Back to Tampa Palms and a tour of the neighborhoods. This time we did 8 miles and it felt like an "easy" run. My how the distances have changed in 5 months.
It is hard to believe but I think that I will miss the way early get togethers with this crowd. It has been an incredible experience but it is great to see so many friends working so hard to get to a combined result. They are an inspiring bunch and I am very proud to be amongst them. Go TEAM!!!
Time to do more stretching, a little more running and just enjoy this experience. The race is only 2 weeks away. Wow!
Go Team
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Where are we now?
The nineteenth brought us to Bayshore for another group run. This was a 5 miler and again alongside the bay. Fun run with a good gathering. Told everyone that Jenn was coming on Friday and they needed to show her what a big group of runners was like since she has only three or four others.
After she arrived Friday night from VA, we bedded her down for the 4:30 wake up call. We were doing a 5:45 start since we had 12 miles to go and needed extra time.
Got to the site in New Tampa and everybody was real friendly and welcomed Jenn from another chapter. Good job team.
Did the same 8 mile loop that we did the last time there and then had to go two more miles further and double back. We did the whole distance and then some. We had a delayed start as Jenn put Bacitracin on her heal blister and that made the bandaid slide off just like butter on a hot skillet. After several tries and some of our hydration water, she was able to get it reasonably set in place. We then got down to business and put one foot in front of the other for a fairly long time.
Since there was the double back, we passed the faster runners as they were heading back so it was fun. Lots of high fives and Go Teams.
We both survived the distance and our time was still within the allotted pace to make us pretty darn sure that 13.1 was attainable within 4 hours.
No team running this Wednesday and Saturday is an "easy" 9. We are tapering now to get healthy and ready for the 13th.
The raffle still is going on and is getting good response. Fund raising has been tougher than I had expected but it is for such a good cause it is okay that it is not easy.
A big boost from the f0lks at Belfor for their big group donation. Also a special thanks to Mimi's for the second gift certificate for the raffle when I went in to discuss the expiration date which they so graciously extended as did the Outback Folks. Also a big Gracie to the Olive Garden, thanks Tom for your dontation as well.
Connie, you rock, and your donation will be very helpful.
We are almost there. I have visualized the finish line crossing and they say that is all I need to make it there.
Get the cameras ready cuz we got a photo shoot to prepare for.
Go Team
After she arrived Friday night from VA, we bedded her down for the 4:30 wake up call. We were doing a 5:45 start since we had 12 miles to go and needed extra time.
Got to the site in New Tampa and everybody was real friendly and welcomed Jenn from another chapter. Good job team.
Did the same 8 mile loop that we did the last time there and then had to go two more miles further and double back. We did the whole distance and then some. We had a delayed start as Jenn put Bacitracin on her heal blister and that made the bandaid slide off just like butter on a hot skillet. After several tries and some of our hydration water, she was able to get it reasonably set in place. We then got down to business and put one foot in front of the other for a fairly long time.
Since there was the double back, we passed the faster runners as they were heading back so it was fun. Lots of high fives and Go Teams.
We both survived the distance and our time was still within the allotted pace to make us pretty darn sure that 13.1 was attainable within 4 hours.
No team running this Wednesday and Saturday is an "easy" 9. We are tapering now to get healthy and ready for the 13th.
The raffle still is going on and is getting good response. Fund raising has been tougher than I had expected but it is for such a good cause it is okay that it is not easy.
A big boost from the f0lks at Belfor for their big group donation. Also a special thanks to Mimi's for the second gift certificate for the raffle when I went in to discuss the expiration date which they so graciously extended as did the Outback Folks. Also a big Gracie to the Olive Garden, thanks Tom for your dontation as well.
Connie, you rock, and your donation will be very helpful.
We are almost there. I have visualized the finish line crossing and they say that is all I need to make it there.
Get the cameras ready cuz we got a photo shoot to prepare for.
Go Team
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Revisitting the parking lots at Fort DeSoto
We were scheduled for another multi county gathering at Fort DeSoto Park yesterday. A 6:30 gathering time with an hours drive meant the alarm went off at 4:30 AM (in the middle of the night). Since I knew MacDonalds was closed, I opted for a double oatmeal and a high fiber, dense slab of bread with peanut butter. A couple of shake glasses full of water to start the hydration. I filled three of the water belt bottles with Accelerade to try that instead of Gatorade. Out the door in the pitch black of night and on to the run.
Both counties were well represented and we had a good turnout. We did a group stretch and then headed out. Just then the two shake glasses of water got my attention. A quick detour through the men's room and I was out on the trail behind just about everyone. I am not daunted by being last thanks to my preparation in previous training events so I just started my pace that I ran last Wednesday. I had fun as I approached and passed some of the walkers. Lots of Go Teams and Good Mornings and Boy is it Dark still.
When I hit the first water stop at around 1.5 miles, I was just about to hit the Parking Lots That Go On Forever. I was still running and feeling that my pace was good. I ran most of the way through the parking lots and by the time I turned around, I was a little past 38 minutes so I was around a 15 minute pace. I made a quick water stop at the near end of the PLTGOF and refilled my water bottles and was off again. I had passed a lot of the runners as they finished the parking lots while I was starting them and we High Fived and Go Teamed a bunch. It is fun to have the camaraderie even if I can't run as fast.
After the parking lots I didn't see any one else until the 5 mile mark which is in the center of the island. The sun was up by then and I was just plain marvelling at how far I had come since July. This is the real kick from the training. I was completing nearly 5 miles and not feeling any pain or exhaustion. I was determining that my pace is the same as the beat for Scott Joplin's Mapleleaf Rag. Now music is playing in my head and I am enjoying my surroundings, seeing the flock of birds taking off, the warmth of Florida Training and how well the wicking material in my hat draws the sweat to the end of the bill of my cap and drips it out in front of me.
Good health is a blessing we so often take for granted. Now I take a moment to think about the struggles of those that are involved in their chemotherapy treatments. I know that this Team in Training stuff is really worthwhile. I shake out my hands and know that 10 miles are to be done today. I sail by the 5 mile water stop and for the next couple miles I get to see my faster teammates again as they are on their way back from the other end of the island to complete their runs back at the 5 mile water stop.
I reach the flag pole at the 6 mile mark. Turning now to head back was what I did on my first 7 mile run. I remember how tired I was then but here I go on to the cul-de-sac that marks the far other end of the island. This is the only part that I need to push since when I get out there, I know that have to get back so there is no pushing yourself to new territory when you are returning. I get to the end of the trail and out onto the road to go to the cul-de-sac now in sight.
Now I can see the full span of the Sunshine Skyway bridge...nice view. I round the turn and head for the finish. All 10 miles done in 2:31 avg 15:06 and energy to spare for a dash for the final 100 yards. 13.1 is now within reach.
Both counties were well represented and we had a good turnout. We did a group stretch and then headed out. Just then the two shake glasses of water got my attention. A quick detour through the men's room and I was out on the trail behind just about everyone. I am not daunted by being last thanks to my preparation in previous training events so I just started my pace that I ran last Wednesday. I had fun as I approached and passed some of the walkers. Lots of Go Teams and Good Mornings and Boy is it Dark still.
When I hit the first water stop at around 1.5 miles, I was just about to hit the Parking Lots That Go On Forever. I was still running and feeling that my pace was good. I ran most of the way through the parking lots and by the time I turned around, I was a little past 38 minutes so I was around a 15 minute pace. I made a quick water stop at the near end of the PLTGOF and refilled my water bottles and was off again. I had passed a lot of the runners as they finished the parking lots while I was starting them and we High Fived and Go Teamed a bunch. It is fun to have the camaraderie even if I can't run as fast.
After the parking lots I didn't see any one else until the 5 mile mark which is in the center of the island. The sun was up by then and I was just plain marvelling at how far I had come since July. This is the real kick from the training. I was completing nearly 5 miles and not feeling any pain or exhaustion. I was determining that my pace is the same as the beat for Scott Joplin's Mapleleaf Rag. Now music is playing in my head and I am enjoying my surroundings, seeing the flock of birds taking off, the warmth of Florida Training and how well the wicking material in my hat draws the sweat to the end of the bill of my cap and drips it out in front of me.
Good health is a blessing we so often take for granted. Now I take a moment to think about the struggles of those that are involved in their chemotherapy treatments. I know that this Team in Training stuff is really worthwhile. I shake out my hands and know that 10 miles are to be done today. I sail by the 5 mile water stop and for the next couple miles I get to see my faster teammates again as they are on their way back from the other end of the island to complete their runs back at the 5 mile water stop.
I reach the flag pole at the 6 mile mark. Turning now to head back was what I did on my first 7 mile run. I remember how tired I was then but here I go on to the cul-de-sac that marks the far other end of the island. This is the only part that I need to push since when I get out there, I know that have to get back so there is no pushing yourself to new territory when you are returning. I get to the end of the trail and out onto the road to go to the cul-de-sac now in sight.
Now I can see the full span of the Sunshine Skyway bridge...nice view. I round the turn and head for the finish. All 10 miles done in 2:31 avg 15:06 and energy to spare for a dash for the final 100 yards. 13.1 is now within reach.
Wednesday by the Bay or You ate what?
Team training this week was back at Bayshore along Tampa Bay. I got tied up with work and got a late start. I was really anxious to run with the team since I had missed last Saturday so I rushed out of the house without any fuel in my stomach. I knew I needed something to eat but couldn't figure how to do it and still arrive on time. I looked at my Garmin and felt a quick stop might be doable.
I pulled into the Golden Arches and grabbed a large Number 1 meal (for those of you on healthy eating plans that is a Big Mac and Large order of Fries...of course, I orde red a Diet Coke). Well that all got consumed on the way to the park in Downtown Tampa. When I arrived, itwas really dark, no moon and the sunset is early now. I saw what looked like my team already out and running. I passed them and continued on down to the park where I parked my car and got out to a quiet area with no teammates milling around as I usually see before the run. I still wanted the fun of running with team and since we run out and back on the same sidewalk, I figured I would just go and see if I could catch any of the walkers. I did not take the time to stretch so I just started plodding along trying to figure what my plan was for this 5 miles. I had tried 4 minutes running with 2 minutes walking, 1 minute running with 2 minutes walking, 7 minutes running with 1 and a half minutes walking and none had been perfect. Since I was already behind everyone, I just ran. I got to the half mile mark where the neighborhood ends and the Bayshore begins. There is a concrete railing along the bay and a nice wide concrete pedestrian path separated from the car traffic by a wide grass strip. There is more light by this point from streetlights, car traffic and no trees. You can see the whole of Downtown Tampa and several high rise condos and across the Bay so the run is pretty. I was feeling pretty good when I got to Euclid which was the 1.5 mile mark and said "Why not just see how far you can run before you walk this time." I had my GU with me and my water belt so at 2 miles I took my first GU. Coach Steve had suggested one every half hour and at my pace, I was there, but still running.
I got all the way to the turnaround point at 2.5 when I finally stopped for a bit of a walk. I walked for about 2.5 minutes and decided I wanted to see if I could keep my time up since the first half (with all my MacDonald's carb and fat) really felt good. I started to run again and before I knew it, I was back at Euclid with only 1.5 miles to go. I was now trying to figure out how to get a Number 1 meal in Arizona at 5:30 am before the race. Coach Steve met me about 1.25 miles out and ran with me for a while. He asked how I was doing and I told him terrible. He said really? And I told him that I had been trying to eat healthier during my training but I never felt as good as I did tonight and I was all mixed up about how I should fuel for my half Marathon. Since he always said try everything during training so there is nothing new at race time, I began to think that MacDonald's Stock might go up by January 13 if my training took this new information into account.
I actually had enough energy at the end to kick it as I came into the parking lot and I flaunted my Superpowers as I came to the rest of the group. I explained my quandry to several of the others and they thought that maybe I had hit on the right plan for pre race carb loading.
It was a fun experience and my first Guilt Free MacDonald's meal in some time.
I pulled into the Golden Arches and grabbed a large Number 1 meal (for those of you on healthy eating plans that is a Big Mac and Large order of Fries...of course, I orde red a Diet Coke). Well that all got consumed on the way to the park in Downtown Tampa. When I arrived, itwas really dark, no moon and the sunset is early now. I saw what looked like my team already out and running. I passed them and continued on down to the park where I parked my car and got out to a quiet area with no teammates milling around as I usually see before the run. I still wanted the fun of running with team and since we run out and back on the same sidewalk, I figured I would just go and see if I could catch any of the walkers. I did not take the time to stretch so I just started plodding along trying to figure what my plan was for this 5 miles. I had tried 4 minutes running with 2 minutes walking, 1 minute running with 2 minutes walking, 7 minutes running with 1 and a half minutes walking and none had been perfect. Since I was already behind everyone, I just ran. I got to the half mile mark where the neighborhood ends and the Bayshore begins. There is a concrete railing along the bay and a nice wide concrete pedestrian path separated from the car traffic by a wide grass strip. There is more light by this point from streetlights, car traffic and no trees. You can see the whole of Downtown Tampa and several high rise condos and across the Bay so the run is pretty. I was feeling pretty good when I got to Euclid which was the 1.5 mile mark and said "Why not just see how far you can run before you walk this time." I had my GU with me and my water belt so at 2 miles I took my first GU. Coach Steve had suggested one every half hour and at my pace, I was there, but still running.
I got all the way to the turnaround point at 2.5 when I finally stopped for a bit of a walk. I walked for about 2.5 minutes and decided I wanted to see if I could keep my time up since the first half (with all my MacDonald's carb and fat) really felt good. I started to run again and before I knew it, I was back at Euclid with only 1.5 miles to go. I was now trying to figure out how to get a Number 1 meal in Arizona at 5:30 am before the race. Coach Steve met me about 1.25 miles out and ran with me for a while. He asked how I was doing and I told him terrible. He said really? And I told him that I had been trying to eat healthier during my training but I never felt as good as I did tonight and I was all mixed up about how I should fuel for my half Marathon. Since he always said try everything during training so there is nothing new at race time, I began to think that MacDonald's Stock might go up by January 13 if my training took this new information into account.
I actually had enough energy at the end to kick it as I came into the parking lot and I flaunted my Superpowers as I came to the rest of the group. I explained my quandry to several of the others and they thought that maybe I had hit on the right plan for pre race carb loading.
It was a fun experience and my first Guilt Free MacDonald's meal in some time.
