T-minus 6 weeks until Hellgate. Getting excited. It's been a fun few weeks of training, both for Hellgate, and generally for Crossfit.
Running:
Last week was a recovery week, so weekdays I was doing eights, fifteen on Saturday, and two hours on Sunday. Overall I felt pretty well and on point. For my fifteen on Saturday, I finally felt like I was getting back in the groove. I wouldn't say my long runs have been struggling, but I haven't really been at the pace I've been in the past. The past few recovery cycles, my fifteens have been well over 2h10m, getting near 2:20. Pretty close to my pace for the longer runs, but not typical for me. This past week I was feeling strong and had a good time getting out around 2:05. This week hasn't been too much of a slog-fest, and this morning I did 10 miles at sub-7 pace. Not a HUGE deal - I normally have two or three of these in a training cycle - but exciting to see those numbers. I have two more build weeks, another recovery week, and then a few weeks of tapering.
Crossfit:
I'm still riding the wave of the Triangle Invitational competition I saw two weeks ago. Morrisville placed third, and my brother competed with his box as well. I was amazed to see how far he's come since the last time I saw him compete. Then this past weekend, our own box celebrated its one year anniversary. There was a lot of very cool demonstrations: Super Skippers (nationally-ranked jump rope squad), martial arts, and gymnastics. We had a food drive that collected over 2000 lbs of food, and watched the local Strongman trainers attempt to deadlift 2900 pounds. With the Super skippers, I got some pointers and completed my first double under (two turns of the jump rope per jump); a major goal. This week during workouts I feel like I've made some turning points with handstand pushups which are another major goal. Not quite "prescribed" but I found a way to make some positive progress.
Only negative is I have some nagging in my left leg. Where it is, I can't tell if it's my glutes or my hamstring originates, but hopefully it'll work itself out. Given the running has been going ok, I'm not worried at the moment, but I have my eye on it and I'm being proactive with some foam rolling.
Soundtrack: Though I feel like I haven't found any good NEW music lately
"New City" by The Fold
"High of 75" by Relient K
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
The Spy Hunter
Such a glutton for pain. As hard as it is to move, that feeling of soreness is incomparable.
I am official registered for the Hellgate 100K[+]. This race is 66.6 miles through the mountains outside of Lynchburg, VA, starting at 12:01 Saturday morning, in the middle of December. I was a little nerve-wracked/apprehensive for a few days before I received confirmation of my registration. With a limit of 140 or so runners, it is not meant for inexperienced runners, so there is a little bit of "resume" review.
That will take place the 2nd weekend of December. I asked a few days off from work for the race, but also added on a few extra days the following week for some R&R. I kind of wanted to do -to GO - SOMETHING but couldn't really think of something worthwhile. Going hiking or the like would be my idea of fun. But we're talking about the few days after a 100K race, and also in the middle of December. Ultimately, I booked a trip to Boston. I've been there a few times, mainly for regattas with the crew team. A coworker and I were talking about neat cities, and with Boston coming up, I got a little nostalgic. I sort of wanted to visit somewhere new; I had considered some of the Canadian metros (Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa) because it'd be neat to go out of country. But the Boston tickets were pretty cheap, and I KNOW I'll enjoy the city, just to relax. I don't have too much of a game plan just yet. I did notice that Concord is only about 45 minutes away, and I would really enjoying going to Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau wrote his book, one of my favorites.
Training has been kicking my butt. In a that good way where you know you're getting something great out of it. MCCF had a great clinic on toes-to-bars (T2B). It was a movement I could do, but badly, and this clinic really helped something click. Yesterday was a brutal leg workout (300 single under jump ropes, death by back squat, and glute-ham raises) which is what's leaving me with so much residual leg sorenes/stiffness. This morning was a good workout, with some handstands, cleans, and rowing. Good times all around. It's been a little empty. Several MCCFers are getting ready for a big local competition, the Triangle Invitational on Saturday and Sunday. I'll probably be able to go cheer on the Rx team on Sunday.
Uh-oh though. David is doing it too, for Crossfit Brave. Who do I support? Bros before box?
Soundtrack: Digging out some HS favorites
"The Spy Hunter" by Project 86
"Alive" by POD
I am official registered for the Hellgate 100K[+]. This race is 66.6 miles through the mountains outside of Lynchburg, VA, starting at 12:01 Saturday morning, in the middle of December. I was a little nerve-wracked/apprehensive for a few days before I received confirmation of my registration. With a limit of 140 or so runners, it is not meant for inexperienced runners, so there is a little bit of "resume" review.
