Set out for 4 miles tonight. Ended up going 6.2. It was one of those runs when everything comes together and just clicks. I was having such a good time I just kept on going. I love those kind of runs. The nice thing is that I'm starting to get back into a longer distance groove again. The plan is to hit my peak mileage in this cycle somewhere around the end of July/early August. At that point I want to hit 30-35 miles per week. It'll be challenging, but doable.
Tonight dinner was fresh strawberries with homemade whipped cream, and homemade honey wheat bread with PB&J. Yum! The strawberries were awesome. I can't wait for homemade strawberry sauce. I better run lots more to accommodate the ice cream I'll be eating with that :-)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Get to Know Your Blogger
Many thanks to Jess from Run with Jess for this. She did it awhile back and I copied it from her. Please feel free to copy it and use it if you like.
Today is Get to Know Your Blogger day. Not really. I just made that up. But still, I wanted to help you all get to know me a little better. If there's anything else you want to know, just ask.
What is your favorite type of cross training?
I’m not sure I have a favorite, but riding my bike is lots of fun. Especially off road.
What is your favorite song to run to?
Depends on the day and what I am trying to accomplish. For something with a fast tempo to keep my cadence up I am currently really liking Toby Mac’s Funky Jesus Music . When I am doing a long, slow, distance run and I want to keep it that way I enjoy something like The String Cheese Incident Rhythm of the Road.
What brand of shoes do you wear?
Currently I am wearing Nike Air Pegasus+27 Trail shoes for trail running, Asics Cumulus 12 for roads.
Do you wear a hat when you run?
Yes, most of my hair has abandoned ship, so I need a hat when it’s cold or when the sun is shining.
What temperature is your favorite for running?
Somewhere around 50 degrees, give or take a couple.
Do you have any big races coming up?
North Country trail half marathon on August 27th.
What is your favorite distance?
I don’t have a favorite race distance yet. So far in my training I prefer longer over shorter. I can get into a groove and just go. Anything under 4 miles I have a hard time finding that groove.
Are you a morning, noon or evening runner?
Evening into night. My best runs happen around 9 p.m. or later.
Do you run solo or with a buddy?
Solo. No one wants to run at night. In the dark. On an unlit path.
What's your favorite post run snack?
Dried fruit, water, granola.
What's your FAVORITE race?
Any sort of trail race. I love trails!
Do you wear a Garmin? If not, how do you track your runs?
No. Sketchroute.com and my Timex Ironman watch are all I need.
What is your least favorite race?
I don’t have one. All races are fun.
How long have you been a runner?
Eleven months. When I say it, it sounds so short yet I have come so far in that amount of time.
Do you run with your engagement/wedding ring on?
Yes. My fingers don’t swell up that much, so I leave it on.
What's your favorite workout? repeats? long runs? tempo? fartleks?
Long, slow distance is my favorite.
Today is Get to Know Your Blogger day. Not really. I just made that up. But still, I wanted to help you all get to know me a little better. If there's anything else you want to know, just ask.
What is your favorite type of cross training?
I’m not sure I have a favorite, but riding my bike is lots of fun. Especially off road.
What is your favorite song to run to?
Depends on the day and what I am trying to accomplish. For something with a fast tempo to keep my cadence up I am currently really liking Toby Mac’s Funky Jesus Music . When I am doing a long, slow, distance run and I want to keep it that way I enjoy something like The String Cheese Incident Rhythm of the Road.
What brand of shoes do you wear?
Currently I am wearing Nike Air Pegasus+27 Trail shoes for trail running, Asics Cumulus 12 for roads.
Do you wear a hat when you run?
Yes, most of my hair has abandoned ship, so I need a hat when it’s cold or when the sun is shining.
What temperature is your favorite for running?
Somewhere around 50 degrees, give or take a couple.
Do you have any big races coming up?
North Country trail half marathon on August 27th.
What is your favorite distance?
