AM: 6 miles
PM: 4 miles
Running by myself is boring.
PM: 4 miles
Running by myself is boring.
Showing posts with label Candler Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Candler Park. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Frostbitten
AM: 50 mins.6+ miles
PM: ~30 min. walk
After arriving home quite late from sales meeting last night, I was content to sit around in my pajamas until roughly noon this morning. At that point I decided to try out a little tester jog on my foot. It's definitely been feeling better with the time off, but I was nervous about how it would feel while running. I decided to set out for a "40 to 45, up to but not over 50" minute run (you Oklahomans will appreciate that reference) to see how things felt.
So, here's the good news: my foot felt fine. Actually, that's slightly misleading. For the first 15 minutes I could not feel either of my feet, as they've succumbed to frostbite. You see, I have a habit of turning off my thermostat when I leave town for long periods of time and then seeing how long I can hold out before turning it back on upon my return. Usually "how long I can hold out" ends up being until I am constantly sweating despite stripping down to my underwear (in the summer) or shivering like a wet cat until I can no longer feel my appendages (in the winter). To the best of my recollection, I turned off the thermostat when I left for Palm Springs on or around October 3rd and it has remained in the "off" position ever since. Usually at this point, when outside temperatures are hovering in the low to mid 30s at night, I would finally break down and turn it on. The problem this time, however, is that my heat runs on gas. And guess who hasn't even contacted the gas company since moving here in July? That's right. So, not only do I not currently have heat, I don't even have the option of heat. Which means when I woke up this morning and saw that the thermostat read, oh, somewhere in the neighborhood of 54 degrees, I had absolutely no recourse except layering on more clothing and staying in my bed.
But I digress. Point being, I couldn't feel my feet for quite some time on the run. However, once the blood did get circulating, I was pleased to note that my foot didn't feel half bad. The rest of my body, on the other hand, felt horrible. Well, not horrible, just slow and awkward and sluggish. Hopefully this is something that I will snap out of pretty quickly. Especially since rumor has it that I need to get my game face on for a race sometime soon...but more on that later.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Coast to Coast
46 mins.
6 miles
So despite my better judgment, I went out for a wog today. To be honest I was just feeling lazy and gross and notso hotso about myself after the two days off. Stupid? Perhaps. Reality? Absolutely. At any rate, I wanted to get in a preemptive jaunt before heading off to Seattle for a solid week of excessive eating and drinking (and meetings too).
To be honest, this run was about as underwhelming as I expected. In an effort to not stress my foot, I somehow tweaked my calf muscle. So, pro: the foot felt decent. Con: I'm now limping due to my calf. Awesome.
The majority of the rest of the day was spent traveling. Turns out a flight from Atlanta to Seattle, which is lengthy enough when nonstop, actually takes about eight hours when it's broken up by a layover in Phoenix. Needless to say, by the time I arrived at 5pm Seattle time (which was 8pm in the ATL), I was starving and exhausted and a tad grumpy. Fortunately, I got to spend the evening with my friend Chelsea, a girl who I grew up with in East Texas. Over dinner we were marveling at how far each of us have come from our hometowns, both literally and figuratively, as we rejoiced in the recent Obama victory. We grew up in very small, very conservative, very Southern Baptist towns, and we're both pretty thrilled to have outgrown that insular environment (although, it should be said, we both agree that "East Texas is a great place to be from, if you know what I mean"). Chelsea and I have also followed somewhat similar paths after high school, as she went on to study at the University of Oklahoma and is now living and working in Seattle. The fact that I'm dating someone who goes to school (not so much "studies" per se) at OU and work for a company based in Seattle is kind of a quirky coincidence. At any rate, it was great to spend time with her and enjoy a bit of relaxation before the week's craziness begins.
Quote of the night: "I mean, it's great that all our high school friends have kids. But shouldn't we get a shower with lots of cool presents for, like, not getting pregnant? Kind of like 'Way to go, Tiger! Keep on keeping the population down.'"
6 miles
So despite my better judgment, I went out for a wog today. To be honest I was just feeling lazy and gross and notso hotso about myself after the two days off. Stupid? Perhaps. Reality? Absolutely. At any rate, I wanted to get in a preemptive jaunt before heading off to Seattle for a solid week of excessive eating and drinking (and meetings too).
To be honest, this run was about as underwhelming as I expected. In an effort to not stress my foot, I somehow tweaked my calf muscle. So, pro: the foot felt decent. Con: I'm now limping due to my calf. Awesome.
