You know me, I'm not a spur of the moment kind of guy. I'm a planner. It once took me 14 months to buy a car. I put money away every month for Christmas so I can pay cash for presents. My grocery list follows the order of the aisles in the store. I buy extra socks and underwear that I don't wear so I always have spares. I find an event, train for it, then on race day I pound it out. On June 24th I decided to do the Seattle Rock n Roll Half Marathon. On June 25th I ran it. Crazy!
The story is this - my friend David had signed up for the Half and ended up hurting his ankle so he couldn't run. At the last minute Sharon decides to take his place. She calls me and says that I should come with. "Come with" turns into "run it with me". But how could I? After all it was tomorrow and what was she thinking??? Who has the wild eyes now? Not me baby. I pondered it and figured I could jog it and tackle the 13.1 miles (though I had not covered that distance since last year). One more thing, I would bandit the race. Not pay for it. No race number. No timing chip. Of course I printed the rules out and it clearly stated that without a race number you would not be allowed on the shuttle bus. I told Sharon this and she replied "It's no big deal, they won't check". I argued of course because it was after all a rule. I became a little pissy but in the end we concluded that she would pick me up at 5:00am the next morning.
As we arrived at the shuttle point we were shocked to see thousands of people already in line. We walked around the Westin hotel looking for the end of the line which we finally found after walking around the entire building. I don't know how many days were were in line. Ok, minutes but it was nearly 45. We finally were loaded on a bus and the thought of sitting down for the 20 minute ride was heaven. Oh know, we're on the bus and it's full. We have to stand (Sharon ended up sitting on the floor). I'm already tired and we haven't started the run yet. Bus drops us off to a sea of people. I think over 25,000 people ran plus volunteers, cops, etc. A crap load of people. Of course we needed to use the port a potty in order to lose a few precious pre-race pounds. The lines were huge! In fact all 25,000+ people were in line in front of us - or so it seemed.
Business taken care of, we proceeded to our corral. Lucky number three it was. On the way I turned my Garmin on only to find that my pace wasn't working. I had monkeyed around with it to get it set up for biking and clearly screwed the pooch. No time to try and figure out how to set it up properly. Yes, I used some colorful words that I won't repeat here. How could I run a half without my Garmin to help guide my pace? It was what it was. We moved on. We were late. Corral three had already left. By the time we walked past folks to get to the front, we were in corral 27. F! This meant thousands of slower runners in front of us and we were smack in a pack of 11-13 minute milers. So what you might think. Wrong. Slower runners mean that you have to dodge, run around, and more or less always be looking 5 yards ahead to find your spot to run through. We did this the entire race. I ran back and forth, on sidewalks and grass, and ended up running 14+ miles.
At mile 7 I yelled out a thank you to the band and commented to the girls running near me that I could use all the energy I could get. One responded that it was mile 7 and I looked like I had only just started the race and I didn't need any more energy. As I left them in the dust it occurred to me that I wasn't tired. I was actually having fun, smiling, and felt pretty good. What the heck was going on with me? By mile 8 I was hot and took off my shirt (easy now girls) and tied it on my head. The air on my sweaty chest cooled me off and felt good. That read like something from a romance novel. "Slowly Michael pulled his shirt up and over his well tanned broad shoulders....". I hit mile 11 and my phone buzzed. Yes, I was running with phone in hand. It was Sharon and she had just finished - dang, two miles ahead of me. She is stronger and faster I won't deny that. I made a weak attempt to run and text back "mile 11" to give her an idea of where I was - ever text while running and passing people? I'm sure some folks weren't happy with me. Mile 12 had hundreds of people cheering and I loved it. However that mile seemed to go on forever. Finally the home stretch was in sight and holy heck, I felt good. Sprinted a bit for a good show at the finish :)
We grabbed our finishers medals, water, and were off. We had a 2-3 mile walk to the car ahead of us. We joked and laughed about the run. Sharon killed it but doesn't like me to post her metrics so I will leave it with this - she's frickin impressive. I thanked her for asking me to run the half, for pushing me out of my comfort zone. I learned that I am capable of doing more than I have. My time was probably just under two hours and I hadn't trained for this, didn't push myself at all during the race. My body may not be 100%, but it can handle more than I've been pushing it's way. Without a doubt or a moment of hesitation, I'm all in - let's see what this baby can do.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
One step closer
I competed in another Triathlon relay yesterday. The first time I did a relay I ran, ran because it has been what I do, what I am comfortable with. This time I did the bike and run - in fact I did it twice. All I need to do is master the swim and a full on Tri will be mine! Master the swim. Reality is it's more like master the mind and the swim will come. Working on that but the mind is not cooperating.
