Starting Fresh

I'm trying to figure out what the next step is going to be. I'm thinking its going to be a triathlon and mixing some other races through out the summer. The debate is between a sprint and an Olympic length tri, but just need to do more research.

I started the exercising back today with swimming 1,000 meters (1,600 meters is a mile I believe or at least that's what I use a measurement). I figured I would slow back into things and go for a run in the next few days.

So hear is to getting back into the swing of things.

Toady was the Day

Today was the marathon, and yes I did finish and able to walk. It was a very interesting run, and very long. It was wind in your face from mile 17 until about mile 24. The wind really drains you, but I stuck with my game plan and plowed through. I finished in 4:59 which is 1 minute under my goal of finished over 5 hours. I'm glad I did it and also glad its over. Now I just need to pick a new race and start training all over again.

Last Run, Yikes!

Today was the last run before Sunday's marathon. I forgot how short and quick 2 miles was and its weird to look back and remember how 3 miles seemed so long and thought i was going to die. Now 2 miles is no problem and is just a quick out and back. Here is to Sunday and things go well. I will keep you updated.

Less than 4 days left!

With less than four days until the marathon, tonight was a quick and short 4 mile run. I waited until just a little while ago to go for the run because it was a hot hot day and I wanted to wait until the sun at least went down so it would be less hot.

Short 3 Mile Run

Last night after I got thru watching tv (Biggest Loser to be exact and I'm glad Kristin went home, she was beyond annoying), I went for a short 3 mile run in the neighborhood. It was nice weather and felt great to stretch out the legs. Its hard to believe in less than 4 days I will be running 26.2 miles. SCARY!

Updates

I did this weeks long run of 8 miles last night instead of Sunday. I didn't do much on Sunday except try to regain lost sleep. I met up with Dean Holland for the run and it was pretty good. Nice weather, and a good run.

Its hard to believe that the marathon is this Sunday. Getting pretty nervous with how it is going to go. Fingers-crossed.-zn

It has been a while

I have been a slacker lately about blogging about what has been going on, so I'm going to try to recap this week so far.

Sunday:
This was suppose to be a 20 mile run. I came up a little short because it was raining while I was running. The first half was into the rain, wind, and cold which is not a good combination. After half way thru I had to stop at the house and change into dry socks before continuing. I didn't make is all 20 because I was drained and cold.

Tuesday:
I did Tuesday's run on Wednesday instead because had a program and worked late at work.

Wednesday:
Did Tuesday's 5 mile run on Wednesday. It was an average 5 mile run at night with pretty nice weather.

Thursday:
This leads me to today. Today I did Wednesday's 9 mile run. I wasn't originally going to run because we have had storms all day. I got a break in the weather around 8ish so I braved it and went for the run. I lucked out and got good weather/timing and didn't have anything other than a light drizzle for about 10 minutes. I'm glad I did the run since I was originally going to do it.

Things are about to get even crazier the next couple of days because I have a big concert on Saturday.

Just another run

This evening the wind died down which was nice and I was able get the 4 mile run done with out any problems. I did try to pick up my pace some just to make things a little more challenging.

18 miles in Fredrick!!!!

Today was the longest I have ever run at one time, 18 miles. Yes, 18 miles is a long ass way. Dean Holland and I ran basically from Snyder to Fredrick along the highway (and a windy road at that). Because of the wind we ran with it at our backs but I know that if we had run into the wind I might had made it only a couples of miles. Dean Holland's parents were a god send, because they brought us water twice which made things much more tolerable (and cooked us dinner afterward).

The first part of the run, about the first 12 or so, were not that bad but the last few were slow and painfully. My migraine kicked in the last part, and that coupled with the wind made it painful. But we did finish. Yes, Dean Holland did finish before me but I was just glad to have finished.

Wednesday Long

Today was a mildly long 8 mile run. I had a work function to support some students, and then I had to catch my Wednesday evening TV show (yes, its a priority but its one of the few things I watch on a regular basis). After all of that, I went for the run. I ran 4 miles to Dean Holland's house and then ran the last 4 miles with her around her neighborhood. It was good to have a change off pace and have someone to chat with while running. I was totally lost the entire time because it was night and I didn't know the the neighborhood. It was a good run and didn't feel that bad afterwords.

Tuesday Run

Tuesday was a "short" 4 mile run. Its hard to think that going 4 miles is a short quick run. I felt super tight and heavy on my feet, but got through it no problem. I just kept going to try loosen up. I also was in between getting off work and going back to work, so that may have had something to do with it (being on my feet in dress shoes all day and knowing I had to go back). Anyway, I was able to get it done and over with in order to keep making progress with training.

