March 2021 Update

 

Selfie post run out near West Wendover NV

Year to Date Miles: 368.25 (as of 3/12/2021)

Introduction

Well, another 8 weeks of training down.  The weather here in northern Utah continues to be really nice.  There have been very few days where it was bad but this year has been the mildest I've experienced yet.  Also couple it with the fact that less people are driving and the air quality hasn't been that awful either.  

In fact, the last few months has seen me running pretty much every day.

Desert run out near West Wendover, NV

Training Updates

So with the lull in races and generally not willing to travel these days I've been able to focus on training.  My weekly routine more or less looks like a semi-long run (8 - 12 miles) or virtual race.  I can't say how much I really appreciate the free virtual races that the Humana Rock 'n' Roll Series is putting on.  I've also been doing at least one speed workout: either a tempo run, hill repeats or some sort of interval / repeats session.  I also try to conclude some of my runs with strides, which seem to help.  I run at about 95% effort for 30 seconds, recover for 30 seconds and repeat.  Over time, this time sandwich has gotten easier for me

I do have to be careful with the virtual races on account that I can get myself into a training hole pretty quick by over racing.  They are free so there isn't any harm in entering them, but at the same time, if I go 100% in on them, I don't recover enough for in-person or harder workouts later in the week.

I have fought off a few niggling injuries and am still dealing with a sore upper hamstring issue -- since October.  I think it is caused by too much sitting and then going out and running.

This past week saw me take a bit of a breather.  Last weekend's half marathon took a bit out of me and I haven't quite been able to feel springy just yet.  

Inspiration

I've gotten addicted to watching YouTube videos on running.  I am not new to running by any means.  I've been at it for over 20 years.  But getting advice and most importantly inspiration from YouTube runners has enabled me to take some best practices and incorporate them into my running.  Some of my favorite are:

1. Ben Parkes -- 2:25 marathoner
2. Sarah Place -- Ben's partner and another solid runner with cool videos.
3. This Messy Happy -- Another British runner who coaches his wife and himself to some incredible times.
4. The Running Channel -- All around solid advice and fun videos all about running.

Diet

The weight loss continues to remain off.  I am down about 19 pounds from last year.  I wasn't terribly heavy to begin with, but I was heavy for a runner.  By dropping the weight, I've seen my times come crashing down.

Part of my downfall pretty pandemic was eating out too much: buffets, restaurant food, etc.  Plus the free candy they had at work didn't help.  I thought I could out run over eating but over the years I'd gain a pound or two.  And I wasn't making any progress with my running.

Since I started working from home, I've flipped the script.  I eat a very conservative breakfast, eat dried fruits and nuts and maybe 1 cookie for a snack.  I have a normal, homemade lunch followed by a 30 minute walk.  I'll have a light snack midway through the afternoon and top it off with a dinner that is loaded with vegetables.  I am now addicted to salad.  

I do have some 100 calorie desserts but overall my sugar intake is way down.

This is definitely resulting a calorie loss and it is showing up in my running.  I used to avoid hard workouts and wasn't seen any progress.  Now, the workouts seem to be getting easier and I look forward to challenging efforts.

Upcoming Races

03/20: 2021 Lucky 13 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

03/27: 2021 Riverton Half Marathon - Riverton, UT (Confirmed)

04/03: 2021 RUN SLC 15K - Salt Lake City, UT (Doubtful)

04/10: 2021 Eggs Legs Race 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)
04/XX: 2021 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed) - Virtual

04/24: 2021 Recycle Run 5K - Bountiful, UT (Maybe)

05/08: 2021 May the Fourth 10K - Farmington, UT (Confirmed)
05/15: 2021 Ogden Half Marathon - Ogden, UT (Confirmed) -- Virtual

12/04: 2021 Laughlin Half Marathon - Laughlin, NV (Confirmed)

02/27: 2022 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas (Confirmed)