… I’ll take that anytime! Happily! Last year, near the end of the season, I was running quite a few of these. And, I feel the same way today as I did then … If I could run 10K (comfortably) in 47 minutes day after day … my running life would be perfect, lol!
Only fitting today I had a great run! This will be my last run in awhile. I don’t know when I’ll be running again. It’s not by choice, I hope it won’t be as bad as I fear. Also, I won’t be around WP as well. I won’t be blogging, and I don’t think I’ll be commenting?! I want to, but my Reader/Feeds fucks-up on my phone at times, making simple tasks impossible! I’ll try my best to read blogs of friends, when and if I’m able to, and do what I can, if and when I can! It is what it is!
Ok, now my Garmin good news – I’m very pleased w/ today’s run, had a great rhythm going – 46:12 – the final 5K in 22:52 – the final 3K negative splits, finishing w/ a 4:27!
A new PR (Garmin PR) … beats yesterday’s time by a minute. I think it’s my 3rd fastest ever. I rarely run 5Ks. The 1st time I did last year, I stopped the clock at 22:02 and was pleased enough – although I did run it again to better it. I know I’d rather run 4Ks … or run through 5 kilometers and stop at 8K, or 10K. I know running hard up the hill to stop the clock isn’t my favourite thing – I’d rather push hard up the hill, and then know my run is flat for the next few kilometers. I’m happy w/ today’s time – I love running 4:30s – 4:25s … but right now this is my distance limit doing so. I remember last year carrying that pace for 8K, 10K. Looking back, I see I was a streaky runner; I’d run fast times for days straight, then suddenly wouldn’t be able to match them. In fact, I PRed my 8K runs on back to back days. Almost identical times too … and that’s what I’m talking about when I say carrying my speed, my 8K record run, I ran the final 4K in 17:42 … negative splits. But for the most part, all the kilometers would be run very evenly. I don’t have the stamina right now. That’s why today’s run was good, is important to me – I really have no interest whittling down today’s time by much – I really want to run this pace farther. I want to run this, and then run it AGAIN continuously for a solid 10K time.
…yes, I accept!
… my splits!
I said I was going to do it, and I did. I think that’s what kept me motivated to complete it … saying I was going to do it to inspire/motivate … yet, I was the beneficiary, lol. And, I’m pleased w/ my time – 47:06 … 2 minutes short a PR. Although, I had another nagging issue trying to get my watch to stop, then reset (you can see by the extra two laps; 11 & 12). Those little things bother the fuck outta me, it coulda been disastrous with the clock ticking away, as I’m finished the distance, trying to get it to stop. And if you add time (the 10 laps), it comes to 46:58, not to mention my moving time (whatever the hell that is) of 47:01 – I know, it’s only slight differences, but I’m anal that way, and I only want the clock to measure it accurately giving me the time I deserve! Anyways, still chuffed – my 10K!
WOW! I amazed myself! It’s only been 2 weeks of training, and today I ran my longest distance. And, I’m very pleased with my time; sub 48 minutes! I’ll be honest, when I resumed training after the winter layoff, I was discouraged during my first week back. I think (I know) I expected to jump right back in the saddle and continue where I left off. Today was definitely a step in that direction. The weather was near perfect – so happy to finally have Spring like temps. Oh … and, I wanted to run 10K acknowledging tomorrow’s Toronto Yonge Street 10K … my 10k y’all!
I’ve been looking at my Running Records. My 2013 Running Records. At every record I set/accomplished occurred in 2013. And being a firm believer of setting goals, and the benefits gained chasing them … today – March 2 … I am determined to run a 10K in 44:44. And I will, believe me … I will ... fortyfourfortyfour here I come! Last year’s best time was 45:08. I REALLY REALLY wanted to run 45:00 (or a sub forty-five minutes)!
Missed it by that much … thanks Max!!
