Bad day at Mohican, but gonna stay positve.

I went to Mohican today a little reluctant as I was still not fully over my cold that I caught last week. I felt okay enough to go, but should have stayed home regardless of how I felt.

I got up there to a nice chill in the air, but who cared, we were going running!

I look like Captain Dumbass with my hunter orange "Bubba" hat on. -That thing is getting burned. I guess I would have rather had it on and not gotten my head shot off from the deer hunters.

Anyway, we started off on the new "Orange Loop" and as always the scenery out at Mohican can make you forget all about your worries. Here is a shot of the group rounding up one of the many hills on this new section.

About 2 miles into the run, I developed a nice little migraine that made it all the more fun to run. This happens a lot so, I just slowed down to let it wear off.
Pretty much the whole time, my heart rate was really high and I tried to walk a little to let it come down. About 7 miles into the run, I told Kim I was going to head back to the Covered Bridge and see how I felt. When I parted from her, I started down an old Jeep trail and found where the end of the North Rim Trail and the beginning of the Hemlock Gorge Trail meet. It was basically a 5 minute walk to the trail head.

What made me decided to bail on the group was my new Nathan waist pack was irritating my stomach. I felt really sick and wasn't taking in any Perpetuem or water. Everything at this point was not looking good for me to continue. On top of that, my headache was coming back.
I will from here to eternity never wear a waist pack again. They just don't work for me.

As I was running down the Hemlock trail, I saw a dog ahead of me. It scared the hell out of me because it looked like a small pit-bull. At this point, I pulled out my razor knife.

I brought the knife this time because last week Regis Jr. said he saw 3 huge English Mastiff's while he was running. I wasn’t taking any chances.

The dog and I had a stand off at one point after he charged at me and stopped. He then turned around and ran the same way I was going. After a minute of thinking whether I wanted to continue or not, I started down the trail only to see the dog and his owner with a big Black Lab further down the trail. Turns out, the dog in question was a small something (not sure), and most likely harmless. I think my mind created a bigger dog than it actually was. I talked to the lady and pet the Lab a little bit before heading down the trail.

As I went off down the trail laughing at my idiotic fright, I hear this big crunching sound across the Clear Fork River. I look over and there were these 3 mammoth English Mastiff's walking near the edge of the river bank. They sounded like dinosaurs, and looked the part.

At that point, I almost had a heart attack. (I'm laughing now about it) These were the dogs that Regis Jr. saw last weekend. I couldn't even guess how much they weighed. Their heads were as big as giant pumpkins. I saw the owner with the dogs and yelled “hello” and silently said to myself: "Thank God"
Now I know what Regis was thinking when he saw them last week.

I got back to my Jeep and decided to call it a day. I only got 10.5 miles in, but at least I got out there.
I was just so exhausted from my high heart rate. I’ve got to figure out what the hell is going on. I’m going to stay positive, and just keep plugging away.

I’d like to hear how Rob and Kim did on their runs. Rob was planning 40 miles, and Kim, I think was aiming for around 20 or so. The other two guys, not sure what they got.
I just hope that had a great day.


Totals: 10.5 miles....Time: 2:29:11....Pace: slow as a rock formation


Clear Fork River today.

Be right back.....

After going to Mohican last week, I ended up getting sick somehow in between Mo' and Christmas. It seems to always start in my head and work its way into my chest.
I decided to take a few days off...again....and just rest up so I can start hammering again.

I'll be back to running hopefully on Sunday. I have not decided fully whether I will be going to Mo this weekend or not. I may end up doing a lot of cross training on Sunday and bake in the sauna for a while.

Merry Christmas Everyone.......

Merry Christmas to everyone.

I decided to take today off even though I was supposed to run. To much to do today, and I still have to go to work tonight.

Awesome wild day at Mohican...I wished it had rained

From Left to right: Regis, Brad, Kim, Don, Nick (kneeling), Steve, Rob, Mitch.

Kidding of course. It was awesome, but poured down with a lot of fun wind to deal with.

Despite the monsoon that hammered us most of the day, we all had a great time. At times, I saw the rain coming down sideways through the trees.

We started out at 8:00 AM and took the new Mountain Bike trail that is the start of the Orange section of the Mohican 100. This part eventually meets up with the trail close to CR3600.

The new section is awesome. I think once people try it, they will see how nice it is. There are plenty of hills, with very runnable sections. Also, there are some nice downhills to give you a break if you need it. The trail is well maintained by Ryan O'dell, and the Mountain Bike group, as well as the Mohican Trails Club.

I would definitely say this crushes the old section with ease. This should have enough variety to keep everyone satisfied. No more road section here though.

Here is a picture of Kim and Steve. He had drove clear up from North Carolina to run with us.

We came out of Hickory Ridge and the rain was relentless at this point. We were the last of the group but no big deal,
We like running slow becasue it allows us to see more of the trail longer.


I was feeling great and broke away from the small group of runners I was running with. At this point, I was running hard from about two miles out of Hickory Ridge to Campground "A".




On the final section of the trail leading into the campground (at the 1 mile marker), I performed a face plant in the dirt. I hit so hard that I barely had time to put a hand out to catch myself.

I layed there for a second to take in nature up close. I looked around as if trying not to get noticed by the by anyone, then realized, no one is out here except a few squirrels getting ready for winter.
Once at Campground "A", I looked for water Kim had stashed, but I could not find it. I took off and headed back towards the covered bridge.

When I ran this section on Monday, it was covered in snow ankle deep. Today, the trail was nice and soggy but at least I could see it.

