Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Fall FAll FALl FALL
It's Wednesday and it's hot again. When I planned on writing this post, I was all about the wonderful fall-ish weather we had earlier this week. Particularly the FIFTY-SEVEN degrees Monday morning. It was glorious. I was so psyched about dropping temperatures. I was so demoralized when today it returned to 70s starting out.
Why was I getting so excited? Fall is my favorite time of year. There's just something incredible about it. Those cooling temperatures put a certain brisk-ness, crispness in the air. Everything seems so full of potential. The fall is punctuated by late September and all on October. The milder weather is really just a reminder of the time. I get excited about things I don't even really participate in: college football (which I don't follow), new year of college, Halloween, pumpkins, the NC State Fair, camping. AHHHHHH!! I just can't wait.
My shoelace problem continues to bother me. More so because I can't determine if I actually fixed the problem. I had run 30 miles with them digging into my foot which left a mild bruise. So now I can't tell if the shoe is still digging in, or if it's just pressure of the bruise. With these shoes I've also noticed I'm working my calves more, which if I'm doing more forefoot running, would make sense. I'm not sure if the zero-drop shoes are great right now for long distances; I'm doing good for the first several miles, but eventually I end up just slapping my feet. Not a good things.
The registration for the Umstead 100 opens up this weekend. I have a vague eagerness to give it another go. They claim competitive runners as those trying for sub 17:00. Having run 17:28, it's an enticing challenge. However, two other situations are in my sights: doing the Beast Series (3 springtime 50ks, then 100 M, 50 M, 100K autumn); or a new inaugural 100 M in the spring in Chattanooga. The ThunderRock 100M in Chattanooga would just be neat because it's an inaugural race. For both Umstead and the Beast Series, I mellow over how many more years I could have quality races in either style of racing (for Umstead: racing less but higher quality; for the Beast: racing more frequently).
My diet has been OK. The first day with yogurt had no problems. Yesterday I had some again, and I felt a little off, but I'm not sure if that was exclusive to the yogurt. So far, I've had eggs, yogurt, chicken, smoked trout, and smoked salmon. If you've never had a smoked fish you should. It's like the bacon of seafood. That's the best way to describe how awesome it is. Yum.
Soundtrack:
"You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi
"Hungry Like the Wolf" by Duran Duran
Saturday, August 24, 2013
To the Sound of a heartbeat pounding away
Job interview, shoe pain, shoe fix, back to meat, long runs, lunch with family, slow week.
This week I had an interview for a YMCA aquatics position in Raleigh. It went fairly well, though I am well-acquainted with one of the interviewers and that made it go very smoothly. Interesting thing happened. Afterwards I stalled going back to work in Durham, instead stopping by the Cary YMCA. And I learned about some enticing job opportunities there. The downside? It's only 29 hours, part-time. However, if I wanted to pursue EMT as a second job, that part-time aspect may actually be a plus. It still makes me a little worried about job security, but really, I'd rather be doing something I enjoy than be safe in a bad job.
My latest trail shoe has been the Altra Superior. It's a slightly slimmed down version of their Lone Peak trail shoe. This company specifically makes zero-drop shoes and this was my first venture into this arena, and also my first with this brand of shoe. I haven't noticed any problems with the heel drop, but for some reason the laces on the left shoe were pinching/digging in to my foot like it was no tomorrow. No matter how loose I made that crossing, it'd always tightening down and hurt like crazy. Despite only being about 2 weeks old, I was seriously considering getting a new shoe; maybe specially ordering the Brooks PureGrit2 if need be.
THANK GOODNESS, I identified the problem. You'd never realize what a difference looping OVER rather than UNDER can make. It took a while to finally spot the difference [from the right shoe], but it came as such a relief. Though, I didn't notice until after my run this morning, so I haven't been out to verify that it's truly fixed, but I am hopeful.
