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Ran a 10k - Official Thread (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter Ned
- Start date
-OZ-
Footballguy
Congrats 2k clubSorry @SteelCurtain!!! As soon as I saw that you'd responded, I knew that I had overlooked your excellent year. In checking, I see I missed @Zasada, too.Hard to keep up with all the BMFery.
We've gotfiveseven of the gang in the impressive 2K mileage club for the year:
SteveC - 2,788
gruecd - 2,623
Juxtatarot - 2,435
SteelCurtain - 2,236
pbm - 2,216
Zasada - 2,126
MAC - 2,073
Guess I'll be running 500 miles tomorrow.
tri-man 47
Footballguy
I was going to give you an honorable mention, knowing the swim and bike training you also do. But I didn't.
Here's the list of elevations (ft) for the year with the 2K runners bolded:
1. Duck - 223K
2. Zasada - 200K
3. SteveC- 99K (half-year)
4. TripleThreat - 92K
5. SteelCurtain - 77K
6. Chief - 66K
7. pbm - 65K
8. MAC - 64K
9. gruecd- 63K
10. AAA - 62K
11. Juxt - 55K
12. Gianmarco - 50K
13. bushdocta - 42K
14. OZ - 34K
15. tri-man - 18K
16. The Iguana - 12K
17. Brony- 8K
18. JShare - 5K
19. xulf - 5K (half-year)
ChiefD
Footballguy
And I will run 500 more, just to be the man who’d run 1000 miles to fall down at my door.
The Iguana
Footballguy
@JShare87 how is it possible that you have 300 more miles but 7k less elevation? Everything I run is pancake flat...
That said, the family did about a 3 mile hike today at a park not far from home that has some hills in it. Plan to start running there soon for a couple of reasons - one specifically for these hills and the other is to get more trail runs in for my next schedule long race in March. Looking forward to it.
That said, the family did about a 3 mile hike today at a park not far from home that has some hills in it. Plan to start running there soon for a couple of reasons - one specifically for these hills and the other is to get more trail runs in for my next schedule long race in March. Looking forward to it.
gianmarco
Footballguy
gianmarco
Footballguy
Thank you, both.SteelCurtain said:
@SteelCurtain, invitation received and joined. Read through some of the latest posts and comments and can see some of it being useful.
Got the yellow Hanson book on Kindle and I'm already halfway through it. It is a great read, so thank you both for suggesting it to read. I'll make sure my wife reads it also.
I still don't think we can both do Hanson's at the same time, but reading what I have so far,
1) I'm confident even the beginner marathon plan can get her a BQ if she sticks with it
2) If I ever do a marathon #2, I'll be using that plan myself.
MAC_32
Footballguy
Highest elevation in the state of Florida, in a region called the North Florida Highlands.
345 feet. I'm not sure anywhere in Ohio is that close to sea level. And you have to scroll waaay down the list to find the highest elevation elevation within 100 miles of jshare. It's called Mt Trashmore. It's 225 feet tall. And it's just as it reads, It is 225 feet of garbage .
You say pancake flat and I present to you...Florida!
345 feet. I'm not sure anywhere in Ohio is that close to sea level. And you have to scroll waaay down the list to find the highest elevation elevation within 100 miles of jshare. It's called Mt Trashmore. It's 225 feet tall. And it's just as it reads, It is 225 feet of garbage .
You say pancake flat and I present to you...Florida!
MAC_32
Footballguy
One of you does SoS MW, the other TuTh. The former long runs Sat, the latter Sun. If the schedule squeezes one of you out a given week then it's you. But then you just long run Monday to make up for it.
SteelCurtain
Footballguy
TripleThreat
Footballguy
JShare87
Footballguy
JShare87
Footballguy
gruecd
Footballguy
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tri-man 47
Footballguy
Easy peasy! Because dual careers are an unnecessary indulgence and the three children will be more enjoyable when you see them again after they’ve grown up.
It is amazing how we (meaning you younger parents) manage any sort of serious training in the midst of everything else.
