Sunday, I managed a day off from church work and headed back to the homeland, Anaheim!
Dark and early I set of for the All Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run at Anaheim Stadium (a.k.a. Angel Stadium of Anaheim), host of this year's All Star game as well as home to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (a.k.a. California Angels, Anaheim Angels, ....).
It was exciting, though I was nervous after Saturday's troubles. I arrived early as they were still setting up registration.
Soon enough, I began check-in to find my name listed TWICE. This made it a bit more challenging to get my bib; but, it all worked out and I got my bib, chip, and shirt! I was surprised there was no swag bag.
I stretched and tried to keep loose. I also visited the few sponsor booths and managed a free shirt for my efforts.
A treat was I got to meet up with a high school classmate; so, we found each other amid the crowd and spoke a bit. Servite forever.
Soon enough, it was time to go to the starting area. It was kind of disorganized and I could not get in the right corral since it meant having to climb over a barrier, which seemed less than wise with my muscle pull.
Finally I got in the over 12 minutes corral and soon realized there were problems. Little kids, people who obviously could not keep a 12:00 pace, etc. were way ahead of me in corrals. Oh well, this was not really a race for me, per se. It was more recovery run, working on form, and enjoying the experience.
They introduced numerous cancer charity speakers. Their groups benefited from Major League Baseball's event. Then they introduced old familiar names ... Harold Reynolds, Reggie Jackson, Tim Salmon, Bobby Grich ... I am a devout Dodgers fan; but, still, it was neat.
Finally the horn sounded and after a few minutes I reached the starting line and began picking my way through the crowd. It was Servite track all over again.
The police had done a nice job making the course clear and the streets of Anaheim are in far better condition than Los Angeles. I was not going all out; but, I was working and also feeling much better than expected considering Saturday. I began picking off runners as well.
One big issue was people who should have been behind me in placement were not and they would stop suddenly or take pictures or walk slowly or just not up to the 5K that day. I almost ran over several.
Running along to Orangewood, State College, Katella ... it was fun. The Gatorade and water helped as well.
Eventually, after a relatively easy little hill, that claimed a lot of people ... it was back to the stadium parking lot.
Then came the real fun, getting to run on the warning track. I felt a burst of energy and good for whatever reason and started passing people and speeding up. I definitely had negative splits.
Then it was out after doing the loop. (One cool thing was the announcers randomly announcing runners in the stadium over the public address system).
I turned the corner and saw the finish line and put a little sprint on ... and finished!
This race also offered a very nice medal (for a 5K!); so, i picked that up, water bottle and some banana pieces.
5K complete! Not a P.R.; but, it felt good and much better than Saturday.
31:12 of running
3.12 miles of running
9:57 pace
Showing posts with label Servite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Servite. Show all posts
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
My Marathon: Part X
Having made it to Mile 25, I was really getting excited. Obviously, the end was nigh. I did a little revving up motion with my hand.
Then, it was seriously time to revert back to sprinting days. I really went back ... all the way to crossing my right arm over my chest in track turn style.
I did have a nice surprise ... I heard a voice yelling "Mike Ward!" and I glanced and saw a friend from church on his bike taking in events right at the final turn.
At this point I started to lock on the end. I could see the Mile 26 Marker and the subsequent finish line marker. I felt strong, surprisingly, and I felt I could go for speed, as I hoped; so, I did.
I had dreamed about this more or less ... being able to sprint at the end. Being able to go back to the roots ... Servite track. (It must have been noticeable as a fellow Group 7er said she looked up and saw me start to "book it" and decided she should go faster as well).
I began seeing not runners in front; but, "targets." I automatically started plotting attack angles, just like the 800s and Mile Relays and 2 Miles. It worked. I passed a lot of people (I knew it then and now have it confirmed by RunPix ... over the last 4.5 miles, 56 mean people passed me .... I passed 1,177!!!!)
There were lots more people on the sides now; but, their faces just blurred.
My knee was tender; but, I kept going. Crossed Montana. Idaho. Washington. California Here I Come!
Mile 26 ... now it is coming.
.2 miles should seem like nothing and I was moving well; but, it seemed a lot longer than .2 miles!
Wilshire.
Arizona.
Full speed ahead ... dead sprint.
Santa Monica Boulevard ... We Love It! FINISH!
I had done it. I crossed. Los Angeles Marathon ... check!
Official time ... 5:06 (after a few days!). 26.55 miles according to Garmin.
Then, it was seriously time to revert back to sprinting days. I really went back ... all the way to crossing my right arm over my chest in track turn style.
I did have a nice surprise ... I heard a voice yelling "Mike Ward!" and I glanced and saw a friend from church on his bike taking in events right at the final turn.
At this point I started to lock on the end. I could see the Mile 26 Marker and the subsequent finish line marker. I felt strong, surprisingly, and I felt I could go for speed, as I hoped; so, I did.
I had dreamed about this more or less ... being able to sprint at the end. Being able to go back to the roots ... Servite track. (It must have been noticeable as a fellow Group 7er said she looked up and saw me start to "book it" and decided she should go faster as well).
I began seeing not runners in front; but, "targets." I automatically started plotting attack angles, just like the 800s and Mile Relays and 2 Miles. It worked. I passed a lot of people (I knew it then and now have it confirmed by RunPix ... over the last 4.5 miles, 56 mean people passed me .... I passed 1,177!!!!)
There were lots more people on the sides now; but, their faces just blurred.
My knee was tender; but, I kept going. Crossed Montana. Idaho. Washington. California Here I Come!
Mile 26 ... now it is coming.
.2 miles should seem like nothing and I was moving well; but, it seemed a lot longer than .2 miles!
Wilshire.
Arizona.
Full speed ahead ... dead sprint.
Santa Monica Boulevard ... We Love It! FINISH!
I had done it. I crossed. Los Angeles Marathon ... check!
Official time ... 5:06 (after a few days!). 26.55 miles according to Garmin.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Motivational Tools
When I was a Servite lad, I had learned many of the dark arts of mental preparation for sports. The teams I was a part of often had a huge advantage as we were mentally stronger than other teams.
The LA Roadrunners had discussed the mental part a bit as well. One of the speakers dealt with motivation and focus for the Los Angeles Marathon, which was good. Still, I felt I needed a bit more being a rookie and having struggled with the 20-Miler.
