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Showing posts from 2011

Be Good, Or Be Good At It

Monday, 12/26/2011 AM: 7 miles steady on the KC in 43:41 PM: 3 miles easy with Perla, 4 x 300m with 100m jog in 50" Tuesday, 12/27/2011 8 miles steady on the KC in 49:11 Wednesday, 12/28/2011 AM: 3 miles easy in 22:20, 4 miles steady in 20:54 * Warmed-Up with Perla much quicker than I was comfortable on the canals, then launched way too aggressively into my tempo run which consisted of 3.75 loops around my neighborhood. My left calf is still giving me strength issues, which is a pain, but I pulled myself together to run well. Average, 5:23/mile PM: 4 miles easy on the Kendall Canals in 30:00 Thursday, 12/29/2011 8 miles easy on the Kendall Canals in 51:27 Friday, 12/30/2011 7 mile fartlek with last 4 miles of 1:30 on, 1:30 off in 46:17 Saturday, 12/31/2011 Drive to MD Sunday, 01/01/2012 13 miles of trails at Patapsco in 1:30:22 * Amazing how weak and clumsy I felt out there on the trails! They were in great shape, a little muddy, but carrying around 5+lbs was not

Sticking to the Script

Monday, 12/19/2011 6 miles steady thru the Inner Harbor in 40:25 Tuesday, 12/20/2011 2 miles easy, 4 mile progression (2M in 10:47, 2M in 10:06), 2 miles easy * Alright, the whole goal was to repeat this workout from last week and see if I could repeat the magic with my interrupted training. I definitely went through the first two miles much more relaxed, hitting 5:40ish for the mile and then kept it going and dropped the hammer the second two mile segment. Almost ran the same time (10:04), but actually extended another 300m to cap off the complete two miles, whereas last time I stopped at the goal post. Will take it. Looks like I am going to have to manage this calf solo and with the Cho-Pat compression sleeve. Wednesday, 12/21/2011 6 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 36:59 Thursday, 12/22/2011 8 miles steady around Elkridge in 50:37 + Strides Friday, 12/23/2011 6 mile fartlek with last 3 miles of 2 min on, 1 min off in 37:30 Saturday, 12/24/2011 8 miles steady on the Ken

Somewhere Between Happy and Total F^cking Wreck

Monday-Wednesday London, ENG UK Thursday, 12/15/2011 4 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 26:52 Friday, 12/16/2011 4 miles easy around Ft. McHenry in 28:11 Saturday, 12/17/2011 2.5 miles easy, 3 miles of 1:30 on/off in 16:58, 2.5 miles easy Sunday, 12/18/2011 12+ miles steady to progression down Bonnie Branch in 1:19:52 Total 28 Miles

Running Event at the ATX

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UA PLM's enjoying some Wild Game & Wine Monday, 12/5/2011 6 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 40:00 * Horrible run, had to stop repeatedy on this loop. Just out of shape after a week off of running. Ugh. I was basically intoxicated the entire run. Horrible. I want to say never again, but I know better. Tuesday, 12/6/2011 2.1 mile warm-up, 4 mile progression in 21:30, 2.1 miles easy * Long Reach Park (100% Grass, 1.92 mile loop), 57-degrees and rain... first loop in 10:29, second loop in 10:04.. absolutely amazed. I was barely moving on my warm-up, just achy and stiff, out of shape, no muscular coordination. I laced up my spikes, got down to the start line in the rain and started in my most natural environment - XC. I was working, but I was running well and hit the 1.03 mile marker in 5:35-ish and kept it well I and didn't know how well until I passed the 2M loop in 10:29... 10:29. Rolling, but could I keep it for another loop and drop the hammer? I was supposed to

Survive

Monday, 11/28/2011 AM: 4 miles easy in 29:30 PM: 4 miles easy in 29:00 Tuesday, 11/29/2011 Rest Wednesday, 11/30/2011 10 min easy Thursday, 12/01/2011 5 min intervals Friday, 12/02/2011 5.5 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 34:54 Saturday, 12/03/2011 Sunday, 12/04/2011 3.5 miles easy Total 20 Miles

