Saturday, November 25, 2023

Madison Half Marathon - November 2023

Sunday November 26, 2023

The short term discomfort of discipline nurtures the long term feeling of accomplishment.

Saturday November 25, 2023 Post Madison Half Marathon and a month of low volume, low stress activity. Gained back like five pounds. MapMyFitness calorie tracking lax. It's OK. Pickleball has filled some of the absent activity. 

Race report. Overdressed. That's it. I woke up Saturday AM. Temp was 41 feels like 37. I'm not doing it. Wore my Salomon jacket over a long sleeve running shirt over a base layer. Hat and gloves. Too much. The race pictures were terrible.

The race? Good. Set 2023 PR with a 1:40:58 or 7:42 pace. Also fastest 5K 7:26 pace and 10K 7:30 pace.  Did not negative split. even had an 8:04 at mile twelve. At about mile 12.5 running around around the Capitol l heard the AG winner's name being announced at the finish line. I figured I would be like two minutes back of that time. Two more left turns remained. Finished 1:46 back in second place. Ten minutes in front of the the third place finisher. Second of twenty-three.

I hadn't trained at all after Chicago and figured, correctly, my fitness would carry me through. The miles ticked off pretty quickly. The crowds were small. Aid stations every two to three miles. Took of my hat and gloves (lost them). Glasses fogged over. Zipper down. Rookie mistakes all around.

Finished 6 of 43 M55-59, 2 of 23 M60-64, and 2nd in M65-69. That would be 7th of 68 M55-66. For a poorly formulated and executed game plan, a very good day. 

Training periodization now recovery, stability and base. Get ready for ski season. Strength training. Indoor bike and walk / run. And pickleball. Monitor diet and caloric burn and intake. Nothing on the calendar until May 24 Monona 20K. The most challenging part of the year. Dark and cold. Having recognized that, I need to get the mind right. 

Tuesday October 23, 2023 Madison Half Marathon Sunday November 12

9A PB 1-2h yes
12P Run 6-10m yes
4P PB 2h

Treadmill running versus outside ... It's a thing ... Pawback. An assertive downward and rearward hip action is always a great strategy for efficient landing and push off. Practice this strategy on the treadmill by actively pushing and pulling the spinning belt beneath and behind you as you run, to prevent the spinning belt from doing all this work for you.

Conscious pawback effort can be seen within the stride length chart. Monday activity Tread 6.76m there must be beneficial crossover from tread drill to actual performance outside. Ill work to add more pawback dots and dashes.








Sun 40/55 PM Long 10m Run Actual 6m Tread
Mon 38/63 AM Rain Planned and Actual 6m Tread
Tue 60/77 6-10m Planned, Actual 6m Tempo
Wed 61/67 Rain Tread
Thu LAX 61/66 Rain Tread
Fri LAX 55/59
Sat 38/50 Rain
Sun 41/47 Rain

Friday October 20, 2023

Need to re-motivate and discipline half marathon ready fitness
8A Tread 47
1P PB 57
4P Run 60

48 feels like 45
White IM hat, milk headband
Black Adidas LS Base, White Gore
Tri Shorts, CWX Tights, Calf Sleeves, Short Socks
Ghost

Goal Half PB 1:36:11 2019 New Orleans
2023 (2) November 12 Madison Half
2024 (2) May 04 Monona 20K
2024 (2) May 26 Run Madtown Half
2024 (2) August 10 Madison Mini

Thursday October 19, 2023
Tread, PB.

Wednesday October 18,. 2023

If the Boston Marathon were to be a 2025 target race, I would like to practice for a 2024 April race. My 2019 Boston training was a fail. Be sure to include 2024 Madison to Denver relocation in go forward planning 

Potential / possible dates and events 
(1) 2025 Boston Yes
(2) 2023-24 Three Madison Halves Yes
(3) 2024 Eugene Full No Half Maybe
(4) 2024 Chicago No
(5) 2024 Denver Boulder No

2023 (2) November 12 Madison Half
2023 (4) November 16 Chicago 2024 Guaranteed Entry Deadline
2023 (3) December 10 Twenty Weeks Before Eugene
2024 (3) April 28 Eugene Marathon 2023 3:45 M60-64 10 of 37. 
2024 (2) May 04 Monona 20K
2024 (5) May 19 Denver Half
2024 (2) May 26 Run Madtown Half
2024 (4) May 26 Twenty Weeks before Chicago
2024 (2) August 10 Madison Mini
2024 (5) September 01 Boulderthon Half
2024 (3) October 13 Chicago Marathon
2024 (1) December 02 Twenty Weeks Before Boston
2025 (1) April 21 Boston Marathon

Tuesday October 17, 2023

9AM Pickleball 43
12PM Devils Lake Hike 54
5PM Run 61

Looking for motivation during weather transition hot to cold.


Monday October 16, 2023

Signed up for Madison Half Sunday October 12
Would like to get back training discipline
Marathon 45 miles per week Zone Two
Half 30 miles per week Zone Three
Difficult on Treadmill
Cold outside.

Sunday October 15, 2023

"The “Hot Corner” at the intersection of Kuakini Highway and Palani Road now features a hand-painted mural representing this year’s VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon theme, Holomua – Move Forward."

Pūpūkahi – United, as in harmonious 
Holomua – improvement, progress
Good 60 minute treadmill run using Garmin 255 watch. No Zwift. Good SST Zwift workout 50 minutes. Remarkably 150 pounds. Continue watching caloric intake with mindful and intentional fueling. Burn 1000 calories with equivalent of one hour fast running. VO2 Max 54 and slightly less.

Madison Half Marathon November 12, sign up deadline October 31


Running in 30 to 40 degrees

"This is chilly, but tolerable for most folks. You’ll want to wear leggings, a base layer and either a mid-layer, like a fleece, or an outer layer, like a shell or vest to block wind and add further insulation. You likely won’t need both. You’ll probably want to wear a lighter pair of gloves and a hat or earband, although these may end up coming off and getting shoved in your pocket towards the later stages of the run."

CW-X Tights, Adidas tight fit black long sleeve base layer, Adidas shell or Gore Windstopper, Asics hat, throw away gloves.

WINDSTOPPER® products by GORE‑TEX LABS* are totally windproof and reliably breathable, so you can continue with your plans and stay protected. Perfect for dry conditions that are cold and windy, these products bring super-efficient, versatile coverage to upgrade your comfort and performance.

Looking forward to sunny weather to return outside. OK we'll settle for cloudy.
Need to commit to early runs to acclimate cooler temperatures.
Fri 100% 49/53 Rain 1H tread
Sat 52% 49/54 Rain 1H tread
Sun 6% 43/55 Cloudy 10M all day pace
Mon 7% 41/54 Cloudy 6M tempo
Tue 8% 37/59 Cloudy 10M all day
Wed 15% 42/63 Cloudy 6M tempo
Thu 30% 49/59 Rain 1H tread
Fri 24% 44/59 Cloudy 6M tempo
Sat 8% 43/61 Cloudy 10M all day

Madison Half November 12, 2023
Monona 20K May 4, 2024
Denver Half May 19, 2024
Run Madtown Half May 26, 2024
Madison Mini  August 10, 2024
Boulderthon Half September 01, 2024

Vaccine Pain Zero.

