Back from a successful trip to Vermont. Feeling restored, and (almost) ready to return to the real world.
A couple of easy miles while we were up in the great white north. With pretty incredible wind chill I kept it simple and dialed in miles. Seeing that I was about 8k from 200km this month, I decided to throw in a 5 miler when I got home. It went well, except that my phone got sapped from the cold, so I lost the miles on the Charity miles app. If they'd allow me to import activities from my watch, that wouldn't be a big deal. But whatever.
I'm going to be writing my resolutions down in a post tomorrow. For now I'm off to spend New Year's Eve with my family.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #36
"Feels like" -8 outside. Balaclava with a buff over the mouth section did OK today (wanted to see what happened if I didn't double up the Balas.)
On our way to Vermont where tomorrow the wind chill will be -25. I'm planning on just doing a mile each of the next couple of days. Hopefully New Year's Eve I can get a couple of miles in.
Overall total for the streak sits at about 157 miles, so, 100 miles further than last year (when I dropped out in the middle.) Not quite the 200 I hoped for, but certainly not too bad.
Lots of driving today, so I'd better get to it.
On our way to Vermont where tomorrow the wind chill will be -25. I'm planning on just doing a mile each of the next couple of days. Hopefully New Year's Eve I can get a couple of miles in.
Overall total for the streak sits at about 157 miles, so, 100 miles further than last year (when I dropped out in the middle.) Not quite the 200 I hoped for, but certainly not too bad.
Lots of driving today, so I'd better get to it.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #35
Freakin' cold here. Going to be much colder in Vermont in the next couple of days, where we'll be visiting. So I'm planning on only running a mile each of the next couple of days.
I'll be double layering my gear, and I've found that I actually have a lot of success double layering my balaclavas. Anyway, it's not the most exciting way to end a streak, maybe, but it's more important to me to get it done.
I'm also planning to do the NYRR Resolution Run which is a virtual 5k. I want to race that on New Year's Day, and I'd like to put some speed onto it. So we'll see how that goes...
I'll be double layering my gear, and I've found that I actually have a lot of success double layering my balaclavas. Anyway, it's not the most exciting way to end a streak, maybe, but it's more important to me to get it done.
I'm also planning to do the NYRR Resolution Run which is a virtual 5k. I want to race that on New Year's Day, and I'd like to put some speed onto it. So we'll see how that goes...
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
End of the 2017 Racing Season / Year in Review
2017 was a heck of a year. I found my way onto the roads in January in a total funk. Fell out of the wagon in 2016 during the holiday run streak, and I think that threw me off in a big way into the winter. I feel better going into 2018, and I think a big part of that has been keeping up the streak.
Year in Races:
March 11 : Black Cat 10 miler
April 1 : Newport Night Run 5k
April 9 : Fighting Seabees Half Marathon
April 23 : Blackstone Valley Half Marathon
May 7 : Providence Half Marathon
May 14 : Providence Police 5k
May 21 : Angry Unicorn Half Marathon
May 28 : Narragansett Bay Half Marathon
June 10 : Gaspee Days 5k
June 11 : Options Gay 5k
July 1 : Independence Day Half Marathon
July 3 : Finish at the 50 5k
July 15 : Run with the Beavers 10 miler
July 28 : the Blessing of the Fleet 10 miler
August 6 : Griswold Sunflower 6k
September 23 : Jamestown Half Marathon
October 8 : Boston Athletic Association Half Marathon
November 5 : TCS NYC Marathon
It's crazy to me that the race season started so late for me, and also that it didn't include the Eastern States. Looking at it now I know that I started to really hit my stride around the Angry Unicorn, but it would be really nice to see that strength come back sooner. I'm in fairly good shape now, but I know that the run streak has been taking a toll. I'd set a mental goal of hitting 200 miles for the streak, and so I am running very few one mile days.
Come January, still streaking or not, I'll have to start throwing in some easier days so that I can recover my legs a bit.
Maybe I'll be able to find some races earlier, in February or something. I need to shake out my cobwebs earlier in the season, I think. I think I also need more focus on easier races, and maybe some shorter distances. I wanted 2017 to be the year of the half marathon for me, and it certainly was with 8 of them run. I joined the Half Fanatics (HF #16238) and had a lot of fun gritting through some tough courses. I also did a lot of speedwork over the summer, which paid off in a big way at Jamestown where I ran just six minutes over my PR for the half. That isn't bad given that I'd fought much of the year to get my prior fitness back. I fell off the wagon on the speedwork when I returned to work, and also because I got sick a couple of times. I'll need to find more consistency in that going forward.
I'll post later about my plans for 2018.
Year in Races:
March 11 : Black Cat 10 miler
April 1 : Newport Night Run 5k
April 9 : Fighting Seabees Half Marathon
April 23 : Blackstone Valley Half Marathon
May 7 : Providence Half Marathon
May 14 : Providence Police 5k
May 21 : Angry Unicorn Half Marathon
May 28 : Narragansett Bay Half Marathon
June 10 : Gaspee Days 5k
June 11 : Options Gay 5k
July 1 : Independence Day Half Marathon
July 3 : Finish at the 50 5k
July 15 : Run with the Beavers 10 miler
July 28 : the Blessing of the Fleet 10 miler
August 6 : Griswold Sunflower 6k
September 23 : Jamestown Half Marathon
October 8 : Boston Athletic Association Half Marathon
November 5 : TCS NYC Marathon
It's crazy to me that the race season started so late for me, and also that it didn't include the Eastern States. Looking at it now I know that I started to really hit my stride around the Angry Unicorn, but it would be really nice to see that strength come back sooner. I'm in fairly good shape now, but I know that the run streak has been taking a toll. I'd set a mental goal of hitting 200 miles for the streak, and so I am running very few one mile days.