The majority of the rest of the day was spent traveling. Turns out a flight from Atlanta to Seattle, which is lengthy enough when nonstop, actually takes about eight hours when it's broken up by a layover in Phoenix. Needless to say, by the time I arrived at 5pm Seattle time (which was 8pm in the ATL), I was starving and exhausted and a tad grumpy. Fortunately, I got to spend the evening with my friend Chelsea, a girl who I grew up with in East Texas. Over dinner we were marveling at how far each of us have come from our hometowns, both literally and figuratively, as we rejoiced in the recent Obama victory. We grew up in very small, very conservative, very Southern Baptist towns, and we're both pretty thrilled to have outgrown that insular environment (although, it should be said, we both agree that "East Texas is a great place to be from, if you know what I mean"). Chelsea and I have also followed somewhat similar paths after high school, as she went on to study at the University of Oklahoma and is now living and working in Seattle. The fact that I'm dating someone who goes to school (not so much "studies" per se) at OU and work for a company based in Seattle is kind of a quirky coincidence. At any rate, it was great to spend time with her and enjoy a bit of relaxation before the week's craziness begins.
Quote of the night: "I mean, it's great that all our high school friends have kids. But shouldn't we get a shower with lots of cool presents for, like, not getting pregnant? Kind of like 'Way to go, Tiger! Keep on keeping the population down.'"
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Vote and Run
59 mins.
8 miles
I woke up fairly early this morning after a restless evening (due in no small part to the complete lack of air flow through my nostrils) and was eager to get out the door before a morning of conference calls and other office work. I also planned on allotting most of the afternoon for standing in line at the polls, since I've read so many horror stories the past few days of people waiting hours in line to cast their ballot. In a flash of brilliance, I decided just before heading out the door to grab my ID and take a spin past my polling place to assess the line. If nothing else, I could at least make sure I knew where it was and where to park later in the day.
After meandering around on the Candler Park bike path, I hooked a left on Candler Park Drive near the golf course and headed uphill toward the elementary school that would serve as my polling place for the day. A cursory glance showed no one waiting outside the building, so I decided to stop my watch around 25 minutes and head inside. To my pleasant surprise, the line inside was almost nonexistent as well, so I decided to stick around. The entire experience took fifteen minutes and then I was back outside to complete my run. Now that's multitasking at its finest.
A fellow Democrat in Candler Park shows their support
For the rest of the jaunt I enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and cloudless sky of the November morning, running out and back on the bike path to Inman Park before heading home. The leaves are at their peak right now, all radiant reds and rich yellows, but I find myself almost saddened by it because I know in just a few days they will begin their inevitable fade to brown and then it will be time to segue to winter. I've never really thought of it that way before and I guess it's indicative of the doldrums I've been experiencing for the past week. Reminds me of the Robert Frost poem I had to memorize in ninth grade English class (which I am proud/embarrassed to say I still remember verbatim):
Nature's first green is gold.
Her hardest hue to hold
Her early leaf's a flower
But only so an hour
Then leaf subsides to leaf
So Eden sank to grief
So dawn goes down to day
Nothing gold can stay.
8 miles
I woke up fairly early this morning after a restless evening (due in no small part to the complete lack of air flow through my nostrils) and was eager to get out the door before a morning of conference calls and other office work. I also planned on allotting most of the afternoon for standing in line at the polls, since I've read so many horror stories the past few days of people waiting hours in line to cast their ballot. In a flash of brilliance, I decided just before heading out the door to grab my ID and take a spin past my polling place to assess the line. If nothing else, I could at least make sure I knew where it was and where to park later in the day.
After meandering around on the Candler Park bike path, I hooked a left on Candler Park Drive near the golf course and headed uphill toward the elementary school that would serve as my polling place for the day. A cursory glance showed no one waiting outside the building, so I decided to stop my watch around 25 minutes and head inside. To my pleasant surprise, the line inside was almost nonexistent as well, so I decided to stick around. The entire experience took fifteen minutes and then I was back outside to complete my run. Now that's multitasking at its finest.
A fellow Democrat in Candler Park shows their support
For the rest of the jaunt I enjoyed the beautiful fall colors and cloudless sky of the November morning, running out and back on the bike path to Inman Park before heading home. The leaves are at their peak right now, all radiant reds and rich yellows, but I find myself almost saddened by it because I know in just a few days they will begin their inevitable fade to brown and then it will be time to segue to winter. I've never really thought of it that way before and I guess it's indicative of the doldrums I've been experiencing for the past week. Reminds me of the Robert Frost poem I had to memorize in ninth grade English class (which I am proud/embarrassed to say I still remember verbatim):
Nature's first green is gold.
