whoa...it's been a while

Well, life happened...and blogging didn't.

Coupled with being super busy at work and the soccer schedule getting loaded up, I haven't had a chance to write up any blog entries.

So, it's something like 128 days until the North Face Endurance Challenge
Training: (I need to step it up a bit I think..)
1/16: 2.5mi - okay, couldn't get going for a 4 miler today, so a recovery run would have to do.
1/17: OFF
1/18: 3mi - easy
1/19: 4mi - 29:54
1/20: OFF
1/21: 4mi - easy - feeling calf pain and numbness in my left foot during the last 1/2 mile
1/22: 4mi - easy - feeling calf pain and numbness in my left foot during the last 1/2 mile
1/23: 3mi - easy
1/24: 4mi - 28min
1/25: OFF
1/26: OFF
1/27: 3mi - 21min
1/28: 3.1mi - 22min
1/29: OFF

**Having an issue with finding the 'flow' lately, I hope it comes back soon.

M H: 6mi Manassas Battlefield

Hannah and I braved the cold temps and had a great 6mi run at the Manassas Battlefield. Although it was a bit muddy, it was a ton of fun being out on a relatively challenging course together. We ran what is called the 1st Manassas Trail, which is 5.7mi in length, but we added in a few extra loops that made our run just over 6mi. Even with the dodging of huge/deep puddles, mud bogs, and steep hills we managed to run at about 8:30 pace for most of the run. All in all, it was so much fun working hard and sharing the experience with Hannah.

We took Sunday off, and will be back at it this evening (Mon 1/16) with a 4 miler. Hopefully temps will warm up....running in 12F degree weather this morning just wasn't happening on a Monday. :-)

PS: Looking forward to having some tasty dinner tonight...Hannah is making Gluten Free taquitos and tortilla soup! She is getting pretty amazing at putting together gluten free meals!

updates....

The week of 1/9...started off strong with an excellent run on Monday and Tuesday....here's the rest of the week leading into Friday:

Wed: Got up at 5am with the intention to go for another 4miler, but ended up taking the day off from running due to a weird feeling in my left achilles. No need to get injured.

Thurs: Hannah's birthday, so I promised her that I wouldn't wake her up with my alarm going off an hour before she needs to get out of bed. Happy Birthday Hannah!!
Fantastic Birthday Meal:
Apps: bacon wraped scallops and shirmp cocktail
Venison Medallions
Roasted Vegies (butternut squash, potatoes, red peppers, mushrooms, red onions, and carrots)
Fake Mashed Potatoes (mashed cauliflower and potatoes)

Today: No morning run...late night on Thursday celebrating, etc. So, hopefully I'll get a workout in later today, perhaps even a run.

Saturday the plan is going to be getting in a nice run at the Manassas Battlefield. I hope Hannah will want to run there too. I'd love for her to see some trails and enjoy being out running in nature. The Manassas Battlefield (Bull Run) has two main loops: 5.6 mi 1st Manassas, and a 6.4 2nd Manassas loop. I figured that this place would be an excellent location for training runs. We could get a shorter run in using one loop, and for longer runs - incorporate the other loop. Plus, not only is it only about 5 or so miles from home, I hear that it's beautiful....which would hopefully take the mind off any fatigue setting in.

Race update: I have booked my entry into the EX2 Adventure 5mi Trail Race at Hemlock Overlook Park. Who's with me?!

So, next on the agenda....
(1) Stop skipping days and get my ass running every day. :-)
(2) Schedule another race with Hannah....I need ideas.. possibly a valentine's themed one, the St. Patricks Day 8K, and/or the George Washington 10k?

'til next time....Mike, out.

M: 4mi 31:10 (Planting Field)

Excellent run this morning through Planting Field for a 4 miler. A bit chilly at ~20F, but was pretty beautiful with the fresh snow on the ground and a full moon.

4mi 31:10 (1) ~9:30 (2-4) ~21.50

BRATS Frozen 5K - Race Day (1/8/12)

Hannah and I participated in the BRATS Frozen 5K race this past Sunday. It was a cool day at around 34F, but the sun was shining and we got to enjoy a relatively flat course. We started off pretty strong holding nearly a 7min mile for the first mile. We struggled a little during the second mile and at the turn-around heading into the last mile, but given it was the last mile we pushed it into the finish. Hannah did an excellent job cruising past her first 5K time of ~27:55 and finished in third place in her age group with a 24:40.

Race stats for Hannah:
There were 47 finishers in the Female 30 to 34 age group and 485 finishers in the 5K Run division. Her overall finish place was 115, and 3rd in age group, and a gender finish place of 30.
Pace: 7:57/mi

Race stats for Mike:
There were 26 finishers in the Male 30 to 34 age group and 485 finishers in the 5K Run division. My overall finish place was 113, age group finish place was 8 and gender finish place was 85. My time of 24:37.57.
Pace: 7:56/mile.

Good job!!

Next race will probably be one of the Valentine's Day titled races in Virginia. Likely, Run the One You're With 5k, but we'll see what's out there!

On a separate note, we are left out of the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon on March 17 since it just was sold out. The close date for registration was early March, and we somehow missed the boat here. So, now we're looking for another 1/2 marathon or a 10miler in the DC/MD/VA area before April 14 time-frame. Any readers out there, please suggest a race!

Bye for now....Back to training.

M/H: 3mi 23:57 (Braddock)

Hannah and I decided to enjoy the beautiful 60 degree weather and get a nice 3 miler in, which was a nice treat since we haven't run together in about a week. Plus is was a nice tune up for our 5k on Saturday.

3mi 23:57

Race: 1/8/2012 Frozen 5K

Do it to it.

M: 3mi 21:57 (Braddock)

I managed to drag my arse out of bed again this morning with the hopes of there being another good run in store. Well, I was disappointed....I couldn't seem to get a rythem going, my breathing was off (I couldn't catch my breath), and I had some GI issues going on. But as my Dad says, any day outside running, is a good day.

3 miles in 21:57

H: 3mi 25:53 (Gym)

Hunger and the long drive home got to me....no round two for me today. Hannah, on the other hand, had a great run! She ran 3 miles in 25:53 and finished with a walk/ run combo for another ~1.5 miles. Good job, Love!

Starting to plan 2012 potential race schedule, just have to be careful with the soccer season (coaching and playing) quickly approaching....
http://www.trailrunnermag.com/racecalendar.php

M: 3mi 19:56 (Braddock)

Well today was my first time in a long time that I decided to go for a run to start my day. On average, it is very difficult to get me out from the covers, so I anticipated this to be a challenge. However, since I my work schedule is a bit chaotic and there aren't more than 24hrs in a day, I figured that I had to do something to make running a priority. So, an early morning run is in order!

I managed to get up at 5am and out the door by 5:10a for a 3miler. I figured that it is best to keep my run between 2-4miles to make sure I'm not late out the door for my 1.5hr commute to work. So, there I was out the door and cruising...mainly because it was a chilly 20 degrees outside. I managed to get over the less than favorable temps and pitch darkness, by arming myself with cold weather gear (thanks to full New Balance NBx Windblocker jacket and pants) and a Petzl headlamp (great purchase! http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11518707&cp=3677338.11359841.3693354). The run felt decently good, but I can tell that my body was suffering a little after taking two days off due to getting re-acclimated to the post holidays work schedule. Still suffering from a little pain in my calves and the usual creeky knees, but still managed to average a 6:50 pace; making my first AM 3miler a 19:56. If work and appetite allows, I hope to get a double in today and join Hannah this evening for a run at the gym!

Do it to it!