If you've been a runner for any length of time, I'm sure you've encountered a period when something has really thrown you off your game plan and made you really contemplate how you're going to get through it. Whether it be an injury, a scheduling conflict or any number of other life events, I feel it's when we sit down and are forced to develop a new plan that we learn what we're truly capable of.
I'm going through this experience right now. I'm having discomfort in my lower right leg, which at times in recent weeks has reduced me to stop running completely for almost a week at a time—which for me is a long time. This is while I'm trying to prepare for a 25K trail race—one that's only a few weeks away! And a race that I wanted to do but couldn't for one reason or another for four years straight!
The discomfort in my leg was only there sporadically but became constant after a recent training run. In part that run was to test my leg and see how I do, both physically and mentally, with running when my body is not 100%. I found out that I can push through it. I found out more than that though. I found out that I would pay the price for pushing though. Running wasn't an option anymore when just walking for extended periods worsened the discomfort. I waited to resume a return to running until I had one complete day of my leg feeling fine. But even after one very short run that was slow, my leg felt horrible the next day. This told me that I was trying to come back to soon. I had to listen to the feedback that my body was giving me. I felt that trying to run through this discomfort would do nothing but cause injury, and leave me worse off in the long-term.
There is an option to hike this 25K race, so getting back to running wasn't completely necessary for this event, but deep down I wanted to run as much as I possibly could. Since running just seemed to exacerbate the discomfort in my leg, I knew that hiking was where my focus had to turn. As long as I could get back to the point where constant walking, in this case hiking, then I would be fine to complete this event that I was so looking forward to doing.
My new (short-term) goal was to get my body back to the point where I could cover the distance without doing any running. My long-term goal of course was slowly return to running and build up my distance. I was fairly certain I could pull this off because I actually did it once before to get through a marathon. Dealing with the same issue, I used a run/walk method to get through 26.2 miles. I ran for 5 minutes and then walked for 5 minutes. That wasn't how I wanted to complete that marathon years ago but it was better than not doing it all.
During that process of adjusting my training for that marathon, I learned how to better listen what my body is telling me. Dealing with discomfort or pain isn't the same as going out for a run when you're feeling tired or have a nagging ache. It can mean not running at all. I had to learn to have more patience even if it meant not running when I think I can, in order to let my body heal. This is a hard lesson to learn but one that is necessary for long-term success.
Speaking of that, I also learned that sacrificing the short-term is sometimes necessary to achieve the long-term plans. If you have many races on your calendar or several goals that you're working toward, it might be necessary to give up one of upcoming races or goals in order to do your best and be healthy for the bigger race or goal somewhere out in the distance that you really want to achieve. Just because you disregard a short-term goal doesn't mean there isn't addition by subtraction!
Finally, I learned that my mental strength grew as a result of my diminished physical strength. In the end, I completed that marathon in a respectable time and could use everything I learned should I encounter similar situations again. Here it is three years later and I'm having the same issue again only now I have previous experience and knowledge to draw upon and use to get through this upcoming event. The mind is a powerful tool to use in running, you just have to use it for good and not evil (in lack of better terms.) During that training run that led to this discomfort, I had a set distance I really wanted to get in as preparation for this 25K race. While I did cut that training run short, I should have cut it a lot shorter than what I really did. My leg was bothering me during the run but I thought I could get through it. I was wrong. While it's a hard lesson to learn, being wrong isn't always bad. I learned to be more patience and listen to what my body is telling me as a result of this issue I'm having.
With just shy of two weeks before this event, I am now able to run short distances again, as a result of taking more rest than I think I need. It's listening to that feedback though that taught me I really do need that extended rest. I also know that I have to dial back the intensity at which I do my training runs too—again it's about making a conscious effort to remember what you want to achieve in the long-term. I have to reset my goals upon examination of just how I feel both during and after each run. In all honesty I think I'm better off still hiking and just work in small amounts of running should my body allow it during this event.
I'm looking forward to finally competing in this trail event in 13 days!
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Back to racing—finally!
It's my belief that there's just a certain feeling that comes over you whenever you're running in a race. It's a combination of excitement, competitiveness, and adrenaline mostly. I hypothesize that it comes from being around other like-minded individuals as your training and hard work culminates when you put forth your best physical, mental, and emotional effort to see just where you stand, both against your prior self and against others. I experienced that again today for the first time in a long time!
Being a sunny, hot and humid day in August—I sweated—a lot! However, there's simply no way I'd trade the feeling I received from competing in this race. The event I competed in was the 15K distance of the On The Rocks Trail Run at Rocky Ridge Park in York, PA. It's a race that I've run several times before and one of the races I look forward to every year. While I ran what I'll call a "somewhat hard effort" of the 10K distance of this race last year, along with a few select others last year, it's difficult to call any of them truly racing. So when that competitive fire found me again today for the first time in around two years, it was like finding and reconnecting with an old best friend.
My two previous posts in this blog discuss why my running took a backseat and my difficulties with returning to running. The content of those posts is what made today have importance to me. And truthfully I didn't set out to really race this event. What this event was suppose to do was serve as an assessment of my fitness and readiness for a just as hard 25K event I have coming up in 6 weeks. This was going to be the closest thing to that 25K and provide more feedback for me than any amount of training runs. Of course I get to compete in a quality race that I love as a bonus!
