..it all comes down to this Sunday.
San Diego, here I come. Time to rock and roll!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Let's Rock and Roll!
Weeks of training, hours heaped upon hours of non-stop running, sleep + social life sacrificed, gallons of water/Accelerade consumed, equal parts alcohol NOT consumed..
..it all comes down to this Sunday.
San Diego, here I come. Time to rock and roll!
..it all comes down to this Sunday.
San Diego, here I come. Time to rock and roll!
2 Days Left..
Excitement. Anxiety. Eagerness. Nervousness. Anticipation.
These are just some of the feelings going through me as race day approaches.
I'm putting in the last couple of miles later tonight (at a very easy pace) and then it's rest/carbo-load before heading off to San Diego tomorrow morning.
I'm also re-dedicating this marathon to my father.
It's been 3 1/2 years since we tragically lost him.
I still miss him every single day.
I'd like to think he's still watching over me from beyond somewhere, but there are times I feel really alone.
I do know this though...I would not be the man I am today if it were not for him.
He's the one that gave me the heart, strength, and determination to do what I'm doing.
And run, walk or crawl - I'll finish this marathon in his honor.
See you guys at the finish line.
These are just some of the feelings going through me as race day approaches.
I'm putting in the last couple of miles later tonight (at a very easy pace) and then it's rest/carbo-load before heading off to San Diego tomorrow morning.
I'm also re-dedicating this marathon to my father.
It's been 3 1/2 years since we tragically lost him.
I still miss him every single day.
I'd like to think he's still watching over me from beyond somewhere, but there are times I feel really alone.
I do know this though...I would not be the man I am today if it were not for him.
He's the one that gave me the heart, strength, and determination to do what I'm doing.
And run, walk or crawl - I'll finish this marathon in his honor.
See you guys at the finish line.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Thursday Randomness
3 days until the San Diego Marathon!!
__________
Ran a very easy 6 miles yesterday with a running buddy of mine. We were both lethargic and feeling a little crappy at the start of it but both of our moods were lifted during and after.
Maybe Tom Cruise was onto something during his schpeel about exercise and vitamins.
...nah.
___________
Am I the only one that's starting to think that the record-high gas prices might actually be a good thing for America in some sense? Less driving means less CO2 emissions which is better for our environment. But it also means that many people are choosing alternate methods of transportation (like riding a bike) which means that more Americans are exercising (albeit somewhat reluctantly).
I take everything negative I've ever said about the Bush Administration - they're geniuses!
___________
Speaking of transportation, most of the parts for my motorcycle finally came in so it looks like I'm gonna be working on that tonight. Can't wait to ride my 'Bonnie' again!
___________
Finally got a new camera! I was debating between a higher-end, more durable camera versus a less expensive point-and-shoot. Eventually, the less expensive one won out. Figured I could always get another should anything happen to it and that would equal the price of the higher end camera.
Now that I have it, I'm taking it down with me to San Diego so hopefully I'll have some nice pictures to share with y'all.
__________
Getting the first haircut I've paid for in a long time later today (I've been buzzing it myself for several months).
Believe it or not, I was actually debating doing the ol' mohawk again (a la 2 summers ago...see below), but some friends talked me out of it. Rational minds prevailed...this time.
___________
I've been going to this local Brazilian BBQ place lately and went again last night to have dinner with a friend. The past couple of times when I've gone to pay my food, the cute girl working the register has given me a discount.
The first time I thought it was just a lunch time deal thing so I didn't make too much of it. But she discounted my meal again last night (and thank god, because I got almost $20 worth of food!). I mouthed a 'thank you' and winked at her and she just smiled and winked back (my friend was not as lucky...hehe).
Needless to say, I see a lot more Brazilian BBQ in my future.. ;]
__________
Forecast for San Diego calls for AM Clouds and a high of 66 degrees - woo hoo!
It's been fluctuating every day but I hope the 'AM Clouds' portion of it stays true.
__________
And finally....GO LAKERS!
If they win tonight, they are advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in a few years.
__________
Ran a very easy 6 miles yesterday with a running buddy of mine. We were both lethargic and feeling a little crappy at the start of it but both of our moods were lifted during and after.
Maybe Tom Cruise was onto something during his schpeel about exercise and vitamins.
...nah.
___________
Am I the only one that's starting to think that the record-high gas prices might actually be a good thing for America in some sense? Less driving means less CO2 emissions which is better for our environment. But it also means that many people are choosing alternate methods of transportation (like riding a bike) which means that more Americans are exercising (albeit somewhat reluctantly).
I take everything negative I've ever said about the Bush Administration - they're geniuses!
___________
Speaking of transportation, most of the parts for my motorcycle finally came in so it looks like I'm gonna be working on that tonight. Can't wait to ride my 'Bonnie' again!
___________
Finally got a new camera! I was debating between a higher-end, more durable camera versus a less expensive point-and-shoot. Eventually, the less expensive one won out. Figured I could always get another should anything happen to it and that would equal the price of the higher end camera.
Now that I have it, I'm taking it down with me to San Diego so hopefully I'll have some nice pictures to share with y'all.
__________
Getting the first haircut I've paid for in a long time later today (I've been buzzing it myself for several months).
Believe it or not, I was actually debating doing the ol' mohawk again (a la 2 summers ago...see below), but some friends talked me out of it. Rational minds prevailed...this time.
___________
I've been going to this local Brazilian BBQ place lately and went again last night to have dinner with a friend. The past couple of times when I've gone to pay my food, the cute girl working the register has given me a discount.
The first time I thought it was just a lunch time deal thing so I didn't make too much of it. But she discounted my meal again last night (and thank god, because I got almost $20 worth of food!). I mouthed a 'thank you' and winked at her and she just smiled and winked back (my friend was not as lucky...hehe).
Needless to say, I see a lot more Brazilian BBQ in my future.. ;]
__________
Forecast for San Diego calls for AM Clouds and a high of 66 degrees - woo hoo!
It's been fluctuating every day but I hope the 'AM Clouds' portion of it stays true.
__________
And finally....GO LAKERS!
If they win tonight, they are advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time in a few years.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Simplicity
I love seeing runners out on the street.
