Me: Okay now at that tree you're going to pick it up until that light.
Me:  Which tree?  That tree?
Me:  Well, okay maybe the one after the driveway but you're definitely not slowing til the light.

...

Nothing induces self dialogue like a fartlek workout. :)

Street sculpture. Foto taken on my run.

Until about a couple weeks ago, I had been getting my weekly speed fix at my running club's weekly Tuesday night track workout.  Since I started doing those workouts I feel stronger and more consistent.  I have really gotten used to this fast workout with friends as a part of my routine.  Due to lame circumstances, however, we no longer have use of the indoor track so until mid-late March I'm on my own trying to figure out speed workouts.  In reading around, I was reminded that track isn't the only way to add speed to your runs.

My first conscious attempt at shaking things up was this week's Fartlek. 

A Fartlek (swedish for “speed play”) workout involves sprinting and jogging off and on during a run (The Runner's Resource).  It's like playing...you run fast for a bit, then slow, then fast again for a longer bit (maybe) then slow again...it can be structured or unstructured. 

Wednesday's run was the first time I tried one of these workouts and I'd say it worked out pretty well.  My scheduled called for me to complete 5 miles total so I decided that I would use the first and the last mile as warm up and cool down and I would run the 3 miles in between with 2 minute pickups of 30-50 seconds per mile faster than my base pace.

I was roughly planning to run a base pace of 12 min/mile and pick it up to about 11:30-11:10 pace and hold that for 2 minutes.

The paces were all over the place but in the end, I think I got the result I wanted.  I was able to run hard enough to "feel it" but not too hard that I couldn't keep running when I returned back to my base pace.  5 miles was probably a long distance (for me) to start with-- I ended up walking a some of the last mile-- but I will definitely be doing this again.  At least, until outdoor track starts up in March. 


Also: 

I did a solid 10 miles (last Saturday).  My longest run since last summer.  Felt good!  I taped my arch for this run because I new I needed the extra support on the trails.  Such a good idea.  My foot did well on the run and has been great all week.

New shoes!  I bought them on a Christmas sale at the New Balance outlet but I'm only now breaking them out.  My Mizunos have over 380 miles on them but I like them so I'll probably keep them around for short stuff.  I got a good deal on these NB's and depending on how they do, the pink and blacks will be come my main pair. The black and gray pair are for trails.

Still figuring out the action cam.  I've been having trouble with it freezing on me. No good.  Also looking at anti-shake options.  Hopefully I'll figure it out.


Here's a short little video I did to test out the new camera.

How about you?

Do you incorporate any speed training into your workout?

How long do you keep a pair of shoes before retiring them?

The year is off to an interesting start. I was sidelined for a few days with my second cold in 4 weeks. It's been freezing, and warm, then freezing again. Typical NE winter shinanigans. I'm back running this week and was able to complete 9 miles this morning to close out my 4th week of marathon training.  I am feeling super excited and motivated. 

Thursday's runch...in shorts!

Today's run. So cold that my sweat froze the tassels of my beanie.

A few thoughts for the year 

Every December/January the creative and adventurous juices start flowing and all my daydreams are focused on the year ahead and all the personal records to break and cool events to be a part of. I had ambitious goals for 2016--some of which went unrealized (run my first ultra, total mileage goals, etc.) --and those disappointments taught me some valuable lessons that I want to use to help shape my goals for 2017.

First, I want to continue to dream. I noticed toward the end of last year a reluctance on my part in goal setting and telling people about ideas in case I had to bail.  But, I want to be excited and let myself be motivated by big goals and have fun with it. I have adopted the phrase "going for it" for this year.  After all, running is an adventure and getting excited helps keep that spirit. I just signed up for my first ultra, the TARC Fall Classic 50 miler! I have no idea if I can run 50 miles but I'm going for it and seeing what happens.

Second, I want to be flexible and not focus so much on the "stats" and hitting strict numbers...or whatever.  Things happen and flexibility helped me turn those "lemons into lemonade". I didn't get to do an ultra last year...I didn't even get a marathon both of which are a part of the plan for this year. I did, however have a ton of fun at other events especially at some really cool volunteer opportunities. If for whatever reason an ultra doesn't pan out this year, I want my life and outlook to be flexible enough to adjust and deal with it joyfully. 

Lastly, and this is super random, I want to learn how to use my new action camera really well. :)  I just got it last weekend and I can already tell I'm going to spend a lot of time at it. It's fun and running-related but in a different way.

My new action cam, the Akaso ek7000 (review to come)

The Akaso ek7000 without the waterproof casing. It's so tiny!

19 different mounts came with the camera

What about you?

What goals have you set this year?

Do you have any fun new toys or gear?

All things considered 2016 was a great year.

I joined not one but 2 running groups.  The Somerville Road Runners is the local road running group that I do most of my weekly runs with.  I have run with them in the past unofficially but 2016 was the year that I wanted to really get involved.  It has been a great support finding other runners in my pace group.

Trail Animals Running Club is the trail running group in the area. Their reach is wide (runners in most New England states) and their energy is contagious.  It is really fun to see runners from all levels and abilities meeting huge goals at some of the TARC ultra races.  I hope to do the Spring Classic trail marathon in April.

Volunteering with these two clubs was a priority of mine this year.  Volunteering really made me feel like I'm giving back to such a great community of runners (both road and trail runners) who have helped me in this pursuit of mine and it's a ton of fun.  I hope to have time in 2017 to continue do this.

My running calendar took a bit of a hit this year due to abdominal surgery in the fall.  I took two months completely off and I'm pleased to say that I am back to running somewhat consistently again.  Surgery was without a doubt the necessary and best route and I'm already feeling much better than I did pre-surgery.  Even with those two months rest, I was still only 10 miles off of last year's mileage.  I hit 690 miles this year!  PTL!

