The Reluctant Ultra-Marathoner

Sweat stains on my new car.

ruadroneslug — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:00:40 +0000

Baby it is cold outside… so I ran inside Sunday: 4.5 miles of fartlet: 1.4 mile warm up, gradually increasing the pace and then 4 sets of two easy laps and one hard lap and a two minute recovery between. Then a little cool down and out to the car, sweating all over my new car. gross. Since then 40 minutes of easy running two out of three days until the weekend when I hope to get a longer run in….

Another ‘long run’ and why the hardest workouts are the easiest

ruadroneslug — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:43:45 +0000

I have no problem gearing up, emotionally and clothingly (I am making up words) for the two workouts a week that matter–the long run and the hill workout or tempo run or fartlek run. The daily grind of the other runs are difficult. When you work two jobs, write, cartoon, have friends and are seeking the love of your life, the days become filled. The 30 -40 minute recovery daily runs are tough, especially when it is cold, dark and icy.

Tonight’s run, 8.5 miles, was tough because of the sloppy roads and darkness and cars and being the longest run in two month; yet, emotionally it was easy. These runs are cornerstones of the long slow climb to a 50k. It is easy to get motivated. Tomorrow’s recovery run, not so; this means I need to find more running partners.

Keeping the junk private and other issues.

ruadroneslug — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 02:43:09 +0000

With the day off from work to take care of banking and personal business, I decided to run the first of what is hopefully 30 ultra-marathon build-up runs (eight months x 3-4 long runs a month until September/October. The first run is a modest 7.5 miles (hardly an ultra build-up run, but hey it has been three months since my 16 miler). So since I lack sense, I completed my ‘build-up’ run indoors at the Petit center: 27* laps around the ice rink. And yes, my hamstring is a little tender but not bad…. Honestly, I didn’t feel like running in 11 degrees and windy weather. I needed a break from the elements.

Yesterday I ran 33 minutes during my lunch hour near work and then showered in the men’s room where they have a secluded one-off shower facility. Just doesn’t feel right showering in a work area; being naked not more than 30 feet from people whom you work with but still don’t know. I also don’t like showering at the Y where disgusting old men hang out in the shower playing cards and checking out your junk. Hey, it doesn’t matter to me whether you like opposite sex or same sex junk, but don’t stare. One of my closest friends was gay (now deceased), and we roomed together for a couple years and he agreed with me. Keep the junk private. Oh well, I do have my issues.

* I lost track at one point, so I added one lap to ensure reaching my goal.

six percent

ruadroneslug — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:20:00 +0000

Yesterday, I ran 45 minutes. ho hum. Today, I drove out to Devil’s Lake, about 100 miles from my house. I had the day off and needed to get away. Devil’s Lake has many trails, all ice covered. But it contains many hills, including a six percent grade. So I ran about 55 minutes on the road, including 30 minutes on this six percent grade, both going down and up were difficult, but I needed hill work. Until the ice is gone from the trails, and the snow (many running trails become ski trails and running is forbidden) melts, I am stuck on the road. Slipping on ice does not help trail improve trail running technique. Slipping on rocks does, and I am quite proficient at that skill.

A new year. Same as the old year? hmmm

ruadroneslug — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 03:35:33 +0000

I celebrated the first day of 2011 by not running, which is totally opposite of what most runners do on the first of the year. After 15 straight days of running, I took a day off. Tomorrow the push for a 50k this year continues….

the days drag on but the years fly by…

ruadroneslug — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 03:17:29 +0000

Winter’s dreariness continues. This is the time of the year where many runners have to admit it is hard to get out the door. It is probably harder for the runner who is older. The future is not as bright when you are running toward the abyss. Then there are the usual laments: ice, snow, and darkness. My lame streak has reached 12 days in a row. I even managed to accomplish what was probably the slowest 40 minute fartlet workout in the history of running tonight. If I get any slower I may be arrested for loitering.

I am trying to enjoy the simple act of running… if I could become the Existential Runner, I’d be much happier with my endeavors. I am not enjoying it as much as I like because I do most of my running by myself. I love my days running with Holly or Jeff. The camaraderie of the shared experience is becoming more important to me. I know this contradicts my earlier blog where I wrote I prefer running alone.

True Grit

ruadroneslug — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 22:24:42 +0000

The title of this blog does not refer to me, but to a great Coen brothers movie I attended today. A fine film. I spent the rest of my Christmas watching Star Trek episodes. On a brighter side, my streak continues: 10 days in a row. Yesterday a modest 25 minute run and today a modest 45 minute run.

For more excitement and good cheer, check out the cool cartoon www.dronepetpug.com

Okay the song ends here, but the streak continues. Call Runner’s World and a few fitness goals

ruadroneslug — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:52:40 +0000

Seven days in a row. I am only 31 years behind local runner John Chandler’s streak. Today I ran five miles with Holly, always good fun and great conversation, and let’s not forget the awesome muffins.

Fitness Goals for 2011: run an ultra, don’t die, lose 14 more pounds…enjoy training… more consistent training… meet fabulous women and get rejected by them…. All attainable goals (he typed crossing his fingers).

The stupidest running song (or song) continues…

ruadroneslug — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:35:21 +0000

On the 12th day of Christmas running my idiot inner coach said to me…I don’t care if you aren’t feeling well… so you have an butt infection… get out there and run… get out there and run…get out there and run … you better cut out the soda and salt because the doctor said your blood pressure is borderline high…so I ran 25 easy minutes and I ate a salad for di in ner……

On the 13th day of Christmas running my idiot inner coach said to me..look at all the ice… look at all the football on tv… I really don’t feel like running, what a great for being a potato… or any of the spud family…..but I ran 45 easy minutes and I didn’t freeze… or miss the end of the Giants – Eagles game.

On the 14th day of Christmas running my idiot inner coach said to me… you must not worry about speed because you are old and slow… so I ran 40 minutes in Green Bay on icy roads and into a bitter Green Bay winter wind….

On the 15th day of Christmas my idiot inner coach said to me... you must run everyday until the new year….So I ran 35 minutes on the stupid bike path covered with ice and snow….

The 15 days of christmas running have begun….(please sing along)

ruadroneslug — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 02:03:57 +0000

On the 15th day of Christmas my idiot inner coach said to me... you must run everyday until the new year….So I ran 35 minutes on the stupid bike path covered with ice and snow….