To Blog or Not to Blog

I am truly horrible at this. To the point where I question if I should even bother with a running blog. I log all my workouts in an excel spreadsheet so it's not like I lose my splits for all eternity if I don't update this.

However, twice this week I have come to this blog to look up not just past splits from races and workouts, but read the entries that accompnaies those times and gained a little insight into my own present fitness.

So I need to find 5 mins a day to update this thing because for me, running isn't just about the splits and the times, it's about the passion, the feelings, the confidence and the heartbreak that accompany those times. So...I begin again with a renewed effort.

I haven't the time to recap the last few months, so I'll nutshell if for you. Steady build up of mileage, increasing intensity of workouts, focus on goals, one random knee injury, one random trip to the ER for stomach pains, complete slacking in strength exercises, one okay race, one horrible race, and one great race.

T-minus 25 days until my half marathon.

Scripss Ranch 10K - July 4, 2010
37:44
Splits: 6:06; 6:07; 6:08; 6:08; 6:09; 5:58
avg pace: 6:06

Felt amazing. I was just cruising and felt strong the whole race. No latent stomach issues, no self doubt. Positive thinking for 6.2 glorious miles.

July 7
On Tap: 3 mi w/u; 6x1mile @ 6:10 w/ 1 min recovery; 3 mi c/d
Actual Splits: 6:08, 6:09, 6:10, 6:08, 6:08, 6:03
Felt like I had to work for it once I hit the third mile, but still felt strong. Channeled fatigue into positive thoughts about how in shape each step would get me.

Training Notes:
I heart Jack Daniels. This doesn't make me an alchy, rather a follower of Jack Daniels and his workouts and guide to running. Since I have been doing his workouts there have been several major changes in my running. First, I understand the purpose of each workout. I know why certain workouts have short recovery, why certain workouts are at certain paces, and what I am getting from each repeat, interval or tempo run. I am a smarter runner. Second, I am pushing myself harder. I know what splits I should be hitting based on my present fitness level, so I"m not setting ridic goals and being frustrated or setting too low of goals and feeling unsatisfied. Third, I am gaining confidence. Each workout is a challenge, but I'm hitting the splits I should be hitting and I finish exhausted but proud of myself. I'm not used to that. Feeling proud of myself after a workout. And finally, most importantly, I really like working out. Whether it be on the track or on the roads, I ENJOY my workouts. I'd just as much prefer to do mile repeats as go for a run on the roads or trails. I've NEVER enjoyed workouts. I've done them, I've felt good after, but I've never enjoyed the challenge of completing a workout and being as strong as I can be. And this is why I heart Jack Daniels. My passion for this sport has been expanded. It hardly seems possible, but ever since I picked up competitive running again, I keep finding new ways to fall in love with it all over again. Whether it be the challenege of a new event (hello, Half marathon, you beautiful thing you), the bonds created with fellow runners and teammates, or experiencing a whole new world of training (Julie loves High Mileage?). I am a whole new runner from the one I was 5 years ago. I can barely even identify with her as a runner anymore. And that's fine, because I love the runner that I am now.