Come January, still streaking or not, I'll have to start throwing in some easier days so that I can recover my legs a bit.
Maybe I'll be able to find some races earlier, in February or something. I need to shake out my cobwebs earlier in the season, I think. I think I also need more focus on easier races, and maybe some shorter distances. I wanted 2017 to be the year of the half marathon for me, and it certainly was with 8 of them run. I joined the Half Fanatics (HF #16238) and had a lot of fun gritting through some tough courses. I also did a lot of speedwork over the summer, which paid off in a big way at Jamestown where I ran just six minutes over my PR for the half. That isn't bad given that I'd fought much of the year to get my prior fitness back. I fell off the wagon on the speedwork when I returned to work, and also because I got sick a couple of times. I'll need to find more consistency in that going forward.
I'll post later about my plans for 2018.
Holiday Run Streak, Day #33 and #34
Christmas was excellent. Having a toddler, she doesn't really know she has to wake us up at 3am to get presents. I'm dreading those days.
Had an easy day, though. Rested, watched videos, had dinner. I went out late for a 4.3 miler. It was slow, but it was very late when I went out. Went out at a similar time tonight, though, and I must be getting used to it because I managed to run a mile further and it only took me eight or so minutes longer than last night.
Tomorrow we'll be bringing baby girl to daycare. We don't want her to get out of the habit of it, and we are also hoping to catch some time to ourselves. Then we'll be out of town for a couple of days. I may not post again until New Year's Eve, but I'll be sure to catch up when I get back.
Had an easy day, though. Rested, watched videos, had dinner. I went out late for a 4.3 miler. It was slow, but it was very late when I went out. Went out at a similar time tonight, though, and I must be getting used to it because I managed to run a mile further and it only took me eight or so minutes longer than last night.
Tomorrow we'll be bringing baby girl to daycare. We don't want her to get out of the habit of it, and we are also hoping to catch some time to ourselves. Then we'll be out of town for a couple of days. I may not post again until New Year's Eve, but I'll be sure to catch up when I get back.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #32 (Christmas Eve)
Restful Christmas Eve, with lots of movies and chinese food.
Went out for a five miler, and had to cut the run shorter than intended (just a quarter mile or so) because of some gastric distress. Too much eggnog and cookies this time of year.
Otherwise feeling strong, and found my new very favorite version of the Coventry Carol.
Went out for a five miler, and had to cut the run shorter than intended (just a quarter mile or so) because of some gastric distress. Too much eggnog and cookies this time of year.
Otherwise feeling strong, and found my new very favorite version of the Coventry Carol.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #31
Restful day, today. After all the excitement last night, we went out to a quiet breakfast with friends today, and returned home to take a long nap.
I went out for 7.5 miles tonight, which was actually quite nice in spite of the wet. It wasn't raining while I was running, just humid, but a lot of water on the ground. I find it interesting that sometimes the days you feel the most beat give you the most enjoyable workouts.
Now, off to have birthday cake round #2 with baby girl. More miles tomorrow!
I went out for 7.5 miles tonight, which was actually quite nice in spite of the wet. It wasn't raining while I was running, just humid, but a lot of water on the ground. I find it interesting that sometimes the days you feel the most beat give you the most enjoyable workouts.
Now, off to have birthday cake round #2 with baby girl. More miles tomorrow!
Friday, December 22, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #30
Very long day. Woke up with a gunky eye, and ended up with a diagnosis of conjunctivitis. It isn't too bad during the day, but I will start the meds for it tomorrow so it clears up.
Had the holiday / birthday party tonight, which was a lot of fun. We put together a handful of songs, and read Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which was so much fun. The songs were really good, and the play went very well. One of our friends even used his song in the middle of the play to propose to his girlfriend, which was very exciting and well received.
Made macaroni and cheese (my daughter's favorite) and meatloaf, as well as wassail. Quite a few recipes to juggle while also hosting the party, singing, playing instruments, and reading. At the end of it it was about eleven o'clock, and I was extremely tired but got out on the road for a quick mile to keep the streak alive. Freezing fog made that interesting, as there was lots of black ice.
It's going to be a rough couple of days down here. Cold enough to get ice everywhere, but not cold enough for it to snow, so there's also a steady rainfall. When this happens, the whole world looks to be coated in glass, and it's wicked slippery. Not slippery enough to warrant the use of my spikes, though. It's a dilemma for sure. I may actually dig out my old YakTrax things, and wrap them around my shoes. Even without all the spikes, the rubber on those manages to give a bit more texture and traction.
Had the holiday / birthday party tonight, which was a lot of fun. We put together a handful of songs, and read Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which was so much fun. The songs were really good, and the play went very well. One of our friends even used his song in the middle of the play to propose to his girlfriend, which was very exciting and well received.
