Be Wary... The Redwing Blackbirds are Back!

You know it is a sure sign of the summer running season when you are out for a run like I was today, and you get dive bombed by a redwing blackbird because you were running somewhere near its nesting area. It almost brought a tear to my eye... I've missed them so. I initially didn't even notice the stupid bird. I was in one of my runner's trances when all of a sudden, I was snapped back to reality by hearing the bird give one of its "death chirps," and then noticed its "pall like" shadow cast in front me, darting back and forth, signifying that the "mad momma" was right over my head and stalking me like a common criminal. It really makes you feel loved as a runner. Although it was just the one time today, I'm sure there will be many more happy encounters by the end of the summer. Maybe next time, when I know I will be running in "enemy territory," I should wear an Audubon Society running shirt to let them know I'm a friend, not foe. Do you think that will help?... me either. They probably have my picture up in their "bird post office." Hey, I didn't start this war, though... they did, when one of their kin took a "flying dump" on my head while I was running down the country road from my parents farm. What a defensive weapon, huh? Makes you think twice before running during the redwing blackbird nesting season.

Despite my "friendly" encounter this morning, I still got in a good run. Usually I don't like to run four consecutive days in a row, but because I have a busy day on tap tomorrow with working at the running store and pet sitting for a couple people I know, I thought I would bypass my day off today, get in my run, and then take tomorrow off since time will be limited. Although my legs did feel a little sluggish, I still ran pretty well... this despite the humidity, too. At least it was an overcast day and there was a comfortable breeze blowing. I finished my 8 mile loop averaging about 7:38 per mile. Not too bad for teh fourth consecutive day.

Today's workout: 8.1 miles > 1:01:47 > 7:38 pace

Miles this week: 35.4

There's Nothing Like a Cloudy Day...

I know probably a good majority of runners out there really love running when it's bright and sunny and there isn't a cloud in the sky. Me... I like it too... BUT... I absolutely love it when the weather was like it was this morning... cool and a little breezy AND overcast. No, I am not a vampire who can do without sunlight, nor am I the depressing sort. For whatever reason, though, I just prefer a nice shaded run. I've been on so many long runs in the past several years where I was out there pounding the pavement during a bright, sunny day, and the sun beating down on me just seemed like a weight that sapped the energy right out of me. I very rarely feel that way during a cloudy day. I always seem to feel strong and have more energy... like today. Today was very ideal with not a hint of the sun out. Although I did feel a touch sluggish the first mile or so, I gradually got stronger and felt better as the run went on, averaging 7:26 pace for the run. Like I said, there's nothing like a cloudy day;)

Today's workout: 11.1 miles > 1:22:30 > 7:26 pace

Miles this week: 27.3

A Fast Five

I don't know what it is, but on the days that I don't run 10 miles or more, I have a hard time getting my butt out of bed to do a simple five miler. You would think it would be the opposite, but for whatever reason, it isn't. Anyways, after I pryed myself out of bed this morning, I did get in a nice little quick run. The weather outside was perfect. It was sunny and cool with a very light breeze. My legs felt a little achy and stiff starting out, but that soon went away and my pace really picked up. My final three miles were at 6:45, 6:51 and 6:50. I was very pleased with how I ran today considering yesterday I did a good 11 miles. It is supposed to be another nice morning tomorrow so hopefully I can get in another good long run.

Today's workout: 5.1 miles > 36:24 > 7:08 pace

Miles this week: 16.2

Chilly and Windy

After taking off a warm Memorial Day from running, I was back out on the road this morning and was surprised to see how blustery and chilly it was out. The temp sure changed a lot from yesterday... but then again, it is Wisconsin. Even though it was considerably cooler out this morning, once I got that first mile under my belt, the temp was quite comfortable. It was the wind that was giving me some problems early on in the run. I don't know what the wind speed coming off the lake was, but it sure felt like it was over 20 mph. I made sure to give our weather lady, Amy Carlson, a hard time when I got into work today. She said last night on the 10pm news that the wind was only going to be around 8 mph or so. I told her if I attached a sail to my butt I could have flown around the lake with no problem at all. She got a kick out of that. Anyways, despite the wind, I did have a solid run this morning. The second half of the run I was finally rewarded with a nice tailwind and was able to average about 7:25 per mile for the 11 miles. Good workout overall.

