Mid July 2024 update

I got injured.  No knee issues in over 40 year of running so I guess I was due.  A combination of a lot of running and dealing with the broken frame of shoving my foot in a lawn mower 50 years ago.  Yes, that is why it is Hang Nine.  Injuries are a part of running but a knee one will irritate me because people will have to say, "see what that running did to his knees?"  I don't think it was the running as much as the mess I created all that time ago, but who is to know?

So, in typical fashion, I fought the injury.  Took some time off.  Then try to run again.  Said fuck it and thought I could just run through it.  And I did for a bit.  But then I got jacked up and had to take more time off.  Gott pissed off and bummed out.  Tried again.  And again.  Got back to 50 miles a week for a couple weeks but my knee was visibly swollen and I couldn't walk down the stairs without looking like I was about to fall.  Gave up on any race objectives for the summer, including Pikes.  Told folks I wouldn't couldn't pace them.  Would feel like I was conquering the world when I ran three miles a day for three days pain free.  And then start the cycle again.  So I quit running.  And started again.  And then quit again.  Realized I missed it but also didn't miss it.  Wash, rinse repeat.  

I also sort of quit my old job.  It was my own business so that was not hard, but unraveling from it some was a thing.  Still is a thing If I need to go back to it.  But I quit it because I got offered a different job.  And I took it.  I didn't think I'd go back to the corporate world but it was an incredible opportunity.  The new gig is kicking my ass but in a good way.  I am learning a ton.  It is like getting thrown into the next level of training group - you have been told you belong but you are fighting a bit to keep up.     

I quit the band I was a part of.  I couldn't regularly commit to practices or gigs because of travel, hanging out in the mountains or living in the desert.   They starting bringing in another guy to guitar.  I just thought it best to let them move on and left on positive terms.  But then another band picked me up as a project.  Play a gig here and now, completely different vibe of music as it is not a cover band.   Bought a Les Paul desert burst from a guy in a parking lot and it is a sweet axe.

I quit on a some relationships that were just not healthy either.  Some of that I let go quietly, but some went with some fireworks.  But I recommitted to a smaller handful that are core and important to me

And I quit the blog for a couple of months I guess.  Partly because I felt there was nothing to report that was positive about running.  Partly because I feel like I said everything I need to say here for a while.  Partly because I recognize that hearing from a middle aged washed up runner who was not much of a story in the first place is a story we already know, so maybe its better to focus on making it my story versus writing about it.  A couple of folks (no, literally, TWO) reached out and asked about the blog.  Most of the posts are to IG at this point - and those are just pix.  But it was nice hear from those couple of folks. 

I see the Mark P this week for the knee.  Will see what comes of it.  

Other than the running part, it has been a good summer.  

Well ... shit.

After 365 episodes, Lucho and Tawnee are calling it.

I listen to a good number of podcasts.  Most of them are business/work related.  A couple of news/financial ones.  Jocko as a general improvement one.  I have tried listening to some training and running podcasts, but this is the only one I have ever really listened to.  I have heard every episode - usually over a run, sometimes over yard work.  It just worked for me.  I didn't agree with every tenant of training they shared, but I mostly did - and I really found their broader philosophy to be on the mark.  I enjoyed listening to their victories, their setbacks, the shift in their viewpoints, and their growth as podcasters and people.  

My knee is screwed enough (left side) that I am deciding to take a few days off.  It is one of those annoying injuries:  I CAN RUN.  But when I do, I am jacked and gimping on it - visibly enough for others to notice.  There is enough swelling on the knee that it is noticeably larger than the other one.  I'll see if I can get ahead of this one before wrecking myself to require a 3 months off.  

Bunch of transitions going on for me now in life as well.  I am shifting up the work situation.  I am going to be dropping from the band that I am in.  And I am backing off the high school coaching.  All of these are the right choice, and ones that I am mostly happy with.  There is a bit of that, "well ... shit" sort of thing with each of them for what I am leaving behind, but it they are each the right one to make in light of life, priorities, and the next chapter.  I am genuinely happy for what I am choosing instead while being a bit misty eyed at what was.  Both things can be true.  Doors close, doors open.  

Jason Isbell & 400 Unit at Misson Ballroom 02MAY2024

 My first time to the Ballroom.  Great show, cool venue.

When We Were Close
Save the World
King of Oklahoma
Strawberry Woman
Last of My Kind
24 Frames
Middle of the Morning
Alabama Pines
Elephant
Super 8
If You Insist
Overseas
If We Were Vampires
Death Wish
Miles
Cover Me Up
Decoration Day

Encore:
Cast Iron Skillet
Just Like Heaven

Week ending 28APR2024

Tough week.  Left leg was jacked, knee feeling like it had been hyperextended or something.  Traveled back to CO on Wednesday, so no running then and missed Thursday.  Just felt sluggish running all week.  Lowest quantity on the week for the year and it felt like it.  