My first step was shoe selection. I went with the pair that had a nice blood stain from the wet and wild 15-Miler. I wanted the memory of the preparation to be there and always present. All those months of work and training ... I had my reminder.
Next was the caps as I discussed. I had my Roadrunners Group 7 cap; but, I swapped it out in Century City for my black standard. I wanted that little boost of mental energy.
I also added some decorations to my shoes. In track and soccer, I had only had my name on my spikes and boots. I felt I needed a bit more for the marathon ... so, I added in black ink:
- ADW for my uncle
- JWW for my dad who has been facing some health situation
- four Ds ... Desire. Dedication. Discipline. Determination.
- Credo
They were all on the back of the heel; but, I knew they were there.
Any way you can, eh?
I
The LA Roadrunners had discussed the mental part a bit as well. One of the speakers dealt with motivation and focus for the Los Angeles Marathon, which was good. Still, I felt I needed a bit more being a rookie and having struggled with the 20-Miler.
My first step was shoe selection. I went with the pair that had a nice blood stain from the wet and wild 15-Miler. I wanted the memory of the preparation to be there and always present. All those months of work and training ... I had my reminder.
Next was the caps as I discussed. I had my Roadrunners Group 7 cap; but, I swapped it out in Century City for my black standard. I wanted that little boost of mental energy.
I also added some decorations to my shoes. In track and soccer, I had only had my name on my spikes and boots. I felt I needed a bit more for the marathon ... so, I added in black ink:
- ADW for my uncle
- JWW for my dad who has been facing some health situation
- four Ds ... Desire. Dedication. Discipline. Determination.
- Credo
They were all on the back of the heel; but, I knew they were there.
Any way you can, eh?
I
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
My Marathon: Part VII
Reaching Mile marker 20 more or less intact and functioning was a big moment. I was now in personal record territory with every step, since the longest LA Roadrunners run had been a shade over 20 miles.
The course now set out the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration facility for the runners. It is a huge place with loads of land donated by one of the early families of Santa Monica.
It is also hilly and kind of bookended the course along with the start. By now I noticed a lot of people who had been ahead of me were a) stopping b) walking c) off to the side in pain Somehow, I managed to avoid all of these; perhaps all those dark and very early mornings were paying off at the right time?
The VA Center had several hills and turns and increasing traffic as walkers clogged the road. At one point, I saw James from Group 7. I asked him if he was o.k. and he replied he was almost out of energy. I offered him a Gu Chomp; but, he said he would make it.
Soon, I had a surprise as for some reason I paid attention to the side of the course and saw the friend from church who had been there so often on the side during the training runs. He was waiting for his daughter to come and did not notice me until I called out rather loudly, "Cadena!" So, it was nice seeing a familiar face.
Next came a big hill. This seemed to be very difficult for many people. For whatever reason I felt pretty good on it and passed a lot of people. May be it was the Servite Days again ... all those times doing stadiums and The Bowl in Hell Weeks ... in a semi-Crocodile Dundee-phrase, "That's not ... THOSE were hills!"
Regardless, I made it to the top and kept going. That was a good feeling as I really felt like this was going to happen. The Los Angeles Marathon now seemed not only possible, but quite likely.
Later, at the LA Running Club Victory Run event, they said an analyst had determined the now newly-named "Purple Heart Hill" was more difficult than the more well-known Heartbreak Hill at the Boston Marathon. The president of the marathon also made an interesting point. he said many people like the Chicago Marathon because it is flat. He questioned why and said the fact that this course is hilly and challenging should make us MORE eager to run it, not less! Interesting way of looking at things ... a lot like the Servite way.
The course now set out the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration facility for the runners. It is a huge place with loads of land donated by one of the early families of Santa Monica.
It is also hilly and kind of bookended the course along with the start. By now I noticed a lot of people who had been ahead of me were a) stopping b) walking c) off to the side in pain Somehow, I managed to avoid all of these; perhaps all those dark and very early mornings were paying off at the right time?
The VA Center had several hills and turns and increasing traffic as walkers clogged the road. At one point, I saw James from Group 7. I asked him if he was o.k. and he replied he was almost out of energy. I offered him a Gu Chomp; but, he said he would make it.
Soon, I had a surprise as for some reason I paid attention to the side of the course and saw the friend from church who had been there so often on the side during the training runs. He was waiting for his daughter to come and did not notice me until I called out rather loudly, "Cadena!" So, it was nice seeing a familiar face.
Next came a big hill. This seemed to be very difficult for many people. For whatever reason I felt pretty good on it and passed a lot of people. May be it was the Servite Days again ... all those times doing stadiums and The Bowl in Hell Weeks ... in a semi-Crocodile Dundee-phrase, "That's not ... THOSE were hills!"
Regardless, I made it to the top and kept going. That was a good feeling as I really felt like this was going to happen. The Los Angeles Marathon now seemed not only possible, but quite likely.
Later, at the LA Running Club Victory Run event, they said an analyst had determined the now newly-named "Purple Heart Hill" was more difficult than the more well-known Heartbreak Hill at the Boston Marathon. The president of the marathon also made an interesting point. he said many people like the Chicago Marathon because it is flat. He questioned why and said the fact that this course is hilly and challenging should make us MORE eager to run it, not less! Interesting way of looking at things ... a lot like the Servite way.
Monday, April 12, 2010
My Marathon: Part VI
Shortly after the cap adjustment and seeing my old work, I hit Mile Marker 18. Being on Santa Monica Boulevard was reassuring because I was quite familiar with it from working in Century City. I think being able to see sights I knew helped especially since it was my first marathon. For example, there is the large Mormon temple and grounds on the north side of the street.
I was feeling pretty good considering I had run a decent distance. Still, I was a bit nervous as this was the zone I had started having trouble with in the lone LA Roadrunners really long run, the 20-Miler. I also was, despite the number of runners and spectators, on my own. I had completely lost contact with my group, my sub-group, ...
So, in a way I did not expect, I went back to the sprinter days, something I had been trying not to do all these months. I started recalling the mantras: Desire. Dedication. Discipline. Determination. How a Friar does not quit. mental strength. I obviously had all the training with the Roadrunners which was great; but, when it came to the mental side, I was back to the core, being a Servite Friar.
It seemed to work!
I passed runners in really serious pain. I felt no need to stop for aid. I remembered to steer clear of the "helpful" fire hydrants and hoses spraying water (our senior pace leader warned wet shoes and long run can yield blisters).