Disney does me in
Judy and I took advantage of the Disney tickets which we bought when Frank, Lisa and Miranda came to visit and went to see the lights at the MGM studio last weekend. They light up all the back lot building and string a lot of moving displays over the street. Lots of fun and lots of music (sometimes the lights dance in time with the music). That kept me away from the team run on Saturday so I tried to do it myself on Sunday. I went to the Upper Tampa Bay Trail which I had run before since I had wanted to do a 9 mile run. I got a late start and was feeling worn out from the trip to Disney and the drive back that morning. Just did not have it in me and fizzled at about 6 miles. It was getting late and the park was going to close soon anyway so I justified stopping early. Still got in extra distance but not as much as I had planned. Maybe we will postpone any more weekend distractions between now and PF Chang in Arizona.
Running with the animals
December 5 we moved our group Wednesday run to an new location...the Lowry Park Zoo. There was a Christmas 5k Jingle Bell Run which drew a really huge crowd. This was my first race. We arrived early and had plenty of time as a group before the race. I was registered by a little after 6:00 and the race did not start until after 7:00 PM. One of my team brought jingle bells so we decked ourselves with a lot of jingling.
The parking lot was loaded with people when the flow of bobbing heads started to move. The mass moved along slowly until we hit the first bridge over a culvert. That slowed us even more. After the bridge, we started to move and by the turn at the big tree we were spreading out. After we got less crowded we went into the Zoo entrance and cones were set up to move us around the zoo. I have never seen the zoo so fast. We raced on the wooden walkways which overlook the bears and flamingos and down through the displays for the snakes and manatees. A lot of doublebacks so we would see one side of the walkway going up and the other coming back. We were directed back outside again and then back in for another spin by the animals.
Most were sleeping but the Christmas music was playing and it was lots of fun. The finish line opened out to the area where the spouting water sprays usually cool off visiting little ones but this time instead of water sprays, we had decadent chocolate cake, pizza and beer. That is a fun way to finish your running.
We had a good team turnout and lots of fun. My 3 miles finished in 44:10 which is below the 15 minute mark which will finish my half Marathon in fine fashion.
The parking lot was loaded with people when the flow of bobbing heads started to move. The mass moved along slowly until we hit the first bridge over a culvert. That slowed us even more. After the bridge, we started to move and by the turn at the big tree we were spreading out. After we got less crowded we went into the Zoo entrance and cones were set up to move us around the zoo. I have never seen the zoo so fast. We raced on the wooden walkways which overlook the bears and flamingos and down through the displays for the snakes and manatees. A lot of doublebacks so we would see one side of the walkway going up and the other coming back. We were directed back outside again and then back in for another spin by the animals.
Most were sleeping but the Christmas music was playing and it was lots of fun. The finish line opened out to the area where the spouting water sprays usually cool off visiting little ones but this time instead of water sprays, we had decadent chocolate cake, pizza and beer. That is a fun way to finish your running.
We had a good team turnout and lots of fun. My 3 miles finished in 44:10 which is below the 15 minute mark which will finish my half Marathon in fine fashion.
Friday, November 30, 2007
5 more miles
First group run attended by the missing runner on Wednesday this week. Lots of Hi's and High 5's when I showed up after an extended absence. Some thought I had just decided to give it all up. No getting rid of me that easy.
This was a 5 mile run and it actually felt good to be running again. I wasn't sure after mostly walking in Va. how much running I would be able to do. I started out slowly and continued slowly but most of the distance was running. I made the first half in 32+ minutes and the return in 35+ minutes for about 67 minutes for all 5 miles. For the mathematically challenged, that is a 13:24 pace. Not bad considering we did not break 14 in California.
I wore my new belly band support and that reminded me to engage my abs and use my QL's as I ran. My Piriformis and my Psoas reaped the benefits of better posture and form but yesterday I was feeling new Hamstring tightness that was not previously apparent. Continuing to see improvement even with an extended lay off.
Special thanks to two people in my company for an assist this week. I cornered Doris JamalDin while she was in the office and told her about my training and fund raising. Next thing you know, she was flashing money and saying that she wanted to contribute as well. Thanks so much to her. Another Hero!
Also, I have to be oncall every 4 weeks for the after hours duty. This Wednesday, Harriet Ngum, was kind enough to wait until I had just returned from my running before she called me with a possible run to Hawthorn FL. We learned that this was more in the area of our Ocala rep and he ultimately took the call. Thanks to Harriet for her excellent timing.
Long run scheduled for Saturday AM
Go Team
This was a 5 mile run and it actually felt good to be running again. I wasn't sure after mostly walking in Va. how much running I would be able to do. I started out slowly and continued slowly but most of the distance was running. I made the first half in 32+ minutes and the return in 35+ minutes for about 67 minutes for all 5 miles. For the mathematically challenged, that is a 13:24 pace. Not bad considering we did not break 14 in California.
I wore my new belly band support and that reminded me to engage my abs and use my QL's as I ran. My Piriformis and my Psoas reaped the benefits of better posture and form but yesterday I was feeling new Hamstring tightness that was not previously apparent. Continuing to see improvement even with an extended lay off.
Special thanks to two people in my company for an assist this week. I cornered Doris JamalDin while she was in the office and told her about my training and fund raising. Next thing you know, she was flashing money and saying that she wanted to contribute as well. Thanks so much to her. Another Hero!
Also, I have to be oncall every 4 weeks for the after hours duty. This Wednesday, Harriet Ngum, was kind enough to wait until I had just returned from my running before she called me with a possible run to Hawthorn FL. We learned that this was more in the area of our Ocala rep and he ultimately took the call. Thanks to Harriet for her excellent timing.
Long run scheduled for Saturday AM
Go Team
Sunday, November 25, 2007
What? No blog for 3 weeks?
There was a terrible mixup and these two aliens banged on the door in the middle of the night on Nov 5 and dragged me off kicking and screaming (not loud enough to wake Judy) and took me to the Mother ship where I was examined for 3 weeks. They had left a shape shifting alien in my place so that no one would notice. They had been very careful to study me before they took me, so they had all the Buppa information down well and Miranda did not guess that this was a ruse during her visit. Fortunately, the replacement was a grandfather alien and knew all about granddaughters so he fell into the role quickly.
When they found out that I had no government secrets or answers to the major questions of the universe they just agreed that though I am fun, I would probably do better back on Earth and they would reassign my double elsewhere. You may see him at a Republican Candidates debate in the near future but you won't be able to distinguish him from the orginal. They are that good.
Well, before they brought me back, I got to see the video of what my alter-ego had done over the last 3 weeks. He did try the Lotus Room for Yoga on Tuesday and found that to be great for stretching and psychological enhancement. He told everyone that I enjoyed it a bunch. He made arrangements to do it again when Lisa came to visit the next week.
That Saturday was a group run that was missed because Lisa, Frank, and Miranda came to visit on the nite before and since they were still on West Coast time and she and the alien caught training later in the day.
The alien took her to the yoga on Tuesday. Additional training went on through the week. A trip to Disney on Weds, Thurs and Friday included treadmill time in the exercise room. The next Saturday was still too early with West Coasters going home the next day. Then after some training over the weekend, I was returned. The return was just in time to make the Thanksgiving trip to Charlottesville to visit with Jenn at her place. Two training activities for 3 milers each using a 1/2 mile to the soccer field, several trips around the track for 2 miles and the 1/2 mile back to the house. Thursday included a lot of walking around the Natural Bridge where George Washington did his training apparently. After a great meal at the Hotel we walked down to the bridge and saw a great light show after sundown ( the show was cool but the weather was getting cold). By Saturday, we did a 7.5 miler in Charlottesville and started in mid 20 degree weather. Coach Steve said try anything new during training so there would be no surprises and nothing new on race day. Well, I got a chance to try out exercise with gloves, several layers of shirts, and "woosh-woosh" pants over my shorts. It does not seem likely that Flagstaff will be any colder than that and I survived. What seemed like a really adverse weather start turned out to be a good training opportunity.
Thanks to the Charlottesville Running Store, I am in a second pair of running shoes. Great help by the staff that assisted with a video assessment of my running while on a treadmill. Big help with the Saturday training and now we're ready for the longer runs that will be in store over the next 8 weeks.
Thanks to Lisa for keeping the alien in shape and to Jenn for keeping me going.
Also thanks to Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty for their very generous financial support and words of encouragement. You two make great heroes in many ways.
Go Team
When they found out that I had no government secrets or answers to the major questions of the universe they just agreed that though I am fun, I would probably do better back on Earth and they would reassign my double elsewhere. You may see him at a Republican Candidates debate in the near future but you won't be able to distinguish him from the orginal. They are that good.
Well, before they brought me back, I got to see the video of what my alter-ego had done over the last 3 weeks. He did try the Lotus Room for Yoga on Tuesday and found that to be great for stretching and psychological enhancement. He told everyone that I enjoyed it a bunch. He made arrangements to do it again when Lisa came to visit the next week.
That Saturday was a group run that was missed because Lisa, Frank, and Miranda came to visit on the nite before and since they were still on West Coast time and she and the alien caught training later in the day.
The alien took her to the yoga on Tuesday. Additional training went on through the week. A trip to Disney on Weds, Thurs and Friday included treadmill time in the exercise room. The next Saturday was still too early with West Coasters going home the next day. Then after some training over the weekend, I was returned. The return was just in time to make the Thanksgiving trip to Charlottesville to visit with Jenn at her place. Two training activities for 3 milers each using a 1/2 mile to the soccer field, several trips around the track for 2 miles and the 1/2 mile back to the house. Thursday included a lot of walking around the Natural Bridge where George Washington did his training apparently. After a great meal at the Hotel we walked down to the bridge and saw a great light show after sundown ( the show was cool but the weather was getting cold). By Saturday, we did a 7.5 miler in Charlottesville and started in mid 20 degree weather. Coach Steve said try anything new during training so there would be no surprises and nothing new on race day. Well, I got a chance to try out exercise with gloves, several layers of shirts, and "woosh-woosh" pants over my shorts. It does not seem likely that Flagstaff will be any colder than that and I survived. What seemed like a really adverse weather start turned out to be a good training opportunity.
Thanks to the Charlottesville Running Store, I am in a second pair of running shoes. Great help by the staff that assisted with a video assessment of my running while on a treadmill. Big help with the Saturday training and now we're ready for the longer runs that will be in store over the next 8 weeks.
Thanks to Lisa for keeping the alien in shape and to Jenn for keeping me going.
Also thanks to Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty for their very generous financial support and words of encouragement. You two make great heroes in many ways.
Go Team
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Back in the routine
I took Saturday off since I could not go to the group run because I had another appointment for the morning. Went to the Home Show later that day and bought some orthotics for my shoes. After wearing them for about 4 hours my leg issue had completely resolved despite walking around on concrete for several hours at the home show and then later at the mall.
Thought I would try them tonight in my run. Daughter Jenn warned that the muscles that had not been worked by my misaligned posture might complain mightily if I tried to run a long ways with the orthotics as now I would be calling on the proper muscles to do the work.
Ran 3 miles just to try out the new feet and it went pretty well. I ran the whole thing, no walk run combo and finished the 3 miles in 45:45. I was 1 mile shorter than last time but about a half a minute faster. I feel good and will try for a longer distance the next time to see if the new feet continue to work well.
It was chilly tonight and I went back to regular cotton rather than a wicking shirt and I worked up a good sweat. Trying to see what I will want to wear when we start the race in Flagstaff.
Oh well, I keep on experimenting. That's all for tonight.
Go Team.
Thought I would try them tonight in my run. Daughter Jenn warned that the muscles that had not been worked by my misaligned posture might complain mightily if I tried to run a long ways with the orthotics as now I would be calling on the proper muscles to do the work.
Ran 3 miles just to try out the new feet and it went pretty well. I ran the whole thing, no walk run combo and finished the 3 miles in 45:45. I was 1 mile shorter than last time but about a half a minute faster. I feel good and will try for a longer distance the next time to see if the new feet continue to work well.
It was chilly tonight and I went back to regular cotton rather than a wicking shirt and I worked up a good sweat. Trying to see what I will want to wear when we start the race in Flagstaff.
Oh well, I keep on experimenting. That's all for tonight.
Go Team.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wow! What a long layoff!!!
I am back. The groin is all recovered. I spent most of the afternoon in the car today travelling to Port Charlotte and back. Lots of clutch work and no problem walking. Decided that this would be the time to try distance again. I felt that maybe walking 3 miles would be a good idea so as to get some miles under my feet without straining the muscles. I started out but felt a little tight in the left leg more, I think, because I was trying to find an issue than noticing one that was there. After the first 1/8 mile or so, I tried a little jogging. My pace was only slightly faster than a walk. Mostly saying that I was off one foot before being on another. I started around the 1/2 mile mark and noticed that my breathing was well under control and a check of the watch showed the heart rate in line. Before I knew it, I had run the whole rest of the mile. I continued running until I passed the mailbox for a second time. I got a water out for hydrating and completed my third. About halfway through the third, I got a call from daughter, Jenn, and talked my way around the rest of mile 4. I finished in just over 1 hour 4 minutes. That is just over a 16 minute mile. (Good enough for the half marathon in under 4 hours...actually about 3 and 1/2). It was very comfortable, no wind issues, no heart rate issues, great fat burn and I completed feeling GOOD!!!
I guess speed will not be part of my training. I will start slow and continue slow and complete whatever I need to do that day. (Sounds simple)
For those of you who have not heard me say, the Daniel Family, John, Lisa, and Jenn, will be raising over $10,000 with our fund raising campaigns. That is a very cool result from my offhanded comment about wanting to lose weight made in from of my daughter, Lisa. Special thanks to my wife Judy for her efforts to both make personal contributions to all three of us, but also for her efforts to get the people in her office to make contributions as well. She is using the power of gift matching to multiply the value of those contributions. She is also providing great moral support as I try to find the time to do my training and fund raising. This is truly a family event.
Speaking of donations from her office, three cheers to Rocky, Rah Rah Rah. Thanks so much for your very generous donation.
Also special thanks to Dick and Ron from my office. They made generous contributions during my down time which added further support for getting back to running. If they are going to do their part by contributing, I know what I need to do in regard to running.
Thanks also to Karen, my neighbor on the next street. We traded donations and helped each other. Her claim to fame is the 3 day walk for Breast Cancer. Wow!! She is terrific!
Got some great fund raising down when I wasn't running. Setting up for a Silent Auction to auction off the wonderful dinner certificate donations received from many of the local eateries. It was far easier than I thought to get these. These people are very quick to respond to this type of fund raising and it was a fun day spent meeting these wonderful people who depend on all the local folks that regularly visit their restaurants and keep them in business to be able to help for our cause. More will be added as the auction comes to fruition. I am working out the details for the location of the auction thanks to a very cool donation of space which will be announced shortly when the plans are finalized. Stay in touch as this looks to be a lot of fun.
