Thursday, October 29, 2009

They're Watching Me ...

Today was another pre-dawn mid-week run. It was another clear, star-filled, well relatively, sky as the wind was actually blowing a tad.



I brought out my Garmin GPS unit and decided to try to run to now run to pace goal as I learn more of the ins and outs of it. After having it locate satellites (rather nifty feeling knowing the thing on my wrist finds satellites!), I started off determined to add the new tool to the training. This proved a tad frustrating, especially in the dark.



I set off on what felt like the pace I wanted; but, the unit would say too fast, too slow ... and then there were traffic lights, etc. It got a frustrating trying to adjust to speed and I found it a lot less enjoyable to run with "watch the clock" joining "watch for bad drivers" and "watch for fallen tree limbs" as goals. I just wanted to get the McCourt soap opera out of my mind!



Finishing was a bit disappointing as the unit said I was 30 seconds too fast per mile; so, I slowed down and then halted for a traffic light ... Soon, I was way OVER the goal. In the end it was a run of 45:12 for 3.39 miles of aerobic running.



I am just placing my faith in this system as the aerobic concept and not stretching prior to starting is so foreign to sprinting. The Roadrunners sent an article about how humans are actually designed for long-distance running; but, modern surfaces and shoes (oh, oh) lead to problems.



Still, I hope I will become more accustomed to the unit and running with it and make the training better. Anything that helps me finish the marathon ...



Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Running in the Windy City

This morning was another pre-dawn run, this time in the windy city of .... Santa Monica. It was actually pretty fun running through the streets as there were so many branches, signs, fences, and other items knocked over, blown off course, etc. that it made for an excellent urban obstacle course!

Luckily, I did not suffer any falls or damage, which is why it remained so fun!

I am starting to like this running stuff ... a lot. It really is helping me with a lot of other things and helping me deal with other things.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Week 7: Into the Fog of ... Running

The new training week for the marathon began and with it was a new distance ... nine miles!
So, it was off to the school to begin and energy revved up as the chant started.
Mile 1 ... It's Just For Fun
Mile 2 ... It's Good For You
Mile 3 ... It's Good For Me
Mile 4 ... Give Me Some More
Mile 5 ... I'm Still Alive
Mile 6 ... No Tricks
Mile 7 ... I Think I'm Running to Heaven
Mile 8 ... I Feel Great
Mile 9 ... Doing Fine
Mile 10 ... LET'S DO IT AGAIN
Then there is an ending about "We Are The Roadrunners" ... although in my head it has been, is, and always will be, especially after last night, "WE ARE SERVITE!"
Next it was rally with the group and head to the strand. Group 7 tends to arrive earlier than most; so, we get some information before then waiting our turn to launch. Today there were no clipboards; so, no sign-ins!
Soon enough the group was on its way. It was semi-eery with some fog. I try to notice some new landmarks each time; today is was an Australian barbecue place; I resisted the urge to make prisoner jokes or suggest it move next to Men's Central in downtown Los Angeles.

The last time I ran nine miles it was around a track at Santa Monica College; I was alone and I felt a bit drained a well as isolated. This time it seemed so much easier! I was happily chugging along, even if it felt slow. Up hills; down hills. Up the Santa Monica Pier; down the Santa Monica Pier. I still turned my cap backwards for the Ocean Park to Santa Monica Boulevard stretch.
After the new habit of visiting the Totem Pole, the group went past San Vicente into a rather affluent neighborhood in the northern Santa Monica Hills on Adelaide Street before turning down to 7th and then on to San Vicente and returning to Ocean Avenue. By then the sun was starting to emerge from the fog and it was getting warmer; but, I really had no problems at all with energy. I have started eating the little nutritional supplements while running, which helps. It is certainly a different mindset from an 880 or a 2-miler.

Then it was back down Ocean Avenue and heading for home base. Towards the end the group went past the rally point and onto the sadly named Speedway, where I still feel the urge to sprint. Then it was back onto the Venice Boardwalk and to the rally point.
It was a good run; it set a new distance mark for me ... 9.17 miles in 1:48:29 according to the new Garmin 305 GPS tracker which got its first use. It does seem odd knowing satellites are locking in on this little gadget!

I had never run that far; so, for me it was progress and it felt good. So far, this really seems doable. I hope it is March 21 .... when the old sprinter goes for the Los Angeles Marathon.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Patron Saint for Runners ...

Being a Catholic I thought I would try and find out who the patron saint is for marathons, runners, running, etc. There are patron saints for so many causes and reasons I thought surely there would be one.

