Well here I am. It's really early in the morning. For various reasons I thought it would be a good idea to wake up at an obscene hour to get some stuff done since I can't seem to manage during normal people hours. As a result, I've caught up with a few things that have been neglected over the last few days, weeks, or in the case of this blog, months. So here are some updates on my 2010 goals:
Big D Texas Marathon: Done. Shitty time (5:20) but completed nevertheless
Amica 70.3 (Half-Ironman): Registered and training. Training is a bitch, by the way. It's physically hard, yes, but even more annoying is the time commitment. If I want to do both the swim and bike portions of training in an evening I can expect to be at the gym for 3 hours. But the variety has been really nice! My swimming has improved and, although I haven't mustered up the courage to really bike in Central Park, I'm getting decent at it on the spin bike. I haven't been doing enough running, though...
Half Marathon Grand Prix: Bad news, I didn't sign up for Brooklyn before it sold out, so no Grand Prix for me. But that's okay, I just need to keep up with my races. I'm already a little behind for 9 + 1 but it's nothing a little frantic racing won't fix.
NYC Marathon 2010: Registered.
I've also come to the realization that I have plenty of things to do and I need to stop looking for more. I'm stretching myself too thin, and it shows in the things I do. Basketball, for instance. I know I could use a lot of improvement and that a surefire way to achieve that is by playing in a second league. But I have waaay too many things already scheduled to be able to commit to that. There's apparently a league that plays only on Saturday mornings, and if I could join that it might be manageable now that tutoring is over. But that's just one example. I should prioritize and pick the things that are really important to me and drop the rest so that I leave myself room to get better at those things. But enough for now. Since I'm up this early I figured I should get in a morning trip to the gym (for once). Toodles!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Monday, December 7, 2009
Hey hey hey
Good news, everyone who doesn't read this! I completed the NYC marathon. I managed to improve my time by two minutes. But I really think I could do much better. My goal for the next one is 4:30.
I also ran my first ultramarathon! It was a 60k (9 4-mile laps around Central Park). It took fucking FOREVER. But somehow I managed to stand at the Start line at 8am knowing I wouldn't be done until after 4pm and it didn't freak me out. So I did it. Woo hoo!
Now I'm trying to plan my agenda for the coming year. I've decided I'd much rather just run a bunch of marathons throughout the year than pick like two and have lulls between training. I'd like to always be ready to run one. That way I won't be restricted in the places I can go. I'll just be able to run one at the drop of a hat. Unfortunately I haven't been so great about it since the ultra. Haven't run since (two weeks). Yesterday I rode my bike 16-17 miles through the park. I plan on getting up in the morning, so I'm going to have to get to sleep soon. Here's the stuff I hope to do next year:
Big D Texas Marathon - 4/11/2010
Rhode Island Half Ironman - 6/11/2010
ING NYC Marathon - 11/7/2010
NYRR Half Marathon Grand Prix - 2010
9 + 1 for ING NYC Marathon 2011
Well, that's enough for now. I plan on doing more next year and I'll do a better job of updating. But it's late!
I also ran my first ultramarathon! It was a 60k (9 4-mile laps around Central Park). It took fucking FOREVER. But somehow I managed to stand at the Start line at 8am knowing I wouldn't be done until after 4pm and it didn't freak me out. So I did it. Woo hoo!
Now I'm trying to plan my agenda for the coming year. I've decided I'd much rather just run a bunch of marathons throughout the year than pick like two and have lulls between training. I'd like to always be ready to run one. That way I won't be restricted in the places I can go. I'll just be able to run one at the drop of a hat. Unfortunately I haven't been so great about it since the ultra. Haven't run since (two weeks). Yesterday I rode my bike 16-17 miles through the park. I plan on getting up in the morning, so I'm going to have to get to sleep soon. Here's the stuff I hope to do next year:
Big D Texas Marathon - 4/11/2010
Rhode Island Half Ironman - 6/11/2010
ING NYC Marathon - 11/7/2010
NYRR Half Marathon Grand Prix - 2010
9 + 1 for ING NYC Marathon 2011
Well, that's enough for now. I plan on doing more next year and I'll do a better job of updating. But it's late!