Knowing that I'd be biking in addition to running made me a little nervous. The fact that I would do it twice had my stomach gurgling. When Paula, my partner in crime suggested the Elite relay it sounded good. Truth be told I had consumed a couple beers by the time she asked me and possibly wasn't thinking through what it meant. Darn beer goggles. They can impair your judgement. Girls look skinnier...girls look prettier...you seem funnier...you wake in the morning and finally understand the last thing you heard from your best friend the night before - only it's too late and you just hope the name and number you gave was not your own....time for the escape pod...."Let me run out and get us some breakfast Barbara...I mean Betty...oh yeah, Beth...sorry."
The other reason I was nervous was the only other time I biked and ran was during a training session last year. After finishing the run my quads cramped up so bad my friends had to walk me in and rub them out. I recall swinging my arms around in pain and accidentally smacking Sharon on the side of the face as she was trying to help me. Sorry. I had a little fear that I would cramp up again. Maybe more than a little...The upside to this race was that I had invested in a new bike, a bike that would hopefully level the playing field, allowing me to push myself and fly.
Paula is a great swimmer and an incredible person - I was lucky to be on her team - Team Knotty Bits. I knew that even if I sucked, she wouldn't care. The weather was crap. Cold and rainy - in fact at times during the ride the rain was coming down sideways. There I was, in shorts and a tank top. No gloves...no running pants. Boom, next thing I knew Paula was in the water and the event was in play. She finished the swim in just over seven minutes and was heading to transition. I was ready. Bike shoes on, helmet on, nervous gas rolling around in my stomach. She handed me the timing chip and I was off. Two laps and I'd be back to complete the running leg. My goal was to average 15 mph which I thought would be safe since I had to run (without cramping) and then repeat the entire process. I averaged 18.6 mph and feel pretty good about that. Came in for transition and could not get one of my biking shoes off. The release was stuck. Finally yanked the shoe off put on the runners and took forever to tie them. My hands were so cold I actually had to have someone unhook my helmet.
I was off. Couldn't feel my feet and felt like lead. I was moving forward however! My shoes kept feeling like they were falling off and I'd look down and everything was as it should be. My target was an 8:00 pace and I managed a 7:16 - I think they made a mistake because it didn't feel like I was moving at all. Finished and slid into transition and there was Paula ready to take the chip and jump back in the water for swim number two. She was off in seconds. While she was gone I managed to fix my shoe and prep for the next ride. Holy hell, she was back in eight minutes. She rocks! I found myself back on the bike and out on the course. My legs had less juice and lap one was tough. I managed 17.7 mph for the bike but it was hard. More mental that anything else - I was worried about the run.
I came in with the bike and was a bit light headed. Paula knew something was up and took the bike from me. Some guy took my helmet off and I managed to get my shoes on. I got up to run, staggered a few steps and fell - my wrist does not like me today. My shoe became untied three times which meant I needed to take more time and do it right the first time. Quarter mile in my calves started to cramp. I kept moving and thank goodness they worked themselves out. I managed a slow 8:10 pace and glory be when I saw the finish I was happy. The Bertollisport team was cheering and that energy was all I needed to finish. I was a little shaky but once again, the team as they always do, helped me. Special folks always looking out for each other - love em!
