Running with Jack

This morning was my long run, up at 6 a.m., a quick breakfast, warm-up and out the door by 6:35. It was a cool 17C/63F, with a slight drizzling rain and a gentle breeze. I ran through the middle of town to the other side (south) and crossed the main road to the 12K/7.5M asphalt trail that leads to Karlsruhe (the larger city in our area). As I had not noted the kilometer breakdown with my bicycle beforehand I could only guess at my speed. I suppose I was running 6:00-6:15/K (9:45-10:15/M). It was almost perfect running weather, not too hot, not too cold. The entire route to Karlsruhe is a forest path, and dead straight, you can always see at least a mile ahead of you – not for everyone! I used it as a good mind drill, trying to keep my mind from going nuts. I rather enjoyed it, no cars (except when I had to cross three small highways), hardly anyone out except for a couple other crazy runners:)

It took me over an hour to get to Karlsruhe, I was in no hurry. From there I took a right hand turn, ran three minutes, then took another right and started heading back on a parallel asphalt trail.

It is interesting to note that these two trails are the main bicycle trails between the smaller towns, so are in excellent condition, flat and perfect for bike riding. Unfortunately, the asphalt trails were already bothering me after the first hour. The first thing I thought of was THE HARD ROAD IS WHAT CAUSED SO MUCH TROUBLE DURING MY MARATHON.

So on I went heading more or less back in the same direction, but at a 5° angle from the first trail. All of the original roads and trails in Karlsruhe fan out from the Palace in that city. I have a satellite picture of today’s route at work, that I will try to post Monday.

At about 2:09:00 I crossed the last highway which runs by my town, but rather than heading back I went on towards the Graben Running Club trails where I usually do my long runs. My legs already felt like I had just run a marathon, the asphalt was killing me. Now I am almost sure this was a major factor in my first marathon troubles.

Luckily the trail turned to gravel and forest trails, after awhile my legs started feeling a little better. I wound my way back towards home, really pooped, and my legs just killing me. I walked around for about 10 minutes, trying to get some of the stiffness out. I could barely walk up the steps into the house, I seriously considered asking my wife to untie my shoes, because I could hardly bend over I was so stiff.

Anyway I ran 3:09:55, I would guess around 30K/18.6M. No walk breaks today, not even one!

Unless a miracle happens overnight I have cancelled my 10K race for tomorrow, I need recovery time. I imagine my legs will be okay in a day or two, I just need to relax a little.

That said, may go over to the next town where it’s being held and cheer the runner’s on, my wife’s cousin may be running the 5K. On the other side there are street festivals all over our area this weekend, including one with some mega cool reenactments and stuff. We may just head out to that (there goes my diet too:-)

Have a nice weekend, happy running!

Summary of This Mornings Training:

Warm-up;
1 set 15 push-ups, 1 set 25 sit-ups;
Approx. 30K/18.6M run; total time 1:25:49 – long run.
1 set 15 push-ups, 1 set 25 sit-ups;
Cool down.
Conditions: 06:35; 27C/63F, hazy, humid!
Feeling after training: Muscles really sore and stiff.

Wake-up weight this morning: 74.5 kg/164 lbs
Weight lost since 01/01/2005: 5.5 kg/12 lbs
Goal weight by the end of July: 73 kg/161 lbs
Goal weight by Christmas: 70 kg/154 lbs