Her hardest hue to hold
Her early leaf's a flower
But only so an hour
Then leaf subsides to leaf
So Eden sank to grief
So dawn goes down to day
Nothing gold can stay.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sick on Sunday
45 mins.6 miles
I think it's safe to classify today as one of the most unproductive days of my entire life. I woke up around 7:30 to find that my cold was raging at an unprecedented level. After messing around on the computer for a few hours and trying unsuccessfully to load the NYC Marathon feed, I decided to settle in for a nap around 9:30. Yes, I took a nap at 9:30 in the morning. I didn't head out the door to run until after 3pm, which was actually perfect considering that there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the temps were in the mid 60s. There were tons of people out on the bike path, and I was reminded of how nice it is to live in such an active neighborhood. Unfortunately, my cold seems to be getting worse despite continuously pumping my body full of meds. Hopefully things will look up in the next few days.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Morning Run with the Heps Champion
58 mins.
~8 miles
After the aforementioned late night with Ozzie and the high mileage of last week, I was perfectly content to wog one easy run today. He only wanted to run 4-6 since he would be running with a high school team in the afternoon, so I took him on the Candler Park loop. Dropped him off at the house at five miles and then finished it off with another ~20 minutes through the Highlands. It was considerably warmer and more humid this morning than it was last week (which could also have something to do with the fact that we didn't get out the door until at least 10am) and my legs felt pretty lifeless. Hopefully our subsequent brunch at Highland Bakery and afternoon of sitting around wasting time on the internet will facilitate my recovery for tomorrow's workout.
~8 miles
After the aforementioned late night with Ozzie and the high mileage of last week, I was perfectly content to wog one easy run today. He only wanted to run 4-6 since he would be running with a high school team in the afternoon, so I took him on the Candler Park loop. Dropped him off at the house at five miles and then finished it off with another ~20 minutes through the Highlands. It was considerably warmer and more humid this morning than it was last week (which could also have something to do with the fact that we didn't get out the door until at least 10am) and my legs felt pretty lifeless. Hopefully our subsequent brunch at Highland Bakery and afternoon of sitting around wasting time on the internet will facilitate my recovery for tomorrow's workout.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Tour Guide for the Day
AM: 60 mins.
8 miles
PM: 30 min. walk
Storefronts along McLendon Ave. in Candler Park
I had a great run this morning with Jim and Meredith, who ventured down to my neck of the woods for a change. They recently relocated to Atlanta from Florida and have never been to my 'hood before, so I was excited to show them the wonderfulness that is Highlands/Inman Park/Candler Park. Our jaunt was equal parts bike path and residential streets, and they seemed to really enjoy seeing all the sights. The best part about living around here is that you don't feel as though you're in the heart of a huge metropolis, and I think they were both surprised at how quaint and welcoming the area feels. Naturally, no trip into town would be complete without an authentic Atlanta breakfast, so I took them on their inaugural visit to the Flying Biscuit. I'm pretty sure they're coming back next week for another round.
8 miles
PM: 30 min. walk
Storefronts along McLendon Ave. in Candler Park
I had a great run this morning with Jim and Meredith, who ventured down to my neck of the woods for a change. They recently relocated to Atlanta from Florida and have never been to my 'hood before, so I was excited to show them the wonderfulness that is Highlands/Inman Park/Candler Park. Our jaunt was equal parts bike path and residential streets, and they seemed to really enjoy seeing all the sights. The best part about living around here is that you don't feel as though you're in the heart of a huge metropolis, and I think they were both surprised at how quaint and welcoming the area feels. Naturally, no trip into town would be complete without an authentic Atlanta breakfast, so I took them on their inaugural visit to the Flying Biscuit. I'm pretty sure they're coming back next week for another round.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Labor Day Double
AM: 74 mins.
10 miles
PM: 30 mins.
4 miles
Courtesy of Hurricane Gustav, today's run was simultaneously humid and overcast and windy. In fact, this is probably the first day since I returned to the ATL that I could truly classify as "windy," which wasn't necessarily a bad thing considering the humidity. Weather conditions aside, I felt pretty crappy on this run. My legs just felt dead and heavy the entire time. Not a promising way to start the week. My spirits were finally buoyed about 45 minutes in by a 70-year-old man who praised me with "Looking good, lady!" as I ran by. It's the little things.
10 miles
PM: 30 mins.
4 miles
Courtesy of Hurricane Gustav, today's run was simultaneously humid and overcast and windy. In fact, this is probably the first day since I returned to the ATL that I could truly classify as "windy," which wasn't necessarily a bad thing considering the humidity. Weather conditions aside, I felt pretty crappy on this run. My legs just felt dead and heavy the entire time. Not a promising way to start the week. My spirits were finally buoyed about 45 minutes in by a 70-year-old man who praised me with "Looking good, lady!" as I ran by. It's the little things.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Red Eye Hangover
45 mins.