A Windy Sunday

I"m glad I waited out the weather, because today was a lot nicer than yesterday to go for a run. Things were good minus all the wind. The wind was 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. The Lawton wind was up and coming today, and it made the first half of 12 miles long.

Another Run

After a long day at work, I went for the 8 mile run as soon as I got home so that I could get it out of the way and so I could watch my mindless tv shows that started at 7. Just another day and another run, I hope it all helps in the end.

Trying to get back on track

So after missing most of last week's runs, I'm trying to get back on track this week. After work since it was so nice outside, I did my 4 mile run right after work on the road. I tried to push it a little to add some speed back into my running.

On a side note, I know I need to make this thing more exciting. If you have any suggestions for better titles and such, let me know.

Spring Break Update

So I took a slight break from the training this week. I figured spring break meant a break from all the pounding as well, right? I did the Tuesday short run, but skipped Wednesday and Thursday's runs.

This morning I got back into the "swing" of things with the 16 mile run. It was long, long, and painful towards the end. It felt much better than last weekends long run, and I was able to go longer before having to start taking walking breaks, but I was still still/sore afterwords. So now its back to training as usually because the race is only a month away which is super scary. I'm just hoping to make it out alive and still being able to walk.

Lunch Run

On my lunch break today, I went ahead and did my 3 mile run for the day. I will be on the road most of the evening so I knew I would most likely not get it in, so I went to the fitness center and did half on the elliptical and half running around the track. Its weird to think that 3 miles is a short and nothing run.

Long Painful Run

So today was a 15 mile long run. I usually do the long run on Sundays, but I thought I would try to stick to the plan and so it on Saturday so I do "cross training" on Sunday. Lets just say, it was the longest and most painful run ever. Not sure but I felt every mile afterward. I guess no pain no gain, and its pair for the course. Fingers crossed that things get back to normal, or as normal as they can be.

Mid-week Run: 7 Miles

I originally planned on running in the morning and not running today, but I forced myself to go to the fitness center after work and do the 7 miles. I did the 7 miles on the elliptical (which they should allow those machines to past 60 minutes so I don't have to reset the machine to get all the miles in one setting). I know that running on the elliptical isn't the same as running on the road, but it is really cold outside and my knees needed a break from the pounding. Its late and I'm tired, so check yall tomorrow after tomorrow's 4 mile run.


One last thing, if you are an Aggie Fan (as in Cameron Aggies not Texas A&M Aggies), then you should start following Ol' Kim on Twitter. Its something new, its been fun so far, so you should start following. And if you don't know what Twitter is, even more reason to check it out. Alright, dueces and good night.

End of Week 9, start of Week 10

To end Week 9, today's long run was a step down to ONLY 10 miles. I did the 10 this morning and surprisingly there was no real wind to speak of which was a relief. The only hang up with today's run was breaking in new running shoes. I picked up some new running shoes yesterday and decided to start breaking them in today. They were nice but did make my feet tired (and yes I'm blaming that on the new shoes). So it was another end of a long week and that start of another. Looking ahead to the upcoming weekends run, it is a monster 15 miles. I haven't ever gone that far, so it should be interesting. Anyway, check you later.

Mornig Run-2 miles

I woke this morning tired and stiff from yesterday's 7 mile run but decided to try to get in a few miles before work knowing that it would the only chance I had to get a run in for the day. I started off down the road and made it a little more than a mile and decided to turn around and head back home. My legs were tired and still had to get ready for work, so I called it good with 2 miles done. I the originally mileage for the day was 4 but 2 is better than 0. Now on to getting to cheer of the basketball team at the conference tournament tonight.

Mid-week Run: 7 Miles

I was able to get the 7 mile run in between work and meeting friends to watch the season premiere of AMTM (let the judging begin). The first half sucked because of the lovely lawton wind. The first 3.5 miles felt so much further than that because of the wind and felt like running in place. The last 3.5 miles felt fine and like a normal run. At the end I started thinking back to this whole thing and how I thought the first 7 mile long run and how I suffered through the whole run, and now I can make it through it somewhat normally.

Well its off to bed, I may try to get up and get a run in before work but probably not but we shall see.

