Modest Gains

I didn't know what was going on last week when I logged in and found my last blog entry had an unusual number of comments and replies. It was an unexpected honor to see that "Featured Blog" ribbon up in the corner, and that explained the sudden attention.

That's okay; great in fact. Reminded me a little of my first "modern day" half marathon about 5 years ago. Running the Carlsbad Half without my glasses, I kept hearing my name being called, encouraging me. I couldn't see who these people were. Were they work mates? Friends who happened to be lining the street? I didn't know I had so many friends.

Then I realized my race bib had my name on it and people...strangers...were just being friendly and giving me support. It was pretty cool.

So thanks to all who stumbled by and gave me a pat on the back as I inch toward the now 20-week goal of the New York City marathon. My "long run" this past weekend was a whopping 5-miler. As modest as that is, I think my heart and lungs are starting to get the hang of things. I couldn't have done that just a couple of weeks ago. I'm looking forward to a month or so from now when I can look back and marvel at how funny a 5-mile "long run" seems.

Weird thing, though, is that I've actually gained a little weight. I'm not trying to lose weight, necessarily, but I would expect to naturally get a little leaner. I'd like to be able to claim the weight gain as increase in muscle mass, but that'd be a lie. What it does tell me, though, is I need to complement the cardio with more fat-burning resistance training. I feel I can become addicted to cardio, but I don't have that same "problem" when it comes to strength training. Unfortunately, it's the first thing I'll blow off.

So, this week, besides sticking to my run/cardio plan, I'm going to place an emphasis on strength workouts (and nutrition, of course) and see where I am next Monday.