On the Edge

Well, it is rapidly coming to the close of the year.

It has been a very, very, very hard year; but, I have survived somehow.

Now, I wonder how my knee will fare and can it make it through to March 21 to do the Los Angeles Marathon. I wonder how I will cope doing the LA Roadrunners program. I have already done 16 miles; can I get to the end? Can I stay with my current group? How will it go Saturday since I have not run since the struggles of last Saturday?

It is a lot of uncertainty; but, I resolve to do my best to make it somehow, someway. Adelante.

It Is Better to Give Than Receive

The last few weeks I have been more on the receiving end of running, as in receiving pain and worry about my knee. It has been neither fun nor inspiring; so, I have decided to try and make a positive.

In earlier Roadrunner training weeks, they had some presentations by charities and being involved in the dreaded and much feared "church stuff" I know of MANY, MANY, MANY more causes and problems. So, I decided to combine the two and build on what the Roadrunners had mentioned as a possible motivational force to run the Los Angeles Marathon.

Realistically, I am not sure I can raise some of the large sums some of the groups, worthy as they are, were seeking. I also wanted some sort of personal ties; if I am going to be pounding cement for 26.2 miles, I want it to also matter to me!

I also know there are literally thousands of worthy causes and it is hard to say which is best or to say well, Heifer International or Catholic Relief Services are less worthy than a local group for example. I decided to come up with three options.

1) ThinkCure! This is a charity championed by my beloved Los Angeles Dodgers which works to support cancer research in the Los Angeles area. I even got to make a page!
http://www.firstgiving.com/michaelward

2) St. Anne Church and Shrine Youth Program and CCD in Santa Monica: I do a LOT of volunteer work there and we are working to raise money to get a Powerpoint projector and a computer so we can make better presentations for the kids and teens.

3) St. John the Baptist Church Social Services which works to help the poor and struggling in Baldwin Park and the region. http://sjbsocialservices.blogspot.com/

Anyways, if anyone wants to sponsor a quixotic effort at running the Los Angeles Marathon 2010, it would be greatly welcome and appreciated. I think all three of these causes are worthy and they will be on my mind March 21.

Day Off ...

Well, today normally would be a running day (I tend to go on Monday and take Tuesday as the day off in the LA Roadrunners schedule).

After Saturday's long run and yesterday's not-so-speedy walk, I decided this will not be a running week, well until Saturday. I am going for a bit of rest. I may do some walking as well (well, besides normal amount in job and commuting). Hopefully, the knee will respond to the rest, the brace, and the ice. I may give it a second week off next week.

It does feel weird not to have been and I feel rather guilty. It did give me a bit extra sleep, which hopefully will help me finish off a cold and some general tiredness.

I guess right now it is trying to balance pain vs. soreness, recklessness vs. tough it out, pride vs. practical, and more ...

What to do?

Today was a post-long run day and the LA Roadrunners schedule called for a 30 minute run at aerobic pace (a.k.a. the slow one). The Group 7 senior pace leader last week had even said he thought we could not run at all on Sunday in lieu of resting the legs.

I decided to modify the plan following yesterday's results. I opted to walk ... My knee still had some awkward moments; but, the problems were not like while running. I walked to the Santa Monica Airport area and Clover Park and around for a spell. I was not speedwalking; but, I was also not just edging along the sidewalk.

I managed 53:13 of walking for 2:51 miles and a whopping 21:13 pace. Oops. Still, I felt it better to do something than nothing. A positive was my calves were not sore at all.

I am still not sure about this week; I am edging towards a week of rest and ice packs. It is just so frustrating.

Week 16: Boxing Day Run

Today was another long run for the LA Roadrunners, just today was different ... there was no LA Roadrunners officially as the school, used as a base was closed.

So, I opted to go for the long run form my parents' house in Orange County. It started later than normal due to an early morning trip to John Wayne Airport.

I set out and felt so-so with my knee and also just a lack of energy from Christmas and all.

I did get in some hillwork and the scenery was a nice change. Not often I see horses or heck houses with decent yards on my Santa Monica runs.

I decided to head down and back some residential streets and then to a larger street towards eastern Anaheim. Upon finding an open gate, I went into Esperanza High School, the nearest public high shcool and looked for their track. I thought the track may be a good option to ease the pounding on my knee.

