Super Bowl Sunday but not a Super run

On February 2, 2014 By Emerging Runner6 Comments

Go teams!

Today’s run (treadmill): 5.1 miles

Apparently there’s some big football game happening today. I’m not much of a sports fan (except for running), especially at the professional level. My youthful obsession with the Boston Red Sox and Bruins gave way to the practical realization that a favorite player’s loyalty only extended to the length of his contract. In terms of my interest in today’s Super Bowl, I’ll go as far as to say that I’m curious to see some of the commercials.

My plan this morning was to get outside and run in my neighborhood, something that I have not done since January 15th. Conditions were okay to do that, with moderately warm temperatures outside and fairly clear streets. There was fog, but it was dissipating. I have some high visibility clothing (and pulsating LED lights) that would have ensured that I’d be easily seen.

I was tired after I’d woken up and I found it hard to motivate myself to get out and run. I knew I’d do it, but as the morning grew long, I decided to follow my wife on the treadmill after she’d completed her workout. I was determined to put in my five miles, even if it was going to happen inside.

I started my run at a brisk pace, but dialed it down at the two mile point. I wasn’t fatigued, but I thought the original pace would be hard to sustain throughout the next three miles. The warmer temperatures outside translated into hot conditions inside. By mile three, it felt as hot and humid as summer. I ended up bringing my speed back up to my original pace for the last half mile. When I finally finished, I debated whether a nap would be preferable to a shower. I went with the shower.

Tomorrow is my rest day and I’m looking forward to some recovery time. I’m debating whether I’ll even turn on the game later, but I am interested in the fact that it’s taking place in the NY area. Either way, I’ll be glad when I’m finally be able to walk through Time Square without dodging Super Bowl events. Even more, I’ll be thrilled to get past the ongoing debate between New York and New Jersey on the provenance of the Super Bowl.

Controlled conditions can’t control humidity

On September 13, 2013 By Emerging Runner9 Comments

Yesterday’s run (treadmill): 3.1 miles

One syllable sums up yesterday’s run – ugh. I’ve been focused on a project this week, and days of intense viewing on my laptop created fatigue that was exacerbated by yesterday’s brutal humidity. By the time I was ready to run, it was too hot and humid to be outside. I figured I’d do better in the controlled conditions of my workout room. That wasn’t quite true.

I set the CAC to 76 degrees, cranked up the floor fan to high and turned on the puny treadmill fan. My plan to start fast was a miscalculation. After a mile run at 6.7 MPH, my heart rate was approaching 90% of Max. I dialed back my speed and, even at 6 MPH, I was sitting at 80% Max. I slowed down even further, until things came more into line. I eventually worked my speed back through the last mile, but by the time I reached my targeted distance, I felt exhausted.

I was glad to get my workout done, but with the relentless humidity, I may have pushed too hard. I felt worn out the rest of the day. Conditions are less humid today, but I’m going to run easy to prevent a recurrence of that fatigue. I’ll do my last race training over the weekend and will then start my taper and rest during the week. I hope I still have some speed left in my legs.

Memories of a rainy run

On August 13, 2013 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

Soggy and humid morning, or so I remember

Today’s run (street): 3.1 miles

This morning’s run seems so long ago that I’m thinking about it like it was yesterday. I wanted to go out very early to beat the rain, but my stalling worked against me. I walked outside and felt a few light drops. The sky was uniformly gray and I didn’t see any dark clouds that might drench me. Despite my aversion to running in rain because it distorts my vision, I couldn’t face a treadmill workout today.

My weekend of hard running has taken its toll. Even with a rest day on Monday, my leg muscles felt tight. Although I had no issues with either anaerobic or aerobic energy levels, I couldn’t generate the speed I was hoping to maintain. Exactly one mile into the run, I felt a pebble that had landed in my shoe. I tried to ignore the problem, but I finally gave in and stopped to clear it. By then, the light rain had become steadier and I wondered how bad conditions would get.

I had the opportunity to head directly to my house at that point, the loop I was on took me within a block. Instead, I decided to run my route regardless. I hoped that the rain would lessen, or at the very least, that it wouldn’t turn into a thunderstorm. Lightning is scary when you’re out running on the street, miles away from shelter.

The rain did get worse, but the thunder held off until I got home. The rest of the day was spent either on the phone or staring at my laptop. I’m glad I got out today, but I didn’t get through the conditioning run I’d originally planned. On the bright side, the humidity was extreme and that provided some good preparation for next Sunday’s race.

In running, this point is most important

On July 26, 2013 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

With all dew respect

Today’s run (street): 3.5 miles

People always say “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” In fact, it’s really the dew point that determines the level of comfort (or discomfort) in hot weather. Before I went out for my run this morning, I checked weather.com which reported a temperature of 66° and humidity at 91%. “Ugh”, I thought. “It’s going to be just like Tuesday, when you could literally feel the moisture in the air.” But then I checked the dew point and saw it was 61. That meant 66° would feel like 64°.