Monday AM - 6.1 miles on the loop in Surprise.
Afternoon - about 97 degrees.  3.1 miles.

Tuesday - last run in Surprise, actually went ok.  8 miles.

Wed - travel to CO.

Thursday - off.

Friday - grudgingly back to it.  10 miles - dragging.

Saturday - 7.1 miles.  Raining hard the whole time.  

Sunday - 8.3 miles.

42.7 on the week.  First time in a bit I was wondering about what I have planned for running this summer and if it is a good idea (or if I am looking at getting dropped while pacing).   Will keep at it nonetheless.  

Week ending 21APR2024

Not a great week.  Monday - Thursday was 4 miles in the morning, 4 miles in the evening.  My right knee was suddenly angry, almost as if I had hyperextended it.  Friday was just 4 in the morning.  All these runs were slow, gimpy affairs, but somewhat small victories in getting the run done.  

Friday night was a Roger Clyne gig at the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix.  First time seeing that guy out of the state of Colorado.

Saturday was 8.8.  Sunday was 10.4.  I am sorta keeping the knee together, but sorta not.  

Will toggle through 900 miles on the year on Monday.

Roger Clyne - PH Naffah - The Rebel Lounge PHX AZ 21APR2024

Mexico
Hello New Day
Down Together
Horses
Wanted
¡Americano!
Marie
Your Name on a Grain of Rice
A Little Hungover You
Lemons
Counterclockwise
Maybe We Should Fall in Love
Tell Yer Momma
Green & Dumb
Banditos
Mekong
Noisy Head
Nada
Leaky Little Boat
Switchblade
Blue Collar Suicide

Wrapping up the week 14APR2024

Really up and down week.  I either felt pretty good or completely meh.  Both physically and mentally.  There is plenty of reason for that, but it was still a ride.

Wednesday - Got warm (90 plus) but I moved the seven mile loop well for it (7:42 ave).   7.1 miles.

Thursday - Mid day, 4.4 miles.  Hot.  
Evening - 93.  4.1 miles.  Slow.

 

Friday - 3 miles.  And it was barely that.  Fried.  

Saturday - got back at it a bit.  8 miles and started to move well at mile 5 (8:15 until then and then the music got good so it was sub 7:30).

Sunday - in Chicago, well, Deerfield actually.  Post flight ... I slogged slowly in the humidity and the nearby preserve.  Nice day but I was feeling pretty meh.  10.1  I was done at 8 but I did the extra 2.1 to just round it to 50 for the week.  

Tuesday 09APR2024 - 100 days into 2024

Today is the 100th day of 2024.

I think I can say I have done some things to progress my fitness in the first 100 days - meaning I am in better shape than I was on January 1.   I could be making that up though and I am just enjoying some quicker running being in the desert, and at a lower elevation.

I am sitting at 799.6 miles on the year as I write this - meaning I have averaged about 8 miles a day.  I have had five days off (2 in the last 10 days actually).  I haven't checked, but I am getting a bit more on the regular with "hard" days versus just churning out miles.  

Monday - 6.3 miles, on a fartlek.  Ending up averaging about 7:20.

Tuesday - 7 miles.  Hot - 85 degrees so nice and easy.  8:20s.  

Need to stick to the leg routine if I am to have a prayer this summer.

Sunday 07APR2024

Dragging a bit today, but managed 10.3 at an okay pace (8:20).  Just felt tired throughout.  Finished the week at 60 plus - a minor accomplishment given I missed a day.  786 on the year.  

I skipped the calisthenic routine - just too tired to do it and feeling a bit gimpy in the upper legs to do it.  There is a bit of me feeling the load of 46 something miles in the last four days - and that is good. 

It was a good week for missing a day.  I managed some miles and some solid efforts in there (mostly with the 3 x 5 earlier in the week). 

Spent most of the rest of the day relaxing and reading, but kept sort of snoozing out.  Got in a couple mile walk at sunset.  

Saturday 06APR2024

Thursday day - mid day - 7 miles.  Started a routine this AM of basic calisthenics, focused on the legs ... as weak as it sounds, it was things like going to my knees, and then getting up like a lunge on each side a dozen times, and some basic dumbbell RDLs.

Later afternoon - 5 miles with strides (20 on, 1:40 jog - so on 2 minutes)

Friday - mid morning - 4.5 miles.  I did the routine again, but I can tell I am already a bit sore from it from yesterday.

Later afternoon - a dragging 7.6 miles.

