So This Is Christmas

Sorry for the John Lennon reference but it was a must. With today being Christmas and not being home (Minot or even Leeds, ND) it is a pretty dull day. I went on a run (12.8miles) and did not feel into it until I was almost done. The weather in Belle Plaine has not been kind to those that want to run outside in the cold and snow (30in+ in Dec). The town has tried to keep up with the snow on the paths and what not put it still slows a person down not being able to grip the ground to push-off and gain any speed. For that reason, I have had to adjust my winter training schedule as a day-by-day thing. I know I have lost some of my fitness since the longest run I have had in the last month was today’s (12-25) run. I will try to run when my wife and I do go home for a short vacation. However, running when on vacation is difficult to do; you know pulling yourself away from family that you do not get to see more than 2-3 times a year. I have a plan to run when I am there but the weather looks to be cold like high of -5 cold with a wind chill which could bring the temp down to a balmy -20+.


I tweeted this past week that not going anywhere for Christmas can be good for the running but not mentally good. I was able this week get some good workouts in mainly the 23 and 25, but I was not able to be near family during the holidays. This is starting to be a big drain on me mentally. Next year I know things will be different since I will have a son or daughter to take care of and who knows maybe we will be going home for Christmas.

Looking to the New Year I will try to get back on track to get my fitness level to where it should be. I do not have any races scheduled yet for the New Year but I know of a few races that I will be sure to try to get in to but it all depends if I get the track coaching position that I applied for. If that happens then my winter and spring racing plans will be drastically changed.

runpd

Free Time To Do What

Over the past two months I have little to no time to really think about how my running as been going on a week-to-week bases. Cross-country season ending soon and my racing season ending at the same time. I will begin the all-important off-season workouts. I still plan on racing but the races will be limited and spread out.


First, I would like to make sure that I recognize the Mankato Marathon for an outstanding job. I have not run that many marathons in my life (4 and counting) but I have run a number of races from very low key to large ordeals. This was the first time that the Mankato marathon was done and I feel that they did a great job. They limited the size to an amount that was not overwhelming for them and the races which is the right way to do it. This race will become a staple in my race schedule and plan to run every year.

Second, in the last month and half I was able to set two PR’s in a trail 10miler (1:03) and at the Mankato Marathon (3:04:02). This was a great end to the year being sidelined for much of the beginning of the year, including a very crappy summer racing year. But the summer miles paid off and end result is the important thing.

Over the next coming months I plan to recover and run a race in November (yes a turkey trot) then maybe a half marathon in January. I need to see if I can PR in the half since my first half split in the marathon was a PR by 2+ minuets. I do not count the split as a PR but it should be an indicator for a potential low number in that race. Who would not want to start the new year with a new PR.

runpd

That was Worth the Wait.

The week started out looking like things were not going to end the way they did. The cross-country team ran an 9 miler the day after my 20 miler. Then we ran a number of intervals that made me extra sore because well I can’t not run fast with them and take a day off. I made sure to do extra stretching and took it easy overall. Things were looking like I should be able to at least be in the top 3 of my age group for the weekend race.

All summer long, I have been running what I consider sub par for me in the 5k. Today was the Stiftungsfest 5k in Norwood Young America. Last year I was second and ran very well. This year was the only difference was that instead of second place overall. I was first overall this year. In addition, this was the first time this year that I was able to run under 19:00 for the 5k since the Turkey trot in November. This was the second win since I started running road races. So this was cool.

I hope that I can take this positive and use it in the future. And may be the all the summer miles did pay off.

Under 60

Today the countdown timer went below 60 days until the Mankato Marathon. I am for the first time in a few weeks feeling like a runner again in that I am stronger both mentally and physically.
Over the past weekend, I was able to knock off a good steady state run of just over eight. The next day was a good 20 miler that for the most part felt good. During the run I was unaware that the temperature had risen by 10°F. The only indicator that the temperature was increasing was the increase in sweat on my cloths. So by the end I had finished my water that I brought with a little earlier than I probably should have but there are only so many pulls from a 20oz bottle of water. The next day was another longer run of about 9.4 miles with the guy’s varsity squad. This nine seemed more difficult than the 20 the day before. The dew point was in the 70 and the temperature was about 75°F. We were able to make it through but I was very thankful that we only had one practice on Monday. On Tuesday we had a change of pace to say the least at practice Fartleks (every runner loves the name). I was able to run with the girl’s varsity squad and try and push them through this workout. These girls ran hard and I was able to get a very good minor speed session in at the same time.
I really am blessed that I get to run with the cross-country squad as part of my coaching duties. They force me to run faster than I would if training by myself, even take some of the workouts easy, and not really push things to much. I really feel that they are the reason that I have seen the great leaps in my overall running. They are essentially my running group that so many others have.