6 miles
If I had to use one adjective to describe today, it would be "groggy." Courtesy of the Tylenol PM I took on the tarmac last night, I slept through my entire flight from Seattle to Atlanta. That's the good part. The bad part is, all I wanted to do for the rest of the day was continue sleeping. However, after a brief nap, I busied myself catching up with office work and other Brooks-related business. It poured rain on and off throughout the day and for a moment I considered not running at all. Then around 4:30 there was a break in the clouds so I headed out for a quick Candler Park loop. My body feels fine with the exception of my quads, which are quite sore and painful to the touch. I contemplated getting a massage but I'm scared to apply any pressure to the area for fear I would scream and cry like a little girl. Instead I'm content to take it pretty easy for the next few days until I feel recovered.
6 miles
If I had to use one adjective to describe today, it would be "groggy." Courtesy of the Tylenol PM I took on the tarmac last night, I slept through my entire flight from Seattle to Atlanta. That's the good part. The bad part is, all I wanted to do for the rest of the day was continue sleeping. However, after a brief nap, I busied myself catching up with office work and other Brooks-related business. It poured rain on and off throughout the day and for a moment I considered not running at all. Then around 4:30 there was a break in the clouds so I headed out for a quick Candler Park loop. My body feels fine with the exception of my quads, which are quite sore and painful to the touch. I contemplated getting a massage but I'm scared to apply any pressure to the area for fear I would scream and cry like a little girl. Instead I'm content to take it pretty easy for the next few days until I feel recovered.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Massage Monday
AM: 60 mins.
8 miles
PM: 30 min. walk
Defying all expectations, the weather has continued its unprecedented mildness for another day. After sleeping in until 8 (!!) and doing some office work, I finally made it outside for my run around 9am. Temps were in the low 70s and the humidity was quite low as well, which made for a very pleasant run. Did the Candler Park loop plus out and back on the Freedom Trail to Highland Bakery to make it an even hour.
The true highlight of my day was the long-awaited massage I enjoyed this afternoon. After still not hearing back from Jeff's friend, I decided to roll up to Massage Envy and see what they could do for me. I was a bit skeptical of this massage "chain," but their web site said they could do sports massage and their introductory rate was $39/hour, so I figured it was worth a shot. Turns out they're pretty legit, or at least Richard is. Per my instructions he spent a good bit of time hunkered down in the hamstring/butt/hip region and really loosened things up. There was even some active release and rolfing involved. At least that's what I was told...I really have no idea what either of those things are. Don't tell anyone.
I debated an evening double even though it wasn't on the schedule, but opted for a walk and some stretching instead. We shall see during my track workout tomorrow if the massage produced any tangible benefits. Also, while walking I ran into (walked into?) my friend Colleen. She was sitting in front of Figo waiting to meet a friend for dinner. We chatted for a bit and made plans to run together one day this week. I was just complaining to Jordan about how boring it is for me to run by myself every day, and then I bump into a running partner in my own neighborhood. Great way to end the day.
8 miles
PM: 30 min. walk
Defying all expectations, the weather has continued its unprecedented mildness for another day. After sleeping in until 8 (!!) and doing some office work, I finally made it outside for my run around 9am. Temps were in the low 70s and the humidity was quite low as well, which made for a very pleasant run. Did the Candler Park loop plus out and back on the Freedom Trail to Highland Bakery to make it an even hour.
The true highlight of my day was the long-awaited massage I enjoyed this afternoon. After still not hearing back from Jeff's friend, I decided to roll up to Massage Envy and see what they could do for me. I was a bit skeptical of this massage "chain," but their web site said they could do sports massage and their introductory rate was $39/hour, so I figured it was worth a shot. Turns out they're pretty legit, or at least Richard is. Per my instructions he spent a good bit of time hunkered down in the hamstring/butt/hip region and really loosened things up. There was even some active release and rolfing involved. At least that's what I was told...I really have no idea what either of those things are. Don't tell anyone.
I debated an evening double even though it wasn't on the schedule, but opted for a walk and some stretching instead. We shall see during my track workout tomorrow if the massage produced any tangible benefits. Also, while walking I ran into (walked into?) my friend Colleen. She was sitting in front of Figo waiting to meet a friend for dinner. We chatted for a bit and made plans to run together one day this week. I was just complaining to Jordan about how boring it is for me to run by myself every day, and then I bump into a running partner in my own neighborhood. Great way to end the day.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Candler Park Long Run
91 mins.