I don't actually know what my finish time was for this race. My best guess is a finish time somewhere between 1hr 30min and 1hr 40min—I'll find out when they post race results but as of this writing they weren't posted. The reason I don't know my finish time is I forgot my watch so I ran the entire race just based on how I felt. When the hills were too much and reduced me to power hiking, that's what I did. I wasn't alone in doing this, and even if I was, I wouldn't have been ashamed. From past experience, I think the power hiking actually saves me energy at spots on uphill sections. During the race there was one spot that was a long uphill, and while I was power hiking, I actually gained ground on a runner in front of me while he was still doing his slow running. Soon I passed him and I didn't feel too bad at the top of the hill. I know had I attempted to run the entire hill I would have stressed myself to the point of fatigue from a cardiovascular viewpoint and lack being able to recover nearly as fast and pick up my pace again.
Going back to my point about forgetting my watch, I think that probably helped me today. Instead of continually watching my pace and mile splits, I was back to the basics and doing something that myself and many other runners should probably do more often. Running on how I feel forced me to assess both my body and my mind. And it was the information that I got from doing this that is essentially what I was after in the first place—learning how I felt on uphills and on flats and near the end of the race. It is all information that I can apply both in upcoming training runs and my 25K. Sure I don't have my mile splits, but in reality, it's the story behind those mile splits that really tells why each of them are what they are. So while forgetting my watch initially stressed me out, instead I tried an alternate approach that was really closer to what I needed to do anyway.
I was glad I felt good today and that this race went well for me. Believe me, this was by no means an easy race! What felt best was that I didn't feel intimidated by the course at any point. Even with knowing this race would end with a long uphill climb, I didn't feel like that section wore me out like it has in the past. Yes, it was difficult and again reduced me to hiking but I never felt the intensity of tiredness like I have in the race previously. I'm hoping that was the result of the hill work I did in my training! I was concerned prior to the race about how today was going to go. The longest training run I did was right around 8 miles so I barely got in the proper training. Secondly, for whatever reason, I didn't sleep well this past week and have been increasingly tired despite purposeful efforts to get sufficient sleep.
I think that's why everything coming together today has surprised me. It's been so long since I truly raced, and with likely being slightly undertrained, I am surprised this race went so well. A 14th place finish is definitely good enough for me! I think about 40–50 runners ran this distance judging from the tags on the finishing board at the finish line.
Going forward I know that I still have work to do for my upcoming 25K in the name of increasing my distance and continued work on hills. With today's race letting me know that I still can be competitive, I know that have indeed increased my fitness and endurance level since once again making running a priority. Had this race proved to set me in my place and fatigue me to the point of letting doubt creep into me, I would have really had to reassess how I was going to pull off this 25K in 6 weeks. However, with that thought now erased, I can move forward with at least moderate ease and continue hitting the trails and still have fun while out on them instead of getting so into my training that I don't even get to enjoy the nature that's around me. And that's what I really love when I'm out there, getting in tune with nature and marveling at what it can provide to all of us!
Being a sunny, hot and humid day in August—I sweated—a lot! However, there's simply no way I'd trade the feeling I received from competing in this race. The event I competed in was the 15K distance of the On The Rocks Trail Run at Rocky Ridge Park in York, PA. It's a race that I've run several times before and one of the races I look forward to every year. While I ran what I'll call a "somewhat hard effort" of the 10K distance of this race last year, along with a few select others last year, it's difficult to call any of them truly racing. So when that competitive fire found me again today for the first time in around two years, it was like finding and reconnecting with an old best friend.
My two previous posts in this blog discuss why my running took a backseat and my difficulties with returning to running. The content of those posts is what made today have importance to me. And truthfully I didn't set out to really race this event. What this event was suppose to do was serve as an assessment of my fitness and readiness for a just as hard 25K event I have coming up in 6 weeks. This was going to be the closest thing to that 25K and provide more feedback for me than any amount of training runs. Of course I get to compete in a quality race that I love as a bonus!
I don't actually know what my finish time was for this race. My best guess is a finish time somewhere between 1hr 30min and 1hr 40min—I'll find out when they post race results but as of this writing they weren't posted. The reason I don't know my finish time is I forgot my watch so I ran the entire race just based on how I felt. When the hills were too much and reduced me to power hiking, that's what I did. I wasn't alone in doing this, and even if I was, I wouldn't have been ashamed. From past experience, I think the power hiking actually saves me energy at spots on uphill sections. During the race there was one spot that was a long uphill, and while I was power hiking, I actually gained ground on a runner in front of me while he was still doing his slow running. Soon I passed him and I didn't feel too bad at the top of the hill. I know had I attempted to run the entire hill I would have stressed myself to the point of fatigue from a cardiovascular viewpoint and lack being able to recover nearly as fast and pick up my pace again.