Monday, October 5, 2009
I'm baaaack
Well this whole marathon blog seems like a waste. It's been almost two months since I last posted. Two months. That's like half the training schedule.
While I'm here and posting, though, I might as well update my progress. I don't even remember what the last long run was that I posted about, but last weekend I ran 20 miles. It should have been a 19 mile week, but my 20 miler was scheduled on the same day as the Staten Island half marathon. Last weekend was the marathon tune-up (18 miles). I figured it would be easier to turn 18 miles into 20 than 13 into 20. But I still need to do the 19 next weekend, so still have to run extra after the half. Ah, well. The point is, it's almost time for the marathon! Not even a month to go. Well, probably just about a month from today.
This marathon is going to be significantly slower than the Dallas one, which is pretty disappointing. I think I haven't been training hard enough. I've been doing the long runs, but since I mostly do them by myself, I settle into a really slow pace. If I was running with someone it would be a lot easier to get faster.
On that front, I found a running partner. The NYRR has listings for running partners, and I found one that's really close to my pace and was also interested in morning runs, which I've had little success doing in the past. It's been really good! Last week I did three morning runs, which is way better than I normally do. We're scheduled to do another on on Tuesday.
Tomorrow is also basketball day. I love basketball. I'm not even that good, but there's something about playing it that really makes me happy. I love it. I think I could probably play all day.
Anyway, it's getting late. I guess I'll turn in for the day.
While I'm here and posting, though, I might as well update my progress. I don't even remember what the last long run was that I posted about, but last weekend I ran 20 miles. It should have been a 19 mile week, but my 20 miler was scheduled on the same day as the Staten Island half marathon. Last weekend was the marathon tune-up (18 miles). I figured it would be easier to turn 18 miles into 20 than 13 into 20. But I still need to do the 19 next weekend, so still have to run extra after the half. Ah, well. The point is, it's almost time for the marathon! Not even a month to go. Well, probably just about a month from today.
This marathon is going to be significantly slower than the Dallas one, which is pretty disappointing. I think I haven't been training hard enough. I've been doing the long runs, but since I mostly do them by myself, I settle into a really slow pace. If I was running with someone it would be a lot easier to get faster.
On that front, I found a running partner. The NYRR has listings for running partners, and I found one that's really close to my pace and was also interested in morning runs, which I've had little success doing in the past. It's been really good! Last week I did three morning runs, which is way better than I normally do. We're scheduled to do another on on Tuesday.
Tomorrow is also basketball day. I love basketball. I'm not even that good, but there's something about playing it that really makes me happy. I love it. I think I could probably play all day.
Anyway, it's getting late. I guess I'll turn in for the day.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Days 31, 32, 33, 34, 35
Yesterday I finally decided to accept the fact that my shoes are too terrible to use. At least right now. They're really, really bad. I suppose it could be that they'll just take a long time to break in, but right now I don't have time for that. I'm not going to run 12 miles if each step is agony. My solution to this problem was to use not my old shoes, but my old old shoes. I should probably ask my mother to ship my old shoes. First of all, they still have the Nike+ chip in them. Secondly, if I'm going to be wearing older shoes I might as well wear newer old shoes. But my old shoes aren't bad at all. They're certainly better than the new ones. It was a huge relief, because I was starting to think that it was just me.
I'm not sure how far I ran yesterday, but I think it was around 5 miles. I used an iPhone app called TrailGuru. It has to be inaccurate thought, because according to it I ran 6 miles in 53 minutes. That would mean that my average pace was less than 9 minutes, which I just don't believe. Anyway, I assume I at least came close to running five miles in that amount of time, so that's what I'm going to call it. 5 miles. This is good since I only did 3 on Sunday. Balances out. Tomorrow I need to run 6 miles. And swim.