Run Update: Its been a while

So I haven't posted an update in a while, but here it goes. Last week was a challenging week. I ran the Tuesday run, but that was it. I was in NWA for friends mothers funeral which made it difficult to get my Wednesday and Thursday runs in, so I didn't end up doing them. I would be lying if I said it wasn't nice to get a little break from training.

Then on Sunday I started out on the 13 mile long run. After the little break, being tired, and the suckie l-town wind I only made it 8 miles. After the 7 mile run I knew I wouldn't do all 13 miles and just tried to all the miles I could. 8 miles isn't bad and I have done 13 in the past, so I'm not to upset but ready to try to get back into the swing of things.

I was able to get the 3 mile run in tonight. It was really nice outside, so I ran outside instead of at the fitness center like I was playing on doing. I should get tomorrow's run in but not Thursdays because I will be on a bus all afternoon and evening for work (with students cheering on the men's basketball team who made the postseason for the first time in a long while).

Below are a few of my thoughts of things to date:
- Training for a marathon makes things hurt and tighten up that you usually take for granite (hips, groin, knees, etc.)
-Mid week runs aren't as bad as I had once thought (at the moment I have come to the conclusion that they "prime" you for the long run)
-Running for 2 hours at a time is a long time
-My add mixed with thoughts about what I need to be doing at work isn't always the best thing for hours of running
-I will be glad to be able to cross off marathon on my list of things to do, we shall see if I do another. I probably will but not sure when that may be
-Running without music is maybe the most painful thing of all times
-Lawton wind sucks and I hate it. It blows non-stop all the time
-While I have hated training at times (and I'm sure this will continue) it has been nice to be forced to make time for myself and have time with my thoughts


That's all for now, CU later.

Long Run for the Week

After homecoming was over on Saturday, I was super tired and didn't really think I would do the long run Sunday. I actually came really close to not doing it actually. I did errands all day and slept it and finally about 7pm I went for the run. It was cold, but thankfully the wind had died down a little. I was able to run most of the 12 miles which was surprising. I only walked about quarter mile spread sporadically through out. With having such a long week of activities and work, just running any is a small accomplishment. I'm not as sore as I thought I would be today, but I can still feel the affects of running 12 miles.

I have to head to NWA in the middle of the week, so I will probably one get in the Tuesday and Thursday runs, but we shall see.

First run of the week-5 miles

I didn't have a chance to run on Tuesday (because running at 1am after being at work since 8am and having to be back at work in 6 hours isn't a real option), I was finally able to get a run in for the week. It was suppose to be a 6 mile run, but I only did 5 miles. I know one mile doesn't seem that much further to run, but I through out the day I had walked about 3 miles (yes, I made that many full trips around campus yesterday) and my legs were killing me.

It was so odd and weird, I wasn't out of breath or cardio tired but my body was saying stop (especially my legs). The last mile was a mind battle to keep putting one leg in front of the other. Apparently, your body doesn't like to be standing for two solid days and then go for a run.

I'm hoping I will have some time to get in today's run. Its only 3 miles, so shouldn't be a problem unless I fall asleep on my couch.

Weekend Long Run

After a long day with family, I was finally able to get the 7 mile long run late at night. It was as bad I was thinking it was going to be, but still cold and long. I haven't run that far before in Durant, so it was interesting not knowing where exactly I was and how much further I had to go/had been.

This coming week is our Homecoming Week, so I'm going to try my best to get all the runs in, but not sure it will happen. Keep your fingers crossed.

2/11/2009: 5 Mile Run

I was able to get in the 5 mile run for today. Since it was relatively nice outside when I left work, I ran in the neighborhood before going back to work and then to the basketball games. I was glad to get the run in especially since I missed yesterday's run.

Tuesday was a complete disaster of a day for me, so needless to say I didn't get my 3 mile run in for the day. I'm hoping to get in the 5 mile run today (shortly actually), but we shall see what happens.

10 Mile Run!

After a very long day working all day yesterday, I wasn't sure I was going to get up this morning and actually doing the 10 mile run. Since I did end up getting up at descent time, I decided to just suffer through and get the run over with, what little I could do.

I did finish the run with only having to walk about a block, but the run did suck somewhat. It was extremely windy today (the wind was going about 15-20mph when I was running), and that made it suck. A majority of the time I had a hard time even hearing my music because of the wind, and when I was running up the hills it felt like I was running in place.

With all that said, I did complete it and I was glad to get it done and over with.

Running and motivation go hand-in-hand

I ran across the below article, hope you enjoy!

Running and motivation go hand-in-hand.