12 miles
Freedom Trail bike path overlooking the Candler Park golf course
I woke up this morning with absolutely no route in mind for my run. That usually ends badly, as I tend to misjudge the length of whatever random loop I pick and thus either run way too far or not nearly far enough. Today, however, I was content to do basically a mindless figure-eight on the streets and Freedom Trail in Candler Park and Inman Park. It's always liberating to run these streets on Sundays; I can pretty much run up and down the middle of the same roads that are jam-packed with traffic on any given weekday.
Today I had a lot on my mind and passed most of the run deep in thought. That said, by the 60 minute mark I was pretty much ready to be done. These neighborhoods are so hilly, and while that doesn't bother me much for a 6- or 8-mile jaunt, I was definitely feeling it toward the end of the run today. My left hamstring was stiff and bothersome throughout.
Also of note, I took a much-needed ice bath this afternoon. I can't even remember the last time I did this, but I figured it would be the best way to shake out the legs after a back-to-back workout/long run combo. Ice baths are never fun but are usually effective, so we'll see how I feel tomorrow.
12 miles
Freedom Trail bike path overlooking the Candler Park golf course
I woke up this morning with absolutely no route in mind for my run. That usually ends badly, as I tend to misjudge the length of whatever random loop I pick and thus either run way too far or not nearly far enough. Today, however, I was content to do basically a mindless figure-eight on the streets and Freedom Trail in Candler Park and Inman Park. It's always liberating to run these streets on Sundays; I can pretty much run up and down the middle of the same roads that are jam-packed with traffic on any given weekday.
Today I had a lot on my mind and passed most of the run deep in thought. That said, by the 60 minute mark I was pretty much ready to be done. These neighborhoods are so hilly, and while that doesn't bother me much for a 6- or 8-mile jaunt, I was definitely feeling it toward the end of the run today. My left hamstring was stiff and bothersome throughout.
Also of note, I took a much-needed ice bath this afternoon. I can't even remember the last time I did this, but I figured it would be the best way to shake out the legs after a back-to-back workout/long run combo. Ice baths are never fun but are usually effective, so we'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Candler Park Double and Grapefruit Martinis
AM: 54 mins
~7.5 miles
PM: 23 mins
3 miles
2 mile walk w/Brooke and Biz
The sky was overcast and the air was cooler than normal this morning, so my easy run was quite pleasant. I did the Candler Park loop in reverse, plus some meandering around in the Highlands (it's funny--this run continues to be shorter than I expect it to be. Like, every time. You would think I'd realize this by now). Of note, guess who was sitting on the SAME bench again (or still)?? That's right, the guy I mentioned yesterday. This morning he appeared to be napping, with his head on his briefcase and one of his hands clutching...a jar of peanut butter! I couldn't discern with my fleeting glimpse whether it was crunchy or creamy, but nonetheless I'm growing to like him more with each passing day.
In the evening I had four miles on tap, so I elected to wog to Brooke's condo and meander around Inman Park to attain 30 minutes. However, it stormed all afternoon, and by the time I headed her direction the post-rain heat and humidity was suffocating. I started to feel the typical dizziness/light-headedness I often experience on evening runs, and cut the wog short as a result. Brooke and I also walked Biscuit for a few miles before heading to dinner.
On a personal note, Brooke received a job offer today...for a position in Birmingham...starting in two weeks. While I could not be more excited for her and this wonderful opportunity, I'm also indescribably sad to lose my best friend (whom I was just reunited with a mere 29 days ago, for those of you who are counting). I'm not super keen on the prospect of meeting new people and expanding my social circle, but it looks like that's what I'm going to have to do. Needless to say, I imposed a self-authorized moratorium on the "no drinking during the week" mandate for the occasion (although, truth be told, one could consider Thursday a weekend if one opts not to drink on Sunday, which I shan't be doing this week). Brooke and I enjoyed several grapefruit martinis at Eclipse and several glasses of wine at chez Starr to help assuage our sadness. Not sure that this will help me to attain my training goal, but sometimes that's just not the point.
~7.5 miles
PM: 23 mins
3 miles
2 mile walk w/Brooke and Biz
The sky was overcast and the air was cooler than normal this morning, so my easy run was quite pleasant. I did the Candler Park loop in reverse, plus some meandering around in the Highlands (it's funny--this run continues to be shorter than I expect it to be. Like, every time. You would think I'd realize this by now). Of note, guess who was sitting on the SAME bench again (or still)?? That's right, the guy I mentioned yesterday. This morning he appeared to be napping, with his head on his briefcase and one of his hands clutching...a jar of peanut butter! I couldn't discern with my fleeting glimpse whether it was crunchy or creamy, but nonetheless I'm growing to like him more with each passing day.