The river was down today and the water seemed to be under control compared to Monday's run.

The final 4 miles are hard to run since the rocks and trail are so cut up. There are steep sections that are not runnable, while other sections allow you to fly. I was careful in this section because I didn't want to do another face plant into a sharp rock. I fell once towards a steep muddy embankment trying to avoid falling in the Clear Fork River.


I got back to the covered Bridge soaking wet and cold. I was talking to Regis Jr, and he had told me about 3 huge English Mastiffs on the opposite side of the river that he was on. He said they ran to the edge of the water barking hysterically. He thinks if they would have made it across the river that they would have made him into hamburger.

mmmmm.....Hamburger.

It was a long day even though we only ran 15 miles. I drove as fast as I could back home only to have my wife rip me out of my recliner to go shopping.


Totals: 15 Miles.......Time: 3:23:49.......Pace: Slow as dirt.


Looking at this time and the time I had on Monday seems a little off. I'll have to check and see what happened.

Cardio killer and Salty Bacon Sanwiches...mmmmm

I was thinking tonight half way through my cardio session that it is Friday night, and I am not out doing something else. Like eating a huge Steak or Wings.
What the hell was I thinking? This was the moment, this was the time for me to kick it in gear and get ready for 2008. No more eating stuff like that. I am on a mission.
I think I was craving steak because I was working so hard and burning so many calories and probably a little muscle (which it isn't good to burn muscle).
I used to crave Salty Bacon Sandwiches during marathons and other long runs.
I got the idea once when I read that British runners eat Bacon Sandwiches after marathons. Damn that sounds good right now.
American's eat something but I cannot remember exactly what it was. Burgers? Pizza? not sure.
All I could think about was my British roots and Salty Bacon Sandwiches!!!!!

One time when I was running a 21 miler with Kim Love-Ottobre and Tanya Senne at Mohican, I was thinking about the Mushroom and Swiss Angus Burger from McDonalds. At the time they had just brought them out since Columbus is a Test Market for new products. Those burgers were made by the Devil himself. I once ate two in one day.
I used to be on a Chipotle kick for a while.

Anyway, back to my run. I went to the gym tonight to run and work out.
I started my workout with a warm-up of 5 minutes of jump rope, then hit the Stairmaster for 30 minutes, then jumped on the treadmill for another 30 minutes. I was wiped out when I was done.
I need to rest up for Mohican on Sunday. I cannot wait. It is just what I am looking for.


Totals: 3.05 miles........ Time: 29:05......... Pace 9:32

Hamster Wheel tonight...

I decided to go out to the gym tonight to work out and run. It seems someone has built a bonfire under my ass, and has been stoking it. I have been thinking about Buckeye Trail 50k coming up. I will be lucky to make it through comfortably.
I was doing what I do best on the treadmill or while running, is to : think.
I think about all kinds of things while running. I was thinking about my future goals be it running or whatever.
It seems that my goals for the first year of running Ultras will be to just experience the distances. In 2009 I will try to set some PR's.
I believe with my current focus, I will overcome my chronic injuries, and be able to run as much as I want.
I have another goal for 2008 and that is to shed about 20 lbs. I know this will be tough, but I have been there before, and I know I can do it. I want to do this by the end of March.

Totals: 6.02 Miles.......... Time: 57:26.......... Pace: 9:32

Quick Treadmill Tempo Run

I had a dinner party to go to tonight, so off to the gym for a quick treadmill run. I was planning a 6 miler, but before I started, I decided to warm up by doing 5-1 minute intervals of jump rope.
After I was done with jumping rope, I developed a migraine. I don't think it was a true migraine. I went to the Sauna, and sat in 160 degree heat for about 15 minutes. After that, I felt great and decided to go for my run. By this time, it was fast approaching 4:30. I felt great the entire run and had no heart rate spikes.

Totals: 3 Miles Time: 27:23 Pace: 9:08

Mohican....Partial Orange Loop

Proof I was there:

Yes, I have tights on.




I went to Mohican today as I was in desperate need of a long(er) run. Longer than what I have been doing lately.
I parked at Campground "A" as I knew I would not be done until after dark.
I took my headlamp since I knew it would get dark in the woods way before it was time.
I started off, and the first thing I noticed, was that no one had been out there at all. I guess people think it is too cold or something. Or possibly, they are smarter than I am.
As I finished up the North Rim trail, and started on the Hemlock Gorge Trail, I noticed I was ever so slowly being surrounded by water. Even though I knew about where the trail was, I decided to just make my own to save time from looking for it. I think in the end, I was really on the trail, just never could confirm it. The trail in that part was flooded from the river, but runnable if you didn't mind getting wet. It was only 24 degrees out!
Anyway, I had my Rocky Boots Goretex sock liners on which helped a lot. At least I never got wet.
I started to think about running the rest of the Orange loop as it was already 3:30. The trail up till now was hard to find. I thought maybe it would be better if I didn't run the rest of the Orange Loop since there was a potential for me to get lost if the trail was snowed over and it was getting dark. I played it safe and decided to run up the Bill Hill to the shelter then down the road to CR 3006. I turned around there and headed back towards the Covered Bridge. Once there, I decided to run up the hill towards Bridle Staging, and then turned around to reconnect back with the Hemlock Gorge Trail.




I took some pictures of the waterfalls on the way through the first time. I just had to stop on the way back and listen to the water rushing down.
As I headed back towards Campground "A", I stopped one of the Rangers and told him I was parked in the parking lot, and that I was almost done. He was cool with it, and I headed down the road to finish out 14 miles.
The snow really made it a difficult run today. I walked a lot as it was just too difficult to keep a steady pace. It was great to get out there and just run in the snow.

