MOVED BLOG LOCATION...

I'm going to post my running and workout adventures at: http://runswithwagosh.wordpress.com/

For those of you who do read this, go check it out!

Well shit...

I was up in Wisconsin several days ago now. I went up there for running reasons and since I've been back I haven't ran!

I have been packing! Moving sucks! I also started another blog, check it out: http://assickasachestnut.blogspot.com/

I do plan to get a run in tonight. Hopefully I'll find time to do that, I could use a run.

I'll have more later.

Lazy days...

It's not a good thing to be feeling lazy right now!!!

I have been working out and running here and there this week. I could have put more time into running...I'll put more time into it this week! Tomorrow I hop on a damn plane and fly north! It got cold down this way...which is good because I almost forgot what 40 degrees was like! It is fucking COLD! HAHA! I love it-my body does not! I will be wearing many layers up north! I hope that I don't have a repeat of yesterday...all I could think about was eating! I'm starved for meat and haven't had any for days...
This cold weather is driving me to add more fat to my body-that's all I need-more weight-running and lifting have already caused me to gain weight-I add muscle way faster than I burn fat and with winter coming my body doesn't want to burn fat right now, it wants to keep it!

Anyway, about my past workouts. The only day that I remember is...Saturday afternoon [10.18] I lifted and then went on a 5 mile hike hoping to find some edible mushrooms-we didn't find many-it was mostly random unknown mushrooms. I ran Saturday night. It was fucking cold. It was down in the 40's I believe. I waited until late on purpose just to get an idea of what it was going to be like to be running in the cold. FUCK! I started off fast. I couldn't help but run fast, I told myself to slow down, but I wanted to run fast to warm up! My muscles were extremely tight, after a few minutes I finally slowed down. And then the fucking mucus build up that was lodged in my throat started to gag me! I needed water and I was only 1 damn mile into my run! I also ran without my iPod...I don't know if it was just because it was Saturday night or what but people driving by felt the need to fucking honk at me. It got annoying. I only did 3 miles and the cold made my muscles feel odd! They were on fire and had a weird sort of pain-that wasn't painful-just weird...anyway, I can't wait to run the Wisconsin trails in the cold cold cold! I'm going to do two runs today. They will equal 10 miles. I might just do two 5 mile runs or I might split it up some other way...then I'm going to workout...I need to pack right now though! (I'll see you tomorrow Evan!)

I just realized this is a long blog-I feel like typing!

More later.

Running ain't easy...yesterday's run...10.15...

...but I sure as hell love it! Running teaches you a lot about yourself. What you are capable of...what you're not but what you are willing to push yourself to do. It also makes you listen to your body! And in my case, and many others, ignore the body and keep pushing through the pain anyway!

It bothers me that we live in a society that makes it harder to do things that should be easy and natural...our bones-our bodies are weak because we are raised to do nothing worthwhile and to eat shit...it's sad that kids now are told to sit in front of the television and to play Nintendo games...and this Wii shit...um, that is not fucking exercise...go outdoors for a walk instead...have your children go outside for a walk with you...give them a healthier future...

Running is just another part of the rewilding/learning process...it's not always easy, it is fun-even when it isn't easy, it can hurt mentally and physically at times, but it is worth all the effort, and the adventures are fucking awesome! Like when you get stuck in the forest running and there is no light-the Sun at rest and the Moon now doing her job-but usually her shine can't penetrate the forest floor...you think you're still on the trail, your feet telling you different because the ground all of a sudden became softer, but you keep going anyway, and SLAM, you find yourself in a bush!!! It's exciting!

Anyway, yesterday I did a trail run. The old trail...I love this trail. Probably because it is an easier trail and I know it pretty well!!! With few hills at the very end that ramp things up a bit! I put in 6 miles and walked a little over 2 miles. I came across two Great Blues wading through the water looking for a meal. Also the buzz-chirp of the Kingfisher while he flew down the waters path! I always love that! He always keeps you alert!

Running through the forest is always the best! I did that run around noon. And it is still too warm down this way! Where the hell is the cold weather?! The north is hogging it up!

I lifted last night at midnight. It was good. Short, but not sweet! The workout really kicked my ass. It really had the sweat pouring off me like somebody came along and dumped a bottle of water over my head...sweat in the eyes=SUCK!

Alright, more later.

Eh...

I just got a great workout in. Only with weights though. Then cramps took over. I want to run but my body and stomach want a hot bath. I think I might give in to the hot bath. That would be two days in a row of not running...hmmm. Not good. I'm beat though. That workout kicked my ass and I should be drinking a lot of water considering the amount of sweat that just came out of me! I'm ready to sweat more in the tub-I like my water boiling!

Hopefully I'll make a good pacer!!! At least I have a big mouth...that should make up for any lack of running that I can't pull through with...

I'm glad that my Moon sickness came now and not a week later. Although this is the time that I need energy to get a week of good training in before I leave...whatever. Tomorrow is a new day, hopefully I'll have some energy...

Time for that hot bath and then some good sleep.

Also, this is not related to running at all, but my TV died today...it is gone. I'm so happy about this...I have been waiting for this moment for too long now and it has finally happened! YES!

Yesterday...10.12...

So I had this bright idea to travel over 90 minutes to run 10 miles...what a disaster!!! No need for details-I didn't run 10 miles...I ran 4-5 miles!

HAHA! It was a good adventure-full of weirdos and civil war battlefields! Eh, should have stuck to the original plan and went to hang with some waterfalls...next time...

More later.

10.10...

I ran late last night. I did 5 miles on a fucking track...BORING! I don't plan to ever do that again!

Yesterday...10.9...

I don't know how many miles I ran. I was in the woods for a very long time though! I'm going to say it was 6 miles but it could have been more. The hills really make a difference!!! They knocked me out yesterday!

I have to run 10 miles today but it is late in the day so I might have to do 10 miles tomorrow morning and 7 miles tonight...

I have no energy. I was out waaay too late last night...I'm really tired...

More later.

Last night 10.6...

I ran 6 miles last night. I did not eat enough yesterday, and I didn't drink enough water, so the run was exhausting instead of energizing. My lower legs and feet are tired and a bit sore today. I only have 3.5 miles to run today. I'm going to hit up the hellish trail I ran the other day-I will be running along the lake and Persimmon trees...I'm not complaining!

More later.

Oh, my! 10.3 and 10.5...

Friday I did 6.5 miles. What a great run! It was late and I ran down the highway through the country. Something about running from the city and the bright lights motivated me and gave me lots of energy. (Lil Jon screaming in my ear also had me stoked!)
Yes, I really enjoyed Friday's run. The feeling I got can't be put into words. It was so great that I danced-ran the last .5 miles!