Anyways, it seems there IS NOT! Wow. The closest suggested one is St. Sebastian, who is patron saint for athletes; but, not sure a saint known for being shot with arrows is may be the ideal choice for a marathon.

So, I looked at some choices. St. Jude, the patron of desperate causes? St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers? St. Christopher, the patron saint of travellers (but he is now on a semi-retired saint list)? St. Anthony, the patron saint of lost things (as in Where the bloody bleep is Mile 26?) ? Joseph and Anthony get bonus points for being my middle names as well. I was born at St. Jude's; so, that has some backing as well.

Anyways, since there is no designated one, I think I will stick with my main patron saint, St. Michael, patron of battles! Hey, he has a nice big sword for the struggle, wings to really keep moving, and fleet-looking footware. He has the scales to remind me to keep everything balanced and sound, well until ít is sprinting time. That sounds like a winner. I need all the backing I can get!

Come March 21 .... St. Michael the Archangel, Defend Us In Day of Battle!


Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Dark Side

I now do my training early, as in pre-dawn. It makes for an interesting time. The streets of Santa Monica are much quieter. Little traffic. Less noise. The air seems more refreshing. Plus, this morning the sky was clear and there were numerous stars visible. It does make for a change form the hustle and bustle of life. Have I crossed to the dark side?

Meanwhile, the training schedule is being revised. I am curious about what will be changing. I guess I am also excited. It is interesting seeing the debates, and some doubts, expressed about the aerobic training phase. Even though I was "sprinterized" to think SPEED SPEED SPEED, I am just trying to follow along and believe in this new method.

I am pondering moving up to Group 6; but, I also am a bit cautious since I do not have much experience at really long-distance running and also at their pace. Shorter distances I could definitely manage Group 6 or 5 or ... Perhaps if I still stay at 7 and complete this one, I can look at moving up the next time. At this point, my main goal is completing the training and marathon rather than setting a time target.

Still, come March 21, hopefully, I will have the energy left so when I see the sight of the finish line for the Los Angeles Marathon in Santa Monica that I can go back to the old ways, the dark ways, .... SPRINTING!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

It's Not Always Fun

It has been a fair bit of physical effort to get ready to even prepare to train for the Los Angeles Marathon. It has helped me get in much better shape and honestly, even allowing for some injuries and pain, I have had fun.

Today, though, was a reminder it may not always be fun. The news reported three runners had died during the Detroit Marathon. An older runner fell and died from a skull fracture and two younger runners also died while running. What terrible news for their families and friends.

I guess it is a reminder that the training is done for a reason and it does take work to give each runner the best chance to succeed, finish, and even live. It is going to be a physical and mental challenge. Godwilling, I will pass it.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Week 6: SURPRISE!

Today was the first week of the second build-up phase. After last week's three-mile cut-back week, it was back at the building up of resources for the big day of the Los Angeles Marathon. So, thankfully, I did my mid-week running despite it being dark and one day nice and wet!

Before the weekly trek to the Strand and even the motivational chant, the leaders announced a surprise. It would not be seven miles ... which was the plan and even emailed Thursday. It would be eight! Eight miles. One water station. Nice warm, sunny day. "Surprise, surprise, surprise" as Gomer Pyle used to say when I was very young.

Soon my Group 7 (Lucky 7/Magnificent 7) was rapidly heading to the Strand and eventually we were off. It was such an amazing day with the warm, warm sun along the beach (even if I would not dare enter the Pacific Ocean after a storm!). I felt really comfortable and for once even had a talkative partner which really helped.

We even player Roadrunners gossip, namely what effect the pending Frank and Jamie McCourt divorce which has been spread all over the paper just in time to distract from the Dodgers' playoffs, will have on the Marathon since they own it! Hopefully, it stays as it is as I am happy with the Roadrunners program and the idea of doing IT (the marathon).

We headed north and got to the water station, where I began using my first nutritional chews ever during a run. Think gumdrops meets energy drink. Soon, it was up on the Santa Monica Pier and to Ocean Avenue and a spectacular view of the sea. The group headed north further and further to the really affluent areas of Santa Monica crossing Wilshire, Arizona, California, etc. all the way to San Vicente! Then, it was turn around at the famous totem pole and head back.

I really felt comfortable and only a bit of tenderness in my knee. I think being in the group really helps and the nice weather as well, even as my shirt got rapidly soaked in sweat for the first time as a Roadrunner.

Heading south of Santa Monica Blvd., I thought I would honor my neighborhood and turn my cap around, keeping it that way until Ocean Park Blvd. You can take El Guerro out of the Pico Neighborhood; but, ...

