Workout Time

It's been a while since I wrote any updates on my exercise program. Today was a great day! I first started off with my regularly scheduled workout, followed by a 2-mile run. While the workout itself was great, the run was even better.

As I set out for my run I decided that I needed to stop dilly dallying around and get in a great run. So I set a goal of 2 miles in 16:00, and to take no longer than 17:00. And just so you know, the last 2 miles I ran, I ran in 17:51. There is good news and bad news with the run. The good news was I ran the 2 miles in 16:32. The other amazing news is that the 1st mile I ran in 7:46. This means (bad news) that I ran the 2nd mile in 8:46. What does this mean? I think it means a couple things. #1 I can run an entire mile in less than 8:00, and if I can run one, I can run another. #2 In reality I could have beat my 16:00 goal, if I had wanted it bad enough. #3 Running is a mind game, whether you believe you can or believe you can't, you're right.

So here's to running 5 miles in less than 40:00! (That's 5 8:00 miles, in case you needed help w/the math...)

To The Wall

So today's workout was pretty awesome. My workout itself consisted of a lot of core body work, to help my core stand the test of time for the runs. It seems as though every workout I do is focused on trying to make my running better. Good news is that Mike and I ran 2 miles today at about 16 min. Mile 1 took about 8:07, and then Mile 2 took about the same time. We walked part of it and then ran hard (well, mostly) for the other part. I need to keep working on getting my legs to run faster for longer, and not just longer. All-in-all a good day for running.

1st 5 Mile Run

Before I get to the 5 miler, Saturday I ran 1 1/2 miles in 13 min., that's an 8:40 Mile! That's an improvement, however, it was kind of a weak (short) run.

Today, I went out with my brother, and we said we'd run 4 miles. And of course we reach mile 2 (the turn around point) and he says, "C'mon man, let's run one more." And he proceeds to run past the point. I, of course, follow him going, "Yeah, I can do another..." As we turn the corner there stood the biggest hill we had yet to climb, ouch. However, we got up it and then back down the hill. Funny thing about downhills, is you always have to go back up. Thankfully, the slope back over the hill was not as steep. The 1st couple miles we did sub 9, then it slowed down significantly. All in all, it was a good run. We ran 5 miles in 49 min.

Mile

1. 8:50

2. 8:51

3. 10:21

4. 10:25

5. 10:29

"Speed, I am Speed" (Well, not quite yet...)

When the Feet Hit the Pavement

Today's workout here at my brother's was pretty good. He injured himself on our ride last Wednesday, and he is out for at least a couple weeks. So I had to workout without him today. The workout was a great start, bringing up my heart rate and really pushing my strength further. It feels good to have what used to be just flabby fat turn into muscle. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ripped by any means, however I am now a lot stronger than I was a few short weeks ago.

After my workout, I went running for the 3rd time since a really long time ago with my Brother. It was a little better, but I need a lot of work. I ended up running 3 miles in 30:12. I need to be able to run a lot faster than that, but as my Brother watched my stride he gave me some great suggestions as to how to improve my running form and improve my speed/endurance. I say it went well because I ran the 1st 2 miles in 19:00, which is an improvement on my previous run on Saturday (19:30). I still have 2:30 to shave off before Basic, and 5:30 to cut off by RIP.

While I recognize that I have a long way to go, I also see that I am making improvements. I need to hack off at least 1 min. a month, for the next 6 months. Sound crazy? Yes, yes I am.