Watch the Turkey Run

One of the questions I have been asked when people find out I am actually training for the Los Angeles Marathon is ... "Are you crazy?" Well, the answer is likely yes; but, not because of the running! So, yet again some turkey was running around early this morning in my neighborhood..

I set out again this morning for the scheduled Roadrunners run of 50 minutes. It started out a bit slowly as my knee was sore and seems to need to be warmed up before it gets feeling better; but, soon I felt a lot better and for the first time this week felt good out there running.

I was doing well pacewise according to the Garmin 305 electronic conscience and also it was nice weather with clear, star-filled skies (for those wondering, Thanksgiving Day weekend traffic at 4 a.m. is non-existent!).

I ran into Los Angeles and then back to Santa Monica, down to Santa Monica Airport, back for some more hillwork, and then over to Virginia Avenue Park and then home. Overall, it felt good and I did well ... 11:58 pace, 4.24 miles and 50:41 run. So, encouraging!

I hope to run in the morning as well as scheduled, just a different spot. Then enjoy a Thanksgiving Day and off Friday.

Hopefully Thanksgiving Day is a day of rest and enjoyment and blessings for all ... and a good day for the Roadrunners!

A Bit Sluggish

Today was another mid-week training run under the Roadrunners schedule for the Los Angeles Marathon.

It has been really nice in the pre-dawn this week and again this morning it was a star-filled clear sky as I set out for a 45-minute run (added five for missing five yesterday).

Today I did have a little knee pain, especially at the start; but, I came through the run. It did feel a bit sluggish overall. I managed to go to Los Angeles and Santa Monica, under a freeway (the 10), by an airport (Santa Monica), and more.

I managed 3.72 miles in 45:12, a bit slower than the target pace. Today there was a lot of stops at lights and then I forgot to restart the Garmin at one! So, I really ran about 48 minutes. The good points were practicing hillwork and just being out there going about business. It was not the ideal run; but, they can not all be, right?

I Would Run 800 Miles ...

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

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

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

Nice Start to the Week

With the Roadrunners training guide for the Los Angeles Marathon, it basically tells you when and what to run (when/time/level/distance, etc.). So, they also include offdays ... Monday or Tuesday plus always Friday.



I tend to run on Monday due to scheduling. I set out this morning early (like 04:15). I set out on my more or less chosen 30-minute route around Santa Monica and did feel a bit of "workout" lag at the start; but, this went away as I got more into the run.



It was an amazing scene though with so many stars in a clear sky. It was great. I even encountered a speedwalker out early and we both commented on how perfect conditions were.



I did feel a bit of soreness, more lactic acid than anything, in my calves later; but, it soon went away.



All in all, it was not a bad start to the week.

On Sunday Morning ...

It is Sunday and so another training run. I did not have Gwen Stefani or No Doubt singing "Sunday Morning" in my head though.

The Roadrunners manual called for 30 minutes and so off I went.

It started a bit slow as my legs seemed to have built up some lactic acid overnight; but, once I got moving, it was fine. Plus, the morning was so beautiful. There were dozens of stars in the perfectly clear sky. I was happy and it was a good start for a busy day.

My pace was even better ... 11:52 for 2.71 miles on 32:12. I was pleased that the longest run of my life really seemed to have no major aftereffects! This Los Angeles Marathon is looking possible!

Week 10: The Dirty Dozen!

This week's long run boldly went where I had not gone before ...

It turned out to be an absolutely spectacular morning, crisp, clear and bright. It was magnificent even before setting out on the run. It was time for the weekly Roadrunners trot.

Before heading out on the run, I made my first use of BODYGLIDE ® anti-chafe balm. I have been starting to have problems on the longer runs, especially since I have classic sprinter thighs (i.e. built-up). The idea of having chafing for the Los Angeles Marathon was not a positive one. It was simple to use and turned out to work very well. I am happy to have that issue solved , definitely.

