Those Dreams Have Remained

This morning I pinned a race bib to my shirt and waited for the sound of the air horn. I was off and running my first race in four months.

Tyler and I drove down to Huntington Beach for the Surf City Run 5K. Back in 2003 this was my first race ever. I had no idea what I was doing at the time. I'd been running for a month on my own and for a week with the Snail's Pace Running Group. I was using an 8:1 run:walk sequence at the time. I'd read Galloway's book at the beginning of June. I took walk breaks in the race. I've never done that since that race. My time was 34:27 back then.

Surf City seemed like a fitting return to racing since I just got restarted in June, the same weekend I initially started running in 2003. My only real goal was to have fun and finish somewhere south of 30 minutes. Tyler hasn't been running much lately so his plan was to stick with me.

The beginning of the race was the usual crowding and jockeying for position. We probably placed ourselves a little further back than necessary. It took us just over 30 seconds to cross the starting line. The only real issue was walkers, 4 abreast, in the center of the road, too far up front. We've all fallen victim to them and they have every right to be on the course, but a little etiquette would go a long way. Tyler and I managed to stick together even with the weaving and bobbing.

We hit the first mile in 8:54 (my watch). That was a pleasant surprise. Not exactly Speedy Gonzalez but faster than any of my recent runs would have predicted. I just kept motoring along. Tyler was consistently just off to my right shoulder. At the halfway point, Tyler faded a step or two back. I couldn't see him out of the corner of my eye any longer. I just keep truckin' along. We had decided ahead of time to each run the best race we could.

I hit the 2 mile mark in 8:36. I was impressed with that. About that time I started getting the tingling feeling in my hands and on the top of my head that lets me know that I'm pushing a little. I kept moving forward as smoothly as possible.

The finish line is around a left turn. As I approached I could hear the announcer calling off the times and doing his best to get people to finish in 27:00 minutes. I thought - No way - but I stayed calmed pushed it a little and made it in at 27:10 or so official. The last 1.1 was at 9:15 for a final time by my watch of 26:45 - a very satisfying return to running/racing. Tyler came in about 1:30 after me.

Now I'm off to clean up the doggie doo doo and sweep the back porch. We're hosting about 25 friends for a July 4th swim party and barbecue. Feel free to stop by, the more the merrier.

note: the post title is a little snippet from the Welcome Back Kotter theme song.

Decrepit Peacock

I wanted to get in a three mile run tonight and couldn't decide if it was better to do it before or after the yoga class. Yoga started at 8:00. By the time I got around to making a decision I really didn't have enough time to go over to the equestrian trail for a run, so I opted for a 2 miler on the treadmill at the gym which gave me a couple of minutes to relax before the yoga session.

I'd never tried yoga before, but it has been recommended by several friends and runners as a good way to stretch out the muscles. Since I tend to be very tight, especially in the ankles and hips, I figured it couldn't hurt. The class is on Wednesday evening, which has been a off day from running so far and I'm not taking an on campus class this summer.

Another important factor for me is that the class was being taught by a guy. I figured that way I wouldn't be the only other guy the class. The classes I've seen going on at the gym tend to be heavily populated by the female gender. There ended up being about 5 guys and 30 women. I wasn't very graceful or able to do everything with the nice long lines, but the instructor was good at allowing us to do each pose to the best of our ability. Learning the vocabulary was a challenge. Like everything it will get easier with practice.

I need to learn about trade theory in the Czech Republic before tomorrow at midnight, so if you have any insight on that particular subject feel free to leave a comment. A half page paragraph on both a government intervention theory and a natural trade theory will do nicely. Thanks!

Lunge, Step Down and Roll

I endured a killer leg workout with my personal trainer on Monday night. Among other things I endured 20x2 double pump lunges with 20 pounds of weights in my hands. That alone just about kicked my butt but there was much more.

Tuesday I had an appointment with the physical therapist. They were trying to squeeze 5 days worth of appointments into 4 so I was able to get in about an hour earlier than normal this morning and ended up having the PT, an intern and an aide all to myself. After the previous nights lunges I opted out of them today. They did tell me that I was doing the step down picture perfectly and wished they could have taped them to show other clients how to do it right. I'd better be getting pretty good at them. I've been doing them 2 to 3 days a week for the last couple of months.

Tonight I went out for a 4.5 mile run. Since I'm on the comeback trail I'm running a lot of the old routes I used to run back in 2003 when I started this crazy little adventure. My times now are about equivalent to then, too. Afterward I used the new foam roller. Boy were my quads screaming. My wife and son can't quite figure out how a big round piece of styrofoam would do anybody any good and get quite the kick out of watching me roll around the floor.

