Training Log Archive: ParkSchool

Took advantage of my non-standard work schedule and Ross's efficiency of course preparation and went out as presumably the first runner on the CSU semi-permanent course at Hammond Pond. Weather was perfect, energy was good, and course was well-designed and entertaining. Sadly, the orienteering was less than artistic. I made just about every mistake imaginable, running off the map on trails, departing controls in the wrong direction (twice), failing to read map carefully from attackpoint (two times), failing to see streamers when I was practically standing on top of them (twice), failing to believe my compass when I was running to the wrong elevation but was convinced I knew where I was (and consequently finding #3 for a second time), and perhaps most unforgivably running in circles for four minutes NW of #13 instead of backtracking 30 m to my last known position and reading the map carefully. Throw in a moderately bad fall (on the large EW trail on the W side of the map) and a corneal abrasion courtesy of vegetation around #15, and you have the formula for an unsatisfying outcome to a glorious opportunity. Nevertheless, thanks greatly to Ross and CSU for making available this training opportunity, and I shall certainly return a few more time to try to improve my performance before starting the O season in St. Louis in early March.

Was quite demoralized by the Hammond Pond experience and a bit sore to boot, but the dogs still had not been out for a run, and I figured that neither the stiffness nor the motivation was likely to improve. So home I went to collect the dogs and returned immediately to Needham Town Forest to do the long loop. (It wasn't the dog's fault that I was exhausted, so I didn't think it fair to penalize them on distance when time was not a constraint.) This was clearly a survival run, and I did accomplish the limited goal of keeping my feet moving at a moderate shuffle, although not without some muttering and moaning. The time was nothing special, but better than I expected. Perhaps my level of fitness really has improved over the last several weeks, but I'm more inclined to believe that I need to recalculate my distance measurement for this run.

CSU Feb. Semi-permanent course - Splits

After skipping lunch to get full four hours of available sleep before my overnight shift and skipping dinner (did I mention that there really wasn't time for exercise yesterday), weight did show appreciable drop. I felt the need to compensate with a double portion breakfast, but still felt low on energy as I went out for a late afternoon run. First mile was quite sluggish, but then had the pleasant experience of restored vigor for which I have no explanation but nevertheless great appreciation. Did last leg in under 3:00, which approaches my standards for full intensity runs. Then went home and had uncontrollable urge to eat everything I could lay my hands on. I wonder what the implications will be for the morning weigh-in.

C • Take heart 5

This was clearly a run just to keep my streak alive, as there really wasn't adequate time for exercise in my very packed schedule. Of necessity, the effort was aggressive, since there really wasn't any more time to spare. I barely missed my goal of 20:00. To be fair, I would have easily achieved this standard were it not for the disruptive antics of dogs, though (for a change) not dogs named Piper or Fonzie. I was quite surprised in particular by the adolescent corgi who attempted to scoot between my legs from behind with me in full stride, resulting in my scissoring him between my legs, although happily without adverse consequences for either of us. Perhaps I have a more bowlegged gait than I have previously assumed, but more likely the corgi was just demonstrating poor survival instincts.

So I knew I overdid it last night at the hibachi-style Japanese restaurant, but 2-1/2 lbs, you've got to be kidding. It was certainly a lot of food, but there was a lot of soup and salad and veggies, and the calamari didn't seem like a particularly fattening selection, and there was no dessert, and only water to drink. It just doesn't seem possible. Okay, so I know that some of the observed change is likely due to the questionable precision of the scale, and there is probably some water retention related to the salty nature of the dipping sauce that I poured liberally over my meal, but the figure 188.2 still remains demoralizing.

But it did make my route choice for the day somewhat easier. I had planned to do a longer run taking advantage of the fact that I actually had a full night's sleep, but now I chose to due the full loop to Powissett Pond. Ran at a determined but not foolhardy pace that felt about 9:15 min/mi. Trails were still quite icy in many places, although better than I had anticipated except for the veritable skating rink that extended for about 60 m on the return leg from the pond and necessitated an off-trail excursion. Felt as if I could get under 60:00 as I headed for home, but ultimately I reined in a little out of respect for the unsure footing. Still all in all, a very satisfying effort.

C • 188/demoralizing 5

Once more to the Town Forest for the long loop. Hamstring still notieceable, but hardly an issue. Remained appropriate cautious, but felt confident enough to pick up a relatively energetic pace where I knew the footing to be good. Was intrigued to discover that the planks over one of the marshes had somehow iced over since yesterday. I find it hard to believe that the water level rose in the predominantly freezing temperatures over the last few days, but it seems equally implausible that the bridge settled deeper as it already appeared grounded. Perhaps there is a more significant process of condensation taking place than I had thought possible.

Good news it appears. I woke up without any obvious pain in my hamstring, so after a hearty pancake brunch with the kids, I went out to try a careful run. Returned to Needham Town Forest long loop dressed more warmly than usual in case that made any difference. Started cautiously and was aware of some minor discomfort (which strangely seemed somewhat higher in the thigh than yesterday) but was nevertheless an improvement. Ran a very relaxed pace through midway point, then picked it up a bit as the discomfort diminished and the footing improved. Still suffered a minor slip on the same icy patch, but had been careful to try to make pivot on my good leg and while holding a sapling, so there was no damage done. I even worked up enough of a sweat to feel justified in calling this a level 3 effort, even though I'm not certain if the perspiration was related more to effort or anxiety.

Sixteen consecutive days and another week topping a marathon in distance. Although these accomplishments are unimpressive when compared to recently published standards (PG, 1/29/10), I find them quite acceptable for an ex-wrestler without any running background. Went back to the Needham Town Forest in daylight encouraged by my unexpectedly easy run last evening. I felt as if 30:00 was a reasonable goal. However, halfway through I experience an unfamiliar and unexpected aching in my hamstring. There was no slip or misstep or even change of cadence, but suddenly I was aware of its presence. Throughout the years, I have been remarkably free of muscular injuries, so perhaps this is a common way of tweaking a muscle, but I have always envisioned the process as a sudden significant pain. I probably could have kept up my pace, but it seemed prudent to back off a bit to avoid any further harm. Now several hours later, I am still aware of a discomfort, although there does not seem be any particular action or position which aggravates the pain. For the moment, there seems to be nothing to do except for heat and gentle stretching. I will have to see how I feel tomorrow before deciding whether or not to extend my streak of daily running. In any case, I will certainly not be looking to do a very challenging run if I do wind up back in the woods.

C • unimpressive 2