By themselves or in a group. Day or night.
I don't know how far they are running, what they're running for...it's just nice and reassuring to see them out sometimes.
There are times I want to cheer them on as they run by, I really do. I'm just afraid they might perceive it as obnoxious heckling. So I don't utter a word - I just nod to myself in quiet appreciation.
I saw a trio running earlier today, two young girls and a guy. They were all smiles, fully engaged in whatever conversation it was that had them grinning ear-to-ear while they were immersed in a masochistic act that the relative few of us find so strangely pleasurable.
I saw a man in a Camelbak running on the streets at dusk. I imagined that he was in the middle of a 20-mile long run. Maybe tonight was the anniversary of a loved one's death. Or maybe he was just trying to save on gas by running from point A to B. Whatever the case may have been, he looked determined and hellbent on finishing his goal.
I saw a couple running together this evening. My eyes drew me to them by the reflection that emanated from the back of their running shoes. The woman was short and slightly overweight and the guy while fairly tall, was easily pushing 200+ lbs. But they were out there - god bless 'em, they were out there. And they were doing it together.
RUN
Function: verb
1 : to go faster than a walk; specifically : to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step
That's it.
By themselves or in a group. Day or night.
I don't know how far they are running, what they're running for...it's just nice and reassuring to see them out sometimes.
There are times I want to cheer them on as they run by, I really do. I'm just afraid they might perceive it as obnoxious heckling. So I don't utter a word - I just nod to myself in quiet appreciation.
I saw a trio running earlier today, two young girls and a guy. They were all smiles, fully engaged in whatever conversation it was that had them grinning ear-to-ear while they were immersed in a masochistic act that the relative few of us find so strangely pleasurable.
I saw a man in a Camelbak running on the streets at dusk. I imagined that he was in the middle of a 20-mile long run. Maybe tonight was the anniversary of a loved one's death. Or maybe he was just trying to save on gas by running from point A to B. Whatever the case may have been, he looked determined and hellbent on finishing his goal.
I saw a couple running together this evening. My eyes drew me to them by the reflection that emanated from the back of their running shoes. The woman was short and slightly overweight and the guy while fairly tall, was easily pushing 200+ lbs. But they were out there - god bless 'em, they were out there. And they were doing it together.
RUN
Function: verb
1 : to go faster than a walk; specifically : to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step
That's it.
T-Minus: 5 Days..
The San Diego Marathon...
It's this Sunday. It's this Sunday!
While I'm very excited that the moment of truth is almost upon me, what I don't enjoy is the tapering process. Scaling back miles/effort is difficult when your body's accustomed to constantly being pushed and the brain is jonesing for the endorphin kick.
Yesterday at the gym, I did a couple of miles on the treadmill prior to some light lifting and I swear, I wanted to keep going til I hit 10. Also last night after a long day at work, I laced up to run some of the stress out. It was all I could do to force myself to return home after only 3-4 miles.
Physically, I think I'm in pretty good shape. The weight's hovering closer to 180 than 190lbs, and the only nagging injury I'm dealing with are some sore shins (probably from the 10K on Sunday).
Time goal remains the same: to run a sub-4 hour marathon. Anything short of that will be disappointing, I'll be honest with you. But if it doesn't happen, so be it. I can always shoot for that time goal at San Francisco in August.
Either way, I definitely plan on having a lot of fun this weekend - it'll be great!
It's this Sunday. It's this Sunday!
While I'm very excited that the moment of truth is almost upon me, what I don't enjoy is the tapering process. Scaling back miles/effort is difficult when your body's accustomed to constantly being pushed and the brain is jonesing for the endorphin kick.
Yesterday at the gym, I did a couple of miles on the treadmill prior to some light lifting and I swear, I wanted to keep going til I hit 10. Also last night after a long day at work, I laced up to run some of the stress out. It was all I could do to force myself to return home after only 3-4 miles.
Physically, I think I'm in pretty good shape. The weight's hovering closer to 180 than 190lbs, and the only nagging injury I'm dealing with are some sore shins (probably from the 10K on Sunday).
Time goal remains the same: to run a sub-4 hour marathon. Anything short of that will be disappointing, I'll be honest with you. But if it doesn't happen, so be it. I can always shoot for that time goal at San Francisco in August.
Either way, I definitely plan on having a lot of fun this weekend - it'll be great!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Thunder Road
The Boss, the piano...Thunder Road.
Yeah, it may have been on VH1 but still the best performance of this song I've seen. Ever.
Yeah, it may have been on VH1 but still the best performance of this song I've seen. Ever.
Race Report - Brentwood 10K
Ran in the Brentwood 10K this morning. It was the 2nd 10K that I've run in and my very 1st road one. After not running AT ALL since Wednesday, I was definitely excited to lace up the ol' Mizunos again.
Started off a bit on the wrong foot this morning when I awoke at 5am and couldn't get back to sleep (race time for the 10K wasn't until 8:45am). I ordinarily would've popped out of bed after a few minutes of tossing and turning, but I didn't fall asleep until about 1:30am the night before. I think I just laid in bed for the next couple of hours with my eyes shut. Don't recall getting actual sleep in there.
Once up, I donned the race clothes I laid out last night and headed out. Ordinarily, I would've packed up my camera along with my other running gear for the purposes of this race report but...it is still out of commission.
I made the 10 minute drive up north to Brentwood and parked at the base of Wilshire and Barrington. As a warm up, I jogged the rest of the way up to San Vicente Blvd where the race was going to take place. Right as I got to the starting area, I heard the airhorn go off and immediately had flashbacks to my late start at the Great Race of Agoura Hills Half-Marathon.
In my state of confusion, I started running to the back of the corral that was leaving when I saw other runners in bibs milling about. I asked one of them which race this was and he told me it was the 5K. That's when I looked at my watch - 8am. Duh.
So I spent the next 45 minutes warming up here and there, doing some stretching and hydrating. When it was near start time, I positioned myself in about the middle of the pack where I met up with my buddy David, who's a personal trainer at my gym.