Last week at the gym I realized that there is a yoga class on Wednesday at 8:00 I'm going to give it a try tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

Two more days until a long weekend! (Not that I'm counting ;-0)

The Slow Build

When I last posted I was threatening to get up early the next morning to get my 2.5 mile run in. I am happy to report that I did get up and got it done before work. Go me! Later that day the physical therapist had me run a mile on the t-mill. I haven't run on the t-mill since then, June 11. It has been all outside running for me. I am a happy man.

I have been taking it very, very slow and easy getting back into this. I seriously cannot figure out how I had the time to run, let alone blog, before the injury. Now that all the dust has settled from the bathroom remodel (I'll get pix ups someday, promise), graduation and visiting relatives, I think I can find a better balance. Or maybe I'll just ignore everything and go running!

I was able to start running the first week of June as planned. My weekly mileage totals have been low, low, low.
June 2-8 4.5 miles
June 9-15 7.1 miles
June 16-22 8.5 miles

I've even made it back to Bonelli but have limited myself to the paved picnic loop and other roads. I was able to do a fun 3.6 miler one day while my sisters and a niece walked in the opposite direction. We saw each other multiple times as I ran the loop twice for the one loop walking. At that point it was my longest run and I did it using a 4:1 run:walk ratio.

This week at physical therapy the doc told me he wanted me to ramp things up considerably to see how my leg would hold up. I didn't want to go too crazy but I did get in three pretty good runs.

Tues: 3 miles on the equestrian trail in Via Verde
Thurs: 4 miles on Raging Waters Dr and "cottontail trail" in Bonelli
Sat: 6.5 miles on Robert's Loop

I did today's long run with a 6:1 run:walk ratio. My pace has been hovering at 10:00 plus. Slow, considering where I was before the injury, but it feels good to be running. I've definitely lost some aerobic capacity and there's a lot more bounce around the middle and more chafing between the legs than there used to be. The training buildup should help both areas.

I am also the proud owner of a new "Stick" and a foam roller. I've added these to my arsenal to help fend off any future setbacks. Stretching is still an issue for me, but I'm making improvements.

The Lure of an Unpainted Door

I had all the best intentions. It was only a measly 2.5 miles.

When I got home from work I really had planned on going for my second "real" run. The last 0.5% of the bathroom project, the unpainted door, called out. I just could not resist the need to have it painted before my brother and his wife showed up later that evening.

I was able to paint the outside before Lisa arrived home with the groceries. Then my focus switched to preparing my now world famous pasta puttanesca for my parents (this time with chicken only). Lisa took over with the brush while I slaved over the stove. After dinner I finished the last few strokes on the back of the door.

I sat around chatting with my parents, waiting for the pasta to digest a little before taking off. Just as I was about to change into my running clothes, my brother pulled into the driveway. We sat around and talked some more. I heated up the leftover puttanesca that had just gone into the refrigerator. We worked on the details for them to see a taping of the Price is Right in the morning.

Before I knew it the time was well past 10:00 and I still needed to study for my final exam in Business 101 on Wednesday evening. I didn't really give it the attention it needed but I will have some time tomorrow to look over my notes a time or two.

I decided to knock out a quick post. If I didn't run at least I could blog. I may attempt to get up early and knock out the 2.5 miles as the sun rises.

Stay tuned.

8 Minutes

Last Monday, June 2, I was allowed to run on the treadmill at my physical therapy appointment. It was only 8 minutes, but it felt good. I was happy. June 2 puts me right on schedule for a completely new buildup for that December marathon and 13th state I was planning on.

At my Thursday appointment I got to run for a complete mile, uninterrupted. The pace was slow, 10:00 per mile, but I was running. I land too hard. I am a pretty noisy runner and even more so on a treadmill. They want me to keep my lower abs tight and to lengthen my stride a bit. I can get it done when they are standing there reminding and coaching me. I'm not so sure how it will go when I have to do it on my own.

The doc gave me permission to go for a short run on my own over the weekend as long as I stayed off concrete. That wasn't a problem for me.

We went got up early (4:00) Saturday morning to take my parents to see the launching of the hot air balloons down in Temecula at 6:00 a.m. My parents came in from OH on Tuesday. My brother and sisters and assorted nieces begin arriving today. I spent most of Sunday doing all the final detail work on the bathroom remodel so it was 8:00 p.m. before I got out there for my run.

I headed over to the trusty old equestrian path in Via Verde. I hadn't forgotten how to run. I was afraid that I might. I was pretty slow but I covered 2.5 miles. This was a little more than the doc had wanted but I couldn't let myself turn around until I hit a landmark (stop sign). Since I had more than doubled my mileage with that run, he didn't let me run on the treadmill yesterday at PT, but told me to run again outside on Tuesday. That was an agreeable trade off to me.

