Hot and Cold

Date: 02/26/2012

Route: Hines Park 9 Miler
Distance: 9 Miles
Pace: 10:22/mile

Temp: 36 Degrees

Wind Chill of 24 degrees

One month to go. The official half marathon countdown has begun! With the Rock CF Half Marathon exactly 1 month away, training has gotten hot and heavy as of late. 9 miles was planned today, and 9 miles were completed with no problems, even a little faster then I thought I would. Next weekend will probably be the same and then I have the Corktown Races 5K, always my first race of the year and always a blast. My semi-official goal is to match my best 5k time from last year at my first 5k this year. Then it is the long run and the race.

This is by far the most aggressive running schedule I have ever had. I have never run more then 1 half in a year, and this year I have three scheduled. Usually I have a nice long slow ramp up to the Detroit Half in October; instead this year my second race is a half. Needless to say I am excited and a little anxious.

My real problem running lately has been temperature. It seems to be too warm for my snazzy NbX Windblocker, but too cold to run in my standard pullover. This results in a true paradox. If I run with the NbX jacket, I start off fine, but get too warm in about 2 miles, however if I run in the pullover I never quite get warm enough. I will be excited when the temp starts hanging out in the low to mid 40’s because that is perfect pullover weather. My luck we will jump right to the 60’s, which I guess is not something to realy complain about. Here is a nice snazzy pic from this 9 mile run:

9 Miles of Taylor Swift

Date: 02/05/12

Route:   Hines Park 6 Miler + Bonus 3 Miles
Distance: 9 Miles
Pace: 10:46mile
Temp: 40 (felt more like 50)

Annoying Song Stuck In My Head: Some mashup of all of Taylor Swift’s abhorrent pop songs.

I had planned a nice 8 mile run as I am slowly ramping up distance to my half marathon on the 25^th of March. It was a beautiful day outside though and I found myself challenging my body to run farther. Usually at about the 4 mile mark, I start the turn around and head back to my house. Today I decided to just keep on running.

It was very rejuvenating to add some unseen terrain to my run. I think it is easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to your running courses. I was to the point that I knew within about 20 feet where the mile marks were on my standard 6 mile course. It was definitely time to change things up a bit. Adding the distance was just a mechanism.

I was having a great time running in new territory, the only problem was every step forward would have to be duplicated on the way back. After running though a nice picnic area, I circled back and started to head home. While the last mile was kind of tough, and I needed a bit of downtime after the run to recover, it felt really good to cover this distance with a month and half to go before my first half of the year. I know for sure I was not running 9 miles in February last year, so hopefully this is a good sign of things to come. The only bad thing: Taylor Swift stuck in my head…..I mean really?

A Slog

Date: 01/22/2012
Route:   Hines Park 6 Miler
Distance: 5.5 Miles
Pace: 10:55/mile
Temp: 22 with a wind chill of 12

I knew this was coming.  All winter long, my runs have been great. The weather has been very cooperative. Not today. We received about 3 inches of snow on Friday night, and none of it had melted. The JD clan had even visited the Plymouth Ice Festival on Saturday. This was a workout in and of itself, as we pulled the wagon with CE in it to Downtown Plymouth and back (about 1.5 miles). Here are some pics of me pulling the wagon and at the ice festival with CE.

So of course I took off on a planned 6 mile run. Cold was not an issue, in fact for most of the run I was caught in that zone where you are really to warm, but you cannot cool off because you would freeze. All of my Northern friends would be familiar with this feeling while shoveling.  While I was running I kept noticing that my feet were very toasty warm, and I could not figure out why. I was also experiencing some foot irritation, which did not make sense at all. I was basically running in snow about 2-3 inches deep, with a couple of footprints in it.

Around mile 4 of this run, I came to a section where the sidewalk I run on is right next to a busy road. This was a disaster. All of the cars driving had thrown up about 3 more inches of slush on top of the snow. So for about 3/4 of a mile I was running through 4-5 inches of snow./slush mix. I say running, but the more accurate description would be slogging. Every foootfall pushed piles of snow around and I had no grip at all. How I managed to run that mile in 11:32 is beyond me. I needed snowshoes or skis.

After that section, I had to take a walking break. I suppose it was a great workout, my muscles certainly felt that way. After walking about a half mile, I finished up the run, still on slippery sidewalks with plenty of snow. When I returned home, I realized why my feet were so warm but also irritated. I had ran in REI hiking socks! By accident in the rush to get out the door I had not changed into running socks. While warm, they definitly irritated my feet. I DO NOT recommend running in hiking socks.

