkcamp</span> Trail 10K</a>. My friend Robin wanted to run a 10K and I picked this to be her first! She had no trail running experience, and I took Luau (my Chesapeake Bay Retriever) out for a 4 miler on a trail. That, combined with the training from the marathon is what I took into this new experience. Robin trusted my knowledge, strictly learned from reading about trail running, bought a pair of trail shoes and blindly followed me!<br /><br />We had a blast. I loved it. The terrain was rough, there was a weeks worth of rain that created nice mud, the weather was cool, and the people were nice. Robin took 3rd in her age group and I won Pittsburgh Pirate tickets in the door prizes. <br /><br />Maybe there was something to this trail running?<br /><br />2 months later, I went out for my first jaunt on the trails since the 10k. Robin went with me and we covered 5.25 miles of trails that were a lot hillier than the 10K. We walked a lot when Robin's injury started to act up, but it didn't matter. Being out in the woods, smelling the leaves, hearing the breeze through the barren late fall trees, reminded me of a 25 year younger Brad. A time where I always wanted to be in the woods, the fields, along the creeks and streams. Anywhere I could be out in nature. Sometimes you just have to forget about how long it takes you to cover the distance and enjoy the distance itself.<br /><br />I live in South Western Pennsylvania. I'm in the foothills of the Laurel Highlands. I can be at a trail in 15 minutes in the local county park, or take a weekend morning and drive an hour or so and enjoy some of the trails that run through the Laurel Mountains. <br /><br />How lucky am I? And why did it take me so long to learn this? <br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-47806399694742923652009-11-23T00:01:00.002-05:002009-11-23T00:14:08.362-05:00Holy Heck, I LOVEA Hashing<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ok</span>, so I've been a runner for a a year and a third now and am very interested in all the fun and exciting things there are to do!<br /><br />I've run 5K's, 10K's, a 20K, Half Marathons, and a Marathon in my time. I've experimented with track workouts, ran on trails, ran in the rain, the snow, and in beautiful weather. Run with a dog sometimes, by myself at times, with a group at times, and with friends as often as possible. And last week, a group of 7 gorgeous women and I ran the Lights at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hartwood</span> Acres (a Christmas light display.) The light's will never look the same from a car....<br /><br />ANYWAY, at the end, we met the Pittsburgh Hash House Harriers. They had the most interesting names! (I'll leave them out, but they are both dirty and funny!) I knew a little about Hashing and thought about giving it a try but never developed enough gumption to actually go to a Hash. Until we met this group! I decided I had to give it a go!<br /><br />So today, I became New Boot Brad (the term for a first time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hasher</span> is "New Boot") and spent a few hours chasing the trail left by the Hare. The trail went through a part of Pittsburgh I'd never been to, so it was cool to see this section on foot. As we followed a series of marks of flour left on the sidewalk, we would come to checks and have to go in all directions to pick up the trail again. The Hare would leave "False" trails and you'd have to go back to the check and try a different direction. We came to a Beer Stop about a 1/3rd of the way through, had snacks and beverages, then continued on. Around 2/3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rds</span> of the way we hit another Beer Check and repeated. After we were finished, we went back to the Hare's house and ate, drank, and sang dirty songs!<br /><br />I met a lot of new friends today, and they'll be giving me one of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">thier</span> fun and adult oriented names soon! I fell in love with the game of Hashing today!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-34247840962078935342009-11-15T22:03:00.002-05:002009-11-15T22:09:54.641-05:00Rough WeekendYesterday I was supposed to go to the rail trail, run 10 miles, meet a group of friends, and run 5 more. <br /><br />I slept in.<br /><br />I spent a very lazy day procrastinating and planned on running in the late afternoon, then in the evening, then at night on the treadmill (15 miles on the treadmill?) then decided to take the weekend off.<br /><br />It may sound like a rash decision caused by out and out laziness or lack of motivation, but there was a method to my madness! I've been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">battling</span> planters <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fasciitis</span> the past few months and my IT band has been a bit sore. I haven't taken more than 2 days off in a row since December of 2008, and only once did I do 2 days in a row since! I think my procrastination was an answer to my body asking for some healing time.