Saturday came, and after a few rest days, I was ready to go again. It was time for another LA Running Club session. This time, thankfully, it was cloudy in Santa Monica.
I set out south as usual and felt decent. Shortly into the run after the Santa Monica Pier descent, I encountered a fellow alumnus of LA Roadrunners Run 7; so, we ran together for a few miles which was nice. I always seem to run better when I have a partner or group. We ke[t going and talking a bit beyond the Roadrunners' base at Windward in Venice.
He turned around and headed back; I continued onwards. For whatever reason the weirdness of Venice seemed even more weird than normal.
I continued along Speedway, past the seaside condos and homeless seeking to salvage cans and bottles. I reached the first little jetty and saw airliners taking off from LAX. Water time.
It was on to the tree-lined streets of Marina del Rey past the condos. I still felt decent, which was a relief after Wednesday. I made the turn at the edge of the little bay and began the weaving through the complexes and by the marina loaded with boats and yachts.
I soon reached Mother's Beach and kept going ... now my longest run since the marathon. I went down the little passage that had become so familiar from Roadrunners and went by the Ritz-Carlton. Then I glimpsed the target ... the library. I made the turn to the street and ran by a Sheriff Deputy stopped in the middle of the road. I kept going and made the library. Not bad.
It felt odd as there were no other LARCs/Roadrunners with me. I was alone. There were some other joggers; but, I knew no one. I was not blazing fast; but, I was still running. I think the others had been assigned shorter distances due to different races on their schedule.
I took some more water and headed back north. I was so glad the sun was still hidden behind clouds.
The run back was not too bad. I was hoping for more energy and speed; but, at least I was functioning.
I trotted back and faced growing numbers of tourists once I hit Venice. I also saw a lot of LA Leggers.
As I was crossing the California Incline, I saw the KSwiss truck heading south. Alas. They had been displaying their new merchandise for the LARC. I had been on the long run; so, I had not returned in time. Note to self ... run faster next time.
I was doing alright considering the distance and running alone; but, I wish it had been faster. Close; but, not there yet.
I finally made it back and got the leftover Gatorade and pretzels. Assignment completed.
3:16.14 of running
16.15 miles
12:14 pace
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Woeful Wednesday
Wednesday came and armed with my revived Garmin I set out again for a scheduled 70 minute trot in Santa Monica.
Monday had seemed such a good run; but, Wednesday quickly felt awkward. I ran around the Pico Neighborhood, Clover Park and Santa Monica Airport.
I just felt drained energy-wise and the run reflected it as I really struggled on what should have been a challenging but doable trot. I just could not achieve a good, comfortable pace the entire time.
I made it back and stretched before sitting and just thinking about what had happened and the frustration and inconsistency.
1:13.42 of running
5.58 miles
13:13 pace
Monday had seemed such a good run; but, Wednesday quickly felt awkward. I ran around the Pico Neighborhood, Clover Park and Santa Monica Airport.
I just felt drained energy-wise and the run reflected it as I really struggled on what should have been a challenging but doable trot. I just could not achieve a good, comfortable pace the entire time.
I made it back and stretched before sitting and just thinking about what had happened and the frustration and inconsistency.
1:13.42 of running
5.58 miles
13:13 pace
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The Jury Is Out
Monday was my final day of jury duty in Inglewood, thankfully. Getting out at 4:30 p.m. meant I could for once make it to the LA Running Club Monday night run at KSwiss store in Santa Monica.
It was still quite sunny and also and more importantly quite hot. I also felt a little tired from the day; but, off I went. I kind of settled in an in-between spot between the fast runners and the not as fast runners and the walkers. In essence, I was alone. The goal was to get to the Totem Pole and back.
It felt a bit sluggish going up and I resorted to the water bottle a few times. Still, it was nice to be running. I reached the Totem Pole, stopped for water, and then began the descent back to KSwiss.
Somehow, I suddenly felt quite peaceful and gained energy. May be it was the beautiful sight of the setting sun with the Santa Monica Pier, the bay, the palm trees ... I felt really good while running, a very wonderful feeling after all the struggles. It might have been hot physically; but, mentally, it was quite refreshing.
