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).

Week 12: Cruisin' after Thanksgiving

Well, the LA Roadrunners do not stop for holidays; so, I left home home dark and early and despite light showers on the car I just washed, I got home in time for a quick nap before getting up to eat and change for ... the weekly long run. I also did not get much sleep Friday nigth due to leaving early, being home home, and also monitoring Servite's victory in the football playoffs. Once a Friar ... ALWAYS a Friar. The things I do for training for aiming the Los Angeles Marathon.

Despite the earlier light rain, the weather was great. The waves were pounding, slight breeze, and some nice sunshine. I was eager to go despite little sleep and a recurring bout of soreness in my knee. I did have a good feeling as I heard some of my favorite U2 songs on the radio before I left home. I also played my now official theme song for all of this journey.

Soon enough Lucky 7/Magnificent 7 was off, fewer in number than normal; but, still sizable. The group headed north as usual and crossed the Santa Monica Pier; but, we turned back at California Avenue due to the Santa Monica Gobble Wobble run! I actually wanted to do that one; but, it was only 5k/10k and too short for training. This also meant no San Vicente Urban Obstacle Course. It was a bit disappointing as I wanted to see how my body reacted to it after doing the Yorba Linda hillwork Thursday. Still, some things never change and my running partner and I talked McCourts gossip again.

The group was soon enough back at the starting point and then headed deep into Venice, well past the Venice Pier. Having British blood and lots of it, I was glad to see Union Jack Street.

Next came my first excursion as a runner to Marina Del Rey. It was very interesting and pretty. Lots of nice condos and hotels. Nice inlets with water. Amazing yachts and boats. I think I could handle living there.

It did pose some interesting challenges with narrow passages necessitating single file running and even stoppages due to oncoming runners/walkers. Also, there was some car dodging.

The group wound through sidestreets and along the yacht anchorages until reaching the Marina Del Rey Marriott and then the library and the turnaround point. Soon, it was back along the same passageways and back to the basecamp at Venice.

I was really happy as I now hold the family record for distance as well as having completed an unofficial half marathon. The group ran 14.2 miles at a 11:58 clip in 2:49. Not bad for a post-Thanksgiving Day cruise.

For me personally it was good as my knee while bothersome did not become beyond use and although I could feel the lactic acid, I was able to keep going and keep with the group, talk, etc. I did use the GU Chomps again during the run to keep my energy level intact.

After stretching Alan the senior pace leader was great and brought out muffins and orange juice for a belated celebration of his birthday as well as Thanksgiving. Then I went to the school for the traditional Gatorade and bananas and even extra bananas as there were lots left over due to people off on holiday.

All in all, it was a good day. I ran and kept up despite some physical obstacles. I like my group. I hope when the pace quickens I will still be alright with it; but, right now, I am and I am doing my midweek running.

Week 11: The Almost Run

Saturday was another long group run for the LA Roadrunners training program for the Los Angeles Marathon. The weather, while not as perfect as the week before, was still quite nice with a slight breeze, good temperature, and a good dose of sunshine.

I had gotten a surprisingly good night's sleep and felt ready to go. As I prepared for the day, twirling the ideal, I came upon "California Love" by Dr. Dre and Tupac and with its West Coast, West Side, etc. lyrics, it seemed a good sign.

The groups headed out to the Strand early and without even roll call, Group 7 (Lucky 7/Magnificent 7) was on its way.

I felt a little twinge in my knee but nothing serious and the trot towards the Santa Monica Pier felt comfortable and soon it was the climb up the incline.

It was the usual fun conversation with my running partner as the feet kept moving. Then, police car after police car went speeding by along Ocean Avenue (now known as the finish line!). The group advanced and came to the California Incline where the Santa Monica police actually blocked off traffic. This made the crossing to Adelaide much more interesting as cars were apparently being diverted. The waterstop at the Totem Pole sure helped though.

Again, the group passed the wealthy homes of the area with gorgeous views before turning to San Vicente for the San Vicente Urban Obstacle Course! Luck held again as no one in the group, including myself, fell victim to the signs, grates, holes, roots, and other obstacles. Despite the gradient up San Vicente, I felt good. It is also good to know this is a significant part of the actual 2010 marathon route!

