2 Much Fun 5k Training

Getting set for the district's 5k in May, and ran the course with some folks from work. I'm not a fan of the trail, since the Sandhills has much better to offer. I'm not sure why they designers decided to leave out the most interesting spots

Anyways, I ran the course in about 34 min. (Really Slow!!) My HR was around 140 accept for the big hill and finish. I burned 440 calories as well. Overall, I was not excited by the run  today. I have a long way to go to get back to my goal time of 26 minutes for race day. 2 weeks of not running caught up with me fast.

Biking over Spring Break

During Spring Break, my wife and I took the Boys to Atlanta for a visit to their Aunt. One thing worth mentioning is how much I love the Bike Trail in Gwinnette (SP?). We were able to ride to anywhere in the city with wonderful wooded trails. It was great. I so wish Richland County had something like this.

Also, we learned about the Silver Comet Trail from Atlanta to all the way into Alabama. We are planning to head back soon just to ride a section of the Rails to Trails Project. I sounded great.

Back to Blogging

It's been awhile since I've posted. The past Fall and Winter have been productive at work and in training. I haven't stopped training, but definitely felt burned out with all the postings. With the coming of Spring, and in need of some added pressure to start training harder, I've decided to dust off the training blog.

Since I last posted, I've run in 2 5Ks. I ran the March for Meals at Riverbanks again, but this year trained about 20 students from my school. I focused less on my goals, and took on the challenge of getting some kids interested in running. It was one of the best things I've done in a long time. 

I also ran the St. Patty's Race in 5 Points, and even set a new PR for the 5K. I broke the 26 minute mark. That had been a goal for quite awhile, so it was nice to finally make it.

I've been riding, biking and swimming, but not logging the results. I have not done much the past 2 weeks with Spring Break and a bad cold. I will be running with a group of teachers from my school in the Richland 2 Just for Fun 5k on May 2nd. I don't want to embarass myself, so it's time to get serious.

Mountain Biking at Sesqui

It had been a while since I had been on my mountain bike, and I finally got a chance to ride Saturday. I only had time after Bobby's soccer game to ride at Sesqui, so I did a couple of loops. I had a blast, and my heart rate was way up. I averaged 150 or so for the entire ride. My avg speed was a bit under 10 mph. Sand and some tight sections kept my speed down, and I even wrecked in one spot. Overall, I realized how much I have missed riding off road. I've only been riding on a trainer and doing commuted. 

Sept. Training Totals

Biked 90.6 miles

Ran 35.3 miles

Running is way up!. Biking is down a bit. I think I forgot to log some bike training, and I also took over a week off from training due to a stomache issue. I have not swam in over a month?? 

I feel good about the run, and must get in some more time in the pool.

I'm still Alive!

OK, it's been some time. Nothing wrong, just been kinda boring. I have not been inspired to share, and work has left me exhausted in the evenings.

On a good note, I have been biking regularly to and from work. I have only missed a few days lately. I really enjoy it, and all the kids at my school think I'm really cool! And, they like to laugh at the shorts!! Occasionally, I a school bus full of my school kids passes me, and the all cheer me on. And, at stop lights, I often get the "That's Mr. Swick!!" double take by sleepy parents and students. Last week, I did a total of about 21 miles on the bike just commuting. My avg. speed is only 15 mph, but I have lots of steep hills and lights. I think it was Thursday morning, too, when I realized that 60 degree weather is cold on a bike. Time to purchase some warmer clothes. 

Also, I have increased my running miles last week up to 18. Using the interval trainer off of podrunner on iTunes, has helped push the greater distance. I'm not terribly speedy. I'm doing mostly 10 min. miles, but I like going longer distances. However, they are starting to take a toll on my body. I strained my right groin and ankle running last week. I plan to take it easier this week. I been running on the trails in sandhills more, as well. I like the hills, and soft surface. Plus, I get to see some interesting things a treadmill just doesn't offer. I believe I scared a coyote on Friday when I was running. Just caught a glimpse, but I've heard tales he's back there!

This week so far has been a big bust. I had planned a new urban assault on Sesqui after work one day when I was talking to Amy on Sunday, and then BAM! I've been struggling with a stomache thing ever since. I won't share the details, but tailgating on Saturday, and hitting the Greekfest on Sunday caught up with me. I'm still not ready to do any real training. Yesterday, I got home from work, and had the shakes getting off the bike after riding home. I did NOT ride today, and don't have plans for tomorrow either. Also, I've done no running either. Hopefully, I will feel ready to do something on Wednesday. The pool is open at the Y again, and I have been missing my swims.

Next Goal: 12k in Oct

Current Status: Sour Stomache

Upcoming: Time will tell

Recent Stuff

Been lazy about getting up to ride into work. I have to leave on the bike before 7 am to get to work in time to cool and change, so I've been opting for the snooze button more. I only rode to work 1 time this week.

I did manage to get up to the Y for some weights and a trainer ride on Thursday. Been a long time since I've ridden the trainers, and I put in 45 minutes with a total of about 12 miles. Not very fast. My knee has been locking up. I watched the Cocks stink up the first half of the Vandy game, and lost motivation to work hard myself, as well.

Today, I headed out for a trail run at Clemson Extension near Sandhills. I've been looking for something new to run, and had a blast running the trails. A bit sandy, and slow, but lots of hills to climb. I ran for about an hour and made about 6 miles. Still doing the interval thing. I ran all over the place in many different directions, and saw a bunch of other runners getting out before any possible storms. I definitely want to do this run some more!

Next Goal: 12k in Oct.

Current Status: Sore and tired

Upcoming: Busy weekend, not sure