Also, before setting out on the run, I did another experiment and had a Clif Shot chocolate flavor gel. I liked the taste. I do wonder with the gels if they will be messy on a long run or during the marathon. I am also learning that with any of these nutrient combinations during running that it is NOT the Popeye Effect, i.e. an instant burst of energy akin to Popeye's strength increasing after eating a can of spinach. It seems much more just refuelling like with a car. I had no problems with the gel and any aftereffects, which was a good sign.

During this run I was back to the GU strawberry chomps, the ones I think of as Gummibears. I feel comfortable with them now and since this was my longest run ever did not want to experiment too much. They seemed to work well. They are bulkier than the gels; but, they are also cleaner.

The run itself was incredible. I felt much more relaxed and better than the previous cutback week. My running partner and I had a fun conversation as we rolled up to the Santa Monica Pier and onwards to the north of Santa Monica

I just felt so good. My knee was not an issue. I was enjoying the ocean views, the waves, and even the crazy people. Soon, my Group 7 was at The Totem Pole.

Then it was off to the edge of the abyss, Adelaide Street, with nice canyon views and big homes. Shortly, it was on to San Vicente Boulevard. I opted to run down the median preferring grass to concrete due to prior bouts of shin splints.

It was really fun running down the median, with the extra challenges of avoiding tree limbs, roots, signs, and metal grates/holes. This led to a game with people near me of calling out hazards. SIGN! ROOT! HOLE! SIGN! SIGN! HOLE! and on and on. This continued until the turnaround at 26th Street.

I also managed a soccer move! A pinecone fell suddenly right at my right foot. Instinctively I managed to sweep it off to the side in a single motion. Ah, the wonders of being a fullback.

I felt so comfortable I had not noticed the incline, which turning around I suddenly saw! The good part was turning back was downhill. It meant we were also running the last four miles of the marathon route, which is reassuring.

Heading down San Vicente, we soon saw the ocean, meaning Ocean Avenue and the final turn of the marathon! What a sight with the azure ocean and sky. Running down the street I also picked what I hope will be the landmark to start a final sprint ... California Avenue! .4 miles from the finish line on Santa Monica Boulevard.

The group continued down on to the pier and back south along the boardwalk. Soon, after a small excursion to Venice sidestreets, it was back to Windward and the finish. I felt fantastic. I had run my longest run ever and had energy left for more. The stretching was done and it was off for the now traditional Gatorade and bananas.

A few hours later I did feel a bit sore; but, it was the good "workout" sore vs. the bad pain. I was just happy to know I had come this far. It is not 26.2; but, 12.1 is still pretty good compared to April level.

My group finished 12.11 miles at a 12;04 pace in 2:26:08. That includes when we slowed for water stations, red lights, etc. Towards the end we definitely sped up and I kept up!

The film The Dirty Dozen has a theme of a bunch of misfits being trained to a common goal: killing Germans. Roadrunners takes people and one misfit, namely me, and trains us for a common goal, the marathon. So, for me this Saturday was The Dirty Dozen, 12 miles!

Friday the 13th

Today, as are all Fridays, is an off-day for the LA Roadrunners training for the Los Angeles Marathon, since Saturday is the long-run day.

Although the extra hour of sleep is always welcome, it does feel weird. My legs actually feel "heavy" today and I think it might be due to NOT running this morning.

Shame really as 13 is my lucky number ... and the way this year has gone for me (i.e. a disaster), I would likely have had a great run! Aye, Friday the 13th ...

Gu for You? Gu for me!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Course of Course

Since the Los Angeles Marathon released information on the course for 2010, I have started paying closer attention to the relevant areas.

For example, this morning I went past Temple in downtown Los Angeles and the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Angels. Thinking of it now much more in running terms I noticed it is will be uphill trek there. (Hence, the need for Roadrunners hill training!)

I also can not get Randy Newman's "I Love L.A." song out of my head, especially "Santa Monica Boulevard ... WE LOVE IT!" Maybe I can get Sheryl Crowe's "All I Wanna Do" with its reference to Santa Monica Boulevard as a mentally-playing alternate?

Oh well, the game continues ...

Weekly Training

One of the things the Roadrunners program strongly urges is training during the week. They are very good about providing detailed information by stage of running, when, and how much to do. (It does get a bit puzzling as it keeps changing!).