And today. I found the perfect trail. Buckeye Trail! It was hell! HELL! My legs are going to be sore tomorrow. It has everything that I have been looking for in a trail. The dirt is pretty much sand-it was almost like running on the beach in spots. The rocks are abundant and loose from the many horses that tromp along (it is a horse trail.) The hills and the downhills are plenty and really made it a hard run! Perfect for training...
My breathing was heavy!!! It literally was one hill after the other on this trail and I had to be sure that I didn't slip or trip over rocks and roots when I descended. Oh yes, today was a great run. I will be seeing a lot of this trail over the next couple of weeks...
(I ran between 4-6 miles on this trail - I ran for 60 minutes. This trail doesn't have mile markers...so I'll have to wear my watch to keep track...)

And my meal was cooked over a fire tonight. It tasted great! Just what my body needed.

I feel good. More later.

Schedule for the next 3-4 weeks

3: d8, 10 mins jump rope, run 5 miles med.-1 mile easy = 6 miles total
4: d9, 10 mins jump rope, run 6 miles easy
5: d10-off, 5-8 miles easy (judge by leg)

6: d11, 10 mins jump rope, run 6 miles w/ 8 strides
7: d12, 10 mins jump rope, run 2.5 miles hard-1 mile easy = 3.5 miles total
8: d13-off, run-off
9: d14-off, 2 miles easy-6 miles med.-2 miles easy = 10 miles total
10: d15, 10 mins jump rope, run 5-7 miles easy (judge by leg)
11: d16, 10 mins jump rope, run 40 mins easy
12: d17-off, run 20 mins easy

13: d18, 10 mins jump rope, run 6 miles easy
14: d19, 10 mins jump rope, 3.5 miles hard-1 mile easy-2 miles hard = 6.5 miles total
15: d20-off, run-off
16: d21, 10 mins jump rope, run 7 miles med-2 miles easy = 9 miles total
17: d22, 10 mins jump rope, run 6 miles easy
18: d23-off, run 50 mins easy-15 mins hard
19: d24-off, run 5 miles easy

20: d25, 10 mins jump rope, run 10 miles slow
21: d26, run-off...AIRPORT MADNESS, YEA! (Evan, my plane better not crash!)
22: d27-off, run 3 miles easy-10 mins hard (or some other random mileage)
23: d28-off, run 7 miles med.-2 miles slow = 9 miles total (or some other random mileage)
24: run 5-6 miles easy (or some other random mileage)
25: Be Evan's "bitch" for the day aka "run" 10 miles up and down lots of hills...ahhh?!!! HAHA!
26: Rest or run random mileage

27: Rest or run random mileage
28: AIRPORT MADNESS AGAIN!
29: d29, 10 mins jump rope, run easy mileage
30: d30, 10 mins jump rope, run easy mileage

Foot races...

Just a few nights ago I was talking about Indigenous people and running with a friend (you Evan.)
Several days before having this conversation I started reading the book titled Wooden Leg. Which happens to be about Wooden Leg and his band, the Cheyenne. He was one of the warriors who fought Custer.

Anyway, I got up and started reading. And after much talking about hunts and feasts he goes on about the competitive sports that he and his people would take part in. The Sioux, when joined with his tribe, would take part in these events too:

"Competitive sports used to interest us. Horse races, foot races, wrestling matches, target shooting with guns or with arrows, tossing the arrows by hand, swimming, jumping and other like contests were entered upon. In the tribe such competition usually was between men representing the three warrior societies. These were the Elk warriors, the Crazy Dog warriors, and the Fox warriors. If any Sioux tribe or big band camped jointly with us the matches were between representative members of the two tribes. Bets were made on every kind of contest. The stakes were of guns, ammunition, bows and arrows, blankets, horses, robes, jewelry, shirts, leggings, moccasins, everything in the line of personal property. The betting always was on even terms. Articles were piled upon a blanket, matched articles in apposition to each other. The winners took all and shouted over the victory.

The Elk warriors, the society to which I belonged, had the best runners. Our speediest man on foot was named Apache. He was almost as tall as I was [Wooden Leg, in his old age, was measured at 6'2" - 235lbs. In his youth he may have been several inches taller.] and he was much heavier. He had remarkably big thighs. One time at a double camping with the Ogallalas on upper Powder river a foot race was arranged between the two tribal champions. The Ogallala fast man was tall and slender. His name was Black Legs. The distance they were to run was about a mile, I believe, although at that time we had no measurements for distance. Four friends of each man accompanied the two racers to the starting point. A revolver shot told them when to go. Near the finish the Sioux fell exhausted. Our man Apache was very tired, but he ran on to the end of the route. Of course, the Cheyennes took all the stakes, let out a chorus of cheers and fired their guns into the air.

"The Cheyenne medicine broke his legs," the Sioux said when their man collapsed.

The old Chief Little Wolf had been a great runner when he was a young man. The longer the distance the better it suited him. As the Cheyennes and the Ogallalas were traveling together in moving camp there was much bantering such as, "I think the Sioux can travel faster than the Cheyennes can," or, "It appears the Cheyennes must go a little more slowly in order not to run away from their friends the Sioux." Finally a young Sioux jokingly challenged Little Wolf to a foot race.

"How," assented Little Wolf, "I'll run with you."

The caravan was stopped and arrangements were made for the race. Little Wolf then was past fifty years of age, while his Sioux challenger was just entering young manhood. Nevertheless, the Cheyennes backed their chief heavily. A great pile of bets were placed upon the containing blankets. Four Cheyennes and four Sioux went with the two men to the agreed starting point, which must have been three or four miles away. At the crack of a revolver shot the race began. Up to the last mile the young Sioux kept well in the lead. Then he began to move more slowly. It appeared Little Wolf never changed his pace. So he closed up toward the leader. In the last part of the last mile he went ahead, still running at what appeared to be his same rate while the other man's speed continued to lessen. By a broad hundred yards Little Wolf won the contest. Many of the Sioux, even some who had lost bets, joined the Cheyennes in cheering for the old man."

!!! This section of the book made my morning!

More later.

Nice night for a run...10.1...

I went out for my run tonight-around 9:30PM. The weather is nice and cool right now. I was cold when I started my run.
The run was really nice and I feel refreshed right now. I ran 6 miles and walked 1 mile total as a warm-up and cool-down.

I made some awesome food tonight too. MMM! Yea!

More later.

Snakes, lizards, and turtles, OH MY!

I was out for about 2 hours on my run today. I had planned to do 8 miles on the pine trail but was pretty much forced to turn around after a little over 2 miles. After a mile of running I was being told to stop and turn around. I turned my music off to see what was going on and in the distance I heard several gun shots-which I didn't hear when I had my music on. I continued on confused, not knowing if I was really being warned so I asked for a specific sign, and in less than a minute it was in front of my face so I turned around. I headed for the cement trail. Ugh! I hate concrete and my body hates it too! I don't want to run much on cement because it causes my upper left leg to irritate me. So I just did my 4 miles of running - 2 miles on the pine trail and 2 on the cement, and walked another 2+ miles...

