6.05mi, 55:52, 28 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 157 of the campaign.

iThink:
Max, "Aim"

WX at 5 AM (9) Apr 28 77 (25) 28 (-2) 30.15 (1021) Variable 5 RH 16

Odometer 13B: 290.0mi

Z3 first two miles to Z4 threshold to Z4 hard last mile. Average/max heart rate = 156/171

My legs felt tired at first, but after two miles, I decided to pick up the pace. I guess if I look at it dispassionately, I'm probably overtraining, thus the dead legs, but I don't deal well with people who lie to me to my face who I otherwise believe to be trustworthy. So I ran, I was angry, and I was going to run hard at some point once my legs warmed up. So I did, and the last mile was filled with rage.

It is perhaps appropriate that I've started reading John Steakley's Armor in the last day or so. Because I have a lot of rage.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:27 09:27 09:27 09:27 1.00
1.00 18:38 09:10 09:10 09:19 2.00
1.00 27:52 09:14 09:14 09:17 3.00
1.00 37:19 09:27 09:27 09:20 4.00
1.00 46:39 09:20 09:20 09:20 5.00
1.00 55:31 08:53 08:53 09:15 6.00
0.05 55:52 00:21 06:53 09:14 6.05

6.51mi, 62:19, 26 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 155 of the campaign.

iThink:
Tommy Keene, "Running For Your Life"
Sabrina, "Boys(Summertime Love)"
The Smiths, "There Is A Light That Never Goes Out" (from sound check at Glasgow Barrowlands, July 16, 1986)

WX at 3 PM (19) Apr 25 53 (12) 42 (6) 30.18 (1022) SSE 3 RH 66

Odometer 13B: 284.0mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 150/157

It's hard to believe April has gone by so quickly. This month has gone by fast, if only because this month has been so fucking busy. That's about the only rational explanation I can think of for the level of intensity and the general lack of sense of time passing.

Today had to be a relatively easy run. I was thinking about long slow distance, but I've been largely resistant to one of my coworker's entreaties to go CrossFit with him. I realize one thing - as I get older, when I don't really care about something, I really don't give two shits about it. That has been the tale of the last few years, but that's really come out in the last few months when I don't have anything to prove to anyone. Today was not recovery, but at the same time, it wasn't quite the LSD I intended it to be. Well, I guess it was if I consider relative effort and heart rate.

Today is ANZAC Day, so today marked my introduction of Michelle Jenneke's pre-hurdling dance for the rest of my coworkers since there was no way in hell I was waking up at 4:45am for an ANZAC Day dawn ceremony.  Not going to happen.  Not with my work hours.

The attack of the Smiths continues unabated.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:38 09:38 09:38 09:38 1.00
1.00 19:32 09:54 09:54 09:46 2.00
1.00 29:08 09:37 09:37 09:43 3.00
1.00 38:29 09:20 09:20 09:37 4.00
1.00 48:02 09:33 09:33 09:36 5.00
1.00 57:34 09:33 09:33 09:36 6.00
0.51 62:20 04:46 09:20 09:34 6.51

5.56mi, 48:49, 24 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 153 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Smiths, "I Want the One I Can't Have"
The White Stripes, "Seven Nation Army"
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Daniel Kandi Mix)

WX at 11 AM (15) Apr 24 55 (13) 46 (8) 30.09 (1019) N 15 RH 71

Odometer 14A: 92.4mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 158/170

Today was going to be quick for two reasons: I got a haircut, and it rained this afternoon, making tonight's evening pleasantly cool and slightly breezy behind the parapets of Camp Cupcake. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel, but after a fast first lap, I ran a positive split, then ran generally faster as I got through. Today was an exercise to see how deep I could push my max VO2, rather than just running for base or lard burning. Today was a pretty good day - one after which I need to be careful so I don't squander the gains of the day.

My attack of the Smiths continues unabated.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:39 08:39 08:39 08:39 1.00
1.00 17:47 09:09 09:09 08:54 2.00
1.00 26:38 08:50 08:50 08:53 3.00
1.00 35:32 08:54 08:54 08:53 4.00
1.00 44:15 08:43 08:43 08:51 5.00
0.56 48:49 04:33 08:08 08:47 5.56

4.06mi, 40:02, 23 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 152 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Smiths, "Barbarism Begins At Home"
Tommy Keene, "Running For Your Life"

WX at 5 AM (9) Apr 23 71 (22) 35 (2) 30.15 (1021) E 12 RH 26

Odometer 13B: 277.5mi

Z3 low. Average/max heart rate = 148/158

Recovery run today. I knew my legs weren't up to much after last night's hard erg session. I felt better by mile 4, and deliberately ran below anaerobic threshold rate, with one minor slipup in the last quarter mile.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:56 09:56 09:56 09:56 1.00
1.00 19:49 09:53 09:53 09:54 2.00
1.00 29:48 09:59 09:59 09:56 3.00
1.00 39:29 09:41 09:41 09:52 4.00
0.06 40:02 00:33 09:14 09:52 4.06

A reminder of my past

For some reason, I've had snippets of the album Meat is Murder by the Smiths stuck in my head.  About 25 years ago, about this time or so, that album was the soundtrack of my life at the time.  "The Headmaster Ritual," "Rusholme Ruffians," and "The Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" in particular were the ones that really got traction.

I was very much in love at the time, but I had much to learn about what that was going to mean or become.

I attended three summer camps that year; a one-week program at West Point, a one-week program at the Naval Academy, and the Governor's School, a four-week program at Radford University at for the fine arts.  That was the summer that made me realize that my future did not lie back in my hometown, but that I was destined to go elsewhere.  It was that week at West Point that was perhaps most memorable, for the direction my life took a year later.  It was that week that was punctuated by that Smiths album.

But that was a long time ago.

10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 43:39.9, 22 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 151 of the campaign.

iThink:
Kirsty MacColl, "Terry"

WX at 2 PM (18) Apr 22     51 (11)     46 (8)     30.30 (1026)     NNW 5 RH 81

Odometer 14A: 86.8mi

Z4 with Z5 finish.  Average/max heart rate = 163/179

I can only cite the Sandie Shaw bit for the reason why I was thinking of a song by Kirsty MacColl.

My goal today was to erg less than 44 minutes.  I was successful, but it was pretty painful, and at the end, I was racing the guy who closes the gym.  I didn't want to be left short of the 10,000m I was meaning to crank, and I got it in, only through going full bore where I was pulling as fast as 1:44.  The session was consistent with others, where I started fairly strong, initially below 2:05/500m, then working to keep 2:10/500m.  Beyond the 30-35min mark, I was trying hard to hold 2:13/500m as my heart rate started to go into the high 160s.  The last 400m was a pure flat out sprint at max effort.

I got my 10,000m in, but I'll need to go easier tomorrow.

I miss my kids.  That is all.

Splits
Distance:    10000
Time:    43:39.9
Avg/500m:    02:11.0
Drag Factor:    102
Per Mile:    00:07:02

Another reason why I don't sleep enough

I just spent the last hour looking up photos of Sandie Shaw on the internet.  This is what I get for listening to the Smiths after midnight. 

Of all the things to mentally take me away from my current digs, this is as unusual as any - if it weren't such an obvious throwback to my teenage years when I really used to listen the hell out of the Smiths.  Also, because Sandie Shaw was pretty easy to look at when she was my age - let alone half that, for that matter.

4.6mi, 43:02, 21 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 150 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Killers, "When You Were Young"

WX at 5 AM (9) Apr 21 57 (14) 44 (7) 30.18 (1022) E 6 RH 62

Odometer 14A:86.6mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 154/161

I felt much, much better than a few days ago. I took yesterday off as a deliberate attempt to recover from the dead legs I'd been feeling as of late. It worked, but I need to be judicious about how hard or how far I go this week to avoid overtraining like I think I did last week.

Today was intended to be 4, but the loop I've been running doesn't always render the exact same distance due to differences in reception. Today was okay, though.

Hard to believe it's already been five months since I departed home, though.  Some of my coworkers call their hooch home.  I have never, nor do I think I'll ever use that convention, because my room in the barracks is not home - home is over 6,944mi away.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:30 09:30 09:30 09:30 1.00
1.00 18:54 09:24 09:24 09:27 2.00
1.00 28:20 09:26 09:26 09:27 3.00
1.00 37:31 09:11 09:11 09:23 4.00
0.60 42:59 05:28 09:07 09:21 4.60

7.13mi, 72:22, 19 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 148 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Bats, "Courage"
The Bats, "Straight Image"
Velvet Crush, "Atmosphere"

WX at 11 AM (15) Apr 19 60 (16) 8 (-13) 30.06 (1018) N 7 RH 12

Odometer 13B: 273.4mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 154/162

I think if I had more in my legs, I might've gone harder. Today was a textbook case of dead legs, which I decided to grind my way through. I will probably pay for this run in spades tomorrow, which probably needs to be a day off. The alternative is to erg something at a slow speed, but I have no power at all. That might be an indicator of overtraining, or of just being tired, which I am.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:54 09:54 09:54 09:54 1.00
1.00 20:32 10:38 10:38 10:16 2.00
1.00 30:51 10:19 10:19 10:17 3.00
1.00 40:44 09:53 09:53 10:11 4.00
1.00 50:47 10:03 10:03 10:09 5.00
1.00 60:54 10:07 10:07 10:09 6.00
1.00 71:04 10:10 10:10 10:09 7.00
0.13 72:22 01:18 10:00 10:09 7.13

3.26mi, 32:13, 18 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 147 of the campaign.

iThink:
R.E.M., "Driver 8"

WX at 11 AM (15) Apr 18 51 (11) 41 (5) 30.09 (1019) ESE 3 RH 66

Odometer 13B: 266.3mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 149/155

Short recovery run because my legs are totally beat.  Beat down beat.

