Saturday, July 11, 2009

My night at the track

Well, for the Steamtown Marathon, I want to mix up my training, and do some different things to hopefully provide a different result. As such, after my latest marathon, I did some reading, and I came across Bart Yasso's interval training - the Yasso 800's. I read the article, and it made sense to me, so, I figured, what the heck. I am going to throw this in every 4th week or so and see how it goes. Maybe more if I like it!

I did run track in high school my senior year, and one of my more famous moments was fracturing my elbow practicing hurdles! The hurdle broke too! But that was in 1986. I believe I am now fully healed and over my fear of the track...so back I went!

So, this past Wednesday evening, I made my way to the track to give it a go. As from the title of this blog, I am seeking to run a 4 hour marathon. Given that I am a year into training, and several months removed from my first marathon in 9 years, I believe this is an achievable goal, of course, with training, dedication, and persistence. Of course, having some fun too!

Given the track is about 2.5-3 miles away, I took the bus to the track, figuring I'd run home (just in case, I was prepared to take the bus home too!).

Here is a picture of the track



So, I made it to the track. Much to my surprise the track was pretty empty. The for this workout goal was to do at least 6 x 800 at 4 minutes or under. After a 800 warm up...off I went..

800 #1 - 3:50
800 #2 - 3:56
800 #3 - 3:55
800 #4 - 3:58
800 #5 - 3:56
800 #6 - 3:58

This was not easy. I found the workout to be difficult, and slight calf pain. I did stretch some, but I believe I was not hydrated enough, and felt like I was going to cramp..next time will bring water and energy drink.

I did it!!!! At this point, I wanted to test the limits...and so I did 2 more!

800 #7 - 3:58
800 #8 - 3:56

I ended the workout by doing two 400's under 2 minutes..and then ran home! The run home is mostly downhill, so it was not too difficult.

So, overall a good workout. I was tired the next day, but no more so from any other workout, and no injuries, and I felt accomplished!

If you're on the fence or not sure about the Yasso 800's, give them a try...you might just end up liking them!

Sunday, July 5, 2009



Decent run. Uneventful. A few people ran red lights, and just had to be alert. Kept in control so final mile was consistent with run.

Monday is cross training day - yeah!!!

Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:898 ft
Location:Pittsburgh, PAElev. Gain:+3 ft
Date:07/05/09Up/Downhill: [+705/-702]
Time:01:43 PMDifficulty:3.9 / 5.0
 
Weather:Fair
 76 F temp; 38% humidity
 76 F heat index; winds Vrbl 7
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 



Decent run. Uneventful. A few people ran red lights, and just had to be alert. Kept in control so final mile was consistent with run.

Monday is cross training day - yeah!!!

Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:898 ft
Location:Pittsburgh, PAElev. Gain:+3 ft
Date:07/05/09Up/Downhill: [+705/-702]
Time:01:43 PMDifficulty:3.9 / 5.0
 
Weather:Fair
 76 F temp; 38% humidity
 76 F heat index; winds Vrbl 7
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 

Sunday run

Well, as my journey continues, I am feeling great and I continue to look forward to each training run.



The last two weeks have been runs of 12 and 13 miles and I am stepping back this week to allow my body to recover.



I am getting ready for a 10 mile run. Most likely in the city and will be a uphill and then downhill run. I am concentrating on maintaining a steady pace, being relaxed and focusing on form. I am also going to focus on breathing. So, this workout is going to have lots of components that I have to keep my attention to, other than moving my legs to run.



This article perhaps explains part of what I am doing before and during runs to be focused.







Alright, off to get geared up, focused and ready for a great run!

Saturday, July 4, 2009



Thank you for my independence to run!

God Bless America. May we continue to be independent. Many thanks to our troops - both past and present.



Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:744 ft
Location:Pittsburgh, PAElev. Gain:+0 ft
Date:07/04/09Up/Downhill: [+282/-282]
Time:02:44 PMDifficulty:2.7 / 5.0
 
Weather:Fair
 72 F temp; 44% humidity
 72 F heat index; winds NW 12 G 17
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tuesday Run

This was an easy run day & run felt easy. Under marathon pace of 9'09" but an easy run.

Walked a mile before and after the run.

Time for sleep and a bit longer run tomorrow.

Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:739 ft
Location:--Elev. Gain:-13 ft
Date:06/30/09Up/Downhill: [+124/-137]
Time:09:50 PMDifficulty:1.8 / 5.0
Map
Elevation (ft)

Monday, June 29, 2009

Monday - Cross Training Day

Monday's are cross training days...last week was some cycling and some ab work.

This week, I did the following:

1) Walking, 3.8 miles

2) Weight training, including:
  • 3x10 Bench Press
  • 3x15 Curls
  • 3x15 Shrugs
  • 3x20 Leg curl
  • 3x20 Leg lift

3) Abs

  • 3x25 crunches
  • 3x20 reverse sit ups
  • 3x1+ minute planks
  • 25 regular sit ups

Next week I am going to add in oblique exercises in addition to the above. I'm going to repeat the abs workout several times a week, including cross training day.

I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow is an relatively easy running day.