DaShaun

That guy that did that thing that one time

Archive for category running

I promise I will take a break in December

Nov 8

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…right after I run the 5k on December 5th. Then I will take a break. Until January 1st. But I might do some swimming, P90x or cheerleading just to keep from going crazy. But for sure no running or biking.

I’m starting to feel some wear and tear. I’m still super motivated though. I have two more races on the calendar this year and I think I can really improve on my times.

The positive peer pressure is everywhere. The team at work continues to provide tons of motivation and my support at home is increasing as well.

With budget and time constraints increasing for 2012, there are have been some tough decisions. With regards to my budget the decisions have already been made. I will be riding the same bike in 2012. I’ve made a race schedule that is very budget friendly (thanks to my employer). I’ve decided that quality coaching is more important than a few extra medals and/or t-shirts.

I’m also needing to improve my use of time.  Getting workouts done over the lunch hour (hour+) requires planning and efficiency.  The math works out though.  If I just get faster, I’m not out on the road as much.  It works for all types of workouts too.  Faster on the bike and faster runs make for more efficient lunches. What a concept right?

To get faster on the bike, I’m going to get fitted by a professional.  I’m looking for efficiency and this seems like a very easy step.  I’ve planned on doing it in the past, but never had the extra cash to pull the trigger.  Well, I’m planning for it this year.

The other thing I need professional help with is “flip-turns” in the pool.  I figure the extra 10-20 seconds I’m hanging out near the walls isn’t really worth the time away from my family.  Swimming is the workout that I won’t be doing over lunch, so the more efficient I am here, the more time I get with my family.  Again, easy math.

Today was a good workout and my confidence is high. I’ve set some goals for 2012 and I think I’m doing a much better job of planning. I want to finish the year with a couple more PRs then rest. I’m excited for what is to come.

Today is the first day I did mile-repeats properly.

Peer pressure

Nov 6

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I’ve been having some problems with my feet, mostly my right foot.  Today Jillian suggested that I’m training injured due to peer pressure from my “triathlon buddies.”  Aaron K. cut his run short for his injury, but mine didn’t bother me until my last lap.

The real peer pressure, if any, isn’t coming from my triathlon buddies, its coming from Steve M.  Yesterday he set at PR on his 5k and updated his training plan.  His consistency and discipline is incredible. I definitely feel like I have to step up my game for the marathon in March.

This morning I wanted to run the the loop faster than I did last week.  I gained a lot of confidence today.  Knowing that I can run that loop consistently feels great.

This week I fell off the plan in order to get some extra swim time in.  I think it was worth it.  If I ever need to drop a couple pounds, all I have to do is get in an extra swim workout.

Race schedule

Oct 25

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I’ve got a beautiful wife and newborn baby daughter.  I have to be very careful about scheduling stuff on the weekends.

Tonight I proposed a first draft of my schedule for 2012.  I say first draft because I’ve given my wife veto power and the ability to make changes without notice.

I’m doing one race a month, most of which are paid for by my employer.  I’ve also agreed to limit my training to Sunday morning instead of both Saturday and Sunday.  In order for me to keep my race schedule, I’ve got to keep my family happy.

I’m much more budget-aware going into next year.  I’m much more time-aware too. Getting my workouts done at work is the goal and limiting my need for new gear is up there too.

I’m still going to get my miles. I’m going to focus on quality workouts.

With approval from my wife, its time to run my schedule by coach Ken.  I’m hoping its doable because I’m not going to ask for additions from my wife.

Not on track

Oct 24

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I had an 8 mile workout scheduled today. The second half was supposed to be at race pace. My goal pace for my next  is 8:37 and I couldn’t keep it up on the way back.

As good as I have been feeling about my training lately, today it ended.  I feel like I’m setting myself up for failure.

I’m shooting for 1:52:59. I need to get my weight back in check quickly and really focus to make any improvements over my race last week.

I want to get out on the Gobbled Grind course this week and tackle that climb.

Kansas City 13.1

Oct 17

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My goal from the beginning of the year was 1:53, and that was aggressive. I set that goal before we got pregnant, after finding out, I didn’t change it, I thought that would be cheating. Anyway, it was possible, if I had given myself a little bit more hill training, I might have done it. The day was beautiful and perfect for setting a PR. I’m definitely faster than I was a year ago.

My plan was to go out with the 1:55 group and if I felt alright after the last hill, give it all I had. Well, the last hill proved difficult. I did much better going up Gilham this year than I did last year though. I watched the pace group pull away. I kept them in my sights though and finished maybe 150 meters behind them. I finished 1:55:54 officially.

The best thing about this particular race day was my team. Five members of my team earned a PR at the race, including me. I just can’t explain how cool it is to have a group that pushes you and motivates you and encourages you everyday of the week, then joins you for a run on the weekend too. It was just great watching and running with my teammates. Jason, Kevin, Tim, Ron, David, Vivek, and Senthil all kicked butt. Vivek and Ron really weren’t trained-up for the race, but still had fun. Everyone else set a PR or surpassed their goal for the race.

I was using the race as a measuring stick. How I finished was going to determine how I wrapped up the year. If I had hit 1:53, I would have stuck to the plan and attempted a PR at Gobbler Grind. I think its all going to workout though. I’m saving some money for one. Work pays for the 13.1 at Gobbler Grind, but not the 26.2. The 26.2 is $99 too. I think thats just a little bit too much for running on the trail that I run on all the time anyway. Also, there is a 26.2 in Little Rock on March 4th. It gives me a little more time to do a real training plan and its a real race. AND, its voted best value by RunnersWorld magazine. It’s only $80 (if I register before the end of the month). I was hoping to make it a family trip since my father-in-law has family out there. The problem with that plan is that my sister-in-law is due on March 1st. Luckily for me, my good friend Steve has agreed to carpool and split expenses with me!

I’ll do my best at Gobbler Grind, shoot for a 1:52:59, and take a break. My life is different now. I don’t really know how to make plans anymore.

I’m rambling. A PR is a PR!

Tapering for a training run?

Oct 13

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Its race week, sort of. I’m racing the KC 13.1 this weekend. I’m shooting for a PR, but its really just a training run for the Gobbler Grind 26.2 that I’m planning to do in November. This run will basically determine if I do 26.2 or 13.1 at Gobbler. I need a PR. With everything that has been happening in my life, my training has taken a backseat. I just want one more PR.

I’m tapering a little so that I can have a good showing this weekend. I still ran 5 today, and it felt good.

The plan of “do the workout” has been going well so far.