I also need to call home because today is the Younger's birthday.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:42 09:42 09:42 09:42 1.00
1.00 19:47 10:05 10:05 09:53 2.00
1.00 29:44 09:57 09:57 09:55 3.00
0.26 32:13 02:29 09:33 09:53 3.26

8,000m on Concept2 Model D, 34:48.6, 17 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 146 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Goo Goo Dolls, "Broadway" (no, I don't know why)

WX at 5 AM (9) Apr 17     66 (19)     30 (-1)     29.97 (1015)     ESE 8

Odometer 13B:263.0mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 161/172

The spot on my right foot is still pretty sore, so I decided to back off the running and go for a row instead.  Today was an exercise of "I want to erg faster than 35 minutes" once I settled into target pace, and that turned into a balance of how hard I went (so I didn't go too far into oxygen debt) versus required speed and power.  As usual, as I got further into it, it got easier, but that's also tempered by the fact that I got more and more tired as I got into it.  How long I can hang on before I start petering out is always a challenge.

Splits
Distance:    8000
Time:    34:48.6
Avg/500m:    02:10.5
Drag Factor:    122
Per Mile:    00:07:00

4.50mi, 43:07, 16 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 145 of the campaign.

iThink:
Juliana Hatfield, "Perfection"

WX at 11 AM (15) Apr 16 60 (16) 30 (-1) 30.03 (1017) NNE 16 RH 31

Odometer 14A: 82.0mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 15/162

My legs weren't up to much today but I needed to get out and do something. There are no junk miles at this point in my life. It always accomplishes something. In this case, it's lard expenditure.

More troublingly, today's iThink is a reflection of my thoughts at receiving an email today that all but stated that I had not been a good friend - a statement that bothers me, not because of how I felt about it, but that one of my actions had led to that perception. Juliana Hatfield writes about damaged relationships, so perhaps it was apropos today.

And if I had
A dime for every chance
I want something so bad
And if I saved
For a hundred years
I still wouldnt have
Enough to buy the perfect gift
For somebody who don't exist
Do I want too much?
Would perfection be enough?
And if it came to me
Would it be what I really need?
Do I want too much?
You piss me off
But not a lot
I forget to forget(forgive?)
Why can't I see
Your qualities
That are not negative
You're so sweet to me
So why?
Do I want too much?
Would perfection be enough?
And if it came to me
Would it be what I really need?
Do I want too much?
And if you are
Ever to be pleased
By what it is to recieve
You must learn to be
Much happier than me
Yeah I want too much
Perfection never is enough
And when it comes to me
I think of something else to need
You give me everything
But it's not enough

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:27 09:27 09:27 09:27 1.00
1.00 19:12 09:45 09:45 09:36 2.00
1.00 28:46 09:34 09:34 09:35 3.00
1.00 38:24 09:38 09:38 09:36 4.00
0.50 43:07 04:43 09:26 09:35 4.50

8.01mi, 70:49, 15 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 144 of the campaign.

iThink:
Sarah Polley, "The Sweet Hereafter"
The Bats, "Courage" Dos Gringos, "Going In For Guns"

WX at 11 AM (15) Apr 15 60 (16) 35 (2) 30.12 (1020) ESE 8 RH 38

Odometer 13B: 262.8mi

Z3 mid. Average/max heart rate = 154/160

Today was the first run since Saturday, and I was at risk of breaking my rule of no more than two days off in a row. The work has been bad; really, really bad. The exhaustion of the last few days is mostly mental, but there has been no real break. I am approaching my fifth month away from home, and while that's some time, I still have a long way to go.

I was good for moderate effort, over a long period, and I think that's about all I should've undertaken. One of my coworkers wants me to try Crossfit again, and while I certainly don't begrudge those who practice it, what it does isn't very useful to me - and I don't need a cult of fitness since I tend to be pretty bluntly utilitarian about why I exercise - either weight control or mindfulness. Crossfit is probably okay for the former, but for me it was absolutely counterproductive to the latter. So I have my own preferences to long distance work instead, either on the erg or on the road.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:26 09:26 09:26 09:26 1.00
1.00 19:06 09:40 09:40 09:33 2.00
1.00 29:10 10:04 10:04 09:43 3.00
1.00 39:11 10:01 10:01 09:48 4.00
1.00 49:25 10:14 10:14 09:53 5.00
1.00 59:45 10:20 10:20 09:57 6.00
1.00 60:14 10:29 10:29 10:02 7.00
1.01 70:49 10:35 10:29 10:05 8.01

Some thoughts on my forty-second birthday

I've looked back on the April 13 (or thereabouts) entries in this blog over the last five years, ever since I got back from Afghanistan the first time.  They are pretty bleak, in a way that makes me wonder how much remains unresolved in my life of the things that bother me.

It's late, about 2am as I write this, and while I'm going to modify the timestamp to put this on the 13th of April, I realize I was not like this before I left for that tour.

My current duties in Afghanistan this time are not like my last; they are stressful, but not as emotionally destructive as my duties my last tour.  One of my friends told me I should not go back, that I would not get the closure I wanted from that tour, but I think he may be wrong in some ways.

Back in Afghanistan, the greatest threats I've faced in my job this time were not from the enemy, but from people who were nominally on the same side as me.  I was thinking about this poem, for which the provenance is unknown, but I know it was one that kept James B. Stockdale going when he was locked up in the Hanoi Hilton.  I've thought about it a lot today, if only for something I wanted to say when I eventually leave here.

We asked for strength that we might achieve;
He made us weak that we might obey.
We asked for health that we might do great things;
He gave us infirmity that we might do better things.
We asked for riches that we might be happy;
We were given poverty that we might be wise.
We asked for power that we might have the praise of men;
We were given weakness that we might feel the need of God.
We asked for all things that we might enjoy life;
We were given life that we might enjoy all things.
We received nothing that we asked for
But all that we hoped for.
And our prayers were answered.
We were most blessed.

Closure is elusive.  But the dark undertone of the last few years was surprisingly absent today, and I'm not sure why.  There are things I will take with me to the grave, that I doubt I will ever release, but I will eventually learn to live with them, and steel my children so that they deal with it better than I did, I would hope.

6.18mi, 58:13, 12 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 141 of the campaign.

iThink:
Los Campesinos!, "It's Never That Easy Though, Is It (Song for the other Kurt)"
The Bats, "Courage"
The Bats, "Dancing as the Boat Goes Down"

WX at 11 AM (15) Apr 12 55 (13) 32 (0) 30.09 (1019) N 22 RH 40

Odometer 13B: 254.8mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 159/168

I should've known better than to try to go for a longer run today and my desire to run 7 was quickly curtailed to 6 after I realized how beat my legs actually were.

I'm also trying to figure out my Garmin Forerunner 310XT. It's a welcome change because my Forerunner 305 was on its last legs, one of the buttons having depressed into the chassis so I couldn't push it. I figure for the almost exactly six years I got out of it, I should be pretty happy, especially if this one lasts anywhere near as long. I figure I could easily spare 7 cents a day for about as much as I paid for it. I can comfortably pack it away, wondering if I'll just trash it here since, appopriately enough, I bought it in Afghanistan in 2008.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:06 09:06 09:06 09:06 1.00
1.00 19:07 10:01 10:01 09:33 2.00
1.00 28:41 09:34 09:34 09:34 3.00
1.00 38:04 09:23 09:23 09:31 4.00
1.00 47:30 09:26 09:26 09:30 5.00
1.00 56:38 09:08 09:08 09:26 6.00
0.18 58:13 01:35 08:48 09:25 6.18

9,429m on Concept2 Model D, 41:21:89, 11 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 140 of the campaign.

iThink:
Above and Beyond pres. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day"

WX at 2 PM (18) Apr 11     57 (14)     32 (0)     30.12 (1020)     WNW 5 RH 38

Odometer 14A: 76.5mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 165/173

Tonight was an attempt to outrun two things - one was to finish within 44:00 for 10km, and the other to outrun the wanker who closes the gym at 11:00pm.  I think I was on track (just barely for the first).  I didn't make the second.

This is my great opportunity to vent on why coalition warfare is a necessary evil that I fucking loathe.  The gym I used at Bagram was open.  All the time.  There was a distinct focus on the mission (or perhaps combat readiness) that is singularly lacking here at Camp Cupcake.  One of my German coworkers, knowing my generalized inability to suffer fools well, said that if I were posted to his headquarters in Szeczin, Poland, that I would fucking kill someone or commit suicide.

So much for erging 10,000.  It's the thought that counts.  As I got more and more tired, I knew I had to set a faster pace in the first half so I could hang on for the second.  I was starting to get really tired, but started getting better near the end at about the 35 minute mark.

Nonetheless, IHTFP and this place pretty licks my ass raw.

Splits
Distance:    9429
Time:    41:21.9
Avg/500m:    02:11.6
Drag Factor:    108
Per Mile:    00:07:04

7.51mi, 67:36, 10 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 139 of the campaign.

iThink:
Velocity Girl, "Drug Girls"

WX at 5 AM (9) Apr 10 68 (20) 24 (-4) 30.15 (1021) Variable 3 RH 19

Odometer 13B: 248.6mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 164/173

Mid-day runs are starting to get harder with the weather getting better. I didn't have a chance to get at it yesterday, so I decided to get at it today while I had the chance. I ate something this morning that didn't agree with me, so I'm trying to work it out of my system. I hope.

Today started promising, and then got rougher and rougher - until the end. For some reason, and maybe it was just after the hour mark, but my last lap felt a little better. Whether it was glycogen regenesis or knowing I was on the last lap of this compound, it was a bit faster.

I'm pretty confident I'm gonna hurt tomorrow.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:30 08:30 08:30 08:30 1.00
1.00 16:59 08:29 08:29 08:30 2.00
1.00 25:51 08:52 08:52 08:37 3.00
1.00 34:59 09:08 09:08 08:45 4.00
1.00 44:12 09:13 09:13 08:50 5.00
1.00 53:27 09:15 09:15 08:54 6.00
1.00 62:58 09:31 09:31 09:00 7.00
0.51 67:36 04:38 09:05 09:00 7.51

3.08mi, 30:01, 8 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 137 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Bats, "Courage"
Porter Robinson, "Language"

WX at 62 (17) 21 (-6) 30.15 (1021) SSE 5 RH 20

Odometer 14A: 76.2mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 154/168

Easy recovery run. Partly because I have a hot spot on my right foot, and partly because my legs are tired from yesterday.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 10:06 10:06 10:06 10:06 1.00
1.00 19:49 09:43 09:43 09:54 2.00
1.08 30:01 10:12 09:27 09:45 3.08

7.4mi, 67:09, 7 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 136 of the campaign.

iThink:
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day"

WX at 5 AM (9) Apr 07 59 (15) 19 (-7) 30.18 (1022) N 13 RH 21

Odometer 13B: 241.1mi

Z3-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 158/168

It's been about a week since I last ran, so I decided to get one in. Rather than it being easy, I decided to run it at anaerobic threshold pace, which I did, somewhat inconsistently, in the last half.

