Blog

Saturday thoughts

Some seemingly random (though not really to me) thoughts on a Saturday afternoon:

• Skipping dessert – So far, so good. After six days, it’s actually been pretty easy, partly because I haven’t really been in many “dangerous” situations. The only serious temptation was last night at a friend’s dinner party. Ironically, the host asked me to bring ice cream! Being a good guest, I fulfilled my responsibility by bringing some Ben & Jerry’s flavors that I usually love. But I stayed strong and didn’t even think twice about having any. I can’t really claim that avoiding dessert has made me feel better physically and like I said it hasn’t been a huge challenge, but it feels like a psychological “win”.
• Run training – After two recovery weeks, I’m easing my way back into training. On Thursday, I did my first track workout since April. It was an LA Tri Club coached workout at the Santa Monica college track. My main set was 7×400, keeping them at or under 1:20, with 2:00 rest in between. I had a good workout and it was fun to do some fast running. Since it was my first speed work since before Boston, I was concerned that I’d be too sore to walk on Friday. Thankfully, I recovered well, and quickly, except for my adductor muscles (the ones on the inside of the thighs), which are still pretty much killing me. On Tuesday night and this morning, I got out for nice runs on the trails in Griffith Park. Both runs started with the 7.1 mile loop and then I added on bonus mileage.
• Race plan update – I officially registered for the Xterra Pt. Mugu 18K Trail Race. The race is next Sunday morning. I’m looking forward to some new trails and to a relatively “short” race. I’m still hoping to do the the Catalina Eco-Marathon on November 14 and the Northface Endurance Challenge 50 Miler on December 4, but haven’t signed up for either of them yet. I’m mostly waiting to see how the running goes for the next couple weeks before I pull the trigger and pay the registration fees.
• Football season – Another reason I love September is that it’s when college football and the NFL get started. Other than wins by Ohio State on Saturdays and the Chargers on Sundays (or Mondays!), very little makes me as happy as I am when USC loses. In other words, today was a good day! Fingers crossed for tomorrow, because the Chargers had a tough game ahead of them even before LT and Jamal Williams were ruled out.

Speedwork – September 17
Total distance: ~3.5 miles
Time: 1:00
Main set: 7×400 on 1:20 with 2:00 rest

Indoor ride – September 18
Time: 45 minutes
Average heart rate: 125

Run – September 19
Distance: 12+ miles
Time: 1:40
Average heart rate: 150
Course: Griffith Park 7.1 mile loop + 5 more miles around park
Conditions: Sunny and hot (low 80’s)