Endurance Training and the Karate Kid

How would I describe my Saturday morning run? Two words: even steven. Whatever that means, I ran a steady 7 miles today in 1:01:14 on the track at the rec. center. It was my longest run this year and the most even run I’ve had yet.

As you can see from the Nike+ graph, I maintained roughly the same speed for all seven miles. And isn’t that a goal of endurance training? I’m miles away from really achieving running nirvana, but I feel like I’ve finally taken a stride in the right direction.

Not only was I able to physically maintain the speed (a fairly decent one at that) over my longest distance, I fended off so many mental distractions like the one-lappers and groany-breathers. At one point, however, I may have sighed me expletive-laden thoughts a little too loudly as one show-off sprinted by. But I don’t think he would have known it was me.

The next best part of the run: I could have kept going. Even at seven miles, my legs were still energized and I felt great. Right around mile two my legs loosened up and I noticed that my breathing was quite regular. As Landon has previously described, it’s like my body has forgotten what it’s like to not be running and my function all normalize around my pace.

So, why did I stop? Most of all, I like making incremental progress. If I ran 10 miles today on an enthusiastic pair of cabin fever legs, I might be disappointed if I don’t reach the same height next time I run. I’m trying to be reasonable with myself. Secondly, I also wanted to show that there is always time to fit your health into the day. I woke up at 8 a.m. this morning, ate breakfast, drove to the rec. center, ran for an hour and made it back home by 10:30 a.m. And had I simply run outside in my ‘hood, I would have been done well before 10 a.m.

For all the nay-sayers you meet, tell them that in the time they take to secretly watch “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Desperate Housewives,” they could be fitting in a good workout. There really is no excuse.

Side note: Neil and I were watching The Karate Kid this afternoon and I couldn’t help myself: I had to google Ralph Macchio. Take a moment to remember the movie, the leg sweep, the dojo and, of course, the crane. I was only four years old when the movie was released, but I remember it in all its glory.

So, it might come as a shock to you that Ralph Macchio will be 46 this year. We were shocked and a little heartbroken too. The kid is, in fact, The Karate Man.