Back on the Roads

Well, Obviously I gave up on this blog for quite a while.  Mainly due to the fact that I was injured and didn’t run all of 2011 and the first half of 2012.  I am finally back running again and currently on a 71 day run streak.  I am just starting to ramp up the miles in anticipation of the Phoenix Marathon on March 2nd, 2013.

I am still running barefoot for runs under 4 miles and in Vibrams for longer runs.  I have also mixed in a few runs in Altra Zero Drop shoes to help combat a little ankle tendonitis when needed.

I also moved to Phoenix last April and it has just now cooled down enough to run outside in the mornings comfortably. I spend most of the summer on the treadmill because it is just not fun to run in 90 degree heat at 5 in the morning.

It feels great to be running again, and shedding all these extra pound I put on in 2011.

Quick Review of the Saucony Hattori

Since I like to test out as many minimalist shoes as I can, I bought a pair of Saucony Hattoris last week, but after one run in them I can honestly say it will be my last run in them. Vibrams are still safe in my top shoe spot. Don’t get me wrong, the Hattoris feel great on my feet and I will wear them a lot as a casual shoe, hell I may even buy another pair, but they do not compare to the Vibrams when it comes to a barefoot feel. The Hattori still has far too much cushioning for my taste and the soles are too rigid. One of the things I love about Vibrams is that once you have the right fit they feel like an extension of your foot. You barely notice you are wearing anything at all. The Hattoris, although very light, still feel like I am wearing a shoe. My two cents.

Back in the Saddle

OK, I am back in action finally. I signed up to run the Atlanta Half-Marathon again on Thanksgiving Day and I acquired the expert advice of Coach Jeff Kline @coachprs to help me get back in shape. Feels good to be back on the horse after way to long on the sidelines. Good stuff ahead.

3.11 Barefoot miles

3.11 Barefoot miles today and it felt great. Slowly but surely getting back on track.

Total Frustration

Well it looks like the Marathon is out for March and the Red Top Rumble in February is definitely out.I just can’t seem to shake this nagging knee issue, but I am still holding out hope to be able to at least do the Half Marathon for my birthday.

I may have to break down and go to the doctor, but I know for a fact that they will want to cut on both of my knees and I really want to do everything I can to avoid that if possible.

So Frustrating.

Atlanta Half Marathon

My first half marathon is done, and with the exception of my right knee being wrecked, I am pretty happy with my performance overall. My goal time was 2:30 and I finished with a chip time of 2:31:36 which could have been much better without the knee issues.

I started out with a nice 11:10min/mile pace and things were going great until I hit mile 7 and began what is essentially one long steady uphill climb to the finish. There were several 100-300 ft climbs and one 630ft+ climb between miles 11 and 12, which is where my knee essentially locked up. I think it was mainly due to the combination of hill and running on the right side of the road with a left to right slope that did in my knee. I am use to running on the left side of the road with and opposite slope or on the sidewalk, so that little bit of pressure on the outside of my right knee over 13 miles was just too much.

Nevertheless, I dug down deep and gutted out the last mile. Mile splits were 10:54, 11:27, 11:12, 11:09, 11:29, 10:51, 10:37, 11:41, 11:49, 12:17, 12:25, & 11:07. As you can see they slowly degraded as the up hill sections started, but I am happy that I still had the guts to leg out an 11:07 at the end.

Here is the elevation gain by mile. Time to rest and heal this knee.

Mile Elevation Gain
1 - 44
2 - 32
3 - 22
4 - 44
5 - 68
6 - 19
7 - 0
8 - 144
9 - 98
10 - 628
11 - 404
12 - 1,107
13 - 284
14 - 0

3 Days to GO

Three days until the Atlanta Half. Got my bib# today - #12769, now I just have to pray that my old body doesn't fall apart between now and then. I am having some problems with my left foot and my left knee, but I am hopeful that I can work through it and they won't cause problems on race day.

My plan is to try and maintain an 11:30min/mi pace for the first 11 miles and then do the last 2.1 with whatever I have left in the tank. I am aiming for a 2:30 finish time

Just very short runs this week with a few 20 second strides thrown in to keep loose.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for 11/20 5mi w) 3@5k

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/19252285

11/17 - 3x1mi @ 5k

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/19018200

1 Mile warm up then 3 x 1 mile @ 5k pace with 2 minute rest periods in between. 3 of the best miles I have run in a long long time. 9:05, 9:37, 9:07. 9 Days until the half marathon.

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for 11/15 10min Z2 35min z4 5min z5

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for 10min Z2 35min z4 5min z5