Running Down a Dream 2: It's All About the Swag

[ScoJo15]

Wow, you guys are awesome Thanks for all of the great posts, reading them along with seeing how you all are taking on your personal goals and challenges is very inspiring and motivating to me.

This week hasn't been too easy...I was hoping I'd recover from Sunday and kick some runs in the butt. Things started out fine on Tuesday as I had a great 40 minute workout on the elliptical. Normally I run on Tuesday, but I switched things up to keep in line with my running buddy and give myself an extra day of non-impact recovery. So I got out there Wednesday and although my pace was good on paper, it was another difficult run. I did not feel right at all...normally I'm very relaxed and comfortable...but I was breathing harder than usual and something was just "off". I ended up with some tightness around my right knee (ok, maybe around the entire leg LOL) and tried to stretch it out and rest up afterwards.

I'm happy to say that things felt good again last night at the FC...I mixed up the elliptical with the stationary bike and don't have any complaints or any aches and pains. I think I'm on track for a solid 5 miler tonight...time will tell.

I came to the conclusion that running is just so mental for me. My mind has been astray dealing with some personal stuff and I think that has impacted my ability to get out there and completely relax. I think I've overcome those emotional issues now though, so we'll see how things shake out tonight :

I'm going to try and do my long run tomorrow, thankfully it's only 8 miles....(I know..."only" is relative, but hey I'm Goofy training!)...but then I can get two rest days in before the most impactful and highest mileage week of the entire training.

Unreal to think that we'll be down there in just 4 weeks!

(and I'm secretly getting very excited!)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

 

[postesf]

Hey there! Sorry this has been a tough week for you! Come Goofy time, it will pay off though!

Hope your 5 goes well tonight as well as your 8 miler this weekend!!!

I totally understand the mental thing. Life is tough = run is tough...

for ya! Hope you're "emotional" issues are worked out... I can sympathize...

Hope you have a great weekend! Thanks for your continued support in my journal. It really helps me a lot! Seems like there is always something going on huh? My life is never boring! Sometimes I wish is was!! lol!

Stacie

 

[MIdanceMom]

Hi Scott,

I am sorry that the last week's training has been tough for you. I think that you are right.(again) Running seems really mental, and this time of year, with all the obligations and distractions, it must be really tough to be completely focus on a long run. Good luck on the run tonight.

Take care,
Beth

 

[ScoJo15]

Sometimes you just have to go out there and kick the darn run in the butt.

Tonight I ran it all out of my system.

Worried about the hamstrings/knee hurting? Take shorter strides and turn you feet over quicker. Have some anger/stress built up inside? Load up some hard and heavy angst music on the mp3 player. Worried about getting tired during the run? Stop whining, suck it up and run like you know how to. See that hill staring you in the face? Give it the finger, race up the thing, chew it up and spit it out at the top.

Those were all components of tonight's run, and while it may not work for everyone, everytime...it worked for me tonight. I feel so much better right now. Once again I felt like I belonged out there...very strong and in total control. Sorry to sit here and brag but I was beginning to worry after so many unusal runs for me.

Tuesdays run....5.2 miles in 47:47 (9:11 pace)....tonight's run...5.2 miles in 45:03 (8:39 pace).

I'm looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow for my 8 mile long run. I look forward to owning it and every run the rest of the way to Goofy.

Tonight, it feels good to be a runner.

Thanks for listening!

 

[AmyBeth68]

9:11...oh the shame...and I thought my 9:30 was pretty darn good today . . How could you live with yourself?? ok ok...just TOTALLY kidding (b/c I know you can take it). I know the pace has nothing to do with whether it was a good or bad run. And yours haven't been feeling good lately. I'm really glad this one was awesome and that you put your NIN and Metallica and god only knows what else on there and ran your anger out. Awesome job. Sometimes runs are tough...sometimes they hurt (or all the time they do for some of us)...sometimes they aren't fun...but the fact that you keep getting out there is what makes you a runner. Not allowing yourself to quit...or not allowing the run to own you....that's what makes you a runner. You owned it tonight. Nice work. Best of luck on the LR tomorrow.

Hope you were able to work some of that anger and stress out. I find that running can help with that! Have a great weekend.

 

[ScoJo15]

What happens after 89,357 days of no rain in Atlanta? Yep, it decides to pour down right as I'm starting my 8 mile run.

Yes, it's me checking in late on a Saturday night. You may be wondering to yourself "what does Mr. Excitement do for fun on the weekend nights?" Well, it involves a computer, a comfy chair and occasionally a dog to talk to. I swear I will be the first person to officially finish the internet. "Ok, done....*click*"......*crickets*....."now what?"

Well...there's always my journal.

So yeah, switched up the long runs and headed out for a rare Saturday dash through the park. The temps were fine and it was a little windy, but Mother Nature decided that it was time for Scott to go play in the mud for a while. As I stepped across my starting point, I pushed the button on my Timex Ironman watch that not only started the chronograph, but also queued the clouds to start dumping tons of water on me in the form of rain.

