TUNE-INSPIRED RUNNER

EM Runs #25, 26

2008-02-16T17:31:00.000-08:00

Ran twice last week after the race, 3.5 on Tuesday and same again on Friday. Tuesday's run pretty much sucked; I felt low on energy (probably just needed more calories and a little more sleep) and pretty sore (right quad, achilles, foot). Having doubts about the new shoes but not going to give up on 'em just yet. Stretched.. and stretched.. and stretched, my quad and foot for a couple of days and they feel much better now. For Friday's run Toni joined me, I had more energy, my body felt better, it was sunny and relatively warm (about 50 deg), so much better overall. Took easy pace both days, probably 9:30 min/mile on Tues & 10 min/mile on Friday. Planning a long run at some point over this long 3 day weekend.

Truffle Shuffle '08

2008-02-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

Nearly every time I go for a run, I end up adjusting my right foot in my right shoe a couple of times. It just doesn't seem like it fits that well. And for months my right achilles heel has been bothering me. After some extensive detective work, it led me to the possibility that both problems were somehow related (ok so I knew they were probably related, or at least one was making the other worse, but I didn't do anything about it), so I finally bought new shoes on Saturday. After trying a couple of pairs, the guy at the running store had me try on a pair of shoes with extra stability, and I loved em. Never mind that they're funky looking, heavier, and you can probably hear me clonking around from a block away, but they actually seemed to fit BOTH my feet and they felt great. I wouldn't normally wear new shoes for a race just 24 hours away, but I was excited to try out the new shoes, so I wore 'em around for a few hours Saturday night and decided to go ahead and wear them for the Truffle Shuffle 4 mile race on Sunday..

To the race..

A rare afternoon race, so we actually got to sleep in. There was a 2 miler at 1 and a 4 miler at 2. I was registered for the 4, but showed up to cheer for some friends for the 2. It was a warm, sunny, gorgeous day. Um, Saturday that is, so naturally it was cold, cloudy and damp on Sunday. Course it is February so I wouldn't want it any other way. Haven't run a race since the Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffer, so I was pretty excited. And of course there's always a little nerves.

The gun went off and off we went. They had us at the starting line for about 10 minutes longer than expected, so I think my anticipation and adrenaline got the best of me at first and my first mile was 30-40 seconds of where I wanted to be, which is a pretty big difference. I figured it was gonna be difficult then, but I decided to try and keep the pace as long as I could, which wasn't long. After about another half mile I was already tiring. And pissed at myself for starting too fast. Fortunately my mental toughness is a heck of a lot better than it used to be, and I just kept trucking. It was hard, but I persevered and had a pretty good time on my final mile. Hearing Toni and my friends Leslie and Tracy at the finish line helped me bring it home strong and I beat my goal time. I had a couple of goals, one of which was to beat my last year's time of 30:21, which I knew would be no problem. I wanted to go under 29:00, and if I was feeling really strong, to try and come in under 28:00. Considering I'm training for a marathon, I don't put too much emphasis on speed, but I still love to run fast. Thanks to my last second kick, I finished in 27:59.2, so I was very, very happy. And extremely exhausted. But it was worth the truffle! Here's my mile splits.

1st mile - 6:31
2nd mile - 7:04
3rd mile - 7:20
4th mile - 7:04

Total time - 27:59.2. Avg pace - 6:59.8
Awesome.

EM Runs #22, #23

2008-02-11T22:23:00.000-08:00

2 runs last week, on Wednesday (3.5 miles) and Friday (5 miles).

They're done.

Moving on.

Looooong Run

2008-02-05T20:45:00.000-08:00

On Sunday morning Toni and I headed down to Alton Baker for our longest run to date this year, a 14 miler. The weather was decent for a winter day; about 40 degrees, mostly cloudy, damp from a rainy night but we were mostly spared from the rain during the run. We started off with a six mile loop together on the paved river trails, taking it fairly easy, stretching and walking a couple times. After a quick gu and water break at the car, I ran ahead, picking the pace up, for the four mile Prefontaine bark trail loop. I was feeling pretty tired and a bit sore, particularly my right achilles heel at this point, but I had no intent of stopping. After another quick break at the car for water, gu, a quick stretch and words of encouragement from my girlfriend, who wasn't able to run the whole way but did a great job with 8.5 miles despite recent sickness and missing a few runs, I ran the 4 mile bark trail loop once again, at nearly the same pace as the last four. I was exhausted and definitely pretty sore from what was a pretty challenging run but I am glad that I was up to the challenge. Plus it was worth it for all the nachos I engorged on during the Super Bowl (Go Giants!!)
Here's the runs stats. (ps - run time = time spent moving, ie running or walking but not stretching)