I don’t have a favorite race distance yet. So far in my training I prefer longer over shorter. I can get into a groove and just go. Anything under 4 miles I have a hard time finding that groove.
Are you a morning, noon or evening runner?
Evening into night. My best runs happen around 9 p.m. or later.
Do you run solo or with a buddy?
Solo. No one wants to run at night. In the dark. On an unlit path.
What's your favorite post run snack?
Dried fruit, water, granola.
What's your FAVORITE race?
Any sort of trail race. I love trails!
Do you wear a Garmin? If not, how do you track your runs?
No. Sketchroute.com and my Timex Ironman watch are all I need.
What is your least favorite race?
I don’t have one. All races are fun.
What race is your favorite medal from?
The races I have participated in didn’t give out medals. My favorite shirt is from the Fifth Third Bank Riverbank Run so far.
Who is your running idol?
I don’t have one. I don’t know many of the runners who do it for a living. Anyone who can go as fast as they do is to be admired I suppose.
How long have you been a runner?
Eleven months. When I say it, it sounds so short yet I have come so far in that amount of time.
Do you run with your engagement/wedding ring on?
Yes. My fingers don’t swell up that much, so I leave it on.
What's your favorite workout? repeats? long runs? tempo? fartleks?
Long, slow distance is my favorite.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Took it inside
Tonight I took my run indoors as the sky was threatening to rain some more. It's been a very wet week. Hopefully we'll get to dry out this weekend. Tonight was 4 miles. I'm about 5 miles behind where I want to be for the week, but there's still plenty of time to make it up if the weather cooperates.
Strawberries are ripe in my area. This weekend we'll be headed out to a local U-pick to pick a bunch. Then I think the kids will try to live on strawberries for the next day or two. Hopefully they will leave enough for us to freeze some :-)
Hope everyone is having a good running week!
Strawberries are ripe in my area. This weekend we'll be headed out to a local U-pick to pick a bunch. Then I think the kids will try to live on strawberries for the next day or two. Hopefully they will leave enough for us to freeze some :-)
Hope everyone is having a good running week!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Back!
Back from vacation and just getting back into the swing of things. Sunday I managed an 8.1 mile run which was my longest long run in quite awhile. The knees felt good at the end so that was encouraging. For my next long run this coming weekend I'm going to go for about 8.5 miles. I think I'll be able to jump to a 10 mile long run in about 2 weeks. Currently a week looks like this: 4, 6, 4, and 8 miles. I think in a couple of weeks it might look like: 4, 4, 7, 5, 10. I'll try to maintain that mileage through August.
Tonight I have about 4-ish miles planned but I am waiting out a thunderstorm currently. I'll run through a lot, but never lightning. From the radar it looks like the worst of it will skirt just to the west of were I'm at. Should be just some rain and thunder where I'm at.
For awesome cornbread I have determined that a cast iron skillet is required. Just something about the way the cornbread bakes in the cast iron skillet gives it a wonderful texture. Blueberry sauce over the still warm cornbread makes it even more awesome.
Tonight I have about 4-ish miles planned but I am waiting out a thunderstorm currently. I'll run through a lot, but never lightning. From the radar it looks like the worst of it will skirt just to the west of were I'm at. Should be just some rain and thunder where I'm at.
For awesome cornbread I have determined that a cast iron skillet is required. Just something about the way the cornbread bakes in the cast iron skillet gives it a wonderful texture. Blueberry sauce over the still warm cornbread makes it even more awesome.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Yesterday...
Yesterday consisted of Twisting by the Pool. No running got done. Enjoyed some time in the sun though.
Today I fit in a little run at 6:30 a.m. before anyone got up. The weather was perfect. Sunny, clear, about 60. No humidity to speak of. Couldn't ask for better. It still sucked for the first 15 minutes or so. Morning running is just difficult for me. I feel like I'm running in wet cement.
Today's oatmeal combo that worked well: Honey, banana, blueberries and cinnamon. Yum.
