Has it really been three weeks since I threw up a decent post? I’ve been hitting my weekly mileage goals since Run Through the Pines, Week 10. I’m now at the half way point in the plan to get to Tennessee. I finished up August with 95.5 miles.
Week 11 was a grand total of 17 miles with the long run of 7. It was one of the hardest 7 miles I’d run in a long time. I’d done 6.8, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 6.7 on my way to RTP without issue. I used an 11:1 run:walk ratio for this one. I rationalized that since I was running shorter I could take less walking breaks. I reported after RTP that my leg felt good. It really did. But that was the last time it felt good.
Week 12 totaled 25.5 miles on a 14 mile long run. I ran the 2 Parks-2 Loops plus Summit House Hill route with the CA Cruisers. I took the first 4 miles really easy on the Summit House section staying back with the slower runners. Back on the 2P-2L section I stepped things up a bit. I used the 8:1 ratio this time.
This week, Week 13, the mileage stepped back to 19.5 with the long run of 8. All week long the leg had been bugging. The muscle tightness was back along the shin bone. With finger pressure along the shin I could find a pain spot without much trouble. I ran the 8 miler at the river trail along the Santa Ana River where I trained for my first marathon. It has been a long time since I’ve run this particular section. I went back to my tried and true run a mile, walk a minute routine. This is what I expect to use in Memphis. The one really nice thing about this run was my pace. I consistently held 9:30 miles without any perceived increased effort. This is a significant improvement over most of my recent long runs.
Later that day my leg was bugging me. The physical part is bad enough, but the mental side of it is even tougher. Sunday morning I got up to do my 4 miler. I had decided ahead of time that I would just walk the first three miles and only run the last one. I stuck to my plan and had some tough conversations with myself during those 50 minutes of walking. When I got home, Lisa was awake. She noted that I had been gone for quite a long time. I told her how I had walked most of my run and told her why.
She asked me, “Are you OK?” It was a simple question, but I don’t have a simple answer. Truthfully, right now I’m not OK. Admitting defeat to your own body is tough. It’s too much to think about and definitely too much to blog about.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
It's a Dean Thing
I had the opportunity tonight to spend some time with like minded people at a book signing by Dean Karnazes for his latest book 50/50, Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days - And How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance. I'd seen Dean before at a signing for his first book Ultramarathon Man. I've even had the chance to run along side him, for a short period of time, at the St. George Marathon in 2006. S. George was marathon 21 of the 50 for him. Although he finished well ahead of me he was still around the finish area when I got there and my wife was able to snap a picture of us together. I admit it, I'm a fan of the guy.He spent only a few minutes talking about the new book and then graciously answered questions for at least 30 minutes. He insists that he's just an average guy with a passion for running. His hope for this book is to encourage the rest of us mere mortals to pursue our passions, whether they are running related or not.
A few days ago Greg; a runner, a blogger and a journalist; got to spend some time on the road with Dean. Greg interviewed Dean for his newspaper. Some of the out takes can be found here on Greg's blog. I’ve had the opportunity to run with Greg on the trails in the Santa Ana Mountains. He is a laid back long mileage trail runner. If you poke around his blog very long you’ll see he likes the long runs. One of the coolest things I think he’s done has been the Coastal Challenge, a 6 day stage race in Costa Rica.
While standing in the line to get the book signed I chatted for bit with a young guy behind me. He runs the marathon distance regularly, usually in the middle of the night, as part of his regular training, yet he’s never run an actual marathon. He is planning on running the inaugural Pasadena Marathon later this year as his first official. I should have asked him more about what motivates him to run so far at such odd times.
A kinda cool side note to the book signing was that I got to meet, Billy of L.A. Runner. I’ve been following his blog for the last couple of months. It is always cool to run into virtual folks in person. He just finished the San Francisco marathon a couple of weeks back in sub 4:00 time and is on his way to the next one, California International in December.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Of Canyons and Pines
After last week's easy - cut back week, it was time to ramp things up just a little bit more on the way to marathon #13. The plan called for 3-3 milers and a long run of 12. With some lucky placement of distances in the race schedule I pushed the planned 21 to nearly 24.