6 miles - 63 min run time (10:30 pace)
4 min stretch
4 miles - 33:20 (8:20 pace)
5 min stretch
4 miles - 33:40 (8:25 pace)

Total distance: 14 miles
Run time: 2 hours 10 min
Avg pace: 9:17 per mile
Total time (including stretching) : 2 hours 24 min (10:17 pace)

Happiness is a Warm Run

2008-01-31T21:45:00.000-08:00

Ok it wasn't warm. But... It was nearly 40 degrees. And rainy. Compared to running in 29 degrees and snow, I'll take it.

I love running in Oregon weather.

5.6 miles on the Willamette river trails
48 minutes
Avg pace 8:34 min p/mile

Awesome.

Run Fast Get Warm

2008-01-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

My latest excuse for missing a run is the weather. But we don't get eight inches of snow on the ground around here too often either, so I don't feel too bad. Besides, I got to chase Toni around with snowballs, which was surprisingly hard work! It cleared up enough for me to get a 4 miler in today... Cold, dark (but it won't be too long before it will be sunny out long enough in the evening to avoid that), and wet, but it made me run fast. A little too fast, as I shoulda focused on warming up more and taking it easy at first, but I have no interest in a little slow jogging when it's 32 degrees out and snow's on the grass. All I could think about was Run Fast Get Warm. 4 miles in 31:20 run time, avg pace of 7:50. Felt good, right achilles a little tight. Standard.

It's snowing again. Pretty unusual around here but I love it!

Unless I can't get out of the hilly driveway again.

Catch Up #1

2008-01-24T20:49:00.000-08:00

Okay I am back.

Well I didn't really go anywhere (that far at least), but I've been really busy with, you know, life.

As far as runs go, I am somewhat ashamed to say that I've only done two in the last eight days. And they weren't even that long. Not that that is terrible or anything, but I am trying to train for a marathon here and I do want to actually RUN the marathon.

But they were good runs.

Last Thursday I ran about 6 miles after work. It was sunny and clear, cold (about 34 degrees I think), and I pushed the pace knowing I wouldn't run much in the next week. Time was about 50 minutes flat, 8:20 per mile. Felt good but right achilles pretty sore, so come to think of it I needed the time off.

Last night I intended to run. I got as far as driving to the park, turning my car off, and was about to change right there (it was already 7:30 so plenty dark) in my car despite it being about 30 degrees cause I was desperate for a run, when I decided to call Toni first. And she was really sick. So I promptly decided to abandon my plans and I drove 70 miles north and spent the night in Independence. Which leads to my...

5 mile run today from Independence into Monmouth and back.. (Side trivia: Monmouth was the last Western dry town - as in no alcohol - as in no alcohol allowed despite the presence of a university - weird huh??? til they discovered the joys of alcohol consumption in '02 which ended all that). 2.5 miles out in 22 min (8:48 pace), 4 min stretch, 2.5 miles back in 20:30 (8:12 pace) . Total run time 42:30, avg pace was 8:30. Felt great, no achilles soreness.

And that makes Eugene Marathon training runs #19 and #20.

And that's all the time I have for catch up in this post... More on the way.

Hope you can handle the suspense.

EM Run #18

2008-01-16T06:16:00.000-08:00

Ran a easy recovery run on Monday. 3.5 miles in 31:30, 9:00 m/mile pace.

The weather girl on tv over the weekend had predicted no rain for the next week, so therefore it was no surprise when I opened the door after work and was practically pushed back inside by the strong winds and torrential rains.

Fortunately I've lived in Oregon long enough to know that the weather forecast is frequently iffy, at best.

12 Miles

2008-01-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning dawned bright and early. And Toni and I dragged our butts out of bed about three hours later. After a little cereal and coffee we went to Alton Baker Park for a long 12 mile run, my longest of recent training yet. It rained.. the sun came out for a while... the clouds reappeared... And it rained again. Repeat a few times. I loved it.

I got a new album off of emusic called La Radiolina, by Manu Chao. If you like (latin, rock, punk, ska, reggae, - ie fill in the blank) and don't have it, get it. I can't get enough.