Totals: 14 miles Time: 2:47:52 Pace: slow as dirt

Rebuilding

A quick trip to the gym tonight. Felt better than last night, but still seemed to be a little exhausting towards the end.


Totals: 3.01 miles Time: 28:44 Pace: 9:33/mile

Slowly back at it

I went to the gym last night to do a little workout and run.
After finishing my workout, I jumped onto the treadmill, and started running. It felt pretty good at first, but soon it gave way to pain in my stomach.
I only ended up with 2 miles. After that I went and sat in the Sauna for about 20 minutes trying to sweat out this bad feeling.

Totals: 2 Miles Time: 18:56 Pace: 9:28

Bad week....

Sorry for the absence. I got really sick on Friday, and have been feeling the effects up until now. At first I thought I had food poisoning. It turns out I believe I caught a 48 hr virus going around. My manager said he knew of a lot of people who caught the same thing.
Anyway, I was going to go to the gym tonight and run, but, I had no energy at all. I will try and make an effort tomorrow as I need to get myself in gear.
I feel as if I am spinning my wheels and making no headway in my training.

Cold 8 mile Run

Tonight, I decided to go out and run either 6 or 8. It is 17 degrees out right now.

I felt kinda tired not even two miles into the run. It was hard running on the sidewalks at times because all of the snow. There was ice everywhere. I ran on the road when I could which allowed me to run a little faster. I stopped and hooked up my heart monitor after I noticed it was high. It wasn't pegged like other times, but I wanted to be sure.

I ran my usual loop around Pickerington, and when I got to 4 miles, I simply turned around and headed back the way I came. I walked some allowing my heart rate to come back down. Some of the hills were too difficult to run up due to ice and snow, so I just walked instead. It was nice to be out and see all the Christmas lights lighting up the neighborhoods.

Totals: 8 miles Time: 1:21:04 Pace: 10:08

I have heard it all now......

Non running post but I cannot resist. I found this on a fellow bloggers website regarding a guy who was now a registered sex offender.

Winter is in full force here, so off to the gym tonight

I decided to stay indoors tonight since Winter has dumped a crap load of snow here in Ohio last night.
We ended up getting around 3 inches or so. When this happens people just turn into morons and forget what to do when it snows while driving. As much as I wanted to hit the roads, or trails, it was safer to run on the old hamster wheel.
I was hooked up to my new contraption the eCardio device. Wouldn't you know it, I had no issues with high heart rate tonight. It did record 4 events that I was unaware of so who knows.
I have to upload these via the phone to a company for analysis.

I felt incredible the entire run. I was planning a Tempo run, but just kept cranking up the speed.
It may have been granny speed, but at least I was increasing it. Again, I felt like I was getting a good run in tonight, and pushed myself during the last mile.
I ended up with:

Totals: 6.01 Time:56:01 Pace/mile: 9:18

My new little running device.....

For the next two weeks anyway. I went to my doctor yesterday regarding my sleep issues. I can be up for two or three days straight. He gave me some wonderful little pills that should help me. Ambien can also have a side effect that makes me Sleep-Eat in the middle of the night.
Much like Sleep-Walking, I get up in the middle of the night and eat a lot of what ever is the most convenient to eat.
If my wife has any junk food, I eat it. I usually eat the things during these times that I typically never eat when I am awake.

I have a few good stories about this medicine that would really make you laugh.

Anyway, I asked my doctor about the heart rate issues I have been having and he gave me this little device. I have to wear it for the next two weeks as previously stated. When ever I notice my heart rate is high, via my heart rate monitor or by feel, I push a little button that records a minute or so of data. Once I get a few records, I can then upload them to the company who makes the device for analysis.

I have to run tonight, so we'll see how it goes.

Off to bed...

Treadmill Fartlek........

Tonight I was planning a 6 mile run, but due to time constraints, (my wife was hungry, and my sister was over helping me out), I had to cut it down to just 3 miles. So, instead of just running 3 boring miles on the treadmill, I decided to run it Fartlek style. I love this type of run.
It would run a little bit, then crank up the treadmill to about 8.5 - 9 mph, and run this speed for about 30-40 seconds. I did this at random intervals, which at times felt really good to let loose.

I had no heart rate issues tonight which was great. I started out at a really slow pace, and built on that after a half mile. In reality to some people ( Liz & Josh ), I went from extremely slow to a faster slow pace. I'm just envious of faster runners is all. It's all good though. I just tell myself I run slow so I can enjoy the scenery longer. These athletes are great runners who just so happen to have the ability to move fast.

Totals: Miles: 3.01 Time: 28:22 Pace per mile: 9:41

Sunday Run Part II......

Okay, I decided to go to the gym and run where the rain couldn't get to me. As boring as it was, it had to be done.

Again, I was running about a 10-9:30 minute mile, and my heart rate was averaging around 188 or more. I made a doctors appointment for Tuesday for my sleeping problems. I need drugs man! Ambien will make you do weird things too. When I was on it before, I would wake up in the middle of the night standing in my kitchen with a huge bowl of cereal in my hands. I was Sleep-Eating! In reality, I can't wait to actually be able to sleep through the night or day sleep eating or not.

Totals: 4:00 Miles Time: 38:16 Pace/mile: 9:34

Sunday Run Part I.....