I'm woefully behind on keeping up with all of you, but now that the bathroom renovation is 99.5% complete, and with graduation festivities winding down this week and house guests returning home things should start to get back to a more normal state and I will be a runner and a blogger once again.

Thanks for waiting for me.

Nine Weeks

Nine weeks since I last took a single step running. I'm still healing from the stress fracture to my right tibia. I have my good days and bad days. I haven't blogged not because I haven't wanted to, but because I just haven't found the time. I honestly sometimes can't figure out how I ever found time to run in the first place. Life has been so busy. I really do miss keeping up with all the super people I've met through blogging and running. I think the fact that I've unintentionally cut my ties with you all bums me out even more than not running has. I dislike being a fair weather friend, but I am afraid that that is the way it goes.

So what have I missed:
Catalina Marathon, March 15, 2008 - DNS
Big Sur Marathon, April 27, 2008 - DNS
This weekend I missed the Malibu Creek Trail Challenge, a race I've run twice before in 2005 and 2007. So to keep the odd year thing going, I guess missing it this year isn't so bad.
I'm super bummed that I will have to sit out the Fontana Days Half Marathon this year as well. I've run it three years straight and had intended on keeping my streak alive. Back in December I had hoped to run Rock and Roll San Diego with my oldest son, but stress fractures for both of us have necessitated a reschedule.

The good:
I was released by the doctor that diagnosed the stress fracture to begin physical therapy. He also equipped me with a pair of orthotics on May 1. Working with the physical therapist has been very good. The pain in my tibia has subsided considerably. I've found out just how weak I truly am when it comes to some basic motions. All the work with him should set me up well for a great come back eventually. The original doc says I can start walking longer distances with the orthotics and left it up to the PT to release me to run. We haven’t set a firm date, but I’m really hoping to be running again by June 1. I've been going to the gym and riding the stationary bike up to 40 minutes at a time and I’ve been working with my personal trainer twice a week including a leg workout every other time with him. I've been getting in some exercise but nothing really replaces the feeling of being out on the streets and trails under your own power. All in due time, I suppose.

I did get to go to Big Sur to support my running group and my son, who ran a leg of the marathon relay. He had leg 2 and decided to run leg 3 up and over Hurricane Point as well. I had a good time shouting and ringing a cow bell near the finish line. A highlight of the trip was dinner with Michelle, Eric, Dori and Donald.

The one thing that has been keeping me insanely busy lately, is a complete bathroom remodel. We had someone replace the pink 1958 bath tub for a new white model and will have someone else install new can lights and a separate switch for the fan, but the rest has fallen on me with help from my wife. I've spent the last several weekends from sun up to sun down installing backer board and tiling the tub enclosure. The garage is full of tile for the floor, new cabinets, a new toilet, lights, towel bars, etc. I've got to finish before June 3 when relatives start arriving from out of state for our youngest son's high school graduation. From this perspective, not running is a good thing.

I took some time today to make lunch for my wife and mother-in-law for Mother's Day. I made Pasta Puttenesca with shrimp and scallops (with an extra one of chicken for my son and sister-in-law). Salad and warm bread rounded out the meal. Then I made a lemon bundt cake and mixed berry sauce with vanilla ice cream for desert. It was all pretty darn good, if I say so myself.

The future:
It looks more and more like my only marathon this year might be Memphis in Tennessee with Joe and whoever else decides to join us. I'm really hoping to re-enter the running scene by taking part in the Surf City 5K on July 4. This was the first race I ever did back in 2003 when I started running. It seems like a fitting return. I won't be fast but I should be able to cover the distance by then.

In the meantime, thanks for hanging with me and accept my apologies for not stopping by more often. I've missed you.

Ironic

I travel fairly often for business and I really don't mind it. I've reached a point in my life where it fits in nicely. My boys are old enough to leave alone and my wife is a confident, self sufficient woman. This week I happen to be on the east coast. I flew to Philly, visited a customer in Jersey, then drove through Delaware and Maryland to end up in Virgina to visit a couple more customers the following days. (I kind of got a kick out of being in 5 different states in the same day, something that is not possible in a car on the west coast).

The best part about traveling for work for me is the chance to try out some new running scenery. When I pack my bags for a trip the first thing in are the running shoes and assorted technical clothing. I even wore my running shorts under my jeans on a flight once so I could hit the park on the way to the hotel. When I make my flight and hotel reservations the very next thing I do is scout out potential running routes in the area, then I get around to finding the directions to the offices I need to visit.