Runners Everywhere

This week my 3 season (2nd official) as an assistant cross-country coach started. I always enjoy this time of the year because I get to run with others and really get to know some of my students as athletes and as people. What I really enjoy seeing is the growth that they get to experience as runners in their own right. This years squad should be very interesting we only lost 2 seniors from last year the Boys return all of their section team while the girls return both conference and section squads. As one of their coaches, this makes my job easier because the learning curve is on your side. I don’t have to spend a great deal of time with those older runners because they know what it takes to see success and they will just do what needs to be done. This gives me more time to spend with the younger runners and try to help them on their way to becoming runners.

In addition, this year I am trying to make a much greater effort to run with different groups not just the fast boys as I have done in the past. My training might suffer some but overall I think that I will be a better coach for it. This first week was great I ran part of the first workout with the faster boys, then started back to the slower varsity girls, and then worked my way back up to the slower varsity boys. This worked out great I got to see, and talk too many of the runners and enjoyed it. I did run one full workout with the faster boys and made sure that they pushed the pace when they needed too. Overall this week was great the runners are great (as always) and we have great numbers 46 kids 7-12 (24boys 22girls).
Because many of my runs are with the team now I will at times be forced to run a second time after, practice or even to and from practice to try to keep my mileage up. I will still have my weekends but I will need to make sure that I really work those runs so that I still have the endurance for my marathon in October, because speed should not be an issue since most of the runs will be to train the teams for their races.

runpd

What’s my Motivation

It seems to me that most if not all runners need something to help them through the training cycle. This can come in many different forms: a cause, weight goal, time goal, the list could go on and on. So why is it then when we have so many things that could motivate us do we still falter at times.


Currently I am at one of those times. My training if you have read has had its difficulties since working my way back from a foot problem. My times have not been up to what I would call on par. I have a training goal of running the Mankato Marathon, but that along has not helped me get excited to get out and run in 70+ degree weather at 6am. I have never been a fair weather runner. Much of my training is done when most would not run outside be it wind, rain, and snow if not a combination of weather patterns. I feel that it gives me an edge that some others do not have. Nevertheless, lately I have found myself not pushing through the workouts no matter the weather. Have I become weak minded in my time off or did I regress that much in my overall fitness. Personally I think it is a little of both.

For over 2 years I was a focused and determined runner. However, in December I took time off to try to heal my foot with did not really start to feel any better until mid March. Since then I have increasing my mileage very steady and the quality of workouts has been there as well. However, I am not seeing the results that I want to see. Is this a product of me not having the same level of fitness that I did last year or even the year before that, and I am not seeing it because I am to close to the subject. Unfortunately, Writing about it has begun to make me more aware of what is going on. I had big hope of re-qualifying for Boston at Mankato, but I think that has that date get closer that I should reevaluate that goal. I did not run a marathon last year because I did not feel ready to run it even though I probably was. Now I am registered for one and do not feel prepared. So I need some motivation.

runpd

I am not in Minnesota (this week) Toto

It has been a while since I have posted and well I did not die of running in the Minnesota summer heat. I have been in Bozeman Montana taking some Grad classes.
Nevertheless, I was able to run before I left Minnesota and did survive the humidity during the Le Sueur Giant Days 5k. It was so humid that I did not wear my traditional sunglasses (even the orange ones). When I was warming up my glasses began to fog up and I was unable to see. So I forwent that problem and just ran. Like I said, it was humid and my time definitely showed as my time was almost 20:00 (19:49). I was able to place well (7OA 1AG), and the times in general did not seem that great but whatever.
This week (8-1, 8-7-2010) I have been in Bozeman, MT taking Grad classes and things went okay on that front. I was able to do some running while in Bozeman. It was nice to run somewhere else besides the rolling hills that are Belle Plaine. If you are a runner, you know that changing the scenery that you run in can be a big change in moral.