I decided today to just go out and do a road run. It was raining very little when I started out. By the time I reached mile 2, it was a relentless downpour.

I noticed my heart rate was really high again. Not sure what is going on. I noticed that I just could not run any slower than what I was running. I decided to walk a little bit when I got to the tops of any hills I went up.

My wife was a few miles away, and I decided to give her a call and see if she wanted to go get some lunch. Actually, I wanted her to take me home, so I bribed her with some lunch.

Anyway,

I was planning a longer run, but I was just soaked through my Snowboarding jacket, and running tights. Yes, I said tights. No pictures were taken of course.

Totals: 4.01 miles Time: 40:35 Pace per mile: 10:07

Quick workout tonight

I decided to do a workout tonight instead of a run. I am having re-occurring issues with my right hip and inner part of my leg. I know what the issue is, I am just really lazy about keeping up with it.
This issue brought my running to a near halt in 2005 and 2006.
I went to PT a many times over the course of a year, and they determined that it was an impinged nerve in my lower back (Lumbar area). The impingement would cause tightness and pain down my leg resulting in a very painful life.
Anyway, I have muscle imbalances that need to be worked on.
As many of you know, it takes a lot of time and energy to workout, run, and do the many things in life.
I am stretched as thin as I can get when it comes to having time for anything.

I need to start on my Yoga again, and more Core work. When I do these things, the issues disappear. When they disappear, I get lazy or busy. Then the issues come back.
So, I need to stay on track so I can do what I love to do: Run.

Tonight’s workout:
100 Standard Crunches
90 Side Heel Touches (works Obliques)
90 Seconds of Planks
90 Seconds each side of Side Planks
50 Medicine Ball crunches with 12 lb Medi-Ball
100 Pushups
80 leg lifts each side for hips
5 sets of 10 Cobra Pose

Here it comes....What you all have been waiting for...

I ran tonight! OMG what is this world coming to?

I know I am being hard on myself, but if I am to make it to my first 50 miler, then I have to straighten myself out.
I ran 6 miles tonight, and felt as if I was dying. It seems that I only have one speed which is about around 8:26 per mile. I had to stop and walk a lot tonight. My heart rate was maxed out a lot. According to my Garmin: Max Heart: 194, Average Heart: 183
It felt really good to get out there and run after a long week of not being able to get out there and run.
I have to keep at it, and I will be back soon enough.

Totals: 6 miles hilly roads, walked some Time: 1:00:00 Pace: 10:00 per mile

To my Millions of Loyal Fans out there....... (Ha Ha)

I apologize for the absence of running. Between work (being on call), and putting down a new Walnut Travertine floor in my kitchen, I have not had the chance to go out and do even 2 miles.

Beleive me, it is killing me.
I keep thinking about that 50 miler in March. Will I be ready? Stay Tuned!

Being on call is the worst

I am on call this week and have not been able to run much at all. Today around 4:30 I started to go out in the rain and wind for a quick run when I got a call regarding a major issue in New York City. Anyway, it is now almost 2:00AM and I am still on the call. I'll probably be on it until the morning or later.

Anyway, I have noticed that since I changed to new shoes and started running the track that my hamstring and ITB has been feeling like it wants to spring an injury. I am so in tune to my body after all that I went through with my previous injury. I think I will back off the new shoes for the next few runs to see if it helps. It could also be from running at a slightly faster pace than what I am used to.

Hopefully, if TANYA gets back to me regarding a Friday run, I will give it a shot then. I think she's probably hung over from all the Double Chocolate Cookie Crisp she's hooked on. That stuff is like crack.

My wife and I both eat it uncontrollably if we get it. The box is gone in about an hour.

No wonder I am a doughboy. Not sure why my wife isn't though.

Tonight I ran at PNH track. It was supposed to be a rest day, but since I am on call, I decided to take my chances and go out and run a few.
For some reason, not sure, it seems that even holding a pace for a certain amount of time proves to be difficult at times. It could be from running on the track that my speed increases naturally versus running on the trail. Hmmm, could be that: I am out of shape perhaps?
I hope this is a good thing.
I am need of a long run though. I need time on my feet. I hope to do a 5+ hour run here soon before I go crazy.

Totals: 3 miles Track Time: 27:09 Pace: 9:03

Jet-Puffed Dog

Since I am a lame ass and didn't run today, here is a post of my dog's "Jet-Puffed" marshmallow binge tonight.

I was making some hot chocolate with marshmallows tonight. Okay, again, I am a lame ass for making a hot chocolate, who cares.

I was in the living room drinking it and working when I heard a bag rattling. "Okay, who's into what"? I went in and found my dog had eaten an entire bag of marshmallows.

-I'm probably going to get a nice "Clean up on Isle 10" later this morning.

Today's Long Run, not so long.

Today was supposed to be 12 miles. I am on call this week for work, and I don't really want to stray far from home so, I decided to go to the track. I will probably be hitting the track a lot this week so I can jump in my car and drive home quickly if needed.
I went to Pickerington North High to run 8 miles on the track then head over to the cross country course for about 4 miles.
I ended up stopping after 5 miles. I wasn't into the run too much, and I thought I would be able to go back out later for a night run to finish out today's mileage.
-It didn't happen. My wife and I went to dinner, and for some reason, I was incredibly sore from today's run. Not sure what it is, could be from the track.