On my way out to the cement trail I stopped and snacked on a couple of delicious persimmons. Damn are they good. Really good! I also came across several Anoles, one on a bridge. She sat and watched me and went from an olive green to a rusty brown that matched the metal of the bridge. I watched with envy. Sometimes I wish that I could turn my skin different colors to blend with my environment...

And fuck was it hot on my run today! It is 85 now and I went out around 2:30PM. Yuck! The woods are still damp from last nights rain and the heat just blasted me in the face and filled my lungs...
It didn't help that all I had before my run was 1-1/2 cups of water to drink...BAD MOVE!

And the snakes, lizards, and turtles...they were out today...enjoying the heated damp trails! Out searching for food. I came across two turtles at different times, one chowing on a Luna moth or Hornworm looking caterpillar. That pillar was big, green, and juicy and was oozing guts all over the ground while half was in the turtles mouth and the other half was hanging out. I came across a Garter snake too. This Garter really resembled a Western Plains Garter Snake. Very bright yellows and blacks. Very pretty. Another reason I'm not fond of cement trails is that they attract people! I like running trails that have NO people! I like it to just be me and the wildlife. If there are other runners that isn't so bad because they are there and gone. They don't linger. Anyway, while on the cement trail a family was out. The three children on their bikes and the parents walking. The children spotted an Anole, got off their bikes and ran after it. I heard one of the children yelling, "EWWW, mommy, the tail fell off. EWWW..."
I was a bit bummed but also thought of when I grew up and thought of all the pet salamanders and on that I had taken from the forest. I wish that somebody would have told me when young that it wasn't alright to take these creatures out of the forest...just like I wished that the parents of these children would have told their children to watch from a distance and to leave all wildlife alone. But instead they threatened the Anole. When this happens they drop their tails off and run like hell.
Shortly after this incident I came to the end of the trail and turned around. I caught up with the family again and passed them on the right, boy was I glad because less than 20 feet there was a beautiful rat snake. Enjoying the warmth of the concrete. I know those children would have ran her over with their bikes if I didn't come across her first. She wouldn't budge when I nudged her with my fingers. She looked dried out from sitting in the sun. She looked dead, but her tongue said different. I ripped a piece of Kudzu vine off and used it to poke at her upper body. This plumped her up and she became very alert and finally zipped off into the woods. I was relieved...

What an exciting day!

Tonight I'm going to lift weights and I'm going to go on a late bike ride. For now I'm going to down lots of water and stuff my face with food.

More later.

Sore from 8.25's workout!

I'm sore from shoulders to quads! I had a great full body workout. I didn't think it was too intense but it did make me tired, and I'm fucking sore today!

I was supposed to run 4 1/4 miles yesterday but could only do 3 miles. I didn't get in my stretches afterwards which was a dumb move but I'll stretch good today after my workout and run.

Yea, so I feel great today! More later.

I feel GREAT!

Holy hell. I just wiped myself out lifting weights. I feel good though! I haven't really lifted in months. I did a full body workout...
Yea, I'm totally exhausted! I need to go put some protein in my stomach.

Tomorrow I'm back to running. I'm stoked. I ate well today. I could have ate more. Tomorrow I will do that. I plan to have a nice big breakfast so then I will be provided with energy throughout the entire day. Today I lacked energy so getting myself to lift was a bit hard...but fuck, I'm stoked that I did.

More later.

Feeling motivated...

So, I have taken some time off from running. I put in some miles here and there but other than that I have put my runs on hiatus. My left leg was causing some problems but hopefully the time that I have taken off has helped it get better. I'll find out tomorrow after my run!

I'm ready to hit the trails again. When I lack exercise in my life I get moody and I end up with pent up energy. If you don't have any way of getting your energy out you end up feeling like shit.

Also for the next month I'm going to be hitting the weights hard. And I cleaned my diet up. I have been having too much summer fun and now it's time to get serious with the new season coming in. FALL! I fucking love fall! This is the best time for running!

Oh, and, I've been reading Ultramarathon Man. I'm getting close to the end. I fucking love this book. If you haven't read it already I suggest that you do! Especially if you run or want to and need more motivation. After reading about Dean Karnazes crazy adventures you will be left feeling adventurous and motivated. I sure do.

Alright, I will be posting more later.

Running and reading...

I have been running, but it has been sporadic so I haven't been taking note of my mileage. It has been 6 miles here, 5 miles there, 4 miles, 3 miles...
My left leg needed a rest so I have been doing that. It has been doing better though so it is time to up the mileage again. I have been doing thorough stretches and got a rope to help get a better stretch. It takes me about 20 (or more) minutes to completely finish my stretches.

I was lent a book: "Why We Run" by Bernd Heinrich. So far I like. I'm only a chapter in so...I'll give more of an opinion later...

I'm also reading PaleoDiet for Athletes - again!!! I need away from rice pasta and bread. They help but I really don't want them in my diet...

For now it is time to go read and sleep. I will have more on running later. I have a busy running schedule this weekend. I'm looking forward to it...that and TS Gustav and Hanna! Let's hope for CAT 5 hurricanes!!! Two in a row? Could it be possible?!!! I'm stoked on the thought of it!

More later.

6 miles tonight...8.16.08...

...once again, I HATE running the city. This was the second time (that I know of) that I was stalked...
I can't wait to give some asshole a dose of bear mace and then I'm going to fucking stick them in the throat with my knife...

Anyway, my left leg was in PAIN throughout my whole run. From the groin to my calf. I have no clue what's going on but I'm afraid of getting another stress fracture (this was the leg that I had it in before.) Women are known for getting SF's easily. FUCK! It's the damn cement.

I was stoked on tonights run but I'm also bummed because I'm afraid of injury and having to cut back on running...no, not going to happen!

It's time to apply lots of Comfrey. I also need to take in lots of the following foods: sardines, salmon, bones, leafy greens, nut milks, spinach, broccoli, and kale.
I'm also going to drink lots of green, nettle leaf, and dandelion teas.

More later.

My legs...

...don't want to work for me. They ache. The less I run the more they ache during my runs. The more I run the less they ache. So more running. Tonight I did 4 miles. My lower legs burned. I stopped and stretched and then they were better. I need to stretch often, even on days that I don't plan to run. Also I hate running in the city...have I mentioned this before?!!! Running in the forest is a completely different experience and the trees give you lots of clean air to breath so that you don't become winded. The city strangles you and slows you down...I have zero motivation when I run on concrete, no motivation when I have car fumes choking me and headlights blinding me. Fuck, I hate the city.

Tomorrow I'll be running 6 miles and then Sunday 8 miles. That and some swimming and fishing this weekend...life is more than awesome when wildness and running are involved!
I also plan to do some plyo training and lifting this weekend...I haven't plyo trained in months! I'm going to die!!! I can't wait!