Going back to my point about forgetting my watch, I think that probably helped me today. Instead of continually watching my pace and mile splits, I was back to the basics and doing something that myself and many other runners should probably do more often. Running on how I feel forced me to assess both my body and my mind. And it was the information that I got from doing this that is essentially what I was after in the first place—learning how I felt on uphills and on flats and near the end of the race. It is all information that I can apply both in upcoming training runs and my 25K. Sure I don't have my mile splits, but in reality, it's the story behind those mile splits that really tells why each of them are what they are. So while forgetting my watch initially stressed me out, instead I tried an alternate approach that was really closer to what I needed to do anyway.
I was glad I felt good today and that this race went well for me. Believe me, this was by no means an easy race! What felt best was that I didn't feel intimidated by the course at any point. Even with knowing this race would end with a long uphill climb, I didn't feel like that section wore me out like it has in the past. Yes, it was difficult and again reduced me to hiking but I never felt the intensity of tiredness like I have in the race previously. I'm hoping that was the result of the hill work I did in my training! I was concerned prior to the race about how today was going to go. The longest training run I did was right around 8 miles so I barely got in the proper training. Secondly, for whatever reason, I didn't sleep well this past week and have been increasingly tired despite purposeful efforts to get sufficient sleep.
I think that's why everything coming together today has surprised me. It's been so long since I truly raced, and with likely being slightly undertrained, I am surprised this race went so well. A 14th place finish is definitely good enough for me! I think about 40–50 runners ran this distance judging from the tags on the finishing board at the finish line.
Going forward I know that I still have work to do for my upcoming 25K in the name of increasing my distance and continued work on hills. With today's race letting me know that I still can be competitive, I know that have indeed increased my fitness and endurance level since once again making running a priority. Had this race proved to set me in my place and fatigue me to the point of letting doubt creep into me, I would have really had to reassess how I was going to pull off this 25K in 6 weeks. However, with that thought now erased, I can move forward with at least moderate ease and continue hitting the trails and still have fun while out on them instead of getting so into my training that I don't even get to enjoy the nature that's around me. And that's what I really love when I'm out there, getting in tune with nature and marveling at what it can provide to all of us!
Monday, July 27, 2015
Getting back into it—the follow-up
In my last post, I wrote about how running took a backseat while I went back to school to learn a new career.
In this post, I'll discuss more in depth the struggles I faced with my running and what I used to get through those times in order to keep some degree of continuity to my running.
I mentioned in my prior post about maintaining a running base. This was done for many reasons. Most of all, running is just part of who I am and who I've become. So not continuing with it, even while going back to school, was out of the question. Most of the time running is as much mental for me as it is physical. With the increased stress I was facing, I knew running was the outlet that would assist me in decreasing my stress. Running also clears my head. This is something that many times I would have problems with when going out for a run while I was in school. I would use the running as a time to quiz myself on the material I was reviewing for a test. What this did was stress me out—the exact opposite of why I went out running in the first place! Lastly, keeping that base was done so I could get back to doing races more quickly once school was completed.
What I didn't think would be so challenging was progressing past this base. I've had about 3 months since my internships were completed for school and it was at that point where I tried to increase the frequency and mileage of my running. While I was still strained mentally from the preparation of studying for a state board exam, the physical part of my running was still rusty as well. Most of my runs were still in the 3 mile range but still felt labored. My progression past my base was not going to plan. I didn't think I had lost this much fitness and endurance. This frustration made me start doubting myself. Was I going to be able to get back to running races as quickly as I wanted to?
I think the biggest obstacle was lack of structure. I still wasn't planning my running like I had been prior to going back to school. I was just working it in when I could. In essence, I still wasn't making running a priority. An ever changing work schedule contributed to my lack of running consistency as well. What I had to do was analyze all aspects of my running and how I could get back on track.
Another obstacle I was facing was running solo. Running alone is something I've discovered really has its advantages and disadvantages. While it's nice to run at your own pace and not have to worry about pushing the pace too much or too little while running with others, I've grown increasingly aware of how tough tackling training alone can be. At one time (years ago) I was a regular at a group run, which was really helpful in my training when comparing notes with other runners. A changing work schedule turned me into someone who joined whenever they could, which was rather infrequent. Going back to school made it nearly impossible to join the group. Thus most of my running again was done solo. Then for awhile last year I had a running partner, which again proved to be beneficial for me. During some of most intense part of my schooling, my mileage actually increased. Most of the benefit was from a mental or emotional perspective but of course I was achieving a physical benefit from the increased mileage too. But after my running partner and I ceased running together, yet again I was faced with running solo. This time it felt tougher. I had really gotten used to having someone to chat with while running and I realized the conversation we had served as a great distraction to how tough even a small hill had become!
What I had learned was to try and not become too accustom to any one type of running. I need to take the fact I was running solo and get back to a greater degree of analysis on how I was reacting to each time I went out to run. If I was able to run with someone or in a group then I'd allow myself to be more casual and relaxed with my running, but if I was out on my own I would use my introspection to my advantage. I looked at things like how stressed I felt prior to the run, how time crunched I was, and the difficulty of the course I was running. From this I could see if one of those was holding me back and determine how to make changes.
