… ain’t been running. ain’t been fun folks!
… all I could muster after a 16 day absence, on top of OTHER MULTIPLE absences!
… absence makes the heart grow fonder … don’t I know it, lol!
Tag Archives: health
I’m home for a day … so I run!
… er, tried to! I needed to see what I have in me, what I can still do. I miss running, so today was gratifying. Upon reflection, I don’t know what surprises me more – my decent 1500m time considering lack of training/fitness level – OR, the fact that I accomplished the feat w/ coffee (3 cups this morning) and water (2 liters) being all I consumed (still haven’t eaten … yeah yeah, after I finish this post, lol) after a 13 hour day?! And then mere seconds after stopping my Garmin (being ever critical of myself), said, “shit, shoulda ran 110m more trying for a 1M PR” … LOL!
1K warmup
1500m
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!
4444!
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!!
Running; I miss YOU my friend!!
I haven’t run since December 7th. Not once! I feared it would come to this, and I did my best minimizing weeks (months?) lost by stretching it out as long as I did during these changing seasons. I refuse to run when there are so many treacherous obstacles due to our weird&wicked-winter! Sidewalks still haven’t been cleared completely along my route. Not to mention all the fallen tree debris littering said sidewalks due to the ice-storm. It’s just NOT safe!! So, for now, I’m biding my warm-sweet-ass time!
Cold temps don’t affect me. Never have, not in the least. Nor hot climes either for that matter! If luck was on my side, if we had no snow. If essentially the neighbourhood was a hard, frozen tundra, I’d be out there every single day, same as I was in the spring/summer/fall …just protectively layered up the wazoo mind you, is all! Given the hand I was dealt, will wait. Better safe than sorry …right?
For Chrissakes, have been hit by a car (twice actually) when the running was good (least, when I thought it was). And, I am careful, peering into every vehicle crossing my path, watching driver’s eyes, and if they’re not looking in my direction, watching out for me, I’m VERY careful, watching out for THEM! Despite this, I still unashamedly stake claim to my pedestrian right of way, never missing an opportunity; wagging my finger lecturingly (yeah, made it up) as I pass by. Smarten up … pay attention! Hood surfing more than once, can attest to drivers being more freaked out than I. Doesn’t help that our faces are inches apart due to my extending as far forward as I can … think Alien w/Sigourney Weaver! Oh, and God Bless the patient, attentive drivers who when they see runners approaching the intersection we are about to share … wait till we do, AND even reverse slightly signaling they see us, and allowing safe and easy passage. I ALWAYS wave an appreciative wave, acknowledging their kindness. Must be runners themselves, I figure, lol?!
And, no … not about to climb aboard any treadmill … ok, I REALLY REALLY have to say this … I read many running blogs/sites. Running on a treadmill IS NOT running. Don’t know what the fuck it?! Exercise, sure. Fitness, absolutely. Calories burned, ditto. Healthy, check. Do I admire your efforts? Yep, you bet! It just ain’t running, so stop sayin’ it is, lol!
Extended Polar Vortexing ain’t helping my cause either! Looks like a LONG runless (I know, I know, another one) winter!
an after my weigh-in before my shower selfie!
… it’s been awhile since I posted one of these. Weight is great! Despite not running, I’m still maintaining, although I suspect that may change in the upcoming months if I shut it down completely – which is something I really don’t want to do.
one hour run and gun!
I did this once before. Never attempted it again because it was too close to my 12K runs. Figured, if I wanna set a PR, it’d be for that distance. But, knowing I ain’t setting any PRs these days, got into a comfortable cruise control rhythm after 4K (actually sped up for the next 4K), and kept running. Now was about duration – 20+ minutes to go. Final 4K ended as I began. Was a great run! Oh, btw … my other timed hour run – I covered 12.52K. Yep, I bettered it, another PR, lol?!
My fave. The paved path! A man & his best friend … ain’t nuthin’ better!!
Even Steven splits! Again!
12.6K – 1000 cals gonzo! Woohoo!
hitting the 8K road again!