The weather was pretty awesome for running. Unfortunately, it's also pretty awesome for enemy activity, so I guess I'll be watching intelligence reporting and the news to see what happens after the last few days of rain.

The other enjoyable thing about today's run is that I had run exactly 6.66mi in an hour, and that my 7-mile split spells out 1:3:37 when I key it into Excel. I am such a geek to laugh about spelling out "leet" on the computer.

I need to get in a photo of the whitecaps around Kabul before they disappear for the summer.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:57 08:57 08:57 08:57 1.00
1.00 18:09 09:12 09:12 09:04 2.00
1.00 27:18 09:09 09:09 09:06 3.00
1.00 36:20 09:02 09:02 09:05 4.00
1.00 45:33 09:13 09:13 09:07 5.00
1.00 54:36 09:03 09:03 09:06 6.00
1.00 63:37 09:01 09:01 09:05 7.00
0.40 67:09 03:32 08:50 09:04 7.40

10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 44:27.6, 5 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 134 of the campaign.

iThink:
Font 48, "The Look In Your Eyes"

WX at      6 AM (10) Apr 05     50 (10)     46 (8)     30.12 (1020)     NNW 3     light rain showers RH 87

Odometer 14A: 73.1mi

Z3.  Average/max heart rate = 156/163

I have no rational explanation for today's iThink.  None whatsoever.

Today I felt a lot better, in spite of getting about the same amount of sleep as yesterday.  Yesterday I was just dead on my feet.  Today I felt better, so I decided to work off my sins from yesterday (do nothing but eat).  Today was an experiment in how fast I could go while not exceeding anaerobic threshold (too badly).  I think it was not all bad, and perhaps most interesting is how close this time was to my last erg, considering the differences in relative effort.

Today is raining.  It's also Afghan election day.  I figured if I was going to take any chances, I'd take it in the gym, rather than being outside, in the event we took rocket fire today, just in case.

Splits
Distance:    10000
Time:    44:27.6
Avg/500m:    02:13.4
Drag Factor:    120
Per Mile:    00:07:09

10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 44:12.7, 3 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 132 of the campaign.

iThink:
Los Campesinos!, "The Sea Is A Good Place to Think of the Future"
R.E.M., "Driver 8"
Font 48, "The Look in Your Eyes"

WX at 6 AM (10) Apr 03     55 (13)     37 (3)     30.09 (1019)     N 9 RH 50

Odometer 14A: 72.9mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 162/169

Something other than running, so I decided to erg out 10,000.  I didn't do anything yesterday, but should've slept more to catch up.  Today is going to be a long day at the desk.

Splits
Distance:    10000
Time:    44:12.7
Avg/500m:    02:12.6
Drag Factor:    118
Per Mile:    00:07:07

Some idle thought

I've been spending more time on the computer at the hooch than I think normally would lately.
 
Some of this is undoubtedly the pressures of my current job, which is pretty much the most frustrating job I've had.  There are very few extrinsic motivators in this job - all of it is either protecting the people who I work with, or knowing that I was able to get some things in that needed to be said.

Other than that, I've spent a fair amount of time reading or listening to things that take me away from this place.  Of the deployments I've been on, this is the one after which I will probably never look back.  There's a sense of closure that I'm getting out of this job that I wouldn't have gotten out of my last trip to Afghanistan.  But there's no sense that I still have unfinished work to do.  When I'm done, I will leave with no regrets.

Maybe the job will change - but right now, I don't think so.  I'm not a Christian, but Acts 13:51 comes to mind as I think about this job.  I'll do the best I can at it - but it is increasingly harder to be emotionally invested.

4.11mi, 40:27, 1 APR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 130 of the campaign.

iThink:
New Model Army, "Running in the Rain"
Los Campesinos!, "The Sea is A Good Place to Think of the Future"

WX at 10 AM (14) Apr 01 51 (11) 42 (6) 29.97 (1015) SSE 10 rain showers RH 71

Odometer 14A: 72.5mi

Z2-Z3. Average/max heart rate = 145/153

Finally, at long last, a proper recovery run. For once. Four miles of easy wogging. In the rain. And it was good.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:38 09:38 09:38 09:38 1.00
1.00 19:36 09:58 09:58 09:48 2.00
1.00 29:32 09:56 09:56 09:51 3.00
1.11 40:27 10:55 09:50 09:51 4.11

6.1mi, 57:18, 31 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 129 of the campaign.

iThink:
Los Campesinos!, "It's Never That Easy Though, Is It (Song for the other Kurt)"

WX at Noon (16) Mar 31 57 (14) 24 (-4) 30.03 (1017) Variable 2 RH 28

Odometer 13B: 233.7mi

Z3-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 155/167

Ran with one of my coworkers, who's in the State Department. Today's run became a two-lapper here at Camp Cupcake, but then I ended up doing two perimeter laps of the US Embassy, which was certainly different. The scenery is certainly different.

The GPS track is not quite accurate as parts of this run were done in places where I knew I wasn't going to get satellite reception, so there's some beer math going on this one.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:34 09:34 09:34 09:34 1.00
1.00 18:47 09:13 09:13 09:24 2.00
1.00 28:44 09:57 09:57 09:35 3.00
1.00 39:33 10:49 10:49 09:53 4.00
1.00 49:05 09:32 09:32 09:49 5.00
0.68 56:31 07:26 10:56 09:57 5.68
0.10 57:18 00:47 07:50 09:55 5.78

3.10mi, 26:44, 30 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 128 of the campaign.

iThink:
The JudyBats, "Our Story"

WX at 10 AM (14) Mar 30 59 (15) 15 (-9) 30.09 (1019) NE 3 RH 18

Odometer 14A: 68.4mi

Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 158/166

I wasn't in the mood to go totally anaerobic, but I didn't have the time for anything much longer. Today at work has already been unpleasant.

I guess I should be happy that I'm still running faster than I did at relative pace than I did my first year running junior varsity cross-country in high school.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:23 08:23 08:23 08:23 1.00
1.00 17:15 08:52 08:52 08:37 2.00
1.00 25:44 08:29 08:29 08:35 3.00
0.10 26:44 01:00 10:00 08:37 3.10

4.63mi, 43:29, 29 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 127 of the campaign.

iThink:
Los Campesinos!, "The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future"
Basil Poledouris, "Van Chase" from the RoboCop extended soundtrack
Basil Poledouris, "Murphy's Death"

WX at 10 AM (14) Mar 29 53 (12) 26 (-3) 30.12 (1020) NNE 5 RH 34

Odometer 14A: 65.3mi

Z3 easy. Average/max heart rate = 150/156

I wasn't in the mood for much other than wogging, so I tried to turn today into something of a recovery run. The goal was to run totally aerobic, although I probably didn't give my legs the rest they probably need. I'm sure they'll get it at some point when I don't have time to PT during the day, which has been more often than not.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:09 09:09 09:09 09:09 1.00
1.00 18:34 09:25 09:25 09:17 2.00
1.00 28:01 09:27 09:27 09:20 3.00
1.00 37:39 09:38 09:38 09:25 4.00
0.63 43:29 05:50 09:16 09:23 4.63

7.38mi, 65:32, 28 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 126 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Bats, "Courage"

WX at 10 AM (14) Mar 28 48 (9) 39 (4) 30.09 (1019) SE 9 RH 70

Odometer 13B: 227.6mi

Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 159/167

Yesterday involved nothing. The day before also involved nothing. Today, as a result, had to be a long run, which it was. It doesn't entirely make up for two days of Doing Nothing But Eating, but it does address some of the built up frustrations of a job that is increasingly not that fun.

The consolation is that I work with good guys, most of them generally very competent, but not everyone I deal with is like that. There are a lot of eaters and shitters in this compound, although there are one or two people that I honestly wouldn't piss on if they were covered in burning white phosphorous.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:49 08:49 08:49 08:49 1.00
1.00 17:50 09:01 09:01 08:55 2.00
1.00 26:42 08:52 08:52 08:54 3.00
1.00 35:40 08:58 08:58 08:55 4.00
1.00 44:28 08:48 08:48 08:54 5.00
1.00 53:21 08:53 08:53 08:53 6.00
1.00 02:11 08:50 08:50 08:53 7.00
0.38 05:32 03:21 08:49 08:53 7.38

5.05mi, 48:42, 25 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 123 of the campaign.

iThink:
Los Campesinos!, "We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives"
New Model Army, "Waiting"

WX at 11 AM (15) Mar 25 50 (10) 17 (-8) 30.06 (1018) SSW 7 RH 27

Odometer 14A: 59.6mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 154/162

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel, but the few minutes I was outside made me think it would've been criminal not to get a run in today. I didn't make it before sunset.

At least I got something in. It was most definitely not fast, and I can only attribute it to tired legs, but I'm burning off lard, so I was pretty deliberately going aerobic today.

It's also the 7th anniversary of the death of Sergeant Jason Swiger, whose passing I was reminded of today when I saw some photos of him on Facebook today.  I still wear a memorial bracelet with his name.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:36 09:36 09:36 09:36 1.00
1.00 19:13 09:37 09:37 09:36 2.00
1.00 28:47 09:34 09:34 09:36 3.00
1.00 38:42 09:55 09:55 09:41 4.00
1.05 48:42 10:00 09:31 09:39 5.05

7.17mi, 64:42, 24 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 122 of the campaign.

iThink:
Los Campesinos!, "It's Never That Easy Though, Is It (Song for the other Kurt)"
The Bats, "Flowers and Trees"
The Bats, "Courage"

WX at 6 AM (10) Mar 24 53 (12) 30 (-1) 30.00 (1016) SSE 8 RH 40

Odometer 13B: 222.2mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 156/169

I went 3 days between workouts. It was something I knew I had to fix today, no matter how I felt, so I decided to go for 7 miles. I needed it. Back to work.