Oh! That's the other great thing about today. I went swimming! And by swimming, realized that I will be okay for the triathlon. I still need to swim almost everyday in order not to embarrass myself, but I'll be fine. I won't croak.
Bad part about today was the softball game. I mean, great that we had one. You have no idea how much I look forward to softball games. Unfortunately we weren't up to the task of winning. We were doing great for the entire game. All the way up until the 6th inning. We held them scoreless for 5 innings! Meanwhile we did a good job chipping away at their defense. We scored a run here, a run there. By the time the sixth rolled around, we had a six run lead. Then it all went to hell starting with an error by yours truly. Someone hit a ball that actually did go to the outfield, but I thought I could get it. He called it, but I still went for it. As a result, we collided and no one caught the ball. That was only the beginning. Over the course of the inning we gave up 7 runs. Yes, 7. Then in our last at-bat, we weren't even able to get someone on base. It was agonizing. Ah, well. It was a very good season and I'm glad I got to join in when I did.
So, Tomorrow's Agenda
6 miles running
awhile swimming
Good night!
I'm not sure how far I ran yesterday, but I think it was around 5 miles. I used an iPhone app called TrailGuru. It has to be inaccurate thought, because according to it I ran 6 miles in 53 minutes. That would mean that my average pace was less than 9 minutes, which I just don't believe. Anyway, I assume I at least came close to running five miles in that amount of time, so that's what I'm going to call it. 5 miles. This is good since I only did 3 on Sunday. Balances out. Tomorrow I need to run 6 miles. And swim.
Oh! That's the other great thing about today. I went swimming! And by swimming, realized that I will be okay for the triathlon. I still need to swim almost everyday in order not to embarrass myself, but I'll be fine. I won't croak.
Bad part about today was the softball game. I mean, great that we had one. You have no idea how much I look forward to softball games. Unfortunately we weren't up to the task of winning. We were doing great for the entire game. All the way up until the 6th inning. We held them scoreless for 5 innings! Meanwhile we did a good job chipping away at their defense. We scored a run here, a run there. By the time the sixth rolled around, we had a six run lead. Then it all went to hell starting with an error by yours truly. Someone hit a ball that actually did go to the outfield, but I thought I could get it. He called it, but I still went for it. As a result, we collided and no one caught the ball. That was only the beginning. Over the course of the inning we gave up 7 runs. Yes, 7. Then in our last at-bat, we weren't even able to get someone on base. It was agonizing. Ah, well. It was a very good season and I'm glad I got to join in when I did.
So, Tomorrow's Agenda
6 miles running
awhile swimming
Good night!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Days 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Aaaand the inattention continues. I went home last week. But I think I did an okay job of at least keeping active during the week even if I didn't follow my schedule to the letter. Last Sunday I ran 6 miles for a (short) long run. Then I did boot camp on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Unfortunately I didn't do anything on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. But I got back on the ball on Sunday with a 10 mile run around the park.
This week has been marginally better. I ran approximately 1.5 miles on Tuesday. No excuse for that, really. Nothing yesterday, then two basketball games today. Full basketball games. I'd say today was a big victory. I've been feeling generally discouraged. For no particular reason, just that I can already feel that my training isn't going as well as it should be. I also realized today that somewhere along the way I got behind! I thought I was supposed to do 10 miles this weekend, then 11 miles next weekend. As it turns out, I should have done 12 last weekend and 9 this coming weekend! So now I need to do 12 this weekend. Then 14, then 15. Then a break with 10 again the weekend after the triathlon. But it's fine. I'm my own worst enemy and I just need to focus on not getting discouraged for no reason at all.
In other news, I HAVE to swim this weekend. I only have two and a half weeks to be able to swim 400M. That's on top of marathon training, basketball, and softball. But I brought it upon myself, so I can't complain.
Haven't eaten dinner yet, so I guess I should do that. Toodles!