Today's workout: 11.1 miles > 1:22:23 > 7:25 pace

Miles this week: 11.1

Returning the Favor

After racing hard a couple times this past month, it was really nice to sit on the sidelines, so to speak, and watch all the marathoners and half-marathoners run in the Madison Marathon events this morning. I thought it was a pretty ideal day for the runners being that it was overcast and cool. I overheard a few of the finishers say that the wind was a little tough in spots but it wasn't anything horrendous. I specifically went to the race today to cheer on my sister-in-law Dannie, my good friend David, and a few runners that I work with at Movin' Shoes here in Madison. As most of you know, I enjoy racing, but I also really enjoy hopping in my car and going to different points along the race route to cheer on the people who I know that are competing. They have done that plenty of times for me when I've raced, so it's always nice to return the favor. Coincidentally, my friend Dave ran the half-marathon real well by finishing 113th out of 2,866, with a time of 1:34:31 for a 7:13 average. My sister-in-law Dannie also ran the half and she finished 1,602 out of 2,866 with a time of 2:06:49 for a 9:41 average. Congratulations to the both of them, as well as all the other runners participating... especially if you were running your very first half or full marathon. It's always a great feeling when you complete that first one. For a complete list of all the results from yesterdays Madison Marathon events, you can click on http://www.onlineraceresults.com/event/view_event.php?event_id=2581

Because I got up early to go watch the races this morning, I bypassed my run until later in the afternoon. It wasn't as cool as it was in the morning. Actually, it was pretty warm. I sweated more today doing 5 miles that I did yesterday when I ran 14. Despite the warm afternoon, I still got in a nice, little run and felt fairly decent doing it. you never know how you are going to feel the day after running long. It's always a crapshoot. Will most likely take tomorrow off and be back on the road Tuesday. In the meantime, I hope you all have a fun and safe Memorial Day!

Today's workout: 5.1 miles > 37:51 > 7:25 pace

Miles this week: 46.5

Expo Day Here in Madison

Even though I am not running in any of the Madison Marathon events tomorrow, I did go to the expo today with my good friend David, his wife Mary and their daughter Margaret. It was a beautiful day here in town, so we rode down to the Alliant Energy Center on bikes and that way avoided all the traffic and parking congestion that was going on for Brat Fest. It's pretty funny when you think about... The Madison Marathon and Brat Fest going on at the same time. For those of you who don't know, the two events are kind of coordinated together. The finish line is right next to the Brat Fest grounds. Just what you want to have right after you run 26 miles, huh? Actually, depending on how you feel, a brat and a beer might taste pretty good after you finish. Anyways, we all had a good time checking out the running expo. They had the typical running vendors and also a few race directors there promoting their marathons later in the year. I actually had a nice discussion with the the race director for the Fox Cities Marathon in Appleton. I asked him if he would be interested in being interviewed in a month or two about his race, and he sounded pretty open to that possibility. Overall it was a nice expo. Although I am not running tomorrow, I am planning to go watch it to support some runners I know who are doing the half-marathon... namely my friend David and my sister-in-law Dannie.

Training went well today, too. Before I headed to the expo this afternoon, I got in a good 14 miler in the middle of the morning. Weather was pretty nice for a long run. It was sunny and fairly cool with a light breeze. Was very pleased with my pacing today. I averaged about 7:20 for the 14 miles.

Today's workout: 14.1 > 1:43:23 > 7:20 pace

Miles this week: 41.4

"On the Road" Interview: Going to Grandma's

When I first started this blog, I just intended it to be a way for people who know me to get updates on my how my running, training and marathons were going. The more I thought about it, though, I didn't want this blog to be all about me... that's not who I am. Being that I work full time at a tv station and part time at a local running store, I thought a good way to spice up this blog would be to use some of my connections in both industries and interview some interesting and influential people in the running community that people might like to hear about. With that, this afternoon in a small audio booth, I recorded what is hopefully the first of many "On the Road" interviews with people who enjoy running as much as I do.

For my first interview, I had the pleasure to talk to Scott Keenan, race director for Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, MN. Scott was very gracious with his time and gave some great responses about the history of the marathon, where it's at today and some of the things going on at the expo. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed conducting the interview.