Thursday I went back to the OC to run the third installment of the Peters Canyon Summer Trail Race Series. The CA Cruiser contingent was thinned out considerably, being down to 5 of us. So much for all my big talk after the last one about gunning for Dr. John. He handily beat me (after having run the San Fran marathon just 4 days prior). This time the loop was run clockwise, leaving the rolling hills until the 2nd half. Some of the down hills are pretty steep, by no means my strong suit. I'd much rather go up than down. The weather was warmer but didn't seem to be a huge factor. In the end I was a few seconds slower than a month ago with a 49:46 for the 5 miles. This accounted for 2 of the extra miles for the week.
Saturday, I was back at the starting line for the Run Through the Pines Half Marathon. The half fell on the weekend of my 12 miler. The race is held in Crestline and is run as laps around Lake Gregory. Crestline is the closest and maybe smallest of the mountain getaways in the San Bernardino Mountains about an hour from home. Lake Gregory is a small lake at 86 surface acres at an elevation of 4520 feet. Lisa and I drove up Friday afternoon and spent the weekend there. It was a great excuse to get out of town and spend some quality time together. I was joined by 6 other Cruisers, 4 of which were staying at the same hotel by coincidence.
I wasn't going to "race" this one. I just wanted to get the miles in. I stuck to a 7 minute run/1 minute walk interval for the entire race. I started my watch at the beginning and used it only to track the intervals. The half marathon was 4 loops around the lake plus some extra to get the 13.1 distance in. The lake is encircled by a 6 foot fitness path about 3 miles in distance. I did have to check my watch once to determine if I'd made three loops or four. Although I didn't mind doing four loops, it was somewhat difficult to keep a mental count on just how many I had completed. Running the loops had the benefit of crossing the three on course aid stations for times each and you knew exactly when to expect the little up and downs of the mountain road. The course was about 50% shaded. The loop course also afforded multiple chances to see Lisa. She was the unofficial race photographer and caught nearly all of us each lap around.
I was the third Cruiser to finish, behind Randy and Cathe. I came in at 2:10 for a 9:55 pace, a satisfying pace for this point in the return/training. I had nearly caught Cyndee as she completed her third lap. Lisa and I waited and cheered for Denis, Dr. John, Dorothy and Cyndee to finish. It was a fun little event with only 75 finishers. The finisher award was a hand crafted cutout of a pine tree with a small nameplate affixed to the base.
We spent the afternoon reading and just generally being lazy. I read "Endurance, Shackleton's Incredible Voyage". It is pretty amazing what he and his crew accomplished in the Antarctic in 1915-16. We did take a pedal boat out on the lake which probably wasn't the best idea after having run 13.1 miles. We did enjoy some good grub while we were there. The shrimp penne at The Stockade was tasty and a great carbo load the night before the race. The fish tacos at La Cocina de Tony #2 were some of best I've had and went down really well with the celebratory Dos X's Amber. The homemade pasta cannelloni and manicotti at The Cottage for dinner were also very satisfying.
I got up Sunday morning and ran another lap around the lake to bring my weekly mileage total to 23.8. We couldn't leave the mountain without one good breakfast and Billy Bears fit the bill. We lingered over our coffee for a while not really wanting to come back down the hill to reality, teenagers and work.
Next week, things ratchet back a little with the long run being "only" 7 miles. The 7 miles reminds me of a shoe slogan I saw recently that said "Our short runs used to be our long runs". I'm getting back to that point and feeling good about it. My shin held up really well. The stress fracture and any lingering pain has subsided for now. Earlier in the week the physical therapist released me. Good news, yet a bit scary to be going it alone.
One little piece of trivia about Crestline I read in a brochure by the Crestline Business Council - "In 1921 Los Angeles real estate developer, Charles Mann, purchased a major interest in this area and began promoting Crestline Village as a year-round resort destination." Imagine that!
Thursday I went back to the OC to run the third installment of the Peters Canyon Summer Trail Race Series. The CA Cruiser contingent was thinned out considerably, being down to 5 of us. So much for all my big talk after the last one about gunning for Dr. John. He handily beat me (after having run the San Fran marathon just 4 days prior). This time the loop was run clockwise, leaving the rolling hills until the 2nd half. Some of the down hills are pretty steep, by no means my strong suit. I'd much rather go up than down. The weather was warmer but didn't seem to be a huge factor. In the end I was a few seconds slower than a month ago with a 49:46 for the 5 miles. This accounted for 2 of the extra miles for the week.