MAC_32
Footballguy
ChiefD
Footballguy
My kids are in a cycle of 1 hour evening practices. Which sucks.
They used to have 1.5 hour practices, which was PERFECT for me to drop them off and then do whatever workout was needed in the streets around their practices. Gave me enough time and some new scenery to run.
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JShare87
Footballguy
MAC_32
Footballguy
Not looking forward to the basketball practice schedule starting next week. One hour practice about 20 minutes away in a neighborhood void of sidewalks with limited non main roads and all practices will be well after dark. Not confident I'll be able to take advantage of that.
Hopeful about Sunday though. 2+ hour birthday party, perfect setup for a long run. Just need to avoid any snow of consequence.
gruecd
Footballguy
ChiefD
Footballguy
Actually pretty proud of this. I felt like I didn't run that much this year, but after my 5 miler this afternoon here is where I will be:
2019: 1325 Miles
2018: 1207 Miles
I really enjoyed that trail run I did a couple of weeks ago, so I think I may incorporate that into my training maybe once a month to break up the monotony. It's always a 9 miler but it is pretty tough on the legs. So this Hanson plan may be a bit modified based on my mood.
I'm not sure I can follow it verbatim like I did last winter: my will to run just isn't quite there yet. I'm going to try some variety just to try and break me out of this mental funk.
ChiefD
Footballguy
You should do line drills on the basketball court while the kids are practicing. Kind of like Jim Carrey warming up during the basketball scene in Cable Guy. One hour of those with a dum-dum in your mouth outta embarrass your kids plenty.
pbm107
Footballguy
If I didn’t run first thing in the morning I wouldn’t be able to run, I have little control of my day past 6:30 am.
ChiefD
Footballguy
And to expound on this, those mileage totals are my largest EVER.
So at least when I didn't really feel like running I still ran and kept somewhat fit. Which is a step in a good direction for me.
matttyl
Footballguy
Question for you running guys that use Garmin devices: Is it possible to get step counts from a footpod while using a vivoactive 3?
Situation - I got a vivoactive 3 for xmas and so far really like it. I often take walks/jogs with my son in a stroller and it doesn't give an accurate reading of my step count at all. Does very good on distance, which is more important for training - but my employer puts money into my HSA account for days in which I take 10k+ steps. I have a Garmin footpod from back in my running days. Don't want to reinvent the wheel here, but I do want to get credit for the steps I'm actually taking on our walks. Thanks.
Situation - I got a vivoactive 3 for xmas and so far really like it. I often take walks/jogs with my son in a stroller and it doesn't give an accurate reading of my step count at all. Does very good on distance, which is more important for training - but my employer puts money into my HSA account for days in which I take 10k+ steps. I have a Garmin footpod from back in my running days. Don't want to reinvent the wheel here, but I do want to get credit for the steps I'm actually taking on our walks. Thanks.
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
It's compatible with food pads so I don't see why not. An alternative would be to push the stroller with your non-watch arm (if that could work OK -- I've never ran with a baby).
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matttyl
Footballguy
Oh, it connects. But apparently is only used for cadence (and cadence times stride length is distance). It's not being used to count actual steps, though - which seems dumb. Is there some setting I'm missing? Seems like the only way in which the watch counts actual steps is from it's on accelarometers (sp?).
One handed stroller pushing over gravel is rough, even with a BOB.
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
-OZ-
Footballguy
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
Oh, sorry didn't think of that. Looks like you can't:
https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=z1TfJCqajl8ZEZey72gg98
matttyl
Footballguy
The answer is, put the watch in your pocket during these activities. Not perfect, but it will work. Thanks for looking into it.
gianmarco
Footballguy
Yeah, that's gonna be a negative.
I just completed my two highest week totals ever at just over 40 miles. It takes me 7 hours to get there. I did this with ideal weather, fewer work shifts, no kids activities due to holidays, and in-laws in town to watch kids.
Hanson's is consistently higher than that. There's a 0% probability of BOTH of us doing more than that, simultaneously, consistently for 3 months.