I felt a lot more confident than I expected and I also felt more comfortable than on the 20-Miler. My knee was a little sore; but, I was surviving.
Mile Marker 19 came ... and I was still going and a lot stronger than on the 20-Miler. The streets of Westwood did not seem intimidating. My concern began to erode. Sure enough, here comes Mile Marker 20 ... and I am still functioning.
I was feeling pretty good considering I had run a decent distance. Still, I was a bit nervous as this was the zone I had started having trouble with in the lone LA Roadrunners really long run, the 20-Miler. I also was, despite the number of runners and spectators, on my own. I had completely lost contact with my group, my sub-group, ...
So, in a way I did not expect, I went back to the sprinter days, something I had been trying not to do all these months. I started recalling the mantras: Desire. Dedication. Discipline. Determination. How a Friar does not quit. mental strength. I obviously had all the training with the Roadrunners which was great; but, when it came to the mental side, I was back to the core, being a Servite Friar.
It seemed to work!
I passed runners in really serious pain. I felt no need to stop for aid. I remembered to steer clear of the "helpful" fire hydrants and hoses spraying water (our senior pace leader warned wet shoes and long run can yield blisters).
I felt a lot more confident than I expected and I also felt more comfortable than on the 20-Miler. My knee was a little sore; but, I was surviving.
Mile Marker 19 came ... and I was still going and a lot stronger than on the 20-Miler. The streets of Westwood did not seem intimidating. My concern began to erode. Sure enough, here comes Mile Marker 20 ... and I am still functioning.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Getting Ready
This morning I headed off for Dodger Stadium and the running expo to get set for the Los Angeles Marathon. On the way there, I listened to the soundtrack for my favorite movie, "Chariots of Fire."
It was a little confusing; but, I got sorted out. As mentioned by my pace leader, the bib has some wrong information ... seems I am now 68 years old. Still a male though!
The show was interesting. Lots of people. Lots of displays. Lots of free samples. Lots of other races. I did win a free meal at Rubios! Yeah. I did see Frank McCourt as well as they were doing a 5K and then a children's race.
I saw the NPN Nutrition guy who comes to the LA Roadrunners.
Kind of nice was I saw my senior pace leader ... and he was nice and encouraging as usual.
I wore my Servite shirt and ran into a few of the family.
On the way back, I passed Marathon Street! I also saw a nice Dodgers billboard saying Good Luck! Excellent.
Then it was the theme song all the way home ...
It was a little confusing; but, I got sorted out. As mentioned by my pace leader, the bib has some wrong information ... seems I am now 68 years old. Still a male though!
The show was interesting. Lots of people. Lots of displays. Lots of free samples. Lots of other races. I did win a free meal at Rubios! Yeah. I did see Frank McCourt as well as they were doing a 5K and then a children's race.
I saw the NPN Nutrition guy who comes to the LA Roadrunners.
Kind of nice was I saw my senior pace leader ... and he was nice and encouraging as usual.
I wore my Servite shirt and ran into a few of the family.
On the way back, I passed Marathon Street! I also saw a nice Dodgers billboard saying Good Luck! Excellent.
Then it was the theme song all the way home ...
Friday, March 19, 2010
Target for Tonight ...
Target for Tonight is a phrase R.A.F. Bomber Command used to use before setting off on a mission in World War II against the bad guys. Those guys were tough, loyal, and resilient and committed to completing the mission.
I hope I can be like them Sunday. I have not had the best week of sleep between events, work, and just some nerves (plus stupidly drinking a sports drink right before trying to sleep!). So, Target for Tonight: SLEEP!
I have been trying to mentally prepare. I now am facing the idea of heat ... not a pleasant one.
Also, normally, this weekend I would be in Anaheim for the Religious Education Congress and right near my old native land ... and Servite. So, I am trying to do the next best thing ... bring Servite to me!
First, I found out a classmate is running as well. That's two of us! The brethren are present. if you are not a Friar, it does not make sense ... if you are ... well, you know.
Second, I am thinking back to how I did things at Servite Track. Different races; different strategies ... I remember some of the key moments and our training,. The Bowl. Glover. STICK! Hell Week. We were taught the mantras: Mind over Matter; If You Do Not Mind the Pain; It Does Not Matter. Mind Over Matter; if You Do Not Mind the Heat; It Does Not Matter. We were a pretty tough crew.
I also remember for whatever reason I always ran my best in the worst conditions: very hot, very "cold," or messed up track. I have no idea why; but, I did. It became a matter of pride!
I want to have that feeling Sunday. I am not bringing warm-up gear; I want to feel the "cold." I am 1/2 Canadian after all! My focus will be moving forward. I may struggle; but, I will work.
Servite sports also were big on team. LA Roadrunners is not quite there (we were basically brothers on the teams at Servite); but, it has some similarities.
I want to run to complete the ThinkCure! pledges and remember what happened in 2009. I want to be able to go past my old office where I was discarded like garbage ... and show them it did not break me. I will complete the Los Angeles Marathon.
I also remember the first time I ran a 3.5 at track I struggled; I struggled the last two miles of the 20-miler as well. But, I learned lessons. I am also feeling better now. I think I can do better.
I have also got a mental boost set-up. I do not think anyone will be there watching me; so, I will be my own support.
I am trying to do my best to eat right, drink the water, etc.; but, I also am doing my mental work.
For me, Servite is important. It taught me so much, besides academics.
On Sunday I will be thinking as a Friar once again.
DESIRE.
DEDICATION.
DETERMINATION.
DISCIPLINE.
WE ARE SERVITE.
CREDO.
I hope I can be like them Sunday. I have not had the best week of sleep between events, work, and just some nerves (plus stupidly drinking a sports drink right before trying to sleep!). So, Target for Tonight: SLEEP!
I have been trying to mentally prepare. I now am facing the idea of heat ... not a pleasant one.
Also, normally, this weekend I would be in Anaheim for the Religious Education Congress and right near my old native land ... and Servite. So, I am trying to do the next best thing ... bring Servite to me!
First, I found out a classmate is running as well. That's two of us! The brethren are present. if you are not a Friar, it does not make sense ... if you are ... well, you know.
