Plans for Big Sur Half Marathon, Nov. 15

I've been running now for several months, building enough running base to aim for some running goal before the year's end. So I've decided on running in this November 15th's Big Sur Half Marathon that's held in Monterey Bay. If training goes well enough, I'll continue to up my milage and we'll see what transpires.

As usual, I'll keep track of my running on the linked Google Calendar on this blog.

Pushing the Limits

Been pushing (for me) a fairly aggressive running schedule, pressing into the + 5 miles distances. Felt visibly weaker today after running 5.47 miles--after having already run Tuesday (5.01 mi.) and Wednesday (3.75 mi.). Time and temperature are working out great in the mornings. Will try to back off on the manly desire to increase more, more, more--and stick to the pre-marathon training plan: Tue (3 mi.), Wed (4 mi.), Thur (4 mi.), Sat (4 mi.) and Sun (6 mi.), carried forth for about four to five weeks. Next week I think I'll be prepared to make that happen--and reach that six mile mark next Sunday!

Best run in a long time

The incremental training is paying off. Was able to add another 10 minutes to my existing top time and I cranked out 1:00:33 (one hour 33 seconds), running 4.9 miles. I'll back off on tomorrow's run, bike Monday, then pick back up running three days.

Ran today, very tired

As the summer months begin to warm up, I'm trying to get in some running experience in the later mornings. Today I started off in 80 degree weather at 11:30 AM, and when I finished (about 50 minutes later) the temp had climbed to 84. Of course I drank a lot of water at the end, even downing a few cups of cytomax drink (which works better for me than gatoraid) to help with recovery.

Still tired, but there's a deep sense of accomplishment. Cardio conditioning is improving, but acclimating to the warmth is going to take some time . . . and a lot of water.

A really great kick-butt Bike ride

Recently I've been combining my running with cross-training days for biking. Each sport compliments the other as long as one does not over do it. Anyway, today's morning bike ride was really fun, was able to keep a good pace and still not feel real winded.

An unexpected surprise was stopping at a road-side cherry stand on the way back. One of my friends bought a container of the juicy red cherries, and the owner handed out a handful to us all to have a few. Delicious. As my conditioning improves (and I'm already seeing and feeling the results), these bike rides will get better and better!

Ongoing Exercise tracked on Google Calendar

Rather than taking up a lot of room on this blog, I've created an Athletic Schedule on Google Calendar, also located on the right side bar of this blog, to track my exercise progress. I'm switching in to a pretty serious training mode--one to build back up endurance, and--two--to also shed some weight I gained over the Winter season.

Morning Bike ride

It's amazing to me how sometimes my mind plays so many tricks on me--it's too early, it might rain, you may get a flat tire--wanting me to hang up going out for a bike ride. Often times, at least recently, the main battle is in just pushing those worries aside and getting out there to ride. Seems once the pedals are in motion, the worries get left behind. ...And of course I have a spare tube, pump and tools to fix a flat.

Anyway, just had a great time this morning, unexpectedly with FIVE friends (C, S, D, AM, and W) who showed up at several meet-up points to ride out of town for about a 22 mile loop. Just enough distance and wind to make it challenging but fun!

Will look at scheduling more regular rides this summer, probably Tuesday and Friday mornings. This will help in my cross training efforts while I keep running.

2009 Marathon Training

I've created a 2009-Marathon Training calendar on Google, for planning and tracking my progress. Calendar is located to the right, under my Links.

Armstrong team to continue racing

Lance Armstrong's Astana team have given financial guarantees to cycling's governing body paving the way for their Tour de France participation in July. (from BBC Sport - Cycling)

Marathon Pre-Training

Pre-Training Week #2 - Still running by time. Total: 30 minutes, with one walk break.

A marked improvement from last week's first run (30 minutes with six walk breaks) and second run (30 minutes with three walk breaks). Getting out in the morning to run is still my favorite time.

Marathon Pre-Training

Pre-Training Week #1 - As mentioned in an earlier post, I'm right now working on doing 3-4 runs a week. Each run consists of combinations of run/walk for 30 minutes--running for time versus distance. Tonight was this first week's run#2. Once I can run a solid 30 minutes, probably next week, I'll work on simply staying at that distance and pushing a longer 40 minute run once a week. Key thing is consistency, make it part of my daily routine. I'll also incorporate biking on non-run days for some cross training work.

Thoughts on Marathons

Recently I purchased the movie Spirit of the Marathon (2007), watched it several times already, and I'm mulling over another attempt this year at doing the 26.2 mile distance--mostly on my own. Found a helpful Beginner Marathon Program on the Cool Running web portal. Key thing I want to do this time around I did not do last year is work on a solid base, essentially working on the referred to pre-training schedule for about 2 months. The marathon schedule also incorporates longer runs on alternating weeks, which I've heard works better for some people.

Yesterday was the official kicking off point for starting the pre-training schedule--also since it was such an awesome day. I'll focus on 3-4 runs per week to get that habit going. I'll post updates here as things progress. Wish me luck!

Article, Spring Tune-up: Breaking the Hibernation

A great article from Active.com. Spring Tune-up: Breaking the Hibernation. "Now is the perfect time for a spring tune up. Follow these quick fixes and get your running back on track for the summer."...

Spirit of the Marathon

Recently bought on DVD and also shared with a friend a favorite movie that came out in 2007, called Spirit of the Marathon. From the website:

Spirit of the Marathon is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the movie brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries.

As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports movie, Spirit of the Marathon is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike.

A definite recommendation for anyone who runs or who has considered running.

Cool Running

Looking over a site called Cool Running, considering some of their training plans.

Have not updated this blog in over a year, however I'm posting on Twitter as btbrasington for the foreseeable future. Thanks for stopping by.