Last week's 10 miler seemed a bit harder than it should have been and I was more tired than usual the next day - this should have told me something but I wasn't paying attention. On Tuesday I was still tired and took an extra day off. My spin workout on Wednesday was great but if you look at the Captain's Log to the right you'll see I haven't done anything since. I went to bed on Thursday with a fever and have been on the sidelines since. I was, in fact, so sick that I didn't work on Friday. I have 95+ sick hours - I never call in sick.
So, what happens now? I have done little but sleep since Friday. Today I finally am fever free and tomorrow I'll do a cross-training workout. My hope is to do an easy run on Tuesday and return to 3/4 speed later this week. I'm trying to remind myself that if I kept pushing through the workouts that I would lose more time to illness. I've missed more time in previous marathon years and been fine...now to do the mental work to remind myself that 1 week isn't the end of the world!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
If you build it, they will come
Today's mantra is "If you build it, they will come" from Field of Dreams. I had the pleasure of conducting a training on appropriate interventions for hoarding cases for a large state agency here in Massachusetts today. The training, 1 of 3 we will be conducting comes after several years of challenging work to argue that hoarding has a direct, serious impact on the clients they serve. The training went very well and I was able to enjoy the drive home and a stop for a celebratory glass of bourbon with my colleague with a sense of satisfaction that I have rarely felt.
When I returned home, my inbox was filled with more great news of the "If you build it" variety. Another friend e-mailed to ask if I could talk briefly with a group of school kids about tzedakah and homelessness issues. The same friend also sent an additional e-mail with a donation from her company to support MBHP and my marathon run. Finally, a Twitter friend tipped me over the $2500 mark in my fundraising campaign!
These are the kinds of days that are few and far between in the housing and homelessness world. As the miles add up and I am running before what is sure to be a long day at work, these moments will help me push through - even when the hills are rough.
When I returned home, my inbox was filled with more great news of the "If you build it" variety. Another friend e-mailed to ask if I could talk briefly with a group of school kids about tzedakah and homelessness issues. The same friend also sent an additional e-mail with a donation from her company to support MBHP and my marathon run. Finally, a Twitter friend tipped me over the $2500 mark in my fundraising campaign!
These are the kinds of days that are few and far between in the housing and homelessness world. As the miles add up and I am running before what is sure to be a long day at work, these moments will help me push through - even when the hills are rough.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Moo!
I ordered Moo Cards some time ago to help raise money for Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership. Over the past few years I have photographed the Boston Marathon, Hyannis Marathon and other races in the area. I used some of those images for the front of the cards and put the mantra I am using on my 4:30 am training runs "Running a marathon is hard but not having a place to call home is harder" along with my donation URL on the back.I've always felt proud of my race photography and seeing them in this format was pretty exciting. Now, lets hope folks take them and remember to donate!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
A Week In Review
Last week I did more cross training than running in an effort to let my foot heal without losing ground marathon training. I have a tendency to run through injury and this training cycle is largely devoted to breaking my bad training habits. Much of last week was spent reminding myself that there are times when less is more.
This week, however, has marked a return to foot health and some challenging training. The tempo run that I did at 4:30 in the morning with a -2 degree windchill was mentally quite challenging. My time was slower than it should have been because my body took longer to warm-up and get to tempo pace than it should and I was using a huge amount of energy shivering while I ran. All of this despite 2 layers of clothes from the neck down!
Friday brought the long dreaded hill repeat workout. I survived and might eventually learn to like these workouts. At the very least, I need to learn to make friends with them - marathon survival depends on it.
Today was my 12 mile long, slow run. I've struggled to hold back on recent long runs but nailed my goal pace today. The route was beautiful and challenging. I covered Winter Hill in Somerville, Bunker Hill in Charlestown and a few other smaller hills along the way.
In between, I have stuck to a fairly strict routine of cross-training, weight lifting and core work. I realized toward the end of today's run that the core work is really starting to pay off. The other realization I had while out running the streets today in 2 week I entering the challenging training weeks where encouragement and check-ins are critical (Hint,Hint: leave comments).
Up this week: more running, mailing letters to potential donors and working on a fundraising event. I need to raise an average of $630 per week for the next 13 weeks to meet my goal. I'd like to ask you to give $5, $10, $25, $100 to help meet that goal. My 4-year old keeps asking why more people don't give - you can help to shift the conversation with him to focus on all of the fantastic people who do.
This week, however, has marked a return to foot health and some challenging training. The tempo run that I did at 4:30 in the morning with a -2 degree windchill was mentally quite challenging. My time was slower than it should have been because my body took longer to warm-up and get to tempo pace than it should and I was using a huge amount of energy shivering while I ran. All of this despite 2 layers of clothes from the neck down!
Friday brought the long dreaded hill repeat workout. I survived and might eventually learn to like these workouts. At the very least, I need to learn to make friends with them - marathon survival depends on it.