More later.

Three runs...8.8 - 8.9 - 8.11...

I haven't been keeping up with this...
I'm sure that I am not remembering some mileage; Friday night, 8.8, I went out when the Sun was going down-I planned to do 8 miles but only did 6.5 miles. Most of that run I did in complete darkness on the wooden trail. I was completely blind for 3-4 miles of the run and I came close to falling on my face several times. I sprinted the miles that I did have daylight for. I was in such a bad mood that I could have seriously, if I had the light, finished 6 miles in 20 minutes!
Saturday night, 8.9, I ran 3 miles...it was very late-like 1AM. I was very tired when I did this run...but I did it! This run made me laugh, there I was getting my run on while more than half of the town was getting their drink on!
And then today I did 6 miles. I ran a couple of trails. I started on a cement trail and continued onto the pine trail. I had to pee a lot during this run and my left leg is in a lot of pain. From my groin to my knee. This isn't from running...this leg has always been a problem...I was waiting for it to start giving me shit again...and here it started this weekend.

Alright, I need a shower and I need sleep.

8.5.08

Even though I ran at 1AM I'm counting this as my Tuesday run! I feel good. I haven't gone out running in several days...once again my moon sickness sucked up all of my energy! I had the worst cramps yesterday. Pain, shakes, sweat, chills, vomit, shit, more pain, thought I was going to die, I wanted to cry but I was in too much pain to do so. I know, this has nothing to do with running, but I didn't do much yesterday because of the 4 hours of hell!

So I was thinking today about running and the races I'm going to take part in. I need to find which races I'm going to do and then I need to sign up. First I'm going to do a 5k, then a 10k or I might skip the 10k and go straight to a half-marathon. Next spring (or fall) I plan to do the big 26.2 miles! And I'm hoping to do that 70 miler in PA next summer too...we'll see...

Now I need to find the races that I want to run (I have the 5k planned already) and I also need to write Survival International. I really want to run for them. I hope that can happen.

Tonight I ran 4 miles. I love running 2 miles, 3 miles, 5 miles (is my favorite), and 6 miles...but 4 miles I FUCKING HATE! I don't know what it is about 4 mile runs but I seriously HATE and DREAD them! I can run 5 and 6 miles with ease...4 miles kills me though. I don't get it! HAHA!

Anyway. I ran 4 miles tonight, I'm pooped and need a shower. I think I run another 4 miles tomorrow. I hate running so late but it is when temps are coolest so I guess it will have to continue this way. I haven't lifted weights in weeks now and I plan to start lifting full body 3 days/week. I miss the iron!

Alright, time for that shower and time for some much needed sleep.

7.31.08 into 8.1.08

I just got back from running 6 miles. I feel good. I'm tired and sweaty. 4 miles in my left groin started irritating me but it didn't last long. I've had problems with that part of my leg since I fucked it up doing TSD years back...

I discovered this Recharge sports drink the other day. WAY BETTER than Vitamin waters. The ingredients are so much better too. No added sugars, and it has electrolytes. YUMMY!

Tomorrow I'm going to run 5 miles and then Saturday I'm doing the 8 miler! I can't wait!

It was a dark run tonight. I came close to stepping on a few rats (??? I'm pretty sure they were rats!) They darted off quickly into the weeds. That would have been awful if I would have stepped on them.

I hate running the streets. I think I had a stalker tonight-in a SUV...I need to get some mace. I always carry a knife but I like mace...you can spray some dumb fuck in the face and then stab him a few times while he is blinded. So yea, I'm going to look into some bear mace!

I need a shower. More later.

So...

I decided to hold off on running 26.2 miles - I feel I'm jumping into it too soon. I don't want to injure myself. Instead I'm going to take 12 weeks to train for a half marathon (13.1 miles.)

Here is the training schedule that I got from Cool Running:

Week	Mon.	Tue.	Wed.	Thu.	Fri.	Sat.	Sun.
1	Off	Fartlek (4M)	4M	4M	Off	3M	6M
2	Off	Fartlek (4M)	5M	3M	Off	3M	7M
3	Off	4-5 Hills 5K-10K pace	5M	3M	Off	3M	6M
4	Off	3-4 Long Hills 5K-10K pace	3M	4M	Off	3M	8M
5	Off	5-6 Hills 5K-10K pace	3M	4M	Off	3M	7M
6	Off	3 x Mile 5K-10K pace	4M	6M	Off	5M	9M
7	Off	3 x Mile 5K-10K pace	3M	5M	Off	3M	7M
8	Off	6 x 880s 5K-10K pace	5M	6M	Off	5M	10M
9	Off	6 x 880s 5K-10K pace	4M	7M	Off	3M	10K Race (Or 8M run)
10M	Off	4 x Mile 5K-10K pace	6M	7M	Off	6M	12M
11	Off	5M	5M	8M	Off	3M	8M
12	Off	5M	5M	8M	Off	3M	RACE DAY

Last night 7.28, I ran 2.5 miles. I should have ran 4 miles but didn't have it in me. I had too much on the mind and lacking sleep is doing a number on me. Today I was going to run 7.5 miles but the rain stopped me at 4 miles! I got through the first 3-3.5 miles waiting for the rain to fall and then finally the clouds burst with rain...it was awesome running in a downpour! I was on the trail too...it was a great run and I did it w/o an iPOD! I wanted to get 2 more miles in but had to leave. I might make them up later tonight...
Since I have been back in town I have had NO energy. I am mentally and physically drained. I'm hoping to break free from this...being back here makes me fucking miserable. But I have to deal and I'm not going to complain. I just need to fix my situation. I should just leave this place, just set out on the open road. Just me and my legs...running to new places...
I'm dreaming...

I owe another 3.5 miles. If I have the energy and if the weather allows, I'm going to probably run that tonight. I hate splitting up my mileage, but you've got to do what you've got to do!

Also, I should mention that I came to realize tonight that my new watch is a little off and I have been running more mileage than it says. Which is fine by me - I was running a few more feet/miles while out of town - cool!

Time for eats. More later.

After I run the following days below...

I'm going to start running more mileage and then I'm going to run 26.2 miles. I'm not doing it for any particular reason and I'm not going to keep track of my time. I'm just going to run 26 miles to run 26 miles!
I guess in a way I am; this way I can get a feel for what a marathon would be like-but since I'm doing it on my own there is no stress or anxiety, no competition, no caring about my pace...just a easy (HA, HAHA, HAHAHAHAHAHA!) long run. I will have Kevin find me every 45 minutes to give me water. I already know what route I'm going to run. It sort of sucks that it will be along a highway but it's pretty much my only choice.

