So, a little while back I mentioned that I applied to become a contributing writer for Active.com. Well, I got an e-mail today from an editor there and was told that I was accepted! I already signed and sent back an agreement (kinda like a contract). Right after I sent it to them, I got another e-mail with a first assignment and a couple other ideas! I was also asked to let her know of any ideas I had as well. Do you think "Running To Prepare Yourself For the Zombipocolypse" is a good topic? Just curious :)
I've already written out a few ideas for my first article and will finish it tomorrow night! I'll let you know if it gets published!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Five (three, sir, three), err, three random thoughts
To start off, I did write up a post for the Idiots Running Club- check it out!
Second, I am remarkably happy with my decision to not train for the May 50k (oh, and not race it, too). I had an 8 and 10 mile run and had pain after both. It lasted longer after the 10 miler and that was the final decision to nix the race for 50k. It'll come, just not yet. I cut down a lot this week, doing just 3 short runs: 4, 3, 2. I actually ran a 7:42 for the 2nd mile in the 2 mile run. I was quite please with that and would say my effort level was about 6/10. I have to redo my zones, but will wait another month or two before attempting that. I also need new batteries for my HR monitor. Not sure if I'll race the 15k in March. I may ask to switch to the 6k when I get there. If I can't switch, I may just take a DNF after doing 5 or 6. Either way, I get a nice long sleeve t and a free beer (well, kinda free...).
Fifth (three, sir, three) err, Third (if you don't know the reference- meaning youare a woman and did not have brothers never saw Monty Python and the Holy Grail, watch this clip- you can start from 1 minute if you'd like): Crap, now I forgot what I was going to type up for three. Oh well, have a good one!
Oh wait! I remember:
If you were going to go to a group run, what would you expect? Just curious. I've been thinking about starting one. There are quite a few runners around me and thought they might like the option!
Second, I am remarkably happy with my decision to not train for the May 50k (oh, and not race it, too). I had an 8 and 10 mile run and had pain after both. It lasted longer after the 10 miler and that was the final decision to nix the race for 50k. It'll come, just not yet. I cut down a lot this week, doing just 3 short runs: 4, 3, 2. I actually ran a 7:42 for the 2nd mile in the 2 mile run. I was quite please with that and would say my effort level was about 6/10. I have to redo my zones, but will wait another month or two before attempting that. I also need new batteries for my HR monitor. Not sure if I'll race the 15k in March. I may ask to switch to the 6k when I get there. If I can't switch, I may just take a DNF after doing 5 or 6. Either way, I get a nice long sleeve t and a free beer (well, kinda free...).
Fifth (three, sir, three) err, Third (if you don't know the reference- meaning you
Oh wait! I remember:
If you were going to go to a group run, what would you expect? Just curious. I've been thinking about starting one. There are quite a few runners around me and thought they might like the option!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
I've made a decision...
...I am not going to grow up I am not going to run the Dirty German 50k. What does that mean? Well, someone else will win the race...ok, not really. It just means that I'm being smart and I'm not going to push myself when my body is not physically ready for it. Well, 99% of me is ready, but my abductor is still cranky, and the Dirty German is not a goal race, so I'm going to take it easy. No biggy, late summer and Fall are the times I want to be ready for! My priorities are:
What will I do instead?
- Pacing Jay at Leadville in August!
- Labor Pains 12 Hour Endurance Trail Run in September- I want a lot of miles :) I plan on being there for the entire race this time! 40 is my low goal (35 last year for only 9 hours of being there), 50 is my goal, 60 or a 100k would absolutely rock and is my ULTIMATE everything goes right and even better than I planned on goal.
- Tussey Mountainback 50 Miler
What will I do instead?
- Dark and Dirty Nighttime Trail run. I finished 5th in my age group and got an awesome medal for it. That was a total shock as I had stomach problems the entire race and even began to overheat at one point. Not sure what I'll do this year, but it's far enough off that I can get some speedwork in!
- Charlie Horse Half. I loved this race last year! I know I'll do even better this year! I'll be in better shape and also be ready for the hills! I also had stomach issues for about 5-6 miles of this race because of stupidly trying a new energy drink during the race that I had NEVER USED BEFORE. Moron.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Maybe I should take a hint and...
