2012 recap and new goals for 2013

So my goal to run 1,000 miles in 2012, as well provide consistent updates in this blog, did not quite work out as planned.  My total for the year was 430 miles, which is fairly disappointing considering that most of this total occurred in the first half of the year.   

I hate excuses, but I do have a number of them that contributed to my inability to reach the 1,000 mile mark:

1) The goal was too lofty based on my previous running experience.  It was really tough maintaining a consistent effort of greater than 19 miles each week.  It was a mental and physical drain that I understand and think I can manage much better now.

2) I got shingles over the summer.  The overall experience was not that bad, except for feeling unusually tired for about a month and a half.  This made getting up at 4:45 a.m. each morning to run exceedingly difficult, and usually resulted in me just bailing on the run for that day.

3) I did not plan enough races throughout the year to keep me motivated.  I did one 5K in the spring and that was it.  Having interim goals would have helped with the day-to-day grind.

4) Running in the summer sucks.  As I mentioned before, I did most of my running during the first part of the year when the weather outside was cooler.  I need to devise a better approach to running in the heat.

I have decided to recommit myself to running, with a slight modification to the overall goal.  In 2013, my goal is to run 750 miles and perform 20,000 push-ups (I'm also working on getting Pam to run a 10K with me, but that's more of a goal for her and the subject of a future blog).  I think that 750 miles is a much more attainable target for my patience level and physical constraints.  Adding in push-ups is also a way to break up the monotony of just running.  I would like to integrate in other strength training as well, but I like the push-up goal as a way to ensure that I ultimately have a physical balance with the running.

I'm also going to attempt to update the blog more frequently.  Committing to an update every week may be ambitious, so I will be aiming for an update at least every couple of weeks (and will ensure that the posts are much more entertaining than this one).  

Happy new year to everyone and be safe.

(In memory of my cousin Mike, I will be rounding up the total miles and will donate $250 to the American Cancer Society).

I'm back!!!!

Since I last updated the blog, there have been some issues to contend with regarding the 1,000 mile challenge.  I thought that I was in the clear during my last blog with respect to a minor illness that I had in conjunction with what Ella had that weekend.  Apparently I was wrong.  The following Friday, I was hit hard by the stomach flu and was laid out on the couch for three days (did not run for the next five).  I can tough it out with a cold or allergies, but the stomach flu just does not lend itself to physical exertion.  I did watch a good deal of t.v...re-watched the entire Godfather trilogy (part III is terrible), saw some random episodes of the Wire (season 3 is amazing), and caught up on some taped Daily Shows and Colbert.

Once I was finally over the stomach bug, I slowly started back running...only pushing it for 2-3 miles during each session for the next week.  Overall, I'm back to running more consistently, but I'm struggling with getting in a long run each week.  I'm so reliant on the long runs to make up a big proportion of my weekly total that it really hurts when I miss out on an 8-10 mile run.  As a result, my pace for the challenge is not where it needs to be. 23% of the year has elapsed, while I'm only at 20% of the 1,000 miles.  I really need to pick it up.

With the time change and the weather being so pleasant, I'm hoping to get in some longer runs after work.  There is never enough time in the morning to hammer out a 5-6 mile run, and there is no chance in hell that I can get up any earlier than my 4:45 a.m. start time now.  Friends have also mentioned (shout-out to Suvo) that they would tag along for some runs, which could be good motivation to push through some longer runs.  I still think the challenge is doable, I just need to ensure I map out a better plan going forward...and not get sick!

Lastly, I'd like say Happy Birthday to my little Blubie.  She turns 3 today and we cannot believe how much she has grown and matured in 3 years.  She told my I was "hilarious" the other day...so now we know that her vocabulary is developing well she understand the concept of lying, since I'm never funny.  I love you little dude and hope that you will be joining me on these runs some day soon.

Ella at her bowling B-day party this weekend (great pic Mimi)

--54 miles since my last blog (199 total miles to date...$99.50 for Mike)--

Blah...

It was a rather disappointing week for running.  I ran 12 miles during the week and was all set for a nice long run on Saturday, but the wind that day was ridiculous.  I managed 5 miles but it felt like I ran 30...I didn't feel this bad after the 10 miles I ran the previous Saturday.  I could not get into a rhythm and struggled the whole time.  I figured I could make up some of the mileage for the week the next day, but that didn’t work out too well.

Both Ella and I got sick Saturday night and spent the whole day laying around watching TV… not that that’s not fun, but it’s always more enjoyable when you’re feeling well (thanks to Pam for making sure her patients got all the care they needed).  Needless to say, I did not run on Sunday, and wound up with only 17 miles, which is below the pace I need to keep each week.

I’ve felt better today (so does Ella) and actually got in a run this evening.  Hoping that this week turns out better…
--17 miles this week (145 total miles to date...$72.50 for Mike)--

A personal best...