I spoke with Jenn tonight and told her how I ran the whole 4 miles and liked it and it felt good. She then pointed out that, in fact, I have learned to like running which is what was my goal when we started all of this in July. She is right, I do. I may not be fast and I may never be a great speedster but I have learned to enjoy something that I know a lot of people would say "Wow 4 miles, I can't even run 4 blocks." It has been a fun journey so far and now the big stuff lays just at my feet. The 8, 9 mile runs are coming now and the even longer ones are in place for December and then the big 13.1 in January. I am very confident now that I have started again.
Oh yeah, maybe we will need a new picture soon. I saw 229 on the scale today. That is more than 20 pounds since we started in late July (3 months). That is in comparison with the 25 that my doctor said I could lose in a year if I just walked 3 times a week for a 1/2 hour at a brisk pace.
What a great day!
Go Team!
I guess speed will not be part of my training. I will start slow and continue slow and complete whatever I need to do that day. (Sounds simple)
For those of you who have not heard me say, the Daniel Family, John, Lisa, and Jenn, will be raising over $10,000 with our fund raising campaigns. That is a very cool result from my offhanded comment about wanting to lose weight made in from of my daughter, Lisa. Special thanks to my wife Judy for her efforts to both make personal contributions to all three of us, but also for her efforts to get the people in her office to make contributions as well. She is using the power of gift matching to multiply the value of those contributions. She is also providing great moral support as I try to find the time to do my training and fund raising. This is truly a family event.
Speaking of donations from her office, three cheers to Rocky, Rah Rah Rah. Thanks so much for your very generous donation.
Also special thanks to Dick and Ron from my office. They made generous contributions during my down time which added further support for getting back to running. If they are going to do their part by contributing, I know what I need to do in regard to running.
Thanks also to Karen, my neighbor on the next street. We traded donations and helped each other. Her claim to fame is the 3 day walk for Breast Cancer. Wow!! She is terrific!
Got some great fund raising down when I wasn't running. Setting up for a Silent Auction to auction off the wonderful dinner certificate donations received from many of the local eateries. It was far easier than I thought to get these. These people are very quick to respond to this type of fund raising and it was a fun day spent meeting these wonderful people who depend on all the local folks that regularly visit their restaurants and keep them in business to be able to help for our cause. More will be added as the auction comes to fruition. I am working out the details for the location of the auction thanks to a very cool donation of space which will be announced shortly when the plans are finalized. Stay in touch as this looks to be a lot of fun.
I spoke with Jenn tonight and told her how I ran the whole 4 miles and liked it and it felt good. She then pointed out that, in fact, I have learned to like running which is what was my goal when we started all of this in July. She is right, I do. I may not be fast and I may never be a great speedster but I have learned to enjoy something that I know a lot of people would say "Wow 4 miles, I can't even run 4 blocks." It has been a fun journey so far and now the big stuff lays just at my feet. The 8, 9 mile runs are coming now and the even longer ones are in place for December and then the big 13.1 in January. I am very confident now that I have started again.
Oh yeah, maybe we will need a new picture soon. I saw 229 on the scale today. That is more than 20 pounds since we started in late July (3 months). That is in comparison with the 25 that my doctor said I could lose in a year if I just walked 3 times a week for a 1/2 hour at a brisk pace.
What a great day!
Go Team!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Recovery week
I took the name Recovery Week seriously. I have been doing a lot of stretching, Ibuprofening, resting and another massage. It has been slow but I have had some good results from this program. Most of the issues have resolved and it is now Monday and time to get back to my training. I will stretch carefully before running tonight and then again after. The distance is 3 and 4 miles alternated during the week and 8 on the weekend. If my running goes well during the week, the 8 should be doable by Saturday (pace slow distance long). My running shoes think I deserted them. Spirits and feet up tonight!
Go Team
Go Team
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Trade offs
By Friday, I was starting to feel better but still had the spasm in my groin and left hip. I noticed that as I looked in the mirror, I was in poor alignment...left hip raised and left shoulder dropped as I went to protect all my soreness. I was enough improvement and realized that I did not die on Wednesday that I thought maybe I should give myself a try on the Saturday long run.
4:30 came early but I got out of bed and readied for the trip to Fort DeSoto near South St. Pete. This is the first group training I had made involving the Hillsborough and Pinellas county runners and walkers. It was still dark as I drove into the parking lot and made my way to the pavilion where everyone was signing in. I stood in a line over 8 people long to sign in and needed to use a citronella candle to see what I was writing. Once signed in, I made my way to the area where they were starting to do the group stretching. Things were still tight and tender but not sore and spasmed. The length to the end of the run is 2.5 miles so down and back is 5.0. The full Marathoners were scheduled to do 10 miles so they would run the down and back on one direction and the down and back on the other direction for their 10. To get 7, you could do the first 5 and then go 1 mile to the flag pole and 1 mile back.
It stayed dark for most of the first 2 miles. At that point I left the paved trail and had been directed to run to the end of the parking lot and then turn around for the return. Wow, this is easy. I was unable to read my watch in the darkness so I had just maintained a slow and steady pace with more running than walking and felt this was far easier than I had expected. That however, was because the first parking lot led to another and then another and I think at least one more. Boy can they ever accommodate a lot of cars there!
I had seen most of the runners on their way back as I was bringing up the rear but I had maintained my speed to stay ahead of the walkers. (Some of them have a pretty solid pace). My leg was feeling pretty good at that point and so the return was not bad. I completed the 5 in about 80 minutes. I had done no fast running since I did not want to further do in my left leg but felt great about making the 5 at all. I stopped at the water stop and saw my fund raising partner just completing her 7 miles. She had told me about how many races she had been in and how she had gotten to the 17 mile mark when they called the Marathon in Chicago just 2 weeks ago. She gave me what I needed to convince myself that I had come here to do 7 miles and 7 I would do. I made that first step for the flagpole and knew this was doable.
I don't remember anytime before that this fat old body has even gone 7 consecutive miles without a car, a bike, or inline skates. Wow, what an accomplishment!!! Another personal best.
I then made my way to the pavilion and got some snacks at the pot luck we were having. This was also the send off for the Marine Marathon runners and the Nike Marathon runners. Lots of pep and cheering as we went over the fundraising to date. So far, Suncoast Chapter of TNT has raised over $360,000 this year. We heard from three cancer survivors. One said that the treatment that she received led to near elimination of the type of lymphoma she had. That was a great testament to the efforts of the TNT program. One of the other honored teammates is an Iraq War Vet who was diagnosed with Lymphoma and sent back home for his treatment. He is the honored teammate for both Nike and the Marine Marathons. Since the Marine Marathon starts directly in front of the Pentagon, this was particularly appropriate that we have this man on our team.
As I mentioned to my daughter as we spoke on my ride home, I might not have stayed with this program for this long if not for the involvement in this really worthwhile cause. If it was just for my own health and well being and personal satisfaction, I could have found any number of excuses that would have justified quitting. Next week is a recovery week and I fully expect that the groin issue will be a thing of the past. After that more milestones, miles 8 and 9 for the two following long runs and mostly 4 milers for the weekday runs. I am not the least intimidated by 4 miles any more. Wow, what a change in attitude from just a couple months back!
Thanks to the nice folks that made the donations at the Macy's Shop for a Cause program where they allowed us to sell the discount coupons and keep the proceeds. It was not a huge addition but everything counts as we get near to re-commitment day where I need to have 1/4 of my funding in. Also, last but far from least, a special thanks to work buddy Bill, who was the first from my office to help me as I go forward in this great challenge.
Now the trade off, I followed the advice of Coach Steve last Wednesday with the ice bath after the run and found the process to be very invigorating. I did it again after yesterday's run and found it down right cold. I did some heavy duty shivering and stirred it all up with the jets from the tub. Yesterday, Judy and I went out to the mall and walking was tenuous but bearable especially after that first step following sitting. Today when I got up, however, though I felt the tightness that I expected from the long run, the spasm had subsided markedly. I am still careful but with some stretching while watching the Bucs this afternoon, I think I am past the groin issue.
Another benefit, as I knelt down to put the pool vacuum, affectionately know as Hayward around here, I tried to figure out how best to get up. I simply rolled back onto the balls of my feet, then into a crouch and stood up. No pushing up on one leg and pulling the other under me with a grunt. It seems that some other muscles are starting to join in on the party and balance is also benefiting. Trade offs like these make the miles shorter and easier to get beyond. Don't forget that I am working on countering a lot of couch potato practice.
Go Team
4:30 came early but I got out of bed and readied for the trip to Fort DeSoto near South St. Pete. This is the first group training I had made involving the Hillsborough and Pinellas county runners and walkers. It was still dark as I drove into the parking lot and made my way to the pavilion where everyone was signing in. I stood in a line over 8 people long to sign in and needed to use a citronella candle to see what I was writing. Once signed in, I made my way to the area where they were starting to do the group stretching. Things were still tight and tender but not sore and spasmed. The length to the end of the run is 2.5 miles so down and back is 5.0. The full Marathoners were scheduled to do 10 miles so they would run the down and back on one direction and the down and back on the other direction for their 10. To get 7, you could do the first 5 and then go 1 mile to the flag pole and 1 mile back.
It stayed dark for most of the first 2 miles. At that point I left the paved trail and had been directed to run to the end of the parking lot and then turn around for the return. Wow, this is easy. I was unable to read my watch in the darkness so I had just maintained a slow and steady pace with more running than walking and felt this was far easier than I had expected. That however, was because the first parking lot led to another and then another and I think at least one more. Boy can they ever accommodate a lot of cars there!
I had seen most of the runners on their way back as I was bringing up the rear but I had maintained my speed to stay ahead of the walkers. (Some of them have a pretty solid pace). My leg was feeling pretty good at that point and so the return was not bad. I completed the 5 in about 80 minutes. I had done no fast running since I did not want to further do in my left leg but felt great about making the 5 at all. I stopped at the water stop and saw my fund raising partner just completing her 7 miles. She had told me about how many races she had been in and how she had gotten to the 17 mile mark when they called the Marathon in Chicago just 2 weeks ago. She gave me what I needed to convince myself that I had come here to do 7 miles and 7 I would do. I made that first step for the flagpole and knew this was doable.
I don't remember anytime before that this fat old body has even gone 7 consecutive miles without a car, a bike, or inline skates. Wow, what an accomplishment!!! Another personal best.
I then made my way to the pavilion and got some snacks at the pot luck we were having. This was also the send off for the Marine Marathon runners and the Nike Marathon runners. Lots of pep and cheering as we went over the fundraising to date. So far, Suncoast Chapter of TNT has raised over $360,000 this year. We heard from three cancer survivors. One said that the treatment that she received led to near elimination of the type of lymphoma she had. That was a great testament to the efforts of the TNT program. One of the other honored teammates is an Iraq War Vet who was diagnosed with Lymphoma and sent back home for his treatment. He is the honored teammate for both Nike and the Marine Marathons. Since the Marine Marathon starts directly in front of the Pentagon, this was particularly appropriate that we have this man on our team.
As I mentioned to my daughter as we spoke on my ride home, I might not have stayed with this program for this long if not for the involvement in this really worthwhile cause. If it was just for my own health and well being and personal satisfaction, I could have found any number of excuses that would have justified quitting. Next week is a recovery week and I fully expect that the groin issue will be a thing of the past. After that more milestones, miles 8 and 9 for the two following long runs and mostly 4 milers for the weekday runs. I am not the least intimidated by 4 miles any more. Wow, what a change in attitude from just a couple months back!
Thanks to the nice folks that made the donations at the Macy's Shop for a Cause program where they allowed us to sell the discount coupons and keep the proceeds. It was not a huge addition but everything counts as we get near to re-commitment day where I need to have 1/4 of my funding in. Also, last but far from least, a special thanks to work buddy Bill, who was the first from my office to help me as I go forward in this great challenge.
Now the trade off, I followed the advice of Coach Steve last Wednesday with the ice bath after the run and found the process to be very invigorating. I did it again after yesterday's run and found it down right cold. I did some heavy duty shivering and stirred it all up with the jets from the tub. Yesterday, Judy and I went out to the mall and walking was tenuous but bearable especially after that first step following sitting. Today when I got up, however, though I felt the tightness that I expected from the long run, the spasm had subsided markedly. I am still careful but with some stretching while watching the Bucs this afternoon, I think I am past the groin issue.
Another benefit, as I knelt down to put the pool vacuum, affectionately know as Hayward around here, I tried to figure out how best to get up. I simply rolled back onto the balls of my feet, then into a crouch and stood up. No pushing up on one leg and pulling the other under me with a grunt. It seems that some other muscles are starting to join in on the party and balance is also benefiting. Trade offs like these make the miles shorter and easier to get beyond. Don't forget that I am working on countering a lot of couch potato practice.
Go Team
Friday, October 12, 2007
Ouch!
Well the 3rd and 4th miles seemed to have gotten warm muscles in the leg and the tenseness from Wednesday appeared to be something of the past. On Sunday, however, it had returned in spades. The first step after standing up was very tenuous and the thought was that the leg might collapse. Sudden movements counterclockwise to my left leg caused the adductor muscle in the groin to grab in spasm. Tried to stretch but could not get what I needed. By Monday, I knew I needed help. I got a massage from a very good therapist and she was able to get into my ITB muscles for a good stretch and finished with a deep massage into my psoas which I now know runs very deep below the surface. Boy did she push!
I did feel better on Tuesday but decided to give it one more day to rest. Thus I have missed 6 hours so far during the week. On Wednesday, I went to the group run and was still stiff. I started with a fast walk for the first mile and that warmed me enough for a run for the second. I ran the 4/2 pace. I was in a run cycle when I hit the 2 mile mark and turned around to come back. I got one more walk cycle and into the next run cycle when things started to get tired and stiff. After my next walk cycle I tried to run and the hip flexers were not going to allow it. I walked back in to the parking lot. I got 4 miles under my feet but it was very disappointing to have the limitations that I have never had before.
Coach Steve advised that an ice bath might help with the inflammation so I tried that. Ran the tub with just cold water. I was in as it filled so I tolerated that okay but then adding 2 ten pound bags of ice made a really sudden drop in the temp. Boy, that was invigorating. Sorta like swimming in the ocean off the Massachusetts coastline.