I reached the pier and saw one of my former Confirmation class students at her job; so, that was a bonus.
I continued onwards and downwards reaching Main and then the KSwiss store. Then it was back to the Gatorade and pretzels.
Still, I felt good ... that was a plus.
59:38.03 of running
5.32 miles
11:02 pace
It was still quite sunny and also and more importantly quite hot. I also felt a little tired from the day; but, off I went. I kind of settled in an in-between spot between the fast runners and the not as fast runners and the walkers. In essence, I was alone. The goal was to get to the Totem Pole and back.
It felt a bit sluggish going up and I resorted to the water bottle a few times. Still, it was nice to be running. I reached the Totem Pole, stopped for water, and then began the descent back to KSwiss.
Somehow, I suddenly felt quite peaceful and gained energy. May be it was the beautiful sight of the setting sun with the Santa Monica Pier, the bay, the palm trees ... I felt really good while running, a very wonderful feeling after all the struggles. It might have been hot physically; but, mentally, it was quite refreshing.
I reached the pier and saw one of my former Confirmation class students at her job; so, that was a bonus.
I continued onwards and downwards reaching Main and then the KSwiss store. Then it was back to the Gatorade and pretzels.
Still, I felt good ... that was a plus.
59:38.03 of running
5.32 miles
11:02 pace
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Running Blind
Saturday came and it was time for another run with the LA Running Club.
I arrived early and it was already bright, sunny, and most importantly warm. In fact, it was as warm as it has been all summer. So, it was pointing to a challenging run. The view of the waves and the Pacific Ocean did help though; it certainly is an advantage running in Santa Monica.
As we prepared and stretched, I activated my Garmin ... or tried to. No response.
No response!
This is not good.
I asked my senior pace leader from LA Roadrunners and he suggested squeezing three buttons simultaneously. I tried and tried and tried without luck. At this point I was told to call Garmin.
That was definitely not good.
Facing a long run and no Garmin electronic conscience, I was a bit discouraged. Still, I started and headed south for the Santa Monica Pier. My load was a bit heavier since I had two bottles of water.
I just ran by feel since I had no Garmin and no real pace group. In some ways it was nice as I did not feel pressure to make a clock time.
I made the pier and the turn and headed further south, stopping for water at the hotels. I continued running into the wilds of Venice and then into Marina del Rey and down to the nice condos along the shore. It is a nice area with shade trees helping the feel.
Then I saw the marina and the yachts all filling the view. Eventually, after the winding paths and turns, I reached Mother's Beach, took in some water, and turned around to head back to Santa Monica.
I felt pretty good which surprised me and judging by my wristwatch my time was actually decent.
I headed along the route back and noted things I had always just passed like plants and some natural features of the waterways. I saw a squirrel do an amazing leap into a tree. It was kind of nice not being tethered to a clock; but, it was also a bit unnerving. It felt so old-fashioned. I was trying to calculate distances and speed mentally using landmarks and my wristwatch.
I felt good still, though warm, and began the ascent up the pier and Ocean Avenue. I reached the start and felt relieved to finish feeling pretty good despite no Garmin and despite the heat.
14+ miles of running
I arrived early and it was already bright, sunny, and most importantly warm. In fact, it was as warm as it has been all summer. So, it was pointing to a challenging run. The view of the waves and the Pacific Ocean did help though; it certainly is an advantage running in Santa Monica.
As we prepared and stretched, I activated my Garmin ... or tried to. No response.
No response!
This is not good.
I asked my senior pace leader from LA Roadrunners and he suggested squeezing three buttons simultaneously. I tried and tried and tried without luck. At this point I was told to call Garmin.
That was definitely not good.
Facing a long run and no Garmin electronic conscience, I was a bit discouraged. Still, I started and headed south for the Santa Monica Pier. My load was a bit heavier since I had two bottles of water.
I just ran by feel since I had no Garmin and no real pace group. In some ways it was nice as I did not feel pressure to make a clock time.
