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

August Training Totals

August has been getting back into the schedule of teaching and fitting in training. 

I ran and swam more in August than in July, so that's a good sign, but my bike totals keep shrinking.

I hope to use Sept. and get back into a good solid routine. 

Swimming: 6400.00 Yd - 3h 30m 
Biking: 133.20 Mi - 8h 44m 07s 
Running: 29.85 Mi - 5h 04m 55

More Long Interval Training

Made another successful commute today! Nice way to start the day, and get home from work without bringing home any of the aggravations. It's only 7.3 miles round trip, but I get some nice hills to work with, and I'm only slightly slower than driving.

Went to the Y for my second long run with the interval training I downloaded. I made through this time, and average running around 10 minute miles. I was just under 6 miles or the whole thing. I can run 45 minutes around 9 minute mile pace, but going 15 more minutes really changes things. I am amazed at how my body struggles when I hit the 45 minute mark. I ran for more than an hour tonight, and hope that by doing this more often I can get more used to running longer distances.

Next Goal: 12k in oct

Current Status: Sore left knee

Upcoming: commute again

New Interval Run

I've had a 10k interval program on my iPod for some time now, but felt it was too easy to use. With my knee pain, I decided to give it a shot, thinking it would be I nice way to get some miles in and not aggravate the knee too much.

Well, I was wrong about the program being easy. The on and off plan looked simple on paper, but was not. I will most likely use the program more now. It made me run longer and harder even with the brief period of walking. I drank a bit too much water on one walk interval, and along with dinner, I almost choked up a bit of dinner. Not cool in the Y!

My guess for tonight was about 5 miles and I ran for about an hour. My knee was good the 1st 30 minutes, but started to get sore near the end. Actually, I stopped running with one more interval left, so I still have some work to do to complete the system.

I also put in some weight training. 

Next Goal: 12k in oct

Current Status: Ready for some Football!

Upcoming: Commute Day?

Inconsistent

Since my last post, I have not been on my best. Training and schedules have been hard to mesh. I've had the start of school, a little boy's birthday, and neighborhood junk to deal with. I did absolutely no training over the weekend, and started back up at the start of this week. 

On Monday, I rode my bike to school (4.4 miles) and then got stuck by the rain. Luckily, wife could make it to my rescue. I made a trip to the Y at night for a brisk 5k run. I planned to train at 85% percent max, and could not do it. I felt horrible running, and backed off and walked for a bit several times. My left knee was very sore. I'm not sure what I did to it, but I could feel a fair amount of pressure running. I hope the poor run was due to the break in training, and that I will get the knee better faster.

Tonight, I skipped a ride to work in the rain! Made it to the Y for a spin class and swim. Spin class was so-so. The left knee was still painful. I worked through the class though. I had plenty of endurance, but the knee made it hard to fight through the heavy work. I got in a swim. A highlight of my recent training. I swam 100, 200, 500, 200, 100. Nothing to report unusual, but  have started working some medley swim in the last 100 for a cool down and a change. I swam some backstroke and breaststoke today.

Next Goal: 12k in Oct

Current Status: Bad Left Knee

Upcoming: All depends on the knee

Start of School

School started back up, and I made it to the Y after day back to teaching. I was worn out from the day, but getting in the class really recharged me. It was a tough class with lots of slow leg burning stuff. Not much to say about the class itself. After the class, I swam in the pool for 900m and had a blast. Swimming is quickly becoming a perfect way to loosen up and unwind from the day. I swam with little effort and really enjoyed just cruising. 

Next Goal: 12k in Oct.

Current Status: Sore legs and knees from standing all day. 

Upcoming: Medium run