...skip my long runs. This is the third week in a row I had pain in my abductor for at least a day after my long run (7, 8 then 10). Today (the 2nd day) I got my 3 mile run in. I had some pain in the beginning, but it went away quickly. Right now I'd say my pain level is about a 4/10 (like last Monday). Last week the pain was gone by Tuesday, so I thought I'd be ok for today. If I'm still having pain tomorrow I'll take the day off. If it still lingers for a week, it'll be time to head to the Dr's. Before I stopped going to my PT, he had said if it ever comes back and stays for a week (well, he said a couple days) to make a Dr appointment to get back to PT. We'll see!
As for the 50k in May? I'd still like to do it, but I haven't signed up for it yet. I think I'll still hope for it, but I may just stick to no long runs as I've been fine on runs 5 miles and shorter. It may be a couple weeks before I try a long run, though.
As for the 50k in May? I'd still like to do it, but I haven't signed up for it yet. I think I'll still hope for it, but I may just stick to no long runs as I've been fine on runs 5 miles and shorter. It may be a couple weeks before I try a long run, though.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Eerie Run...
So, I had my first 10 mile run today since back in October, before the abductor muscle partial tear. But, that's not what this story is about. This story is about something weird and eerie that happened around mile 8.7 or so...
I was running along the trail, imagining winning a 50 miler (dream big!) when there was a lot of scurrying in the brush to my right. I didn't think much of it until the next few seconds unfolded. Right after, a huge group of birds took off from the trees flying away from me, the same direction as the scurrying mice. Right after the birds took off, the tall weeds to the right (from the back) started moving with the wind, slowly moving towards the trail, towards me. There was no other wind, nothing else seemed to be blowing. The only sound I heard was the movement of the weeds coming towards me. The rest of the woods was suddenly silent. I started getting a feeling that something strange was happening, something foreboding. I started to pick up the pace, looking back at the movement. The wind continued across the trail, into the tree tops on the other side of me. As the wind hit those treetops, the wind gave off a short, but freaky howl and the birds on that side took off. The feeling of foreboding got stronger, I picked up my pace even more, and the silence that took over the area after the howl was deafening. Goosebumps seemed to take over my whole body.
That whole episode took maybe 20 seconds. After another minute, the usual noise seemed to return, but I kept my mind focused on everything around me instead of daydreaming. I just couldn't get over the whole unearthly feeling I had about the situation.
Ever had anything weird like that happen? I've never had that happen before.
Just to add to the situation, about a mile away from there, a buddy and I, about a year and a half ago, had some psycho ranting and raving at us about the effin police and park rangers as we went by. He started to follow after us, but we picked up the pace. We were freaked out enough by him to take the road on the way back. About a month later, a body was found in a tent nearby, we guessed from the description that it was him. This was not the area where I had my alien abduction run, though...
I'll be back there for 12 next weekend! But maybe a different part unless I find someone to run with. I'm delicate and scare easy...
I was running along the trail, imagining winning a 50 miler (dream big!) when there was a lot of scurrying in the brush to my right. I didn't think much of it until the next few seconds unfolded. Right after, a huge group of birds took off from the trees flying away from me, the same direction as the scurrying mice. Right after the birds took off, the tall weeds to the right (from the back) started moving with the wind, slowly moving towards the trail, towards me. There was no other wind, nothing else seemed to be blowing. The only sound I heard was the movement of the weeds coming towards me. The rest of the woods was suddenly silent. I started getting a feeling that something strange was happening, something foreboding. I started to pick up the pace, looking back at the movement. The wind continued across the trail, into the tree tops on the other side of me. As the wind hit those treetops, the wind gave off a short, but freaky howl and the birds on that side took off. The feeling of foreboding got stronger, I picked up my pace even more, and the silence that took over the area after the howl was deafening. Goosebumps seemed to take over my whole body.
That whole episode took maybe 20 seconds. After another minute, the usual noise seemed to return, but I kept my mind focused on everything around me instead of daydreaming. I just couldn't get over the whole unearthly feeling I had about the situation.
Ever had anything weird like that happen? I've never had that happen before.
