Running Central

Sunday, June 20, 2004

Just a short note to say that I will have a roundup of the weekly running accomplishments from the running blogosphere by the end of today. (Hopefully.) I promised this yesterday, but I have been so busy!

Peace.
SwiftFoot 12:16 PM

Monday, June 14, 2004

I haven't really acknowledged the other runners in the running blogosphere, so I'd just like to take the time to say that you folks are all an inspiration to me. I also have been mulling over another idea I've had for a week or so. And just what is this idea? Glad you asked.

According to Mark's blog, we have over 50 or so daffy bloggers in our 'sphere. And it seems to keep growing, which is nice. Now, it's a truism that most librarians have the urge to aggregate and organize--and then annotate. Yours truly is just such a librarian. In that spirit, I'd like to do a weekly roundup of special running accomplishments throughout our 'sphere. I will use Mark's list of running blogs to pick the best and the brightest stuff. If I miss something, please email me your extra special accomplishment for the week. I would like to post my results every Saturday.

Again...thank you all for "the vibration positive", as Mr. Robert Nesta Marley might say.
SwiftFoot 9:25 AM

I took off two days and decided, well, I'd better do some big-time mileage on the weekend or else. So, without much ado (yeah, right!) I ran 10 miles--my highest mileage ever. What can I say? You really get a different perspective. I got a little runner's nipple. Gotta purchase some of these. I'll spare you the details, but suffice it to say it was the only thing that caused me discomfort, which all in all ain't too bad.

I've been told that once you reach the 10 mile mark, you can gut out another 3 miles, which means that I'm ready for the half-marathon. Of course, I won't be complacent, considering how in the past I've crashed and burned. I'll stick to the plan.

No hot dogging for this old geezer.
SwiftFoot 8:34 AM

Thursday, June 10, 2004

I don't know too much about the meditation guru Sri Chinmoy, but he has an interesting take on the spiritual aspects to running:
When you run a marathon, you are trying to accomplish on the physical plane something most difficult and arduous. When you do this, it gives you joy because it reminds you of what you are trying to accomplish on the inner plane. As you are determined to complete the longest journey on the outer plane, the marathon, so are you determined to reach the Goal in your inner journey.

Truth be told, I'm not a big fan of Eastern or New Age philosophy, but I do believe there is a meditational aspect to running. It certainly has a way of cleaning out all the mental refuse which has accumulated over the years. And, that can't be all bad. Matter of fact, it's probably why many runners get hooked on running in the first place. I plead guilty.
SwiftFoot 8:39 AM

Wednesday, June 09, 2004

I think the matter of dehydration in runners is a topic worth exploring in greater detail. I've been so concerned with my decrepit knees and aching tendons that I've completely neglected other important aspects of my training, namely running long distances in very hot weather. Dehydration will be a concern of mine herein because, well, as you folks probably know, NYC summers are tantamount to the South American tropics. Perhaps I'm exaggerating, but you get the point. In order to run 13 miles in the heat, you have to adapt--and adapt fast.

Bob Glover (The Runner's Handbook) cautions you should "heat train" for races--meaning run during the hottest time of the day for ten to fourteen days. You should also "be in shape," (like we didn't know that already, Bob), run in the shade, and replenish the body's minerals and fluids. Sound advice.

Yesterday, I had the misfortune of experiencing a mild case of heat exhaustion: headache, dizziness, cramping. I need to take Mr. Glover's advice more seriously. In my case, drink lots of water before, during and after the race.

And then there's the other option: don't be stupid enough to run long distances in the heat in the first place. But why would we do that?

SwiftFoot 7:19 AM

Tuesday, June 08, 2004

First, a cursory recap of previous runs because yours truly was so lazy he couldn't do a few blogging lines the past few days. Saturday: 4M. Sunday: 6M.

Okay, now that we've gotten that out of the way...

It's hot and hazy in the Bronx. That dehydration problem is front and center again. I failed to drink enough water/Gatorade the night before, and as a result my face became mucho flushed, and my head began to ache. If a routine 4M run can do this to you--well, let's not ponder what will happen if...

Yeah, let's not.
SwiftFoot 2:37 PM

Thursday, June 03, 2004

With yesterday's 3.5 mile run, I am now in the 15 mile range for the week. If I do another 4 miles on Friday, I will be on target for 20 miles for this week.

Confession time. As one approaches that vaunted twenty mile/week mark, it's evident that a higher level of mental toughness is necessary. I've also found that I have to train my body to accept higher mileage. Once this is achieved, however, things get a lot better. To wit: at one point during my 8 mile run I wanted to stop (Achilles tendon pain), but this meant accepting the fact I am a wimp.

And, who the heck wants to be a wimp?
SwiftFoot 8:07 AM

Tuesday, June 01, 2004

I did a 4M yesterday with one day's rest after the 8 miler on Saturday. That's 12 miles in three days.

Will this old geezer's body fall apart soon?
SwiftFoot 9:48 PM