Well, it was Sunday and time for another run for the LA Roadrunners' schedule, 30 minutes of post-long run running.
I had another task as well. I went Saturday to buy replacement Brooks shoes as my original pair were pushing the barriers recommended by the pace leaders. With the mileage climbing and the Los Angeles Marathon coming, I decided it was time to invest in a new pair. I now needed to break them in a bit and Sunday seemed like a good chance.
I also got the rare daylight run since CCD class was cancelled due to the school's open house. So, I get to see the light and some extra and much needed sleep!
I changed the pattern a bit and walked to Clover Park to try and loosen up my knee. I set out for the 30 minutes. The arch felt much better; the knee was not so good.
It was also strange as the run is supposed to break up the lactic acid from the long run; but, mid-way through my calves and quads seemed to go from no feeling to dull soreness.
Anyways, I slowed down a bit. I got the run in, just off target. Back to the live to run another day idea (I had seen the Top to Top store motto of "Running is Life. Pain is optional" on Saturday!
The shoes definitely still feel new and not all yet broken in; but, there is plenty of time.
Another notable thing was the Garmin's total passing 300 miles! I should have had a little ceremony like when players get 1,000 hits or 2,000 points.
At the end of the run, I did manage to get the always fun steaming head effect going!
32:05 of running
10:59 pace
2.97 miles
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Photo: GROUP 7 does Dodger Stadium!
Well, thanks to Mitch, here are the members of LA Roadrunners Run Group 7, who made it for the surprise ... getting on the Dodger Stadium outfield for stretching and fun! I'm in the middle back .... white guy with a black cap next to the tall guy (Danny) in black jacket. We'll be back ...
Week 21: From the Sea to the Stadium ... SURPRISE!
This was a new part of the LA Roadrunners' training, a visit to Dodger Stadium for hill training. I guess it helps when the same people own the Los Angeles Marathon and Dodger Stadium.
I left early and arrived quite early at Dodger Stadium, the first time I have ever been there before the sunrise! It was also my first time going there when there was not a game to see! Still, it was kind of exciting. At the same time, being me, instead of the Stadium to the Sea course plan; I was doing Sea to the Stadium ...
I found where the earlycomers were parked. Soon, people were asking about restrooms ... so, got to visit the Left Field Pavilion. It was kind of weird being so quiet, no one at the turnstiles checking tickets, no vendors, ... kind of like a ghost town.
More people came and eventually we filled up and got semi-organized. I found some others in my group and we found some pace leaders.
Eventually, people started getting sorted and even setting out. Our senior pace leader was addressing us when I heard the now familiar, though missing for a while, Roadrunner chant ... "Mile One is just for fun," etc. echoing in Chavez Ravine. Group 7 lined up and set out and then a few yards later promptly stopped as we had a new start line. (Try explaining this to a Garmin ...)
Then we were off. I was in the back and without my normal partner. We did two laps of the ring road of the Dodger Stadium parking lot, which is more of an incline than it seems when just driving!
Then they had us go out on the planned 5k race course. It was also good as we set out on how the marathon itself will start; so, we have seen the start and the end!
The 5k part was hilly at times. The road is in horrible condition in some parts; I hope runners are not hurt in some of the potholes and faults. There was also storm debris.
It got more interesting as we were going along as the paceleaders were unsure which way to go several times and eventually we became the lost group. (The confusion has happened a few times before; but, this was a new level). Eventually, Rod Dixon, our heroic Kiwi leader, came to our aid on his bicycle and basically escorted the wayward children all the way back!
I did get to go back to the sprinter days on the hillclimb back as the paceleaders called for form. This is one part I do have an advantage. My form is basically better than most because of the sprinting times. No chicken arms or such for me!
Despite the scenic excursion and extra training, we made it back. We went to the congested bananas and Gatorade table, where we also got some samples of new energy and recovery products.
I was feeling so-so. My knee had gotten sore. My arch was also a bit troublesome. The run itself was alright; but, I did not feel any sense of elation or panic; it was just "Well, it's done."