I found the track and frankly it was in terrible condition as was their field, which was a surprise. Still, I was two miles in and surviving; so, I began going old-school ... laps of the track.

I kept going but I was struggling. I was definitely not on LT target pace; but, felt some miles was better than no miles. So, round and round I went, remembering why I normally do not do track laps unless I am racing! It was so dull, especially as it is not my high school. I tried to think about other things that have been causing issues lately; but, no good today. I did see some aircraft headed into John Wayne Airport; so, that was a welcome change.

I kept going round and round with brief stops for Powerade (yeah!) and back at it until hitting 6.6 miles. I then began heading for my parents' house, which meant even more hillwork, passing a tractor on a strawberrry patch and other odd sights.

I got home ... knee was sore, time was bad; but, I made it. I did not make the target time; but, I did make the miles at least. I also got concerned about the battle damage and am thinking I may need a break this week.

I ran for 1:33 for 8:08 miles at 11:35 pace vs. my target of 10:30; so, disappointing to say the least.

I will have to see how it goes this week, if I do go and not rest my knee. May be I will go back to Group 8? At least next week is a mere five miles; so, I think I can manage. I guess the frustration is I am really trying and right now the results are not as good as I want. It is still better than I could do in May; but, hobbling around is a bit demoralizing.

New Place ... New Time

Well, Thursday is not only Christmas Eve, it is another running day, scheduled for 45 minutes of LA Roadrunners training.

This time it was a new environment, Baldwin Park, coupled with LIGHT and eating some left over Pan Dulce from a Posada, so some new variables.

I set out and got a good pace going, though some twinges in the knee. I got settled in though which was good and weather was really nice.

I took a totally unplanned route and just went by instinct. Some streets were free of lights; others I was stopping every block. I was in residential and commercial areas. I even managed to get chased by some little dog; but, it backed off as soon as I stopped and looked at it! :-) There were some less amiable dogs though trying to get over fences for a run at me.

I was doing pretty well and my knee got better as the run continued. I think some of the stops helped as well. It was a bit sore; but, it was tolerable and not as bad as the last long run.

Put up a respectable 4.34 miles in 45:35, which was decent.

In the end I am pretty happy the knee held up and while not perfect by far survived ... plus first run at LT target pace! 10:30 to the dot! Yeah! By old standards that is slow; but, by new survival mode standards, I will take that gratefully.

Feliz Navidad a Todos. Happy Christmas!

Go Speed Racer?

The teens at church last year were talking about some Speed Racer movie; somehow that got in my head this morning as I headed out dark and even earlier than normal for some "speedplay" as the LA Roadrunners call it. I can not get to a proper track; so, I use an improvised path down a very quiet street by Santa Monica Airport for 8 x 500m.

My knee was a bit tender on the walk over; so, I felt a bit nervous. I also had a windbreaker on due to the weather, which was a bit windy.

I got to the start and took off on one run and actually felt a bit unsure with the knee. It was also a bit odd as there was no headwind or tailwind; it seemed to be swirling! It was a weird feeling having wind coming in multiple directions. My time was decent; but, a bit off the target of 9:30.

I kept going and began feeling a bit better knee-wise; but, I also felt a bit dehydrated for some reason. I think one ongoing issue is I have to run early; so, I am not eating and drinking much prior to the mid-week work versus the long runs Saturday when I have eaten breakfast and filled the water tank.

I like the speedplay and the semi-sprinting; but, I still need to get consistent. With these runs I can not yet "sense" speed and I am not doing the goal of being within five second each time.

Still, they went pretty well and knee held up for another day.

#1 2:13 for .25 miles for 8:53 pace
#2 2:12 for .26 miles for 8:31 pace
#3 2:12 for .26 miles for 8:39 pace
#4 2:22 for .27 miles for 8:57 pace
#5 2:20 for .26 miles for 9:01 pace
#6 2:30 for .27 miles for 9:11 pace
#7 2:17 for .26 miles for 8:47 pace
#8 2:20 for .26 miles for 8:50 pace

Not quite a model of consistency; but, they are faster than I thought I could do on the way. Right now, I will settle for it.

On a side note, the Santa Monica page for Facebook was promoting some events coming soon ... one was something called "The Los Angeles Marathon." Sounds familiar for some reason ... Wonder if I should "Like" it?

Monday ... A Bit Better is Better than A Bit Worse

Monday morning came all too soon and it was soon time to be back at it. I got up and decided to give it a go.