All that was true up until this trip. This trip there are no running shoes in the suitcase and I never even looked around for a running route. It was OK, I've gotten over my initial bout of malaise and crabbiness. As we (I was traveling with a sales rep) were driving down the road, just as we made the last right turn toward the hotel I spotted it...a rails-to-trail path. Unbeknownst to me, the Washington & Old Dominion Trail ran right behind my hotel.

My first thought was - what kind of cruel cosmic joke is this. Then I decided to make the best of it and changed out of my "dress up and meet customer clothes" into my jeans and skechers and headed out for a little 3 mile walk down the W&OD Trail.

I took another walk this evening as well. I still can hardly believe that there is 45 continuous miles of asphalt and 32 miles of adjacent crushed gravel path route outside the back door of my hotel and I didn't plan it that way. I saw a whole bunch of runners this evening along with numerous walkers and bikers. I really wanted to be running too, but walking sufficed.

If I ever make it back to northern Virginia on business I know where I'm staying and I know where I'm running, God willing.

Memoirs

I like games. I also like winning games. I don't usually play a game that I have no chance of winning, like football and poker. This game I could at least give it a good try and who's to say if I won or lost.

I was tagged by "Sarah," of "Run...Here...Now" to play a little game called "six word memoir".

Here are the rules:
1) Write your own six word memoir
2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want
3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere
4) Tag at least five more blogs with links
5) Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

I thought of a few tactics for this one, but the hardest part for me was choosing 6 words. I kept coming up with 5 or 7. But the rules are the rules and being the black and white kinda guy I am I had to stick to them. Kind of like a training plan, you know. So here goes....

"Still trying to figure it out"

Visual illustration, huh? How about this (I'm on the road so I'm borrowing a pix from the web):

"Mark 8:36"

OK, that meets rules 1, 2, and 3. So in the spirit of the game I tag: Pat, Danny, Charlie, Randy and Ben (PreFan1982). I will be leaving comments on said blogs soon. I apologize if you’ve already been tagged or don’t like playing along, but since I’ve already made a point about being a stickler for the rules, I gotta do it. Rules 4 and 5 complete.

As for me on the running front, it’s been 4 full weeks without running. I have an appointment with the doc next Tuesday. I hope to know more then. I have felt a decrease in the pain level, but the thought of testing the waters scares me a little at this point.

I checked the calendar to count back from Memphis in December. I feel like it might be prudent to start at or very near square one when I am able, both mentally and physically, to run again. A beginner’s marathon training program would have me starting mid-June.

Bonelli Vicariously

Tyler was home last week; spring break. He has been able to start running again, building back up from the stress fracture he sustained after the half marathon. He found a program online from the Pfitzinger Lab Report. I've bookmarked it myself for future reference.

Although not strictly on the plan, he took advantage of the terrific spring weather and headed over to Bonelli for a 3.5 mile jaunt and brought his camera along.

I haven't run a step since the last run of the WTRS. Total mileage for March 2008 was an all time record low of 26.7 miles. A coworker made the observation that maybe this is what happens when you break your self imposed moratorium on California marathons for Catalina and Big Sur.

I've kept myself busy with home improvement projects. The hedge around the backyard is completely trimmed from one end to other for the first time since we moved into this house in 2000. We've painted our bedroom (twice) and installed, trimmed and painted 4 new interior doors. I've got three more to do and a bathroom remodel scheduled.

Run and race well and put in a couple of miles for me.

A Simple e-Mail

I've considered several posts about the situation I find myself in but haven't quite figured out how or what I really want to say. This email string pretty much tells the story in far less words than any post I've composed in my head.


Hi Darrell,

Did you get to run Catalina? How are your legs? We hope you will heal in time for the Big Sur. When is your next state marathon? Be sure to put April 19th on your calendar for the Big Sur get together.

See you soon,

John and Dorothy

------------------------------------------------------

John & Dorothy,

I've definitely put the 19th on the calendar.

I did not run Catalina. The docs think I probably have a stress fracture. X-rays are inconclusive but there is a tell tale pain on the bone. Everyone recommended against Catalina so I finally listened. Big Sur looks doubtful at this point as well. It is only 6 weeks away. If I take 6 weeks off there is no way I'll be ready for a marathon. I may not even be ready for a leg of the relay, which I may consider if there was an opening. We'll be going anyway since Tyler is running one of the relay legs.

No states are planned this year yet, except for possibly Tennessee in December. I've got to let the leg heal up completely if I have any hope of running 38 more states someday.

Take care,
Darrell

WTRS Comes to an End

Here it is almost time for another weekend, and I'm finally getting around to posting about the last race in the Winter Trail Run Series. This time out it was 21K on completely new trails from the rest of the series. The maps and Garmins show 12.7 miles but I guess a 20.4K doesn't have quite the same ring.