ATU, the Lucho and Tawnee podcast announced they are shutting it down for a bit.  I have been listening to that for over a decade, and if I recall correctly, I may have even been a cohost for an episode.  I don't think I have ever missed an episode.  It has been a cool ride with the two of them in my ears for a lot of runs.  If you have never heard it, go back and spin a few.

Saturday - 12.1 miles.  I was feeling sort of draggy to start so I decided I nudge the gas a hair for a mile and then relax a mile - just to break it up mentally.  It ended up being a good run, averaging just about 8 minute pace when it was going backwards after the first four.  I did the last mile with strides (20 seconds on, and then 1:40 jogging - so on two minutes).

Catching up 03APR2024

Monday (25MAR) - 6.2 miles along the ditch, solo, slow.

Tuesday - with GW in the AM.  8 miles around kids practice (AM practice this week as they have Spring Break).

Wednesday - 8 miles around practice

Thursday - 8.3 miles, again, practice and with GW.

Friday 8.5 miles.  The drill.

Saturday - no running ... 3 or 4th day I missed this year.  Drove to AZ.  A 14 hour drive.  Possible to run post that, but I was fried and skipped.  

Sunday - stupid stiff from the drive.  Probably more the diet, dehydration than sore.  I did 11 and change to get the 50 mark for the week.  Buzzed a nice Surprise loop and was moving pretty good (right near 8 pace).

Monday - April 1 - felt a lot better that I got the run in yesterday.  A bit pressed for time and so kept it to an hour.  Did 3 x 5' back after 3.5 miles out.  I wasn't super quick (6:30-7:00) but I was getting some effort out of it.  7.1 miles.

Tuesday - 7.2 miles.  A lot warmer than I am used to but I managed fine.  

Wednesday - I got walloped with work.  I was just fried.  I could have made a run, but I punked out.  Day four or five off in the year.  Ended up wallowing a bit, but breathed on it a bit and managed to reboot.

I am recognizing more than ever a general leg strength issue I have.  For example, if I get down on my knees, and then need to come back up (like a lunge) I can feel the level of effort there - it is not a natural motion for me, I like to use my hands to drive the up.  I really need to be working squats, RDLs, lunges, etc.  This is especially true if I am going to be successful with a pacing job for Shad in a few months.  I have ignored the basic weight work and I need to make it a regular part of the routine.  I have said this before but have been poor at executing that.  

Will be in the desert for a bit ... 

Week ending 24MAR2024

It was mostly a week in San Fran, working with a client there.  San Fran running is easy as there is a path adjacent to the Bay that I can easily hit.  But it is still travel, which typically means long days.

Monday - up super early to catch the 6AM flight to SFO.  Jogged with LF in the evening.  He always drags me along a bit quicker than I am used to.  This is good in some ways, but a bit rough in others.  Today it was rough in that my lunch was probably a bit too large for this run.  7.8 miles.

Tuesday - up early to get the run in.  7 miles.  Dragging.

Wednesday - again in the AM, with LF.  8 miles.  

Thursday - another sunrise run with LF.  8.1 miles.

Friday - had a little time before bolting back to CO so I was able to manage in 11.2, out to Seal Point and back.  Nice little run.

Saturday - 8.2 miles on the day, back and forth from the Shootout meet.

Sunday - Did 8 x 75" hills on Eagle Hill (the last being the J pipe to J pipe so a bit longer). 7.2 miles.  

57 something on the week.  Thought about nudging for 60 on Sunday but I tool the limited time to do something with some quality versus chasing the other number.  

Week ending 17MAR2024

Not the greatest of weeks for training but got something in.  Coming off of Ireland, I was spinning a bit with living with a 6 hour time change for three weeks, catching up with a bunch of work, a big Colorado storm, band practices to catch up for a weekend gig, getting back to altitude ... I had all the excuses.  But managed through the week ...

Monday - of course I was up stupid early because of jet lag.  8.7 miles to start the day.   Slow.  Barely managed sub 9.

Tuesday - 6.1 around practice and it was a complete poop storm of a practice for me.  But a handful of miles with some strides in the middle.

Wednesday - 7 miles on the day, a few with the coaches before having to bail for band.  Easy running but getting back into the swing of the schedule in Mountain Time.

Thursday - a typical spring storm blew in.  March means heavy wet snow and usually a lot of it.  We'd finish Friday at close to 2 feet.  I got in a lot of shoveling and clearing of trees.  The stuff by the street is the best.  Greg and I slogged through the huge street puddles for some.   8 miles.

Friday - the snow stopped and it actually got nice out.  All the roads were still a mess but got out with Shad for a bit.  We did 7.  I did take a step where I slid on the snow for a few feet that sorta jacked my left knee for a bit (still so on Sunday when I write this).

Gig at Mother Tuckers on Friday night.  It went great,

Saturday - AM with GW, RP and RT as a part of team practice.  10 miles total.  Tired from last night's gig.