To start increasing my distance and spend more time on my feet, I turned to another approach. I knew that attempting to run farther wasn't likely to work, in that it would only tire me out and it didn't seem logical since my shorter distance running wasn't going well. Instead I turned to hiking. This tactic allowed me to work toward my goals but put forth less effort to achieve them. Most of this hiking was done a fairly quick pace so that I still received the most benefit from my time outdoors. After all, with balancing study time and work in with my running, I had to put forth solid efforts and have a purpose with each time I was out working towards get back in shape.
Lastly, signing up for a race is another powerful motivator for providing incentive to increase your running. This was really my goal all along—get back to the point where I could be confidence in my racing ability. I never really go out to compete against others or place in a race. The only real competitor I have is myself. I want to see how I can improve, and become better and faster. Once you have to pay money, suddenly training becomes a priority—especially when you're cost conscious like I still am. This year I've picked just a few select races to do. Mostly that's because money is tight for me right now but it was also done in order to more easily sharpen my focus. With only a few races to do, I can better determine what areas I should give attention to. The biggest for me is distance and it's one where at times I still do feel slightly in over my head. With that being said, that serves as a great motivator because I really don't like being in over my head!
I only now truly feel like I've turned a corner in my running, and I still have a good way to go to get where I'd like to be, but right now I'm happy with my progress and know I'm moving in the right direction. Look for an update on how my progression is going and likely a race review or two in a future post.
If you have any comments on this post please write one in the comments field and thanks for reading!
In this post, I'll discuss more in depth the struggles I faced with my running and what I used to get through those times in order to keep some degree of continuity to my running.
I mentioned in my prior post about maintaining a running base. This was done for many reasons. Most of all, running is just part of who I am and who I've become. So not continuing with it, even while going back to school, was out of the question. Most of the time running is as much mental for me as it is physical. With the increased stress I was facing, I knew running was the outlet that would assist me in decreasing my stress. Running also clears my head. This is something that many times I would have problems with when going out for a run while I was in school. I would use the running as a time to quiz myself on the material I was reviewing for a test. What this did was stress me out—the exact opposite of why I went out running in the first place! Lastly, keeping that base was done so I could get back to doing races more quickly once school was completed.
What I didn't think would be so challenging was progressing past this base. I've had about 3 months since my internships were completed for school and it was at that point where I tried to increase the frequency and mileage of my running. While I was still strained mentally from the preparation of studying for a state board exam, the physical part of my running was still rusty as well. Most of my runs were still in the 3 mile range but still felt labored. My progression past my base was not going to plan. I didn't think I had lost this much fitness and endurance. This frustration made me start doubting myself. Was I going to be able to get back to running races as quickly as I wanted to?
I think the biggest obstacle was lack of structure. I still wasn't planning my running like I had been prior to going back to school. I was just working it in when I could. In essence, I still wasn't making running a priority. An ever changing work schedule contributed to my lack of running consistency as well. What I had to do was analyze all aspects of my running and how I could get back on track.
Another obstacle I was facing was running solo. Running alone is something I've discovered really has its advantages and disadvantages. While it's nice to run at your own pace and not have to worry about pushing the pace too much or too little while running with others, I've grown increasingly aware of how tough tackling training alone can be. At one time (years ago) I was a regular at a group run, which was really helpful in my training when comparing notes with other runners. A changing work schedule turned me into someone who joined whenever they could, which was rather infrequent. Going back to school made it nearly impossible to join the group. Thus most of my running again was done solo. Then for awhile last year I had a running partner, which again proved to be beneficial for me. During some of most intense part of my schooling, my mileage actually increased. Most of the benefit was from a mental or emotional perspective but of course I was achieving a physical benefit from the increased mileage too. But after my running partner and I ceased running together, yet again I was faced with running solo. This time it felt tougher. I had really gotten used to having someone to chat with while running and I realized the conversation we had served as a great distraction to how tough even a small hill had become!
What I had learned was to try and not become too accustom to any one type of running. I need to take the fact I was running solo and get back to a greater degree of analysis on how I was reacting to each time I went out to run. If I was able to run with someone or in a group then I'd allow myself to be more casual and relaxed with my running, but if I was out on my own I would use my introspection to my advantage. I looked at things like how stressed I felt prior to the run, how time crunched I was, and the difficulty of the course I was running. From this I could see if one of those was holding me back and determine how to make changes.
To start increasing my distance and spend more time on my feet, I turned to another approach. I knew that attempting to run farther wasn't likely to work, in that it would only tire me out and it didn't seem logical since my shorter distance running wasn't going well. Instead I turned to hiking. This tactic allowed me to work toward my goals but put forth less effort to achieve them. Most of this hiking was done a fairly quick pace so that I still received the most benefit from my time outdoors. After all, with balancing study time and work in with my running, I had to put forth solid efforts and have a purpose with each time I was out working towards get back in shape.
Lastly, signing up for a race is another powerful motivator for providing incentive to increase your running. This was really my goal all along—get back to the point where I could be confidence in my racing ability. I never really go out to compete against others or place in a race. The only real competitor I have is myself. I want to see how I can improve, and become better and faster. Once you have to pay money, suddenly training becomes a priority—especially when you're cost conscious like I still am. This year I've picked just a few select races to do. Mostly that's because money is tight for me right now but it was also done in order to more easily sharpen my focus. With only a few races to do, I can better determine what areas I should give attention to. The biggest for me is distance and it's one where at times I still do feel slightly in over my head. With that being said, that serves as a great motivator because I really don't like being in over my head!