That will take place the 2nd weekend of December. I asked a few days off from work for the race, but also added on a few extra days the following week for some R&R. I kind of wanted to do -to GO - SOMETHING but couldn't really think of something worthwhile. Going hiking or the like would be my idea of fun. But we're talking about the few days after a 100K race, and also in the middle of December. Ultimately, I booked a trip to Boston. I've been there a few times, mainly for regattas with the crew team. A coworker and I were talking about neat cities, and with Boston coming up, I got a little nostalgic. I sort of wanted to visit somewhere new; I had considered some of the Canadian metros (Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa) because it'd be neat to go out of country. But the Boston tickets were pretty cheap, and I KNOW I'll enjoy the city, just to relax. I don't have too much of a game plan just yet. I did notice that Concord is only about 45 minutes away, and I would really enjoying going to Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau wrote his book, one of my favorites.
Training has been kicking my butt. In a that good way where you know you're getting something great out of it. MCCF had a great clinic on toes-to-bars (T2B). It was a movement I could do, but badly, and this clinic really helped something click. Yesterday was a brutal leg workout (300 single under jump ropes, death by back squat, and glute-ham raises) which is what's leaving me with so much residual leg sorenes/stiffness. This morning was a good workout, with some handstands, cleans, and rowing. Good times all around. It's been a little empty. Several MCCFers are getting ready for a big local competition, the Triangle Invitational on Saturday and Sunday. I'll probably be able to go cheer on the Rx team on Sunday.
Uh-oh though. David is doing it too, for Crossfit Brave. Who do I support? Bros before box?
Soundtrack: Digging out some HS favorites
"The Spy Hunter" by Project 86
"Alive" by POD
Saturday, October 4, 2014
OMG
Maybe it's because I just got done about 45 minutes ago, but I am freakin' wasted. I feel so crazily strung out from running/whatever. It was an intense week with some pretty strong runs. 3 10/11 mile runs at under 7:15/mile pace. A 5:38 1600m at Crossfit on Thursday. Topped it off with 25 miles this morning at Umstead. Oh boy: and tomorrow I get to round it out with another 2 1/2 hours.
That is all.
I'm just tired. Can't think of anything else. Oh. Should be able to register for Hellgate (100K+) this coming week.
Soundtrack:
Dear Agony - Breaking Benjamin
Telescope Eyes - Eisley
That is all.
I'm just tired. Can't think of anything else. Oh. Should be able to register for Hellgate (100K+) this coming week.
Soundtrack:
Dear Agony - Breaking Benjamin
Telescope Eyes - Eisley
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
I think we have an emergency
As with everyone, life ebbs and flows. I'm excited that it's finally getting to be fall time. On one hand I'm glad to be settling into a weekly routine, but on the other, I get that feeling of being in a rut.
Oh CrossFit AND running. Such a bittersweet relationship. Over the two months or so since I've join CrossFit, I've had three different... issues. First was my foot, which with a few days off from running, resolved. Then, while deadlifting, my back started hurting pretty bad. A couple of days off started the healing process, but it was several weeks before it stopped aching. Now the past week and a half, my right quad has been smarting. This started as just an ache up near the hip. Over time though, it's kind of migrated down near the knee. I can feel it whenever I pivot/stand on the one leg, during first several strides of a run (before it just dully aches for a while), or when tightening up for a lift.
I've taken Tuesday and today off from both running and lifting, and I hope that resolves this problem and I can get on with my routine. But like the other problems, it makes me apprehensive about continuing CrossFit. The biggest questions everyone ask me is if CrossFit has helped my running. I always reply that I won't know until I race. But if I can't run and can't train to then race, then obviously it hasn't. The problem is I'm starting to form some good connections with the other people at the gym; it's hard to leave that kind of environment. And it feels good to get stronger.
I am up for Umstead again!!! I'm officially registered. I was kind of hoping to run casually: not worry about time or placement or anything. After this past race, I realized this is that ONE I want to repeat, for years to come, and that I don't have to race every year. However, I'm entered again as a competitive entry. That qualification is the capacity to run under 17:00, which I thought was doable anyways. But something about claiming to be competitive, I now feel the determination to once again go for broke, and see what I can really do.