Now prior to this race, I had a race strategy mapped out in my head of running negative splits with the first half around an 8 min/mi pace and finishing at a 7:30-7:45 min/mi. Once the airhorn went off however, I completely forgot about this strategy and bolted right out the gate. I spent the first half mile zig-zagging my way past people before realizing, "ummm...I may be going out too fast..".
Sure enough, mile 1 = 7:13.
Then came the troubling part...when I glanced down at my Garmin for the mile split, I saw my heart rate...AT 188 bpm!! WTF?? My breathing wasn't that labored and while I started out faster than anticipated, I figured a combo of that and race nerves jacked it up. So for the next mile or so, I really concentrated on my breathing. Miles 2 & 3 passed at a slightly scaled back pace:
Mile 2 = 7:34
Mile 3 = 7:37
Once I completed the first 5K loop, my Garmin read 23 minutes and 4 seconds which bests my previous 5K PR by a few seconds. I clearly went out too fast.
The next loop became really difficult. The legs began slowing down, the breathing became labored...and my heartrate was still in the high 180's to low 190's! I immediately scaled my pace back even more by 15-30 seconds or so. This was not good.
I started getting passed here and there and we all know the beating the ego takes during those moments. But I was more concerned about my heart rate and my mind started wandering to what happened to the late and great Ryan Shay during the 2007 Olympic Marathon Trials.
Mile 4 = 7:53
Mile 5 = 8:07
Ugh. Refocus...refocus...
I basically said 'fuck it' for the next 1.2 miles. If I keel over and die from running beyond my means, so be it. I needed to finish strong. I ran mile 6 in 7:40 and the last 0.27 (according to my Garmin) in 1:53. But during the finish, max heartrate peaked at 199!!
Final time = 47:59*
Not bad as my new 10K PR but my times for the first and last half of the race really should be flip-flopped. I need to really stick to trying to run negative splits in San Diego to prevent myself from starting out too fast and so I can finish strong.
The Brentwood course was fairly flat with some minor climbs. The double-loop got a little tedious but it at least allowed you to cheer on the slower/faster group coming back the other way. The race overall was very well-managed with more vendors than I would have anticipated for a shorter race. Then again, it was held in the very affluent town of Brentwood so...
Sorry again for the lack of photos. Hopefully, I'll get a new camera before the weekend so my write up can do the San Diego Marathon justice.
Enjoy the rest of your long weekend!
*Edit to add: official time is listed at 48:00
Started off a bit on the wrong foot this morning when I awoke at 5am and couldn't get back to sleep (race time for the 10K wasn't until 8:45am). I ordinarily would've popped out of bed after a few minutes of tossing and turning, but I didn't fall asleep until about 1:30am the night before. I think I just laid in bed for the next couple of hours with my eyes shut. Don't recall getting actual sleep in there.
Once up, I donned the race clothes I laid out last night and headed out. Ordinarily, I would've packed up my camera along with my other running gear for the purposes of this race report but...it is still out of commission.
I made the 10 minute drive up north to Brentwood and parked at the base of Wilshire and Barrington. As a warm up, I jogged the rest of the way up to San Vicente Blvd where the race was going to take place. Right as I got to the starting area, I heard the airhorn go off and immediately had flashbacks to my late start at the Great Race of Agoura Hills Half-Marathon.
In my state of confusion, I started running to the back of the corral that was leaving when I saw other runners in bibs milling about. I asked one of them which race this was and he told me it was the 5K. That's when I looked at my watch - 8am. Duh.
So I spent the next 45 minutes warming up here and there, doing some stretching and hydrating. When it was near start time, I positioned myself in about the middle of the pack where I met up with my buddy David, who's a personal trainer at my gym.
Now prior to this race, I had a race strategy mapped out in my head of running negative splits with the first half around an 8 min/mi pace and finishing at a 7:30-7:45 min/mi. Once the airhorn went off however, I completely forgot about this strategy and bolted right out the gate. I spent the first half mile zig-zagging my way past people before realizing, "ummm...I may be going out too fast..".
Sure enough, mile 1 = 7:13.
Then came the troubling part...when I glanced down at my Garmin for the mile split, I saw my heart rate...AT 188 bpm!! WTF?? My breathing wasn't that labored and while I started out faster than anticipated, I figured a combo of that and race nerves jacked it up. So for the next mile or so, I really concentrated on my breathing. Miles 2 & 3 passed at a slightly scaled back pace:
Mile 2 = 7:34
Mile 3 = 7:37
Once I completed the first 5K loop, my Garmin read 23 minutes and 4 seconds which bests my previous 5K PR by a few seconds. I clearly went out too fast.
The next loop became really difficult. The legs began slowing down, the breathing became labored...and my heartrate was still in the high 180's to low 190's! I immediately scaled my pace back even more by 15-30 seconds or so. This was not good.
I started getting passed here and there and we all know the beating the ego takes during those moments. But I was more concerned about my heart rate and my mind started wandering to what happened to the late and great Ryan Shay during the 2007 Olympic Marathon Trials.
Mile 4 = 7:53
Mile 5 = 8:07
Ugh. Refocus...refocus...
I basically said 'fuck it' for the next 1.2 miles. If I keel over and die from running beyond my means, so be it. I needed to finish strong. I ran mile 6 in 7:40 and the last 0.27 (according to my Garmin) in 1:53. But during the finish, max heartrate peaked at 199!!
Final time = 47:59*
Not bad as my new 10K PR but my times for the first and last half of the race really should be flip-flopped. I need to really stick to trying to run negative splits in San Diego to prevent myself from starting out too fast and so I can finish strong.
The Brentwood course was fairly flat with some minor climbs. The double-loop got a little tedious but it at least allowed you to cheer on the slower/faster group coming back the other way. The race overall was very well-managed with more vendors than I would have anticipated for a shorter race. Then again, it was held in the very affluent town of Brentwood so...Sorry again for the lack of photos. Hopefully, I'll get a new camera before the weekend so my write up can do the San Diego Marathon justice.
Enjoy the rest of your long weekend!
*Edit to add: official time is listed at 48:00
Friday, May 23, 2008
Taper Madness
No running for me last night. Instead, had some awesome Brazilian BBQ and helped my buddy edit his running film til well past midnight. Thankfully, we got a lot done and it's really coming along now.