Man was I wiped out by this run. Has anyone out there ever experienced something similar, an unexpected obstacle in an otherwise normal run?

Winter....Finally or NBx Windblocker Jacket Review

Date: 01/15/2012
Route:   Hines Park 4 Miler
Distance: 4 Miles
Pace: 10:52/mile
Total Time: 43:29
Temp: 22 with a wind chill of 13

So alas, La Nina, or global warming, or some funky thing with the jet stream could not keep winter away forever, and we finally have seen some traditional winter weather around metro Detroit. Sunday dawned cold and clear, with some leftover snow in the ground from some Saturday light snow showers. I was eager to get out and try a run in the colder weather with my snazzy New Balance NBx Windblocker Jacket.

I ended up getting a later start then expected because...well...things happen when you have a 19month old. So I left the house at about 4:45pm all bundled up against the cold. My first reaction with the new jacket on was WOW, this thing lives up to it's name. The jacket shed wind like it was not there. As I started to warm up the jacket became this warm, cozy shell against the elements, I could tell I was getting nice and toasty. This was actually refreshing, and I believe it helped me warm up faster. The thumb holes on the jacket were also excellent, allowing me to keep most of my hand inside the sleeve. The fit is nice as well, I would say cut athletically without trying to be a second skin. This was important to be as a big guy with broad shoulders. I do not like wearing skin tight clothes! This jacket allows freedom of movement while still keeping close to your body. Due to the fact that this jacket has more pockets then I can count, I was able to take along my cell phone, so a I got this beautiful pic just after mile 1 of the sun going down over a crest above the park.

So I continued along me way, continually on the look out for icy patches. Mostly everything was just covered in a nice 1/2" thick coating of nice crunchy snow, so I did not encounter any footing issues. I was definitely running slower then normal, as I was running in a more upright stance to avoid the chance of slipping. I did see some YakTrax tracks in the snow, (Raquelita over at Running Historian talks about these more, as she actually own them.) which made me think they would not be a bad idea if I want to run in the park all winter. By the way it makes no sense to say out load "YakTrax tracks," it just messes with your head.

The run was definitely enjoyable, I actually find cold weather running to be quite refreshing. The new jacket exceeded expectations, and I would give it a hearty thumbs up for anyone looking for cold weather running gear. Soon time will come to start gearing up the distance for the half marathon I have planned in March.

In The Middle of the Holiday Madness

Date: 12/23/11
Route:  Hines Park 6 Miler
Distance: 6.41 Miles
Pace: 10:31/Mile
Running Temp: 27 (First run of the season not in shorts)


 Date: 12/26/11
Route:  Reverse Hines Park 4 Miler to meet CE and Wife at a Park
Distance: 2.71 Miles
Pace: 9.43/mile
Running Temp: 45 (Back to shorts)

Amongst the madness of the holiday scheduling, I was hoping to cram in a couple of runs with my good friend and dislocated Michigander, Rosiecat. Somehow she has sauntered off to the alluring warmth of Texas for the past few years, so I was hoping to reintroduce her to some chilly Michigan runs while she was in town for the holidays.

We had a chance to run on the 23rd and the weather lived up the the almost Christmas expectations I had laid out. Regrettably, I put on pants for the first time this season, as the temp was about 27 degrees, a little below 20 with wind chill. After getting all geared up we were out the door and flying down into Hines Park. It is amazing how nice it is to have some conversation while running.  If you want a brief primer, check out my description of running conversations here. It was perfect winter weather for a run, and about halfway though, the sun came out and we were able to amble by some great scenery together with the sun shining and conversation flowing.

We even ran a little farther then promised, coming in at 6.41 miles, running part of what is usually my cool down. I think when it is 27 you do not want to have a .75 mile cool down. I have a feeling in January, my cooldown is going to be laps in my basement.

On the day after Christmas, we had a chance to do a short run, meeting up with CE and The Wife at a park. They decided to take CE's shiny new Radio Flyer (thanks Grandma and Grandpa D.) out for a spin since the weather was so nice. It was back in shorts for me, no gloves, with the temp being so high. Rosie being the Olympic sprinter that she is, set a bristling pace of 9:43 a mile and proceeded to actually be able to carry a conversation at this speed. I am pretty sure I just mumbled "yup" between gasping for breath.