I gave up the Thursday run for more recovery and continued my stretching. I will do the same today as this is a rest day anyway. Tomorrow is our combined group run with all 3 counties and a pot luck after the run. We are scheduled for 7 miles so I want to be as ready as I can be.
Tonight I have a fund raiser at the Brandon Mall where I will be selling $5 coupons for 10%-20% discounts at Macy's. Hopefully that will bring in some more money. We get to keep all the proceeds and I will be working the table from 5-7 with one other teammate.
That brings us up to date except for a big thank you to Neighbor Jim for his kind donation to the effort. Your involvement brings me closer to my goal.
Go Team
I did feel better on Tuesday but decided to give it one more day to rest. Thus I have missed 6 hours so far during the week. On Wednesday, I went to the group run and was still stiff. I started with a fast walk for the first mile and that warmed me enough for a run for the second. I ran the 4/2 pace. I was in a run cycle when I hit the 2 mile mark and turned around to come back. I got one more walk cycle and into the next run cycle when things started to get tired and stiff. After my next walk cycle I tried to run and the hip flexers were not going to allow it. I walked back in to the parking lot. I got 4 miles under my feet but it was very disappointing to have the limitations that I have never had before.
Coach Steve advised that an ice bath might help with the inflammation so I tried that. Ran the tub with just cold water. I was in as it filled so I tolerated that okay but then adding 2 ten pound bags of ice made a really sudden drop in the temp. Boy, that was invigorating. Sorta like swimming in the ocean off the Massachusetts coastline.
I gave up the Thursday run for more recovery and continued my stretching. I will do the same today as this is a rest day anyway. Tomorrow is our combined group run with all 3 counties and a pot luck after the run. We are scheduled for 7 miles so I want to be as ready as I can be.
Tonight I have a fund raiser at the Brandon Mall where I will be selling $5 coupons for 10%-20% discounts at Macy's. Hopefully that will bring in some more money. We get to keep all the proceeds and I will be working the table from 5-7 with one other teammate.
That brings us up to date except for a big thank you to Neighbor Jim for his kind donation to the effort. Your involvement brings me closer to my goal.
Go Team
Saturday, October 6, 2007
100 miles and going strong
I passed the 100 mile mark today since I started this adventure in July. Whoda thunk it? Met with the group this morning and ran my first 6 miler. Managed all 6 in just over 1 and a half hours. Slightly more than a 15 minute mile but still well within range for the 4 hour mark for the Half Mary in January and still 3 months to go. This time I left my stride short and just chugged along at a steady albeit slow pace. My distance was comfortable and never got into the range of heartbeat above my target range.
I did not run either Thursday or Friday and still the groin muscle was talking to me as I did the warm up stretches. By mile 3 all had warmed up nicely and the muscle decided to just come along for the ride and not feel the need to point out all the landmarks and out of state license plates. It was nice and peaceful without all that talk. However, now that muscle has again found a voice and is clearly talking to me. I guess we go to the muscle book and try again to find a good stretch to shut him up.
Rick, one of the coaches, ran part way with me and mentioned that I will see a big difference on race day in Arizona with the cooler weather. He says that the drop in temperature should add about 20 seconds to the per mile time simply because I am not using as much energy to cool myself off as is needed in 80 degree high humidity weather like we have here. I still love the heat after all those years in the Northeast so I don't seem to mind the heat and humidity like some of my teammates but still another 20 seconds is nothing to scoff at.
The fund raising events are kicking into high gear. Everyone was exchanging ideas and it was exciting to be with so many other participants. We had over 35 people there today. Great energy is noted when these people are together. A great group and for such a great cause.
Off to read about stretches.
Go Team
I did not run either Thursday or Friday and still the groin muscle was talking to me as I did the warm up stretches. By mile 3 all had warmed up nicely and the muscle decided to just come along for the ride and not feel the need to point out all the landmarks and out of state license plates. It was nice and peaceful without all that talk. However, now that muscle has again found a voice and is clearly talking to me. I guess we go to the muscle book and try again to find a good stretch to shut him up.
Rick, one of the coaches, ran part way with me and mentioned that I will see a big difference on race day in Arizona with the cooler weather. He says that the drop in temperature should add about 20 seconds to the per mile time simply because I am not using as much energy to cool myself off as is needed in 80 degree high humidity weather like we have here. I still love the heat after all those years in the Northeast so I don't seem to mind the heat and humidity like some of my teammates but still another 20 seconds is nothing to scoff at.
The fund raising events are kicking into high gear. Everyone was exchanging ideas and it was exciting to be with so many other participants. We had over 35 people there today. Great energy is noted when these people are together. A great group and for such a great cause.
Off to read about stretches.
Go Team
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Missed the sign and kept on a-goin'
We ran last night at the park at the end of Bayshore. We were told that the Half Marathoners would run to the guard shack at the Monte Carlo Condos. The Full Marathoners were to go further and turn and come back. I heard something about Bay to Bay as being information for the Full Marathoners.
I looked carefully across the wide boulevard to find Monte Carlo and never saw it before I got to Bay to Bay. Another Half Marathoner just ahead of me had already turned and was heading back. I quit at Bay to Bay and went back myself. It was getting pretty dark by the time I got back to the park where we started. As coach Steve accompanied me back in, he said he thought that was about 4.8 miles. I googled it and it seems more like 5.2. At any rate that was about 5 miles instead of the 4 I had planned to do.
I am paying the price again tonight and with a long day of driving and desk work for reports. the muscles are shouting "We can't support this weight for a run tonight!" The left leg is weak and not very steady. Since we will be doing 6 miles on Saturday, I think this will be another rest night. It won't be as productive a week mileage-wise but since an injury could cause much more non-productivity, I think this will still be worth the reduction.
Will stretch and zap the muscles with the tens unit and then go to bed for more recovery sleep.
Good night..
Go Team
Oh by the way, another mail delivery of a check, thanks to Berwyn and Peg, two of my longest time supporters. You guys are great because I owe a lot to you for how I managed to get this far.
Go Team
I looked carefully across the wide boulevard to find Monte Carlo and never saw it before I got to Bay to Bay. Another Half Marathoner just ahead of me had already turned and was heading back. I quit at Bay to Bay and went back myself. It was getting pretty dark by the time I got back to the park where we started. As coach Steve accompanied me back in, he said he thought that was about 4.8 miles. I googled it and it seems more like 5.2. At any rate that was about 5 miles instead of the 4 I had planned to do.
I am paying the price again tonight and with a long day of driving and desk work for reports. the muscles are shouting "We can't support this weight for a run tonight!" The left leg is weak and not very steady. Since we will be doing 6 miles on Saturday, I think this will be another rest night. It won't be as productive a week mileage-wise but since an injury could cause much more non-productivity, I think this will still be worth the reduction.
Will stretch and zap the muscles with the tens unit and then go to bed for more recovery sleep.
Good night..
Go Team
Oh by the way, another mail delivery of a check, thanks to Berwyn and Peg, two of my longest time supporters. You guys are great because I owe a lot to you for how I managed to get this far.
Go Team
Monday, October 1, 2007
Side bar for Miranda
Hey Miranda, how about I come to your house again. Maybe I can say, "Hey Miranda, Where's your garage?"
Love you to pieces, Pumpkin,
Buppa. ;<{ )
Love you to pieces, Pumpkin,
Buppa. ;<{ )
New week
Well it is Monday and we start out with a 3 mile run. I tried some variety tonight. I started the first mile very stiff despite my stretching and just settled into a steady slow pace with short steps. I got about .4 miles and thought "I wonder if I can run the whole mile without walking". I got to the down side of the outer horseshoe and was about .4 out and thought "Sure you can."
I did. It took 15 minutes. Not fast but interesting to see that I can run that far now considering where I started 2 months ago. The second mile was a 5/2 set and that went in 14:40. The third I used a 5/2 pace but figured to run as hard as I could. That mile went in 14:00 for a 14:15 average.
I do seem to take at least 1 mile and more likely 2 miles to warm up and stretch my legs out. That means that race day should start slowly even though the rabbits may bolt out ahead of me. This tortoise will need to be slow and steady to complete the race.
I got another contribution in on the website from my fund raising over the weekend. Thank you Jeff, you are a Hero in my book. I will get back to you about the raffle entry when I get that a little more set.
No Gel or Gu needed for a 3 miler. Not even extra water. Wow!!! I am developing endurance.
Gotta go to bed and get my recovery sleep.
Go Team
I did. It took 15 minutes. Not fast but interesting to see that I can run that far now considering where I started 2 months ago. The second mile was a 5/2 set and that went in 14:40. The third I used a 5/2 pace but figured to run as hard as I could. That mile went in 14:00 for a 14:15 average.
I do seem to take at least 1 mile and more likely 2 miles to warm up and stretch my legs out. That means that race day should start slowly even though the rabbits may bolt out ahead of me. This tortoise will need to be slow and steady to complete the race.
I got another contribution in on the website from my fund raising over the weekend. Thank you Jeff, you are a Hero in my book. I will get back to you about the raffle entry when I get that a little more set.
No Gel or Gu needed for a 3 miler. Not even extra water. Wow!!! I am developing endurance.
Gotta go to bed and get my recovery sleep.
Go Team
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Catching up
Thursday was a better run than Wednesday. I felt good and the muscles were loose to start. My first mile was 14:06, second 14:29 and third 14:13. Avg m/m is 14:16. Fastest time yet. The stretching and the electrical zapping with the tens unit have apparently been good for the legs.
No run Friday so I came home and started more fund raising. I got a call from Marai, my mentor, and we discussed fund raising projects. I wanted to get my neighborhood work done before the group run so that I would stay with my schedule. I finished a little script about the fat old guy running around the neighborhood and went down the street knocking on doors. Got about half the street done before it was too dark to be knocking on doors and scaring people.
Saturday I got up at 5:15 and raced around to get over to Brandon by 6:30 for the group run. I should have taken more time to read the coach's e-mail since training was in Tampa Palms this week. Got to the Brandon location and no one was there. Well, not to waste what is still foreign to me (getting up early) I knew there was a 5 mile route that the Full Marathoners used last time. I ran that and finished with just over a 15 minute per mile pace. However, to my great pleasure, I came in first this time. Never happened before. Course I was the only one there.
After running the 5 miles, I stretched well, drove home, soaked in the pool, showered again and then printed the rest of the brochures for the neighborhood. For the next 2 1/2 hours, I walked around the mile route and met several neighbors who have lived here for many years and we never met before. This is a nice social event. Found that there are other racers in the neighborhood and other fund raisers. Nice neighborhood. I got home really tired but emotionally pumped and needed another shower from the walk in the Florida sun.
I picked up 2 donations on the walk, got a call back to pick up a check, and got an online donation. Thanks to John and Judy, Eric, Joe and Shirley, and Mark. Your support is very much appreciated. You made the long hot walk very worthwhile!!!
Today is a recovery day so I think I will watch the Buccaneers do all the exercise.
Go Team
No run Friday so I came home and started more fund raising. I got a call from Marai, my mentor, and we discussed fund raising projects. I wanted to get my neighborhood work done before the group run so that I would stay with my schedule. I finished a little script about the fat old guy running around the neighborhood and went down the street knocking on doors. Got about half the street done before it was too dark to be knocking on doors and scaring people.
Saturday I got up at 5:15 and raced around to get over to Brandon by 6:30 for the group run. I should have taken more time to read the coach's e-mail since training was in Tampa Palms this week. Got to the Brandon location and no one was there. Well, not to waste what is still foreign to me (getting up early) I knew there was a 5 mile route that the Full Marathoners used last time. I ran that and finished with just over a 15 minute per mile pace. However, to my great pleasure, I came in first this time. Never happened before. Course I was the only one there.
After running the 5 miles, I stretched well, drove home, soaked in the pool, showered again and then printed the rest of the brochures for the neighborhood. For the next 2 1/2 hours, I walked around the mile route and met several neighbors who have lived here for many years and we never met before. This is a nice social event. Found that there are other racers in the neighborhood and other fund raisers. Nice neighborhood. I got home really tired but emotionally pumped and needed another shower from the walk in the Florida sun.
I picked up 2 donations on the walk, got a call back to pick up a check, and got an online donation. Thanks to John and Judy, Eric, Joe and Shirley, and Mark. Your support is very much appreciated. You made the long hot walk very worthwhile!!!
Today is a recovery day so I think I will watch the Buccaneers do all the exercise.
Go Team
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Oooo that was tough
Ran 4 miles...had no legs...1st felt slow and was about 14:30 and went downhill from there. Tried a GU at the end of mile 3 and that helped a little...62:30 for the 4 miles...over 15 min miles. At least I made the distance that I said I would do when I started.
Ran the first two miles at a 7/2 pace. That may have been too fast or too long. Dropped to 4/2 for the last two miles.
That's all..
Good nite Go Team
Ran the first two miles at a 7/2 pace. That may have been too fast or too long. Dropped to 4/2 for the last two miles.
That's all..
Good nite Go Team
Another week.
After the weekend run, I was preparing for a steady week. When Monday arrived, I was too pooped to run so I decided on an extra rest day. No sooner did I get into bed early, then the phone rang and the Pasco County Sheriff's office called for me to come investigate an accident involving one of their deputies. That kept me out til after 12:30 even as a quick assignment so my normal run would have been interrupted anyway.
Tuesday saw us running again. This was a 3 mile run that involve 3 loops around the neighborhood. Running at a speed of 14:09, 14:30 and 14:17, it appears that some new speed is entering into the process. Does this mean that muscle is developing, weight is dropping, lungs and heart are strengthening?
They are all 3 miles days this week but since I am behind from Tuesday, maybe I will try to gain an extra back tonight. It is still early and I think I will go change and run before dinner.
TTFN Go Team
Tuesday saw us running again. This was a 3 mile run that involve 3 loops around the neighborhood. Running at a speed of 14:09, 14:30 and 14:17, it appears that some new speed is entering into the process. Does this mean that muscle is developing, weight is dropping, lungs and heart are strengthening?
They are all 3 miles days this week but since I am behind from Tuesday, maybe I will try to gain an extra back tonight. It is still early and I think I will go change and run before dinner.
TTFN Go Team
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Long Saturdays
Now that I am getting up before the birds on Saturday mornings, the day seems to go on forever. I started at 5:00 had breakfast, some fluid got my stuff together and out to get to Brandon by 6:30. The run was a 3 mile easy run. I got back to the house by 9:00 and still had an entire day ahead of me.
The run felt pretty good. The time was okay and made better by the fact that the third mile loosened me up to pick up my pace near the end and run my way into the parking lot at a faster rate than the rest of the run. That is when the legs will stretch a little more.