RECHARGE

Monday, 11/21/2011 AM: 4 miles steady around Elkridge in 27:17 PM: 4 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 27:17 * I know, one of those days... same time, same run. Crazy. Tuesday, 11/22/2011 9 miles steady out to Patterson Park in the rain in 1:01:42 Wednesday, 11/23/2011 AM: 4 miles steady around Elkridge in 26:32 PM: 4 miles easy around Inner Harbor in 30:00 + 6 x 300m fast Thursday, 11/24/2011 12 miles steady down to Patapsco in 1:18:12 Friday, 11/25/2011 AM: 4 miles steady thru Rockburn in 26:42 PM: 4 miles easy around Bellows Spring in 28:32 Saturday, 11/26/2011 AM: 20 min easy + 10 x 2' fast, rec. 2' steady in 58:22 * 5:18-6:30-5:27-6:10-5:19-6:29-5:14-6:33-5:03-6:44-5:06-6:55-5:24-6:48-5:32-6:43-5:33-8:49-5:15 PM: 4 miles easy around Bellows Springs in 27:22 Sunday, 11/27/2011 18.5 miles steady thru Ellicott City in 1:57:38 * Amazing long run. Laced up my flats, lubed up, and hit the road. I opted for a circuit thru Ellicott City, which would have me de

Run Like It's Not Allowed

Monday, 11/14/2011 43:57 steady out to Inner Harbor ~ 7M Tuesday, 11/15/2011 46:49, with 8 x 1km in 3:07.2, 3:00.5, 3:02.2, 2:59.2, 3:02.3, 3:03.7, 3:04.2, 3:04.4 ~ 7M * Rest was between 55-75"... great workout on the roads of Ft. McHenry Wednesday, 11/16/2011 Sales Meeting Thursday, 11/17/2011 Sales Meeting Friday, 11/18/2011 53:12 around Patapsco Valley State Park ~ 8M Saturday, 11/19/2011 26:17 easy around Elkridge ~ 4M Sunday, 11/20/2011 RECHARGE Total 26 Miles

Find A Way... to Recover

Monday, 11-07-2011 AM: 19:16 regeneration around UA Parking Lot (dirt) ~ 2M PM: Dr. Josh Bross ART Tuesday, 11-08 to 11-10-201 1 mile in 10:30, aborted effort ~ 1.5M * I am healthy, but I just have nothing. Race took more out of me than I thought. Will rest until the weekend, just to be safe. Friday, 11-11-2011 22:57 easy around Ft. McHenry ~ 3.5M Saturday, 11-12-2011 AM: 32:16 steady around Elkridge ~ 5M PM: 36:20 steady with Perla arond Elkridge ~ 5M Sunday, 11-13-2011 54:16 recovery with Glenn Silbert in Patapsco Valley State Park ~ 8M Total 25 Miles

Rise from the Ashes

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Monday, 10-31-2011 AM: 45 min easy thru Baltimore ~ 6.5M PM: 30 min progression with Perla from Bellows Spring ~ 4M Tuesday, 11-01-2011 Warm-Up, 8 x 1M (rec. 60") in 5:32, 5:32, 5:27, 5:27, 5:26, 5:21, 5:24, 5:24 ~ 10M * Very impressed with my work ethic lately, after working with a coach and realizing I have fat legs. Just pleased I got this work in on a very busy week and day. Chilly weather, a bit windy, but a super-soft grond made for some work to get into my prescribed 5:25-5:30/mile goal per rep. Very pleased with the effort. Some fatigue from the race. Wednesday, 11-02-2011 1:30:58 easy around Patapsco Valley State Park trails ~ 12.5M Thursday, 11-03-2011 45 min steady around Baltimore + 8 x 100m Strides + Weights ~ 7M Friday, 11-04-2011 13:16 easy up and down hills in Ashland, OR ~ 2M Saturday, 11-05-2011 USA Trail Marathon Championship at the Lithia Loop Trail Marathon in 2:55:20 ~ 27M * 7th Place Overall... absolutely nuts that I even lined up. I co

Take A Side

Monday, 10-24-2011 45 min steady on Innovation Lab treadmill ~ 6.5M Tuesday, 10-25-2011 Warm-Up, 4 x 2 Miles (rec. 3 min) in 10:51, 10:31, 10:42, 10:50 ~ 10M * That was nice. Woke up to 47-degrees and a very wet field. Marked out my 2M circuit and set off feeling quite comfortable. With a goal of 11-min per 2M, I was confident in this workout, and hit 5:31 through the opening mile. Right on pace. By the start of #2, my feet were frozen solid, legs a little heavier, but with the frozen feet I had no idea how fast I was running. I looked at my watch at the mile and didn't want to process it and finished up in 10:31. 10:31. I thought my workout was ruined, I had shot my load. However, I felt fresh with the third rep and finished strongly and the fourth rep was just a matter of getting it done. I was in a zone. Great work. And I have not eaten all day. Combine that with my stress levels, and I'm surprised that I am still upright! Wednesday, 10-26-2011 1:26:01 steady around Pa

