....one giant leap for Michael. Wow, pretty bold of me to use a quote from the 1969 moonwalk to describe my run today isn't it? I mean it isn't like I walked on the moon or anything - THAT was huge. That was Neil Armstrong, steppin big on July 20th 1969. With America behind him he did what no man before had ever done - that must have been some feeling. Can you even imagine the excitement? I might have peed. Zero gravity and no Depends...not a pretty picture.
He didn't do it alone though. Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin was on the surface with him and Michael Collin was in the command module orbiting the moon. Each of them had specific functions to perform and working together they made history. I remember seeing it on TV and then looking at the moon and never seeing it the same again. We forget sometimes the bravery of these men. Shove them in a rocket and blast them to the moon. Slide on down to the surface, have them walk around, then zip back up to connect to the main ship and then haul booty back to Earth. Sure, that doesn't even remotely sound crazy does it?
Today the giant leap was mine. Over the past few weeks I have been increasing my Sunday run from 5 miles to 6 miles and last week 8. The goal today was 9 miles and three hills. Nervous - yes. Excited - yes. Pack of Depends on standby - no (I'm not 50 yet). What a beautiful day to run. Slightly warm and nothing but blue sky. I fueled up, covered my head with sunblock, and met up with Sharon and Albert for the three lap wonderland that had already increased my heart rate in anticipation.
Lap one wasn't too bad and the first hill actually felt a tad easier than the week before. Maybe my fitness is a little better or maybe I simply don't fear it any longer - I'll take both. Sharon was my Buzz Aldrin today. However I'm sure Buzz never ran in a sports bra with "Just Do It" across his, ah...his, ah...spacesuit. Sharon stayed out front for most of the run and hitting the hills I could focus on her and not look beyond at the length of the hill in front of us. Mentally it was a big help and the only downside is that when I close my eyes I still see "Just Do It".....
Mission Control was Albert. He was at my side talking me though the run. Whether it was a hill, flat, or decline, he was the voice in my ear making sure I stayed on track. "Drop the pace....run on the balls of your feet (uphill technique)....relax your shoulders....you're doing great....good form"....Astronauts never had it so good.
So with the help of my "Buzz" and "Mission Control", I covered 9.58 miles at an average pace of 9:15. I would have jumped for joy at the end of the run but my legs felt like lead and we have gravity down here. Once again I thank my partners. They could have ran faster today. Could have ran further today. Could have but didn't. Instead they gave their run to me. Two things came clear to me today. Running buddies can get you through anything and I'm a lucky guy....
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
8 Mile
This is not to be confused with the 2002 rapper movie starring Eminem. Incidentally when I first heard about him I thought it was M&M....as in plain or peanut. Can you blame me? There's Vanilla Ice, 50 Cent, Poof or Puff Daddy, so M&M makes sense if you really think about it.
This is about my 8 mile Sunday run so there is really no comparison. Of course the Eminem movie had a run time of 110 minutes and my 8 miles spanned only 71 minutes so you could say I kicked his butt by 39 minutes. This is where I would toss in some rapper jargon if I knew any....
8 miles - so what. So it was a hurdle for me. The last time I was able to kick out 8 miles was July 2008. Humm, Eminem was a young rapper struggling with his life and I'm a "young" runner struggling with his pace. Maybe we should do lunch. You're right, a little more focus here - so let me get back to my point if I can find it. I'm a goal setter. I believe that if you don't set goals you'll never push yourself to the level of success you are capable of. Often we don't know what we are capable of so we settle. Or is it because we're afraid. I think fear plays a larger role than we think.
I'm a few weeks away from turning 50. It's just a number right? Sure. Then where did my hair go and why do my abs look like a pony keg instead of a six pack? You wash your face to get the dirt off only to find it's a liver spot. Should I floss if they're just going to fall out anyway? Really, 50 is not a big deal for me however I am focused on having a great 5K a couple days after my birthday. That's how I'm celebrating my big day - running. I'm not big on parties and as for drinking, take the cap off the beer and I'm half way gone.
