So the plan is not dynamic in any way as I begin to drill down on 5 weeks of training. Monday through Friday achieve a minimum of 1.5 hours of running per day on 2 runs. On the weekend run back to back 15 milers with a bonus dog run on Saturday evening to shake things out. First week went okay as I achieved 79.5 miles. Yes I am tired, but that goes with the turf. I do a fair amount of out and backs which works great. If I run 6 miles in the morning it goes like this. First 1.5 miles the body figures out we are doing something. Next 1.5 miles go better and I usually want to extend a bit farther, but I try not to as I am going for a run later. At 3 miles I turn and it feels like the run is pretty much done as I head to the barn. Over the last 1-2 miles I perk up a bit and run decent. I don't worry about being tired because if one has ever done doubles over a period of time the body adapts rather quickly. More sleep and food required, but that's not a problem.
Very difficult to get into the cruise zone as I age. In the day the search was on for a hot spot to come. When it would I'd calculate the Kentucky windage and figure if I could continue in this manner to the finish. Sometimes yes and sometimes no. In today's world, if I start to feel decent, I can't depend on it. It may only last a few minutes. It is a feeling of clarity. Near optimal movement over the earth's surface with minimal management needed. The holy grail of a runner. I'd run thousands of miles for just a tiny moment of this elixir. After all, it is why many of us run. Not to be confused with runners high...whatever that mumbo jumbo is. I'm talking about when you are laying it down and even with the pedal to the floor there is little exertion felt.
Sorry, I just time warped. I meant to say these moments don't exist any longer. But they could to some degree. That's why I go out and run. I am trying to make a bit of this happen. But like Frank Shorter said, "It's not all good looks and a secret recipe." Honestly most success in distance running comes from being a mileage hog. Whatever that number is to you, there is always someone else who is doing more.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Yifter the shifter
I get a kick out of this continuing trend towards less miles in training runners. The main thing is the main thing. You want to run at your best then the first 5 big rocks in the jar are running. If the goal is to achieve the best result then figure out how to run more. I have no problem with all the other stuff, just say that you want to achieve at 60 - 70 - 80 percent of the potential. When I run 35 miles a week I get 35 mile a week results. If I add other elements that add up to 2-3 hours of other work, I personally still get less of an outcome if I spent that time running. Most of my posse is out doing ultra events throughout the year so lack of running definitely has an effect. Hey, I get the fact that in older people one must rely on other aerobic alternatives to stay in the game. I’m not that far away.
Sometimes we just don’t want to do the work. All this running does more than get you physically ready for an ultra. You have to figure all the other elements out which to me is the challenge. I can be somewhat of a minimalist. I don’t have a lot of gear. I borrow it once or twice a year from friends who are super generous and usually have multiple versions of what I need. I also don’t go over 50 miles events. Anyway, I’m still learning stuff after a lifetime of running. I just had to incorporate a new system of running shorts because of continued chafing issues. And I did it with stuff I already owned. Outside of all the things one manages to keep on your feet for hours, I’ve noticed the older I get it is difficult to stay in the zone. The auto pilot is broke. Focus, energy swings, and general karma have been thrown out. You have to deal with staying in cruise mode continually. Adjustments are made over minutes and not miles. You have to go run a ton of miles to work on this. Just like anything else.
So with my 35th work anniversary I get to pick a nice gift. Lots of choices and the value of these are around $500. I noticed a Suunto 9 GPS watch which I would never buy on my own. It has a ton of features which I would use few. I like the long battery it provides. I read reviews and most of the complaints are stuff I would not use. People actually care about posting all their runs? What’s the deal? I just want to actually race you over 50 miles, not try and beat your Hoboken Joe 3.4 loop PR.