Stay Alive

Monday, 10-17-2011 Travel to London ~ 0M Tuesday, 10-18-2011 40 min hills, form-work on the treadmill ~ 6M Wednesday, 10-19-2011 30 min fartlek on treadmill with 2 x 3' at 18kph (r. 3') + 4 x 2' (r. 1') at 18kph ~ 5M Thursday, 10-20-2011 Travel to BWI Friday, 10-21-2011 28:43 steady around Ft. McHenry ~ 4.5M Saturday, 10-22-2011 AM: 28:58 easy around Bellows Spring ~ 4M PM: Warm-Up, 5 x 1 Mile (60-sec rest) in 5:13, 5:10, 5:14, 5:18, 5:14 ~ 8M * Awesome workout. Drove out to Long Reach HS and the track was in use.. all afternoon I had been researching grass fields in order to attempt some XC workouts later in the season, and I completely forgot about the fields at Long Reach. So, with my dying Garmin ready, I warmed-up to scout-out a mile that I could run. I almost got a full lap, but had to extend to a pole, making the loop 1.03M and then I would make a brisk jog for my 1-min recovery. However, the course was 100% grass and muddy and over-grown. I had my T

Can't Stop, Addicted to the Shin-Dig

Monday, 10-10-2011 8 miles steady out to Patterson Park in 52:12 * 6:54, 6:36, 6:27, 6:29, 6:16, 6:23, 5:45, 6:12 (avg. 6:23/mi)... damn, my pace has really picked up on my steady days, quite a bit. Got rolling once more and had to pull back after clocking a 5:45, which is crazy because I felt like I was depleting due to the heat and weekend. Still can't seem to double.   Tuesday, 10-11-2011 20 min easy, 3 x (5 x 400m in 72"), rest 90"/5' * 72.0-74.0-71.5-71.4-71.8, 72.3-71.3-71.7-72.3-72.1, 72.0-71.2-71.2-71.2-71.8 Wednesday, 10-12-2011 5 miles easy around Ft. McHenry in 36:12 Thursday, 10-13-2011 20 min easy + 10 min at 5:50 pace around the Inner Harbor Friday, 10-14-2011 3 miles easy in the rain around Ft. McHenry in 20:00 Saturday, 10-15-2011 Baltimore Half Marathon in 1:16:48 (4th Place) * 11:14 (2M), 17:00 (3M), 47:18 (8M), 59:01 (10M), 17:47 last 5km... avg. 5:52/mile. Quite horrible. Just didn't have anything. My left leg gave me trouble from

Set Fire to the Rain

Monday, 10-03-2011 6 miles steady out to Ft McHenry in 40:00 Tuesday, 10-04-2011 4 x (3 x 600m increasing pace, decreasing rest ) 1:54 (r.2')-1:50 (1'40")-1:46 (1'20")-1:42 (1') * 1:58.0-1:51.0-1:53.5, 1:49.9-1:49.3-1:49.5, 1:45.9-1:46.3-1:46.9, 1:43.3-1:44.6-1:45.0... amazing workout at UMBC. Felt like I was in college again, really working hard. That final set was difficult and wasn't able to squeeze out the seconds needed to hit my goal. It didn't help that it was tremendously windy. Very good workout, very good sign. Farah continues to be the inspiration, which I think is due to Salazar. I'll take it. Wednesday, 10-05-2011 7 miles variation on Innovation Lab Treadmill in 50:00 * 8.5 mph with every 3 min, 45 sec at 4% incline Thursday, 10-06-2011 4 miles recovery around the Inner Harbor in 32:21 Friday, 10-07-2011 9 miles steady out to Patterson Park in 53:58 * 6:41, 6:15, 6:11, 6:09, 5:49, 6:01, 6:02, 5:57, 6:01 (avg. 6:08/mile)...

