Do Biking Miles Count?

I have been active, but I have not been running.  I love my bike.  It is nothing fancy.  Its an old Trek mountain bike, but it gets me from here to there and back again.  I have also been able to use it for some cross training.  I am a proponent of pedal power.  I am been attempting to ride my bike to work since it is close to my house.  It actually takes longer to drive and park than it does to ride my bike.  25 minutes vs 15 minutes.  

When I log on to may map I have 115 miles this month.  I feel good about that number.  The scale says 182-185.  I don't like those numbers.  My Quads have really been starting to get some tone and definition, bonus there.  When I look at how many miles I ran that number goes down.  36 miles ran this month, and 13.1 of that was at once.  I look at time spent in activity and it is slightly down from last month a 90 miles month.  All this causes me to believe that biking miles don't count.  I know they are better than no miles.  If I focus on the time spent in activity, that may be a better indicator of fitness.  

Today I had the chance to run a 5k.  It was at a small park in a near by community.  My wife and kids all got to come cheer me and the other runners on.  Not only that but being there helped support the cause.  It was a two loop course around a river.  My wife said it was easy to spot me.  She could tell by my running form.  So I asked her hoping I would hear, "You have great Running form, that is how I knew it was you."  Instead she said, "You were the runner in neon green at the back of the second lead pack who was holding his boobs."  Supposedly I run with my hands near my "CHEST" All things considered this was a great event and my family made it better.  Even if I hold my boobs when I run.  

I promised....and lied.

This year I promised my wife and running buddy that I would not run a race longer than 13.1 miles.  After attempting to fit into my nice clothes at Easter I realized, I lied.  I need to train for ultra marathons to fit into the clothes I own.  I need to train for ultra marathons so I can eat the food I like.
     Today I saw the wheelchair division finish the Boston Marathon.  I wanted to leave my desk and go run 26.2 this evening.  Then I saw the women's finish.  And then I wanted to sign up for a marathon, but I promised my wife and running buddy I wouldn't.  Next, Meb K. Won the Boston Marathon.  I realized I lied.  I really want to run long distances again.  I never said that I wouldn't run 13.1 and then 13.1 again, right away.  

South Shore Half Marathon

This past weekend I ran the south shore half marathon.  This race was my first half marathon ever.  That and my first 12.64 mile run.  Let me explain.  When I first started running I heard about this thing called a half marathon.  I looked on the computer for the closest event to my house and South Shore Half returned in the search.  Two months later I set my mind on running 13.1 alone, by myself, no aid stations.  What's an aid station?  I started out on the course and turned around about where I thought was right.  3:30 later I returned to where I started, but I was not the same person that left down that trail nearly 4 hours previous.  I could barely walk and hurt in many, many places.  When I looked it up I only ran 12.64 miles, not a true half marathon.  however there was no taking away what happened inside, that day I ran out and back on the South Shore Trail.
    I did not return to this corner of the earth until 2012.  I ran the half marathon and finished in 2:02.  The next year I finished in 2:00.  This winter was difficult and I feel like I did not trail like I wanted to or should have.  I put on some extra weight and never really shed any.
   The day of the race I ran into my cousin who is a rock star runner. (Boston, Big Sur) She asked me if I knew my pace.  I said I have no idea yet.  This was just minutes before the gun was to go off.  I said 9's I figure and she move up ahead to the rock star pace area.  Not only did I feel my training was lacking but also this was my first marathon in zero drop shoes.
    Knowing the ins and outs of the course was great, it made it feel like home.  This course has always kicked my butt.  More hills and more weaving than expected.  Mentally I felt prepared.  I felt like that night before a test you know you don't need to study for.
   This year I finished in 1:57.  A record for this course.  Spring races all ways kick my butt.  However I am happy with this result.  I got a cramp in my right leg about mile 11.  After then turn around I started calculating my minimum pace to break 2 hours.  Not too bad for my 10th Half Marathon.  I have come a long way.
    My Altra instincts 1.5 were great.  I would recommend them to anyone.
   With a result this good I am excited to see what kind of PR I can set in August.  Till next run!

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.