I made the pier and the turn and headed further south, stopping for water at the hotels. I continued running into the wilds of Venice and then into Marina del Rey and down to the nice condos along the shore. It is a nice area with shade trees helping the feel.
Then I saw the marina and the yachts all filling the view. Eventually, after the winding paths and turns, I reached Mother's Beach, took in some water, and turned around to head back to Santa Monica.
I felt pretty good which surprised me and judging by my wristwatch my time was actually decent.
I headed along the route back and noted things I had always just passed like plants and some natural features of the waterways. I saw a squirrel do an amazing leap into a tree. It was kind of nice not being tethered to a clock; but, it was also a bit unnerving. It felt so old-fashioned. I was trying to calculate distances and speed mentally using landmarks and my wristwatch.
I felt good still, though warm, and began the ascent up the pier and Ocean Avenue. I reached the start and felt relieved to finish feeling pretty good despite no Garmin and despite the heat.
14+ miles of running
Thursday Turmoil
After Wednesday's morning run, it was time for another run. I decided to go out Thursday evening.
I set out and realized fairly soon that it was not as fluid a run as Wednesday. I was running the shorter route in Santa Monica and felt glad I did.
The run itself was a disappointing follow-up to Wednesday; but, I finished.
37:31 of running
2.95 miles
12:43 pace
I set out and realized fairly soon that it was not as fluid a run as Wednesday. I was running the shorter route in Santa Monica and felt glad I did.
The run itself was a disappointing follow-up to Wednesday; but, I finished.
37:31 of running
2.95 miles
12:43 pace
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Heating Up
Due to scheduling this week, I was able to take a rare midweek run in the daylight. In fact there was lots of daylight in the morning.
It was a long run for a midweek trot, 60 minutes. It was also a clear morning and quite warm!
It did seem a bit odd running around the neighborhood in the sunshine; but, it was also nice seeing things in a different light (bad pun) as a runner.
I felt pretty good setting out and hit a few side streets before going east on Pico Boulevard to incorporate some hills into the trip.
I then turned for the Santa Monica Airport and Clover Park for a few laps and some water!
I was feeling relatively good and much better than last week, even with the longer run.
I made it back home and was quite happy to take my now soaking wet shirt off and take in some water and Powerade.
1:02.30 of running
5.31 miles
11:47 pace
It was a long run for a midweek trot, 60 minutes. It was also a clear morning and quite warm!
It did seem a bit odd running around the neighborhood in the sunshine; but, it was also nice seeing things in a different light (bad pun) as a runner.
I felt pretty good setting out and hit a few side streets before going east on Pico Boulevard to incorporate some hills into the trip.
I then turned for the Santa Monica Airport and Clover Park for a few laps and some water!
I was feeling relatively good and much better than last week, even with the longer run.
I made it back home and was quite happy to take my now soaking wet shirt off and take in some water and Powerade.
1:02.30 of running
5.31 miles
11:47 pace
Tuesday Trot
Tuesday was a short run again; I set out for a brief trot around Santa Monica, Santa Monica Airport, and Clover Park.
I ran in the evening due to scheduling issues.
I felt better than I had for a while and relatively comfortable.
Afterwards, though, the knee was rather sore.
35:30 of running
3.05 miles
11:38 pace
I ran in the evening due to scheduling issues.
I felt better than I had for a while and relatively comfortable.
Afterwards, though, the knee was rather sore.
35:30 of running
3.05 miles
11:38 pace
Monday, August 16, 2010
Opening the Week
Monday came and it was up dark and quite early for a trot as par of the LA Running Club schedule.
I did get a nice , clear sky with some stars visible, which was a nice change. I decided to change the route and did a quick leg to Cloverfield before heading east and east and east down Pico Boulevard, which brought some hillwork as a bonus. At the start I was having another round of coughing.
I decided to really go to a new frontier and crossed Bundy as I entered into Los Angeles; so, headed on to Barrington and turned around.