Saturday, I was back at the starting line for the Run Through the Pines Half Marathon. The half fell on the weekend of my 12 miler. The race is held in Crestline and is run as laps around Lake Gregory. Crestline is the closest and maybe smallest of the mountain getaways in the San Bernardino Mountains about an hour from home. Lake Gregory is a small lake at 86 surface acres at an elevation of 4520 feet. Lisa and I drove up Friday afternoon and spent the weekend there. It was a great excuse to get out of town and spend some quality time together. I was joined by 6 other Cruisers, 4 of which were staying at the same hotel by coincidence.
I wasn't going to "race" this one. I just wanted to get the miles in. I stuck to a 7 minute run/1 minute walk interval for the entire race. I started my watch at the beginning and used it only to track the intervals. The half marathon was 4 loops around the lake plus some extra to get the 13.1 distance in. The lake is encircled by a 6 foot fitness path about 3 miles in distance. I did have to check my watch once to determine if I'd made three loops or four. Although I didn't mind doing four loops, it was somewhat difficult to keep a mental count on just how many I had completed. Running the loops had the benefit of crossing the three on course aid stations for times each and you knew exactly when to expect the little up and downs of the mountain road. The course was about 50% shaded. The loop course also afforded multiple chances to see Lisa. She was the unofficial race photographer and caught nearly all of us each lap around.
I was the third Cruiser to finish, behind Randy and Cathe. I came in at 2:10 for a 9:55 pace, a satisfying pace for this point in the return/training. I had nearly caught Cyndee as she completed her third lap. Lisa and I waited and cheered for Denis, Dr. John, Dorothy and Cyndee to finish. It was a fun little event with only 75 finishers. The finisher award was a hand crafted cutout of a pine tree with a small nameplate affixed to the base.
We spent the afternoon reading and just generally being lazy. I read "Endurance, Shackleton's Incredible Voyage". It is pretty amazing what he and his crew accomplished in the Antarctic in 1915-16. We did take a pedal boat out on the lake which probably wasn't the best idea after having run 13.1 miles. We did enjoy some good grub while we were there. The shrimp penne at The Stockade was tasty and a great carbo load the night before the race. The fish tacos at La Cocina de Tony #2 were some of best I've had and went down really well with the celebratory Dos X's Amber. The homemade pasta cannelloni and manicotti at The Cottage for dinner were also very satisfying.
I got up Sunday morning and ran another lap around the lake to bring my weekly mileage total to 23.8. We couldn't leave the mountain without one good breakfast and Billy Bears fit the bill. We lingered over our coffee for a while not really wanting to come back down the hill to reality, teenagers and work.
Next week, things ratchet back a little with the long run being "only" 7 miles. The 7 miles reminds me of a shoe slogan I saw recently that said "Our short runs used to be our long runs". I'm getting back to that point and feeling good about it. My shin held up really well. The stress fracture and any lingering pain has subsided for now. Earlier in the week the physical therapist released me. Good news, yet a bit scary to be going it alone.
One little piece of trivia about Crestline I read in a brochure by the Crestline Business Council - "In 1921 Los Angeles real estate developer, Charles Mann, purchased a major interest in this area and began promoting Crestline Village as a year-round resort destination." Imagine that!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Magazine Wisdom
I’m not really aware of a runners’ high, but I think it keeps me from getting the human low – Jim Kravets (in Trail Runner magazine)
First off some numbers keeping:
79.2 miles for July. My third highest month for the year, but well off my average of 125/month in 2007.
This week was a step back week with only 15.7 miles, 3 - 3 milers and a 6.7 mile long run on Saturday. I did the long run at a 6:1 ratio. I felt really strong on the second half and could have easily run more but stuck to the plan.
I read an article that resonated with me in the May 2008 Running Times. It talked about adult-onset athletes. The definition pretty much fits me to a T. The closest I was to being an athlete as a kid was the manager for the junior high basketball team. Even with that I broke by little finger throwing passes during practice.
The chord that really struck me was the tendency of AOA's to train non stop; not taking into account training phases - conditioning, competing, peaking, and recovery. "Unfortunately for adult-onset runners, the sport of road running has developed into an endless, year-round competitive season." (Running Times, May 2008).
Since I started running I've trained year round. Living in Southern California just made me even more susceptible to this. The weather is almost always good and the local race schedule is plentiful year round. Combine this with the 50 state goal and someone like me can easily run themselves into the ground and apparently I did. The article predicts that 4-5 years into this year round schedule an injury could occur. This ultimately leads to an unplanned recovery period, 13 weeks in my case.
