Jonathan Swanson Running Journal

The Hand That Holds The Moon

2014-08-12T20:50:00.002-07:00

I captured this image on August 10, 2014 during the brightest moon of the year. The image shows a cloud that appears to be a hand holding the moon.

https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=date+of+brightest+moon&tbm=nws

Exercise and music keeps you looking and feeling young

2014-08-09T23:07:00.004-07:00

I am 42 years old and most people think I look like I am in my late 20s. Could this be because I do physical exercise and play the piano most everyday since I can remember.

Still Running and Training for the Health Benefits

2014-06-06T22:06:00.002-07:00

Today I got out and did 4x300m and 5x200m. I didn't have a watch so I just ran them with a lot of effort. I also did pushups following each interval. My goal is just to be in the best shape that I can be and be as healthy as humanly possible.

I would love to drive or run on roads like this. Maybe this will someday be a reality

2014-05-30T00:01:00.001-07:00

I'm done Running competitively

2014-05-25T22:30:00.003-07:00

I have decided to call it quits to racing competitively indefinitely. I want to refocus the energy, that made me the top master middle distance runner, to being a better musician. I need the energy to practice the piano at least 3 hours per day. I also need more time and energy to complete work that I have been hired to do. These jobs include electronics, computer programming, video editing, recording, arranging and composing music, performing jazz and classical piano. I will continue to live a healthy life style that includes moderate exercise and good nutrition.

10 hours of piano practice today

2014-05-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

A long day of practicing the piano. I took some breaks during my 10 hour marathon piano session. I also got in a easy 30 min run. I am working hard on my classical repertoire.

Easy 45 min run

2014-05-01T00:03:00.000-07:00

Today was just and easy 45 minute run in the evening. It was a warm day today in Oregon. I was able to get out in the sun and enjoy some nice weather.

Easy Runs

2014-04-29T15:55:00.002-07:00

Yesterday and Today where just easy 40 minute runs. I did some strides on the grass to test my leg. It is still sore and will probably need a week more recovery. I am also doing a lot of upper body work. Pushups, Pull ups, core exercises, etc.

2 easy 4 mile runs today

2014-04-26T21:31:00.001-07:00

It was a cold and rainy day. I was still feeling sore so I am just doing easy jogging. I ended up doing both morning and evening runs. I will probably do this for the next few weeks to improve my aerobic base.

easy 4 mile run and 7 hours of piano practice

2014-04-26T01:39:00.002-07:00

I had a long day of practicing my classical piano repertoire.

5 mile run

2014-04-24T18:47:00.002-07:00

5 mile run today. Still feeling sore but I was feeling better after getting warmed up. I have been doing a lot of stretching, icing, compression, and anti inflammatory supplements. I also did some ab work and push ups.

Easy 2 mile recovery run

2014-04-24T01:20:00.001-07:00

I was a little sore today so I took it easy. I am working on two musical theatre projects that are going very well. I am also working hard on my classical piano repertoiress

800, 600,400,300,200m

2014-04-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today I ran 800, 600,400,300,200m @ 2:16, 1:40, 64, 47, 32 seconds. I had a slight strain on my right leg. I will have to take the next few days with easy running.

Easy 40 minute run

2014-04-22T18:28:00.001-07:00

Today easy 40 minute run

7x300m

2014-04-18T14:52:00.001-07:00

Today was an easy warm up followed by 7x300m @ 48,47,46,46,45,46,45 sec with 400m easy jog recovery. I was feeling a little sore from yesterdays plyometric training.

20 minute run, strides, and drills

2014-04-18T14:50:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I did a mixed workout of plyometrics and strides. I also did some jump roping. My plyometric training included 2x50 knee high box jumps. The jumps are continuous for each set and involve bouncing of the ground rather than stopping after each jump. This is very difficult and leads to explosive power need for speed.

30 min run, 1x400, 3x200m with drills.

2014-04-14T17:48:00.003-07:00

Today was another perfect spring day. I started with a 20 min run. 3x12 pullups, 1x400m @ 60 seconds, 3x200m @ 29,29,27 seconds. I followed the last 200m with 40 pushups, 100 dips, and 4x100m strides.

Thanks to the Jazz Society of Oregon for making me their featured musician

2014-04-13T19:26:00.001-07:00

I am honored to be the featured musician of the month for the Jazz Society of Oregon.

8 mile run on a perfect Spring day

2014-04-13T19:24:00.001-07:00

Today was a nice relaxing 8 mile run on the Nike campus. It has nice cedar chip trails that makes running easy on the body. The trail also has some light rolling hills for a little variety.

1x800m, 1x600m, 1x400m, 2x200m mixed with circuit training

2014-04-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

Today I did a very hard workout. I ran a track interval then did some plyometric exercises right after finishing my interval. It was one of the hardest workouts I have done this year.

A solid track workout today 1x400m,2x200m,1x300m.2x200m

2014-04-08T23:26:00.000-07:00

Today I started did an interval track workout. 1x400m,2x200m,1x300m.2x200m @ 59,30,29,45,27,30 sec. I took about 400m jog. I also have been doing 50 pushups immediately following my last interval.

15 minute run and circuit training

2014-04-06T20:39:00.001-07:00

Today was a nice relaxing Sunday. I played piano at two church services. I went out and did some easy running, ployometrics, bare foot strides in the grass, and some good stretching.

15x200m

2014-04-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Today was rainy and about 50 degrees F. I went out to the track and ran 15x200m I finished my last two in 27 seconds. I took about 200m jog rest. I was surprised to be able to run so fast with not much speed work under my belt.

4 mile run, strides, circuit training

2014-03-22T15:30:00.001-07:00

Today was a nice Spring day in Portland Oregon with a temperature of about 60 degree F and sunny. I wanted to get outside and absorb some sunshine. I started with an easy 4 mile run. I found a nice stretch of soft grass and ran 10 x 100m strides. The last 3 I picked up to 100% effort. I felt like I was flying. It is definitely fun to run on the grass and energizing. There may even be some scientific evidence to back up my claim that running barefoot on grass is energizing. After all, when we run, our brain emits electrical signals to fire muscle cells. After working in audio and electrical circuits, it is always important that electrical circuits are grounded. Maybe there is some truth to my statement? I finished with 50 knee high plyo jumps ,10x4 sets of pull ups, 3x30 pull ups, skipping, and some other exercises. http://www.foodmatters.tv/articles-1/walking-barefoot-might-be-an-essential-element-of-good-health

1x400m,1x300m,6x200m, 1x300m

2014-03-07T17:19:00.001-08:00

Today was a perfect spring day. I decided it was a good day for a track workout. 1x400m,1x300m,6x200m, 1x300m @ 64,48,31,30,29,29,30,29,46 seconds. I definitely have a lot of work to do if I plan doing any track meets in the summer.