The miles went fast. We ran a double loop on the Prefontaine bark trail and on a section of the cement river trails, ending back at the car half way. I backtracked from there while Toni ran the bark section again. Stats:

6 miles out in 63:00 (10:30 pace)
9 minute stretching, water, gu
6 mile back in 50:00 (8:20 pace)

Total: 12 miles in 1 hr 53 min run time (9:25 pace)

I was exhausted but happy.
Another good run!

EM Run #17

2008-01-12T09:41:00.000-08:00

On Thursday I headed down to the river trails for a 5 mile run. Although it's still dark on my evening runs when I work 'til 5, I did notice that it wasn't quite totally dark yet when I got off work. It might be the beginning of January, but it still gives me hope that spring is on its way. Temp was mid 40's and rainy. 3/4 mile warmup, followed by 4.25 miles at 8:30 pace. Felt good.

As you may have noticed, today is not Thursday nor even a next-day post of Friday, but rather a 2-day-late slacker post. Therefore it is in fact Saturday, Jan. 12th, otherwise known as NFL Divisional Playoffs. Go Seahawks! And also my fantasy football team, although I wouldn't bet on my chances going against Phil today, who has a more-studly-than-me lineup.

In the meantime, I'm off for a 12 mile run before gametime.

Damn that seems like a long ways to run.

116 Days to Go (EM Run #16)

2008-01-08T23:20:00.000-08:00

I might be training for a marathon, but I still want to run a sub 20 minute 5K. Sooo...

Speed work tonight. In the dark. In the rain. After standing on my feet at work all day. 3 days after running my first 10 miler in nearly 5 months. And I'm still stoked for it.

1 mile warm-up
1 mile - 6:35 (goal 6:40)
1/2 mile slow run
1 mile - 6:32 (goal 6:40)
1/4 mile walk
1/4 mile cool-down

It wasn't a "conditions are perfect situation" - see earlier "Business Time" skit post - but it was a good workout.

1st long run of 2008 (EM Run #15)

2008-01-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

Despite a forecast of 20-25 mph winds, Toni and I headed out for a long out and back run yesterday in Independence. Mine was a milestone run of 10 miles, my first run in double digits since last summer, while Toni ran an impressive 9. Although we had a break from the rain, the wind proved to be a tough challenge. Much of the run was in open country, where we felt the full effects of the wind. We ran together for the first 4.5 miles, then Toni turned around and headed back. I continued on for another 1/2 mile, did a brief stretch, then turned around. Although the wind was at our backs for miles 2-5, we ran straight into it the first 3 miles back, and it was really, really tough. Nonetheless I was still able to pick up the pace on the second half and finished strong.
It was a great, first long run of the year! Here's the stats:

5 miles out in 52 min (10:24 pace)
5 miles back in 42:30 (8:30 pace)

1st run of 2008 (EM Run #14)

2008-01-03T22:59:00.000-08:00

Sore calves from snowboarding kept me out of my running shoes yesterday, but I didn't let them today. 5 mile loop run... 1 mile warmup, 4 miles in 32 min (8:00 per mile). My calves are still sore but exercise seemed to help. Looking forward to a long run this weekend!

Happy New Years

2008-01-03T22:47:00.000-08:00

Spent the entire day snowboarding at Willamette Pass with my girlfriend. It was a New Year's first for me - actually got UP before dawn .. Great way to spend the first day of 2008! And my new bindings rocked.

EM Training Run #13

2007-12-30T17:17:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I ran a 6 mile out and back on the Prefontaine bark trails. Toni ran the first couple of miles with me, then I went ahead on my own. It was about 45 degrees and cloudy, but mostly dry.

3 miles out - 29:50 (9:57 pace)
3 miles back - 23:50 (7:57 pace)

Total: 6 miles. Average pace: 8:57

The last couple of miles were challenging; I felt exhausted at the end, though I recovered quickly. It's probably mostly due to a late night Friday and my previous long run of 9 miles was only 5 days earlier.

No run today, had a bunch of stuff to do. We're planning a trip to Vail, CO in a couple of months to snowboard and visit friends and all the planning has gotten me stoked to ride again. I pulled out my board and realized how bad I need new bindings (they were a decade old), so I picked up some new spiffy Flow bindings, and in fact Toni is currently cleaning my board right now getting ready to put the new ones on (I know I am lucky) and got some new shoes and a jacket to boot. I'm definitely stoked for powder!

Flight of the Conchords- Business Time

2007-12-27T20:49:00.001-08:00

Just in case anyone hasn't acquainted themselves with 'Business Time' yet, enjoy. And no I didn't run today.