Thursday October 12, 2023

10 Hours sleep. Arm and body ache minimal. 

Garmin Recovery. Fitness holding.

Would like to find routine that will work indoors and outdoors. Stretching, strength, treadmill, stationary bike, Conservancy. Need to find up to 1000 calories per day. 


On the Radar
Madison Half November 12, 2023
Monona 20K May 4, 2024
Run Madtown Half May 26, 2024 

Wednesday October 11, 2023

Yesterday Vaccine x 3 CV, RSV, Flu. Left arm ache, chills, muscle soreness. Garmin recovery 32 hours. Delayed by poor sleep. I believe it.

Diet discipline paramount.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Chicago Marathon Race! October 2023


Race Report - Scroll Down to Monday October 9, 2023

Tuesday October 10, 2023 T+2

Monday Zero Day.

Need to watch the caloric intake with the reduced training volume. Average activity calories per week for the twenty week training period was 7,058. One thousand per day. Today's Zwift thirty minute indoor bicycle ride was 224. Danger Will Robinson Danger! I'm thinking benchmark the one hour run per day.

Looking to create indoor bike and outdoor run training program. Also add stretching and strength. More recovery time on the bike and high intensity tempo run training. May 2024 Monona 20K and Run Mad Town Half on the radar 
I'm thinking a sub 1:40 half to be a good goal. 7:37 miles.

2023 PR's
1M 7:03 Waunafest Run 7:03
5K 23:11 Waunafest Run 7:27
10K 47:22 Madison Mini 7:37
13.1 1:41:49 Madison Mini 7:46
26.2 3:45:58 Chicago Marathon 8:37

Steps 
Day 56,838 October 8 Chicago Marathon
Week 179,783 August 14-20
Month 685,949 July
10,000+ Streak 50 days May 18 - July 6 

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Chicago Marathon Training August 2023


Thursday August 31, 2023

14.5 hour 950 Mile Drive
2500 Step
Zero Day
Painful left knee overnight
Rough night sleep, mind in overdrive. 
Regrets seemed to be the dream theme.

630AM Recovery Day perhaps a 5-10K later.

Thu 5-10K
Fri 10K
Sat 20-30K
Sun 10K
Mon 10K
Tue - Eugene Drive

Tuesday August 29, 2023

One more day in Louisville. House deal almost put together. Offer submitted. Waiting for counteroffer... 

Planned Davidson Mesa Trail with a US36 Bikeway kicker. Actual 10K. Mind not clear enough to add on a hill work out. Louisville home, Verano repairs, Eugene move, Chicago logistics...

Even being an 'off' week effort still significant. 
Stryd Last Seven Days
411 RSS - 58.2 / day
48.35 Miles - 6.85 / day
7h 02m - 60 minutes / day. 

Monday August 28, 2023 Chicago Marathon T Minus 40 Days

Planned Davidson Mesa 10K Easy Mind clearing run.
Actual 10K 54m 50s 49RSS  229w 132bpm

Monitor Extensor tendonitis top of left foot.

Currently a 1 Need to use foot / ankle compression sleeve

0 – Pain Free

1 – Pain is very mild, barely noticeable. Most of the time you don’t think about it.

2 – Minor pain. Annoying and may have occasional stronger twinges.


Garmin Recovery 40 hours. Sleep good. Pain zero.

Stressors: Wood Bros 1PM meeting, Katelyn Car check engine light, upcoming drive to Madison, trip to Eugene.

Sunday August 27, 2023

Feeling remarkably AOK.

Davidson Mesa 10K 53m 25s 237W 141 bpm

Yesterday 20.11 miles
Time 2h 55m 
Avg Pace 8:42 / mi.
Marathon Pace 3h 48m
235w 142 bpm
Non Tapered, Travel, Trail, Altitude...
Pleased. 
Start was super congested. My error hanging back.
I feel I could have gone longer had I not raced miles 12-13.

Planned
Sun 6mi recovery 3 slow 3 slow to progressive
Mon 6 mi up tempo 3 slow 3 progressive
Tue Zero Day travel

Saturday August 26, 2023

Long Run / 'Race Day'. 
59 Degrees and cloudy. Perfect. 
Out and back 'big' hill at mile five and eleven.


Planned 240w 140 bpm
Actual 235w 142 bpm
Followed plan very well.
1-4 Easy.
5 Hill Steady with slow, short strides.
6-10 Progessive
11 Hill ...
12-13 Up Tempo to Finish
14+ Slow

Garmin
Sleep Good 7h 55m (didn't feel like it but ok)
Vo2 Max 53
Body Battery 97
Status Maintaining (is good)
Recovery Time 3h (close enough)
All systems go.

One cup of coffee, banana, yogurt.
Carry water and two E-Gels.
I'll practice walking the aid station to hydrate more efficiently.

Friday August 25, 2023

Body Battery 99 
Sleep 93 score 7h 19m
Vo2 Max 53!!!
Full recovered !?! (Rare. And I will take it).

Planned 5-10K Davison Mesa

Signed up for a 13.1mi trail race tomorrow. Out and back. Endurance Race Series Louisville.

Planned 240w / 140bpm.
Game time decision... add another 6mi out and back to extend long run.

Very exciting. Arapahoe Circle, Louisville CO likely our new home. 

Thursday August 24, 2023

Garmin
Sleep 6h 54m - first work up at 3:40AM
Sleep Score 87 - I'm still tired.
Body Battery 95
Recovery time down to 25! (after days of 72)

Training Status, Unproductive, which doesn't mean De-Productive or De-Training. Maintaining in Stryd.

Continue to monitor recovery hours. Work towards long run readiness on our return to Madison.

Planned 5K-10K on Davison Mesa Trail 5k Loop
Actual 5K Zero shade on trail. Opted not to push 1st day out at altitude. Can run again this evening.
 
Wednesday August 23, 2023

Planned Zero Day 14.5 Hour Drive to Colorado

Tuesday August 22, 2023

Planned 10-15M Conservancy Path Out and Back
Actual 12.94M Phone calls, texts and projects.

Stryd 12 Week Summary
Stress 4769 RSS / 397 per week
Distance 478.75 mi / 39.89 per week
Duration 76 hr / 6.33 per week

Wednesday Zero Day. Fourteen hour drive to Denver.

Forty Seven Days Out - 6.71 Weeks
Planning Metrics of Note ...

1 hour race at 100% 100
2 hour 1/2 Marathon at 95% 180
3 hour Marathon at 90% 224
1 hour Daily Run at 80% 49

My Critical Power (CP) = 281
Madison Mini 274W 97.5% 173RSS
90% = 253

Stryd Marathon Training Plan Peak / KW Actual-to-Date
Easy Runs 40 Minutes / 50-60
Long Run 3h0m / 2h58m
Week Volume 6h40m / 8h56m

Duration Taper 
3 weeks out 6h40m
2 weeks out 4h30m
1 week of 2h00m

Weekly Averages
Stress 246 RSS
    July 30 380
    Aug 6 389
    Aug 13 386
    Aug 20 391
Distance 31.56
    July 30 36.46
    Aug 6 53.06
    Aug 13 38.51
    Aug 20 55.39
Duration 4h52m
    July 30 5h51m
    Aug 6 8h28m
    Aug 13 5h28m
    Aug 20 8h56m

Monday August 21, 2023
Five more long run opportunities.
Thinking to use the PB paved trail to avoid circular off ramp option.
Conservancy Loops plus Out and Back.
August 27 12M < Actual 20 Miles Louisville Trail Run / Race 
September 3 15M 2
September 10 18M
September 17 21M
September 24 12M

Sunday August 20, 2023

Chris' toe injury may curtail pickleball which represents a mile of steps per hour, usually ranging from two to three. Stryd weekly miles 45, Garmin 55.