Today is also my anniversary. It does not feel like it. I am not home.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:02 09:02 09:02 09:02 1.00
1.00 18:14 09:12 09:12 09:07 2.00
1.00 27:23 09:09 09:09 09:08 3.00
1.00 36:24 09:01 09:01 09:06 4.00
1.00 45:25 09:01 09:01 09:05 5.00
1.00 54:20 08:55 08:55 09:03 6.00
1.00 63:18 08:58 08:58 09:03 7.00
0.17 64:42 01:24 08:14 09:01 7.17

4.7mi, 43:18, 20 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 118 of the campaign.

iThink:
Maritime, "Pearl"

WX at 6 AM (10) Mar 20 62 (17) 33 (1) 29.97 (1015) NNE 7 RH 33

Odometer 13B: 215.0mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 153/162

I didn't feel that great today. I could think of two reasons, one that I got 5 hours of somewhat fitful sleep last night, and that the accumulated work of this past week is starting to catch up. I decided to take today as a recovery day of just under 5 easy miles. This was probably a zone 3 run, not recovery in the full sense, but certainly not as hard as I ran last night.

The other factor is running during the day when it's warmer, which was deliberate. I did it so I can start getting used to the heat.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:03 09:03 09:03 09:03 1.00
1.00 18:20 09:17 09:17 09:10 2.00
1.00 27:38 09:18 09:18 09:13 3.00
1.00 36:53 09:15 09:15 09:13 4.00
0.70 43:18 06:25 09:10 09:13 4.70

3.8mi, 32:54, 19 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 117 of the campaign.

iThink:
New Model Army, "Bloodsports"

WX at 10 AM (14) Mar 19 57 (14) 21 (-6) 30.15 (1021) NNW 2 RH 24

Odometer 14A: 54.6mi

Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 160/167

Today was going to be a short one because today's workpace was pretty stupid crazy. I didn't know what to expect, except this was the first run I've done at night since getting here. I could smell some of the smoke I normally associate with Kabul in the winter, so it was good that I went when I did. Ordinarily I'd hit the erg at night, but the weather was good, and I was in the mood to run instead, and it wasn't dreadmill time either.

Surprisingly, I felt pretty good, although some of that might be going less than 6mi this time.

But hey, most negative splits.  Really negative splits at the end!

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:45 08:45 08:45 08:45 1.00
1.00 17:39 08:54 08:54 08:49 2.00
1.00 26:10 08:31 08:31 08:43 3.00
0.80 32:54 06:44 08:25 08:39 3.80

6.1mi, 52:57, 18 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 116 of the campaign.

iThink:
Bear McCreary, "Storming New Caprica"
The Bats, "Courage"

WX at 5 AM (9) Mar 18 57 (14) 19 (-7) 30.24 (1024) NW 6 RH 22

Odometer 13B: 209.3mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 165/173

I felt like going for a run given today's weather - it's starting to warm up and the days of good running weather will start giving way to heat. I decided to get in at least 5, but ended up seeing if I was good for 6. I think I was up until about the 5-mile mark, when my legs really started getting tired. My knees hurt too, but the surface here is mostly concrete so it's hard on the joints. As much as I dislike running on treadmills, it was easier on the joints, and as a result, I'll probably go for the double shot of Celebrex this afternoon.

Of course, the jackrabbit start in the first mile probably wasn't the best of ideas either, but I was trying to keep up with someone else, who as it turns out, is generally faster than me. Oh well. I have a little under 9 months left. This tour is going inexorably, but it will end one way or the other.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 07:54 07:54 07:54 07:54 1.00
1.00 16:27 08:33 08:33 08:13 2.00
1.00 25:12 08:45 08:45 08:24 3.00
1.00 34:06 08:54 08:54 08:31 4.00
1.00 43:09 09:03 09:03 08:38 5.00
1.10 52:57 09:48 08:55 08:41 6.10

10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 44:24.6, 16 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 114 of the campaign.

iThink: None.

WX at 11 AM (15) Mar 16     42 (6)     41 (5)     30.18 (1022)     ESE 5     rain showers; mist RH 93

Odometer 14A: 49.8mi

Z3.  Average/max heart rate = 159/166

It's been raining more or less nonstop the last three days - either in liquid or frozen form.  No running as a result - while I enjoy running in the rain, I don't enjoy running in really cold rain.  I also don't enjoy running in the rain when I'm away from home.

That said, I decided to take today's workout a little more deliberately, and tried to hold at about anaerobic threshold pace - which adjusted for altitude, was about 160bpm.  I was good up until about the last 2000m, when it started climbing up to a bit more, and peaked at about 165-166 before I decided to back it off the last 500m to finish under 165.

As with yesterday, I was concentrating on three things - heart rate (goal 160), pace (goal faster than 2:15/500m), and overall finishing time (less than 45:00, later 44:30). 

The actual difference in time is kind of sad given the differences in relative effort between yesterday and today, for example.  About one minute.  That is all.  I shouldn't be disappointed since I got in a workout today when I otherwise wouldn't have, but still.

On the other hand, it's the second day in a row I've rowed 10,000, so I guess I should be happy with that.

Splits
Distance:    10000
Time:    44:24.6
Avg/500m:    02:13.2
Drag Factor:    108
Per Mile:    00:07:09

10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 43:51.8, 15 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 113 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Axis of Awesome, "Four Chord Song"
Pentatonix, "Say Something" (no shit.)

WX at 9 AM (13) Mar 15     39 (4)     37 (3)     30.24 (1024)     Variable 3     light rain RH 93

Odometer 14A: 49.6mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 160/169

It snowed last night.  It rained all day today.  I didn't do anything for exercise yesterday, so I needed to get something in.  Today.

Today's workout, however, was focused on two basic goals - row each 1,111m within 5 minutes, and finish in less than 44:00.  I was able to do both, although I was clocking in each 1,111 at about 4:55 each, and I was working progressively harder to get in my 10,000 within 44 minutes.

It felt bad, but not as bad as I thought it might.  It's also the first time I've pulled 10km in a while.

Splits
Distance:    10000
Time:    43:51.8
Avg/500m:    02:11.6
Drag Factor:    117
Per Mile:    00:07:04

6.0mi, 56:18, 13 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 111 of the campaign.

iThink:
Dos Gringos, "Going in for Guns"

WX at 4 AM (8) Mar 13 55 (13) 24 (-4) 30.27 (1025) Variable 1

Odometer 14A: 49.4mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 151/161

Another light day at work = easy running, so I decided to wog out 6, mostly so I could just get some junk miles in. That is all. Nothing fast. I started having to work harder around the 5-mile mark, although my legs might be tired after this week.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:08 09:08 09:08 09:08 1.00
1.00 18:27 09:19 09:19 09:13 2.00
1.00 27:53 09:26 09:26 09:18 3.00
1.00 37:21 09:28 09:28 09:20 4.00
1.00 46:47 09:26 09:26 09:21 5.00
1.00 56:18 09:31 09:31 09:23 6.00

6.04mi, 52:09, 12 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 110 of the campaign.

iThink:
Tommy Keene, "Running For Your Life"

WX at 6 AM (10) Mar 12 53 (12) 21 (-6) 30.21 (1023) Variable 6 RH 27

Odometer 13B: 203.2mi

Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 162/170

Today felt on/off, but I took yesterday off because work got stupid real fast. I fucking loathe the wanton use of statistics. Anyone who thinks you can just manufacture statistics is fucking full of shit. Most of yesterday afternoon and evening was spent grinding statistics on almost no notice, which really put me on the fucking rag.  I got them together, but I challenge anyone who thinks they can do it to do so.  As fast as they think they can get it.

Today was going to be at least 5 given the glorious weather, but parts of this also turned into a catharsis run. As much of one as I can do at 6,000 feet.

I also got to see the Canadian flag-lowering ceremony at HQ ISAF, and thought as I was part of the audience, that I was watching something noteworthy, even historic.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:40 08:40 08:40 08:40 1.00
1.00 17:11 08:31 08:31 08:35 2.00
1.00 25:46 08:35 08:35 08:35 3.00
1.00 34:25 08:39 08:39 08:36 4.00
1.00 43:02 08:37 08:37 08:36 5.00
1.04 52:09 09:07 08:46 08:38 6.04

7.87mi, 70:21, 10 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 108 of the campaign.

iThink:
Neil Young and Pearl Jam, "Rockin' in the Free World" (Toronto, 2011)

WX at 7 AM (11) Mar 10 46 (8) 14 (-10) 30.00 (1016) NNE 8 RH 26

Odometer 14A: 43.4mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 162/169

I've had today's iThink on infinite repeat today at work, if only because I have to get into the right mood to write about my current duties and current environment. Also, today's iThink is quite possibly the flat out angriest song I know, short of Metallica's "St. Anger."

I was thinking about rowing today, but realized it would've been criminal not to run with today's weather. I literally could not ask for better running weather than this, and I was going to make it worthwhile.