Today was my 12 mile long, slow run. I've struggled to hold back on recent long runs but nailed my goal pace today. The route was beautiful and challenging. I covered Winter Hill in Somerville, Bunker Hill in Charlestown and a few other smaller hills along the way.
In between, I have stuck to a fairly strict routine of cross-training, weight lifting and core work. I realized toward the end of today's run that the core work is really starting to pay off. The other realization I had while out running the streets today in 2 week I entering the challenging training weeks where encouragement and check-ins are critical (Hint,Hint: leave comments).
Up this week: more running, mailing letters to potential donors and working on a fundraising event. I need to raise an average of $630 per week for the next 13 weeks to meet my goal. I'd like to ask you to give $5, $10, $25, $100 to help meet that goal. My 4-year old keeps asking why more people don't give - you can help to shift the conversation with him to focus on all of the fantastic people who do.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Preparations
I thought I would share my current facebook status as I wash my new Asics tights, face mask, and shirts for tomorrow's tempo run. So, with my apologies to Zefrank and his "thinking so you don't have to":
Jesse Edsell-Vetter is running 7 fast miles tomorrow morning before work. It will be 4:30am, 12 degrees with a -2 degree windchill. I love my work...really love my work. You love me - so you should help me love my work more (and remind myself why I do these crazy fundraising things) by giving to MBHP. Remember, I'm running so you don't have to.
Jesse Edsell-Vetter is running 7 fast miles tomorrow morning before work. It will be 4:30am, 12 degrees with a -2 degree windchill. I love my work...really love my work. You love me - so you should help me love my work more (and remind myself why I do these crazy fundraising things) by giving to MBHP. Remember, I'm running so you don't have to.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Critical Training Elements #1 - The Play List
Critical Training Elements #1 - The Play List
I have entered the world of modern technology and now own an IPod Nano! It took me about 45 minutes of playing on Itunes! to realize that the technology is only part of the problem and I need to move my running play list past the 1990s gay club music that I was loading! This is pretty embarrassing but in my own defense we don't have a TV, I rarely listen to the radio and haven't seen the inside of a club since well before my son was born. So, what does a runner do when their current play list makes them feel like an old man? Easy, between Deena Kastor's playlist and recollection of the music the 20-somethings at the office listen to, I had enough information to do a little investigative work.
2 hours and one Itunes! gift certificate later I have discovered P!nk, Adam Lambert, Lady Ga-ga and others. I've kept the old standby list like KLF (who the 20-somethings had never heard of!), Madonna and some frat rock hits like Smash Mouth too. In no particular order, here is the list:
We Are The World - U.S.A. For Africa
Sober - P!nk
Just Dance - Lady Ga-Ga
You Gotta Be - Des'ree
Superman - Five for Fighting
Barracuda - Heart
We're Gonna Fight - 7 seconds
Unsung - Helmet
3 AM Eternal - The KLF
Vogue - Madonna
stupid Girl - P!nk
Pump Up the Volume - MARRS
Walkin' On The Sun - Smash Mouth
Tonight, Tonight - Smashing Pumpkins
What I Got - Sublime
For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert
Anywhere Is - Enya
Homeless - Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Sarah McLachlan
New Star - Tears for Fears
So What - P!nk
99 Red Balloons - 7 Seconds
Rooster - Alice In Chains
Like A Prayer - Madonna
Rock and Roll All Nite - KISS
Everybody Knows - Concrete Blonde
Right now P!nk and Adam Lambert are the current list favorites and may the musicians that get put on repeat on April 19th! Got other suggestions for The List - help get me out of the 1990s music scene by posting to the comments!
I have entered the world of modern technology and now own an IPod Nano! It took me about 45 minutes of playing on Itunes! to realize that the technology is only part of the problem and I need to move my running play list past the 1990s gay club music that I was loading! This is pretty embarrassing but in my own defense we don't have a TV, I rarely listen to the radio and haven't seen the inside of a club since well before my son was born. So, what does a runner do when their current play list makes them feel like an old man? Easy, between Deena Kastor's playlist and recollection of the music the 20-somethings at the office listen to, I had enough information to do a little investigative work.
2 hours and one Itunes! gift certificate later I have discovered P!nk, Adam Lambert, Lady Ga-ga and others. I've kept the old standby list like KLF (who the 20-somethings had never heard of!), Madonna and some frat rock hits like Smash Mouth too. In no particular order, here is the list:
We Are The World - U.S.A. For Africa
Sober - P!nk
Just Dance - Lady Ga-Ga
You Gotta Be - Des'ree
Superman - Five for Fighting
Barracuda - Heart
We're Gonna Fight - 7 seconds
Unsung - Helmet
3 AM Eternal - The KLF
Vogue - Madonna
stupid Girl - P!nk
Pump Up the Volume - MARRS
Walkin' On The Sun - Smash Mouth
Tonight, Tonight - Smashing Pumpkins
What I Got - Sublime
For Your Entertainment - Adam Lambert
Anywhere Is - Enya
Homeless - Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Sarah McLachlan
New Star - Tears for Fears
So What - P!nk
99 Red Balloons - 7 Seconds
Rooster - Alice In Chains
Like A Prayer - Madonna
Rock and Roll All Nite - KISS
Everybody Knows - Concrete Blonde
Right now P!nk and Adam Lambert are the current list favorites and may the musicians that get put on repeat on April 19th! Got other suggestions for The List - help get me out of the 1990s music scene by posting to the comments!
