Nickel Run Saturday

The third LA Roadrunners' run came up and off I went to Venice.

It seems different this time. Somehow it is not as exciting. But, I do like seeing some familiar faces and exchanging hand shakes/fist taps and chatting a bit.

We set off north as usual crossing into Santa Monica relatively easily. The group was larger than the first two weeks.

For the first time, we crossed the "border" that is the Santa Monica Pier, only going underneath it vs. on and upwards to Ocean Avenue.

The group continued along and it was relatively easy. I was a bit nervous as we ran along a bike path, where the bicyclists are moving at a quick pace. Fortunately, no collisions happened and everyone was safe.

We turned around and headed back to the pier. Nice and easy we crossed the line back into Venice and into the final stretch, with the standard odd collection of denizens.

Finally, it was time to stretch in the school hall and then the Gatorade and bananas.

I also attended a lecture on running form, which was good.

My nickel run was done ... another step to LA Marathon 2011.

59:11 of running

5.14 miles

11:31 pace

A Little Work

I managed to get a short run in at last ... on a Friday evening!

So, a quick trot around Clover Park got my legs loose for a change. I felt a bit pleased with the motion; but, still, the lack of speed is disturbing.

31:56 of running

2.70 miles

11:49 pace

Sunday Long Run

Sunday came and I had some schedule changes which have made it possible to run with the LA Running Club. So, I get LA Roadrunners and LA Running Club opportunities for long runs.

The LA Running Club Sunday event meets at the Totem Pole in Santa Monica, just like the Saturday summer runs.

So, off I went and met the group. The runners tend to be quite good and experienced, unlike me.

Some headed off for trail runs to Inspiration Point. For me, that will be an ongoing project.

I set off with my senior pace leader from last year's LA Roadrunners Group 7. He is recovering from injury and surgery and does his long run on Sunday.

We began with a short walk to warm up and then headed to the Totem Pole to tap it per tradition and then headed towards Adelaide and the nice neighborhood and the ascent of the hill.

Soon, we reached 7th Street and headed to San Vicente, yes the dreaded San Vicente Urban Obstacle Course.

The medians are fun to run and offer the opportunity for a gradual climb heading east and a gradual descent heading west; but, it is now harder. The grass cover seems to have eroded significantly and many more roots were exposed. This made it much harder to concentrate on the running since it required vigilance to avoid the roots. It was very noticeable.

Still, my old SPL and I enjoyed it, running and chatting. We made Bundy and crossed over and began running on the dirt path on the side. Then we began a circuit of the golf course. It was a nice run with different plants and trees than I normally see.

We looped around and made it back to San Vicente to begin the return. It was warm, but not too bad. A procession of Ferraris went by, enlivening the scene.

Soon, I got that happy sight I remembered from March 20: "Ocean dead ahead." We made it back and then crossed Ocean Avenue for the quick trot to the Totem Pole.

After it was time to stretch. We ended up going to Starbucks to refuel.

All in all, I was happy.


1:56.42 of running

9.21 miles

12:40 pace

Back At It

This was my second week of running with the LA Roadrunners in Year II.

We set out for a brief trip north towards Santa Monica. I had been resting my body a bit during the week; but, I felt alright.

The run went relatively smoothly, even though it got warm quickly.

The group returned to base and after stretching, including on the cement of the Windward square, it was back for Gatorade and bananas.

Not bad at all.


46:12 of running

3.99 miles

11:35 pace

Roadrunners!

My next run was my first official LA Roadrunners run of the 2010-2011 season in the buildup to the 2011 Honda LA Marathon Presented by KSwiss.

There was a little talk by Rod Dixon and others before setting outside. We did get the Roadrunners chant1 (Yeah!) As the runners left the gym, I went back to my old group, Run 7. Somehow I was not as excited as the first time (or as nervous!).

It was so different! I hardly knew anyone. My old crew at the back was gone. It was a surprise.

The group set out for a quick run north along the now very familiar Strand. This group seemed quieter than last year, may be just due to the first day.