In April the Bellevue 5K hill kicked my booty. It was clear that hill training had to creep back in to my training. Oh sweetness. A week ago I ran 6 miles with a couple hills and Sharon sold me on bumping it to 8. "You can do it"....."it's eeeasy". Ah, the words floated out so smooth that before I knew it I was committed. So 6 became 8 and 2 hills became 2 1/2. Actually it was better than I thought. Sharon is a good pacer and better yet she can talk. She is a very intelligent person - you know the kind that will use words that you have no idea what they mean but she's smiling so you smile back and nod your head. Inside you're thinking "what the hell did she just say." She did talk and in fact she told stories over the last hill and 2 miles which kept me from focusing on how far I had run.
We averaged a 9:00 pace and other than the 200 yard sprint we did at the end of the run, I might have been able to go a bit further. If I ran alone would I have pushed myself those extra two miles? Increased my confidence? Or would I have been afraid to go too far too fast? I'm glad I'll never know. I took a step forward. We should all take that step. So turn the light back off, spit out your binky, put on your shoes and get out there. It's time to run....
This is about my 8 mile Sunday run so there is really no comparison. Of course the Eminem movie had a run time of 110 minutes and my 8 miles spanned only 71 minutes so you could say I kicked his butt by 39 minutes. This is where I would toss in some rapper jargon if I knew any....
8 miles - so what. So it was a hurdle for me. The last time I was able to kick out 8 miles was July 2008. Humm, Eminem was a young rapper struggling with his life and I'm a "young" runner struggling with his pace. Maybe we should do lunch. You're right, a little more focus here - so let me get back to my point if I can find it. I'm a goal setter. I believe that if you don't set goals you'll never push yourself to the level of success you are capable of. Often we don't know what we are capable of so we settle. Or is it because we're afraid. I think fear plays a larger role than we think.
I'm a few weeks away from turning 50. It's just a number right? Sure. Then where did my hair go and why do my abs look like a pony keg instead of a six pack? You wash your face to get the dirt off only to find it's a liver spot. Should I floss if they're just going to fall out anyway? Really, 50 is not a big deal for me however I am focused on having a great 5K a couple days after my birthday. That's how I'm celebrating my big day - running. I'm not big on parties and as for drinking, take the cap off the beer and I'm half way gone.
In April the Bellevue 5K hill kicked my booty. It was clear that hill training had to creep back in to my training. Oh sweetness. A week ago I ran 6 miles with a couple hills and Sharon sold me on bumping it to 8. "You can do it"....."it's eeeasy". Ah, the words floated out so smooth that before I knew it I was committed. So 6 became 8 and 2 hills became 2 1/2. Actually it was better than I thought. Sharon is a good pacer and better yet she can talk. She is a very intelligent person - you know the kind that will use words that you have no idea what they mean but she's smiling so you smile back and nod your head. Inside you're thinking "what the hell did she just say." She did talk and in fact she told stories over the last hill and 2 miles which kept me from focusing on how far I had run.
We averaged a 9:00 pace and other than the 200 yard sprint we did at the end of the run, I might have been able to go a bit further. If I ran alone would I have pushed myself those extra two miles? Increased my confidence? Or would I have been afraid to go too far too fast? I'm glad I'll never know. I took a step forward. We should all take that step. So turn the light back off, spit out your binky, put on your shoes and get out there. It's time to run....
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bellevue 5K
Today was a good day. The weather welcomed us with sunshine and the warmest race day we've seen this year. I thought about wearing shorts. Then I stood in front of the mirror staring at my bone white legs and decided to wear my tights. I mean running pants. Hey, I didn't do it for me, I was thinking about the safety of others....little kids....weak hearts....women screaming.
Even better was that the three of us were back running together again. Albert was in top form and Sharon though recovering from mouth surgery, joined us. But wait, there's more! Jerry (recently back from his debut at the Boston Marathon) was there to watch, cheer, and snap a few photos. Joining the run was Nicole Rad who just the week before called me out, stating that she would (cover your eyes kids) kick my ass - you can bet there will be more on that later, hang tight. Her husband Jason also ran (his first 5K I believe). With them, Tori. I saw her on the course as she blew by me during mile 2....while going uphill....didn't even appear impacted by the rise in elevation (I was looking for a rope-tow). We also got to meet Kate and her son Lucas. They came to watch Albert. Kate and Albert are....humm, how would I phrase this? It's very likely that both will read this blog and I don't want to mis-speak. They've been on a date, only one I think. All I can say after meeting her and seeing their interaction is that another date is likely in the cards. Kate is very nice and so easy to talk to. She and Lucas joined us for the post Starbucks tradition and she fit in like she'd been around us forever. Lucas was the perfect gentleman (4 years old I think). He didn't fidget once and we all know how boring adults can be to the young.