Speaking of them, Bertollisport kicked major ass - which speaks volumes for the program, the leadership, and the dedication of the athletes. Forgive me if I miss any of the top finishers. Sharon took first in her age division (8th overall), Loni and Mike won the relay, Paula and I won the Elite relay, Sue, Sonia, Robin Jim, Doug, and Mike all finished top 5 or better in their age divisions!! The rest of the gang? Oh my, they rocked it and we had many doing their first ever Tri! All that can be another blog in of itself! We had a support crew cheering and taking pictures. Did I say I love this group of crazies? I do.
Special thanks to Paula however for without even knowing it, set me up to prove something to myself, to overcome a hurdle. The race was not easy and there were mental hurdles I had to overcome. I did. I know I can improve my performance. I know I can push myself harder. My body has argued with me much of this year and unfortunately is better than I at debate. I am still recovering and look forward to being 100%. Cross training helped me today. My friends helped me today. Whether or not a Tri is in my future, today I became one step closer....
Knowing that I'd be biking in addition to running made me a little nervous. The fact that I would do it twice had my stomach gurgling. When Paula, my partner in crime suggested the Elite relay it sounded good. Truth be told I had consumed a couple beers by the time she asked me and possibly wasn't thinking through what it meant. Darn beer goggles. They can impair your judgement. Girls look skinnier...girls look prettier...you seem funnier...you wake in the morning and finally understand the last thing you heard from your best friend the night before - only it's too late and you just hope the name and number you gave was not your own....time for the escape pod...."Let me run out and get us some breakfast Barbara...I mean Betty...oh yeah, Beth...sorry."
The other reason I was nervous was the only other time I biked and ran was during a training session last year. After finishing the run my quads cramped up so bad my friends had to walk me in and rub them out. I recall swinging my arms around in pain and accidentally smacking Sharon on the side of the face as she was trying to help me. Sorry. I had a little fear that I would cramp up again. Maybe more than a little...The upside to this race was that I had invested in a new bike, a bike that would hopefully level the playing field, allowing me to push myself and fly.
Paula is a great swimmer and an incredible person - I was lucky to be on her team - Team Knotty Bits. I knew that even if I sucked, she wouldn't care. The weather was crap. Cold and rainy - in fact at times during the ride the rain was coming down sideways. There I was, in shorts and a tank top. No gloves...no running pants. Boom, next thing I knew Paula was in the water and the event was in play. She finished the swim in just over seven minutes and was heading to transition. I was ready. Bike shoes on, helmet on, nervous gas rolling around in my stomach. She handed me the timing chip and I was off. Two laps and I'd be back to complete the running leg. My goal was to average 15 mph which I thought would be safe since I had to run (without cramping) and then repeat the entire process. I averaged 18.6 mph and feel pretty good about that. Came in for transition and could not get one of my biking shoes off. The release was stuck. Finally yanked the shoe off put on the runners and took forever to tie them. My hands were so cold I actually had to have someone unhook my helmet.
I was off. Couldn't feel my feet and felt like lead. I was moving forward however! My shoes kept feeling like they were falling off and I'd look down and everything was as it should be. My target was an 8:00 pace and I managed a 7:16 - I think they made a mistake because it didn't feel like I was moving at all. Finished and slid into transition and there was Paula ready to take the chip and jump back in the water for swim number two. She was off in seconds. While she was gone I managed to fix my shoe and prep for the next ride. Holy hell, she was back in eight minutes. She rocks! I found myself back on the bike and out on the course. My legs had less juice and lap one was tough. I managed 17.7 mph for the bike but it was hard. More mental that anything else - I was worried about the run.