No more contending with puddles, they’re frozen. Now I have slippery sidewalks. It’s harder and harder getting motivated, this was my first run in four days. On a positive note; knowing PRs aren’t possible, I run more relaxed, I’m not stressed about times … it’s actually MORE enjoyable. And, it’s not like I’m running slow, I’m only a couple of minutes off my PR. Put it this way, if I was to achieve a 47 minute time in an official, sanctioned 10K race, I’d be happy with myself, my time!
brrrrrr!
47 minute 10K – great run, very relaxed!
Chilly morning run! Will be honest, before I even started, was planning to run a 47 minute 10K (was on pace too), but missed that last traffic light … well, you know how it is. Still, am pleased with my 37:17 8K … and today was the coldest temps I’ve endured, minus 4° with the windchill. I bundled up (probably more than necessary), and hit the pavement. Something so calm and peaceful running alone in the early morning!
toss out my fastest/slowest, and only a 4 second split separation …
yep, it’s getting colder …
Thirty CONSECUTIVE days! Since May 14th when I began, I covered over 500 kilometers. That’s from Toronto to Ottawa (now, I have to run back, lol). This past week has been a particularly good one. I’ve felt strong, having accomplished new goals, set a 10K PR of 45:33 – my proudest achievement – but it’s my last 6K (my quickest splits) that still blows me away … 26:57.
For the last few days, I’ve been trying to better my 17:45 4K time. Sunday, I ran 17:53. Monday, I did the same, 17:53 – how’s that for consistency? And, it’s been hot (and humid) as hell lately, even in the early morning … temps feeling like 32°. Today, I ran it in 17:46 – one second off my PR … and right now, I honestly don’t know where I can improve?! I look at my splits, I just don’t see much more that I can give … but I can promise you, I’ll be trying!
… yep, we’re still kickin’ ass!!
45:33 – new PR (demolished previous PR by 1:39)
1st 5K – 23:06 … 2nd 5K – 22:27
… been on a roll of late – 4 consecutive record runs, culminating with this PR 10K, bettering the old mark by 50 seconds. I know I (my body) still have more to give … and I will, but today … I’m Canada Day chuffed!!
forty seven minutes, twelve seconds …
A few thoughts, a few numbers. I obliterated my previous 8K record by a whopping 1 minute & 12 seconds. That’s a HUGE improvement! I think because I’m usually trying for a great halfway split (4K), or a fast 10K time, neglecting running as hard as I can trying to improve on my 8K time … but today I did. Maybe it has something to do with my Saturday runs, lately they’ve all been PR’s. Funny, it wasn’t till later (at home, after my shower) that I thought to myself I could have annihilated my previous 10K PR as well (sub 46 minutes was def attainable), but like I said, I can only attempt one record at a time, and I’m happy I accomplished this one. I was at 4K in 17:50 (only 5 seconds slower than my fastest time), and I finished (the second 4K) in 18:37 – a very fast time in itself. And, I’ve never run (or timed) a 5K race … but adding my first five kilometers totals 22:26 … for those who have finished a 5K run, lemme know what you think – please (and thanks)!
I think was really amazes me, is my continual improvement. Whenever I achieve a new benchmark, I say to myself, “that’s it, that’s the best I can do” … and I mean it, but you know what? It never is, I eventually do better, and it seems like leaps and bounds better!
Also, I should provide a bit of background. I’ve never been a runner. I’ve never considered myself a runner. I’m a 50 year old dude who recently decided to take up running. I’ve also started to become smarter about what I put into my body – I’m talking healthier eats, if it’s beneficial – I’m eating/drinking it! Uhm, I know my body weight, my BMI (21.8) has worked in my favour (oh, and that’s another story … that was through hard work as well), perhaps providing me with a bit of a head-start. Also, my youthful athletic prowess shouldn’t be discounted, despite the great distance separating the what was, and what is, I still know the most important part of what makes a top athlete is … NEVER SAY QUIT … above and beyond everything else, THIS is it! And it’s still a part of me, who I am … Intestinal Fortitude y’all!! But, I’m curious, and for those runners who may read this, REAL runners (hardcore runners) … I would love any thoughts/insight/opinions you may have on my progression/my accomplishments to date … and on anything I should/need to do to keep advancing further … muchas gracias!
thirty six thirty …
quick splits …
God we’ve been blessed with the best temps lately … lows of 10° and highs of 20° … ideal for sleeping, yet not hot during the day … and today was a not-a-cloud-in-the-sky-clear-blue-sky-day … I love it!!