What a beautiful weather day it was. We we so lucky throughout this whole series with the weather. It often rained the whole week before and even within hours after finishing but never on the race. I was kind of in a whiny mood at the start. I was cold (it wasn't really), I was tired (I hadn't slept well the night before) and my leg (the right one with the calf/shin issue) wasn't feeling too good. My bib number was 250. I hoped that that wasn't going to be my finish time.

We headed off down the road and it seemed like just about everybody took off ahead of me. I was taking it as easy as I could to assure a finish with the bum leg. As we chugged up the first climb up Main Divide, there were more than a few of us walking. The RD had counseled us to walk this and save our energies for later. We'd need it. I knew what was in store but I'm not sure how many others really did. Going up hill doesn't bother the leg.

After the aid station we headed down the Trabuco Trail, 1400 feet down. It was an amazing beautiful and fun trail to run down. The leg held up but I felt each step going down. I slowed to almost a walk on the steeper parts. There were some really rocky sections that made footing a bit of an issue.

Once we hit the bottom we headed UP and I do mean UP, Horsethief Trail, back up 1300 feet of the 1400 we'd just come down except up in 1.5 miles instead of the 2.5 miles down. I'd run this section before. There wasn't much running, but I did pass a couple of people even walking UP. As we approach the peak the trail takes on a different look, more sandy with ironwood brush. I was very happy to see this area knowing that the hardest part was over.

This time went we hit the summit we headed right on Main Divide back toward the aid station and ultimately down the hill again back to that starting line. Going down that hill was one of the toughest runs ever. My leg was throbbing with each downward step. I've never been a good downhill runner and on this particular day my downhill run was probably slower than my uphill walk. The last quarter of a mile or so was on a flat trail, except for the fallen tree we had to climb over.

My final time was 2:45:46, longer than the Boney Mountain Half in January by 10 minutes or so. I'm not sure which course is tougher, neither is easy, but I was happy to have completed the whole Winter Trail Series. This has been on my running radar for awhile. I wouldn't mind adding this as an annual event on the race calendar. You can't really beat a winter race where you can where a sleeveless shirt and get a head start on your summer tan!

This post has gone on long enough, so the current state of the leg "injury" will have to wait for another post. Sorry.

Making Exceptions

This post has been a long time comin'. Finally, the answer to where's Darrell going to run his next marathon? What state is he going to conquer next?

I'd like to thank the bloggers that have invited me out to their state in 2008. David in Florida, Wes in Georgia and Rae in Tennessee. I have to give special mention to Neese, fellow ex-Ohioan, who volunteered to send my wife emails to get me to come to South Carolina. All places I'd love to go and people I'd like to meet (or see again in Wes' case).

My running group, the CA Cruisers, have been planning a yearly destination race. 2005 - Chicago, 2006 - St. George, UT, 2007 - Washington DC. In 2008 they've decided that the destination is the Big Sur Marathon. What was I going to do? I've had a moratorium on California marathons in favor of the state goal, but there was no way I was going to miss out on Donald's favorite marathon. Donald has done such a great job talking up this marathon, I knew it was only a matter of time before I'd run it.

I had originally committed to running my first ultra in CA this winter as well. When that didn't pan out I decided to go all the way with the California exceptions in 2008 and added another race from my wish list. With any luck I will be running the Catalina Marathon next weekend. I've hinted at running the inaugural Big Bear marathon in the fall as long as I've gone and broken the No CA Marathons Rule.

The big factor now is the state of my right calf. The knot/pain gets better during the week when I only do the bike at the gym but then flares back up in a big way after my longish runs on the weekend. The pain started about the time I started the WTRS wearing my trail shoes. I'm slated to run race #4 of the series this weekend and I'm going to wear my street shoes.

I do have an appointment Friday afternoon at a sports medicine/physical therapy clinic that comes highly regarded by a couple of my Cruiser running pals. After Catalina I can take some time off but I've only got 6 weeks after that before Big Sur. I don't expect much from either race in terms of times but I do hope to cross the finish lines having enjoyed the routes and with a smile on my face.

As far as other states in 2008, I only have tentative plans to meet Joe in Tennessee at the Memphis Marathon for what will become our 3rd Annual Early December Blogger Reunion Marathon. All are welcome to join us.

So, there it is, finally - my 2008 marathon plans assuming I can rehab the leg properly:

March 15 - Catalina Marathon, CA
April 27 - Big Sur International Marathon, CA
Sept 6 - Big Bear Marathon, CA
Dec 6 - Memphis Marathon, TN

Unexpected

Just like last week my only miles were my Saturday long run. And just like last week I got some sort of aerobic exercise on the stationary bike at the gym on three occasions.