While I'm pretty tired today, I need to catch my 2nd wind in time for Game 2 of the Lakers vs. Spurs tonight. Unfortunately, this means I'm taking another night off from running. Worse yet, this most likely means beer + fatty, fried food coutesy of the good men @ my favorite pub.
Yay taper.
___________
I'm going to be working most of the weekend with my sister out of town and my employees having a bulk of it off. Am I complaining? Not yet...but check back with me Sunday night.
Yay work.
___________
Sunday morning, I have the 10K to run and my friends' baby's 1st birthday party later that day.
Yay screaming babies.
___________
To those with time actually off this long weekend, enjoy it my friends..
Yay long weekend.
___________
Only 9 more days til San Diego!!
While I'm pretty tired today, I need to catch my 2nd wind in time for Game 2 of the Lakers vs. Spurs tonight. Unfortunately, this means I'm taking another night off from running. Worse yet, this most likely means beer + fatty, fried food coutesy of the good men @ my favorite pub.
Yay taper.
___________
I'm going to be working most of the weekend with my sister out of town and my employees having a bulk of it off. Am I complaining? Not yet...but check back with me Sunday night.
Yay work.
___________
Sunday morning, I have the 10K to run and my friends' baby's 1st birthday party later that day.
Yay screaming babies.
___________
To those with time actually off this long weekend, enjoy it my friends..
Yay long weekend.
___________
Only 9 more days til San Diego!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Strange Encounters
You never know the type of characters you'll encounter along the road. And for me, living in a city where everyone is confined in their cars with limited interaction with the rest of the world, I welcome it...for the most part.
After a dismal 4-mile recovery run yesterday following my own little half-marathon the night before, I was hoping to get some more of my legs back today. On tap was a beachside run beginning at the base of San Vicente Blvd, down towards Venice Beach and back the way I came.
I met up with the lovely Miss Sara promptly at 6pm on Ocean Blvd to discuss mileage and pace. While making small talk during our pre-run stretch, a familiar looking fellow clad mostly in tight blue running gear, sporting a wicked tan zooms by and starts tearing up San Vicente Blvd...why it's none other than 2007 Kona Ironman winner, Chris McCormack*! (I still have NBC's December airing of his 2007 win saved on my tivo...the dude's amazing)
Once the excitement of spotting a bona fide elite athlete had passed, we were set to embark on our run...or were we?
Before we could take off, an elderly gentleman who looked to be his 70's sporting a USC hat starts inquiring about some athlete that went once went to that school. This segues into a 5-10 minute ramble about topics of conversation ranging from his time in the Navy to the 180+ countries he has visited in his lifetime. He was really a sweet old man but man, could he go on (and on). At any other time, I would've loved to buy him a cup of coffee to hear his tales, but we had a run to do! So after a few failed attempts to end the conversation, we were FINALLY able to part ways and embark our run.
Since we would both be running on sore legs, our initial plan was to run approximately 6-8 miles at a relaxed pace. That somehow ended up stretching out to a little over 9 miles (9.25 to be exact) at an 8:59 average pace. Here are the splits:
Mile 1 = 8:42
Mile 2 = 8:21
Mile 3 = 8:46
Mile 4 = 8:32
Mile 5 = 8:53
Mile 6 = 8:46
Mile 7 = 8:55
Mile 8 = 10:07
Mile 9 = 9:52
Mile 9.26 = 2:29
Miles click off a lot faster when you're running with company and engaged in conversation I suppose.
During the home stretch, I also come across my running coach Andrew (who conducts intervals @ a nearby high school) and his father Bill, who I come to learn lives right on San Vicente (lucky guy).
After finishing our run and parting ways with Sara, I spot Bill again on my way back to the car. We start talking about the Brentwood 10K I'm running this Sunday. I told him my goal was to run in the 46-47 minute range and he immediately starts clucking his tongue at me. He tells me that I shouldn't be racing it if I want to maintain enough legs for San Diego. I should be in taper mode and while running it for the sake of running it is one thing, racing might prove to be detrimental. Dang.
After some back and forth, I told him I'd run it at about tempo speed and just shoot for a sub-50 min finish.
Overall, it was a great running day. Legs felt surprising spry and it's a welcomed change to have a faster running partner nudging you along.
And of course, nothing caps off a great run like coming home with some California Chicken Cafe and watching my beloved Lakers come back from 20-points behind to take Game 1 from the Spurs! Whew, what an exciting game that was...Kobe was AWESOME in the 4th!
Have a good night folks...only 10 days until San Diego!!
*thanks again for looking this up for me.. ;]
After a dismal 4-mile recovery run yesterday following my own little half-marathon the night before, I was hoping to get some more of my legs back today. On tap was a beachside run beginning at the base of San Vicente Blvd, down towards Venice Beach and back the way I came.
I met up with the lovely Miss Sara promptly at 6pm on Ocean Blvd to discuss mileage and pace. While making small talk during our pre-run stretch, a familiar looking fellow clad mostly in tight blue running gear, sporting a wicked tan zooms by and starts tearing up San Vicente Blvd...why it's none other than 2007 Kona Ironman winner, Chris McCormack*! (I still have NBC's December airing of his 2007 win saved on my tivo...the dude's amazing)
Once the excitement of spotting a bona fide elite athlete had passed, we were set to embark on our run...or were we? Before we could take off, an elderly gentleman who looked to be his 70's sporting a USC hat starts inquiring about some athlete that went once went to that school. This segues into a 5-10 minute ramble about topics of conversation ranging from his time in the Navy to the 180+ countries he has visited in his lifetime. He was really a sweet old man but man, could he go on (and on). At any other time, I would've loved to buy him a cup of coffee to hear his tales, but we had a run to do! So after a few failed attempts to end the conversation, we were FINALLY able to part ways and embark our run.