It was really fun to meet up with CE and The Wife at the park, kind of gives you motivation to run. So thanks to Rosie for putting up with my weird route running and mumbling conversation. I promise to eventually get down to Texas to run with you.....just not in July,.

There was also much rejoicing as JD received 22 GU's for Christmas (mmmmmmmm....glucose polymers), a couple of pair of excellent running socks, a sexy New Balance cold weather jacket (no need really, apparently Michigan is going to have a winter like Tennessee or something), and a sweet water bottle. Full equipment reports to follow after extensive field testing.

I also have a race coming up, the Belle Isle New Years Eve 5k, my last one of 2011, or my first one of 2012, depending on how you look at it. I should be running with some friends, so I am sure a good time will be had by all,. Lots of exciting things going on!

6 Miles, Drizzle, and a Man Crazier Then I

Date: 12/04/11
Route:  Hines Park 6 Miler
Distance: 6 Miles
Pace: 10:31/Mile
Running Temp: 46
Song I could not get out of my head: "Lose Yourself" by Selected of God Choir (orig. Eminem)


I somehow drag myself, and I mean drag myself away from my nice warm cozy bed (napping was calling to me again), and convince my body to go out for 6 miles. For December, it was a relatively balmy 46 degrees outside. The only problem was that it was drizzling out. Not a steady rain, but enough that if I were going to be outside for an hour I WAS going to get wet. I had on long sleeves and a pair of those flimsy throw away gloves, but other then that just normal running gear. I thought I was being hardcore....46 and rainy, that makes me some kind of ancient warrior or something...right?

So as I am cruising along in Hines Park, being my warrior self by deftly dodging around the puddles, and starting to get the drip drip of freezing water running off my hair onto my neck, I hear a noise. I turn over my shoulder, to see someone running, and I mean really running, not my nice jogging pace. He is quickly gaining on me, and I kid you not, he has on those tiny running shorts and a tank top. This guy looks like he just finished a Tough Mudder, and decided a nice 10 miler would be a good cool down. He had mud caked up his legs as he flew past me. Mumbling a "hi" as he deftly went around me and THROUGH a giant puddle. He was smiling the entire time.

It made me happy to see someone out enjoying the warmth, it is really not often that you get 46 degrees in December here in the Mitten. By the end of the run, I was very wet, and also was smiling. I am looking forward to running outside this winter, it should be a challenge, but rewarding in its own right. I can't wait to run in a snowstorm!

Check out the video above, it is a really sweet remake of an iconic Detroit song.

--JD

To Nap or Not to Nap

Date: 11/20/11
Route:  Hines Park 4 Miler
Distance: 4 Miles
Pace: 9:51/mile
Song that got me started: "He Has Made Me Glad" by Insyderz
Song that got me through the wall: "The Wanting Comes in Waves" by The Decemberists
Song that brought me home: "White Room" by Cream

Life with a toddler can be exhausting. As I am sure that many of you out there can remember form your own experiences, there is not much time for R & R. All week I had planned on running a nice long run on Saturday. I was planning on doing 8 miles. Alas, that was not to be.

On the weekend, my long runs usually take place when CE is sleeping. This is make sure that The Wife is not saddled with solo care just so I can take a jog. So we put CE down to nap, and I knew The Wife was going to take a nap. I swear I laid down on the bed to just rest for a few minutes. Of course I wake up an hour later, in that semi-concuss, groggily happy. state. I think it is true that afternoon naps are one of life's great pleasures, and this one had all the qualities of a great one. I felt like I had stolen rest from the day.

I did drag myself out of bed, which is really hard when your wife is all snuggled up in the bed, and had a rather successful 4 mile run. I am really digging on that second song in my list by the Decemberists, fun times there. I am pretty sure I repeated it 4 times. Check them out.

But the lesson here is: Carpe Nap! (nap is not a real Latin word).  Take advantage of those moments that life decides to turn runs into naps, for they are far to fleeting.

Working on my Night Moves or Creepy McCreepers

Date: 11/15/2011
Route: Hines Park 6 Miler (In the dark)
Distance: 5.5 Miles
Pace: 10:11/mile
Total Time: 56:05

With apologies to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, I definitely was having some fun tonight. For some reason unbeknownst to me, I decided that tonight I would run my 6 mile route. This would not seem to be an odd choice on the surface. However, I am now running my entire weekday routes in the dark, so my usual plan is to stick to neighborhoods with streetlights....not tonight. Tonight I ventured into Hines Park, in the dark, and then promptly it got darker.