My wife isn't going to do any work travel which will help, but she still takes call and has a schedule that will always make her running a challenge. I HAVE to be able to audible and move stuff around as needed. I can manage that at 35 now, not at 50 when I'm reading the importance of Hanson's is the cumulative fatigue and not missing workouts.
Having read the book (almost), I will try and incorporate the thinking behind it into what I'm doing and come up with a hybrid plan to help get me there best I can. But that's going to be the best I can do.
Not to mention, we don't need 2 angry Hanson's people in the same house at the same time. Pretty sure we'd be down to 1 person at some point and the other may never be heard from again.
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MAC_32
Footballguy
That's why I isolated the priority workouts. Obviously the more glue in between the better, but if some get reduced and others squeezed out then c'est la'vie.
And if a week totally gets away from you and you have to back-to-back then I think that's where those Higdon concepts fit. Do a MP one day with a long the next. Maybe some 2-a-day's on especially crazy weeks - a morning workout and an afternoon/evening recovery.
Be creative.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Do you walk with your phone? If so, don’t most of them have step counters built in and I’m guessing you could synch it to your HSA site.
gruecd
Footballguy
bushdocda
Footballguy
Or the synergy would be
. Alternatives to the standard book/online templates with 5 day and alternating schedules. Those are a few bucks online but offer other options than what wisely Mac proposed to spread the SoS out. And I think you have a treadmill you dislike, right, so it would work in a pinch to keep you both on track. It’s a tool, just like a shovel.
gruecd
Footballguy
Or like the Pettit center, where I will likely be running somewhere between 37-55 laps this afternoon...Or the synergy would be
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gianmarco
Footballguy
Oh, kinda like Voltron?Or the synergy would be
Then our kids would ultimately be destroyed.
MAC_32
Footballguy
Looks like I'll be able to dodge the indoor track/dreadmill over break. Gonna brave the elements this afternoon and I may only need to trudge through slushed up snow tomorrow. Should be warm enough Thursday to melt it all then I can get a few days of quality in before going back to work.Or like the Pettit center, where I will likely be running somewhere between 37-55 laps this afternoon...
Zasada
Footballguy
2019 Year-end Report
Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved?
[*]Run the Chevron Houston Marathon in January
[*]Bonus goal: Do it in under 4 hours
[*]Finish the 29K Moose Mountain Trail Race in under 4 hours in August
[*]Run the Las Vegas Rock n Roll HM in under 1:45:00 in November
[*]Complete a Prairie Mountain ascent in under 50:00
[*]TBD -- going to leave the last as a flex, after attempting #2 I hope it will shed some light on what is(n't) possible for later in 2019
New accomplishments or PRs in 2019
Not walking during the last 10K of the Calgary marathon. Took every ounce of motivation I had. Even chose to #### myself so that I could keep running.
A race or race training disappointment during 2019
My glute problems. Started with the Houston marathon and then longer (30K) runs. My glutes were what had given up when I was fighting the last 10K at the Calgary marathon. And then it started to manifest itself on shorter and shorter runs. Which drove reduced training volume before the Vegas HM, and kept me from joining @The Iguana in his <99 minute HM excellence.
Total training volume during 2019
Could have driven more elevation, but I spent three months of 2019 dedicated to streets. Won't do that again. I'm happy I did it, but it's a path to burnout. Street running needs to be in support of trails for me, not the reverse.
Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year
Ultras are so much more fun than street marathons. I can throw a street marathon in the mix from time to time, but in order to keep at this over the long run, I need to run trails as much as time will permit.
A bunch of lessons learned from my first marathon, which I employed as best I could for my second.
Best memories of other guys’ training or races in 2018
Too many to note, but there are a few that stuck with me through the year:
Goal(s) for 2020:
Over the last two years, I've achieved all of my goals, which is proof that I'm not setting goals which are enough of a challenge, so in that spirit, here are a few harder ones for this coming year:
[*]Complete the Grand Canyon R2R2R
[*]Climb Prairie Mountain in 42 minutes or less
[*]Finish the 29K Moose Mountain trail race in <4 hours
[*]Complete 25 pushups in succession (can't do a single one now!)
