Ah, Independence Day. A day off, BBQ's, fireworks, and many 5K opportunities. I feel like I should go into why we celebrate this day and how many of us (including me) tend to forget it's importance. I won't (you're welcome) but I encourage all of us to look beyond the "day off" and understand the significance of our American holidays and the all to often painful sacrifices that were made so you can toss a burger on the grill and grab a cool one from the cooler.
The Posse traveled to Everett for a 4th of July 5K. Neighbors Mitch and Angie (and their two kids) met us there. Rita, another neighbor, carpooled with Albert, Sharon, and I - you start to wonder if we live in some kind of running commune. Aside from the robes, chanting, and matching running shoes we're not so different from other neighborhoods...
The "Y" sponsored this race and their organization was impressive. A clean clear course, an army of volunteers, tunes crankin from the DJ, and even a few words from the mayor before the race. Additionally they coordinated a 10K, 5K, 1 mile dash, and a kids run. It came off like clockwork. A challenge at all races is to get in that last potty stop. This one was no different. You would think that we'd factor this in and stop sucking down coffee in route to the course. We don't. Common to this challenge is the women's line double or triple the length of the men's. Why? Sure, there are a few more women running 5K's these days but how their line always snakes out of the restroom and down the hall is beyond me. Maybe it's because women can't go to the john alone. They have to take two or three with them. Can you picture me trying to round up a couple men to come to the bathroom with me? Yes, have bail money ready and call my mom. This situation is especially troublesome for Sharon who frequents the restroom like an old friend. Time was short and the line long. She quickly noticed that the men's line was nearly zip and you guessed it, shifted lines by shouting to the crowd, "Look out boys, I'm comin in" and with that she disappeared.
I was jazzed about today's run because Albert was going to run with me, pace me. Help push me closer to a new record. For the first time I ran without my music - I wanted to hear my instructions clearly. He was great. Reminders to relax, breath, take short strides, etc echoed throughout the race. I think I let him down. I ran a good race, in fact it was my sixth fastest (yes, I keep metrics on all my runs and races). I came in slower that I think we both thought. It was warm....our Garmins both reflected that the race was a bit longer than a 5K, but so what. The time on the clock is all that counts when you cross the finish line. I will say without question that I ran faster and finished stronger because of Albert. Towards the end of the race we rounded the corner and could see the finish line. A guy was just ahead and I heard Albert say "Let's take this guy"....or something similar - I don't hear as well near the end of a race. As we passed him Albert shouts "Don't slow down". We keep the kick and finish strong, not letting the intruder close the gap. Turns out that passing that guy enabled me to take 3rd place in my division. Thanks Albert!
I can't comment much on Mitch or Sharon. Once the race started Mitch was off and the next time I saw him he was relaxing at the finish - waiting for the rest of us. He finished first in his age division! I'm running 400's with him this Friday at the track. Pain with a bit of fun mixed in I predict. We saw Sharon through the first turn and then with little apparent effort she found her gear and was gone. It must really suck to be one of those fast guys up front and see her blaze by. Forget it boys, you won't catch her. Sharon finished first in her age division and was second overall (women). Rita was running her first 5K in a long time and was amazing. She had a strong finish and a very fast recovery - meaning she will be even faster next time. And there will be a next time! Angie and the kids ran the 1 mile - in flops! Angie is a runner, an athlete. It's clear their kids will be runners too.
Our next 5K will be in mid August with the proceeds going to Children's Hospital. After the care they showed my son, they'll have my financial support and best effort I can muster. Speaking of effort, I'm toying with a couple new ideas. One being doing the 2009 Seattle Half Marathon in November. The other being tackling the 2010 Bare Buns Run at Washington's Nudist Colony. Looks like I'll need to start doing a few more crunches. Won't hurt to pick up a bottle of spray tan either....
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Hello 50!!!
50. It arrived. There is no turning back. I looked in the mirror and nothing changed. Still have all my teeth. Still have no hair. Everything where it should be and nothing showing up that shouldn't be there. Granted I did this inspection without my glasses but who needs that level of detail anyway? So, all in all, a good day. And a good day to race. I was a little tired and had a stupid pinch between my shoulder blades but nothing that needed surgical attention. The course was calling and my first race at 50 was on deck.