EM Training Runs #11 & #12

2007-12-26T23:21:00.000-08:00

12) Tonight I ran a 3.5 mile recovery run on the river (nutria count: 1). With a temperature of 33 degrees and threat of snow in the forecast I almost chickened out, but it ended up being fairly nice out. I ran a steady 9:05 pace, though right achilles still sore, and headed home to recover from a long weekend. Three holiday celebrations this weekend were two more than I've ever done before (though all were fun and worth it) and I had planned on going to bed early. Hmm my computer says it's 12:00 am so I guess that didn't work. I've noticed that the good thing about staying up late when you need to go to bed early is ...uh ... well actually not much. But it makes it that much easier to succeed in the same task tomorrow. Or today.

11) Monday morning, Christmas Eve, day 3 of a long weekend, and I actually managed to drag myself out of bed for a long run! I love that running is now routine enough that doesn't even seem like a big deal though. I took Fri, Sat, and Sun off from running and was only partway through a long weekend of holiday celebrations and many boxes of chocolate so I was needing a physical challenge. Luckily it so happened to be the only nice weather day of the weekend, and with the sun shining down on a just-drenched in rain and about-to-be-drenched in snow ground, I was amped for it. Toni and I headed out together in Independence, she planned for 8 and me for 9. (Hi Tracy! Honk next time! Course the one time somebody seems me running I'm taking one of two sixty second walk breaks out of 9 miles running - figures) We did an out-and-back, staying together the first 4 miles, stretching plenty after the 1st mile, then she turned around and headed back. I ran for another half mile, finishing an easy, slower paced 1st half, and stretched my right achilles for two minutes, then increased the pace and raced back, catching Toni with 3/4 mile to go. Other than some typical achilles soreness, I felt great, and the last couple of miles flew by. Here's the stats:

4.5 miles out in 48 minutes (10:40 per mile)
2 minutes stretching
4.5 miles back in 35 minutes (7:47 per mile)

Average pace: 9:13 per mile

Eugene Marathon Training Run 10

2007-12-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ran a 5.3 miles.
.85 mile slow warmup
4.45 miles at 8:15 pace
I pushed it a little harder than intended, sometimes it just happens.
My goal was 8:30-8:40 min/mile pace.
Felt good til last 1.5 miles when right achilles started to be a little sore.
Wish I could remind myself when I'm actually out there running that I don't always have to
PUSH PUSH PUSH
Easy to think now, but when the miles are flying by,
Different story.
Achilles still a bit sore today, but not too bad.
We'll see how it goes on the long run this weekend .. but if it hurts.. hey at least it's a
Long Weekend!
And with any luck I'll burn off close to as many calories as I consume...
On 2nd thought I do have 3 Christmas celebrations to go to so probably not..
Better drink a hot-buttered rum to that!

Eugene Marathon Training Run 9

2007-12-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

After an easy run Sunday and a rest day yesterday, I was looking forward to a challenging 5 mile tempo run today. I'm slowly getting used to running in the dark evenings again. Ran on the Willamette river trails, it was about 43 degrees and fairly dry, although it rained hard earlier. I ran about 3/4 mile to warm up, then did a 3.5 mile tempo run. I was aiming for 7:40 min/mile. I did the first mile in 7:30, the second in 7:35, the third in 7:30, and the last 1/2 mile in 3:30 (7 min pace). Finished with a quarter mile walk and a half mile jog back. It was a great run. I think I've got more speed right now than I previously thought, and it feels good to beat my goal times, even in training runs, as long as I don't hurt myself in the process. My quads and right achilles are a little tight but overall I feel really good and excited for my next run!

Stoked on my new Ipod (EM Runs #7 & #8)

2007-12-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

So my girlfriend gave me my Christmas present a little early this year, a brand-spanking new blue nano Ipod. My old Ipod died recently (I think I may have the guts to wipe away the tears and bury it now) and with amping up the miles to train for the Eugene marathon I am really excited. So after loading it up with some music we hit the Prefontaine trails yesterday for a long run. My plan was to run 7 miles, although half-way through I realized my math was off and it was actually an 8-miler. It had rained very hard Friday night but the skies were gracious enough to clear for a few hours. It was still cool but warmer than it has been, around 42 degrees. We ran the first 5 miles at about a 10:30 pace and I finished the final 3 miles at 8:30 pace. Felt great despite some achilles pain on my right side. It was great to run with music again. I'm excited about my longest run since August, and it's good to know that I can still push the pace when I'm tired. Yoga last night felt great on sore muscles.

