Brandon - 4.5 miles

Just got back from my big Saturday run.  This was my longest run ever at 4.5 miles.  It took me about 42 minutes, which means I averaged about 9.5 minutes per mile.  That's not too bad for a novice, especially since it was pretty windy and rainy for much of it.

Once I got warmed up, things felt good, but about 3 miles in I was feeling pretty tired.  Oddly enough, it started raining again at about 3.5 miles and kind of reinvigorated me.  Here's the route:

Brandon - Week 3 - 3 Miles

I'm back on my feet, and I ran about 3 miles this morning. Some friends wanted to meet us for breakfast at Kneader's, so I ran the 1.5 miles there and met them (and Lacy and Elly). After an artery-clogging breakfast of sausage, eggs, croissant, and french toast I ran the 1.5 miles back home. So, it wasn't a true 3 mile run, but it was still good to get out and do something since I haven't done anything all week. The highlight was that I ran a pathetic 10+ minute mile there, but stepped it up to an almost 8 minute mile on the way back. Progress! Here's the route:

Brandon - Week 3 - Sick

If it's not one thing, it's another. After I gave my knee a break and had a great week of training, I caught a cold. So I spent all day Monday in bed, and part of the day today. This means, of course, that I'm not running. Bummer.

Brandon - Week 2 - 3 miles

Saturday is my day for long runs (well, long for me anyway). Today my schedule called for 3.5 miles, but I only went about 3 since I missed last Saturday's long run. I was surprised how easy the run was. I really didn't get very tired at all. Of course, I was just keeping an easy pace. But still, I'm amazed at how quickly your body responds to a consistent training schedule by building up endurance, strength, etc.

Today's route took me up to the edge of campus and back:

Brandon - Week 2, Day 3

2 miles today.  Down to Provo Mall and back.  It was crazy cold today - 46 degrees - with a little rain and wind.  I was running straight into the wind on the way back.  That was fun.  Here's my route:

Brandon - Week 2, Day 2

For my cross training today I played my third intramural flag football game.  3 games.  3 losses.  I'm competitive, and I hate losing.  But at least I'm back on my training schedule.  The best part of intramural sports is that you're actually only doing this:

but you feel like you're doing this:

For me, that's enough motivation to get out and exercise, even if I lose.

Brandon - Week 2

First, I want to thank everyone for contributing to the blog and updating us on their progress.  I love that we're all feeling connected to each other through this, and that the blog is providing some motivation.  Keep it up!



I'm back on the horse.  After giving my knee a break for the week, I got out and ran about 1.6 miles today.  This is less than my training schedule calls for, but I wanted to take it easy to see how the knee felt.  Surprisingly, it felt pretty good, so I think I'll try to get back on the full training schedule. 

Another pleasant surprise was how easy the 1.6 mile run was.  My pace was nice, and I really didn't get very tired at all.  It's amazing how quickly your body begins to adapt.

Brandon - Knee Pain

Between two intramural football games and one intramural ultimate frisbee game, I've fallen on my left knee 4 times in 2 weeks.  (I have to say that I made the catch every time, but that's beside the point.)  The first time I came down on it, it was swollen for most of a week.  I iced it, elevated it, babied it, etc.  It felt (and looked better), so I went out and played on it again.  Tuesday night I fell on it again.  As I jogged on it immediately afterward, my knee cap felt like it was bouncing up and down (that sucks!).  I got a little scared, so I went to see my doctor on Wednesday.

He asked a bunch of questions, looked at my knee, moved it around, and finally took 4 x-rays of it.  Everything looks fine, but he thinks I may have stretched some ligaments or something.  He recommended I give it until Monday before I really get out and do anything.  So that means training is postponed for a few days.  I'll pick it back up on Monday.  That kind of bums me out because I was really excited about this.  But, I'm glad there's nothing seriously wrong with my knee.

Here's a picture.  This isn't my knee, but my x-ray looked just liked this.

Brandon - Day 2 - Ultimate Frisbee

My schedule called for 30 minutes of cross training today, which was easily accomplished since I had an intramural Ultimate Frisbee game this evening.  If you've ever played, you know it requires players to run back and forth constantly (like soccer).  The game lasted close to an hour, and we only had one sub, so I got my exercise for the day in.  Ultimate is a blast, and we creamed those undergrads 12 - 5 (and they had like 5 subs).  Old guys rule.

I didn't have a catch like this one, but I dream that one day I will:

Brandon - Day 1 - 2.5 miles

I ran my 2.5 miles today (see training schedule below).  I liked the route, so I'll probably use it for all my 2.5 milers.  I started feeling a little tired right around mile 1, and then again around mile 2.  Overall, though, it wasn't too bad.  I just kept an easy, steady jogging pace.  Here's the map of the route:

Brandon's 10K Training Schedule

Remember, I start tomorrow - 9/21!  I haven't yet identified a race to finish off the whole thing, but I'll let you know when I do.  If nothing else, I'll just go out and run my own 10K.

If any of you are runners, I welcome your advice as I'm a total novice.

Week	M	T	W	Th	F	Sa	Su
1	2.5 m run	3o min cross	2 m run + strength	Rest	40 min cross	3 m run	Rest
2	2.5 m run	3o min cross	2 m run + strength	Rest	40 min cross	3.5 m run	Rest
3	2.5 m run	35 min cross	2 m run + strength	Rest	50 min cross	4 m run	Rest
4	3 m run	35 min cross	2 m run + strength	Rest	50 min cross	4 m run	Rest
5	3 m run	40 min cross	2 m run + strength	Rest	60 min cross	4.5 m run	Rest
6	3 m run	40 min cross	2 m run + strength	Rest	60 min cross	5 m run	Rest
7	3 m run	45 min cross	2 m run + strength	Rest	60 min cross	5.5 m run	Rest
8	3 m run	30 min cross	2 m run + strength	Rest	Rest	10-k race	Rest