Weather: 28 F, Sunny

Distance: 3.03 mi - Courtland Loop

Time: 4:07 pm

Run time: 21:31

Listening to: Moby Dick

Weight: 192 lbs

Drops: 1 - Distracted by a car while crossing the street.

Condition: No pain. Slight numbness in toes but much less than previous days.

Summary: My fastest joggling workout of the year. It’s fun to run fast sometimes. It gives you lots of confidence. Plus, it’s really good for you. Changing speeds is one of the fastest ways to get more fit.

I started reading while joggling again. Moby Dick is on my list of 150 greatest books of all-time and I’m determined to read (listen) to the whole thing. It’s good.

This video is a bit dark.

Filed under: Training Log | No Comments »

I just came across these two excellent videos by juggler Steve that explain the basics of juggling siteswap notation.

What is siteswap?

Steve explains it in the video, but the short explanation of siteswap is that it’s a mathematical system for describing juggling patterns.

After watching the 10 minutes of video below, you’ll know what jugglers mean when they ask if you can do a 423. If you can’t juggle at all, be sure to see these 25 free learn to juggle resources.

Do you use siteswap notation? Does it mean anything to you? Leave a comment below and let us know.

Filed under: Juggling | 2 Comments »

Weather: 30 F, Cloudy

Distance: 5.21 mi - Halsted Armitage loop

Time: 1:53 pm

Run time: ~ 41:55 (Watch stopped for ~.86 miles)

Listening to: Skeptics Guide

Weight: 195 lbs

Drops: 2

Condition: Left shin hurt. Toes went numb after 13 minutes.

Summary: A nice juggling run after yesterday’s easy recovery. I still have to put together a plan for the Red Rock Canyon marathon which I plan to joggle on March 7. That gives me just about 8 weeks to get in marathon shape. Certainly won’t expect a PR (of course it would be nice to get one and qualify for Boston).

I saw a couple of great videos that explained siteswap. This is a mathematical way to envision juggling patterns. I think I’ll do a post on it.

Filed under: Joggling, Training Log | 1 Comment »

Weather: 31 F, Sunny & cloudy

Distance: 1.56 mi  -  Bucktown Recovery joggle

Time: 2:22 pm

Run time: 12:58

Listening to:  This American Life

Weight:  195 lbs

Drops: 0

Condition:  Legs felt tired.

Summary:  A short juggling run to keep the streak alive but still rest my body.  It was nice to take it easy.  Listened to an excellent episode of This American Life.  I really love that show.  I also wore my new Nike Hat with headphones.  It was great!! If you have a problem with headphones falling out of your ears, you should get one.

Filed under: Joggling, Training Log | No Comments »

Weather: 27 F, Sunny & cloudy

Distance: 6.82 mi - To the Lake and Back

Time: 3:15 pm

Run time: 53:45

Listening to: The Moth Podcast, Skeptoid, Point of Inquiry, This American Life

Weight:  191 lbs

Drops: 1

Condition: Felt average.  Stomach cramps, sore knees, and feet went numb.

Summary: This was my longest juggling run of the streak and longest since the Chicago Marathon.  It was good to get a longer run in.  I was also satisfied with my speed.  Sub-8 min miles, not bad.

While running, I marveled that I ever did 50 miles.  How was it possible?  On the way home, I raced a bus.  I caught up to the bus with about 2 miles to go.  We went back and forth with the bus passing me and then me passing the bus when it had to stop for passengers and red lights.  In the last half mile, it forged ahead, made it through a green light and beat me.  A little more traffic and I would’ve caught that bus.  Also had my first drop of the year.  Darn.

Joggling Streak - Day 46 on 12seconds.tv

Filed under: Training Log | 4 Comments »

Weather: 31 F, gray & cloudy

Distance: 3.2 mi Lincoln Park car pick-up joggle

Time: 3:32 pm

Run time: 26:06

Listening to: Science Talk

Weight: 195 lb

Drops: 0

Condition: Felt good. Still pain in shins but not bad.