We made it back and I headed to the school for the traditional Gatorade and bananas. Some things never change.

Then, it was off to the parish festival.

I am on the way to LA Marathon II for me.

36:15 of running

3.17 miles

11:48 pace

Long Run Friday

It was an unusual week and with some flexibility in the schedule, I did a long run on Friday.


It was nice running in the sunshine for a change on my own. After some street running in Santa Monica, I headed around Clover Park and did lap after lap. I enjoyed the change in time and saw some people I had remembered seeing when i first started to run again after being laid off at my old job.

I was thinking a lot about other things; so, I was struggling to focus on my running. May be that was good; may be it was bad.

The results were alright; but, I hoped for faster. My ability to keep ongoing power for speed is missing at the moment, which is frustrating. The good news is my knee is feeling better; it si not perfect, but it is better.


1:35.36 of running
8.11 miles
11:48 pace

Odd Intervals

Monday meant another run and this time it was some intervals. I am still keeping to the LA Running Club plan for the LA Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon rather than first week of LA Roadrunners' training.

The intervals this time went up 30 seconds to 6:30 and rest decreased 30 seconds to 3:30.

I warmed up walking to Clover Park for the waiting semi-circuit.

The first interval went relatively well. It was not quite as fast as I wanted; but, it felt comfortable and a relative success.

The second internal was decent as well. It was a little slower; but, it was close in pace which was a good sign for consistency.

The intervals got more interesting on the third session. About two minutes in, it seemed like my energy was drained. It was if I had a flat tire. I could not keep the pace and my desire to get back the speed went unfulfilled. It was a very rough run and frustration.

The fourth run came and was a bit better. I managed to pick up the speed for the second half.

All in all I got it done; but, it was disappointing not to have run faster and even more disappointing with the third run.

#1 .67 miles 6:32 of running 9:45 pace
#2 .66 miles 6:32 of running 9:57 pace
#3 .60 miles 6:31 of running 10:56 pace
#4 .66 miles 6:35 of running 9:58 pace

I SEE ROADRUNNERS!

Saturday was a change. I had been heading to the the Totem Pole for LA Running Club meets; now, I was wearing a LA Running Club shirt but headed to Venice.

Why? It was the first day of LA Roadrunners 2010-2011!

So, I was back into the familiar Westminster School parking lot. I had pre-registered and happily took my forms to the Pre-Registered line. I even began seeing a few familiar faces.

Soon enough, I was registered and had my new medium-blue Roadrunners shirt, schedule and binder, and the now mandatory shoe tag. Ready for Round II!

I then walked around a bit talking with a few fellow LARCs and Group 7s.

I then visited the exhibitor displays. Not being much for coffee, I skipped Don Francisco's. I visited the booth for the Halloween 5K at the Westwood VA Center. I am thinking about that race as it means some more work on those hills. KSwiss was there as well, with the unmistakable truck. I then visited some of the charities ... Meals on Wheels, Think Cure!, and LiveStrong. There were others; but, those interested me especially. I even managed to get some free kit and things like a water bottle.

There were some presentations; but, they were basics and for totally new runners. So, I headed back out and chatted some more.

I then remembered I still needed to get my LA Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon work in; so, I headed out ... to the Strand and Windward! The Roadrunners might not be running; but, I am running.

The schedule was for a 5K on fast pace; so, I set out north towards Santa Monica. Pretty soon, it was obvious this was going to be a mediocre run at best.

I was running along the very familiar trail but somehow I was not focusing well and thus not running well.

I kept trying to pick up speed; but, it was not coming. I was going, but not at the desired rate.

I reached the traditional water stop and turned back to Windward. I kept trying and trying to accelerate; but, there was no results.

It was difficult mentally and becoming difficult physically, for what should have been a very easy run.

Finally, the last .2 miles I managed to get a kick going and managed to get some speed passing the collection of denizens in Venice. Then I reached the flagpoles and called it a run after the frustrations.

38:33 of running

3.43 miles

11:15 pace

Friday Futility

It was a cutback week for the LA Running Club training schedule; so, less runs and less distance were planned.