Made macaroni and cheese (my daughter's favorite) and meatloaf, as well as wassail. Quite a few recipes to juggle while also hosting the party, singing, playing instruments, and reading. At the end of it it was about eleven o'clock, and I was extremely tired but got out on the road for a quick mile to keep the streak alive. Freezing fog made that interesting, as there was lots of black ice.
It's going to be a rough couple of days down here. Cold enough to get ice everywhere, but not cold enough for it to snow, so there's also a steady rainfall. When this happens, the whole world looks to be coated in glass, and it's wicked slippery. Not slippery enough to warrant the use of my spikes, though. It's a dilemma for sure. I may actually dig out my old YakTrax things, and wrap them around my shoes. Even without all the spikes, the rubber on those manages to give a bit more texture and traction.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #29
Wassail, wassail, all over the town
Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown,
Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree,
With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink to thee.
Drink to thee, drink to thee,
With a wassailing bowl we'll drink to thee.
--The Gloucestershire Wassail
*****
Had a rehearsal tonight for baby girl's party/our solstice party tomorrow. We'll do all of our usual holiday traditions, folded in with the birthday traditions and we're starting a new one. With our friends we're going to be singing some songs and reading Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
I really wanted to start the Twelfth Night tradition last year, as I thought it would be a fun way to work in the play as a tradition that could grow as my circle of friends started to have kids. We love all things renaissance England, so that seemed like a good fit, and know many of the songs of the season. The rehearsal tonight was super fun, and I'm hoping for a really good party tomorrow.
Twelfth Night is traditionally the old English New Year's celebration, but whatever. It'll be fun to get together and drink wassail, sing, and share the company of friends.
I got out for a quick mile tonight. It went by really quick, and felt effortless. I know tomorrow will be the hardest day of the streak for me. I'm not even sure I can entertain getting up early and running, as it will be eleven o'clock by the time I fall asleep now.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
A Different Drum (Holiday Run Streak, Day #28)
comparisons to Scorsese...?
made to nameless forms in a faceless void
the Poet's son
adrift on the water
past the snowbanks, orange stained by the late solstice sun
in a long black cloak blown open by the frigid wind
I knew what that meant, that meant that I was an oddball. I was seen as taking a road less traveled and was probably doing things "the wrong way" by a conventional viewpoint. I did fine for myself and I'm proud of what I've managed to do, it's just odd to have that memory and to feel that judgement on me. Especially the need to explain my existence to someone completely incidental to my story. It doesn't even really matter who that person hearing the phrase from my teacher was.
made to nameless forms in a faceless void
the Poet's son
adrift on the water
past the snowbanks, orange stained by the late solstice sun
in a long black cloak blown open by the frigid wind
*****
Much stronger five and a quarter tonight. Total opposite from yesterday. Pretty cold, but otherwise much less effort involved, and I had a lot of fun.
I've been thinking a lot lately about a teacher I had who recently passed away. It wasn't that this teacher was particularly good, I'd say fairly mediocre, overall, but at a time in my life when I was in a lot of turmoil.
I was a screwed up kid in my teenage years. My home life was rough, and academically I was completely directionless. I righted myself by attending a community college, and following my dreams in music, and eventually music education. I made a thing of myself. But I always remember an early time when I was about sixteen, when this particular teacher, talking to some other kid's parent, said of me that I "Marched to the beat of a different drum,"
I knew what that meant, that meant that I was an oddball. I was seen as taking a road less traveled and was probably doing things "the wrong way" by a conventional viewpoint. I did fine for myself and I'm proud of what I've managed to do, it's just odd to have that memory and to feel that judgement on me. Especially the need to explain my existence to someone completely incidental to my story. It doesn't even really matter who that person hearing the phrase from my teacher was.
A few months later I watched Scorsese's Last Temptation of Christ. I'd loved Peter Gabriel's soundtrack to it for years before that, but I wasn't as familiar with the film. A Different Drum is track seven on that album, and had been a piece of music I loved listening to walking around New England in the height of winter, when the snow would be many feet high on the sidewalks.
Obviously, I don't think it was even a comparison to Scorsese's work, it just hangs closely together in the fabric of my memory. A really strange memory that's been floating around in my head since hearing of the death of this former teacher.
Lots of time to work this stuff out in my head on the road.
*****
I dream in the winter
and Orion dreams with me
the city by the sea
and a twenty-six mile foot race
waiting for us in the Spring
*****
Baby girl's second birthday today. I felt guilty about being at work all day while she was at daycare, but I know she had fun there. After work, we picked her up, sent the Christmas cards out, and came home to do some cleaning for this weekend's festivities. Baby girl and I read some books, and sang some songs.
Since she was born, I've really been aching to be able to feel like we're able to communicate, and that communication skill is developing more and more, as I'm able to get on her level now, encourage her to focus, and give her choices of things. We're able to breathe through frustrating moments, and move on to other things. It's pretty cool and I'm having so much fun.