My best year was 2006 after having taken most of January off and then having a 6 month build to my first sub 4:00 marathon, my 8th marathon after starting from 0 three years prior. I've read about recovery periods but have never taken more than a week after a marathon, sometimes as little as three days, before getting right back at it again. I assumed my midpack efforts only required that little rest.
My body was obviously trying to tell me something different. The question is am I smart enough to listen.
---------------------------------------------
In other news, my friend and lab rat, Janice, ran her first marathon this weekend. We ran the Fontana Days Half together back in 2006. She is currently up in San Francisco at dental school. She trained with a race sponsored training group and finished the San Francisco marathon in 4:17. I'm really excited for her.
First off some numbers keeping:
79.2 miles for July. My third highest month for the year, but well off my average of 125/month in 2007.
This week was a step back week with only 15.7 miles, 3 - 3 milers and a 6.7 mile long run on Saturday. I did the long run at a 6:1 ratio. I felt really strong on the second half and could have easily run more but stuck to the plan.
I read an article that resonated with me in the May 2008 Running Times. It talked about adult-onset athletes. The definition pretty much fits me to a T. The closest I was to being an athlete as a kid was the manager for the junior high basketball team. Even with that I broke by little finger throwing passes during practice.
The chord that really struck me was the tendency of AOA's to train non stop; not taking into account training phases - conditioning, competing, peaking, and recovery. "Unfortunately for adult-onset runners, the sport of road running has developed into an endless, year-round competitive season." (Running Times, May 2008).
Since I started running I've trained year round. Living in Southern California just made me even more susceptible to this. The weather is almost always good and the local race schedule is plentiful year round. Combine this with the 50 state goal and someone like me can easily run themselves into the ground and apparently I did. The article predicts that 4-5 years into this year round schedule an injury could occur. This ultimately leads to an unplanned recovery period, 13 weeks in my case.
My best year was 2006 after having taken most of January off and then having a 6 month build to my first sub 4:00 marathon, my 8th marathon after starting from 0 three years prior. I've read about recovery periods but have never taken more than a week after a marathon, sometimes as little as three days, before getting right back at it again. I assumed my midpack efforts only required that little rest.
My body was obviously trying to tell me something different. The question is am I smart enough to listen.
---------------------------------------------
In other news, my friend and lab rat, Janice, ran her first marathon this weekend. We ran the Fontana Days Half together back in 2006. She is currently up in San Francisco at dental school. She trained with a race sponsored training group and finished the San Francisco marathon in 4:17. I'm really excited for her.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ten Feet Off of Beale
I've been anticipating this post for a long time. Long before I ever got hurt. It's finally time to make the proclamation and change the title of this blog.
I'm going to Memphis, God willing, to run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. A year ago Joe and I had talked of keeping our annual early December tradition alive. This will be year three. Tecemseh (IN) in 2006, Huntsville (AL) in 2007, now Memphis (TN) in 2008. (and trust me I've already scouted out possibilities for 2009.)
I've mentioned the plan, the physical therapy, the orthotics; now its time to draw the line in the sand. Thanks to my uber supportive wife. Memphis is on the books. That was my birthday present a few weeks back. Many probably already suspected it was.
Lisa is so supportive of my goal to run 50 states. She probably wants it for me as much as I want it for myself. I've learned to be careful what I mention around her. Give her an inkling of an idea, be it a trip, a party, whatever, and in no time flat she's made all the necessary arrangements. She sent in my registration, booked my hotel and made my flight reservations. All I have to do is show up. And run.
I'm going to stick with my low mileage plan to have the highest assurance possible of getting to the starting line. So this time around there won't be any speedwork, not that there ever was much, and there won't be many sub 8:00 miles, but it will sure be sweet crossing that finish line in Memphis.
How does "Twelve Down - Training for Tennessee" sound?
Then I'm running in Memphis;
Was running with my feet ten feet off of Beale.
Running in Memphis.
But do I really feel the way I feel?
* a little creative license taken
I'm going to Memphis, God willing, to run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. A year ago Joe and I had talked of keeping our annual early December tradition alive. This will be year three. Tecemseh (IN) in 2006, Huntsville (AL) in 2007, now Memphis (TN) in 2008. (and trust me I've already scouted out possibilities for 2009.)
