May 2017

I didn't run as far or as fast as I did in my prime, but I can't deny that I ran. 

This is pretty good.  April and May have been the most consistent running months I've had since early last year, prior to Shamrock.  I loathe running in hot weather, so I don't think I'm going to push myself on increasing distance much until September, but I will be really happy if I can keep motivation to drag myself out 3-4x a week for 3-4 miles.  That's building a habit again.  That's getting my legs ready for the wars to come.  That's feeling like a runner again for the first time in over a year and actually kind of enjoying it for the first time in a lot longer than that.

Do AC

I almost always try to run on the Atlantic City Boardwalk when I'm here.  If it's the dead of winter, probably not. If I'm staying out at the Marina, probably not.  Otherwise, hell yes.

We're spending a long weekend at Resorts, a perfectly cromulent hotel and casino on the Boardwalk.  I ran two miles southward past the long-vacant Atlantic Club and back.  I always feel weaker on the boardwalk. Maybe it's the springy, wobbly boards, maybe it's 4 beers I had yesterday (in my defense, two of then were free), or the great deal of walking we did yesterday, but I was slower than Saturday. I don't mind. It was a nice run.  I did it, and that's what matters.  That's enough these days.

But still, another negative split is nice.

4 Miles w/Negative Split

I used to run a 27-minute 5k pretty easily.  My best was under 23 minutes, and I only got there once, but I got close a few other times.  But usually I was in the mid-20s and could bring it in under 30 minutes with a just under 9 minute-mile pace.  In a longer race or my training runs, I was usually still a little under 10-minute miles.  Except the marathon.  Let's never speak of the marathon.

These days, not so much.  I've been closer to 12-minute miles for most of my latest comeback attempt, which really started in earnest at the end of March.  I'd had some good running in January, and really didn't get out at all in February.  

I've been happy my last two times out to break a sub-36 minute 5k, keeping it under 12 minute miles.  I was even happier with this on Saturday.  Check that negative split!

I don't care if I'm never again as fast as I was in my 30s.  I would like to get my 5K back under 30 minutes, and I would like to be able to finish a half in under 2:30, from which I'm in striking distance in terms of pace.

Distance is another thing.  I haven't run more than 4 miles since last May and I have only run 4 miles 3x this year, one of which was yesterday and the other two times in January.

As the weather warms up, I want to focus most on maintaining consistency, getting out there and running 3-4 miles 3-4 times a week, even though I hate every step.  If I can mix in an occasional 5 miler, that'll put me in good shape to add distance in the fall.  

Hi.

Let's review.  I ran a couple marathons.  I developed chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS).  I broke my ass in a Spartan Race. I had surgery for chronic exertional compartment syndrome.  I ran a couple half marathons.  I would stop running for months a time and I gained 40 lbs.

Why did I even do this in the first place?  Well, sure, I started running because I felt (back when I weighed 140) like I was gaining weight, so I trained for a 5K.  After that, although I don't necessarily always enjoy the act of running itself, especially in the hot fucking summer months, it gave me a way to win.  Something other than my job that I could challenge myself with and get the feedback of shiny participant medals and even an occasional age-group award. Well, twice.  And one was by default, I think.  But, still I was right in the middle of the pace bell curve in every distance except the marathon.  For awhile, I was running 10 miles 3 or 4 times a week.  I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and I was lovin' it.  Then the CECS, the broken ass, and I let myself go.

It's not fun or easy anymore, and it's only going to get worse as the temperatures go up.  But I once used running to fight my stress and depression, and well, everyone I know is going through hard times right now, my favorite little kitty isn't around to purr at me anymore, and look at what the shit our government is trying to get away with. It seems like I need running more than ever, no?