D228 - Consolidate

I really need to consolidate my running 'supplies' for this training program as it's getting to be a bulky mess out on the road. As it stands, I have my mobile for speed/distance/timing of my runs, my ipod for music to run to, and headphones (obviously). Also I carry my ID in case I get stopped for running in the middle of the night as if that hasn't happened already. A house key and a flashlight are the last two items. I used to not carry the ipod but my mobile likes to recycle while playing music because it's awesome.

Tonight, I ran my fastest time yet, but can only prove it by what my phone recorded, which was only 2.3 miles at 19:34 minutes. The last mile recorded was a 9:31 and I pushed pretty hard through mile 3. At about 3.2 miles I took my phone out to see my time, it was powered off. Awesome. My ipod was at 28 minutes and some change. This isn't the first time I've lost my time and sadly it will not be the last. At least until I upgrade to a new device. But until then, if you see a guy running down your street at 2am with bulky pockets don't call the police, it's just me. Besides after 3 miles I'm mostly harmless!
Ja mata, Brian

D193 - Signs

It's funny how I see 'running' is everywhere, and it's only a banana shot tonight because the sticker. Back to running, today was a break day, I will be back at it tomorrow seeing if I can knock out 3 miles under 11 minutes for each mile. The latest tip I learned to help get the most out of my run is leaning forward at the ankles, this helps get your feet under you to avoid heel strikes. Make sure you are not leaning at the waist that makes for a sore back, as I found out the first week. The best way to get your form down is to run up hills, you tend to run properly up a hill. Just have to remember the feelings and positions then try to run on flat ground.

Get your run on!
Enjoy

Ja mata, Brian

D192 - 10:12

After about a week and a half of toying with my pace in running, it was time to see how much I needed to push to get a 10 minute mile. Today I ran 1 mile in 10 minutes 12 seconds, this actually hurt a little to run, and I was sweating up a storm [which I generally don't do].  Now that I know what that pace feels like, I can back off to 11:20 minute miles and slowly work my way back down to the low 10 minute miles. Should be a fun week of trying to get to 10 again.

Enjoy.

Ja mata. Brian

D191 - Cookie Table

Apparently I needed to recharge the previous night or run my post before the wedding and nightly run. Why? Because I crashed like a blindfolded driver going down snake mountain with no breaks. Side note: You have to hear my story about when my breaks went out going down a hill to a one way street. Anyway, it was a good crash though, and I was able to pace myself on the 3 mile run at 11 minute miles. Also, I learned another important lesson on the run, only wear what you intend to run with. I had an undershirt on, thinking I might get a little chilli, well that was the exact opposite of what happened. Now trying to take an undershirt off without taking off your upper-shirt (really Brian, upper-shirt?) while running since you are timing yourself is not a easy or graceful task. I am sure I looked like a fool trying. The things you do to keep your pace. From Saturdays wedding, Buckeyes from the cookie table, and they were delicious!! Love it when the parents of the couple insist I take something from the cookie table, it's so hard to say no.

Enjoy.

Ja mata, Brian

D187 - Running Partner

Today Sara and I took out first run together. Since this past weekend she has talked about being my running partner. This morning she put on my reflective ankle straps and kept them on all day at school. She looked so proud telling her friends the straps glowed in the dark. So this afternoon Sara and I ran about a quarter mile and she did awesome. She keep running the whole time, didn't complain, and even beat me in the end, though I am still confused about it being a race. This will be fun having her as my running partner, especially since her running for is better than mine. That keeps me on my toes, literally. On to another day and another run.

Enjoy.

ja mata. Brian & Sara ("the fastest runner in the world!")

D185 - Minimalist

Since I have been running lately, it seemed like a good idea to get some proper running shoes. Today, at the Cleveland Running Company in Shaker Heights, I picked up a pair of minimalist running shoes. If you have not been to this store and you run, this is a must stop for you whether you are a newbie or a seasoned runner. They take the time to answer all your questions, they are a great resource for upcoming 5Ks, tip how run with correct form, and what shoes are best for the runner. For the longest I thought the minimalist shoes were the ones where the toes are separated out and you didn't wear socks, I'm so glad I was wrong about that. Minimalist shoes are ones that allow your feet to work as if you were barefoot while wearing them. I will go into more details on tomorrows post.

Enjoy & Checkout Cleveland Running Company

Ja mata,
Brian

D147 - Addicted

New water bottles, changed the eating habits, running gear, buying magazines, looking at a new pair pf kicks (sneakers), listing out all the 5Ks in the area, connecting with a running group, and looking for tips to improve my time.All of this after one run, can you imagine how I will be after the next 3 runs? Look out world here comes Runner B.

Enjoy,

Ja mata, Brian

D141 - Run Completed

The 5k has been completed, and looks like the universal racing sign of a completed run is a bib with some safety pins in it. The race went well with over 900 people who participated. Once cool thing about the race was finally being able to run and have people holding water cups for you to grab as you passed. I have always wanted to do that now realized it's not as graceful as it seems on TV. In the end, I crossed the finish line at 33:40. There are 4 more 5Ks, so I would like to eventually get that number down to 25:30ish, but all in due time. For the rest of the night I will just relax for now and plan out my training.

Enjoy

Ja mata, Brian

D140 - 5k

In a few short hours I will get my run in. I hope the number does not reflect the minutes it will take to finish the race. Onward

Ja mata. Brian

D138 - Run!

Coming to a street near you, some guy running for no apparent reason, with no actual destination planned out. No, this isn't Forrest Gump, he had Red Nikes and I'm rocking Asics. Also I am not running across the country...yet, still have a month to go before that happens. This is just steps in another journey.

Laced up and ready to move towards my runners high.

Enjoy.

Ja mata, Brian **The origin of the motivation is not as important as what you do with it. **