Ok, the race. The official results listed 431 runners. I have first hand knowledge that there were actually 432. What? An extra runner? Could someone have snuck into this race without paying? We runners call them bandits. They run without a bib (number), they run without care, they run without paying....Today that was our friend Sharon. To her defense she was coming off mouth surgery and wasn't sure she'd be able to run. In fact she brought a camera to take pictures. So....after a warm up jog she looks at me and says - and I quote - "I'll run with you". Thank you I say, with you pacing me I'll be sure and beat Nicole and have a good run. "Done" she says. It's important to mention that a pacer will normally run next to you or a step ahead to keep you motivated and hitting a specific pace. The starting gun goes off and we're moving. A great pace. I ask Sharon to run a yard in front of me to I can focus on her and not think about my pace. She nods and rolls up in front of me. Sweet, this race is going to rock! Reality hits. By the time I've covered a half mile she's so far in front of me that I can no longer see her. I think to call out but then I'd just look like some crazy guy running alone. It was nice while it lasted and I think to myself that I'll have to thank her for the half mile pacing and remember next time to be clear that I'd like the whole 3.1 miles.....I check my GPS and I'm running under a 7:00 minute pace. @&#@! I've never done that. I manage my best ever first mile at 7:02 - thank you Sharon for showing me that I do have it in me even though I have trouble finding it myself. I'm feeling great and ahead of me runners are turning left.....
Left.....yes, I turned left. As I did I looked ahead and saw the longest hill/incline I'd seen in a long time. Wait a frickin minute I'm thinking to myself, the website said "Fast flat course". If that guy thinks this is flat then he must be in heaven at Hooters. Ok, we all might be in heaven at Hooters but geez, those buffalo wings are simply the best....Halfway up this hill was when Nicole's friend Tori passed me. Don't worry, she wasn't alone. Seemed like the whole city of Bellevue was passing me. They weren't of course but I did have a moment of self pity as well as echo's of Albert and Sharon telling me to run hills as part of my training. I'll listen to them next time.
The rest of the race was seemingly uneventful. I was taxed. Started faster than I should have and wasn't ready for the hill. Even so, I had a good run. My target was 23:30 and I came in at 23:29. 43rd out of 431, and finished 8th in my age division. Six weeks until I hit 50 and a new division awaits - I'll be ready. Albert again stood tall. He set a personal record! 20:24.....BAM! 9th out of 431...9th! He was 3rd in his division. I didn't see him run. After the first couple minutes he was gone. Destiny was waiting for him. How about our little bandit? Unofficially she came in second in the women's division. The first place finisher hit the line at 20:38 and the official second place finisher registered 22:23. Sharon wasn't that far behind first place so look out for her at the next race. I see a PR comin!
Nicole Rad. The woman that called me out. I could say that I beat her by 2:14 and do a little dance but I'm a crappy dancer and what good would that do anyway? Instead I will say that Nicole has impressed me. I remember when she told me she was going to start running. Hearing stories of her progress and success. She has trained hard and not once backed down from one of her goals. It's easy to give up and it takes something special to push forward when you know it's going to hurt. Today she ran a 25:43, was 92nd out of 431, 6th in her division, and ran a 8:18 pace. It was a personal record!!! Keep it up Nicole, you are a runner!
Even better was that the three of us were back running together again. Albert was in top form and Sharon though recovering from mouth surgery, joined us. But wait, there's more! Jerry (recently back from his debut at the Boston Marathon) was there to watch, cheer, and snap a few photos. Joining the run was Nicole Rad who just the week before called me out, stating that she would (cover your eyes kids) kick my ass - you can bet there will be more on that later, hang tight. Her husband Jason also ran (his first 5K I believe). With them, Tori. I saw her on the course as she blew by me during mile 2....while going uphill....didn't even appear impacted by the rise in elevation (I was looking for a rope-tow). We also got to meet Kate and her son Lucas. They came to watch Albert. Kate and Albert are....humm, how would I phrase this? It's very likely that both will read this blog and I don't want to mis-speak. They've been on a date, only one I think. All I can say after meeting her and seeing their interaction is that another date is likely in the cards. Kate is very nice and so easy to talk to. She and Lucas joined us for the post Starbucks tradition and she fit in like she'd been around us forever. Lucas was the perfect gentleman (4 years old I think). He didn't fidget once and we all know how boring adults can be to the young.