Updates
I have spent the past two weeks in North Carolina relaxing with family, testing new training routes and getting a massage from Xanie Adams (the world's best massage therapist in my opinion). The training runs went very well for the most part. I started my training time in North Carolina with a wet and muddy 6 mile tempo run. This run was in a bit of a down pour and I had to negotiate flooded sidewalks (where there were sidewalks at all) and significant red clay mud. My moderately clean running shoes are now dyed a lovely brown to go with the orange trim! I was a bit faster per mile than my planned pace but did not feel that I was pushing the pace at any point. Overall, a great run that accomplished the goals set out.
A few days later, I had a tough interval workout. I HATE interval work with a passion. For those who don't know, an interval workout involves running a set of repeats extremely fast. In running like in most things I do, I don't like failing and sometimes avoid things that I am not good at. In this particular workout, I wanted to focus on my running form and fast foot turnover. The workout supposed to be in .10 mile intervals because I was on a marked trail rather than a track. I started with a 1.5 mile warmup and then moved to I did 8 runs of .10 mile with jogging between each run. Unfortunately, I didn't accurately convert .10 mile to meters and was WAY TOO FAST (Read 5:30 per mile pace instead of 6:30 per mile pace). I finished the workout and did a 1.5 mile cooldown feeling more wiped out than I wanted. This training run, while reminding me that I like being fast can also lead to injury and if it happens too often, a slower than planned race. Luckily I have friends and family members who know a great deal about running and can help me remember to leave some gas in the tank for race day.
I also had the chance to do a 10 mile run in Washington, DC. It was 19 degrees or so with a significant headwind for the entire route but I'd never been to Washington as a tourist so I squeezed some site seeing into the run. Just how much site seeing you may ask - the National Zoo, White House, Congress, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, National Mall, Washington Monument, Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial and Veteran's Memorial. I saw 1 runner, had hands so cold I couldn't work the key coming back in the door and my Clif Blocs froze but it was a great route. The only downside is that I tweaked my foot about 8 miles into the run and have had to take a bit of time off to let it heal. I am betting that part of the lingering pain has as much to do with spending the 6 hours immediately after my run at the Smithsonian Natural History and Air/Space Museums with an excited 4 year old as it does the rock that attacked me while running.
On a fundraising note, I have passed the $1200 mark and several folks from around the country have volunteered to host small fundraising parties that increase the size of circle giving to MBHP. Want to host something? If so, leave a comment or drop me an e-mail! Tomorrow I get to pull on my running shoes and hopefully (foot injury permitting) bang out 10 miles!
A few days later, I had a tough interval workout. I HATE interval work with a passion. For those who don't know, an interval workout involves running a set of repeats extremely fast. In running like in most things I do, I don't like failing and sometimes avoid things that I am not good at. In this particular workout, I wanted to focus on my running form and fast foot turnover. The workout supposed to be in .10 mile intervals because I was on a marked trail rather than a track. I started with a 1.5 mile warmup and then moved to I did 8 runs of .10 mile with jogging between each run. Unfortunately, I didn't accurately convert .10 mile to meters and was WAY TOO FAST (Read 5:30 per mile pace instead of 6:30 per mile pace). I finished the workout and did a 1.5 mile cooldown feeling more wiped out than I wanted. This training run, while reminding me that I like being fast can also lead to injury and if it happens too often, a slower than planned race. Luckily I have friends and family members who know a great deal about running and can help me remember to leave some gas in the tank for race day.
I also had the chance to do a 10 mile run in Washington, DC. It was 19 degrees or so with a significant headwind for the entire route but I'd never been to Washington as a tourist so I squeezed some site seeing into the run. Just how much site seeing you may ask - the National Zoo, White House, Congress, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, National Mall, Washington Monument, Reflecting Pool, Lincoln Memorial and Veteran's Memorial. I saw 1 runner, had hands so cold I couldn't work the key coming back in the door and my Clif Blocs froze but it was a great route. The only downside is that I tweaked my foot about 8 miles into the run and have had to take a bit of time off to let it heal. I am betting that part of the lingering pain has as much to do with spending the 6 hours immediately after my run at the Smithsonian Natural History and Air/Space Museums with an excited 4 year old as it does the rock that attacked me while running.
On a fundraising note, I have passed the $1200 mark and several folks from around the country have volunteered to host small fundraising parties that increase the size of circle giving to MBHP. Want to host something? If so, leave a comment or drop me an e-mail! Tomorrow I get to pull on my running shoes and hopefully (foot injury permitting) bang out 10 miles!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