Peet's Hill in Bozeman MT

As you can see, I was very blessed in my location. I was able to run and see that three times this past week and each time I could not believe how beautiful it was. The runs themselves were never at a break neck pace it was my vacation so to speak so I tried to take things easy. I did sign up for a 5k for the Saturday that I fly back to Minnesota for the heck of it. My wife thinks I have a problem since the two times I left for a “vacation” the first thing I did after finding when I would be there I looked for a race. I think this comes back to the thoughts on changing the scenery, plus it is fun to race in places you will not be around all that often or ever again. Maybe I can leave them wondering were did that guy come from and when they look they are taken back some (probably not but it would be cool).

runpd

Break on Through

Here starts the training for the Mankato Marathon.
This week was a harder week of running than I have done in some time. This week was also one of the highest mileage weeks this summer. And Boy could I feel it on my long run. My two steady state or marathon pace runs were spot on and really felt that I had the ability to push the pace throughout both runs. This week I ran hills since Track was having its camp. That was more of a struggle than the last time I did hills. The first few did not hit my times. I was able to push threw and finish the workout how I should have.

To me this is very important to be able to do. I was not feeling the workout but still found a way to push myself threw the difficult times and finish strong. Has many of you know that running is not an easy sport your mind can an will try and get you to hit the snooze one more time try and back off because it just does not feel right. If you are able to overcome these obstacles, it makes you a tougher runner.

There was one down side this week and that was I played basketball for the first time in months. Though I normally enjoy play during the year, I had a small feeling that many of my foot problems came from playing basketball. Well the game on Friday confirmed that. After I got home, I felt good so I went for a nice easy run (4.4). When I got back home and took, my shoes off I could barely walk because my foot (heel) hurt so bad. I iced and rubbed it with a golf ball all day and by the end of the night, it was finally feeling better. But that one game set, my foot back a good month. It was finally starting to feel good and now this.

I finished this week with my first 20 miler of the year. I would have liked to run a few of these earlier this year but again I was having foot problems. It did not go as planed. I was feeling good until Blakely and started to fall apart mentally from then on. I was able to push threw and made the miles but my time was pretty slow 2:50, that is about 10min more than I wanted but I should have plenty of opportunities to make that up.

Training is Like a Sine Curve

Overall the week went as planned and could not complain. Every run this week made me feel very confident that I will be able to make my goal on the Bull Run. Wednesday would have been the only set back with the dew point in the 70’s and therefore I cut my run short running only six than the 9.7 I wanted too. The next day was fine and was able to run (six) and bike (16.5) the miles that I wanted too. Friday was an easy day only 4.8miles.


Saturday I was able to get up and get ready like I normally do for all my races. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary and felt that the goal of below19 was very reasonable. When I go there it seemed has if there was not going to be very many people running which does not bother me since I am not one that needs the crowds to push me. I was able to see and talk to some of my students and cross-country runners. I really do miss them, they are neat people and it is fun to see them grow and mature into adults and runners. Got my warm-up in and was able to stretch. This is when I started to feel and tightness in my right calf. So I made sure to stretch both calves out a little more but not too much and over stretch them. This year the run started right on time if not a little early which is great. The first mile I was able to run with in myself and was happy. After the first lap though I felt my calf tighten up a little and tried not to change my pace too much but it did effect my stride. I was able to hit the 2-mile mark at about 12:20, right were I wanted to be. Nevertheless, the last 1.1miles did not keep that pace I slowed down some and was only able to manage a 19:28. I was fifth overall and first in my age group, nut I still have not figured out my pace this year. In all it was an okay result and I will just try to see what happens next time.

My long run was much better that last week. Yes, I run a long run after a race. It forces me to run a little slower and is overall I nice break. I was able to stay mentally strong this time. I did not get that feeling of weakness and as if I was going to puke that, I had last week. The dew point was a little high but there was a descent wind out of the WNW and helped cool down my body as I ran. I was able to hit and my water times without the feeling of need to drink. I am not sure how this will go when I try my first 20miler of the year next week. I might have to wake-up early for that one just to try and beat the heat the best I can.

runpd

Steady as She Goes

This past week was productive to some degree. The temperature and humidity was reasonable all week, which led to some reasonable workouts. I tried something new with my intervals on Tuesday instead of running 1, ½, ½, 1, I ran the miles in the middle and the ½ on either end. I was able to run splits that are more consistent and felt good during and after the work out. I needed the next couple of runs to be easy or at a reasonable pace which set me up for a good workout for hills on Friday (7-9). I was very pleased with my hill splits. The hill was not extremely steep but was a 50ft incline over a ¼ mile. I wanted to and was able to maintain ¼ splits that were about 1:30-1:35. This is just a little slower that McMillan running says that I should be running my splits if I want to run a 3:05 marathon. I am truly okay with this since I am just starting to put this type of work out into my routine and it is still very early in the training process.