Just to add to the situation, about a mile away from there, a buddy and I, about a year and a half ago, had some psycho ranting and raving at us about the effin police and park rangers as we went by. He started to follow after us, but we picked up the pace. We were freaked out enough by him to take the road on the way back. About a month later, a body was found in a tent nearby, we guessed from the description that it was him. This was not the area where I had my alien abduction run, though...
I'll be back there for 12 next weekend! But maybe a different part unless I find someone to run with. I'm delicate and scare easy...
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Advice for new runners
DON'T DO IT!!!
Just kidding, DO IT!!
If you're coming from the couch, make sure you take it slow. Start with a walk/run program. For example, walk 5 minutes, run 2, walk 5, run 2, etc...and repeat the walk/run for 3-5 repetitions. Do this for 3-4 days a week, then build up the next week (decrease the walk/ increase the run) for a couple of the days, but keep 1 or 2 at the lower walk/run to allow your body to get used to the change. After a few weeks of building up, take a week to taper (cut back) then gradually build back up again. Having a goal race (maybe a 5k or a mile fun run), or having a partner to go with can help keep you motivated to keep getting out there.
This is a screen shot of part of a plan for a person returning to running after a long layoff. This person had also gained back the weight they had lost. I actually made it harder (this is the harder version) as she breezed through the first week easily!!! Note how the increases in run time and decreases in walk time were NOT huge jumps!
For some this walk/run will be fine, for others, you may be able to have less walking in between runs or you may be able to run for longer than the two minutes. But, I'm thinking about the new runners who have sat on the couch for a very long time, like I did a bit over three years ago, and running even a half mile would be HARD!
Another suggestion to help motivate you is to go out and get a good pair of running shoes! Head to your local running store, tell them your goals. Be prepared to run- they'll probably ask to see you run to help find the right shoe for you!
Remember to take it easy on your body. If you try to go out and run 2-3 miles (and you may be able to fight through that) a couple days a week, you risk very early burn out from the hard efforts and also from feeling like crap after each run (and during!!). You also risk injury! Your body isn't used to the shock of running, so you need to take it easy on your body and gradually build your endurance and muscle strength.
Take it easy on yourself mentally as well. Be proud that you have gotten off the couch and are up and moving! Think of the positives while you run to make the runs enjoyable despite how hard it may feel!
Take that first step! Get out the door!
Happy Running from your local Running Moose, certified long distance running coach!!
Just kidding, DO IT!!
If you're coming from the couch, make sure you take it slow. Start with a walk/run program. For example, walk 5 minutes, run 2, walk 5, run 2, etc...and repeat the walk/run for 3-5 repetitions. Do this for 3-4 days a week, then build up the next week (decrease the walk/ increase the run) for a couple of the days, but keep 1 or 2 at the lower walk/run to allow your body to get used to the change. After a few weeks of building up, take a week to taper (cut back) then gradually build back up again. Having a goal race (maybe a 5k or a mile fun run), or having a partner to go with can help keep you motivated to keep getting out there.
 |
| Sample plan |
For some this walk/run will be fine, for others, you may be able to have less walking in between runs or you may be able to run for longer than the two minutes. But, I'm thinking about the new runners who have sat on the couch for a very long time, like I did a bit over three years ago, and running even a half mile would be HARD!
Another suggestion to help motivate you is to go out and get a good pair of running shoes! Head to your local running store, tell them your goals. Be prepared to run- they'll probably ask to see you run to help find the right shoe for you!
Remember to take it easy on your body. If you try to go out and run 2-3 miles (and you may be able to fight through that) a couple days a week, you risk very early burn out from the hard efforts and also from feeling like crap after each run (and during!!). You also risk injury! Your body isn't used to the shock of running, so you need to take it easy on your body and gradually build your endurance and muscle strength.
Take it easy on yourself mentally as well. Be proud that you have gotten off the couch and are up and moving! Think of the positives while you run to make the runs enjoyable despite how hard it may feel!
Take that first step! Get out the door!
Happy Running from your local Running Moose, certified long distance running coach!!
Friday, February 17, 2012
What can make a Friday better?
Only having to work half of it!
We had conferences last night til 8 so we only had to work a half day today (more conferences).
It's a glorious day out! I have 3 miles scheduled, but I may do more. Maybe 5. I have a rest day tomorrow and then 10 on Sunday! It'll be my first 10 miler since Blues Cruise and a later muscle injury back in October.