Summary: First juggling run of the new year. I took it easy while using the workout for the practical purpose of picking up our car. This is a good strategy for ensuring you get your run in during a streak. Lot’s of great comments today. One guy saw me pass and said “No f****ing way!” Started wearing new running shoes. New Balance.

Filed under: Training Log | 2 Comments »

Weather: 21 F, Sunny

Distance: 3.44 mi – Elston loop

Time: 2:25 pm

Run time: 26:39

Listening to:  Skeptoid & Science Talk

Condition: Shins and knees hurt but felt fine after while running

Weight : 195

Summary: I felt great today. While joggling my latest Gballz, I thought about the year gone by. It was a great year. I also look forward to the year ahead. So much promise. Three cars beeped at me, waved and smiled. That made me smile. I love joggling.

Filed under: Joggling life, Training Log | No Comments »

Weather: 40 F, gray & cloudy

Distance: 4.79 mi Crate & Barrel loop

Time: 3:42 pm

Run time: 37:24

Listening to: Skepticality

Condition: Felt strong, slight shin pain.

Summary: One of my favorite juggling runs of the streak. I felt strong and had at least 4 people audibly cheer for me. One person, who I didn’t recognize, yelled out my name. “Way to joggle Perry!” That made me smile. Still, I should start using new shoes.

Filed under: Joggling life | 3 Comments »

Weather: 33 F, sunny and windy

Distance: 2.08 mi North Ave 2 miler

Time: 3:20 pm

Run time: 16:08

Listening to: Skepticality

Condition: Good

Summary: Decided today would be a “rest” day. Did a quick joggling run before my sisters came over with my nieces & nephews. We went ice skating.

Filed under: Inspiration, Joggling life | No Comments »

I don’t know about you, but there used to be days when I just didn’t get a chance to run.   The reason is rarely that I don’t feel like running, it’s just that sometimes my schedule just doesn’t allow it.

It’s always tough to get back in the swing of things, especially after a couple of days off.

So here are some tips for re-motivating yourself to run after a few days (or months) off.

1. Non-running warm-up

When your legs don’t feel like moving, start with with a non-running activity. For a joggler, juggling is a great warm-up. You can spend 20 minutes of pure juggling fun learning new tricks, trying new challenges and entertaining the people in your fitness center. After getting your heart going and stretching your legs, you’ll find that you’re attitude about running has changed completely. For non-runners you might try some weight lifting, basketball, volleyball, or even table tennis.

2. Put on workout clothes

To be a runner, you need to look like a runner. You’ll never get out and do your workout if you don’t put on your workout clothes. Even if you don’t feel like working out, put on those shorts & Cool Max t-shirt. Pickup those juggling bean bags . Walk around in your outfit for a few minutes. You’ll start to feel like a joggler and be off on your run in no time.

3. Schedule your session

Nothing motivates like a schedule. I’ve put together a spreadsheet listing all the workouts that I plan to do. If you’ve missed a day, just cross it off and do your training for the current day. Trying to go back is de-motivating.

4. Eat something

Research has shown that eating a little can raise your blood sugar, increase your energy and thus your motivation. Eating something 15 to 30 minutes before you workout will give you the motivating energy you need. You might consider one of these great candy bars.

5. Get new audio

Bored with all the same songs? Refresh your IPod (or other MP3 player) with all new songs. And if music isn’t working for you, try out some of the great, free podcasts that are available. Listening to talk shows is an excellent way to spend a really long run. One of my favorites is Skepticality.

6. Engage in positive self-talk

Tell yourself you want to run. Imagine yourself joggling down the road. In your mind’s eye, see the crowd’s cheering for the joggler as you go by. Now get out there and go. For more see this previous entry on positive thinking

7. Be who you are

Runners run, jugglers juggle, and jogglers joggle. You’ve put in the time. You’ve done the work. Keep it up. You are a joggler. Now get out there and joggle! (Or run if that’s what you do). If you need some more inspiration, check out what Dean Karnazes is up to.

Hopefully, by following these tips you’ll be back on your training schedule ready to break your own joggling world record.

Filed under: Training Tips | 4 Comments »