Going the Distance

Today ended up being a great run. I learned a lot. And I think I've identified a few needs.

What exactly did I learn? I learned that it's REALLY dark at 6am, especially whilst traveling through the woods. I also learned that given enough time, my eyes adjust quite well to the dark. Furthermore, with a winter headband in place, I can even wear my glasses! Joy of joys!!! Additionally, I learned that my feet can "see" pretty darn well. Today was another Trail Glove day and it's amazing how much input your feet can give you. And the last thing I learned is that the trail I was running on has a pretty substantial stick right about elbow high ready to joust the unsuspecting passersby. How do I know this? I was jousted...right on the inside of my left elbow. There was really no harm done but it did serve as a warning. I still laughed out loud after righting myself but really, I should have a light of some sort.

And that brings me to need number one: a light to use while running. I know many ultra and trail runners use head lamps. I've also found one that you sort of wear across your knuckles. I'll have to do a little more research but it's something I'm going to need.

The second need is a better way to track my mileage, especially when I'm off road. I've taken to using Google Earth to build routes but once you're under cover, that method falls somewhat short. I priced out a few wrist worn GPS devices and I really love the idea of heading out without a set route. The GPS would allow me to track mileage in real time and negate the need to plan every route. That's what I'm looking for. But I'm just not ready to plunk down $200 (minimum). SOOO....those of you looking for Christmas ideas, there you have it!

In all seriousness, what a joy it was to start my day at 6:00 am with a healthy run. It was a touch cold but once I got started, I felt fantastic. My run took me through Veteran's Acres into Stern's Woods for a loop totalling around 4 miles. Aside from the elbow joust, is was a very peaceful run. I only saw one other person and she was precluded by a rather enthusiastic yellow lab. Honestly, the dog scared the crap out of me at first. Even with my glasses firmly in place, I had a hard time identifying the streaking missile headed right for me. I stopped running, in case I needed to REALLY start running, and figured out pretty quick she just wanted a morning greeting. The experience actually made me flirt with the idea of a dog as a running partner. I've since talked myself right out of that idea. I know it happens (finding a good running dog), but I would end up with Marley, no doubt in my mind.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to fit in a run tomorrow or not. I'm hoping to, but life is looking a bit challenging at the moment. Until then, this dude needs some sleep!

The Mission

It occurrred to me today that I haven't really layed out the goals for this here running plan of mine. This seems a little silly seeing as it's central to the whole experiment.

The first of my two goals is the Illinois State Marathon, held in the spring down in Champaign Illinois. It's a very official marathon, known for it's fast times and flat terrain. More important to my goal, it's held at the end of April. I'll take the time now to invite along any readers that might want to race with me. My costar Matt intends to join and I bet some of you might too!

The second goal (which is served by the first) is to run a 50 mile ultra marathon in the fall of 2012. Again, my costar plans to join me. You're probably thinking "wow! This guy is insane! Why would anyone want to run 50 miles?!?!" I've even gotten that reaction in real time. Just tonight I got that response. My answer, always, is because if I can run 50 miles, is there really anything I can't do?

Additionally, I've personally known several people that literally can't run a step (or even walk in some cases). Some because of injury, some due to sickness, some due to mental illness. The most amazing thing about all of them is their acceptance of whatever disability they have and their ability to be grateful for what they DO have. The positive attitudes I've seen from some people just blow me away. Were I in their position, I feel like I'd be the cynical curmudeon that insists my life sucks, determined to bring everyone around me down . But not these peole. So I feel obligated to use what I have. I just can't take it for granted any longer. It's a gift and I plan to enjoy it.

There is a third goal of mine but I'm not yet ready to share. I've yet to fully realize my potential avenues to persue the third goal. Rest assured, I will share in good time. In the meantime, I plan on entering several smaller, less abitious races, all in the name of running 50 freaking miles. In the end, I feel my reward will be crossing the finish line. I just can't wait to see what that feels like. What a gift after all the training necessary to make it to the starting line.

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My run today took me to the Cary Hollows. It's another fine park with wide trails. I thought I was running about 3 miles but it ended up being about 2.5. The good news is that I did it all in my Trail Gloves and I feel great. My feet aren't tired, my achilles tendons feel good, and no sign of Mr. IT Band syndrome. So tomorrows plan is to get up really early and head over to VA in pursuit of a kick butt sun rise and a beautiful morning run. It's going to be cold, but what the heck. Just have to dress for it.