I'd returned to my old advice from my days of running high school cross-country - when you're building strength and endurance, the trick was to run "just slightly uncomfortable." I ran aerobic for the first two laps (about 0.85mi each), and then decided to pick it up to just slightly uncomfortable, or right around where I felt like I was going at anaerobic threshold pace/relative effort. But it was worth it, if the negative splits are any indicator.  I was running out of gas on the last lap, though.  Longest run I've done while I've been here.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:18 09:18 09:18 09:18 1.00
1.00 18:19 09:01 09:01 09:09 2.00
1.00 27:13 08:54 08:54 09:04 3.00
1.00 36:06 08:53 08:53 09:01 4.00
1.00 44:57 08:51 08:51 08:59 5.00
1.00 53:46 08:49 08:49 08:58 6.00
1.00 62:35 08:49 08:49 08:56 7.00
0.87 70:21 07:46 08:56 08:56 7.87

5.2mi, 47:43, 9 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 107 of the campaign.

iThink:
Gunther and the Sunshine Girls, "Touch Me"

WX at 8 AM (12) Mar 09 50 (10) 28 (-2) 30.00 (1016) WSW 6 thunder in the vicinity RH 42

Odometer 13B: 197.2mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 157/162

I wasn't sure how hard I was going to go, but not very hard. I was looking for five miles of easy wogging. It wasn't recovery, but it definitely wasn't going to be hard. My benchmark was holding heart rate below 160, which I did most of the way.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:10 09:10 09:10 09:10 1.00
1.00 18:22 09:12 09:12 09:11 2.00
1.00 27:30 09:08 09:08 09:10 3.00
1.00 36:45 09:15 09:15 09:11 4.00
1.20 47:43 10:58 09:08 09:11 5.20

8,000m on Concept2 Model D, 35:12.2, 8 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 106 of the campaign.

iThink:
Aly & AJ, "Out of the Blue"

WX at      9 AM (14) Mar 08     48 (9)     35 (2)     30.18 (1022)     N 7 RH 61

Odometer 14A: 35.6mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 161/173

Not sure how I was going to feel - the usual hard start with rough transition led to a pretty singular focus to trying to beat a certain time based on projected finishing time.  Originally it started at 35:30, then dropped to 35:20, and by the end, I was holding 35:12, although I was running well into red zone to do it.  I guess it's gratifying to be able to finish at 1:59/500m that way, but that's nowhere near the actual average pace, which was much slower.

Not bad, but not great, although I guess I could claim yesterday's 10km as an extenuating factor.

Splits
Distance:    8000
Time:    35:12.2
Avg/500m:    02:12.0
Drag Factor:    107
Per Mile:    00:07:05

6.2mi, 53:04, 7 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 105 of the campaign.

iThink:
Carly Rae Jepsen, "Call Me Maybe"
MxPx, "I Will Follow"

WX at 5 AM (10) Mar 07 53 (12) 32 (0) 30.18 (1022) NE 6 RH 43

Odometer 13B: 192.0mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 167/178

I wasn't sure how I'd feel about today, but I was suckered out by running ahead and behind two other runners and my usual competitiveness kicked in. Once they had finished their runs, I resumed a more reasonable pace for what I thought I was going to do. At first I was only thinking of going for 5, but given that I might be able to get in almost exactly 10km, I decided to go for the 6.2, which I did.

I felt surprisingly (or not, given normal trends) better around the 4 mile mark,  and that was okay up until the last mile or so, which started to suck.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:24 08:24 08:24 08:24 1.00
1.00 16:45 08:21 08:21 08:22 2.00
1.00 25:12 08:27 08:27 08:24 3.00
1.00 33:55 08:43 08:43 08:29 4.00
1.00 42:37 08:42 08:42 08:31 5.00
1.00 51:23 08:46 08:46 08:34 6.00
0.20 53:04 01:41 08:25 08:34 6.20

3.41mi, 30:39, 6 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 104 of the campaign.

iThink:
Game Theory, "24"
The Cure, "Out of Mind"

WX at 3 AM (8) Mar 06 50 (10) 23 (-5) 30.18 (1022) NNW 9 RH 34

Odometer 14A: 35.3mi

Z3-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 160/174

Today was supposed to be easier than what I ran, but I'm also backed up to a time hack in about 20 minutes from now, so I had to move out smartly. Not too smartly, though, since today was supposed to be somewhat of a recovery day from yesterday's grit-a-thon. Distance yes, relative effort maybe.

I'm also trying to think of what caused my musical flashback to when I was 18, specifically right as I was starting my freshman year at Hopkins, when I bought Game Theory's Real Nighttime and the Cure 4-EP Integration set, with all the hopes and insecurities I held at that age and day.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:55 08:55 08:55 08:55 1.00
1.00 17:58 09:03 09:03 08:59 2.00
1.00 27:02 09:04 09:04 09:01 3.00
0.41 30:39 03:37 08:49 08:59 3.41

6.57mi, 61:44, 5 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 103 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Loud Family, "Last Honest Face"
Better than Ezra, "In The Blood"

WX at 3 AM (8) Mar 05 48 (9) 26 (-3) 30.18 (1022) N 5 RH 42

Odometer 13B: 185.8mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 161/171

I've had a relapse of the head cold I had when I came here, albeit not as bad. I felt like crap but I couldn't pass up a run with weather like this, so I went long and slow. Emphasis on slow as there was some gritting out at the end.

I'll probably pay for this run but I needed to make up for the last week of relative inactivity.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:02 09:02 09:02 09:02 1.00
1.00 18:18 09:16 09:16 09:09 2.00
1.00 27:38 09:20 09:20 09:13 3.00
1.00 37:12 09:34 09:34 09:18 4.00
1.00 46:37 09:25 09:25 09:19 5.00
1.00 56:16 09:39 09:39 09:23 6.00
0.57 61:44 05:28 09:35 09:24 6.57

8,000m on Concept2 Model D, 35:35.4, 3 MAR 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 101 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Smiths, "How Soon Is Now?"

WX at      35 (2)     33 (1)     30.06 (1018)     E 5     light rain; mist

Odometer 13B: 179.2mi

Z3-Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 159/171

It is most definitely not light rain or mist.  It's giant hairy snowflakes coming down that were raindrops that froze.

I have a milder version of the head cold I had earlier when I got into theater.  It's not killing me as badly as the first one did, but I don't feel great.  I felt better after erging out 8,000m, but I was pretty controlled as to level of effort as I didn't want to go anaerobic.  I just couldn't afford another day off, partly for physical reasons, partly for mental ones.

After the last few days, I wasn't up to it and I am still pretty beat.

Splits
Distance:    8000
Time:    35:35.4
Avg/500m:    02:13.5
Drag Factor:    100
Per Mile:    00:07:10

5,000m on Concept2 Model D, 21:14.6, 28 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 98 of the campaign.

iThink:
Los Campesinos, "The Sea Is a Good Place to Think of the Future"

WX at 9 AM (14) Feb 28     44 (7)     19 (-7)     30.03 (1017)     ENE 5

Odometer 14A: 31.9mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 167/179

Personal best in the 5,000, if only because I don't row 5km much, and I was rushed to get back to work.  But I needed to get this in so I could at least avoid a "do nothing but eat" day.

I was pleasantly surprised to be able to hold the pace I did, although I did take short stretches of not going as hard so I could get my heart rate back down below 170 before getting at it again.  The finish was just hard, and that's where the MHR of 179 came in.

Where things have been getting strange is the iThink because my tempo is so slow, ranging around 22-24spm.  In spite of the slower tempo, I've been rowing faster because I've been concentrating more on form and power rather than speed.

Splits
Distance:    5000
Time:    21:14.6
Avg/500m:    02:07.5
Drag Factor:    109
Per Mile:    00:06:50

5.05mi, 47;34, 27 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 97 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Bats, "Courage"
The Bats, "Dancing as the Boat Goes Down"

WX at 4 AM (9) Feb 27 46 (8) 26 (-3) 30.09 (1019) SSW 3

Odometer 14A: 31.6mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 154/161

Today was going to be light, whatever it was, and thus, some wogging was warranted after yesterday.

I need to be more judicious about what I consider to be MHR as the HRM was reading 169, then settled at 161 for the rest of the run. Thus, probably not 169 max heart rate.

Back to the salt mines.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:13 09:13 09:13 09:13 1.00
1.00 18:54 09:41 09:41 09:27 2.00
1.00 28:28 09:34 09:34 09:29 3.00
1.00 37:56 09:28 09:28 09:29 4.00
1.05 47:34 09:38 09:10 09:25 5.05

6.0mi on dreadmill, 53:27, 26 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 96 of the campaign.

iPod:
Velvet Crush, "Drive Me Down"

WX at 35 (2) 33 (1) 30.12 (1020) Variable 3 light rain, snow; mist

Odometer 13B: 179.0mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 163/178

First run in a while, and I felt like crap. I gritted out 6 miles on the dreadmill because I needed to, but not really for any other reason that I was delinquent the last two days. The time is not really indicative of the actual run, as I was continuing to run the clock when I stopped to get water and walked a bit.

My only reason was to burn lard, but I ran too hard to do that. Also, one of my coworkers is getting sick and I want to make sure I'm not getting what he's getting.

Today was one of the few days I ran to music - and while putting an iPod on infinite repeat is a technique, I'm not sure if I'm a fan of that approach.

As tempted I was to not go, I'm glad I did this run. The weather is pretty glum outside, so it was row or dreadmill, and I didn't feel up to erging the distance I ran.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
6.00 53:27 53:27 08:54 08:54 6.00

6,000m on Concept2 Model D, 25:46.4, 23 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 93 of the campaign.

iThink: Aly & AJ, "Slow Down"

WX at 9 AM (14) Feb 23     44 (7)     21 (-6)     30.24 (1024)     N 6 RH 39

Odometer 13B: 173.0mi equivalency

Z3 start, Z4 mostly, Z5 finish.  Average/max heart rate = ~165/172

Forgot to start my watch when I started pulling.  The level of effort seemed like its usual self - fast start, probably too fast, and then settle in, but the last 1000m felt a little better.  The last 500m was just plain hard, as I was trying to hold the projected time below 25:50 at the distance.  It worked, although I concentrate more on the numbers and trying to get in good form and a hard catch and drive.  As usual, I've gotten slower as I spend more time in recovery so I can get a harder catch.  Whether that is the way to go, is actually not that much more important as I'm not rowing competitively.

Back to the salt mines.  At least I got a haircut, which was my ulterior motive for ensuring that I got in a workout.

Splits
Distance:    6000
Time:    25:46.4
Avg/500m:    02:08.9
Drag Factor:    104
Per Mile:    00:06:55

4.06mi, 36:42, 21 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 91 of the campaign.

iThink:
Aly & AJ, "Speak for Myself"
Mario Millo, opening credits score to The Lighthorsemen

WX at 6 AM (11) Feb 21 46 (8) 24 (-4) 30.09 (1019) NNW 7 RH 42

Odometer 13B: 172.6mi

Z3 relative effort. Average/max heart rate = 164/179

Today wasn't going to be a rowing day since my upper back was sore, and I needed to go easy, so I decided on 4 miles easy. I needed it. That is all.