Today was supposed to be a rest day, but my wife leaves for VEGAS tomorrow for a week long photo conference (woohoo! kids and I can partay!!). Grandma will be watching the kids on Sunday afternoon so I can head out for the trails.
Relaxing now with some coffee and a homemade carrot muffin. Heading out around 2!! It'll be my 2nd weekday daytime run this week! A non summer record!!
I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend. I'm a few days/ week behind in reading blogs and I'm hoping to catch up over the weekend.
Oh, I also applied to become a writer for Active.com! Not sure if anything will come of it, but if I didn't apply, it'd be a definite no!
We had conferences last night til 8 so we only had to work a half day today (more conferences).
It's a glorious day out! I have 3 miles scheduled, but I may do more. Maybe 5. I have a rest day tomorrow and then 10 on Sunday! It'll be my first 10 miler since Blues Cruise and a later muscle injury back in October.
Today was supposed to be a rest day, but my wife leaves for VEGAS tomorrow for a week long photo conference (woohoo! kids and I can partay!!). Grandma will be watching the kids on Sunday afternoon so I can head out for the trails.
Relaxing now with some coffee and a homemade carrot muffin. Heading out around 2!! It'll be my 2nd weekday daytime run this week! A non summer record!!
I hope you're all having a wonderful weekend. I'm a few days/ week behind in reading blogs and I'm hoping to catch up over the weekend.
Oh, I also applied to become a writer for Active.com! Not sure if anything will come of it, but if I didn't apply, it'd be a definite no!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
4 Weeks Into My Plan...Mwah, hah, hahhhhh!!!
(Insert image of evil-doer wringing hands together)
I just finished my first month of post PT treadmill running. 4 weeks into my May race training plan.
Here's my plan with what was scheduled and (what I did):
Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat Sun Total
So, Monday and Friday are (obviously) off days. Sundays are my long days but, due to plans, that changed in Weeks 2 and 4. I was really glad I changed them for this weekend (Mardi Gras party at my brother's...non drinker here had 4 drinks including a large hurricane)
In total, I ran 63.5 of 64 miles plan. I only missed one day because of illness. I also came home from work early that day.
Overall I am happy with what I've done and that I've been taking it slowly, like my Angry Abductor needs. I had some soreness this morning, but I think it's general muscle soreness as it's not exactly where my abductor is. But to be safe I iced three times already today and will again later (during Walking Dead and #runchat).
Here's what I have for the next three (up to my next taper):
Week 7 is my taper week. My reasoning for this is because I'll be doing my first two 10 mile runs since Blues Cruise back in early October and I want my body to recover before building back up and my first race that I plan on racing hard. This will be in early April (Have you entered the Capital 10 Miler in Harrisburg yet???).
How's your training going?? Are you following a plan, listening to your body, or just winging it?
Did you Run For Sherry? She was in my thoughts on the trail yesterday and today on the road as well. Be safe, Run Fun!
Erik
I just finished my first month of post PT treadmill running. 4 weeks into my May race training plan.
Here's my plan with what was scheduled and (what I did):
Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat Sun Total
| 1: 1/16 | off | 2 (2) | 3 (3) | 2 (2) | off | 2 (2) | 5 (4) | 14 (13) |
| 2: 1/23 | off | 2 (2) | 4 (4) | 2 (2) | off | 2 (6) | 6 (2) | 16 (16) |
| 3: 1/30 | off | 3 (3) | 4 (4) | 2 (2) | off | 2 (2.5) | 7 (7) | 18 (18.5) |
| 4: 2/6 | off | 2 (0S) | 3 (4) | 2 (2) | off | 2 (8) | 8 (2) | 17 (16) |
So, Monday and Friday are (obviously) off days. Sundays are my long days but, due to plans, that changed in Weeks 2 and 4. I was really glad I changed them for this weekend (Mardi Gras party at my brother's...non drinker here had 4 drinks including a large hurricane)
In total, I ran 63.5 of 64 miles plan. I only missed one day because of illness. I also came home from work early that day.
Overall I am happy with what I've done and that I've been taking it slowly, like my Angry Abductor needs. I had some soreness this morning, but I think it's general muscle soreness as it's not exactly where my abductor is. But to be safe I iced three times already today and will again later (during Walking Dead and #runchat).
