Sleep the night before...

I couldn't even sleep last night I was so antsy. I had dreams about running and being late, even one where I was robbing people on the run... random. What makes me think I can go to sleep tonight when I know that in 12 hours i'll be finished? Wish me luck!

9-Miler and Some Thoughts

8.88 miles in 1:12:34.

I have now been running for almost five months since (August 1st). The first few weeks were difficult and I still didn't grasp the concept of running. Why do it? Why put yourself through it? These were questions I had before and even during my training. I pushed through it because I told myself I would. I saw my speed increase. I watched my distance climb. And when I finally looked at myself and the person I had become, I craved more.

It takes a lot of will power to go running... at first. I didn't train with anyone, nor did I have any commitments to run with people, so it was 90% just me. My mind has changed for the better. Running gives me the opportunity to free my mind. Running gives me the time I need to think thoughts. That may sound weird, but it's something I look forward to every time I'm putting my shoes on.

I love running now and am truly looking forward to my first 26.2 this weekend! My wife will be taking pictures. Wish me luck!

First Taper Run

15.1 miles in 2:03:57 @ 8:12 pace.

After Management class, I had a four hour break. On Tuesdays I usually do my econ homework and watch movies, but I thought i'd be a little more productive today. I started out with a four mile test run to see if my watch was synced or not. It was perfect!
Once again, my only source of nutrition was Supao and Peanut M&M's. I received my shirt and number for the marathon next week! I am #1243. This number coincidentally means a lot to me as it's the number of people my mission baptized in 2008. 有辦法！

More Runs - Approaching the 26.2

12/13/2011 - I ran almost 10 miles in 1:15:36 or so. My watch stopped and I had to reset it. I had an 8.53 mile run and a 1.1 mile run. It was pouring rain so I ran with rain gear on for the first 45 minutes. The track was empty and it was beautiful.

12/15/2011 - I got out of school a little early so I went for another long one. I ran 18.07 miles in 2:32:22. This was one of the most most enjoyable runs I've ever had. It wasn't too cold and definitely wasn't hot. From my apartment I ran towards Taiyuan train station, then went under the bridge towards the mountains. I ran along the river until I was deep in Taiping. I kept along the bike path until I was in Dali. Eventually, the path ended but I wanted to keep going straight so I crossed the highway, and ran in dirt under the new highway that is being built. Once that dead ended (around mile 7) I had to climb up and over a wall. It turns out that the road was another highway so I had to get off it quickly. The other side of the highway isn't finished yet so I had it all to myself. I turned around a mile 8.5 and headed back the way I came.

I have found my food for long runs. Peanut M&M's just do it right for me. I ran with only a Supao and medium sized bag of M&M's and I felt great. I am looking forward to the marathon next weekend and confident I'll be under 4:00. I'm also looking forward to next semester because I have Thursdays off and I'll be able to focus solely on training for Ironman.

Cold Runs

I ran a 5k on Wednesday night. I went faster than MP. I didn't have a lot of time and just wanted to get my heart rate up. 3.21 miles in 21:37.

I haven't done either of my two training runs for the week so knew I had to get one in today. I drank plenty of water throughout the day, made sure I ate right, and prepared myself mentally for a long one. I had accounting, then calculus tutoring, and 4 hours of free time. It was SUPER windy in Taizhong today. With one bottle of water, another of Supao, and a small bag of M&M's, I began my run. The track was not crowded as this weather is to Taiwanese people as a blizzard or snow storm is to Canadians. After mile 15, I looked and saw that my drinks were gone. I looked for only 20 seconds or so but didn't find them. I decided to run three more miles and then call it a night.
My run ended just short of 18 miles. 17.98 miles in 2:28:41. I wasn't too sore after, just hungry, thirsty, and cold.

Updates!

I've had some major runs since last time I updated my running journal blog diary. I'll keep it short because I am exhausted.

11/24/2011 - 16.63 miles. 2:22:36. I ran to school, did laps until I hit half-marathon distance, then ran home.

11/28/2011 - 9.99 miles. 1:21:32. I was a little sore from the run 11/24, so I ran to the school track, ran four miles, then ran back.

11/30/2011 - 3.25 miles. 31:55. Lauren met me up and we ran a 5k at her pace. This was only her 4th run. She will no doubt run a sub-30 minute 5k on her race 12/31. I'm proud of you love!

12/2/2011 - 23.01 miles. 3:10:49. I woke up at 4am, chomped on a bagel with a little jam, and set out. It was really cold when I left at 5am and really windy. The beginning of the run was pretty miserable. When I got to the track it was still pitch black. There were 20 or 30 seniors already there walking around talking about politics. I ran the track according to lane numbers. One in one, two laps in two, three laps in three, etc. The last three miles were pretty difficult. I ended my run because I had to go home, shower, and immediately ride to school. Needless to say, I was a bit tired in Calculus.

It's been four months since I began running and I still have one more until my first 26.2. After my run today, I am confident that I can hold my pace and get a sub-4 hour marathon.