Streets of London

Monday, 09-26-2011 7 miles steady on Treadmill in Innovation Lab Tuesday, 09-27-2011 20 min + 8 x 400m in 82.0, 73.4, 72.3, 71.6, 71.8, 70.6, 69.7, 71.8 + 20 min * Recovery was 1 min... on an awkward track in Regents Park, London, ENG... it was 150m straightaways with 25m curves, which meant I was flying out into Lane 6-8 on the curves and would hammer home. Good muscular workout. Wednesday, 09-28-2011 4 miles recovery in Regents Park in 27:04 Thursday, 09-29-2011 Rest/Work Friday, 09-30-2011 Travel to Baltimore Saturday, 10-01-2011 4 miles easy on trail in 33:40 + 4 miles steady in 21:44 Sunday, 10-02-2011 18 miles steady on the Patapsco Trails in 2:11:58 Total 45 Miles

Fake It

Monday, 09-19-2011 AM: 4 miles steady out to the Inner Harbor in 26:50 PM: 3 miles easy with Perla around Bellows Spring in 26:08 Tuesday, 09-20-2011 20 min easy + 10 x 200m in :33 with 200m recovery * 33.9, 36.2, 34.2, 34.2, 34.2, 33.6, 34.1, 35.5, 34.0, 33.7 (avg. 34.3)... messed up in that I only gave myself 50-60 sec for recovery over 200m and it was supposed to be 90 sec, but I misinterpreted my watch and forgot to take away the 200 each time... oh well, made for quite a brisk recovery but tough to switch gears and drop 33's, per my goal. Saw Coach Ward out there and it was great to catch up, quote of the day, "what happened to the days of Rodriguez and Gramsky taking the bull by the horns and leading the NCAA Regional XC races..." Wednesday, 09-21-2011 8.5 miles variation on treadmill in 80-degrees, 60% humidity wear-test chamber in 58:33 * 6 min warm-up at 7.5mph, then 8.5mph and 4.5% incline every 3 min for 45 sec for entirety of run... great run, great to

Transition to the Roads

Monday, 09-12-2011 8 mile fartlek, including 8 x 3 min fast, 3 min steady in 51:01 * 6:12, 5:38, 5:41, 5:42, 5:39, 5:43, 5:30, 5:41... definitely sore and tired from the weekend's activities, especially a tight right hamstring, but once I would get going on my 3 min pickups, I was moving well. Not tremendously powerful, but a good enough effort to feel good. Tired but getting there. Watched WARRIOR last night with Perla. Great movie, although I can't seem to watch movies anymore, I'm just an emotional wreck! Tuesday, 09-13-2011 2 miles recovery on Wesley Ln. in 13:38 Wednesday, 09-14-2011 Warm-up, 3 x (5 x 400m) in 74-74-74-74-71, rec. 60"/4 min * 73.2-74.0-72.8-75.0-70.5, 74.8-73.7-74.1-74.8-70.2, 75.4-74.4-72.9-73.8-70.7 Thursday, 09-15-2011 Rest Friday, 09-16-2011 6 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 39:52 * Avg. 6:45/mile... Just nice and easy, with some pretty sore and heavy upper quads due to Wednesday's workout, which is a good sign. Will work on

Steamroll

Monday, 09-05-2011 7 miles total with ERRC Labor Day 5K in 16:37 + 1km (track) in 3:03 * 5:12, 10:29 (5:17), 16:04 (5:35), :30 (avg. 5:21/mile)... Tuesday, 09-06-2011 10 mile progression (each 2 mile segment faster) in 1:06:52 * 14:52 (7:26/mi), 13:49 (6:54/mi), 13:03 (6:31/mi), 12:54 (6:27/mi), 12:10 (6:05/mi)... not bad, definitely fatigued from yesterday's effort and was running at 6AM this morning to get this in before work and some rainstorms. Some tightness in my right hip area and hammies. But glad I got through it. Good run, mission accomplished. Wednesday, 09-07-2011 5 miles around Elkridge in 34:05 * 14:29, 13:26, 6:43 (avg. 6:55/mile)... nice, easy and controlled Thursday, 09-08-2011 9 mile fartlek around Patterson Park with 24 x :40 fast, 1:20 easy in 55:43 * avg. 6:25/mile.. rainstorms cancelled my morning effort and so I had to run during lunch, which was not great. Light rain and was not feeling great at all. A tough run but was amazed at the final pace.