Soundtrack:
"Emergency" by Paramore
"Circles" by Flyleaf
Oh CrossFit AND running. Such a bittersweet relationship. Over the two months or so since I've join CrossFit, I've had three different... issues. First was my foot, which with a few days off from running, resolved. Then, while deadlifting, my back started hurting pretty bad. A couple of days off started the healing process, but it was several weeks before it stopped aching. Now the past week and a half, my right quad has been smarting. This started as just an ache up near the hip. Over time though, it's kind of migrated down near the knee. I can feel it whenever I pivot/stand on the one leg, during first several strides of a run (before it just dully aches for a while), or when tightening up for a lift.
I've taken Tuesday and today off from both running and lifting, and I hope that resolves this problem and I can get on with my routine. But like the other problems, it makes me apprehensive about continuing CrossFit. The biggest questions everyone ask me is if CrossFit has helped my running. I always reply that I won't know until I race. But if I can't run and can't train to then race, then obviously it hasn't. The problem is I'm starting to form some good connections with the other people at the gym; it's hard to leave that kind of environment. And it feels good to get stronger.
I am up for Umstead again!!! I'm officially registered. I was kind of hoping to run casually: not worry about time or placement or anything. After this past race, I realized this is that ONE I want to repeat, for years to come, and that I don't have to race every year. However, I'm entered again as a competitive entry. That qualification is the capacity to run under 17:00, which I thought was doable anyways. But something about claiming to be competitive, I now feel the determination to once again go for broke, and see what I can really do.
Soundtrack:
"Emergency" by Paramore
"Circles" by Flyleaf
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Time
Already another post? What is this?
I first got serious about running while I was in college. At the time, I was also not serious about wearing a watch: any timepiece I wore usual got lost or broken within a few weeks. So usually when I went for a run, I would pretty much catch the time on the microwave before stepping out and catch it again when I come back in. I didn't care about mileage or time or any of that stuff. I think it was one summer, when working at the Y as a Duty Officer, when keeping the pool schedule going was critical, I bought a watch and wore it all the time. And this was great for running, because now I could keep track of my running time and compare it.
The thing is, I didn't want to bother with that DURING the run. I just wanted to run by feel, and then after the fact, see how I had done. I began keeping a spreadsheet with my times. So how would I keep track of time, but not do on-the-run analysis? Basically, I got into the habit of starting my watch's stopwatch, and immediately switching to the time of day display, but not looking at it. This way, midway through the run I could see what time it was, but without knowing when I started, I was clueless as to how long I had been running. Since, you know, it's so hard to press that little MODE button to switch to the stopwatch (actually, I did often have to resist the temptation). Nowadays, my mentality of running is so different - meditative, cathartic, whatever - I keep the time display open all the time because I just DON'T get anxious about it.
Why am I writing that history? Well, because now I've gone and purchased a Garmin GPS watch. And now I'm face with a similar problem. The watch is great because now I have more precise measurement of my runs and my pace, and a lot of other cool data. The thing is I still just want to run by effort, and not constantly fret about about some pace. So I'm taking a similar approach. I set the watch so that I'm not looking at the "pace screen." All I see is the stopwatch/time of day. As long as I resist changing to the pace setting, I just see all that data afterwards (which, is very cool). And at some point, maybe I'll get the point where I can look at that data without a care.
I've just been having a good couple of days. My foot problem has resolved fairly well. After another week with reduced-mileage, I'm hitting the road and trail pretty well. I've modified my pace on the days when I run right after going to Crossfit, and I think it's been helping not to be overzealous. The Crossfit is fun and there's a nice community around the gym.
Soundtrack:
Shadow by Red
Earthquake by Family Force 5
I first got serious about running while I was in college. At the time, I was also not serious about wearing a watch: any timepiece I wore usual got lost or broken within a few weeks. So usually when I went for a run, I would pretty much catch the time on the microwave before stepping out and catch it again when I come back in. I didn't care about mileage or time or any of that stuff. I think it was one summer, when working at the Y as a Duty Officer, when keeping the pool schedule going was critical, I bought a watch and wore it all the time. And this was great for running, because now I could keep track of my running time and compare it.
The thing is, I didn't want to bother with that DURING the run. I just wanted to run by feel, and then after the fact, see how I had done. I began keeping a spreadsheet with my times. So how would I keep track of time, but not do on-the-run analysis? Basically, I got into the habit of starting my watch's stopwatch, and immediately switching to the time of day display, but not looking at it. This way, midway through the run I could see what time it was, but without knowing when I started, I was clueless as to how long I had been running. Since, you know, it's so hard to press that little MODE button to switch to the stopwatch (actually, I did often have to resist the temptation). Nowadays, my mentality of running is so different - meditative, cathartic, whatever - I keep the time display open all the time because I just DON'T get anxious about it.