Today we ran a 3-mile recovery run. More or less same temperature and weather as yesterday. Got some new running digs when I was Christmas shopping yesterday (Toni convinced me I look good in red and although no red exists in my closet, I think she might be right) and I love 'em (North Face red long-sleeve waterproof shirt & black REI shorts). Does anyone else have that problem? I go Christmas shopping for others and I always end up spending more money on myself than anyone else. Oh well, I don't like to shop that much so I guess I don't need to feel bad about it. Anyway the run was great, about 9:45 pace, and after running 11 miles this weekend my 500-calorie Starbucks eggnog latte is damn tasty.

Oh, it looks like I may need to re-calibrate my Ipod+Nike sensor again with the new nano. Supposedly I ran 0.21 miles today with an average of pace of 149 min/mile.. I mean I know I wasn't fast today, but that's just ridiculous...

Don't Forget Your Doggy Bag (EM Run #6)

2007-12-12T22:19:00.001-08:00

So I ran to the park and the bark trails as I usually do after work. At the entrance of the park, there's a little sign and holder for doggy bags on a post so owners will clean up after their pet, which I'm assuming most owners do because 1) otherwise there would be a lot of foul-smelling runners and walkers rambling through the park and a lot of crap-covered sidewalk edges, and 2) because it's always empty. That is a good sign, right? They're always being used????? Hmm..

But today the doggy bag holder is full, and there's a multitude of baby blue bags beaming out into the world, the handles toward me, as if holding out their hands to say 'take me, take me!' In fact I might have even considered taking a bag, despite the lack of a canine friend, if I hadn't immediately noticed one of those little bags sitting at the base of the post.

Full of crap.

Why would someone take the time to pick up after their pet, only to leave it where all can see? And right there, as if to tease the other jealous bags by saying 'Ha. Look at me. I am full of my potential.'

Anyway, enough of that, but least it gave me something to think about on my otherwise unremarkable run. 3.5 miles, easy 9:20 pace, chilly 34 degrees. Shins are sore after yesterday's speedwork, so I may take a rest day tomorrow.

Wish I Hadn't Forgot My Gloves (EM Run #5)

2007-12-11T19:53:00.001-08:00

Did a little speedwork today. I'm definitely not used to the cold yet but it makes running seem even more rewarding than normal.

1 mile warm-up
1 mile - 6:55 (goal 7:00)
1/2 mile jog
1 mile - 6:55 (goal 7:00)
1 mile cool-down
Stoked!

Total distance - 4.5 miles
Temperature - 34 degrees
People exhaling smoke in the trail as I ran by and therefore receiving a nasty glare (ok quick glance but I should have) - 1

Fat Squirrels

2007-12-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

On my run yesterday, I noticed several squirrels scampering... er, make that sitting... around. But these weren't ordinary, run of your mill, drop-an-acorn-on-my-windshield-and-dash kind of squirrels. I'm pretty sure these squirrels didn't have any acorns to spare, cause they were freaking huge.

Big... Fat... Squirrels....

Kinda like this one...

I laughed at this photo for a minute before realizing that this squirrel reminded me of, well... past me. Food and drink on its right, a nice bed on its left... Debating which side to fall toward.. food... mmm sleep... ooh food.. no wait sleep... pretty much what I used to do during wintertime weekends... until I decided to...

GO RUN

(you too squirrel... you could use it)

Eugene Marathon Training Run 4

2007-12-10T10:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I ran a recovery run of 3.1 miles with my girlfriend Toni at an easy 10 minute mile pace along the Willamette river. It was cold, about 34 degrees (took almost the entire run to actually warm up it seemed) and we ran both on bark and cement. I feel surprisingly good after my long run yesterday, nothing felt sore and only very minor lower leg tightness. It was a nice run.

Eugene Marathon Training Run 3

2007-12-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

After two days off I was refreshed and ready to run. Today was my long run of the week, and I did 6.2 miles at about 9:05 per mile pace. It was a beautiful, but chilly 40 degree day, and I took advantage of the nice weather by running on the Prefontaine bark trails and soaking in the gorgeous fall views of the park and the Willamette river. It was truly a great day for a run.