Today I fit in a little run at 6:30 a.m. before anyone got up. The weather was perfect. Sunny, clear, about 60. No humidity to speak of. Couldn't ask for better. It still sucked for the first 15 minutes or so. Morning running is just difficult for me. I feel like I'm running in wet cement.
Today's oatmeal combo that worked well: Honey, banana, blueberries and cinnamon. Yum.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Where in the world am I?
10 "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" points to whoever can guess where I'm running this week...
Only semi-regular posting this week as I am traveling. Keeping up with a sort of regular running schedule though.
Only semi-regular posting this week as I am traveling. Keeping up with a sort of regular running schedule though.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Unintended Rest Days
Hm, lessee...
Wednesday I headed out and 1/2 mile in it started to thunder. I turned around and headed home. I'll run through a lot, but not thunder and lightning. I do not desire to attain crispyness. In lieu of a run I put some time in on the Nordic Track skier.
Thursday I helped my wife load up the car with scrap metal to take to the scrap yard. I think that counts as upper body XT. I did a bunch of stretching too. Muscles in my legs have been tight and crampy all week. Maybe the extra rest will be good for that.
Tonight I might still be able to work in a run. We'll see. Lots to do around the house before tomorrow. Some days are just like that. There's not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything, so something has to give. Sometimes I can rearrange things to make it all work, sometimes not. I try not to freak out about it, but it's still hard.
Have a fantastic Friday everyone!
Wednesday I headed out and 1/2 mile in it started to thunder. I turned around and headed home. I'll run through a lot, but not thunder and lightning. I do not desire to attain crispyness. In lieu of a run I put some time in on the Nordic Track skier.
Thursday I helped my wife load up the car with scrap metal to take to the scrap yard. I think that counts as upper body XT. I did a bunch of stretching too. Muscles in my legs have been tight and crampy all week. Maybe the extra rest will be good for that.
Tonight I might still be able to work in a run. We'll see. Lots to do around the house before tomorrow. Some days are just like that. There's not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything, so something has to give. Sometimes I can rearrange things to make it all work, sometimes not. I try not to freak out about it, but it's still hard.
Have a fantastic Friday everyone!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
How to Stop Making Excuses Not to Jog - wikiHow
How to Stop Making Excuses Not to Jog - wikiHow:
Neat article on wikiHow today. I'm not sure I 100% agree with everything, but it's a good positive look at getting started with running. It's a quick read. Enjoy!
Neat article on wikiHow today. I'm not sure I 100% agree with everything, but it's a good positive look at getting started with running. It's a quick read. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Hot!
Just getting ready to head out for my run this evening. I'm waiting for the sun to set as it was in the 90's today. Ugh. I'm not accustomed to that kind of heat in any way, shape or form. The plan is for 4-ish miles tonight. Even now at 8:25 p.m. it's 84 degrees. I'll just have to suck it up and go.
Soyjoy sent me a new flavor sample to try: Pineapple! I can't wait to try it. I love pineapples. In the info it says it's gluten free for those that need that. I just know I like 'em and they work for me as a pre or post run snack. Once I've tried it I'll let you all know what I think.
We've been cutting our own salad greens out of our garden this week. Yum! Nothing like fresh lettuce still warm from the sun. Soon my kale should be ready. The broccoli and cucumbers will be a little while yet. The basic salad has been greens from our garden, tomato from the market, and salsa as a topper.
Comments appear to be working. Maybe Blogger heard us?
Hope you all are having a marvelous Monday!
Soyjoy sent me a new flavor sample to try: Pineapple! I can't wait to try it. I love pineapples. In the info it says it's gluten free for those that need that. I just know I like 'em and they work for me as a pre or post run snack. Once I've tried it I'll let you all know what I think.
We've been cutting our own salad greens out of our garden this week. Yum! Nothing like fresh lettuce still warm from the sun. Soon my kale should be ready. The broccoli and cucumbers will be a little while yet. The basic salad has been greens from our garden, tomato from the market, and salsa as a topper.
Comments appear to be working. Maybe Blogger heard us?
