Week 4!

Last Saturday (week 4) we ran/walked 4 miles. Now we are following the official training pace. In my pace group, we jog for 1 minute and then walk for 3 minutes throughout the whole "run". I think the fastest pace group jogs for 7 minutes and walks for 1.

Anyway, Michael and I were both elected pace group "leaders" for our respective groups. That means we have to get there early to get instructions (to find out what course we are running for the day - for example). It also means that we keep track of time, remind people to drink water, and make sure that everyone in the group is OK.

In other news, I'm having a bit of knee trouble (right knee). I visited an orthopedic/sports medicine Dr. last week and had an MRI today. I’ll know the results next week. The Dr. said it was OK to keep training - I should just stop and walk if the pain is bad and take Aleve or Advil. So far so good …

Week 3

I had a Saturday meeting I couldn't miss for week 3, so I had to run my 3 miles by myself. That was also supposed to be our "timed run", so I ran around the track at Northwood 12 times and timed myself.

About 16 minutes per mile - with a combination of jogging and walking. That places me in the "Libby Hickman" pace group. We train at a 17 minute mile pace. All the pace groups are named after famous marathon runners. Apparently Libby Hickman ran the Chicago marathon in 2:28:34 in 1999. Clearly she was running faster than 17 minutes per mile!

Week 2: ...and The Horse He Rode In On

Second group run: ran to the back end of the statue of Gen. Grant's horse by the Capitol reflecting pool for our group run. (Yes, Grant is on the horse, but frankly his behind isn't as impressive as the horse's when you're standing below them.)

This seemed a lot longer than last week's one mile run -- maybe four times longer than twice as long. That may bode ill for next week.

Also, the Reflecting Pool isn't reflecting at the moment. It's drained, filled with sand and trash, kind of scungy, and it smells funny.

(Some might find a metaphor for our current Congress in that image of pathetic parched concrete and stinky refuse at the feet of the Temple of American Demoncracy, but of course they wouldn't be a person employed by said Congress, writing this blog post during on working hours, using government equipment. No sir.)

(If my boss is reading this, just kidding about writing this during working hours.)

In other training news, my new fancy shmancy CoolFitMaxDri technical fiber running socks which are supposed to keep my feet from rubbing off while I'm running are just a smidge too short on my right foot. So, my fancy shmancy personally fitted anti-pronating running shoe rubs at the back of my ankle. There's a little spikey bit at the back on either side of my Achilles tendon like a sort of U, and it's rubbing.

Oddly, my left sock/shoe is OK. My options appear to be:

• Keep running and rub a hole in my right ankle
• Run using only my left foot
• Buy new, slightly larger fancy shmancy CoolFitMaxDri technical fiber running socks

I'm leaning (so to speak) towards the second option.

Shopping!

Training for the half marathon has meant some "marathon" shopping expeditions (ouch!). We went to a specialty running store to get fit for running shoes. First the salesperson watched me walk to see if I pronate (roll in) or supinate (roll out). Michael & I are both pronators (which I gather is pretty common).

Then I tried on 6 or 7 different pairs of stability running shoes. I had to jog in each pair while the salesperson watched so he could evaluate the fit and stability.

We also bought water bottles with belts, so that we can stay hydrated during long runs.

We're working on getting "Cool Max" or "Dri Fit" clothes (shirts, shorts, even underwear) that wicks away sweat.

We also still need to get our fancy schmancy watches.

Boy - running accessories are a real industry!

First run & first half week

Had our first training run last Saturday....to the McDonalds and back. I choose to view this as a good omen for the training program.

We're running from the back of Waterside Mall which is a little desolate. A Safeway, a CVS, and a dry cleaners, and lots of empty stores.

I had trouble finding a good pace, and got winded too quickly. Need a watch or something to help me keep time. I'm too used to treadmills. (I blame my short attention span, which is entirely the fault of too much "Sesame Street" when I was little.)

This week has been a little slow, training-wise. My allergies have been keeping me up and it's hard to get out of bed to run in the mornings. Still, I had a good run Monday morning, and tomorrow for sure.

--Michael