This morning's email brought confirmation of my entry in the 2010 Los Angeles Marathon.
Besides confirming I am still male, it also revealed my number for the race ...
I AM #6,530!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Walk/Jog?
Well, it was the day after the Dodger Stadium Hill Training II ... and the LA Roadruners schedule called for 30 minutes of "walk/jog." That was a new one ... so, I was a bit perplexed as to what to do.
So, I decided to set out in the evening. I had decided since my knee was a little sore driving home form Dodger Stadium that I should take the extra sleep and rest time Sunday morning and go out at night after finishing church tasks.
Out I went ... I felt pretty good, in fact the best I have felt on a Sunday run in weeks or may be months. I looked down at my Garmin and saw I was indeed doing well ... almost LT time ... and thought I better ease the throttle back if this is supposed to be a walk/jog.
I headed down towards Clover Park and did a lap as well hitting the neighboring streets around Santa Monica Airport and the Pico Neighborhood. I was able to focus on the scenery and seeing which business was gone this week, kind of the sad economic reality game. Physically I felt comfortable and relaxed, which was a nice feeling indeed.
My calves did get a little sore and my knee was a bit more tender than at the start; but, overall it was a decent run.
I got my work in and may be more importantly at this point got a good mental feeling.
34:36 of running ... a bit over
2.92 miles
11:51 pace ... there we go
So, I decided to set out in the evening. I had decided since my knee was a little sore driving home form Dodger Stadium that I should take the extra sleep and rest time Sunday morning and go out at night after finishing church tasks.
Out I went ... I felt pretty good, in fact the best I have felt on a Sunday run in weeks or may be months. I looked down at my Garmin and saw I was indeed doing well ... almost LT time ... and thought I better ease the throttle back if this is supposed to be a walk/jog.
I headed down towards Clover Park and did a lap as well hitting the neighboring streets around Santa Monica Airport and the Pico Neighborhood. I was able to focus on the scenery and seeing which business was gone this week, kind of the sad economic reality game. Physically I felt comfortable and relaxed, which was a nice feeling indeed.
My calves did get a little sore and my knee was a bit more tender than at the start; but, overall it was a decent run.
I got my work in and may be more importantly at this point got a good mental feeling.
34:36 of running ... a bit over
2.92 miles
11:51 pace ... there we go
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Wait, we ran what?
Saturday was another in the now dwindling number of LA Roadrunner training days as the Los Angeles Marathon draws ever closer.
This time it was a return to Dodger Stadium for hill training. I got to go in a new entrance gate, the Downtown Gate! I arrived early to stretch and just enjoy being at the stadium and not paying $15 to park. (This led to me getting an official Dodger Stadium pinecone!). Again they opened the left field pavilion so Roadrunners could use the restrooms ... it was so like a ghost town.
Eventually more people came and I started to see people from Group 7. As we waited we heard a big THUD. Either someone drove into a pole or another vehicle ... oops.
Anyways, we got going and got a nice boost as they did the Roadrunners' chant again ... loud and proud. People seemed pretty into it.
The group was down from last week. I am not sure if it was the potential rain or the aftermath of the 20-Miler or just this was a short run ... Our senior pace leader said they would regret their decision.
We lined up and I had a new partner, quite a nice guy. We chatted off and on all run.
Being Group 7 we do things a bit differently ... this time when we lined up for departure we took right off through the managing woman saying, "Wait, which group is this ... stop! stop! Where are you going?" Ah yes, Group 7 blowing the light! This led to a traffic jam soon after at a chokepoint to exit the stadium as we met up with Group 6 and also a walking or run/walk group.
It also seemed like we saw a LOT of Rod Dixon on his bike throughout the run. I quipped he may remember the last excursion where he rescued us from being lost.
This time we did not do the two laps around the stadium; instead, we made two circuits of the NPN 5K Course. The exit road remains a concern with a lot of cracks and street damage. We then made a tour up some hills and onto a trail. Here, the city did not have gates opened; so, we had to go around them. Hopefully, they are open for the 5K or those runners are in for the unpleasant surprise of a steeplechase or hurdle!
My knee was average; my calves were a little tender for about a mile. Still, I kept going with the group. It was fairly easy and I was working on my uphill and downhill form. The weather being overcast helped, though as usual I was sweating.