No calf pain indicating full stop training injury. Remain aware. CEP compression socks arrived. Will test next run. 

Planned 5-10K 5-10K recovery run based on feel. The goal is to set myself up for a long run. Then cross train Eugene pack and consolidate .

Actual 10M / 15K was using mantra 'a pace run, all day' but ran out of mental energy.

Garmin Unproductive. Stryd Maintenance. 55 mile week.

Monday 5-10K pack containers.
Tuesday 5-10K ship containers
Wednesday zero day drive to Denver
Thursday 5-10K

Brooks Ghost versus Launch Blog Levitate 'springy' backup.

Saturday August 19, 2023

Planned 20-30K long run slow Conservancy base miles. Be aware of aches, pains and calves.

Actual 15K 206W 124BPM. Just didn't have it. Need to work more rest & relaxation in to the routine. Pushing too hard in anticipation of the Denver and Eugene low mileage and and effort travel days.

E-Gel semi-fail with a good portion of the contents of one of the packets ending up in the pocket and hamstring sleeve.

Friday August 18, 2023

Managed Grade I calf strain: Mild discomfort, often minimal disability. Usually minimal or no limits to activity.

Planned 7AM 10-20K Easy Base Miles
Actual 10K Easy Base Miles
Thursday August 17, 2023 T-52 Days

Slow Conservancy 10K. Pain remains Grade 1.5 Continue to use extreme caution. Base mile training. I need to find more RSS without injury.

Grade I calf strain: Mild discomfort, often minimal disability. Usually minimal or no limits to activity.
Grade II calf strain: Moderate discomfort... 

Thursday PB, 10K
Friday PB, 10K
Saturday No PB, 15K-25K or
Sunday No PB 15K-25K

Mental health strain; UHaul, Denver, Eugene, Chicago.

Wednesday August 16, 2023
Lots going on Katelyn moving to Eugene Oregon (three day drive). Road trip to Denver (two fourteen hour drives).

Grade I or II left calf strain. Very similar to Boston injury. Danger Will Robinson Danger. 

Grade I calf strain: Mild discomfort, often minimal disability. Usually minimal or no limits to activity.

Grade II calf strain: Moderate discomfort with loss of strength and range of motion (ROM). Limited ability to perform activities such as running and jumping. May have swelling and bruising.

Grade III calf strain: Severe injury with severe pain and inability to walk. Common complaints of muscle spasms, swelling, and significant bruising. The muscle may be misshapen.

I'll need to be very careful and strategic moving forward with significant injury and unplanned downtime.

Tuesday August 15, 2023 
Chicago Marathon Minus Seven Weeks

Woke up with sore calves. To avoid a zero rainy yesterday, opted to get in treadmill. Four thirty minute sessions. Ten miles. When the sun came through afternoon I went on a conservancy run. Feeling good I pushed the watts to 230 as a new slow pace. I'll work to keep the fear of under training in check. Monitor the calf pain, stretching and compression.

Monday August 14, 2023

Currently raining. Forecast rain. Treadmill planned.
Four thirty minutes sessions. Eight miles. Very difficult.

Sun broke through 230PM 10K Conservancy. A good mental adjustment.

Sunday August 13, 2023
 
CM T-56 Days Goal Time 3:43 Age Graded 2:59

A very satisfying Madison Mini. Understandably tired. Zero body pain. A bit sluggish.

Fifty six days to Chicago. Travel, Waunakee and Madison Mini complete. Plan to patiently increase mileage (especially long runs) and intensity (mindfully). RSS Google Sheet has been very helpful managing stress, minimizing injury and maximizing productivity. 

Sunday RSS 30 (1) 5K Conservancy lap 
Monday RSS 60 (2)
Tuesday RSS 100 (4)
Wednesday RSS 60 (2)
Thursday RSS 60 (2)
Friday RSS 150 (5)

Saturday August 12, 2023

445 AM getting the mind right.

This morning went about all well as planned...
Awake 5AM. Limit coffee <=one cup. Greek yogurt and banana. Leave 545AM. Park Overture Lot. Walk to Start. Union upper floor bathroom as needed. 8:00-8:15 pace corral. Stretch. Madison Mini course Measured start. Find three / four count breathing. Use caution during the Capitol elevation gain between miles one and two. Rhythm miles three to five. Patient and steady pace during long elevation in arboretum ending mile 6. Enjoy the downhill to Monroe street. A couple slight increases miles 8 and 9. Rhythm during miles 10 - 12. Assertive though last elevation gain during mile 13 and accelerate to end. Goal time 1:45  

RSS 173 / 1:41:32 (7:45 mile) = 1.69  
274W / 158 BPM = 1.73
Age Graded 1:21:51 72.87% Regional Class
154 of 1419 Overall. 3 of 28 M60-64. Awarded a bottle opener!
Last three miles passed 19 runners, passed by 0 runners.

I did opt to go without the CEP knee and hamstring sleeves, utilizing only calf and arm sleeves. 

Friday August 11, 2023 Madison Mini T-1

How Bad Do I Want it? Matt Fitzgerald Page Notes ...

2 My willingness to suffer a bit for the sake of reaching and exceeding my goals
3 a will to try harder
6 how much am I willing to suffer
6 take a blind leap ... and discover a new possibility ... of a ... new level of effort 
7 be a tougher racer
9 endured long hours of training, lifestyle (discipline), and ... aches and pains
10 inhibitory control - the ability to stay focused on task related stimuli (the next runner) in the presence of distracting stimuli.

That's a lot of motivational thought in ten pages.

Further definition - Inhibitory control is a core executive function. It involves controlling our automatic urges (attention, behaviour, thoughts, and emotions) by pausing, then using attention and reasoning to respond appropriately. Inhibitory control involves our ability to think before we react.

Thursday August 10, 2023 Madison Mini T-2

Running and Being George Sheehan page 64 the "opportunity to encounter and deal with pain is one of the aspects that makes the running experience satisfactory".

Madison T-2 Continued taper 5K 
Reduced coffee intake. Looking to curtail after Mini in preparation for Chicago. Mindful of diet as a result of reduced training load and hydration.
Lake Street, Overture or Lot 34 parking.

150 pounds 52 VO2 Max 53 year old fitness age

Wednesday August 9, 2023
Madison T-3, Chicago T-60
Pickleball 5K and Conservancy 5K taper.
Stryd RSS is 2 or maintenance. Performance 5+.
98% of the work is done. 
100 days since May first. 89 workouts.
566.64 miles, 97 hours 13 minutes
6.2 miles, 1 hour 5 minutes per workout

I'm mindful of turning off data analysis until post Mini. Your Smartwatch May Be Impeding Long-Term Running Goals


Start E-Gel sips before race. One or two cups of water per aid station. Monitor stomach acceptance. Second E-Gel at mile six downhill as desired. 