Getting There

Monday, 08-29-2011 5 mile fartlek with 6 x 2:00 fast, 3:00 easy in 31:09 * 7:49, 6:03, 6:54, 5:25, 6:28, 5:22, 6:32, 5:31, 6:19, 5:22, 6:21, 5:47, 6:17 (avg. 5:35/mi for the 2 min pick-ups)... dead tired, not much sleep last night, waking at 2AM full of business... however, got out there and ended up being great. Kept up a great effort on the easy segments, running six-minute miles mixed with 5:20's, which seem to be my "hard" pace. Tuesday, 08-30-2011 8 miles progression (each mile faster) up Ilchester in 50:25 * 7:24, 6:44, 6:27, 6:19, 6:04, 5:58, 5:47, 5:40 (avg. 6:12)...that was pretty solid. I had good energy and am feeling light and quick in the mornings. Opted to trek up Ilchester for some mental help on the way back, ended up hitting the turn-around at OLPH and only had minor left leg tightness. My right psoas is getting stronger with my new drills. Thought I got myself in trouble going from 7:24 to 6:44 so quickly and then it was an effort to dip below 5:47

Oregon System

Monday, 08-22-2011 4.5 mile fartlek around Ft. McHenry in 29:47 + Gym^ * 8 x 2 min easy, 1 min fast in 8:45/5:30/7:09/5:29/6:52/4:47/6:32/5:15/6:46/5:44/7:03/5:22/6:40/5:30/6:50/5:08/6:49 (avg. 5:20/mile; 6:29/mile total)... alright, but could be better. Have nothing to compare this with, never had data for these efforts, but still don't feel like I can open up, but I know this is very good work. Was trashed the last .5 mile when I went long by error. Good work for the day, followed with upper-body weights. Weak left hamstring.  Tuesday, 08-23-2011 6 miles steady around Baltimore in 35:27 * 6:09, 5:55, 5:55, 5:51, 5:54, 5:38 (avg. 5:54/mile) Wednesday, 8-24-2011 3 miles easy out to Montgomery Rd in 21:34 * 7:46, 7:01, 6:37 (avg. 7:08/mile) Thursday, 08-25-2011 5 miles with 12 x 200m uphill in 37:35 * 5:30-5:16-5:29-5:21-5:24-5:37-5:28-5:21-5:22-5:28-5:32-5:32 (avg. 5:26/mile)... solid work. Friday, 08-26-2011 2 miles easy up to Bellows Spring in 15:06 * 7:57/7:04 (avg

Secret Training

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Monday, 08-15-2011 2 mile fartlek with 1:20 easy, :40 fast in 13:04 * 6:36, 6:28...Followed that up with Gym Routine (Squats, Lunges, Dead-Lifts, Side Squats + Upper Body Weights) and Sit-Ups. Forced the run on the bad toe since I go to the doctor tomorrow and don't want to waste any more time. Tuesday, 08-16-2011 4 miles steady out to Ft. McHenry (x2) in 23:40 * 5:56, 6:13*, 5:40, 5:48 (avg. 5:56/mile)... only had an opportunity to run at 2PM right before the start of the removal of my packing strips from my nail surgery at the podiatrist. Was definitely sore from yesterday's gym session, especially my left hamstring/glute due to attempting lunges on my left leg with the bad right toe. Anyway, was pleased with seeing 5:30's on my watch. Held up well. Right hip flexor made a dull appearance. Wednesday, 08-17-2011 3 miles easy out to Ft. McHenry in 24:08 Thursday, 08-18-2011 2 mile fartlek with 1:00 easy, :40 fast in 12:27 * 6:26/5:42 (avg. 6:05/mile).

Strengthen

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Monday, 08-08-2011 AM: 2.59 miles steady out to Ft. McHenry in 18:10 + Weights PM: 6.19 miles with 5 x 1200m Trail in 4:29, 4:18, 4:28, 4:22, 4:25 (rec. 2') * Norris Ln, not recovered from yesterday's 11M race, but no worries, as I was cramming work before tomorrow's surgery. Not sure if I am going to miss any time or if it will be 2-3 days of no running. Will find out at 3PM. Dreadfully hot today and I felt so much better in the AM session. More energy. Tuesday, 08-09-2011 AM: 7.61 miles steady out to Patterson Park in 50:41 * 7:08, 6:43, 6:44, 6:42, 6:31, 6:34, 6:22 (avg. 6:39/mile)... surprisingly swift. PM: Nail Surgery * So, I had a pretty badly infected toenail on my right big toe that needed attention, and ultimately surgery. Should only miss 2-3 days of running, if not less. Surgery went well, no complications. Wednesday, 08-10-2011-Sunday, 08-14-2011 Recover from Nail Surgery * Well, I would have to say I have had a complication from