At this point I felt pretty good and no more coughing. I had thought there would be problems after running the night before and not sleeping well; but, I actually felt stronger, which was nice.
I headed back along Pico Boulevard amid the pre-dawn quiet and calm and made it home, feeling much better.
It was not perfect; but, it was a great relief after the recent problems.
30:12 of running
2.73 miles
11:04 pace
I did get a nice , clear sky with some stars visible, which was a nice change. I decided to change the route and did a quick leg to Cloverfield before heading east and east and east down Pico Boulevard, which brought some hillwork as a bonus. At the start I was having another round of coughing.
I decided to really go to a new frontier and crossed Bundy as I entered into Los Angeles; so, headed on to Barrington and turned around.
At this point I felt pretty good and no more coughing. I had thought there would be problems after running the night before and not sleeping well; but, I actually felt stronger, which was nice.
I headed back along Pico Boulevard amid the pre-dawn quiet and calm and made it home, feeling much better.
It was not perfect; but, it was a great relief after the recent problems.
30:12 of running
2.73 miles
11:04 pace
Sunday's Sortie
I took another brief run Sunday evening, heading out around Santa Monica, Clover Park, and the Santa Monica Airport.
I felt somewhat better than Saturday, which was encouraging. I did find it hard to get a good pace going with a series of traffic lights and people walking dogs.
I was happier though overall with the effort and results. My knee felt better after being quite sore for a few days.
I ran around the airport area, seeing all the nice business jets, and then headed home. I felt a bit of energy drained at 25 minutes in; but, it was decent.
The time was not as big a differential and improvement as I expected vs. Saturday; but, it was alright.
31:43 of running
2.71 miles
11:41 pace
I felt somewhat better than Saturday, which was encouraging. I did find it hard to get a good pace going with a series of traffic lights and people walking dogs.
I was happier though overall with the effort and results. My knee felt better after being quite sore for a few days.
I ran around the airport area, seeing all the nice business jets, and then headed home. I felt a bit of energy drained at 25 minutes in; but, it was decent.
The time was not as big a differential and improvement as I expected vs. Saturday; but, it was alright.
31:43 of running
2.71 miles
11:41 pace
Sunday, August 15, 2010
When Saturday Comes
Saturday meant another LA Running Club run. It was scheduled to be a cutback week, so just about 60 minutes or so.
It was again overcast and kind of dull, even the Pacific Ocean waves seemed quieter.
The group seemed smaller as well, perhaps due to a paceleaders meeting for LA Roadrunners!
The goal for my training day was the Santa Monica-Venice border and return.
I set out fairly fast until about the Santa Monica Pier. Then, I began to feel drained mentally and physically and it became a struggle. I just could not feel a good flow or motion, even though my form should be better.
Near the turnaround point, my calves began to feel like they were weighted with lead. It was not a good sensation.
I resorted yet again to survival running and just trying to turn my feet over and keep going.
I felt a little surge of energy crossing California Incline and to the end; but, it was still not dominant power.
All in all for what was supposed to be an easy run, it was very frustrating and depressing. Still, six miles was a lot more than I would do a year ago.
6.17 miles
1:13.26 of running
11:52 pace
It was again overcast and kind of dull, even the Pacific Ocean waves seemed quieter.
The group seemed smaller as well, perhaps due to a paceleaders meeting for LA Roadrunners!
The goal for my training day was the Santa Monica-Venice border and return.
I set out fairly fast until about the Santa Monica Pier. Then, I began to feel drained mentally and physically and it became a struggle. I just could not feel a good flow or motion, even though my form should be better.
Near the turnaround point, my calves began to feel like they were weighted with lead. It was not a good sensation.
I resorted yet again to survival running and just trying to turn my feet over and keep going.
I felt a little surge of energy crossing California Incline and to the end; but, it was still not dominant power.
All in all for what was supposed to be an easy run, it was very frustrating and depressing. Still, six miles was a lot more than I would do a year ago.
6.17 miles
1:13.26 of running
11:52 pace
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Try, Try Again
Thursday morning came and it was time for another run, again a short one.