I headed out for a scheduled 45 minute run for the LA Roadrunners mid-week training. I now have kind of routes depending on time due.

At the start my knee did feel sluggish; but, the legs felt better than normal. I started taking Clif Shot ROKS right after the long runs and they definitely seem to help in recovery. My calves were a little sore; but, there was nothing really hard to overcome due to Saturday.

I was doing alright, not great; but, the soreness in my knee was not threatening.

I continued along and while off the LT pace target, I was relatively comfortable, especially compared to Saturday.

I also have begun a bit of mental adjustment. I was not frantically sprinting to try to get to the magic number. The reality is I have a concern about an injury and sprinting on uneven sidewalks in the dark is a good way to add more problems. While not a great run, I was still going and trying.

I made it home and looked ...
45:56, 4.14 miles, and 11:22 pace.
Great? No.
Good? Not really.
Satisfying? In a way, yes as I was able to run at least and reality is compared to April level, those are good numbers.

Adelante!

Sunday ... Live to Run Another Day

Sunday is kind of a post-run run ... So, after yesterday's fun, I set out dark and early.

My legs felt better than normal, especially for 16.32 miles added to the odometer, My knee was acting up some; I decided to just do what I could.

I struggled a bit and felt LT pace was not an option; so, I slowed and just tried my best.

I ended up with a mediocre 30:54 for 2.4 miles at 12:54 pace (including traffic lights time). It was not great (or even decent); but, it kept me moving.

Hopefully, these non-perfect runs will be their own portion of this journey to run the Los Angeles Marathon.

Week 15: Now It Gets Interesting

When I was on school sports teams, I was pretty durable physically, never missing a practice, let alone a game or a meet. I would get dinged; but, always onwards.

Now, I'm older and suddenly it is not always that easy. This week my somewhat nagging knee has been bothersome and worse.

Saturday morning I got up not knowing if I could go and if I did how far, how fast, and how well.

I really tried to motivate myself. I played the old "fight songs," was stretching, doing the mental exercises from the past, and began to feel the adrenaline. I decided to give it a go.

I got to the LA Roadrunners' training site and got ready. Group 7 launched fairly quickly. I had a plan of peeling off at the first water station by Casa del Mar Hotel if it was not going to work. The group started off to the north. I soon saw a friend from church walking his dog, someone I see most runs. I was surviving.

We headed onto the Santa Monica Pier, past the gaudy circus tent, and onto Ocean Avenue. Soon, we were at the Totem Pole and I was alright. I made water station #2 and continued up Adelaide and to the now famous San Vicente path. I was staying with the group and doing alright and made the end of the trail and the third water station before starting back towards Ocean Avenue.

I made it onto the southerly approach and felt a little soreness; but, nothing bad, even getting to the Pier. My Garmin 305 electronic conscience was also confirming progress.

Around 4 miles out from the target, I began to feel more soreness. I continued on though as we entered the Strand and the original water station. I was thinking about may be making it to the start point and cutting out for the day.

Still, I kept going and we past the origin and entered Venice. Here, it got challenging. I was starting to limp (or as another runner told me, I had an "asymmetric stride.") I was struggling. I was struggling physically to keep up and go and now a bit mentally.

We cleared the rows of condos in Venice and I was hobbling and dropped back in the group. It was gut check time. I was also fearful of serious injury.

I kept going, slower, but with the group. I was happy at water stations for the break and joyful at the final turnaround.

I was really struggling.

I remembered the old Servite ways and kept on. Somehow I was making it, even though it was step-by-step. I stayed with the group, even if at the end of the line. I was eagerly watching the display for the mileage to tick up .1.

Eventually, we were back on final approach at the Strand, somehow. I kept going and was happy to even make it. Some runners saw the displays hit 16.0 and stopped short. I kept going. Some stopped short by a few stores. I kept going. I made it to the flagpole ... I did it the Servite way ... run to the end. All those practices in rain, the Bowl, Hillcrest, Glover ... they came back when I needed them.

It was tough. It was my worst Roadrunner run. I struggled. I had to fight myself and my body. I made it though. Somehow. I made it!

There is sometimes a fine line between recklessness and courage, between timidity and precaution ... these are difficult boundaries.

