danistrulytheman

I'm STILL a self confessing, self professing know-it-all, or so I think!

Tag Archives: RunKeeper


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Garmin, you really piss me off at times!

I don’t know why my expectations of you are greater than RunKeeper. Maybe it’s the fact that I doled out $450 for you, compared to zilch for RunKeeper w/ its free service! And, I know I was gonna do an in depth comparison, but at this point, I can’t be bothered. I will say, both are great – most of the time. And, while in the grand scheme of things, improperly measuring distance occasionally ain’t exactly life-and-death. When I approach my 1K marker, and nothing happens … and I continue running, and still nothing?! Garmin’s inaccuracies still piss me off! I know damned well I ran at least 1.08 (maybe 1.1)K before my wrist buzzed. No fucking way I ran 5:08 … was def a 4:40 – 4:45. I said it before, I’ll say it again … all I want is to be credited with what I did. It’s what I deserve. AND, it affected the rest of my run – was playing on my mind the whole time. To be conservatively fair, I know I ran at a 4:47 min/k pace … corrected time would shave a minute off, crediting me with 1:07. Do any of you have the same issues Garmin? Do you care?

today’s 14K … record run too …

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my mile!

I started this run, as a way of supplementing my other runs. I only ran it after running a strong 4K (or 5K). I’d be out of breath, and would walk briskly to my starting point about a kilometer away. I mean, I had to get home anyways, so I figured it’d be a good way to work on my speed (or lack thereof, lol), and it’s such a beautiful straight run! Looking at my Runkeeper right now, I see that I only started 1M timed runs on August 23 – I ran August 24 too, and my times then, when apparently I was in tip-top shape were 6:39 and 6:40 respectively. Today, April 25, I clocked 6:41 … woohoo, I’ll take it! After those 2 runs, I see I ran the distance 7 more times … funny, outta those 7 runs, 5 times I ran 6:30 or 6:31, lol. I guess that’s my mile time basically … other than my 6:23 PR (must be an aberration). Another funny thing; I quickly grew hating running it. It was all an all out gut-wrenching effort (and pain) every single time. My modus operandi was to run as fast as I could from the sound of the gun, trying as hard as I could to carry my speed as far as I could. Today, knowing that strategy wouldn’t work, eased off from the get-go, and just ran … ran hard the whole time mind you, but just kept running. Hey, not only am I happy w/ my time, I’m more happier I didn’t hate running the damned thing, lol!

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speed run?!

Finally showing some speed! And you know how you can’t always tell how fast you’re running? I was well past my road marker waiting for the 5 minute audio cue, and I ran for another 5-10 seconds before it came. My distance was 1.10 kilometers so I decided to push. I knew it’d mean a shorter run, I had to run back home, so it’s still a 5K + run … and, it was freezing cold, so I was happy to be finished!

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… and so it begins!

Exactly what I wanted/expected! I almost stopped a million times, but I didn’t … I pushed. I wanted my 8K, I got my 8K. Considering it’s my 1st run of the season, and that I’m about 8 pounds away from optimum running weight, AND, that it’s still mucky, so much debris from the ice-storm littering the sidewalks – felt more like a mud run than anything, lol … I’m very pleased! Yep, right where I wanna be …

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… now off to watch the game … GO Spartans …

Memphis v Michigan State


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there’s no crying in marathons!