Total: 5 miles, Time: 47:27 9:30 pace

The Snow is here

No pictures tonight. All you would have seen was a wall of sleet moving in on the track at Pickerington Central.
Tonight was supposed to be hill work. It was getting dark, and the parks close at dark. I decided I had enough time to go run at the track, then run up the steep embankments around the stadium.
I ran two miles, then ran hill repeats on the hill that was probably 30-35% grade. I did 6 hill repeats, and I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
I decided to leave just in case the cops came by and wanted to know why I was running in the rain/snow in the dark on school property.
On my way home, I was just itching to run some more.
I pulled over at this church, and jumped out and ran 1 more mile up and down this valley that had a steep hill on both sides. That gave 3+ miles overall.

3 + miles total:

2 miles Time: 17:04 8:28 average pace
+ 6 hill repeats at 35% grade
1 Mile worth of hill repeats 8:58 pace

Track Work

I just got my new Asics Nimbus in the mail. I love these shoes. I wanted to immediately go out and break them in.

I decided I would try going to the track again. I've ran there many times but got bored with just running in circles. After reading Josh's Blog, it hit me: Duh! Go to the damn track to work on speed.

Seriously, the roads around here are too varied. Even though it is Ohio, there is not a consistently flat surface around here. In certain instances, that is a good thing.

I used to be somewhat a faster slow poke when it came to running. I had always wanted to break 4 hours in a marathon, and was very close to doing it until I was injured. I want that back!

Anyway, I went to Pickerington Central High School track since it is closer to my house.

The Pickerington North High School track is very nice, but seems to be a few people out there. -Too crowded!

I shouldn't complain. They have two tracks at Pick North side by side. It is really nice. The cushioning is like a cloud.

So, to sum up: I have 3 tracks to run at, 2 Cross Country courses to run, a slew of parks, and endless roads. I feel lucky.

Okay, back to the damn workout:

I decided tonight would be mile repeats with a short break in between. I wanted to work on leg turnover, and better my form.

Mile 1: 8:43 200 meter walk break

Mile 2: 8:28 200 meter walk break

Mile 3: 8:53 400 meter walk break
Mile 4: 8:21

Totals: 4 miles Average: 8:37/mile pace

Can't Sleep = No running

The past two nights have been hell. I have not been able to go to sleep even after being up all day. I am so tired, but just cannot fall asleep.
Saturday, I went to bed at 10:00, and never fell asleep until around 4:30 AM. I woke up to pouring down rain, and half my day shot.
I thought I would make it up by running 16 on Monday, but again, didn't get to sleep until 6:30 AM or so.
I guess I need to just put it behind me and start my week over again.

Slate Run - 4 miles

Today, I went out to Slate Run Metro Park again for a quick run.

The last time I ran out here my camera battery was dead. This time a I took a few pictures.

Slate Run will give you a good hill workout if you so desire. What I like about this park is its diversity. Many wooded sections, with an extensive marshland, several lakes, and many prairies.

This picture of the guy going up the hill, is an actual depiction of the hills that are out there.

The picture below is of the covered bridge on the Pet Trail.

The last picture is typical of the trails out there. At a later time, I will post some of the marshland, and prairie.

Total: 4.25 miles Time: 43:55 Pace: 10:20

Chestnut Ridge - Hill work

Today, I got that dreaded feeling: "I don't wanna do it".
I had just woken up and felt like I was hung over. I told myself, "if I don't go today, then what's going to happen in January when you have to go out for a 25 miler one day then a 9 miler the next? You won't make it in Mississippi". -You sorry ass, it's only 2 miles.
So, I went downstairs took an Excedrin, and started to get ready. I headed out the door, to Chestnut Ridge Metro Park in Canal Winchester. It's a nice little park with some good old fashioned ass kicking hills.
What I like about this park is that it's less than 10 minutes from my house, and it is a seriously good place for both uphill and downhill training. Those of you in the Ultra running world know, downhill training is just as important as uphill training.
When I ran Haliburton, the thing that beat my quads and knees to death were those little downhills that I typically ran hard not thinking that I was going to pay later on in the race.

I got to the park, and oh man, it is so beautiful out there. I got my camera out, and wouldn't you know it. My damn battery was dead. I need to get back over there soon and take some pictures of the trails.
I headed south on the Ridge Trail to connect to the Meadows Trail which has rolling hills, which turn into a nice hill going up Mt. Canal Winchester. (That's the name I call it anyway).
This hill is around .35 of a mile long. I got maybe .10 of a mile up the hill and I had to stop and walk until my heart rate got back to about 170 bpm. I then started back up the hill to reconnect with the Ridge Trail. This is where the downhill training began. There are a few little rollers at the top of the ridge, but then it winds down into a steep plunge ending back at the parking lot.
I ran hard down Mt. Canal Winchester and I scared the hell out of a couple walking up the hill. They thought I was going to run over them. Good thing they got out of the way.

Total Miles: 2 miles Time: 19:58 Pace: 9:59

I can taste Blood when I breath.....It must have been Speed Work day!

As prescribed for today: 2 Miles (speed work)

Okay, I am admitting that I am really out of shape here. That is the whole reason I have this Blog is so I can throw myself out there and get the hell embarrassed out of me while trying to get back to where I once was. If you look at my profile, that was a picture of me when I was in my best shape during my marathon bingeing.
Anyway,
I was going to go to the track and run a little down there, but I forgot, my wife took my Jeep today, and she had a partially flat tire on her car. I decided on a road run, 2 miles out & back on hilly roads.


Mile 1: 8:10
Mile 2: 7:54

Total (For those of you that can't count): 2 miles 16:04 8:03 average pace.