Mindful diet, rest and hydration rest of week.

Ibuprofen and Voltaren overnight. No Pain.
85 Sleep Score 7h 2m Awake at 4:30 Not sure I feel rested.
 
Tuesday August 8, 2023

Noticeable overnight pain consistent with general workout stresses. Ibuprofen and Voltaren likely would have helped. Also sleep aid. Four days to Madison Mini. Monitor activities and recovery.  

Monday RSS 60 /55
Tuesday RSS 30 / 30
Wednesday RSS 30 / 27
Thursday RSS 30 / 51
Friday RSS 30
Saturday RSS 130 Madison Mini 

Monday August 7, 2023

My spin on Pre quotes 
*When I ask, ‘Why am I doing this?' I think gratitude that I can.
*It takes courage to continue in the face of fatigue.
*The most gratifying runs start smart, challenge, and end with extra effort. 
*I'm competing when my effort creates a difficult pace for challengers.

Sunday August 6, 2023

New Garmin 255 watch. Two hours pickleball followed by two hours of run. 12.54 miles, 1:58. 92 RSS / 138 BPM = 0.67 No significant left foot pain. 

I passed a man on a motorized wheelchair at Orchid Heights Park. I think how grateful I am to able bodied and of mind to be active. 

Saturday August 5, 2023

Surprisingly peaceful zero day. Pickleball yesterday. Relieved by zero foot pain. I will still monitor and use caution. Early detection, compression and rest have been satisfactorily addressing minor annoyances.

New Garmin 255 watch arriving today! Very exciting. 

Sheehan book 'poetry is placing perfect words in the perfect sequence'.

Friday August 4, 2023

Page 200 the older I get and the more I learn the less I know with certainty


Physical and mental challenges persist. Foot and watch leading indicators suggest limit to 5K today. No pain overnight. Madison Mini eight days away. Overnight 42% chance of showers low of 58 diminishing to 20% in the morning with afternoon highs of 81.

Friday 0K
Saturday 5K
Sunday 10K
Monday 15K
Tuesday 10K
Wednesday 10K
Thursday 5K
Friday 5K
Saturday 21K Madison Mini
500 AM wake up
    8oz coffee
    1 banana
    4oz Greek Yogurt
600AM Leave
645AM Corral
    1:45 pacers
    1 E-Gel
    8 oz water
700AM Start
Miles 1-3 Relax
Miles 4-10 Rhythm
Mile 7 E-Gel
Miles 11-13 Race

Self supported ultra runner... How you do anything is how you do everything.

"After running her body into the ground ... she almost gave up on her dream ... because of the pain."
Preparing for the ultra dirty has also helped ... in other aspects of ... life.  A dual goal of running the 100-mile ultra ... and ... signing up 100 new clients this year, and ... on pace to accomplish both.
“I don’t think that success (in business) would be happening with out the other goal,” Deeley said. It’s made it easier. How you do anything is how you do everything. If I’m intentional with how I do this, the I’m intentional with everything else because that becomes the norm.”
'Don't stop running'.
Thursday August 3, 2023

Micro-annoyance Thursday. Watch is definitely near end-of life. Battery and GPS issues. Corrupted Stryd data. New watch expected Saturday. Experiencing what I hope is Extensor tendonitis top of left foot. And Good practice of #2 bathroom break. 

Cut it short at 5K.

"Putting in the miles every day is one of my favorite parts of the process. Success should always be earned and never guaranteed," Eliud Kipchoge.

Back to the Ghost and noticed top of left foot pressure pain. I thought it may have been the new Launch yesterday. Apparently not. CEP ankle sleeve. Will monitor.  

Thursday Planned PB Progressive 15K. First 10K 220W, Last 5K 230, 240, 250. RSS 75 / Minutes 90 = 0.83

Z3 250-280W, Lactate Threshold 160BPM

Friday 15K Slow
Saturday 25K last "long" run before Madison Mini taper.

Madison Mini "A shower or two around the area in the morning, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High around 80F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%". 

Four year old Garmin 935 issues. An accelerating pattern of intermittent freeze, battery and reboot that started months ago. And is becoming more frequent and severe. End of life leading indicators. Ordered Garmin 255 to arrive Saturday.

Wednesday August 2, 2023

Finished my page notes for Bill Rodgers Marathon Man.

Lessons on finding and following a passion, developing discipline to do necessary work, creating strategic plans for training, and executing in competition. All in the pursuit of excellence in the craft of distance running.


Not too early to check the 10 Day Weather is it?
60 degrees with a 20-30% chance of rain. I like it.

Woke up feeling very good. Two ibuprophen and Voltaren 0 – Pain Free night.

Warm morning 70 degrees at 7AM.
Planned 15K 210W 130BPM RSS60 / 90 minutes = 0.66
Zero gel 20 ounces water.

Pre Run University of Wisconsin mindfulness meditation podcast - deep breathing. Seems to be a good addition to pre-run process.

Ran with Launch 4 racers. Started with slight left top of foot pain. Loosened laces.

Mile 1 - (2) Minor pain. Annoying and may have occasional stronger twinges. Mile 2 - (1) Pain is very mild, barely noticeable. Most of the time I don’t think about it.

By mile 3 - (0) Pain Free. Post run Mile 2 - 1 – Pain is very mild, barely noticeable. Most of the time I don’t think about it. I will monitor.


I noticed hand cramping at the end of the run yesterday from clutching the Amphipod bottle. Opting not to carry in races. Will continue utilizing for training and measuring water consumption.

Tuesday August 1, 2023

'Not everyone shares the sheer single-mindedness needed ... lest it distract ... in any way whatsoever from the task at hand.'

Trust the data "Stryd offers its own website-based calculation of Critical power (CP). CP is a well-described endurance exercise concept: For any individual, time-to-exhaustion is highly predictable and directly related to the power output."

Feeling ambivalent and tired this morning understandable after an 18 miler yesterday. 

Planned 5-10K 200W 130BPM recovery run.
Actual 15K / 9.39 Miles 212W 130BPM extra five K for good measure. Low stress 64RSS over 93 minutes indicates good recovery run as planned. 

Pain 1st 5K 3, second 5K 2, last 5K 1. Annoying. That's a good way to put it. 

0 – Pain Free

1 – Pain is very mild, barely noticeable. Most of the time you don’t think about it.

2 – Minor pain. Annoying and may have occasional stronger twinges.

3 – Pain is noticeable and distracting, however, you can get used to it and adapt.

Sixteen ounce Amphipod handheld 24 ounces consumed in 90 minutes. E-Gel requires 14 ounces to process. Race Day Tips and Strategies.

11 days to August 12 Madison Mini
68 days to October 8 Chicago

Training Plan by RSS working well. 42 day RSS is 66. 
10K standard runs may be bumped to 15K.
Weekly Mileage / RSS
July 2    53.66 / 511
July 9    44.87 / 408
July 16    48.65 / 529
July 23    45.38 / 377 (Colorado 3 days)
July 30    41.24 / 380 (Colorado 4 days)             
VO2 Max 53 Garmin status trending positively

Dialing in nutrition. Implementing Cranksports E-Gel. I used them before and was happy with the results. Carbohydrates and Fuel in one container. One less thing. Carry in pockets. I will practice in the Conservancy with water readily available at Orchid Heights Park.