OMG, I just realized something! As you all are aware, I signed up for my 1st marathon, the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (October 19). Unfortunately, I’ve been housebound w/ training … building a cardio foundation best I can. I tried hitting the roads about a month back, but winter wouldn’t let go its nasty grip. Now the plan is to FINALLY start/resume full-on training tomorrow (stay tuned) – YEAY!! Looking at the weather forecast, looks like were in for double digit temps for at least a week. Ok, back to my realization!! I see from my Running Records that I PR’ed a 12K on October 20th of last year. Took me a second putting 2+2 together … but that was the day LAST year’s marathon was run … and now I recall it completely; I purposely went for a dedication run of sorts that morning, acknowledging all the competitors. I also remember it because afterwards, I spent the entire day working doing demolition/construction/renovations! Even though it was a record run (I don’t run 12K often), I did it running well within myself! And, seeing that time/run … AND now focusing and visualizing for what lies ahead, all I can think is; if I could repeat that effort (3 1/2 times over) on October 19th, I’d be chuffed as fuck! AND, I know my title has absolutely nothing to w/ any of this … it just came to me. All the hard work anyone who attempts a marathon must endure isn’t lost on me in the slightest … and I thought it was appropriate knowing I’m in for a world of hurt …

… for old time’s sake y’all!

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it’s a start!

My first run since December 7 … says RunKeeper. Sitting, waiting for my noon consult appointment, figured I’d dust off my Saucony Virratas and give it a go. Beautiful, sunny day, I don’t mind the cold temp, and I knew roads were clear of ice, and traffic would be minimal, so off I went. Only two hundred meters in, my legs were so tight, I really didn’t think I’d be able to continue running, and I’m not joking when I say this … I never thought I’d be able to run … AGAIN. As in, I’ll never regain my form. But, I persevered and at my 5 minute audio cue was at 1.03 kilometers – a 4:48 km pace. Certainly not fast, but I’ll take it. And the only reason it dropped, was me having trouble, fiddling trying to get my phone out of my pocket to stop the activity. And, as I write/post this … my lungs are SCREAMING!!

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Crazy Cold!!

Minus 35 w/ windchill! It’s been like this for too many days! On top of it, I’m stuck sitting and waiting someplace I don’t wanna be. To make matters more depressing, RunKeeper hasn’t had a workout since December 7. And as I’m forced to be here (God is still trying to test/help me with my lack of patience. It isn’t working!), my mind wanders to the end of last year … honestly, I only wanted a coupla generic ibuprofen!

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December 1 Run!

Running has been sporadic lately. Hard to find motivation, combined with complying weather. Today had both so off I went. No longer do I have expectations or goals. I feel since it’s no longer running season, just getting out occasionally not worrying about times/accomplishments is achievement enough. But when I do surprise myself, the run is def all the sweeter. I tracked 38 RunKeeper 8K runs, this was my 4th fastest. Yep, onetwelvethirteen was good day!! Mother eff chuffed!

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… love my 1st 6 splits, EQUAL splits! Only slowed slightly for the final 2, but still kept every split in the 4:30’s!


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Early Friday Morning 8K!

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 …

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yep, it’s getting colder …

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Late October 10K!

I did it! I PRed what is one of my tougher runs, and so late in the season. Last 10K PR occurred on September 6, so it gives you an idea of how hard it is to beat. Was cruising comfortably, looking for a sub 45 minute time, and was on pace to finish in 44:50 – ish. But at my 40 minute audio cue, I needed to be at least at 8.89 – 8.90, instead was only at 8.87 kilometers. I knew then, any hope was lost. Now, only question was of PRing, and by how much. Bettered it by 4 seconds, and missed 45 minutes by 8 seconds. It was my 8 and 9 kilometer splits where I lost about 15 seconds. Still pleased, I mean a PR is a PR, lol!

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the kvetching runner!

What, me complain? Sorry. But, I have to … ’cause that’s who anal I am! It’s just getting harder and harder lately. I awake, go for my run … and when I return, it’s still pitch black out. Twice, I misstepped nearly twisting my ankle ’cause I couldn’t see sidewalk hazards in the darkness. I’ve been sporting a tuque for weeks, gloves too – HUGE pain in the arse working (trying to work) my phone, my RunKeeper! And with each passing day, temps are dropping … not to mention gale force swirling winds wreaking-wrunning havoc too. All these factors making it increasingly more difficult venturing out, leaving home’s comfy warmth, pushing myself and punishing myself … and to what end?! Honestly, feel like I’m ready to pack it in … not completely, just cut back on the frequency, and cut back out watching stop watches altogether. Timing is incredibly stressful, and equally exhilarating … but now since it appears PRs are out of the question, I feel it’s a good time to scraptheapp and focus on running, and enjoying it in its purest form, with nobody watching. Just … me myself and I!

