Time Slicing

These past two weeks, continued to split my workouts between running and cycling. Last weekend, reached a new running milestone with a 17-mile run, longest I've done so far.

More snow during the week but the roads were clear for a 13-mile run on Saturday morning, followed by a great 50-mile cycle this morning. Lots of runners (and a few cyclists were out, especially on Round Swamp Rd.) As I climbed through West Hills on wet roads, I felt/heard a grating sound from the rear of the bike. A piece of gravel had gotten lodged in my rear brake pad, carving a nice groove in my braking surface. I stopped to clean it out and was pleasantly surprised when a motorist stopped to check if I was okay. I thanked her and told her I was fine. I thought that was nice!

This weekend capped off a good month. February 1st was my first run back after 3 weeks off recovering from my hamstring injury and I'm happy to have gotten back to where I was before the injury. Maybe a little slower but the endurance is there, at least on the running side of things. Since then, I managed to do some kind of workout everyday.


From MayMyRun.com


From dailymile.com

Trying to Build

We had a major snowstorm last week but I've been able to keep the training streak alive. Monday, regular Jones Beach morning ride. Back-to-back runs, Tuesday and Wednesday (in the snow, beginning of the storm). Thursday, too much snow to ride or run outside, so did a trainer workout. Another run on Friday to cap-off the work week.

Really itching to do some 2+ hour training this weekend to start building back some endurance. Was worried about snow and ice on the roads for cycling but roads looked pretty clear and I went out for 41 miles on the bike on a cold Saturday morning. It was cloudy and sort of bleak, but mission accomplished. My bike is a few years old, not top-shelf, so I'm not really squeamish about taking it out for a ride in messy conditions. I've got a nice box of parts in the basement to give it a little tune-up once we get into the nice spring weather (new chainrings, brake pads, chain, and cassette).

Sunday, I did a long run, 13.4 miles. Again, cold and windy, but this time the sun was out. Put the iPod on and got into a nice rhythm for for the first 6.5 miles. Ran up to Bethpage Park on the same route that I would normally ride on the bike. A little too much car traffic for my taste but I'm sure the Jones Beach path is still probably choked with a foot of snow, so I had to make due. Fighting a headwind on the way back. I think this is about as far as I can go comfortably without additional food and water, so I might try and carry some sports drink as I move to longer runs. Or, possibly loop back home in the middle of a long run to grab a drink and some fuel.

Off tomorrow for President's day. Hoping to get on the bike again if the weather is decent.

Running is Back on the Program

After 2 weeks off to let my hamstring heal-up (really more like 3 weeks, just one failed attempt in there) I started running again this past week. So far, so good. Did three early morning runs before work Monday (3.3 miles), Wednesday (5.8 miles), and Friday (5.5 miles). Staying close to home in case of problems. Pattern has been that the hamstring feels tight for first three miles, then starts to feel better the longer I go.

Saturday, I hoped to do a long ride on the bike but it was windy and snowing in the morning. Didn't want to push the running legs so I just did 45 minutes of intervals on the trainer.

This morning, 19F temps and wind, so I opted for a run over the bike. Supposed to warm up later but I hate riding around here once the roads are filled with cars. Instead, I did a few stretches then headed out at 6:00 AM for a nice run. Contemplated a run to Jones Beach but decided, again, to stay local in case the leg started acting up. I did two laps of my usual 5.5 mile morning run. Despite the cold and wind, I felt pretty good. I can always feel the hamstring but it acts like a reminder not to push too hard and keep in control. Was psyched to get this long run in. Now to build on it...