Ok, this blogpost is one of those all over the fucking place posts … fair warning!
I had a lot of shit on my plate today … good shit though … I went and got a physical today, first time I’ve had a physical in I don’t know how long I’ve had a physical, lol … weighed in at 73kg – 160lb … I don’t think I’ve been that weight since I was a teen-ager … and how excited do you think I was ready to spill the beans, divulging to the Doc ’bout my 8K mornings … no way I was gonna refrain from telling him that, lol … and yeah, the good doctor was impressed, and by my weight … the changes in my life – will get to that, be patient (pun, lol) as well!
Oh, and this early morning’s 6:30 run turned into a 10K’er … and I responded with a PR of 48 minutes – one full minute faster than before …
I’m proud that I was under 5 minutes on every single kilometer split … in fact, I was very, very consistent throughout – my slowest (KM 9) was only 10 seconds off pace … I think I was reserving energy while waiting for the 45 minute audio cue, leaving something in the tank for the final surge … OH, and also (forgot to mention) … I’ve been going out nightly with Tiff for her 5.3 km walks … and lemme tell y’all they ain’t exactly easy, they take a toll on my body as well. Lately, I’ve been a 12 hour run/walk cycle … like clockwork!
And all these changes I mentioned; flaxseed, hemp seed, edamame, Greek yogurt, Rainbow Trout (not new, but more of it), organic pre-washed baby kale (and spinach) … I know I’m missing many … the point is I’m eating/living better! Since we got the Vitamix, we’ve both been doing incredibly better – in fact for one week straight, we were using it four times daily (Tiff with her Harley body reset diet, and me with my own thing) … even now, it’s two or three times a day, and right now, it’s been only for smoothies, healthy smoothies … but still, we’re def getting our money’s worth!
Things are going great lately with all of this, the running (and walking), the healthier diet … I’m just chuffed as fuck with it all … today was a perfect day in my paradise, and I thought I’d share!!
… ain’t shittin’ y’all, was literally dancing home those few stranded blocks when I hit “stop” after completing my 10K run!
Despite what you see, and what you may think, this IS NOT becoming a runner’s blog. It’s just that I’m in awe of what I’ve accomplished in such a short time, and am proud of my progress. Funny, after yesterday’s milestone run thought to myself since I have a great time (it’s a beautiful circuitous route starting and ending at my house – exactly 8K) under my belt, maybe next time when I’m feeling strong, will continue running and try for a 50 minute 10K. Today only three kilometers in, I was already thinking that … and thankfully because of my run yesterday, I mapped out in my mind, in my neighbourhood – to tack on those extra two kilometers. After 35 minutes (that’s another thing – I LOVE Runkeeper’s audio cues … cutting into my music, w/ time, distance, pace … keeping me updated throughout it all), I could have easily pushed hard and finished under 39 minutes eclipsing my previous best (yesterday, lol) for 8K, but I knew I had my sights on setting a solid 10K time … and I did it!! Not only was it it sub 50 minutes, it was 49 minutes (ok, 49:02) … my first ever 10K, my first EVER recorded/legitimate 10K too!!
Also, I want y’all to know I’m the antithesis of a runner (… no shit eh? What else would ya expect eh?)!! No cool gear, no tight shorts, no lululemon … I’m strictly old-school, tattered T and short shorts, lol … I run to rub it into the face of the running establishment, lol!! Check out my dress socks (I LOVE them, cotton, very thin – plus black on black w/ my Saucony Virratas fucking kills – least for my skinny motherfucking avante-garde tastes ass anyways, lol). Ok ok, I’ll tone down the daily updates … or, on second thought, maybe I won’t … is MY blog after all …
new record …
5:01 was my slowest split, SWEET …
rockin’ the business man/runner look, lol …
danistrulytheman 