Second, I am thinking back to how I did things at Servite Track. Different races; different strategies ... I remember some of the key moments and our training,. The Bowl. Glover. STICK! Hell Week. We were taught the mantras: Mind over Matter; If You Do Not Mind the Pain; It Does Not Matter. Mind Over Matter; if You Do Not Mind the Heat; It Does Not Matter. We were a pretty tough crew.
I also remember for whatever reason I always ran my best in the worst conditions: very hot, very "cold," or messed up track. I have no idea why; but, I did. It became a matter of pride!
I want to have that feeling Sunday. I am not bringing warm-up gear; I want to feel the "cold." I am 1/2 Canadian after all! My focus will be moving forward. I may struggle; but, I will work.
Servite sports also were big on team. LA Roadrunners is not quite there (we were basically brothers on the teams at Servite); but, it has some similarities.
I want to run to complete the ThinkCure! pledges and remember what happened in 2009. I want to be able to go past my old office where I was discarded like garbage ... and show them it did not break me. I will complete the Los Angeles Marathon.
I also remember the first time I ran a 3.5 at track I struggled; I struggled the last two miles of the 20-miler as well. But, I learned lessons. I am also feeling better now. I think I can do better.
I have also got a mental boost set-up. I do not think anyone will be there watching me; so, I will be my own support.
I am trying to do my best to eat right, drink the water, etc.; but, I also am doing my mental work.
For me, Servite is important. It taught me so much, besides academics.
On Sunday I will be thinking as a Friar once again.
DESIRE.
DEDICATION.
DETERMINATION.
DISCIPLINE.
WE ARE SERVITE.
CREDO.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Build Up
It seems kind of unusual now for me ... the reduction in running seems odd. Still, the LA Roadrunners paceleaders are saying do NOT run any more than scheduled.
The Los Angeles Marathon is coming ... fast.
Yesterday, I spent some time talking about why I started, how I feel, etc. It really got me thinking about the whole journey ... and it has been a journey.
This morning I got to see photos from the run Sunday as well.
I have started to mentally prepare more for Sunday. I started thinking about songs, besides the theme song I always play.
It has been interesting as the radio will start playing something and I will go, "Right, there's one."
I do have to watch I get good ones in my head and not the old heavy metal and such I used to use before sprinting!
I am recalling the old Servite mantras though ... It is hard to forget:
MIND OVER MATTER.
IF YOU DO NOT MIND THE PAIN, IT DOES NOT MATTER.
Six Days.
The Los Angeles Marathon is coming ... fast.
Yesterday, I spent some time talking about why I started, how I feel, etc. It really got me thinking about the whole journey ... and it has been a journey.
This morning I got to see photos from the run Sunday as well.
I have started to mentally prepare more for Sunday. I started thinking about songs, besides the theme song I always play.
It has been interesting as the radio will start playing something and I will go, "Right, there's one."
I do have to watch I get good ones in my head and not the old heavy metal and such I used to use before sprinting!
I am recalling the old Servite mantras though ... It is hard to forget:
MIND OVER MATTER.
IF YOU DO NOT MIND THE PAIN, IT DOES NOT MATTER.
Six Days.
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!
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Red Badge of ...
I can remember reading "The Red Badge of Courage" while in school. It was a decent read. It came to mind for two reasons.
The first is it has to do with running, although the book's running involves running from the Confederates (i.e. the enemy of the Union Army).
The second is my new running shoes earned their own red badge on Saturday on their very first long run. They have more or less dried; but, as I prepared them for their next trot, I noticed the right shoe had a new feature, a blood stain. I knew I had managed to bleed during the Saturday run and not known it at the time; a toe nail had chipped and then peeled off along the side. Well, it apparently bled a lot more than I thought. I am actually a bit amazed I did not know while running; I felt a little "something" but guessed it was a blister starting. How do I categorize this? Overcoming pain? Utter unawareness? Reckless? Focus? I am not sure.
I had planned to run Monday morning; I even woke up early. I then decided to change to Tuesday to give my toe another day and my calves and quads some more time after Sunday's results. I also just felt I needed to do a bit of mental work.
I have been struggling a bit lately and it makes it harder to be motivated to run in the pre-dawn, especially with some injuries. I have been missing the fun factor or even the sense of competition. It seemed like I was losing the plot.
Then, I began to reflect a little. This past week Group 7 was down to 48 runners from being in the mid-70s and 80s. One was at the Surf City Half-Marathon; but, the rest? I was banged up; but, I was still keeping with the group, despite my mid-week training struggles. I also read on the Group's emails that indeed others were struggling. Some had fallen off the group during the long run; I had stayed and at the end I felt like I could go further. May be there is still hope.
There is also the issue of support. Our senior pace leader asked to bring friends and family out to help man water stations. I could not think of anyone who would do it. I do have some support from some friends and family; but, they are all a long, long way away from here. The rest do not care or oppose even trying.
Come race day I basically have accepted there will be no one there at the start, in the middle, or the end. Family will not be. People from church who might have come will all be in Anaheim. Friends will not. Someone I really cared about dumped me in the middle of my really bad spell last year; so, she will not be caring. I will be with some Roadrunners and my group; but, it is just not the same thing. I know a lot of them; but, it is not like when I was on a Servite team.
I am going to run this regardless and I hope to finish regardless. Supported or not. There will not be managers from my old company there to ruin things through their lies and incompetence. I really have no expectations since no one will be watching and no one will care; I just need to finish.
I started running again when things had gotten really bad in my life, when all the pillars starting falling simultaneously. I want to make this running of the Los Angeles Marathon mean something, something positive and a change in momentum.
So, I plan to get up dark and early Tuesday and regardless of my toe, my knee, my quads and calves go for a run with a right shoe with a red badge on it. Be it a badge of courage or defiance or stupidity or stubbornness; it is still mine.
The first is it has to do with running, although the book's running involves running from the Confederates (i.e. the enemy of the Union Army).
The second is my new running shoes earned their own red badge on Saturday on their very first long run. They have more or less dried; but, as I prepared them for their next trot, I noticed the right shoe had a new feature, a blood stain. I knew I had managed to bleed during the Saturday run and not known it at the time; a toe nail had chipped and then peeled off along the side. Well, it apparently bled a lot more than I thought. I am actually a bit amazed I did not know while running; I felt a little "something" but guessed it was a blister starting. How do I categorize this? Overcoming pain? Utter unawareness? Reckless? Focus? I am not sure.