How about the rest of the gang? Albert had ran for four straight days and knocked out 8-9 miles the day before. He's training for the Portland marathon in October and looking to qualify for Boston. His dedication to training and attitude to deliver only his best will get him there. The 5K wasn't part of his training but he came to support me. Cool huh! Sharon had been battling the stomach flu since Thursday and was iffy to race. She decided to run. Maybe it was all those sprints to the bathroom over the last couple of days that convinced her that she could do it. Hard to say...
Before I share my results I will say that I did not set a personal record. I had a good race but my strategy was off and mentally I missed the game. I completed the first mile in 6:49 - never have I logged a mile at that speed. Mile 2 was just over 7:05. Albert and Sharon were in my sights through mile 2. Mile 3 had my number. At points I felt like Michael Jackson doing the moonwalk. How can I be running but feeling like I'm going backwards? I hate to admit this but I had two points in the last mile that I walked 25 feet or so. Walked. Between the pinched muscle in my back and fatigue, I failed. Mentally I failed. I met the wall and let it beat me. Those two short breaks cost me. Cost me a personal record. I finished with a time of 22:22. Not bad. Just 6 seconds slower than my record run two weeks ago. It's the second fastest I've ever ran a race. I took 3rd in my age division and finished 20th overall. One could celebrate results like that. I can't, not really. I know I could have ran a better race. I will run a better race.
Ok, how'd my lightning fast partners do? Albert turned in a personal record of 20:17, finishing 2nd in his division and 9th overall. 9th overall...wow. He didn't even look tired. His ability to recover is incredible. Often after a race he looks like he could do another one. Albert is also the first one to congratulate and offer support. Fyi ladies, he's single...see me for additional details...
Then there's Sharon. Remember what I said about her stomach flu? Can you imagine racing and battling both the course and the stomach flu? No thanks. In a 5K you have to go all out for the entire race, no holding back. She held nothing back. Not only was she the first woman to cross the finish line, she kept on running...running right through the finish and I'm happy to say that she was also the first woman to the Honey Bucket. Is that two medals or just one? Turns out that somewhere during mile 3 she experienced a mild explosion. Explosion...enough said. I don't know who impressed me the most. Sharon for continuing to run or Albert for continuing to run WITH her...The upside is that the panic over a possible gas leak was a false alarm. Sharon finished with a time of 20:17 (personal record) and besides being the first woman to finish, came in 8th overall. She now races against the field rather than just her gender.
I believe that I can run faster, I know I can. Mental strategy, maybe mental toughness is needed. It's time to train the mind as well as the body. One positive today was that age didn't beat me. The other is that I know where I need to focus. Now it's just a matter of putting a plan together and executing. I'm already looking forward to our next race and driving home with the windows rolled up....
How about the rest of the gang? Albert had ran for four straight days and knocked out 8-9 miles the day before. He's training for the Portland marathon in October and looking to qualify for Boston. His dedication to training and attitude to deliver only his best will get him there. The 5K wasn't part of his training but he came to support me. Cool huh! Sharon had been battling the stomach flu since Thursday and was iffy to race. She decided to run. Maybe it was all those sprints to the bathroom over the last couple of days that convinced her that she could do it. Hard to say...
Before I share my results I will say that I did not set a personal record. I had a good race but my strategy was off and mentally I missed the game. I completed the first mile in 6:49 - never have I logged a mile at that speed. Mile 2 was just over 7:05. Albert and Sharon were in my sights through mile 2. Mile 3 had my number. At points I felt like Michael Jackson doing the moonwalk. How can I be running but feeling like I'm going backwards? I hate to admit this but I had two points in the last mile that I walked 25 feet or so. Walked. Between the pinched muscle in my back and fatigue, I failed. Mentally I failed. I met the wall and let it beat me. Those two short breaks cost me. Cost me a personal record. I finished with a time of 22:22. Not bad. Just 6 seconds slower than my record run two weeks ago. It's the second fastest I've ever ran a race. I took 3rd in my age division and finished 20th overall. One could celebrate results like that. I can't, not really. I know I could have ran a better race. I will run a better race.
Ok, how'd my lightning fast partners do? Albert turned in a personal record of 20:17, finishing 2nd in his division and 9th overall. 9th overall...wow. He didn't even look tired. His ability to recover is incredible. Often after a race he looks like he could do another one. Albert is also the first one to congratulate and offer support. Fyi ladies, he's single...see me for additional details...