I am concerned about my knee; but, I am also proud I lived up to the Servite Code and made it. I hope I can stay with Group 7; but, if I need to drop down, I at least have this gut check run. It was also my longest run ever!

Adelante.

16.32 miles!
11.53 pace
3:14.20

The Success in Failure?

Today was the first time since I have started that I failed to run the complete scheduled run in the LA Roadrunners plan for training for the Los Angeles Marathon.

It was a disappointment. I really wanted to do it.

My knee had been bothering me a lot on Wednesday. I put an ice pack on Wednesday night for sleeptime.

Waking up dark and early, I debated whether to go back to sleep and rest, try it or just go for a walk.

I opted for "B" and added a new knee brace as a fashion item, though the windbreaker was relegated.

I set out and felt some soreness and limits on movement. I quickly decided that the planned 45 minutes at LT pace (10:30) was not viable. Still, I headed east and started up and down two hilly streets. I was managing to run, just not that fast or comfortably.

I decided to just switch to a "let's see what is doable" mode. I opted for one of the normal, medium-range run courses which added another hill. I was coping, not thriving, but coping.

I also found that slowly my leg felt better or perhaps "less bad." Eventually, I was hitting aerobic pace at least for Group 7 and even getting a tad faster (under 12:00).

I hit Santa Monica Airport and turned for home. I found I was sensing a bit more power and far less gimpiness as I kept going.

I made it home ...

41:03 at overall 13.24 pace for 3.06 miles. Easily, my worst performance statistics wise. (If this was statistics class, I am hoping this is the outlier!). Still, I am kind of happy I could run at all and know I have hope if I can just get in motion.

I am not sure how Saturday will go. It is scheduled for 16 miles. I may try to tough it out to the first water station and then hope the apparent normal "now it's better" mode sets in and I can go for it. Also, the week after is faster LT pace; so, that will be a huge test. Right now, I am away in the mountains January 8-10 with the teenagers from church; so, that might be an injury break weekend.

I am praying this is not serious. It has lingered since August; but, I thought it was getting better ... I do not want to think about not making the marathon. I just do not want to even consider the possibility. May be I will have to walk; but, I feel I HAVE to do it somehow, someway.

We shall see ... definitely St. Michael Defend Us In Day of Battle time.

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Today, or may be more accurately, this morning was another training session for the Los Angeles Marathon, under the LA Roadrunners schedule.

It was also a speedwork session; so, I set off for Santa Monica Airport for my improvised "track," which is really a lightly used street with some turns. Today was six runs of 500 meters ...a bit over 1/4 of a mile each.

So, I set off on # 1 and did alright. # 2 was faster. #3 I felt some soreness in my knee and slowed. #4 was slower still ... #5 ... even slower and knee much more of a bother. At this point I was thinking may be I should not be doing this; but, I also thought about what it means if I start slacking off on practices. So, ... off I went on the final one. It was slower than runs #1-3; but, it beat #4-5 significantly.

As a side note, it is interesting for me to see some of the business jets nearby; also, some Lamborghinis were outside in the open which surprised me.

The Ugly was my knee acting up.
The Bad was how I perceived my times.
The Good was that I still completed the schedule regardless.

Better was when I got home, I was checking some of the group emails and realized my worst run had actually been faster than suggested! Despite it all I had done relatively well I guess; but, the knee hopefully will get better. Now I have to make consistent runs (pace within five seconds of each).

Run Information
#1 2:24 for .28 miles for 8.24 pace
#2 2.04 for .28 for 8.11
#3 2.31 for .28 for 8.48
#4 2:36 for .28 for 9.21
#5 2:36 for .28 for 9.24
#6 2:33 for .28 for 8.58

On the way to work, my knee was sore. Still, I saw Temple Street and the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Angels, and Dodger Stadium and felt the need to start seeing the positives instead of all the bad parts of the training. I want to be seeing those places March 21.

After the Deluge

After the fun and challenge of Saturday's long and wet 15-miler, it was a return to the LA Roadrunners schedule for self-training.

One change I did was I took some Clif Shot Roks which are designed to aid recovery. I had the chocolate flavor, which was good. They come in a ball shape and are easy to bite, which was great after getting back from the run. This was the first time I used them. As with the gel, no stomach issues.

I was a bit "workout sore" but not as much as before and more in the area just above the knees rather than my whole quadriceps area. So, that was a bit of progress. Perhaps the recovery product helped with this as well?