I had planned to run Monday morning; I even woke up early. I then decided to change to Tuesday to give my toe another day and my calves and quads some more time after Sunday's results. I also just felt I needed to do a bit of mental work.
I have been struggling a bit lately and it makes it harder to be motivated to run in the pre-dawn, especially with some injuries. I have been missing the fun factor or even the sense of competition. It seemed like I was losing the plot.
Then, I began to reflect a little. This past week Group 7 was down to 48 runners from being in the mid-70s and 80s. One was at the Surf City Half-Marathon; but, the rest? I was banged up; but, I was still keeping with the group, despite my mid-week training struggles. I also read on the Group's emails that indeed others were struggling. Some had fallen off the group during the long run; I had stayed and at the end I felt like I could go further. May be there is still hope.
There is also the issue of support. Our senior pace leader asked to bring friends and family out to help man water stations. I could not think of anyone who would do it. I do have some support from some friends and family; but, they are all a long, long way away from here. The rest do not care or oppose even trying.
Come race day I basically have accepted there will be no one there at the start, in the middle, or the end. Family will not be. People from church who might have come will all be in Anaheim. Friends will not. Someone I really cared about dumped me in the middle of my really bad spell last year; so, she will not be caring. I will be with some Roadrunners and my group; but, it is just not the same thing. I know a lot of them; but, it is not like when I was on a Servite team.
I am going to run this regardless and I hope to finish regardless. Supported or not. There will not be managers from my old company there to ruin things through their lies and incompetence. I really have no expectations since no one will be watching and no one will care; I just need to finish.
I started running again when things had gotten really bad in my life, when all the pillars starting falling simultaneously. I want to make this running of the Los Angeles Marathon mean something, something positive and a change in momentum.
So, I plan to get up dark and early Tuesday and regardless of my toe, my knee, my quads and calves go for a run with a right shoe with a red badge on it. Be it a badge of courage or defiance or stupidity or stubbornness; it is still mine.
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Wall
I have been reading about races and long-distance running and so many mentions of hitting THE WALL.
It sounds intimidating. Some make it sound inevitable. Some make it sound avoidable. Some say it barely exists.
In sprinting and middle-distance, there simply was not time to hit the wall. Other runners, yes. Baton hitting hands, yes. The Wall, no!
So, this is all new. I am not sure if it is physical, mental, or both.
I am not really sure how to prepare.
I do the LA Roadrunners training for the Los Angeles Marathon. I try my best to follow the schedule, even with physical issues.
Still, the unknown is ... well, the unknown.
Some people say they cope with knowing they will have special people cheering them on; I will not have that at all.
Some people have past experience; I do not. My longest run so far is 16 miles.
I am not sure what to do. After all the problems of 2009, I can not abide the thought of failure.
In some ways I am reverting to the Servite days. I am finding songs. I am playing the mind games. I have been forcing myself to go, even when my mind and body say no.
I have been thinking about how that team of Servite Friars was so united and how we would do things that seemed so hard.
We shall see. how I fare against the wall.
The 4 Ds. Desire. Dedication. Determination. Dedication. Once a Servite Friar, always a Servite Friar.
It sounds intimidating. Some make it sound inevitable. Some make it sound avoidable. Some say it barely exists.
In sprinting and middle-distance, there simply was not time to hit the wall. Other runners, yes. Baton hitting hands, yes. The Wall, no!
So, this is all new. I am not sure if it is physical, mental, or both.
I am not really sure how to prepare.
I do the LA Roadrunners training for the Los Angeles Marathon. I try my best to follow the schedule, even with physical issues.
Still, the unknown is ... well, the unknown.
Some people say they cope with knowing they will have special people cheering them on; I will not have that at all.
Some people have past experience; I do not. My longest run so far is 16 miles.
I am not sure what to do. After all the problems of 2009, I can not abide the thought of failure.
In some ways I am reverting to the Servite days. I am finding songs. I am playing the mind games. I have been forcing myself to go, even when my mind and body say no.
I have been thinking about how that team of Servite Friars was so united and how we would do things that seemed so hard.
We shall see. how I fare against the wall.
The 4 Ds. Desire. Dedication. Determination. Dedication. Once a Servite Friar, always a Servite Friar.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Week 19: HOLD THE LINE!
This was another week for the LA Roadrunners long run training.
Due to the week's encounter with a dog, plus ongoing knee issues, and not doing last week's run too well; I was nervous. I checked my ankle and it had a lot of bruises; but, there was no real swelling.
I arrived quite early and did what they had told us before not to ... STRETCH! I wanted my leg to be loose. I had also used some of the old Servite track hell week tactics to get ready ... music and all.
My group was a lot smaller this week, may be 50, vs. the usual 70. My normal partner was also missing. He had said he was trying Group 6 the week before; but, I never saw him. Sad as it makes it more fun ... I wanted to talk to him about USC's debacles, etc.
We set off and my leg was a little sore; but, I kept up as we headed north to the Santa Monica Pier. I was towards the back of my group in case I needed to split off; before we started, I explained my situation and the pace leader said go for it anyways. I did see my friend from church and we exchanged hand signals as usual.
My partner went off towards the restrooms a second time and that was that ... my partner killer reputation had been enhanced!
I was doing alright and becoming a bit relieved. I did check the Garmin 305 though to see mileage slowly ticking upwards.
Soon enough we were at the Totem Pole! Wow. Then, it was off to Adelaide and then onto the San Vicente urban obstacle course! I felt a little soreness in my knee; but, it was definitely manageable. In my mind I was relying on the old Servite mind tricks ... One was from hellweek's group work when we had to run and stay as a group. I was one of the guys designated to enforce that the group stayed intact, which usually led to, "Hold the Line!" Well, I silently kept saying to myself, "Hold the Line!"
We reached the turnaround at 21st Street and more water. I saw our on-the-disabled-list senior pace leader. The trip back was uneventful, thankfully. Eventually we reached the Santa Monica Pier and got a great view as the sun finally broke out and shined over the Pacific Ocean. Then, it was back to the Strand and home! Actually, some people fell out of the line.
In reality, it was a normal run for the Roadrunners.
For me thought, it was big. I had completed 11 miles at race pace despite it all. It felt good after the struggles.
Our senior pace leader was also happy as he said Group 7 was going out and coming back intact and together; other groups were quite spread apart and ragged.