Since she was born, I've really been aching to be able to feel like we're able to communicate, and that communication skill is developing more and more, as I'm able to get on her level now, encourage her to focus, and give her choices of things. We're able to breathe through frustrating moments, and move on to other things. It's pretty cool and I'm having so much fun.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
In Doubt (Holiday Run Streak, Day #27)
I run with Orionand Orion runs with mefrom the dark slow miles in split-toed bootswith frost and chillvoices beckon to me from beyond the graveof comparisons... to Scorsese?Or only to my former self
*****
Today was a long day. This morning at work, I had the chance to see myself through someone else's eyes, and it was tough. I take a lot of pride in my work, but I operate under some level of illusion, I suppose, about how little support I actually get. It was tough to see through unbiased eyes, what felt like, 'No matter how hard you try, there will be this impediment you can't overcome,'
I guess it isn't uncommon to have some sense of futility in one's job, and that's why I don't live specifically for my job. I have tried to cultivate a rich existence of family, and art, and sport. But it was just a weird moment that threw me off, anyway.
*****
Old voices, at Christmas
but belonging to the Easter season
and promising rebirth amidst the cold
******
Aches in the legs, not really any particular concern but just tell tale signs of being worn out. I'm concerned that I won't be able to meet the goal I'd set for myself in this streak, and I'm hoping for a moment of inspiration and unexpected strength. Sometimes those come out of moments of exhaustion.
Five and one quarter miles today after dinner. We had dinner as a family, and around the table. It's sort of rare for us to have dinner at the table but something I'm sure we'll be doing more and more as the kid(s) get older.
Tomorrow my baby girl turns two years old. It's an impressive milestone, and I can't believe what she's able to do at this age already. Sentences (albeit with her own structure) of about eight to ten words, constantly singing, and able to follow simple instructions (when she isn't selectively ignoring us.)
She's a sweet kid, and I have so much fun with her.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #26
A cold, wet evening here in New England. Out for 5.2, and puddles caused my shoes to soak through. So ran most of the day in wet socks. Bummer.
Long day at the doctor's today, but tests went well. My wife and I enjoyed a brief 45 minute nap when we got home, and I went to get the kiddo. Ready for a holiday break next week, and I may even work to get some serious miles in around the holiday.
Long day at the doctor's today, but tests went well. My wife and I enjoyed a brief 45 minute nap when we got home, and I went to get the kiddo. Ready for a holiday break next week, and I may even work to get some serious miles in around the holiday.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #25
7.6 miles tonight in the cold.
Really dragged around today. Couple of late nights caught up to me, I think, so I took it easier today up until my run. Once I was out on the road, and on the way back home specifically, I started to feel good again.
Today felt a bit like feeling my seasonal depression again, which isn't great. I have no idea how I got through it when I trained for Big Sur, but I'm going to have to dig deep and find that motivation again because I can't afford to struggle with it this year with a toddler in the house. My daughter is a tremendous source of happiness for me, so maybe I can use the good feelings to power through it.
Early morning tomorrow for a doctor's appointment. I'm taking the day out because it's a long day of tests, so my wife won't be able to drive at the end of it. The little one will be in daycare. I hate having her in daycare if I'm not going to work, but we're going to be at the doctor's office most of the day, so she'll definitely have more fun playing with the other kids and the toys.
Hopefully I can will myself to run in the early afternoon tomorrow, because I'm going to need to get back to morning runs for the rest of this week. What killed my streak last year was that I was unable to cram a run in before baby girl's birthday party, so I won't let that happen again this year. I can avoid having to make that choice at all by just running early.
Really dragged around today. Couple of late nights caught up to me, I think, so I took it easier today up until my run. Once I was out on the road, and on the way back home specifically, I started to feel good again.
Today felt a bit like feeling my seasonal depression again, which isn't great. I have no idea how I got through it when I trained for Big Sur, but I'm going to have to dig deep and find that motivation again because I can't afford to struggle with it this year with a toddler in the house. My daughter is a tremendous source of happiness for me, so maybe I can use the good feelings to power through it.
Early morning tomorrow for a doctor's appointment. I'm taking the day out because it's a long day of tests, so my wife won't be able to drive at the end of it. The little one will be in daycare. I hate having her in daycare if I'm not going to work, but we're going to be at the doctor's office most of the day, so she'll definitely have more fun playing with the other kids and the toys.
Hopefully I can will myself to run in the early afternoon tomorrow, because I'm going to need to get back to morning runs for the rest of this week. What killed my streak last year was that I was unable to cram a run in before baby girl's birthday party, so I won't let that happen again this year. I can avoid having to make that choice at all by just running early.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #24
5.2 miles tonight with an identical moving time to yesterday's miles.
Not really hard work, or anything. Just getting the mileage done.
Some new races added to the calendar, including a spring marathon in Newport. Should be a good time.
Lots of working getting ready for next weekend. We're having a small get together celebrating baby girl's birthday, the solstice, and Christmas. We're going to read Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and play music, sing songs, drink Wassail. It will be a lot of fun, but takes some work to prepare the music, and of course lots of cleaning the house.
I'll share some of the things as I get them together over the next week, including links to some of my very favorite recipes for parties like this.
Not really hard work, or anything. Just getting the mileage done.
Some new races added to the calendar, including a spring marathon in Newport. Should be a good time.
Lots of working getting ready for next weekend. We're having a small get together celebrating baby girl's birthday, the solstice, and Christmas. We're going to read Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and play music, sing songs, drink Wassail. It will be a lot of fun, but takes some work to prepare the music, and of course lots of cleaning the house.
I'll share some of the things as I get them together over the next week, including links to some of my very favorite recipes for parties like this.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #23
Snowing tonight and 24 degrees. Went out in my heavy gear, with my new white tabi boots. A rabbit crossed my path before I was even a quarter mile in, and that seemed to be a good omen as I felt pretty light on the snow, just kind of floating along.
