Saturday January 12 - I meet all my goals

An usually warm Saturday afternoon combined with a poor performance by the Illini on the court was the precursor for today's run.  I spent the morning reviewing some of my logs from last year.  It did not take for me to come to the conclusion that while I am disappointed in my current level of training, I am pretty close to where I was last year at this time.  By that I mean I am running about as often and about as fast.  In looking at January of 2012, I think the circumstances are there for me to be in better shape for the half-marathon in April.      

The overall pace on this run was slower than the last two, however, that is due to the .72 cool down/recovery that accompanied this run.  The purpose of today's run was to extend the length of my run and not necessarily increase the speed.  I intended to maintain an overall pace of 10:30, and with a finishing pace of 10:35, I will call that close enough.  

The first mile was completed at an easy pace of 10:25.  The second mile included the overpass and that split was 10:20.  I admit it, I was holding back.  I wanted a rockin' 3rd mile and that's just what I got.  Mile 3, with the route I was running, included the overpass again.  I was at 9:58 when I began the ascent and 10:29 at the crest.  I was not pleased with that result so I pushed myself.  It may or may not be noteworthy to some that at the crest I was at .4 miles. I stepped it up and quickened my pace and lengthened my stride.  It felt good to run "hard". I was able to complete this split at 9:42.  This effort left me breathless and wondering for a moment if I may toss my lunch.  At that point, I began the recovery portion of the run with a walk/jog the rest of the way.  This turned a 10:10 ave. pace to the 10:35 mentioned above.  

The weather is going to turn cold and nasty this evening.  This will likely be the last run in shorts and t-shirt for awhile.

Until next time, stay healthy and may you reach all of your goals.

Time to do a little writing

After more than a year off from the blog scene, I have decided to reenter and post some thoughts that many will probably consider random. Primarily I will probably write about running as I reengage with the sport and try to improve. I have set some lofty goals for myself, some of which are admittedly unrealistic. I will however try to complete them. From time to time, I will write about my family, including my children. I may even post a photo or video from time to time. I'll even tell you about my favorite gadgets that I am using - whether for running or some other activity. Let me close today's entry with this year's goals regarding my fitness:

Goals for 2013 - be in better shape in December than I was in January ( I missed this in 2011 and 2012 - I gained 1 pound in 2011, but 15 in 2012)

Total Running Goal - 525 Total Biking Goal - 200 Total Mileage - 725

Athletic Goals for 2013 Sub 2:00 Half Marathon (April 28 Illinois Marathon) 2:19:44 (first ever) in 2010, 2:11:42 in 2011, 2:15:34 in 2012.

My first tri (A sprint) (last chance tri at the Y, I hope)
A duathlon - The Charleston Challenge I hope.
Lose 45 pounds.
Howl at the Moon ULTRA August - do 50K
Sub 25:00 5K -- may try for 24 depending on circumstances
Sub 56:00 10K

At this point, I have lost 2 pounds, so I am off to a good start on that. The running is coming along slowly due to some injuries (sprained ankle) and general laziness. My faithful training partners await me every day though. My go to shoe currently is the Newton Distance S and my forever watch is the Garmin Forerunner 305.