Running with the Ducks......in the rain

Yesterday, I ran with the Buffalo, today, I run with the ducks.
I planned a 6 mile run that would wrap up my week with 20 miles. Did it happen? Read on.

I go down to Pickerington Ponds, which is literally 2 miles from my house. I have never ran there.
I decide to go out there after scouting good places to run while at work today.
I get there and start out on the Meadow Lark Trail and do two loops there before heading out on the road to run up to the Killdeer Trail. While running on the road, I hear a rumble off in the distance. I think, is that thunder? No way, it's probably the cargo jets taking off or landing over at Rickenbacker. I get to the trail head, and sure enough, I see lightning. I am now a little ways away from my Jeep, and decided to keep running on the trail. After all, there should be a shelter at the end of this trail. Wrong! As I am running down Killdeer, the rain is light, but steadily picks up towards the end. No big deal, I've ran in the rain many times. I get to the end of the trail, and there is no shelter. I take off, and start back down the trail, and the lightning was relentless. One bolt snapped about a mile from me, and almost sent me to the ground. Damn! That was close!
I can see off in the distance what looks like a white wall, of something moving fast towards me.
WTH is that?
The hail started coming down hard, and I had no shelter. Damn, that hurt!
The next best thing I could do was stand behind a tree for shelter. It worked.
Once the hails stopped, I decided I better get going before I cool down too much. The temperature was dropping fast.

You can see in the picture that haze. That's hail.











As I headed back towards Yellow Legs Trail, (I know, I was thinking the same thing when I read that), the temp kept dropping more and more. I was soaking wet since the rain did not stop.

I got back to Ellis Pond, and decided to end the run there. The temps were dropping, and I was soaking wet.














Total mileage: 5.04 miles Time 45:45 Pace: 9:05

LSD..... my Drug of Choice!

Sunday is my day to slow down a bit, and go for an LSD Run in the Hood or, Long Slow Distance for those in my family flipping out that I am hooked on LSD.
Actually, I am hooked on LSD. My favorite type of run. I can go out for hours and just absorb my surroundings.
I headed out towards Busey Rd through he hood. My first stop: The Buffalos.
Okay Tanya, since you don't believe me about the hills or the Buffalo, here they are:

This pictures is on my way back from the turnaround. When I came upon them earlier, they were out in the field more.

Anyway, earlier in the run, I went past the Buffalo, and started down a steep HILL, and this guy was outside with his Black Lab. He and I chatted for a second, and he asked me "how far you running"? I said "oh, just 8 miles today".
I then said that I would be back in a few because I was going to turn around a few miles ahead.

On my way back, I start up that damn HILL and as I crest the hill, I hear Metallica blasting from a stereo. It was the guy I was chatting with before. He yelled: "I thought you could use a little pick me up coming up that hill". I was dying laughing.
How's that for a training run support. I said "thank you, I love Metallica".

I got to the turn around and felt really good, and decided to run the second half a little harder.

I got to the Haunted School House, and decided it would be a good time to stop and eat my last Shot Bloks, and turn my iPod on.

I took off and wound my way back home trying to avoid the killer Jack Russell Terrier, and a Bad Ass Yorkey. If they got a hold of me, I probably would have been a dry boned carcass along side the road.

The last picture below shows a great way to end all of my LSD excursions: Leg Drains. For those who do not know what Leg Drains are, or have never done them. They are wonderful. It helps keep the soreness from setting in the next day from all the Lactic Acid buildup.

Special Thanks to the Buffalo Farmer for getting his Buffalo ready for a publicity shot.
Special Thanks to Dianni Homes of Pickerington for allowing me to refill my water bottle from their garden hose.

Total Distance: 8.08 miles 1:18:13 Pace: 9:41

2 Mile CC run

I was planning a quick 2 mile run today, and decided that was a good distance to take my two out-of-shape dogs on a run. It was really nice out today, so what the heck.
After straining my back hoisting the 90+lb Lab and the very rotund 40+ lb Beagle in the back of my Jeep, I then head off to Pickerington Central High CC course. It is only a mile away, and offered a great place to just let my Lab run. The Beagle of course needs a constant leash, or she would be in the next state in no time.

I start off the run, and they are so excited. We enter the wooded area, and then it starts..... Needless to say, our run ended not even .20 of a mile into the run. Below is what they continuously did after they decided they didn't want to run. I ended up walking them for about 20 minutes.

I take them home and off I go to Pickerington North High CC course. It is a little nicer, in terms of hills, and groomed pathway.

Total mileage for the run: 2.00 miles; 17:39; 8:34/mile

1st mile 9:04

2nd mile: 7:35

Pace was "Confortably Uncomfortable" towards the end.

At this point, I am dying to go back out and run another 5 miles, but need to hold back for right now. This for me, is a rebuilding period.

Thursday Hill Workout

Today: Hills.

Stairmaster: 1.75 miles, 84 floors, 20 minutes

Hill Run: 2 miles, 24 minutes. (I had my dog with me)

Started off at the gym with 20 minutes of Stairmaster, then went home and picked up my dog for a quick hill workout in one of the local parks in Pickerington.

Okay Tanya, here is a just one of many hills here in Pickerington;

This is at Sycamore Creek Park:

At this point, my dog just had enough and wouldn't run the rest of the way up the hill. Not sure who is smarter, him, or his owner.

This hill is a killer if you run it hard. We made it up, or I did, 2 times and then we went off for a cooldown by the "Zeller-Smith Bridge" Covered Bridge.

Here is the final loop in the Sycamore Creek garden, and the creek crossing:

Starting over...