Other than that pain, my long run this morning went pretty well. At 66F, temps at the start felt ok, but I felt like I worked up a sweat way too quickly. In the second half of my run, I can't explain it, but there was an oddly "fall-ish" feeling, and even though the temperature felt the same, I also felt cooler. On a different aspect of my run, I decided to scrap my original planned route after about 2 hours. My original course would have taken me over Turkey Creek and the Sycamore trail. I ditched that in favor of some uncharted miles along the 286 trail. They keep forging a lot of new trail, which I guess is good, but it gives it too much of a confusing labyrinth feel.
Earlier this week I tripped and had an great recovery in that I did so without even breaking stride. That luck came around today, where I probably stumbled 4-6 times, with 2-3 hard crashes. Ouch.
This week I started eating meat again. I've eggs for breakfast a couple of times, and some chicken for dinner once. So far nothing painful, or performance-altering. Though there are some... digestive changes; I expected these. I may give some yogurt a try tomorrow and see how dairy works.
I had lunch with parents and brother this afternoon. It was nice. I wish I could say I love spending a lot of time with my family. I love getting together at Christmas and Thanksgiving, going to Scotland, our camping trip. But sometimes it's best in small bouts. And this afternoon was a perfect bout of being able to catch up.
I will say though... the past few weeks, I have noticed my brother and I talk a lot more. Not in person or over the phone, but we email more often about little things going on day-to-day.
It's says slow week above... that also means boring... sorry.
Soundtrack:
"You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell, theme to Casino Royale as I finish up my 007 series
"The Day the World Went Away" by Nine Inch Nails, it line with movies, this was in the trailer for Terminator: Salvation
This week I had an interview for a YMCA aquatics position in Raleigh. It went fairly well, though I am well-acquainted with one of the interviewers and that made it go very smoothly. Interesting thing happened. Afterwards I stalled going back to work in Durham, instead stopping by the Cary YMCA. And I learned about some enticing job opportunities there. The downside? It's only 29 hours, part-time. However, if I wanted to pursue EMT as a second job, that part-time aspect may actually be a plus. It still makes me a little worried about job security, but really, I'd rather be doing something I enjoy than be safe in a bad job.
My latest trail shoe has been the Altra Superior. It's a slightly slimmed down version of their Lone Peak trail shoe. This company specifically makes zero-drop shoes and this was my first venture into this arena, and also my first with this brand of shoe. I haven't noticed any problems with the heel drop, but for some reason the laces on the left shoe were pinching/digging in to my foot like it was no tomorrow. No matter how loose I made that crossing, it'd always tightening down and hurt like crazy. Despite only being about 2 weeks old, I was seriously considering getting a new shoe; maybe specially ordering the Brooks PureGrit2 if need be.
THANK GOODNESS, I identified the problem. You'd never realize what a difference looping OVER rather than UNDER can make. It took a while to finally spot the difference [from the right shoe], but it came as such a relief. Though, I didn't notice until after my run this morning, so I haven't been out to verify that it's truly fixed, but I am hopeful.
Other than that pain, my long run this morning went pretty well. At 66F, temps at the start felt ok, but I felt like I worked up a sweat way too quickly. In the second half of my run, I can't explain it, but there was an oddly "fall-ish" feeling, and even though the temperature felt the same, I also felt cooler. On a different aspect of my run, I decided to scrap my original planned route after about 2 hours. My original course would have taken me over Turkey Creek and the Sycamore trail. I ditched that in favor of some uncharted miles along the 286 trail. They keep forging a lot of new trail, which I guess is good, but it gives it too much of a confusing labyrinth feel.
Earlier this week I tripped and had an great recovery in that I did so without even breaking stride. That luck came around today, where I probably stumbled 4-6 times, with 2-3 hard crashes. Ouch.
This week I started eating meat again. I've eggs for breakfast a couple of times, and some chicken for dinner once. So far nothing painful, or performance-altering. Though there are some... digestive changes; I expected these. I may give some yogurt a try tomorrow and see how dairy works.
I had lunch with parents and brother this afternoon. It was nice. I wish I could say I love spending a lot of time with my family. I love getting together at Christmas and Thanksgiving, going to Scotland, our camping trip. But sometimes it's best in small bouts. And this afternoon was a perfect bout of being able to catch up.
I will say though... the past few weeks, I have noticed my brother and I talk a lot more. Not in person or over the phone, but we email more often about little things going on day-to-day.