Tomorrow:
To Run: 3 miles
This week has been marginally better. I ran approximately 1.5 miles on Tuesday. No excuse for that, really. Nothing yesterday, then two basketball games today. Full basketball games. I'd say today was a big victory. I've been feeling generally discouraged. For no particular reason, just that I can already feel that my training isn't going as well as it should be. I also realized today that somewhere along the way I got behind! I thought I was supposed to do 10 miles this weekend, then 11 miles next weekend. As it turns out, I should have done 12 last weekend and 9 this coming weekend! So now I need to do 12 this weekend. Then 14, then 15. Then a break with 10 again the weekend after the triathlon. But it's fine. I'm my own worst enemy and I just need to focus on not getting discouraged for no reason at all.
In other news, I HAVE to swim this weekend. I only have two and a half weeks to be able to swim 400M. That's on top of marathon training, basketball, and softball. But I brought it upon myself, so I can't complain.
Haven't eaten dinner yet, so I guess I should do that. Toodles!
Tomorrow:
To Run: 3 miles
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Days 7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16
Yeah...I've been woefully inattentive to the blog. My bad. Well, probably the most important development since the last post is that I've decided to go back to Hal Higdon's program. Am I wishy-washy? Without a doubt. But it's the right way to go. I'm not ready to do the basic NYRR plan. As it is I barely manage to train 5 days a week. I don't think I could manage 6.
What else? I've gone biking outside once and done the stationary a couple of times. I'm pretty confident that I have a good handle on the biking and running portions of the triathlon. Swimming, on the other hand...Not good. I haven't swum for exercise since 7th grade. And when I did it then I think I might have done .75 laps. Maybe. I really need to get on that since I'll have approximately 3 weeks after I get back from Dallas next weekend.
We won our last basketball game. The next one is tomorrow against a team that is also undefeated. The Barclays softball team made the playoffs! Unfortunately I think the first playoff game will be next week when I'm gone. Ah, well. Maybe there will be multiple and I'll get to play one more time. Anyway, this isn't really a sufficient catchup entry, but I'm tired and more interested in watching the end of Sex and the City. Tomorrow I'm going to try to run after the game, but I make no promises.
What else? I've gone biking outside once and done the stationary a couple of times. I'm pretty confident that I have a good handle on the biking and running portions of the triathlon. Swimming, on the other hand...Not good. I haven't swum for exercise since 7th grade. And when I did it then I think I might have done .75 laps. Maybe. I really need to get on that since I'll have approximately 3 weeks after I get back from Dallas next weekend.
We won our last basketball game. The next one is tomorrow against a team that is also undefeated. The Barclays softball team made the playoffs! Unfortunately I think the first playoff game will be next week when I'm gone. Ah, well. Maybe there will be multiple and I'll get to play one more time. Anyway, this isn't really a sufficient catchup entry, but I'm tired and more interested in watching the end of Sex and the City. Tomorrow I'm going to try to run after the game, but I make no promises.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Day 6
Ugh. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, I didn't do my running today so am now two days behind schedule. Hopefully there will be some occasion to make them up, but I'm not making any promises. Tomorrow is the first Long Training Run. I plan on doing 13 miles. I'm sure it will be quite painful afterward since I haven't run that far in awhile.
On the bright side, I attended two barbecues this evening at which I did not consume alcohol. The whole alcohol thing is really more socially awkward than anything else. I don't mind not drinking, but explaining the whole thing over and over again gets tiring.
Today:
Miles Run: 0
Beverages not consumed: 5
Tomorrow:
Miles to run: 13 (maybe 16 if I can come back for round 2)
On the bright side, I attended two barbecues this evening at which I did not consume alcohol. The whole alcohol thing is really more socially awkward than anything else. I don't mind not drinking, but explaining the whole thing over and over again gets tiring.
Today:
Miles Run: 0
Beverages not consumed: 5
Tomorrow:
Miles to run: 13 (maybe 16 if I can come back for round 2)
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