However, my Saturday run was not good at all,…I had to walk during a run. This was very difficult for me to do did not like the fact that I did it but it was almost necessary. I thought I had got out early enough to not deal with the humidity and heat but I was wrong. As I said last week that heat is my kryptonite, I really think that it is the humidity. I brought water on the run and had a regiment that I have done in the past and had no problems staying hydrated but this time I had an epic fail. It was past Blakeley when I had to walk. It was not a mental thing to walk but more of a physical thing. I had not felt that way on a training run for as long as I can remember. I really bothers me that I walked I never walk so this week I think I will try something else out and see how that goes. I did not run on Sunday though I had planed too. I just felt whipped out so I took the day off, I still got over 50 miles in so there was no need to try for 60+.

This week I have the Bull Run on Saturday (7-17), so I will not be running a hard to much this week. I would like to run under 19min be in the top 5 overall and first in my age group, we will see how that goes.

runpd

Heat is Like my Kryptonite

On Sunday (7-4) I had another lackluster performance in a race. This time I made many excuses for the performance.


First, it was very humid to add to a high dew point of 65+. The temperature at the start was in the 70’s. This does not usually mean that a bad race will be had but it does make a runner less comfortable and might not have the best race. I am the type of runner that likes the weather (humidity and dew point lower). For me it has been difficult to race well in these conditions.

Second, I did not take it easy and actually train for this race. As I said in the last post I had just returned from a vacation in which I did not run enough miles to maintain a certain level of fitness that I would have liked. To try to combat this I did not back off and take the week easy. I ran the most miles I have run in weeks leading up to the race. Therefore, my body was a little tired and was not “ready” to run at the pace I wanted too.

I was not completely disappointed to have the time (33:27), what my problem is that all week I did not feel strong enough mentally and physically to make it through some of the runs. I had to force my self to run when my body did not want too. This concerns me the most about the time off that I was forced to take at the beginning of the year because of my foot. Last I checked I was over 400miles behind my mileage from the previous years (2009 and 2008), and I was even 100+miles behind my 2007 year.

So what does this mean to my running, I am not sure. I know that my times are suffering from the lack of mileage and that is depressing since last year was so full of good times. I keep telling myself that I need to be patient and trust myself, that what I am running and how I am training now will be beneficial later in the year.

runpd

Bump in the Road

My race on June 19 did not go as expected. It seems that the town recruited some runners in the area to make sure that there was not a repeat of last year. This is interesting I never thought of myself as a threat to anything. The race itself was okay nicer day than the previous year (temperature-wise). I went out toooo fast and paid for it when we turned into the wind in mile 3 of 4. I was able to place in the top 5 and won my age group so overall it was not too bad.

My week of running in North Dakota was dismal. The first couple of days that we were there it rained, and I traveled to take a mini vacation within a vacation. I was able to run once at the farm but was not able to get in any significant mileage in when at the farm. This sucked because I knew that I would not get in the mileage that I wanted too when I got to Minot. I was able to run once at a decent clip the day before a local race. That race was terrible. First, I was not able to get the mileage I needed earlier in the week and it was humid on the day of the race. I have no idea what my splits were because the miles were not marked. The route itself had many curves on wet asphalt so it was difficult to grip the surface during the race. The time results sucked (19:53) but again the place was not very bad. I placed 7 overall (7/150) and third in my age group although I got recognition for second, they did not want to double dip, so because one of the top three was in my age group I received second place. I am not happy with the results of this race in any fashion it was a poor performance.

When in Minot I was able to get my high school cross-country and track awards. It was interesting reading over what I though I could do then. It seemed to me that my best year was my sophomore year. There were a number of awards and many of my times were close to the best, if not the best, that they were in the next two years. I wonder why this is my junior year was not bad it just was not as good, my senior year was as I said before pathetic. It seemed that there was a lot expected of me when it came to running after my freshman and sophomore years, I never lived up to those expectations.


