Times like these all I think about throughout the day is my 4am alarm, putting my shoes on, and running. Sometimes never looking back, never stopping, never returning. Just run. 

Miles and new gear

This morning’s run finished off another three week cycle of increasing distance. Now for an easier week cutting back on miles before another three weeks of increase. The timing was good, the kids are off school, so I’m off work, so I’m relegated to morning running only. Higher mile weeks are much easier with my run commutes.

Door at Worcester Cathedral 

I set a goal of 2000 miles this year. Last year was the same but disappointingly with a week to go I came down with a fever and the “8 week cough” shut down my goal, I believe within 20 miles of accomplishing it! Then, I got “the cough” again, for yes, another 8 weeks! Fingers crossed and hands washed I hope to avoid that illness this year. So currently I’m 9 miles behind on hitting 2000. If I run 41 mile weeks the rest of the year I’ll get it. Theoretically I should be fine since I’m in the 50 mile plus per week range now. 

Last of the blackberries, no more snack breaks

Ran for the first time today in an Arc’Teryx Norvan jacket. I scored it off eBay for a decent price barely used, I believe it’s the first edition. It’s not the super pimp one with Gore Shakedry fabric, but it seems to be far more burly at minimal weight cost to the Montane Minimus I’d been using. I always felt like a bit “more” jacket could be nice in the shit-ass weather here. 

Color change

It pissed down on me for 5 miles or so. The jacket fit extremely well, as expected, and the hood, despite not having cinch cords, tracked very well with a visor underneath. It still makes the annoying scratchy fabric noise hard shells make. The zipper leaked a bit which I’d expected from reading reviews. Breathability? I don’t know. I hate that word when it comes to hard shells. I don’t think it really can be judged as effort and climate vary so much from person to place. I’m happy with it, however still want to try Gore Shakedry or the North Face Futurelight. These fabrics are wicked expensive so I’ll likely never get one, sure miss working in that industry and having access to them at affordable prices. 

Foggy run commute, River Severn, Worcester 

Another eBay score was a pair of Patagonia Strider Pro 7” trail shorts. I’ve got a few pairs of the 5” version and love them (I prefer the older models as they changed the liner fit in the newest version). I’ve got an eBay search saved for these and a pair of the 7” popped up last week. I prefer shorter shorts but figured for £12 brand new I’d give them a try, they’re usually £60! The outer short and pocket set up is the same as the 5” just obviously shorter inseam. I didn’t know but the liner isn’t a brief, like the 5”, but it’s more of a boxer brief style. I was hesitant at first but it’s just tight enough that it seems to get the job done. I’ve been curious about trying spandex type compression shorts to prevent leg chafing so this will be a good test I guess to start with. So far so good. The longer outer short took some getting used to as it brushes against your legs but no complaints. On with the testing!

Bus stop vandalism 

Photos are mostly from my run commutes to work and back. Nothing really special or exciting and most have been posted to my work social media accounts. 

Injury update: we’re holding strong. Still have plantar fasciitis but it’s only noticeable in the morning. I’m still trying to be diligent with strength and stretching so it’s slowly going away. My left knee has been bothering me, likely a mobility issue so trying to keep at stretching my hips. 

Into Perpetual November we go......

The season is settling in and it’s affecting my head as it does. I think of the past when I anticipated winter. How everyone around me anticipated winter. The smiles. The excitement. The stories of what was and what was to be. The community I used to be a part of. All that is gone now. 

Now it’s just me. I talk to myself about future plans hoping to keep my head up. Any race or training ideas I come up with all I consider is 1. I search flights for 1. I consider crewless aid stations and no pacers for races. I hope and wonder if I’ll bump into a random acquaintance during a race. 

Social media just brings me down as you see what it’s like to be a part of “the community.” Whether it’s within the mountains, trail running, or skiing. I miss the buzz of excitement that gets passed from person to person. 

Sometimes I think it’s my fault for not changing with the times. Is it because of my attempt to avoid social media? Should I be more social and open like the rest of the world via technology? It just seems like too much time staring at a screen typing, wasted time staring at a screen typing when I could be more productive; doing dishes, reading, stretching, playing LEGO with the kids, etc.....

After a stressful morning the moment I step out of the car and hit “start” on my watch I’m happy. Sometimes I’ll have a podcast on, sometimes the hardcore NYC punk of H2O. So thankful for my run commutes, they’re mostly consistent and I can look forward to them. As much as I love early 4am running; the alone, quiet, and peacefulness, they wear on me.  During my commute I see the same people most mornings: the old man who greets me with a comment, a huge smile and a nod, and the guy with the crazy huge happy white dog. They’re the most consistent, rain or shine. 

Afternoons are different and sometimes tough to motivate for, but I tell myself there’s no reason not to run. They’ve become a random meander attempting to avoid muddy trails and people as I shoot for five miles on my way back to the car. Some days if it’s slow at work and I get out early I’ll get up to 8 miles in. The afternoon commute can be stressful because I am on a strict time constraint but I manage, sometimes finishing off my run doing laps around a rugby field near the car. 

Today the kids are off school so I’m off work and likely off from running. Hoping to fit in a strength session today which is usually fairly easy as long as I tolerate the interruptions. Already at 40 miles for the week with a goal of close to 50, so doing well. On we go one day at a time. 

Had an easy last week of about 30 miles, slept well all week for the most part and didn’t do any early runs, only to and from work. Back to ramping up my miles this week though. 

Perpetual November is arriving. Rain and around 50 this morning. Didn’t wear my rain jacket or gloves so arrived home after 8 miles wearing a soaked wind jacket and hands near crab claw status. I still need to find a decent waterproof glove. 

Metal pulled from canal. People “fish” for goodies with a rope and hook.

Had some enjoyable runs in Worcester after work. Also got soaking wet from heavy rain a couple of them. One day it was slow so my boss let me go early. I managed an easy 8 miles back to the car exploring a bit more of the Birmingham Canal which was fun. 

Lock along the canal

Nothing exciting really, just gradually plugging in easy miles. Managing this plantar fasciitis which is gradually getting better. 

Starting to schedule more strength work focusing on muscular endurance so I make more of a consistent habit of it. Mostly easy leg work but adding weight to upper body stuff; pull ups, pushups, etc.. Adding weight and not going to failure trains your brain to recruit more muscle fibers, in return you add a ton of strength without adding mass. I’ll ease into the legs with this to avoid injury.

A brief post as I settle in mentally for the miserable season change!