Not too windy, but certainly a wet snow. It was a lot of fun, in any case. Ended up covering about five and a quarter miles, so that was good. My phone crashed at one point, so my run didn't get saved on the Charity Miles app.
I'm a little disappointed in that, but I'm disappointed in that app more and more for it's incompatibility with any sort of GPS watch or other service. I understand that you'd want to really verify that a person covered those miles, and at a pace (I guess.) but I don't understand why you can't just import a .gpx file into the app to do so. The timestamps and gps data would give the app all it needs.
Anyway, a long deserved weekend for my little family. The toddler drama seems to have mellowed out a bit, so I'm hoping tomorrow to clean up (sort, really) the living room so we can have company next week. Once that's done I can even let baby girl play in the living room, which I haven't done in awhile because there's just so much clutter.
Not too windy, but certainly a wet snow. It was a lot of fun, in any case. Ended up covering about five and a quarter miles, so that was good. My phone crashed at one point, so my run didn't get saved on the Charity Miles app.
I'm a little disappointed in that, but I'm disappointed in that app more and more for it's incompatibility with any sort of GPS watch or other service. I understand that you'd want to really verify that a person covered those miles, and at a pace (I guess.) but I don't understand why you can't just import a .gpx file into the app to do so. The timestamps and gps data would give the app all it needs.
Anyway, a long deserved weekend for my little family. The toddler drama seems to have mellowed out a bit, so I'm hoping tomorrow to clean up (sort, really) the living room so we can have company next week. Once that's done I can even let baby girl play in the living room, which I haven't done in awhile because there's just so much clutter.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #22
A quick one and a quarter miles tonight! Social club soon!
I misplaced my balaclava and really need it because it's going to be like 10 degrees tonight!
I misplaced my balaclava and really need it because it's going to be like 10 degrees tonight!
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #21
Toddler. Drama.
A chilly "feels like" 14 tonight. The heavy gear cut through the cold no problem, but I'm in need of a new buff. Lost my last balaclava, so my neck was a bit chilly. I'm going to be continuing my training through the coldest part of the New England winter (February, always to my surprise) so it'll be important to get a new one in and get used to wearing it. I ordered two in case one isn't a good weight, or I hate the material, or whatever.
One and a quarter miles. Mentally the space one mile takes up is so small now, that I can cover it in what feels like a few minutes. In reality, it's about ten minutes when I'm taking it easy, but my mental game is on point with this streak. With this being a one miler, I'll need to put in a long run this weekend to bring up my average miles/day, but I think that's doable. I haven't been able to get a thirteen miler in this streak so far, so I really want to do one this weekend.
The toddler continues to be fussy as all get-out. It's a perfect storm, I think, of teething, sleep regression, and just generally being a toddler. She fights sleep, wakes up in the middle of the night, and emotionally torments me when I head out running by crying and screaming "Daddy, I miss you! Come baaack!"
So that's been hard. But my wife is a champ (she taught pre-school, and handled a toddler class) so she's training me on more of the early childhood stuff than my simple Bachelor's in Education gave me. I mean, I got pretty good training out of it, but I have to admit I didn't know there was a two year sleep regression.
It's a new challenge, for sure. And it's scary in the way that all new challenges in parenting have been scary. Like: what if I mess this up? If you screw up handling an outburst, does your child become completely unable to handle their emotions? And I think about the negative memories and complex feelings I harbor for my own parents. I don't know what's normal in any of this, or what's to be expected, but I'm trying my best and hoping for the best.
So let's hope that does the job for today...
A chilly "feels like" 14 tonight. The heavy gear cut through the cold no problem, but I'm in need of a new buff. Lost my last balaclava, so my neck was a bit chilly. I'm going to be continuing my training through the coldest part of the New England winter (February, always to my surprise) so it'll be important to get a new one in and get used to wearing it. I ordered two in case one isn't a good weight, or I hate the material, or whatever.
One and a quarter miles. Mentally the space one mile takes up is so small now, that I can cover it in what feels like a few minutes. In reality, it's about ten minutes when I'm taking it easy, but my mental game is on point with this streak. With this being a one miler, I'll need to put in a long run this weekend to bring up my average miles/day, but I think that's doable. I haven't been able to get a thirteen miler in this streak so far, so I really want to do one this weekend.
The toddler continues to be fussy as all get-out. It's a perfect storm, I think, of teething, sleep regression, and just generally being a toddler. She fights sleep, wakes up in the middle of the night, and emotionally torments me when I head out running by crying and screaming "Daddy, I miss you! Come baaack!"
So that's been hard. But my wife is a champ (she taught pre-school, and handled a toddler class) so she's training me on more of the early childhood stuff than my simple Bachelor's in Education gave me. I mean, I got pretty good training out of it, but I have to admit I didn't know there was a two year sleep regression.
It's a new challenge, for sure. And it's scary in the way that all new challenges in parenting have been scary. Like: what if I mess this up? If you screw up handling an outburst, does your child become completely unable to handle their emotions? And I think about the negative memories and complex feelings I harbor for my own parents. I don't know what's normal in any of this, or what's to be expected, but I'm trying my best and hoping for the best.
So let's hope that does the job for today...