I had planned to run Thursday evening; but, the all too clear sound of numerous police cars in the area gave me sufficient reason to alter the plan.

I set out on a planned short run and fairly soon realized it was not going to be an easy one. It was and is an unsettling feeling.

I continued onwards around the Pico Neighborhood, taking in the relatively busy evening compared to the much calmer pre-dawn. It is amazing how the neighborhood changes over a few hours, though there are constants like the doughnut store being open.

I ran towards Santa Monica Airport and Clover Park, seeing a few business jets. I felt quite lethargic and knew the statistics for this race would be less than stellar.

I kept going and headed for home.

I finished and faced disappointment ...

30:49 of running
2.42 miles
12:45 pace

Labor Day Laboring

Labor Day was a welcome day off from work and an opportunity to run with the LA Running Group. I went to meet them at the KSwiss store in south Santa Monica for the late afternoon excursion.

I set out and decided to adopt a medium pace, meaning I was soon left for dead by the fast runners. Still, I was doing alright and headed north. The ascent up the Santa Monica Pier was a tad more complex due to the huge number of visitors enjoying the evening.

I felt alright and was keeping my pace along Ocean Avenue, reaching the turnaround at the Totem Pole, which meant time for some water.

The return was a solo run basically, even as I was encountering many other non-LARC runners.

It was very nice seeing the sunset over the Pacific Ocean; it is hard to beat as a running environment.

I returned back to KSwiss and enjoyed the nice pretzels and drinks. It is a nice way to end a run.

It then dawned on me that I was the very last one to return. The rabbits had blown by me and those slower, including even the walkers, had taken the short option. Humiliating, that.

Still, I enjoyed the run.

1:00.00 of running
5.39 miles
11:08 pace

Steaming

Saturday meant another day with the LA Running Club. My schedule for the LA Rock n' Roll 1/2 Marathon called for a mere six miles, just at lactic time (race pace).

It was cloudy at the start, which was a good sign for running.

I headed off south towards the Santa Monica Pier, encountering and partnering with Mitch from LA Roadrunners Run 7 on the way, which always helps.

I was doing decently on the way down Ocean Avenue and felt happy with the faster pace. The descent down the pier went well and the turn on to the more ocean-level portion of the run went smoothly.

We passed the Casa del Mar, crossed the bike path, and continued to make the proverbial run for the border, specifically Venice-Santa Monica.

At the turnaround point, I felt a little soreness at the front of my hip, almost like a small muscle pull. I slowed a bit, took some water, and decided to cut off the faster pace. I was still moving decently; but, now, it was labored.

I kept moving back north and realized how many tourists were now out as the sun began to appear. This added to the problems, with more people to go around. When I reached the pier, the ascent became tricky as I ran into a rather undisciplined LA Leggers group taking one side of the ramp and lot so tourists on the other side. Alas. This slowed me down quite a bit.

I reached the top and headed north again, just not feeling anywhere near full power. I was getting frustrated as it was a short run; but, I was struggling.

I got back to the starting base and happily drank some Gatorade. I noticed I had managed to resume my steaming trick again, with "steam" coming off my shirt, hat and head. Other runners even mentioned it!

All in all, it was frustrating.

1:04.43 of running
6.2 miles
10:45 pace

80 for 1

I had taken a day off as my legs were unusually sore after the intervals. Thursday evening I resumed running.

The schedule from LA Running Club called for 80 minutes of aerobic pace, a decent run, to prepare for the LA Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon.

The evening was pleasant and there was even a slight breeze. I set out along Pico before heading towards the Santa Monica Airport and Clover Park areas again.

Setting out was relatively easy. I did have to dodge bikes, dogs, walkers, etc. that are not normally around at pre-dawn runs. I trotted south and then entered the airport area before heading for the welcoming lights of Clover Park after about 20 minutes.

I then began doing the laps around the park. It helps not having to stop for traffic lights, having a relatively level surface and also knowing the landmarks. The park also nicely provides water!