Then we got the surprise ... they took us to the centerfield area and let us go ON the Dodger Stadium outfield to stretch ... and then play around! It was awesome (well for Dodger fans). One Group 7er offered to put on a Reds' hat; but, was swiftly persuaded that that was a non-starter.
It was so much fun being on the grass. Lots of cellphone pictures. Lots of people doing the run into the foam protection on the wall. Some bellyflops. It was just awesome. It was fun pretending to be Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Manny Ramirez (no, I am not using female fertility drugs).
I did get ice on my knee; but, it stayed sore. I opted to avoid the 10 and just go surface ... so, saw all the variety that defines L.A. as I went down Sunset to Alvarado to Olympic and into the wilds of Santa Monica.
Quite a day!
1:09.25 of running
6.43 miles
10:40 pace
I left early and arrived quite early at Dodger Stadium, the first time I have ever been there before the sunrise! It was also my first time going there when there was not a game to see! Still, it was kind of exciting. At the same time, being me, instead of the Stadium to the Sea course plan; I was doing Sea to the Stadium ...
I found where the earlycomers were parked. Soon, people were asking about restrooms ... so, got to visit the Left Field Pavilion. It was kind of weird being so quiet, no one at the turnstiles checking tickets, no vendors, ... kind of like a ghost town.
More people came and eventually we filled up and got semi-organized. I found some others in my group and we found some pace leaders.
Eventually, people started getting sorted and even setting out. Our senior pace leader was addressing us when I heard the now familiar, though missing for a while, Roadrunner chant ... "Mile One is just for fun," etc. echoing in Chavez Ravine. Group 7 lined up and set out and then a few yards later promptly stopped as we had a new start line. (Try explaining this to a Garmin ...)
Then we were off. I was in the back and without my normal partner. We did two laps of the ring road of the Dodger Stadium parking lot, which is more of an incline than it seems when just driving!
Then they had us go out on the planned 5k race course. It was also good as we set out on how the marathon itself will start; so, we have seen the start and the end!
The 5k part was hilly at times. The road is in horrible condition in some parts; I hope runners are not hurt in some of the potholes and faults. There was also storm debris.
It got more interesting as we were going along as the paceleaders were unsure which way to go several times and eventually we became the lost group. (The confusion has happened a few times before; but, this was a new level). Eventually, Rod Dixon, our heroic Kiwi leader, came to our aid on his bicycle and basically escorted the wayward children all the way back!
I did get to go back to the sprinter days on the hillclimb back as the paceleaders called for form. This is one part I do have an advantage. My form is basically better than most because of the sprinting times. No chicken arms or such for me!
Despite the scenic excursion and extra training, we made it back. We went to the congested bananas and Gatorade table, where we also got some samples of new energy and recovery products.
I was feeling so-so. My knee had gotten sore. My arch was also a bit troublesome. The run itself was alright; but, I did not feel any sense of elation or panic; it was just "Well, it's done."
Then we got the surprise ... they took us to the centerfield area and let us go ON the Dodger Stadium outfield to stretch ... and then play around! It was awesome (well for Dodger fans). One Group 7er offered to put on a Reds' hat; but, was swiftly persuaded that that was a non-starter.
It was so much fun being on the grass. Lots of cellphone pictures. Lots of people doing the run into the foam protection on the wall. Some bellyflops. It was just awesome. It was fun pretending to be Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Manny Ramirez (no, I am not using female fertility drugs).
I did get ice on my knee; but, it stayed sore. I opted to avoid the 10 and just go surface ... so, saw all the variety that defines L.A. as I went down Sunset to Alvarado to Olympic and into the wilds of Santa Monica.
Quite a day!
1:09.25 of running
6.43 miles
10:40 pace
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.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Can you hurt it? Yes, I can!
Well, this morning marked the end of the lull; it was back and at it for training for the Los Angeles Marathon. I had 30 minutes to do to match the LA Roadrunners' schedule.`
It was actually hard to get up and going. I just felt a bit drained; it has not been good week, despite having a bit more rest due to the cutback week. Nevertheless, I made it outside and at least was greeted by a clear star-filled sky, which definitely helped.
I decided to experiment a little, not wearing the sleeve for my right knee.
