The Winter Doldrums

So it's been exactly one week since I last posted. I laid down about 11 miles total last week, including a 4 miler that went better than expected. However, I have come down with a shin splint in my right calf which is affecting me motivation. I don't want it to become an excuse, but I also don't want to injure myself further. I guess I just proceed with caution.

On the other side of the coin has been my "diet," which hasn't been going so well. I'm keeping the weight off that I've lost so far for the most part, but I'm just hungry all the time when I limit myself to under 2,000 calories. On top of that, on nights where I go to the gym I have less time to just be at home relaxing. This leads to laziness when it comes to cooking, and it also leads to the weekends being a chance to kick it and have some beers.

The end result? Take out food and hangovers getting in the way of my program. I'm fine with this for the time being, but I think I am going to have to buckle down come springtime. I think if I have a race to prepare it will be easier to get serious.

On that note, I'm looking for a 5k in February to get my 2010 season underway. I know it will still be really cold, and snow could be a factor, but I need a goal to reach for even if it is a smaller one. Beyond that, I absolutely need to change out the music on my iPod. I need fresh running tunes and a couple of playlists for different moods. Live Phish can go a long way, but it needs a lot of supporting cast to go with it. Hoping to make this a project for the weekend.

Finally, I have modest goals for this week. 4 miles tonight, cross-training tomorrow, 5 miles on saturday. Weight goal is to get below 210 by Monday next week. Current weight: 213.4 lbs.

- Joe

Twitter: @Run_Bike_Paddle

Weekday Warrior?

I was a bit lazy over the weekend and didn't get my 3 mile jog in. Weekends are going to be a tough adjustment for me. I love a good beer and late nights are not uncommon, so I have to find a way to strike a balance. But until then, i'll have to make up for it during the week. Monday night I went for 3 mi. in 30 minutes and tonight I'll be back in there for a timed run of 40 minutes. I want to see where my wind is at.

I've found that the best strategy for me (in my limited running history) has been to walk for a minute at intervals during my runs. I feel that it breaks up the monotony as these distances grow and it gives me a chance to take in a little bit of H2O. Then when I start back up I feel considerably better.

Another thing that has become apparent to me is that I need to buy more running shirts. Regular T-shirts get pretty annoying when drenched in sweat. On top of that, I think I will probably get fitted for a better pair of running shoes come March.

Finally, I believe I've decided on a short-term goal of running the Wisconsin Half-Marathon on 5/1 in Kenosha. I'll build a race schedule leading up to it, and if that goes well I might just take a stab at the Chicago Marathon. We'll see...

Weight: 211.4

Tonight's Goal: 40 minutes at about a 9:30 pace?

Twitter: @Run_Bike_Paddle

Running for Pizza

Today, I ate lightly all day so I could reward myself with my all-time, desert island favorite food - pizza. It was fantastic and it tasted even better since I've done really well at the outset of this diet and training regimen. It also gave me the energy to get back in the gym again to take care of business.

I worked my abs and core heavily and then ran a fast 1.25 miles in 10 mins as planned...and I made it with not a second to spare. Tomorrow will be a rest and recovery day, with a longer endurance run planned for Saturday. I'm hoping for around 30-35 minutes at about a 9:15 pace.

I'm also beginning to work on my short term and mid-term goals, as far as races are concerned. I'd like to get a half marathon under my belt this summer and see if it could lead to a marathon. In the meantime, I'm looking into a few 5k/10k races to get my feet wet again. Just have to wait until the snow stops.

Weight: 212.4

- Joe

Twitter: @Run_Bike_Paddle

Tired, But Encouraged

Monday night I was back at the gym and on a treadmill for the first time in almost two months. I ran two 5k races in October and an 8k in November but then I took a break to enjoy the holidays and all the food that comes with it. More importantly, I was looking to stay healthy - and for a 6"5 guy like myself, the rest is huge for my joints.

My goal was fairly easy: 2 miles in around 20 minutes. At first, I wasn't sure how out of shape I was going to feel, but a minute into "Bridgeless" by Umphreys McGee and I was hitting my stride. I set my pace early and hit my goal with little trouble. I also got a big lift from Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" - one of my favorite running tracks.

Yesterday was a rest day and gladly I didn't even feel sore. Today I was back on the treadmill for another 20 minutes, but with a goal to increase my pace and mileage. I hit 2.1 miles with ease while looking out the gym window at 10 degree weather and an imminent snowstorm. I'd like to be brave and do an outside run, but that's just not in the cards in the near future.

As soon as I get up to about a 5 mile run at a 9:00/mi. pace I'm going to start mixing in a spin class, mainly for the cardio, but also to start getting used to the saddle. I'm also looking to cut my weight down to about 195 by the end of February. On the days I run, I allow myself to eat a little more and on rest days I eat a little less. I am also keen on trying out a fat burning run early in the morning in the next few weeks. I read about the concept on Phil Gaimon's blog (http://bicycling.com/blogs/livingthedream/) as it relates to cycling. Well, that's all for now.

Tomorrow's Goal: 10 minutes, 1.25 miles and core workout.

Weight: 213.0

- Joe

Twitter: @Run_Bike_Paddle

A Journey of a Thousand Miles...

I am roughly 567 days away from the 2011 Minnesota B2B, but the training regimen and healthier living begin today. I am 26 years of age and have been fairly active for most of my life. From the organized sports and pick-up football games of my childhood to some intramural sports and ultimate frisbee in college, I always found a way to challenge myself physically.

However as of late, I have found it harder and harder to commit to any consistent exercise plan in order to keep in shape. Furthermore, I haven’t found a way to challenge myself both physically and mentally – something I feel is necessary to the betterment of one’s life. What I mean to say is that I haven’t had an outlet or a goal to which I can apply my competitive nature. With this in mind, I called on an old friend to set forth on an adventure toward the 2011 Minnesota Border-2-Border Triathlon. As someone with very limited racing experience, I hope that this challenge of a lifetime – a run/bike/paddle triathlon encompassing 530 miles over 4 days - will be as rewarding as the daunting journey of preparing for it.

This blog will serve as a record of everything from physical training to the struggle with motivation; from eating better to the quest for the best running music; from equipment and gear to the physical and mental stress involved in this adventure. I’m always open to tips and techniques for running and biking as well as your favorite playlists. I hope you enjoy the ride.

Tonight’s Goal – Easy 2 miles, under 20 minutes

Weight: 217.4 lbs.

- Joe

Twitter: @Run_Bike_Paddle