Amby Burfoot, executive editor of Runner's World magazine and author of numerous running books such as "The Principles of Running", states that "when it comes to staying motivated, running is a mind game."

Numerous articles, books, and news reports have been written on the externals or physical side of running (i.e. training, injury-prevention, nutrition, running apparel, running accessories, etc.), but far too little space and time has been dedicated to running motivation. I propose that we begin to reverse the trend.

Seek motivation first and the desire to run, and run successfully, will surely follow.

Let's take a look at several tips and techniques for you to obtain, maintain, and increase your motivation to run:

1. Set Goals
2. Utilize a Training Log
3. Implement the Buddy System
4. Surround yourself with Reminders
5. Be Creative with your Workouts
6. Set Completion Goals, Not Time Goals
7. Do more than Run
8. Visit a Running Store
9. Occasionally Enter a Race
10. Reward yourself when you Succeed

Set Goals

A great motivation technique is to set running goals for yourself so that you can monitor your progress on a weekly or monthly basis. As you are able to see your progress, your enthusiasm for running will soar.

Listed below are some specific goal setting tips:

Be specific
In order to stimulate your motivation, you need to be specific with your goal setting. Instead of saying you are going to set a personal best in a 10K road race, set a goal to improve on your personal best by 15 seconds in the next six months.

Set a deadline
Complacency and an attitude of "I'll work on that later" will set in if your deadline for achieving your goal is not defined. Add a sense of urgency to your goal by adding a specific timeframe and watch your motivation skyrocket!

Set realistic but difficult to obtain goals
Your running goals should be achievable and challenging at the same time. An unrealistic goal will kill motivation but a goal that is too easily obtained will lead to boredom.

Write and Review Your Goals
Writing down your goals creates your roadmap to success. Although just the act of writing them down can set the process in motion, it is also extremely important to frequently review your goals. Remember, the more focused you are on your running goals the more likely you are to accomplish them.

Develop a Plan and Work It
Develop a plan of action to achieve your running goals and then Just Do It! By taking the time to decide on the specific steps needed to achieve your goals, you increase your motivation and your chances of success. The final step is to get out there and work your plan.

Need some help setting your goals, staying focused, and working your plan? Check out Brian Tracy's Ultimate Goals Program. It will help you accomplish more of your goals, faster than you ever have before.

Utilize a Training Log

Keep a training log of each run. Record times, distances, time of day, weather, your pulse rate, progress toward goals and any other statistic or aspect of your running you might find valuable. A training log allows you to monitor your progress and learn from your mistakes. Many runners regularly review their training logs to look at the work they've done in the past to provide motivation for the future.

Check out the following for a Training Log I highly endorse: Training Log

Implement the Buddy System

Run with a compatiable training partner or running group. Finding others with which to run makes time fly, provides accountability, builds friendships, and provides mutual motivation on those days when you or your partner(s) just "don't feel like it."

Don't know of anyone to run with? Check out your local running club. A running club is a great to place to find other runners who run your pace. Running clubs include runners at every level and, if they don't, they soon cease to exist.

Surround yourself with Reminders

Sustained motivation is key to achieving your potential. One way to keep your motivation high is to find out what fires you up, and then surround yourself with it. Examples include: posters, quotes, photos, inspiring literature, biographies of successful runners, running books, running magazines, and videos. Place your "mental stimuli" where you can see it every day. Remember, as a man thinks, so he is.

Be Creative with your Workouts

Doing the same workout day after day leads to boredom and burnout. Alter your workout routine by incorporating some or all of the following:

• Leave your watch at home. Run for the enjoyment of it without worrying about time goals.
• Change the time of day you normally run. If you are a morning runner, switch to running in the evening and vice versa.
• Find some new running routes.
• Alter the distance you normally run.
• Challenge yourself by adding some speed or hill repeats to your workout

Being creative with your workout will add new life to your running.

Set Completion Goals, Not Time Goals

At some point, you just won't be able to beat the clock any longer. All runners eventually reach the point where they aren't going to get any faster. To avoid discouragement and possibly even quitting the sport, cultivate new running goals. Decide to complete a specific number of races a year or to complete a longer distance race. Whatever you determine, keep your running fresh, challenging, and new by setting some non-time related goals.

Do more than Run

To add a boost of motivation, incorporate some cross training in your workout routine. There are many other activities, other than running, that can increase your strength, flexibility, and aerobic conditioning. Mix in some cycling, swimming, in-line roller skating, hiking, cross-country skiing, or weight training. In the now famous words of Nike, Just Do It!