In the evening I had four miles on tap, so I elected to wog to Brooke's condo and meander around Inman Park to attain 30 minutes. However, it stormed all afternoon, and by the time I headed her direction the post-rain heat and humidity was suffocating. I started to feel the typical dizziness/light-headedness I often experience on evening runs, and cut the wog short as a result. Brooke and I also walked Biscuit for a few miles before heading to dinner.
On a personal note, Brooke received a job offer today...for a position in Birmingham...starting in two weeks. While I could not be more excited for her and this wonderful opportunity, I'm also indescribably sad to lose my best friend (whom I was just reunited with a mere 29 days ago, for those of you who are counting). I'm not super keen on the prospect of meeting new people and expanding my social circle, but it looks like that's what I'm going to have to do. Needless to say, I imposed a self-authorized moratorium on the "no drinking during the week" mandate for the occasion (although, truth be told, one could consider Thursday a weekend if one opts not to drink on Sunday, which I shan't be doing this week). Brooke and I enjoyed several grapefruit martinis at Eclipse and several glasses of wine at chez Starr to help assuage our sadness. Not sure that this will help me to attain my training goal, but sometimes that's just not the point.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Hill Repeats
AM: 18 min. w/u (2+ miles)
10xhill repeats, recovery on the way down
(1:27, 1:27, 1:27, 1:27, 1:26, 1:27, 1:26, 1:27, 1:24, 1:23)
15 min. c/d (2 miles)
Total: ~9 miles
PM: 30 minute walk
The first workout of our marathon training cycle consisted of hill repeats. Specifically, 10x1:00-1:30 with recovery on the way down. I had a hill in mind but wasn't sure if it would be the correct length, but luckily I found it to be just about perfect. I warmed up from my house up Briarcliff and onto the Freedom Trail that runs parallel to Ponce. I ran down the path toward Fernbank, jogged a few minutes up Clifton just to see what the traffic was like on a weekday morning (not too bad, surprisingly), then jogged down to the end of the trail at the bottom of the hill. I found out after my first interval that it took almost exactly 90 seconds to run to the top of the hill (where the bike path intersects with Clifton) and about 1:55-2:00 to run back down. I tried to keep my breathing controlled and my stride relaxed through each interval, and really pushed on the last two to see what I could do. Jogged home nice and easy on the trail to Highland, then ran down St. Charles back to Briarcliff and home.
Produce stand I pass every day on my run. Words to live by.
I entertained the idea of an evening double, but thunderstorms thwarted that plan. As I'm writing this, I plan to enjoy some cereal for dinner (which will cap off a successful day 2 of my new life) and then take a walk if the rain abates.
10xhill repeats, recovery on the way down
(1:27, 1:27, 1:27, 1:27, 1:26, 1:27, 1:26, 1:27, 1:24, 1:23)
15 min. c/d (2 miles)
Total: ~9 miles
PM: 30 minute walk
The first workout of our marathon training cycle consisted of hill repeats. Specifically, 10x1:00-1:30 with recovery on the way down. I had a hill in mind but wasn't sure if it would be the correct length, but luckily I found it to be just about perfect. I warmed up from my house up Briarcliff and onto the Freedom Trail that runs parallel to Ponce. I ran down the path toward Fernbank, jogged a few minutes up Clifton just to see what the traffic was like on a weekday morning (not too bad, surprisingly), then jogged down to the end of the trail at the bottom of the hill. I found out after my first interval that it took almost exactly 90 seconds to run to the top of the hill (where the bike path intersects with Clifton) and about 1:55-2:00 to run back down. I tried to keep my breathing controlled and my stride relaxed through each interval, and really pushed on the last two to see what I could do. Jogged home nice and easy on the trail to Highland, then ran down St. Charles back to Briarcliff and home.
Produce stand I pass every day on my run. Words to live by.
I entertained the idea of an evening double, but thunderstorms thwarted that plan. As I'm writing this, I plan to enjoy some cereal for dinner (which will cap off a successful day 2 of my new life) and then take a walk if the rain abates.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Reverse Candler Park Loop
55 mins.
7.5 miles
I'm still indescribably sore from the other day, which is pathetic, and my run today was pretty miserable. Put simply, every step hurt. I felt marginally better once I warmed up after a few miles, but I was pretty much counting down the minutes the entire time. I ran the Candler Park loop backwards, then added on a bit in the Highlands before heading home. Normally I would've wogged around for five more minutes to make it an even hour, but I was having none of it today.