I headed out and realized pretty soon that was a mistake. It is getting better overall; but, it was having a bad day this morning.
Also, I soon realized I had pain at the bottom of my right foot. I think I somehow pulled a muscle or something along the outer edge of the arch. I did not even know it was possible! I have found that my stride, particularly for my right leg, has changed with my knee injury and it has caused some subsequent issues. Still, I felt like some sort of pain-loving Bob the Builder: Can you hurt it? YES I CAN!
Early on I was doing well; but, soon, it was becoming an issue and I decided to reduce my speed to try and be better prepared for Saturday. Ah, the sweet concept of opportunity cost from economics classes comes to life!
So, it was a bit of a disappointing run. My calves and quads were good though; so, that was a positive. Also, I was still a lot faster than the aerobic running phase; so, that is a second positive. (I am reaching .... but, I really need all the positives I can get these days!!!!!).
30:14 of running
11:20 pace (doh)
2.67 miles
It was actually hard to get up and going. I just felt a bit drained; it has not been good week, despite having a bit more rest due to the cutback week. Nevertheless, I made it outside and at least was greeted by a clear star-filled sky, which definitely helped.
I decided to experiment a little, not wearing the sleeve for my right knee.
I headed out and realized pretty soon that was a mistake. It is getting better overall; but, it was having a bad day this morning.
Also, I soon realized I had pain at the bottom of my right foot. I think I somehow pulled a muscle or something along the outer edge of the arch. I did not even know it was possible! I have found that my stride, particularly for my right leg, has changed with my knee injury and it has caused some subsequent issues. Still, I felt like some sort of pain-loving Bob the Builder: Can you hurt it? YES I CAN!
Early on I was doing well; but, soon, it was becoming an issue and I decided to reduce my speed to try and be better prepared for Saturday. Ah, the sweet concept of opportunity cost from economics classes comes to life!
So, it was a bit of a disappointing run. My calves and quads were good though; so, that was a positive. Also, I was still a lot faster than the aerobic running phase; so, that is a second positive. (I am reaching .... but, I really need all the positives I can get these days!!!!!).
30:14 of running
11:20 pace (doh)
2.67 miles
Monday, January 25, 2010
If at first you don't succeed ...
This week is a cutback week for the LA Roadrunners. Less running, less frequency, ...
I was disappointed from last night's run; so, I thought I would use the "get on the horse again" approach and go out in the morning (Plus, with rain due Tuesday and and facing aftereffects of a cold, I think this time dry is the better option, even if it is less fun).
I set out on the 30-minute run dark and early and realized how nice So Cal can be after a storm (or series of storms this time). The air was fresh. The sky was so clear. It was nice.
Unfortunately, my legs were not quite as thrilled. They still felt really heavy. I am not sure why. The quads and calves both did; it was more workout soreness than pain, but still it was a bit surprising.
It was better than Sunday night; but, the sleep overnight had not solved it all unfortunately. I reverted back to the, "Well, at least try to finish" method. I plugged away and headed down to Ocean Park Avenue again.
I got around the course alright; but, I could not get my body to respond when I wanted some acceleration. it was like a cartoon where the characters are loading the engine with coal and it is shaking violently and making loads of noise only to have a tiny puff of smoke come out at the end.
I am thinking this cutback week is coming at a very good time for me as it seems I need some recovery time, plus time for the battle damage from Dog Pre-Dawn and my knee to heal up a bit. I have until Thursday for some rest and I think it should help (I HOPE IT HELPS!).
I am kind of disappointed as I really felt good Saturday; but, the aftermath has not been good. It is a challenge for sure. All the Roadrunners are getting to crunch time. Some are injured. Some are tired. It is make or break time.
2.60 miles
30:59 minutes of running time
11.50 pace ... Doh (but, over a minute faster than yesterday at least)
I was disappointed from last night's run; so, I thought I would use the "get on the horse again" approach and go out in the morning (Plus, with rain due Tuesday and and facing aftereffects of a cold, I think this time dry is the better option, even if it is less fun).
