Due to scheduling this week, I was able to take a rare midweek run in the daylight. In fact there was lots of daylight in the morning.
It was a long run for a midweek trot, 60 minutes. It was also a clear morning and quite warm!
It did seem a bit odd running around the neighborhood in the sunshine; but, it was also nice seeing things in a different light (bad pun) as a runner.
I felt pretty good setting out and hit a few side streets before going east on Pico Boulevard to incorporate some hills into the trip.
I then turned for the Santa Monica Airport and Clover Park for a few laps and some water!
I was feeling relatively good and much better than last week, even with the longer run.
I made it back home and was quite happy to take my now soaking wet shirt off and take in some water and Powerade.
1:02.30 of running
5.31 miles
11:47 pace
Showing posts with label Powerade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Powerade. Show all posts
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
My Marathon: Part III
As we had trudged towards the starting line of the Los Angeles Marathon, I had rapidly recalled some of the old Servite skills, sprinter days or not. These included soccer (moving obstacles such as water bottles and clothing from my way) and the rugby attitude (people in the way ... how do we go around or through them ... red rover the adult version).
Now, I was basically running alone despite the hordes around me and I was feeling a tad desperate. I realized suddenly that LA Roadrunners Group 7 had always been that security blanket for me and now the big one was upon me and the security blanket was long gone. I also remembered the senior pace leader saying the first nine miles were the hardest due to the hills and there were definitely some nice, challenging ones.
I had decided to basically use every water station as it was getting warm. So, I had the encouraging sign of each water station as well as the mile markers.
My knee was sore at this point and I was starting to wonder if 26.2 was doable.
Still, I did feel I was making progress. I passed Echo Lake for example. Also, the Powerade at alternating stops was a nice boost physically and mentally.
Nutritionally, I was being far more careful than on the 20-Miler. That was a key lesson! I was taking a Gu Chomp every 30 minutes and an Aleve tablet every hour, besides the water and Powerade. This schedule really helped me keep focused and the energy boost was great.
I was definitely happy to see each mile marker, knowing that it should be getting better after #9 in terms of difficulty.
For some reason I also reverted to sprinter form and often zoned out everything on the sides of the course. I remember a few things ... one sign early on with an encouraging, "The Kenyans are already finished." Seeing some Salvadoran groups on the sidewalks and thinking no pupusas today.
I did reach Mile 9 marker and felt a bit of a mental boost even as I struggled with my knee. Over a third done and still functioning.
Then it was into Hollywood and seeing the Capitol Records Tower. I almost had a collision as one runner abruptly stopped in front of me to take a picture of the Hollywood sign. Seeing the sign for La Brea was also a bit of a boost as I pictured the 10 West heading for Santa Monica! On the other hand there was a strip club offering photos with some of the "performers" for free; I refused the offer for multiple reasons.
Next was West Hollywood. Here I faced a new obstacle ... the sight of men wearing extremely little clothing gyrating on stage above the sidewalk. Some thing is just do not need to see! Full speed ahead!
I also had a few near misses at water stops as the senior pace leader warned. Many were wet and slippery and filled with paper cups flung all over and runners cutting in and out. As he suggested, I tried to go to the far end; but, sometimes, the first table would be empty. Luckily, with some hockey knowledge, I knew how to avoid checks from collisions ... better to give than receive! I also sometimes felt guilty about just throwing the cup off to the side and would try to make it into the garbage can with decent rate of success or at least close to it. I felt sorry for the wonderful volunteers who would have to play cleanup crew (having done enough post-event cleaning myself).
In my head, I began thinking about Mile 13 ... my lucky number.
Now, I was basically running alone despite the hordes around me and I was feeling a tad desperate. I realized suddenly that LA Roadrunners Group 7 had always been that security blanket for me and now the big one was upon me and the security blanket was long gone. I also remembered the senior pace leader saying the first nine miles were the hardest due to the hills and there were definitely some nice, challenging ones.
I had decided to basically use every water station as it was getting warm. So, I had the encouraging sign of each water station as well as the mile markers.
My knee was sore at this point and I was starting to wonder if 26.2 was doable.
Still, I did feel I was making progress. I passed Echo Lake for example. Also, the Powerade at alternating stops was a nice boost physically and mentally.
Nutritionally, I was being far more careful than on the 20-Miler. That was a key lesson! I was taking a Gu Chomp every 30 minutes and an Aleve tablet every hour, besides the water and Powerade. This schedule really helped me keep focused and the energy boost was great.
I was definitely happy to see each mile marker, knowing that it should be getting better after #9 in terms of difficulty.