So, it was a good run. I felt like there was progress. My knee did hurt later in the day; but, I got the ice on it.
2:01.41
11:05 pace (including water stops; they said without the stops, we were right on race pace!)
10.99 miles ... so close!
This one felt like a big step in making it to the Los Angeles Marathon!
Due to the week's encounter with a dog, plus ongoing knee issues, and not doing last week's run too well; I was nervous. I checked my ankle and it had a lot of bruises; but, there was no real swelling.
I arrived quite early and did what they had told us before not to ... STRETCH! I wanted my leg to be loose. I had also used some of the old Servite track hell week tactics to get ready ... music and all.
My group was a lot smaller this week, may be 50, vs. the usual 70. My normal partner was also missing. He had said he was trying Group 6 the week before; but, I never saw him. Sad as it makes it more fun ... I wanted to talk to him about USC's debacles, etc.
We set off and my leg was a little sore; but, I kept up as we headed north to the Santa Monica Pier. I was towards the back of my group in case I needed to split off; before we started, I explained my situation and the pace leader said go for it anyways. I did see my friend from church and we exchanged hand signals as usual.
My partner went off towards the restrooms a second time and that was that ... my partner killer reputation had been enhanced!
I was doing alright and becoming a bit relieved. I did check the Garmin 305 though to see mileage slowly ticking upwards.
Soon enough we were at the Totem Pole! Wow. Then, it was off to Adelaide and then onto the San Vicente urban obstacle course! I felt a little soreness in my knee; but, it was definitely manageable. In my mind I was relying on the old Servite mind tricks ... One was from hellweek's group work when we had to run and stay as a group. I was one of the guys designated to enforce that the group stayed intact, which usually led to, "Hold the Line!" Well, I silently kept saying to myself, "Hold the Line!"
We reached the turnaround at 21st Street and more water. I saw our on-the-disabled-list senior pace leader. The trip back was uneventful, thankfully. Eventually we reached the Santa Monica Pier and got a great view as the sun finally broke out and shined over the Pacific Ocean. Then, it was back to the Strand and home! Actually, some people fell out of the line.
In reality, it was a normal run for the Roadrunners.
For me thought, it was big. I had completed 11 miles at race pace despite it all. It felt good after the struggles.
Our senior pace leader was also happy as he said Group 7 was going out and coming back intact and together; other groups were quite spread apart and ragged.
So, it was a good run. I felt like there was progress. My knee did hurt later in the day; but, I got the ice on it.
2:01.41
11:05 pace (including water stops; they said without the stops, we were right on race pace!)
10.99 miles ... so close!
This one felt like a big step in making it to the Los Angeles Marathon!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Fear Is Only the Beginning
Tomorrow will be a big day.
It is Saturday. It is another day for training with the LA Roadrunners for the Los Angeles Marathon.
11 Miles. Race Pace.
I am a bit nervous.
I did not do the run last week due to the mountains, the retreat, being tired (due to previous), and my knee. The furthest I have run on this pace is just five miles.
I was really gaining hope with my runs this week with the better results as well as less pain throughout the week in my knee. Then, I had my encounter with the dog.
I want to run. I want to run well. I want to finish the race; yet, things keep happening ... as well as the memories of last year.
So, we shall see.
As they said to us many, many, many times at Servite:
-Fear is only the beginning
-Mind over matter; if you do not mind the pain ... it does not matter
-CREDO
It is Saturday. It is another day for training with the LA Roadrunners for the Los Angeles Marathon.
11 Miles. Race Pace.
I am a bit nervous.
I did not do the run last week due to the mountains, the retreat, being tired (due to previous), and my knee. The furthest I have run on this pace is just five miles.
I was really gaining hope with my runs this week with the better results as well as less pain throughout the week in my knee. Then, I had my encounter with the dog.
I want to run. I want to run well. I want to finish the race; yet, things keep happening ... as well as the memories of last year.
So, we shall see.
As they said to us many, many, many times at Servite:
-Fear is only the beginning
-Mind over matter; if you do not mind the pain ... it does not matter
-CREDO
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Dark With Sunny Intervals
Well, Wednesday came and that meant it was time to do intervals for the LA Roadrunners program. I was curious how I would do after last weekend as well as still fighting a cold and post-retreat energy lag.
I set out for Clover Park on a night run as I prefer to do the intervals on a fixed course. It actually started getting windy as I walked south, which got me thinking of the old sprinting days. The walk also doubled as my warm-up.
After drinking some water, I set out on Round 1 ... fast. Very fast, as in faster than 5K pace and slowed after checking the trusty Garmin 305 electronic conscience. I was doing pretty well indeed, some soreness in the knee, but speed was up and I felt good.
I took the now reduced slower pace rest (2:30 vs 3:00 last week as the running was up to 7:00 from 6:30) and set out again ... fast again! It felt nice to be honest; but, I slowed and kept the pace going and met targets. Yeah.
Round 3 was more of the same. My knee was not 100%; but, ti was better than last week and so were my times. This time I found a cadence to pace myself. It sounds crazy; but, "Vamos a la playa" ("We go to the beach") since that is where the Los Angeles Marathon will more or less end) somehow entered my mind and clicked and seemed to work well. It makes no sense; but, it worked ... and at this point, I will take it. My form also seemed better and I even got the thumb clicking going ... yeah!
Round 4 ... again the same! Yeah!
I finished up, stretched, watered, and headed for home enjoying the breeze and remembering the Servite days. I was not running on the balls of my feet like back then; but, it felt fast at least.
In terms of British weather, it was dark; but, I felt good. This was my first positive run in a while and it indeed was "sunny intervals." The results were on target, my paces were pretty consistent, and the knee survived. Not bad.
Round 1 9:06 pace 7:04 of running time 0.78 miles
Round 2 9:12 pace 7:06 of running time 0.77 miles
Round 3 9:12 pace 7:08 of running time 0.78 miles
Round 4 9:10 pace 7:06 of running time 0.77 miles
I set out for Clover Park on a night run as I prefer to do the intervals on a fixed course. It actually started getting windy as I walked south, which got me thinking of the old sprinting days. The walk also doubled as my warm-up.
After drinking some water, I set out on Round 1 ... fast. Very fast, as in faster than 5K pace and slowed after checking the trusty Garmin 305 electronic conscience. I was doing pretty well indeed, some soreness in the knee, but speed was up and I felt good.