Since we would both be running on sore legs, our initial plan was to run approximately 6-8 miles at a relaxed pace. That somehow ended up stretching out to a little over 9 miles (9.25 to be exact) at an 8:59 average pace. Here are the splits:
Mile 1 = 8:42
Mile 2 = 8:21
Mile 3 = 8:46
Mile 4 = 8:32
Mile 5 = 8:53
Mile 6 = 8:46
Mile 7 = 8:55
Mile 8 = 10:07
Mile 9 = 9:52
Mile 9.26 = 2:29
Miles click off a lot faster when you're running with company and engaged in conversation I suppose.
During the home stretch, I also come across my running coach Andrew (who conducts intervals @ a nearby high school) and his father Bill, who I come to learn lives right on San Vicente (lucky guy).
After finishing our run and parting ways with Sara, I spot Bill again on my way back to the car. We start talking about the Brentwood 10K I'm running this Sunday. I told him my goal was to run in the 46-47 minute range and he immediately starts clucking his tongue at me. He tells me that I shouldn't be racing it if I want to maintain enough legs for San Diego. I should be in taper mode and while running it for the sake of running it is one thing, racing might prove to be detrimental. Dang.
After some back and forth, I told him I'd run it at about tempo speed and just shoot for a sub-50 min finish.
Overall, it was a great running day. Legs felt surprising spry and it's a welcomed change to have a faster running partner nudging you along.
And of course, nothing caps off a great run like coming home with some California Chicken Cafe and watching my beloved Lakers come back from 20-points behind to take Game 1 from the Spurs! Whew, what an exciting game that was...Kobe was AWESOME in the 4th!Have a good night folks...only 10 days until San Diego!!
*thanks again for looking this up for me.. ;]
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Near Midnight Run
So to make up for the Palos Verdes Half Marathon I did not run this past weekend, I decided to run the 13.1 miles tonight at near half-marathon pace.
Total distance = 13.15 miles
Total time = 1:54:15
Avg. pace = 8:44
Avg. heart rate = 164/min.
Calories burned = 1,574
Legs felt a little heavy tonight and it was tough-going at times, but I was determined to finish it. The oddest thing though...my right shoulder is extremely sore for some reason.
Whatever...will worry about it tomorrow. I'm pretty beat and have to get up early so gonna hit the sack now. G'nite!
Total distance = 13.15 miles
Total time = 1:54:15
Avg. pace = 8:44
Avg. heart rate = 164/min.
Calories burned = 1,574
Legs felt a little heavy tonight and it was tough-going at times, but I was determined to finish it. The oddest thing though...my right shoulder is extremely sore for some reason.
Whatever...will worry about it tomorrow. I'm pretty beat and have to get up early so gonna hit the sack now. G'nite!
Monday, May 19, 2008
California Roll
I got pulled over this morning by Beverly Hills PD while en route to work. According to the officer, I rolled through two stop signs while cutting through a residential area.
Now I have been fortunate enough to avoid getting a traffic ticket since high school. But wouldn't you know it - it was only last night that I was chastising my cousin during dinner for receiving his 2nd speeding ticket in as many months. I of course, mentioned my impeccable driving record to reinforce my point. So I guess it's only fitting that karma instantly worked her magic.
Except I was able to talk may way out of it.
Ordinarily, I would be doing backflips but I'm not exactly proud of how I did it. I won't get into the specifics but let's just say that I compromised some principles I hold near and dear.
No - not that...get your head outta the gutter.
_______________
13 miles on tap tonight - LATE tonight. I really need it though.
Now I have been fortunate enough to avoid getting a traffic ticket since high school. But wouldn't you know it - it was only last night that I was chastising my cousin during dinner for receiving his 2nd speeding ticket in as many months. I of course, mentioned my impeccable driving record to reinforce my point. So I guess it's only fitting that karma instantly worked her magic. Except I was able to talk may way out of it.
Ordinarily, I would be doing backflips but I'm not exactly proud of how I did it. I won't get into the specifics but let's just say that I compromised some principles I hold near and dear.
No - not that...get your head outta the gutter.
_______________
13 miles on tap tonight - LATE tonight. I really need it though.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Out.
I'm out for the Palos Verdes Half Marathon.
As much as I was looking forward to toeing the line with some of my other running friends and Runner's World forumites, the weather has just been too brutally hot to justify running it. Then I thought this could be the perfect opportunity to finally volunteer at a race (something I've always wanted to do) and cheer on the people I know, but never heard an e-mail reply back from the race organizers.
So instead?
I gave myself the entire day off and will spend the day with some of my close friends rock-climbing and laying out at our favorite beach spot up north. I'll probably get a shoreline run in too at some point.
I'm also looking at a 10K in Brentwood next Sunday as my final tune-up race.
Best of luck to the brave souls who will be running tomorrow/this morning in the intense Southern California heat. Hope it goes well!
As much as I was looking forward to toeing the line with some of my other running friends and Runner's World forumites, the weather has just been too brutally hot to justify running it. Then I thought this could be the perfect opportunity to finally volunteer at a race (something I've always wanted to do) and cheer on the people I know, but never heard an e-mail reply back from the race organizers.
So instead?
I gave myself the entire day off and will spend the day with some of my close friends rock-climbing and laying out at our favorite beach spot up north. I'll probably get a shoreline run in too at some point.
I'm also looking at a 10K in Brentwood next Sunday as my final tune-up race.
Best of luck to the brave souls who will be running tomorrow/this morning in the intense Southern California heat. Hope it goes well!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Tempo Thursday
7 1/2 mile run, 4 miles @ tempo pace.
Mile 1 = 9:04
Mile 2 = 9:29
Mile 3 = 7:53
Mile 4 = 8:06
Mile 5 = 7:59
Mile 6 = 7:22
Mile 7 = 9:18
Mile 7.61 = 5:36
Tempo paces were definitely slower today but I was really trying to keep my heart rate from redlining. I also added an extra mile to my tempos and I've spent all day bicycling around town so the legs were already a bit fatigued. But I felt fine overall.
Still on the fence about PV. It's getting hotter here in Southern Cal and at last check, the high for this Saturday in Palos Verdes is expected to be in the mid to upper 80's. Yikes.
Looks like it's going to be a game day decision.
