10 for breakfast

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After struggling a bit on Monday’s run, I decided to go home last night and hit the “reset” button. Instead of focusing on a difficult workout, I focused my energy to making today’s a good one.

I could barely wait to get to the indoor track. In fact, I found myself pacing around at home, waiting for time to go by, so I could get in my vehicle and drive to the recreational center.

The center had just opened when I arrived. I just need to take off my jacket and slip on a different pair of shoes.

The run started out better than Monday, but after about 3 miles, I started to feel a little suspicious about my goal. But I kept plugging away. One lap led to another, and another. When I finally looked at my watch again, I saw that I had logged 8 miles. Just 2 more to go.

It wasn’t the easiest, or most fun, 10-mile run. But I felt a sense of accomplishment afterward. And now I’m ready to take on the rest of my day.

4 for the weekend

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Over the past several weeks, I’ve lost some of my motivation to run outside.

Running inside has become easier lately.  After returning from Arizona, where I felt inspired to run the hills and canals in 50-plus degree weather, the colder climes of northern Minnesota have been less inviting. And indoors, where the excessive layers and heavy Gortex shoes aren’t needed, I can simply run faster. It feels good to move faster and disregard worries about slipping on ice or battling bitter wind chills.

Still, I was determined this past Sunday to bundle up, lace the shoes on tight and head out for a long run. I just couldn’t bear to run in a circle for 2 hours.

After spending 100 minutes on the indoor trainer Saturday, and another hour cross country skiing with Riley, I made sure to get a good night’s sleep. Then, early Sunday, I prepped for the run outdoors, picking a familiar, favorite route for the bulk of my run.

In many ways, the run did not standout in any way. Except that by the time I returned home, after about 10 miles, I felt guilted into running with Riley. It’s a trick I’ve used on myself a few times and a way to get the mileage I want and need for my training.

So I gathered a few more things in the rec room, adjusted the leash and headed out the door. Riley stormed down the street, pulling me along. My thoughts of running a mile or 2 were dashed quickly. While the run was not an easy one for me, I knew I’d be better off for getting in the mileage.

A few hours later, I found myself over at the Bemidji State University pool, swimming laps and feeling a sense of accomplishment for sticking with my running plans earlier in the day. Overall, the weekend was a good one for a variety of good endurance sporting adventures: cycling, skiing, running and swimming all part of the equation. This morning, though, I realize I’m still working on figuring out the fueling and nutrition aspects of being a weekend warrior: recovery is important, but so is preparation.

Rounding the corner

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The past week seems like its gone by so fast, and at one point this past weekend, I just had to put the brakes on and rest. Looking at my upcoming Ironman Wisconsin training plan, it was clear that I was far ahead of schedule and that I needed to recovery from my workouts before burning myself out.

So, when a friend sent a message last weekend and asked if I’d be up for a run while she and her family visited Walker for a hockey tournament, I jumped at the chance. It turned into a terrific chance to catch up while logging 10 hilly, tough miles. And pancakes and coffee at a small town cafe afterward topped off a terrific Saturday morning.

By the time I arrived home in Bemidji, I was plotting my skiing adventures for the weekend. A pending snowstorm wasn’t going to stop Riley and me from heading out on some nearby trails. It didn’t take long, though, during Saturday’s excursion, for me to discover the earlier run had really pummeled my quadriceps.

Up early Sunday, the snow began to fall heavy and wet, but again we headed to a nearby trail for some fun. This time, we spent 90 minutes on the trails – which were nowhere near as slick or easy to navigate. But we were there early enough to sorta follow the tracks.

After 90 minutes of plowing through the snow, Riley appeared to be worn out. By the time I returned home, I found myself ready for a nap on the couch. Plans for a long swim and an endurance ride on the indoor trainer were put on the shelf.

I found myself needing a break, and recovery time from some recent tough workouts. And then this morning I headed over to Bemidji State University, where I logged 10 miles on the track. The pace felt a bit sluggish, but as the miles added up, I realized each one was faster than the previous. It proved to be a fun start to the day.