Ok, the race. The official results listed 431 runners. I have first hand knowledge that there were actually 432. What? An extra runner? Could someone have snuck into this race without paying? We runners call them bandits. They run without a bib (number), they run without care, they run without paying....Today that was our friend Sharon. To her defense she was coming off mouth surgery and wasn't sure she'd be able to run. In fact she brought a camera to take pictures. So....after a warm up jog she looks at me and says - and I quote - "I'll run with you". Thank you I say, with you pacing me I'll be sure and beat Nicole and have a good run. "Done" she says. It's important to mention that a pacer will normally run next to you or a step ahead to keep you motivated and hitting a specific pace. The starting gun goes off and we're moving. A great pace. I ask Sharon to run a yard in front of me to I can focus on her and not think about my pace. She nods and rolls up in front of me. Sweet, this race is going to rock! Reality hits. By the time I've covered a half mile she's so far in front of me that I can no longer see her. I think to call out but then I'd just look like some crazy guy running alone. It was nice while it lasted and I think to myself that I'll have to thank her for the half mile pacing and remember next time to be clear that I'd like the whole 3.1 miles.....I check my GPS and I'm running under a 7:00 minute pace. @&#@! I've never done that. I manage my best ever first mile at 7:02 - thank you Sharon for showing me that I do have it in me even though I have trouble finding it myself. I'm feeling great and ahead of me runners are turning left.....
Left.....yes, I turned left. As I did I looked ahead and saw the longest hill/incline I'd seen in a long time. Wait a frickin minute I'm thinking to myself, the website said "Fast flat course". If that guy thinks this is flat then he must be in heaven at Hooters. Ok, we all might be in heaven at Hooters but geez, those buffalo wings are simply the best....Halfway up this hill was when Nicole's friend Tori passed me. Don't worry, she wasn't alone. Seemed like the whole city of Bellevue was passing me. They weren't of course but I did have a moment of self pity as well as echo's of Albert and Sharon telling me to run hills as part of my training. I'll listen to them next time.
The rest of the race was seemingly uneventful. I was taxed. Started faster than I should have and wasn't ready for the hill. Even so, I had a good run. My target was 23:30 and I came in at 23:29. 43rd out of 431, and finished 8th in my age division. Six weeks until I hit 50 and a new division awaits - I'll be ready. Albert again stood tall. He set a personal record! 20:24.....BAM! 9th out of 431...9th! He was 3rd in his division. I didn't see him run. After the first couple minutes he was gone. Destiny was waiting for him. How about our little bandit? Unofficially she came in second in the women's division. The first place finisher hit the line at 20:38 and the official second place finisher registered 22:23. Sharon wasn't that far behind first place so look out for her at the next race. I see a PR comin!
Nicole Rad. The woman that called me out. I could say that I beat her by 2:14 and do a little dance but I'm a crappy dancer and what good would that do anyway? Instead I will say that Nicole has impressed me. I remember when she told me she was going to start running. Hearing stories of her progress and success. She has trained hard and not once backed down from one of her goals. It's easy to give up and it takes something special to push forward when you know it's going to hurt. Today she ran a 25:43, was 92nd out of 431, 6th in her division, and ran a 8:18 pace. It was a personal record!!! Keep it up Nicole, you are a runner!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
St. Patrick's Day Dash
I don't know where to start. I like people, really I do. For the most part they are kind, polite, and pick up after their dogs. Maybe this run just wasn't for me. Don't get me wrong, every person I met was kind, polite, and the bottom of my shoes held no special surprises. But from a runners point of view, today was a madhouse! The official results aren't in yet so I can only share the numbers I heard. Approximately 7,500 people....I ran in the green wave which was reported to consist of a few thousand runners (there were 4 waves).
The weather. Isn't Spring next week? Good Golly Miss Molly it was snowing today....flakes the size of golf balls and coming down as if someone shook a snow globe. Luckily the snow ended during the run or maybe I just got used to it. I'm one of those runners that attempts to concentrate on my form while I run but my mind slips in and out of consciousness. Relax your shoulders....I'm cold.....breathe easy....a 12 year old girl just passed me....short strides....how much further....