I only now truly feel like I've turned a corner in my running, and I still have a good way to go to get where I'd like to be, but right now I'm happy with my progress and know I'm moving in the right direction. Look for an update on how my progression is going and likely a race review or two in a future post.
If you have any comments on this post please write one in the comments field and thanks for reading!
Friday, July 17, 2015
Getting back into it.
Getting back into it—that title has duel meaning.
While I really love running, it has taken a backseat to other priorities for the last 18 months, if not longer. I went back to school to learn a new career in a fairly new field for me. While I have worked in a medical setting for a few years now, I was not exposed to the same level of technical knowledge that I would be required to learn to become a physical therapist assistant (PTA). I knew becoming a full time student would mean my running, along with many other things in life, would become a lesser priority. I was fine with this. Running wasn't going to disappear for me but it would slow down, both literally and figuratively. It was simply what needed to be done in order to "re-invent" myself professionally.
I have just reached the end of my re-invention, having completed internships, graduated, and now having passed my state board exam in order to obtain my license. So with less studying and reviewing, I am set to get back into running the way I'd truly like to. The entire time I was in school (three years total), I still maintained a base with running. That was essentially my running goal—maintain a base so that I don't have to COMPLETELY start over after my schooling.
So with more time and energy to devote to running, I've now been getting back into serious running mode. I miss the feelings I get when I'm having a good run and the sense of accomplishment from climbing a hill. Most of all I miss the way I feel so in touch with nature when I'm out trail running. I want to find all of those again for they have largely been missing for over a year now.
The other item I'm getting back into is starting this blog again. Honestly, unlike my running, I don't where this will go. My goal is share ideas and thoughts and info about running so that others can learn and grow as runners too. But how often and what topics are still up in the air. My only real thought is to try and complete about one post every month. Ideally I'd post more often but I feel that's probably unrealistic, at least right now. I see the blog evolving and ever-changing, that's about all I can say right now.
Since I'm undecided on direction, that presents you—the reader, with an opportunity to help shape this blog. If there's a topic, question, thought or idea that you have, please feel free to comment and provide input! Perhaps it will spark a future blog post.
While I really love running, it has taken a backseat to other priorities for the last 18 months, if not longer. I went back to school to learn a new career in a fairly new field for me. While I have worked in a medical setting for a few years now, I was not exposed to the same level of technical knowledge that I would be required to learn to become a physical therapist assistant (PTA). I knew becoming a full time student would mean my running, along with many other things in life, would become a lesser priority. I was fine with this. Running wasn't going to disappear for me but it would slow down, both literally and figuratively. It was simply what needed to be done in order to "re-invent" myself professionally.
I have just reached the end of my re-invention, having completed internships, graduated, and now having passed my state board exam in order to obtain my license. So with less studying and reviewing, I am set to get back into running the way I'd truly like to. The entire time I was in school (three years total), I still maintained a base with running. That was essentially my running goal—maintain a base so that I don't have to COMPLETELY start over after my schooling.
So with more time and energy to devote to running, I've now been getting back into serious running mode. I miss the feelings I get when I'm having a good run and the sense of accomplishment from climbing a hill. Most of all I miss the way I feel so in touch with nature when I'm out trail running. I want to find all of those again for they have largely been missing for over a year now.
The other item I'm getting back into is starting this blog again. Honestly, unlike my running, I don't where this will go. My goal is share ideas and thoughts and info about running so that others can learn and grow as runners too. But how often and what topics are still up in the air. My only real thought is to try and complete about one post every month. Ideally I'd post more often but I feel that's probably unrealistic, at least right now. I see the blog evolving and ever-changing, that's about all I can say right now.
Since I'm undecided on direction, that presents you—the reader, with an opportunity to help shape this blog. If there's a topic, question, thought or idea that you have, please feel free to comment and provide input! Perhaps it will spark a future blog post.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Trying to channel my inner Usain Bolt
This past summer, the world's greatest athletes assembled to compete in their respective events for the Olympics. Track & field is usually one of the events that dominates the news coverage and TV time for the summer games.
Some of the fellow runners I know, as well as many of my coworkers, marveled at the accomplishments of one athlete in particular—Usain Bolt. The sheer speed he possesses is simply awesome. Any time he is running, another world record might be broken!
I do some speed work too in my running in order to build my fast twitch muscles, but I know I'm nowhere near as fast as Usain Bolt.
A couple of my coworkers and I had a conversion about how fast each of us thought we could possibly run 100 meters, the strongest event for Bolt. Most of them aren't true runners but they thought I would be really quick since I am a runner. I said I really didn't know because I never really sprinted all out for that (short of a) distance. I've ran hard on the straightaway of a track before, but never a 100%, give it all you have effort.
Because of conflicting schedules, I was never able to meet up with my coworkers for us to try this 100 meter experiment. So the other week I finally just decided to try it myself.