Ghost working well. Launch laced up and ready to run. Pictured is the standard kit. Only change would be CEP mid support left knee compression sleeve and CEP hamstring sleeves.

Finished reading Bill Rodgers Marathon Man need to make page notes. Reading Ayres Longest Race. Then maybe give Coach Bill Squires another go. 

OK I'm a sucker. My Google search "last long run before marathon". AI generated response ...

Here are some guidelines for your last long run before a marathon:
  • Your last big, long run should be about three weeks before your marathon
  • Two weeks before race day, do a medium long run, reducing the volume by about 30% from your longest long run
  • One week before the race, run easy for about 15-18K
  • Your weekend long run—one week before the marathon—should be eight to 10 miles
  • Keep workouts shorter but still maintain quality to help keep your legs fresh
  • Run within the long run pace range and often toward the slower end
  • If you've been lifting weights during your training, you should stop during this week
Your peak long run should be 20 miles long, at least 16 miles long and at most 24 miles long.
And an article about carbohydrates and fueling.



Sunday, July 30, 2023

Madison Mini Race! and Chicago Marathon Training July 2023

Monday July 31, 2023

Last day of the month.   
202.99 Miles 32 Hours 39 Minutes
45.83 miles per week, 6.54 per day
7 hours 22 minutes per week, 1 hour 3 minutes per day.

Good 10M Waunafest Race. 
Pleased with training trajectory.  

Monday 10+ Miles Z2
Planned 225-250 Watts, 130-145 BPM
Actual 18.74 miles 221 Watts 134 BPM
Three CW/CCW Loops in the Conservancy.
Nice 64 degree cool morning. I figured I'd find a pace a could maintain for a long time; and did. I also wanted to challenge myself with the loops as there are six times I could have quit and walked across the street home. Having the discipline to continue even when an easy off ramp existed is gratifying and good mental exercise. Extra bonus, there is a bathroom and water fountain in Orchid Heights Park. I detoured three or four times. I'll not drink as much coffee on race day.

I believe I can do RSS 60's and a couple 30's to Maintain and be in Performance mode for the Madison Mini. After that eight weeks of 40-50 mile weeks until Chicago.

VO2 Max peaked at 53 today 99th percentile.
Also set another Steps PR in June 683,461

Sunday July 30, 2023

Noticed the days are getting shorter last night sitting on the swing. I'll take advantage of the long days the best I can.

Minimal pain overnight. Call it a "1".

0 – Pain Free

1 – Pain is very mild, barely noticeable. Most of the time you don’t think about it.

2 – Minor pain. Annoying and may have occasional stronger twinges.

Yesterday's New Critical Power (CP) of 280 creates new power zones ...
Z2 225-250
Z3 250-280

Sunday 10K Z2 Actual 246W 138BPM Zone Average 2.08
Monday 10K Z3
Tuesday 10 Mile Z2
Wednesday 10K Z3
Thursday 10K Z2
Friday 15 Mile Z3
Saturday 10K Z2

Saturday July 29, 2023

A very good day. My Bill Rodgers Marathon Man reading concluded last night with a couple thoughts that carried over in to this morning's Waunafest 10 Mile Run. 1) 'We (Bill Rodgers and Steve Prefontaine) both ran with fearless, aggressive hearts, guaranteeing that we'd know disasters as spectacular as our triumphs'. and 2) attributed to Steve Prefontaine, 'A lot of people run a race to see who's fastest. I run to see who has the most guts". 

I haven't run a race since the virtual Boston Athletic Associations 5K, 10K and 13.1M in 2020. Waunafest lined up nicely two weeks before Madison Mini. My plan was to replicate race day. A few items requiring attention include 1) overnight left knee pain needs to be addressed with anti inflammatory medicine or topical treatment. 2) day before diet needs to be practiced and dialed in. 3) Morning of, bathroom timing... opportunities needing fine tuning can be practiced starting now. 

I was most interested in experiencing again the impact of running with other people versus training alone. And the results were significant. 

Goals - 250 Watts, 150 BPM, 1 hour 23 minutes.
Actual - 267 Watts, 161 BPM, 1 hour 17 minutes.
M1 8:30 249W
M2 8:08 259W
M3 7:52 256W
M4 7:53 261W
M5 7:49 264W
M6 7:52 268W
M7 7:35 266W 
M8 7:51 279W +53 feet
M9 7:27 282W
M10 296W

I knew I was red lining my heart rate. 57% of the time I was in 'Maximum' Zone 5, greater than 161 BPM. And I thought back to the reading... I could crash and burn and it's just as likely I'll have a great race! There is an incline in mile 8 that I came up to two men one older, one younger. I thought they could be a father (62) son (31) team and putting the older in my age group (they were). At the top of the hill there was a water station. The two men separated, I stayed with the younger and paced off him for the remainder of the race. I could hear the footsteps of the older guy and thought if he is going to beat me I'll make him work very hard to earn it. The footsteps gradually faded and I focused on the younger runner. We came up to one more runner (48) and the three of us finished at the line within four seconds. I was third. However I started at the back of the pack and my chip time put me first among the three of us. Experience. Waunafest 10 Mile Run Results

New 2023 records
1 Mile 7:03 was 7:43 -8%
5K 23:11 was 25:19 -8%
10K 47:24 was 53:02 -10%

New Critical Power 280 was 261 +7%
VO2 Max 52 99th percentile.

I'm looking forward to a couple weeks of productive training before the Madison Mini (Half) Marathon, August 12th

Friday July 28, 2023

Home. Twenty-five miles over the last seven days. A travel influenced taper at altitude in Colorado. Yesterday morning's three mile tread run felt relatively strong. I'll make the best of it. Packet pick up for tomorrow's Waunafest 10 Mile run this afternoon!

Good Conservancy run today 6.29 Miles, RSS  76 / 55.33 minutes = 1.37 and  240 Watts

Waunafest 10 Mile Run Goals - 250 Watts, 150 BPM, 1 hour 23 minutes.

I'll carry Perpetuem in an Amphipod Waist Belt bottle and Base Salt. Water from the stops. Tape nipples. CEP Compression hamstrings, calves and left knee. I'll lace up the Brooks Launch.

Tuesday July 25, 2023

Yesterday may as well have been a zero day. RSS 15 on tread. Morning pickleball. Neighborhood drive. Late afternoon tread. Just couldn't get in sync. Right calf strain. Ill give it another go this morning. Then off the Eldora for a hike!

Sunday July 23, 2023

Colorado Day 4 of 7. Pickleball last night 2 H 22M. Good for the psyche. We will switch it up this AM. Get the tread and pickleball in before embarking on neighborhood research.

Treadmill run yesterday 70 minutes, 5.83 miles, RSS 34 very low. It's seems more difficult to maintain speed.

Right calf strain. Danger! Will sleeve and monitor.

Saturday July 22, 2023

Came back with a decent treadmill workout yesterday; one hour. Followed up this morning with another 70 minutes. Start at 3MPH. Up 0.1 MPH per minute to 6.0 MPH. Watts approximately 200 and heart rate 130. Warm up and recovery runs. Overall Running Stress Balance (RSB) productive and trending towards maintenance. The lack of 2-3 hours of pickleball leaves 600-900 calories unburned. Danger! 