Sometimes we just don’t want to do the work. All this running does more than get you physically ready for an ultra. You have to figure all the other elements out which to me is the challenge. I can be somewhat of a minimalist. I don’t have a lot of gear. I borrow it once or twice a year from friends who are super generous and usually have multiple versions of what I need. I also don’t go over 50 miles events. Anyway, I’m still learning stuff after a lifetime of running. I just had to incorporate a new system of running shorts because of continued chafing issues. And I did it with stuff I already owned. Outside of all the things one manages to keep on your feet for hours, I’ve noticed the older I get it is difficult to stay in the zone. The auto pilot is broke. Focus, energy swings, and general karma have been thrown out. You have to deal with staying in cruise mode continually. Adjustments are made over minutes and not miles. You have to go run a ton of miles to work on this. Just like anything else.
So with my 35th work anniversary I get to pick a nice gift. Lots of choices and the value of these are around $500. I noticed a Suunto 9 GPS watch which I would never buy on my own. It has a ton of features which I would use few. I like the long battery it provides. I read reviews and most of the complaints are stuff I would not use. People actually care about posting all their runs? What’s the deal? I just want to actually race you over 50 miles, not try and beat your Hoboken Joe 3.4 loop PR.
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Let me wear your coat
Well with about 7 weeks to Big’s Backyard I am 16th on the wait list. With only 75 spots it does not look promising to get in. However, with only 208 miles in July and 225 in August, I figured I better get motivated to train just in case. So I signed up for the Glacial Trail 50 mile on October 13th so I have to train now. I feel pretty good after a couple real low mileage weeks. I am ready to put a few miles in and may get 80 in this week if I can get tomorrow’s miles in.
I have honestly been enjoying the run easy plan. My back/hip hurts way less, the dog can power jog a bit with me, and I’m never totally spent as when one is airing it out. The dog is good for about 2.5 miles with one drink stop. I then circle back out for the final 15 minutes. It also lets me get a second run in without wife feedback. In fact I may be kinda earning some bonus pointage, but they are like the mallow cup or green stamp deal...you never get to use them. You really just don’t go backwards, which is nice.
We have strongly settled on relocating to Florida when done here. We lived there previously and left there on January 1, 1997. Never thought I’d go back, but one thing is for sure, not going back to live in the WPB to Miami corridor. That place is built out all the way to the Everglades.
I have honestly been enjoying the run easy plan. My back/hip hurts way less, the dog can power jog a bit with me, and I’m never totally spent as when one is airing it out. The dog is good for about 2.5 miles with one drink stop. I then circle back out for the final 15 minutes. It also lets me get a second run in without wife feedback. In fact I may be kinda earning some bonus pointage, but they are like the mallow cup or green stamp deal...you never get to use them. You really just don’t go backwards, which is nice.
We have strongly settled on relocating to Florida when done here. We lived there previously and left there on January 1, 1997. Never thought I’d go back, but one thing is for sure, not going back to live in the WPB to Miami corridor. That place is built out all the way to the Everglades.
Monday, August 12, 2019
She’d a made Whitefish Bay
Andrea and I put in close to 35 miles on Saturday afternoon and into just past midnight on Sunday. The running and moving portion took 8:22:29, or better yet about 14:30 per mile. That’s not counting all the bigger stops for aid and changes at the car. It was Angela and straight up Tina’s 3rd year for the festival. Probably close to 30 people running various distances. Andrea and I started 2 hours early at 4pm. Not sure how many went the full 50 miles.
It was not easy and required effort. Effort I am more than willing to initiate and accept, but have learned I only have so much juice. Why would I even consider another 100, or a last man standing event? Outside of the erosion of skin from the surface of my body, one gets all lurched up. I mean lurched up in the sense of creaky, stiff, old man like. Granted, I did come in with 35-36 miles the 4 days prior, but after a lifetime of trotting around one would think this would be much easier than it was. Andrea is training for the Superior Sawtooth 100 and is in pretty fine form. I was pleased to be able to keep up. I never bonked or cramped, but dang it was not easy at all.
Either way I am examining much about what the future looks like. Running has always been a great alternate vehicle to step out of the rat race. And that is just what it all is. Having the energy to manage all these continuous prompts is ponderous. One just wants to get off the merry-go-round and let some other George Jetson character take my place. Looking to ground control to Major Tom before the circuit is dead if you are feeling me. I’ll be 58 next month and it might be time to stop trying to win one for the Gipper. Looking forward to the, “I think the old guy down on the corner can sharpen you blades.” “You mean the dude I see running up in the Big Belt and the Blue with no socks?” Yeah that dude. The one who said he doesn’t wear sox because Bobby Orr didn’t.