The weather all week had been very decidedly spring-like. I hadn't had a chance to run with my Cruiser buds for a while. This week's email plans included the line "It looks like we can put aside the rain gear for this week end and pick up the sunscreen instead." I was also excited about running with them since they planned on running into Chino Hills State Park. Trails - woo hoo!

Much to my surprise I awoke to a cloudy, misty morning. I checked the weather on-line and the forecast called for highs in the 70's and 10% chance of precipitation. Since the run was 30 miles from home I went out the door dressed for the sunnier weather predicted. Alas I arrived in Yorba Linda to the same gloomy, wet conditions.

The run included 2 miles on streets to get into the park. The street was Fairmont and the direction was UP. What a way to start the run, I hadn't expected that (but the downhill finish was sure going to be appreciated).

We regrouped when we hit the entrance to the park. I fell in with Denis for the loop through the park. He had just recently returned from running a marathon in Tahiti. I think that is pretty cool. This was also his first time running in Chino State Park. I think he really enjoyed it. The low clouds and mist persisted throughout the run, making visibility with glasses difficult. It even rained a little at one point, not exactly the weather I expected, but really good for running none the less.

The loop on Southridge, down Diemer, Telegraph Canyon and back up Little Canyon trail was 5 miles. Add this to the road section and the whole run would have been 9 miles. I was really hoping for more. When Dennis and I reached the exit there were some of the faster runners waiting for us. Among them was Julie, my MCM partner and current WTRS buddy.

I looked at her an told her I was thinking about making another loop around. She just looked at me and then said "You're not kidding are you? Do you need the miles?" No, I wasn't kidding and I kind of hoped she'd be interested in going around with me. As far as needing the miles, I don't know, but I did WANT the miles. Julie wasn't biting so I ran the loop alone for a total of 14 miles.

My total mileage in February was a paltry 83.1 even with the added extra bonus leap day. It is likely to be on the low side for the near future.

Fifteen Minutes

On my way to work this morning I got a call from a friend Mike. Mike was surprised to find my picture in the newspaper. Even more surprising is that it was on the first page of the sports section. Finding my picture in the sports pages, let alone the front page, is about the most unlikely occurrence I could expect. How did this happen?

A while back I was approached by Doug Padilla, sports writer for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. He had been researching the Internet with the intent of finding some local high school athletes that had gone on to great things at little out of the way schools. His search accidentally led him to me (Thanks, Google!). Doug and his editor were intrigued. I met Doug over lunch about a month ago and told him my story. He arranged for a photographer to meet me on my next training run the following Saturday.

The article appeared in today's paper. The Tribune is part of a larger conglomerate so the story is also in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Pasadena Star News and the Whittier Daily News. Here's a link to the story, minus the picture in the print version. I like that Doug took the angle or running with a group to insure success. It's bummer that he left Lisa out of the story. A big part of my story is her support and how we share the trips as mini vacations.

Enjoy the story. My wife bought 6 copies at lunch for various relatives. A coworker printed out the online text and hung it up in the coffee area. My father-in-law was impressed that someone in the family made the paper without dying or being in jail!

Thanks Doug for making me a star for at least a few minutes.

WTRS #3

Another beautiful morning for a race in the mountains. We have been so fortunate with the weather during this series. Just like the first race four weeks ago, it rained off and on all week and the people on TV who get paid to "predict" the weather were talking rain off and on all weekend as well.

We arrived at race start under mostly clear skies with temps on the chilly side, about 35 degree F. The 18K course was predominately a replay of the 12 and 15K course with a little extra loop thrown in. The extra loop was part of the Chiquita Trail. It is one of the most easily runnable and enjoyable parts of the entire series so far. My friends and I have finished up in the same order at each race. Jim comes in first among us and wins his age group, then Julie, me, Terry and Mike. There were 108 starters and finishers. Within the first mile we've each pretty much found our groove. For the last three miles I ran alone. There was no one in sight in either direction of me. I ran that rocky downhill alone again but this time I knew I was on the right track. By my watch my time was 2:10, about on target for my pace in the other races of this series, at 11:30-ish.

By the time I drove home and showered, it was 2:00 in the afternoon and raining again. Not a bad day at the races. As predicted in the last post this was pretty much my only mileage for the week. I did get in 1 mile on the treadmill before weights with the personal trainer on Wednesday.
Speaking of the personal trainer, I've had an appointment with him once a week for the last 7 weeks or so. When I signed up I negotiated some extra sessions and my son was taking advantage of those. Although he still goes to the gym his tolerance for being pushed a little extra by the PT has worn out after about three sessions, so for the last two weeks I've worked with the PT twice a week.