<br /><br />So no running Friday because it was a scheduled rest day, yesterday, today (I went to watch the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Steelers</span> give the Bengals the game,) or tomorrow (cross training.) That's four days without running! <br /><br />But it'll be worth it I'm sure! My legs feel better today than I can remember and as the cliche goes, "absence makes the heart grow fonder!"<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-15069020006548390332009-11-11T01:20:00.002-05:002009-11-11T01:35:39.990-05:00The Podiatrist VisitI've been having some "arch" issues in my left foot for a few, um, how should I say this without sounding like an idiot.... months now. It started in August after my last speed work session before the Erie Marathon. I thought I pulled a muscle in my foot and the nagging pain led me to take a rest day and end my running streak at 243 days.<br /><br />I tried taking my Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SuperFeet</span> out of my shoes, tried a less stable shoe with and with out the Black <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SuperFeet</span> insoles and the problem persisted. I increased my fluid intake (which still isn't where it needs to be,) added some electrolyte drinks, learned stretches from the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Internet</span>, and it all led to the same outcome--my arch still hurt.<br /><br />I read the book <span style="font-style: italic;">Born to Run</span> by Christopher <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">McDougall</span>, a great read, and tried changing my stride to get to a more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mid foot</span> strike. I toyed with my bare feet on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">treadmill</span>. I rolled "The Stick" on my calves, a frozen bottle of water under my foot, and stretched with a belt. My arch still hurt.<br /><br />So, after careful review, and a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">recommendation</span> from a friend (thanks Jess,) I made an appointment to go to a Podiatrist. I was waiting for the horrible news--you'll never be able to run pain free again (or you need to take some time off--almost as bad!) They took an x-ray, the doctor pushed on a few different places on my foot, and declared Planters <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fasciitis</span>. Poo. It wasn't something simple like I hoped, but it wasn't earth shattering either!<br /><br />Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Bosta</span> sent me to the store to buy a pair of GREEN <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">SuperFeet</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Neutral</span> shoes.d Great, I got permission from the doctor, actually was TOLD, to go buy running shoes! That's like giving a crack addict $200 and saying go buy whatever will make you happy!<br /><br />Well, after 35 miles in my new <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Dyads</span> complete with Green <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">SuperFeet</span>, my arch pain has subsided. My legs are feeling a little less sluggish, and I am happy. Why on earth didn't I go to the Podiatrist earlier? I'm not cured yet, but on my way!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-36971402606134093622009-11-01T21:59:00.003-05:002009-11-01T22:24:43.980-05:00Spirit of Pittsburgh Half MarathonIt was a great morning to run in the 'Burgh!<br /><br />I started the day off by sleeping through my alarm. Not a big deal because I always try to give myself plenty of time race morning. The plan was to get up at 4:15, coffee, breakfast, coffee, bathroom, coffee, dress, and coffee out the door (note: I am not a morning person!) BUT, I arose from the warmth of my bed (after sleeping part of the night in my recliner???) at 4:47! Coffee was already made (thank you <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">programmable</span> coffee maker) so I ate a quick breakfast, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">coffee'd</span>, dressed, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">coffee'd</span> for the road, dropped the road coffee in the sink and had to leave sans coffee! So far, not the greatest morning!<br /><br />I wanted to be at the parking garage before the crowds started to show. Even with my stop at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">convience</span> store (I really wanted that second cup!) I managed to get there at 6:05. Things are shaping up! I called my friend Robin to check on her status and it turned out we were in different garages! Gathered my stuff and headed to meet her!<br /><br />After we met I made a trip to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">porta</span>-potties and then back to my Jeep--forgot lip balm and I really didn't want cracked lips! We stopped to talk to Christine, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bubba</span>, and Jim (Jim wasn't running) for a bit and off to the Jeep we went!