Speed was king today and the couple hundred runners didn't disappoint. This was one of those races where you look around and everyone looks like a runner. I'm not talking about sleek running clothes, high end shoes, and watches that not only tell time but provide heart rate, pace, intervals, and remind you to pee before you run. I'm talking toned bodies. Healthy looking people. Butts that don't continue to giggle for a few minutes after the person stops moving....
This race was my coming out. Or coming back I should say. I haven't trained much but did arrive with inhaler in hand. For me today wasn't so much about speed as it was about getting back in the groove, running and breathing, being part of the running scene, and having that feeling of achievement when you cross the finish line. I did have some speed though today was not the best time I've recorded - it smoked my last two races however. Before I get too cocky, let me say that I see-sawed with a runner during the race. He was ahead then I overtook him. He'd overtake me. He was ahead on the home stretch and I was hurting. I pushed and crossed the finish line a few steps before him. Ha! I thought to myself. Who's the man now! Then I saw the results board and while I beat him, I looked at his age. He was 66.....He's the man.
I managed a 23:30 (7:32 minute pace), came in 37th overall, and the best part was that after crossing the finish line I was able to take full breaths....who would have thought that would ever be a highlight for me??? It was a hard run but improvement is now more a matter of conditioning than anything else. Later today my training plan will be set for the next 5K....thanks Sharon.
Speaking of Sharon....she ran very well today. Not well if you ask her but very well if you ask anyone else. She sets high expectations for herself and doesn't (but should) take time to celebrate her victories. She ran a 21:19 (6:51 minute pace), came in 21st overall. Better yet, in the woman's division she was 2nd. She led most of the race and was leading down the home stretch. She was passed before the finish. Who stole 1st place from our 40 year old friend? How about a 20 year old who runs for Western. The difference was 3 seconds. All I can say is way to go Sharon - that girl was half your age and she had to give all those young legs had to give to squeak in the win. Sharon won her age group and walked away with a medal. I wonder what that would feel like...pretty freakin good I think.
Note the new photos to the left - big thanks to Albert for bringing his camera. Albert....talk about speed. He came in 16th overall with a blistering 20:50 (6:42 minute pace). This course was an out and back and I saw him coming back and he was movin. Gads that guy can make speed look easy. I think he actually smiles when he runs. My face is a grimace, I'm sucking air, snotty nose, and an occasional drool. Albert was king of the one liners today and had us in stitches.
Today was a good day. If you don't run, try it. Walk....Jog....Run....you'll feel better because of it and if you're lucky like me, you'll find running buddies as special as mine. They support you but aren't afraid to push you to the next level.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Inhaler 5K
Today was the day. The test. The day to answer the question of whether or not my exercise inhaler would help....or would it be a return trip to see my friendly doctor. I admit I was feeling nervous about the run. A good run and recovery meant good news. Anything else would be doggy doo.
Sharon was eager to come and pace me. I knew she'd push me and since she has recently completed lot's of CPR type trainings, I was eager for her to be there too. We walked a lap and then jogged one. Hitting the starting line, we began our 3.1 mile journey. Sharon claims that I was pissy - needed to have my water in a certain place, had to start at a certain point on the track, etc. Come on, you all know me...pissy? Ok, maybe a little but it was more about following a routine to help settle myself in.
The plan was to run at an 8:00 pace. The would be faster than my last run (8:29) and the doctor wanted me to push myself. My last two 5K's sucked at an 8:05 pace so I thought if I could manage an 8:00 it would be a good test. The first mile averaged 7:40 and I felt it. I also noticed Sharon was no longer next to me but 10 yards in front. This actually helped me as I could focus on her instead of the endless looping track. It also helped me concentrate because I couldn't find a rhythm in my run.
At the two mile mark I had to slip off the track for a quick pee and then I was back in. The last mile was tough but it was probably a mix of being out of shape (deconditioned as Sharon puts it) and well, being deconditioned. My trusty Garmin showed 3.1 miles completed and though tired, I wasn't doubled over fighting for air - wow, it felt good to NOT struggle for air. We walked a lap and headed for our post run tradition, a Starbucks 16oz, single shot, non-fat, low foam, 180 degree latte.
My post run cough has been minimal and I plugged my Garmin into the computer to see how I did. Turns out I averaged a 7:33 pace....Sweet....My heart rate was high but that is all about conditioning. My running buddies will help me back to that world and I know much of the work to do will suck, some will hurt, and I might even get a little pissy. But at the end of the day, it will be worth it when I cross the next finish line and see the clock smiling at me.