I've mentioned the plan, the physical therapy, the orthotics; now its time to draw the line in the sand. Thanks to my uber supportive wife. Memphis is on the books. That was my birthday present a few weeks back. Many probably already suspected it was.
Lisa is so supportive of my goal to run 50 states. She probably wants it for me as much as I want it for myself. I've learned to be careful what I mention around her. Give her an inkling of an idea, be it a trip, a party, whatever, and in no time flat she's made all the necessary arrangements. She sent in my registration, booked my hotel and made my flight reservations. All I have to do is show up. And run.
I'm going to stick with my low mileage plan to have the highest assurance possible of getting to the starting line. So this time around there won't be any speedwork, not that there ever was much, and there won't be many sub 8:00 miles, but it will sure be sweet crossing that finish line in Memphis.
How does "Twelve Down - Training for Tennessee" sound?
Then I'm running in Memphis;
Was running with my feet ten feet off of Beale.
Running in Memphis.
But do I really feel the way I feel?
* a little creative license taken
Sunday, July 27, 2008
8-10-20
First off, let me say how much appreciate all the comments and concerns on my comeback. It is very cool to know that there is this great community of people out there keeping tabs on the progress. I really am trying to play this round of training smart and cautious.
The schedule I've chosen is based on the schedule for my first marathon back in 2004. I prepared for that one with a local running group. The buildup assumed a limited base and no prior marathon experience. I figured starting back at "square one" was a wise idea considering the three months off and increased likelihood of reinjury if I took things too fast. As added assurance I took the original plan at 5 days a week and modified it to only 4 days a week. This modification will keep my weekly mileage on the low side throughout the cycle. My highest mileage week will only be 34 miles. Low mileage by any traditional plan, but the goal here is to finish state 13 healthy and able to run 37 more some time in the future.
I've had my heart set on running the Memphis St Jude Marathon in December. Clearance to run again in June coincided perfectly with the 26 week beginner plan to get me there. When I got started I had no idea if I would get there and it's still not guaranteed, but I had to have a plan. When it comes to running, I am a stickler for the plan. Once I've committed it to paper I do everything in my power to get there.
This week, week 8 of the plan, was somewhat of a milestone week. I ran a long run of 10 miles for the first time and had weekly mileage of 20! I'm happy to report that the 10 miler went smoothly and my leg actually feels better than it has in awhile (knock on wood!).
I ran Jesse's Loop with the CA Cruisers. We met at Hillcrest Park and then ran all over God's green acre, Fullerton. I used an 8:1 run:walk technique. That pace kept me in the middle group. Thankfully the lead group would stop periodically to regroup. This route has many twists and turns. We ran on roads, trails, through a tunnel, down an abandoned railway, and around a lake. Finally returning to the park. I used my watch only to track the running and walking segments.
The rest of the week:
M - upper body workout with the personal trainer
T - 4 miles - Bonelli picnic loop 2x +
W - Yoga
H - upper body work and 3 miles on the equestrian trail in VV.
F - Rest
S- 10 miles - Jesse's Loop
S - 3 miles - out the front door for 15 minutes and back again
Total miles = 20.
Later today I will hit the gym again. Tomorrow the personal trainer will give my legs a work out. I'm still seeing the physical therapists but have cut that down to once a week after consulting with them on my progress. The next few weeks will alternate between step back weeks and slowly ramping things up. Let's see how it goes.
The schedule I've chosen is based on the schedule for my first marathon back in 2004. I prepared for that one with a local running group. The buildup assumed a limited base and no prior marathon experience. I figured starting back at "square one" was a wise idea considering the three months off and increased likelihood of reinjury if I took things too fast. As added assurance I took the original plan at 5 days a week and modified it to only 4 days a week. This modification will keep my weekly mileage on the low side throughout the cycle. My highest mileage week will only be 34 miles. Low mileage by any traditional plan, but the goal here is to finish state 13 healthy and able to run 37 more some time in the future.
I've had my heart set on running the Memphis St Jude Marathon in December. Clearance to run again in June coincided perfectly with the 26 week beginner plan to get me there. When I got started I had no idea if I would get there and it's still not guaranteed, but I had to have a plan. When it comes to running, I am a stickler for the plan. Once I've committed it to paper I do everything in my power to get there.
This week, week 8 of the plan, was somewhat of a milestone week. I ran a long run of 10 miles for the first time and had weekly mileage of 20! I'm happy to report that the 10 miler went smoothly and my leg actually feels better than it has in awhile (knock on wood!).