As I ran by Autzen stadium, I took a moment to reflect (make that languish) about what a difficult month it has been for the Oregon Ducks football team and us fans. Despite a rough finish (losing the last 3 games after being No. 2) and a home loss to the Beavers, it was still quite a ride, and the Civil War was a great game. Thanks to my girlfriend Toni, we got tickets to the game and it was blast (except of course for the part about the Ducks blowing it at the end of regular time and losing in OT). Here's a picture of us.

And yes, snow was in the possible forecast, hence the parkas.

Why I Run

2007-12-07T23:08:00.000-08:00

Because of dreams like this. This will probably never be me, but one can always imagine. Thanks to Half Fast where I first saw this.

On the Continental Divide

2007-12-06T14:39:00.000-08:00

Today's a rest day from running, which I don't mind because it's dark, gloomy and rainy, but also because I'm driving up to Portland after work to meet up with my buddy Josh who flew in yesterday and is leaving tomorrow back for Colorado already. He's one of my best friends from college, and being that he lives a couple of states away we don't get to see each other much anymore. We've had a lot of crazy adventures together, and one in particular I think about frequently because it was one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced. We were on a 8-day backpacking trip along the Continental Divide in the San Juan mountains in southwest Colorado. It was only our second day in and we got a later start than planned due to an excess of sore muscles from heavy packs burdening our out-of-shape selves after a long, beer-soaked summer, and our trail led up and over a 13 thousand plus foot peak that day. With early afternoon thunderstorms almost guaranteed that time of year, we timed it almost perfectly to be at the very top of the mountain as not one but two different thunderstorms assailed us from opposite sides. As soon as we got to the top the hail started bombing upon us and we dashed around looking for shelter, realizing neither the trail directly behind or ahead were covered at all, hoping not to be skewered by a lightning strike. The thunder was deafening as we jumped underneath a rock that was just big enough for us to all sit underneath and have our upper bodies covered while our legs stuck out into the elements. From there we saw lightning exploding from two different directions, and combined with the tremendous thunder, hail and rain, it was both one of the most frightening and amazing experiences of my life. We ate a little lunch and soon enough the storms moved on and we got off the mountain safely, but it is a memory that I will never forget. Of course the next day I started to pick a fight with a mama moose, which was a tad frightening as well, but I'll save that story for another time.

Eugene Marathon Training Run 2

2007-12-05T18:44:00.000-08:00

I ran about a 5 mile tempo run this afternoon. 1 mile warmup, 3 miles at about 7:50 pace, and 1 mile cool down. The weather was typical for an early December Oregon day. Mostly cloudy, a few minutes of drizzle in the middle, and already nearly dark by the time I finished. I don't mind running in the dark, it has its advantages, but it's hard to get used to sunset being so early. I have a daytime job so I do a lot of evening runs. My body feels good, there is a little tightness in my lower right leg (calves, shins, achilles), but other than that I feel great. A good run always makes me feel a little more alive, almost like my body is tapping into another energy source that only activates after pushing my physical capabilities a little further than normal. Anyways, a cold beer in the fridge awaits...

Eugene Marathon Training Run 1

2007-12-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

Today I ran an easy 3.5 miles at about 9:20 pace. It was a beautiful late afternoon fall day and I had just missed a rainstorm. The river was raging but otherwise it was a quiet and relaxed day and the setting sun was just barely peeking through the clouds. After the beating the wind and rain gave everything the last few days, it felt like the earth was opening its arms again and tentatively starting fresh. Almost like spring, before winter's even set in. It was a great day to run. Everything feels good, though as usual I stretched my achilles heel and quads extensively after running as they tend to be problem areas. Counted only 3 other runners today, but still fewer than I saw during the storm on Saturday. It was nice to take it easy, I tend to push myself hard when I'm not going for a longer distance and I often forget to take a step back. Looking forward to my next run.

Hi

2007-12-04T12:37:00.000-08:00

Today is my first day of training for the Eugene Marathon, which is, according to the website, 151 days, 17 hours, 11 minutes, & 23, 22, 21... I've never run a marathon before and so I've decided to write about my experience training for it, as well as any other ramblings that come to mind, including sharing my passion for all things music-related. I started running about 14 months ago after a 9 year hiatus from it (haven't really run since high school) when some friends and I heard that our home town of Eugene, Oregon was bringing the marathon back and hosting a half marathon at the same time. The half marathon was a great experience and this time I want to try for the full deal in '08. Running has also really enhanced my knowledge and appreciation of many different kinds of music. There's nothing like an ipod full of new and favorite music to make a 10 mile run fly by. So here we go....