More push ups, felt great during run

Today, I started the day with 100 push ups. That makes me feel good, because I haven’t been able to do 100 in a while. Not because I couldn’t do them, but because I like to go as far as I can without straining. Today, I got to 100 like that. Feels good.

I hit the “Lake track” (what I call the sidewalk circle around the pond in front of our house) with a decent pace, but nothing too fast. I concentrated on being comfortable on the edge of working hard. It paid off. While my overall pace was an 8:56/mile average, I felt great, had no pain or discomfort in my legs, and my breathing was easy. It was actually a really nice run. I wore new shorts and a new hat for today’s run, and I like this new hat a lot more than my old one which was too big. Also, it was cooler out today; about 10 degrees cooler than the last 5 runs or so. I know this weather won’t last, so I enjoyed it while I could.

Faster run, more push ups

This run started with more push ups than my last run with 90, but still not back to 100 yet. I don’t know why; I think it’s because I haven’t been getting enough sleep lately coupled with a lack of carbs. Either way, it’s something I’m working on. I like being in 100+ push up territory more than I like being in the 80-95 range.

The run itself was pretty darned good. I set out to do a little bit faster pace than my last run and also a little bit more than 3 miles, and I succeeded in both. The best part: my second to last quarter mile was the closest I’ve been in a runner’s high in a long time. I felt myself gliding alone, cognizant of foot strikes, but not really feeling them. I felt great! I was floating along for an entire quarter mile, and it was glorious. The last quarter mile wasn’t nearly as effortless, but still pretty decent. At the end, I felt great, and I felt as if I’d accomplished something.

My next run will be Tuesday to give my legs and arms a chance to heal and prepare.

Good run, longer distance

This run started off with 80 push ups. I was very tired, having only 5 hours of sleep for the previous two nights, but I was determined to get out and complete a run. On top of that, I decided to go for a little longer distance than I’ve been doing in the past few weeks. Crazy, right?

Since I was setting out in some serious heat, I decided to wear a personal hydration system (like a Camelback) for the first time. I was pleased that there was no chafing or rubbing. Even though I never drink water before or during a run, since it was so hot, I decided I’d rather be safe than sorry on this run in the event I started feeling heat exhaustion coming on.

My pace was slower than usual, but it felt good. Really good. My pace was very consistent throughout the run, as well, which is something else I’ve been working on. Overall, I’m very pleased with this run and I look forward to running again soon.

Difficult run today

Today’s run was a bear. I started with only 80 push ups. I immediately felt tired and a bit worn out. I then hit the pavement with the air temperature at 87 degrees and sunny. The sun beating down on me coupled with two days off from running made it pretty difficult. I was somewhat okay for the first two miles, but I really wanted to quit before the third was done. I’m happy to say I stuck it out and hit three miles, but it was hard going. Pace was acceptable: under 9 min/mile which is a goal for me, so I’ll take it.

I’m hoping my next run is better. Also, I’m not putting, “Post-Run Report” in the titles anymore. I think it’s already known by the category and the photos.

Post-Run Report: July 1, 2017

Started the morning with 85 push ups and set off for a comfortable, easy-paced run. It was beautiful out, a nice and relatively cool 79 degrees with a slight breeze. The route I took today had a lot of trees and was very pleasant. I didn’t set out to run fast today; just a comfortable and slow pace. I still got a sub-10 Minute average, so that’s good at least. My next run will likely be a morning run as well. I think I’m done with afternoon runs for the time being. It’s just too damned hot here in Texas in the summer to run comfortably or safely. 

Post-Run Report: June 28, 2017

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I thought today’s run wouldn’t be as hot as it was, but the sun decided to peek out behind the clouds after my run began, and it took a toll on my pace. Oh well.

I started the run with 100 easy push ups. I think it’s good that I don’t push it when I’m not feeling it, because I can always hit another goal the next time I do my push ups without pain, soreness, or difficulty. I am happy with my progress to 100 push ups, and while my max so far is 110, I’m sure I’ll be hitting that again soon.

As for the run, it started out pretty great. For the first mile, I felt amazing. During the second mile, the sun came out, and it took its toll on me. I started heating up, and my pace declined. The third mile was pretty hard as it felt hotter, and my legs definitely felt the heat. All in all, the average pace was decent and sub-9 which is always a goal for me.

Now, it’s a day off from running and then back to it on Friday!

