I do LSD

Another good day of training is on tap, I do not know how much running I will get in but I hope to run at least for an hour and a half today (with a little bit of hills thrown in too). Today, will mark the 2nd week of Mimi's new run club - LSD on the Heap. 

In South Florida, there aren't any hills to speak of. To train on 'hills' we generally run up and down inlet bridges which works but is tirelessly boring. The heap is a reclaimed garbage facility that is now a large, beautiful public park called, Vista View. There are miles of rolling hills, lovely water features and trails for running and biking. Truly a Broward County gem.

Two weeks ago was the first LSD on the Heap. About 8 people joined us. Last week was a race, so we are resuming this week. The amount of people that join us is not the focus, the training is and it is nice to get out there to enhance my week with some variety. Well, my coffee needs a reheat. Time to get this party started.

I ended up running 10.53 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain - 9:01 per mile pace - 131 avg hr

A good solid effort today. I ran pretty hard for the first 4 or 5 miles and then just cruised. 

The Boss

They call him The Boss - and it is a well-earned moniker - Bruce Springsteen has always been a great American voice of reason.
-
Run - 1:34:28 - - 11.48 miles -  8:13 per mile pace - 130 avg HR
A little bit longer today. Time to start prepping for The Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon.
- 54.74 miles logged this week (one rest day)
- overall, a strong week of running, including some tempo and some slow jogging. 

A1A Marathon

Run - 52:13 - 6.83 miles -  7:38 per mile pace - 136 avg HR
Ran  a little shorter and a lot better today than last night. I will start coming around.
-
Well I did it, I signed up for my second race of 2015. The A1A Marathon. I ran it last year (3:23:04 - 4th AG - and Boston qualified). Even though it was more than 30 minutes slower than my all time fastest marathon, it was my fastest post-traumatic brain injury marathon by a lot. I do not know if I am or will be marathon ready for this race because I do not have a lot of prep time, but my general fitness and my running pace has improved. I will need to squeeze a few longer runs in over the next few weeks and hope that I can run this race on guts. Whatever, if I just remind myself that it is a long supported training day, I should be fine. -
Thursday
Run - 1:15:00 - 8.2 miles -  9:09 per mile pace - 119 avg HR

Fort Lauderdale Road Runners run club. I had nothing tonight. Luckily, I started early to avoid running with the fast group (like last weeks sub 7 min per mile pace), and ran a little further than what I had intended; but slow.
-
Picked Mimi up from the airport - she has been working in Jacksonville for a few days. Randy's training is going spectacularly - He heals great, sit, stays, lay downs, catches treats off his nose, and today, learned how to shake. I love the munchkin. 

Run - 1:01:00 - 7.47 miles -  8:09 per mile pace -129 avg. HR

I Felt sluggish today; the wind made it even less enjoyable today

-

Joy Division - Leave Me Alone

I have been obsessed (again) with Joy Division. I suppose I have come full circle musically; as the late Ian Curtis and his mates made such a profound impact upon my developing music tastes earlier in my life.

1. Isolation

   Song by Joy Division
2. In fear every day, every evening,
   He calls her aloud from above,
   Carefully watched for a reason,
   Painstaking devotion and love,
   Surrendered to self preservation,
   From others who care for themselves.
   A blindness that touches perfection,
   But hurts just like anything else.

   Isolation, isolation, isolation.

   Mother I tried please believe me,
   I'm doing the best that I can.
   I'm ashamed of the things I've been put through,
   I'm ashamed of the person I am.

   Isolation, isolation, isolation.

   But if you could just see the beauty,
   These things I could never describe,
   These pleasures a wayward distraction,
   This is my one lucky prize.

   Isolation, isolation, isolation

Back on the attack!

Ah, so I let myself recover yesterday and wisely took the day off. Mimi left 3 Sam Adams beers in the refrigerator - even though I don't like craft beers - she is away, so I consumed them for her. Now I am trying to figure out what to do constructively today. It remains to be seen what will become of the day (but one thing is certain, I do know how to find trouble), GO, GO, GO!
-
Run - 1:00:08 - 7.66 miles - 7:51 pace per mile - 132 avg HR
Still feeling Sunday's race, but I am sure yesterdays day off was a good call. Today I just ran free to get the legs moving. I can feel the residual junk in my legs, but I'm glad that I got re-started.
-

The devil in me is really referring to the child molesters, murderers, and countless others in our prison system who begin a relationship with god while in the joint... These chameleons believe that the big guy has forgiven their sins (sins which he knew they would commit all along), and after the electric chair, natural death or whatever, they will float in the clouds among harp plucking angels. Whilst those who grew up believing in a different god or none at all, will burn in a fiery pit. This is laughable at best and perhaps during a simpler time fantasies like heaven and hell kept the masses in line. But seriously, it is time for Americans (other nations are as primitive, but not at the same rate) to EVOLVE. Further, the advertised reward of heaven is repulsive anyway. Floating around worshiping some ego obsessed torturous dude who is so insecure that he commands that you bow to him even though he isn't worthy. More on why he isn't worthy soon. In the meantime, love everyone. Be like that other fictional guy, Jesus, and feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Really.

Feeling lazy today

Well, I need to get it going today but my start has been slow. My mind is tired and it is telling me that my legs should be tired too. They are not, but I can't get started. I think I will take randy for a walk and then have some lunch, relax and change my watch. Generally when the dive watch comes off and the Garmin goes on, my tee, shorts and shoes follow and I am out the door. Randy? I better go wake him up.
-
Well, I just got back from taking Mimi too the airport - bye-bye-baby... and I am going to rest my running sticks today. After last months over-use injury, I am going to train smartish.  I am from the school of more is better but when you miss multiple days due to an injury, its time to think. Thinking is hard.

River, Roots and Ruts - 13.1 Mile Trail Race

Run - Trail race - 15th place/1st in age group today
-
1:39:11 - 13.10 miles - 07:34 per mile pace (hills, dirt, hills, man-mad obstructions and mud)

 -
I went out fast and then maintained in today's race. A few miles after mile 8 I made a wrong turn and  ran a 1/4 mile out of my way. A kind runner who I had recently passed gave me the heads up (otherwise I would have kept going in the wrong direction); I turned around and followed him through the next 3 miles - the hilly and technical section - until about mile 12 and the finish was certain. I know I said to him, "come on, let's bring this home" - but he didn't respond as I picked up the pace considerably. I finished strong and was very happy to drop about 10 minutes off last years time at this race. Actually, I was surprised to learn that I finished in 15th place overall and 1st in my age-group. It has been a long time since I have ran so competitively and it felt really good. 
-