Feeling just fine

"Workout Wednesday" was much more pleasant this week than last week. I'm learning quick I think. Without all you can eat buffet running was nice and feeling was pretty good. Suprisingly good actually. Mark, Bob, and Seth, however, seem to be ready for some rumble in Baltimore marathon. That's good.

Today I kept it easy, and similar schedule will continue for couple days. Last month was only 220 miles, since I had some trouble to deal with.

Tuning up

Army 10-miler is getting closer. Due to lost confidence I'm not sure what to expect. Still, I had quite nice tune up workout this morning. I did 3x2000m'400m (each 6.40) with rendo and easy effort. I felt way better than before Philly even if I ran a bit faster. It's not that bad. Yesterday I ran twice and did some type of core workout.

I just realized that I'll miss my chances to watch Half-Marathon WCs or Chicago marathon online on October 11th. World champs will provide an interesting setting: six tough Kenyans (2 under 59, rest under 60 minutes), Zersenay Tadesse and a potential NR for USA since Ritz is around. Then in Chicago among others there is a Finn, Mårten Boström, chasing after a qualification for next Summer's European Championships.

Bagel run with bagels

Today we had a nice traditional bagel run. After a 13-miler (which you may call longish) we had some bagels. Of course we did not have any money with us, but thanks to Jason we were soon eating bagels and sipping Diet Pepsi. Not a bad way to start your Saturday.

Lactic acid

Yesterday after spending too much time in traffic (in D.C. due to some police activity, on I-66, and on beltway) I had to sneak out for a bike ride. This time it was short (21 miles), but less easy (average pace 20mph). I really enjoyed the lactic acid which tried to slow me down. This morning I ran an easy 3 miler (+ short hill sprints). Keeping it easy.

Whatever buffet + any type of running effort = bad news

Today I had to sneak out for a "All you can eat" -buffet. What a brilliant idea! Really, it was. However, I paid the dues instantly when I joined HCS crew at the HCC this evening. I think that rest of crew is still running the Club Challenge course and I'm back home already. And only one to blame is me. In addition to starting too fast and too early after a half-marathon, my stomach also had some influence to notorious bad feeling during the run.

Oh and something totally different happened today. In the afternoon I took a wrong turn and instead of driving to the National Cryptologic Museum I reached NSA's gate which is really wrong place to be for legal alien like me. My broken English blew our cover instantly, and we got under an investigation for 40-45 minutes. Our car was inspected as well. As a cherry on the top of the cake, I had forgotten in our trunk two Chinese flags, which we got in Philadelphia during some sort of Chinese celebration. They didn't look too great on our resume. Luckily, our short visit on wrong grounds didn't cause any more trouble and we were able to see the Enigma.

Looking in a view

I think that I got over Philly. Once again watching to the mirror helped in reaching the reality. In general, for an old fart it should be rather easy. Only thing that still bothers me is that the work done during the summer and the outcomes are not in line. That equals with wrong type of training of course, but I have had fun. For the remaining years on the road I just gotta find my own way to find a balance between workouts and rest, and maybe then get back to closer to where I used to be. I already checked some races for next year: Berlin half-marathon in March, Karhu Road Relay in April, Finnish XC Nationals in May, and then the Berlin marathon in September.


Legs were still pretty sore this morning. Yesterday we biked an easy ride (1 hour), which was a good choice instead of running.

Dreams build on false grounds

I almost set my racing flats on fire yesterday. But bad results are NOT their fault. Anyway I'll take couple of days off. If I can.

That's it

Today sucked even more than I could imagine.

PDR

On Sunday I'll be testing my current shape in Philadelphia. To be honest, I had way higher hopes for that race earlier this season, but this damn reality has indicated that... I'll be happy for being able to run PDR. Last year I was extremely disappointed with my race - this year anything goes, but still I trust that this summer's work is helping me in beating last years disappointment. It's mental.

Yesterday I sneaked on track to run 2000m (6.55) and 1000m (3.20) as a tune-up. They felt like... This morning was bit easier and running felt stronger (during hill sprints and strides).

No workout Wednesday

I'll pass this evening's trail workout. Just in the name of tapering. Yes, I'm tapering for Philly. I'm sure it does not change the outcome, but the summer has been tough with no results. Maybe this trick will work. Today's program included easy shake out and short steep hill sprints + some strides.