<br /><br />After the Jeep, it was back to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">porta</span>-potties! The lines were HUGE! Robin decided to go to her pace group and I had to wait! One of the race workers came over to tell us that the race will start on time whether we are there or not! She encouraged us to go to the start and use on of the potties on the course! I asked if there was a full chip time from the beginning to the end or just at the end (chip vs. gun time.) She said it was a full chip time, so I said it didn't matter if I was a minute or two late for the start, my time would still be correct. She got a little nasty with me, I asked her if she wanted me to just pee my pants because they had so few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">porta</span>-potties, and she walked away! A quick trip in, a dash to the start, and I managed to get in with the WRONG pace group for the start!<br /><br />I wanted to run with the 2:20 pace group, Robin ran with the 2:10 group. I had 2:10 on my mind, so I hopped in line with the 2:10 group. After a half mile or so, I thought the pace was a little quick. Then I saw Robin and wondered if she was okay because she dropped back. All of a sudden I realized I was running in the wrong group! So I did the best thing that I could think of, I ran my own race!<br /><br />At about 2 miles the 2:20 group caught me? I was really watching my splits and knew I was going faster than their 10:40. At one point, they slowed for a water stop, I hit a down hill and boosted my pace to 9:40something, and they caught me again! I started to think the pacer was just a bit overzealous! He kept running 10:20's and 10:30's! His group started to fade behind him by the 5 mile mark!<br /><br />THEN IT HIT! Being rushed at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">porta</span>-potty at the beginning, I had to use one at the 6 mile mark! 3 minute wait! Oh my, could the be serious? Two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">porta</span>-potties at three spots on the course with 3,000 runners? This was ridiculous! But what was I going to do?<br /><br />I managed to regain myself after busting out of the bathroom and running too fast to try to make up for lost time! After I slowed back to my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">manageable</span> pace, I realized I could still hit close to 2:20--including the break!<br /><br />The course went up and down, I passed a number of folks, and next thing I know, I'm crossing the 13 mile mark! I picked up the pace and ran in for a 2:20:54 (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Garmin</span> time.) I'm very happy with the time because I managed to do that with the break. My PR is 2:20:11. So close, but when nature calls.....<br /><br />It was a great day, nice running, and a great time to be a runner! But one of my favorite parts of the day was hanging with Robin and Robbie at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Caribou</span> Coffee after!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-50072540041140377062009-10-28T22:10:00.002-04:002009-10-28T22:23:10.106-04:0010 Miles and a CrashI've been running long enough to know that every run can't be fabulous, but it's hard to accept the ones that aren't.<br /><br />Maybe it was the sinus infection I've been fighting, maybe it was the lack of fuel from not eating much today, maybe it was the hilly course, maybe it was the 8 miles with the 10x100 meter repeats from last night, or maybe it was a combination of some or all of the above, tonight's run was so-so.<br /><br />I decided to follow the hilly course for the first 6 miles of the scheduled 10 tonight. Luau, one of our Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and I started out at a nice easy pace and it took close to 2 miles for my legs to loosen up. We hit the first hill and I felt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span>. By the time we reached to top of the series of hills (I live in South Western Pennsylvania, so hills can go on for a LONG way) I was feeling a bit drained. We cruised down the other side, made the left onto the flat for 2 miles back to the Jeep, and I felt pretty good. Took a gel at 5 miles, got back to the Jeep to water Luau and fill my bottle and headed out with my friend Christine for the last 3.5.<br /><br />Half way into the run with Christine, I started loosing my energy. When we made the turn, I sent her on her way, walked about a quarter mile and downed my bottle of Heed. After the walk, I ran in the last 1.5 miles--it wasn't easy though!<br /><br />I have to remember that it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span> to eat throughout the day and I'll still lose weight. The next two days are scheduled rest days with 5 miles on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday. Looking forward to the rest and the upcoming runs!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-35064830125380608882009-10-27T22:35:00.003-04:002009-10-27T22:39:24.139-04:00And it is has begun!Tonight I started training for my second marathon! I decided to go with Pete <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pfitzinger's</span> 18/55 program (18 weeks peaking at 55 miles.) But, I miscalculated and had to start at 16 weeks out instead of 17 weeks out (race week is kind of like week zero, thus the 18 weeks.) Well, training actually started yesterday, but it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">was</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">scheduled</span> rest day!