On the ascent up the final hill of Circuit I, we saw snake in the middle of the road. Oops. Is that a good sign? It was also the day to begin buying single-game Los Angeles Dodgers tickets; so, lots of people were around and there were cars ... something different from the first visit. It still seems od being at the stadium and not seeing a game.
We stopped for water and being in the back again faced the Group 7 challenge of sprinting to catch up as the front of the line leaves so quickly. The group was on its way for Circuit II and it went fairly smoothly.
We made it back and did stretching. For the first time in my life, I was on my back on the Dodger Stadium parking lot! Interesting.
Our senior pace leader then gave us a long, detailed briefing on hints and strategies for the upcoming marathon. (So detailed that many groups came after us and were done with the bananas and Gatorade before we broke up). He is a big help preparing for everything. Sometimes it seems a bit daunting; but, he also reassures.
We then hit the food and drink table, this time with the addition of soy milk, which I tried for the first time.
It was time to go home as the clouds were darkening fast ... drops were coming. I headed home surface as my knee was a bit sore and the rain was coming quite hard. We had been lucky in the timing, definitely.
So, another training run done.
Before I left I checked my Garmin. They said our pace would likely be slow due to the hills; but, it was not. The big thing was I was a bit horrified at the distances it contains a certain number series ... what the ...
Time: 1:09.32
Pace: 10:27
Distance: 6.66 Miles ...
This time it was a return to Dodger Stadium for hill training. I got to go in a new entrance gate, the Downtown Gate! I arrived early to stretch and just enjoy being at the stadium and not paying $15 to park. (This led to me getting an official Dodger Stadium pinecone!). Again they opened the left field pavilion so Roadrunners could use the restrooms ... it was so like a ghost town.
Eventually more people came and I started to see people from Group 7. As we waited we heard a big THUD. Either someone drove into a pole or another vehicle ... oops.
Anyways, we got going and got a nice boost as they did the Roadrunners' chant again ... loud and proud. People seemed pretty into it.
The group was down from last week. I am not sure if it was the potential rain or the aftermath of the 20-Miler or just this was a short run ... Our senior pace leader said they would regret their decision.
We lined up and I had a new partner, quite a nice guy. We chatted off and on all run.
Being Group 7 we do things a bit differently ... this time when we lined up for departure we took right off through the managing woman saying, "Wait, which group is this ... stop! stop! Where are you going?" Ah yes, Group 7 blowing the light! This led to a traffic jam soon after at a chokepoint to exit the stadium as we met up with Group 6 and also a walking or run/walk group.
It also seemed like we saw a LOT of Rod Dixon on his bike throughout the run. I quipped he may remember the last excursion where he rescued us from being lost.
This time we did not do the two laps around the stadium; instead, we made two circuits of the NPN 5K Course. The exit road remains a concern with a lot of cracks and street damage. We then made a tour up some hills and onto a trail. Here, the city did not have gates opened; so, we had to go around them. Hopefully, they are open for the 5K or those runners are in for the unpleasant surprise of a steeplechase or hurdle!
My knee was average; my calves were a little tender for about a mile. Still, I kept going with the group. It was fairly easy and I was working on my uphill and downhill form. The weather being overcast helped, though as usual I was sweating.
On the ascent up the final hill of Circuit I, we saw snake in the middle of the road. Oops. Is that a good sign? It was also the day to begin buying single-game Los Angeles Dodgers tickets; so, lots of people were around and there were cars ... something different from the first visit. It still seems od being at the stadium and not seeing a game.
We stopped for water and being in the back again faced the Group 7 challenge of sprinting to catch up as the front of the line leaves so quickly. The group was on its way for Circuit II and it went fairly smoothly.
We made it back and did stretching. For the first time in my life, I was on my back on the Dodger Stadium parking lot! Interesting.
Our senior pace leader then gave us a long, detailed briefing on hints and strategies for the upcoming marathon. (So detailed that many groups came after us and were done with the bananas and Gatorade before we broke up). He is a big help preparing for everything. Sometimes it seems a bit daunting; but, he also reassures.
We then hit the food and drink table, this time with the addition of soy milk, which I tried for the first time.
