Five Fingers Review: Rebirth

I bit the bullet last weekend and spent $100 on Five Fingers KSO's, $85 for the FF and $15 for the fancy toe socks. I've run 4 times in them so far. The first 3 runs were 1-3 miles as I didn't want to aggravate my knee and the calf muscles are going to need some time to adjust. All three of those runs I had a little pain in my knee, especially the first one after doing a few miles last weekend in my old running shoes. Today I did 4.5 miles in the FF and had no pain at all in my knee just a little tight afterwards. I can't believe it. I'm sold on the barefoot hype. I can feel my feet turning over faster and I don't do anymore galloping down hills on my heels.

On the downside, this is definitely an adjustment as my calf muscles have been tight and sore since I started running in them. The bigger problem is that they are not great for winter running. Toes have been very cold 3 out of 4 runs. They ought to make a winter version, mitten style. Reluctantly I'm probably going to buy another pair of minimalist shoes that give a little winter protection. I'm thinking about x-country racing flats, perhaps with spikes, that I can use on the trails and in the snow. Or one of the so called transition shoes. Any recommendations?

Uninspired three mile easy run this morning on the snowy trail. Wasn't feeling great as I went to bed too late last night. After midnight is bad news. Got a good, long nap in this afternoon and then took down the Christmas tree. Productive. 20 miles tomorrow will put me well over 60 for the week. The 20 milers become easier as they become a smaller percentage of your weekly mileage.

Snowy, shake-out run

I love to run in the snow, especially when it's still falling, so I couldn't pass up a second run last night (albeit short). Jessica and I ran out on the Branford Trolley Trail. There was about 4 inches of fresh powder on it. We ran out to the train tracks and back--about 2.5 miles.

Dinner. Stuffed butternut squash with steamed kale. Jess did a nice job with the stuffing.


Me, pre-run.


Jess, pre-run.


Thought I'd share these photos that I took this morning:

American Goldfinch


Downy Woodpecker


I need help ID'ing this bird. I think it's a White-throated Sparrow (juvenile? first winter?). The streaks are throwing me off.

Lovely, easy six mile run this morning before work. Kind of bummed about the lack of snow, though. The whole neighborhood was out running this morning. Saw six other runners. A couple and a group of three ladies. I've been considering running up to Young Park to do some barefootin'. It's nice and flat. Jess is out doing 18 as I write this.

Jeff Galloway

Just learned that Galloway didn't become a 2:16 marathoner until he built his mileage up to 140 miles/week, including a 30-mile long run. He said that without the high mileage and long, long run, he was a very average runner and hit the wall in marathons. Volume seems to be the key for most, unless you're gifted. Apparently, the winner of last year's NYC Marathon ran only 60 miles/week, including a 13-mile long run.

Even though I've just begun running 50+ miles/week (approaching 60), I don't think even 6 months of this kind of mileage will get me to Boston. I think I need more...perhaps 70 for several weeks. I feel as if my training is beginning to stagnate. I felt as if I was improving every week earlier in this training, but now the improvements are meager, granted the higher mileage. Perhaps my body still hasn't absorbed the harder training.

It was in the teens when I stepped outside to do 10.6 miles this morning. Brrr. I ran at a steady 7:52/mile. It felt good. Even on the hills. Was happy to have a decent effort. I feel as if I'm forsaking strength training for the couch lately. Need to get back on the ball. It feels tough, though, when doing a lot miles. Doing an easy 6 tomorrow and 3 on Saturday. 20 on Sunday. Snow tomorrow?

Pics from GMM

Set my alarm for 6:30 but didn't get up until about 7:00, after hitting snooze several times. I spent a lot of time wrestling with the idea of running tonight, but I decided on biting the bullet and getting it out of the way this morning. I did 6 easy miles. Felt ok. As I was running by the country club on Pine Orchard, I heard a new bird voice. When I looked back and up into the tree, I saw a huge bird just chillin' on a branch. I have no idea what it was. It kind of looked like an owl. On the Trolley Trail, I spotted what I think were Seaside Sparrow.

Got up at 6:10 to do a steady 9 miles. Really didn't want to. Legs felt strong but ran out of gas at the end. It was nice to be back on the Trolley Trail. It's still icy in spots, but most of the snow has melted off. Jess did 14 this morning. She has run 45+ miles in the last three days. Keep up the good work.

Wound up doing 6 in Guilford tonight. Jess did four and then saw me off to run Lovers in the dark. Thank God for headlamps. It was a bit on the chilly side tonight, but it felt good after being cooped up in the office all day and the traffic after work. I need to start taking the train again. Anyway, the legs felt fine. Now resting up for a harder 9 miles in the morning. Jess will do 14. She's crossing her fingers that she won't get called in tomorrow.

Was going to run on the NHHR treadmill tonight, and then do some strength training, but instead I think I'm going to run with Jess in New Haven. She's doing a double today, and I wouldn't want her to have to go it alone twice. Did an easy 18 miles yesterday, so the legs should be good to go this evening.

2010 In Review

Last year (2010) was a breakthrough year for me. On all fronts, it was easily my best year of running to date.

Highlights:

I ran 1,651 miles in 2010, which is the most I've ever done in a year (averages of 31.75 miles/week and 4.54 miles/day).

I ran 239 miles in December, which is the most I've ever done in a month (averages of 53.95 miles/week and 7.71 miles/day. I also ran on every day in December, which was a first.

I completed two marathons (Missoula 4:02; Green Mountain 3:53).

Monthly mileage totals:

Jan 47.8
Feb 77.8
Mar 77.8
Apr 101.0
May 156.1
Jun 145.8
Jul 97.2
Aug 170.1
Sep 184.5
Oct 144.3
Nov 209.5
Dec 239.2

My 2010 running goal was to finish two marathons, which I did. To reflect on the training and the marathons themselves: I don't know how I got through the Missoula training alive. I went into that training thinking that I was a lot more fit than I actually was and paid big time. I finished the marathon but in some 12 minutes slower than my finishing time at Hartford in 2007 (on the same training). I lost those 12 minutes in training way too hard for my fitness level. The Green Mountain training went much better, but again, I made some mistakes. The first mistake I made was running on only four days/week and overemphasizing strength training. I'm training to become a better runner not weight-lifter. I also ran my tempos way too hard and paid on marathon day, improving over Missoula by only 9 minutes. I thought I was in much better shape than that.

My 2011 running goals are much loftier but not unrealistic, based on my training as of late. I'd like to run at least one mile on every day in 2011, run 100 miles in a week, and qualify for the Boston Marathon. I ran an easy three miles today. 364 more runs to go.

Happy New Year!