Running is hard! It’s very hard when you haven’t trained, for whatever the reason. It’s very hard to put on your gear and head out the door. I had two goals in mind after what amounts to being unable to run for the past eleven days. I wanted to complete my 8K run without stopping, and I wanted to establish a good pace from the 1st kilometer, and keep it till the end. I wasn’t looking for anything near my PR. I wanted to run, non-stop at a fairly fast pace. I did it. I’ll admit, it wasn’t easy … running at times takes so much mental strength, as well as physical conditioning. I’d rank today’s run as one of my best ever, especially with all of my adversities of late. I’m hoping with better health, and good weather, my training will continue uninterrupted.
I’m on the road to recovery!!
… FINALLY!! It’s been a long haul getting here, but today I can optimistically say I’m getting better! Everything went well, and this time I capitulated and snagged a painkiller prescription before I left. But, not before Dr. Harry asked for my driver’s license. Huh? Apparently a new (new to me at least, lol) government policy. Same thing happened at the pharmacy … but, at least this time when she began her explanation, I stopped her telling none was necessary.
A couple of quickies:
Was just getting into it w/ the assistant, telling her my running stories/accomplishments before the good doc came in, ready to go to work, abruptly ending my few moments of glory. She was all interested, and impressed, asking lots of questions. Was a great, relaxing/calming way to begin the procedure. It made me happy talking about it. Other than my blog, really don’t get an opportunity to say much about it with anyone. Oh sure, Tiff gets an earful, but it’s exiting the other one just as quickly, LOL!
Dr. Harry said something to me, something about me … and, I was only thinking about it a day or two before, something I’m only realizing in my fifty plus years. I want to say, it’s something I hope to change, but, I don’t think that’s possible, so, I’ll say … it’s something I hope to lessen … “you’re too hard on yourself” – Dr. Harry.
my meds (+ 1 on hold at the pharmacy)
gave me the gov’t literature too, lol
My Lungs Are Screaming!
Knew it was gonna be a rough run. Distance wasn’t an option. Really, only wanted to duplicate my previous one. I did. Travelled 2.35K in 10 minutes, plenty far, plenty fast for now. And again, jogging back was pleasant, very relaxed. Caught up to a couple of runners nearing home. Am I the only one still sporting summer gear?
Protein smoothie. Shower. Pop a pill. Appt. w/ Dr. Harry. Wish me luck y’all!
my “I’m still sick as a dog run” run!
My first run in over a week! Eight days exactly … last run was Sept. 28th … I never miss more than one day (ok, maybe missed two consecutive days once or twice, but that’s it), so to be outta running commission so long tells ya how I felt. I’m still on antibiotics, and I have to go back next week for my “medical procedure” (is all I’m gonna say ’bout that), and I’ve been feeling so dragged down, so faint, so tired – now, I’m not sure if it’s the infection, or all these meds making me weak? I didn’t know what to expect today, and when I started running, after only 100m my legs felt like rubber, but I persisted. Imagine my surprise, hearing my 5:00 minute audio cue, and I was further along my route than 99% of my previous first calls! And my 2K time was my 3rd fastest ever! Don’t misunderstand, I was still weak … truth be told, I was reaching into my pocket, fumbling with my phone, and inadvertently hit stop on RunKeeper – I was planning on at least reaching the 3K mark before I stopped, so I was a bit premature, lol. Good enough!
I stood there, admiring my accomplishment (I’m still in awe, when taking everything into consideration. Plus it was very humid – my glasses were fogged up, lol). I then turned around, and jogged home – comfortably, but at a steady. A nice to be back 5K run … and it was plenty … oh, and on top of everything – I had a bird in the oven … a practice Thanksgiving turkey, and I didn’t want to be out too long ‘ncase it needed tending to, lol!
quick run
negative splits
TKO’D
Haven’t ran all month. SEE, I told ya it was bad, lol! In rough shape y’all … presently am taking two different antibiotics. Have another ℞ at the ready, for back-up! Taking Advil (only) for pain … I refuse to take painkillers – if I can help it/stand it! Codeine? Umm thanks, but no thanks! And, while I know I have more shitty days ahead … am finally happy/relieved my man Dr. Harry (long time no see btw – oh, and thanks for the eight bucks too, lol) is in my corner after today’s consult. Just watch, I’ll be back to my cheery, energetic … wonderful (?, lol) self in no time *fingers crossed*! 😆
… today’s 4:20 … and I NEVER 4:20 either btw … no painkillers remember – herbal included, lol …
running, it’s a bitch!