It's says slow week above... that also means boring... sorry.
Soundtrack:
"You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell, theme to Casino Royale as I finish up my 007 series
"The Day the World Went Away" by Nine Inch Nails, it line with movies, this was in the trailer for Terminator: Salvation
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Faux Fall
I'm sitting at work. I have about 45 min until I have to teach a make-up swim lesson. The weather is overcast, kind of cold. I'm seriously hoping that no one shows up.
This recovery week has been much needed. I've been flirting with plantar fasciitis. The combination of less mileage and yesterday's day off was much needed. Today's weather was fantastic. At 60F the temperature was amazing. It gave me a tantalizing taste of fall, which is by far the best best best best time of the year. Even some road work had some hay laid out, and it reminded me of pumpkin patches. Ah... October...
Continuing on Saturday morning...
A great run this morning; 15 miles on single track at Umstead. Though it's a lower mileage, I initially try to temper my pace. However, I could tell after a mile or so that I was churning pretty good. However, it felt so smooth and fluid, I decided to run with it (no pun intended). Besides some crazy hunger, the effort continued to feel steady and strong. Only the last mile might have felt a hair sluggish.
I can't say how much I attribute it to the weather. A few details: Generally for 70+ I'm in a singlet. For high 60s it's sleeveless. Lower just a short sleeve shirt, so on and so forth. At lower 60s, it was definitely a SS shirt morning. But I couldn't ever tell if I was hot or cold. I seemed to sweat a good deal, but I never felt hot, particularly once I was well soaked (then I felt a little chilled). Of course, I judge a lot by how my hands feel, and even though 64 isn't anywhere near cold, I can feel it in my hands.
So pretty soon, I think the veganism may end. I still plan to abide by the core principles that made me pick up that diet: unprocessed foods with minimal additives. From my initial re-investigation, I concede that some of the evidence against a meat-eating diet may be more linked to the industrialization of the animal farming process. Also, from my own conclusions (which granted, I don't have explicit references to this), I think the evolution of our diet away from the ancestral ways is simply progress. I don't believe it was done with any specific malicious intent, and like any change, there are pros and cons; an ever leveling balance to life.
My current concern is how and when to start adding some food groups back in. I'm actually less concerned about meat and eggs. I'm a little scared about dairy products, because while no studies have been done (so no conclusions for/against), there's reason to believe metabolic process and gastric probiotics are lacking that were used to processing dairy. Many people have reported stomach issues, not just with milk and the ability to digest lactose, but even with cheeses or yogurts that should have minimal lactose, suggesting that it may be other compounds in the dairy products.
I'm trying to find some new music. I can't really describe what it is. Something soothing. Piano-y. The best way I can describe it is Adele's Skyfall. Music databases put that under "soul/R&B" but that also includes things like funk and disco, which is NOT what I'm looking for.
Definitely sad to see this chill weather heading out. Hopefully truly autumn weather won't be too far behind.
Soundtrack:
"Coming Back to Life" by Blindside: this line "This black crow is becoming a white dove"
"Skyfall" by Adele AND "You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell. I'm on a sort of 007 movie marathon.
This recovery week has been much needed. I've been flirting with plantar fasciitis. The combination of less mileage and yesterday's day off was much needed. Today's weather was fantastic. At 60F the temperature was amazing. It gave me a tantalizing taste of fall, which is by far the best best best best time of the year. Even some road work had some hay laid out, and it reminded me of pumpkin patches. Ah... October...
Continuing on Saturday morning...
A great run this morning; 15 miles on single track at Umstead. Though it's a lower mileage, I initially try to temper my pace. However, I could tell after a mile or so that I was churning pretty good. However, it felt so smooth and fluid, I decided to run with it (no pun intended). Besides some crazy hunger, the effort continued to feel steady and strong. Only the last mile might have felt a hair sluggish.
