We had some warmer weather this week and I actually got to run on some open tar. What a huge difference that makes compared to running on snow. My 1 mile split times were at least a minute faster. I ran six days in a row this past week, so I feel like I'm really getting into racing shape.
I also tried a new style of workout to help increase lactate threshold, or as I like to think of it, improve the speed your body considers "normal running". This workout consisted of 20 second sprints with 1 minute of jogging between each. To me, it like telling your body, "no, THIS, is running fast, so unless I'm running THIS fast, don't you panic".
I also got a new pair of shoes: Mizuno Wave Universe 2. They are extremely light shoes (4 oz.) and very minimal. I want to keep them nice for a while, so I'll probably only wear them when I'm not going to be on snow. I am pretty excited about trying them out though -- they are definitely the most comfortable running shoes I've had.
Keep running...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Snow Ninja
We've had a very cold week in Minnesota. Yesterday we had a -40 degree wind chill. My running buddies decided to stay inside, and I don't blame them. However, I simply refuse to let weather get in the way of my training. I'm resolute in my belief that with proper running gear, you can run in anything. So, I've decided to call myself the "snow ninja". The picture bellow explains why:
While my body felt very comfortable without sacrificing much freedom of movement, I have to admit, breathing heavy in these conditions can be a challenge. While the Under Armour hood is a life saver for keeping everything in the head and neck area protected, the material becomes hard to breath through once you really get running. My solution was to pull the face part down just bellow my mouth and put a headband over my nose and mouth area. This served to keep a pocket of moisture and warmth in front of my mouth; making the air much easier to breath. Breathing through my nose was a no-no -- froze and hurt my nose instantly.
My eye lids also seemed to get frosted from my breathing, so I had to wipe that away every once in a while so I could see. I tried to wear sunglasses, but they would fog up from my breathing.
So, obviously, it isn't possible to do all out sprinting in this weather, but I was still able to get a respectable workout in, as shown in the graph captured by my Forerunner 405 -- which I am also very thankful still works in arctic temperatures.
While my body felt very comfortable without sacrificing much freedom of movement, I have to admit, breathing heavy in these conditions can be a challenge. While the Under Armour hood is a life saver for keeping everything in the head and neck area protected, the material becomes hard to breath through once you really get running. My solution was to pull the face part down just bellow my mouth and put a headband over my nose and mouth area. This served to keep a pocket of moisture and warmth in front of my mouth; making the air much easier to breath. Breathing through my nose was a no-no -- froze and hurt my nose instantly.
My eye lids also seemed to get frosted from my breathing, so I had to wipe that away every once in a while so I could see. I tried to wear sunglasses, but they would fog up from my breathing.
So, obviously, it isn't possible to do all out sprinting in this weather, but I was still able to get a respectable workout in, as shown in the graph captured by my Forerunner 405 -- which I am also very thankful still works in arctic temperatures.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Racing Psychology
When I first started entering races, I would often get too worked up about them. I'd set expectations, get nervous, etc. However, after reading Matt Fitzgerald's book, "Brain Training for Runners", I've taken a different approach:
As with most things, it's important to look at the big picture. The overall goal is to become a faster and better runner. Races are simply an extremely useful tool for achieving this. A race is your most intense workout -- where you break through your normal effort and see how far you can push yourself. Time goals are fine, but you should never hinge a lot of importance on one specific event. You never know what is going to happen on one specific day, but you certainly have control over what your are consistently working towards over time.
As with most things, it's important to look at the big picture. The overall goal is to become a faster and better runner. Races are simply an extremely useful tool for achieving this. A race is your most intense workout -- where you break through your normal effort and see how far you can push yourself. Time goals are fine, but you should never hinge a lot of importance on one specific event. You never know what is going to happen on one specific day, but you certainly have control over what your are consistently working towards over time.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Keeping the momentum
I managed to somehow maintain a decent training routine over my two week Christmas break. It was pretty tough going, with a lot of cold days and a lot of icy roads. It's hard to really get good fast runs in with slippery running surfaces. For the cold temperatures, having the right gear seems to mostly eliminate the problem -- though breathing hard can be an issue. I refuse to acknowledge a day where weather would prevent me from running.
By the way, the Under Armour full hood is definitely the most underrated piece of cold weather gear for running. That thing is a life saver in the extreme cold; even though it looks like a ninja mask.
Some of my running buddies have been getting injured, or trying to recover from old injuries, which is a bummer.
I was down for the count with a pretty nasty cold for a few days earlier in the week, but started running again when I felt I was on the tail end of the illness.
I really do look forward to some 40 degree days where I can feel the air on my legs while tearing down the street.
By the way, the Under Armour full hood is definitely the most underrated piece of cold weather gear for running. That thing is a life saver in the extreme cold; even though it looks like a ninja mask.
Some of my running buddies have been getting injured, or trying to recover from old injuries, which is a bummer.
I was down for the count with a pretty nasty cold for a few days earlier in the week, but started running again when I felt I was on the tail end of the illness.
I really do look forward to some 40 degree days where I can feel the air on my legs while tearing down the street.
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