I think I can tell on the long runs who is not doing or only partially doing the training. Illness is one thing; but, I think, especially for beginners, you need to be committed and TRULY committed (perhaps to a mental hospital after for even starting ...).

With a new work schedule and some other obligations, it has been a bit of a struggle finding time; but, I have found a general time slot: pre-dawn, as in waking up (more or less) at 04:00. One thing at that time is the sidewalks and roads are much less crowded for some reason.

So, I ran Sunday and Monday ... and am a bit happy as my electronic conscience Garmin 305 says I was fairly consistent with a run of 2.55 miles (with some hillwork) in 30:24 on Sunday and 2.55 miles (with some hillwork) in 30:42 on Monday!

Now, with the course basically set I think it will be a bit more energizing as I can start to picture places. I am glad it will pass the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Angels and may be La Placita as it goes through El Pueblo de Los Angeles. It will go past my old office building in Century City (oh, joy) and more.

This could be fun ...

Week 9: Five Mile Milk Run ... Until the End!

This was the latest cut-back week; so, it was a now modest five miles on the schedule for the Roadrunners Los Angeles Marathon plan. It was a "milk run" run.

It has been a difficult week for many reasons and the energy was just lacking. I think may be the fact that I KNEW I could do five miles and had done it before perhaps lessened the enthusiasm.

At least the session started with the Roadrunner cadence which helped. Motivation. Dedication. Aye.

The morning was semi-overcast to match my energy level. Still, Group 7 (Lucky 7/Magnificent 7) was off and headed north going along the Strand to the water stop (with the weekly promises of menudo and/or coffee and doughnuts from Captain Jesus). Then it was up the Santa Monica Pier and further north to Wilshire. As is the new tradition, I kept my cap backwards from Ocean Avenue to Santa Monica Blvd. and vice versa on the return. My group partner and I had another discussion on the Dodgers and the McCourts debacle.

It seemed like a normal return leg when the group seemed noticeably faster through to the end. It turns out the reason why it seemed noticeably faster was because the group was noticeably faster; the pace leaders changed it to race pace for the last mile! So, it was nice to feel some relative speed. I need my sprinter/semi-sprinter fix!

My Garmin electronic conscience said it was really 5.61 miles (vs. scheduled five) in 1:04:24 for a 11:29 overall pace.

Afterwards, I spoke with the senior pace leader and he said they were pleased as the group responded and no one fell off the faster pace. He also said he felt if the group was going on race pace the entire way on a longer run, they would normally see up to 50% drop out/back rate.

Anyways, it was more Gatorade and bananas and then a presentation nutrition with a list of vitamins I had never heard of and seemed a bit intimidating to me as well as my wallet.

I am glad I ran as I needed it; but, the sense of achievement for setting a new high in distance was gone obviously. This week's run was more just survive than thrive; but, may be that is a good thing every few weeks so the edge is there when needed.

Me vs. the Electronic Conscience

Well, it was Sunday today and the revised Roadrunners schedule has us on aerobic running now. So, off dark and early I went, with my new running friend, the Garmin 305.

I am still working things out with it. It seems a tad distracting checking my wrist, especially as all those sprint years have you focus dead ahead and ONLY dead ahead. Also, the pace monitor has me a bit perplexed. I try to run at the 12:00 target pace; but, with the realities of running on streets with stop signs, traffic lights, etc. even pre-dawn, it is hard and suddenly my electronic running conscience says I am off pace badly! So, being intent on returning to the target pace, ... I SPRINT! That is what I am not supposed to be doing ... not that I mind it mind you. This looks like a question for the paceleaders.

So, my 30:55 minutes of running yielded 2.13 miles. Overall, I was happy and may be that is what the key is to this whole experience.

Week 8: Halloween X-Rated Run!

Saturday marked my eighth Saturday training for the Los Angeles Marathon with the Roadrunners. It also marked Halloween! Even better, it was my X-Rated Run! Before I left home, I was happy to catch U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" on the radio and the line "I want to run ..." It will not be my "official" theme song for the marathon; but, i do like it and it fits.