File pic, prolly less than 2 months ago – guessing?!

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Turkey Day Fartlek!

Thanksgiving Day today, but celebrated with family yesterday … so you know what that means … LEFTOVERS, lol! Lotsa turkey, stuffing, gravy, pumpkin pie. Yum!

What a beautiful Canadian autumn day today, a great day for a run, a perfect opportunity to try my hand at fartlek training. I guess you can say I’ve done it before … changing up my running. I broke it up into four separate runs. First, I ran 2K semi-fast, then 1K really fast, then another 1K even faster, and finished with a 2K that included a hill climb, and a long gradual descent. Was fun mixing it up. Even tried a new app, sorry Strava, sticking w/ RunKeeper. PLUS, it’s my nephew’s birthday today. A beautiful Canadian day indeed!

my kicks are accumulating kilometers, easily 1200K to date …

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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.

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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

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negative splits

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my hit by a car 8K!

Finally happened. Old dude did say “sorry” … then sped off. Cocksucker! Happened at the 4.5K mark, took me about 45 seconds before I could pause my RunKeeper. My ankle hurt like hell, but when I resumed running, really didn’t feel it. NOW, it’s tightening up, and hurts even more. I’m concerned/thinking this’ll keep me outta the running game for a few days. Guess I’ll just have to wait and see how it feels . Something tells me I’ll be waking up with a stiff, sore, swollen, ankle. Cocksucker – pay attention to runners!

Hit by a car, 45 seconds wasted – and still a sub 37 minute 8K. Yep, happy birthday danistrulytheman!

lacerated ankle. hope it ain’t broken.

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still fast.

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Rain Day. Rest Day. No Run Day (gasp)!

My body needs it, and this is one of the ways I give it a break. I’m too stubborn to rest, even for a day … so I have to wait for a rainy morning to make the decision for me. I’m fine with it too, as I said, I need rest. Plus, I’m still on a high from yesterday’s 10K run. I did mention it was the best one, the best run I ever had at any distance … still soaking it in, reliving it … enjoying it!!

dreary day this a.m.

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my awesome10K – check out my pace analysis

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Run Like A Kenyan, Drink Like A German!

Running & Beer Drinking! Is there anything better? God, I love you both, lol!

This may be the single best run I’ve had since I boarded TheRunningTrain. Sure, I PRed, but it was much more than that. I felt very strong throughout, even when I finished … normally I feel so winded, completely spent. Not today! I ran the first 5K in 22:57, I brought home the final 5K in 22:14! Are you f’ing kidding me? To put that in perspective; my 5K PR is 22:02. Honestly, I know having my RunKeeper set providing audio cues every minute helped. During that second half, I was determined to keep my pace at 220m per call … and I did. In fact, often covering 230m, even 240m occasionally … and anytime/every time I achieved those distances … I dug deeper, giving it all I had for the following minute, feeding off the accomplishment of my previous minute … you know what I mean? Yep, def has to be my greatest effort to date! Now … where’s my beer?!

10K – 45:12 …

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Fast 5K – Faster 5K …

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There you are. Well hello, good looking …

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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

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Speedy Splits

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This PR won’t last long

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in a run funk!

… for about a week now. didn’t help i overextended myself with my stupidity stubbornness trying for a new distance record. i swear, not only did i pull my hammie (same one), i fucked up my achilles (i think it’s my achilles? it’s around the back/outside of my ankle … and with my daily running – it ain’t gettin’ any better). i really needed this today! a sub 18 minute 4k (24 seconds shy of a pr) … and quickening my pace with each successive split!

17:50 4k

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quickening splits. sweet!

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