Looking to push myself to new limits this year, running serves as a gateway to new adventures, friendships and experiences as I've gone from running novice to marathoner. This blog serves as a personal journal in self-discovery and motivation to others.
Addicted to running

Trail blazer

"Because you are in control of your life. Don't ever forget that. You are what you are because of the conscious and subconscious choices you have made." - Barbara Hall

It seems like snow's been falling from the sky for days on end. And it finally forced me to make a small change to my running routine this morning as I cut the workout short so I could get home to blow snow from the driveway.

We improvised on the run and the last decision - to run the trail along Trollwood - gave us quite a workout. With some snow drifts more than a foot high, it was definitely a challenge running the length of a couple of blocks through the high snow. It was a relief just to get back to the road and have a clear path again.

Tomorrow serves up my first bit of marathon specific speed workout. With the road conditions, that means I'll be forced inside on the treadmill - after I've become accustomed to running in some extreme cold. The treadmill could be torture, but short of rearranging my entire running schedule, there doesn't appear to be any option. At least it will give me a good measure where I stand with my speed, and where I need to improve.

Posted by: RunningSpud on 2/08/2010 at 12:55 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Tags: running

Meat grinder

"We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us." - Marcel Proust

This morning offered up the unexpected. While yesterday's 14-miler through the snow certainly left me tired and sore, I really underestimated its effects.

Until I woke up this morning.

Every muscle in my legs felt as though they'd be put through a meat grinder. It was a minor achievement just to use the stairs, get my bearings and find a bite to eat.

Normally, I want a short run on the day after a long run, just to work out the kinks and soreness. Thankfully, today, my plan was to take Riley cross country skiing, but it would still take most of my energy just to get out on the trails.

Once again, the trails were desolate, leaving myself and Riley to soak in the serenity along the river. He scurried around sniffing every scent that caught his attention, frequently sinking into the snow and finding himself nearly buried in it. And he'd go barrelling down the trail after squirrels, looking back to me for help when his pursuit ended at a tree. 

But there's one squirrel - who didn't see Riley coming - that nearly found himself in Riley's clenched jaws. If it hadn't been for a slight miscalculation by Riley, who was on a dead sprint, the squirrel would have suffered fatal wounds. Just then, two deer popped up from the trees, and Riley found an extra gear. Knowing he'd give chase until far out of my sight, I called Riley off. He went back to sniffing the trail and stopping every so often, trying to gnaw the freshly fallen snow that formed ice chunks in his paws.

Afterward, I found myself exhausted, dehydrated and in need for both a nap and food. Some of both helped breathe new life into me - and now I'm ready for my Grandma's Marathon training program, which officially starts tomorrow.

Posted by: RunningSpud on 2/07/2010 at 2:19 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Tags: running

Ultra fun run

Sometimes, the camaraderie of a run is more memorable - and enjoyable - than the run itself.

Since early in the week, I had been looking forward to today and the chance to meet up with Tim, Joel, Jerry, Maggie and Rachel - all of whom are ultra runners with big races on the 2010 schedule. They graciously let me join them for what's become a ritual for distance runners: The weekend long run.

The run went well, but the best part was simply having a chance to chat and talk with fellow runners out on the road. There may have been a few serious moments, but the mood was light. The toughest part was ending the run earlier than the rest of the group in an effort to build up my reserves for what will be four months of tough marathon training.

As I put things into perspective, nearly every part of me aches: My feet, ankles, shins and hamstrings are feeling the effects of 14 miles on sloppy, snowy roads. It takes a little more energy to plow through the snow. But the uneven footing also works muscles, tendons and ligaments that normally don't get much of a workout.

Now I'm looking forward to relaxing the rest of the day and getting out for another cross country skiing adventure tomorrow before the heavy snow falls on us.

Posted by: RunningSpud on 2/06/2010 at 4:38 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Tags: running

Improvising on the run

Some days are a little better than others. And some are a little rougher.

Today was a little rough as Tim and I plowed through the snow on a quiet, gray morning. For some reason, I just didn't feel like I had much in the tank, which prompted early thoughts of cutting off some mileage.

We ended up improvising on the run, heading to some Fargo Park trails and meandering through downtown Fargo. And despite feeling a little sluggish, I still ended up with more than 7 miles.

That leaves one more day before a day off: A slow, long run on Saturday with a group, with a goal of 13 to 16 miles. Then a cross country ski outing Sunday on what promises to be fresh snow.

Posted by: RunningSpud on 2/05/2010 at 2:19 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink

Tags: running

Clearing a path

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - Marianne Williamson

A big thanks goes out to the Fargo Park District today for continuing to keep their trails and paths clear during winter. Seriously.

The park staff have done a pretty good job - just as they did last year - to clear snow and allow runners and walkers to keep active on the trails. And this morning I needed a clear path more than ever.

More than a mile into this morning's run, Riley's recoiling leash broke. So before I had a chance to react, the leash zipped into its handle and I was left without a way to keep him tied. So we ran mostly on sidewalks, which continue to be a problem in Fargo (thanks to inconsiderate homeowners and poor enforcement by the city), and the well-groomed park trails by the river.

Posted by: RunningSpud on 2/04/2010 at 12:44 PM | Comments (1) | Permalink

Tags: running