It was a rather odd start with many runners and leaders missing. There was no rallying chant which was a bit disappointing.

It was just a beautiful day, unlike the previous week's fog, which would have been more fitting for Halloween. My group headed off to the north. One of the pace leaders was dressed in a 1970s disco-type outfit ... truly scary. Three of my old group's leaders dressed up as well. I was a bit more cautious and dressed as a marathon runner ... no one would believe it though. As the group headed off, I began wondering who in Venice was in costume and who was not. I also saw a friend from church and jokingly invited him to join the fun.

This was the longest run of my life, scheduled for 10 miles. I was a bit nervous; but, I also felt some excitement. It is obviously not 26.2; but, personal records still count in my mind.

My knee overall has been better the last few weeks. It has its odd flareups, especially after prolonged time in a seat; but, it is much better than before and my ankle pain from summer is gone thankfully.

The trip up the Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Avenue really felt comfortable. I was using a new type of energy food for a trial and it seems to work as well. The group headed to the new Totem Pole landmark (where I touched the claws for luck) and then on to Adelaide for the turning point.

This week, my line partner warned he was a bit cautious with his calf; but, he made it and we had a nice chat along the way on baseball, the McCourts, Alberta, etc. He did break off early at eight miles; but, he did well.

Then it was off into Venice's sidestreets, including the non-sprinting Speedway and eventually the turnaround point there at Lighthouse Street for the short return leg home.

My group, officially Lucky 7 or my Magnificent 7, went on a 11:48 pace for 10.24 miles in 2:00:53! (So sayeth my Garmin 305).

I was happy. It felt great to be able to go that far and feel like I could go even further! Later in the day I had a little soreness in my thighs and calves; but, I felt the return of the old track feeling of joy as it meant a good workout. Even better was it was not sharp or even lasting too long. So, that is my X-Rated run ... X being for the BIG TEN miles ...

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

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.

Week 6: SURPRISE!

Today was the first week of the second build-up phase. After last week's three-mile cut-back week, it was back at the building up of resources for the big day of the Los Angeles Marathon. So, thankfully, I did my mid-week running despite it being dark and one day nice and wet!

Before the weekly trek to the Strand and even the motivational chant, the leaders announced a surprise. It would not be seven miles ... which was the plan and even emailed Thursday. It would be eight! Eight miles. One water station. Nice warm, sunny day. "Surprise, surprise, surprise" as Gomer Pyle used to say when I was very young.

Soon my Group 7 (Lucky 7/Magnificent 7) was rapidly heading to the Strand and eventually we were off. It was such an amazing day with the warm, warm sun along the beach (even if I would not dare enter the Pacific Ocean after a storm!). I felt really comfortable and for once even had a talkative partner which really helped.

We even player Roadrunners gossip, namely what effect the pending Frank and Jamie McCourt divorce which has been spread all over the paper just in time to distract from the Dodgers' playoffs, will have on the Marathon since they own it! Hopefully, it stays as it is as I am happy with the Roadrunners program and the idea of doing IT (the marathon).

We headed north and got to the water station, where I began using my first nutritional chews ever during a run. Think gumdrops meets energy drink. Soon, it was up on the Santa Monica Pier and to Ocean Avenue and a spectacular view of the sea. The group headed north further and further to the really affluent areas of Santa Monica crossing Wilshire, Arizona, California, etc. all the way to San Vicente! Then, it was turn around at the famous totem pole and head back.

I really felt comfortable and only a bit of tenderness in my knee. I think being in the group really helps and the nice weather as well, even as my shirt got rapidly soaked in sweat for the first time as a Roadrunner.

Heading south of Santa Monica Blvd., I thought I would honor my neighborhood and turn my cap around, keeping it that way until Ocean Park Blvd. You can take El Guerro out of the Pico Neighborhood; but, ...

The group was soon back into Venice and I sighted a typical SoCal sight: a marijuana "evaluation" clinic next to "Botox by the Beach." Ugh. Just what we need to show tourists, right?