Hope you all are having a marvelous Monday!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Daddy/daughter Run
This evening I ran/walked a couple of miles with my 9 year old. I want this to be a regular occurrence so that: a) We get to spend some quality time together and b) she learns to enjoy running. She did great. Just like anyone her age she chased birds, grabbed leaves, stopped to check out the chipmunks, etc. It was great watching someone just run for fun and have a good time doing it. No stopwatch, no miles to complete for a plan, just having fun.
Last night I ran 6.2 miles in my first real long run in awhile. My knees did great. Even my hips seem to have loosened up. This is also really the first time this year I've been running in 80+ degree weather. Correlation? Maybe. Maybe not.
Tomorrow is Sunday and that means it's long, slow miles day. Long is relative. I'm thinking something around 6-6.5 miles on the trails is what's going to happen. Weather is supposed to be sunny and 70's. Should be a glorious day to be in the woods.
In regards to the difficulty people are having with commenting on Blogger, I have a back up plan with WordPress. I'm not ready to implement it just yet, but if the commenting issue drags on I will.
Last night I ran 6.2 miles in my first real long run in awhile. My knees did great. Even my hips seem to have loosened up. This is also really the first time this year I've been running in 80+ degree weather. Correlation? Maybe. Maybe not.
Tomorrow is Sunday and that means it's long, slow miles day. Long is relative. I'm thinking something around 6-6.5 miles on the trails is what's going to happen. Weather is supposed to be sunny and 70's. Should be a glorious day to be in the woods.
In regards to the difficulty people are having with commenting on Blogger, I have a back up plan with WordPress. I'm not ready to implement it just yet, but if the commenting issue drags on I will.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Comments are borked? - Edited
I understand that for some the ability to comment is borked. Until the issue is fixed, please feel free to leave comments at one of the following:
http://www.facebook.com/mjsmith1223
http://www.dailymile.com/people/mjsmith1223
http://twitter.com/mjsmith1223
This is what Blogger has said about it so far: http://knownissues.blogspot.com/2011/05/were-investigating-issue-which-is.html
EDIT: A possible work-around to the issue: http://annoyances-resolved.blogspot.com/2011/05/blogger-comments-not-working-fix-here.html
Happy Friday everyone!
http://www.facebook.com/mjsmith1223
http://www.dailymile.com/people/mjsmith1223
http://twitter.com/mjsmith1223
This is what Blogger has said about it so far: http://knownissues.blogspot.com/2011/05/were-investigating-issue-which-is.html
EDIT: A possible work-around to the issue: http://annoyances-resolved.blogspot.com/2011/05/blogger-comments-not-working-fix-here.html
Happy Friday everyone!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Resting
Resting today. I've walked or run for the prior 3 straight days and not wanting to streak, I took today off. Besides I was traveling for work so resting is just easier today. I did enjoy a wonderful bbq pulled pork sandwich at Friske Orchard today on the way home. Yum! Asparagus is in season right now and every road side produce stand had some. Good stuff.
Last night found me in Charlevoix, MI. I really wish I had pictures for you. It was gorgeous. Nice, clear, blue water. Beautiful sandy beach. Temp was ~50 when I went for my run with a breeze right off Lake Michigan. The sunset was radiant with oranges, reds, pinks and purples. I ran a short 2.5 miles to celebrate National Running Day, but I also just wanted to experience some of this scenery as a runner instead of hanging around the hotel watching television.
Back to resting for me. Hope you all are enjoying your Thursday.
Last night found me in Charlevoix, MI. I really wish I had pictures for you. It was gorgeous. Nice, clear, blue water. Beautiful sandy beach. Temp was ~50 when I went for my run with a breeze right off Lake Michigan. The sunset was radiant with oranges, reds, pinks and purples. I ran a short 2.5 miles to celebrate National Running Day, but I also just wanted to experience some of this scenery as a runner instead of hanging around the hotel watching television.
Back to resting for me. Hope you all are enjoying your Thursday.
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