Then there's Sharon. Remember what I said about her stomach flu? Can you imagine racing and battling both the course and the stomach flu? No thanks. In a 5K you have to go all out for the entire race, no holding back. She held nothing back. Not only was she the first woman to cross the finish line, she kept on running...running right through the finish and I'm happy to say that she was also the first woman to the Honey Bucket. Is that two medals or just one? Turns out that somewhere during mile 3 she experienced a mild explosion. Explosion...enough said. I don't know who impressed me the most. Sharon for continuing to run or Albert for continuing to run WITH her...The upside is that the panic over a possible gas leak was a false alarm. Sharon finished with a time of 20:17 (personal record) and besides being the first woman to finish, came in 8th overall. She now races against the field rather than just her gender.
I believe that I can run faster, I know I can. Mental strategy, maybe mental toughness is needed. It's time to train the mind as well as the body. One positive today was that age didn't beat me. The other is that I know where I need to focus. Now it's just a matter of putting a plan together and executing. I'm already looking forward to our next race and driving home with the windows rolled up....
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Say good-night 49...
Saturday I ran my last race as a 49 year old and in two weeks I begin a new journey - or better yet, racing in a new age division. There are sub 20 minute racers out there in their 50's so don't think that easy days are around the corner for me. In fact I believe I will have to train harder than ever before. And I fear it appears that I will finally have to give up booze, smoking, and chasing girls. Just kidding mom, I stopped drinking long ago...
Growing up my mom and dad (still miss him - someday I'll tell the story about when he shook the ketchup bottle during dinner with the cap off and ketchup flew everywhere...ceiling, walls, you name it. Funny how little things pop in and out of your mind) had this thing we'd do at birthday time. Before falling asleep the night before your birthday you would say "Good night 7 (or whatever your current age was)". When you woke in the morning you would say "Good morning 8". It was kind of goofy but it stuck with me and I still do it to this day. I've tried to pass this tradition on to my kids. In their early years they were all in. Today not so much. If I look at the right moment I catch part of the world famous eye roll...So I say it to them...for them. I know they are thinking it and I'll settle for that.
I had slapped some added pressure on myself for this race. I needed it to be a good one since I was closing a chapter. Knowing this, Sharon fine tuned my training plan. I hated most of it. Hate is really too strong a word. Let's say I didn't always look forward to the next day of training, knowing that it would hurt and I would be tested. Additional cardio days were inserted, 400, 800, and 1600 sprints at speeds I'd not done before, hill training, and longer long runs. Yup, like a soccer ball to the groin but in this case a "cup" doesn't ease the pain.
Race day weather was perfect. Mild temp with mostly overcast skies. Jerry was out to run the 10K and Albert and Sharon running the 5K. We even had special guests - Sharon's mom and dad came out to support her. They are great people and it was nice of them to come out. They may have turned out to be good luck charms as Sharon won. She came in 1st for all women and 3rd overall - meaning she out ran every man but two. Smokin! Albert ran with her, coming in just behind. He ran 9 miles the day before - talk about energy. Jerry ran with his dog and finished the 10k in 4th place - and that's running with a dog and spending the first 1.5 miles running along Sharon and Albert talking to them. Oh, and I believe he's now running 80 miles a week for his marathon training...
For all my training complaints, the plan and execution was spot on and worth it. I ran the fastest race of my life, a 22:16. I started out a bit too fast (sub 7:00 pace) and settled into a pretty good pace for the first two miles. I was in a weird spot. The fast runners were well ahead and others were well behind. For most of the run I was by myself - that makes the hard parts of the run tough. Mile 3 wasn't fun but I pushed harder than ever before and soon I could see the finish ahead - oh sweet nectar! I went into a full sprint (my Garmin reflects a 5:00 pace if you can believe that) and crossed the finish well spent. I had trouble standing for a minute or two but recovery came soon enough and I could celebrate. And for the first time I won my age division. Yup, 1st place. After 19 races, number 20 will have a 1st place medal to remember it by.
As 49 heads off into the sunset I'm excited for 50. Bring it on..."cup" included...
Growing up my mom and dad (still miss him - someday I'll tell the story about when he shook the ketchup bottle during dinner with the cap off and ketchup flew everywhere...ceiling, walls, you name it. Funny how little things pop in and out of your mind) had this thing we'd do at birthday time. Before falling asleep the night before your birthday you would say "Good night 7 (or whatever your current age was)". When you woke in the morning you would say "Good morning 8". It was kind of goofy but it stuck with me and I still do it to this day. I've tried to pass this tradition on to my kids. In their early years they were all in. Today not so much. If I look at the right moment I catch part of the world famous eye roll...So I say it to them...for them. I know they are thinking it and I'll settle for that.