My new friend Sart was still with me at the end of the day so I got out the tens unit that I bought in Las Vegas. I gave the hip to knee path several good jolts and apparently that is what it needed to relax. I think I will add that to my stretching routine and see if we can get Sart to calm down and join in with the rest of the muscles as just tired and not whining.
That is all for now.
Go Team
The run felt pretty good. The time was okay and made better by the fact that the third mile loosened me up to pick up my pace near the end and run my way into the parking lot at a faster rate than the rest of the run. That is when the legs will stretch a little more.
My new friend Sart was still with me at the end of the day so I got out the tens unit that I bought in Las Vegas. I gave the hip to knee path several good jolts and apparently that is what it needed to relax. I think I will add that to my stretching routine and see if we can get Sart to calm down and join in with the rest of the muscles as just tired and not whining.
That is all for now.
Go Team
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A Rose by any other name.
Sartorius AG is a laboratory equipment manufacturer. Sartorius is a character in Stanislaw Lem's "Solaris". George Rose Sartorius was a British naval office who served as admiral of the fleet of Queen Maria II during Portugal's Liberal War. Ernst Sartorius was a 19th century German theologian. Finally, Sartorius is the surmane of a family of Polish nobility, also established in Spain. Sartorius is the Latin word for tailor. In history, many people whose name meant "tailor" in their own language adopted the surname Sartorius because it had a more honorable sound.
All this sounds so good. Respectable hard working tailors, theologians, military officers, etc. Why then is my Sartorius causing me so much problem?
Here I am referring to the new found muscle that runs down and across the length of the thigh. Apparently something in my running is causing that one muscle to work harder than all the others from the top to the bottom. It is sensitive to the touch just below and to the inside of my right knee cap. It is particuarly sensitive to what I refer to as the hacky sack move. I have seen people bounce a hacky sack on the inner side of the foot with the leg at a figure four position to pop the sack up just in front of the midline of the body. Never was good with a hacky sack but can't practice tonight.
I got somewhat sore there in California last week (hmmm my first 4 mile run came there too.) Then I sat twisted in an airplane seat for several hours on Saturday. Then I ran Sunday (hmmm my first 5 mile run came there too.) I took two days off to let it rest.
Tonight I had an "easy" three mile run scheduled since this is recovery week. I felt bad about being 3 miles behind from not running last night so I decided to do 4 tonight.
Mile one took 14 minutes. Mile two 14:30. I Power Gelled at the water stop and mile three took 15 minutes. Mile four was just being ambitious. One of the coaches came back to keep me company (I always stay behind so that if someone is injured, they won't be left out on the run undiscovered. It just looks like I run slower than they do. Very clever don't you think?)
I walked a little more than the 4/2 pace as my heart rate was elevated but the final 100 feet, I showed how my long legs can be used to an advantage and we speed the rest of the way, just in case anyone was watching. Probably something in the high 15 minute range. Did not look at my watch at the end.
I got in the car since I wanted to stop off and by a present for Judy so did not stretch as well as I had been doing with Lisa in California. Getting back out of the car at the store made me feel my age. However, I now feel it with 4 more miles under my feet.
Medical expert, daughter Jennifer, advised what I needed to do to make the Sart my friend again so I am closing to get a bag of frozen peas to ice it down.
I do think I am enjoying running. I crept up on me somewhere. My 3rd mile is becoming my easiest. The first two get me warmed up and stretched out and 3 has been fun for the last couple of weeks.
Gotta go ice, Go Team
All this sounds so good. Respectable hard working tailors, theologians, military officers, etc. Why then is my Sartorius causing me so much problem?
Here I am referring to the new found muscle that runs down and across the length of the thigh. Apparently something in my running is causing that one muscle to work harder than all the others from the top to the bottom. It is sensitive to the touch just below and to the inside of my right knee cap. It is particuarly sensitive to what I refer to as the hacky sack move. I have seen people bounce a hacky sack on the inner side of the foot with the leg at a figure four position to pop the sack up just in front of the midline of the body. Never was good with a hacky sack but can't practice tonight.
I got somewhat sore there in California last week (hmmm my first 4 mile run came there too.) Then I sat twisted in an airplane seat for several hours on Saturday. Then I ran Sunday (hmmm my first 5 mile run came there too.) I took two days off to let it rest.
Tonight I had an "easy" three mile run scheduled since this is recovery week. I felt bad about being 3 miles behind from not running last night so I decided to do 4 tonight.
Mile one took 14 minutes. Mile two 14:30. I Power Gelled at the water stop and mile three took 15 minutes. Mile four was just being ambitious. One of the coaches came back to keep me company (I always stay behind so that if someone is injured, they won't be left out on the run undiscovered. It just looks like I run slower than they do. Very clever don't you think?)
I walked a little more than the 4/2 pace as my heart rate was elevated but the final 100 feet, I showed how my long legs can be used to an advantage and we speed the rest of the way, just in case anyone was watching. Probably something in the high 15 minute range. Did not look at my watch at the end.
I got in the car since I wanted to stop off and by a present for Judy so did not stretch as well as I had been doing with Lisa in California. Getting back out of the car at the store made me feel my age. However, I now feel it with 4 more miles under my feet.
Medical expert, daughter Jennifer, advised what I needed to do to make the Sart my friend again so I am closing to get a bag of frozen peas to ice it down.
I do think I am enjoying running. I crept up on me somewhere. My 3rd mile is becoming my easiest. The first two get me warmed up and stretched out and 3 has been fun for the last couple of weeks.
Gotta go ice, Go Team
Sunday, September 16, 2007
5 miles anyone?
Well we managed to do 9 miles and a Yoga for the week. I was supposed to do a long run on Saturday that would have made it 14 miles. Unfortunately, I could not run while seatbelted into the plane seat for most of the day. We left California at 10:40 AM and did not get to the house until after 10:00 PM in Florida. I let the night do its best for recovery and tried to figure when to do my run. We slept in during the morning( first time Miranda was not at the door going "Buppa...Grammie...Get up!" in 10 days)(now I know why Lisa and Frank gave up their bedroom to us and slept in the playroom waaaaaaay at the other end of the house.)
I decided to make it an evening run and told Judy to be ready for an 8:00 run. I should have told the weatherman since the thunderstorms rolled in just about 7:55. Of course they don't last long around here so by 8:30 I was putting one foot in front of the other.
I ran 5 times around the neighborhood and got my longest run in yet. Miles 4 and 5 were the most comfortable. I guess it takes about 2 1/2 to 3 miles to get warmed up. I did the whole thing is 1 hour 16 minutes which is just over 4 miles per hour. Finished up with good stretching which I hope will make me feel good tomorrow.
Night All....Go Team
I decided to make it an evening run and told Judy to be ready for an 8:00 run. I should have told the weatherman since the thunderstorms rolled in just about 7:55. Of course they don't last long around here so by 8:30 I was putting one foot in front of the other.
I ran 5 times around the neighborhood and got my longest run in yet. Miles 4 and 5 were the most comfortable. I guess it takes about 2 1/2 to 3 miles to get warmed up. I did the whole thing is 1 hour 16 minutes which is just over 4 miles per hour. Finished up with good stretching which I hope will make me feel good tomorrow.
Night All....Go Team
Friday, September 14, 2007
Something new perhaps?
Thursday brought another 3 mile run at the Marina where we ran last weekend. Mile 1 was done in 14:00...best yet....mile 2 was completed in 14:30....mile 3 in a little over 14.Overall a good run but the end of mile 2 brought a new experience....Runner's Tummy....I started the kick a little too early following a fast mile one and when we were about 100 feet from the end, I thought breakfast might see daylight. I did not want to stop before reaching the mile mark but Stomach did not have the same ideas. I barely managed to complete and not decorate the landscape....I tried some GU for the 3rd mile and that seemed to help.
With the Yoga stretching and Lisa's recommendations for stretching, I am feeling better, looser, and taller than for a long time. I think I will be doing better in my stretching from now on.
It has been great running with my daughter for the last week and a half. It is a very memorable experience that I will cherish for many years to come. The big race will be even more fun.
In a month my other daughter, Jenn, will be the visiting family member and she will be doing her training with her sister.
We will all be working to share medals at the 1/2 Marathon in January and giving a triple whammy to those blood borne cancers. Lots of fund raising for this family!!!
Night all...Go Team
With the Yoga stretching and Lisa's recommendations for stretching, I am feeling better, looser, and taller than for a long time. I think I will be doing better in my stretching from now on.
It has been great running with my daughter for the last week and a half. It is a very memorable experience that I will cherish for many years to come. The big race will be even more fun.
In a month my other daughter, Jenn, will be the visiting family member and she will be doing her training with her sister.
We will all be working to share medals at the 1/2 Marathon in January and giving a triple whammy to those blood borne cancers. Lots of fund raising for this family!!!
Night all...Go Team
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
What happened after your big run?
Monday brought a 3 mile morning run. Lisa and I ran the local roads and got in our 3 miles in early as we had lots to do for the rest of the day. Miranda had Gymnastics, we needed lunch, some work needed to be done. The run was good though not as fast as the weekend run. Running was not as fast as over the weekend but it was still 3 miles.
Tuesday the run was at night...following all you can eat pizza at the local pizzaria. Since I did eat all I could, I rushed back to the house and collapsed on the bed for 1/2 hour. That got me mentally prepared for the run. I prepare well with my eyes closed as I can concentrate better. We got Miranda into bed and headed out. I had two glasses of water to be sure I was hydrating properly.
The water began to slosh in its comfy position atop the pizza layer. That continued for some time until the water sluiced down through the cracks and led the digestion parade. It was pretty chilly while we ran and apparently none of my body functions were geared toward digesting the pizza. I was probably back to my start weight which is why the run felt hard.
We finished the run with a 1 block sprint which felt good and the time was not bad despite hills, excessive pizza and cold.
Today we tried cross training and I had my first Yoga lesson. I thought that running in Florida made one sweat but nothing like I was doing when they had me down on the mat, twisting like a pretzel, and stretching muscles that have been on a 30 year vacation. I felt so calm and much looser afterward however so I think that I will look up a Yoga class at home. Since we ran 3 for the 2-3 mile run last night and I am planning to run 5 of the 4-5 run on Sunday, I felt that missing a running day would be okay. Then when I found out what a workout it was, I knew we would be okay. I need core strength and flexibility for my running and this works on both in a very clear way.
Well all is up to date now. Go Team!
Tuesday the run was at night...following all you can eat pizza at the local pizzaria. Since I did eat all I could, I rushed back to the house and collapsed on the bed for 1/2 hour. That got me mentally prepared for the run. I prepare well with my eyes closed as I can concentrate better. We got Miranda into bed and headed out. I had two glasses of water to be sure I was hydrating properly.
The water began to slosh in its comfy position atop the pizza layer. That continued for some time until the water sluiced down through the cracks and led the digestion parade. It was pretty chilly while we ran and apparently none of my body functions were geared toward digesting the pizza. I was probably back to my start weight which is why the run felt hard.
We finished the run with a 1 block sprint which felt good and the time was not bad despite hills, excessive pizza and cold.
Today we tried cross training and I had my first Yoga lesson. I thought that running in Florida made one sweat but nothing like I was doing when they had me down on the mat, twisting like a pretzel, and stretching muscles that have been on a 30 year vacation. I felt so calm and much looser afterward however so I think that I will look up a Yoga class at home. Since we ran 3 for the 2-3 mile run last night and I am planning to run 5 of the 4-5 run on Sunday, I felt that missing a running day would be okay. Then when I found out what a workout it was, I knew we would be okay. I need core strength and flexibility for my running and this works on both in a very clear way.
Well all is up to date now. Go Team!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Capillaries to the rescue
There appears to be an new division that may a landing at ground zero to battle fatigue, failure, and discouragement. They would be the capillaries that have been secretly setting up new blood lines to nourish the Quads and Calves as the legs make there longer runs now.
They did such a good job of preparing for Saturday that Brain hardly knew what was going on.
We found an area along University Ave where there was a park with a winding trail and great kite flying hills. Lisa and I ran the trail while Frank and Miranda flew a kite. I don't know what Judy did to start but I know she spent a good deal of the time untying kite string.
Lisa and I found the "0" mile marker and began to run. We checked our time for the mile distance to the "1" mile marker. Then we continued back around to the "0" marker again. Based on our pace we determined that the whole loop was about 1.3 to 1.4 miles so our 3 loops got us our 4 miles for the day.
We started with a 5 run 2 walk pace for the 1st mile, 4 1/2, 2 for the second mile and a 4,2 for the third. The second mile went a little slower than the first so we had to kick it for the final stretch before the mile marker. We were about 8 seconds off our pace for that mile. We tried some water and Power Gel before we finished lap two and reached the "0" marker again. This time we went a little faster up the uphill and when we reached the level area approaching the "1" mile marker we had gained a lot of extra time. We kicked it again and this time we completed the mile in 14:08. We went the rest of the .3 miles to finish our 3 loops and then walked back to the family. Heart rate stayed in the aerobic range the whole time except for the final few strides of the last part since I was running to complete the run and cross the finish line without regard to the BPM or the Huffing and Puffing. By the time we walked back to the rest of the family the Heart Rate was well down into the 110's.
Today we went to a street fair with a lot of walking and standing and carrying Granddaughter on shoulders so this afternoon was kinda tired to say the least. Lisa pointed out that sleep is the time when the body rebuilds muscle so I did some heavy duty rebuilding for about two hours before dinner. I am feeling pretty good now so it must have worked.
Even though I was not in Tampa to run with the group, we still managed to get a really good distance run in and since I had not previously done 4 miles, I have now crossed another marker in my journey to that 13.1 run. Yea!
Working this week on more fund raising to get those numbers up.
That is all for tonight.
They did such a good job of preparing for Saturday that Brain hardly knew what was going on.
We found an area along University Ave where there was a park with a winding trail and great kite flying hills. Lisa and I ran the trail while Frank and Miranda flew a kite. I don't know what Judy did to start but I know she spent a good deal of the time untying kite string.
Lisa and I found the "0" mile marker and began to run. We checked our time for the mile distance to the "1" mile marker. Then we continued back around to the "0" marker again. Based on our pace we determined that the whole loop was about 1.3 to 1.4 miles so our 3 loops got us our 4 miles for the day.
