a running explorer of this planet

Hadn't been able to post the past couple days due to account issues. Been a fun and hot few days in NYC, especially with all the basketball going on here. Got in a great but tough run on the streets of Brooklyn through the heat and humidity yesterday with my son in his neighborhood. We always have great runs together, our normal paces being similar. Plan on another run today, should feel a little easier with both the temps and humidity lower.

Very hot and humid today. Took it very easy during the 8 mile run. A very easy pace all the way trying to cut through the mugginess. It was tough, but the slow pace made it a solid run, more than just survival. Very encouraging considering the conditions. In NYC for the next few days, will report from there.

Today was a different was a story. The day was much hotter and sunny, in fact a great day to be outside if not doing any type of a hard workout. Less energy than yesterday, probably used up much of it during yesterday's great run. Ran this afternoon for 6 miles then shut it down. Could have gone further, but decided to give the legs a break and simply add on a couple of miles of walking and enjoy the weather.

Another hot one today. Didn't sleep well overnight and tired, never recovered before the run. And along with today's heat, the past week of daily running seemed to add to the fatigue. Didn't feel the need to overtax myself today, and after the first few miles decided to do the rest of the 8 miles in run/walk mode. Rather enjoyed it and felt more recovered afterwards.

8 miles in the sun this afternoon. Took a different route to downtown and back than I normally do for a change of pace. Ran through a formerly industrial area now being developed. Interesting buildings and other sites along the way. Also nice was that much of the sidewalks were covered under shade and allowed me to escape the sun beating down. The weather wore me down a little, but the run was strong otherwise.

7 miles through the neighborhood this afternoon. Another warm day. I decided to take it easy and do a moderate pace. Been reviewing the marathon and road racing performances along with the training process of the past few years, and have come to learn I need to pay more attention to my diet as well as my training. As I get older, I'm finding my relatively high carb diet is increasingly affecting my running.

8 miles to the park and back on another beautiful summery afternoon. It's getting toasty and forecasted to be hotter tomorrow. The run was a little suggish, similar to Monday's. Yesterday's run was wonderful, and I knew it'd be hard to match it today. Hopefully the pattern continues and tomorrow's run goes great.

Decided to take advantage of another great day, and went for a solid 7 miler. It was sunny and warm, even bordering on being hot. The run felt especially good after yesterday's rather lackluster one. It wasn't all smooth going as the sun and the heat did beat down a bit, but strong running nevertheless. Encouraging.

6 tired miles this afternoon. Felt sluggish most of the day and didn't get any better during the run. Wore an old pair of shoes, so that could have contributed. Could have taken the day off, but it was such a nice day that I didn't want to waste it. Summers pass relatively quickly and are valuable here in Western NY, so I make the most of it. Tomorrow's supposed to be another good one, will try to head outside for another run.

7 miles this afternoon, to downtown Buffalo and back, the cool lake breeze helping to make the run feel easy. The legs generally felt good, even the strained right calf feeling relatively normal. Wore a pair of carbon plates shoes today, and they added to the solid run. It's a crapshoot with these carbon platers, some days they feel great and others not so much. But committing to wearing them consistently to get accustomed to them.

8 miles today, around the neighborhood. Felt some fatigue but mostly enjoyed the run. Can't seem to shake the fatigue and soreness in the quads that were there before the marathon. Will try to keep up the recovery miles and monitor it. Will review diet and sleep patterns, and see if that's affecting it.

Decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go out for another marathon recovery run. The quads were a little tight, but the 6 easy miles were generally pleasant and relaxing. It's been cool and breezy lately; am actually looking forward to warmer summer days to train in. I typically race better in the fall after the summer heat and humidity.

Been thinking about a fall marathon or two. This is the first time in years I haven't specifically scheduled a fall marathon yet. Been looking at Indianapolis or Columbus in the fall, two highly rated mid-size marathons. Wanting to avoid the majors this year, with the complex travel/lodging logistics involved. Then if I have the energy and the desire, maybe add a 'fun' one in Florida. Really enjoyed the Palm Beaches Marathon a couple years ago, wouldn't mind going back.

On the bright side, I finished the marathon. That became my primary goal as the leg was giving out, didn't want to drop out. This was approximately my 20th Buffalo Marathon, and didn't want it to be the first incomplete one. So another full Buffalo Marathon complete, and that felt good.

4 easy miles today, the last run before Sunday's marathon. The legs felt a little heavy, maybe just some nervous energy. Will take a rest day tomorrow, it's supposed to rain all day anyway. Besides going down to the expo to pick up the race packet, will be mostly fueling for and focusing on Sunday's run. At this point, they're forecasting rain for most of early race morning before tapering off around start time. Fingers crossed for a dry run. A good run.

4 easy miles around the neighborhood today. The legs were a little tight, but nothing else noticeable. Started to hydrate more with sport drinks. The temperatures were much cooler, in the 50s, and are supposed to stay that way through the weekend. As long as the rain holds off, it'll be good marathon weather, fingers crossed.

8 more miles today, with slightly cooler temps and a breeze, the run felt much better than yesterday. Tried on various racing shoes to see which pair was the most comfortable, taking each pair for a couple of miles ride. It looks like it's coming down to between two pairs of old school racing flats.