I can't say how much I attribute it to the weather. A few details: Generally for 70+ I'm in a singlet. For high 60s it's sleeveless. Lower just a short sleeve shirt, so on and so forth. At lower 60s, it was definitely a SS shirt morning. But I couldn't ever tell if I was hot or cold. I seemed to sweat a good deal, but I never felt hot, particularly once I was well soaked (then I felt a little chilled). Of course, I judge a lot by how my hands feel, and even though 64 isn't anywhere near cold, I can feel it in my hands.
So pretty soon, I think the veganism may end. I still plan to abide by the core principles that made me pick up that diet: unprocessed foods with minimal additives. From my initial re-investigation, I concede that some of the evidence against a meat-eating diet may be more linked to the industrialization of the animal farming process. Also, from my own conclusions (which granted, I don't have explicit references to this), I think the evolution of our diet away from the ancestral ways is simply progress. I don't believe it was done with any specific malicious intent, and like any change, there are pros and cons; an ever leveling balance to life.
My current concern is how and when to start adding some food groups back in. I'm actually less concerned about meat and eggs. I'm a little scared about dairy products, because while no studies have been done (so no conclusions for/against), there's reason to believe metabolic process and gastric probiotics are lacking that were used to processing dairy. Many people have reported stomach issues, not just with milk and the ability to digest lactose, but even with cheeses or yogurts that should have minimal lactose, suggesting that it may be other compounds in the dairy products.
I'm trying to find some new music. I can't really describe what it is. Something soothing. Piano-y. The best way I can describe it is Adele's Skyfall. Music databases put that under "soul/R&B" but that also includes things like funk and disco, which is NOT what I'm looking for.
Definitely sad to see this chill weather heading out. Hopefully truly autumn weather won't be too far behind.
Soundtrack:
"Coming Back to Life" by Blindside: this line "This black crow is becoming a white dove"
"Skyfall" by Adele AND "You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell. I'm on a sort of 007 movie marathon.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
All Good Things...
Was the title to the last episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Yeah?
I feel like I should make an admission: not everything that goes on in my life gets put up here. When I revived this blog, I certainly thought I was. I think lots of things can/will get reveled later on through implication, but somethings just don't get flat out set. Maybe that means I'm failing as a blogger? Well, I don't feel too guilty.
This week was my quality week. But as I move up in my long run distances, and I fall into habits of convenience and familiarity, it gets hard to proper plan and execute these weekend quality runs. A major contributor is also this wicked heat. This week, my goal was 20-25 miles and I last minute decided for a harder effort/negative split run. I was going back to the Mountain-to-Sea Trail portion along the Eno River I've did a few weeks ago, without the couple of miles where I got lost.
I definitely think I put out a good effort. I couldn't/didn't calculate the distance, but I figured it was anywhere between 1 and 2 miles shorter than my run a few weeks ago. And overall it was about 1/2 hour faster. Not too bad. I only barely negative split; maybe 1 or 2 minutes. But again, it was crazy hot. I drained my hydration bladder dry. Sure, I didn't start with a crazy full bladder, but I rarely do anyways. I do think I did a good job of walking more often, which paradoxically lets me run faster and actually keep a faster overall effort/pace.
Lots of job application possible. Two aquatics director positions in the YMCA of the Triangle association have opened up. I have or will be applying to both. One is in North Raleigh, another is right next to NC State. Both have good qualities.
I've borrowed a book on the Paleo Diet. I feel like I should have a balanced opinion on the animal protein thing.
I don't know what show to move to next.... hmmmmm.....
Soundtrack:
"Say the Word" by The Classic Crime
"I Know the Feeling" also by The Classic Crime
Both from their first album: Albatross
I feel like I should make an admission: not everything that goes on in my life gets put up here. When I revived this blog, I certainly thought I was. I think lots of things can/will get reveled later on through implication, but somethings just don't get flat out set. Maybe that means I'm failing as a blogger? Well, I don't feel too guilty.
This week was my quality week. But as I move up in my long run distances, and I fall into habits of convenience and familiarity, it gets hard to proper plan and execute these weekend quality runs. A major contributor is also this wicked heat. This week, my goal was 20-25 miles and I last minute decided for a harder effort/negative split run. I was going back to the Mountain-to-Sea Trail portion along the Eno River I've did a few weeks ago, without the couple of miles where I got lost.