Sunday I set out dark and early for a 30-minute run; but, the happiness of Servite winning gave a bit of a mental boost. I felt a bit of a twinge in my knee and it slowed me down. I did 2.36 miles at a 13:04 pace for 30:41. (I also did about three minutes of running where again I accidentally deactivated the Garmin 305; definitely it is not a good habit to have). It was not a great run and I was disappointed; but, I finished it and I actually had decent energy the rest of the day, which was busy. I really want to see how I react after the 16-miler and use of the Roks.

Monday was another run dark and early. I started out and did not feel like a maximum effort was coming. Still, I headed out and got three hills in, which was a plus. I also had to run a few small circles at lights, which hurt my pace times. On the other hand, my knee was a bit of a bother. The result of all of this was running for 45.1 minutes covering 3.87 miles at 11:21 pace. The good news is that is faster than the lactic pace I had been operating on; the bad news is I wanted to be at around 10:30.

I have noticed a few things though. One is my Monday runs seem consistently slower and the pace and feel gets better as the week continues. The second thing it takes about a mile or so for my knee to feel better; for some reason, it improves as I run. it is more of a bother when the leg is has not been active for a bit! Third, I am now running loner and earlier; I think I may need to start using gels or bloks on these runs. The side effect of that is I lose precious sleep time as the Clif Shot gel recommends using 15 minutes prior to starting and 45 minutes is relatively short.

Still, I am doing my best. I am hoping I can carry on and make this something special, completing the Los Angeles Marathon. It seems it may be a bit of tough route; but, may be that is the Servite way!

Week 14: Mananitas in the Rain

Normally, for a Catholic lad such as myself, December 12 is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and in my current parish it is a BIG deal. It is close to a 24-hour celebration capping a nine-day Novena and party. The 12th means Mananitas at 4 a.m. and Mass and food ... well, it has since I got to Santa Monica in 1999. But, like the rest of 2009, this day was going to be different ... I had another training run with the LA Roadrunners.


The other variable was the weather ... rain and lots of it expected. There were Group 7 emails of advice and also worried runners.


I still got up early. This time though I was eating beforehand and wearing running gear and my music was not exactly Mananita Tepeyac or Mananita Ranchera. I was actually excited about the rain. I always enjoyed playing sports in the rain and in track was notorious for liking it either cold and wet or very hot. So, I decided for my music to open my eyes to to go with the old school stuff ... Danger Zone, Hell's Bells, Thunderstruck, Back in Black, Black Celebration ....etc. all before one last song, my marathon running theme. Really, I was amped to go then! I was channeling Servite track days definitely.



It got more fun as I loaded the car and ensured I had the usual supplies: Garmin 305, heart rate belt, energy food, keys, hat, etc. I also added change of clothes and garbage bag outfit as suggested. As I began the drive, the rain started to come and hard.

At the Strand Group 7's senior pace leader, Alan, seemed almost giddy. Indeed quite a few of us were excited. I also tried a new strategy: I consumed a Clif Shot chocolate energy gel while on the Strand before the group set off. It reminded me of pudding (yum!) and I think it helped to have some energy boost in the system (the package recommended using 15 minutes prior to starting). I think it may be mental; but, I still think the gels may be a bit messy and cumbersome for the actual run. This pre-run idea may be the one for me at least. I did not have any stomach issues either. The pace leaders have said some runners have issues with digesting gels; I have been lucky I guess and no problems!

Group 7 was soon on its way. Due to the Santa Monica-Venice Christmas run, we headed immediately south through Venice, slightly altering the route. I had a new partner as my normal colleague-in-crime had not arrived; we began talking about the week's running, the weather, snow in Texas, ... It began to rain lightly in Venice but nothing too dire. I did feel a little soreness in my knee.

Soon we were into Marina del Rey with the nice condos and numerous yachts. I recognized the taller buildings of Lincoln Boulevard. It also began to be off-on rain; luckily, it was not too slick. The first water station even had Gatorade which was a nice bonus. The group ran past the small beaches, around the Marriott Hotel and the Ritz Carlton, and onwards into the inlet areas, where it began to rain heavily to much excited shouting. The group went past a Coast Guard station as well as the Sheriff's station, where I am sure a lot of "51-50" codes were being issued. Alan, our senior pace leader, was cheerfully urging us on at a water station reminding us of the fun of rain running.

