Tire flip, headphones and other rambles

I read an article in the Star-Tribune yesterday about a man’s attempt to run 93 miles on a treadmill in 24 hours. Initially, I thought Diane Farmer, the queen of treadmill training, should challenge him. However, I realized many people could easily achieve this. Adam, who can flip a tire, can run over 100 miles on a treadmill in 24 hours. Most successful ultra runners are humble.

I’ve been sick all week and haven’t slept much. I’ve been monitoring my sleep and pulse rate, and I’ve slept only 20 hours in 6 days, which is less than 3.5 nights. I’m now on autopilot and forgetful. I hate taking sleeping pills, but I think I need to buy some. They make me feel depressed.

I ran yesterday and felt good. I completed 3.1 miles in 32 minutes. Grandma’s Marathon no longer bans headphones, but they still encourage people to avoid them to enhance the race experience. I entered. I’ve said it many times on this blog: I had a goal in 1985 to run 25 consecutive years. I have 24! I’m unsure if I want to fail, but I’m already nervous. It doesn’t seem like an accomplishment until I reflect on life changes, injuries, and other obstacles I’ve overcome.

Saturday looks like a great day to go outside. I finally have three weekends where my tennis team only has me working a match daily, which is nice. However, I then have three weekends where any training is impossible, as I spend 12-14 hours a day playing tennis.

Starting March 21, I’ll have only one weekend of tennis until May 16, so I plan to focus on weight loss and training for 6 weeks. Until then, I aim to build a consistent base of 20-30 miles a week. Over the next 8 weeks, I plan to increase my average miles to the high 40s and gradually reach the 50s. At that point, I’ll decide whether to work an aid station at the Superior 100 or attempt to run it again.

I’ll be in Munich, Germany, with my son in 2 weeks. I’ve never been there, so it should be exciting!

Carry on my friends, carry on!

Comments from other blog - merged the blogs

Adam

I hope you get caught up on that sleep! Several people contacted me when they saw that story. Some wanted me to do the same thing on the same day! No thanks. Hopefully, he can raise some money for the cause.

Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 11:34:00 AM CST

Anonymous

I say the best way to see a new place is by rolling past you on foot at 7 mph. I hope you get out for some runs. Enjoy your trip!

Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 4:32:00 PM CST

SteveQ

The guy says he's always gone up to 28 miles - he'll hit 40-45, slow to a walk, and quit at 50.
Guaranteed.

Friday, January 30, 2009 at 10:18:00 AM CST

Diane

Thanks for the honorable mention, Londell! As I read the article, I thought the same thing: I knew many people who would be able to do the same thing. I wonder how/why he got the press.

I agree with Steve's prediction.

Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 4:13:00 PM CST