Continue Comprehension

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Monday, 08-01-2011 7.62 miles, inc. 6 x 1200m dirt hilly road in 4:17, 4:08, 4:06, 3:59, 4:06, 3:58 (rec. 2') * Long day at work, over 100-degrees, so I opted to run on Norris Rd for my workout in the shade, dirt, and some hills. I felt quite tired from my workout, and looking at my paces, 5:58-5:41-5:44-5:33-5:45-5:31, you could tell my body was just waking up. Obviously, the hills are pretty solid, but I was pleased to get under 4:00 for a couple of sections, which I haven't been able to do this year or last. This time, my 2:00 recovery was from 6:33-6:55 pace. Tuesday, 08-02-2011 8.71 miles out to Patterson Park in 59:18 Wednesday, 08-03-2011 HCS Two x 5M Relay in 1:09, 1:06, 1:07, 1:08, 1:09, 1:07, 1:08, 1:05, 1:09, 1:02 * Teammate was Dave Berdan, Master HCS stud (50yr old just ran 17-min 5000m), so my rest was 75-sec. Amazed at my final 400m chasing down Adam Wytko, as he had a solid 80m lead on me, but I promised Dave I would bring him the baton

Full Week

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Video Footage/Race Report Monday, 07-25-2011 7.14 miles with 6 x 5:00 fast, 2:00 recovery up and down Fort Hwy in 49:56 * 5-min easy, 5:38-5:47-5:29-5:27-5:38-5:34... 91-degrees, 101-Heat Index... crazy.. I definitely over-heated so will be interesting to check my splits when I get home. I did see sub-5:50's, so the effort was much poorer than last week, but at least my left ankle held up well after thinking it was destroyed yesterday. Should be an interesting week of training. Tuesday, 07-26-2011 8.21 miles completely fried (mentally) out to Patterson Park in 56:24 * 7:09, 7:07, 7:04, 7:00, 6:54, 6:56, 6:35, 6:14 (avg. pace 6:52/mile)... absolutely surprising. It was 96-degrees and I had just finished up a brutal day at the office 8AM-5PM of intense presentations and meetings that left me completely fried. The presentation used up all my nervous reserves and energy, but I was amazed to see sub-7:00 miles when I felt I was jogging over 8:00 miles. Good sign of fitness, as I

Pre-Season Week 1

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Monday, 07-18-2011 6 miles steady around Inner Harbor in 43:30 Tuesday, 07-19-2011 6.15 miles steady out to Rockburn Branch Park in 40:15 * 7:28, 6:54, 6:39, 6:46, 6:31, 5:53 (avg. 6:41/mile pace)... started off walking, definitely tired and fatigued, but decided to run comfortably, just easy and without effort/pain. It's a tough 10km course, so hit the turnaround and started the climb back home. Started opening up nicely on the way home and final mile... still fat, but no worries, am adjusting diet. Wednesday, 07-20-2011 8.56 miles steady down Beechwood up Bonnie Branch in 58:02 * 7:45, 6:57, 6:49, 6:42, 7:13, 6:43, 6:18, 6:12, 5:55 (avg. 6:46/mile pace)... very nice run, once again, am on Irish time and woke at 5:30AM to get in this run before a stacked day at work. The weather was a beautiful 72-degrees and although I was tired, I put on my new pairs of Charge RC as I had a great initial 6M run with them on Monday. Worked hard last night on my right hip flexo

IAU Trail World Championship Recap

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Where do I begin? With the disappointment? With the learning? With the future? The 3rd IAU Trail World Championship was quite a disappointment. I had prepared for this race for over a year, conditioning my body to handle 70+km of "trail running" at a pretty good clip, running three difficult 50km trail races in the mid-3:30's and erasing a decade-long CR in a pretty popular trail marathon. Bottom line, I was conditioned to run through 50km at sub-7:00/mile pace on pretty harsh Mid-Atlantic trails and then tack on 20km more. What I was not prepared for was hiking up a mountain ascent and scrambling the descent. The race started in nice conditions, a field of 120 athletes. With the initial 4km on the road before our first of two summits up Diamond Hill (1750ft), I got a feel for the field. I ran in about 25-30th place through the mile and by 2 miles had moved into the top 20. As we started the climb of Diamond Hill, I started easily passing most runners and I was operat