Sharon was eager to come and pace me. I knew she'd push me and since she has recently completed lot's of CPR type trainings, I was eager for her to be there too. We walked a lap and then jogged one. Hitting the starting line, we began our 3.1 mile journey. Sharon claims that I was pissy - needed to have my water in a certain place, had to start at a certain point on the track, etc. Come on, you all know me...pissy? Ok, maybe a little but it was more about following a routine to help settle myself in.
The plan was to run at an 8:00 pace. The would be faster than my last run (8:29) and the doctor wanted me to push myself. My last two 5K's sucked at an 8:05 pace so I thought if I could manage an 8:00 it would be a good test. The first mile averaged 7:40 and I felt it. I also noticed Sharon was no longer next to me but 10 yards in front. This actually helped me as I could focus on her instead of the endless looping track. It also helped me concentrate because I couldn't find a rhythm in my run.
At the two mile mark I had to slip off the track for a quick pee and then I was back in. The last mile was tough but it was probably a mix of being out of shape (deconditioned as Sharon puts it) and well, being deconditioned. My trusty Garmin showed 3.1 miles completed and though tired, I wasn't doubled over fighting for air - wow, it felt good to NOT struggle for air. We walked a lap and headed for our post run tradition, a Starbucks 16oz, single shot, non-fat, low foam, 180 degree latte.
My post run cough has been minimal and I plugged my Garmin into the computer to see how I did. Turns out I averaged a 7:33 pace....Sweet....My heart rate was high but that is all about conditioning. My running buddies will help me back to that world and I know much of the work to do will suck, some will hurt, and I might even get a little pissy. But at the end of the day, it will be worth it when I cross the next finish line and see the clock smiling at me.
Monday, February 16, 2009
My Personal 5K
I can't count the number of doctor appointments and tests I've experienced over the past two weeks. For a guy who does his best to avoid the doctor, I'm beginning to get into the groove. I know my Group Health number by heart and am starting to recognize the voices of the receptionists. I keep a roll of twenties in my pocket for the co-pay...
Friday was the stress test. Must have been a slow day because I had a doctor, an assistant, and a student. After a quick weigh in I stripped off my shirt. The assistant took a long look (it seemed long to me) at my chest, looked at the student and said, we'll have to shave it. Granted it seems like I have more hair on my chest than on my head but really, shave it? She pulled out a dry bic razor and with Ninga like moves, carved out two nice square sections on my chest before I knew it was happening. They plastered round stickies all over me and hooked me up to about a dozen or so wires.
Stepped on the treadmill and smoked it. That's all I can say. We went through multiple stages and finally the doctor shut it down. It felt good to hear the student say that I must be a runner - as a runner you gotta like that! The verdict is that I have a healthy heart. A healthy heart and two squares as smooth as a baby's butt on my chest....
I have an appointment with my doctor on Tuesday to get the results of the pulmonary tests from the week before. Oh, the doctor at the hospital wants to CAT scan my chest to be sure my lungs are ok. A precaution she says. I was feeling better before I heard the words "CAT scan".
They've put me on an inhaler as right now it might be asthma. Two shots in the morning and two in the evening. I feel a little strange after each shot but if it helps, cool.
So today the sun was out and I thought I'd try a little jog around the track at the local high school. I had my cell phone in case I dropped on the track...After the first mile I decided to make it two and after two I thought I'd try to get out 3.1 or the same distance as a 5K. Mentally that would be good for me. I made it. It wasn't fast. I averaged a 8:29 pace but I felt better than I have in a long time. It was not without a cough/wheeze when I was done but it wasn't anything like what I had been experiencing. It was a good day. More to come as my appointments wrap up. Until then, Run...Don't jog.
Friday was the stress test. Must have been a slow day because I had a doctor, an assistant, and a student. After a quick weigh in I stripped off my shirt. The assistant took a long look (it seemed long to me) at my chest, looked at the student and said, we'll have to shave it. Granted it seems like I have more hair on my chest than on my head but really, shave it? She pulled out a dry bic razor and with Ninga like moves, carved out two nice square sections on my chest before I knew it was happening. They plastered round stickies all over me and hooked me up to about a dozen or so wires.
Stepped on the treadmill and smoked it. That's all I can say. We went through multiple stages and finally the doctor shut it down. It felt good to hear the student say that I must be a runner - as a runner you gotta like that! The verdict is that I have a healthy heart. A healthy heart and two squares as smooth as a baby's butt on my chest....
I have an appointment with my doctor on Tuesday to get the results of the pulmonary tests from the week before. Oh, the doctor at the hospital wants to CAT scan my chest to be sure my lungs are ok. A precaution she says. I was feeling better before I heard the words "CAT scan".
They've put me on an inhaler as right now it might be asthma. Two shots in the morning and two in the evening. I feel a little strange after each shot but if it helps, cool.