Here is the schedule:

8.5-8.9 ??? Not sure what mileage I will run. I will figure that out later. I might take two rest days and run 5 miles on two days...

8.10: 12 miles
8.11: REST
8.12: 6 miles
8.13: 8 miles
8.14: 6 miles
8.15: REST
8.16: 4 miles
Total=36 miles

8.17: 14 miles
8.18: REST
8.19: 7 miles
8.20: REST
8.21: 5 miles
8.22: REST
8.23: 4 miles
Total=30 miles

8.24: 10 miles
8.25: REST
8.26: 6 miles
8.27: REST
8.28: 4 miles
8.29: REST
8.30: 1-2 miles (optional)
Total=20-22 miles

8.31: 1-2 miles (optional)
9.1: 1-2 miles (optional)
9.2: 26.2 miles (I would do this on the 31st but will be out of town for several days...)
9.3: REST
9.4: REST
9.5: REST
9.6: REST
Total=26.2 (+???)

I might walk or do a mile of running on one or two of my rest days after doing the 26 miles. I'll have to see how I feel.

I feel I may be jumping into this early, and I can see injury happening but I plan to have lots of ice on hand so when I complete the mileage I can come home and jump in a ice bath.

I'm laughing at myself because I haven't even ran 8 miles yet! And I plan to jump into 12 miles in a little over 1 week or some shit like that! I'm a fool!

I'm letting the food in my stomach settle now and then I'm off to run 4 miles. More later.

7.23.08 and 7.24.08

On the 23rd, I split a 6 mile run up into 2 runs. I didn't want to do this but it was the only way that I could get my run in. I ran about 3.4 miles in the morning and ran another 3.2 or more in the evening. I ran the latter in about 23 minutes.
I would like to bring that down to 20 minutes. Once I reach that goal, I want to knock a few more minutes off.
On the 24th I ran 3 miles.

I rested the 25th-26th-and was going to run tonight (7.27) but decided to post this and then I'm off to bed. I am beat. I am lacking sleep and I need to make it up. I was very close to going out around 11:30 tonight but yea.

And just so that I make up for the two runs that I missed plus the 7 other miles that I owe, I'm going to once again post the days and mileage:

7.28: 4 miles
7.29: 6 miles
7.30: 3 miles
7.31: 5 miles
8.1: 8 miles (I can't fucking wait!)
8.2: REST
8.3: 4 miles
8.4: 3 miles

I feel like shit since I haven't ran for 3 days. My legs and hips are aching and want to move but my brain and eyes do not want to follow!

And I also want to mention that my new Garmin watch was FUCKING awesome while out of town this past week. It really came in handy. There was no need to drive around with a car to figure out my mileage!
And there is no getting lost with that sucker-although I did because I was too stubborn to have a machine show me the way back to where I started-good thing I ran into somebody who showed me the way back!!! But yea, I'm stoked on it, it makes running new routes so much easier.

Alright time to get some shut-eye. More tomorrow.

7 miles...

Ran 5 miles just now and I ran 2 miles LATE last night - 7.21.08.

Running on the trail=awesome, running streets=lame.

Shower time.

Ran 6 miles 7.20.08...

I ran late last night. Used my new watch. It did me good-it's a bit high-tech-and a bit bulky-but it works! With it, I will never get lost! HA! I hate technology but I guess I have to take advantage of it in the meantime.
The route that I chose did not work and it will be the last time that I ever run that route! I hated it...I was also irritated throughout my run-my sweat was making my mosquito bites insanely itchy.
I took the run slow because I didn't want to push myself too hard and also for half my run I couldn't see because it was so dark! I had to be extra cautious in the extreme dark-you never know what sort of freaks are lurking...fucking cities, fucking crazy people! I love running the trail so much more...

The Moon looked amazing last night too when I began my run. She sat low in the sky and was blood red...FUCKING AWESOME!

I didn't get to run 5 miles Saturday. I have been crazy busy trying to get everything cleaned and ready before taking off for the week. So the first of August I plan to run 8 miles to make up those 5 miles plus the 3 miles that I have marked for that day.

Time to finish getting ready. I leave tomorrow...new places to run! YEA!

Last night 7.18.08

I ran a little over 4 miles early last night. I was going to run 5 miles but decided to wait for today when I would have enough sun and when I could plan my meals out a bit better. I also try to save my shorter runs for the streets and my longer runs for the trail...so that is another reason for holding off on the 5 miles.

Yesterday I worked and when I got home it was getting late and I was starved so I ate entirely too much and then had a jittery-free energy drink...I waited 1.5 hours before going out but the food still sat heavy in my stomach and the energy drink most definitely gave me energy and had my heart going a little too much...which, along with the food in my gut, made my run uncomfortable. So none of that next time!
And then I had to pee during my run because of the energy drink. So yea...my body was overstimulated and it made running hard and made me slow...it was also really hot last night (today is even hotter.)

After the full Moon there will be a change in weather-so it is either going to get REALLY hot or it is going to storm. Hopefully the latter.

I'm going out of town for a week and plan to keep the same running schedule so I need to buy a good watch that lets me know my mileage. Hopefully finding one will be easy, and hopefully using it will be even easier...I also have to remember to eat well-even though I'm going to have to do it cheaply. Hopefully that will be easy as well! I'm stoked to be going out of town though and I'll get to run different paths which is always exciting!

More later.

Another late run...(7.16.08)

I ran about 3.7-3.8 miles...thought it was 4...close enough! I'll make up those .3 later...my stomach is still fucked. I need to put an end to this...

Today I went to the river to swim. It is up several inches...crazy how a few inches of water can make a river look so different...and of course it was really muddy...they see more possible tropical storms/hurricanes forming in the ocean...YEA! That could bring lots of rain our way...YEA!
Before I jumped into the river I looked down to find nearly thousands of velvet mite sized ticks (perhaps a tad smaller) barreling up both legs...what the water didn't wash off a stick rubbed off. I must have stepped into a nest of them...which was more than likely an old rotted log...
I didn't stay at the river long because of all the damn kayakers...damn them. Every 10 minutes there was a group of them coming down the river...
I had a Broad-winged Hawk literally fly 20-30 feet over me...screaming teepeeee...there was another but she was flying up above the tree line. They were out looking for a snack...and I'm looking to get in the shower...running=sweaty=gross!

2 miles (7.15.08)

I might have ran a bit more than 2 miles. It might have been 2.5 miles...I'll have to check it out tomorrow. I do know that I did run 1 mile in 6-1/2 minutes-I wasn't trying-just happened to look at my watch at the 1 mile mark and was surprised at my pace.
But yea, not bad for having a full bladder the entire run and for having an upset stomach...I have had bad stomach problems for a week now. Today was really bad-so it's not getting better-good to know! There could be a number of reasons for the problem...I'm drinking ginger juice and tea, along with other herbal teas...I need to go out and collect some parts from the blackberry bush and make a tea out of that...