Note the strength goal! I bought a weight bench and some weights so that I can incorporate some of that training into things.
It's been said many times in these summaries, but I have to say it again: You guys are awesome. I have discovered so much about myself and what I can do because of your advice and stories here. Thank you for sharing your achievements. I hope to meet you in-person in 2020 so that I can thank you myself.
Your goals coming into the year, and were they achieved?
- Reclaim the CR on the Ann & Sandy Cross Paradise loop (currently about two minutes faster than my PR)
Done! The CR was reset to new heights but I did beat my PR by 2+ minutes
[*]Run the Chevron Houston Marathon in January
Done!
[*]Bonus goal: Do it in under 4 hours
Done!
[*]Finish the 29K Moose Mountain Trail Race in under 4 hours in August
Due to construction the race got moved, but I did run the new course in <4hrs, let's call this a push
[*]Run the Las Vegas Rock n Roll HM in under 1:45:00 in November
Done! But I did reset the bar on this one to 1:39:XX and failed
[*]Complete a Prairie Mountain ascent in under 50:00
Done! Knocked-out 45:XX
[*]TBD -- going to leave the last as a flex, after attempting #2 I hope it will shed some light on what is(n't) possible for later in 2019
Added a couple here mid-year, one was to run the Calgary marathon without walking (done!) and complete my first ultra (50K, done!)
New accomplishments or PRs in 2019
- First marathon (3:57)
- Second marathon (3:56)
- First (baby) Ultra
- 10K PR (46:43)
- HM PR (1:41)
Not walking during the last 10K of the Calgary marathon. Took every ounce of motivation I had. Even chose to #### myself so that I could keep running.
A race or race training disappointment during 2019
My glute problems. Started with the Houston marathon and then longer (30K) runs. My glutes were what had given up when I was fighting the last 10K at the Calgary marathon. And then it started to manifest itself on shorter and shorter runs. Which drove reduced training volume before the Vegas HM, and kept me from joining @The Iguana in his <99 minute HM excellence.
Total training volume during 2019
- 3,433km (2,133mi), +84% from 2018
- 61,162m of elevation (200,662ft), +14% from 2018
Could have driven more elevation, but I spent three months of 2019 dedicated to streets. Won't do that again. I'm happy I did it, but it's a path to burnout. Street running needs to be in support of trails for me, not the reverse.
Lesson(s) you’ve learned during the year
Ultras are so much more fun than street marathons. I can throw a street marathon in the mix from time to time, but in order to keep at this over the long run, I need to run trails as much as time will permit.
A bunch of lessons learned from my first marathon, which I employed as best I could for my second.
Best memories of other guys’ training or races in 2018
Too many to note, but there are a few that stuck with me through the year:
- @SFBayDuck's Ultra performances, and his Miwok run/PR was the primary inspiration for my own misguided Miwok 2020 lottery entry. He also convinced me (after my Houston RR) to try an Ultra and I did, which was fantastic. Reaffirming that the trails are my home.
- @The Iguana's 1:38 HM. How he did this on ~half the volume I run is a testament to his raw talent, can't wait to see what 2020 holds for him as he continues to improve
- @ChiefD's Carmel Marathon and him slaying the <4hr monkey. And then the 1:45 HM two weeks later wearing the shirt from the full. So badass.
- @gruecd's 2019 training -- I know his PRs were the payoff but the work was done in the weeks & months before. Some of those training runs were crushing and his dedication to the plan and the process is more of an achievement than the PRs themselves
- @-OZ-'s self-DQ -- so much respect for this
- @gianmarco's 15K PR. I would have been cursing my pacer the whole way, told him to #### off, and given up. Not gian. Can't wait for his marathon in 2020.
- @MAC_32's badassery with the dumdums, corded headphones, and handheld phone. This is just such a signature look. So cool. And delivering on the coolness with results.