I saw one of the leaders, Captain Jesus, and began to think of prior weeks when he promised menudo was just around the corner (as well as coffee and doughnuts). Only this Saturday I really was missing menudo and champurrado and everything else since I was not at St. Anne's for mananitas.

The new route took us quite south and into the Playa Del Rey area just north of LAX. It was raining again. It was nice to see a few aircraft on short finals for LAX as they took the ocean approach route, including a Horizon Air Q400, a Southwest Airlines 737, and an All Nippon Airways 777.

Eventually, we reached a turnaround. Shortly after as I was putting my windbreaker on I noticed my Garmin unit had stopped; I think I must have tapped the timer while moving the left sleeve of my windbreaker. Yikes!

By now, I was pretty damp. Shoes. Socks. Shorts. Shirt. Windbreaker. Hat. (Still no garbage bag). Still it was FUN! I also felt like I had more energy than normal. I think the gel helped as I only ate three GU chomps, despite it being my longest ever run.

Lucky 7/Magnificent 7 was soon headed back north retracing the steps as the weather improved. I was able to permanently keep the windbreaker around my waist and not even resort to the garbage bag.

Once the group was back in south Venice my knee started acting up. I began to worry I would not make it and I guess I would have had good reason to fall off the group. My initial partner had gone in search of a restroom and not returned to the group for example. The group was also more ragged than normal and my normal partner and I linked up only for him to be seen falling back on the Strand.

Still, I kept going. I was wet. I was a bit sore. I was a bit tired. But, I kept going. This was definitely like the Servite days. Keeping with the song theme, I was singing "Take me home United Road" in my head thinking of rain soccer and weather well-suited for Manchester.

Soon enough we were on the Strand again and passed the start heading north to Santa Monica border. One of the pace leaders thought it was a turnaround and began to turn only to be told to keep going! So, we had an amusing sight of 50 adults doing a giant circle in the middle of the Strand for no apparent reason to observers. Then we reached the actual turnaround and headed the short distance back to the start. I kept with the group.

I was quietly happy. I had done 15 bloody miles in the rain on a dodgy knee. Our senior pace leader was also pretty enthusiastic. We did a quick stretch. I just felt like I had something to be proud of in this one and it had been a good gut check to see if I can do this whole thing.

Once we were back at the school, I quickly swapped to a Servite shirt (Servite was playing for the PAC-5 Championship that night). Once a Friar Always A Friar. I headed off to get Gatorade and began to eat a banana as usual when I heard someone say, "Hey, did you go to Servite?" Realizing that was a question for me, I looked over and was soon in conversation with another Roadrunner and a fellow Friar! he was 10 years younger and in Group 5; he also knew of my brother and we were soon in Friar talk. Unreal. CREDO! It was a nice end for the running day (prior to the other fun on the docket and more rain).

So, it was a good day. Tough but good. I was sore; but, still functioning. It was a Servite Day. (And to boost it, SERVITE WON!)

Run according to my Garmin: 11:54 pace for 2:42.40 and 13.66 miles. So, I did not miss too much. Another runner posted 3:05.19, 15.33 miles and 12:05 pace (he said he had fallen a bit behind; so, times are a bit slower than the group).

Hmmmm ....

This is starting to get interesting.

First, the LA Roadrunners training is scheduled for 15 miles tomorrow, which is enough of a challenge for me. Now, the weather is likely showers and the advice is ... WEAR A TRASH BAG! This will be something new. May be we can get special runner design ones?

Then, the Senior Pace Leader for Group 7 who does a great job keeping us in the flow of information sent an email with the mileage markers for the actual Los Angeles Marathon on March 21. Mile 13 ... literally a few yards from the headquarters of National Lampoon. What can I say?

ADELANTE!

99 Days and Counting ...

100 Days to Go ... But, this was a key day I hope

After a frustrating day at work yesterday, I got up slowly this morning. The thought of a 45-minute-pre-dawn run struck me as not a good idea. It did not sound fun. It definitely did not sound as good as sleep, especially when the first number on the clock is "3."

Still, I staggered up and got ready. I did dawn (bad pun that) a windbreaker again and my eyes opened a little when I heard my unofficial theme song for this whole thing come over the radio.

The LA Roadrunners schedule for training for the Los Angeles Marathon called for 45 minutes at LT (lactic time), the faster race pace. I had struggled a bit Monday; so, this was not sounding good.