The group headed for a small bit into a quiet residential area in Venice before returning to the boardwalk. I really felt tempted to sprint; but, resisted ... for now. Old habits die hard.

The group got back to the starting point. The senior leader who is great mentioned the training schedule is being changed and the midweek runs upped and also that the actual route will be out in two weeks!

It was time to get back to the school where the Gatorade line was longer than usual! It was also time for a banana and some nuts. I then visited the second charity exhibition. Charity work on this is one thing I still have to determine.

It was then off for home.

I felt a quiet kind of satisfaction at the end, eight miles on a warm day, and I still had a lot of energy in the "gas tank." It feels like progress!

Life has been a real challenge the past few months; so, progress on any front is welcome. Still, for a time today, I felt progress and it felt good. Godwilling, it continues. I am not sure who the patron saint of marathons is, if there even is one! I think regardless I will go with St. Michael, my patron saint, and someone with wings (as well as a sword for difficult times!).

I Miss Running

This week is cut-back week at the Roadrunners training program. This means less running during the week, just two days versus the normal three as well as less time during the sessions. It has felt so strange not running!

This morning was actually different as I went out on the streets, well sidewalks, before dawn. No park. No grass. No sun. Still, it felt good, especially as it was the faster-paced part of the training.

It feels odd actually reducing my running, especially since the goal is to run further; but, the leaders have the experience. If feeling odd for a week heps me to complete the Los Angeles Marathon, then ...

Still, I missed running the other day. It has been such a positive and such a release valve to help with everything else. It is so important that I got up this morning at 4 a.m. to run!

Week 3: No Pain, No Gain

It has been a bit odd being back in a sports uniform. The Roadrunners shirt is not exactly like being a player; but, it is kind of nice having that athletic team/club feeling again after so long. I have played in pickup and intramural games; but, nothing like the team feeling, that seems to be returning. It was almost exciting when I saw another runner last week at Clover Park in the same shirt! The GR8 Pace Leaders had suggested writing names on the shirt (I doubt mine would be too legible) or ... embroidery (Uh ....). I think that will wait; I do have an idea for March 21 ... old school method.

Well, I completed the third marathon training session, running five miles Saturday in a higher group, The LA Roadrunners Magnificent 7. It was a bit odd as the group ran at about the same pace as Eighth Army/GR8 had been running; but, it was probably a break for me as my knee was a bit sore and I have not been sleeping well. In the end, I managed to do pretty well and kept up easily and felt there was plenty of energy left. The group is a bit more subdued than GR8; but, they have some very knowledgeable coaches who are also ready to answer questions, just like GR8 ones. I will probably stick with Magnificent 7 for a bit and see how I fare. May be Pick Six will come; may be it will not.

This week's run started to the familiar north turning around just south of Santa Monica Pier. It was also the first run with two water loads (same station, just once outbound and once inbound). The new addition was heading past the start and south then through some alleys surrounded by condos and apartments, and hence quietly as possible, and towards the Venice Pier.

It was then back up the boardwalk to the start for stretching and also information on various running gadgets. After the now routine Gatorade, water and bananas, it was an interesting lecture on shoes (Zola Budd obviously not involved). I then spoke with the senior pace leader of Magnificent 7 a bit afterwards, particularly on how to move arms in distance running (answer being pump them like in track, just not as pronounced!).

I was fairly happy with the result. I had been sore all week and despite some actually decent times in midweek felt sluggish and struggling. My knee has been a tad bothersome and even quadriceps seemed tight. Yet, I got going and it all came together, which was a welcome relief.

I also thought a bit about the year just how it has been shown in of all things ... piers! There is Santa Monica Pier where I have been going a fair bit. There was the March trip to Wigan Pier, a place so very different and yet so very meaningful to me, despite its and the time's challenges. There was the pier on the Salvadoran coast I saw from my flight into San Salvador, a place I never quite reached, but at least could see from a distance. Now, there is Venice Pier, a new place for me, a place I have to find a meaning for as well.