It was time to go home as the clouds were darkening fast ... drops were coming. I headed home surface as my knee was a bit sore and the rain was coming quite hard. We had been lucky in the timing, definitely.
So, another training run done.
Before I left I checked my Garmin. They said our pace would likely be slow due to the hills; but, it was not. The big thing was I was a bit horrified at the distances it contains a certain number series ... what the ...
Time: 1:09.32
Pace: 10:27
Distance: 6.66 Miles ...
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Old School
No more running this week until Saturday ... the LA Roadrunners are tapering down as the Los Angeles Marathon approaches.
I have been trying to work a bit on the mental part of this whole process. (Though some may argue you have to be mental to even try a marathon).
First, I looked at last Saturday. I completed 20 miles, which was a record by four miles. I struggled the last two definitely and that is a concern; but, I finished. I also seem to have recovered better than many others in my group which has surprised me.
I am hoping if I can completely be free or significantly reduce the cold and coughing that there will be a big boost.
I also believe I did not eat enough energy products during the run; so, the planning will be changed (I had the food ... I just did not eat enough).
My knee is better as well; it is not perfect ... but better is a good thing. It makes me more trusting and confident. I also now believe I will be keeping the sleeve on for a while.
Saturday also made me think way back to the track days. The first time I was told to run a 3.5 (3. 5 miles) for Hell Week I struggled as it was new to me. After that time though, it clicked and I was actually pretty good at it as well as when it was boosted to the 5.8 trip into Fullerton.
So, the last two miles last Saturday are and were a concern; but, I think the experience helped.
Then there is the mental angle overall. 26.2 is a tad daunting. It is a challenge; the task is complete the challenge.
I am starting to envision finishing, the actual final stretch down Ocean Avenue. The hope to finish on the balls of my feet (not the normal distance running heelstriking) in a sprint (or relative sprint) ... going old school. Is it possible? I hope so! I want to ... badly.
I have been thinking how I used to prepare for the sprints and relays. I had a series of songs. I had build-up steps all day. I am trying to translate those ideas to distance running (I know the movie-in-my head has changed already ... aircraft catapult launches from "Top Gun" were great for sprinting but not so good for distance .... so the beach run of "Chariots of Fire" is in play. Why? The looks of determination, but also fun ... the smoothness ... the calmness ... the desire ...
I have the theme song set and have a few other candidates for back-up/build-up. Again, there are changes from the track days due to more songs now obviously and just the difference in need from massive, quick energy and power to endurance. Old School with some renovations.
The 13th will be a hard run. It will be a year to the day since everything started to go badly. It will be the day the opportunity to change it all comes to the fore. It is going to be more a mental exercise than a physical exercise (Six miles? Six miles? You're joking right? Six bloody miles?)
At Servite sports meant being mentally tough. It was drilled in constantly and helped a lot. We would beat teams we should not have beaten. I need and want that spirit back March 21.
It's old school time.
I have been trying to work a bit on the mental part of this whole process. (Though some may argue you have to be mental to even try a marathon).
First, I looked at last Saturday. I completed 20 miles, which was a record by four miles. I struggled the last two definitely and that is a concern; but, I finished. I also seem to have recovered better than many others in my group which has surprised me.
I am hoping if I can completely be free or significantly reduce the cold and coughing that there will be a big boost.
I also believe I did not eat enough energy products during the run; so, the planning will be changed (I had the food ... I just did not eat enough).
My knee is better as well; it is not perfect ... but better is a good thing. It makes me more trusting and confident. I also now believe I will be keeping the sleeve on for a while.
Saturday also made me think way back to the track days. The first time I was told to run a 3.5 (3. 5 miles) for Hell Week I struggled as it was new to me. After that time though, it clicked and I was actually pretty good at it as well as when it was boosted to the 5.8 trip into Fullerton.
So, the last two miles last Saturday are and were a concern; but, I think the experience helped.
Then there is the mental angle overall. 26.2 is a tad daunting. It is a challenge; the task is complete the challenge.
I am starting to envision finishing, the actual final stretch down Ocean Avenue. The hope to finish on the balls of my feet (not the normal distance running heelstriking) in a sprint (or relative sprint) ... going old school. Is it possible? I hope so! I want to ... badly.