I measured the distance using my Garmin GPS watch, which very closely matched the outer white lines of the soccer field I was at. (I wasn't able to find an open track for my experiment.) I also knew it would be hard to time myself too, for it is very hard to look (clearly) at your watch when you're sprinting. I knew going into the experiment that the results would be slightly off but then again it was just for fun. I was also running on grass too so I didn't otherwise have the advantage of running on the smoother and more stable surface of a track.
I warmed up by running a mile at a progressively faster pace and then decided it was time to see what I was made of. I got to my starting point and looked at my watch. I was going to start when the seconds hit double zero. When it did I took off as fast as I could and tried my best to maintain that speed the entire way through. I felt incredibly fast for awhile near the beginning but it's super tough to keep that up. I was also trying to run landing on just the front part of my foot, which is a little new to me and actually made me feel a little unsteady for a few steps too. The last 50 or so meters seemed so long!!! I couldn't believe how long 100 meters could seem when your really, really, REALLY getting out of breath and your muscles are working overtime! I glanced at my watch as I crossed the far white line of the soccer field and then jogged back around to my starting point. I ran the 100 like that a total of four times and I was pretty much spent as far as energy. My cooldown mile that I ran was fairly slow because of that.
So what were my results? Again, it was hard to view my watch when I was going at that speed but I was able to see the seconds. The first two attempts were around 16 seconds and the final 2 attempts were around 15 seconds. That's about where I thought I might be.
However, after running that hard—and I do mean harder than I've EVER ran before—I really wish my effort would have shown something in the 13-14 second range. I think with perfect conditions—having some time me more accurately, training more for this type of effort, doing it in the summer when my muscles would be warmer overall, and of course running it on an actual track—I think I could possibly knock down my time to something in that range. Maybe I'm just a believer in wishful thinking though!
Regardless, it was a fun experiment (sans the sore quads for 2 days) that gave me a new respect for the accomplishments of the greats like Usain Bolt and all that came before him. Maybe by the time he breaks 9.6 seconds for the 100 meters in the 2016 Rio games I will have broken the 13.6 barrier. I wouldn't be surprised if the former happens before the latter though!
Some of the fellow runners I know, as well as many of my coworkers, marveled at the accomplishments of one athlete in particular—Usain Bolt. The sheer speed he possesses is simply awesome. Any time he is running, another world record might be broken!
I do some speed work too in my running in order to build my fast twitch muscles, but I know I'm nowhere near as fast as Usain Bolt.
A couple of my coworkers and I had a conversion about how fast each of us thought we could possibly run 100 meters, the strongest event for Bolt. Most of them aren't true runners but they thought I would be really quick since I am a runner. I said I really didn't know because I never really sprinted all out for that (short of a) distance. I've ran hard on the straightaway of a track before, but never a 100%, give it all you have effort.
Because of conflicting schedules, I was never able to meet up with my coworkers for us to try this 100 meter experiment. So the other week I finally just decided to try it myself.
I measured the distance using my Garmin GPS watch, which very closely matched the outer white lines of the soccer field I was at. (I wasn't able to find an open track for my experiment.) I also knew it would be hard to time myself too, for it is very hard to look (clearly) at your watch when you're sprinting. I knew going into the experiment that the results would be slightly off but then again it was just for fun. I was also running on grass too so I didn't otherwise have the advantage of running on the smoother and more stable surface of a track.
I warmed up by running a mile at a progressively faster pace and then decided it was time to see what I was made of. I got to my starting point and looked at my watch. I was going to start when the seconds hit double zero. When it did I took off as fast as I could and tried my best to maintain that speed the entire way through. I felt incredibly fast for awhile near the beginning but it's super tough to keep that up. I was also trying to run landing on just the front part of my foot, which is a little new to me and actually made me feel a little unsteady for a few steps too. The last 50 or so meters seemed so long!!! I couldn't believe how long 100 meters could seem when your really, really, REALLY getting out of breath and your muscles are working overtime! I glanced at my watch as I crossed the far white line of the soccer field and then jogged back around to my starting point. I ran the 100 like that a total of four times and I was pretty much spent as far as energy. My cooldown mile that I ran was fairly slow because of that.
So what were my results? Again, it was hard to view my watch when I was going at that speed but I was able to see the seconds. The first two attempts were around 16 seconds and the final 2 attempts were around 15 seconds. That's about where I thought I might be.
However, after running that hard—and I do mean harder than I've EVER ran before—I really wish my effort would have shown something in the 13-14 second range. I think with perfect conditions—having some time me more accurately, training more for this type of effort, doing it in the summer when my muscles would be warmer overall, and of course running it on an actual track—I think I could possibly knock down my time to something in that range. Maybe I'm just a believer in wishful thinking though!
Regardless, it was a fun experiment (sans the sore quads for 2 days) that gave me a new respect for the accomplishments of the greats like Usain Bolt and all that came before him. Maybe by the time he breaks 9.6 seconds for the 100 meters in the 2016 Rio games I will have broken the 13.6 barrier. I wouldn't be surprised if the former happens before the latter though!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Resources for more information on running (part 2)
Today I'm back with a second listing of resources for you to find additional information on running. The first post from a few weeks ago, titled: Resources for more information on running (part 1), gave a look at magazines and books on running.