I am beginning my new training for my first 50 miler in March. Even though I think I have an "okay" base already, I have decided to start over with training specifics. I will be adding speed work, hill training, LSD, and cross training where needed.

This past year, I have been wishy washy with my training. I am back after a long year and a half of pain in my right leg. The pain was so bad that I had to stop running. Once that I figured out that it was my back, I can now start running again, and be consistent.
I started yesterday with a tempo run of just 3 miles. I wanted to start out easy as to not burn myself out, and over train, which is common in ultra running.

October 31, 2007: 3 mile Tempo run. 28:53

Halloween.....A Night of Torturing my dogs.........

Okay, a non running post but I couldn't resist.
My wife and I are those nutty people you always see in Target laughing hysterically while holding up dog costumes before Halloween.
Of Course, my lab is over 90 lbs, and no costume will fit him, but.... there is our Beagle who is much smaller than him, or so we think.
My wife picks out this chicken costume, and I am laughing so hard when she calls me to say she picked out the best costume for our Beagle. She gets it home, only to find out that Beagle is so fat, she won't fit in a medium. We have to go back. We end up getting the next best thing which is a lobster. My lab aka: "Super Puppy", had to have his costume made. In past experiences, he hates costumes, and I know only a cape will probably work.
The neighbor kids love it. Actually, everyone gets a kick out of it.
See, it is so much fun torturing my dogs any chance I get.

Germantown, and the trip to the Emergency Room.....

Okay, where to start, hey, I didn't finish Germantown. How's that?
DAMN IT!

This is long……

Alright, I am still in a bad mood, but I will try my best to give an accurate account of what happened.
The race, first off is a great race. This is a small race, and the RD: Wesley Fenton, has put together a really wonderful event. I'll be back!

We started at 9:00 AM, and the crowd thinned out probably around mile 3 or so. I really like the trails in Germantown Metro Park. The leaves covered the obstacles, and I nearly went flying face first down a hill due to a buried root. I can't deny that one 'casue someone saw me! The hills are nice and rolling, with a few steep ones here and there, plus some stream crossings, which you can jump over.

Anyway, everything was going great during the first loop around. I had a goal of a 7 hour finish. In order to run a 7 hour, I had to do the first loop in about 1:41, and the rest in about the same amount of time. This would allow for about 15 minutes of fade for the entire race. The first loop was ran conservatively and I came in at 1:44. No big deal, I could make that time up as I knew what was coming, and I felt great. I started off on my second loop, and about a mile out, I noticed that my heart rate was abnormally high. I thought okay, I'll just walk a little to get it to come down, and will start back up. Well, I couldn't get it to go below 180 bpm. I was running aerobically at this point.

When I run trails at Mohican, my average heart rate is around 166-168 bpm. Not bad at all actually. It does get up there into the 180's, but never peaks out at 189 or 190.
I'm like what is going on? I cannot be dehydrated. I've been drinking Smart Water which is electrolyte water that I’ve been drinking for years. I typically drink this before races or during hot weather with no problems. I finished off over 100 ounces the past day and a half on top of regular bottled water, and 2 - S! caps per day with the bottled water.
The day before the race, I started my schedule, of solid food for lunch, and the rest of the day/night, it was just Ensure, and S! caps. The liquid food makes for a better run with NO stomach issues. Since I have done this at Mohican, I have had good success. It's when I fall off the wagon, and eat solid food with milk before a Mohican run is where issues start.

Anyway, I actually felt fine (stomach wise) when my heart rate was jumping. All I could do half way into the second loop was walk. I was walking down hills and my heart rate was 180. Walking on straights, it was 186, up hills, it was 189 or above.
Well, guess what? I was very dehydrated. Despite my taking regular S! caps (1 per hour), I was not absorbing fluids. I was taking in my regular 4 hour bottle of Perpetuem, and plain water. I did not drink Gatorade as it causes stomach problems.
I got back to the end of the second loop humiliated, and at first, didn't say anything about quitting. I was drinking Chicken soup that I brought in a Thermos, and just sat there for a few. After about 10 minutes, I new I didn't have anything left. I told the guy I was done because my heart rate was just too high. That set off a chain reaction, and they wanted to call an Ambulance. WTH?? No way. "I will be fine". I thought......
I sent my wife off to the Dayton Mall for some shopping during the race, so I had to call her to come pick me up.
On our way back through Dayton, I start feeling really, really bad. I've never felt this bad before. There for a moment, I knew something was terribly wrong.
I almost lost consciousness several times, I was shaking uncontrollably. I felt like I was going to die. Seriously.
I was so cold at that point. My breathing was labored, and my pulse was weak.
Anyway, I told my wife to pull over at Wendy's (No, I wasn't hungry) and had her go ask someone for directions to a Hospital.

We ended up finding an "Urgent Care". - Big Mistake.
They need to either change the name to something like "Willy-Nilly Care" or "We Don't Really Care" or better yet: simply go out of business. They are as worthless as an empty beer bottle.
I go in and explain things, and they said, "You need to go to an Emergency Room". I said, I am getting ready to pass out here. "Well, again, you need an Emergency Room".
I wanted so badly to say: "Why are you guys called Urgent Care"? I had no energy, or strong enough breath to argue. They told us directions to a real hospital which we eventually found. At that point, I started to feel better. I could feel the blood working back into my stomach area. I told my wife, “let's go get something to eat, and see how I feel”.
We went to the cafeteria, and ate some really nasty hospital food, but it did make me feel better. Mashed Taters and glowing-green-gravy was the: “It’s what’s for Dinner” item. I think the gravy was left over Barium from the Radiology department. Hmmm….
We left, and I was able to drive the rest of the way home. I feel great right now.

