I'm Still Alive

Sorry for the lack of content lately. As has been the case for some time, I'm full of excuses. Everything in life has still been busy, but up until late last week, there was at least a little breathing room. That was ruined by a bit of rash that I picked up. I guess it turned out to be eczema. I don't want to get into the details, but there was a lot and it was all VERY itchy. The medicine I'm taking for the itching has made me very sleepy. So even though I've managed to get a bit more sleep, I've been just as tired.

As we approach our deadline at work things are getting hectic. As of now, we are still on schedule. So the last 4 crazy, hectic months of my life are looking like they may finally be done with. There will be other things, but at least they will be fun things in my life rather than work being my life.

Here's a recap of the last 1 1/2 weeks of running.

Last Monday -
5x1k 3:31 (5:36 pace) today w/ 400 recoveries; recoveries were 200m walk and 200m jog;
1 - 0.62, 3:31 (5:40), 170 bpm
R - 0.25, 2:56 (11:34), 134 bpm
2 - 0.63, 3:27 (5:29), 172 bpm
R - 0.25, 3:01, (12:05), 137 bpm
3 - 0.63, 3:31, (5:38), 172 bpm
R - 0.25, 2:59, (11:55), 141 bpm
4 - 0.62, 3:32, (5:43), 172 bpm
R - 0.25, 3:16, (12:54), 139 bpm
5 - 0.63, 3:34, (5:42), 173 bpm
It was a hard workout today. I really had to push myself to approach the goal times.

Last Thursday
The schedule called for 2 mile warmup, 3 mile tempo at 6:26 and 1 mile cool down. I found ~1.5 mile loop at work that was a bit hilly and it was also quite warm out. Given everything it was very difficult to keep up the goal pace. The first mile was OK as I didn't hit the big hill, but other 2 were slower because of big uphill in the middle of each.
1 - 6:19.70, 176 bpm
2 - 6:45.06, 182 bpm
3 - 6:43.77, 182 bpm

Saturday was the last long run before the race. The schedule called for 8 - 10 miles at race pace. I started out with the group so the first mile was very slow. The 2nd one was faster as a few of us broke from the pack. Then the next 4 were consistent as it was just John and I. John had enough after 6 so I did the last 4 and picked it up a bit. This is pretty much the way I anticipate the race going on Saturday. So even though I was pushing it pretty hard for 1 week before the race, I felt like it was good physical and mental training.
1 - 8:21.57, 137 bpm
2 - 7:12.10, 153 bpm
3 - 6:57.88, 176 bpm (must have picked up someone else heart beat)
4 - 6:55.66, 162 bpm
5 - 6:56.43, 164 bpm
6 - 6:58.43, 163 bpm
7 - 6:32.76, 168 bpm
8 - 6:14.16, 174 bpm
9 - 6:11.78, 177 bpm
10 - 6:04.24, 179 bpm

Today - This is the last week of training before the race. Beings this is a bit more advanced training program, I'm still pushing myself this last week. Just not as often or as long. Of course, I didn't push myself as often the entire training session, but I've complained enough about that. The schedule called for 6x400 at 81 seconds (5:26) with 400 recoveries. I walked first 160m of recovery and jogged the last 240m. I felt better today.
1 - 80s (5:27), 170 bpm
R - .24, (11:03), 141 bpm
2 - 79s, (5:19), 169 bpm
R - .25, (11:16), 144 bpm
3 - 79s (5:14), 168 bpm
R - .25, (11:26), 143 bpm
4 - 77s (5:16), 170 bpm
R - .25, (10:59), 147 bpm
5 - 76s (5:15), 172 bpm
R - .25, (11:08), 149 bpm
6 - 79s (5:19), 172 bpm

I have one more short 3 mile speed session on Wednesday and then I'll be shutting it down for race day. I now have an unlimited data plan on my phone. I will try out sending pictures and info here from the race to post my results. It will be brief, but will try to get something out. I'll also try to put somethings on Facebook. See the homepage of this blog to find my account info.

Well, I guess I've procrastinated long enough. It's late and I have to work again tonight. Blech! I'm still planning on getting to the August summary info. Maybe I can do that instead of working. How's that for procrastination. Anywho, until next time. (I will be back sooner next time.)