I came in with the bike and was a bit light headed. Paula knew something was up and took the bike from me. Some guy took my helmet off and I managed to get my shoes on. I got up to run, staggered a few steps and fell - my wrist does not like me today. My shoe became untied three times which meant I needed to take more time and do it right the first time. Quarter mile in my calves started to cramp. I kept moving and thank goodness they worked themselves out. I managed a slow 8:10 pace and glory be when I saw the finish I was happy. The Bertollisport team was cheering and that energy was all I needed to finish. I was a little shaky but once again, the team as they always do, helped me. Special folks always looking out for each other - love em!
Speaking of them, Bertollisport kicked major ass - which speaks volumes for the program, the leadership, and the dedication of the athletes. Forgive me if I miss any of the top finishers. Sharon took first in her age division (8th overall), Loni and Mike won the relay, Paula and I won the Elite relay, Sue, Sonia, Robin Jim, Doug, and Mike all finished top 5 or better in their age divisions!! The rest of the gang? Oh my, they rocked it and we had many doing their first ever Tri! All that can be another blog in of itself! We had a support crew cheering and taking pictures. Did I say I love this group of crazies? I do.
Special thanks to Paula however for without even knowing it, set me up to prove something to myself, to overcome a hurdle. The race was not easy and there were mental hurdles I had to overcome. I did. I know I can improve my performance. I know I can push myself harder. My body has argued with me much of this year and unfortunately is better than I at debate. I am still recovering and look forward to being 100%. Cross training helped me today. My friends helped me today. Whether or not a Tri is in my future, today I became one step closer....
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Lord Hill Revisited
Conquer your fears! Get back on the horse! If at first you don't succeed....ok you get the drift. I admit my first experience with Lord Hill wasn't anything to write home about - blog maybe and since mom reads my blogs maybe it's a wash. She does read them and I am sure often would like to edit some of the language :). My mom is very supportive. While on a good day I could run a 5K in a tad over 22 minutes, my mom would be proud of me even if it took me all day. I love that! Of course an all day 5K would mean I suck eggs but at least I'd know my mom would be there cheering me on. Thanks mom....
Today we headed back to the scene of the crime - Lord Hill. I wasn't worried or the least bit nervous - I always shake like that so leave me be. We were late arriving due to the remarkable navigation skills of my co-pilot. I won't mention names because she meant well and wasn't feeling 100%. Get well soon Sharon. Oops. Iain got us back on track and we arrived in one piece and the rest of the gang was there waiting for us. No one was running more than an hour so we grabbed a buddy or two and took off. I was messing with my iPod and before I knew it, Stacy, Mikki, Iain, and myself were alone and working our way down the trail. It was Mikki's first trail run (turned out to be a great run for her) and she ran with Iain.
Stacy and I peeled off to the right, taking the pipeline trail. Yes - I had a buddy. The team may have drawn straws before I arrived to see who would run with the guy who got lost last time. Stacy either got stuck with me or was lucky - I'll go with lucky. I'll also call her Hollywood. She wore these sunglasses and appeared to have her hair done one day last week for our run. It cracked me up. Then it rained on her and she NEVER runs in the rain - oh my, I think I could write an entire blog on that!
Anyway, I had priorities today. The most important was not to get lost. Next was to enjoy the run and get a good workout. I decided to stay on the pipeline trail as it appeared to be long and straight and we only needed that layout to remain for 30 minutes - at 30 we'd turn and run back. The trail only forced us to take a turn once and we managed to remember where that was! Holy crap the trail was hard - hilly and rocky! Our pace allowed us to chat some which I enjoyed. Stacy is great and I enjoyed getting to know her better. Heck at one point she shared her water with me. The circumstance was Michael running with his mouth open as wide as the Grand Canyon and straight into a swarm of gnats. Not sure how many I ate but seven or eight struggled to get all the way down my throat - water was key at that point.
On the way back we found that the dramatic declines we struggled not to trip down had turned into the most incredible mountains to climb, or run. Sweet mother of pearl they were killers. I managed to slowly run up but my lungs were screaming and both quads burned. That was only hill number one. Stacy and I ran the second one together and somehow we managed to crest the top and found level ground as a reward. On the trail we found many a mud puddle and I of course ran right through them while Stacy always went around, commenting on not getting dirty. Ha ha! Again, she cracks me up. By the by, she's one crazy great bike rider and I look forward to eating her dust on the road.