I decided to see how I would react to another run eight hours after a prior one.
I set out and immediately came the feeling of congestion in my chest, a bit of soreness in the legs, and some pain in the ankle. Not a good start at all.
This was a different route running a bit west and then east into Los Angeles and back into Santa Monica. It also had a little bit of hillwork.
I did appreciate the relative quiet of the pre-dawn, the lack of traffic, the lack of noise, ...
It was still a hard run and disappointing. I keep trying to do better and it is not happening. The pace was really disheartening.
Still, better to have a bad run than no run.
30:02 of running
2.41 miles
12:29 pace
I decided to see how I would react to another run eight hours after a prior one.
I set out and immediately came the feeling of congestion in my chest, a bit of soreness in the legs, and some pain in the ankle. Not a good start at all.
This was a different route running a bit west and then east into Los Angeles and back into Santa Monica. It also had a little bit of hillwork.
I did appreciate the relative quiet of the pre-dawn, the lack of traffic, the lack of noise, ...
It was still a hard run and disappointing. I keep trying to do better and it is not happening. The pace was really disheartening.
Still, better to have a bad run than no run.
30:02 of running
2.41 miles
12:29 pace
Midweek Mission
It is a cutback week for my training; so, less running and less running time.
I gave myself a spare day and a half still trying to fight off a cold; but, it has not been too successful.
I set out Wednesday evening for a brief run around the Pico Neighborhood, Santa Monica Airport and Clover Park.
Fairly soon into the run, I noticed I still felt lethargic and even sore. I am not sure why as a 5K Saturday and a brief run Sunday should not be that trying.
I continued onwards and just tried to work on form as this was clearly not going to be a classic.
I made it around the loop and returned home frustrated once again.
32:23 of running
2.65 miles
12:15 pace
I gave myself a spare day and a half still trying to fight off a cold; but, it has not been too successful.
I set out Wednesday evening for a brief run around the Pico Neighborhood, Santa Monica Airport and Clover Park.
Fairly soon into the run, I noticed I still felt lethargic and even sore. I am not sure why as a 5K Saturday and a brief run Sunday should not be that trying.
I continued onwards and just tried to work on form as this was clearly not going to be a classic.
I made it around the loop and returned home frustrated once again.
32:23 of running
2.65 miles
12:15 pace
Monday, August 9, 2010
Sunday Run
Sunday started early as I left my parents' home in Orange County at 04:00 to get back to Santa Monica and then go to church to take care to the day's tasks.
I got home at 7:45 p.m. at last and decided to do a short run.
I set out and soon got a beep from Garmin ... a low energy warning and then it rapidly went blank screen.
I was not amused; but, I decided to try and run a Garmin-free trot. I headed around the area to the Santa Monica Airport and Clover Park.
I was hoping to feel relaxed without the electronic conscience; but, the opposite happened. Without my guiding light of timing guidance, I began to feel lethargic and slow.
My calves and thighs were sore; it was not good. The evening was nice and pleasant but the running was frustrating.
I continued onwards just kind of aimless plodding before heading home.
The lesson from this was there is a lot of room for improvement and I need to look at the causes of the problems very quickly.
I got home at 7:45 p.m. at last and decided to do a short run.
I set out and soon got a beep from Garmin ... a low energy warning and then it rapidly went blank screen.
I was not amused; but, I decided to try and run a Garmin-free trot. I headed around the area to the Santa Monica Airport and Clover Park.
I was hoping to feel relaxed without the electronic conscience; but, the opposite happened. Without my guiding light of timing guidance, I began to feel lethargic and slow.
My calves and thighs were sore; it was not good. The evening was nice and pleasant but the running was frustrating.
I continued onwards just kind of aimless plodding before heading home.
The lesson from this was there is a lot of room for improvement and I need to look at the causes of the problems very quickly.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
5K Time
Saturday normally is a day for running with the LA Running Club; but, this time it was off to Baldwin Park for the Pride of the Valley 5K.