- @SteelCurtain's atomic-clock level of pacing in multiple races.
- The crew doing the relay in St. Louis -- really loved reading about this -- the racing and the camaraderie
- @BassNBrew's ultra exploits on bare bones training. Crazy levels of effort and determination.
Goal(s) for 2020:
Over the last two years, I've achieved all of my goals, which is proof that I'm not setting goals which are enough of a challenge, so in that spirit, here are a few harder ones for this coming year:
- Complete a 100K Ultra (double my current best race distance)
Miwok will be the first attempt, but I'm leaving myself open to a fall option as well (in the event Miwok doesn't go well)
[*]Complete the Grand Canyon R2R2R
[*]Climb Prairie Mountain in 42 minutes or less
[*]Finish the 29K Moose Mountain trail race in <4 hours
[*]Complete 25 pushups in succession (can't do a single one now!)
Note the strength goal! I bought a weight bench and some weights so that I can incorporate some of that training into things.
It's been said many times in these summaries, but I have to say it again: You guys are awesome. I have discovered so much about myself and what I can do because of your advice and stories here. Thank you for sharing your achievements. I hope to meet you in-person in 2020 so that I can thank you myself.
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tri-man 47
Footballguy
A Review of the Decade
As we wrap up the 2010's, take a look back and share comments on the former parts, for sure, and the latter parts if you choose. Health improvements due to fitness could fall under either the first or third section.
Your decade of running+ and racing
Notable memories of other FBG successes/experiences
Life in general during the 2010s
Anticipations for the 2020s
As we wrap up the 2010's, take a look back and share comments on the former parts, for sure, and the latter parts if you choose. Health improvements due to fitness could fall under either the first or third section.
Your decade of running+ and racing
Notable memories of other FBG successes/experiences
Life in general during the 2010s
Anticipations for the 2020s
gianmarco
Footballguy
Btw, in searching for a way to get our training schedules synced, I found this site.
It allows you to put in your race date, your training plan, and then you can download an .ics file and import it into your online calendar. You can offset your race day as needed to move workouts around and can then also just move them directly in your calendar as needed. In case that's useful for anyone here....
It allows you to put in your race date, your training plan, and then you can download an .ics file and import it into your online calendar. You can offset your race day as needed to move workouts around and can then also just move them directly in your calendar as needed. In case that's useful for anyone here....
The Iguana
Footballguy
With a run finished today, final year total ended up at 1,227 miles. I'm pretty happy about that.
bushdocda
Footballguy
Great stuff, Z. This one got my attention this year and has an R2R (R2R2R would have vultures picking my bones) on my list for someday.
tri-man 47
Footballguy
bushdocda
Footballguy
97 miles in December with almost two weeks off trying to recover. Didn’t care to hit 100 for month but did care to hit 1,900 miles for the year.
More importantly, feeling some growing mental motivation and the body is still feeling pretty meh.
Focus on gentle increase of base mileage and strides and gym time for next while should help the latter.
More importantly, feeling some growing mental motivation and the body is still feeling pretty meh.
Focus on gentle increase of base mileage and strides and gym time for next while should help the latter.
gianmarco
Footballguy
Don't remember where some responded, but I think others considering it....
@The Iguana?
@Zasada?
@SteelCurtain?
So those 3 along with me, @tri-man 47, and @ChiefD?
That's 6 AND we are all over 40 years old which means we get Masters. Looking at last year, 1st place Masters was 7:49 pace. I know no one cares about medals (right, @tri-man 47?), but....
MAC_32
Footballguy
Your decade of running+ and racing
I did not really begin focusing on running until 2012. It had been complimentary to strength training since about 2004, but it was almost always secondary. I was very much a guppy as I became active in here and made the transition. It was a very slow process. I'm always reading, listening, reflecting...but ultimately I learn best by application, planning then learning from the inevitable mistakes. Doing so takes time, but I think I come out better on the other side.
2012- few 5k's, topped out at 18:30. Rarely did more than 20 mpw and they were all fast.