Post-Run Report: June 26, 2017

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Please excuse the scruffy face. I decided to take three days off from shaving.

Today’s run was actually pretty darned nice. I think I got the right amount of rest for the past two days, because the pace was decent, and I felt good. I pushed myself, but not too hard, and the results were acceptable.

I started with 80 push ups; for some reason, when I got to 80, I quickly realized that doing any more would probably cause sore arms tomorrow, so I stopped. I then quickly hit the pavement and was happy with how I felt, not only with my breathing and my pace, but with my body keeping up with the right amount of sweating to help me feel cool despite it being 92 degrees out. I feel like my body is finely tuned to handle the heat of the afternoons now which allows me to run after work. This is good, because it takes me a good 30 minutes to cool down, and I prefer taking my time to cool down after a run versus being in a rush, showering, and still sweating in my work clothes as I eat breakfast and drive in to work.

Today’s run was much easier than Friday’s. I may go for a little more distance on Wednesday or a little faster pace. Not sure yet; it’ll depend on how I feel Wednesday, and if I can get a little extra sleep on Tuesday night.

Post-Run Report: June 23, 2017

Today’s run was a bit more difficult than I thought it would be. I started out well enough with 90 push ups and a decent pace for the first mile, but then the heat caught up with me and I ended up slowing down and running out of energy. I think I may have had a bit of heat exhaustion, so instead of running through all the cul-de-sacs on my way back to my house, I ran directly and straight home. It took me a long time to recover; longer than usual.

I’m taking my usual two days off from running and will hit the road again on Monday. I’m hoping the rest helps, because I want to try for increasing my mileage a bit this next week by perhaps up to half a mile each day. We’ll see how it goes. Then, maybe after a few weeks, I’ll go to 4 runs a week. Again, time will tell, but it’s my plan.

Post-Run Report: June 21, 2017

Today’s run was actually really quite good. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to run due to Tropical Storm Cindy, but she actually made the weather nice for me since it was a mere 87 degrees outside when I ran and very windy. The wind kept me cool, and pushed me on half of my laps which felt good.

I started with 100 push ups, and while I pushed just a little to get there, I’m glad I did. It’s a mental limit for me that I want to make a new minimum for push ups, so I’m glad I hit it again today. I then set out for my run, and the first mile pace was pretty decent without being too out of breath. As each mile progressed, I was slower, but the final pace was sub-9 which is what I aim for. I figure sometime around September I’ll start pushing harder to prepare for my next PFT, but for now, I’m okay with trending faster in a more natural manner.

One thing of note is that for the last mile, my legs were burning, but for some reason, I didn’t get the dreadful feeling I usually experience when my legs burn. This time, I totally accepted it, and I actually was completely okay with it which made the run more pleasant. I don’t know if this is a new thing that will happen on every run or if it was unique to this run and wil possibly be a rare experience; only time will tell. Either way, it was a very pleasant run today, and I’m glad I was able to get out there and get it done.

Post-Run Report: June 19, 2017

It wasn’t my fastest run by far, but neither was it my slowest. Considering it was nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside today, I am happy with this pace. I also ran a new course for the first time, and it was really nice seeing new sights. I enjoyed today’s run quite a bit!

I started with 80 push ups: I don’t know if it was the heat, my being tired, or stress that made 80 my max today. Either way, still a respectable number. I hit the ground with every intention of running my normal “Track,” which is around the lake in front of our house, but for some reason, when I approached the turn off, I decided to go straight. At the end of the road where I usually turn around, I decided to keep going straight some more. And before I knew it, I was running in an area I’ve never run before; next to the golf course which is adjacent to our subdivision. It turned out to be pretty nice, and I am pretty sure I’ll do that run again.

As for today’s run, the knee pain I was worried about didn’t show up at all. I did have a strange pain in my right calf, but it only showed up after about half a mile of running and was gone by the end of the first mile. I kind of laugh at these little phantom pains. I think of them as little signals my muscles are using to try to trick me into stopping. I never give in, though. I know the difference between good pain and bad pain.

After the run, I jumped into the pool for about 20 minutes. It felt amazing! I think if I keep running in the heat of the afternoons, I’ll be adding a post-run dip to cool me down. It felt so nice. Besides, I prefer afternoon to waking up in the early mornings to run. I don’t know why; I just like afternoon runs better.