The question that I have for myself now is-could I hold a 6-1/2 minute pace during a long run?! Only time will tell! It feels like a comfortable pace...anyway, I'll worry about that more when I start doing 10+ mile runs...

Once again I waited until after 11 tonight to go for my run...but it was only around the hood...and it was good...and I'm a dork.

What a run!

So, I knew it would be an irritating run but I did it anyway...and it wasn't horrible...I did 3 miles with the dogs! I ran around my neighborhood. Took my girl 2 miles, (she has the most energy), and took my big boy for the last mile. K is a good dog to run with but the cars were freaking her out and all the sewage openings along the streets freaked her out even more...so she was under my feet and criss-crossing this way and that. Other than that she was good and I think I tired her out (yea right-there is NO such thing!)
And N was good too. He was running fast though and I only weigh about 40lbs more than him, so for the first couple of seconds he really had me running!!! He was also doing this weird bounce-hop run...I don't know what that was all about but it gave him speed-which gave me speed!!! He ran really well though...his only problem is that he wants to mark everything-but I ran in the street so he focused straight ahead...like we were on a hunt! Why else would we be out running?!!! Right?!!! HAHA! Dogs must think we humans are weird, to them we are running with no purpose...like we're on a wild goose hunt...and the goose is always winning...cause I ain't ever coming home with a goose dinner after my runs...HAHAHA!
ANYWAY! I probably won't do that very often. While out with K another dog got out and her and this dog got into it-it didn't last long...thank goodness it was her and not N...he would have ripped this other dog into shreds...N hates other dogs these days and just wants to eat them!!!

So that was my wild and crazy run. I need a shower.

Ran 5 miles...

The trail was SOAKED from the crazy down pour we had earlier! I had to find my way around massive puddles-I just glided over the small ones, I had to run slowly stiff-legged with knees bent when running over the EXTREMELY slick wooden pathways-they make up about 1 mile or more of the trail, and I had to avoid slipping in the mud pits...note to self: don't run that trail when it has rained hard...and if I do decide to run it after a heavy rain-wear SHORTS!
I almost slipped because my pants got stuck on what I'm assuming was a nail or branch poking up on the wooden path so I had to hold my pants up PLUS run slow...let me tell you I could feel all my muscles from my glutes to my calves working when running the wooden pathways!

It was an awesome run though. I had a ton of energy today! I ate well and it's getting closer to the end of my moon cycle so I'm rejuvenated and energized!
I scared off the Great Blue who inhabits the area. Most of the mushrooms looked a bit shabby from the rain...I ran the last 2 miles with a Bolete in hand...

During my run I thought, (you find yourself thinking about all sorts of shit when running), about how I have an addictive personality. And I just thought about how fucking thankful I am that I never got involved with drugs and came to the realization that I'm becoming addicted to running and I don't care...I'm stoked! YES, I'm happy, I'm addicted to something healthy...I love that thought and feeling! And I PRAY that injury stays at bay!

Another thing that I thought about was-WHY is it so much easier to run 5 mile days than it is to run 4 mile days?!! I don't get it!!! HAHA!

Okay, I think that's it for now...oh, also, I think it might be the sports drinks that are making my stomach really upset...so I should def find an alternative...for now I will just have to deal...oh, and, I need to remember to keep checking on the persimmon trees along the trail...they're still not ripe...

:)

Bummed

I really want to run. When I rest a day I feel like shit. I get this sick feeling in my stomach-like a feeling of disappointment and anxiousness...but I need to rest today...I'm tired and I have a lot to do around here and it is HOT...it is 80 degrees and 11:30PM with high humidity-it's at 71%...it's still better than last summer though...

I changed up my running schedule...the only difference is I'm making Saturday my rest day for the next three weeks. Other than that it is the same and I'm clocking the same amount of mileage...soon I will be running 6-8 miles. I can't wait! I have never ran 8-straight-miles! I'm really stoked for that run. It will be a trail run...

Week 2:
7-10 - 2m
7-11 - 4m
7-12 - Rest
7-13 - 5m
7-14 - 3m
7-15 - 5m
7-16 - 4m
=23m

Week 3:
7-17 - 2m
7-18 - 4m
7-19 - Rest
7-20 - 6m
7-21 - 3m
7-22 - 5m
7-23 - 6m
=26m

Week 4:
7-24 - 2m
7-25 - 4m
7-26 - Rest
7-27 - 6m
7-28 - 3m
7-29 - 5m
7-30 - 8m
=28m

7-31 - Rest
8-1 - 3m

Trail run...

I ran 4 miles this evening. The trail was very humid and muggy. And my body was irritated and itchy from the millions of bug bites that I have...
There were a ton of mushrooms up. They just popped up-they weren't there days ago. They're loving this rain! I didn't pick anything because I didn't want to stop but I do plan to go back...
On my way to the trail I came across a hawk/falcon/bird of prey on the road in the shadows, I was 50 feet away or so (I'm not good at judging distance), she just made a kill and started to eat and me trying to get closer scared her off...she flew away with her meal in her talons...into the trees before I could get a closer look. I'm trying to figure out who it was...but I couldn't make her out well because I was so far away and the road was a bit dark. She looked like she could have been a Peregrine. But I'm doubting that. Or perhaps she could have been a female Kestrel...either way it was an awesome encounter.

I'm hungry...

(7.10.08) It's going on...

1 in the morning and I just got back from a 2 mile run with hills-I just ran around my neighborhood where there are a couple of good hills to cruise up. I've come to two realizations...one; I haven't been doing much speedwork. For the most part I run at average to slower speeds and every now and then I'll throw some sprints in the mix...usually when I'm close to the end of running I'll sprint and then do my cooldown. Two; I'm starting to make a bad habit of running late. I don't want to start this up...so I need to get a better sleep schedule so that I can run in the mornings when it is cool...the weather has been in the 80-90's but the humidity is out of control. I only ran two miles tonight and it looks like I just got back from swimming!

Last night after running 3 miles I took a walk around my neighborhood and as I was walking up the sidewalk I came across clear-glistening tracks. They were awesome. You could only see them from one angle...I got down closer to inspect the tracks and to see who made them...and there he was...a pebble sized snail! Busy, doing his thing!