That changed my attitude and I got out the door in record time. It felt pleasant and slightly cool, with a mild breeze coming from the north. I took off feeling fortunate to have dodged what I expected to be sticky, hot weather. I guessed that the 91% humidity related to the cloudy skies that looked mildly threatening. I ran with a little rain yesterday and I was willing to risk it today.

As it turned out, the rain held off, but I could smell its aroma mixed with the scent of sugar maple. That combination followed me throughout the entire route. I threw in a little speed in the second half and ended up having a very satisfying run. A low dew point was all it took.

Conditions are ideal for Dirty Sock race prep

On July 20, 2013 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

Today’s run (street): 4.3 miles

I’ve been thinking a lot about the upcoming Dirty Sock 10K that happens on August 18th. I ran this race in 2009, 2010 and 2011, but I skipped it last year. It’s a hard race, especially at the end. Conditions are often brutal, with temperatures near 90° and humidity approaching 100%. The website describes the course as “USATF Certified and Sanctioned, fast, mostly flat, picturesque, wooded trails, only 2/10 mile paved. Splits, water stops, road apples, uneven terrain.” The last mile of this race always feels as long as the previous five.

The best way to train for this race is to run the course, something I’m planning to do with my friend Mike in early August. In the meantime, I’m planning to push my speed more often in the training runs I do each day. This might be a challenge if the weather remains hot and humid, as it was today.

This morning I got out reasonably early. After a quick loop around the northern section of my neighborhood, I headed to the middle school where I could access the foot path that leads to a service road and local business park. I ran the park loop clockwise so I could take on all the elevation at once, rather than endure the long, but less steep elevation I’d encounter going the other way.

During yesterday’s run I’d moderated my pace in response to the sweltering heat. Today was slightly cooler and the sun was less intense at the start. I focused on my turnover, in hopes of achieving a faster pace than Friday’s. I ended up with a respectable time, although I’d like to improve that by 20 seconds per mile by race day. I’m thinking of visiting Bethpage tomorrow and hoping that this evening’s rainstorm will chase away the heat and make running conditions more pleasant on the running trail.

Turn down the heat and turn up the speed

On July 20, 2013 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

Today’s run (street): 3.25 miles

My joyful reunion with my neighborhood streets was mitigated by temperatures approaching 90° this morning. And that was at 7:00 AM. Still, it was good to be back on the road. It wasn’t too bad at the start, but that didn’t last. I had a modest distance goal, so I figured I could get through the increasingly hot and humid conditions. I looked for the shadiest roads and followed them whenever possible.

Despite my recent race, I haven’t been achieving very impressive training paces. Some of that is surely due to this heat wave, but I haven’t been running fast for a long time. As I ran today, I thought about people who are now training for the NY marathon. It’s one thing to get through a hot weather run on your own terms, but it’s a lot harder when you are following a prescribed schedule of tempo runs and intervals.

The heat should finally break over the next two days and I’m looking forward to that. Although I won’t be racing again until mid-August, I really have to up my game. Perhaps I can do some real training starting this weekend. I’m pretty much past my respiratory issues and ready to push the pace.

Stillwell Woods running, made in the shade

On July 6, 2013 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

Out of the woods and into the sun

Today’s run (Stillwell Woods): 3.4 miles

With temperatures reaching the 90’s by midday today, I decided that a sheltered run at Stillwell Woods would be a good bet. Even with heavy tree cover, I knew it would be hot at 8:30 AM, so I did what I could to stay comfortable. I wore my white, terrycloth Jackrabbit running hat, a white technical jersey and a cooling bandanna that I’d prepared by soaking in water and placing in the refrigerator. Due to the high tick population this season, I traded coolness (both in look and comfort) for safety, with a pair of mid-calf wool trail socks.

The beginning of my run was great. I had none of yesterday’s fatigue and, this being a trail run, I moderated my pace and prevented any anaerobically-induced coughing. The shaded woods kept conditions bearable and the short segments of unprotected sky reinforced my decision not to do a street run today. It wasn’t very crowded and I only saw a few mountain bikers on the paths. At one point, I was overtaken by three high school-aged girls who were running along the trail. They seemed to have little trouble speeding along in the hot and humid weather.

About halfway through my run, I began to think about the Dirty Sock 10K in August, when conditions will likely be similar. On that day, I’ll need to cover almost double the distance I was running today. I have some hot weather training to do. I think the bandanna helped at first, but after a while the heat rendered it ineffective. By the time I reached the trail head, I was soaked with sweat and ready to stop.

In the end, I felt great. A change of scenery was needed, and I enjoyed the experience far more than my recent runs on local roads. Stillwell is only 5 minutes from my house, so it’s an easy choice to make whenever I’m feeling bored of my running routine. A harder choice will be taking on some of Stillwell’s tougher trails that I’ve come to avoid, in favor of more familiar (and easier) routes. I’m going to take on that challenge, but not with 90° temps and 90% humidity.