… at times I mean. Finding time, finding motivation! Didn’t have a chance to go for my run early this Saturday morning (as I prefer), and when I got back home after errands/appointments … I mentally struggled with missing a day, but I pushed myself, and still changed into my gear and hit the road … and STILL killed a 4K! But, throughout it all, didn’t feel strong, felt a bit weak in fact … and realized, it’s 1 o’clock in the afternoon, and all I’ve put in my belly today was coffee?! No nutrients, no protein, no nourishment … no wonder!! I was running on fumes … did I say I killed it?!
Mister Consistency
Friday morning 4K was a good run. Not crazy fast, but fast enough … but more importantly only 2 seconds separated all four kilometers. And since I ran my 4K run today, it also gave me a crack at my 1mile run … and yep, you guessed it – 6:30. Mister Consistency indeed!
my garbage run!
… garbage day, recycling day run. Something comforting, relaxing … mentally preparing myself for my morning run as I’m walking back and forth, taking all my bins, garbage to the curb. Was a great run, felt strong, missed my PR by under 50 seconds … check out my last few splits. Had my playlist on repeat song, and of course I don’t dare waste time trying to correct it … was flying w/ Linkin Park‘s Somewhere I Belong blaring in my ears for 36 minutes and 33 seconds for those 8K …
“you reduced” – Iqbal
… LOL!! First words of his mouth when he saw me, after being away for the past year. Bal’s back in Canada now, but was in Dubai – he’s from that part of the world. It made me laugh, his choice of words. Yes, I lost weight, slimmed down, am looking good, am healthier. Thanks for noticing!
Monday Morning Half Marathon!
I’ve been saying to myself for quite some time now, “one day I’m gonna go for my run, and run a half marathon”. That day never came, never came close … 12K was as far as I got. Even then, I was going through it in my mind, and I knew 100 minutes would be around my time (well, the time I wanted to achieve), but I also felt, I’d probably miss it by just a bit … and I did … 101 minutes & 3 seconds. Typically, I’m a bat outta hell type of runner, running fast from the start, so when I near home (8K), I stop. Today, I reigned in my pace from the beginning, I knew this would be the only way I’d ever run a half marathon. And at the 50 minute mark – what I perceive as the half way point, my audio cue had me at 10.64K … so I was well ahead of a sub 100 minute pace … and I kept up that pace for 13K … but as you can see from my 14K – 21K splits, I started slipping … slowly, not much … and again, at least all those splits were consistent. And check out those calories burned – 2384!!!! WHOA!!
chipping away at my mile mark!
… have been making incremental progress! I’m happy where I’m at – 6:23 … but now I’d love to lower my time to 6:10 – 6:15 … THEN, I’d REALLY be happy where I’m at, lol!
Today’s effort came on the heels (a mere eight minutes later) of another super-quick, sub 18 minutes 4K, a great run by its own right. So all things considered, another awesome day of running … am chuffed as fuck again!! 
my (current, lol) PR – 6:23
4K PR … + 1mile PR!!
Wow, I amazed myself. Lord knows I needed a great day, my endurance and pace have been suffering lately. And my 4K is tough for me to improve upon, since my old time was fast, but I bettered it by 5 seconds. AND THEN, fifteen minutes later … I surprised myself lowering my mile to 6:31 (an 8 second improvement). I still can’t believe I had enough left in the tank after those grueling, energy sapping four kilometers?! Oh, and am also surprised since it’s very humid (feels like 30°), and the air feels so thick, making breathing difficult. Like I said, wow … chuffed again!
17:21 4K
5 seconds separates all 4 splits
my six & a half minute mile
post record runs & showered … bonus pic, lol
1 Day: 2 Good Runs!
My 4K run was only 13 seconds off my PR. My splits were consistent – strong and steady. And, I wasn’t done yet … I also duplicated yesterday’s mile run to the second. Well, it was, until RunKeeper decided to tack on an extra second while making its final adjustment. Oh well, lol!
Fast 4K
Speedy Splits
This PR won’t last long
danistrulytheman 