Saturday was another run for the LA Running Club.
I had run Tuesday and felt good; but, then managed to catch a cold (In August!?!?!?!?) and thought it best to get rest as much as I could. I feel a bit upset about not doing midweek runs; but, it has been one thing after another these days.
It was nice to start with overcast skies and also I really heard the waves crashing along the shore of the Pacific.
There was a warning that a fellow LARC member had been mugged the Saturday before; fortunately, Santa Monica Police Department tracked the culprit down and it seems he will be enjoying free state housing for a while. The LARC also had a stretching workshop; so, after all these different activities, I felt looser than normal and also energized.
This was also a longer run ...
I set out and was feeling quite good and running fast, too fast, for this point of training and distance.
I made the Santa Monica Pier and continued southward towards Venice.
Venice is home territory more or less due to LA Roadrunners training; so, it is a comfort zone, even with all the strange people and behavior everpresent.
Once I reached the landmark flagpole at Windward, I headed down the straightaway that is Speedway. I slowed some; but, still felt pretty good.
I reached the jetty, where I had gone last week, and continued onwards to Marina del Rey.
Marina del Rey has many nice townhouses and obviously a marina, with many very large and nice and expensive boats and yachts. Somehow I missed a turn and did not quite reach Mother's Beach (I did see it!); but, reached the end of one pier and having gone over halfway for assigned mileage worked my way to head home. It felt a bit weird being down there on my own; but, I had made it. I also felt the effects of the cold coming on again.
I started heading back through the marina and the nice areas and into Venice. Speedway was crowded with cars, movers, and runners/walkers. I was plugging along which was alright.
The Venice boardwalk reminded me of how weird the area is ... I heard "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" coming from one store. Just further evidence that marijuana use is not a good thing.
When I reached the Casa del Mar hotel in Santa Monica, I stopped to finish off my bottle of water. There were more people out and the sun was starting to peer through the clouds.
I was starting to struggle a bit; but, I kept moving and overall it was alright.
Climbing up the Santa Monica Pier proved to be an issue with just a lot of people and traffic there for some reason early. At one point, I was walking and it was not due to lack of energy.
I made Ocean Avenue and was slower than the way out but was still going. I was happy to do the mental countdown of streets as I neared the starting point.
Finally, I crossed California Incline and got the feeling ... and even managed to increase speed a bit. I wanted so badly to sprint; but, there was just too much traffic of human and dog nature to go for it.
At last, I made the LARC base and started stretching. Then, it was Gatorade time!
I had done the distance and a bit more for October 24. My pace was a tad slower than I wanted; but, it was not disastrous.
Not bad. I definitely need to work on my speed and power reserves; but, at least I can do the distance.
2:41.35 of running
13.36 miles
12:07 pace
Showing posts with label Marina Del Rey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marina Del Rey. Show all posts
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Week 24: Rain, Rain Went Away ... Then a Dog Did Play
Saturday came and it meant another long run with the LA Roadrunners. This time it was a relatively short 10 miles (that is just incredible to write ... 10 miles in May would have been a tad long). I am still working to complete the Los Angeles Marathon.
It had been raining Friday night and rain was forecast for Saturday; I had brought along the always fashionable trash bag as well as my windbreaker. It turns out I did not need them! It was gorgeous.
Group 7 has been getting smaller and this time it was only 41 strong (vs. 75-80 a few months ago).
Because of the forecast rain and the already likely existing mud on the San Vicente Urban Obstacle Course, we headed south. My partner this time was the fellow Knight of Columbus, Danny, who was back with the group after a few weeks.
It was kind of a lackluster run; I think part of it is the early energy dissipated in Venice's quiet zones. The group was basically moving along without too much change. We cleared Venice and entered the now familiar environs of Marina del Rey, including the single file passageways.
As we neared the turnaround point, it got a bit crowded with other Roadrunner groups to and fro as well as the dreaded LA Leggers. Still, things were pretty smooth. I was running decently and my knee was not bad at all.
Also, the group was not losing people like last week. It was a bit cooler, though sunny, which helped. The group stayed quite together and intact.
The group was heading back home at last. We were on the Venice Strand when my partner killing talents reappeared.
As we passed a many with a large dog, the dog bolted ... and upended my partner, who ended up on the ground. The dog's owner was frankly a jerk as well as irresponsible, hurling a bunch of "colorful" language at us (hmmm, the law says owner must control and LEASH dog). I thought he might even want to have a go; so, I was semi-preparing myself. My partner did make it back to his feet and finished along with the group. Yeah! No serious damage thankfully.
We made it back and did the usual stretching. Our senior pace leader then said we looked good. He also started providing more information on parking and the shuttle. Finally, he went into next week's run ... He provides a lot of information.
Afterwards, it was off to the land of bananas and Gatorade. I changed shirts (I had sweated up my Roadrunners one a lot for some reason) to SERVITE black. I got my icepack on and then went to reload.
I also met a loyal reader in person ... and then got called away. Alas.
1:55.08 of running
10:43 pace (dog attack slowed Group 7)
10.74 miles ... .74 extra!
It had been raining Friday night and rain was forecast for Saturday; I had brought along the always fashionable trash bag as well as my windbreaker. It turns out I did not need them! It was gorgeous.
Group 7 has been getting smaller and this time it was only 41 strong (vs. 75-80 a few months ago).
Because of the forecast rain and the already likely existing mud on the San Vicente Urban Obstacle Course, we headed south. My partner this time was the fellow Knight of Columbus, Danny, who was back with the group after a few weeks.
It was kind of a lackluster run; I think part of it is the early energy dissipated in Venice's quiet zones. The group was basically moving along without too much change. We cleared Venice and entered the now familiar environs of Marina del Rey, including the single file passageways.
As we neared the turnaround point, it got a bit crowded with other Roadrunner groups to and fro as well as the dreaded LA Leggers. Still, things were pretty smooth. I was running decently and my knee was not bad at all.
Also, the group was not losing people like last week. It was a bit cooler, though sunny, which helped. The group stayed quite together and intact.
The group was heading back home at last. We were on the Venice Strand when my partner killing talents reappeared.
As we passed a many with a large dog, the dog bolted ... and upended my partner, who ended up on the ground. The dog's owner was frankly a jerk as well as irresponsible, hurling a bunch of "colorful" language at us (hmmm, the law says owner must control and LEASH dog). I thought he might even want to have a go; so, I was semi-preparing myself. My partner did make it back to his feet and finished along with the group. Yeah! No serious damage thankfully.
We made it back and did the usual stretching. Our senior pace leader then said we looked good. He also started providing more information on parking and the shuttle. Finally, he went into next week's run ... He provides a lot of information.
Afterwards, it was off to the land of bananas and Gatorade. I changed shirts (I had sweated up my Roadrunners one a lot for some reason) to SERVITE black. I got my icepack on and then went to reload.
I also met a loyal reader in person ... and then got called away. Alas.
1:55.08 of running
10:43 pace (dog attack slowed Group 7)
10.74 miles ... .74 extra!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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).
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).
Saturday, November 28, 2009
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.
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.
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