Landing

Monday-Thursday, 07-11/14-2011 Holiday Friday, 07-15-2011 AM: 4 miles easy around Elkridge in 28:10 PM: 3.17 miles easy around Ft. McHenry in 23:08 + 2 x Drills * 7:14, 7:16, 7:32... easy double around Ft. McHenry, feeling some weakness and tightness in my left knee/quad... running heavy and out of shape, but at least getting out there. Wanted 30 min, but Ft. McHenry sidewalk is shut down. Saturday, 07-16-2011 6.15 miles progressive down to Rockburn Branch Park in 40:45 * 7:36, 7:03, 6:36, 6:22, 6:26, 5:50, 5:32 (avg. 6:37/mile)... plan was 20 min easy, 15 min steady, 10 min fast... and was surprised I nailed it. I am feeling so slow and heavy, with absolutely no power on the uphills. However, I woke up well after 15 min and if my right knee/quad wouldn't have been tight, the run might have gone much better. 5:10 last split compared to 5:30 yesterday. Sunday, 07-17-2011 14.51 miles around Elkridge thru Patapsco with 1,760ft gain in 1:42:49 * 7:16, 6:38, 6:47, 6:53, 6:23,

Race Week, Already!

Monday, 07-04-2011 8 miles steady with Gustavo with last 2.5 miles up-tempo in 53:15 Tuesday, 07-05-2011 6 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 40:13 * 6:48, 6:52, 6:40, 6:40, 6:37, 6:23 (avg. 6:40)... pretty sluggish run, but it was in the upper 80's. My left quad/IT band was tight and my left shin continues to be achy. Just an achy day from a long 4th of July weekend with the family. Need the next couple of days to rest up and get 100% ready. Wednesday, 07-06-2011 4 miles easy around Elkridge in 28:00 Thursday, 07-07-2011 Travel to Ireland Friday, 07-08-2011 25 min easy with David James and Perla in Connemara Saturday, 07-09-2011 IAU Trail World Championship, DNF at 40 KM Sunday-Saturday, 07-10/14-2011 "Holiday" Total 48 Miles

Penultimate

Monday, 06-27-2011 6 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 39:58 Tuesday, 06-28-2011 6.5 miles steady around M&M Loop in 42:43 Wednesday, 06-29-2011 Work in Raleigh NC Thursday, 06-30-2011 AM: 4.5 miles easy in Raleigh NC in 33:13 PM: 7.5 miles steady around Patapsco in 52:58 Friday, 07-01-2011 10 min easy, 3 x 2400m in 8:22, 8:19, 8:26 with 90" rest, 10 min easy * Opted to run my workout today, go long tomorrow and then long again on Monday. Last time, I ran 7 x 1200m on Norris Ln and today wanted to extend that effort. Right from the start, my left hamstring was tight due to yesterday's impromptu double. However, I came through the first rep in 4:10, whereas in my 1200m session, my first was 4:22! Finished in 8:22 for that rep quite pumped. Second one hit 4:05 through the 1200m, but on the third one I was depleting quite a bit from the hammy and 88-degree heat. I started the 4th, but pulled the plug, not wanting to jeopardize the race. Anyway, a great jump in fit

3 Weeks to Go

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Monday, 06-20-2011 AM: 4 miles steady around Elkridge in 28:26 (5:27) PM: 3 miles easy around Ft. McHenry in 22:58 * Well, as you are quickly going to notice, my wife is on Summer Break, and so that has opened up the mornings for some doubling. I was a bit ambitious today thinking I would run 4/6 mi but in the grand scheme of things, I did run 1 mile farther than I usually would, so it's a good start. Will attempt doubles until I depart for Eugene. Tuesday, 06-21-2011 1 mile easy, 7 x 1200m Norris Ln. in 4:22, 4:07, 4:16, 4:07, 4:10, 4:05, 4:11 (r. 30") * Was motivated to run some sort've workout this morning, so I had it in my mind to drive out to Norris Ln., a hilly dirt road in the middle of Patapsco with good footing, and knock out some intervals with minimal rest. Odds had more uphill, while evens had more downhill. I ran just the right amount of reps, and felt like my calf held up well. It did make its presence known, but I was in control this workout. Very ni

Madelyn's All-Star Game

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Dr. Josh Bross - Elite Chiropractic & Sport

Let me introduce you to my Doctor, Josh Bross of Elite Chiropractic & Sport in Columbia, Maryland. The man is a professional. We met each other within a couple of months of moving to Howard County, and when I had my first setback here on the trails. As I have had great experience with ART  and my previous practicioner, Dr. Chris Sanders in Houston, I had to research a new ART specialist to take care of my body. Sure enough, I found a match (had to be active, strong, an athlete, and seasoned) and although he wasn't open at the time, he promised to take care of me. So, here are the string of maladies that constantly flare up every now and then that Dr. Bross takes care of - Right Psoas / Hip Flexor Strain - always happens post-50KM Trail race without a doubt... this is a tough one to fix, but Dr. Bross always does with a combination of treatment and strengthening the TFL, etc. Peroneal Tendonitis... some eccentric work does the trick Left Tibial/Soleus/Gastroc Strain - cur