2013- few more 5k's with some 5 miler's mixed in, topped out at 18:18 and 33:54. Occassionally crept over 20 mpw and sorta implemented easy running, but it wasnt really easy.
2014- branched out, couple of trail races (10k and 10 mile), popped my HM cherry (1:42) but as I increased the volume it was clear my body needed more easy running, as everyone here had been telling me for 2 straight years. As a result I battled injuries throughout fall and early winter.
2015- the transition, I intended to use 2014's increased volume to finally break the lid open on 5k's but it wasn't happening. Got down to 18:35 in May but then a series of 19:XX's followed so I finally pulled the plug and shifted to endurance. I also finally experienced a positive easy run, it was refreshing to go slow; instead of boring. A 1:10 10 mile got things off on the right foot, but nagging injuries returned. I was never able to string more than a couple 30+ mpw weeks together and didnt have any months over 110. I was able to get down to a 1:34 half but I knew if I was ever going to break through I needed to get healthy first.
2016- fixed hamstrings then rebuilt volume, but this time it sustained. The shortest month of the year was my first one ever over 120. Then it kept going. Suddenly, 30:09 five mile...then 40+ mpw's...a 150 mile April...a 1:25 half in a thunder snow/sleet/hail storm which included an asinine 5:38 first mile...then a 50 mpw...then several...then a 16:27 5k...then a 200 mile month...then a 1:02 10 mile...and my first full marathon. Sure, I bonked the full (hat tip to my good samaritan), but as I said it at the time - I knew I'd never have another year like that one. True breakthrough. 2,016 miles in 2016 when I had never gone over 1k before.
2017- reset year, I described that winter as zen. Just running for the sake of running. Deep down I knew I wasnt going to one up last year, so I just wanted to enjoy staying healthy. It was refreshing for a while, but maintenance mode eventually became difficult. So I locked back in as the year progressed, upped the half PR to 1:23, and set my sights on a spring BQ.
2018- after finishing 2017 very strong I crashed amidst winter's bite early January. It was rarely over 10, always windy and snowy, and a couple real life problems surfaced at an untimely moment. I got my #### back together and slowly worked my way out of that funk, building to 256 miles in March (never before over 225) and a weekly high of 66 (three of 60+). While I BQ'd at 3:08 it wasn't enough to actually make it into the race. My wife set out for her first marathon that fall, so I took a back seat. 10k pr'd at 39:20, but my fall epiphany was the highlight. Identify a goal many months out then start putting in the work with that goal front and center. The standard 12-18 week cycles aren't for me. Embrace the offseason.
2019- a more deliberate version of 2017, so I would not repeat that maintenance mode barrier from 2017 - early year was of the reset variety but idea was to set the table for end of year PR's and marathon prep for spring. 5 mile pr, 29:43. 10k pr, 38:30. HM pr, 1:22. Going to finish December with my 2nd most monthly miles ever (245-248) on the heels of my weekly high (70) and unexpectedly a new annual high - about 2,085.
Notable memories of other FBG successes/experiences
I would rather respond to other's self assessments, so I will take a different approach. And provide a synopsis of my experience with the peanut gallery as I tried to figure out my way. Hoping it's beneficial to some of our n00bs and everyone gets at least a couple laughs.
---
Driving grue crazy in 2012 - 'intervals and tempo two days apart? I swear one of you old timer's created the alias MAC_32 just to #### with me.'
Ned's persistent messaging - dont you ever say the bolded (sub 18 may never happen) again, you're a sub 17 runner. (Narrator: he was right)
Me to an unnamed guppy in 2014- I think you're head towards a wall, too many hard days. Juxt in reply- spoken like a true distance runner. (Look, ma! I'm getting it!)