I set out on the 30-minute run dark and early and realized how nice So Cal can be after a storm (or series of storms this time). The air was fresh. The sky was so clear. It was nice.
Unfortunately, my legs were not quite as thrilled. They still felt really heavy. I am not sure why. The quads and calves both did; it was more workout soreness than pain, but still it was a bit surprising.
It was better than Sunday night; but, the sleep overnight had not solved it all unfortunately. I reverted back to the, "Well, at least try to finish" method. I plugged away and headed down to Ocean Park Avenue again.
I got around the course alright; but, I could not get my body to respond when I wanted some acceleration. it was like a cartoon where the characters are loading the engine with coal and it is shaking violently and making loads of noise only to have a tiny puff of smoke come out at the end.
I am thinking this cutback week is coming at a very good time for me as it seems I need some recovery time, plus time for the battle damage from Dog Pre-Dawn and my knee to heal up a bit. I have until Thursday for some rest and I think it should help (I HOPE IT HELPS!).
I am kind of disappointed as I really felt good Saturday; but, the aftermath has not been good. It is a challenge for sure. All the Roadrunners are getting to crunch time. Some are injured. Some are tired. It is make or break time.
2.60 miles
30:59 minutes of running time
11.50 pace ... Doh (but, over a minute faster than yesterday at least)
Two Steps Forward, 1 99/100ths Steps Back
Sunday ... the day after the long run.
I woke up and felt a bit drained and with a CCD class to teach, I decided to experiment and sleep a bit longer and run at night.
So, I set out after doing "church stuff" all day for a 30-minute shakedown-type run.
I soon realized all systems were not really going. My legs still felt "heavy."
I had worn the brace for my knee all day and had decided to take it off for the run; but, now the knee was sore. My lower back ached a bit; I think I may have slightly pulled a muscle lifting and moving tables. Then, my upper chest got sore. I felt like a driver looking at the dashboard and seeing all the red lights come on at once.
Still, I kept going despite knowing I was not even close to the pace goal. I opted for a trot to Ocean Park Boulevard, around Clover Park, and home, a nice flat course.
I was going, but, not well. I was getting slower and sorer. At this point I just decided to do my best.
It had been a rough day. My class had some issues and some struggled with a little test. A big volunteer at church now has bladder cancer. Nevermind things like Haiti. So, the soreness and pain, were in reality minor annoyances in perspective which kind of helped me keep moving.
Godwilling, I finish the race March 21. I want to fell I earned the medal and faced the challenges, the good and the bad; so, this was one of the gutcheck times.
I was slowing and at points more like trudging, but forward at least.
I finally made it home. I was a bit short on the time goal as well; but, at that point, I thought I better call it a go and live to fight another day.
2.18 miles
28.08 minutes
12:58 pace ... doh.
I woke up and felt a bit drained and with a CCD class to teach, I decided to experiment and sleep a bit longer and run at night.
So, I set out after doing "church stuff" all day for a 30-minute shakedown-type run.
I soon realized all systems were not really going. My legs still felt "heavy."
I had worn the brace for my knee all day and had decided to take it off for the run; but, now the knee was sore. My lower back ached a bit; I think I may have slightly pulled a muscle lifting and moving tables. Then, my upper chest got sore. I felt like a driver looking at the dashboard and seeing all the red lights come on at once.
Still, I kept going despite knowing I was not even close to the pace goal. I opted for a trot to Ocean Park Boulevard, around Clover Park, and home, a nice flat course.
I was going, but, not well. I was getting slower and sorer. At this point I just decided to do my best.
It had been a rough day. My class had some issues and some struggled with a little test. A big volunteer at church now has bladder cancer. Nevermind things like Haiti. So, the soreness and pain, were in reality minor annoyances in perspective which kind of helped me keep moving.
Godwilling, I finish the race March 21. I want to fell I earned the medal and faced the challenges, the good and the bad; so, this was one of the gutcheck times.
I was slowing and at points more like trudging, but forward at least.
I finally made it home. I was a bit short on the time goal as well; but, at that point, I thought I better call it a go and live to fight another day.
2.18 miles
28.08 minutes
12:58 pace ... doh.
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