We made it back to the entrance and met up with the gang. My Garmin showed 59:58:58. Just shy of 60 minutes which was the goal. I didn't even turn it back on and run a couple seconds just to hit 60. I'm getting better aren't I? We packed in the cars and made our way to Starbucks for our post run fuel/reward. Today Lord Hill didn't suck as much as it did last time. It still sucked but I can see myself coming back and running it again. Not right away, always with a buddy, and maybe with my mouth closed. Tomorrow we swim in open water for the first time this year followed by a bike ride. Open water....I know, be careful. I will. There are swim angels to help me should I manage to make it from the grass to the sand and finally to the water. How bad could it be? After all, I survived Lord Hill with a little help from my friends.
Today we headed back to the scene of the crime - Lord Hill. I wasn't worried or the least bit nervous - I always shake like that so leave me be. We were late arriving due to the remarkable navigation skills of my co-pilot. I won't mention names because she meant well and wasn't feeling 100%. Get well soon Sharon. Oops. Iain got us back on track and we arrived in one piece and the rest of the gang was there waiting for us. No one was running more than an hour so we grabbed a buddy or two and took off. I was messing with my iPod and before I knew it, Stacy, Mikki, Iain, and myself were alone and working our way down the trail. It was Mikki's first trail run (turned out to be a great run for her) and she ran with Iain.
Stacy and I peeled off to the right, taking the pipeline trail. Yes - I had a buddy. The team may have drawn straws before I arrived to see who would run with the guy who got lost last time. Stacy either got stuck with me or was lucky - I'll go with lucky. I'll also call her Hollywood. She wore these sunglasses and appeared to have her hair done one day last week for our run. It cracked me up. Then it rained on her and she NEVER runs in the rain - oh my, I think I could write an entire blog on that!
Anyway, I had priorities today. The most important was not to get lost. Next was to enjoy the run and get a good workout. I decided to stay on the pipeline trail as it appeared to be long and straight and we only needed that layout to remain for 30 minutes - at 30 we'd turn and run back. The trail only forced us to take a turn once and we managed to remember where that was! Holy crap the trail was hard - hilly and rocky! Our pace allowed us to chat some which I enjoyed. Stacy is great and I enjoyed getting to know her better. Heck at one point she shared her water with me. The circumstance was Michael running with his mouth open as wide as the Grand Canyon and straight into a swarm of gnats. Not sure how many I ate but seven or eight struggled to get all the way down my throat - water was key at that point.
On the way back we found that the dramatic declines we struggled not to trip down had turned into the most incredible mountains to climb, or run. Sweet mother of pearl they were killers. I managed to slowly run up but my lungs were screaming and both quads burned. That was only hill number one. Stacy and I ran the second one together and somehow we managed to crest the top and found level ground as a reward. On the trail we found many a mud puddle and I of course ran right through them while Stacy always went around, commenting on not getting dirty. Ha ha! Again, she cracks me up. By the by, she's one crazy great bike rider and I look forward to eating her dust on the road.
We made it back to the entrance and met up with the gang. My Garmin showed 59:58:58. Just shy of 60 minutes which was the goal. I didn't even turn it back on and run a couple seconds just to hit 60. I'm getting better aren't I? We packed in the cars and made our way to Starbucks for our post run fuel/reward. Today Lord Hill didn't suck as much as it did last time. It still sucked but I can see myself coming back and running it again. Not right away, always with a buddy, and maybe with my mouth closed. Tomorrow we swim in open water for the first time this year followed by a bike ride. Open water....I know, be careful. I will. There are swim angels to help me should I manage to make it from the grass to the sand and finally to the water. How bad could it be? After all, I survived Lord Hill with a little help from my friends.
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