The group was soon back into Venice and I sighted a typical SoCal sight: a marijuana "evaluation" clinic next to "Botox by the Beach." Ugh. Just what we need to show tourists, right?

The group headed for a small bit into a quiet residential area in Venice before returning to the boardwalk. I really felt tempted to sprint; but, resisted ... for now. Old habits die hard.

The group got back to the starting point. The senior leader who is great mentioned the training schedule is being changed and the midweek runs upped and also that the actual route will be out in two weeks!

It was time to get back to the school where the Gatorade line was longer than usual! It was also time for a banana and some nuts. I then visited the second charity exhibition. Charity work on this is one thing I still have to determine.

It was then off for home.

I felt a quiet kind of satisfaction at the end, eight miles on a warm day, and I still had a lot of energy in the "gas tank." It feels like progress!

Life has been a real challenge the past few months; so, progress on any front is welcome. Still, for a time today, I felt progress and it felt good. Godwilling, it continues. I am not sure who the patron saint of marathons is, if there even is one! I think regardless I will go with St. Michael, my patron saint, and someone with wings (as well as a sword for difficult times!).

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Video Time

Inspired by a beautiful pre-dawn So Cal with a star-filled sky, I thought may be a link would work well.

Not a bad video ...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FYrB1tlhug



Plus, starting at my beloved Dodger Stadium and finishing in good old Santa Monica ... not bad for a first time marathon!

Running in the Rain

Running in the rain, just running in the rain ... what a glorious feeling ...

This morning was the fun I had been anticipating ... running in the rain. It seems this is the largest October storm to hit Southern California in 45 years; so, I did the obvious ... I ran!

It was 45 minutes of running up and down the Pico Neighborhood with some little hills to boot. There were some massive ponds, er puddles, to cross/wade through along the way in the dark.

Still, it was so much fun. I was not completely inundated; but, I was definitely damp afterwards.

It was quite a different bit of marathon training; but, it all counts (I hope). Still, somehow this running through water did not quite match up to the opening of Chariots of Fire with the nice beach!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Wednesday ...

Let's see. It will likely be raining. I will be waking up at about 4 a.m. It will be totally dark obviously. I will be going around non-scenic areas.

Yet, somehow I look forward to it! Running at it's finest. 45 minutes of Go Time!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Week 5: Three-Peat?

This week's long run marked the end of the cut-back week, going back to the same distance as Week 1, three miles. A measly three miles! Was this a dreaded Three-peat? Actually, it feels nice to think that three miles is now essentially nothing; it is definitely different from April! I am running and training during the week which helps.

Still, it was kind of a lackluster run. The weather was somewhat overcast; the turnout was lower (because it was a short run?), and despite the science and reasoning behind it, the slower pace is not the most energizing. So, I decided to pay a bit more attention to the scenery. It really is a plethora of sights with marijuana "clinics," luxury hotels, a Jewish school, vendors, homeless people, tourists, the ocean, pigeon flocks and on and on all filling my "viewfinder." (Of course, there are also groups of the Roadrunners' "archenemies," the L.A. Leggers!)

The 31 runners in the Magnificent 7/Lucky 7 Group were soon back at the start and stretching. I had barely even broken a sweat! Still, the banana and Gatorade were welcome.

It was also the first LA Roadrunners Charity Day where some of the official marathon charities sought runners to help them gain funds through pledges. There were 10; some of the more ambitious even started before you entered the hall (a man in a gorilla costume offering information for an outdoors education group). There were charities for animals, a cancer run, south L.A. youth (A Place Called Home), the American Cancer Society, YWCA, etc.

I spoke with a few, including the youth one. The cancer run is on a Sunday, which is a problem, due to church commitments. The American Cancer Society seemed promising; but, they seek a $1,500 commitment! For someone who works with nonprofits who also need money ....

I also visited with Think Cure, the official charity of my beloved Los Angeles Dodgers and seeker of funding to fight cancer. They were nice. It was also nice to get in a raffle for Game 5 NLDS tickets; the only issue being with L.A. up 2-0 in best of five series against St. Louis, I do NOT want a Game 5 to happen!

Anyways, I gathered some information; but, I have not decided anything yet. It was soon time to head back to Santa Monica.

It was only three miles; but, hopefully, it is three miles closer to finishing the Los Angeles Marathon March 21.

If anyone does want to help a charity through this run, please contact me!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

I Miss Running

This week is cut-back week at the Roadrunners training program. This means less running during the week, just two days versus the normal three as well as less time during the sessions. It has felt so strange not running!

This morning was actually different as I went out on the streets, well sidewalks, before dawn. No park. No grass. No sun. Still, it felt good, especially as it was the faster-paced part of the training.