So, I headed off down the 10 to the 60 to the 605 and got to Baldwin Park. I then headed to where the race was to start at Morgan Park. I found the pre-registered booth and checked in as usual at the last column when everything is alphabetical.
Last year, there was a goody bag; but, this year just a shirt ... but a decent one. There was chip timing though this time. I stretched out and talked to a few people. There did seem to be fewer runners this year than last.
The start was kind of a mess. The entrance to the course narrowed, creating basically a mosh pit and destroying a free run.
Eventually, I got loose and kind of went for training run cruise control. I was using the long distance running form rather than the old sprinting/power run form.
I found I was starting to pass people from 1 mile onwards. Passing the first mile mark, I was behind last year's time. I still was no too comfortable though and was glad to get the water at about 1.6 miles in the race.
It seemed like I was still fighting the aftereffects of the cold and trying to get my knee loose.
Eventually, around Mile 2.5, I felt better and got moving as others started to fade.
I made for the final turn and tried to power up more; but, the reaction was not quite as planned, with may be half of what I wanted coming. I saw the balloon arch and knew the end was nigh and picked it up for a last sprint.
I crossed, stopped my Garmin, and just walked a bit and headed for the bananas and water (no Gatorade!).
In the end, it was an o.k. run. I had run decently; but, it was not great.
3.01 miles
27:53 of running
9:02 pace
So, I headed off down the 10 to the 60 to the 605 and got to Baldwin Park. I then headed to where the race was to start at Morgan Park. I found the pre-registered booth and checked in as usual at the last column when everything is alphabetical.
Last year, there was a goody bag; but, this year just a shirt ... but a decent one. There was chip timing though this time. I stretched out and talked to a few people. There did seem to be fewer runners this year than last.
The start was kind of a mess. The entrance to the course narrowed, creating basically a mosh pit and destroying a free run.
Eventually, I got loose and kind of went for training run cruise control. I was using the long distance running form rather than the old sprinting/power run form.
I found I was starting to pass people from 1 mile onwards. Passing the first mile mark, I was behind last year's time. I still was no too comfortable though and was glad to get the water at about 1.6 miles in the race.
It seemed like I was still fighting the aftereffects of the cold and trying to get my knee loose.
Eventually, around Mile 2.5, I felt better and got moving as others started to fade.
I made for the final turn and tried to power up more; but, the reaction was not quite as planned, with may be half of what I wanted coming. I saw the balloon arch and knew the end was nigh and picked it up for a last sprint.
I crossed, stopped my Garmin, and just walked a bit and headed for the bananas and water (no Gatorade!).
In the end, it was an o.k. run. I had run decently; but, it was not great.
3.01 miles
27:53 of running
9:02 pace
Friday, August 6, 2010
Thursday Trial
After Wednesday's disappointing run, it was time for another try Thursday evening. I decided to try the same route as Wednesday. I was concerned that after Wednesday's struggles that I would be even worse Thursday; but, I needed the work, to vent some frustration, and wanted to see the results. So, off I went.
Initially, my calves felt a bit sore; but, overall I felt better than expected. I was going along decently. I reached the Santa Monica Airport area and felt good. I started the two laps at Clover Park and was happy to find I had a decent rhythm going and did not have a repeat of the 30-minute-fade from Wednesday.
I completed the laps and then headed on the way home. One difference in the night runs vs. the pre-dawn is there are even a few joggers, pedestrians, and more importantly dogs to be aware of to avoid problems. The pre-dawn has its own issues; but, sidewalk traffic is not one of them.
I made it back home, checked my Garmin, and felt relieved. The results were much better than Wednesday and physically I felt better.
Afterwards, I thought about the two runs. It really frustrates me not to be doing better, not to be more consistent, and being so unsure what will happen each time. I used to be very good at the mind games in high shcool runs; but, this is a harder time and needs to be fixed quickly.
53:28 of running
4.55 miles of running
11:49 pace
Initially, my calves felt a bit sore; but, overall I felt better than expected. I was going along decently. I reached the Santa Monica Airport area and felt good. I started the two laps at Clover Park and was happy to find I had a decent rhythm going and did not have a repeat of the 30-minute-fade from Wednesday.