Now I'll turn my attention to online resources. I've provided a listing of websites, blogs, and podcasts that I turn to when I need some help or want some running inspiration. These resources aren't so much destinations as they are starting points—use them to jump to whatever you're specifically looking for.
Websites
www.runnersworld.com
A great site for finding info on virtually all aspects of running. There's really not too much that you can't find on their site. I especially like their pace calculator which is helpful in finding your pace if you don't have device that automatically gives it to you.
www.marathonguide.com
For anyone considering a marathon this is a great site. There a race calendar to find a marathon, results, and articles on training and preparation. What I like best is the section on reviews of marathons—so if you're on the fence about committing to particular marathon it helps to read what other runners had to say.
www.active.com
This site is perfect for all classes of runners—from beginners to the seasoned veteran. I think it's a great place especially for beginners to find info and races that suit there needs. While you're there browse info on other sports that interest you too!
Blogs
beginners.runnersworld.com
Many common beginners questions will be answered if you follow this blog. The problems covered are ones we all face (or have faced) at some time and the explanations are easy to understand and follow.
antonkrupicka.blogspot.com/
You'll probably have to appreciate the sport of ultrarunning to like this blog but I pull inspiration from the stunning photography he posts of where he's been running—I know it's places I'll never see but it does make me want to explore new paths and run trails. Anton Krupicka is one of the more accomplished ultramarathoners currently out there.
www.alltop.com
This is just a great site to find blogs on just about ANY topic—and running is no exception. The creators describe it as an "online magazine rack." You can find more blogs and websites on running than you'll have time in the day.
Podcasts
Marathon Training Academy
Although the word marathon is in the title beginners can still learning from listening to this one. The husband and wife hosts present the topics in a very sensible manner and the information can be applied if you're new and only running a little or you're truly training for a marathon. I highly recommend this podcast to all runners.
Running with the Pack
I've found this podcast to be inspirational even if the hosts seem to ramble a bit. They've had some great interviews and provide a lot of tips.
Ben Greenfield Fitness
This podcast isn't focused on running but does have a ton of info on nutrition, hydration, and anything related to fueling your body—which is so important especially for distance runners.
Now I'll turn my attention to online resources. I've provided a listing of websites, blogs, and podcasts that I turn to when I need some help or want some running inspiration. These resources aren't so much destinations as they are starting points—use them to jump to whatever you're specifically looking for.
Websites
www.runnersworld.com
A great site for finding info on virtually all aspects of running. There's really not too much that you can't find on their site. I especially like their pace calculator which is helpful in finding your pace if you don't have device that automatically gives it to you.
www.marathonguide.com
For anyone considering a marathon this is a great site. There a race calendar to find a marathon, results, and articles on training and preparation. What I like best is the section on reviews of marathons—so if you're on the fence about committing to particular marathon it helps to read what other runners had to say.
www.active.com
This site is perfect for all classes of runners—from beginners to the seasoned veteran. I think it's a great place especially for beginners to find info and races that suit there needs. While you're there browse info on other sports that interest you too!
Blogs
beginners.runnersworld.com
Many common beginners questions will be answered if you follow this blog. The problems covered are ones we all face (or have faced) at some time and the explanations are easy to understand and follow.
antonkrupicka.blogspot.com/
You'll probably have to appreciate the sport of ultrarunning to like this blog but I pull inspiration from the stunning photography he posts of where he's been running—I know it's places I'll never see but it does make me want to explore new paths and run trails. Anton Krupicka is one of the more accomplished ultramarathoners currently out there.
www.alltop.com
This is just a great site to find blogs on just about ANY topic—and running is no exception. The creators describe it as an "online magazine rack." You can find more blogs and websites on running than you'll have time in the day.
Podcasts
Marathon Training Academy
Although the word marathon is in the title beginners can still learning from listening to this one. The husband and wife hosts present the topics in a very sensible manner and the information can be applied if you're new and only running a little or you're truly training for a marathon. I highly recommend this podcast to all runners.
Running with the Pack
I've found this podcast to be inspirational even if the hosts seem to ramble a bit. They've had some great interviews and provide a lot of tips.
Ben Greenfield Fitness
This podcast isn't focused on running but does have a ton of info on nutrition, hydration, and anything related to fueling your body—which is so important especially for distance runners.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
York White Rose Run race review
Today I'm a writing a race review of the York White Rose Run 5 Miler than was held this past Saturday in downtown York, PA.
The weather for a race was near perfect conditions: clear, sunny skies and cool weather so you don't overheat. There was no hint of the rain from the night before so there was no worries of the streets being slick and not getting your proper footing.
I think these conditions are part of what always leads to a big turnout of runners at this race. This years race brought out 280 runners and last years race had almost another 100 finishers beyond this years total.
There is also a team race category and costume category for the York White Rose Run which also helps to add to the fun atmosphere. There's also one my favorite things about the White Rose race—the tradition of the man dressed in Irish clothing playing the bagpipes near the top of the hill at Farquhar Park. I'm not really a fan of bagpipes or the sound they make, but for whatever reason it just feels appropriate and it helps me forget about how tough it is going up that hill. I always give the guy a thumbs-up!