It feels odd actually reducing my running, especially since the goal is to run further; but, the leaders have the experience. If feeling odd for a week heps me to complete the Los Angeles Marathon, then ...

Still, I missed running the other day. It has been such a positive and such a release valve to help with everything else. It is so important that I got up this morning at 4 a.m. to run!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Week 4: Six Miles and Smiling?

Today was a great day of running! I am not sure why or how; it just was.

The pace leaders for Groups 7 and 8 had both emailed about learning to run uphill as well as the first crossing of the Santa Monica Pier. Both were "firsts" in marathon training for me.

Before all of the groups set out, Lightning Rod Dixon mentioned the need to learn to run uphill and downhill. Then, they announced the groups would be slowing down, fairly significantly. This meant my new adopted group, Magnificent 7/Lucky 7 was aiming for 12:00 miles rather than race day plan of 10:30. Since I have run much faster than that on 5K and just in training and even the Roadrunners sessions, it was a bit disappointing. Then, the senior pace leader explained it a bit more and ended with, "To run faster, we must run slower." Apparently, this helps build up aerobic capacity; but, for a sprinter-minded runner, it is near heresy ... we run faster to run even faster! This Los Angeles Marathon is a whole new world for me.

Nevertheless, soon Group 7 was launched down the Strand in Venice on an absolutely beautiful day. I felt so comfortable and at ease; it was amazing. Granted, the speed was slow; but, I was running six miles without a problem, something basically impossible at the start of May. I was barely even sweating, which in itself is near miraculous. I stopped at the water station; but, it was certainly far from an emergency halt.

The group continued onwards and we reached the landmark Santa Monica Pier and began the ascent up from the Strand. We were then halted for a bit of training on uphill and downhill running and even a practice session up and down the bit of incline from Pico and the famous sign. I was almost gleeful hearing "pump your arms like a sprinter." Yeah! In fact, a lot of the old ways came back quickly as memories of how I ran The Bowl and stadiums kicked in almost instinctively. It really was no problem.

After ascending up to Ocean Avenue, we continued north alongside a stunning view of a near empty beach and a gorgeous, non-tsunami-threatened Santa Monica Bay. The old tap-the-fingers trick was in effect. I could not believe how relaxed I felt running what really is a decent distance! I actually broke out a smile! A smile! A smile while running! I could not believe it. I had NEVER smiled while running. At Servite, it was essentially forbidden unless you had a) finished a race b) won Yet, here I was smiling! Unreal. People were dropping out of the group and here I was smiling! I just could not imagine this happening.

So, we continued up to California Avenue passing the Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevard borders demarcating the rich and proper people from us lot in the south. We turned around and got a nice view over the sea as a reward and headed back south. Among the sights was a low-flying military CH-47 Chinook helicopter flying along the beach! Wow, even some aviation scenery for me to see. This was a good run.

Our group headed back down over the Pier and down the Strand to our start, logging 6.06 miles. I knew it was a slow run; but, what a run. I felt so relieved. No knee problems. No problems at all. I actually felt peaceful. After stretching out hearing a bit on next week, it was back to the school for Gatorade, water and bananas. Then there was a rather detailed and scientific discussion on nutrition. I then headed for home.

It was just such a moment for me, a nice moment after a lot of challenges. It will not be easy to finish training and then actually running the Marathon come March 21; but, this helped a lot. I did six miles and it felt like I could have doubled it. Normally, alone on the track I would be huffing and puffing ...

The marathon style is so different. I had been trained to think like a cheetah: run on your own, run hard, run fast and get your target quickly. Now, it is like a wolf pack: run together, run consistently, run longer, and endure. Two ways of looking at life, I guess.

I still have a long ways to go on many, many things in my life; but, perhaps this was a start. Or as my hero Sir Winston Churchill said, "It was not the beginning of the end, but perhaps the end of the beginning."

Thursday, October 1, 2009

We Go to the Pier!

Today I received emails from Lucky7 and GR8 pace leaders with the information for next Saturday's run ... we cross the Santa Monica Pier and get to head north! It includes some uphill running.
This sounds fun.
This morning I ran in the wonderful weather and felt so calm, despite everything else swirling around me.
Then I see the email on the Pier! Somehow I am recalling the landmarks from the track days, especially Hell Week's grand tour of Fullerton and Anaheim: Glover Stadium, Hillcrest Park, Hunt Wesson plant, The Bowl, ... now, The Pier!

Somehow this marathon seems to be helping to dig deep and recall old challenges. May be it is a way of preparing anew?