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Running Still December 6, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : 5k , 11comments

This week has been different - friends gave us a treadmill they no longer use, so I have been able to run despite the bitter cold, high winds and inches of snow. I had only run once on a treadmill before we set this bad boy up in our library, and as I expected - I find it more difficult to run on the machine than outside. Not physically, but mentally.

It’s harder for me to drift into associative and dissociative thinking; I just keep thinking about the fact that I’m running still.  And it’s boring. And I honestly think its more dangerous; I feel like I have less control while I’m on it. When I hop off I feel a bit disoriented. That never happens when I come in from a outdoor run. I will have to figure it out, and despite all of this whining - this machine is a real blessing because it will keep me running all winter long! So, big “Thanks” to our friends from church!

8 is Great! November 30, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : 8 miles , 2comments

Had a great run tonight. When I went out I wasn’t sure how long I would run, but was thinking 5 miles. It was an out and back route, and since I was feeling good I kept going. Nice country run that went on until the sun was down and the night had come. The run felt great! 8 miles. Rest tomorrow, and then back at it on Monday.

Thanksgiving (6 miles) November 27, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : 6 miles , add a comment

Ok, not exactly 6 miles. 5.98. I was going to pick a fight with my Nike+ for shorting me mileage I was sure I ran, but when I carefuly checked my route, it’s right.

I’m looking forward to a good day of food, family, and fun. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Water, Water, Everywhere November 25, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : 5k, health , 4comments


I got home with enough time to spare to squeeze in a 5k before dinner. The sun was setting, it was in the 30’s so it turned out to be a very comfortable run. I didn’t push myself, just enjoyed getting out there.

So, something weird has happened… I stopped drinking soda. This is no small thing. I grew up drinking as much cola as I liked. No limits. I was pounding 8 cans a day of regular Coke in my 20’s. As a married man I was drinking 4 cans a day easy (cost prohibited any more). I switched to Diet Coke and would drink bewteen 3-6 cans a day. Then I started running and learned the value of drinking water, but continued to indulge in my thirst for Diet Coke.

I’m not sure what happened, but about 4 weeks ago I just stopped the “pop” (ok, I’ve had 2 cans in that time). I’m drinking a lot of water. With my meals, with my snacks, and get this… when I’m thirsty! Weird huh? Just a few months ago it was hard for my to consider enjoying some of my favorites foods without a sweet carbonated beverage. But now - it’s all I want. Like right now, I’m sitting on the couch with my wife watching the Biggest Loser with a shot-glass full of almonds and a tall glass of water. The idea of drinking coke does not appeal to me at all. Weird. It’s like, as I’m learning to run, I’m learning to drink as well.

Of course this matters because drinking water is - well, good for you! How good? Here are a few reasons you should drink water taken from a few sources (here, here, and here). There are more reasons that the following 7, but as a runner who still has a few lbs to loose, these are the ones I care most about.

1. Drinking water can help maintain a healthy body weight by increasing metabolism and regulating appetite.

2. Drinking water can increase your energy levels (The most common cause of daytime fatigue is actually mild dehydration.).

3. Drinking (enough) water can decrease the risk of certain types of cancers.

4. Drinking water can significantly reduce joint and/or back pain.

5. Drinking water flushes out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.

6. Drinking water can prevent and alleviate headaches.

7. Drinking water aids in the digestion process and prevents constipation.

Follow the links above to read on. Good stuff.

Tweak November 22, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : frustration , 3comments


So, I’m running regular (and loving it), and for a year and a half there have been no running related injuries. I’m now in Tae Kwon Do - and while that’s pushing my body in another direction, so far so good. This week I was climbing around in the attic, getting our Christmas decorations. No problems. Then a few days ago I reached up to pull a book down from one of my book cases and, “tweak.” Major pain since. It’s at the base of my neck and the upper part of the trapezius on the left. Just when I start to feel manly, oooh, grabbing a book proves to be too much for my frail body.

I haven’t run since Wednesday, and am waiting until later today (Saturday) to get back out there. I’ve been gently stretching - but what do I do? Heat pad? Ice? I am totally clueless. I’m not inclined to see a doctor, and am looking for practical advice, but all suggestions are appreciated.

Running Winded November 19, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : 5k , 5comments

It’s mid November, so here in the midwest that means higher winds. Wind is consistently the worst thing I encounter in running. I can handle the cold, the heat, the rain, heck even dogs don’t kill running - but wind. Ugh. I don’t even want to go out when see how bad it sometimes is. I was scheduled to run 3.1 today, but was thinking of doing another 5 miles. The wind encouraged me to keep it short. Good run, if a little slower than I like.

After is Better November 15, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : 5 mile run , 7comments


Headed out this afternoon for a 5 mile run, and I feel great after. Really. I know I’ve talked about that in the past, but there are only a few earthly experiences that beat this feeling. Okay, make that one. So after a run I head to my study and stretch, have some water and now I’m sitting here chilling out until I stop sweating. Running always makes the day better. Even a good day like this one - it’s just better after a run.

Weekly total mileage: 18.2

Tae Kwon Joe November 13, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : 5 mile run , add a comment

Yesterday I ran in the rain (3.1miles), today was nicer (5 miles). With each run I check my Nike+ stats against a careful mapping online and it’s very close. So I am still super happy with this little Sportband and sensor.

November is feeling good and I am hoping to finally hit my goal weight by the end of the month -yes, even with Thanksgiving in there!

And - I’m am now taking Tae Kwon Do. We enrolled our kids (Katherine is 7, Elias is 4) back in June and the Grandmaster recently made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. So I’m in and they are putting the hurt on me. It’s good stuff and a fun form of cross training.

Hacking: Bad and Good November 10, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : 5 mile run , 4comments

It was a crisp 27° this morning when I headed out for 5 miles. The run was comfortable and felt good. But once I was back inside and stretching - holy cow I started hacking (coughing). I’m still getting over a cold, but I felt at my best this morning compared to the last 3 weeks. I was happy to get out and get some distance in, but was a little surprised at all the coughing.

My Nike+ is almost dead on, and I am very pleased with how it’s working so far. I mapped my run at 5 miles online, and my Nike+ says 5.1. Awesome. Part of what makes it fun is that I picked up the Nike+ Sportband and had to “hack” my Asics and Nike+ sensor. I essentially followed Daniel Zilber’s advice here. Works great. Thanks Daniel!

+ November 5, 2008

Posted by Joe Thorn in : gear , 7comments

So this finally arrived. I am attempting to calibrate the thing tonight. I fear the thing is going to give me a hard time on set-up.