And off subject, but on my mind, I had to take KT to the airport tonight and on the way home it was raining and the ground was wet and steamy...I saw something in the road that might have been a frog so I switched lanes so I didn't hit it. Then I cruised past another thing in the road-once again, it could have been or could not have been a frog. But it made me think back to a few years ago when Kevin and I were back in PA after traveling-we were heading towards my Grandfathers cabin (near the Alleghenies) to hang with him, my dad, and several other family members...it was a rainy night and pretty late. We got there and everybody was still up...all I could think about was getting a shower and for some reason it couldn't wait until morning...so I decided to let all the guys hang and talk, I grabbed the keys and traveled several miles down the mountain to go to the free showers to take one. Well, by the time I got on the road that took me to my destination I realized that there were literally hundreds of frogs in the road...hopping away as the cars barreled down the road. I stopped, got out of the car-it was raining really heavy at this point-and started removing the frogs from the road.
I took my shower. When I was finished I thought about how I didn't want to make the drive back up the mountain because I knew that there were frogs all over the roads getting hit by cars (for some reason, as late as it was, there were a good bit of people out.)
So, with no other choice but to, I started back up the mountain, going about 5mph!!! Stopping every few feet to get out in the rain to move frogs off the road...
At this point I had been gone from the cabin for quite a while! I knew that Kevin and the fam were probably getting worried about me but I couldn't help but help the frogs...I was almost at the cabin when all of a sudden I saw a car cruising down the road towards me...it was Kevin and my uncle wondering what the hell I was doing!!! I told them...and they told me that they were getting worried and my uncle just had a look on his face in disbelief and he couldn't help but laugh at the thought of me cruising up the mountain-slowly-getting out in the rain to help out the frogs.
I know, it sounds crazy! It was a pretty stressful night for me because I knew that I couldn't save them all...knowing that I tried made me feel a bit better but also it made me feel like shit about going out for something as lame as a shower...the frogs just wanted the night to themselves but they didn't even get that...cars dominate the roads, no matter what the hour...it's a sad world...
Anyway, off topic but I have frogs on the mind.

Last night 7.9.08

Ran 3 miles last night. I got out late again. It was about 11PMish. I don't remember the time I ran it in...I have it on my watch and I'll have to clock it later but I think it was about 27-28 minutes. I started my monthly friend right before going out and had cramps so that slowed me down...plus the lack of energy which comes before every moon sickness. BLAH is how I feel now.

I'll be running 2 miles tonight when I get back from the ATL...more then...

(Note: I currently have 3 miles to make up now.)

Ran...

5 miles tonight (7.8.08). Ran it a bit slow. I was low on energy. I didn't eat much today, I'm bloated-which makes running uncomfortable, and I haven't been getting enough sleep...I think my monthly time is coming soon so this is consuming a lot of my energy and of course all the bloating...

Other than all that my run was great. It was a hot day today and the night was pretty warm...lightning filled the sky throughout my run and during my cooldown the rain started to drop. I ran late...I didn't get out the door until around 10:30ish (PM)...

I did stretch pretty good when I got home...that was good considering I skip out on stretching...

Okay, that's all for now...

Ran...

...4 miles today-on my favorite path. I'm tired. I think it's the rainy day! I love it. But it makes me want to lie down and sleep! I wish it would stay this way for a few weeks! Rainy with no Sun!!! It's only 75 degrees. That is cool for this time of the year down here-well compared to last year. This summer hasn't been so bad...I don't have much to complain about. I hope Hurricane season really brings in the storms. We'll find out in a couple of months.

I need to hit the gym to lift weights. I depend on lifting and running to increase bone density. Something that I'm concerned about-especially since I'm a woman. So I need to def get in the gym. It has been a week or so. Not good.

(Note: still have to tack on 2 more miles.)

Ran 5 miles today...

I feel really good. It was a real relaxed run. I ran it in 47 minutes, I went back and forth between fast and slow running. Lots of jumping over roots, rocks, branches, ducking under down trees, and there were small rolling hills-I love running these fast-you sort of just glide over them.
I did it down the same pine trail again that I ran the other night. It's the best place to run in the area. While doing my cooldown I came across two HUGE black beetles, similar to Stag beetles, pushing a round ball of some sort, probably a piece of shit, down the trail. One beetle was hanging onto the ball while the other pushed the ball with his back legs. It was awesome.
Tonight I plan to go to the track to record my fastest time doing 400m and then I'm going to run around it three more times to do a total of a mile.

I need to go wash the sweat off my body...

Am I peeling?!!

So last night I went into the bathroom to pee before bed and I looked into the mirror. I had white stuff all over my face. I was baffled for a second because my face burned weeks ago and had already peeled.
And then I remembered! My run! I had ran through a million spider webs along with their escape routes and they were still stuck to my skin - like a second skin!
A lot of spiders build their webs during the night and then eat them to reuse the proteins - that way they are fueled to build new webs...

I giggled but I also feel a bit guilty because they used up so much energy to build those webs and here I come along and just take it all away. Like in seconds - gone.

Makes me wonder why there couldn't just be some force of nature to do the same to this civilization...

A Thunderbird comes along and with a flap of it's wings creates a wind so strong that all buildings across the globe collapse in on themselves. The Thunderbird shoots lightning from it's eyes and catches it all on fire - all that has been built by man and that is not natural - all on fire until it becomes ashes - then the wind carries it into the volcanoes, new life emerges from the Earth. And wildness keeps on keeping on...

30 day challenge...

So I signed up free for a 30 day challenge. All I have to do is run 100 miles total. Easy-as long as this tooth doesn't slow me down. And to think-there are people who run 100+ miles weekly...that's what I want to build up to! Fuck I'd be stoked to run 60-70 miles/week.

I'm going to follow this schedule for the challenge:
Week 1:
7-3 - 2m
7-4 - 4m
7-5 - 5m
7-6 - 3m
7-7 - 5m
7-8 - Rest
7-9 - 4m
=23m

Week 2:
7-10 - 2m
7-11 - 4m
7-12 - 5m
7-13 - 3m
7-14 - 5m
7-15 - Rest
7-16 - 4m
=23m

Week 3:
7-17 - 2m
7-18 - 4m
7-19 - 6m
7-20 - 3m
7-21 - 5m
7-22 - Rest
7-23 - 6m
=26m

Week 4:
7-24 - 2m
7-25 - 4m
7-26 - 6m
7-27 - 3m
7-28 - 5m
7-29 - Rest
7-30 - 8m
=28m

I have had crazy tooth pain all day. I iced my cheek for an hour and that soothed the pain so I threw on my shoes and headed out for the trail. I got there late and didn't have much daylight. It was an awesome run. The trail is made up of mostly pine needles from all the Loblolly Pines down this way. It also has a good bit of roots, stumps, rocks, and broken tree branches. Certain parts have wooden walkways because of the swampy areas. In total the trail is 8.2 miles (it's one of the best places to find wild edibles down here too.)
I could have ran the entire thing if I had the light. I had to slow down on the last 1.7 miles because I couldn't see very well...I ran 3.4 miles in total.