I ran Jesse's Loop with the CA Cruisers. We met at Hillcrest Park and then ran all over God's green acre, Fullerton. I used an 8:1 run:walk technique. That pace kept me in the middle group. Thankfully the lead group would stop periodically to regroup. This route has many twists and turns. We ran on roads, trails, through a tunnel, down an abandoned railway, and around a lake. Finally returning to the park. I used my watch only to track the running and walking segments.
The rest of the week:
M - upper body workout with the personal trainer
T - 4 miles - Bonelli picnic loop 2x +
W - Yoga
H - upper body work and 3 miles on the equestrian trail in VV.
F - Rest
S- 10 miles - Jesse's Loop
S - 3 miles - out the front door for 15 minutes and back again
Total miles = 20.
Later today I will hit the gym again. Tomorrow the personal trainer will give my legs a work out. I'm still seeing the physical therapists but have cut that down to once a week after consulting with them on my progress. The next few weeks will alternate between step back weeks and slowly ramping things up. Let's see how it goes.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Rolling Along
Last week went off pretty much without a hitch as far as running goes. I stuck to the schedule pretty much as written. This was my third week with four runs and I still haven't broken 20 miles for the week. I did move Tuesday's 3 miler to Wednesday to accommodate Mexican food with friends on Tuesday.
The shin continues to hold up. There is sometimes a soreness in the calf muscle near the bone. It is less severe than before and somewhat lower on the leg. It comes and goes. I'm attributing many of the little aches and pains to re-entry into the running mode. The sensation, I don't want to call it a pain, comes on during the jumping exercises I do at the physical therapy as well. They seem to be somewhat at a loss on how to make it go away completely. I will continue to run, carefully and wisely. But I do have to admit that the intermittent aches and pains are wearing on me mentally. Whatever!
The week went down like this:
Wed - 3 miles Via Verde equestrian trail (after Yoga class)
Thurs - 3 miles on my part of my old standard 5 mile loop on the Bonelli trails - that run was fun but boy was I slow (have I said this before, 8-))
Sat - 9 miles over on the Santa Fe Dam River Trail - The CA Cruiser ran the Newport Back Bay. That run is 11+ miles and I didn't want to push things. I'm sure they enjoyed a nicer view. I did see several other runners, tons of cyclists and even 3 guys on roller blades. I thought those went out in the 80's. I guess not.
Sun- 3 miles on the equestrian trail, again.
Grand total 18 miles for the week. On tap next week I finally break the double digit barrier for a long run and hit 20 miles for the week, for the first time since February. Unbelievable.
The shin continues to hold up. There is sometimes a soreness in the calf muscle near the bone. It is less severe than before and somewhat lower on the leg. It comes and goes. I'm attributing many of the little aches and pains to re-entry into the running mode. The sensation, I don't want to call it a pain, comes on during the jumping exercises I do at the physical therapy as well. They seem to be somewhat at a loss on how to make it go away completely. I will continue to run, carefully and wisely. But I do have to admit that the intermittent aches and pains are wearing on me mentally. Whatever!
The week went down like this:
Wed - 3 miles Via Verde equestrian trail (after Yoga class)
Thurs - 3 miles on my part of my old standard 5 mile loop on the Bonelli trails - that run was fun but boy was I slow (have I said this before, 8-))
Sat - 9 miles over on the Santa Fe Dam River Trail - The CA Cruiser ran the Newport Back Bay. That run is 11+ miles and I didn't want to push things. I'm sure they enjoyed a nicer view. I did see several other runners, tons of cyclists and even 3 guys on roller blades. I thought those went out in the 80's. I guess not.
Sun- 3 miles on the equestrian trail, again.
Grand total 18 miles for the week. On tap next week I finally break the double digit barrier for a long run and hit 20 miles for the week, for the first time since February. Unbelievable.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Big Question
After not running for nearly three months and anticipating being released to run again I wondered to myself and aloud to some friends "What if I don't love it any more?" It had me a little worried that I would even have the thought.
It has been difficult to explain to others how running 5 days a week and multiple marathons was fun. I can't really explain it to myself. I'm not an athlete, but running was something I enjoyed. After the injury the first week or so was really difficult. After a while though, I got used to not running. I guess that's what scared me into thinking I wouldn't enjoy it any more.
I still think about the big question. Sunday evening I headed over to Bonelli for an easy 3 miler. I headed out on what I call the Cottontail Trail a little after 8:00 p.m.