 

A great week of running!  I did not quite make up for the previous week’s shortfall (remember I was sick…), but I did reach a major milestone.  Perhaps it was the sunny and clear, although slightly chilly, morning…perhaps it was the banana I ate before I drove to Centennial Park…perhaps it was the well-timed change on the iPod to Journey's Separate Ways…or perhaps it was just a combination of all of these factors, but I ran 10 miles on Saturday!

Lame...

 

I have previously not run more than 8 miles, and really struggled to do that, so this was just unexpected.  I guess I just got into a great rhythm on Saturday.  I never felt really tired until the last ½ mile when my legs started to feel sluggish.  I think if I had been able to eat something, or have some water during the run, I would have been able to keep going.  I will definitely be better prepared for the next long distance attempt, although I absolutely refuse to wear a water bottle fanny pick thing. 

 

Ultimately, this has given me new confidence to attempt a half-marathon race this year (and maybe an attempt at 26.2???).  I’m actually thinking that I will attempt 13.1 miles in a few weeks just as part of the overall 1,000 mile challenge.  The challenge seems a lot easier when you knock off 10, 11, 12, or 13 miles at a time.

 

So I can't wear a fanny pack, but admit that I play old Nintendo games

The toll of the 10-mile run was felt on Sunday.  I was rather sore and just could not get motivated to do anything…although it was Sunday after all.  So, I reacquainted myself with an old 8-bit Nintendo favorite that I recently purchased for the Wii…Mega Man 2!!!  What a great way to kill 2 and ½ hours.  I did beat the game after not playing it for twenty years…I’m not sure if that is impressive or pathetic…

 
--22 miles this week (128 total miles to date...$61 for Mike)--

A little setback...

So last week was a difficult one.  I was only able to run 12 miles, since I came down with a cold on Monday.  My nose was stuffed up and running at the same time…how does this happen?!?!  In any event, I did not feel like running until Wednesday evening, which was a struggle due to the lack of being able to breathe issue.   I felt better by the weekend, so I was ultimately able to somewhat salvage the week.  “They” say that it’s best to continue your exercise routine as best you can as you fight a cold.  I must say that I was able to overcome this most recent cold fairly well, while maintaining a minimum level of exercise.  Perhaps “they” are right.  Personally, I think my quick recovery is due to my near religious belief in the greatest cold remedy of all time…Dayquil!  

Oh how I love thee...

I’m aiming to play catch-up this week, so a steady dose of 3-4 miles every day should do the trick. I’m hoping Saturday is relatively nice so I can get an 8-miler in.  Seems like every weekend these last couple of weeks there has been some variation of rain/snow/ice.  I’m hoping for sun and 50 degrees, is that too much to ask for in February?!?! 

--12 miles this week (106 total miles to date...$53 for Mike)--

Reflecting on the challenge...

I've been thinking quite a bit recently about this year-long 1,000 mile challenge.  The original impetus for me establishing this challenge was to set a long-term running goal that would hopefully allow me to achieve other running goals along the way (i.e., run a half-marathon, trail-running, etc.) and to ensure that I stay fit.  I wanted to ensure that I would be held accountable for the goal, so I started the blog.  But I'm beginning to realize that this challenge is rather self-serving.  I mean who really cares about me running?   There should be a greater purpose to this challenge. 

So I've done some reflecting, and I've determined that this challenge will be to honor my cousin Mike.  Mike  passed away last May after a long bout with cancer.  He passed well before his time, and it caused me to evaluate and appreciate the truly important things in life...family, friends, and striving to ensure that you do all that you can to help others.  Focusing on these priorities has given me the idea to donate $0.50 for every mile I run this year to the American Cancer Society. 

It's unfortunately too late for Mike to benefit from the work that the American Cancer Society does for those suffering as he did, but perhaps we can continue to support their efforts to help others and hopefully eradicate this disease.  I ask those of you who read this to consider those people that you know that have also been afflicted by cancer.  I don't want to pressure anyone to donate, but if interested, let's work together to donate as much money as possible this year to the American Cancer Society.  Whether you just go and donate on your own, or if you would like to link my running with your donation ($0.05 a mile, $0.10 a mile), all is appreciated.

Thanks everyone for your support over the past month.  I promise to continue putting forth my best effort to ensure that my cousin is honored by this challenge.

--18 miles this week (94 total miles to date...$47)--

One month nearly done...

So running has been going a lot better than blogging.  I have maintained a good pace over the last few weeks and currently stand at 76 total miles for the month, with 2 days left.  I'll probably end up totaling 82 miles, which is just under the pace I need to keep for 1,000.  Nothing else exciting to report.  This blog is terrible...

Back from Syracuse...

So another decent week of running is in the books.  I logged another 19 miles last week (Mon: 4, Tu: 2, Wed: 4; Thu: 2, Fri: 3, Sun: 4) and I'm feeling confident about my goal.  My legs are still the weak link, but not nearly as bad as the previous week.  It must be due to consistently running 4 miles or less.  Perhaps the 5-mile mark is some sore leg threshold that will just plague me if I choose to run that far.  Oh well....