Why am I writing that history? Well, because now I've gone and purchased a Garmin GPS watch. And now I'm face with a similar problem. The watch is great because now I have more precise measurement of my runs and my pace, and a lot of other cool data. The thing is I still just want to run by effort, and not constantly fret about about some pace. So I'm taking a similar approach. I set the watch so that I'm not looking at the "pace screen." All I see is the stopwatch/time of day. As long as I resist changing to the pace setting, I just see all that data afterwards (which, is very cool). And at some point, maybe I'll get the point where I can look at that data without a care.
I've just been having a good couple of days. My foot problem has resolved fairly well. After another week with reduced-mileage, I'm hitting the road and trail pretty well. I've modified my pace on the days when I run right after going to Crossfit, and I think it's been helping not to be overzealous. The Crossfit is fun and there's a nice community around the gym.
Soundtrack:
Shadow by Red
Earthquake by Family Force 5
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Long Time No See
Wow. Has it been since June 10 that I last wrote something on here? If I was one of those mega-blogs, I suppose I might feel kinda bad. But really not a whole lot has been going on this hot hot summer.
I have had no major problems due specifically to the Thunder Rock 100, or to the mater of doing two 100 mile races within 6 weeks of each other. I made sure to take it nice and easy. However, there have a few tough weeks and missteps, from a variety of factors. First, it's hot. I remember last summer when I was in Chapel Hill, and having a markedly slower pace. Of course some of that was attributed to the hilly nature of that area, definitely a lot of it was because of the weather. Definitely at least 15 sec per mile it seems. Secondly, I have a bit of weightlifting. For the majority of the summer, it's been on my own, at the Y. Nothing crazy long and hard, but there were definitely some squats in there, which I could always feel during my runs. And then, last week, I buckled down and joined Morrisville Community Crossfit. Crossfit is a pretty unique mix of exercises. Heavy loading, gymnastics, dynamic lifting... it's hard to explain exactly. If you know what it is, you probably either love it (and are a member of a gym) or you think it's the devil. I'm not a hard convert. But I definitely seen my brother benefit from it. It's in NO WAY WHATSOEVER going to replace my running. However, I want to see myself become as balanced an athlete as I can, and it's a fun community.
This past week, my running got sidelined for a little bit. Everything was fine and dandy, but over my 15 miles run on Saturday, I just had an ache in my foot; afterwards, it felt terrible. I've had issues with stress fractures in the past. It's developed before from either too much mileage, or ill-adjusted sheos. I'm sure adding some of the dynamic lifting from Crossfit didn't help. I also did not respected the rest day (Thursday), which I'm sure didn't help. Lastly, I was experimenting with a pair of Altra zero drop shoes. Even though they are nicely cushioned, they may still have promoted too aggressive forefoot running that stressed the metatarsals. Since it felt similar and in the right location, I decided to be safe now. Better to take a week off now than 4-6 weeks later if it really goes south. It felt pretty much resolved by Tuesday, but I took yesterday and today to do some swimming and enjoy getting settle at the Crossfit gym.
The job front is still in limbo. But that may be OK. I've got the Assessment Center for Durham County in about three weeks, but also some other things going on. I'll hold out for a little bit. I'll just say I'm feeling very proactive and motivated.
Soundtrack:
Reckoning by Pillar
My Enemy by Hans Zimmer (this is an instrumental piece from The Amazing Spider-Man 2)
I have had no major problems due specifically to the Thunder Rock 100, or to the mater of doing two 100 mile races within 6 weeks of each other. I made sure to take it nice and easy. However, there have a few tough weeks and missteps, from a variety of factors. First, it's hot. I remember last summer when I was in Chapel Hill, and having a markedly slower pace. Of course some of that was attributed to the hilly nature of that area, definitely a lot of it was because of the weather. Definitely at least 15 sec per mile it seems. Secondly, I have a bit of weightlifting. For the majority of the summer, it's been on my own, at the Y. Nothing crazy long and hard, but there were definitely some squats in there, which I could always feel during my runs. And then, last week, I buckled down and joined Morrisville Community Crossfit. Crossfit is a pretty unique mix of exercises. Heavy loading, gymnastics, dynamic lifting... it's hard to explain exactly. If you know what it is, you probably either love it (and are a member of a gym) or you think it's the devil. I'm not a hard convert. But I definitely seen my brother benefit from it. It's in NO WAY WHATSOEVER going to replace my running. However, I want to see myself become as balanced an athlete as I can, and it's a fun community.