This gets me thinking that maybe the expectations that I have for myself and others have for me are too high and beyond my reach. I would like to think otherwise, I have been running consistently now for 3+ years since my 7 year absence from running. My times last year were some of the best that I ran in years. I hope that this is just a bump in the road and that I will be able to return to form in the coming months.

runpd

One Week Changes Things

With the first week of summer, officially in the bag I could not be happier with how things are going. Last week I was trying to get the lead out of my feet and semi accomplished that after two races in a row.


This week has been just the opposite I have had troubles slowing down in some of my runs. Some of this is the starting of doing speed work on the track. The last two workouts were good and showed that I could increase the amount of the intervals that I do. Right now, I am just sticking to the 800’s but will try some mile intervals later in the summer. There is a slight problem that I will have to deal with next week and that is running on vacation. It has become easier in recent years but is still difficult to do. I tend to be pulled into many different directions and have to sacrifice my run for another activity that has nothing to do with running or fitness. I am just starting to get more mileage under my feet and now this…I should not be so selfish since I do not see my family all that often I should just take it as it is and run what I can, when I can.

My run today (6-16) did not feel as good as some of the earlier runs this week but I have been throwing the mileage down so I guess a 7:20-7:25 pace over 9.7 miles are not very bad. I would like it closer to marathon pace but I guess not all runs can be the best ever; some just have to be pushed through and be happy with the results.

I have seen some of my fellow runners in the area out on the streets this is nice to see. Not too many years ago, I would hardly see anyone else running. Even back in Minot I would never see others out running and now there is healthy number of races in the area. Which means that there is a good number of people out running to support these races. I have not however seen any of the cross-country team out running but they are logging their mileage on the website. I am so pumped to see how many of these athletes continue to run through the summer. Much of my training is in part to make sure that I can keep up with these runners when fall rolls around, not to mention races during the summer. They have already beaten me too many times (once Mile4Megan 3 of the boys beat me) I need to reestablish the picking order and that I am on top. I am afraid that I will very quickly become lower as time moves on and these runners will start to surpass me in races results. Time will tell.

Get the Pb Out of the Legs

In the days leading up to the Miles 4 Megan race (5-30-10) and the 10Kato (5-31-10) I was having a difficult time running fast. My legs felt as though they were tired. There was no spring in them, no drive, it was has if my shoes were made of lead. So going into the races I was not feeling as if I was going to perform at a sub par level. This really bothered me because if I race I want to run at a high level and run as fast as I can and do my best.
In the Miles 4 Megan race I was defiantly not there, it was weird, I was with the lead pack and never had the intensity that I should have had in a race. I ended up finishing in 5th place and 19:34. To me that time was not acceptable and was disappointed. At the 10Kato I had some positive things going for me. The weather was really nice low to mid 60's and little wind. My goal going in was to run strong. I had no goal time but wanted to average 6:45 miles. I was able to run within myself and not go out too fast at the beginning and actually make splits that I was happy with. The result was okay 22/286 and 41:44.
So after the back to back races my legs were taxed, but they held up. The following week has been a different week in training because my legs are able to go fast. They have their spring back, I am able run fast in training. This is obviously a good thing and I am looking forward to the upcoming summer to ramp-up my training and begin racing more consistently.

Summer is around the corner

Well the summer running season is upon us. This past Sunday the low in the morning was about 70+ with 75-90% humidity with a high dew-point (60-70). So I had to skip my normal long run for the week. On Monday things did not get that much better but the difference is that I did not plan on running more than 6. I was surprised that my legs felt as heavy as they did. Things are getting better temperature wise and my body is getting acclimated to the heat which is important for the summer races. So here is my summer race schedule:


May

• Miles for Megan (5-30) 5k
• 10 kato (5-31) 10k

June

• Roadsters classic (6-19) 4mile
• Pack race (6-26) 5k

July

• Firecracker (7-4) 8k
• Bull run (7-17) 5k
• Giant days (7-31) 5k???

August

• Stinggumfeast (8-29) 5k

Some of these races are not for sure but this should make for a fast summer since all of the races are 5k-8k. Many of these races had good results last year so the pressure is on to at least repeat. The first race on May 30 is a benefit for a Cross Country runner that has been dealing with AML a strand of Leukemia. This is a complete benefit race and I am still looking and thinking like it is a race. Well I guess my wife is right I am competitive.
runpd

Weight, Lifting not Body

I have gone through a number of changes with the idea of lifting weights. From the earliest memory that I have about runners and lifting is that distance runners did not lift. The reasoning was that distance runners were to be lean and mean. This train of thought was what I was held to for my whole high school running career. Knowing what I know now I think that I was limited in my abilities.