I completed the laps and then headed on the way home. One difference in the night runs vs. the pre-dawn is there are even a few joggers, pedestrians, and more importantly dogs to be aware of to avoid problems. The pre-dawn has its own issues; but, sidewalk traffic is not one of them.
I made it back home, checked my Garmin, and felt relieved. The results were much better than Wednesday and physically I felt better.
Afterwards, I thought about the two runs. It really frustrates me not to be doing better, not to be more consistent, and being so unsure what will happen each time. I used to be very good at the mind games in high shcool runs; but, this is a harder time and needs to be fixed quickly.
53:28 of running
4.55 miles of running
11:49 pace
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Wednesday Wobbles
I felt a bit better; so, I set out Wednesday evening for a run.
The plan was to try for a bit longer trot and go around Clover Park and the Santa Monica Airport. It was another overcast sky for the run.
I started and felt relatively strong, which was encouraging.
One issue with running at night vs. pre-dawn came to the fore again ... frequent stops due to traffic lights. This seems to really affect my momentum and flow. It is definitely an area to improve.
I cruised around the northern end of the airport, even seeing a business jet with a Canadian flag! Then it was onwards to Clover Park. I did two laps of the park. Lap #2 proved more of an adventure; I suddenly felt drained and sore ... I looked down at my Garmin and saw I was on 30 minutes.
It was very discouraging.
Still, I kept going and finished the lap of the park and then back along the northern end of the airport. I made it to the end of the loop and started to head back home and got there.
I had run alright; but, I was and am a bit disappointed in the results, especially pace. Lots of work to do ...
53:03 of running
4.30 miles
12:20 pace
The plan was to try for a bit longer trot and go around Clover Park and the Santa Monica Airport. It was another overcast sky for the run.
I started and felt relatively strong, which was encouraging.
One issue with running at night vs. pre-dawn came to the fore again ... frequent stops due to traffic lights. This seems to really affect my momentum and flow. It is definitely an area to improve.
I cruised around the northern end of the airport, even seeing a business jet with a Canadian flag! Then it was onwards to Clover Park. I did two laps of the park. Lap #2 proved more of an adventure; I suddenly felt drained and sore ... I looked down at my Garmin and saw I was on 30 minutes.
It was very discouraging.
Still, I kept going and finished the lap of the park and then back along the northern end of the airport. I made it to the end of the loop and started to head back home and got there.
I had run alright; but, I was and am a bit disappointed in the results, especially pace. Lots of work to do ...
53:03 of running
4.30 miles
12:20 pace
Monday, August 2, 2010
Halfway There
Saturday was another run for the LA Running Club.
I had run Tuesday and felt good; but, then managed to catch a cold (In August!?!?!?!?) and thought it best to get rest as much as I could. I feel a bit upset about not doing midweek runs; but, it has been one thing after another these days.
It was nice to start with overcast skies and also I really heard the waves crashing along the shore of the Pacific.
There was a warning that a fellow LARC member had been mugged the Saturday before; fortunately, Santa Monica Police Department tracked the culprit down and it seems he will be enjoying free state housing for a while. The LARC also had a stretching workshop; so, after all these different activities, I felt looser than normal and also energized.
This was also a longer run ...
I set out and was feeling quite good and running fast, too fast, for this point of training and distance.
I made the Santa Monica Pier and continued southward towards Venice.
Venice is home territory more or less due to LA Roadrunners training; so, it is a comfort zone, even with all the strange people and behavior everpresent.
Once I reached the landmark flagpole at Windward, I headed down the straightaway that is Speedway. I slowed some; but, still felt pretty good.
I reached the jetty, where I had gone last week, and continued onwards to Marina del Rey.
Marina del Rey has many nice townhouses and obviously a marina, with many very large and nice and expensive boats and yachts. Somehow I missed a turn and did not quite reach Mother's Beach (I did see it!); but, reached the end of one pier and having gone over halfway for assigned mileage worked my way to head home. It felt a bit weird being down there on my own; but, I had made it. I also felt the effects of the cold coming on again.