I have been thinking how I used to prepare for the sprints and relays. I had a series of songs. I had build-up steps all day. I am trying to translate those ideas to distance running (I know the movie-in-my head has changed already ... aircraft catapult launches from "Top Gun" were great for sprinting but not so good for distance .... so the beach run of "Chariots of Fire" is in play. Why? The looks of determination, but also fun ... the smoothness ... the calmness ... the desire ...
I have the theme song set and have a few other candidates for back-up/build-up. Again, there are changes from the track days due to more songs now obviously and just the difference in need from massive, quick energy and power to endurance. Old School with some renovations.
The 13th will be a hard run. It will be a year to the day since everything started to go badly. It will be the day the opportunity to change it all comes to the fore. It is going to be more a mental exercise than a physical exercise (Six miles? Six miles? You're joking right? Six bloody miles?)
At Servite sports meant being mentally tough. It was drilled in constantly and helped a lot. We would beat teams we should not have beaten. I need and want that spirit back March 21.
It's old school time.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The Comeback Starts?
This is a reduced training week for the LA Roadrunners as everyone tapers the training in time for the big day, the Los Angeles Marathon.
I decided to run this morning rather than in Thursday, again for work reasons.
I had a short night of sleep due to a late meeting and so decided to take a bit extra sleep rather than a pre-run tostada, Tostadas though seem to be a potential secret weapon.
I set out dark and early and felt pretty good. There was a little coughing at the start; but, it was reduced from before and much better than few weeks ago. May be it is just my motor sputtering at the start? The weather was a bit cloudy but warmer than recent days.
Anyways, I was running a modified M1 route since it was scheduled for 40 minutes. I went west slightly and then headed east to Los Angeles and back into Santa Monica to begin the loop near Santa Monica Airport.
I felt relaxed which was a nice feeling and also a surprise. My knee felt pretty good as well; in fact, lately, it seems to be a bit sorer while NOT running. It is definitely better than the crisis times.
The only real drawbacks were traffic lights, a few of which are long and just kill momentum, and also a diversion when I heard the rather angry barks of likely a large dog. After previous dog encounter, I was not taking a chance and changed course though it turned out the dog was behind a fence (just hard to tell in the dark and I was not keen to verify its status).
I made it home and felt pretty good indeed.
I had hoped for a bit faster pace; but, it was much improved over recent efforts and allowing for traffic light pace destroyers I am a lot more satisfied. The confidence is slowly coming back, thankfully.
40:32 of running
3.67 miles
11:08 pace
I decided to run this morning rather than in Thursday, again for work reasons.
I had a short night of sleep due to a late meeting and so decided to take a bit extra sleep rather than a pre-run tostada, Tostadas though seem to be a potential secret weapon.
I set out dark and early and felt pretty good. There was a little coughing at the start; but, it was reduced from before and much better than few weeks ago. May be it is just my motor sputtering at the start? The weather was a bit cloudy but warmer than recent days.
Anyways, I was running a modified M1 route since it was scheduled for 40 minutes. I went west slightly and then headed east to Los Angeles and back into Santa Monica to begin the loop near Santa Monica Airport.
I felt relaxed which was a nice feeling and also a surprise. My knee felt pretty good as well; in fact, lately, it seems to be a bit sorer while NOT running. It is definitely better than the crisis times.
The only real drawbacks were traffic lights, a few of which are long and just kill momentum, and also a diversion when I heard the rather angry barks of likely a large dog. After previous dog encounter, I was not taking a chance and changed course though it turned out the dog was behind a fence (just hard to tell in the dark and I was not keen to verify its status).
I made it home and felt pretty good indeed.
I had hoped for a bit faster pace; but, it was much improved over recent efforts and allowing for traffic light pace destroyers I am a lot more satisfied. The confidence is slowly coming back, thankfully.
40:32 of running
3.67 miles
11:08 pace
Monday, March 1, 2010
Where Did That Come From?
It was time for another training day for the LA Roadrunners program. The Los Angeles Marathon is getting closer and closer; so, these are big.
Today was a switch ... an hour at aerobic pace!
I opted to go on Monday for a few reasons. One was traditional ... most of the weeks it has been Monday. One was practical due to some work things. Another was I felt pretty good after Sunday's run and wanted some more positive feelings after Saturday's ending struggles.