Visit a Running Store

Stop by a running store on a regular basis to pick up a race application, running accessory, new running magazine, or the latest running book. Your motivation to run will be lifted when you put yourself in an environment that supports your goals. Running stores thrive based on people like you who love to run. They are thrilled to answer your questions, give suggestions, and discuss your training.

Occasionally Enter a Race

Want to increase your motivation and feel the adrenaline of competition? Enter an occasional fun, local race. The spill-over effect will keep you motivated for weeks afterward and may even spur you on to enter even more races!

Reward yourself when you Succeed

Rewards can be a powerful motivator. When you do succeed, make sure to do something nice for yourself. Many runners who have reached their goal treat themselves to some tangible reward: a new running shirt, a sports watch, a meal at a nice restaurant, or a special trip. The ideas are limited only by your imagination. Bottom line: Be good to yourself.

2-5-09 Evening Run

Since it was still nice outside when I left work, I just ran my 3 miles for the day between work and now back at work. It was your pretty normal run minus the black lap that chased me for a half block (and yes the owners were outside watching it happen and didn't say anything) and the girl that yelled "run forest run" (which makes me want to start tanning to become less white). I did try to pick up the tempo a bit since it was a relevantly short run.

Done for the week until Sunday and a 10 mile run. I'm trying not to think about it right now.

2-4-09 Run

I was planning on going to the fitness center for my Wednesday run, but since it wasn't too miserable last night, I decided to run outside. I completed the 5 miles without any major problems (just slipped once on a hidden piece of ice that still hadn't melted yet.)

AM Running

In order to get today's run over with, I decided to get up early this morning and go to the fitness center and run on the treadmill. I went the 4 miles, but I hated every minute of it. It just reaffirmed how much I loath running on a treadmill. Next time I will have to mix it up between the treadmill and elliptical. I'm just glad I got it done and over with for the day.

FINALLY a Run

I didn't end up running last Thursday because I help setup up for the Cameron Centennial Ball all night.

However, yesterday I did do the 9 mile run first thing in the morning. Well maybe not first thing as far as time, but first thing when I woke up. I was able to make it a little over 8.5 miles before I had to walk a few blocks. Seeing how my longest run so far while training has been5 miles and I basically took a week off, not to bad to run all 9 miles but two blocks. I did run into Jennifer H. while running which as cool (I guess).

Anyway, back to work and this week looks good on the running front.

Cold Weather

So it iced over everything Tuesday and Wednesday, so I didn't get my two runs in for Tuesday and Wednesday. I contemplated about running outside, but thought better of it when I realized I would probably just slip and fall and hurt myself (which we all know would happen). Also, the fitness center was closed on Tuesday and I didn't fell like braving it Wednesday to get there to run.

I'm going to try to go to the fitness center today after work before the basketball games.

1-25-09 Long Run of the Week

This morning after I finally rolled out of bed, I went for the long run of the week. 5 miles in 33 degree weather. The cold wasn't too bad until you turned a corner and had to run into the wind. So overall not to bad, and glad to have gotten it done early in the day.

1-22-09 Run

So the plan was to go to the fitness center before Karaoke Night, work event, and run. However, when I got home from work, it was super nice outside so I just ran the 3 miles on the road.


Apparently Justin Payne saw me running (or someone else did and told him), but I didn't notice him (to involved in listening to Danity Kane at the time).

Thankfully the running is over for the week until Sunday. The long run is suppose to be on Saturday's, but I like to have a long run on Sunday morning. Plus I have to work this Saturday and the next four Saturday's which means, no long run in the am for Zeak.

Deuces until Sunday.

Cold Run

Last night I didn't home until 9ish from Ann Stafford's fashion show with Robin, Kara, and Ann. I almost didn't run because it was so late and cold (44 degrees is not my ideas of fun run weather).

I did go the 4 miles and it actually felt better than the night before run. Tonight is suppose to be a 3 mile run, the plan is to go the fitness center and do it before my event tonight. We shall see what happens.

New Start

So here is the deal, in order to stay accountable for my running I'm going to start blogging. I'm trying to follow the Hal Higdon Novice Marathon Training Guide, http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm , to train for the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (currently on week three).

I hope to blog about my training; however, due to my crazy schedule I'm sure it will be full of missed training, but lets hope not.

Don't be shocked when this is not full sentences and is all about the bullets.

Deuces