It has been a year of change and challenge for me. Many things happened and caught me by surprise; yet, I have managed to go on, sometimes not knowing how. I hope these experiences will help me with the running, being able to go on despite "The Wall" or physical pain. The pain is not fun obviously; but, I am hoping God will keep giving me the will and enough health to make this happen March 21 at the Los Angeles Marathon. CREDO.

Week 2: Running Four Miles is Fun!

Well, they say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Perhaps a marathon begins with getting proper shoes? With that in mind, I went to a running store and was fitted. They were quite helpful, despite my lack of knowledge on distance gear. They watched my gait and even they said, "Sprinter." Oops. Anyways, I am not equipped with some Brooks shoes that I will be breaking in and using next week.

Saturday marked the start of the second week of training with the LA Roadrunners. Because of a slightly tender and bruised knee and also not sleeping much the past week, both due partly to the festival at my parish, I decided to stay with Group 8 (a.k.a. GR8 Pace as it has been dubbed or for me, the Eighth Army). It was quite overcast; but, it is still nice to see the waves as you head off from the start. I quite quickly felt very comfortable at the pace (target 11:00 per mile) and my knee fears disappeared.

I just had a really nice, relaxing time running. The group leaders are so friendly and funny. Soon, some of the stresses in my life were at least temporarily relieved and I was cruising. The group only had to do a bit further than last week (4 miles vs. 3.77 actual); so, it did not seem daunting running to just south of the Santa Monica Pier.

Soon enough, it was back to the rally point and some stretching. I felt like I could have gone much further for the second week in a row, which was a good sign. The group ran a 11:05 pace which is a shade faster than last week and apparently works for the pace leaders.

Afterwards, I spoke with the pace leaders and asked some questions. They all said I definitely can be in the run-only groups (yeah!) and should give Group 7 and may be even Group 6 a try.

I felt so relaxed and at peace out there, as well as happy with progress since May. It turned out the four-mile run was the easiest part of the weekend, vs. the endurance contest that is the parish festival. I am hoping the running continues to yield that sense of calm and may be even happiness and achievement.

Meanwhile, I think I have my theme song. It will get some trials ... It will not be the old standby metal or hard rock. I guess may be it is kind of a good song for change and needing to change.

When You're Born to Run ....

As I woke up this morning, I turned the radio dial and locked in on an "oldie," Steve Winwood's "Back in the High Life Again." Even though it is quite mellow, I have always liked it and the lyrics struck a chord with me this time with talk of life going on too fast, doors that had closed, and eyes no longer watching.

Now that I am on a proper marathon, training regimen, I am trying to really improve. The Roadrunners' Group 8 pace leaders sent a nice email and I realized I am apparently classed at "Intermediate" level (based on days off they said to have and comparing it to the schedule. Yeah!

So, it was off to Clover Park for another day of training the Roadrunners way. I set out and tried to really focus on not being a sprinter ... running flatter and with shorter strides. A funny thing happened .... my first lap was fast, very fast. I was flying and actually had to in aviation-speak derate the thrust to follow the training manual for my remaining time on the run. It was a beautiful morning and for some reason despite some various pains, it felt like all systems were GO!

Wednesday had also been a solid day as well. Despite some physical and mental exertions the last few days, somehow my body got the idea it would like to run and run well.

Anyways, it felt great! Despite being "work" and exerting, it just felt so nice to be out there and giving it a go despite everything else at the moment. In fact I completed the assigned 30 minutes and had a little bit of a lap to complete and saw a nice, inviting open straightaway free of walkers, dogs, bicyclists, etc. and ... got off a very nice and fun all out sprint to finish the session. It was just such a welcome and needed rush.

Meanwhile, I am starting to look for a theme song. I tend to pick songs for things, especially retreat talks and sports. So, I would mark sprinting days with "Danger Zone" and intramural hockey ("non-contact" ...) was "Lunatic Fringe." I need one for this whole increasingly interesting journey. Gone are the days of playing "Back in Black," "Black Celebration," "Paint It Black," "Hell's Bells," etc.; I have an idea and will test it out Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, I am still working to adjust as Steve Winwood says, "When you're born to run, it's so hard to just slow down."

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!