Friday July 21, 2023

Thursday not a good training day. Travel to Colorado. Less than the thousand steps. Poor diet. Remember: one day does not a training cycle make!

I feel off-balance. Start with treadmill run. Being aware of hydration and altitude leading indicators.

Thursday July 20, 2023

Assigned to Chicago Marathon Corral G Perfect!!! A good start to the day. Travelling to Colorado. What will altitude bring? Will I be able to find trails and paths for training? 

Debating a 5K and a 0K this morning. Still RSS productive. Still tired. Looking forward to recovery and taper for Waunafest Run 10 mile tune up race July 29.  

Wednesday July 19, 2023

Better sleep. Still tired. Five hours of exercise yesterday. Rest will be helpful. Colorado trip starting tomorrow.

Pickleball, two-1/2 hours, working through a left oblique strain. 

Planned maintenance 10K / 60 RSS / 200 Watts
Actual 10K / 71 RSS / 234 Watts Tried the CV-X tights. Hamstrings felt a bit loose. Ill go with the smaller CEP light support knee support sleeve

Same Pain starting at a 3 – Pain is noticeable and distracting, however, you can get used to it and adapt. Moving to a 2 – Minor pain. Annoying and may have occasional stronger twinges.


Plan / actual wattage / BPM 

1 200 / 219 / 128 Z2 108-126 < recovery

2 210 / 225 / 135 Z3 126-144 < long run

3 220 / 225 / 136 Z3

4 230 / 239 / 142 Z3

5 240 / 247 / 148 Z4 144-162 < tempo

6 250 / 243 / 151 Z4


Tuesday July 18, 2023

Tried background thunder to aid sleep and rest. It didn't work. Tired.

Monday. Planned 6M / 60 Min / 230W / RSS 70 / 140 BPM Progressive. Actual 6M 55 Min  /238W / RSS 75 / 140 BPM Progressive

Yesterday, I was disappointed with this run.

Everyday run can't be a record setter. One day does not comprise the training entire training program.

This morning, looking at the numbers, not too bad.

Pain started at a 3 and moved to 2 Some of the time I didn't think about it.

1 – Pain is very mild, barely noticeable. Most of the time you don’t think about it.

2 – Minor pain. Annoying and may have occasional stronger twinges.

3 – Pain is noticeable and distracting, however, you can get used to it and adapt.


One of Scott Jurek's running mates in North... when asked 'does it hurt?' replied 'every step'.


Easy pickleball group scheduled for 730A followed by a planned long mid week run. Optional to change to tomorrow. Thursday, Colorado.

Tuesday Planned 10M / 220W / 130 BPM Mid-week long
Actual three hours moderate pickleball then 12.48M / 204W / 99RSS / 130BPM
My main objective was low heart rate; success. I'm feeling fatigue and the VO2 max dropped from 53 to 52. I'll also better utilize the water station and bathroom at the conservancy park. The bathroom break suggests I was dehydrated.

5K loops presents a mental challenge of continuing when given the option at a natural stopping point. Ill keep working to push through for another lap. 

Wednesday 6M 230W / 140 BPM Progression
Thursday - Colorado

Monday July 17, 2023

Woke up tired. 7AM Pickleball and 10AM 10K planned

Working toward making a 10M feel like a 10K

Monday 6M 230W / 140 BPM Tempo
Tuesday 10M 220W / 130 BPM Mid-week long
Wednesday 6M 230W / 140 BPM Tempo
Thursday - Colorado

Sunday July 16, 2023

Woke up gratefully pain free. Ibuprofen and Volataren before bed may have helped. Couldn't really hurt. Late night at the Fete De Marquette. Lightning and rain started at 930PM. Chance of rain for American Players Theater tonight 25-35%. The show goes on 97% of the time.

Called shortly after intermission due to rain. Good show.

We'll try the 10K / 210W / 130 BPM recovery run again today. Pickleball, run, relax and rest on the exercise agenda. 

OK make that an actual 5K / 204W / 150BPM 
25 RSS / 31.5 Minutes = 0.70  
Clearly, I need more recovery.

Hal Higdon Tip of the Day: Moderation and Consistency. Good timing. Heart rate was immediately 150+ I even stopped to make sure it wasn't reading cadence. I got it to 140. And knew today would be better served with a short low intensity recovery run. 

Two and a half hours of pickleball this morning, two hours of downtime and a run. 

Sunday 6M 210W / 130 BPM Recovery
Monday 6M 230W / 140 BPM Tempo
Tuesday 10M 220W / 130 BPM Mid-week long
Wednesday 6M 230W / 140 BPM Tempo
Thursday - Colorado

Saturday July 15, 2023

Due to my intentional but off plan high intensity 10K yesterday, I'm moving today's planned long run to tomorrow. A 10K recovery run is more prudent today.

I opted for a long recovery run. My intention was to keep the heart rate less than 140 to utilize fat as the primary energy source and stay (well) below lactate threshold.

The first mile was painful for the legs. At the beginning of mile two I was stung on right calf. That pain was intense for a mile and remained an annoyance for the rest of the run and into recovery.


Sting pain – 2/10 Minor pain. Annoying and may have occasional stronger twinges.

Leg Pain – 3/10 Pain is noticeable and distracting, however, you can get used to it and adapt.

The last five miles were conservancy CCW/CW loops and I equated the mental and physical challenges to those I will encounter at the end of a half or full marathon. 

Saturday Planned 6M 200W Recovery
Average Heart Rate 133 Max 149
VO2 Max 53 99th percentile

How useful is my Stryd? I was an early adopter Stryd 'Pioneer' joining before Garmin native power or Connect IQ power apps and fields were widely available. 

The Garmin desktop dashboard is my all things fitness clearing house. The four widgets I currently monitor are calendar, activities, steps, and calories. I'm synced with my Weight Gurus scale and My Fitness Pal calorie counter. Stryd takes the running activities to the next level of analysis of critical power, running stress balance, power zones and training distribution. 

There are two Upcoming Events on my phone Stryd App that I enjoy exploring and editing target power and time. This is a great motivator for me. I also find reviewing power, pace, cadence, stride length and heart rate to be easier and more useful in the Stryd App. 

Spreadsheeting seven and forty-two day running stress scores allow me to adjust my upcoming training schedule based on actual running stress balance.

The Garmin Run app is my default for training and racing. My primary race day screen has two fields, 10 second power and current heart rate. A second screen has 10 second Power, distance, average pace and current heart rate. I do not use upper and lower alarms.

Focus on running stress balance has allowed me to better manage productivity and recovery, avoid injury, and improve endurance and critical power metrics. See you in Chicago!

Sunday 18M 220W Long
Monday 6M 200W Recovery
Tuesday 10M 220W Mid-week long
Wednesday 6M 230W Tempo
Thursday - Colorado

A practice race outlier ... Waunafest 10 Mile Run July 29. Two days post Colorado trip and two weeks pre-Madison Mini. Can be a game time decision.

Friday July 14, 2023

Overnight rain and thunderstorms continuing at this time. We will work pickleball (10AM) and running (8AM or 2PM) around the weather. 

Attempted another Garmin Lactate Threshold test. Three mile test, first mile warmup followed with four minute heart rate progressions. LT "not detected". Until the technology dials in the number, I'll estimate 140-150.