Back to the madhouse. Let me say first that this event was very well organized and kept very close to the posted schedule - impressive. I'm there to try and run this event in 30 minutes - the posted distance was 3.75 miles. IPod set and my Garmin Forerunner 305 would help me keep pace. The countdown concluded and the race began. We started moving forward and I got a light jog going. I looked over at the girl next to me (does it seem like there is always a girl next to me?) and she was walking - my Garmin showed a 20 minute pace. Not a great start.
The first mile had pockets that I could dash through and then we'd bottleneck. Going around a corner I just missed a fire hydrant - I'll just say that had I hit it at the angle I was going, I might have qualified for the women's division in the next race. A chunk of mile two was all incline - not huge but wow, it was sucking the air right out of me. A few passed me and I passed my share. We made the turn and I knew there wasn't more than 1.5 miles to go and I found that provided a little extra confidence. Maybe those 800 sprints really do help....At mile one I had a 7:42 pace, mile two at 8:22 (sad) and mile three 7:43. Ready for the good news? The last .88 averaged a pace of 7:18...good to know I had something left in the furnace. I could have puked when I crossed the finish line but I was too tired. Nothing left and my legs were taxed. Notice anything odd? Add that up and you have me at 3.88 miles and the course was 3.75. All I can figure is that I had to run back and forth many times to find holes to run through in order to find space and that added about a tenth of a mile. Race metrics: 49 of 329 in my division, 506 of 3422 men, 625 of 7245 total (means 119 women smoked me), 8:04 per mile pace.
7,500 people and I felt like I was running alone. Albert and Sharon make running fun. We kid around before the race, have our pre-race warm-up, and share our stories after we cross the finish line. Post race is always a stop at Starbucks. At that point it doesn't matter if you sucked or had a great run, we've laughed and set our sights on the next race. I missed my friends today.
The weather. Isn't Spring next week? Good Golly Miss Molly it was snowing today....flakes the size of golf balls and coming down as if someone shook a snow globe. Luckily the snow ended during the run or maybe I just got used to it. I'm one of those runners that attempts to concentrate on my form while I run but my mind slips in and out of consciousness. Relax your shoulders....I'm cold.....breathe easy....a 12 year old girl just passed me....short strides....how much further....
Back to the madhouse. Let me say first that this event was very well organized and kept very close to the posted schedule - impressive. I'm there to try and run this event in 30 minutes - the posted distance was 3.75 miles. IPod set and my Garmin Forerunner 305 would help me keep pace. The countdown concluded and the race began. We started moving forward and I got a light jog going. I looked over at the girl next to me (does it seem like there is always a girl next to me?) and she was walking - my Garmin showed a 20 minute pace. Not a great start.
The first mile had pockets that I could dash through and then we'd bottleneck. Going around a corner I just missed a fire hydrant - I'll just say that had I hit it at the angle I was going, I might have qualified for the women's division in the next race. A chunk of mile two was all incline - not huge but wow, it was sucking the air right out of me. A few passed me and I passed my share. We made the turn and I knew there wasn't more than 1.5 miles to go and I found that provided a little extra confidence. Maybe those 800 sprints really do help....At mile one I had a 7:42 pace, mile two at 8:22 (sad) and mile three 7:43. Ready for the good news? The last .88 averaged a pace of 7:18...good to know I had something left in the furnace. I could have puked when I crossed the finish line but I was too tired. Nothing left and my legs were taxed. Notice anything odd? Add that up and you have me at 3.88 miles and the course was 3.75. All I can figure is that I had to run back and forth many times to find holes to run through in order to find space and that added about a tenth of a mile. Race metrics: 49 of 329 in my division, 506 of 3422 men, 625 of 7245 total (means 119 women smoked me), 8:04 per mile pace.
7,500 people and I felt like I was running alone. Albert and Sharon make running fun. We kid around before the race, have our pre-race warm-up, and share our stories after we cross the finish line. Post race is always a stop at Starbucks. At that point it doesn't matter if you sucked or had a great run, we've laughed and set our sights on the next race. I missed my friends today.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
LaConner Smelt Run
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.
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.
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.
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