<br /><br />This program is a little different than the the Hal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Higdon</span> Intermediate I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">program</span> I used for Erie. It's a little more advanced and is higher mileage, but isn't that what training is for? I'm really looking forward to the next 4 months!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward!Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-49175722012968610802009-10-24T21:30:00.003-04:002009-10-26T00:18:57.697-04:00Marathon Number TwoWell, I've picked my second marathon! I'm planning on running the Washington's Birthday Marathon just outside of Washington DC in February. They haven't picked the date yet, but I'm thinking it will be held on the 21st--based on past years and a "hint" from the Race Director.<br /><br />So, with that said, I start training on Monday. For my first marathon, I used Hal <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Higdon's</span> Intermediate I training program and enjoyed it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">immensely</span>. For this one I'm going to use Pete <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pfitzinger's</span> 18 week 55 mile plan. I'm really looking forward to getting started!<br /><br />I think <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">I've</span> been suffering from post marathon blues the last 6 weeks or so. I've been kind of bummed out, even though I've run multiple events. They're events for me because I don't "race" anyone but myself. In fact, sin September 27<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> my weekends included the following (one per week): 5K, Trail 10K, Road 10K, Half-Marathon, and today another road 5k. Next Sunday we're running the "Spirit of Pittsburgh Half-Marathon;" I still feel kind of bummed. I think it was because I didn't have anything "big" planned.<br /><br />After the Washington's B-day marathon, I'm running the Pittsburgh marathon on May 3rd. I'm going to follow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pfitzingers</span> multiple marathon plan. Who knows, maybe I'll run Marathon Maniac criteria in the fall? Or better yet, maybe my first 50K.<br /><br />Well, the next few months will be of new discoveries as I train for my 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nd</span> full. This time I'm hoping to run sub-five hours. My first on a flat course was 5:12--this is not a flat course!<br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward.Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368703728945775703.post-12308205651857381232009-10-19T22:40:00.002-04:002009-10-19T22:54:33.598-04:005 Mile Realization!As a runner of 18 months or so, I've been asked a lot of questions. Not all of them are of the quizzical nature of folks who don't understand why someone runs without being chased--you know the "why?" "where do you get the time?" "do you do that on purpose?" and the such.<br /><br />Today I was asked by two lovely young ladies that I work with how you get to the point to run a 5K. One of them runs 2.5 to 3 miles a few times a week--she's pretty much ready! And the other doesn't run at all--I hooked her up with the <a href="http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml">Couch to 5K program</a>. We stood in one of their cubicles and talked running for 15 or 20 minutes and muscle cramps came up. Of course my first question was, "HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU DRINK?" Followed by "do you eat salty foods or drink electrolyte drinks?" We talked about dehydration and over hydration. Then I left work in a good mood because I ended the day talking about my passion!<br /><br />When I got home, I laced up my Brooks and went out for a nice easy 5 miles around home. About a mile and a half in I noticed my lower legs were kind of sore. The muscles on the outside of calves were tight. I kept on running and at the turn around I still wasn't feeling it. Then it hit me! I preach hydration but forget to actually hydrate myself! It's a classic case of do as I say and not as I do.<br /><br />It really hit me tonight when my Mom sent me a text message to ask if I heard about the terrible tragedy at the Detroit Marathon. I told her that I had and the three people that passed away had sudden cardiac arrest and I wondered if the were dehydrated or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">over hydrated</span>. Being a mother, she promptly asked me how much and what I drink as a runner! I explained to her that I try to keep myself hydrated and I watch my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">electrolyte</span> intake when I'm running and when I'm not. I couldn't tell her I haven't been drinking nearly enough!<br /><br />So I guess I need to make a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">conscious</span> effort to drink more.<br /><br />And please keep the family and friends of the three lost runners from Detroit in your prayers. <br /><br />Stay safe, keep your soles to the ground, and keep moving forward! (And don't forget to drink!)Running Bradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16443435996759621247noreply@blogger.com0