5K Goal

I ran the Mercantile Bank 5K this morning and came in 11th place with a time of 19 minutes and 40 seconds.  My goal was to beat 20 minutes this time and I am pleased with my results.  My postings here have been slim, but I may just pick up the frequency to keep myself motivated. 

Feeling Froggy?

Today I ran 3.5 miles and then decided to stop and catch a frog from a creek down the street.  My memories of frog catching are much more pleasant then the many unsuccessful attempts tonight.  My night was not fruitless, fore I did “bag” a small critter which is now residing in my backyard pond.  Whether it will be there in the morning is another story. 

Swimming Log?

I know this is “Bill’s Running Log!”, but I thought I would post something regarding my swimming.  Today I tried mixing in swimming sprints into my normal paced swimming routine.  This was sort of fun and it made the swim itself more enjoyable.  There really isn’t anything to write about, but my family is gone and I have free time.

Triathlon

I signed up for the Reed’s Lake Triathlon after a nice 12 mile run today.  I can’t decide if I want to run a marathon or not right now.  The fear of another injury while training for a long 26.2 mile run sort of makes me think triathlons are a good alternative.  I don’t plan on doing very well on the biking portion of the race, but swimming and running should be fine.  After a month of short runs, I may try to work myself back up to longer distances for the October Grand Rapids Marathon, but we shall see…

Resurrection

I have to resurrect this blog – I am completely losing my motivation to run.  The support from this endeavor might bring back the love of running.  Today I ran 4.1 miles and it was HARD – every run I have had recently has been difficult.  What is wrong?  Maybe I need a run to train for? 

Riverbank… Done

The triple crown of my spring runs is over. 

Striders 10 Mile Classics…. check

Indy 500 Mini-Marathon…. check

5/3 Riverbank Run… check

Now my hips and legs need a rest.  No major injuries to report and I need to take a week or so off of the running. 

The Unforgiven

I have done the unforgiven…. I walked during a run.  Tonight I ate 2 brats, a huge helping of french fries, a double portion of cole slaw and a heaping bowl of ice cream for dessert.  About 30 minutes after this feast I was bored so I went out for a nice long run.  My knee was hurting a bit, but I thought I would give it a test and head out down Leonard Street westward.  About 3 miles in my gut cramped to the point of nausea.  I ran 2.2 more miles and stopped…. that is right… just plain stopped running.  I have never done this (other than waiting for road crossings.  The shame I have brought upon my household is immense.  My run was 10.4 miles, but I walked for .1 miles; therefore I didn’t record the sad tenth of a mile.  I don’t even know how to classify this run… distance?  I didn’t run the 14 miles I intended… it wasn’t that hilly… it certainly wasn’t normal… and with the walking and the cramping it wouldn’t qualify as a speed run either.  This run was sad – I will never run after a smorgasbord again!

Striders 10 Mile Run

This morning I ran the Striders 10 mile classic.  My goal was to run the race at a pace of 7 minute miles and finishing around 70 minutes.  My watch said I ran in the course in 67:50 minutes.  I am pretty happy with these results.  Last year I ran the race in 73:20 minutes.  The run is a mental challenge because the course is extremely hilly.  I have this goal of reaching 10 miles in 1 hour set by a running legend…. but we shall see… I have quite a bit of work to do for this accomplishment to be reached.  The course would have to be much flatter for me to run 6 minute miles.

Riverbank Running ALONE!

Patiently, I waited for 1 hour downtown at the starting line of the Riverbank Run course.  Garry never showed up so I grudgingly started my run.  I didn’t bring my i-pod because I thought I would be having deep conversation with another runner along the long trail.  I ran 15.5 miles and pretty much I ran at my training pace.  I beat my race time from last year by 4 minutes.  Hopefully I will do as well in 4 weeks and not get hurt between now and then. 

That whole thing about not bringing my i-pod… it isn’t true… oh, and that waiting for an hour thing… not true either.

A Series of Unfortunate Weather Events

The weather has just plain sucked for running.  If it were just cold that would be one thing, but it is also windy and this makes the running not so much fun.  Friday I only ran 1.0 mile to loosen up my muscles a little because my Wednesday run was brought too much pain to continue with my normal schedule.  Today I ran 13.6 miles and it felt nice, but I slowed it down a bit to avoid any injuries.  This unfortunate weather will hopefully be gone soon!  A week ago the weather was beautiful for running, but I think our next few days will continue to be bad for running.  Maybe I should just run on the treadmill… just kidding!