Taking the warmer option on a windy and chilly day

On December 30, 2012 By Emerging Runner4 Comments

Today’s run (treadmill): 30 minutes

It’s been a busy day catching up on errands and taking care of things around the house. The winds have been blowing hard all day, and the temperatures have stayed below freezing. I decided early in the day to follow my wife on the treadmill, where I did 3+ miles (I always question the accuracy of the treadmill’s display) at a decent clip.

We’re heading out shortly to see some friends for dinner. I’m going to try to convince my buddy to do the Hangover Run with me on Tuesday. Even though he’s a runner, I don’t think he’ll want to deal with the early hour or the cold. I am looking forward to the Fun Run and may do a short run tomorrow as well, since the Hangover isn’t a race and I don’t feel like I’ll need to take a day to taper.

My motivation to race is at an all time low

On December 2, 2012 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

Today’s run (street): 5.2 miles

Lately, I’ve been struggling a little with motivation, but not to the point where it affects my commitment to running. After having two of my favorite races canceled in November, I think my competitive spirit has gone stale. The next race on my schedule is the Ho Ho Ho 5K Holiday Run that takes place in Bethpage. I ran it last year, but I’m considering skipping it this year.

5K’s require speed work, but I’m not that interested in doing tempos, fartleks or intervals right now. I recognize the benefits of a hard workout, but I think the moderate training runs I’ve been doing provide the same value. The idea of of lining up on a cold morning for a race doesn’t appeal to me at the moment. I’m thinking that the LIRRC 5 mile Hangover Run on January 1st will be my next organized event.

The Hangover Run appeals to me because it’s non-competitive. There’s a timer but no timing chips. In fact there’s no registration at all. Just show up, run and record you own time. But if I run my fastest time during this event, I will certainly claim it as a PR.

My big issue today was a feeling that I’d be bored on today’s run. Yesterday’s run around the neighborhood was a bit tedious and I was planning to go out even longer today. I started thinking about running with other people and how much I used to enjoy my workday runs in Central Park with Adventure Girl, JQ and others, or my runs at Bethpage and Belmont Lake with Dave and Brian. It made me reconsider joining a running club.

It turned out I wasn’t bored after all today. The lactic acid buildup in my legs was gone and though my performance was average, I felt great throughout the run. I do like running on my own where I can determine my preferred route and speed, but the experience of running with others also has great appeal. Perhaps I’ll find a weekend morning meet-up in the area. Running with a group might be a good step towards regaining my racing spirit.

LIRRC 2012 Hangover Run: well done fun

On January 1, 2012 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

Today’s run (LIRRC Hangover Run): 5 miles

47:19 (9:28 pace)

Happy New Year! Last night went later than expected and I didn’t get to sleep until after 12:30 AM. I did catch an hour’s nap earlier, in an attempt to bank some needed sleep, but I don’t think it did much good. Even so, I got up at 6:30 and tried to decide how to dress for this morning’s fun run in Eisenhower Park. The NYC news station showed 44 degrees, while our local station showed 32.

I finally settled on a long sleeve base layer topped with a short sleeved jersey, along with my new CS running pants. It was a good choice but I may have been fine with only one layer on top. When Team Emerging Runner joins me on cold days, I can wear more layers to keep warm. I just hand off my jacket before the race begins. Today I was by myself, so the extra layer helped while I stood waiting for the start.

I have to hand it to the Long Island Road Runner’s Club who put on today’s event at Eisenhower Park. LIRRC does it all with a minimum of frills (no race shirts or pre-registration) but they charge very little to participate and they hold many races throughout the year. Today’s Fun Run was a gift because the event was open to all. Post-run refreshments were served and not a penny was charged to participate.

It was friendly crowd who milled around near the start area and soon we were off on our 5 mile run. The LIRRC provides a timing clock but the tracking is up to the participants. No one wins this race but I’m sure the swiftest runners compete for bragging rights. The course is five times around a measured loop within the park. Every time you pass the timing clock at the start, you’ve finished another mile.

It was interesting to run this “Hangover” run. I didn’t see too many sluggish runners nursing hangovers. It felt like a race. Since it wasn’t actually a competition, I decided to run it a little faster than a recreational run at that distance, but not as fast as my 8K race pace.

It may have been last night’s late bedtime, or the fact that I haven’t taken a rest day since last Monday, but I couldn’t generate a lot of speed. The first mile seemed to take a while and the clock showed 9:02 when I passed it. Miles 2 through 4 were run slower as I settled into a more comfortable pace. At the last mile I decided to step things up a little and passed a handful of runners before crossing the line at 47:19.

Even though I didn’t have a hangover, it was a great head-clearing experience. Just think, I’ve got a perfect streak going this year, running every day and averaging 5 miles each run! Sadly, the streak will end tomorrow when I take a well needed rest.

2011 running is done, now bring on the Hangover!

On December 31, 2011 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

Today’s run (street): 3.4 miles

It’s the last day of the year and I had to get in one final run before the ball drops. Since I’m planning to participate in tomorrow’s 5 mile Hangover Fun Run, I decided to keep my distance to about three miles. It’s unseasonably warm for the end of December and the temperature was at 45° when I went out this morning.

I wasn’t the only person looking to end the year with a run around my local streets. I encountered a couple of runners who I’d seen around the neighborhood plus plenty of people who were out walking their dogs. I didn’t push the pace but it still felt challenging, even for such a short distance.

It should be fun to run around Eisenhower Park on New Year’s day. Were I more adventurous, I’d consider heading into NYC tonight for the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run. That’s a four mile race that’s run every New Year’s Eve. But since that race starts long past my bedtime, I think I’m far better off waiting for tomorrow morning.