Saturday, February 25, 2006

Gasparilla 5K

ORN: 3.1 miles, 37:46

Well, we DID it. 30 some-odd years after we marched through Tampa, Don and I RAN [and walked] the 5K. And we had a ball. We ran some, walked some, and talked a BUNCH.

It had been a few years since Don had run the race and I think he was shocked to see how many people there were. I was too. I don't know what the numbers were, but it is a BIG race.

Good fun all the way around. Somewhere around mile 2 we were passed by a military group running in formation. Hard to miss the irony!

It was one of those great running days. Good weather, good company. What's better than that??

John

Friday, February 24, 2006

City by the Bay

ORN: 45 minutes, 4/2

Not THAT city by the bay. Tampa Bay. I'm down here for the Gasparilla Festival and will be running the 5K on Saturday with an old Army Band buddy of mine. The last time we were "marching" in Tampa was 30 years ago. Should be fun.

Tonight's run was just a "stay loose" run. I wanted to feel the heat and humidity in Tampa. Let's just say that it's VERY different than running in Chicago at this time of year.

I'm still feeling the jet lag, time change, day change, hemisphere change, but it's getting better.

John

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Dress Rehearsal

ORN: 3 miles, 9/1, 33 minutes.

Since I've been off my training for nearly two weeks [although I did run some] I'm a bit concerned, so I did a "test run" today. I'm hoping that I can finish the 5K this weekend in under 33 minutes, but that will take a pretty good day for me.

We'll see.

John

Back in Action

Whew. I'm back, but still trying to get pointed in the right direction.

I had a good time away. Lots of walking and some trail running. I hope to be back on the Blog in a day or so.

John

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Away for a while

I am going to be away from the computer from Feb. 9 to Feb 22. I'll do a COMPLETE blog when I return.

John

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Tempo Run

ORN: 4 miles, 5/1, 45 minutes [treadmill]

After being in Tucson and San Diego I just couldn't take going outside in the 20 degrees and snow. So, off to the gym. I like the treadmill because I can set a pace and hold it. My mind can sort of go on vacation while my body exercises.

I had THE best run I've had since Disney. I held steady at a 10:30 pace [with a walk every 5 minutes] and it felt good to be at that effort.

John

Monday, February 06, 2006

t-shirt weather

ORN: 30 minutes, 5/1

I was in San Diego for the RunningUSA conference and my business partner and I managed to squeeze in a short run around a bay area. It's winter in Chicago, but it was BEAUTIFUL out there.

My legs are beginning to feel "normal" but the emotional commitment just isn't back up to full steam.

John

Sunday, February 05, 2006

An Easy Two

ORN: 2 miles, 4/2

I'm still in Tucson and I need to get out of here soon or I'll never leave. It was another beautiful sunrise over that Catalina mountains and another perfect morning for a run.

Inspired by all the mountains and "outdoors" I bought a pair of trail shoes and today was my first run in them. I know what you're thinking - I live in Chicago. I run along the lakefront path most of the time and the nearest trails are an hour or more drive. But, the path IS crushed stone. That's kinda like a trail.

Besides, I LIKE buying shoes. These happen to be bumble bee yellow and black - NOT my first choice in shoe colors - but they fit well and felt great. I'll get over the color. I didn't get a pair of super heavy-duty trail shoes, either. These have a slightly different tread and a bit tougher outsole. All in all, a pretty good choice for everyday shoes.

So, this morning was just a trial run and I'm pleased to report that they were very good. I even tried some "off road" running and they seemed to be working just fine.

The new shoes might be just the ticket for energizing my running. If this morning was any indication, they will be.

John

Saturday, February 04, 2006

Sunrise run

ORN: 80 minutes, 3/2, Tucson, AZ

Talk about a change of scenery. I ran this morning with the training group from Fleet Feet Tuscon. Most of them are training for the Arizona Distance Classic, half marathon, in Tucson on March 12.

I can't begin to tell you where we ran. All I can tell you is there were mountains and cacti and things scurrying around the ground. It was about 40 degrees when we started and then the sun crested the mountains. BOOM. Instantly it was 65 degrees.

My knee is still whispering to me that we are NOT going too far or too fast. I'm listening! About an hour and 15 minutes into the run I knew that I'd be walking it in.

But it was a good week. I tied on my shoes and ran 5 days this week. They weren't all high quality runs but I was out there. Little by little it's coming back.

John

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Easy treadmill run

ORN: 4 miles, 55 minutes, 4/2

It was the fourth day in a row that I've run. That alone is a surprise. 3 days is usually my limit. But, I'll be traveling the next two days and won't be able to run so I wanted to get it in.

I did a VERY easy - long run pace - run on the treadmill. I could have gone outside, but I wanted to be able to stop if I wanted to. And I almost did. About 2 miles into it I thought about quiting but told myself I'd try going one more segment and then decide.

So I'll take two days off and then try a long run on Saturday. Wish me luck.

John