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #20
Long day at work. Woke up at 4am, but it was raining, so I decided to run after.
I was happy I did, because while it did rain today it got up into the mid-40s, meaning it was in the mid-30s when I ran. So that felt pretty comfortable and I could run in lighter gear. I got a new pair of Jika-tabi in today, so I did my miles in those. Felt pretty good overall, and while I'm a few miles behind my average goal, it's not beyond redemption.
So things are calming down a bit at work, which will let me focus more on the streak and my family. I'm a big fan of that, and I'm very grateful for all the folks I have in my life supporting me.
I was happy I did, because while it did rain today it got up into the mid-40s, meaning it was in the mid-30s when I ran. So that felt pretty comfortable and I could run in lighter gear. I got a new pair of Jika-tabi in today, so I did my miles in those. Felt pretty good overall, and while I'm a few miles behind my average goal, it's not beyond redemption.
So things are calming down a bit at work, which will let me focus more on the streak and my family. I'm a big fan of that, and I'm very grateful for all the folks I have in my life supporting me.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #19
Tough day at work. Long day tomorrow.
Five and a quarter miles this evening. Pretty cold out, but I'm comfortable wearing the new running pants over a light pair of tights. It's more like running in Spring, and that's pretty nice when it's below 30.
I've decided to register for the Rhode Races Newport Marathon on April 14th. It's been awhile since I've done a Spring marathon, but I'm feeling the desire to cover some longer distances. I'll also use the Eastern States 20 miler as tune-up. I'm excited to go back to that race, especially after missing it last year. The marathon isn't a thing I enter lightly, but I'm so craving the mileage after the adrenaline-inducement of New York.
Five and a quarter miles this evening. Pretty cold out, but I'm comfortable wearing the new running pants over a light pair of tights. It's more like running in Spring, and that's pretty nice when it's below 30.
I've decided to register for the Rhode Races Newport Marathon on April 14th. It's been awhile since I've done a Spring marathon, but I'm feeling the desire to cover some longer distances. I'll also use the Eastern States 20 miler as tune-up. I'm excited to go back to that race, especially after missing it last year. The marathon isn't a thing I enter lightly, but I'm so craving the mileage after the adrenaline-inducement of New York.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #18 (plus Goal setting for 2018)
Long nap today, which was very well needed. Have had some muscle soreness, and the toddler is going through her two-year sleep regression a little early. Out for five and a quarter miles tonight, which brings the streak total to just shy of eighty-five and a half miles. Not too shabby.
Thinking a lot about goal setting for next season. I'm feeling like I need to pick between much more volume and distance, and speed. I already have a few half marathons on the calendar, which isn't too big of a deal because they can take the place of a weekend long run easily enough, but I'm fighting the desire for the "next big thing" in my running by introducing more speed work, and tempo runs.
It's not a great time for that, of course, because we'll have another baby around late May. While I'm sure I'll be able to carve out the time for workouts (because I'll run before everyone's awake if I have to, or late at night once everyone's asleep) I'm more concerned about my nutrition. I've really let it lag in the last year or so, and it's a lot of work to prep really solid meals for training. That wasn't a big deal before we had kids, but now that pulls me away from the family unit more, and I hate that.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I entered a drawing to run the Boston Marathon with a group that was looking to sponsor some teachers. I told myself early on in this that if I was going to run Boston, I'd run it by qualifying. I wasn't sure I could pass up the entry into this thing, but I immediately felt ashamed after submitting my entry. I felt like the whole thing of equating teachers to the less fortunate, in need of aid and recognition, hurts my cause far more than it would ever help it. I also dreaded the idea of any interview because I run for me, and I teach for other people. The two are connected, sure, but I don't like exploiting my work to do something like that.
Anyway I didn't get picked, so it isn't really a big deal. But it did start me thinking about running Boston someday, and the amount of work I'd need to put in to be able to give the marathon that good of a performance. I've talked to my wife and I think I've settled on a Spring marathon for next year, details to come. I'm not sure I'll do a fall marathon next year, because the baby will be so young still, but we'll see. I've got a whole summer run streak between now and then to see how I feel, too, so you never know.
Thinking a lot about goal setting for next season. I'm feeling like I need to pick between much more volume and distance, and speed. I already have a few half marathons on the calendar, which isn't too big of a deal because they can take the place of a weekend long run easily enough, but I'm fighting the desire for the "next big thing" in my running by introducing more speed work, and tempo runs.
It's not a great time for that, of course, because we'll have another baby around late May. While I'm sure I'll be able to carve out the time for workouts (because I'll run before everyone's awake if I have to, or late at night once everyone's asleep) I'm more concerned about my nutrition. I've really let it lag in the last year or so, and it's a lot of work to prep really solid meals for training. That wasn't a big deal before we had kids, but now that pulls me away from the family unit more, and I hate that.
I'm embarrassed to admit that I entered a drawing to run the Boston Marathon with a group that was looking to sponsor some teachers. I told myself early on in this that if I was going to run Boston, I'd run it by qualifying. I wasn't sure I could pass up the entry into this thing, but I immediately felt ashamed after submitting my entry. I felt like the whole thing of equating teachers to the less fortunate, in need of aid and recognition, hurts my cause far more than it would ever help it. I also dreaded the idea of any interview because I run for me, and I teach for other people. The two are connected, sure, but I don't like exploiting my work to do something like that.