Juxt to me later the same year- so your tempo runs are effortless and much faster than your race pace?!?!? (Okay, maybe I'm not quite there yet)
BnB's summary of my cool runnings bobsled-esque double jogging stroller 5k near win - showed up at the event, about 300 or so runners and none of them looked fast. Wasnt going to be much of a challenge so I had my wife bust my knee with a ball peen hammer and wrapped a chain around my waist then attacked two 50 lb boat hammers. Right out of the gate I was with the lead pack despite my knee rupturing and bleeding everywhere. Pushed the pace when the chain got tangled up between both legs. A couple people passed me as my stride was hindered. Ended up shortening my stride to 8 inches and increased my turnover to 500 steps per minute then caught back up to them. It was a little late to catch the leaders by then. Maybe next time I'll use a rope instead of a chain. Still won my age group.
---
My takeaway- have fun and while you should listen to those of us with more experienced, don't be a robot. You will benefit incorporating our advice, but do it into what you want to do and what your body tells you that you can do. But then push those limits anyway.
Life in general in the 2010's
The prior decade I was single, lifted a lot of heavy things, ran occasionally, and played more rec sports than I can even recall. I got married and we had our first kid (now three- aged 9, 7, and 4) as this decade began and thus a commitment to running was born. Gone are the days when I have more free time than I know what to do with. Now I need an activity that is time efficient and with both flexible timing and environment. Never thought I'd be here 10 years later.
Anticipations for the 2020's
Step 1- embrace the suck then BQ. It took several years, but I think I've incorporated that mindset into summer. I still need to conquer the winter test though...he writes while buried under a half dozen blankets. I believe that if I do that then sustain through spring that weather depending I will actually make it into Boston this time.
To be consistent with my new mindset born in fall 2018, I'm not worrying about anything beyond that. Yes, if I qualify I'll run Boston in 2021, but I'm not worrying about anything else until summer 2020. Sure, there are several ideas currently floating around in my head, but they're going to remain just those until at least that time.
I will always be working towards a particular goal, but I just want to live in my current moments.
I did not really begin focusing on running until 2012. It had been complimentary to strength training since about 2004, but it was almost always secondary. I was very much a guppy as I became active in here and made the transition. It was a very slow process. I'm always reading, listening, reflecting...but ultimately I learn best by application, planning then learning from the inevitable mistakes. Doing so takes time, but I think I come out better on the other side.
2012- few 5k's, topped out at 18:30. Rarely did more than 20 mpw and they were all fast.
2013- few more 5k's with some 5 miler's mixed in, topped out at 18:18 and 33:54. Occassionally crept over 20 mpw and sorta implemented easy running, but it wasnt really easy.
2014- branched out, couple of trail races (10k and 10 mile), popped my HM cherry (1:42) but as I increased the volume it was clear my body needed more easy running, as everyone here had been telling me for 2 straight years. As a result I battled injuries throughout fall and early winter.
2015- the transition, I intended to use 2014's increased volume to finally break the lid open on 5k's but it wasn't happening. Got down to 18:35 in May but then a series of 19:XX's followed so I finally pulled the plug and shifted to endurance. I also finally experienced a positive easy run, it was refreshing to go slow; instead of boring. A 1:10 10 mile got things off on the right foot, but nagging injuries returned. I was never able to string more than a couple 30+ mpw weeks together and didnt have any months over 110. I was able to get down to a 1:34 half but I knew if I was ever going to break through I needed to get healthy first.
2016- fixed hamstrings then rebuilt volume, but this time it sustained. The shortest month of the year was my first one ever over 120. Then it kept going. Suddenly, 30:09 five mile...then 40+ mpw's...a 150 mile April...a 1:25 half in a thunder snow/sleet/hail storm which included an asinine 5:38 first mile...then a 50 mpw...then several...then a 16:27 5k...then a 200 mile month...then a 1:02 10 mile...and my first full marathon. Sure, I bonked the full (hat tip to my good samaritan), but as I said it at the time - I knew I'd never have another year like that one. True breakthrough. 2,016 miles in 2016 when I had never gone over 1k before.