I was as soaked as I have ever been and I was only a quarter mile into the run.

But I do have to say that the rain was the only negative to an otherwise great run. Once again I quickly found my mental zone and was able to make the shorter strides work for me like they did the previous night. I was worried that the 5 miler on Friday would impact the Saturday distance but I never felt sluggish, tight or tired.

I sloshed my way around my two mile loop four times in a solid 70:19 (8:47 mpm). It was so nice to complete successful back to back runs and was a much needed boost to my training.

Now I'm not sure of what to do with two days off. I usually do a bunch of cardio on Saturday and the LR on Sunday, followed by a day of to heal from the run. I think I'll go ahead and do some solid cardio and core work tomorrow and take Monday off like I usually do. I feel the need to go into Tuesday's run well rested as it kicks off the highest mileage week of the training...highlited by an 18 mile run early next Sunday (and the first weather reports are calling for rain again LOL).

One thing I've found out about Christmas shopping is that it's a great time to buy myself some nice gifts...lots of deals out there! I just ordered a new pair of 2130's (in black...yay!) and now I'm shopping for an XBOX 360 along with the Rockband game (I can dream, right? WHY are these things soooo expensive??). Dear Santa, can you hook a poor runner up please?

Guess I do need to get some stuff for people I know. The goal this year is to not step foot into a store. Internet, baby!! No lines, no traffic, no hassle

So I guess I'm done rambling for now. I hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Guess who else is up at this hour??

GREAT runs Scott. You are kicking butt again .

XBox360...are you really buying one for yourself???? LOL!

 

[postesf]

Boys and their toys...

Scott!!!! Way to go on some nice runs!!! Seems like the whole anger thing worked for you! I'm so glad that you have gotten back into your good runs! I cannot believe your pace. WOW. I admire you for running the rain! I don't know that I could it...

I hope this week's runs go as well for you!

Looks like everyone is in for lunch at the MK on Friday. Any suggestions for time/place???

I just bought Pilates for Dummies (the regular one, not the weight loss one). Do you have this one? How do you like it???

Great job again on your runs!!!
Stacie

 

[ScoJo15]

Stacie - I LOVE the Pilates for Dummies DVD : I like how the Beginner series is taught...gives a great perspective on how to do each exercise, as well as modifications if it's too hard or too easy and what warning signs to look out for. I do the Intermediate one now and like it due to being a bit more fast paced. I also have a Core Challenge DVD (by Stott) that I mix in once a week or so to keep things fresh. Also, Consult with Amy on what to avoid with the back issue (NO Rolling like a ball!!)...and remember that if your back starts to hurt, stop doing the exercise.

As far as MK....I suggest Pecos Bill's....burgers, chicken, salads (and I've never eaten there before...LOL...um....suggesting at the recommendation of a dear friend of mine..*cough* Amy *cough*) Sometime around Noonish maybe?

 

[postesf]

Thanks for inside on the Pilates DVD. I don't know if mine says for beginners or not...hmm... I'll have to check on that... I think it has 18 or 20 mat exercises and it's about 1 hr long. Maybe they have both in there??? I'm going to test it out tonight. Should be very interesting.

I've never had Peco's Bills. Sound good to me!!!

Have a great day!
Stacie

 

[hockeygirl]

Hey there Scott!! Sorry to be MIA, I am just getting caught up on everyone's journals.

Sorry to hear you had a tough week of training, but it looks like you have really bounced back and have had some AWESOME runs! Your pace on those runs is great! You are going to do so awesome at the Goofy!

Xbox 360---love it! My nephew has it and every time we go to my sister's house we play with him. Now they are got him the Nintendo Wii for Xmas...can't wait to play that!! My nephew is only 6 and he plays xbox better than me! LOL!

Pecos Bill sounds great to me...can we do it closer to one....I need to go to the expo on friday morning to get my race number....not sure how long that will take to get there and then over to MK...so, around 1 would be better for us. Let me know...can't wait to meet you guys!

 

[MIdanceMom]

LOL Scott,

My DH just bought my DD a Wii for Christmas. yep, it is for the the girl who doesn't like video games.

Great job on the last few runs. Sorry to hear it was a bit soggy. Good luck on the run tomorrow.

Take care,
Beth

 

[toystoryduo]

Hey Scott,

Great run in the rain! You are totally ready for the Goofy!!!!

How's the Internet shopping going? I've seen some great deals in the past couple of days and I have to remind myself that I am done shopping....I am done shopping....I am done shopping.... I am done shopping!