I was almost tempted to take a day off, but those will come involuntarily, so any day I can work out, I do now.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:02 09:02 09:02 09:02 1.00
1.00 18:06 09:04 09:04 09:03 2.00
1.00 27:19 09:13 09:13 09:06 3.00
1.06 36:42 09:23 08:51 09:02 4.06

8,000m on Concept2 Model D, 34:49.3, 20 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 90 of the campaign.

iThink: a hodgepodge of the following:
Aly & AJ, "Slow Down"
Aly & AJ, "Speak for Myself"
Bear McCreary, "Storming New Caprica"

WX at 4 AM (9) Feb 20     41 (5)     33 (1)     30.12 (1020)     N 7 RH 75

Odometer 14A: 26.5mi equivalency

Z3 start, Z4 mostly, Z5 finish.  Average/max heart rate = 162/175

This was a sizeable improvement from two days ago.  Work was sufficiently bad where I didn't get anything in yesterday, but I couldn't afford two days off in a row this week.  The other thing I didn't do this time that I did two days ago was do 2x15 GHD situps.  I saved those for afterwards.  I had to stop through the second set as I was approaching muscle failure and I knew I was hosed if I couldn't get back up, so I stopped.

I'm not sure why I was so gratified to see something that resembled a GHD bench, but there is no way I could justify the expense of one.  After I get back from here, maybe a Concept2 is in the offing, but definitely not a GHD bench for relative utility.

Splits
Distance:    8000
Time:    34:49.3
Avg/500m:    02:10.6
Drag Factor:    103
Per Mile:    00:07:00

8,000m on Concept2 Model D, 35:15.8, 18 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 88 of the campaign.

iThink: nothing that stuck long enough to matter.

WX at 4 AM (9) Feb 18     50 (10)     17 (-8)     30.15 (1021)     Variable 2

Odometer 13B: 168.5mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 165/170

First time back on the erg in about three weeks, and it felt like it.  My initial bout of speed didn't last long, and I was working hard just to hang onto 2:15/500m.  Not great.  The road to recovery is long.

Splits
Distance:    8000
Time:    35:15.8
Avg/500m:    02:12.2
Drag Factor:    104
Per Mile:    00:07:06

6.3mi, 59:43, 17 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 87 of the campaign.

iThink:
50Foot Wave, "Hot Pink, Distorted"

WX at 2 AM (7) Feb 17 48 (9) 8 (-13) 30.24 (1024) W 6

Odometer 14A: 26.3mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 160/171

Today was not intended to be a particularly hard run, but I saw a rare window of opportunity to get a good run in while the weather was amazing, so I took it. I was going to run 6, but sneaked in a little extra based on the length of the laps I was taking around the compound.

Today didn't start out fun, and I figured I was going to suck a bit, but by the end, I actually felt pretty good. Just my luck that I really settle in at about the 5 mile mark. The other possibility is that I had actually start burning fat at that point, which I sure hope. Today was deliberately not hard in order to get some of that in. It started out a little ambitiously, but that was quickly dispelled when my legs just weren't up to it.

I was actually reminded of some of the long runs (although 6 is hardly a long run) I did when I was in Iraq, training for what ended up being an ultramarathon. Thus, the unrestrained use of Kristin Hersh on this run.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 10:09 10:09 10:09 10:09 1.00
1.00 19:38 09:29 09:29 09:49 2.00
1.00 29:05 09:27 09:27 09:42 3.00
1.00 38:32 09:27 09:27 09:38 4.00
1.00 47:47 09:15 09:15 09:33 5.00
1.00 57:04 09:17 09:17 09:31 6.00
0.30 59:43 02:39 08:50 09:29 6.30

5.31mi, 46:11, 16 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 86 of the campaign.

iThink:
MxPx, "I Will Follow"
50footWave, "Dog Days"

WX at 51 (11) 3 (-16) 30.09 (1019) Variable 3

Odometer 13B: 168.0mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 163/174

First run in two days, but the weather was so glorious that it'd be a crime to pass up. Never mind I'm effectively playing hooky from work today, but I had to get this one in.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:49 08:49 08:49 08:49 1.00
1.00 17:42 08:53 08:53 08:51 2.00
1.00 25:56 08:14 08:14 08:39 3.00
1.00 34:46 08:50 08:50 08:41 4.00
1.00 43:33 08:47 08:47 08:43 5.00
0.31 46:11 02:38 08:30 08:42 5.31

Pretty much says it all.

4.0mi on dreadmill, 33:19, 13 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 83 of the campaign.

iThink:
Bear McCreary, "The Collapse of Saint Francis"
Bear McCreary, "Apotheosis"
The Dust Brothers, "Stealing Fat"

WX at 5 AM (10) Feb 13 44 (7) 6 (-14) 30.06 (1018) Variable 2

Odometer 13B: 162.7mi

Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 161/176

I felt surprisingly quick today, which was even more surprising given my general tiredness. I know I need to get more sleep, but I'm hoping I'd feel better after getting in what I thought was going to be an easy run, but turned out to be a run that was closer to anaerobic threshold the entire way through.

For heart rate, this would've been zone 4. For relative perceived effort, no doubt this was zone 3.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
4.00 33:19 33:19 08:20 08:20 4.00

3.0mi, 28:52, 12 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 82 of the campaign.

iThink:
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "Satellite"

WX at 5 AM (10) Feb 12 42 (6) 3 (-16) 30.06 (1018) Variable 2

Odometer 14A: 20.0mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 148/161

Easy run that I needed to get in.  But I've been dragging all day long, and I hope this will kick it.  Tonight I need to be much more disciplined about going to sleep.  On time.  Long enough to get 6 or 7 hours.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:37 09:37 09:37 09:37 1.00
1.00 19:19 09:42 09:42 09:39 2.00
1.00 28:52 09:33 09:33 09:37 3.00

10km on dreadmill, 54:35, 11 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 81 of the campaign.

iThink:
Bear McCreary, "Apotheosis"

WX at 8 AM (13) Feb 11 33 (1) 14 (-10) 30.03 (1017) E 8

Odometer 13B: 158.5mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 160/172

I thought today was going to be easy, and that was the intent, but rather than trying to run by feel, I was running by the numbers-- on a metric dreadmill so I had to do some quick beer math while I was on the 'mill.

I wsa figuring out how fast I was going, and i was originally intending on running just 9:00/mi, but I think pride and insouciance got the better of me and I ended up running a fairly solid zone 4 run. Probably too hard but since I took two days off, I don't feel too guilty. Besides, the objective was to burn lard, and I think I did a little bit (although not too much at the pace I was going) on this one.

Still, I need to be more disciplined about going easy when it's warranted.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
2.00 17:16 17:16 08:38 08:38 2.00
3.11 26:51 09:35 03:05 05:15 5.11
6.21 54:35 27:44 04:28 04:49 11.32

5km on dreadmill, 25:44, 10 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 80 of the campaign.

iThink:
Bear McCreary, "Apotheosis"

WX at 1 PM (18) Feb 10 28 (-2) 14 (-10) 29.97 (1015) NNW 6 haze WC 21 (-6)

Odometer 13B: 152.1mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 156/171

Short run that I almost didn't get in, but it was something that one of my fellow coworkers advised that I do. My usual low expectations of the staff and my generally dim view of human nature were validated in spades. I don't think my coworkers were quite prepared for my unload invective such as "I wouldn't piss on him if he were covered in burning white phosphorous." Maybe I should be so uncharitable, but there are some people who, when I get done with this rotation, I sure hope I never see again. That's that.

In that sense, tonight's iThink was very apropos.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
3.09 25:44 25:44 08:20 08:20 3.09

4.0mi on dreadmill, 34:18, 7 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 77 of the campaign.

iThink:
Velvet Crush, "Drive Me Down"

WX at 1 PM (18) Feb 07 23 (-5) 12 (-11) 30.03 (1017) W 7 WC 14 (-10)

Odometer 13B: 148.8mi

Z3-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 158/163

Today wasn't hard, but it wasn't easy, and it didn't feel particularly great. I want to make a concerted effort to go to sleep before 1am. I've been going to sleep at 3am and that really needs to stop.

Today almost became a Day of Do Nothing But Eat. Running late isn't bad in itself, but I'm sufficiently non-picky that any time works if I can get it in. The morning is the least preferred time, but I'm not a morning person either.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
4.00 34:19 34:19 08:35 08:35 4.00

4.0mi on dreadmill, 33:16, 6 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 76 of the campaign.

iThink:
Velvet Crush, "Drive Me Down"

WX at 5 AM (10) Feb 06 33 (1) 30 (-1) 29.80 (1009) E 7 mist

Odometer 14A: 17.0mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 158/175

Snow. Big, hairy, chunky, wet, but fluffy snow. That means dreadmill, and yesterday was pretty easy, so today turned into something hard. I started the dreadmill at 7.0mph (~8:34/mi) and then stepped it up to 7.2mph (~8:19/mi) and progressively sped up to 7.7mph over the last 400m. Because negative splits are awesome.

However, plantar fascitis is not, and I can feel it coming back. So the stretching begins anew.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
4.00 33:16 33:16 08:19 08:19 4.00

5.0mi on dreadmill, 44:28, 5 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 75 of the campaign.

iThink:
None, as I was watching Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome on an iPod touch.

WX at 4 AM (9) Feb 05 35 (2) 24 (-4) 29.91 (1013) ENE 12 WC 26 (-3)

Odometer 13B: 144.6mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 154/168

Not fast, not slow, but I needed to get something in. I didn't want to run outside because of the temperature, and the asphalt here at the compound is pretty hard on the knees, so I decided to get in 5 straightforward miles on the dreadmill.

I don't usually want to watch something, but I was experimenting with how long it takes me to get through something when I have something to distract me from the monotony of running on the dreadmill. Music, btw, doesn't do it for me.