I was debating on whether I wanted to just run this event or go out and truly race it. Part of me wanted to just run and take in all the sites along the course: the architecture of some of the buildings we pass, the city residents who stand on their porch & watch (and sometimes cheer) the runners going by, and the bright colors that fall brings to the leaves on the trees. In the end, since the weather was ideal and I don't have too many other events coming up on my race calendar, I decided to race.
My PR for a 5 miler is 31:17, so I knew it would take a great effort to beat that mark for I haven't been doing as much running lately—especially speedwork! That previous PR translates to a 6:15 per mile pace, and from past experience, I know that is very hard for me to maintain.
Even though I was a little boxed in at the very start of the race, I ran the first mile in 6:08. Part of me was happy for I was indeed on pace for a new PR, but part of me was worried too because I thought perhaps I went out too fast for I know I'd never maintain that speed. The second mile contained the hill at Farquhar Park, so I knew that one would definitely be slower. Last year I attacked this hill and it took quite a bit out of me while running the flat section going around the top of the park. This year I backed off some while going up the hill but I'm not sure that made much of a difference. I didn't feel quick going back down the far side of the park and could never regain that speed I had in the first mile. Even with the course being relatively flat past the park, I just couldn't get my legs to move me any faster. When reaching the mile marker at mile 3, I knew the overall pace my watch showed would be too much to make up in the last 2 miles. I knew then it wouldn't be a new PR set. I still pushed as hard as I could through the rest of the course and it wasn't until the very home stretch at the finish that I could really pick up the pace. I sprinted across the finish line with a finish time of 32:49 which was 38th place overall.
I was mostly satisfied with my time for I did the best I could on this given day and I had some doubts going into it that I would be able to PR since I just haven't been devoting as much time to running in the past month. I probably slowed up just a bit around Farquhar Park too because the color of the leaves on the trees was simply so rich and vivid, I had to take in a few quick glances of all nature had to offer.
For anyone considering a shorter race, I would highly recommend the York White Rose Run 5 Miler. The entry fee is very affordable, it's held at a beautiful time of year, and there's also an after race party at the White Rose Bar & Grill too. And don't forget about those bagpipes either!
The weather for a race was near perfect conditions: clear, sunny skies and cool weather so you don't overheat. There was no hint of the rain from the night before so there was no worries of the streets being slick and not getting your proper footing.
I think these conditions are part of what always leads to a big turnout of runners at this race. This years race brought out 280 runners and last years race had almost another 100 finishers beyond this years total.
There is also a team race category and costume category for the York White Rose Run which also helps to add to the fun atmosphere. There's also one my favorite things about the White Rose race—the tradition of the man dressed in Irish clothing playing the bagpipes near the top of the hill at Farquhar Park. I'm not really a fan of bagpipes or the sound they make, but for whatever reason it just feels appropriate and it helps me forget about how tough it is going up that hill. I always give the guy a thumbs-up!
I was debating on whether I wanted to just run this event or go out and truly race it. Part of me wanted to just run and take in all the sites along the course: the architecture of some of the buildings we pass, the city residents who stand on their porch & watch (and sometimes cheer) the runners going by, and the bright colors that fall brings to the leaves on the trees. In the end, since the weather was ideal and I don't have too many other events coming up on my race calendar, I decided to race.
My PR for a 5 miler is 31:17, so I knew it would take a great effort to beat that mark for I haven't been doing as much running lately—especially speedwork! That previous PR translates to a 6:15 per mile pace, and from past experience, I know that is very hard for me to maintain.
Even though I was a little boxed in at the very start of the race, I ran the first mile in 6:08. Part of me was happy for I was indeed on pace for a new PR, but part of me was worried too because I thought perhaps I went out too fast for I know I'd never maintain that speed. The second mile contained the hill at Farquhar Park, so I knew that one would definitely be slower. Last year I attacked this hill and it took quite a bit out of me while running the flat section going around the top of the park. This year I backed off some while going up the hill but I'm not sure that made much of a difference. I didn't feel quick going back down the far side of the park and could never regain that speed I had in the first mile. Even with the course being relatively flat past the park, I just couldn't get my legs to move me any faster. When reaching the mile marker at mile 3, I knew the overall pace my watch showed would be too much to make up in the last 2 miles. I knew then it wouldn't be a new PR set. I still pushed as hard as I could through the rest of the course and it wasn't until the very home stretch at the finish that I could really pick up the pace. I sprinted across the finish line with a finish time of 32:49 which was 38th place overall.
I was mostly satisfied with my time for I did the best I could on this given day and I had some doubts going into it that I would be able to PR since I just haven't been devoting as much time to running in the past month. I probably slowed up just a bit around Farquhar Park too because the color of the leaves on the trees was simply so rich and vivid, I had to take in a few quick glances of all nature had to offer.
For anyone considering a shorter race, I would highly recommend the York White Rose Run 5 Miler. The entry fee is very affordable, it's held at a beautiful time of year, and there's also an after race party at the White Rose Bar & Grill too. And don't forget about those bagpipes either!
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