I started heading back through the marina and the nice areas and into Venice. Speedway was crowded with cars, movers, and runners/walkers. I was plugging along which was alright.
The Venice boardwalk reminded me of how weird the area is ... I heard "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" coming from one store. Just further evidence that marijuana use is not a good thing.
When I reached the Casa del Mar hotel in Santa Monica, I stopped to finish off my bottle of water. There were more people out and the sun was starting to peer through the clouds.
I was starting to struggle a bit; but, I kept moving and overall it was alright.
Climbing up the Santa Monica Pier proved to be an issue with just a lot of people and traffic there for some reason early. At one point, I was walking and it was not due to lack of energy.
I made Ocean Avenue and was slower than the way out but was still going. I was happy to do the mental countdown of streets as I neared the starting point.
Finally, I crossed California Incline and got the feeling ... and even managed to increase speed a bit. I wanted so badly to sprint; but, there was just too much traffic of human and dog nature to go for it.
At last, I made the LARC base and started stretching. Then, it was Gatorade time!
I had done the distance and a bit more for October 24. My pace was a tad slower than I wanted; but, it was not disastrous.
Not bad. I definitely need to work on my speed and power reserves; but, at least I can do the distance.
2:41.35 of running
13.36 miles
12:07 pace
I had run Tuesday and felt good; but, then managed to catch a cold (In August!?!?!?!?) and thought it best to get rest as much as I could. I feel a bit upset about not doing midweek runs; but, it has been one thing after another these days.
It was nice to start with overcast skies and also I really heard the waves crashing along the shore of the Pacific.
There was a warning that a fellow LARC member had been mugged the Saturday before; fortunately, Santa Monica Police Department tracked the culprit down and it seems he will be enjoying free state housing for a while. The LARC also had a stretching workshop; so, after all these different activities, I felt looser than normal and also energized.
This was also a longer run ...
I set out and was feeling quite good and running fast, too fast, for this point of training and distance.
I made the Santa Monica Pier and continued southward towards Venice.
Venice is home territory more or less due to LA Roadrunners training; so, it is a comfort zone, even with all the strange people and behavior everpresent.
Once I reached the landmark flagpole at Windward, I headed down the straightaway that is Speedway. I slowed some; but, still felt pretty good.
I reached the jetty, where I had gone last week, and continued onwards to Marina del Rey.
Marina del Rey has many nice townhouses and obviously a marina, with many very large and nice and expensive boats and yachts. Somehow I missed a turn and did not quite reach Mother's Beach (I did see it!); but, reached the end of one pier and having gone over halfway for assigned mileage worked my way to head home. It felt a bit weird being down there on my own; but, I had made it. I also felt the effects of the cold coming on again.
I started heading back through the marina and the nice areas and into Venice. Speedway was crowded with cars, movers, and runners/walkers. I was plugging along which was alright.
The Venice boardwalk reminded me of how weird the area is ... I heard "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" coming from one store. Just further evidence that marijuana use is not a good thing.
When I reached the Casa del Mar hotel in Santa Monica, I stopped to finish off my bottle of water. There were more people out and the sun was starting to peer through the clouds.
I was starting to struggle a bit; but, I kept moving and overall it was alright.
Climbing up the Santa Monica Pier proved to be an issue with just a lot of people and traffic there for some reason early. At one point, I was walking and it was not due to lack of energy.
I made Ocean Avenue and was slower than the way out but was still going. I was happy to do the mental countdown of streets as I neared the starting point.
Finally, I crossed California Incline and got the feeling ... and even managed to increase speed a bit. I wanted so badly to sprint; but, there was just too much traffic of human and dog nature to go for it.
At last, I made the LARC base and started stretching. Then, it was Gatorade time!
I had done the distance and a bit more for October 24. My pace was a tad slower than I wanted; but, it was not disastrous.
Not bad. I definitely need to work on my speed and power reserves; but, at least I can do the distance.
2:41.35 of running
13.36 miles
12:07 pace
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