Here's what I have for the next three (up to my next taper):
| 5: 2/13 | off | 3 | 4 | 3 | off | 3 | 10 | 23 |
| 6: 2/20 | off | 3 | 5 | 3 | off | 3 | 12 | 26 |
| 7: 2/27 | off | 3 | 4 | 2 | off | 4 | 8 | 21 |
Week 7 is my taper week. My reasoning for this is because I'll be doing my first two 10 mile runs since Blues Cruise back in early October and I want my body to recover before building back up and my first race that I plan on racing hard. This will be in early April (Have you entered the Capital 10 Miler in Harrisburg yet???).
How's your training going?? Are you following a plan, listening to your body, or just winging it?
Did you Run For Sherry? She was in my thoughts on the trail yesterday and today on the road as well. Be safe, Run Fun!
Erik
Friday, February 10, 2012
I want double digits!
I'm dying here to get a 10 miler in! I've been taking it slow and this is a taper week. My long run is going to be tomorrow-8 miles. I have a 10 miler scheduled for next weekend, but I am dying to get one in! I can't friggin' wait! My legs are itching!! Sorry, had to rant. But, I am HTFUing and doing the right thing. Taking my taper like a runner...yeah, that bad!
Have a great weekend of running!!
I am also really looking to get some runners to coach. Please check out my coaching page! I can help yo get to the next level!!
Have a great weekend of running!!
I am also really looking to get some runners to coach. Please check out my coaching page! I can help yo get to the next level!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Trying something new...
I have an Active.com Ambassadorship profile set up. I just got an e-mail to apply for a Clif Ambassadorship. It's kinda outside my comfort zone, but what the hey- I believe in their product! The part that's outside my is the whole talking up a storm about a product, but I do believe in Clif and have moved people towards them already! Again, it's just an application, but somebody (250 somebodies) has (have) to get it! We'll see (in about 4-6 weeks).
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
USRD?
Today may be an unscheduled rest day. Blah. It's only two miles, but I came home from work early because of this nagging-kicked-in-the-stomach-by-a-horse feeling that popped up every 15 minutes or so. I had a non-stop dull ache until this sharp shooting pain would start up. I tried to tough it out, but what made me give in was the fact that if I had a stomach virus that has been going around, I did not want any of the little ones to get it. So, I called it a day and a sub was called in on short notice. I'm sitting here on the couch after some crackers, water, and a 2 hour nap feeling good. I had a Clif bar a bit ago and it feels fine. I'm not quite sure what the pain was, but it wasn't a virus. It's 46 and sunny out right now and I just have a dull ache and feel really, really tired. Do I head out when I took half a sick day for the 2 miles? I don't feel perfect, but good enough to go...but then there's that guilt. I might just do the 2 on Friday or skip it all together ("I might just do the 2 on Friday or skip it," said the Naked Gun fans). It is a taper week after all. I guess I'm convincing myself right now to listen to my body and make my taper 2 miles less (or more since it's a taper???).
Friday, February 3, 2012
Do what you love
I am on twitter (@runningmoose13) and I do enjoy this running/ social media- especially #runchat. It's nice being part of a "community" of runners whether virtual or not. This was my last tweet:
"You only have one life. Don't spend it doing something you hate! Get off your ass and move! Do the job you want!"
I firmly believe this. One thing I love to do is to help get people inspired to move- especially run! I did make a post about a Couch to 5k program. But I have also coached people to run other distances (10 milers and half marathons).
I know that if you would like to reach a further distance or reach a certain speed goal that I can help you. I want to help you!
If you are in need of coaching or a training plan, contact me. ferretsnicker20@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Erik Ammon, RRCA certified long distance running coach, lover of running.
"You only have one life. Don't spend it doing something you hate! Get off your ass and move! Do the job you want!"
I firmly believe this. One thing I love to do is to help get people inspired to move- especially run! I did make a post about a Couch to 5k program. But I have also coached people to run other distances (10 milers and half marathons).
I know that if you would like to reach a further distance or reach a certain speed goal that I can help you. I want to help you!
If you are in need of coaching or a training plan, contact me. ferretsnicker20@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Erik Ammon, RRCA certified long distance running coach, lover of running.
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