I definitely think I put out a good effort. I couldn't/didn't calculate the distance, but I figured it was anywhere between 1 and 2 miles shorter than my run a few weeks ago. And overall it was about 1/2 hour faster. Not too bad. I only barely negative split; maybe 1 or 2 minutes. But again, it was crazy hot. I drained my hydration bladder dry. Sure, I didn't start with a crazy full bladder, but I rarely do anyways. I do think I did a good job of walking more often, which paradoxically lets me run faster and actually keep a faster overall effort/pace.
Lots of job application possible. Two aquatics director positions in the YMCA of the Triangle association have opened up. I have or will be applying to both. One is in North Raleigh, another is right next to NC State. Both have good qualities.
I've borrowed a book on the Paleo Diet. I feel like I should have a balanced opinion on the animal protein thing.
I don't know what show to move to next.... hmmmmm.....
Soundtrack:
"Say the Word" by The Classic Crime
"I Know the Feeling" also by The Classic Crime
Both from their first album: Albatross
Sunday, August 4, 2013
I have run through the field...
Let's see. What's going on recently? Hmmmm... Long recovery run today, long run yesterday, grocery shopping, Star Trek, reading for fun, reading for studying, nut butters, laundry, tax free weekend...
This weekend is the tax-free weekend in North Carolina (I think in other states too?). Some new running shoes might be eligible. That's the only thing I can think of that I might need. I'm going to need new trail running shoes in the next couple of weeks. The ones I have are Montrail FluidFlex and they've gotten about 500 miles on them... about 200 more than they're "supposed to." The thing is, I haven't had a consistent pair of trail shoes in a while.
When I first started trail running, I used the Brooks Cascadia. That was mainly because I was relatively loyal to the Brooks brand, but also the shoe was pretty well-regarded. I went through 3 generations of those, with a lot of satisfaction. But I wanted to start getting lighter weight and lower to the ground (lower heel-to-toe drop that is), and the Cascadia was kind of a brick. So I went to the Saucony Peregrine but was dissatisfied with the insole constantly sliding around once the shoe got wet. Next round was the Brooks PureGrit. I was very happy with this shoe. However, most other people were not so not many local vendors continued to carry it or it's follow up, the PureGrit2. Which brought me to the Montrail FluidFlex. They've been OK, but nothing special. The tongue was narrow and let a lot of grit in. Furthermore, last month, with about 300-350 miles, the upper was tearing away from the midsole, so I'm kind of disappointed with how long it lasts.
Shoes I am or would like to consider: Brooks PureGrit 2, Altra Instinct (?), Inov8, Saucony Kinvara TR (trail), Patagonia EverMORE, New Balance MT1010. Any suggestions or reviews from the audience?
Latest nut butter has been a hodgepodge: Trader Joe's Mixed Fancy Nuts. At least for me and my food processor, the roasted nuts pulverize better than the raw. Last batch of almond butter I tried raw almonds, but they never really released the oils to help make the almonds creamy. Roasted seems to do the trick. I'm sure most raw butters get so with a finer grind with an actual mill (vs. a food processor).
I've been reading multiple books. I'm trying to get motivated for my Personal Training book. I've realized that an EMT career will inevitable start out as part-time volunteer, so I have no reason not to pursue other careers that interest me. And on the other side, I've started a book called In to the Breach, about the EMS service in Newark, New Jersey. It has some good insight into the EMS service and very well written.
I'm on season 7 and the last of Star Trek: The Next Generation. What will I do next?! I guess I'll read more. Or just move on to the original Star Trek....
This morning's long recovery run was uneventful and uninspiring. I was running for 2.5 hours on the Carolina North Forest Trails. Evening running on the school-side trails, which I haven't used for several weeks, I still got bored relatively quickly. Definitely one of those I-have-the-energy-but-not-the-attention/determination. Contrast to yesterday's 30 mile run. That was surprisingly fantastic. Usually I make it through those runs always feeling like I want to quit but reluctantly pushing through. This run, I had those thoughts but really needed little reconsideration to keep on going and finish the whole run. I felt like I kept the spring in my step much longer than usual; it wasn't faster than usual, but given hot it was, it wasn't my slowest. THAT run felt very invigorating.