Any ways I put in about 70 last week with two days off. I’ll decide if I’m going to go do the 12 hour run for a bit of entertainment this week. That’s August 31st. I hope to, but it seems I’m gone so much for work and then pounding out miles that Donna should justifiably say no. We shall see.
I want to add I just learned my great uncle is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He died 10/19/18 in WW1 from disease in Europe. He was a private in the Medical Corps. His name was Leroy Dehart. My Dad’s middle name is Leroy. I knew all my relatives closely on that side of the family. You mean no one ever mentions this...ever? My Dad was named after him and never any mention? I find this randomly on line and no one knows squat? My brother went out to the grave this weekend and took photos. He does have his name on one of the Foreign Legion building back in rural PA, so maybe they have more info. I find it interesting. Perhaps they just did not know.
It was not easy and required effort. Effort I am more than willing to initiate and accept, but have learned I only have so much juice. Why would I even consider another 100, or a last man standing event? Outside of the erosion of skin from the surface of my body, one gets all lurched up. I mean lurched up in the sense of creaky, stiff, old man like. Granted, I did come in with 35-36 miles the 4 days prior, but after a lifetime of trotting around one would think this would be much easier than it was. Andrea is training for the Superior Sawtooth 100 and is in pretty fine form. I was pleased to be able to keep up. I never bonked or cramped, but dang it was not easy at all.
Either way I am examining much about what the future looks like. Running has always been a great alternate vehicle to step out of the rat race. And that is just what it all is. Having the energy to manage all these continuous prompts is ponderous. One just wants to get off the merry-go-round and let some other George Jetson character take my place. Looking to ground control to Major Tom before the circuit is dead if you are feeling me. I’ll be 58 next month and it might be time to stop trying to win one for the Gipper. Looking forward to the, “I think the old guy down on the corner can sharpen you blades.” “You mean the dude I see running up in the Big Belt and the Blue with no socks?” Yeah that dude. The one who said he doesn’t wear sox because Bobby Orr didn’t.
Any ways I put in about 70 last week with two days off. I’ll decide if I’m going to go do the 12 hour run for a bit of entertainment this week. That’s August 31st. I hope to, but it seems I’m gone so much for work and then pounding out miles that Donna should justifiably say no. We shall see.
I want to add I just learned my great uncle is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. He died 10/19/18 in WW1 from disease in Europe. He was a private in the Medical Corps. His name was Leroy Dehart. My Dad’s middle name is Leroy. I knew all my relatives closely on that side of the family. You mean no one ever mentions this...ever? My Dad was named after him and never any mention? I find this randomly on line and no one knows squat? My brother went out to the grave this weekend and took photos. He does have his name on one of the Foreign Legion building back in rural PA, so maybe they have more info. I find it interesting. Perhaps they just did not know.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
2019 Blog Hop Challenge
2019 Blog Hop Challenge Questions
1. Who are you? If applicable, share anything you want about your cancer (type, stage, when diagnosed, whatever.) Share something about yourself such as where you live, the name of your blog and it’s “mission” (no links here, though, or you might end up in spam), a challenge you have faced or are facing now, or whatever you want.Dave Dehart. I have had Polycythemia Vera since 2002. The name of my blog is How Far To The Barn. It is primarily about running. I live in WI with my wife Donna and my primary challenge is work.
2. Have you ever participated in a blog hop before?
No I have not.
3. What’s your favorite sort of blog post to write and/or read – personal story, informational, how to, controversial, political, opinion, rant or other?
I stick to running based blogs, though many people ramble about just about anything. Running blogs (especially those geared towards long distances) can be full of useful tidbits.
Fallible, Hungry, Dependable
5. Name three of your favorite books from your youth (whatever age that means to you.) that had an impact on you.
My Side of the Mountain
Self-Made Olympian
The Deerslayer
6. What are you reading right now, or what’s on your to-read list for when you have time?
See You at the Terminus by Brian Frain
7. What’s your favorite dessert of all time?
Chocolate cake with chocolate icing.