Also in 2016!

I bought my first pair of Hokas!  Hoka One One Cliftons.  They're nice :)

And...my first hydration vest, the Nathan Fireball. Now I can carry tons of water and snacks.  Convenient!

And...finally made running on trails a regular occurrence.  I'm still pretty slow at it but oh well!

Between a slow start to the year, surgery and then recovery from surgery, I've learned many lessons in 2016.  Trust, patience, perseverance are just a few.  I trust that God has a plan in everything.  Sure, I was anxious at times but reminders of God's past faithfulness lead me to trust and produced in me patience to seek/wait for the solutions and the perseverance to keep on.  

I ran a lot of 14 minute miles this year as I was figuring out my health issues because running slow was better than not running at all.  "A mile is a mile".  I took a lot of encouragement from that common saying.  I hope to carry this same hope into the new year.  My theme for 2017 is "Going for it".  Life is too short and injuries are too common :) First, the trail marathon.  Then...a 50?  Who knows!  I'm just going to go for it and see what happens.

Enjoy this short video I made of my last run of the year.  Let it encourage you to keep on and to appreciate even those toughest workouts.  God has a plan in everything!

Two thumbs up for tonight's run.  I was scheduled to do 6 miles and was able to have my friend Adele who is visiting from out of town run with for half it.  First of all, it was a beautiful day and evening and I picked a route in the West part of town that I really enjoy doing even though I have to walk a lot on the hills.  

Though the pace was slow, I'm still proud to say it was steady.  We did not walk AT ALL and only had to stop at a couple of stop lights.  I was for sure tired at the end but gained a lot of confidence.

Selfie after our run

I have been working on not taking so many walk breaks and trying to get mentally tougher when it comes to pushing through tiredness.  Tonight was definitely a victory.  6 miles.  The farthest I've gone in a while and the end to the first official week of marathon training.

Yep, you read that right!  Marathon training. 

The goal race is the TARC Spring Classic Marathon the end of April.  It is a trail race in Weston, MA put on by my running group, the Trail Animals Running Club.  I figure even though I've never done a trail race it will be a good low key intro back into running. I'm really just looking to get back into a running routine and do my best!  No pressure.

Check the blog from time to time for training updates :)  Also, I'll definitely be updating my upcoming races page soon as I plan out 2017.  Exciting times!

I'm prepping for abdominal surgery tomorrow and to be sidelined from running for a couple months.  This has been a while coming so I think I'm ready.  


I tweeted this earlier this year. 

Just a few short months after I'd posted it, I realized it might not happen.  :\  That age old passage came to mind.

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, 

spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' 

 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  
What is your life? 

You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.  

Instead, you ought to say, 

'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that'.” 

-James 4:13-15

This passage always gets me thinking and challenges me to be open to the many detours life has to offer.

This year is not the year of my first ultra after all.  It stinks but it really is ok.  When asking me about my surgery and impending time off, a friend asked me whether not being able to run would make me depressed.  I don't think so.  

I learned this lesson from my previous injury; a closed door doesn't always stay closed and can even be a catalyst to some serious growth if you're open.  The silver lining with surgery is that there is usually a clear prognosis from the beginning.  I've been given a 6-8 week recovery time.  That puts a light at the end of the tunnel to run towards (pun?).  In 6-8 weeks I can start trying to be active again!  Running will be there.  The fact of the matter is I feel awful now and surgery is supposed to help.

I believe there is a purpose in everything.  God's purpose.  It's gonna be good. 

August Run Streak
So... in my preparation for surgery I wanted to do one last epic thing.  Originally, I thought the TARC Summer Classic 50k ultra marathon would be it, but there was no way I would be in shape in time.  I settled on a month-long run streak.

"Streaking" is running every day at least 1 mile a day.

I set out to run every day in the month of August but started a little early, July 23rd to be exact.  I made it 34 days of running before I skipped.  It was awesome. 

Before this, my longest streak only last 5 days.  I just happened to be feeling good that week and things worked out for me to get that 5th day. This 34 day streak really surprised me.  I was surprised how long my body held up.  I took each run easy so as not to strain myself too early.  But even with a few long-ish runs thrown in there, I still managed to be recovered and ready for the next day.  I started to feel tired around day 24/25 but that's to be expected.  I ended the streak on August 26th.  It was a hectic day and I wasn't feeling too well.  

It was a really good streak.  34 days for a total of 147.1 miles.  I'm proud!


Favorite pictures from the summer
Here are a few of my faves from my running adventures this summer.  Enjoy them until I'm back out there snapping fall foliage shots!   

Reservoir trail!  I've hit the trails more this summer than ever.  My goal was to get out there once a week but it ended up being more like twice a month. :P

Me and Lize on the Resevoir trail

No love for geese.  This was taken on my new favorite route to run home.  It's about 7 miles with this little mile stretch along the river.

I love this picture because it was taken on an impromptu explore run with Liza after work.  I've been in Boston for 14 years or so and I'm amazed how there are still places I have been and views I haven't seen.

Pic from one of the tougher 10 miles I've done this summer.  Don't let the peaceful lake scene fool you.  This was hard from beginning to end.

Copley sparkle

Saturday long runs with my running club were clutch this year.

Pictures of the Charles never get old.

 

Run collage from my last long run of the summer.  I crossed through 6 towns on this 10 mile run..  Boston is such a little big town.

Game Plan

I'll be down but not out. :)  I'm thinking of this as an extended rest time.  After all, forced rest is still rest.  I will try to enjoy all the free time, give my foot a much needed break from all the pounding, and finally get some consistent practice on my guitar (after i'm feeling a bit better that is).

Happy running, all!