My primary goal when I signed up was to gain some upper body and core strength. Every week the PT asks what we going to work on and I always say upper body. He has tried to convince me to add some leg work into the mix. After working the upper body two times with the trainer last week (I've been working the upper on my own at least two other times each week as well), I finally decided to throw legs into the mix on Wednesday.

I've resisted leg work assuming that as a runner, my legs were strong. Boy, oh boy, was I wrong. He worked my legs and it hurt way more than I ever expected it too. Thursday my legs were sore. By Friday they were major sore. Sitting down and standing up were major undertakings. I believe they hurt worse than after any marathon. By Saturday, race morning, they were still pretty stiff and sore. The first few steps of the race, I felt like I couldn't get moving. Fortunatley they finally kicked into gear and the weight session didn't seem to have much of a negative effect on the outcome of the race.

The pain between my shin bone and calf was noticeable during the race, but not so painful that I couldn't run. I iced it when I got home and for most of the afternoon it felt pretty good. By late evening it had knotted up pretty well and walking was painful, especially the first couple of steps. Today my legs are feeling a little livelier post workout and I've continued the ice and Alleve regimen for the shin/calf thing. I plan on sticking to non load bearing cardio this week with only a 15 miler or so planned for the weekend. The 4th and final race of the WTRS is in two weeks. It is 21K on completely different trails. This one includes part of Main Divide Road and Trabuco Trail, which I've run before, in the rain. We'll see what the weather dude's have in store for us this time.

Until then, run happy!

Word to the Wise

After applying Biofreeze gel to your sore calf, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before using the john.

Twenty near LAX

Last weekend's 20 miler was the only run I got done last week. I did make it to the gym twice during the week and put in some good crosstraining efforts on the elliptical and the bike.

Just for something a little different, for the run I headed to the LA county beaches. I started out near the Los Angeles International Airport at Dockweiler Beach and headed north. I only had a rough idea of landmarks for a turn around point, so I mostly ran for by time. Since I run naked (no Garmin) the 20 miles may be a little soft but not by much.

I ran around the marina at Marina Del Rey and then through Venice City Beach and up past Santa Monica State Beach before turning around. On major con of this route is all the concrete and that the bike path is marked "Bikes Only" but the bikers were in a mood to share. The pros included the carefree nature of the run and on the way north I ran into many large groups of runners from the LA Road Runners. There must have been 8 to 10 different pace groups of runners with up to 20 or so in each group. It was pretty cool to see that many runners training en masse. The Los Angeles Marathon is only two weeks away. It is NOT my next marathon.

I was out there for 3:09 so the 20 miler distance better not be too soft. The 9:27 pace is still among my slowest paces in a very long time. At the end of the run I felt like a zombie. Luckily after a cool down walk, some light stretches, some food (a power bar and banana) and some cold water I felt human again in no time at all.

I haven't mentioned it much lately but the left hip is still a nagging issue. I've gotten used to it. Stretching and massage seems to help a lot. Now I've got another thing that is bugging me even more. There's a pressure, sort of a large knot, between my tibia and my calf muscle that I feel with each step. I've been running through it, but now it hurts even walking. I've been trying to self massage and ice but the pressure is pretty deep. As much as I dislike the idea, I may need to seek professional advice.

This weekend is race #3 of the Winter Trail Run Series, an 18K. It may be the only run I get in this week

As Sarah note, the 20 miler likely indicates a marathon in the future. Hopefully this latest injury won't be the end of those plans.

WTRS #2

Another weekend, another trail race. Saturday was the second in a series of increasing distance on the trails in the Cleveland National Forest, Blue Jay Camp. This week the distance was 15K. We ran most of the 12K course with a little extra added on at the beginning.

I had to keep reminding myself that this was the Winter Trail Run Series. Based on the calendar it is technically winter, the 70 degree air felt a whole lot more like summer. Such is the difficulties we face here in Southern California.

David brings up the point that last week's 15K mudfest in Mission Gorge can't really be called a race. There's no doubt that for me, and probably a few others, these runs are just a chance to be outside on some trails that we might not get to be on otherwise and to share the fun with a bunch of other like minded individuals. On the other hand for some, the race is on, no matter the conditions of the trail. Trail racers are some of the fiercest competitors out there during the race and then the best cheerleaders for the rest us afterward.

This week's race was flawless, there were no trail marking snafu's this time. This time we all knew exactly when to turn right. The RD had sent out a scout on foot and another on bike to check the markers prerace. He is quite a colorful character and I get the feeling that he wouldn't be shy about disemboweling the culprit of last week's escapade.

