There’s not a lot to say here other than I finished the Madison Half Marathon under 2 hours and, while my legs feel as if they might just fall off my body… hell I finished.  So far, I’ve run 68 miles in 25 days which means I’ve been averaging 2.72 miles.  That’s 10.38 miles more than my average.  All I can say is…..ouch.  It does feel good to have finished…once I can get beyond the pain of not being able to feel my legs, I’ll think about running again.

I’ll keep it brief.  Friday hit me hard and I just didn’t have the energy or, frankly, the will power to run.  I broke the streak.. I didn’t run.  I was kind of angry with myself for not finding time to run…even 2 miles….but it’s okay.  It’s not a rule (yet) but just a really good idea… if you fail….just don’t fail tomorrow.  Of course, this doesn’t work in certain circumstances but we’re talking about running here… not brain surgery.

I’ll keep it brief.  I’m stuck in my first rut.  It’s a much better rut than my last one but I have officially found myself doing the very minimum to keep my streak alive.  2 miles…anyway I can get it done.  I’ve been here before, years ago, and I know that persistence and races can help dig me out of this rut and, until then, I’ll just stick with the routine.  I’m jumping into a race this weekend and we’ll see if that can jumpstart the spirit.  Any other ideas to help with this phenomena?

Here’s the deal… I’ll keep it quick.  I’m noticing an awful trend which is not so awful but could be indicative of a problem.  The last bunch of days I’ve gone out at 8, 9, 10 o’clock at night and pounded out 2 miles…. to keep the streak alive.  That’s all well and good and I’m getting many kudos and the legs are starting to find their strength again…but could I be developing a bad routine?

Could it be possible that I could do more if I were not waiting to the last minute to get a run in?  I think I know the answer but this one will be worth tracking down in more detail…because it could lead to clarity in the rules… The operating theory at the moment is that mileage may need to matter soon… perhaps after the 30 days is up.

I’m just going to admit it… my legs are shot, it’s Friday night and the streak is nearly dead…however I’m interjecting a “Mulligan” here… After 21,172 steps and just over 8 3/4 miles of walking, I believe I have reached the “functional equivalent” of a 2 mile run.

Other functional equivalent activities might be, based on how I feel right now, things like bull riding, or tractor pulling.  So no, I didn’t run today.  I am also not planning on pulling another 11pm run… I think I’m going to go to bed and rest for tomorrow… because I’m going to trade nearly 9 miles of walking for 2 miles of running and put this one in the books….I’m working on rule #3, flexibility, but I need to figure out where to draw the line…until then 🙂

Today was the day from hell at work.  Long story short, there were a bunch of layoffs and some good friends were among those cut.  I have a little survivor’s guilt which I thought might force me along on the run tonight.  The truth, however, is that I felt a lot more like Homer and a lot less like Pre.  So, without a run under the belt when 10 o’clock hit, I decided the streak might be in danger… but instead I just left the watch at home and decided to press on.  I’m feeling the need to run grow stronger every day but I must say, it felt good to not even consider how fast or how far I went.  As far as I’m concerned the streak continues and that’s the most important part….

Okay so it’s safe to say the 30 day strategy is working… I ran 2 miles and did it in style…I went out late around 8pm and just ran.  Didn’t think much about it and got it done.  Quick entry because things are just starting to get a bit more routine…

For those who have been following this blog, you know that I am reluctant to be preachy and offer rules.  This blog has been designed to track my progress toward getting back into shape and, for the most part, what works for me won’t necessarily work for you.  You need to find your own motivation.  There are, however, a few things that just are… the sky is up, Eli Manning will be awesome and then not…in the same game and the only two certainties in life are death, taxes and my running rules.  Without further ado, I invite you to bask in the glory of Rule #2.  It’s easier with friends.

Last night I had a great run with two friends… it wasn’t fast and it wasn’t far but for the first time in 16 days, I didn’t really think about the pain of running… I just ran.  The conversation (and the weather) was great and I think we would’ve gone longer if we had more time!  So yeah, Rule #2… if you can find someone (or a group of someones) it’ll be easier to get a long run in!  So, go out there and find some someones!

Real quick entry here…. I ran 2 miles last night at 7:30 then fought with the kids until they could fall asleep so, yeah…. I did it….it didn’t feel particularly great but I did have the feeling I “had to run” which was a good feeling….

Don’t worry.  It’s not what you think!  Actually, I’m not sure what you would think about the headline but it’s not that.  This Saturday got away from me fast.  What started off with a long overdue house cleaning gave way to an afternoon party (with amazing food!) and then into an evening impromptu party with some friends.  All along the way was some light consumption of Sam Adams Octoberfest and pizza…lots and lots of pizza.  As the Notre Dame game was winding down I realized that the streak was in real jeopardy.  Not only was I wicked tired but my stomach was filled with a combination of evilness.  If you can picture a congealed ball of fermented sugars and hops rolled in mozzarella cheese and flour, that was growing inside me like a small child.  Now granted, there’s room in the stomach for this growth, no doubt, but it’s painful none-the-less.  Anyway, I digress.  I’m proud to say I found the 20 minutes to run today… with less than an hour to spare!  THE STREAK CONTINUES!!!