Mile 1 = 9:04
Mile 2 = 9:29
Mile 3 = 7:53
Mile 4 = 8:06
Mile 5 = 7:59
Mile 6 = 7:22
Mile 7 = 9:18
Mile 7.61 = 5:36
Tempo paces were definitely slower today but I was really trying to keep my heart rate from redlining. I also added an extra mile to my tempos and I've spent all day bicycling around town so the legs were already a bit fatigued. But I felt fine overall.
Still on the fence about PV. It's getting hotter here in Southern Cal and at last check, the high for this Saturday in Palos Verdes is expected to be in the mid to upper 80's. Yikes.
Looks like it's going to be a game day decision.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Long Run...Done
20-mile long run completed. Barely.
Seriously, it was pretty tough going. First of all, I got a really late start - didn't leave my place until almost 7pm. Also, I hadn't eaten anything since lunch so I was pretty much running on an empty stomach. And lastly, I didn't really have a route mapped out so my run wasn't very scenic. I usually do my long runs on the beach, but since it was cold out and only a matter of minutes before sunset, I didn't want to run in the ocean breeze.
What I did instead was zig-zag my way through several different residential areas nearby. I did this for about the first half of my run before taking about a 15 minute break to buy a pizza from next door so I'd have something waiting for me when I got back home.
With a little over 9 miles left before hitting my 20-mile mark, I decided to run a straight-shot down Venice Blvd and back after hitting the beach (about 4.5 miles each way) to complete my run.
Then came my low point.
Since I had recently purchased a new camera holster at REI, my camera went along with me to document my run. Around mile 15 or so after snapping a couple of pictures, another late night male runner was coming up behind me. Instantly, my primitive male ego took over and I started running again to prevent him from catching up to me...without securely zipping up the little camera bag.
Not only did he pass me about .5 miles later, but a few steps later, out flew camera. It hit the asphault with a sickening sound and my heart immediately sunk. After slowly picking it off the ground, I was devasted to find that the image screen was busted and no longer working although the camera itself could still take pictures. I was devasted.
I started fatiguing pretty badly from about mile 16. Legs were getting heavy with each passing step and my spirits were down. By mile 18, I started taking walking breaks. How was I ever going to get through a full 26.2 at this rate, I wondered.
Thankfully, at mile 19 my spirits lifted a little so I decided to try and finish strong. Slowing my goal marathon pace by a minute or two, I shuffled my way the last mile to the finish.
I immediately made a beeline to the Long's Drugstore across the street where I promptly downed a 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade and bought a 3 lbs bag of ice for my post-long run soak. Pizza was cold by the time I came back but devoured it anyway.
Final running time = 3:06:48.
Average pace = 9:09
Need to do better.
Seriously, it was pretty tough going. First of all, I got a really late start - didn't leave my place until almost 7pm. Also, I hadn't eaten anything since lunch so I was pretty much running on an empty stomach. And lastly, I didn't really have a route mapped out so my run wasn't very scenic. I usually do my long runs on the beach, but since it was cold out and only a matter of minutes before sunset, I didn't want to run in the ocean breeze. What I did instead was zig-zag my way through several different residential areas nearby. I did this for about the first half of my run before taking about a 15 minute break to buy a pizza from next door so I'd have something waiting for me when I got back home.
With a little over 9 miles left before hitting my 20-mile mark, I decided to run a straight-shot down Venice Blvd and back after hitting the beach (about 4.5 miles each way) to complete my run.
Then came my low point.
Since I had recently purchased a new camera holster at REI, my camera went along with me to document my run. Around mile 15 or so after snapping a couple of pictures, another late night male runner was coming up behind me. Instantly, my primitive male ego took over and I started running again to prevent him from catching up to me...without securely zipping up the little camera bag.
Not only did he pass me about .5 miles later, but a few steps later, out flew camera. It hit the asphault with a sickening sound and my heart immediately sunk. After slowly picking it off the ground, I was devasted to find that the image screen was busted and no longer working although the camera itself could still take pictures. I was devasted.
I started fatiguing pretty badly from about mile 16. Legs were getting heavy with each passing step and my spirits were down. By mile 18, I started taking walking breaks. How was I ever going to get through a full 26.2 at this rate, I wondered.
Thankfully, at mile 19 my spirits lifted a little so I decided to try and finish strong. Slowing my goal marathon pace by a minute or two, I shuffled my way the last mile to the finish.
I immediately made a beeline to the Long's Drugstore across the street where I promptly downed a 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade and bought a 3 lbs bag of ice for my post-long run soak. Pizza was cold by the time I came back but devoured it anyway.
Final running time = 3:06:48.
Average pace = 9:09
Need to do better.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Long Run...Monday??
I feel like I should have at least one 20-miler under my belt but due to my current race and work schedule, it hasn't been easy. In the meantime, the marathon looms less than 3-weeks away. There was a fleeting minute or three when I contemplated running my 20-miles yesterday. But when I woke up in the morning, I definitely felt some of the after effects of the trail run from the previous day and ruled it out.
So here we are on a Monday and I'm mentally psyching myself up for running it tonight. Legs are still sore and asking for another night off, but it ain't happening. I need to do it lest I want a repeat of the LA Marathon experience in the latter stages of this race.
So wish me luck tonight.
I will now leave you with a video clip of my cousin Andy's drumming performance that netted him 1st place in his high school talent show earlier this year. What a little badass!
So here we are on a Monday and I'm mentally psyching myself up for running it tonight. Legs are still sore and asking for another night off, but it ain't happening. I need to do it lest I want a repeat of the LA Marathon experience in the latter stages of this race.
So wish me luck tonight.
I will now leave you with a video clip of my cousin Andy's drumming performance that netted him 1st place in his high school talent show earlier this year. What a little badass!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Saw this movie last night with a friend. It was very funny - I was pleasantly surprised. But what surprised me even more was the startling appeal of one Mila Kunis. Barely knew this gal existed before but after this movie...all I can say is 'wow'.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Malibu Creek Trail Race - Take Two
Just got back from the Malibu Creek 14-mile Trail Race this morning and boy, lemme tell ya - MUCH better this time around.
For those of you not in the know, last year I ran a very pedestrian 2:48. This was primarily due to severe cramping in both hamstrings and calves that hit me at various points throughout the race. I was ill-prepared, the sun came out midway through the race...it was just bad.