The sun had officially set while I was running but there was still plenty of light to navigate by. I was sharing the trail with no one but the namesake bunnies. I was at ease, enjoying the trail, the encroaching darkness, the cooling evening breeze, and the lemony smell of the eucalyptus trees when I realized I had the answer to the question.
I do still love it.
It has been difficult to explain to others how running 5 days a week and multiple marathons was fun. I can't really explain it to myself. I'm not an athlete, but running was something I enjoyed. After the injury the first week or so was really difficult. After a while though, I got used to not running. I guess that's what scared me into thinking I wouldn't enjoy it any more.
I still think about the big question. Sunday evening I headed over to Bonelli for an easy 3 miler. I headed out on what I call the Cottontail Trail a little after 8:00 p.m.
The sun had officially set while I was running but there was still plenty of light to navigate by. I was sharing the trail with no one but the namesake bunnies. I was at ease, enjoying the trail, the encroaching darkness, the cooling evening breeze, and the lemony smell of the eucalyptus trees when I realized I had the answer to the question.
I do still love it.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Out with A Trail Run
Thursday night I entered my age as 46 on a race entry for the very last time possible. I had decided to take part in the Summer Trail Run Series at Peters Canyon in the OC. This is a three race series, 5 miles each. I had wanted to do this series last year but didn’t and I can’t really remember why not. I had run Peters Canyon before with the Cruisers. It is a small, tame wilderness area tucked in among typical Southern California subdivisions. I figured it was a gentle entry back into trail running and the 5 mile distance wasn’t pushing the mileage boundaries too much.
I arrived early. The next car to park was driven by someone I recognized. It was smsmh and tc, wife and child of the amazing hip. It turns out Jeff was going to be there as well but was arriving separately and parked in another lot. It was fun to meet little tc in person. He seems to be a pretty happy guy. At the registration area, Jeff found me. It was good to see him and catch up a little bit. Jeff seems to know everyone so our visit was much too short. It will be while before we’ll be able to share a run again. Unbelievably the last time we’d run together was August 2006.
There were 15 CA Cruisers there for the event. I know many abhor the idea of just training through, but that was really my only intent at this race I just wanted to get in a solid 5 miles and ease back into the trails. I lined up about mid-way in the pack.
The race starts out on a gravel path at Cedar Grove Park in Tustin and makes its way over to Peters Canyon. About a mile into the race we head up the hills through the eucalyptus grove. The trail runs pretty much straight along the ridge, rolling up and down. I felt fine, but needed to walk, along with many others, up a couple of the hills. Although it was significantly cooler in Orange County compared to my home in Los Angeles County 30 miles to the north, it was plenty warm on the hills.
At the turn around point we descended into the canyon proper and ran into a really nice cool breeze on a gentle down slope all the way back. Running through this section felt really good. Although I couldn’t muster any real speed, I was able to just maintain a solid, but slow, consistent pace. My time for the five miles was 49:05. Jeff on the other hand who had planned on taking it easy finished in a blistering 34:03, 19th overall. Now you see why we won’t be running together for a while.
One fun thing about this series is the BBQ afterward. We hung out over burgers, chicken and the biggest bag of chips ever. None of the Cruisers won anything in the raffle.
I was cool with my sub 50:00 finishing time. My 9:50 pace was right on for a training run. Then I realized that my 50 State inspiration, the 74 year old Dr. John, finished in 44:24. I got schooled by a man 25 years my senior! I tried to tell myself that he was racing while I was just running. It didn’t really help. I can’t recall every losing a race to him. It was a humbling experience. Slow (just not so slow) and steady is the only way back. Race #3 in the series is August 7 and I’ll be gunning for Dr. John (so much for respecting your elders). I may not catch him but I expect to narrow the gap. Catching Jeff on the other hand is going to take something akin to a miracle.
Today, my first day on the planet as a 47 year old, was a complete rest day. No running and no gym. My wife got me a really cool present. I’ll have to tell you all about that one in another post. I hope all your Saturday long runs or races go well.
I arrived early. The next car to park was driven by someone I recognized. It was smsmh and tc, wife and child of the amazing hip. It turns out Jeff was going to be there as well but was arriving separately and parked in another lot. It was fun to meet little tc in person. He seems to be a pretty happy guy. At the registration area, Jeff found me. It was good to see him and catch up a little bit. Jeff seems to know everyone so our visit was much too short. It will be while before we’ll be able to share a run again. Unbelievably the last time we’d run together was August 2006.