The run produced 52 VO2 Max, and new one mile (7:42) and 5K (25.58) 2023 PRs.

I'll be more aware of "intent" for shorter (<10) mile, higher intensity HR (140-150) runs in to the weekly plan.
Friday Planned 6M 230W Up Tempo Progressive plus ten watts on the mile starting at 200
New 5K PR 25:19 (25:58)
New 10K PR 53:02 (54:09) 
And 'New Threshold Detected'! 162
VO2 Max 52
Feeling Enjoyment and Fulfillment

Saturday 18M 220W Long
Sunday 6M 210W Recover
Monday 6M 230W Tempo
Tuesday 10M 220W Mid-week long
Wednesday 6M 230W Up Tempo
Thursday - Colorado

Thursday July 13, 2023

Grateful for the hope associated with yesterday's FTP Test Run and VO2 Max uptick to 52. I felt enjoyable to run fast. Getting the mind out of the way and letting it happen. 

Ill need to weave miles around today's dual session (7A and 12P) pickleball sessions. 

I'm thinking another go at the FTP test at 930A. And maybe another 5K at 3P. Increasing chance of rain today and tomorrow 20-40%. 

Wednesday July 12, 2023

Pain free night Voltaren Topical Gel and Ibuprofen.

Looking to do a Lactate Threshold Run on the Garmin today. 

Per Stryd: "A threshold run is a sustained effort running at 95-100% of CP. ... Threshold runs provide a similar training stress to tempo runs, but typically at a higher intensity and lower duration. Raising your threshold is one of the greatest ways of improving your personal best in endurance running events...

A tempo run is a sustained effort run executed at 90-95% of CP.

Tempo runs are excellent for raising your aerobic threshold so that you are able to maintain a higher power output.

Critical Power 250 watts / 160 BPM
Threshold 95% 235+ watts / 150 BPM
Tempo 90% 225+ watts / 140 BPM

Pickleball at 7A and rain expected 10A. Might be damp, OK!

The LTR was a fail. I had the lap button off, I stopped to fix it, started again, rain fell, a bit of thunder, got up to stage four, stopped, went to the bathroom (park facilities), headed home, lightning, safely home. 5,4 miles 63 RSS from three different activities.  

Highlights 1) Fastest 2023 Mile 7:53 and 2) VO2 Max 52! Kansas University Fitness Ranking 98.8%. A Win. 

Wednesday Actual three activities, 5.4 Miles, total RSS 63.
Thursday 10 Miles RSS 100 Tempo Trail 
    PB to Century Warm Up 1.04 (1.0) Mile
    Century to Trail End 4.95 (4.0) Mile 220 watts - 130 BPM
    Trail End to Deming 7.41 (2.5) Mile 225 watts - 140 BPM
    Deming to Century 8.87 (1.5) Mile 235 watts - 150 BPM
    Century to PB 10.00 (1.0) Mile Cool Down
Friday 6 Miles RSS 60 Recovery Loop
Saturday 18 Miles RSS 200 Loops and Trail 
 
Tuesday July 11, 2023

Ready to get back to it. Planned 7AM Pickleball followed by a 10K.

As the colonoscopy revealed no polyps for removal and was primarily inspection I opted for a slow 5K / 30RSS / 207W Recovery run yesterday.

My 42 day RSS as this AM is 54. I would like to get that to 60. I think 42 Day, 80 RSS on race day would be productive. It will take more 10 milers. The Conservancy Trail is fully paved now which is ideal. Ill test run the Levitates and carry water with a Amphipod Handheld.

Tuesday Planned 6 Miles RSS 80 Tempo Loop
Actual 10 Miles 113 RSS PB Trail Out and Back. The trail is like 95% complete and it is awesome. Just two roads to cross, Century and Park Street (twice each). Other than that smooth new asphalt, old asphalt and a little bit of trails. Minimal cars and a fast track. 

The Levitates work great no issues. They are a narrower, more cushioned version of the Launch. 

Very painful start to the run. Three hours of Pickleball this morning. It took about a mile for the pain, in my mind, at least, to subside. After that go to go. I even got to track down a runner on the way back and negative split the ten miles.

I was thinking of the pain scale. Started a 4/5 and finished a 3/2. I'm glad I stuck with the run. "Not all pain is significant". 
2 – Minor pain. Annoying and may have occasional stronger twinges.
3 – Pain is noticeable and distracting, however, you can get used to it and adapt.
4 – Moderate pain. If you are deeply involved in an activity, it can be ignored for a period of time, but is still distracting.
5 – Moderately strong pain. It can’t be ignored for more than a few minutes, but with effort you still can manage to work or participate in some social activities.
And my VO2 Max is back to 50! Very happy about that. I'll keep the watch band snug and think that may minimize the need for the watch to search out a paired device and pick up the Stryd and cadence. There is an inverse relationship between heart rate (when high) and VO2 Max (is low). My running cadence is 180 and my heart rate between 130 and 150. Max heart rate is 160-170. 

Wednesday 6 Miles RSS 60 Recovery Loop
Thursday 10 Miles RSS 100 Tempo Trail
Friday 6 Miles RSS 60 Recovery Loop
Saturday 18 Miles RSS 200 Loops and Trail

Monday July 10, 2023

Planned zero mile day - colonoscopy. Prep complete. Slept on the brown chair. Tired.

I did use the Garmin heart rate chest strap instead of the watch based wrist monitor. My average heart rate for yesterday's recovery 5K was 133. The wrist HRM monitor recorded 179 on Saturday's long run. My estimating max hear rate is 157. (The calculation is 220 minus age). With the device change my VO2 max went from 47 to 49. VO2 max basically compares heart rate to effort. That's a win.

Sunday July 9, 2023

I opted for the Recovery Pheasant Branch 5K today. Last mile a few more knee tweaks than I like presented themselves and suggested three miles was plenty for the day. I'm good with it. Zero mile day tomorrow.

Saturday, Fifteen Miles Long Slow Distance. I walked out the door not knowing of I would do zero or the planned fifteen miles. The back of right knee tightness never went away but was not a stressor during the run, except for maybe leg extension.

The course was excellent. Two laps around Pheasant Branch for the first six and then out and back for the final nine. Understanding the mental regulator theory helped in the completion of the run. During the last mile there were a few mechanical hiccups and I refocused on form.

I thought with continued fitness improvement the difficulties encountered during this run would be like the experience of the last fifteen marathon miles. 

Good refueling, rest, Air Relax and recovery afterwards. Feeling good this morning, Sunday.

My watch was picking up my foot pod and cadence as heart rate. This appears to be a common technology mis-connect. An oft suggested solution is to use a Garmin Dual chest strap Heart Rate Monitor. I changed battery and paired; good to go. 

Sunday Planned 6 Miles RSS 60 Actual 3 Miles RSS 34
Monday 0 Miles Colonoscopy
Tuesday 6 Miles RSS 80
Wednesday 6 Miles RSS 60
Thursday 6 Miles RSS 90
Friday 6 Miles RSS 60
Saturday or Sunday 18 Miles RSS 200

Saturday July 8, 2023

Back of the right knee still feels tight. We'll see how it affects this morning's planned Long Run.  