Anyway I didn't get picked, so it isn't really a big deal. But it did start me thinking about running Boston someday, and the amount of work I'd need to put in to be able to give the marathon that good of a performance. I've talked to my wife and I think I've settled on a Spring marathon for next year, details to come. I'm not sure I'll do a fall marathon next year, because the baby will be so young still, but we'll see. I've got a whole summer run streak between now and then to see how I feel, too, so you never know.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #17
4.2 miles in the snow this afternoon. Lots of chunks of ice in my beard by the end.
I ran at a pretty decent pace, considering I wore heavier gear. New England is tough because I don't want to slip, but it's rarely enough actual ice on the ground through a whole route that it makes sense to wear spikes. I still wore the spike boots, as they're also rubberized so they keep my feet dry among the puddles on my route.
It's tough because I see people out in shorts and sneakers even in that weather, and I have to remind myself that we all have different goals. For all I know those guys are out for a quick mile or two, and I'm trying to stay out for a bit at an easy effort. My goal is always further distance, and I don't much care about speed.
Should be another few inches of snow on the ground tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to getting back out into it.
I ran at a pretty decent pace, considering I wore heavier gear. New England is tough because I don't want to slip, but it's rarely enough actual ice on the ground through a whole route that it makes sense to wear spikes. I still wore the spike boots, as they're also rubberized so they keep my feet dry among the puddles on my route.
It's tough because I see people out in shorts and sneakers even in that weather, and I have to remind myself that we all have different goals. For all I know those guys are out for a quick mile or two, and I'm trying to stay out for a bit at an easy effort. My goal is always further distance, and I don't much care about speed.
Should be another few inches of snow on the ground tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to getting back out into it.
Friday, December 8, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #16
Very long day today. Between work, and then coming home and running errands. Ended up going out for my four miles at around 9:30 at night. One of the longer runs I've done since this past marathon training cycle.
My performance in the early and late hours is really similar. I end up feeling sort of tired, and then once I'm warmed up I'm quickly too warm. I seem to have a longer comfortable middle ground when I'm running at mid-day.
Hoping for a good long run this weekend of about ten or so miles (possibly more?) We're also looking at our first snow storm, with a possibility of six inches over two days. A chance to run in the spike tabi boots, maybe, if there ends up being enough snow and ice.
My performance in the early and late hours is really similar. I end up feeling sort of tired, and then once I'm warmed up I'm quickly too warm. I seem to have a longer comfortable middle ground when I'm running at mid-day.
Hoping for a good long run this weekend of about ten or so miles (possibly more?) We're also looking at our first snow storm, with a possibility of six inches over two days. A chance to run in the spike tabi boots, maybe, if there ends up being enough snow and ice.
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #15
A quick 4.3 tonight before the social club. Not too bad, weather wise, and kept my breathing easy. My pace ended up looking pretty good, too at about 8:35/mile.
I'm going to save tomorrow's miles for after work, with hopes that I can do about 10k. We're looking at some snow during the weekend, so I'd like to buffer in some distance, and I'm hungry to cover some ground.
Social club went well. Always fun to get together with my friends. I always plan a bunch of activities thinking about how I liked to play video games when I was around people my own age more, but we end up getting together, and because it's been so long we just end up talking and catching up. Maybe that's a part of the thing of getting older, I don't know.
I'm going to save tomorrow's miles for after work, with hopes that I can do about 10k. We're looking at some snow during the weekend, so I'd like to buffer in some distance, and I'm hungry to cover some ground.
Social club went well. Always fun to get together with my friends. I always plan a bunch of activities thinking about how I liked to play video games when I was around people my own age more, but we end up getting together, and because it's been so long we just end up talking and catching up. Maybe that's a part of the thing of getting older, I don't know.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #14
Really dragging today. Very long day yesterday. Had to take a day out of work to bring my wife to a doctor's appointment, after which we took it easy and tried to recover. It has been a pretty draining couple of days, and we have at least another week that will be this busy. Had intended to clean the house but ended up not doing that. There's always tomorrow, I guess.
2.3 miles tonight, at an easy pace. Have to run tomorrow morning, so taking it easy and just shaking the rust off the legs. Covered about 13 and a half miles at work yesterday (counting the four mile run in the morning) so I was "post-race" tired today. Hopefully feel a bit better tomorrow, and hoping to also get a ten miler in this weekend. We'll see.
2.3 miles tonight, at an easy pace. Have to run tomorrow morning, so taking it easy and just shaking the rust off the legs. Covered about 13 and a half miles at work yesterday (counting the four mile run in the morning) so I was "post-race" tired today. Hopefully feel a bit better tomorrow, and hoping to also get a ten miler in this weekend. We'll see.
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #13
A very slow 4.3 miles this morning. Shins killing me. I expected this to happen because I had to run yesterday evening, and then had to run early this morning, so not much recovery time. Was kind of jazzed to see a familiar sponsor on my Charity Miles app this morning:
Woke up at about 4, and lazed in bed until 4:30 or so. I honestly wasn't fully committed to getting up until I looked at the weather and noticed that it is almost surely going to be raining from the middle of the day into the early hours tomorrow. That was enough for me to get out and suffer through my miles.