Have a great Tuesday!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hello

Well, I broke the rules yesterday and did a small bit of shopping in a store...needed to get DD a game for her DS (no she doesn't have son LOL...Nintendo DS), and thankfully was able to resist the temptation of being surrounded by video game systems, Rockband & Guitar Hero games, people playing them and parents saying 'I'll take one, it's what my son wants for Christmas'

I have willpower though The money will be much better spent in Florida in a few weeks

Anyway, training update....I ended up doing 30 minutes on the elliptical Sunday (I just couldn't take 2 off days in a row!) and then took a total rest day yesterday. I feel really strong, pain and ache free, which is great for me at this stage in the training. I can remember being wiped out every night last year and being so ready for the training to be over with...I fell like I'm in a much better place this time around

So here is how this week is going to hopefully shake out:

Today - 6 mile run, pilates
Wednesday - 30 min XT, pilates
Thursday - 5 mile run, pilates
Friday - 30 min XT
Saturday - kind of up in the air...might bike, might walk, might XT...
Sunday - 18 mile long run

then.....taper baby!!!

Oh, one other thing that I'm proud of (sorry to brag)...when I went to the FC on Sunday, I weighed in at an all time low of 185 : That's down 7 pounds from this time last year, and 37 pounds from when I started this whole deal nearly 2 years ago. I have to say that I think I'm in the best shape that I've ever been in (I really hate to brag like that, but I am proud of it so can I get a free pass just this once? )

Thanks to everyone for continued support and encouragement...what a great community to be a part of

Laurie, Stacie, Amy - Soooo....Pecos Bill's at 1pm on Friday? I'm really looking forward to meeting all of you!

Beth - Hmmmm...maybe my DD would want a 360 for Xmas

Tracy - The internet shopping went great! I got a few great deals for myself...er...I mean...for the people on my list. Between store sites and ebay, who needs the mall?

Hope everyone has a great week!

 

[postesf]

I just wanted to pop in to say YIPPEEE!!!

I think you have every right to brag!!! I would too if I had lost that much and felt so good! That's great! It's great to be able to see a change too from last year. That must make you feel so good!

I promise to counter act your brag w/ one of my own when I get there!

We're good for 1pm Friday too! See you then! How fun!!!

Peace out!
Stacie

 

[AmyBeth68]

YOU have every right to be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. BRAG AWAY Scott!!! I'm so happy for you and in awe of your dedication and hard work. You deserve to reap the rewards of so much tenacity!!! WTG buddy!!!!

 

[hockeygirl]

hey there Scott!!

FIrst of all...you SHOULD BRAG!!!!!! What a great accomplishment! You are truly an inspiration to so many people on these boards, and I know personally I love reading about everyone's accomplishments. It is so inspirational to me.

uh-oh you broke down and went to the store for xmas shopping...I tried the whole internet approach but just didn't get it done and had to go to the store...ugh!! And the video games...it amazes me how much those things cost. My DSis and DBIL got my nephew and Nintendo Wii for Xmas and of course they wanted us to buy games, but they are ridiculous! Of course, I broke down and bought one..better be a good game!

Can't wait to meet you guys at Pecos Bills!!!!! Only 23 days!!

Keep up the good work..we are almost there!!

 

[MIdanceMom]

CONGRATULATIONS SCOTT!

You have every right to brag! You have worked hard for that weight loss, and you should be very proud of yourself. We are all proud of you, and inspired by your dedication to healthy living. BRAG AWAY!

Great job resisting all those video games. MY DH is forbidden to go to Best Buy or any electronics store at the moment.

Take care,
Beth

 

[ScoJo15]

Thanks all

Thought I'd update my journal today since it's a slow day here at the office....

I got out there on Tuesday and did a solid 6.2 mile run. Wednesday I did 30 minutes on the elliptical. Yesterday I opted for dry turf (yes, it really rained in Atlanta!!) and did my 5 miles on the treadmill. I think my body doesn't like the treaddie too much as my knee and right leg was hurting a bit afterward...but things seem back to normal today.

Tomorrow I'm going to get to the FC for an early morning elliptical workout and then try to get out the door early again on Sunday morning for my 18 mile long run (do you really need to say "long" run when it's 18 miles? shouldn't it be implied?). After a year of not raining around here, not only did i get drenched during last Sunday's run...but it looks like I'll be doing almost all of the 18 miles in a steady rain (if the forecasters are accurate). I guess I cant' complain too much though as so many folks have had to run in snow, heavy winds and freezing temperatures...rain really isn't that bad when you get right down to it.

Then it's on to the taper weeks...seems CRAZY that the marathon weekend is so close!! I don't feel like I've just gone through 17 weeks of training for this event...I suppose it's because my base is built up pretty good right now (17-20 miles per week) and also due to the fact that there was nothing new this year during training. Last year, every run was a new experience having never run those distances before....this year it's just kind of a rehash and thus takes some of the fun out of it.

Nevertheless, I think I'm primed and ready to tackle this Goofy Challenge...so ready that I kind of want to skip Christmas and New Years and just get down there to Florida.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!!

TTFN!

 

[postesf]

Hope you have a great weekend!!!

Stacie