Iron in 2010

Very humid and hot morning run through my local neighborhood park. I continue to work on my running technique and improving my bio-mechanics to avoid injuries.

Easy run to work on technique. I'm using the Chi Running technique and it's very different from what I'm used to in the past.

Easy slow run. Again, hot and humid conditions.

Hot and desperately humid! I got carried away this morning because it actually felt cooler for a change. I was planning on doing 12 miles this Saturday but I will probably lower it to 6 or 8 depending on how I feel. I've been overcoming a nagging soreness in my right calf and don't want to aggravate it due to overuse. I sustained an ankle injury on that leg during a recent marathon and I'm a little edgy about any discomfort in that area.

Started out on a good pace with my new running friends, Carole and Randy at around 6:50 AM. We ran the 8-mile loop at Lake Grapevine, always a nice area to run. I ended up slowing down to a run-walk pace after the first 4 miles! I think the high humidity has this effect on me. Even after running 11 yesterday I felt good all the way; except for the humidity making it hard to breathe. I am also going to switch to another brand of energy/ hydration drink and stop using Gatorade (too  much sugar!). I'm switching back to either Enervit or Hammer Nutrition. I've had good results with both while avoiding the refined sugar effects of lesser drinks like Gatorade or Powerade.

Another hot and humid early morning run! I ran a slow easy pace, mostly concentrating on improving my application of the Chi Running technique. It's getting easier but I still have to think about it and stop frequently to make adjustments to my grounding stance. The humidity makes hard for me to breathe properly.

Ran the track today. 1st mile at a nice easy pace, 2nd mile at a 8:0 pace; miles 3 to 4 at a steady pace (about 10:50 pace). I'm still very conscious of how I'm running due to the Chi Running method. I could only do 4 miles due to heat and humidity 85/ 45%. I feel like I need to lose more weight and would like to get to 155 by December (I'm currently at 168 -170) to run more relaxed and faster. Ankle was a little sore after the run.

Tomorrow, I'll cycle and do some core strengthening, then rest on Friday and do 8 to 10 on Saturday.

Ran a slow 7 miles in hot and humid wx. I'm starting to think this is my "heat conditioning" running program! Topped it off with a nice and fast bike ride. The extra sleep does make difference.

6 AM run, again hot and humid, temp in the 80's at the start. I started out well at a nice pace but after I completed 4 miles I started slowing down. When this happens, I feel as if all my energy is gone. I didn't sleep well last night, woke up several times throughout the night. I didn't use a sports drink (just water + electrolytes) as I didn't think I'd need it. I think I need to check my nutrition because of how my energy drops as it does. I did notice that my heart rate went up to 185 at about the point I felt that I needed to slow down. I recovered quickly to less than 90 bpm (resting heart rate is 52) within 1 minute but I still felt drained. I experienced the same last year during the summer runs when the temperature went above 80. I need to research why this is happening and get it under control.

 Sunday is a rest day, Monday I'll run 7 miles. We're heading into the hottest week of summer with temps predicted to top 100+ all next week so, the mornings will still be in the 80's even at 0530. 

No work out today. Rested and iced the ankle. I noticed my ankle area/ tendons/ligaments were a little sorer than usual yesterday after my 8-mile run. Feels better today. I plan to run 7 miles starting at 5:30 tomorrow morning. It should be hot and humid again! Good advice from Hamerin Hank and Paul, thanks guys!

I ran 7 miles as planned. starting at 5:30 this morning. Temperature was 77 and a little dryer than usual. I was able to maintain a nice steady pace of 9:30. Heart rate averaged about 125 bpm, well below my threshold. This is my best run so far this month. I didn't run out of energy and my breathing was deep and steady, without feeling like I was running out breath as in previous runs. I was able to concentrate on my form and technique instead of surviving the heat.

My right ankle was a little sore from Saturday's run but after the initial warm up, it felt fine. I'm going to start icing it and soaking in epsom salts to prevent any injury to the soft tissues.

Tomorrow, I plan to run 5 miles and do some cycling. Wednesday is a rest day (from running but I'll cycle and do some core strength/ conditioning, Thursday, I'll run another 6 to 7 miles followed by a non-running day on Friday and my long run on Saturday, 9 - 10 miles, if it's not too hot and humid!

Off to do some work and later continue my research into proper nutrition and energy supplements, and take a nap!

Evening run. Slow and steady run at about 11 minute pace. Ankle still a little sore. Rode the bike for about 15 miles at noon followed by a solid hour of Plates concentrating on the abdominals. Lots od sweating today; burned about 1600 calories!

Very hot and humid! I must sound like broken record!  Very slow run, mostly due to a sore ankle/ maybe the beginning stages of shin splints? I need to get past these little aches and pains so that I can train more effectively, rather than just surviving the heat or discomfort!