No crazy internal monologues or musings for now. I would say I should just channel some Taoist philosophy (in my perspective, it means, don't stress what you can't change), but sometimes I think that passive, go-with-the-flow mentality is what can get me in trouble, and isolates me from others.
Soundtrack:
"ISHFWILF" Disturbed cover of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" I like this because it talks about how no matter what you achieve, you can still feel lost; or that you have more to accomplish
"Inside Our Skins" by Emery. In the context of the song and music; I love it when they bellow out this phrase "Wisdom light my way into the dark"
This weekend is the tax-free weekend in North Carolina (I think in other states too?). Some new running shoes might be eligible. That's the only thing I can think of that I might need. I'm going to need new trail running shoes in the next couple of weeks. The ones I have are Montrail FluidFlex and they've gotten about 500 miles on them... about 200 more than they're "supposed to." The thing is, I haven't had a consistent pair of trail shoes in a while.
When I first started trail running, I used the Brooks Cascadia. That was mainly because I was relatively loyal to the Brooks brand, but also the shoe was pretty well-regarded. I went through 3 generations of those, with a lot of satisfaction. But I wanted to start getting lighter weight and lower to the ground (lower heel-to-toe drop that is), and the Cascadia was kind of a brick. So I went to the Saucony Peregrine but was dissatisfied with the insole constantly sliding around once the shoe got wet. Next round was the Brooks PureGrit. I was very happy with this shoe. However, most other people were not so not many local vendors continued to carry it or it's follow up, the PureGrit2. Which brought me to the Montrail FluidFlex. They've been OK, but nothing special. The tongue was narrow and let a lot of grit in. Furthermore, last month, with about 300-350 miles, the upper was tearing away from the midsole, so I'm kind of disappointed with how long it lasts.
Shoes I am or would like to consider: Brooks PureGrit 2, Altra Instinct (?), Inov8, Saucony Kinvara TR (trail), Patagonia EverMORE, New Balance MT1010. Any suggestions or reviews from the audience?
Latest nut butter has been a hodgepodge: Trader Joe's Mixed Fancy Nuts. At least for me and my food processor, the roasted nuts pulverize better than the raw. Last batch of almond butter I tried raw almonds, but they never really released the oils to help make the almonds creamy. Roasted seems to do the trick. I'm sure most raw butters get so with a finer grind with an actual mill (vs. a food processor).
I've been reading multiple books. I'm trying to get motivated for my Personal Training book. I've realized that an EMT career will inevitable start out as part-time volunteer, so I have no reason not to pursue other careers that interest me. And on the other side, I've started a book called In to the Breach, about the EMS service in Newark, New Jersey. It has some good insight into the EMS service and very well written.
I'm on season 7 and the last of Star Trek: The Next Generation. What will I do next?! I guess I'll read more. Or just move on to the original Star Trek....
This morning's long recovery run was uneventful and uninspiring. I was running for 2.5 hours on the Carolina North Forest Trails. Evening running on the school-side trails, which I haven't used for several weeks, I still got bored relatively quickly. Definitely one of those I-have-the-energy-but-not-the-attention/determination. Contrast to yesterday's 30 mile run. That was surprisingly fantastic. Usually I make it through those runs always feeling like I want to quit but reluctantly pushing through. This run, I had those thoughts but really needed little reconsideration to keep on going and finish the whole run. I felt like I kept the spring in my step much longer than usual; it wasn't faster than usual, but given hot it was, it wasn't my slowest. THAT run felt very invigorating.
No crazy internal monologues or musings for now. I would say I should just channel some Taoist philosophy (in my perspective, it means, don't stress what you can't change), but sometimes I think that passive, go-with-the-flow mentality is what can get me in trouble, and isolates me from others.
Soundtrack:
"ISHFWILF" Disturbed cover of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" I like this because it talks about how no matter what you achieve, you can still feel lost; or that you have more to accomplish
"Inside Our Skins" by Emery. In the context of the song and music; I love it when they bellow out this phrase "Wisdom light my way into the dark"
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