Listening to a show might work, though, since I didn't like the prospect of the iPod bouncing off the dreadmill. Next time...

75 days away from home and counting.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
5.00 44:28 44:28 08:54 08:54 5.00

3.56mi, 30:40, 4 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 74 of the campaign.

iThink:
W.G. Snuffy Walden, "Second Look"
W.G. Snuffy Walden, Opening credits to My So-Called Life

WX at 7 AM (12) Feb 04 37 (3) 15 (-9) 29.94 (1014) ENE 10

Odometer 14A: 13.0mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 156/165

Short run as I was under the gun, but one that turned quicker than expected. At least I got one in.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:48 08:48 08:48 08:48 1.00
1.00 17:34 08:46 08:46 08:47 2.00
1.00 26:00 08:26 08:26 08:40 3.00
0.56 30:40 04:40 08:20 08:37 3.56

6.23mi, 55:37, 3 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 73 of the campaign.

iThink:
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Daniel Kandi remix)

WX at 5 AM (10) Feb 03 44 (7) 23 (-5) 29.88 (1012) SW 15

Odometer 13B: 139.4mi

Z3 high. Average/max heart rate = 157/170

I didn't feel that motivated to do much, although there wasn't anything that was telling me not to do something today. The tipping point was the weather. Today, apart from the wind, was the most glorious running weather I've seen since I've been here, so it would've been criminal not to take advantage of it. However, I wasn't really inclined to go very hard, so I decided to turn this into some solid aerobic/anaerobic threshold base running. That is all.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:48 08:48 08:48 08:48 1.00
1.00 17:43 08:55 08:55 08:51 2.00
1.00 26:20 08:37 08:37 08:47 3.00
1.00 35:27 09:07 09:07 08:52 4.00
1.00 44:31 09:04 09:04 08:54 5.00
1.00 53:31 09:00 09:00 08:55 6.00
0.23 55:37 02:06 09:08 08:56 6.23

5.0mi on dreadmill, 42:46, 1 FEB 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 71 of the campaign.

iThink:
Chris Richards and the Subtractions, "Don't Do Anything Tonight"
Tommy Keene, "Running For Your Life"

WX at 1 PM (18) Feb 01 37 (3) 35 (2) 30.15 (1021) WNW 7 light rain; mist

Odometer 13B: 133.2mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 165/178

Today was an unusual run, not so much because it was late at night (by most peoples' standards, although not mine lately). It was unusual because I had been going reasonably hard (at what I considered anaerobic threshold pace) and I was watching X-Men Origins: Wolverine on the glass tit in the gym. I realized it because I was going mostly hard, and watching the part where Wolverine loses something important to him, I realized that my dark side is not really that far away.

I had not felt that kind of cathartic fury in a long, long time. I ran most of the pace at 7mph, or about 8:34/mi pace. In the last half mile, I turned it up to 8:00/mi and the degree of rage I had in me was something that I found a little uncomfortable, even for me.

I'm a big fan of getting my catharsis out, but it's been a while since I've felt the kind of anger (and I'd say largely unfounded at that) that causes me to go that hard.

It's one thing to run hard, and to feel better for having done so, but I realized I was in the sort of mood that tends to really unsettle people, and even I find that generally unconstructive.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
5.00 42:46 42:46 08:33 08:33 5.00

4.22mi, 38:52, 30 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 70 of the campaign.

iThink:
John O'Callaghan feat. Jaren, "Surreal"
Tommy Keene, "Running For Your Life"

WX at 7 AM (12) Jan 30 53 (12) 19 (-7) 30.18 (1022) N 7

Odometer 14A: 9.4mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 147/157

I am very tired, for some reason, and I think it's just accumulated sleep loss.

I needed to get in a run, but didn't feel like much more than some easy wogging, which I think this was.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:18 09:18 09:18 09:18 1.00
1.00 18:34 09:16 09:16 09:17 2.00
1.00 27:56 09:22 09:22 09:19 3.00
1.00 36:54 08:58 08:58 09:13 4.00
0.22 38:52 01:58 08:56 09:13 4.22

5.7mi, 50:55, 29 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 68 of the campaign.

iThink:
Tommy Keene, "Running For Your Life"

WX at 4 AM (9) Jan 29 57 (14) 17 (-8) 30.18 (1022) WNW 6

Odometer 13B: 128.2mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 157/170

Easy start, running with our State Department guy, who is in frankly much better shape than me, but exploring an extended loop that I didn't realize existed in the compound.

I also got sandblasted by two Black Hawk helicopters coming in on final approach. Mmmm, sand...

A good run, though, and the weather was glorious, which is frankly uncharacteristic of this place.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:31 09:31 09:31 09:31 1.00
1.00 18:38 09:07 09:07 09:19 2.00
1.00 27:41 09:03 09:03 09:14 3.00
1.00 36:18 08:37 08:37 09:04 4.00
1.00 45:01 08:43 08:43 09:00 5.00
0.70 50:55 05:54 08:26 08:56 5.70

4.3mi, 36:59, 27 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 66 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Pixies, "Alec Eiffel"

WX at 6 AM (11) Jan 27 55 (13) 21 (-6) 30.27 (1025) ESE 5

Odometer 13B: 122.5mi

Z3 high. Average/max heart rate = 160/170

Probably the most relaxed run I've done while I've been here if I have an average HR of 160. It's technically zone 4 based on the average, but it really felt like a zone 3 run based on relative effort and the fact that the last mile felt pretty damn awesome. That makes up for my inconsistent sleep over the last few days.

I have jwer's attendance at the Pixies show somewere in Montgomery County. Oh, to be 21 again...

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:36 08:36 08:36 08:36 1.00
1.00 17:23 08:47 08:47 08:41 2.00
1.00 25:57 08:34 08:34 08:39 3.00
1.00 34:29 08:32 08:32 08:37 4.00
0.30 36:59 02:30 08:20 08:36 4.30

5.0 on dreadmill, 44:03, 24 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 63 of the campaign.

iThink:
Archers of Loaf, "Backwash"
For Against, "Stranded in Greenland"
For Against, "Clandestine High Holy"

WX at 9 AM (14) Jan 24 42 (6) 19 (-7) 30.21 (1023) Variable 6

Odometer 14A: 5.2mi

Z3 high-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 163/176

Yesterday was a rest day. Today was a day of middling but not crushing effort.

I'm also trying to get over my general dislike of several NATO military forces, starting with the Italians. They didn't seem to contribute much my last tour and they don't seem to do much this time around either. Unfortunately, they're the ones running the NATO automation help desk here and I predict a giant sucking sound coming from HQ ISAF as the quality of customer service goes straight down the fucking shitter.

I don't suffer fools well, but I really don't suffer fools well in uniform because I expect better. Oh well. At least they're not in charge. The fact that there are a lot of eaters and shitters in this compound is unavoidable. I just never want to work with another NATO mission again.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
5.00 44:03 44:03 08:49 08:49 5.00

4.21mi, 36:51, 22 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 61 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Wannadies, "Shorty"

WX at 4 AM (9) Jan 22 46 (8) 19 (-7) 30.12 (1020) S 5

Odometer 13B: 118.2mi

Z3 high. Average/max heart rate = 161/173

I do not understand why I'm revisiting songs I'd enjoyed in the late 1990s. Really, I don't. It's been going on 17 years since the Wannadies album from which today's iThink is culled came out.

Easy run after last night's workout - still feeling a little beat. Not impressive given how little work I've done here, but it's better than nothing.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:34 08:34 08:34 08:34 1.00
1.00 17:30 08:56 08:56 08:45 2.00
1.00 26:19 08:49 08:49 08:46 3.00
1.00 35:02 08:43 08:43 08:45 4.00
0.21 36:51 01:49 08:39 08:45 4.21

6,000m on Concept2 Model D, 25:53.0, 21 JAN 13, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 60 of the campaign.

iThink: The Chills, "Heavenly Pop Hit"

WX at 1 PM (18) Jan 21     30 (-1)     26 (-3)     30.27 (1025)     NNE 5     mist WC 24(-4)

Odometer 13A: 407.0mi

Z3 high.  Average/max heart rate = 158/169

I almost didn't get this in today.  I was held up with work today and had a 90-minute oral interview today about strategic thinking, which turned into a pretty good chat since I had received the interview questions beforehand and had prepared my responses accordingly.

By the time I was rolling out of the office, it was 10:15pm and I knew the gym would close at 11:00.  I'd set the erg at 7,000m in the vain hope that I might be able to get that distance in, but thought it would be closer to 6,000m, which was very nearly not the case.  The gym attendant came up as I was on my last 80m to hit 6,000 and I started going full bore to finish quickly.

In general, my experimentation with a hard catch and drive has paid off - the trick is to maintain enough endurance to continue to go at the pace I'd like.  What I found useful was that I could compensate for speed by going harder but with much longer recoveries, so I was cranking at 24-25spm, rather than the usual 29-30 that I've done in the past.  The average pace/500m was pretty representative of most, although the first 1,000m was closer to 2:06/500m and there was about a km worth of 2:13-2:15/500m.  On the other hand, I had plenty left, and since the attendant was willing to let me crank out the last 80m, I was going 1:52/500m and speeding up for the finish.

Altogether, after yesterday's hard dreadmill run, today felt pretty good, actually.  I need to go to sleep earlier today so I can get my decent interval of sleep and go in reasonably well rested.  That means going to sleep before 2:00am.

Splits
Distance:    6000
Time:    25:53.0
Avg/500m:    02:09.4
Drag Factor:    100
Per Mile:    00:06:57

6.0mi on dreadmill, 51:16, 20 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 59 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Wannadies, "Shorty"
The Wannadies, "Might Be Stars"

WX at 10 AM (15) Jan 20 37 (3) 17 (-8) 30.21 (1023) ENE 5 haze

Odometer 13B: 114.0mi

Z4 high. Average/max heart rate = 164/183

Today is the first decent interval I've had at work in about two weeks, when I assumed duties as the acting director of my organization here. The director returned this morning and promptly repacked to roll out on official travel. As a result, work has SUBSTANTIALLY slowed down and I am starting to get some sanity back.