After consuming a tostada, I set out on M1 dark and early. Quite early on I got a feeling of "Here we go again" as a coughing bout set in and I stopped to try and get sorted and regroup.
After that not so welcome break, the run turned around quickly. The pace quickened. I felt strong. My body felt good, even my knee. There was only a very slight feeling in my thighs of all places (that was new).
I lopped around into Los Angeles and then back towards Santa Monica Airport quite comfortably.
After the last few weeks' challenges, it felt quite good and also quite a relief. For the first time in weeks, I had a solid, solid solo training run. I am not sure how it came about as basically everything said it should not happen: Saturday's struggles, recent form, effects of the 20-miler, etc. Still, it was there! The Garmin 305 electronic conscience said so!
This was big just in restoring some confidence and right when I need it.
1:00.03 of running
5.05 miles
11:56 pace (yeah, I beat the target!)
Today was a switch ... an hour at aerobic pace!
I opted to go on Monday for a few reasons. One was traditional ... most of the weeks it has been Monday. One was practical due to some work things. Another was I felt pretty good after Sunday's run and wanted some more positive feelings after Saturday's ending struggles.
After consuming a tostada, I set out on M1 dark and early. Quite early on I got a feeling of "Here we go again" as a coughing bout set in and I stopped to try and get sorted and regroup.
After that not so welcome break, the run turned around quickly. The pace quickened. I felt strong. My body felt good, even my knee. There was only a very slight feeling in my thighs of all places (that was new).
I lopped around into Los Angeles and then back towards Santa Monica Airport quite comfortably.
After the last few weeks' challenges, it felt quite good and also quite a relief. For the first time in weeks, I had a solid, solid solo training run. I am not sure how it came about as basically everything said it should not happen: Saturday's struggles, recent form, effects of the 20-miler, etc. Still, it was there! The Garmin 305 electronic conscience said so!
This was big just in restoring some confidence and right when I need it.
1:00.03 of running
5.05 miles
11:56 pace (yeah, I beat the target!)
Afterwards
Sunday was the day after ... the day after 20 miles.
For some crazy reason, I was unable to sleep very well Saturday night, which very much surprised me. So, when Sunday morning came, I was a bit wary of trying to go out very early and opted for a little extra sleep before class and everything else.
I did manage some more crosstraining ... moving and lifting tables and chairs, etc. It all counts, eh?
Eventually, I did get home and changed into the gear. I did down a tostada (beef, lettuce, tomato, hot sauce, cheese, and pepper). For whatever reason tostadas seem to help.
I then set out on a night run. The LA Roadrunners guide called for 30 minutes. The senior pace leader had said just make sure you get loose, be it by running or other movement.
I got going and did decently. I headed down to Clover Park and environs and felt surprisingly good. I was amazed considering Saturday's run and particularly Saturday's struggle at the last two miles.
I made it home fairly happily and was relieved to have done much better than last Sunday's run as well as being in much better physical and mental attitude than expected. I did cut it a little short due to it getting late and needing supper and sleep as well as just wanting to keep the postivie feeling.
For some crazy reason, I was unable to sleep very well Saturday night, which very much surprised me. So, when Sunday morning came, I was a bit wary of trying to go out very early and opted for a little extra sleep before class and everything else.
I did manage some more crosstraining ... moving and lifting tables and chairs, etc. It all counts, eh?
Eventually, I did get home and changed into the gear. I did down a tostada (beef, lettuce, tomato, hot sauce, cheese, and pepper). For whatever reason tostadas seem to help.
I then set out on a night run. The LA Roadrunners guide called for 30 minutes. The senior pace leader had said just make sure you get loose, be it by running or other movement.
I got going and did decently. I headed down to Clover Park and environs and felt surprisingly good. I was amazed considering Saturday's run and particularly Saturday's struggle at the last two miles.
I made it home fairly happily and was relieved to have done much better than last Sunday's run as well as being in much better physical and mental attitude than expected. I did cut it a little short due to it getting late and needing supper and sleep as well as just wanting to keep the postivie feeling.
It has also been interesting reading emails among Group 7 and 8 paceleaders and runners.
We're getting ready for the Los Angeles Marathon!
2.06 miles
25:21 of running
12:17 pace ( a big improvement)
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