I set out under the star-filled, rain-swept sky and headed along the normal route. I got going at a decent pace and my knee soreness slowly edged away thankfully. Then, I decided to throw some extra hills in for fun or because of a tired brain.

I was surprised when I looked at the Garmin 305 electronic conscience and saw I was faster than normal, a lot faster.

I was doing well and surprisingly got in a good solid groove, something I had not felt in a while. I was slowed by some extended traffic lights (did the dreaded jog in circles) which had my pace time soaring; but, even then, I got it to come down while running.

It was such a welcome feeling. I did not feel like I was struggling. I felt like I can manage my knee soreness. I felt like I was running for fun again, instead of "Must do NOW" attitude.

I took in more of the environment. I saw the freighters heading into LAX and wondered what Christmas toys and goodies were on those sleighs. I noticed Christmas decorations. I noticed the surprisingly clean air!

For whatever reason my mental jukebox locked on bagpipe version of "Amazing Grace" as I dodged cracked sidewalks, potholes, etc. Think of it as a really junior varsity, non-popular Nike ad.

I returned home knowing it was time for a warm shower and to get ready for work. I also thought of the line in my all-time favorite film, Chariots of Fire, "When I run, I feel His pleasure."

Time out....46:04 for 4.3 miles and 10:42 pace, INCLUDING the lights. Since the pace soared to 11:55 at one point at a light, I knew I had actually done rather well!

100 Days to Go ... Hopefully, this was a key day in giving me some confidence it can be done.

Is Back to the Future?

In my former running life, I was considered a sprinter/middle-distance/long-distance (in those days long distance meant ... TWO whole miles) runner. I literally ran every non-hurdle running event there was from the 110 to the two miles. So, I became used to sprinting and then longer sprints. I still very much have it inside me; so, I was pretty excited to see the track option appear on the LA Roadrunners schedule. I want to finish the Los Angeles Marathon, definitely; but, a little sprinting fun helps! I was thinking finally I can really use all that track practice in this training. Then I saw the pace ... not sprinting, at least not my sprinting.

Due to schedule and commute, I do not really have access to a track at 4 a.m.; so, I did the next bets thing, a small very quiet road near Santa Monica Airport which is mostly straight but has some turns. So, I headed down under the nice post-rain, star-filled sky.

I set out and kind-of, sort-of turned on the power. It was definitely not like the old days and the long-distance running style where you are not using the balls of your feet slows me down (or seems to at least in my head). I had a windbreaker on as well; this was something I had NEVER done in sprinting. I had brought it as I know sweat plus colder air is not a good mix.

Anyways, Run 1 ... .23 miles in 2.00 minutes at 8:37 pace. A bit longer and rather faster than 300m at 9:30 pace. I decided to keep the distance to see how I would fare and just adjust. They said to go on a minute's rest; so, ...
Run 2: 1.53 minutes for .23 miles at 8:35 pace. Oops. Still, too fast. (It seems crazy to be trying to sue the Garmin to pace yourself on such a short trot).
Run 3: 2.08 minutes for .23 miles at 9:08 pace. Better (?). My knee was showing a little soreness as well.
Run 4: 2.07 minutes for .23 miles for 9:14 pace.
Run 5: 2.06 minutes for .23 miles for 9:13 pace. So, a bit consistent.
Run 6: 2.05 minutes for .24 miles for 8:48 pace. Oops.
Run 7 : 2.10 minutes for .23 miles for 9:26 pace. At this point I was wondering is this good or bad as the paces vary, etc. and also this was slow. Plus, I wanted a little fun ...
Run 8: 1.47 minutes for .24 miles for 7:37 pace. That was a bit of fun, though still it felt far short of maximum power. Heck, in high school days, that would have been disastrous .... that was FAR slower than what I would do miles and two miles in.

Anyways, I made it through the runs feeling a bit better than on Monday, though still with a dinged up knee.

Upping the Ante

I am becoming more and more convinced that with the LA Roadrunners and marathon training running it is indeed all or nothing. I always kind of had that attitude when I played sports in school; but, now, I have seen other groups lose people in the middle of runs (our pace leaders for Lucky 7 say they are pleased we all go out together and come back together).