So around and round I went. I stopped at 40 minutes to take in water and a Clif Shot mocha flavor to see how I did with it as well as needing energy.

I must have been somewhat focused on running as I finally noticed a nice Citation jet had been replaced by a King Air on the ramp by the park. Normally, I would have noticed the slightest move.

The mocha Clif Shot seemed to be a boost as well. A bit messy to try and use; but, it tasted great!

So, I did the 80 minutes and felt decently. I still need to get faster; but, 80 minutes is not bad.

1:25.34 of running
7.21 miles
11:54 pace

Speed It Up

Well, with the LA Running Club schedule progressing for the LA Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon, it was time to start going for more speed.



In fact, it was time for intervals! The repeated fast runs with slow breaks. Being an old sprinter, I look forward to them.



This time, I headed to Clover Park for a semi-closed-circuit. It was a nice pleasant evening, which helped.



I set off on #1 and felt decent. I huffed and puffed around the cement sidewalk dodging a few walkers and joggers. I did the six minutes, stopped, and looked at my Garmin. I thought I had gone relatively fast; but, the results were disappointing. Four minutes of rest and repeat.

It happened again ... and again ... and again. I felt pretty good, thought I ran fast, and. ... dud. The only thing positive was there had been good consistency.

It really seems like I have shed speed and the ability to be fast as the range increased. Now, I have to regain that edge.

#1 6:03 of running .6 miles 10:08 pace
#2 6:04 of running .6 miles 10:01 pace
#3 6:04 of running .62 miles 9:53 pace
#4 6:04 of running .6 miles 10:13 pace

Solo for Sweet 16

Saturday came, and after a few rest days, I was ready to go again. It was time for another LA Running Club session. This time, thankfully, it was cloudy in Santa Monica.

I set out south as usual and felt decent. Shortly into the run after the Santa Monica Pier descent, I encountered a fellow alumnus of LA Roadrunners Run 7; so, we ran together for a few miles which was nice. I always seem to run better when I have a partner or group. We ke[t going and talking a bit beyond the Roadrunners' base at Windward in Venice.

He turned around and headed back; I continued onwards. For whatever reason the weirdness of Venice seemed even more weird than normal.

I continued along Speedway, past the seaside condos and homeless seeking to salvage cans and bottles. I reached the first little jetty and saw airliners taking off from LAX. Water time.

It was on to the tree-lined streets of Marina del Rey past the condos. I still felt decent, which was a relief after Wednesday. I made the turn at the edge of the little bay and began the weaving through the complexes and by the marina loaded with boats and yachts.

I soon reached Mother's Beach and kept going ... now my longest run since the marathon. I went down the little passage that had become so familiar from Roadrunners and went by the Ritz-Carlton. Then I glimpsed the target ... the library. I made the turn to the street and ran by a Sheriff Deputy stopped in the middle of the road. I kept going and made the library. Not bad.

It felt odd as there were no other LARCs/Roadrunners with me. I was alone. There were some other joggers; but, I knew no one. I was not blazing fast; but, I was still running. I think the others had been assigned shorter distances due to different races on their schedule.

I took some more water and headed back north. I was so glad the sun was still hidden behind clouds.

The run back was not too bad. I was hoping for more energy and speed; but, at least I was functioning.

I trotted back and faced growing numbers of tourists once I hit Venice. I also saw a lot of LA Leggers.

As I was crossing the California Incline, I saw the KSwiss truck heading south. Alas. They had been displaying their new merchandise for the LARC. I had been on the long run; so, I had not returned in time. Note to self ... run faster next time.

I was doing alright considering the distance and running alone; but, I wish it had been faster. Close; but, not there yet.

I finally made it back and got the leftover Gatorade and pretzels. Assignment completed.

3:16.14 of running
16.15 miles
12:14 pace

Woeful Wednesday

Wednesday came and armed with my revived Garmin I set out again for a scheduled 70 minute trot in Santa Monica.

Monday had seemed such a good run; but, Wednesday quickly felt awkward. I ran around the Pico Neighborhood, Clover Park and Santa Monica Airport.

