RunKeeper Ruminations

Another ho-hum day on the elliptical and a little run - only 2 miles but absolutely pain free. I haven't ever talked about how I keep track of my runs (runners can disconnect here since we all have our favorites).

Since I want to remain in contact with Deb, I run with my iPhone. RunKeeper is an app on the iPhone that keeps track of location via GPS, tracks progress, and records the run. It also allows for using playlists. The most important feature is that Deb can track my whereabouts in real time, helping allay her fears. Since this isn't an app review, I'll simply say that I enjoy the ability to track my progress.

Back to running. The every-other-day runs seem to be working to keep me feeling ok. I've kicked up the volume on the elliptical (last month was a 100 mile month in addition to a 25 mile running month, highlighted by the Chicago race) and I've gone from an average of 4.8 miles a day to almost 6 by increasing the elliptical work. It's tedious but I find that if I do it before I run, I'm well stretched and warmed up for my run. In addition, I am sufficiently tired so as not to do too much. An interesting thought - too tired to overtrain. That's convoluted logic if I've ever heard it. The nice thing these days is that once again, without pain, I look forward to running. Yes, it's that important to me. Anyone reading this probably already knows that but it's nice to be able to say again.

Deb and I are going to spend the better part of September in Bethany Beach Delaware (to all of you who now plan to rob my house - Ben will be home, the police have been notified, the surveillance cameras are all prepped, the door handles are electrified, and the piranha in the moat are hungry). I'm looking forward to doing nothing on the beach, visiting with Deb's mother and mine, and possibly seeing some friends. Nothing to do, nowhere to go, no schedules, no responsibilities...just like retirement!