New Things

I did my first post-backpacking trip run today in my new Trigons and all went well. Though it was only a few miles . The trip was pretty strenuous and took a toll on my leg muscles. I also banged my right knee pretty good on a rock and have been feeling sharp pain. It seems to be improving though so I'm not too worried. Despite being in pretty good shape I was surprised how tired my legs felt. The trails were steep and rocky and we did quite a bit of climbing and descending. I think my lungs are much stronger than my legs, and I need to start strength training more regularly. I'm sure longer runs will also help.

I thought some swimming would be a good recovery activity following my trip so I went over to West Hill Pond Thursday. It was a hot day and felt good to be in the water but the swimming didn't go particularly well. I can't sustain a freestyle stroke very long and have poor form. I'm going to try to swim a couple times a week and hopefully I'll improve.

I don't know what's going on, but...

I'm starting to get concerned. At the base of my right leg, where it connects to my foot, I experienced mild discomfort late in my walk at Relay For Life on early Sunday morning. I attributed it to fatigue and just normal wear/tear for 15+ miles. It was sore on Monday, but only when I laced up my shoes. It was sore yesterday, but for the same reason. This morning, I was up before 7/am to do my run. I started it but didn't come close to finishing it. I really hope this is just a case of my shoes being tied too tightly and not something severe. I might have to take today off and strength train, instead. F!

First Marathon Training Run

I did my first marathon training run today. I felt great, despite covering 20+ miles (19+ walking; 1 running) on Saturday/Sunday at Relay For Life. My training pace has been much slower lately, and, as a result, I feel much better. My knees, especially. I plan to stick to the 9:30 - 10:15 easy-run pace throughout my training. I'll get in my faster running when I do my quality and tempo workouts. These workouts don't start until the third week of training, however. Before I go, I should note that I've been experiencing mild discomfort in my right shin. Maybe it's these flat Brooks I'm running in. IT'S TIME TO BUY A NEW PAIR!

The Runs

I did my long run today as I am leaving for a backpacking trip tomorrow. I carried a small bottle of which I put a large shot of accelerade mix in. I was thinking it would be something in between a gel and water, but it tasted like crap. I felt energized the whole time, but now my stomach is not feeling well. Not sure if it is the accelerade or something else. I think I might start carrying a water bottle and my maple syrup concoction.

I will be gone until Thursday and probably won't get a chance to run until Friday. Fear not- I accounted for this in my training schedule. If we have a short hiking days and are lounging around I might run up Katahdin a couple times.

Ryan's Marathon Training Plan Revealed!

I will follow the training plan to the left (credit: Runner's World). It starts on Monday, June 25 and culminates with the marathon in Hartford on October 13. I can't wait to get started. I plan to do a short run tomorrow evening and about 5 miles on Saturday/Sunday for RELAY FOR LIFE of Northwest Hills.

Dan's Marathon Training Program

Here is my marathon training schedule, generated by Runner's World's Smart Coach. The mileage seems low, but it should work well for me as it leaves plenty of days for biking. I started this week as I will be going away next week and will pick it up the following week. So far all is well, though my pace has been faster than suggested both runs. I did today's 3 mile tempo run at 6:47 pace rather than 6:57 but it felt comfortable.

It was a good day...

I regret to report that I had to return my Trigon 4 Guides today. They lack the arch support I need. I ran in my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 5s today and felt great (4.3 miles; 41:28). I didn't experience any of the aches and pains in my knees that I did on Monday. This is my go-to shoe (Dan, you were right to question my decision to go with the Trigons over the 6s). I'd like to add another pair but probably won't find one. I plan to purchase the GTS 6s. From what I've read, heel to toe transition is smoother and the last curves in a bit more than those of the 5s. However, stability doesn't suffer. Great!

New Trigon 4 Guides

I did my first run in my new pair of Saucony Trigon 4 Guides today (4.3 miles; 0:43:16). Not bad out-of-the-box. I start marathon training next Monday, June 25, and will follow the new marathon training plan in July's issue of Runner's World. Stay tuned!

2007 Litchfield Hills RR Reflections

Finishing 1 second slower than in 2006, my 2007 LHRR performance was a disappointment. I know I'm in better shape than I was in 2006 and was hoping to break 49 mins. I ran the first mile in less than 5:50 (too fast, though it is mostly downhill) and added about 20 seconds to each mile. By mile 4 my legs were shot. I think my mistakes were: 1. inadequate rest during the 2 weeks prior to the race (especially too much time on my bike) 2. not doing long enough long runs, except the 2-3 weeks prior to the race. Bottom line is that I just didn't have the strength to maintain a good pace.

The bright side is that I had fun, it felt good to push myself, and somehow by the end of the day I had decided (or was persuaded?) to train for the Hartford Marathon. My legs were good and sore the days following the race. This week I took it easy with 3 easy runs logging 14.3 miles. Next week I'm starting my marathon training.

Friday 6/15 and Sunday 6/17

Easy runs of 29:30 and 38:45, respectively. Hammy feels better. Trigons will be in my hands tomorrow...peace

LHRR follow-up

I PR'd at this year's Litchfield Hills Road Race with a finishing time of 0:58:34. My previous PR was 1:00:05, set in 2003. Overall, I'm pleased with my performance, minus the slight cramp in my left calf muscle at approximately mile 6 that caused me to stop and stretch. This same cramp derailed me at last year's LHRR. Today's follow-up run was premature, as I found out ~15 minutes into it. I pulled my right hamstring on the eve of this year's LHRR, when I was doing my first ever speedwork session...seriously. Stupid or what? Well, that's what I felt ~15 minutes into today's run (3.1 miles; 0:25:49; 8:20).

Welcome to Endorphin!

If you have even the slightest interest in setting a goal and achieving it or are just looking for a fun way to achieve a previously set goal, then you've come to the right spot...or blogspot. Well, you might ask, what kind of goals are you talking about? Let us offer a few specific examples. Your goal might be to run three miles without breaking, or to improve your 5k, 10k, half-marathon, or marathon race performances, or to run a marathon, or to just get healthier (you can never be too much of the adjective), be it through running and/or one or more of the countless other forms of physical activity, and every time you attempt to achieve it, you fail, for lack of motivation, encouragement...or even due to injury. This blog, Endorphin, and all its contributors--your teammates--are the solution to your problem. Post your goal, be it in your profile or on the Dashboard, and report on progress (the more frequently, the better). Report anything, everything--be creative! Anything from the activity to your mood pre- and post-workout to what you ate for dinner the night before. These are only examples, however, but information like this will allow your peers, fellow Endorphinites, to comment (constructive-only) on your experiences and progress, which will, ultimately, leave you checking off a goal on your list of goals to achieve. Not only will you achieve your goal, you'll be a better and a smarter runner and/or cyclist, swimmer, weight-lifter, walker, among many other athletes, for it, and well on your way to heart-health and, if you're lucky, the 'high' supposedly caused by endorphin production! If you're at all interested in contributing here and, more importantly, to your health, then shoot me or Dan an email (ryan.lamanna@gmail.com or danielgbritton@gmail.com, respectively) for an invitation. We look forward to meeting our new teammates!
Cheers,
Ryan and Dan