8. Tell us about a special pet you have, had, or would like to have. (Never wanted a pet, that’s okay too.)
ET was a kitten my very young kids found. That cat could kill any varmint and cut rabbits in half. There was no daily limit. And he lived among us like he was a normal being.
9. What’s something people don’t know about you and might be surprised to learn?
I like to watch birds. I like to listen to them.
10. Do you believe healthcare is a privilege or a right?
No
11. What’s your favorite thing about blogging and/or reading blogs?
It is a great way to see that many of us are the same, but at the same time so much different. Many running blogs have individuals taking on adventures I could never accomplish. It motivates me. To see people do incredible things somehow motivates me to get out and run my simple few miles a day.
12. What’s something you really suck at?
Technology
13. What’s something you’re pretty good at?
Mowing the grass.
14. How do you escape from cancer (or life in general) worries?
I'm just out pounding a few miles. Looking for a little adventure here and there. Last Saturday I was able to finish the Tosa Perimeter Run around the city of Wauwatosa with 9 others. I might sign up for a 12 hour run at the end of August.
http://nancyspoint.com/
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Angel Martin
Kayaked about 5 hours with several delays to toss the hook. The wife and I were shutout. Great day to get on the mighty Oconomowoc River and power our way up to Loew Lake. Saw one person the stretch up and 34 on the way back. Plus about 10 humans in line. I thought we started late. No matter twern’t no Grizz left anyway.
I did sneak in 12.1 kilometers at 5:20pm. It was difficult the first half, but I loosened up the last half and got it in the bank to get in a 50 mile week. Been some time since I pulled that feat off. Ten minute miles is laying it down now-a-days. The days of be good or be gone are a distant memory. I think the main reason to getting out is to insure the parts still work. My hip/back issue the past six months is not as bothersome now. I gave up trying stretch it, get to the pain area, and strengthen the area. Apparently all that did was aggravate the hell out of it. Another example of just let stuff take care of itself. Kind of like the PF. I still wear the inserts when I’m in street shoes. Otherwise I just walk around now, or throw another folded in half shoe liner in when I run and let it work out. I tinker around with how much stuff I’ll throw in the shoes for a run. Just sitting out on the porch here with dog and I have red, yellow, blue, and black ones laying around and drying up. Good times. So psyched to get back to work tomorrow.
So another thought about training and not getting into Big’s. Maybe I’ll finally do that swan song 100 miler. Either an official one or the fictitious Commando 100. Again...not a guy who likes to go longer than 50 miles. Ten hours is plenty long. Thirty hours just seems like unnecessary punishment. Not sure why people get fired up to do them. That is a long way on foot. Hats off to those who can consistently pull them off.
Anyway, time to watch the Rockford Files. Good to have a bit of levity once-in-a-while.
I did sneak in 12.1 kilometers at 5:20pm. It was difficult the first half, but I loosened up the last half and got it in the bank to get in a 50 mile week. Been some time since I pulled that feat off. Ten minute miles is laying it down now-a-days. The days of be good or be gone are a distant memory. I think the main reason to getting out is to insure the parts still work. My hip/back issue the past six months is not as bothersome now. I gave up trying stretch it, get to the pain area, and strengthen the area. Apparently all that did was aggravate the hell out of it. Another example of just let stuff take care of itself. Kind of like the PF. I still wear the inserts when I’m in street shoes. Otherwise I just walk around now, or throw another folded in half shoe liner in when I run and let it work out. I tinker around with how much stuff I’ll throw in the shoes for a run. Just sitting out on the porch here with dog and I have red, yellow, blue, and black ones laying around and drying up. Good times. So psyched to get back to work tomorrow.
So another thought about training and not getting into Big’s. Maybe I’ll finally do that swan song 100 miler. Either an official one or the fictitious Commando 100. Again...not a guy who likes to go longer than 50 miles. Ten hours is plenty long. Thirty hours just seems like unnecessary punishment. Not sure why people get fired up to do them. That is a long way on foot. Hats off to those who can consistently pull them off.