Friday July 7, 2023

I'm letting go of the steps goal streak with the colonoscopy scheduled for Monday. I'm aware of the importance of 10,000 steps per day in training but focusing on it as a result instead of part of the process is consuming too much mental energy. The fifty day streak was the last reasonable tracked step objective to reach. The previous record was seventeen.

Day        55,362    October 9, 2016 (Chicago Marathon)
Week    175,570    June 5-11, 2023
Month   678,859    June 2023
Streak           50    May 18 - July 16, 2023

Rest Day! No running. Posterior knee pain. Short term 'pain' of lack of training versus the risk of long term injury recovery time. It will be a good day for a mental reset.

Friday 0 miles injury recovery
Saturday 3 - 15 miles long run
Sunday 3 - 6 miles recovery
Monday - 0 miles colonoscopy
Tuesday 3 miles
Wednesday 6 miles

Thursday July 6, 2023

That was a close one. Felt right lower leg strain yesterday afternoon and evening. Ibuprofen and topical overnight. Much better this AM. Still feeling some pain in the hamstring; danger! I will be conscious of the condition during pickleball and hike today. 

Motivated to re-read Joel Friel's Fast After 50. The chapters on advanced training and rest and recovery are of particular interest. 

Thursday Off (Hike)
Friday 6M at 220 = 70RSS. Easy run before long run.
Saturday 15M at 220W = 175RSS PB and Trail 14.96M
Sunday Recovery, clear liquid diet and bowel prep; oh boy.
Monday - Off - Colonoscopy

Ill be starting the Saturday long run early to beat the heat and opt out of pickleball. The current running following pickleball schedule is putting me in to the heat of the morning.

The average temperatures for the Chicago Marathon over the last 19 years ... 50 low, 52 start, 67 high. In Madison high of 79 today and then ten days of 80-90 degree highs.

Body weight change after yesterday's 86 degree 6 mile run was 1.8 pounds or 1.2%. The goal for 26.2 miles is 2-3%

Wednesday July 5, 2023

Left knee pain last night. I will have Ibuprofen on the ready this evening. Could have been the pickleball court beating and six mile run. The body could be asking for rest. Ill be feeling for early warning signs of aches, pains, strains, etc.

Wednesday 
Planned 6M at 220W = 70RSS - maybe another 230 / 80 
 
Tuesday July 4, 2023

It was a nice evening to sit outdoors off King Street shaded from the heat in the company of Chris in Laura. Worth the food challenge.

Feeling the Lucille overeating guilt. The nacho entre got the best of me. I'm grateful the experience was a one-off. We don't eat out much with the abundance of restaurant quality food prepared at home.

Three hour, thirty minute pickleball marathon this morning. Very fun. Grateful to have the physical ability to play and for Chris allowing me to stick around for an extra game or two. After walk home 10,000 steps complete. 

Planned 6 Mile, 230 Watt, 80 RSS.
Actual 6 Mile, 230 Watt, 80 RSS. How did that happen?!?
It started raining during the first mile and I reframed my thinking to 'it will be cool'. The rain stopped around mile two and after the turn around an emergence from the shaded area I thought 'I'll push like its the last two miles of Chicago'.

I'm liking the Base Salt cannister and plain water. One less thing, it may clean up the transition through fuel stations during races as well.


Monday July 3, 2023

Just for kicks I sent Deena Kastor an email 

Hi Deena

63 YO Male training for 4th Chicago Marathon, first since 2018. 

I'm re-reading Let Your Mind Run and have it in my library of favorite running books.

Thank you for sharing your experience, it's been very helpful in my journey.

Have a great day! 


Kris,

So glad you are getting something out of the book. Good luck training your body and mind together this summer. I’ll be in Chicago cheering!

 

Cheers!

Deena Kastor

Olympic Medalist, marathon

NY Times bestselling author, LET YOUR MIND RUN 


Planned recovery run. Three to six miles slow to very slow. 210 Watts. RSS <=60.

Actual 6.33 miles, 219 Watts, 71 RSS / 61 Minutes = 1.08 

Recovery, rest and hydration are reoccurring themes in my reading. Ill be more mindful of daily and long workout hydration

Next long run: Nathan hydration vest and Base Salt. Vests are not permitted in races so I'll replicate fluid intake at aid stations with carried water. No propel. I will also Perpetuem for fuel.

I'm also very interested in last mile psychology. 

Psychology Today basics and "The Julie Moss Moment".

Dr Tim Noakes Central Governor Theory overview and podcastI certainly experienced this yesterday when I miscalculated the finish line. I ran strong through where I thought was the thirteenth mile, slowed the actual last, and walked the recovery mile looking forward to the next bench to take a breather.

Other books that may lead to interesting Google searches, "Waterlogged" and "The Lore of Running"

Running and the Science of Mental Fitness a good podcast I can listen to while Air Relaxing.

Sunday July 2, 2023 

70 degrees 80% humidity.
Plan for ...
800AM Pickleball
100AM Two hour fifteen minute, long run. Ill carry Nathan hydration vest. One water, one carbohydrate. And Amphipod waist belt with Perpetuem. Practicing game day preparation.  

Well that worked out OK. 
Pickleball 1 Hour 34 minutes.
Run 2 Hours 04 minutes, 13.51 miles, RSS 163. Watts 228. 

As suggested in my "Let Your Mind Run" readings last night, I ran by feel so as not to be limited by the data and pushed a little harder. 

This run: 13.51 Miles / 163 RSS / 124 Minutes = 1.31 RSS per minute.
This week: 47.16 Miles / 511 RSS / 471 Minutes = 1.08 RSS per minute. 

Nipples were taped, Chamois Butter under the arms. No chafing. Never have been too fond of the Gatorade and / or water bottle Propel. Ill need to experiment more. I also need to explore my on course fueling strategy. I may have under fueled. I also wasn't comfortable with the course mileage and consequently miscalculated the finish. Mile 13 was noticeably more difficult and slower. I think with better familiarity I can finish better. On course mile markers will help. 

The conservancy trail is about 65% repaved. It will be very nice when completed and my home long run course. Only two streets to cross.

Sunday 13M at 228W = 163RSS
Monday 6M at 220W = 70RSS
Tuesday 6M at 230W = 80RSS
Wednesday 6M at 220W = 70RSS
Thursday Off (Hike)
Friday 6M at 220 = 70RSS
Saturday 3M at 220 = 40RSS
Sunday 15M at 220W = 175RSS PB and Trail 14.96M
Week 505RSS

Saturday July 1, 2023 615 AM AQI 60

715A stepped out the door for pickleball and it started raining. 

I'll need to work on that. After the rain started I figured I would do a treadmill run. Got a little dizzy, seeing spots, so I cut off the warm up and had a 'breakfast' lacking attention and intention. It stopped raining and I went for a run. Heavy stomach and too much on the mind ...


I finished June with a new monthly record of 678,859 steps. The number of consecutive 10,000 step days now stands at 45 (the previous record was 17). With a colonoscopy scheduled for July 16 and from what I read online regarding recovery, I see that streak coming to end. And it's OK; it will allow me to stay singularly focused on Madison Mini and Chicago Marathon training.

42 Day RSS is 50. Spreadsheet. RSS of 240 required for four hour 220 watt marathon. 

Half Marathon Taper 70% of RSS Race minus two weeks. 50% of RSS Race minus one week.