When I enter Hines Park, I run down a nice hill into the park, and it was very creepy to descend into darkness. Luckily I was running with my aforementioned LED headlamp, so it was not too bad. I was not going to run into a pothole or anything. I did have to make a minor route adjustment, as I quickly decided that I was not going to run on the two dirt trails that I usually run on this route, I was going to stick to the path.

As I got further and further into the park I started to get creeped out. There was not a person around, and really the only sound is your breathing and the sound of your feet hitting the path. The only light is your headlamp, pushing back the darkness you push forward. I almost bailed on the entire idea and headed out of the park but something made me keep going.

Around mile 1.5 I started to notice that I was having a harder time seeing the path. At first I thought something must be different, maybe it was just darker in this section because it is heavily wooded, or maybe my eyes were adjusting to the darkness. The truth of the matter was that darkness was closing in on me. My headlamp was dying. I was too far into the run to leave the park, at this point turning around would take just as much time as proceeding on my run. So I turned off my light and ran in the darkness.

I started out totally and absolutely scared. Americans are not used to being in total darkness. I cannot even claim that, because by the virtue of being in a major metropolitan area, there was a faint glow all around the park above the trees. But still, this was much darker then I was used to or comfortable in. I was also approaching a highway underpass that was already my biggest concern. I mean highway underpasses are where hobos and drug dealers sleep, right?  

What I thought I was running by

What I actually ran by

BLOG INTERUPTION--- Quick check of my zipcode on city-data.com (watch out, there is a time sucker of a website) shows that there has been no murders in at least 10 years around here, and very very few assaults, guess I am statistically safe. ---RESUME BLOG

So I am not kidding you that adrenaline starts pumping through my system and I sprint, and I mean sprint through that underpass. Of course the sound of my loud footsteps plus the echoing of the cars going over on the highway above just freak me out more. I emerged on the far side panting and turned back to look at where I had just traveled. Of course there was nothing there.....at all.

As I proceed on my route, I start to embrace the darkness. My eyes adjust and it starts to dawn on me how amazing it is to run in the darkness; alone, with nothing but the stars, pavement and rhythm of your breathing to keep you company. It was actually very pleasant to finish out the park portion of my run. The only thing that bothered my is sometimes cars would come down the parkway the path is next to and momentarily blind me, so I started looking the other way when one approached. Other then that, a very peacefull, serene run, even if it was in the dark of night, with no light to guide the way.

Has anyone out there ever ran in the darkness like this? Any cool experiences to share?

Extra Protein Makes You Fast

Date: 09/27/2011
Distance: 4.01 miles
Pace: 9:45/mile
Route: Hines Park 4 Miler
Song that got me started: "It Is Well" by Kutless
Song that got me through the wall: "Get a Grip" by Aerosmith
Song that brought me home: "Conch and Flute Air'" by Song of the Lakes

Personal Note: Rocked an amazing first mile in 8:51. This would be my first sub nine minute mile in about...forever.  Also note I was a little tired later in the run and my time suffered, but man I felt fast that first mile. Regularly scheduled blog post below.

After my nice Chicago interlude, it was great to be back on familiar territory, Hines Park.. One thing has changed on this route however is that I am now finishing in darkness. Accordingly, I am rocking a nice LED headlamp to get me through the darkness.

This lamp has several advantages, the biggest ones being that other people can see me and I don't run into trees. Along with that comes the downside that apparently you are a giant pulsating target for any and all bugs on the trail. I try to imagine what they see. First is a giant attractive light bouncing down the trail, then the massive amount of carbon dioxide my body is putting out hits their radar. It is like a kamikaze attack. I don't stand a chance. Right about mile 3 of this run, I run though some woods on the connecting trail between Hines Drive and Ann Arbor Trail. Hey look, it is a map. Check out the trail that runs just to the right of I-275. Yup, this is where JD becomes the all you can eat buffet.

So it is inevitable that some of these nice crunchies end up in my mouth. Tasty, I know. I figure I am getting some free run protein, I mean it is literally their loss, so I am OK with it. I might have to get some goggles if I am going to keep running this route at night.

In a completely separate line of thought, I am running in a 5K this weekend called the Jamesers 5K. This race is in memory of James Perez, whose parents we knew personally. The race benefits Kaleidoscope Kids, a hospice service for teens and younger children. During this run today, I was thinking about this coming race, and how my daughter CE  and The Wife will be there to see me at the finish. Truly what a blessing it is to be a father and husband