I got my new 15K PR at this one, coming in at 1:46:35, good enough for 56 out of 129. The RD has put a nice write up about the race, here, if you care to read it. I carried my camera with me and took a couple of shots of the winter wonderland around me. (Thanks to Trail Scat for the Smilebox link.)

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Along that really rocky section I was running alone. I couldn't see or hear anyone in front or behind me. The trail looked familiar from the last time but I wasn't sure. I stopped a couple of times, not sure if I should keep going. I finally just kept going downhill hoping to see ribbons at the end. Thankfully they were there because I wasn't really lovin' the idea of going back up to find the right trail or that I was right all along.

It was a nice run. There's nothing really to complain about that.

Thursday, I was on vacation and had planned on getting the speedwork done on the 'mill at the gym during the day when the machines would be less busy. The 'mill seemed to work out well for me a couple of weeks back. Instead, the beautiful day beckoned me to run in Bonelli. I heeded the siren's call and left the speedwork for another day.

Sunday was equally as enchanting, weather wise, so I justified another trip to Bonelli even though my plan is to run three days a week at the moment. In my weakness I justified the extra miles as making up for the 15 miler on the schedule that was only a 15K. Still nothing to complain about.

I've got a 20 mile training run on tap this Saturday. Winter is still on vacation, the predicted high is 74F. (OK, now I'm just gloating.) Have a great week, be nice to your Valentine.

Mission Gorge Trail Run

This past weekend found me racing again, a trail race even.

After my 18 miler on Saturday I headed down to San Diego for the Mission Gorge Trail Run, a 15K race. This race is put on by the same folks that put on Boney Mountain a couple a weeks ago. I probably wouldn't have gone done for the run except for the fact that #1 son lives there. This weekend was supposed to have been the Twin Peaks 50/50. It had been postponed due to the fire damage last fall. I'm sort of glad it was postponed. At this point I don't feel ready, but of course my training would have been different if it had been on the horizon. Instead I've been having fun doing these shorter trail races.

I spent the night at Tyler's place. The night before we'd gone to The Oceanaire Seafood Room for a great seafood dinner as part of Restaurant Week in San Diego. Being a culinary arts student, Tyler had been aching to go there. I didn't realize until later that the executive chef, Brian Malarkey, was on Season 3 of Top Chef. If you are every in San Diego, I highly recommend it. I think reservations are required. Ask to sit in Ishmael's section. He will take very good care of you.

The superb weather that we enjoyed last weekend was no where to be seen for this race. We awoke to a heavy mist that turned into a light rain as the morning wore on. Tyler had wanted to run the 15K with me. An injury down graded him to the 5K and then ultimately to volunteering. He was definitely chomping at the bit for a chance to go run in the mud.

Run in the mud we did. The rain was steady the entire race. There was no escaping the mud. The trails became mini rivers. This course was one of the toughest course I'd run. The rain and mud made it even more challenging; a heck of a lot of fun, but challenging. There were two really big hills that we pretty much ran straight up. No switchbacks here. Running down the hill around mile 3 was more like sliding down the hill. I didn't see anybody fall, but each step you took was accompanied by a slide of 6 to 8 inches. My back got a great workout trying to maintain balance. Listening to the girls behind me going down the hill and screaming and laughing with each step was fun.

The biggest hill was another big straight one up, but this time with stairs. There was no running those babies. We ascended the stairs into the clouds. The wind on top was tough to take since we were all soaked to the skin. I was very glad that we weren't going back down the stairs.

After we'd made most of the descent back to the valley floor for the last couple of miles of the race, we crossed back and forth across a river about 4 times. There were rocks available to cross but at that point just crashing through the water couldn't get you any wetter. Besides it washed off some of the mud.

It was fun to cross the finish line to see Tyler there taking the tags off the bibs. He was soaked to the core as well. Someone had at least given him a trash bag as a rain coat. After some food, I began to cool down quickly. I went to the car to strip off the wet jacket and shirt and sat in the car in my shorts and my leather coat. Tyler worked for 20-30 minutes more before they relieved him of his duties.

When I was waiting for Tyler I had called home to let Lisa know I'd finished and that it had taken me 1:50 to run less than 10 miles. Her response was, "you suck!" We both got a laugh out of that. 12:00 pace is pretty slow for me but considering the hills, the mud and the rain, I guess it wasn't half bad. This was my first 15K, so setting the bar low assures a PR next time around. Right? After a shower and dry clothes back at Tyler's place, we went out for breakfast and then I headed home to a Super Bowl party.

At the race I saw an advertisement for the Big Bear Marathon, an inaugural event. You all know how I feel about inaugural events? It also fits in nicely with my other race plans for 2008 (which I still haven't had time to disclose).