4 Weeks to Go

Monday, 06-13-2011 13 miles around Patapsco in 1:35:00 * What a beautiful day.. after working in DC, I had time to get in a run during the great, 75-degree, weather. I was feeling so good, in fact, that I opted to extend my run to a semi-long run and go as long as I could go without bonking. Well, I was sent a message, as I took a pretty good tumble down a new trail, scraping my hand, knee, and shoulder. That put a bummer mood into my run, but at least I emerged uninjured and my hip was feeling pretty solid. I am definitely out of shape and really need some good runs to regain my hard-earned fitness, pre-Dirty German. Tuesday, 06-14-2011 6 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 42:13 + 6 x strides Wednesday, 06-15-2011 17:23 warm-up, 8 x 800m hilly road in 2:24, 2:33, 2:24, 2:34, 2:24, 2:31, 2:20, 2:30 * Very surprised. I was really able to roll on this hilly stretch of road. The odds were downhill and the evens uphill. I could have stopped at six but was getting faster and aimed fo

5 Weeks To Go

Monday, 06-06-2011 7 miles steady thru Rockburn in 45:00 Tuesday, 06-07-2011 3 miles easy with John Ealy in San Luis Obispo, CA in 20:00 Wednesday, 06-08-2011 3 miles easy with John Ealy in La Jolla, CA in 25:00 Thursday, 06-09-2011 1 mile easy, 2 x Drills, 3 x 300m easy in :56, rec. 100m, 3 x 400m uphill * Finally feeling healthy. Leg is getting stronger daily. It's been feeling close to 100%. Just need one more treatment on Friday before looking to go at least 90 minutes on Sunday. It's going to be exciting as Perla gets to test herself on a pretty tough 50 KM course in central PA. I just want to be 100% healthy and then will be 100% focused. Friday, 06-10-2011 6 miles steady around Ft. McHenry in 41:34 Saturday, 06-11-2011 8 miles easy on Laurel Highlands Trail in 58:44 * Gotta give it to my wife. I registered for the Laurel Highlands 50 KM today, but due to injury after Dirty German, I called the RD, Rick Freeman, to see if my wife could take my spot since I ha

I'll Take It From Here

PSORE IN THE PSOAS - My Achilles Heel every time I complete a 50 KM Trail race... Monday, 05-30-2011 4 miles steady thru Rockburn in 27:55 * HR 146... alright, stupid decision of the year. Leg was feeling much better, then decided to run and it freaking hurt badly after and during the run. Ugh. Tuesday, 05-31-2011 Strengthening of Psoas Wednesday, 06-01-2011 ART Treatment with Dr. Bross Thursday, 06-02-2011 3 miles easy around Ft. McHenry in 22:36 * HR 136/151... good improvement from last night's ART, but not 100% gone. Strength is back to 80% and pain is down to low digits, but I am not out of the woods yet. Have treatment again tomorrow to really nail this and then it will be a matter of slowly ramping up, nailing two major weeks of training and then tapering. I am still in a good place. Friday, 06-03-2011 AM: ART Treatment with Dr. Bross PM: 8 miles steady out to Patterson Park in 53:00 * HR 140... ugh.. not pretty. I was very comfortable, but the hip flexor was

CCHS Athletic Hall of Fame

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME

Continue the Momentum

Monday, 05-23-2011 Work, Rest, and Recovery Tuesday, 05-24-2011 3 miles recovery around Ft. McHenry in 25:28 * That's not a typo. 25:58 for 5 KM. That's all I had. I was depleted and just done. I probably should have run this yesterday so that today could have been a little more quality. I am not concerned, however, as my legs feel healthy and I should be good to go within 48 hrs. Wednesday, 05-25-2011 9.5 miles steady around Patterson Park in 58:26 + 6 x strides * Whoa, I was rolling. Today was that type of run which had no fatigue, no issues, just a bit of deep tiredness, but I was rolling well under 4-min/km without much effort. My stride was long and fluid. I felt Kenyan-like. Crazy. I keep thinking that it was probably from the second loop at Drity German where I mounted an effort to catch Gramsky and I really worked strongly for a good hour or so on muddy trails. Good stuff. Feeling good enough to attempt track work tomorrow. Thursday, 05-26-2011 20 min easy + 3