Monday, August 22, 2011

Giving 100% ... While It's 100%!!!

First of all this morning ... CONGRATS TO MY SUPER TRIATHLETE WIFE who had another great triathlon this weekend!  She is getting faster and stronger, and I'm sure it's just a matter of time before she sets some kind of world record or something.  You can read about it here at Slowly Tri-Ing!  Congrats baby, I'm so proud of all the hard work you're putting in and the great results you have to show for it!  You were "Great Today" (yesterday)!

Overall, it was a pretty good weekend of running.  But by the unrealistic standards I set for myself ... it was a failure!  Overall, I know I pretty much accomplished what I set out to do, but I had planned on running back-to-back days of 18-20 milers on Saturday & Sunday.  I actually ended up running 17 on each day ... that's why it was a "fail".  Yes, I know it wasn't literally a "fail" ... 17 miles on back-to-back days is not EMZ worthy or anything, but it's pretty good for me.  It's just that if I don't meet my predetermined goal, I don't consider it a success.

Foggy start ... in August???
So why the shortened runs?  Well, my legs actually felt great over the last two days - I can tell I'm getting stronger and stronger ... but the FRIGGIN' HUMIDITY got me!  My shorts were 100% soaked by mile 5 both days.  On Saturday, it was about 78 degrees, with 80% humidity, which wasn't horrible - though definitely not ideal.  But today, even though it started out at 66 degrees, it was friggin' 100% humidity and really foggy.  After the fog broke, it heated up pretty quick to about 85 degrees with 90% humidity.  Warm for a long run!  But it is August and I was happy that I pushed through and got the mileage in that I did.

All in all, I feel absolutely great from the results I'm getting from the additional mileage.  I feel like my plan is working and I'm getting better as a runner as I move toward my back-to-back marathon goal in October.  I'm putting in about 80-90 miles per week with double runs on two different days, PM leg workouts on two different days, speed runs and tempo runs mixed in, and two long runs on the weekend.  Quite a load, but I think it's accomplishing the goal.

As far as other races go, I have the Kansas City Royals 5K this weekend with Madi and her boyfriend Nate.  I really want to PR in this one and think I should be close ... but it will be tough.  Last  year I finished 8th overall out of about 800 people, which was one of my best races ever.  I also PR'd with a 6:03/mile pace and I really want to be under 6:00/mile this year.  If I can get my 5K PR under 6:00/mile, I'll probably call that good and quit trying to get faster for short races.  I mean, I'm not getting any younger!  We'll see I guess.

I also have a marathon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on 9/11/11 - about 3 weeks away.  I really want to run between 3:10 & 3:15, and think I should be able to ... but if I don't, I'm not gonna stress about it.  The big goal for the rest of this year is completing the back-to-backers.  Everything else is just a bonus.

Hopefully I'll get some good fast runs in mid-week. I'll be able to tell from those if I'm gonna PR in either of these races coming up.  Have a great week and stay healthy!!!
... be great today!

14 comments:

  1. Two 17 milers is a HUGE success!!! Even if you planned to do more, the fact that you ran that long in those weather conditions is amazing!!

    Have another amazing week of training!

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  2. Humidity is tough! I can just imagine how great you'll be when it cools a touch. Watch out!

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  3. That is awesome running in that humidity! I agree that, when it cools off a bit, you will be unstoppable!

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  4. Your wife rocked it!!

    Good job on your two 17 milers - that's tough! I can't imagine running or training or racing in those conditions of heat and humidity. Great job.
    I'm still amazed by how fast you are!

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  5. Humidity is a huge factor--I think you rocked it. You ARE great and I'm excited for your 5K (I'm having 5K envy, but none for me until after my marathon).

    Just want you to know, I was thinking "Be Great Today" during my fast finish long run yesterday. I may have to get another sticker from you before Top of Utah.

    Now off to read Michael's blog...

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  6. Congrats to your wife!!

    I can't wait 'til I can pull off two 17 miles days in a row. You are da man!

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  7. I can't even imagine what that feels like...and in humidity too! That wasn't any kind of failure! You are inspiring!

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  8. Nice job on the back to back LRs. I can't even imagine running that far in the humidity. I am really really impressed by your increased mileage and excited to see how it affects your fall races. I think great things are in store for you.

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  9. im pretty sure that run could be considered swimming with 100% humidity. are you training for a triathlon so you can be super cool like your wife?!?

    good job getting those miles in!

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  10. Doesn't 100% humidity mean it is raining? That sounds brutal and two 17 milers is amazing in it.

    I ran this morning with long sleeves and capris. LOVED it.

    In fact I have been wearing long sleeves all day.
    Love it!

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  11. Wow, you have been running out of your mind recently, nice work! Yea, I would chalk up not doing all the miles to the humidity.

    I can't believe you are able to pull off all that you do - double runs some days, 2 strength workouts, and all that core work that you mentioned. You are the man.

    I definitely see you getting close to your 5K time from last year!

    And I see you beating your PR at the Sioux Falls Marathon on 9/11.

    And wanted to say thanks a lot for the comment you left on my blog the other day, that means a lot. In some weird twist of karma - I actually picked up a 4-7-10 split last Tuesday at bowling during my 169 game, it was the best spare I've ever gotten! I was actually going for it, so it was awesome to have it actually happen! lol

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  12. One day if I ever meet you and Michael I'm gonna ask if I can rub your head just for the sake of osmosis. I wanna run a sub 6 minute mile and not doing it while stealing a car stereo in the hood while trying to outrun the cops.

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  13. COngrats to you and your wife. Humidity has been beating me up this summer...

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  14. It's been one heck of a hot summer!!!!!!!

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