I need to find out why my stomach is shutting down. This happened at Haliburton, but in a worse way. Something that happened at Germantown, which happened at Haliburton, was that my eyes were really blurry, and I could not see. At one point, I didn’t know if I was on the correct trail.

At least this time at Germantown, my stomach didn’t hurt.
I'll be making a doctor's appointment really soon. I can't keep doing this.
At one point, I was so pissed off that I said: "I am done with running".
Well, not quite.
I am starting all over in terms of training to see if I can get to the root of this issue. I'll also be doing a lot of research on this. Any input is greatly appreciated, so please respond!

It's 2:55 in the morning.......

I have a race (Germantown) that is starting in 6 hours and I can't sleep. It's not helping any that my dog and my wife are sawing logs like the family owned sawmill that's behind schedule. It's kinda funny though.

I work 3rd shift so, it's kinda hard to sleep during this time anyway. Obviously, I have the night off tonight.
Yesterday morning I went to Lowes, and bought the majority of the lumber I need to build my shed in my back yard. I was pulling sheets of plywood off the stack and felt a pull in my lower back. “Here comes the pain” I thought. “Damn it! Why did I decide to do this a day before a race?”
I have a chronically tight lower back and hamstrings, here soon I will need to start doing Yoga again the stretch them out.
So, as I lay here with my lower back in pain, and cannot sleep due to the sawmill, which is making me laugh, I cannot help to think how my race will go. The other racers will really enjoy me with the smell of Icy Hot wafting their way while on the trail. I feel sorry for whoever is behind me. Race Report will be due later tonight, or tomorrow. Stay Tuned.......

Slate Run Metro Park - 4 miles

It was a cold wet run tonight, but I loved every minute of it. Pace was relaxed as this will be the last run before Germantown on Saturday.
Slate Run is about 15 minutes from my house and offers a nice run on trails without seeing many other people. There are great hill sections with wide open meadows, and many acres of marshland.
I just heard that this rain could stretch into the weekend. I am guessing that Germantown is going to turn a little muddy and miserable.

4 miles - 38:20 / 9:32 Pace

Two Miles with my Best Friend

Tonight was a quick two miles with my lab Buxton. I was planning a longer run, but he was staring at me with those big sad eyes. I could tell he wanted to go, so I said: "You Ready?"
He was jumping around like he had a hot poker on his tail as we went out the door.

I haven't ran him much since he has hip dysplasia, and is in need of another hip replacement.
I had an appointment scheduled tomorrow with OSU Vet Hospital but had to cancel it due to finances. They require a lot of money down to take him home (about $ 1800.00) Plus you have a remaining $1200.00 you have to pay off in 90 days.
I will have it done in January when I have saved up enough.

He wasn't much into posing tonight. As always, he is a little camera shy.

Slower runners don't count......or do they?

I was reading through this mornings Columbus Dispatch about the Columbus Marathon, oh wait, excuse me, The Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon. What a way to kill our home town marathon name. Let's slap yet another Nationwide logo on something that does not need it. Give me a break.

Anyway, I was reading about the marathon, and noticed at the end of the paragraph it states: "More coverage and the top 1,000 finishers in the race."
What? what about the remaining finishers? Do they not count because they were too slow? I remember my first Columbus Marathon. Back when it was just called: "The Columbus Marathon" I was so proud to see my name published in the Columbus Dispatch. There it was: my first marathon. -I still have it by the way.

I started thinking about all those who may have wanted to see their name in the paper. After all, how often do you get the chance to see your name in THE PAPER?
So to ponder my original question: Were they too slow to count? Yes/No/Maybe????
I think the Dispatch would have been overwhelmed by the record number of entrants/finishers for the printing of the lowly Monday edition.
I would have to guess it would be as thick if not thicker than the Sunday paper.
Being a slow runner myself, I feel for the people who did not make to the press.

Again: Do they count? ABSOLUTLEY.
All runners count including the walkers. Could you imagine walking 8 or more hours during a race? Hmmm, sounds like something I would do during an ULTRA!

Tryin this blog thing.

Okay, even though I've never seemed to be interested in writing a Blog, I thought maybe it would help motivate me in my training.I am not sure whether or not I will be creating daily or weekly entries. It may end up being a combination of both.
I am working on getting myself back to the condition I was in before I was injured, which was shortly after the 2005 Cleveland Marathon.It all started in my right groin and hamstring area. At it's full height, the pain was ingrained in nearly all of my right thigh and hamstring area. After about a year and a half of physical therapy, massage therapy, and many painful runs, the cause was in my lower back.
I am running my second Ultra Marathon this coming Saturday; The Germantown 50k in Dayton, Ohio.
I am not sure what to expect from this 50k since my first 50k; Haliburton Forest, went south half way into the race. I was not feeling well the night before the race, and ended up having a bad race.
With Germantown, my training was going okay until about two weeks ago, I got a really bad cold. It was weird since I had not been sick since the 2005 New York City Marathon.
Hopefully, I will be able to survive this 50k, and at least get back a little bit of my dignity.
Don't get me wrong, I am happy I toughed it out and finished, I was humiliated because I was literally "finished" before the halfway point. My body just stopped absorbing fuel, and simply ran out. I walked a good portion of the way back which was very hard for me to do.
I will continue to update this Blog with my training progress, and possibly do some back dating with entries of Haliburton Forest, and other running related posts.