2017- reset year, I described that winter as zen. Just running for the sake of running. Deep down I knew I wasnt going to one up last year, so I just wanted to enjoy staying healthy. It was refreshing for a while, but maintenance mode eventually became difficult. So I locked back in as the year progressed, upped the half PR to 1:23, and set my sights on a spring BQ.
2018- after finishing 2017 very strong I crashed amidst winter's bite early January. It was rarely over 10, always windy and snowy, and a couple real life problems surfaced at an untimely moment. I got my #### back together and slowly worked my way out of that funk, building to 256 miles in March (never before over 225) and a weekly high of 66 (three of 60+). While I BQ'd at 3:08 it wasn't enough to actually make it into the race. My wife set out for her first marathon that fall, so I took a back seat. 10k pr'd at 39:20, but my fall epiphany was the highlight. Identify a goal many months out then start putting in the work with that goal front and center. The standard 12-18 week cycles aren't for me. Embrace the offseason.
2019- a more deliberate version of 2017, so I would not repeat that maintenance mode barrier from 2017 - early year was of the reset variety but idea was to set the table for end of year PR's and marathon prep for spring. 5 mile pr, 29:43. 10k pr, 38:30. HM pr, 1:22. Going to finish December with my 2nd most monthly miles ever (245-248) on the heels of my weekly high (70) and unexpectedly a new annual high - about 2,085.
Notable memories of other FBG successes/experiences
I would rather respond to other's self assessments, so I will take a different approach. And provide a synopsis of my experience with the peanut gallery as I tried to figure out my way. Hoping it's beneficial to some of our n00bs and everyone gets at least a couple laughs.
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Driving grue crazy in 2012 - 'intervals and tempo two days apart? I swear one of you old timer's created the alias MAC_32 just to #### with me.'
Ned's persistent messaging - dont you ever say the bolded (sub 18 may never happen) again, you're a sub 17 runner. (Narrator: he was right)
Me to an unnamed guppy in 2014- I think you're head towards a wall, too many hard days. Juxt in reply- spoken like a true distance runner. (Look, ma! I'm getting it!)
Juxt to me later the same year- so your tempo runs are effortless and much faster than your race pace?!?!? (Okay, maybe I'm not quite there yet)
BnB's summary of my cool runnings bobsled-esque double jogging stroller 5k near win - showed up at the event, about 300 or so runners and none of them looked fast. Wasnt going to be much of a challenge so I had my wife bust my knee with a ball peen hammer and wrapped a chain around my waist then attacked two 50 lb boat hammers. Right out of the gate I was with the lead pack despite my knee rupturing and bleeding everywhere. Pushed the pace when the chain got tangled up between both legs. A couple people passed me as my stride was hindered. Ended up shortening my stride to 8 inches and increased my turnover to 500 steps per minute then caught back up to them. It was a little late to catch the leaders by then. Maybe next time I'll use a rope instead of a chain. Still won my age group.
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My takeaway- have fun and while you should listen to those of us with more experienced, don't be a robot. You will benefit incorporating our advice, but do it into what you want to do and what your body tells you that you can do. But then push those limits anyway.
Life in general in the 2010's
The prior decade I was single, lifted a lot of heavy things, ran occasionally, and played more rec sports than I can even recall. I got married and we had our first kid (now three- aged 9, 7, and 4) as this decade began and thus a commitment to running was born. Gone are the days when I have more free time than I know what to do with. Now I need an activity that is time efficient and with both flexible timing and environment. Never thought I'd be here 10 years later.
Anticipations for the 2020's
Step 1- embrace the suck then BQ. It took several years, but I think I've incorporated that mindset into summer. I still need to conquer the winter test though...he writes while buried under a half dozen blankets. I believe that if I do that then sustain through spring that weather depending I will actually make it into Boston this time.
To be consistent with my new mindset born in fall 2018, I'm not worrying about anything beyond that. Yes, if I qualify I'll run Boston in 2021, but I'm not worrying about anything else until summer 2020. Sure, there are several ideas currently floating around in my head, but they're going to remain just those until at least that time.
I will always be working towards a particular goal, but I just want to live in my current moments.