For some reason I also reverted to sprinter form and often zoned out everything on the sides of the course. I remember a few things ... one sign early on with an encouraging, "The Kenyans are already finished." Seeing some Salvadoran groups on the sidewalks and thinking no pupusas today.
I did reach Mile 9 marker and felt a bit of a mental boost even as I struggled with my knee. Over a third done and still functioning.
Then it was into Hollywood and seeing the Capitol Records Tower. I almost had a collision as one runner abruptly stopped in front of me to take a picture of the Hollywood sign. Seeing the sign for La Brea was also a bit of a boost as I pictured the 10 West heading for Santa Monica! On the other hand there was a strip club offering photos with some of the "performers" for free; I refused the offer for multiple reasons.
Next was West Hollywood. Here I faced a new obstacle ... the sight of men wearing extremely little clothing gyrating on stage above the sidewalk. Some thing is just do not need to see! Full speed ahead!
I also had a few near misses at water stops as the senior pace leader warned. Many were wet and slippery and filled with paper cups flung all over and runners cutting in and out. As he suggested, I tried to go to the far end; but, sometimes, the first table would be empty. Luckily, with some hockey knowledge, I knew how to avoid checks from collisions ... better to give than receive! I also sometimes felt guilty about just throwing the cup off to the side and would try to make it into the garbage can with decent rate of success or at least close to it. I felt sorry for the wonderful volunteers who would have to play cleanup crew (having done enough post-event cleaning myself).
In my head, I began thinking about Mile 13 ... my lucky number.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Week 25: Certified!
Saturday meant another long run for the LA Roadrunners as training for the Los Angeles Marathon continues.
This week was different ... a bit of a longer run.
It was an interesting morning since as soon as I set out from home the skies opened and it was a very heavy rain and I thought, "Oh, oh." Also, it was restricted parking at the school; so, it meant a bit of as it turns out unnecessary uncertainty.
I met with a few fellow Group 7ers before hand. We were trying to figure out the weather, discuss the route, etc. I then headed over to the Strand, our launching pad. There was also talk of a tsunami warning due to the Chilean earthquake tragedy ... just what we needed, a tsunami warning.
Saturday was an unusual run in that we started south briefly and then north on the normal path all the way to California. I was a bit concerned as my calves got a bit sore early on, which is quite unusual. Also, we took a lot of diversions due to a lot of water being on the running trail. The rain was sprinkling.
Group 7 hit the turn and back down south we came ... passing the flagpole for the third time already after just six miles! (Note: just six miles! That still seems to odd to say). The weather seemed to be improving and my partner threw away his plastic rain covering.
We then headed into Venice as usual and then Marina del Rey. I was feeling pretty good. My knee was at times sore; but, better than the last few weeks.
Marina del Rey has become familiar terrain as well. There was an odd drop of rain; but, nothing bad.
We then headed into the zone between Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey ... It got interesting. On one of the causeways, the rain started to come down hard, very hard. My partner soon realized he had thrown his kit away too soon. This was the same place we had been soaked the previous big rain run (15 miler). It was kind of exciting and we all yelled and clapped. Yee haw!
Then we entered Playa del Rey. I was chatting with one of the paceleaders about ice hockey and the big game (Yeah, Canada!). I was doing well and feeling good.
We passed the Sheriff station, the Coast Guard base and then headed towards Dockwiler Beach, right by LAX! (Who needs a shuttle ... next time, I will just run!). I was getting excited as the mileage built up higher.
I did value the water stations certainly. One even had pretzels and some Gatorade. I was travelling heavier than normal having brought a decent sized-bottle of water and one of Powerade with me on a belt. The senior pace leader said to try Powerade on a run since that will be on offer race day.
As we headed for home, my knee did twinge some. Still, I was making it! I spoke with the Canadian paceleader and he said just log the mileage.
Around Mile 18 ... it changed. My knee was sore and I think I ran out of energy, mental and physical. I just struggled very badly.
I thought I was not going to finish. Somehow I kept moving forward. I now realize I was moving faster than I thought; but, I was struggling so and at the back of the group. I was very tempted to walk or even stop or quit; but, somehow I just kept plugging along rather than gracefully run. I was frantically doing all the Servite track steps in my head and it worked.
I kept going. I was definitely struggling; but, I was moving. I was still getting closer at least.
One of the Group 7ers, Mitch, caught up with me and was such an encouragement to have the last little home stretch. My heart kind of cheered as I saw familar stores and the sports courts. I was still going. I was struggling, but going.
Then I saw the flagpole! I tried to turn some speed and the accelerator failed; but, I was almost there. I just focused those last few yards ... success. I had made it. I had struggled mightily; but, I was there and stretching.
