Lunar Obverse

Ran the “Three Parks Run” today. Finally started incorporating the training routines from Runner’s World magazine into my run. I’m following their suggestions for training for a 10K — want to be ready for the Nike Run Hit Wonder on August 1st. Today was mini-speedwork: In the 3 miles, I did 4 “gentle pickups” — gradually picking up speed over the course of 100 meters, then holding at about 90% of flat-out for me for 10 meters, then slowing back down until I fully recover. It was fun and easier than I feared.

I’ll post the full training schedule here soon. Or if I can find a link to it, I’ll post that.

I ran tonight for the first time in my Brooks Adrenaline GTS 5s, and… wow! What a difference a new shoe makes! Damn if I didn’t feel much faster in them — “Adrenaline” is right! I was full of it! My feet felt better and I could run farther, faster.

Unfortunately, the sensation of speed was only subjective; I did not time myself. I just felt better and didn’t have to stop and walk at all until near the end. It may only be a psychological difference but that’s enough for me. I ran the “Three Parks Run”, or about 3 miles.

I love my new shoes, I love my new shoes, I love my new shoes…

!

Feeling anti-social today. Spent most of the day cleaning the apartment and cursing the entire race of humanity for all time, past, present, and future. Well, mostly. My apologies to anyone I may have offended today; these moods come and go, and, trust me, you don’t want to be around me when I’m like this.

Went shopping for a new pair of running shoes and had to force myself to describe my running routine to the clerk. Didn’t want to get stuck with some shitty shoes.

I went to The Portland Running & Walking Company (they used to be just the Portland Running Company but apparently lost a lot of business to people who “just walk”). Tried on a bunch of shoes, ran for the sales clerk, tried on some more.

For the record, I bought a pair of Brooks Adrenaline 5’s, in size 10EE (I’ve got a wide foot). A year or more ago I started with Brooks Addictions, but those are heavier shoes with cushioning for larger folk, like I used to be, and I liked the lighter shoe with its curved sole. Felt good, and much lighter. The clerk suggested them since I’ve lost so much weight since acquiring the Addictions.

Can’t wait to try them out.

Really really really wanted to fit into the Nikes (so I could cash in on my friend’s employee discount, hee, hee, hee!) but dammit, Nike makes shoes for narrow-footed people.

Time to add up the miles this week:

Tuesday: 5+ miles (ran to work)
Thursday: 2+ miles (Tryon Creek State Park)
Saturday: 3+ miles (Mt. Tabor Challenge 5K)

Total: 10 miles.

About what I wanted, since I’m supposed to “taper” my miles the week before a race.

I’ve worked my way up to 20 push-ups and over 40 sit-ups in almost 2 weeks. It feels like slow going but I’m sticking with it.

My weight is a little high (174.5 lb this morning) but still in my range. If it goes above 175 I’ll cut back on the food until it drops. Hopefully I’m not rebounding…

Next week I’m going to aim for speed more than distance. I’ll post a training schedule later.

Regarding the picture I posted:

I’m more embarrassed by the cheesy grin I’m sporting, than by my wearing the bright red Nike shirt.

Normally I only wear black, white, or gray but my running clothes have been known to have some color to them…

Ran the Mt. Tabor Challenge today. The course was tough but not as tough as I thought it would be. Mostly downhill (which isn’t easier, for those of you who aren’t runners).

Caleb and I stayed together for about the first half of the race. When we passed the 1-mile marker, Caleb checked his (brand-new Nike) watch and said we’d done that in 7:20, which surprised the hell out of me. That was all downhill, so I was running faster than I should have, even though I’d been purposely trying to hold back.

I finished about the same today as I did in the Lake Run, around 29 minutes. The clock just turned 29:00 as I approached the gates.

From left: Caleb, Jake, Brian (the author)

Jake ran it in 20:23 and probably finished first or second in his age group. Caleb ran it in around 27:00, two minutes faster than me. The nice thing about being the slowest person among my friends is that they’re at the finish line, waiting for me and cheering me on!