So tonight I felt like I could have ran forever. There is nothing else like running through the woods. The air is fresher and the sounds of the night are motivating. I had fireflies light my path with their green glow, had little creatures on the path hop off and scurry into the forest. I also had a chorus of Cicadas sing me through the last of my run. I even heard a Cardinal singing. Never, until I moved down here, have I heard birds sing at night. It's the strangest thing. Most of the birds sing until the Sun is out of sight and the Mockingbirds will go at it all night long. It was odd for me when we first moved down here but I'm pretty much used to it now.
I also passed a ton of Oyster mushrooms but they were rotted to hell and back. I didn't even bother to track my time because I was enjoying my run too much and time didn't mean anything to me at the moment.
After my run I zoned out to the chorus of the night sounds and then my tooth decided to start throbbing again...so here I am now. Updating this with an ice-pack stuck between my shoulder and my cheek.

I should be getting off of here but...

Since I have had this tooth problem, (and fear that I might have to get it removed down the road-which would put a halt on my running), I have been thinking about teeth and what indigenous people did for theirs. I just read that natives to the Virginia area were known for their white teeth. This was due to them using Dogwood twigs. They would chew on the ends-which would easily split and this was used as a brush. Also Wood Strawberry Fragaria vesca L. was used. Dig up the root and use it as a chewing stick/brush...

So stoked on Yucca root...

I'm so stoked on Yucca root (and the whole plant!)
FUCK YEA! It is the perfect supplement/food for running and lifting...and for many other things too...like balding...use it in your hair to keep that hair healthy, use it for extra energy, use it for joint problems, use it to purify blood, to clean up the colon, as a protein alternative, eat the root like a potato to provide the body with Vitamins C, B, A, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and iron, eat the flowers, use the plant as a soap, and the list goes on...go read up on it! You'll be just as stoked on this plant as I am...

Creepy...

I didn't run today because of the tooth situation-I did go swimming though-I needed to get my pent up energy out-I may go to the gym late tonight. I don't like running on treadmills because it doesn't seem effective and throws me off balance when running outdoors, but it will have to make do because it's better than nothing. I also decided that I'm going to get all of my carbs from fruits, veggies, wild and brown rice, yams, and potatoes and decided that I need to stay away from rice pasta and gluten free breads. I adopted the latter two into my diet thinking they would help provide the energy that I need through hard training but decided that they are working against me and my efforts-and are making me sick. (Although, French toast sounds great right about now! But it's not worth the stomachache.)

So note to self: NO GLUTEN FREE BREADS AND NO RICE PASTA-NOTHING PROCESSED.

I had my tooth checked out early today. The dentist just stared at my x-rays and was baffled because she couldn't find anything seriously wrong (just that I have to get all three remaining wisdom teeth removed-go figure-there goes $500.00 that I don't have.)
She came to the conclusion that the infection that I had from my extracted wisdom tooth was still lingering. So now I need to figure out what I'm going to do about that before my tooth gets abscessed. I really don't want it to come down to that because I kind of like my molar right where it is and don't want to have to deal with recovery and all that stupid shit.
Oh, and I'm creeped because I got a small bottle of vodka and put a bit on a cotton swab and dabbed it around my tooth to numb the pain-and it did numb it...seriously, wtf? Why do people drink something that literally numbs and burns you? EH?! That just isn't right. I felt like an ass going into the fucking liquor store to buy a small 75 cent bottle of alcohol. Those stores are fucking sketchy and alcohol is fucking freaky and strange and I just don't understand why somebody would intentionally drink something that rots the body...anyway, this is a running blog and I'm WAAAY off topic!
More later...

Fuck is all I can say...

I'm not very stoked right now. Went on a run, could only run for 2-2.5 miles and had to stop...I ran that in 25 minutes or more...I had to slow my pace because of my fucking tooth. I have so much pressure, pain, throbbing, ache in my mouth because of my tooth that not only is it making it hard to eat but also hard to run. I also ate too close to my run - I could feel the food sit heavy in my stomach as I ran - I waited 1.5 hours before I went out but I guess I need to wait 2 hours before I go out.
This tooth situation isn't good...I hate doctors and dentists and I never go to the doctor but I don't know what the hell to do about teeth...I made an appointment earlier today to see the dentist on Thursday but I think I'm going to have to bump it up to tomorrow...for now I have been using Clove Bud oil to numb it out (I'm thinking of getting some Vodka - I hear it helps cover pain for several hours!) and baking soda in water as a gargle. I also need to drink Red Clover tea cause my tooth could be infected and possibly abscessed.
I hope that I don't have to get this tooth extracted because I would then have to rest for several weeks which would bum me - that would mean no running.

3 things to remember:

• Drink tons of water throughout the day.
• Eat well throughout the day and be sure to eat within 20-30 mins after workouts and runs.
• Stretch after workouts and runs.

I just learned that the fireworks capital (in this country) is New Castle, PA! HA! What pointless knowledge! Okay, time to go deal with this damn tooth.

Last night

So I got home from work pretty late in the evening and was going to run my 3 miles but instead decided to move it back to Wednesday - my day off from running. I was antsy sitting around the house waiting for the food in my body to digest - after an hour of sitting and trying to relax I threw on my NB's and out the door I went - I ran to KT's work - which is a mile away, and got there in 7 something minutes. After that run I realized that I'm slower on hills (DUH!), there are a couple when running to his work, so I need to work on that. So note to self: do speedwork on hills.
I can't wait for my run tonight...I have to go to work now...more later...

Yesterday and Today

So I decided to create this blog to record my workouts and to save sites that I find on the net...it's sort of weird writing to a machine but whatever...I consider this my personal online notebook and I'm probably going to be the one who reads it the most...

I took today off from all activity. Normally I would be hitting the gym to lift. Instead I have been reading a lot on running and trying to decide what schedule I want to follow. I plan to follow the one I have been following...running 4 days a week and lifting 3, with one rest day in between. After 6 weeks I plan to run more days and more mileage-I'm going to use a half-marathon training schedule. November will be my first race - it will be a 5k with hills (http://races.zoomarun.com/atlanta.html). I have already incorporated hills into my running. I live around several. I wish to be back in PA because there is no end to hills and mountains and where I'm from would be the perfect place to train. But I have to make do with what I have now. So far the temps down this way aren't too out of control but I'm waiting...I'll probably have to train very early and late once they do soar. And they will.
I'm stoked to have 4 routes (plus the gym) to run around here. I love running trails but plan to do a lot of running on cement to get my legs adjusted to the extra stress...I ran a new route yesterday and LOVED it. I believe it is a total of 12 miles. I have been driving around with the car to get accurate mileage of each path that I run.
I ran 3 miles yesterday in 20 minutes (it could have been a bit less.) And I'm stoked on that. I'm not a newbie to running but I am to races and training for them. I'm ready for the ups and downs and I def have a lot of training ahead of me. I'm thinking it might be a better idea to run a marathon fall 09. I'll have to see where I'm at this fall and decide later. I've been reading that it is best to do it after a year of training and running smaller races. We'll see. I still have to write Survival International to see if I can run for them...