Just a few minutes after arriving home, Brooke messaged me to see if I wanted to come over for breakfast. Naturally I decided to forego the shower and head straight over, where we enjoyed french toast and eggs and taters and coffee. If nothing else, this week has lived up to my hopes of being very breakfast-intensive (and I'm sure my scale, if I owned one, would reflect this). Afterwards we decided to take Biscuit for a walk and burn off 1/40th of our caloric intake, so we did our usual three-mile loop around Inman Park. Finally made it home for a much-needed shower around 3pm...classy.
7.5 miles
I'm still indescribably sore from the other day, which is pathetic, and my run today was pretty miserable. Put simply, every step hurt. I felt marginally better once I warmed up after a few miles, but I was pretty much counting down the minutes the entire time. I ran the Candler Park loop backwards, then added on a bit in the Highlands before heading home. Normally I would've wogged around for five more minutes to make it an even hour, but I was having none of it today.
Just a few minutes after arriving home, Brooke messaged me to see if I wanted to come over for breakfast. Naturally I decided to forego the shower and head straight over, where we enjoyed french toast and eggs and taters and coffee. If nothing else, this week has lived up to my hopes of being very breakfast-intensive (and I'm sure my scale, if I owned one, would reflect this). Afterwards we decided to take Biscuit for a walk and burn off 1/40th of our caloric intake, so we did our usual three-mile loop around Inman Park. Finally made it home for a much-needed shower around 3pm...classy.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Hump Day Double
AM: 46 mins. 
6 miles
PM: 45 mins.
6.5 miles
First thought upon waking up this morning: I wonder how much cereal I have left? Second thought: Crap, my legs are SORE! So apparently the fun, frolicking workout I enjoyed yesterday took more out of me than I thought. My quads felt like a midget had been jumping up and down on them all night (or a non-midget...but I like any analogy involving little people). I gingerly set out for an easy run on the Candler Park loop, modified since I'm now running from my apartment instead of Brooke's. Once I got loosened up the legs felt fine, but I intentionally took it easy on the run. Later this morning I headed to Birmingham for work, and made plans to run with the training group at the Trak Shak, one of my favorite SRAs, in the evening.
First thought upon waking up this morning: I wonder how much cereal I have left? Second thought: Crap, my legs are SORE! So apparently the fun, frolicking workout I enjoyed yesterday took more out of me than I thought. My quads felt like a midget had been jumping up and down on them all night (or a non-midget...but I like any analogy involving little people). I gingerly set out for an easy run on the Candler Park loop, modified since I'm now running from my apartment instead of Brooke's. Once I got loosened up the legs felt fine, but I intentionally took it easy on the run. Later this morning I headed to Birmingham for work, and made plans to run with the training group at the Trak Shak, one of my favorite SRAs, in the evening.
The keg at Trak Shak is always primed and ready
Trak Shak has done a great job of getting their group runs off the ground, and tonight about 100 people showed up to run in either the slower group at 5:30 or the quicker group at 6. I ran with the faster group, which comprised about 20 people, and spent most of the run chatting with store owner Scott Strand. We ran through the scenic but crazy hilly streets of Homewood, starting at a pedestrian 8:00 pace and working down to what felt like about 6:40. My legs are still quite sore from yesterday, but it was fun to run with such a large group (most of whom just show up for the free beer). I'm a bit apprehensive about my 5xmile workout tomorrow, but hopefully the legs will recover some before then.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Little Five Double
AM: 52 mins
7 miles
PM: 24 mins
3 miles
7 miles
PM: 24 mins
3 miles
Storefronts along Euclid in Little Five Points
I woke up this morning stiff and sore, in equal parts from the killer workout yesterday and from moving. Did the original Candler Park loop. I took it slow and easy and tried to stay relaxed, but legs felt heavy throughout.
In the evening I fashioned a new mini-loop from Brooke's house. I went the back way down Elizabeth, up Euclid through Little Five Points, back up the Freedom Trail and back to her house. For those of you non-Atlantans, it's difficult to picture the ambience of Little Five, but in the afternoon and evening it can best be described as a hippie/goth/bohemian/rock/punk melting pot. And it's always full of characters. To illustrate: as I was wogging through there this evening, I approached a street musician playing the trumpet on the main square. He was facing a pizza place where quite a few people were sitting outside and eating. One of those people, a father with a small daughter, shouted to the musician, "The lady wants to hear Sesame Street!" Without missing a beat, the musician responded, "We got Sesame Street coming up next!" and he proceeded to break into a flawless rendition of the Sesame Street theme song. I ran the next few minutes with a smile on my face and notes from my childhood echoing behind me.