I had slapped some added pressure on myself for this race. I needed it to be a good one since I was closing a chapter. Knowing this, Sharon fine tuned my training plan. I hated most of it. Hate is really too strong a word. Let's say I didn't always look forward to the next day of training, knowing that it would hurt and I would be tested. Additional cardio days were inserted, 400, 800, and 1600 sprints at speeds I'd not done before, hill training, and longer long runs. Yup, like a soccer ball to the groin but in this case a "cup" doesn't ease the pain.
Race day weather was perfect. Mild temp with mostly overcast skies. Jerry was out to run the 10K and Albert and Sharon running the 5K. We even had special guests - Sharon's mom and dad came out to support her. They are great people and it was nice of them to come out. They may have turned out to be good luck charms as Sharon won. She came in 1st for all women and 3rd overall - meaning she out ran every man but two. Smokin! Albert ran with her, coming in just behind. He ran 9 miles the day before - talk about energy. Jerry ran with his dog and finished the 10k in 4th place - and that's running with a dog and spending the first 1.5 miles running along Sharon and Albert talking to them. Oh, and I believe he's now running 80 miles a week for his marathon training...
For all my training complaints, the plan and execution was spot on and worth it. I ran the fastest race of my life, a 22:16. I started out a bit too fast (sub 7:00 pace) and settled into a pretty good pace for the first two miles. I was in a weird spot. The fast runners were well ahead and others were well behind. For most of the run I was by myself - that makes the hard parts of the run tough. Mile 3 wasn't fun but I pushed harder than ever before and soon I could see the finish ahead - oh sweet nectar! I went into a full sprint (my Garmin reflects a 5:00 pace if you can believe that) and crossed the finish well spent. I had trouble standing for a minute or two but recovery came soon enough and I could celebrate. And for the first time I won my age division. Yup, 1st place. After 19 races, number 20 will have a 1st place medal to remember it by.
As 49 heads off into the sunset I'm excited for 50. Bring it on..."cup" included...
Friday, June 5, 2009
AARP
AARP....That wasn't how I planned on starting this blog. AARP....I don't even know what the letters stand for. What I do know is that I arrived home tonight all excited to sit down and write about my record breaking long run last Sunday. However, sitting on the table was mail addressed to me from AARP. What the hell?!? Isn't that something old people join? Gets you in to Bingo Halls at a discount rate and allows a two for one at the dinner buffet that starts at 2:00 everyday? Why are THEY sending me mail? I'm only.....Oh....enough said. Maybe it's not to early to start clipping Depends coupons....
AARP. The mailing is a offer to become a member. No where does it spell out what AARP stands for. It is because they think I'll be embarrassed....shamed? Is that why Playboy delivers their magazine in a brown wrapper? Hey, it wasn't mine, I was ah.....picking up my...my neighbors mail. I Google AARP and still can't find anything. I did find the following statement - AARP is a non profit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people over 50 improve the quality of their lives as they age. That doesn't sound so bad.
Thanks for hanging with me but really, if you found this in your mailbox, you'd float a bit too. So Sunday. The quest for 10 miles was on. Michael vs. the road - or so I thought. Mind you I wasn't alone. I had Sharon to navigate the course, keep me thinking positive, and distract me should I falter. She seems to know exactly when I need a pick me up or kick in the ass. The first 5 miles were pretty good and seemed to go by fairly quickly. I think this was partly due to the fact that I was running a course I'd never run before. Scenery can be a great distraction.
By mile 7 water was gold. It's amazing how dry one's throat becomes as you run and the ease in which water helps wash down the unidentified bug that flew directly into my throat. I wonder what it was. I'm sure it was smaller than it felt. Maybe a cute little ladybug. Sure, it must have been a ladybug....
It was around this time that Sharon stated she should have brought her iPod. Huh? "What?", I said? "Why do you need your iPod?" "Because you're not talking" she replied. Oh....well some of us need to focus on breathing I think to myself. Good for me! I've finally learned to use my "inside" voice....I admit to her that I'm feeling the miles and am feeling that our pace is a bit fast. "Check your Garmin" she answers back. 8:20 pace....too fast. We slow. Funny that it doesn't feel any better.