I just felt drained energy-wise and the run reflected it as I really struggled on what should have been a challenging but doable trot. I just could not achieve a good, comfortable pace the entire time.

I made it back and stretched before sitting and just thinking about what had happened and the frustration and inconsistency.

1:13.42 of running
5.58 miles
13:13 pace

The Jury Is Out

Monday was my final day of jury duty in Inglewood, thankfully. Getting out at 4:30 p.m. meant I could for once make it to the LA Running Club Monday night run at KSwiss store in Santa Monica.

It was still quite sunny and also and more importantly quite hot. I also felt a little tired from the day; but, off I went. I kind of settled in an in-between spot between the fast runners and the not as fast runners and the walkers. In essence, I was alone. The goal was to get to the Totem Pole and back.

It felt a bit sluggish going up and I resorted to the water bottle a few times. Still, it was nice to be running. I reached the Totem Pole, stopped for water, and then began the descent back to KSwiss.

Somehow, I suddenly felt quite peaceful and gained energy. May be it was the beautiful sight of the setting sun with the Santa Monica Pier, the bay, the palm trees ... I felt really good while running, a very wonderful feeling after all the struggles. It might have been hot physically; but, mentally, it was quite refreshing.

I reached the pier and saw one of my former Confirmation class students at her job; so, that was a bonus.

I continued onwards and downwards reaching Main and then the KSwiss store. Then it was back to the Gatorade and pretzels.

Still, I felt good ... that was a plus.

59:38.03 of running
5.32 miles
11:02 pace

Running Blind

Saturday came and it was time for another run with the LA Running Club.

I arrived early and it was already bright, sunny, and most importantly warm. In fact, it was as warm as it has been all summer. So, it was pointing to a challenging run. The view of the waves and the Pacific Ocean did help though; it certainly is an advantage running in Santa Monica.

As we prepared and stretched, I activated my Garmin ... or tried to. No response.

No response!

This is not good.

I asked my senior pace leader from LA Roadrunners and he suggested squeezing three buttons simultaneously. I tried and tried and tried without luck. At this point I was told to call Garmin.

That was definitely not good.

Facing a long run and no Garmin electronic conscience, I was a bit discouraged. Still, I started and headed south for the Santa Monica Pier. My load was a bit heavier since I had two bottles of water.

I just ran by feel since I had no Garmin and no real pace group. In some ways it was nice as I did not feel pressure to make a clock time.

I made the pier and the turn and headed further south, stopping for water at the hotels. I continued running into the wilds of Venice and then into Marina del Rey and down to the nice condos along the shore. It is a nice area with shade trees helping the feel.

Then I saw the marina and the yachts all filling the view. Eventually, after the winding paths and turns, I reached Mother's Beach, took in some water, and turned around to head back to Santa Monica.

I felt pretty good which surprised me and judging by my wristwatch my time was actually decent.

I headed along the route back and noted things I had always just passed like plants and some natural features of the waterways. I saw a squirrel do an amazing leap into a tree. It was kind of nice not being tethered to a clock; but, it was also a bit unnerving. It felt so old-fashioned. I was trying to calculate distances and speed mentally using landmarks and my wristwatch.

I felt good still, though warm, and began the ascent up the pier and Ocean Avenue. I reached the start and felt relieved to finish feeling pretty good despite no Garmin and despite the heat.

14+ miles of running

Thursday Turmoil

After Wednesday's morning run, it was time for another run. I decided to go out Thursday evening.

I set out and realized fairly soon that it was not as fluid a run as Wednesday. I was running the shorter route in Santa Monica and felt glad I did.

The run itself was a disappointing follow-up to Wednesday; but, I finished.

37:31 of running
2.95 miles
12:43 pace

Heating Up

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

Tuesday Trot

Tuesday was a short run again; I set out for a brief trot around Santa Monica, Santa Monica Airport, and Clover Park.



I ran in the evening due to scheduling issues.



I felt better than I had for a while and relatively comfortable.



Afterwards, though, the knee was rather sore.

35:30 of running
3.05 miles
11:38 pace