This time around, I made sure I went prepared. In my water belt, I was armed with a 22-ounce bottle of Accelerade, 3 salt tabs, a Hammer Gel, and a bag of Shot Bloks. If I suffered out there, at least I would not be able to point the finger at my lack of preparation.
I left my place around 6am this morning and took the long drive up PCH, and then the winding canyons that would lead me to the park. I immediately ran into two running buddies, David (a personal trainer from my gym) and Price (runs intervals with me @ the track).
After taking a quick jaunt to find a pee area, we went over to the starting area to position ourselves in the middle of the pack.
While scanning the crowd for familiar faces (and some eye candy), who do I spot but the queen of the trails herself, Jessica.
After a quick hello and photo op, we were off to the races!
I started the race fairly conservatively bracing myself for the long climb up the infamous Bulldog Road. The wide fire road quickly turned into a single track and for the next couple of miles, my world consisted of focusing on the 5-feet of road directly in front of me.
Bulldog Rd came upon us right around mile 3. There was a strategically placed aid station right at the start of the ascent which many of us were grateful for, I being one of them. I downed two cups of Gatorade and a Vanilla Bean Gu and started the death march up. Since I did this climb a couple of times now, I knew it would be futile for most people to try running the approximately 3-mile climb to almost 2,500 ft. I wanted to yell this out to the overzealous bunch passing me up, but didn't want to be presumptuous and assume they were as out of shape as me. Those 3 or so miles were long and arduous but hiking up most of it and making small talk with fellow racers suffering around me helped take my mind off of it a bit. Sure enough, once it finally plateaued I started passing some more folks who started out hard.
The weather by the way, was perfect. Overcast, in the 60's...perfect. And it would hold up for the rest of the race, which helps an overheater like myself.
There would be a few more hills along the way so once the series of downhill descents started, I began making up for lost time by charging down at breakneck speeds. I'm sure some of the folks I passed on the way down thought I was a bit nuts. But I made sure I ran with my elbows up and out to keep me balanced and thankfully, did not tumble at any point.
After one last brutal hill from miles 12 through about 13, it was all downhill and then flat to the finish line. It was at this point I knew I ran the race conservatively because I had a lot left in the tank and passed some more folks along the way to the finish. Clock time finish read 2:32 + change.
Post-race @ this event is great because there aren't too many runners and so you don't have to feel like you have to rush to get refreshments. I helped myself to two servings of freshly scrambled eggs and Krispy Kreme donuts while rubbing elbows with fellow runners. This is when I finally met with up the very lovely Jennifer and her husband who ran a very impressive race based on his time (in the 2:10's).
All in all, a great day for a race. Bring on Palos Verdes!
For those of you not in the know, last year I ran a very pedestrian 2:48. This was primarily due to severe cramping in both hamstrings and calves that hit me at various points throughout the race. I was ill-prepared, the sun came out midway through the race...it was just bad.
This time around, I made sure I went prepared. In my water belt, I was armed with a 22-ounce bottle of Accelerade, 3 salt tabs, a Hammer Gel, and a bag of Shot Bloks. If I suffered out there, at least I would not be able to point the finger at my lack of preparation. I left my place around 6am this morning and took the long drive up PCH, and then the winding canyons that would lead me to the park. I immediately ran into two running buddies, David (a personal trainer from my gym) and Price (runs intervals with me @ the track).
After taking a quick jaunt to find a pee area, we went over to the starting area to position ourselves in the middle of the pack. While scanning the crowd for familiar faces (and some eye candy), who do I spot but the queen of the trails herself, Jessica.
After a quick hello and photo op, we were off to the races!
I started the race fairly conservatively bracing myself for the long climb up the infamous Bulldog Road. The wide fire road quickly turned into a single track and for the next couple of miles, my world consisted of focusing on the 5-feet of road directly in front of me.
Bulldog Rd came upon us right around mile 3. There was a strategically placed aid station right at the start of the ascent which many of us were grateful for, I being one of them. I downed two cups of Gatorade and a Vanilla Bean Gu and started the death march up. Since I did this climb a couple of times now, I knew it would be futile for most people to try running the approximately 3-mile climb to almost 2,500 ft. I wanted to yell this out to the overzealous bunch passing me up, but didn't want to be presumptuous and assume they were as out of shape as me. Those 3 or so miles were long and arduous but hiking up most of it and making small talk with fellow racers suffering around me helped take my mind off of it a bit. Sure enough, once it finally plateaued I started passing some more folks who started out hard. The weather by the way, was perfect. Overcast, in the 60's...perfect. And it would hold up for the rest of the race, which helps an overheater like myself.
There would be a few more hills along the way so once the series of downhill descents started, I began making up for lost time by charging down at breakneck speeds. I'm sure some of the folks I passed on the way down thought I was a bit nuts. But I made sure I ran with my elbows up and out to keep me balanced and thankfully, did not tumble at any point.
After one last brutal hill from miles 12 through about 13, it was all downhill and then flat to the finish line. It was at this point I knew I ran the race conservatively because I had a lot left in the tank and passed some more folks along the way to the finish. Clock time finish read 2:32 + change.
Post-race @ this event is great because there aren't too many runners and so you don't have to feel like you have to rush to get refreshments. I helped myself to two servings of freshly scrambled eggs and Krispy Kreme donuts while rubbing elbows with fellow runners. This is when I finally met with up the very lovely Jennifer and her husband who ran a very impressive race based on his time (in the 2:10's).
All in all, a great day for a race. Bring on Palos Verdes!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Crap...utter crap
'Food' consumed in the past week:
-tri tip sandwich
-potato salad
-french fries
-veggie burger (caked in mayo)
-chicken wings
-chocolate croissant
-mozzerella sticks
Are. You. Kidding. Me. Billy.
No wonder you can't lose any weight.
How about you revise your goal from: Lose 5-10 lbs before San Diego, to: Don't gain 5-10 lbs before San Diego. Fatass.