I took the now reduced slower pace rest (2:30 vs 3:00 last week as the running was up to 7:00 from 6:30) and set out again ... fast again! It felt nice to be honest; but, I slowed and kept the pace going and met targets. Yeah.
Round 3 was more of the same. My knee was not 100%; but, ti was better than last week and so were my times. This time I found a cadence to pace myself. It sounds crazy; but, "Vamos a la playa" ("We go to the beach") since that is where the Los Angeles Marathon will more or less end) somehow entered my mind and clicked and seemed to work well. It makes no sense; but, it worked ... and at this point, I will take it. My form also seemed better and I even got the thumb clicking going ... yeah!
Round 4 ... again the same! Yeah!
I finished up, stretched, watered, and headed for home enjoying the breeze and remembering the Servite days. I was not running on the balls of my feet like back then; but, it felt fast at least.
In terms of British weather, it was dark; but, I felt good. This was my first positive run in a while and it indeed was "sunny intervals." The results were on target, my paces were pretty consistent, and the knee survived. Not bad.
Round 1 9:06 pace 7:04 of running time 0.78 miles
Round 2 9:12 pace 7:06 of running time 0.77 miles
Round 3 9:12 pace 7:08 of running time 0.78 miles
Round 4 9:10 pace 7:06 of running time 0.77 miles
Sunday, December 20, 2009
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
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
Monday, December 14, 2009
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!
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!
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.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Week 7: Into the Fog of ... Running
The new training week for the marathon began and with it was a new distance ... nine miles!
So, it was off to the school to begin and energy revved up as the chant started.
Mile 1 ... It's Just For Fun
Mile 2 ... It's Good For You
Mile 3 ... It's Good For Me
Mile 4 ... Give Me Some More
Mile 5 ... I'm Still Alive
Mile 6 ... No Tricks
Mile 7 ... I Think I'm Running to Heaven
Mile 8 ... I Feel Great
Mile 9 ... Doing Fine
Mile 10 ... LET'S DO IT AGAIN
Mile 8 ... I Feel Great
Mile 9 ... Doing Fine
Mile 10 ... LET'S DO IT AGAIN
Then there is an ending about "We Are The Roadrunners" ... although in my head it has been, is, and always will be, especially after last night, "WE ARE SERVITE!"
Next it was rally with the group and head to the strand. Group 7 tends to arrive earlier than most; so, we get some information before then waiting our turn to launch. Today there were no clipboards; so, no sign-ins!
Soon enough the group was on its way. It was semi-eery with some fog. I try to notice some new landmarks each time; today is was an Australian barbecue place; I resisted the urge to make prisoner jokes or suggest it move next to Men's Central in downtown Los Angeles.
The last time I ran nine miles it was around a track at Santa Monica College; I was alone and I felt a bit drained a well as isolated. This time it seemed so much easier! I was happily chugging along, even if it felt slow. Up hills; down hills. Up the Santa Monica Pier; down the Santa Monica Pier. I still turned my cap backwards for the Ocean Park to Santa Monica Boulevard stretch.
After the new habit of visiting the Totem Pole, the group went past San Vicente into a rather affluent neighborhood in the northern Santa Monica Hills on Adelaide Street before turning down to 7th and then on to San Vicente and returning to Ocean Avenue. By then the sun was starting to emerge from the fog and it was getting warmer; but, I really had no problems at all with energy. I have started eating the little nutritional supplements while running, which helps. It is certainly a different mindset from an 880 or a 2-miler.
Then it was back down Ocean Avenue and heading for home base. Towards the end the group went past the rally point and onto the sadly named Speedway, where I still feel the urge to sprint. Then it was back onto the Venice Boardwalk and to the rally point.
It was a good run; it set a new distance mark for me ... 9.17 miles in 1:48:29 according to the new Garmin 305 GPS tracker which got its first use. It does seem odd knowing satellites are locking in on this little gadget!
I had never run that far; so, for me it was progress and it felt good. So far, this really seems doable. I hope it is March 21 .... when the old sprinter goes for the Los Angeles Marathon.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Adjustment Time
Today, I have been looking at the training manual the Roadrunners program provides to the participants. It is quite detailed on everything from the coaches to stretching to hints on the actual day, to obviously the training schedule for every day of all 27 weeks. It is broken into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Interestingly I actually am to reduce my weekday training at the start! I have been running sessions of 45 minutes (or more) each three days a week, some days of walking/other exercise, and then a longer run on Saturdays at the Santa Monica College track. Now, the first week has two off days, the first run is a slower 30 minutes, etc. The longer weekly runs scale up from three miles (last week), to four, five and then six miles and then it cuts back to three, which surprised me. I would have thought you just keep adding distance each week. Even more shocking was maintaining the pace alongside someone the entire way; I had been finishing with a good old fashioned sprint while running on my own.
I also received some very helpful information after the first long run from a pace leader. I had been talking about which group to be in and she asked about my running background. When she found out I shared a similar background, namely high school track, she mentioned that in marathon running the old mantras of stride long and run on the balls of your feet are gone! The goal is shorter strides and flatter steps. For a sprinter-mentality, this is really a shock; for my sprinter thighs, it is definitely new!
This has me again thinking beyond the marathon and about life. Sometimes may be we need to think beyond our prior experiences. Sometimes may be we have to realize others are smarter, or in my case most people are smarter, than ourselves, particularly on certain subjects new to us. With the situations in my life right now, this is starting to become more obvious.
I have sprinter instincts. I think of running on a 1/4 mile track of dirt, mud or synthetic material. I think of running on that track in terms of fractions of it (like a 220 ... 1/8 of a mile), a whole trip (a 440), or multiple trips ... my beloved 880, the mile or two mile. I think in terms of start lines, baton passing lanes, cut-in points for laps, attack angles if I need to make up ground on a relay leg, starts, blocks, listening for the gun, strong kicks for the end, and the other parts of being a track runner.
My mindset for a sprint is power and speed. Start fast and hard. I used to try and "get in the mood" before a race. In the morning I would get up early and watch the opening scene of "Top Gun," with the F-14 Tomcats along with A-7s and A-6s (sorry, too much defense aviation background) being launched by catapults off an aircraft carrier. Power. Speed. Go. After school or on the bus to a meet, I used music listening to heavy metal or rock songs and always finishing with "Danger Zone," also from "Top Gun." If it was a short distance, I would focus on that end point. For a longer run, I focused on moving from straightaways to turns and back to the straightaways. For the relays it was a focus on making sure I was literally IN THE ZONE (the passing area) and focusing on the STICK!
