Almost There

 I just finished my long run for the upcoming half marathon.  This year I made a pact with my running buddy that we will not run a race over 13.1.  We wanted to make a commitment to our families and not eat up so much time away from home.
   10+ miles in my Altra Instincts 1.5 and my legs feel okay.

 Nothing out of the ordinary.  I continue to stretch my legs around the house during the day.  I should be good to go in two weeks for 13.1.  My goal for that race is just to complete the distance wearing zero drop shoes.
    Looking at my twitter information (DR_Foucault click here to visit) my information says ultra-runner this weekend.  Well that is a lie.  Since I am not running anything over 13.1 can I call myself an ultrarunner?  Okay maybe former ultrarunner.  After this half marathon I feel like I can call myself a zero drop runner.  Until then I am just going to well, run.  Because running is what I do.  I am a runner.
   Speaking of running.  I got a new to me bike.

So glad I have something to ride to work, when if it gets warmer.  Also plan on using this for some cross training.  I took it out for an almost 5 mile spin.  Wow, that is some different kind of leg workout. 

  For now I will continue to work towards 13.1 in my zero drops.  Add some biking in there when the weather lets me.  After April 5th, the half marathon, I will start working on more trails and hills, hills and hills.  

Update

So what is new with you?  We hear that phrase frequently in our society.  The calendar has changed but the season remains the same.  It is still cold and snowy and windy and miserable.  I have made good friends with the indoor running track.  The zero drop transition has gone well so far.  I've made it up to 4.7 miles in one run.  I experienced a minor set back this weekend in a leg cramp at night, but I got those when I ran in other shoes too.  This years first race/event will be the South Shore Half Marathon on April 5th.  I don't know how much I will race, and it will be an event for sure.  I am hoping that in 5 weeks I can stretch my distance from 4.7 miles to 13.1.  My plan is to run Wednesdays and Saturdays, Speed work and long runs.  Any time the temp is above 30 I will go for a bonus 1-3 miles.  My base is feeling better after 40 in February.  Looking ahead to March, and warmer temperatures too.

I give up

 I read in a running magazine that if you eat the same calories that you burn after after 30 you will gain a pound a year.  So in order not to keep gaining weight I need to give up something.  For 2014 I give up chips.  No more potato and Doritos chips for me.  That is something I am willing to give up to be healthy.  Burgers are something I cannot part with yet, that and pizza.  I almost added bacon to that list.  Almost, but not yet.  What are you willing to give up to be healthy?

Zero Drop

     I have walked all of last year in my Altra zero drop shoes.  I covered about 200 miles of just walking in my zero drop shoes.  I spent all day at work on my feet in them.  In the summer I received a pair of Saucony zero drop shoes and probably ran about 50 miles in those.
     When I first started running I was told I needed support shoes.  I ran in a pair of Asics 2160's and Brooks Adrenaline.  These shoes were big and clunky.  The offset from heel to toe was 12mm.  Now after running for a few years I find those shoes offer too much support to my feet. So last year I ran in shoes with 10mm heel to toe drop.  I also mixed in the zero drops for walking and some speed work.
     I feel like this is the year for zero.  Zero drop that is.  With keeping my races to half marathons this is a perfect year to work on my form and speed.  Runners World has an article for those thinking about the transition.   Runners World has an article for those thinking about the transition.  Altra shoes also has a great guide on how to transition. 
     From now until April 5th my running journey will be attempting to complete a half marathon in zero drop shoes.  I want to get back to racing weight by dropping 10+ pounds. April till July 12th will be hills and speedwork.  July to August I will focus on tempo runs, attempting to set a half marathon PR at the Badgerland Strider Half.
     Join me on this journey to running and eating natural.

Till next run...

What to do in 2014

What happens on the days you run 13.1 miles but feel like you could keep going.  What if you set out to run 50k, just didn't have it and stop at 16.  After searching what to do for my running year the picture is finally becoming more clear.  Due to circumstances outside of my control I now have a better vision for 2014.  This year I want to give back to the running community.  I desire to keep running simple and primitive.
There is a certain thrill that is only found on race day.  It is injected in our veins and makes us run too fast at the sound of the gun and sign up for another race even though we swear to never do it again, EVER!
I love race day, but after reflecting on it.  I don't get it.  Why should I pay 65$ to run 13.1 miles in the woods.  I could run on the same trails any other day for free.  If I were to take that 65$ I could buy my own tech shirt, a case of beer, and a few boxes of cliff bars.  I would still have money left over.  Some say it is the lure of giving back to charity to enter a race.  I can donate 50$ to the charity of my choice and run my butt off 20 times around the block.  What about the shared experiences?  How many runners you know blog about it? Write about it on Dailymile or Facebook?  We are all connected via technology in greater ways than ever before.  There is something to say about personal contact with other humans from time to time, even the apes need it.  So the next time I am out for a run it may be a race.  If you are the guy in front of me I just may race you, yes on what you perceive as a "training" run.  However, it's my race day baby!  I don't want to be "that" guy that makes every thing a male ego competition.  I just do not get paying lots of money for an experience that I can make better myself.  Now there are some races that allow you to run on city streets that are normally closed to foot traffic.  I get that.  Signing up for a race can give us something to focus on and train for.  Races are great for that.
This year I am going to focus on being a pacer for two half marathons.  It is one way I can give back to others.  I will also be volunteering at the Ice Age 50.  The last two years I've sat at a road crossing, and I will be back at my post again this year.  In August the Triathlon Nationals will be in Milwaukee and once again I will help out with that.
I made a pact with my running buddy to not run any event over 13.1 miles.  Personally I want to run South Shore Half, and maybe the BLS half in August.  I may also add the Dances with Dirt in Devils Lake.  It is 49$ and a few hours drive.  I have not fully justified the total cost yet.  I know that for 51$ I can get a pair of trail shoes and run all summer long.  Until then I will run for what it is.  Moving my feet!