September Musings

September's here. DD started school on Monday. So beginneth the Fall routine.
DD & DW get up earlier. They get home later. DD will have homework. She uses me to help with school a little more than Mom. DD's the math Wiz but, I get science, history, & english.

My workouts will probably be a little later at night than they have been. Again, I want to stretch more & x-train more. When I run longer or faster my core gets sore (I'm rhyming); I need to work on that. I showed DW how to do lunges last night & my right hip was tight by the end of my run. I need more strength in a greater range of motion.

My first race in 20+ years is at the end of the month. It's a half marathon. I want to run well. I'd like to run it under two hours but, I don't know how realistic that is. I've cracked sub-9 minute miles just twice.

I've been introduced to the concept of junk miles. Miles that aren't part of a long run or part of tempo running can be considered junk. Not unnecessary but, it seems junk miles like junk food can be ovedone. I haven't run further than 6 miles in over a month. I was faster the week before vaca but, I don't do actual speedwork. I loosen up for the first mile & then just gradually push the pace over the course of a run. I've always done speed this way. It's kind of like pushing the accelerator of a car just a little; gradually the speed just builds up. Maybe it's not the most effective method but, it's fun. Maybe I'll have to rethink it a little bit.

The Applefest Half prohibits the use of my Ipod Shuffle. Bummer Pee Wee. I hadn't ever used a personal listening device until about a month ago but, it really enhances the enjoyment of my solitary runs. Applefest says it for "insurance" reasons. Why? Do people collide? Are they afraid of spontaneous combustion? I don't know; their race their rules. I'll still have fun. It looks like a challenging course with lots of hills. I'm going to do more hillwork in preparation. The foliage ought to be pretty much peak by then & the photos of the apple pie spread out at the post-race feed look awesome.

I just reread my pre-Acadia post. I thought I was going to run a 9 mile route 2-3 times. This didn't happen. Our daily hikes were vigorous enough to count as a workout. We didn't get back to camp early enough to eat & then allow me go a run before dark. Bass Harbor doesn't have a lot of streetlights. I ran the same route a couple of times 24 years ago & it wasn't safe running at night. Plus, the roads have been regraded & the shoulders are very pronounced. The five miler I did get in was a little uncomfortable; I felt like I really pounded on my right leg. Even though I got a lot of exercise with hiking I only got two quality aerobic workouts in: my five mile run & the solo hike along Jordan Pond & the Bubble trail. Not exactly a lay-off but, I think a little bit of the training effect.

Tonight I'm going to do a short hill workout & do a 40 minute yoga routine on this DVD I've had for years. I've invited DW to join in the yoga. Maybe DD will join us. The family workout routine hasn't materialized yet but, I know DW is still interested. DD has the teeniest bit of a pooch growing. It's a sensitive issue with a teenage girl so, I'd love to be subtle about it & get her working out. It'd be a lot easier for her if exercise became routine in her life now. Losing weight is a pain in the ass I'd rather have her avoid.