Afterwards, at the school, the energy was up. People were tired and sore; but, people were happy. We were drinking and eating (even had bread this time). I spoke with some Group 7ers. It was really nice and supportive. We had made it. One of the paceleaders came and gave us a certificate saying we had run 20 miles! I am now certified as ... insane, a runner, whatever ... it mattered to me. I felt my energy return fast, which surprised me.
Later in the parking lot, I met a woman who had been with Group 7, gotten hurt, and was with Run/Walk 1. She said they had passed a lot of Group 7s she knew and asked what happened. So, I must not have been the worst! That was a relief as selfish as it sounds.
At the end of it, I had finished 20 miles. 6.2. to go; but 20 logged. I have some things to think about and improve; but, I had made it. I had run it, even if not perfectly. It was a day.
Credo.
3:42.21 of running
10:56 pace
20.35 miles!
This week was different ... a bit of a longer run.
It was an interesting morning since as soon as I set out from home the skies opened and it was a very heavy rain and I thought, "Oh, oh." Also, it was restricted parking at the school; so, it meant a bit of as it turns out unnecessary uncertainty.
I met with a few fellow Group 7ers before hand. We were trying to figure out the weather, discuss the route, etc. I then headed over to the Strand, our launching pad. There was also talk of a tsunami warning due to the Chilean earthquake tragedy ... just what we needed, a tsunami warning.
Saturday was an unusual run in that we started south briefly and then north on the normal path all the way to California. I was a bit concerned as my calves got a bit sore early on, which is quite unusual. Also, we took a lot of diversions due to a lot of water being on the running trail. The rain was sprinkling.
Group 7 hit the turn and back down south we came ... passing the flagpole for the third time already after just six miles! (Note: just six miles! That still seems to odd to say). The weather seemed to be improving and my partner threw away his plastic rain covering.
We then headed into Venice as usual and then Marina del Rey. I was feeling pretty good. My knee was at times sore; but, better than the last few weeks.
Marina del Rey has become familiar terrain as well. There was an odd drop of rain; but, nothing bad.
We then headed into the zone between Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey ... It got interesting. On one of the causeways, the rain started to come down hard, very hard. My partner soon realized he had thrown his kit away too soon. This was the same place we had been soaked the previous big rain run (15 miler). It was kind of exciting and we all yelled and clapped. Yee haw!
Then we entered Playa del Rey. I was chatting with one of the paceleaders about ice hockey and the big game (Yeah, Canada!). I was doing well and feeling good.
We passed the Sheriff station, the Coast Guard base and then headed towards Dockwiler Beach, right by LAX! (Who needs a shuttle ... next time, I will just run!). I was getting excited as the mileage built up higher.
I did value the water stations certainly. One even had pretzels and some Gatorade. I was travelling heavier than normal having brought a decent sized-bottle of water and one of Powerade with me on a belt. The senior pace leader said to try Powerade on a run since that will be on offer race day.
As we headed for home, my knee did twinge some. Still, I was making it! I spoke with the Canadian paceleader and he said just log the mileage.
Around Mile 18 ... it changed. My knee was sore and I think I ran out of energy, mental and physical. I just struggled very badly.
I thought I was not going to finish. Somehow I kept moving forward. I now realize I was moving faster than I thought; but, I was struggling so and at the back of the group. I was very tempted to walk or even stop or quit; but, somehow I just kept plugging along rather than gracefully run. I was frantically doing all the Servite track steps in my head and it worked.
I kept going. I was definitely struggling; but, I was moving. I was still getting closer at least.
One of the Group 7ers, Mitch, caught up with me and was such an encouragement to have the last little home stretch. My heart kind of cheered as I saw familar stores and the sports courts. I was still going. I was struggling, but going.
Then I saw the flagpole! I tried to turn some speed and the accelerator failed; but, I was almost there. I just focused those last few yards ... success. I had made it. I had struggled mightily; but, I was there and stretching.
Afterwards, at the school, the energy was up. People were tired and sore; but, people were happy. We were drinking and eating (even had bread this time). I spoke with some Group 7ers. It was really nice and supportive. We had made it. One of the paceleaders came and gave us a certificate saying we had run 20 miles! I am now certified as ... insane, a runner, whatever ... it mattered to me. I felt my energy return fast, which surprised me.
Later in the parking lot, I met a woman who had been with Group 7, gotten hurt, and was with Run/Walk 1. She said they had passed a lot of Group 7s she knew and asked what happened. So, I must not have been the worst! That was a relief as selfish as it sounds.
At the end of it, I had finished 20 miles. 6.2. to go; but 20 logged. I have some things to think about and improve; but, I had made it. I had run it, even if not perfectly. It was a day.
Credo.
3:42.21 of running
10:56 pace
20.35 miles!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
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.
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.
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