I decided to celebrate with a hard run, one that I wasn't sure I really felt up to, but realied it was going to be a gut check after the first two miles. I didn't feel great, but I didn't feel bad.

Until mile 4 or so. Then the grit-a-thon began, and to add insult to injury, it was on a dreadmill. It's the first time since I've been here that I've had to stop, get water, slow down, and speed back up.

At least I got it in. There was substantial temptation that today was going to turn into another "Do Nothing But Eat" day, but I couldn't afford it after yesterday.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
6.00 51:16 51:16 08:33 08:33 6.00

3.66mi, 31:51, 18 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 57 of the campaign.

iThink:
Tommy Keene, "Back to Zero Now"
The Goo Goo Dolls, "Cuz You're Gone"

WX at 6 AM (11) Jan 18 50 (10) 10 (-12) 30.18 (1022) SW 7

Odometer 13B: 107.8mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 158/170

Once again, I find it highly improbable that I was clocking speed of this nature on a run so casual in intensity. There are two explanations I can think of. One is that all the buildings I'm running around are preventing my Garmin Forerunner 305 from accurately marking location and thus are causing all kinds of havoc.

The other alternative is that I'm starting to get fitter, which I also find highly improbable given how little physical exercise I actually do relative to what I do at home.

Also, altitude is a factor.

So I'm stumped.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:50 08:50 08:50 08:50 1.00
1.00 17:28 08:38 08:38 08:44 2.00
1.00 26:06 08:38 08:38 08:42 3.00
0.66 31:51 05:45 08:43 08:42 3.66

8,000m on Concept2 Model D, 34:28.7, 17 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 56 of the campaign.

iThink: Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day"

WX at 7 AM (12) Jan 17     48 (9)     15 (-9)     30.18 (1022)     WNW 5

Odometer 13A: 406.6mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 163/175

I was a little pissy today because I sat through two hours worth of meetings that showcased some ridiculously shitty staffwork.  The bush-league quality of the work involved was frankly horrible.

I was so enraged that I decided to get on the erg and go get some of my frustrations out.

Splits
Distance:    8000
Time:    34:28.7
Avg/500m:    02:09.3
Drag Factor:    116
Per Mile:    00:06:56

5.23mi, 44:29, 15 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 54 of the campaign.

iThink:
John O'Callaghan feat. Jaren, "Surreal"

WX at 6 AM (11) Jan 15 48 (9) 14 (-10) 30.27 (1025) Variable 3

Odometer 13B: 104.1mi

Z3-Z4. Average/max heart rate = 164/172

I'm a little suspicious of these times, because I didn't feel that fast and I wasn't working that hard. It's also possible that the GPS is not quite acting right, and given the number of electronic emitters near me, that might not be a half-bad explanation. However, if the splits are representative, I should be happy.

Regardless, five miles...better than none.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 08:35 08:35 08:35 08:35 1.00
1.00 17:09 08:34 08:34 08:34 2.00
1.00 25:39 08:30 08:30 08:33 3.00
1.00 34:10 08:31 08:31 08:32 4.00
1.00 42:33 08:23 08:23 08:31 5.00
0.23 44:29 01:56 08:24 08:30 5.23

3.44mi, 30:20, 14 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 53 of the campaign.

iThink:
"Veteran Inner Monologue"

WX at 5 AM (10) Jan 14 48 (9) 23 (-5) 30.18 (1022) Variable 5

Odometer 13B: 98.9mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 162/176

QUICK run to get something in since I missed yesterday and the rest of today isn't looking so great. One of the few runs I've gotten in.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
1.00 09:19 09:19 09:19 09:19 1.00
1.00 18:06 08:47 08:47 09:03 2.00
1.00 26:42 08:36 08:36 08:54 3.00
0.44 30:20 03:38 08:15 08:49 3.44

10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 43:54.0, 12 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 51 of the campaign.

iThink: Aly & AJ, "Chemicals React"

WX at 11 AM (16) Jan 12     35 (2)     17 (-8)     30.27 (1025)     N 5     haze

Odometer 13A: 406.3mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 162/173

I skipped out on a late dinner but needed to get at it, so anticipating a late night, I decided to crank out 10,000 on the erg.  Not slow, but not fast, but relatively disciplined, mostly.

Back to the salt mines.

Splits
Distance:    10000
Time:    43:54.0
Avg/500m:    02:11.7
Drag Factor:    104
Per Mile:    00:07:04

5.0mi on dreadmill, 42:40, 11 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 50 of the campaign.

iThink:
Above and Beyond feat. Oceanlab, "On A Good Day" (Daniel Kandi remix)

WX at 7 AM (12) Jan 11 37 (3) 6 (-14) 30.24 (1024) SSE 6

Odometer 13B: 95.4mi

Z4 high. Average/max heart rate = 169/180

First exercise in three days. It is entirely too long, but work has been sufficiently nutty that I just haven't had the time. It was a crushing run that I did to work off some of the grind of the last few days.

The problem with my current job is not that I'm full-on engaged all the time, but I am just enough where it's tough to get away. There are plenty of times where the pace of work has been pretty nonstop. For that, I have no good answer other than trying to sleep more and exercise more judiciously.

Back to the salt mines. Hard to believe I've already been gone from home 50 days...

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
5.00 42:40 42:40 08:32 08:32 5.00

8,000m on Concept2 Model D, 34:42.0, 7 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 46 of the campaign.

iThink:
The Cranberries, "Zombie"

WX at      3 AM (8) Jan 07     37 (3)     3 (-16)     30.15 (1021)     N 3     haze

Odometer 13A: 406.0mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 162/174

Didn't feel like running today, after yesterday's long run, but I needed to get something in.  One of my coworkers rows in real life, and thus, it made for a good discussion of form and technique a few days ago.  I decided to apply some of those things today, and it paid off well.  In general, while I'd like to be able to have high tempo (and in the past, I've generally cranked at 29-30 strokes per minute when I get going), I decided to play with a more explosive catch and drive, although I probably need to pay some attention to the finish as well.  I took some time with the recovery and found it was actually useful.

As usual, I was watching heart rate closely, not wanting to flame out too far.  I started unusually fast, around 2:05-2:06/500m, then settled closer to what I felt would be about the norm at 2:10/500m.  This was substantially better than what I did last time, but I was going for distance, rather than power.  I may try a 10,000 later doing this, but not right now.

Today's iThink is because of what was on the PA system in the gym the last time I was on the erg.  No other reason.

Splits
Distance:    8000
Time:    34:42.0
Avg/500m:    02:10.1
Drag Factor:    115
Per Mile:    00:06:59

New Model Army, "51st State"

7.0mi on dreadmill, 62:44, 6 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 45 of the campaign.

iThink:
Attack in Black, "Liberties"
Journey, "Only the Young"
Queen, "Don't Stop Me Now"

WX at Midnight (5) Jan 06 35 (2) 6 (-14) 30.15 (1021) Variable 3 haze

Odometer 13B: 90.2mi

Z3. Average/max heart rate = 153/169

I seriously dislike running on the dreadmill, but the circumstances of being in a postage stamp-size base don't leave me much recourse. Because I showed up to Afghanistan with little in the way of light reading (not expecting to do it) the challenge was what to occupy my mind when I was on the mill.

Most of it was recollections of certain people a long time ago, and a long way away. Some I don't remember fondly at the end, some I do, but it's the first time I think I've thought back to that much memory of certain people at once. I need something else the next time I do this.

Also, today was intended to be wogging, and while it didn't feel like it, it's the most tempered workout I've done in a long while.

It also doesn't feel like 45 days.  At all.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
7.00 62:44 62:44 08:58 08:58 7.00

10,000m on Concept2 Model D, 44:13.9, 3 JAN 14, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 42 of the campaign.

iThink: None, because of the spin (stationary bicycle) class going on next door.  Couldn't get anything to stick.  Except some Kelly Clarkson song at the end of the workout while I was wiping down the erg.

WX at 11 PM (4) Jan 02     28 (-2)     17 (-8)     30.24 (1024)     Variable 2     haze

Odometer 13A: 405.6mi

Z4.  Average/max heart rate = 159/169

I guess I should probably replace my shoes at some point since my knees hurt when I run in these.  That in itself is not a big deal since these shoes aren't leaving Afghanistan, but given that I've washed my uniforms (which are permethrin-treated) with a lot of other stuff, there's some stuff (shirts, socks, underwear) that isn't coming home at the end of this because I won't want to put it in any other wash.

Today was another exercise in controlled pace.  If I can crank at what I felt was about anaerobic threshold (except for a somewhat undisciplined last 400m where I decided to go a bit harder) but still try to row out under 45 minutes for 10,000m, then I thought this was a useful workout.  Not too hard, not too easy.

I'm not sure how much point there is in easy workouts because my run distances are generally so short.  Because I'm not getting in a single long run on the weekend, I could coninue to go relatively hard just to build conditioning and burn lard, which are really my only goals.  Well, mostly the burning lard part.

As always, it's going to be a glorious day when there's smoke and haze in the air in the morning.  It'll be a minor miracle if I get out of this tour without black lung.

Splits
Distance:    10000
Time:    44:13.9
Avg/500m:    02:12.7
Drag Factor:    106
Per Mile:    00:07:07

4.0mi on dreadmill, 34:11, 1 JAN 13, Kabul, Afghanistan

Today is day 40 of the campaign.

iThink:
Philip Philips, "Gone, Gone, Gone"
Hilary Duff, "Wake Up"

WX at 4 AM (9) Jan 01 37 (3) 8 (-13) 30.30 (1026) SSE 3

Odometer 13B: 82.9mi

Z4. Average/max heart rate = 162/173

Late start, so hard short run. Still didn't finish in time to get chow. I guess I'll wait for dinner since I ate midrats last night. Looks like orthotics won't work in my running shoes since I'm about to get a blister.

Also, keeping up the streak for continuing to work out until I can't.

Splits

SGMT AGGRG SEGMT PERMI AVGPC DIST
4.00 34:11 34:11 08:33 08:33 4.00