We started with a 5 run 2 walk pace for the 1st mile, 4 1/2, 2 for the second mile and a 4,2 for the third. The second mile went a little slower than the first so we had to kick it for the final stretch before the mile marker. We were about 8 seconds off our pace for that mile. We tried some water and Power Gel before we finished lap two and reached the "0" marker again. This time we went a little faster up the uphill and when we reached the level area approaching the "1" mile marker we had gained a lot of extra time. We kicked it again and this time we completed the mile in 14:08. We went the rest of the .3 miles to finish our 3 loops and then walked back to the family. Heart rate stayed in the aerobic range the whole time except for the final few strides of the last part since I was running to complete the run and cross the finish line without regard to the BPM or the Huffing and Puffing. By the time we walked back to the rest of the family the Heart Rate was well down into the 110's.
Today we went to a street fair with a lot of walking and standing and carrying Granddaughter on shoulders so this afternoon was kinda tired to say the least. Lisa pointed out that sleep is the time when the body rebuilds muscle so I did some heavy duty rebuilding for about two hours before dinner. I am feeling pretty good now so it must have worked.
Even though I was not in Tampa to run with the group, we still managed to get a really good distance run in and since I had not previously done 4 miles, I have now crossed another marker in my journey to that 13.1 run. Yea!
Working this week on more fund raising to get those numbers up.
That is all for tonight.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
California is not as flat as Florida
After being on the plane all day Wednesday, Judy and I arrived to spend time with the California family. My stretching must be helping since the plane ride did not leave me too crumpled up. I did have the emergency row with lots of leg room from Las Vegas to Oakland.
When we got to the house, we had dinner and then Lisa decided to show me what California running is like. It was still hot so the temp did not bother me. We ran on a sidewalk though which was harder than my normal blacktop. Also the sidewalk is very unlevel and crowded by growing bushes etc on either side. It was sparsely lit also so the pace was very cut up.
The legs were stiffer than I realized after the warmup failed to loosen them much. Then we hit some hills. Oakland side of the Bay is not like San Fran hills but still more than I was used to.
We did 1.6 miles out...stretched and watered...and turned back for home. Like a horse heading back to the barn, I started to move a little faster. Lisa had been doing power walking while I jogged and she was mostly keeping up. I did try to push it a little as we got closer to home and the Heart Rate was still good. I did make it so that she had to run to catch up. We did some really good stretching after and I still noticed that the knees were tight when I sat on my heels.
Thursday was taken up by some work time and some granddaughter time. Still feel that I am recovering ( possibly a combination of running and jet lag) so I am not running the run Thursday night. Lisa went out with Frank along on the bike to keep her safe and company.
Saturday will still be our long run.
Night night
When we got to the house, we had dinner and then Lisa decided to show me what California running is like. It was still hot so the temp did not bother me. We ran on a sidewalk though which was harder than my normal blacktop. Also the sidewalk is very unlevel and crowded by growing bushes etc on either side. It was sparsely lit also so the pace was very cut up.
The legs were stiffer than I realized after the warmup failed to loosen them much. Then we hit some hills. Oakland side of the Bay is not like San Fran hills but still more than I was used to.
We did 1.6 miles out...stretched and watered...and turned back for home. Like a horse heading back to the barn, I started to move a little faster. Lisa had been doing power walking while I jogged and she was mostly keeping up. I did try to push it a little as we got closer to home and the Heart Rate was still good. I did make it so that she had to run to catch up. We did some really good stretching after and I still noticed that the knees were tight when I sat on my heels.
Thursday was taken up by some work time and some granddaughter time. Still feel that I am recovering ( possibly a combination of running and jet lag) so I am not running the run Thursday night. Lisa went out with Frank along on the bike to keep her safe and company.
Saturday will still be our long run.
Night night
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Quads beat a Full House
Quads are great when you are playing poker but they are a different concern when you are running. For the first time they decided to talk to me on the run. I was really tight when I started out and ran nearly the whole first 3/4 mile before things settled in. I was using a 5/2 pattern of run/ walk for the first mile. I was able to do that in just about exactly 15 minutes. I dropped back to a 4/1 for the second mile. About 1/4 into the second mile, I started to feel tension in my left quad. I thought it was due to the lack of glycogen in the muscles and figured that the legs were just tired. I continued past the 1 1/2 mile point and noticed it was not going away. I walked 3 minutes instead of 2 as I had gone 4 1/2 in the running part. That left 5 minutes to complete the run in 30 minutes. I had decided to run only 2 miles since it was so late and I was feeling my legs. I had part of the leg of the outer horseshoe, the bottom and the inner leg almost to the apex to go. I watched the time and when I rounded the bottom and came for the run up the last part my leg gave me a new signal. The right side of my left quad was pinching me. I looked at my watch as I started to walk again and said" Well there are 2 minutes left, I probably won't do 30 minutes but will be close."
After about 20 seconds of walking, I started to run again. This time the quad was quiet so I used my arm motion to help propel me and got up to a (and I use this term lightly) sprint for the 2 mile mark. The heart rate had been under control the whole way so I figured that I could try. I crossed the foot of the driveway at exactly 29:58 keeping the 2 miles under 30 minutes. Heartrate never went over 133 even in the "sprint".
Now my heart is doing better than my muscles.
Before Jenn gives me her medical opinion, I am going to take a stab at it. We have had many good discussions about the body since she has become a Certified Massage Therapist. I believe that since I spent the whole day in the car with my front plane folded up, that the muscles decided that they like the more fetal position and wanted to maintain it. Also I have been concentrating my stretching on lengthening the back plane with Calf Stretches, Toe Touches, Bent Leg Toe Reach Fors ( I am not sure that is the correct terminology). Thus with the back looser, the front needed to contract even more to keep me upright when I got out of the car. Now when I ran the front muscles, Quads and Abs, complained because they had been contracted all day and now I was asking them to pull my legs forward for way too many steps. How do they solve that problem? Pinch Pinch and I slow down.
When I came home tonight my first stretch was to kneel and try to settle down on my lower legs. The muscles across the top of the foot relaxed and the lower leg melted into the carpet. I could not get down to sit on my legs but I did feel alot of stretching across the top of my knees.
I then did some tilting backward to try to open my abdomen and that also responsed nicely by allowing me to look toward the ceiling directly overhead. Then an arm stretch over head with a lifting of the head (puppet String being pulled from above.) with some relaxing breathing.
I feel pretty good now and am ready to go to bed. Judy is still fighting with her computer.
Good night...Tomorrow I will be 3 hours later in California. That means I can run at 10:38 and still be at the same time. That should be easy...coming back will be the problem. Even the morning running with be 3 hours later.
After about 20 seconds of walking, I started to run again. This time the quad was quiet so I used my arm motion to help propel me and got up to a (and I use this term lightly) sprint for the 2 mile mark. The heart rate had been under control the whole way so I figured that I could try. I crossed the foot of the driveway at exactly 29:58 keeping the 2 miles under 30 minutes. Heartrate never went over 133 even in the "sprint".
Now my heart is doing better than my muscles.
Before Jenn gives me her medical opinion, I am going to take a stab at it. We have had many good discussions about the body since she has become a Certified Massage Therapist. I believe that since I spent the whole day in the car with my front plane folded up, that the muscles decided that they like the more fetal position and wanted to maintain it. Also I have been concentrating my stretching on lengthening the back plane with Calf Stretches, Toe Touches, Bent Leg Toe Reach Fors ( I am not sure that is the correct terminology). Thus with the back looser, the front needed to contract even more to keep me upright when I got out of the car. Now when I ran the front muscles, Quads and Abs, complained because they had been contracted all day and now I was asking them to pull my legs forward for way too many steps. How do they solve that problem? Pinch Pinch and I slow down.
When I came home tonight my first stretch was to kneel and try to settle down on my lower legs. The muscles across the top of the foot relaxed and the lower leg melted into the carpet. I could not get down to sit on my legs but I did feel alot of stretching across the top of my knees.
I then did some tilting backward to try to open my abdomen and that also responsed nicely by allowing me to look toward the ceiling directly overhead. Then an arm stretch over head with a lifting of the head (puppet String being pulled from above.) with some relaxing breathing.
I feel pretty good now and am ready to go to bed. Judy is still fighting with her computer.
Good night...Tomorrow I will be 3 hours later in California. That means I can run at 10:38 and still be at the same time. That should be easy...coming back will be the problem. Even the morning running with be 3 hours later.
Another day
I ran the 3 miles last night that were on our schedule. I started at a run 5 walk 2 minutes pace for the first mile, 4/2 for the second and then 4/2 for the third. That may have been too fast a start since the first mile was under 15 minutes but the second put me at about 32 minutes. The third was better and I pushed the final 5 minutes for a final just over 44 1/2 minutes. A lot of hustle at the end but the heartrate stayed in the low 140's even with the hustle. The rest stayed under the 138 up to that point. Within 3 minutes the rate was in the mid 120's so recovery was quick.
Both yesterday and today, I have been noticing some stiffness in my groin area. Called Jenn to get an idea of how to resolve this and she gave me a good stretch to open up my hip joint. I have tried to do the one where you place your soles together and pull your heels to your butt and press down on your inner thighs. That does not work for me as there is still to much stomach for me to be able to be upright and get leverage on the inner thighs. Jenn's stretch will get a try after tonight's run when the muscles are warmed up.
I tried to get my first mass fund raiser letter out to my Crawford friends but there may have been a technical glitch. Will try again tonight. Hope the entire company does not get two copies.
That is all for now since I have to get tonight's run in.
Bye!
Both yesterday and today, I have been noticing some stiffness in my groin area. Called Jenn to get an idea of how to resolve this and she gave me a good stretch to open up my hip joint. I have tried to do the one where you place your soles together and pull your heels to your butt and press down on your inner thighs. That does not work for me as there is still to much stomach for me to be able to be upright and get leverage on the inner thighs. Jenn's stretch will get a try after tonight's run when the muscles are warmed up.
I tried to get my first mass fund raiser letter out to my Crawford friends but there may have been a technical glitch. Will try again tonight. Hope the entire company does not get two copies.
That is all for now since I have to get tonight's run in.
Bye!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Bye Bye Summer
I always thought off Labor Day weekend as the end of summer and beginning of Fall. It was what signalled the return to school. Most of the kids around here have been back for several weeks. That also signals the incoming of cooler weather and change of seasons. That is not going to happen here for some time. I guess that it is good that I still love the warm climate even after 15 years.
No running today. Ran with the group yesterday morning and did a 3 mile run. Still doing the 4 run 2 walk combination but I was able to keep my heart rate between 124 and 140 right to about 2.5 miles when the hear rate was not recovering as before. I had to do a little more walking then and finished with a run for the last 1/4 mile or so. The new heart monitor watch makes it much easier to watch how my heart rate adjusts so that I can stay within my aerobic range.
Went shopping and got a belt with 4 water bottles...several packages of GU (various flavors)...another dry fit shirt...and a new running magazine. Saw Lauren who was in the group run yesterday and she was in buying new running shoes...we compared fund raising ideas.
Each time in Feet First I seem to see someone connected with TNT.
Running starts again tomorrow.
Night night
No running today. Ran with the group yesterday morning and did a 3 mile run. Still doing the 4 run 2 walk combination but I was able to keep my heart rate between 124 and 140 right to about 2.5 miles when the hear rate was not recovering as before. I had to do a little more walking then and finished with a run for the last 1/4 mile or so. The new heart monitor watch makes it much easier to watch how my heart rate adjusts so that I can stay within my aerobic range.
Went shopping and got a belt with 4 water bottles...several packages of GU (various flavors)...another dry fit shirt...and a new running magazine. Saw Lauren who was in the group run yesterday and she was in buying new running shoes...we compared fund raising ideas.
Each time in Feet First I seem to see someone connected with TNT.
Running starts again tomorrow.
Night night
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Judy was really late tonight....computer issues at work and did not get home until nearly 10:30. It was after 11:00 when dinner had been consumed and my mind was working overtime on reasons why I should pass on tonight's run. I did remembered how I had encouraged my Jenn last night when I read her blog on how she didn't want to walk last night but did anyway. I told her that even though the schedule is only a guide, you usually feel better after your run since you have accomplished another step in the journey. I wonder if this is how chemo patients feel as they face their next session of chemo...another step in the journey.
Any way, I went and wore the strap and watch again. This time when I did my two miles I never went over 136 BPM. I still used the 4/2 pace of running and walking. That seems to be working. I think next week we will try 5/2. For Saturday I will definitely use 4/2 so that I can do better than last week and come away more satisfied. I will probably have breakfast and fluid also.
My time stayed under the 30 minutes so I am maintaining my 4 mph pace. I don't cause trees to bend over when I race by but to be able to do that without skyrocketing heart rate seems pretty good. I think that is a sign that I am getting faster.
I ran 4 days so far this week. Lisa was right...it is a lot of running. But I did it so far and feel Pretty Good. That by the way is while I am smiling like Alice's C cat.
Night night it is late.
Any way, I went and wore the strap and watch again. This time when I did my two miles I never went over 136 BPM. I still used the 4/2 pace of running and walking. That seems to be working. I think next week we will try 5/2. For Saturday I will definitely use 4/2 so that I can do better than last week and come away more satisfied. I will probably have breakfast and fluid also.
My time stayed under the 30 minutes so I am maintaining my 4 mph pace. I don't cause trees to bend over when I race by but to be able to do that without skyrocketing heart rate seems pretty good. I think that is a sign that I am getting faster.
I ran 4 days so far this week. Lisa was right...it is a lot of running. But I did it so far and feel Pretty Good. That by the way is while I am smiling like Alice's C cat.
Night night it is late.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Gasping with the group
The group all met at a park at the end of Bayshore and ran back toward downtown Tampa alongside the Bay. It is a pretty run but the typical buildup of clouds rolled in and made the possibility of thundershowers a concern. We managed to get everyone back and no storm occurred but that is a problem with scheduling group activities in Florida in the summer. It is much easier to go out of the garage and start my run in the neighborhood and if I have to wait an hour that is usually enough to get the rain over and done with.
I had my new heart monitor so I was able to easily keep an eye on my heart rate. I got up near 150 BPM and started my walk mode to bring it back down. The 4 minute run and 2 minute walk seemed to work for the first mile and a half. After turning to return, I found the rate stayed higher longer. Coach Steve stayed with me for a while and he said that I should try to keep the BPM at about 75% of my Max to get the maximum aerobic growth. He says that I am growing new capilaries to carry more blood to my muscles and that going faster than that may not encourage the growth as fast. Again he says that we have a long time to train and starting out slowly with build me up without having to take time out for injury healing. I still think I am running slowly but that is why I have a coach.