I mean, I say suffer but it's a mixed bag, for sure. I'm alternating between uncomfortable (because my legs are tired so soon after a run) and feeling fine (because I love running.)
Now off to a long day at work.
I don't actually endorse anything ever.
Woke up at about 4, and lazed in bed until 4:30 or so. I honestly wasn't fully committed to getting up until I looked at the weather and noticed that it is almost surely going to be raining from the middle of the day into the early hours tomorrow. That was enough for me to get out and suffer through my miles.
I mean, I say suffer but it's a mixed bag, for sure. I'm alternating between uncomfortable (because my legs are tired so soon after a run) and feeling fine (because I love running.)
Now off to a long day at work.
Monday, December 4, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #12
Another cool-ish 4.3 miles tonight. 60.8 miles into the streak and twelve days.
The next couple of weeks are sort of make-or-break because I have some big events at work that will keep me out past my bed time. It means running early before work but also going to bed later. Boo.
In past years I've gone out late at night even after those events, but this time is a little different because we have a toddler and my wife has been really sick with this pregnancy. So I try to be home to help more, help carry more of the load. It's a fine balancing act but it means I have to really re-embrace my role as an early bird, and I have been kind of hit-or-miss with that lately.
Looking like a bit more rain this week, so that will also test my resolve to get my miles in. A few errands tonight before dinner, and then I'll be turning in early.
The next couple of weeks are sort of make-or-break because I have some big events at work that will keep me out past my bed time. It means running early before work but also going to bed later. Boo.
In past years I've gone out late at night even after those events, but this time is a little different because we have a toddler and my wife has been really sick with this pregnancy. So I try to be home to help more, help carry more of the load. It's a fine balancing act but it means I have to really re-embrace my role as an early bird, and I have been kind of hit-or-miss with that lately.
Looking like a bit more rain this week, so that will also test my resolve to get my miles in. A few errands tonight before dinner, and then I'll be turning in early.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #11
Had planned on a ten miler today, but looking at the mileage of the last two weeks, it's way past a 10% increase. That and the twinge in my right ankle has me holding off and putting in an easy five. I'll get a long run in at some point in the next week.
Colder here in New England, and I've been running in the afternoon. All considering I've been lucky weather wise, with mostly clear (if cool) days. Looks like we're in for some rain in the middle of this week, but I'm still thinking I'll get in some decent mileage midweek.
During the week I'll be back to early morning runs, and hopefully the contrast won't throw me off too much. It's nice to be able to sleep in, and better that I feel like I've dodged getting a bad cold (was starting to feel sick at the end of last week, but seems to have cleared up a bit...)
Colder here in New England, and I've been running in the afternoon. All considering I've been lucky weather wise, with mostly clear (if cool) days. Looks like we're in for some rain in the middle of this week, but I'm still thinking I'll get in some decent mileage midweek.
During the week I'll be back to early morning runs, and hopefully the contrast won't throw me off too much. It's nice to be able to sleep in, and better that I feel like I've dodged getting a bad cold (was starting to feel sick at the end of last week, but seems to have cleared up a bit...)
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #10
Pumpkin pancakes for breakfast this morning. Pretty tired, but with the feeling that once I got my miles in I'd be in good shape. Rested with the family, headed out in the evening for about 5 miles. Ended up being 4.9 on the GPS, but no worries. Close enough.
I'm starting to toy with the idea of a Spring marathon for next year. The timing is problematic because Spring is when the next baby will arrive, so I've got to be careful around the timing. Also, with the half marathons I'm signed up for, I have to be careful about overlap. This might take more coffee.
I want something big on the horizon, though. New York, Big Sur, those things were huge events, like mountains gleaming in the distance. I'm pulled on by stuff like that, so I want another goal like that. I'm not sure what the next thing will be, but I'm keeping my eye out.
I'm starting to toy with the idea of a Spring marathon for next year. The timing is problematic because Spring is when the next baby will arrive, so I've got to be careful around the timing. Also, with the half marathons I'm signed up for, I have to be careful about overlap. This might take more coffee.
I want something big on the horizon, though. New York, Big Sur, those things were huge events, like mountains gleaming in the distance. I'm pulled on by stuff like that, so I want another goal like that. I'm not sure what the next thing will be, but I'm keeping my eye out.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Holiday Run Streak, Day #9
A very quick 4.3 after work today, in a pretty smoking 37 minutes.
The weather is all over the place this week, which I think explains most of my variation in performance. Today it was in the fifties and partly cloud, barely any wind. Doing the same run yesterday morning took me much longer, party due to the cold, additional layers, and headwind. It's a learning experience and I'm at a place in my running where I'm more mature and able to recognize outside factors far more than I ever could in the past.
Back to work for a bit tonight for an event, and then hopefully catching some rest. I'm all over the place with my sleep this week, too, so I am feeling pretty tired and in need of some catch-up on sleep.
The weather is all over the place this week, which I think explains most of my variation in performance. Today it was in the fifties and partly cloud, barely any wind. Doing the same run yesterday morning took me much longer, party due to the cold, additional layers, and headwind. It's a learning experience and I'm at a place in my running where I'm more mature and able to recognize outside factors far more than I ever could in the past.
Back to work for a bit tonight for an event, and then hopefully catching some rest. I'm all over the place with my sleep this week, too, so I am feeling pretty tired and in need of some catch-up on sleep.
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