Sunday - JZ was home so we got out for 8, and then we came across Neeraj, so I tacked on another handful with him (13 on the morning).  All easy.   Inaugural trip in the Speedlands that Shad connected me up with.   

60 miles on the week.  Clicked through 600 on Saturday sometime.  

Week ending 10MAR2024

A bit of a blur of a week as it was a vacation in Ireland.  

Monday night - we made it to Dublin on the train and it was just pouring nearly sideways.  I debated going out, but managed to rally and head to Phoenix Park from the Gresham.  The trip out wasn't bad.  Back, I was face into it and so I was fully drenched by the end.  7.1 miles.

Tuesday afternoon - a sunny day (for Ireland standards) and headed to Phoenix Park again.  After a bit of a warm up, I took advantage of the nicer conditions and did minute on minute off reps.  I really didn't tag these.  I just didn't have any pop in my legs, but I ended up moving well on whole on the run.  8.2 miles.

Wednesday afternoon - we headed up to Malahide.  Last time I was here was 8 plus years ago.  I ran the coast trail, and it was good biting wind.  6.4 miles.

Thursday afternoon - 7 miles.  Last run in Ireland after a 3 week tour.  I hit the castle park and did a few loops up tempo.  Legs didn't feel great but I ended up moving ok.   Did a few hill repeats on the hill near the Grand to finish.

Friday was an all day travel day.  I had a twinkle of a thought I'd run when we got home but I was just too beat.

Saturday AM - got in some miles back in CO with GW.  It was good to catch up.  8.9 miles.  Most of the day was then at the Monarch / Centaurus track meet.  

Sunday AM - 12.6, with about 5 with GW.  Legs still beat, dealing with some low hydration from the travel and being the sun yesterday.  Easy paced.  

On whole, not a bad week, especially with it being a travel week.  Missed the second day for the year on Friday because of travel.  Got a couple of up tempo sessions during the week vs. slogging at 8:30 pace.  

Week ending 03MAR2024

A blur of a week in Westport, then Galway for a couple of days.  Lower miles than typical but some quality.  

Monday AM - explored Westport for 4 dark miles.  Felt pretty good even with the long run in the legs.

Evening - 4.2 miles, headed out on the Greenway trail up to Newport but that got dark real quick.  The trails in town are well lit, but that one had no lighting.

Tuesday - similar exploring.  4 miles.

Evening - 4.1 miles, including exploring the Col. Woods area.

Wednesday - got in seven, very slow on a rainy afternoon before getting TZ at the train station.  I was a soaked rat at the end of it.  Headed out to Clew Bay and back on the rail line.

Thursday - got in 6.3 in the afternoon.  Managed to do some of this a bit up tempo.  

Friday - very easy six

Saturday - jumped in the local Parkrun at Willie K's urging.  It was on the rail line.  It was a colder and nearly wet start but the real stuff held off.  I had pretty low expectations - as I have not really done anything in a bit.  The first mile drops 70 feet and so was quicker - 6:30.  I actually didn't start too fast, and synched up off of what Willie was doing (although I think we was just relaxing).  Once we got to the bay (maybe 1.3 out?) we flipped around started the climb back.  Willie gapped me here but only by about 10 yards.  The second mile was a 6:48.  I could definitely feel that lack of this sort of work in the last mile and the gap grew to 20 seconds.  6:58 - breaking 7 was a chore for me on that one.  20:52 for the finish - better than I expected and got me thinking about the work to break 20.

We took to Galway on Saturday, and then did Cliffs of Moher, etc on Sunday.  I managed 5.2 mile in Galway on Sunday, picking it up here and there - feeling pretty good.  And then I tripped on my shoe lace and cut open my left knee.  Just a scrape. 

Went through 500 miles sometime on this week.  

Ton of pix to post, but I will do that in a separate one.  

Week ending 25FEB2024

Finished up in Tullamore on Friday, headed over to Westport via train on Sunday.

Wrapped up mid day at the site on Tullamore and so was able to get out for a nice run.  It was pretty windy.  I did the same loop as yesterday, but in reverse, and hit the head wind going out on the canal.  

8.9 miles.  

As I passed by Lynally this time I got a different approach and perspective.  I decided to explore the local graveyard a bit too.

Saturday was a short 4.2, before taking a couple hour train up to Westport.  It is a pretty fun looking town.  

I met up with one of the folks I have been connected with at the site Sunday morning and he brought me out along the bay, out to the Croagh Patrick lot and back.  It ended up being a wonderful 14 miles.  The longest one I have done in a bit as well, so I could feel that some.  It was good.

The big day at the end of the week bumped up to 60 plus on the week which was a nice number to hit.  Good week with the mileage, some work in there too.