Junkman's Daughter: a Little Five landmark
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Hills Are Alive
AM: 60 mins 
8 miles
PM: 3 mile walk w/Brooke and Biscuit
This morning I awoke bright and early to get in a quick run before the movers FINALLY arrived with all my belongings. I'm typing this from the kitchen counter in my new apartment, as it's currently the only surface I have on which to set my computer. Decided to do the loop through Candler Park that I did last Wednesday, only backwards this time to see which direction was "easier" (read: less hilly). Answer: neither. Good times. Though the pace was easy, the legs were a bit tight on the uphill sections, but it was a beautiful morning and I was glad to be out. May do a quick shakeout tonight from my new place, even though it's not on the sched...we'll see. For now I must tend to the movers and hope they don't tumble down the rather precarious stairway that leads up to my apartment. Fingers crossed.
Didn't end up running in the afternoon. After walking up and down those stairs about 20 times going to and from the dumpster, I was absolutely exhausted and aching all over. Thank goodness I don't have to do manual labor on a regular basis. Instead, Brooke and I took Biscuit on a nice long walk through Inman Park.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Candler Park Loop
51 mins
7 miles
Nice and easy Saturday run on the same Candler Park loop that Jordan and I ran a few weeks ago. Ran down the Freedom Trail all the way to where it dead ends on Ponce, then back through the Candler Park neighborhoods, up McLendon through Little Five Points, then back up the trail to Brooke's. Legs felt decent after yesterday's effort.
Of note, I spotted a port-a-potty on the corner of McLendon and Ferguson just past the Flying Biscuit. Those of you who know me well know that finding an easily accessible port-a-potty is like finding gold. This one was clean, centrally located and well-stocked with--wait for it--two ply toilet paper. Also, as an added bonus, the house construction that necessitated said port-a-potty looked to be just beginning, which means I should be able to count on this as a stable option for many weeks to come.
7 miles
Nice and easy Saturday run on the same Candler Park loop that Jordan and I ran a few weeks ago. Ran down the Freedom Trail all the way to where it dead ends on Ponce, then back through the Candler Park neighborhoods, up McLendon through Little Five Points, then back up the trail to Brooke's. Legs felt decent after yesterday's effort.
Of note, I spotted a port-a-potty on the corner of McLendon and Ferguson just past the Flying Biscuit. Those of you who know me well know that finding an easily accessible port-a-potty is like finding gold. This one was clean, centrally located and well-stocked with--wait for it--two ply toilet paper. Also, as an added bonus, the house construction that necessitated said port-a-potty looked to be just beginning, which means I should be able to count on this as a stable option for many weeks to come.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Back to the ATL
AM: 58 mins
8 miles
PM: 25 mins
3+ miles
View of Atlanta skyline (and my favorite house!)
from the Freedom Trail
First run back in Atlanta, and it could not have been a more beautiful day. With low humidity and temperatures in the 70s, it felt more like fall (my favorite season) than the middle of summer. I set off from Brooke's condo (where I'm staying until the movers arrive with my belongings on Monday) and headed down the Freedom Trail, up Ponce, then hopped back on the trail as it meandered through Candler Park. From there I wound through the neighborhoods, up McLendon by Flying Biscuit and then right on Moreland through Little Five Points. I finished up on the trail back to Brooke's.
PS Would it be lame to say I might have teared up a bit on the run? I simply could not be happier to be back here.
In the evening, after spending a few hours dressed up like a cheerleader at the Atlanta airport (feel free to message me with questions/comments/concerns), I headed out for another short wog on the trail. Ran out in 13, back in 12, and called it a day. My legs felt decent, but I can already tell that it's going to be an adjustment getting used to the hilly terrain around here again.
8 miles
PM: 25 mins
3+ miles
View of Atlanta skyline (and my favorite house!)
from the Freedom Trail
First run back in Atlanta, and it could not have been a more beautiful day. With low humidity and temperatures in the 70s, it felt more like fall (my favorite season) than the middle of summer. I set off from Brooke's condo (where I'm staying until the movers arrive with my belongings on Monday) and headed down the Freedom Trail, up Ponce, then hopped back on the trail as it meandered through Candler Park. From there I wound through the neighborhoods, up McLendon by Flying Biscuit and then right on Moreland through Little Five Points. I finished up on the trail back to Brooke's.
PS Would it be lame to say I might have teared up a bit on the run? I simply could not be happier to be back here.
In the evening, after spending a few hours dressed up like a cheerleader at the Atlanta airport (feel free to message me with questions/comments/concerns), I headed out for another short wog on the trail. Ran out in 13, back in 12, and called it a day. My legs felt decent, but I can already tell that it's going to be an adjustment getting used to the hilly terrain around here again.
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