Lot's of encouragement from Steve followed by a good discussion about fund raising with Marai, my Mentor. Time well spent...I came home and prepared 3 letters for target groups and pulled e-mail addresses from my company e-mail to start my fund raising in earnest.
Legs feel good, psyche feels good, Life is good.
I hope my running will enable one or more of our honored teammates to feel that way too.
Going to bed to rest up for tomorrow's adventure.
I had my new heart monitor so I was able to easily keep an eye on my heart rate. I got up near 150 BPM and started my walk mode to bring it back down. The 4 minute run and 2 minute walk seemed to work for the first mile and a half. After turning to return, I found the rate stayed higher longer. Coach Steve stayed with me for a while and he said that I should try to keep the BPM at about 75% of my Max to get the maximum aerobic growth. He says that I am growing new capilaries to carry more blood to my muscles and that going faster than that may not encourage the growth as fast. Again he says that we have a long time to train and starting out slowly with build me up without having to take time out for injury healing. I still think I am running slowly but that is why I have a coach.
Lot's of encouragement from Steve followed by a good discussion about fund raising with Marai, my Mentor. Time well spent...I came home and prepared 3 letters for target groups and pulled e-mail addresses from my company e-mail to start my fund raising in earnest.
Legs feel good, psyche feels good, Life is good.
I hope my running will enable one or more of our honored teammates to feel that way too.
Going to bed to rest up for tomorrow's adventure.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Two nights in a row
I think that means I am back!!! I ran two miles last night using the technique of running 4 minutes and walking 2. I was able to maintain my energy throughout rather than petering out in the last 1/4 mile. I felt good and realized that I had completed the whole thing in 14:36. I believe that is as fast if not faster than anything I have done with straight running. They tell me that this will increase my endurance and I am getting constant aerobic activity since I can breathe right the whole way. Came in and stretched and went to bed feeling very good and no tightness or congestion feeling in my legs. All was relaxed! AAAAAHHH!
I forgot to carefully read the schedule tonight and thought tonight was a 3 mile run so that is what I did. Again using the 4/2 method, I completed the 1st mile in 14:39, the second in 15:09 and all three in 44:43. Good time and it felt good. I was gradually warming up the first mile and felt my stride move longer as I ran. My steps were lighter and my stride seemed to be efficient.
Maybe I am learning how to run. I do seem to be enjoying it as I am doing it without any complaint or whining. Who would have guessed.
I spent much of my time composing my fund raising letter which I did not have time for earlier today because of my workload. I guess 45 minutes to concentrate on a good cause is better than a 1 hour TV show which is fast forwarded through the commercials. (Thank you digital recording machine)
Well, tomorrow is my second group run. Now that I know the secret of the 4/2 I think I will enjoy this run more than last Saturday's as I will have more control over my success.
Heard from my Mentor today. They folks at TNT are certainly holding up their end of the bargain by staying in touch. Lisa, I think this will turn out to be one of our best ideas. Jenn, thanks for hosting the holiday get together that spawned this project.
Gotta get some sleep for tomorrow night.
See ya.
PS When I am home I can eat and then run and post. Will I be cooking or running and blogging when I come to California?
I forgot to carefully read the schedule tonight and thought tonight was a 3 mile run so that is what I did. Again using the 4/2 method, I completed the 1st mile in 14:39, the second in 15:09 and all three in 44:43. Good time and it felt good. I was gradually warming up the first mile and felt my stride move longer as I ran. My steps were lighter and my stride seemed to be efficient.
Maybe I am learning how to run. I do seem to be enjoying it as I am doing it without any complaint or whining. Who would have guessed.
I spent much of my time composing my fund raising letter which I did not have time for earlier today because of my workload. I guess 45 minutes to concentrate on a good cause is better than a 1 hour TV show which is fast forwarded through the commercials. (Thank you digital recording machine)
Well, tomorrow is my second group run. Now that I know the secret of the 4/2 I think I will enjoy this run more than last Saturday's as I will have more control over my success.
Heard from my Mentor today. They folks at TNT are certainly holding up their end of the bargain by staying in touch. Lisa, I think this will turn out to be one of our best ideas. Jenn, thanks for hosting the holiday get together that spawned this project.
Gotta get some sleep for tomorrow night.
See ya.
PS When I am home I can eat and then run and post. Will I be cooking or running and blogging when I come to California?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Where have you been?
Well it has been a while since this was updated. Some due to events and some due to excuses. Here you go.
After my last run on the 15th, I was walking through the dark living room and managed to jam my right small toe against an obstruction that I had forgotten I had placed there. No one to yell at so I just had to tough it out. I left the next morning to New Hampshire to visit my folks. The toe was very sensitive and I felt that if I put on sneakers and tried to run, I would be favoring my right side and probably throw my gait off. It stayed uncomfortable through Sunday so no running occurred then.
As I was trying to get ready to go out of town on a business function trip with Judy on Wednesday, I was too busy with work to get any running done on Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday was shot with travel and activity at the function. Thursday was spent driving back to Tampa to locate work papers that I needed for reporting which I had left behind in the hurry to get out Wednesday, I thought (turns out they were still in the suitcase in Orlando which I found when I got back). Then I had to do the work that I searched for the documents for and it was time for bed. Friday was also taken up with activity at the function and the drive home. I also justified my time off on Friday since I had the group long run scheduled for Saturday AM and wanted to be able to handle that.
Some much for my excuses since it all behind me now.
Now on Saturday, I joined the group for my first group run. About 35 people from all over the county were there. There was a nice mix of ages and sizes. We got good information from Coach Steve and I got my preliminary package that I missed with the kick off last week while I was in New Hampshire.
We started with introductions and some information about future gatherings. We did some stretching and then started our "easy" run. Most of the field was together when we started. Most of the runners seemed to get smaller and smaller as they moved ahead and tried to disappear out of sight of me and a few other stragglers. I felt that the start out pace was more like a sprint and found the run somewhat difficult as compared to my solitary runs. I think I was going too fast for my level of development and also I had not had any breakfast and am sure that cut my energy supply drastically. Also my hydration was down from sleeping for several hours beforehand and not drinking much before the run. I was trying to balance the need for hydration with the need for bathroom stops and did not know the layout of the trail where we were running. All this should get easier as I improve some of my pre-run preparation and get to know the areas where we are running.
I was not able to complete the first two miles without walking since I started too fast and will not enough to eat. Although I had not done three miles before I thought that I would do better with the group. When we make the necessary adjustments, I think the next group run will be more satisfying.
Well, that is it for my excuses and my update. Now that I am back to a regular schedule, the reporting should be more regular too. (At least until we go to California to visit the family there)
See ya soon
After my last run on the 15th, I was walking through the dark living room and managed to jam my right small toe against an obstruction that I had forgotten I had placed there. No one to yell at so I just had to tough it out. I left the next morning to New Hampshire to visit my folks. The toe was very sensitive and I felt that if I put on sneakers and tried to run, I would be favoring my right side and probably throw my gait off. It stayed uncomfortable through Sunday so no running occurred then.
As I was trying to get ready to go out of town on a business function trip with Judy on Wednesday, I was too busy with work to get any running done on Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday was shot with travel and activity at the function. Thursday was spent driving back to Tampa to locate work papers that I needed for reporting which I had left behind in the hurry to get out Wednesday, I thought (turns out they were still in the suitcase in Orlando which I found when I got back). Then I had to do the work that I searched for the documents for and it was time for bed. Friday was also taken up with activity at the function and the drive home. I also justified my time off on Friday since I had the group long run scheduled for Saturday AM and wanted to be able to handle that.
Some much for my excuses since it all behind me now.
Now on Saturday, I joined the group for my first group run. About 35 people from all over the county were there. There was a nice mix of ages and sizes. We got good information from Coach Steve and I got my preliminary package that I missed with the kick off last week while I was in New Hampshire.
We started with introductions and some information about future gatherings. We did some stretching and then started our "easy" run. Most of the field was together when we started. Most of the runners seemed to get smaller and smaller as they moved ahead and tried to disappear out of sight of me and a few other stragglers. I felt that the start out pace was more like a sprint and found the run somewhat difficult as compared to my solitary runs. I think I was going too fast for my level of development and also I had not had any breakfast and am sure that cut my energy supply drastically. Also my hydration was down from sleeping for several hours beforehand and not drinking much before the run. I was trying to balance the need for hydration with the need for bathroom stops and did not know the layout of the trail where we were running. All this should get easier as I improve some of my pre-run preparation and get to know the areas where we are running.
I was not able to complete the first two miles without walking since I started too fast and will not enough to eat. Although I had not done three miles before I thought that I would do better with the group. When we make the necessary adjustments, I think the next group run will be more satisfying.
Well, that is it for my excuses and my update. Now that I am back to a regular schedule, the reporting should be more regular too. (At least until we go to California to visit the family there)
See ya soon
Monday, August 13, 2007
Oops missed a day
Just for the blog not for the running. I ran my two miles on Friday night and then ran around the small center of the inner horseshoe. I think that may be .4 miles but I had planned to check it today. Procrastinated right past that idea and then ran the same distance tonight. Both will be added into my totals when I figure out how far it is.
Just got the chance to read my daughter's blog on her training. Lisa and I will be running the half together in Flagstaff. She is inspiring me and she says I am inspiring her.
Judy got home really late tonight so the run did not start until after 11:00 so I am off to stretch, shower, and go to bed.
The run went well. The first mile had short steps but the second had loosened up somewhat. I tried lifting my knees a little higher in front of me and with the movement of my arms that gave me some feeling of a lighter bouncier step. I did notice that the turns at the bottom of the horseshoes used to cause a slight discomfort in my left knee. I did not feel any problem tonight. That must mean that muscles are developing where they are needed.
Oh well that is all the medical stuff for today.
Just got the chance to read my daughter's blog on her training. Lisa and I will be running the half together in Flagstaff. She is inspiring me and she says I am inspiring her.
Judy got home really late tonight so the run did not start until after 11:00 so I am off to stretch, shower, and go to bed.
The run went well. The first mile had short steps but the second had loosened up somewhat. I tried lifting my knees a little higher in front of me and with the movement of my arms that gave me some feeling of a lighter bouncier step. I did notice that the turns at the bottom of the horseshoes used to cause a slight discomfort in my left knee. I did not feel any problem tonight. That must mean that muscles are developing where they are needed.
Oh well that is all the medical stuff for today.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Sign up day
I took the paperwork to TNT this afternoon and have officially joined up. The initial gathering of the group for 3 counties is to be held a week from Saturday. That day I will be in New Hampshire with my folks as Mom is moving and I wanted to help her. I can get the info emailed to me when I return but I will have to wait to meet our honored guest (likely someone who has been battling one of the diseases that make up the Leukemia and Lymphoma diseases). Robin said that there is a pot luck dinner in September that will also be a big gathering of the runners, honored guests, other speakers and Society and TNT people. That should be an exciting event and by then I will have nearly 2 months of running under my belt. I wonder how far I will be running then.
My run tonight was good. I noticed tightness in my calves when I tried to stretch my beginning steps into a longer stride. Also I noticed that the longer step caused me to hit harder on my landing which then I felt in the muscles behind my knee cap. I left the steps short for the first quarter mile and then all the tightness melted away.
I practiced different stride lengths and different speeds to see how that affected my running. The longer stride seemed to require more wind as my breathing increased when I ran that way for a while. I checked the heart rate and it remained between 120 and 138 for most of the 2 miles. I pushed for the last 200 yards ( oh yeah that is 2 football fields) and used all the rest of my energy to get to my driveway. I was huffing pretty good but the heart rate was still in the mid 140's. That is high but since I was out of breath, I knew it was higher than the rest of the run.
Well, it looks like this is going to become a habit as I have now done this for 3 weeks.
I will weigh in tomorrow and see how much less of me will run the next 2 miles.
Thanks for checking in.
My run tonight was good. I noticed tightness in my calves when I tried to stretch my beginning steps into a longer stride. Also I noticed that the longer step caused me to hit harder on my landing which then I felt in the muscles behind my knee cap. I left the steps short for the first quarter mile and then all the tightness melted away.
I practiced different stride lengths and different speeds to see how that affected my running. The longer stride seemed to require more wind as my breathing increased when I ran that way for a while. I checked the heart rate and it remained between 120 and 138 for most of the 2 miles. I pushed for the last 200 yards ( oh yeah that is 2 football fields) and used all the rest of my energy to get to my driveway. I was huffing pretty good but the heart rate was still in the mid 140's. That is high but since I was out of breath, I knew it was higher than the rest of the run.
Well, it looks like this is going to become a habit as I have now done this for 3 weeks.
I will weigh in tomorrow and see how much less of me will run the next 2 miles.
Thanks for checking in.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Another day..2 miles
Tonight I ran the 2 miles for another full circuit. The last 1/2 mile was very slow. I seemed to have gone out too fast to start. I made the whole distance and my heart rate stayed within limits so that was OK. I walked the inner part of the horseshoe which I guess is about another mile for cool down. I am trying to figure where to run to get in a longer distance without just doing a third circuit. I guess I will have to get new measurements.
I still feel good that I am not dropping back in distance and my time is staying pretty consistent.
I think it will be good to have the feedback of mentors and trainers and other runners. I think I have exhausted my knowledge of running so far.
Forest, maybe you will pass on some of what you learned.
I still feel good that I am not dropping back in distance and my time is staying pretty consistent.
I think it will be good to have the feedback of mentors and trainers and other runners. I think I have exhausted my knowledge of running so far.
Forest, maybe you will pass on some of what you learned.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
2 mile enhancements
Now that I know I can do the 2 mile distance, I am concentrating on my technique. I am seeing how my feet land on each step. I am finding some spring in my stride that I did not notice before. Last nite when I did my final sprint I actually stretched my stride out and found nice distance between footfalls and it felt like that would someday be a normal feeling. I believe the muscles and musclememory are starting to develop.
Tonight we will see if we can keep the 2 miles under 30 minutes like yesterday.
Also my running total of distance since I started is 13.1 miles. Knowing that I can run that distance I just need to get my time down under 408 hours. I think my next will be faster.
Tonight we will see if we can keep the 2 miles under 30 minutes like yesterday.
Also my running total of distance since I started is 13.1 miles. Knowing that I can run that distance I just need to get my time down under 408 hours. I think my next will be faster.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Would you like fries with that?
No thanks, just the second mile...and tonight I did....2 big ones...wow.
I started out in the reverse direction at the suggestion of my daughter who thought there might be some advantage to not running the same steps each time. The light is different and the areas of light ahead are different. It was somewhat disorienting. Therefore when I completed the first mile I reversed direction and took the familiar route.