-tri tip sandwich
-potato salad
-french fries
-veggie burger (caked in mayo)
-chicken wings
-chocolate croissant
-mozzerella sticks
Are. You. Kidding. Me. Billy.
No wonder you can't lose any weight.
How about you revise your goal from: Lose 5-10 lbs before San Diego, to: Don't gain 5-10 lbs before San Diego. Fatass.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Going Green
First off, happy Cinco De Mayo everyone. I'll be celebrating tonight with a half BBQ chicken/half Hawaiian pizza from next door while doing some much needed (and heavily procrastinated) work on my computer tonight. Que tiempo feliz, no? No quiero trabajar esta noche pero necesito si yo voy a ser un hombre mejor.
(I'm pretty sure I butchered that up. AP Spanish my ass.)
Today also launched Day 1 of going green by riding my bike into work instead of the gas guzzling SUV I'm normally confined in. In the end, we all win because: a) I get the exercise, b) I'm helping the environment and c) this is the closest thing to a middle finger I can give to oil companies continally reaping record profits in recent years.
My overall commute is a little over 6-miles each way so it's not bad at all. From West LA, I ride through Beverlywood and Beverly Hills so at least the ride is somewhat pleasant. Contending with distracted drivers on cell phones is a whole other story. Especially in rush hour traffic which I faced leaving work on the way to my gym taking Olympic back to the westside. You will not see as many absent-minded people assembled on one street than on Olympic Blvd between the hours of 5 and 7pm when everyone's in a mad dash to get home while making whatever arrangements on their cell phones. Douche bags.
Anyway, tonight was a rare strength and abs day at the gym for me. No running. Legs are thanking me as I type this.
Gotta go pick up my pizza now - have a great week all!
(I'm pretty sure I butchered that up. AP Spanish my ass.)
Today also launched Day 1 of going green by riding my bike into work instead of the gas guzzling SUV I'm normally confined in. In the end, we all win because: a) I get the exercise, b) I'm helping the environment and c) this is the closest thing to a middle finger I can give to oil companies continally reaping record profits in recent years.
My overall commute is a little over 6-miles each way so it's not bad at all. From West LA, I ride through Beverlywood and Beverly Hills so at least the ride is somewhat pleasant. Contending with distracted drivers on cell phones is a whole other story. Especially in rush hour traffic which I faced leaving work on the way to my gym taking Olympic back to the westside. You will not see as many absent-minded people assembled on one street than on Olympic Blvd between the hours of 5 and 7pm when everyone's in a mad dash to get home while making whatever arrangements on their cell phones. Douche bags.
Anyway, tonight was a rare strength and abs day at the gym for me. No running. Legs are thanking me as I type this.
Gotta go pick up my pizza now - have a great week all!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Long Run Sunday
Finally got in a REAL long run for a change. Foregoing my usual Sunday morning trail run with my club, I instead opted to get in an 18-miler in preparation for the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego.
It's a mere 4 weeks away now. Gulp.
Got a later start than I wanted leaving just before 9am. Thankfully, it was overcast and relatively cool out for the majority of the run. As I usually do on long runs, I headed west towards the beach. Plan was to do first 2 at warm-up pace, 14 at MP, and the last 2 at recovery.
It was slow-going initially as it took me a couple of miles to get into a comfortable groove. But once I did, the miles started clicking off at decent paces. If anything, I was probably running them too fast. At the half-marathon mark (13.1 miles), I was already 2 minutes below my PR time of 1:55!
The sun began to sporadically rear its ugly head from that point and every time it hit me, I felt my energy level deflate. I was already sweating buckets by then and had to make a couple of pit stops to refill my bottle with Gatorade and take my shot blocks.
The run home was tough but I made it the final 4 some odd miles back home (basically shuffling my feet at that point) and rewarded myself with another cold bottle of Gatorade, a Recovery Power Bar, and a 15-minute ice bath.
It was a very humbling long run. I definitely need to get a couple more in before the big day.
Here were my splits:
Mile 1 - 8:57
Mile 2 - 9:16
Mile 3 - 8:35
Mile 4 - 9:03
Mile 5 - 8:33
Mile 6 - 8:35
Mile 7 - 8:27
Mile 8 - 8:33
Mile 9 - 8:52
Mile 10 - 8:39
Mile 11 - 8:24
Mile 12 - 8:31
Mile 13 - 8:28
Mile 14 - 8:53
Mile 15 - 8:59
Mile 16 - 8:49
Mile 17 - 9:38
Mile 18 - 10:57
Mile 18.5 - 4:16
Avg. Pace = 8:54
It's a mere 4 weeks away now. Gulp.
Got a later start than I wanted leaving just before 9am. Thankfully, it was overcast and relatively cool out for the majority of the run. As I usually do on long runs, I headed west towards the beach. Plan was to do first 2 at warm-up pace, 14 at MP, and the last 2 at recovery.
It was slow-going initially as it took me a couple of miles to get into a comfortable groove. But once I did, the miles started clicking off at decent paces. If anything, I was probably running them too fast. At the half-marathon mark (13.1 miles), I was already 2 minutes below my PR time of 1:55!The sun began to sporadically rear its ugly head from that point and every time it hit me, I felt my energy level deflate. I was already sweating buckets by then and had to make a couple of pit stops to refill my bottle with Gatorade and take my shot blocks.
The run home was tough but I made it the final 4 some odd miles back home (basically shuffling my feet at that point) and rewarded myself with another cold bottle of Gatorade, a Recovery Power Bar, and a 15-minute ice bath.
It was a very humbling long run. I definitely need to get a couple more in before the big day.
Here were my splits:
Mile 1 - 8:57
Mile 2 - 9:16
Mile 3 - 8:35
Mile 4 - 9:03
Mile 5 - 8:33
Mile 6 - 8:35
Mile 7 - 8:27
Mile 8 - 8:33
Mile 9 - 8:52
Mile 10 - 8:39
Mile 11 - 8:24
Mile 12 - 8:31
Mile 13 - 8:28
Mile 14 - 8:53
Mile 15 - 8:59
Mile 16 - 8:49
Mile 17 - 9:38
Mile 18 - 10:57
Mile 18.5 - 4:16
Avg. Pace = 8:54
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