Thank You!

I wanted to post a quick "thank you" to everyone who has commented on TheTrailJogger.com, Twitter, Facebook, and DailyMile over the last year.

I created this blog to generate some accountability as I pursue my Three In Three Challenge goals. I was hoping that I would get a few readers that would help keep me honest and motivated along the way. With your support I have:

• Remained a non-smoker
• Lost over 30 pounds
• Increased my long runs from 0 miles to 20 miles

For running, see my year end report on DailyMile.

But I've received much more than that. The best part of the last year has been meeting (virtually) many wonderful and inspirational people from all over the world. I specifically appreciate those that have left comments and provided advice. I've listened to each and every one of them. Some suggestions I've adopted with great success.

L-Five Trail Run Report (11 Miles)

My long run was once again FANTASTIC!

I had no issues, with the exception of a stubbed toe about a quarter mile from the end of my run. Dough! I continue to practice ChiRunning with great success. I think I am finally ready to start increasing my training volume.

One of many beautiful spots along the Northshore Trail.

New Trail at Northshore

During my run today I noticed that DORBA is in the process of cutting a new portion of the trail. Heading north from the MADD shelter, it is located just at the top of the hill by the wood fence (I think some call this emu hill), about a half mile in from the MADD shelter. This is the current end of the one way trail where you can either keep running on a two way, or turn left, go down the hill, and head back to the MADD shelter.

The new portion runs off to the right, just under where I wrote "HERE!"
Click on the picture for a larger version.

Scott Jurek and ChiRunning

I came across this video showing good trail running form. His recommendations align with some of the key forms I have been practicing from ChiRunning, specifically keeping the spine tall, maintaining a neutral pelvis, and falling forward from the heels.

Thoughts?

L-Five Trail Run Report (8 Miles)

My long run yesterday was FANTASTIC!

I continue to practice ChiRunning with great success. I believe my new running technique will allow me to run injury-free. As a result, I am confident I will achieve my ultramarathon goal.

The Bamboo Forest on the Northshore Trail.

Week 22: My Fault

I have not excuses for my 1.1 pound weight gain last week. The gain is 100% my fault. I ate more than I burned. I could blame it on the break I took from running--less exercise so fewer calories burned. But the numbers don't lie--I gained because I ate more calories than I burned. Period.

So once again I find myself in a position where I need to get refocused. I've proven once again that I need to continue to count my calories and make sure I am eating less than I am burning, so I can continue to lose weight and eventually achieve my weight loss goal.

However, I've decided to take the next couple of weeks off from my diet so that I can throughly enjoy the holiday break. I will resume my diet in January.

No worries. I will get there.

Incredible Video

This has nothing to do with trail running, but it's worth seven minutes of your time...



What did you think?

Footprints In The Sand

I practiced ChiRunning technique on my last two runs, about four miles on Wednesday and about three miles yesterday. On these runs I headed for the "hilly" part of the Northshore Trail, northwest of MADD on Wednesday and south of Far Gate on Thursday. I was concerned that the inclines would bother my calf muscles like so many times in the past. But I had no problems on these two runs. None. My legs felt pain free for the first time in months! Actually, I've had no problems since I started practicing the ChiRunning technique!

I did an out and back on my run yesterday. During the return portion of my run I came across a short section of sand that I had run through on the out portion. As I approached the sand, I remembered a section in the ChiRunning book about running in sand. Basically, Danny Dreyer uses your footprints in the sand to teach you a light midfoot strike. You shouldn't see any small craters at the heel or at the toe (if you do, you are either heel striking or pushing off with your toe, both no-no's). As I approached the sand I stopped to examine my footprints. They looked like this...

My footprints in the sand.

Peaceful

Today I resumed my training and went to the Northshore Trail to practice my ChiRunning technique. My run was amazing. No pain. No calf muscle issues. No stiffness of any kind. This run gave me the confidence to believe that I can learn how to run injury-free. But that wasn't the best part.

My training plan called for a three mile run. However, when I returned to the Jeep I just couldn't bring myself to stop. So I ran another two miles. In hindsight, I'm really glad I did.

During the last two miles everything seemed to click. I felt like I was floating along the trail, my body fully in sync, working the way it was designed to work. It was beautiful. It was effortless. It was the first time that running truly felt... peaceful.

I've never felt so absolutely relaxed during or immediately following a run. I hope I can duplicate the same experience tomorrow.

Week 21: Still Losing Weight

I was pleased when I stepped on the scale this morning. I lost another 1.6 lbs. I was a little concerned this week because of my break from running. But I stuck with the plan, practiced portion control, and had another successful week.

I am still following the concepts I learned from Weight Watchers, except I am tracking my points on my own now instead of relying on the Weight Watchers website. For those of you looking for a weight loss program, I can say with confidence that the Weight Watchers program works, at least it has worked for me.

Onward!

Drinking The ChiRunning Kool-Aid

I have been plagued with calf muscle injuries. If I am going to achieve my ultramarathon goal, I realize that something needs to change, and I'm working on it. 

Danny Dreyer
ChiRunning Founder

I took a week off of running to heal from my latest calf muscle strain. During that time I researched running techniques and decided to try the ChiRunning method. The author promises an effortless, injury-free running experience. Sounds good to me. So I read the ChiRunning book front to back. 

After reading the book, on Thursday I went for a short half-mile practice run on the treadmill. I also video taped myself running so that I could analyze my form. The video taping was a good idea. I was able to quickly spot a few flaws in my form, including running with my head too far forward. Otherwise, I found the ChiRunning technique fairly simple to emulate.

26 Reasons to Run 26 Miles

Love it!

Running Injury-Free

I have added a new goal to my ultramarathon quest--to learn how to run injury-free!

I have been taking a break from running to heal from my most recent calf muscle injury (specifically, the top of my Achilles tendon). I don't particularly like sitting on the sidelines waiting for my body to heal. But I have used the time to research injury recovery and prevention.

Through my research I've identified a few areas that might be root causes of my calf muscle injuries.

Week 20: Weight Loss Celebration!

Every ten pounds I reward myself with a celebration day. During my celebration day all bets are off--I get to eat whatever I want. I usually reserve this day for eating the JUNK that I've refrained from in the previous weeks. Yesterday was my celebration day. I hit 30 pounds!

For my celebration day I indulged in chocolate chip cookie dough, sour cream and onion chips, and McDonald's french fries. And I loved every bit of it! I will say all three left a rather nasty aftertaste, but I enjoyed them as they went down.

Now, as of this morning, I am back to focusing on my weight loss goal.

Some Time Off

My calf muscle continues to bother me. Yesterday I decided to go for a small test run on the trail. About a mile into the run my calf muscle started to hurt. So I abandoned the trail and walked back to the Jeep on a flat paved path. I was also really tired during the run, a symptom of overtraining.

Rest and Recovery

I think my weekend 20-miler took more out of me than I originally though. I felt pretty good until my run on Tuesday. Then, my calf muscle started bothering me again. So I decided to back off the running until I recover.

Yesterday I went for a mountain bike ride. I know from past experience that mountain biking doesn't bother my calf muscles. I planned to ride again today, but I am tired. I've been working some strange hours on a project overseas, so that might be a factor. But more likely I am still recovering from my run and need more rest.