Soon, it was time to turn back at 26th and head back from whence the group came. Again, no problems and I relied on some GU Chomps to see me through. Back down passed the still blocked California Incline and the Pier and onto the Strand, I felt good. The group followed the norm and into some Venice sidestreets and back to the starting point. I do think a pace leader cut the route short a bit though as my electronic conscience Garmin 305 said it was 12.96 miles, so agonizingly close to my goal of doing 13.1 miles and completing an unofficial half-marathon. The pace was good at 11:47 and time of 2:34.29. In fact, the high pace was 9:00! Yeah! Also, the group was definitely speeding up later in the run, rather than slowing. A bit amusing was us going through the finish line for the LA Leggers! They were giving their runners MEDALS! I am not sure if they also did 13.1 or what; but, it was interesting.

The senior pace leader said the group is doing very well and running together. He also warned that some are in way too high of groups and will have problems when the pace is increased. I think I am alright as I pass the self-test questions. I hope I am anyways! He also said to feel free to eat at will over Thanksgiving Day! Ah, guilt-free eating and all it took was running and running and running and running.

For me it was an almost run ... almost 13.1, almost 100% no pain ... I just need March 21 to be not almost.

Afterwards, I did have some "workout soreness" in my calves and quadriceps; but, that is a positive in that it means muscles are building.

I Would Run 800 Miles ...

Today was another mid-week run. I misread the schedule though, seeing last week's, and did 45 minutes instead of the new high mark of 50. Still, it was a good run under another star-filled, clear sky. I got in my hillwork and my time and right on pace: 45:10 of running for a pace of 11:58 over 3.78 miles. Because it was a long run and a short night, I used two of the GU Chomps for a little energy boost. I also saw a few early morning arrivals headed into LAX; I checked later and apparently they were part of a wave from Hawaii! I now will also do an extra five minutes tomorrow (45 vs scheduled 40).

I also got an interesting email from the very informative senior pace leader for Group 7 (Lucky 7/Magnificent 7). He said in training we will run over 800 miles! He does seem pleased with the group, which is good.

All of this has me thinking of the Proclaimers song, "I Would Walk 10,000 Miles," just for the Roadrunners and the Los Angeles Marathon, may be it can be changed to "I Will Run 800 Miles So I Can Run 26.2 More."

Thursday Trial Run

This morning was another training run, a 40-minute trip according to the schedule.

I again tried the GU Energy Gel Espresso Love variety before setting out and again no problems digesting it. Overall, it was a fairly smooth run, which was a good sign for Saturday.

I am also learning where the sidewalk is uneven, which is proving important in the pre-dawn!

It is still a strange feeling seeing a mostly empty Pico Boulevard. There is usually activity around Trader Joe's; but, otherwise, I see few people at all besides the odd driver passing.

I took out a street map and began looking at the course. It should be challenging, as if 26.2 miles would ever be easy, but fun as well. Godwilling, come March 21, I will be on that Ocean Avenue straightaway, sensing the end of the Los Angeles Marathon ... and feeling the need!

Gu for You? Gu for me!

This morning was the longest training run for the week, excluding Saturday obviously.

I was up dark and early and headed out, with a new twist. I tried a GU Energy Gel before starting. It was "Espresso Love" flavor. It tasted alright, a bit like honey to me. I am not exactly a frequent visitor to Starbucks and know next to nothing about espresso; but, I thought I would give it a try, especially as the wrapper said it had caffeine. The Roadrunners pace leaders and visiting nutritionist had mentioned the GU as well as caffeine in their talks and advice sessions. They also said it could sometimes upset stomachs; so, I thought I would try it on a relatively short jaunt.

I felt pretty comfortable trotting around the Pico Neighborhood. It is amazing how open it feels without the traffic.

I also did not have any trouble with the GU Energy Gel at all. I am not sure if it had much of an effect energy-wise, though, for a relatively short run. It does seem like it would be a bit sticky trying to keep using them throughout a real long run or the Los Angeles Marathon; but, I will continue experimenting and trying them. I did like my trial of the GU Chomps, which kind of reminded me of a runner's form of Gummibears! I also plan to test the Bloks.

I was also pretty happy that my knee seems to be slowly improving. There are still times of pain; but, it is less often and less severe.

Anyways, I ran 3.78 miles in 46:10, which is not too bad. I added some hillwork as well, which I am being reminded of as I see Temple in downtown Los Angeles as well as thinking about prior trips to Dodger Stadium.

It was also a bit of a reflective run since it is Remembrance Day and Veterans' Day ... Lest We Forget.