Monthly Archives: November 2010

Indoor, ugh

Start time: 11/30/10, 6:00pm
Location: TJ Community Center
Distance: 3 miles
Average pace: 8:32min/mile
Total Miles For November: 23 miles
Total Miles For 2010: 585 miles

Aaaaand, I guess that wraps up a lackluster November. Wasn’t feeling good on Wednesday after the previous day’s run, and while out of town we were never able (due to other commitments) to squeeze in a run. Finally got in a few miles on the indoor track after work today, but mentally I was never able to get into the game and I called it a wrap after going around that stupid thing 24 times. You’ve got to be in the right frame of mind for the indoor track at TJ, and I just wasn’t there.

(8:32, 8:40, 8:25)

…and the trail won

Start time: 11/23/10, 8:00m
Location: North Arlington, Custis Trail
Distance: 6 miles
Average pace: 9:04min/mile
Total Miles For November: 20 miles
Total Miles For 2010: 582 miles

After a week of no running due to soreness, weather, and other engagements, it was good to finally get back out there this morning. Especially since I have a feeling with travel that getting a run in over the Thanksgiving weekend might be difficult at best.

Went for a different loop this morning; ran up to Highland, then down it to the Custis Trail for a couple of miles before heading home via Ballston and Pershing. The lack of running over the last week, even with some cycling and spinning and rowing, definitely did a number on me. Oof. Pooped out during the third mile while on the Custis, but rallied a little later for the second half.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4170666

(8:26, 9:09, 9:44, 8:48, 9:10, 9:06)

Veteran’s Day 10K

Start time: 11/14/10, 8:00m
Location: West Potomac Park
Distance: 6.2 miles
Finish Time: 54:02
Average pace: 8:43min/mile
Total Miles For November: 14 miles
Total Miles For 2010: 576 miles

Today was my first 10K in two and a half years… no, really. It’s honestly been that long. I know, a little out of control. I knew going into this that I almost certainly wouldn’t get a PR, which is a shame because I know I’m capable of a faster PR than the one I have, a 52:30. But that said, I knew I wasn’t going to get it; a few extra pounds and some general slacking on my running would do that. I figured if I was within two minutes it wouldn’t be too bad, and I ended up 1:32 off (with a 54:02), so that’s not that bad. But now I have a new line in the sand to try and kill.

Anyway, it was a nice day regardless. This was the first race I’ve tackled with people from my 2009/2010 running group, so that was a nice experience. Six of us started out together, but John and I pulled ahead during the first mile. John then left me in the dust around the end of mile 2, and as he came in a whopping 4 minutes ahead of me I think it is safe to say that he definitely poured on the gas. Something I need to work on, myself.

Considering this is such a flat course, there are no real excuses for not doing well save for the need to work harder at this end, and that’s something I find achievable. I’m not disappointed at all with my finishing time today, but I would like to get to a faster point in the future. I think that’s possible.

(9:03, 8:24, 8:40, 8:37, 8:34, 8:44, 1:57)

Placing: 97/172 (56th percentile)

Back to the Custis

Start time: 11/9/10, 6:20pm
Location: Custis Trail
Distance: 5 miles
Average pace: 9:01min/mile
Total Miles For November: 8 miles
Total Miles For 2010: 570 miles

That’s right! It’s the dreaded Custis Trail!

I was going to try and run before work but I woke up feeling groggy and disoriented—the worst possible way to feel when hoping to run. So I postponed until after work, but now that it’s darker out I needed to find a fully-lit trail, and that meant… yep, Custis, aka the Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Heavy Breathing.

Those hills always kick my ass (and I know I average about 30 seconds per mile slower on the Custis in general) but I must say that despite feeling beaten down in spots, I left it feeling exhilarated and happy that I ran it. I might have to try and do this again soon. Time to add those hills back in, right?

(8:57, 9:06, 8:49, 9:12, 8:57)

Another week of le slack

Start time: 11/6/10, 1:00pm
Location: North Arlington
Distance: 3 miles
Average pace: 9:12min/mile
Total Miles For November: 3 miles
Total Miles For 2010: 565 miles

Made it to the gym several times this week, just no running seems to have taken place. Again. Head is not in the game.

It was Charlie’s birthday on Friday, and as part of his birthday present I didn’t wake him up for me heading out early Saturday morning with my group. He’s been getting over a running injury and just back up and about now, so he asked if I could just run a 3-miler with him. It was nice to do so; I won’t comment on the fact that the only time I can truly keep up with him is when he’s sick or injured… 🙂 I’ll take it where I can!

(9:17, 9:14, 9:04)