The first third of a mile was stiff running and I did not know how long I would go or if there was going to be a problem. After that, I guess the muscles warmed up and I went back to my usual steady plodding pace. I stopped about 5 times to get a heart rate check and most stayed around 120 to 126. My final after a light post "sprint" was about 145 but 4 light posts of walking and breathing and all was back to 120 with easy breathing.
We there is a new milestone for me. It feels great to have made it this far without hurting myself. I remember running in the cold in the Northeast with the cold dry air stabbing into your throat and lungs. What a difference 50 degrees and 30% humidity increases can do for a comfort improvement.
Weighed in this morning 244.2....6.2 down since I started. That is the shake to go along with my fries. I feel good. Is this a runner's high?
Night night
I started out in the reverse direction at the suggestion of my daughter who thought there might be some advantage to not running the same steps each time. The light is different and the areas of light ahead are different. It was somewhat disorienting. Therefore when I completed the first mile I reversed direction and took the familiar route.
The first third of a mile was stiff running and I did not know how long I would go or if there was going to be a problem. After that, I guess the muscles warmed up and I went back to my usual steady plodding pace. I stopped about 5 times to get a heart rate check and most stayed around 120 to 126. My final after a light post "sprint" was about 145 but 4 light posts of walking and breathing and all was back to 120 with easy breathing.
We there is a new milestone for me. It feels great to have made it this far without hurting myself. I remember running in the cold in the Northeast with the cold dry air stabbing into your throat and lungs. What a difference 50 degrees and 30% humidity increases can do for a comfort improvement.
Weighed in this morning 244.2....6.2 down since I started. That is the shake to go along with my fries. I feel good. Is this a runner's high?
Night night
Life's bumps
After running Sunday night, I had just put my head on the pillow when I got called for emergency work in my job. That became a 14 hour disruption in my time schedule. Too tired to run on Monday night because of this.
On Tuesday, I had my first chance to run in a good soaking rain. I tried out the garbage bag workout attire and found that shed the water nicely down to my shorts which soaked almost immediately. The run went well. The continuous mile to start was not bad so I pushed beyond the mile mark and added another 1/4 mile to it. I walked for the next half mile and ran the last 1/4. I am still trying to get my technology working so that I can try to run with music. I will try to get a selection of songs with a beat count near my running pace.
Last night, work got in the way again and I did not get my run in. Tonight is important to make sure I get enough training in each week. I am not stressing too much about an occasional miss if I can catch up afterward and progressing forward.
One good note since today is Weigh Deigh, I mean Way Day, I mean Weigh Day...I am down to 244.2 or 6.2 total weight loss without "dieting".
That's all for now.
On Tuesday, I had my first chance to run in a good soaking rain. I tried out the garbage bag workout attire and found that shed the water nicely down to my shorts which soaked almost immediately. The run went well. The continuous mile to start was not bad so I pushed beyond the mile mark and added another 1/4 mile to it. I walked for the next half mile and ran the last 1/4. I am still trying to get my technology working so that I can try to run with music. I will try to get a selection of songs with a beat count near my running pace.
Last night, work got in the way again and I did not get my run in. Tonight is important to make sure I get enough training in each week. I am not stressing too much about an occasional miss if I can catch up afterward and progressing forward.
One good note since today is Weigh Deigh, I mean Way Day, I mean Weigh Day...I am down to 244.2 or 6.2 total weight loss without "dieting".
That's all for now.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
He's back
Well the ball game was fun. Boston beat TB 7-1 and my loyalties were torn. I come from New England but now I live here and the D Rays are my team. Lots of fun to be at the ball park though.
Did a fair amount of walking on my day off. The party was about a mile from the ball park and the entrance we used was on the 1st base line and the tickets were in right field. The trip around the park must have been another mile. Probably 4 miles of walking without even counting it.
Yesterday I tried the mile again to see if it was a one time fluke. Lo and behold not only could I do that but when I had walked 3/4 of the second loop I decided to try to run to the end and did so without any problem. Final heart rate of 144 after two light posts of sprinting.... well, running faster...well jogging faster. At least it was faster.
Also met Holly with her TNT shirt on in the shoe store and she had just come back from an event in Pasco County. Got the chance to talk more about L&LS and TNT. Another sign.
Today I tried out my new shoes. No real change in my running that I was able to perceive. Did my complete first mile and then started my run for home at the 1/2 mile mark so I got in 1 and 1/2 miles running as part of mile 2 mile circuit. Again the final rate was 144 and down to 120 within 5 minutes. No aches or pains. I am ready for some hurting but so far none has appeared. My pace seems to be fairly steady throughout. Slow but steady.
The legs are tingling a bit now so it is time to get out of this chair and stretch.
We will be at it again tomorrow.
Did a fair amount of walking on my day off. The party was about a mile from the ball park and the entrance we used was on the 1st base line and the tickets were in right field. The trip around the park must have been another mile. Probably 4 miles of walking without even counting it.
Yesterday I tried the mile again to see if it was a one time fluke. Lo and behold not only could I do that but when I had walked 3/4 of the second loop I decided to try to run to the end and did so without any problem. Final heart rate of 144 after two light posts of sprinting.... well, running faster...well jogging faster. At least it was faster.
Also met Holly with her TNT shirt on in the shoe store and she had just come back from an event in Pasco County. Got the chance to talk more about L&LS and TNT. Another sign.
Today I tried out my new shoes. No real change in my running that I was able to perceive. Did my complete first mile and then started my run for home at the 1/2 mile mark so I got in 1 and 1/2 miles running as part of mile 2 mile circuit. Again the final rate was 144 and down to 120 within 5 minutes. No aches or pains. I am ready for some hurting but so far none has appeared. My pace seems to be fairly steady throughout. Slow but steady.
The legs are tingling a bit now so it is time to get out of this chair and stretch.
We will be at it again tomorrow.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
First Week
Well I have been at this for a week now. I went 3 days on and 1 day off. On that schedule I am able to be off tomorrow which works out since I will be going to a Tampa Bay Devil Rays v Boston Red Sox game with work tomorrow nite. The bad news is I am dead exhausted and the idea of running tonight is unbearable. Had dinner and sat on the couch...I am very well trained in this part of my life. Watched the clock tick off the time until it was time to run or give up. Got dressed in my gear and went out determined to at least walk the 2 miles. Got to the apex and started to jog. Came to the light pole where I have stopped the last two nites and felt okay...not breathing too hard...no pain...let's see how far this takes us.
PF Chang calls their race the Rock N Roll Marathon....another sign...I am thinking about Jim Morrison and my visit to his grave last year while in vacation in Paris. Perhaps there is a connection as something lit my fire. I kept on going to the outer apex...still okay...let's see how far this goes.
Hit the bottom of the horseshoe and the sky lit up with lightning...storm coming?...Hmmm could this be a Rider on the Storm?...who knows. Step step step step right along. Turned the corner and headed for home..the whole mile done in one shot....now all I have to do is walk another mile and I am done. Got the hard part out of the way at the start. I guess I can have my pudding now that I have eaten my meat. Came home relaxed and very satisfied with another jump under my belt and on a nite that I almost did not go. What is that Forest? Runners are as runners do? That's right.
Also the weight in one week has gone from 250.4 to 245.7 almost 5 pounds.
Say good night Gracie.
See ya Saturday.
PF Chang calls their race the Rock N Roll Marathon....another sign...I am thinking about Jim Morrison and my visit to his grave last year while in vacation in Paris. Perhaps there is a connection as something lit my fire. I kept on going to the outer apex...still okay...let's see how far this goes.
Hit the bottom of the horseshoe and the sky lit up with lightning...storm coming?...Hmmm could this be a Rider on the Storm?...who knows. Step step step step right along. Turned the corner and headed for home..the whole mile done in one shot....now all I have to do is walk another mile and I am done. Got the hard part out of the way at the start. I guess I can have my pudding now that I have eaten my meat. Came home relaxed and very satisfied with another jump under my belt and on a nite that I almost did not go. What is that Forest? Runners are as runners do? That's right.
Also the weight in one week has gone from 250.4 to 245.7 almost 5 pounds.
Say good night Gracie.
See ya Saturday.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
New Milestone
Tonight I thought I would try to see how far I could run. I started at the apex of the inner horseshoe of the run and ran down the inner leg and around the foot and back up to the first light post. Hmm that should be about 1/4 of the way. I then walked to the apex of the outer horseshoe and then ran the to the bottom of the horsheshoe. I then walked back to the inner apex and then back to where I stopped running the first time. Then I ran to the apex of the outer horseshoe and walked to the bottom. That only left the bottom and the inner leg of the inner horseshoe. I ran that and even sprinted the last light pole to complete my first full mile run since I started. What do you know...I did it.
My heart rate was about 144 after the sprint but most of the time it was around 120...good aerobics. Time was under 34 minutes. After five minutes I was back under 120 again with some cooldown walking.
Still need to do some stretching but I have made one small step for mankind but one great leap for this man.
As my Momma used to say " Runner is as runner does"
Goodnite all.
My heart rate was about 144 after the sprint but most of the time it was around 120...good aerobics. Time was under 34 minutes. After five minutes I was back under 120 again with some cooldown walking.
Still need to do some stretching but I have made one small step for mankind but one great leap for this man.
As my Momma used to say " Runner is as runner does"
Goodnite all.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Day 5
I took yesterday off because I had some very unusual feelings in both calves. Everytime I stood up from a seated position I needed to nurse the next 5 to 10 steps. Ouch. Either there was not enough stretching after Day 3 or my muscles were building up lactic acid that would not drain out.
Today all was better and so I ran my 2 mile track again. This time I went 4 light poles at a time. That was easier than trying to count out 200 sets of steps. Since my breathing came heavier and deeper toward the end of the 200 steps, I found myself counting the breaths instead of the steps and I think it added a few steps.
I did a better job of stretching and cooling tonight so we will see how tomorrow fares.
That is all for today. Good nite Forest.
Today all was better and so I ran my 2 mile track again. This time I went 4 light poles at a time. That was easier than trying to count out 200 sets of steps. Since my breathing came heavier and deeper toward the end of the 200 steps, I found myself counting the breaths instead of the steps and I think it added a few steps.
I did a better job of stretching and cooling tonight so we will see how tomorrow fares.
That is all for today. Good nite Forest.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Day 3 and counting
Talked with Marianne from TinT and got some preliminary info on the Rock N Roll Run in Flagstaff. Talking with her and hearing about her background made me very proud of my decision to get involved. She is sending the signup documents and then I can make it official. She also directed me to a possible store for good shoes (probably between shoes and someone to look at my running style, I may avoid my undesirable injuries and pains). I then called Lisa and confirmed that we would be going together to Flagstaff since she is the one that encouraged me to start in the first place.
Got another late start 10:00 but got the run in. Went the 2 miles and ran 10 sets of 200 paces interspersed in the two miles. More than the two previous runs. Still feeling good. This time my first run included slightly cramping calves but that subsided and did not return after the first set.
Got to do a little more stretching and then off to bed. Treated myself to watermelon after the run...some water and some jummy for my insides. Hope that is okay.
Well that is is for today. Keep running Forest.
Got another late start 10:00 but got the run in. Went the 2 miles and ran 10 sets of 200 paces interspersed in the two miles. More than the two previous runs. Still feeling good. This time my first run included slightly cramping calves but that subsided and did not return after the first set.
Got to do a little more stretching and then off to bed. Treated myself to watermelon after the run...some water and some jummy for my insides. Hope that is okay.
Well that is is for today. Keep running Forest.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Day 2
Some personal scheduling issues made it impossible to run until 11:00. Managed to haul my procrastinating self onto the road. I feel good for having done so. Started to figure how much running I am doing on these first two miles. I started counting my running steps and feel 200 steps is a good pace for now. That can be done without gasping and just as soreness is entering the muscles. I think I will try to raise that by 10 percent to keep in line with the other advances to avoid injury and grow stronger steadily. I run the 200 steps and then walk till my breathing is under control and I can walk with my mouth closed. This seems reasonable.
I am sure that I will get more information when I get in contact with TNT. Also I stretched after running and drank fluids. I know this sounds elementary but I want to be able to look back at this whole process and see how far I progressed.
Gotta go to sleep now.
I am sure that I will get more information when I get in contact with TNT. Also I stretched after running and drank fluids. I know this sounds elementary but I want to be able to look back at this whole process and see how far I progressed.
Gotta go to sleep now.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Getting Started
It all started when we had our family get together in Virginia when Jenn had the whole family over for the 4th of July. I was telling my girls how I wanted to learn to run and enjoy running and Lisa said that there is a group that will help you learn to run, how to train, and will even sponsor you for an event. It is for the benefit of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
I had said that I wanted to run a 15 k someday. That night when we went to dinner in downtown Charlottesville, we happened upon a man on a treadmill with donation buckets on a table in front of him. He had a big clock that displayed his running time and he was going to run for 4 hours to raise money for L&LS. I again stated my desire to learn to run and enjoy it and he said that it took him some time to get there after being a drinker and a smoker but he loves it now. He looked great running during the first half hour of his run.
We went to dinner at one of the restaurants and I mentioned how odd it was that he happened to be there just the very day that we had gotten me signed up with the web site for Team in Training. We saw him again after dinner and this time he had passed the 4 hour mark. (we had a very leisurely dinner). He was still going strong and I was excited to be considering finding that kind of pleasure in running.
I put a lot of time into planning to start running and managed to make that last nearly two weeks but finally tonite I started my training.
I had measured out the block on which we live and it is just about 1 mile exactly so that was my first attempt. I walked most of it but did some running as my body would allow. I feel good!
I had said that I wanted to run a 15 k someday. That night when we went to dinner in downtown Charlottesville, we happened upon a man on a treadmill with donation buckets on a table in front of him. He had a big clock that displayed his running time and he was going to run for 4 hours to raise money for L&LS. I again stated my desire to learn to run and enjoy it and he said that it took him some time to get there after being a drinker and a smoker but he loves it now. He looked great running during the first half hour of his run.
We went to dinner at one of the restaurants and I mentioned how odd it was that he happened to be there just the very day that we had gotten me signed up with the web site for Team in Training. We saw him again after dinner and this time he had passed the 4 hour mark. (we had a very leisurely dinner). He was still going strong and I was excited to be considering finding that kind of pleasure in running.
I put a lot of time into planning to start running and managed to make that last nearly two weeks but finally tonite I started my training.
I had measured out the block on which we live and it is just about 1 mile exactly so that was my first attempt. I walked most of it but did some running as my body would allow. I feel good!
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