Incidental thoughts inline

• Maintain my cross-training/stretching/lateral strenght regimine - I really can't skip out on this or I pay the consequences
• I don't have to run a half marathon before the real half marathon.  My regular training schedule is sufficient - stick to it and I'll be fine.

Maybe it’s just how I roll, but I’m not really into running for the races.  I like to run to get outdoors and hear things, see what’s going on wherever I am, smell the rich scents of woods and fields or cities.  And I just like to run, without the pressure of a time to beat or who’s in front of me or behind me.

But when the chance to join some friends at the Seattle Rock N Roll Marathon/Half Marathon came up, it seemed like something to check out.  I mean, it’s Seattle, it’s the end of June, and there’s a band every mile, plus it’s running with good friends and hanging out together.  In this city of enthusiasts and eclectic music, I really wouldn’t miss it.

So, signed up, and thankfully in time before it sold out.  The event is 25,000 people strong and is completely full two months ahead of race day.  Am running the half-marathon – my knees and training haven’t gotten up to full marathon level – and already think it’s going to be a blast.

Am I doing a little extra pushing and training and taking on courses and runs I wouldn’t otherwise do?  Maybe a little, but it’s still outdoors and it’s a whole lot of fun getting ready for a cool day in front of us.

Got out and ran the Finaghty’s St. Patty’s Day Run in Snoqualmie today.  I’ve laid off any running this week and have just been working on other muscles, stretching, and biking, to build up lateral and other strength.  So wasn’t certain how the leg/knee/hips would feel this morning, and ended up doing a race-day signup to get out there.

Really glad I went out, despite the rainy weather (not bad at all, made it a little easier to run I think).  The knee felt great and it was my best-feeling 5K in a long time.  Still getting used to the Brooks shoes but they definitely help limit the post-race soreness.  Pace was right where I wanted it to be at 8:29/mile.  I’d love to improve that but will take it for the break in training that I’ve had.

After the race, the primary sponsor, Finaghty’s Irish Pub in Snoqualmie, held the race results gathering.  It’s a great place to hang out, even early on a Saturday morning (and it was packed).  If you’re ever out in Snoqualmie be sure to stop by for a good dinner and Irish brew.

Next week’s planned Mercer Island Half – well I’ve given the race number over to someone else.  Going to take training at my own pace now and enjoy running w/o injury.  Thinking of the Seattle Rock-N-Roll half marathon at the end of June as a good goal.

I’ve been off of the regular running for a while, nursing an injury with a sore knee, hips, and back.  Finally had the sense to get more serious about physical therapy, following a true training/stretching regimen, getting the right shoes, and adding other strength training to my running schedule, and it’s really working out, at least so far.  Just a couple of weeks ago I felt terrible, and wondered if running was really going to work out or not.  Now things are looking better, and I’m hoping that if I don’t push too hard too fast and keep to more realistic goals and more balanced training, that I’ll be able to keep injuries and over-soreness to a minimum.

Today’s 11 km run was the best a run has felt in a long time.  Very thankful.

It’s hard to believe we’re coming up on the last week in January already! The first month of 2009 has had wings.

Looking back on my reluctant resolution to run 1500 km this year I’m glad I’ve made it! So far this month it’s really helped me prioritize fitting running into my schedule.  I’m pretty certain I would have let it slide otherwise, especially without the monthly accountability meter and public anyone-can-check-it nature of the Nike+ site.

Winter isn’t the easiest time to get outside, and this month has been no exception.  My running has been a combination of outside get-out-there-whether-it’s-cold-and-raining-or-not runs and inside I-feel-guilty-running-on-a-treadmill-with-a-built-in-TV activity.  But really whatever it takes to keep things on track at this point.

I really do prefer outdoor running for so many reasons: the scents of the seasons, the sounds all around, seeing other people out and about.  And it seems like it’s much easier to either let go of things and just listen to what’s happening around me, or to focus in on things and think through them, whichever I need that day.

As for my Nike+ device, as evidenced by the big canyon-like dips in my otherwise steady pace when it’s tracking things, there’s obviously an issue with either the shoe-chip or the receiver band.  Thankfully Nike has been great about helping to troubleshoot and they’ve offered to replace it while it’s under the 1-year warranty, so will be pursuing that soon.  I like the device and online sharing and how well they’ve worked with me on it too much to give up on it.

Into running?  Share some stories and comments, would love to hear how things are going.

Despite all the turmoil of 2008, I'm thankful for a year full of fond memories with family and friends.  Here is our scrapbook from the year - just a glimpse of all the great times together.  Happy New Year.