Anyway, time to watch the Rockford Files. Good to have a bit of levity once-in-a-while.
Saturday, July 6, 2019
If I can go that distance
I could get used to these 4 day weekends. Get some runs in, a bit of kayaking and fishing, do the stuff needed, and general walkabout. I am getting close. I can smell the inside of the old work truck I'll own with cool stuff inside it. Stuff like old ball hats, gloves, and lures. Maybe even an emergency camping set-up. Stopped in where the Wife works today to pick up ice cream and a chicken sandwich. She's thinking fishing later today so I may have to blow off a chore or two. As long as I finish weeding the garden later I'm good with that.
I did 3 x 6k in 50 minute segments today. Loop 1 road 42:54, Loop 2 trail 43:58, and Loop 3 road 41:56 in the pouring rain. I was going to go farther, but have to save some juice. The trail loop needed effort. One could easily slide back to 8:00 minute 1k splits and leave a scant 2:00 before the next segment. I recognized some work needs done here. The deer flies were terrible, even with a Penn State stocking cap and my trusted hoodie. They were bouncing off me they were so thick. Even getting under my glasses and occasionally getting in behind the neck. Worse than a German Shepherd on a rib roast bad. So I opted for the road the last loop. Good thing because it poured and with glasses on it is tedious. Hated it! Weather is always the equalizer. In the future fantasy world where one ambles along strong as bull, one seldom considers how ponderous weather can be. I was drenched anyway after running the first two loops.
Running slow is hard work. For one it makes you slower. For two it takes forever to cover a few miles. For three you have to do an incredible amount of it to possibly make any endurance gains. All I'm slowly accomplishing is trying to get used to mastering the time continuum. Can I vacuum pack time? The beatings will continue until morale improves. Who trains like this for a race they will probably never get in?
Reading other blogs, apparently I'm supposed to be resting quite a bit. Look I get it. Let your body absorb the training. That's probably great advice for people who actually can get somewhere in running. Thing is when you are only a running bum, all that nonsense means little. Pile it high if you can. Figure out the stuff that goes along with it along the way. I figured out today I am currently way over my head for a backyard ultra. Not sure how to overcome some of the cards I have in this hand, but if I can stay reasonably consistent, ramp up a bit of mileage, and have a few key workouts, maybe I won't be another bum from the neighborhood if I get in.
I did 3 x 6k in 50 minute segments today. Loop 1 road 42:54, Loop 2 trail 43:58, and Loop 3 road 41:56 in the pouring rain. I was going to go farther, but have to save some juice. The trail loop needed effort. One could easily slide back to 8:00 minute 1k splits and leave a scant 2:00 before the next segment. I recognized some work needs done here. The deer flies were terrible, even with a Penn State stocking cap and my trusted hoodie. They were bouncing off me they were so thick. Even getting under my glasses and occasionally getting in behind the neck. Worse than a German Shepherd on a rib roast bad. So I opted for the road the last loop. Good thing because it poured and with glasses on it is tedious. Hated it! Weather is always the equalizer. In the future fantasy world where one ambles along strong as bull, one seldom considers how ponderous weather can be. I was drenched anyway after running the first two loops.
Running slow is hard work. For one it makes you slower. For two it takes forever to cover a few miles. For three you have to do an incredible amount of it to possibly make any endurance gains. All I'm slowly accomplishing is trying to get used to mastering the time continuum. Can I vacuum pack time? The beatings will continue until morale improves. Who trains like this for a race they will probably never get in?
Reading other blogs, apparently I'm supposed to be resting quite a bit. Look I get it. Let your body absorb the training. That's probably great advice for people who actually can get somewhere in running. Thing is when you are only a running bum, all that nonsense means little. Pile it high if you can. Figure out the stuff that goes along with it along the way. I figured out today I am currently way over my head for a backyard ultra. Not sure how to overcome some of the cards I have in this hand, but if I can stay reasonably consistent, ramp up a bit of mileage, and have a few key workouts, maybe I won't be another bum from the neighborhood if I get in.
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