This past week, my running got sidelined for a little bit. Everything was fine and dandy, but over my 15 miles run on Saturday, I just had an ache in my foot; afterwards, it felt terrible. I've had issues with stress fractures in the past. It's developed before from either too much mileage, or ill-adjusted sheos. I'm sure adding some of the dynamic lifting from Crossfit didn't help. I also did not respected the rest day (Thursday), which I'm sure didn't help. Lastly, I was experimenting with a pair of Altra zero drop shoes. Even though they are nicely cushioned, they may still have promoted too aggressive forefoot running that stressed the metatarsals. Since it felt similar and in the right location, I decided to be safe now. Better to take a week off now than 4-6 weeks later if it really goes south. It felt pretty much resolved by Tuesday, but I took yesterday and today to do some swimming and enjoy getting settle at the Crossfit gym.
The job front is still in limbo. But that may be OK. I've got the Assessment Center for Durham County in about three weeks, but also some other things going on. I'll hold out for a little bit. I'll just say I'm feeling very proactive and motivated.
Soundtrack:
Reckoning by Pillar
My Enemy by Hans Zimmer (this is an instrumental piece from The Amazing Spider-Man 2)
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Let the Summer Come
I guess it's been a while since my last post. There hasn't been a whole lot to talk about.
It's almost too late now to properly reflect on the Thunder Rock 100. There were several ways that the race went differently than Umstead, which may prepare me for future races. Like, I think my hydration was better; I never really felt like I couldn't stomach ANYTHING. They actually had these really delicious flaxseed, oatmeal bars that [they said] you could get at Costco. I really enjoyed using my minimal pack and handheld water bottle. It was much simpler and quicker for refueling at aid stations than having to try and work the bladder in the Nathan pack. I was also surprised that the overnight running didn't bother me too much. I never really felt fatigued from being awake all night; it was more bothersome to be tunnel-visioned with the headlamp.
My recovery has been a little bit more relaxed, now that there isn't another race coming up. I needed it too. My legs got beat up more from TR100 than Umstead, and in the days afterwards I could feel it. I eased back into running much more slowly, though I was still able to begin running after just a week.
There's still no rush to run another race, and I expect to wait until the fall for another major ultra. I only have a handful of races in mind. I had actually been offered a chance to run the inaugural Uwharrie 100 that's going to be staged in October. I ended up passing on that to focus on other races; two in particular. Actually, the first one isn't even a race; more of a challenge. The closest comparison is to when runners like to make Rim2Rim[2Rim] attempts (that is, they try to run from one rim to the other of the Grand Canyon; some times back). Some of those guys like to try and get the fastest time, some just to do the run, but for all of them, it's all guts and no glory. No starting line, no packet, no T shirt, no medal. Just the personal satisfaction. For myself, there's a route in the NC mountains called the Pitchell challenge. You start at the summit of Mt Pisgah and run to the top of Mt Mitchell. Following the Mountain-to-Sea Trail for the majority of the route, it ends up being approximately 100K. Obviously with no organized race/event, I can do it whenever I want. However, October is supposed to be the ideal time to do it, and at the moment that will be my timeline. Secondly, I want to run the Hellgate 100K. It's best known as the last race in the Beast Series. Developed by Dr. David Horton, it's a gruesome race, starting at 12:01am, it's a 100K that feels like 100 miles. I really like the community around these events, but I haven't done one of the races yet, and I'd rather not tackle the Grindstone 100M, and I'd like to take a break from Mountain Masochist.
So far, I have yet to hear back from the Wake EMS about their EMT position. I haven't heard back from Cary either, but they are only just getting started even looking at the applications. The Raleigh Fire Department just opened up recruiting for a fall academy, and I will probably apply as a chance to get into Emergency RESPONSE, even if it's not directly Emergency MEDICINE. In the meantime, I have started working part time for a medical transport company. My brother has been working for them for a while now, and the whole time during my EMT class, hinted that they were looking for folks. So, I contacted them, and started working. I could use full time right now, but I will technically be part time, given I plan to work full time for EMS or the fire department. Still just crossing my fingers.
Soundtrack:
"Saving Grace" by Flyleaf
"Last Resort" by Papa Roach
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