There were 15 CA Cruisers there for the event. I know many abhor the idea of just training through, but that was really my only intent at this race I just wanted to get in a solid 5 miles and ease back into the trails. I lined up about mid-way in the pack.
The race starts out on a gravel path at Cedar Grove Park in Tustin and makes its way over to Peters Canyon. About a mile into the race we head up the hills through the eucalyptus grove. The trail runs pretty much straight along the ridge, rolling up and down. I felt fine, but needed to walk, along with many others, up a couple of the hills. Although it was significantly cooler in Orange County compared to my home in Los Angeles County 30 miles to the north, it was plenty warm on the hills.
At the turn around point we descended into the canyon proper and ran into a really nice cool breeze on a gentle down slope all the way back. Running through this section felt really good. Although I couldn’t muster any real speed, I was able to just maintain a solid, but slow, consistent pace. My time for the five miles was 49:05. Jeff on the other hand who had planned on taking it easy finished in a blistering 34:03, 19th overall. Now you see why we won’t be running together for a while.
One fun thing about this series is the BBQ afterward. We hung out over burgers, chicken and the biggest bag of chips ever. None of the Cruisers won anything in the raffle.
I was cool with my sub 50:00 finishing time. My 9:50 pace was right on for a training run. Then I realized that my 50 State inspiration, the 74 year old Dr. John, finished in 44:24. I got schooled by a man 25 years my senior! I tried to tell myself that he was racing while I was just running. It didn’t really help. I can’t recall every losing a race to him. It was a humbling experience. Slow (just not so slow) and steady is the only way back. Race #3 in the series is August 7 and I’ll be gunning for Dr. John (so much for respecting your elders). I may not catch him but I expect to narrow the gap. Catching Jeff on the other hand is going to take something akin to a miracle.
Today, my first day on the planet as a 47 year old, was a complete rest day. No running and no gym. My wife got me a really cool present. I’ll have to tell you all about that one in another post. I hope all your Saturday long runs or races go well.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Monday, July 07, 2008
Baby Steps
Every week I add just a little bit more.
Since June 2 I've run only three days a week. Two weeks ago I finally broke into double digit mileage at 13.5. This week I added an extra day of running for a total of 16.2 miles in 4 days. The days I wasn't running I was at the gym.
I sat down on Saturday and worked out a training plan for assuming that everything will work out for Memphis. I've kept it to 4 days a week for the remaining 22 weeks. I think it is probably in the best interest of longevity to keep it easy, at least for the time being. Four days a week and the relatively low weekly mileage that goes with it won't get me any PR's or a BQ, but I think it is the only way right now that I can even hope to knock off another state.
I also looked through the local race calendar and found some trail runs and half marathons that fit nicely into the schedule. Most of them are races that have just not fit in before. So I'm pretty happy with the plan.
On Saturday I went down to Yorba Linda and met up with the Cruisers for the first time in like forever. It was really good to see everyone and to run the old Santa Ana Bike Path. I ran with Jay for 6 continuous miles. I felt pretty good but was more than ready to stop when the time came. The iced latte afterward sure went down smoothly.
Since June 2 I've run only three days a week. Two weeks ago I finally broke into double digit mileage at 13.5. This week I added an extra day of running for a total of 16.2 miles in 4 days. The days I wasn't running I was at the gym.
I sat down on Saturday and worked out a training plan for assuming that everything will work out for Memphis. I've kept it to 4 days a week for the remaining 22 weeks. I think it is probably in the best interest of longevity to keep it easy, at least for the time being. Four days a week and the relatively low weekly mileage that goes with it won't get me any PR's or a BQ, but I think it is the only way right now that I can even hope to knock off another state.
I also looked through the local race calendar and found some trail runs and half marathons that fit nicely into the schedule. Most of them are races that have just not fit in before. So I'm pretty happy with the plan.
On Saturday I went down to Yorba Linda and met up with the Cruisers for the first time in like forever. It was really good to see everyone and to run the old Santa Ana Bike Path. I ran with Jay for 6 continuous miles. I felt pretty good but was more than ready to stop when the time came. The iced latte afterward sure went down smoothly.
Friday, July 04, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
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)
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)
Saturday, June 28, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, April 07, 2008
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.
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.
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