So, this morning, I awoke to darkness as usual and rain as unusual. I decided that this was one of those test days, especially as the ante was being upped: longer minutes and faster pace, plus a bit of a sore knee. Anyways, I decided what the heck ... vamonos!

So, I set out with the addition of a Raiders little windbreaker to the normal gear. I had won it at a Super Bowl party a few years ago and finally have some reason to use it ... they had even won Sunday somehow and even my dislike for them could not counter its utility.

I started out decently and got to my faster pace pretty well.

I then found myself losing the new faster target pace as numerous stoplights, problems with sidewalks, etc. required a lot of stop-and-go running which made it hard to lock on to the speed. I also started thinking about the slick sidewalks as on Saturday a pace leader fell on a little bit of standing water on a dry day! So, visions of going facefirst onto cement at 4:30 a.m. were soon in my head. My knee also twinged a little.

I guess it was a so-so run. I am trying to evaluate it. I did 11:09 pace (faster by a lot over the aerobic pace goals; but, slower than 10:30 I wanted) for 4.15 miles in 46:16. My knee also gave me a little concern. So, those were the negatives. The positives were I ran pretty well considering the knee and the weather conditions as well as first time in a long time at faster pace (September!). I hope to get to the faster pace as soon as possible obviously; but, still some positive signs among the need to be improved signs. I hope when the group goes to the faster pace in a few weeks I will be alright. I am also pleased a bit that on a day when it would have been easy to make excuses and not go ... I did.

So, I hope things will get better and improve. I'm trying ... At least running in the rain is fun!

Daytime Again?

Due to a bit of relief scheduling-wise, I got a chance to run in the daylight again Sunday, this time in the early afternoon. So, after dealing with my CCD class, working on a presentation, a grant, and all, I was back home, getting changed, and on my way to Clover Park for a post-long run run.

I felt alright. I definitely was nowhere near as sore as in the prior two weeks; so, my body is more than capable of taking seven miles without too much fuss now. I did o.k.; I was not overly disappointed or pleased with the run. I guess it was just good to stretch my legs after the Saturday trot.

I ran 2.8 miles in 30:11 for a 11:47 pace. Not bad I guess.

Week 13: Lucky 7 Goes 7 in My Lucky 13

It was another cutback week for the LA Roadrunners.

This week was a lot different with totally overcast sky and a lot fewer people, perhaps due to it being a mere seven miles?

Anyways, Running Group Lucky 7 (Magnificent 7) was soon off and headed north to California following the usual Santa Monica Pier departure route. I felt fine, which was a relief after a meal of turkey, potatoes, and champurrado at Knights of Columbus Christmas party the night prior! My running partner came quite late; but, it was alright and we went back to the caboose position prior to the group starting. Lots of Tiger Woods jokes and comments could be heard. Despite not much sleep due to neighbors being loud at 3 a.m. - 4:30 a.m., I was still alright, and happy with Servite's playoff win!

Due to the short route, we turned back at California and headed back and into Venice. It seemed quite a short run, even if seven miles was unthinkable in April. My knee did act up a bit after the second water station; I think I need to keep moving!

Since it was no one's longest run, there was not exactly the sense of accomplishment and the group acted normally (my old Group 8 had a big group outing to go eat breakfast this morning ...)

Still, it was good, even with a dodgy knee. The motivational speaker helped me a lot. She made a lot of good points, even though she is not a runner, for marathoners. It has been a harsh year for me and this may have been a big help to refocus. I have been doing this for a lot of reasons and will be reflecting on them a lot tonight. Also, interestingly, she mentioned God ... frequently! In marathon training? Who would have thought it?

Anyways, I am glad I did the run. Another day closer, Diosmediante, to the Los Angeles Marathon ....

Time of 1:25.34 for 7.19 miles at 11:54 pace!

Back At It

It is a cut back week for the LA Roadrunners; but, it was back at it dark and early this morning. I was curious to see how two consecutive days of rest would go with my legs. Today was a short 30 minute schedule.

It started out decently and a lot smoother than Monday. My knee did act up on parts of the run; but, it was nothing too serious. It seems that once the momentum is going and the ligaments are loose from activity it gets better (or the natural painkilling endorphins start or I just will it away?).

It still felt nice to be out again, even if I also would not have minded more sleep.

Did 2.61 miles at 11:53 pace; so, not bad. Still a long way until the Los Angeles Marathon; but, each step is a step closer ...