I think the evidence might be in the present. Presently I feel that I am in as good of shape as I have been in my life. When I run I feel strong, I might not run the mile at the same speed that I did when I was younger. But when it comes to races I have beaten most of my times that I did previously. I think the weights that I do lift give my body a better efficiency and strength when I run. I have not changed what type of runner that I am either I still do not have much of a kick at the end of races. Many of my thoughts on weights and running have come from my personal accomplishments seen since I have added weights to my training. I do not lift any great amount of weight but I lift enough to maintain strength and with adding minimal mass.

The lifts that I do are pretty specific to running and for me work. I lift three times a week, Mondays I lift legs. The lifts that I do include squats, calf raises, leg extensions (each leg singly), leg curls, leg abduction, leg adduction. On Tuesdays I lift arms, the lifts done include all dumbbell work, bench press, row, overhead triceps, shoulder press. On Thursday I do a little of both arms and legs, dumbbell lunges, wall sits, dips and pull-ups. Everyday that I lift weights I also do a abdominal workout as well.

I cant say that I was able to come up with this on my own. What I have done and continue to do is research to try and find ways to improve. As many distance runners know that if you want to see improvements you have to do something about it.

It's all coming back

Okay, so I don't write very often. It might be due to the fact that for the most part I have not had much to say and my real life has been very busy for the last 2 months. The road to recovery from my Plantar fasciitis is going very well. Last week I was able to run over 40 miles which was great.
On Saturday (5-8-2010), I ran my first race since November and it felt great. I was able to go out and run and somewhat compete. I was not trying to finish well and feel strong. I was not concerned about place just pace. I was happy with the end result. I was almost a no show because the previous day I sprained my ankle playing basketball, still trying to get the swelling down. I think that I was able to run because it was cold enough to slow down the swelling from the run. All in all it was a good experience. Looking forward to the future and planing my summer race schedule. But more on that latter. (closer than 2months)

RunPd

Made the leap

I went to the doctor this past week and had my thoughts confirmed. I was told that my injury to my foot is Plantar Fasciitis. What ended up being done was I got my foot taped and told to go and buy inserts for my shoes. I hope this works I am getting annoyed by the length of time that I have been off. I am going to start another go at it and start running again.
As a means to give me more reason to stay the path and go at this slowly and run healthy I have signed up for the Mankato Marathon (10-23). I am hoping to make this a yearly thing and run this marathon yearly.

Over the last couple of weeks I have tried cooping with the loss of my running partner (EVE), by getting back on the horse and running more constant. In doing so I found that my foot injury (Plantar fasciitis) flared back up. I was able to run four days straight, that small streak did me in. My foot started to hurt so bad that I am considering going to the doctor ans getting it looked at. I am going to hold off on that because yesterday (2-22) my foot started to feel sore from just a days work. So I will be trying new shoes and seeing if that helps. If it does help i can start training for my spring and summer races and a fall marathon. I am hopping that this will be the cure for this nagging injury. In the mean time i still plan on trying to stay in shape as best I can without running.

Life is a Tall Hurdle

Now that I am able to run injury free. Some other force has now shown its ugly head to slow me down in my quest to run faster and obtain my goals. The force that I speak of is life. I am trying to find my routine that would allow me to run more and make my goals, but I feel that it might be a lost cause. I have been able to find a way to run about 20-30 miles a week but to me that is at least half of what I should be doing to really get better. If anything this might fuel my desire for a big year after I am done with my masters. The thought of the potential of being better is what drives me. This last season I got a glimpse of what I could do. I had a great deal of confidence that drove me to run farther and fast than I ever had. It is only now that I am able to see that. Because I had this peak at what could be, makes this bump in the road so difficult. But if I am able to trust my training and run what I can when I can I should be able to come out stronger and more driven than before.

injuries suck

The end of 2009 ended with an injury so I took some time off and rested. This was difficult to do but the weather helped. 2010 has not started very good, the injury that I had at the end of 2009 is still around and has left me very frustrated. To try and stay in somewhat shape (not round) I have been biking more than ever. This has filled the void of not running in some ways but not fully. I would like the healing process to go faster, but I have been very lucky for many years with very little injuries. I feel that I might have to change some of my goals for this year. Also I am for the first time trying to plan my mileage for when I am able to return.
The bright side to this injury is that it is early in the year but my mileage goal of 2400 mile is not looking realistic.

runpd