I was unable to run outdoors this week, which usually allows me to go for a longer distance.  We traveled to Syracuse this weekend to visit the Zook family and the weather was not optimal for running outside.  The temperature at 8 a.m. on Sunday was -2...and that's with no wind chill!  So I went to a local Gold's Gym and ran on the treadmill.  Of course as my brother-in-law Greg was driving me to the gym we saw a pack of people running outside, to which he proceeded to challenge my manhood.  I'll be the first to admit it, I'm a wimp.  In my opinion, running in such cold temperatures is stupid and I hope those idiots we saw all got frostbitten (?).  Not really...

Nonetheless, it was a good week running despite the traveling, so I rewarded myself with some processed meat links smothered in mustard, onions, and relish.  I usually don't indulge in hot dogs unless I go to a baseball game (I know, kinda corny), but we went to a place that had previously been featured on Man v. Food (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Qm8wqW36Y).  Which means I proceeded to ingest all of the calories I had burned running during the week.  They also had Saranac on tap...

Until next week...

Eating a Mixed Double (1 Frank and 1 Coney in one roll) at Heid's in Liverpool, NY.

So far, so good...

So the first week of my quest to run 1,000 miles in 2012 is over...this is going to be tough.  I think I did fairly well this week running a total of 19 miles (5.2 Mon, 1 Tu, 3 Wed, 3 Fri, 6.8 Sat), but it was a struggle.  The real issue thus far has been my leg strength.  I'm thinking that my legs will adapt to the longer distances within the next couple of weeks, and that I  won't be so freaking sore afterwards.  I've been trying to stretch on a consistent basis, but it's usually the last thing you want to do after running, especially in the morning.  Unfortunately, I do think I'm going to have to just deal with my ankles being extremely stiff every morning.  After repeated ankles sprains over the years playing basketball and soccer, I don't think there's any major therapy or modifications I can do to mitigate the ankle soreness.  I don't think wrapping them will do any good since I'm just running straight forward.  I do need to do a better job of icing both ankles down after long runs, but that takes time and I'm impatient (see above about stretching). 

I have not yet established a set structure for running each week, and really just want to let my body tell me what I can do.  I did not anticipate running as far as I did this past Saturday, but I felt good after 5 miles and decided to push it a little longer thanks to a timely change on the iPod to Europe's Final Countdown.  I did cramp up, so perhaps I wasn't quite ready to take it that much further.  I'm aiming to do 4, 2, 4, 2, 4, rest, 4 this week.  I'm not going to have the time for a really long run this week, so a more consistent schedule seems to be the solution.  I hope that not having but one rest day doesn't create any issues. 

I've been disappointed with my TV options running in the morning on my treadmill.  I used to like the CNN early morning show, but they have revamped it with longer features and commentary.  I want the quick hitting headlines as I start the day, which the previous version of the show had (they also told you what the "national day" was, which was usually entertaining/baffling), not some talking heads going back and forth about the usual political nonsense the media love to focus on during every other minute of the day.  And Sportcenter is just unwatchable after the first 5 minutes.  Oh well...

Until next week..."may the wings of liberty never lose a feather" -- Jack Burton 

    

Not a bad start...



Such a scenic view this morning.

My main resolution for 2012 is to run 1,000 total miles (treadmill, trail, road, etc.).  I've been running rather steadily for the last year and a half and have really enjoyed the progress I have made, but have been unable thus far to get sufficiently motivated to attempt/train for anything greater than a 10k. So I thought that creating a year-long mileage goal could perhaps provide the motivation to attempt a half marathon at some point this year.  The thinking is that in order to achieve the overall 1,000 mile goal, I'll be forced to consistently run about 20 miles each week, which would likely be sufficient training to attempt the half.  But, if I decide to not attempt the half marathon, I would still be working toward accomplishing the 1,000 mile goal.  
This blog, which I'm aiming to update at least once a week, will serve two purposes: 1) It will allow me to share my experiences as I attempt this challenge, and 2) will ultimately hold me accountable for the goal I have set.  I hope that those of you who follow this blog will find enjoyment with my experiences, but also push me when I inevitably slack off.

So today began the quest.  It started off fairly well with two laps around Centennial Lake in Columbia, MD, which equates to 5.2 miles.  I had not run more than 3 miles since October, so I'm extremely happy with the relative ease it took to run this morning.  I did need a little boost after the first lap, but Europe's Final Countdown provided the appropriate motivation.  Legs were a little sore afterwards, but my wind was great considering the cold.  I wanted to make a good statement with the first run just to boost my confidence for the overall goal and this did the job.

I plan to run a few miles tomorrow morning on the treadmill, which the majority of my running will consist of.  I just haven't found the drive to run outside at 5 a.m. I will likely check back in this Sunday with a recap of the rest of the week.  Talk to you then.