So today the sun was out and I thought I'd try a little jog around the track at the local high school. I had my cell phone in case I dropped on the track...After the first mile I decided to make it two and after two I thought I'd try to get out 3.1 or the same distance as a 5K. Mentally that would be good for me. I made it. It wasn't fast. I averaged a 8:29 pace but I felt better than I have in a long time. It was not without a cough/wheeze when I was done but it wasn't anything like what I had been experiencing. It was a good day. More to come as my appointments wrap up. Until then, Run...Don't jog.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Valentine's Dash - Love 'em or Leave 'em
They left me... Before you feel too bad for me, I actually didn't run the race. I didn't even walk it. I did go to the race however and attempted a warm up and after less than a half mile I knew my day was done. I should backup and give a little background. I have been feeling a tightness in my chest and have not been able to take full breaths when running. No mom, this isn't the time to call me. I'm fine. I will be sure and wear clean underwear (just in case).
I did see the doctor last week and after listening to my chest she ordered an EKG and chest x-rays. The good news is that the x-rays appeared fine and my resting heart rate is 57. The other news is that she wants to be sure my heart is as big and healthy as you all know it is. I have a pulmonary appointment on Thursday and a stress test on the 17th. Doctors orders are simply this - no physical exertion until the results are in. Good thing I've added Benefiber to my diet recently. What a story that would be - 49 year old man found slumped over the toilet, pants at his knees, film at eleven.
Of course with my vast medical background I decided to warm up with Albert and Sharon. I think I made it a half mile before my lungs seemed to be running without the benefit of air. Yes mom, I stopped. See, I'm only stupid some of the time. At any rate, I will update my blog after the various appointments and you can decide if I need a small dose of pity or my ass kicked to get back out there running. Honestly I would love to feel your respective feet on my back end because it would mean good news.
Ok, back to the race. I admit it wasn't easy for me to see a couple thousand runners take off at the sound of the starting horn and not being in the pack. What was harder however was going to the registration tent and turning in my timing chip and telling them that I wasn't running - they charge you $30 if your chip isn't returned so I didn't have a choice (I'm cheap).
Sharon was running with a chest cold and Albert (big heart) ran with her for encouragement. I say this because he would have had a faster time and possible gave up a PR (personal record) to help her through the race. They both came in with an amazing time of 21:09 (6:50 pace). Sharon finished 7th of 229 in her division and Albert was 19 of 130 in his. Incredible results! Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Albert's brother Jerry ran the 5K as well. His warm up wasn't the typical mile and light stretching that most do. No, Jerry ran to Green Lake from Renton....over 17 miles. He had a few minutes to rest and then ran the 5K. I believe he finished before Sharon and Albert. He is crazy good and is training for the Boston marathon.
I look forward to the next 10 days and completing my tests and finding out what's going on. Stay tuned. I'm open to your positive thoughts and in the meantime, I'll keep tossing down the benefiber.
I did see the doctor last week and after listening to my chest she ordered an EKG and chest x-rays. The good news is that the x-rays appeared fine and my resting heart rate is 57. The other news is that she wants to be sure my heart is as big and healthy as you all know it is. I have a pulmonary appointment on Thursday and a stress test on the 17th. Doctors orders are simply this - no physical exertion until the results are in. Good thing I've added Benefiber to my diet recently. What a story that would be - 49 year old man found slumped over the toilet, pants at his knees, film at eleven.
Of course with my vast medical background I decided to warm up with Albert and Sharon. I think I made it a half mile before my lungs seemed to be running without the benefit of air. Yes mom, I stopped. See, I'm only stupid some of the time. At any rate, I will update my blog after the various appointments and you can decide if I need a small dose of pity or my ass kicked to get back out there running. Honestly I would love to feel your respective feet on my back end because it would mean good news.
Ok, back to the race. I admit it wasn't easy for me to see a couple thousand runners take off at the sound of the starting horn and not being in the pack. What was harder however was going to the registration tent and turning in my timing chip and telling them that I wasn't running - they charge you $30 if your chip isn't returned so I didn't have a choice (I'm cheap).
Sharon was running with a chest cold and Albert (big heart) ran with her for encouragement. I say this because he would have had a faster time and possible gave up a PR (personal record) to help her through the race. They both came in with an amazing time of 21:09 (6:50 pace). Sharon finished 7th of 229 in her division and Albert was 19 of 130 in his. Incredible results! Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Albert's brother Jerry ran the 5K as well. His warm up wasn't the typical mile and light stretching that most do. No, Jerry ran to Green Lake from Renton....over 17 miles. He had a few minutes to rest and then ran the 5K. I believe he finished before Sharon and Albert. He is crazy good and is training for the Boston marathon.
I look forward to the next 10 days and completing my tests and finding out what's going on. Stay tuned. I'm open to your positive thoughts and in the meantime, I'll keep tossing down the benefiber.
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