Now, I need to adjust my mindset. I now need to think of a flexible, different, not always flat course. The whole distance perspective is different. Water breaks? Nutrition? Constant pacing for the entire way? Running alongside someone deliberately? This is really new to me. No balls of the feet? No power strides? This is going to take a bit of practice!
Still, I believe I can still do this and make the necessary adjustments. Hopefully, I can also do this with life in general; I need to.
But, while there is obviously a need for change in my mindset and approach, may be, just may be, come March 21, when I see that Los Angeles Marathon finish line in view, may be just then ... I can go back to running on the balls of my feet, feeling the power strides, and like the old Servite days FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED!
Interestingly I actually am to reduce my weekday training at the start! I have been running sessions of 45 minutes (or more) each three days a week, some days of walking/other exercise, and then a longer run on Saturdays at the Santa Monica College track. Now, the first week has two off days, the first run is a slower 30 minutes, etc. The longer weekly runs scale up from three miles (last week), to four, five and then six miles and then it cuts back to three, which surprised me. I would have thought you just keep adding distance each week. Even more shocking was maintaining the pace alongside someone the entire way; I had been finishing with a good old fashioned sprint while running on my own.
I also received some very helpful information after the first long run from a pace leader. I had been talking about which group to be in and she asked about my running background. When she found out I shared a similar background, namely high school track, she mentioned that in marathon running the old mantras of stride long and run on the balls of your feet are gone! The goal is shorter strides and flatter steps. For a sprinter-mentality, this is really a shock; for my sprinter thighs, it is definitely new!
This has me again thinking beyond the marathon and about life. Sometimes may be we need to think beyond our prior experiences. Sometimes may be we have to realize others are smarter, or in my case most people are smarter, than ourselves, particularly on certain subjects new to us. With the situations in my life right now, this is starting to become more obvious.
I have sprinter instincts. I think of running on a 1/4 mile track of dirt, mud or synthetic material. I think of running on that track in terms of fractions of it (like a 220 ... 1/8 of a mile), a whole trip (a 440), or multiple trips ... my beloved 880, the mile or two mile. I think in terms of start lines, baton passing lanes, cut-in points for laps, attack angles if I need to make up ground on a relay leg, starts, blocks, listening for the gun, strong kicks for the end, and the other parts of being a track runner.
My mindset for a sprint is power and speed. Start fast and hard. I used to try and "get in the mood" before a race. In the morning I would get up early and watch the opening scene of "Top Gun," with the F-14 Tomcats along with A-7s and A-6s (sorry, too much defense aviation background) being launched by catapults off an aircraft carrier. Power. Speed. Go. After school or on the bus to a meet, I used music listening to heavy metal or rock songs and always finishing with "Danger Zone," also from "Top Gun." If it was a short distance, I would focus on that end point. For a longer run, I focused on moving from straightaways to turns and back to the straightaways. For the relays it was a focus on making sure I was literally IN THE ZONE (the passing area) and focusing on the STICK!
Now, I need to adjust my mindset. I now need to think of a flexible, different, not always flat course. The whole distance perspective is different. Water breaks? Nutrition? Constant pacing for the entire way? Running alongside someone deliberately? This is really new to me. No balls of the feet? No power strides? This is going to take a bit of practice!
Still, I believe I can still do this and make the necessary adjustments. Hopefully, I can also do this with life in general; I need to.
But, while there is obviously a need for change in my mindset and approach, may be, just may be, come March 21, when I see that Los Angeles Marathon finish line in view, may be just then ... I can go back to running on the balls of my feet, feeling the power strides, and like the old Servite days FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Why Am I Doing This?
Tomorrow, I start my first official training session with the Los Angeles Roadrunners http://www.laroadrunners.com/ which I hope leads me to completing my first marathon in just 27 weeks, the 2010 Los Angeles Marathon!
Why am I doing this? I am not sure there really is a specific reason.
Inspiration? I know a few people who have run marathons and they seem to be still inspired by the challenge.
Exercise? I definitely hope to be in better physical shape, and may be even mental shape, after the first one. I have had a few pains while just doing conditioning since April; but, I already am seeing positive results.
May be it is because I enjoy running? In high school, I ran for the Servite track team and ran a huge variety of races: the 110 and 220 sprints, the 440 (1/4 mile) challenge, the awesome and mighty 880, the long-haul 1-mile and 2-miles and then the 4 x 110 and 4 x 440 relays with the legendary "STICK!" calls. Something about running just has always made me excited, even if my previous longest run was 5.8 miles around Anaheim and Fullerton in Hell Week.
Challenge? It has been a difficult 2009 for me for many, many reasons. The goal of preparing for, running in, and completing a marathon has become a bright spot.
Some other reason? The last few months have been diffiult and made me reflect on life. I am thinking of my all-time favorite movie, "Chariots of Fire" and the quote by Eric Liddell on running: "I believe that God made me for a purpose ... , but He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure."
I hope that is why, ultimately, I run.
Why am I doing this? I am not sure there really is a specific reason.
Inspiration? I know a few people who have run marathons and they seem to be still inspired by the challenge.
Exercise? I definitely hope to be in better physical shape, and may be even mental shape, after the first one. I have had a few pains while just doing conditioning since April; but, I already am seeing positive results.
May be it is because I enjoy running? In high school, I ran for the Servite track team and ran a huge variety of races: the 110 and 220 sprints, the 440 (1/4 mile) challenge, the awesome and mighty 880, the long-haul 1-mile and 2-miles and then the 4 x 110 and 4 x 440 relays with the legendary "STICK!" calls. Something about running just has always made me excited, even if my previous longest run was 5.8 miles around Anaheim and Fullerton in Hell Week.
Challenge? It has been a difficult 2009 for me for many, many reasons. The goal of preparing for, running in, and completing a marathon has become a bright spot.
Some other reason? The last few months have been diffiult and made me reflect on life. I am thinking of my all-time favorite movie, "Chariots of Fire" and the quote by Eric Liddell on running: "I believe that God made me for a purpose ... , but He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure."
I hope that is why, ultimately, I run.
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