Independence Day run, but not quite as planned

On July 4, 2013 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

Today’s route – Happy 4th!

Today’s run (street): 3.5 miles

For some reason, this entire week has felt like a weekend. I was in the city on Tuesday and the whole time I was there, I kept thinking it was Friday. It probably relates to having a holiday midweek, with everyone anticipating an early break and long weekend. Today feels like a Saturday and that’s fine with me. The weather is sunny, hot and humid. A perfect day for the pool.

After yesterday’s midday run, I thought I’d go out early to beat the heat. I did get up early, but I didn’t make my way outside until 9:30 AM, when the temperature and humidity were on the rise. I had considered heading to Stillwell Woods, where the tree cover helps block the sun. I like to do different types of runs on holidays and a trail run would have fit the bill. For practical reasons, I chose to stay in the neighborhood. So no early run and no interesting destination. Maybe tomorrow.

I did break up my usual route today, and that kept it moderately interesting. The weather was oppressive and I looked for shade wherever I could find it. I continue to deal with chest congestion that is finally breaking up and making me hopeful that I’m nearly through it. The downside to that is deep breathing prompts me to cough. Between that and the humidity, my time was sub-par. But a run is a run, and a good workout is valued, regardless of pace.

Cow-themed glycogen fueling station

On July 3, 2013 By Emerging Runner2 Comments

One cow out front. 1,000 more inside

Today’s run (street): 3.4 miles

I spent yesterday in the city, on a day that started early and ended late. It was was hot, humid and generally uncomfortable, but I was fortunate to see a lot of business friends throughout the day. I switched my usual routine and ran on Monday and took Tuesday as my rest day.

Today, I worked out of my home office and that gave me the flexibility to join my wife and kids at Maureen’s Kitchen, a local breakfast place that is famous for its cow theme, large portions and cash-only policy. I usually eat a small breakfast (less than 400 calories) but today I indulged and ordered Maureen’s French Toast. I even paid the extra $1.75 for genuine maple syrup. My brother would have been appalled. He lives in VT where good stuff practically flows from the tap. The meals they served us were almost laughably huge, but I managed to get through most of mine.

Due to my schedule, I had calls that prevented me from getting out for a run until 1:30 PM, when the temperature and humidity were at their peak. The heat notwithstanding, it was probably good that I had a chance to digest all those carbs from my morning meal.

I had good energy, probably due to an over abundance of glycogen, and I got through the first mile fairly quickly. I might have turned this into a performance run, but I’m still dealing with chest congestion that caused me to cough whenever I increased speed past a certain point. My cough has improved, but it’s still present, even after three full weeks.

Between pushing my speed as far as I dared, the baking sun and the moist air, I finished feeling like I’d just raced. It didn’t take long to get my heart rate down, but it was a tough workout. I’m aiming for an early Independence Day run tomorrow that may end with a dive into the pool. Unlike last summer, I will be sure to put aside my phone before I take the plunge.

Hard to run and hard to start (talkin’ ’bout my generator)

On June 1, 2013 By Emerging RunnerLeave a comment

Good reputation, but hard to start

Today’s run (treadmill): 3.2 miles

So much for running early today. Knowing that the temperature would exceed 90°s, I’d envisioned running the Bethpage bike path at sunrise. But the morning got busy and, before I knew it, it was past 8:00 AM. By then, the temperature had risen to the low 70’s and I considered going out for a run. After seeing on the news that a big storm is expected for Sunday, I needed to test the generator.

After five minutes of futility, my “high quality” generator failed to turn over. I bought this unit because the research said it’s a great unit. However, since we got it, starting it has been a problem. Without delay, my son and I took it to Home Depot to let Mike the technician look at it. I had to leave the generator behind and hoped it wouldn’t be an expensive service issue.

Somewhat helpful

I considered a neighborhood run when I returned home, but the weather was already past the point of bearable. I almost abandoned my plans for a workout entirely, but my wife said I’d regret that later. I took the opportunity to test a recently purchased cooling bandanna while I did a run on the treadmill. I figured that I could further optimize my cooling using the big fan.

I’d say that the bandanna was marginally helpful, but the heat and humidity were brutal. The protection from the sun and the breeze from the fan made the treadmill a good choice. I got through the run with little time to spare. We were getting together with some people right after lunch and I barely had time to cool off in the shower.

Later in the afternoon, Mike called and said, “Bad news, it’s going to be an expensive repair and it’s not covered by the warranty.” I was thrilled when he told me he was kidding. It was just $20 for labor, oil and additional gas. I hope the storm doesn’t materialize and that I can get in a decent run tomorrow. But if it does storm, at least I know the generator will start.