We're closing in on mile 10 and I'm happy. Almost there! Within a nano-second of that thought Sharon says "Let's run all the way home, it'll only be 11 miles". I'm putty at this point and not wanting to appear weak I agree. Good for you I say to myself, 11 will be a lifetime best and you're only a mile away. Only a mile....After a few minutes I tell Sharon that I don't feel so good. I haven't for a while. I hurt. Nothing specific, it's all over. I feel cold. She tells me to check our mileage. 10.60. Less than half a mile she says, you can do it. One foot in front of the other....run tall....breath.....you're doing great....She keeps them coming like bullets from a machine gun.
I can do it. I know I can. I keep going. I feel like crap. We round the corner and check the mileage - 11.12. We're done. I'm tired but no longer feel like crap. There's a strange energy coming over me and no, it wasn't gas. It's hard to explain and maybe you have to experience it to understand it. All I know is that at that moment I could do anything. Turned out that the run wasn't Michael vs. the road. It was me vs. myself. My body. My mind. I'm not sure it was a clean victory but it was a victory. My mind sent my body a message. A message that I'll use during my next 5K when I hurt. I know I can push through it because I already have.
Once again I share credit with my running partners. Today it was Sharon helping me push through. Another run completed and I'm better for it. Regardless of what AARP actually stands for, for me it's Always Appreciate Running Partners - Helping me improve my quality of life through running. Can't wait for tomorrows 5K....
AARP. The mailing is a offer to become a member. No where does it spell out what AARP stands for. It is because they think I'll be embarrassed....shamed? Is that why Playboy delivers their magazine in a brown wrapper? Hey, it wasn't mine, I was ah.....picking up my...my neighbors mail. I Google AARP and still can't find anything. I did find the following statement - AARP is a non profit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people over 50 improve the quality of their lives as they age. That doesn't sound so bad.
Thanks for hanging with me but really, if you found this in your mailbox, you'd float a bit too. So Sunday. The quest for 10 miles was on. Michael vs. the road - or so I thought. Mind you I wasn't alone. I had Sharon to navigate the course, keep me thinking positive, and distract me should I falter. She seems to know exactly when I need a pick me up or kick in the ass. The first 5 miles were pretty good and seemed to go by fairly quickly. I think this was partly due to the fact that I was running a course I'd never run before. Scenery can be a great distraction.
By mile 7 water was gold. It's amazing how dry one's throat becomes as you run and the ease in which water helps wash down the unidentified bug that flew directly into my throat. I wonder what it was. I'm sure it was smaller than it felt. Maybe a cute little ladybug. Sure, it must have been a ladybug....
It was around this time that Sharon stated she should have brought her iPod. Huh? "What?", I said? "Why do you need your iPod?" "Because you're not talking" she replied. Oh....well some of us need to focus on breathing I think to myself. Good for me! I've finally learned to use my "inside" voice....I admit to her that I'm feeling the miles and am feeling that our pace is a bit fast. "Check your Garmin" she answers back. 8:20 pace....too fast. We slow. Funny that it doesn't feel any better.
We're closing in on mile 10 and I'm happy. Almost there! Within a nano-second of that thought Sharon says "Let's run all the way home, it'll only be 11 miles". I'm putty at this point and not wanting to appear weak I agree. Good for you I say to myself, 11 will be a lifetime best and you're only a mile away. Only a mile....After a few minutes I tell Sharon that I don't feel so good. I haven't for a while. I hurt. Nothing specific, it's all over. I feel cold. She tells me to check our mileage. 10.60. Less than half a mile she says, you can do it. One foot in front of the other....run tall....breath.....you're doing great....She keeps them coming like bullets from a machine gun.
I can do it. I know I can. I keep going. I feel like crap. We round the corner and check the mileage - 11.12. We're done. I'm tired but no longer feel like crap. There's a strange energy coming over me and no, it wasn't gas. It's hard to explain and maybe you have to experience it to understand it. All I know is that at that moment I could do anything. Turned out that the run wasn't Michael vs. the road. It was me vs. myself. My body. My mind. I'm not sure it was a clean victory but it was a victory. My mind sent my body a message. A message that I'll use during my next 5K when I hurt. I know I can push through it because I already have.
Once again I share credit with my running partners. Today it was Sharon helping me push through. Another run completed and I'm better for it. Regardless of what AARP actually stands for, for me it's Always Appreciate Running Partners - Helping me improve my quality of life through running. Can't wait for tomorrows 5K....
Sunday, May 17, 2009
One small step for man...
....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....
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....
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!
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