Cool Down Chat - February 3, 2014

Today was my first day back to the gym in what feels like more than a month. I kept the training light and only worked out on the Arc crosstrainer. I completed more than 2 mile in a forty minute period, and burned more than 600 calories. 

While I was getting my cardio on, I was thinking about novelty runs. My in-laws singed up my wife, kids and me for the Color Run this summer. I have mixed feelings about doing it again, but everyone seemed to have had fun last time. Over-the-top crowds makes me a little cranky. And don't even get me started about long lines to nowhere. Last year, I think we waited for more than a hour to cross the starting line. In the end the fun out weighed the not so fun, but I still hesitate to do it again. 

Arctic Strides would like to know what you think about big, for profit, over-the-top, mass marketed, multi national, novelty runs... Yay or Nay? 

Splits - January 31, 2014

Rest Day - January 30, 2014

The Long Run - January 26, 2014

I read somewhere that a black toenail was a right of passage as a runner. That got me thinking - how the heck do you get one of those? 

Season after season, mile after mile, no black toenail. Then came the Honolulu Marathon - Bingo! I got that badge of honor I thought would be a signal to the world that I am a runner. A reward to myself that somehow proves that I am a part of a group of people that I so badly want to be a part of. 

I bragged to unsuspecting coworkers, family, and even running mates. I told them about the battle I fought to finish my last marathon and how that resulted in my new permanent blemish. Except, it's not so permanent. Today my blemish is no more; my toenail is back to normal, and I couldn't be sadder. 

Now that it's gone, I feel a little let down. I thought for sure that like the metal I received for finishing the race, I would have this forever too. They say time heals all wounds, but I thought for sure the scar would never fade.  

Arctic Strides would like to know if you have any sentimental  scars and how you got them. 

Rest Day - January 21, 2014

I am feeling a little defeated. My shin splints have magnified into knee pain and ankle pain in my left leg. I am afraid I may have to go see my doctor about it. The last time I had a similar problem, I was told to take it easy. My doctor said nothing was wrong, it was just my body telling me to slow down. I hope that is still the case, but I hate to pay to see a doctor just to have him say – “Take it easy son.” 

Arctic Strides would like to know how you keep your spirits up when your body is holding you back?  

Cool Down Chat - Jan 19, 2014

I planed a long run (10miles) for Saturday and as I causiously prepared to go I was optimistic about the outcome. However, the pain of a worsening shinsplint set in, and I had to cut the run short. Hobbeling home a level of dissatisfaction settle in and I felt like a newby all over again. Ibprohrine, ice, and ace bandage wraps were my best friends back then and our reunion is bitter sweet. 

Cool Down Chat - Jan 17, 2014

I have no run to report on today. I am taking the advice of a friend and RICEing it. The weather we are having would have made for an interesting run - it's raining and tempatures have risen to be a bit above average. My guess is the trails are rather sloppy this morning.