So it Begins

Friday, I went for that run. Veteran's Acres was it's usually stunning self (as is always the case this time of year) and I enjoyed the run immensely. The sights and smells this time of year have no rival. Additionally, I had the joy of a running partner. And it's now I need to introduce an additional cast member. So with no further ado, I give you Matt, my youngest brother and closest thing I have to a twin. Matt was born on my sixth birthday in 1981. I like to say it pissed me off but honestly, I have no idea what I was thinking at the time. I was 6! Anyway, at some point, it became apparent that he and I should be best friends. I think that was sometime around when Matt graduated high school. After that point, that's exactly what we've been in most regards. I have since gotten married and have 2 kids, ages 3 and 5. Matt has yet to follow me down that path but we still remain best friends. And it's in that spirit that Matt has decided to tackle this challenge with me. Though Matt's "wall" is different than mine, I think he's realized as I have that a wall is just something you have to push through. And it's easier to do it with friends. So wish us luck. We'll need the help!

Moving on, this morning is was raining. It was a cold rain. The kind that most people turn from to snuggle a little deeper into the covers. Not me. With my boundless enthusiasm, I decided I needed to run in this rain. Afterall, I've read several times that ultra marathons are seldom called off due to weather, so you better know you can run in the rain. So I suited up and headed out. Alas, the rain stopped immediately and held off through my run. I'm not complaining really. Who really WANTS to run in the rain.

I managed to run about 2.8 miles before stopping to rest and get a drink. Most of that was on the road with the last half mile or so on trails. I felt great! This time I was running in my Brooks and I really think I made the right decision with these shoes. Of course, considering I was running in cross trainers previuosly, anything might have felt better. After catching my breath I started to run again. After another mile and a half, I got the dreaded stabbing pain on the outside of my left knee. I stopped immediately because I think I know what it is: IT band syndrome. I don't know if I have a syndrome, but I'm fairly sure that's the source of the pain. It's a common overuse injury, especially for beginners. Well, count me as a beginner capable of doing too much too soon. I'm trying to be smart about it. But I'm already thinking I could run again tonight. This is something I wasn't counting on - reining myself in.

By the end, I had done 5.55 miles ?(according to my Google Earth calculation - thanks Sara!), 4.3 of which I ran. Result? 2 healthy feeling lungs, healthy feeling muscles, tired feet (that one surprised me a bit), and one knee that just plain hurts. I'll take it. I know there will be some pain. I just have to be smart about it and let my body inform me.

I also got a nice jolt of inspiration when I got home. Last week I found a group of runners located not more than 10 miles from my house. They call themselves MUDD (McHenry Ultra Dudes and Dudettes). To sum up, I joined their FB group and was immediately greeted by several friendly people. One of them finished a 100 mile race in Oklahoma this morning and placed 3rd with a time of 24 hours 49 minutes. She RAN for over 24 hours! Just incredible. And I can't wait to see what it's like to cross the finish line for a 50 miler. Thanks Michelle for the inspiration. I haven't even met you yet but you're helping me change my life.

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The other thing I want to do today is give a little visual evidence of my starting point. Here follows photos of my shoes, complete with close-ups of the toe and heel area. It will be interesting seeing how long these shoes last. I'm particularly interested in the trail gloves. They are so light on my feet and it's tempting to expect a short life span. But I've had Merrill shoes before and they have always lasted a LONG time. Please note, I'm not at all affiliated with Brooks or Merrill...or any other brand name for that matter. First up, the Brooks. Pardon the mud. I took these after my run this morning.

Now for the Trail Gloves

The trail gloves already show a little wear. That's not surprising seeing as I've run about 15 miles on them so fair. Plus, I've used them mostly on roads and they are meant for trails. Going forward, I think they will be reserved for trails. So that's my starting point in terms of foot wear. I will get a pic of me up soon.

Now to stretch and research my IT band issues. Happy Sunday!

Doing it My Way

I have spent the last 12 years or so going with the flow, which is really being kind about my non-participation. Put more succinctly, I've let things happen TO me, blamed others or bad luck for things I didn't like, and not admitted my part in things that have gone right. Well, that stops today. All it's gotten me is a life filled with opportunities and potentials and very little actions. That is, there are things I SHOULD be taking advantage of or participating in but instead, I've let them slip by like a ship passing in the night. It's a sad statement that I can sum up most of my life for the last decade in a few words. That's not true to my spirit and it's not who I want to be for myself, my kids, or my wife. So today, I start a journey of change and discovery. This isn't your average bucket list story. This is a conscious admission of my incredible short-comings and my further conscious decision to change that. And I'm going to start doing it with running. Today, I plan on running for a while at Veteran's Acres in Crystal Lake IL. I love that place and I think it will be a mainstay for me in the coming year. Stay tuned. I will have pictures, stories, maybe even a video or two. For now, I'm done writing. It's time to go running!