July Wrapup

I haven't blogged in a few..In fact my running has really suffered this month due to the heat and work. My final talley for the month is 45 miles. Not so good. I have actually sat down a few times at my computer to blog, but I keep getting sidetracked. The heat index for this upcoming week is @ 100 degrees. Even getting out in the early morning to run is still undesirable. I remember reading in Runners World magazine a few months ago that the ideal temperature for running is 52 degrees. Anything above or below causes pace to decline.
The heat is really getting to me. I went for a simple 5 mile run the other day. Temp 84 deg/ humidity 95-100%. I felt great when I took off. Started out at a 10min pace for the first 2 miles. I realized that I couldn't keep up at the pace for long so I backed off. By mile 4, I was exhausted. I nearly finished off my 20 oz bottle of water. I had to walk for a short time up a hill. I never have to do that!! It took over an hour to run 5.5 miles. Whats up with that?? Discouraging! I decided to run yesterday after work. It was still 88 degrees @ 9 pm. Sun was going down. I didn't run. Frustrating.....
Now that I got that out, Let me tell you about the good hike that I had the other day. Since I have started trail running recently, I have found many new exciting and "difficult" trails. The boys and I hiked a new difficult trail with lots of elevation. The hike was 3 miles up and down a mountain. We seen a few deer, but the best part was at the end. It finished at the lake with a great beach area. We yanked our socks, shoes and shirts off and jumped in. It was nearly 90 degrees and then water was great! We swam and cooled off for a bit, and then took off to finish the hike. Secret hideway..
Me and the boys are on week 3 Day 2 of the hundred pushups challenge (8 weeks or more total.) We are up to 88 pushups in 5 sets. It is getting tougher and tougher. The most we have to do ina row right now is 25 with 60-90 seconds breaks in between sets. By the end, we are at complete exhaustion. I'll be up to 100 hundred by the end of the week.. Remember it is 100 pushups straight, not 100 total.

Trails here I come

I was able to get another great day of trail running in. With the heat @ what it is and my lack of ability to get up before 9 am on my days off, I find that running under the cover of trees is the best way to run. Rather hot today - 85 deg/75% humidity/sunny. I tried 3 new trails today, ran a little bit farther, and on a better pace. 6.05 miles in 1hr 10mins 17 seconds. I stopped a few times to drink water. I wasn't concerned about my pace at all, but I was looking to get in at least an hour of running. The amphipod has saved my life.
The time goes by so much faster while running in the park. I find myself looking around and enjoying the scenery. For the second time this week, I didn't bring my mp3 player. Very enjoyable. I also felt a little more confident about opening up my stride - I was afraid the other day, for fear of twisting an ankle. You see, I have bent my ankle over on so many occasions( at least 20,) that my tendons and ligaments in both ankles are like loose rubberbands. Why? That would be due to many years of basketball.. If you have played any "real" basketball, you know that it is inevitable.
I really need to start carrying my camera whilest I run. I see much wildlife on my treks.

Trail Run

I haven't posted in over week. Sometimes in becomes difficult to post if I don't do it after an activity. I sorta lose my momentum..
My running has suffered lately due to the heat, work, and family summertime. Each are good causes, but they are still excuses - I can always find time, a little tired lately. Less than 10 miles, each of the past 2 weeks. I did go on a great WhiteWater Rafting trip last week though!
About today : I had a great trail run today in Panther Creek State Park. I had no plans as to where to run. I just hit trail after trail. Very challenging trails to say the least. Rolling terrain with many hills of 20 - 200 feet. A few steep grades. I ended up running for approx. an hour - a little bit over 5 miles. I took it slow, for fear of a twisted ankle. Even @ the slower pace, my HR climbed many times into the 170's. I was exhausted afterwards. I chose to run in the park instead of the roads because of the heat. The trees protected me from the sun, for the most part.
I did meet a friendly deer while running. I past in once and it jumped into the woods. On the last mile of the run, I ran into it again and this time it let me get close. About 5 feet. I kept thinking it was going to turn into " Samurai Deer."
LOL, but it never did. Work the next 3, probably won't run until Sunday.
I am doing well, with 100 pushup challenge. I am @ the start of "Day1 of week 2." I'm up to about 15 @ a time, with 5 sets. TOUGH!!! Can I do a 100 straight? We'll see.....