Tuesday, December 20, 2011

meaning of the run

I received the following email from co-worker today regarding the monthly company 5K I organize. I feel blessed that running has given me the chance meet so many good people and the chance to make an impact in people's lives.



"Thanks to you for organizing this and for your positive motivation, you are an inspiration. Although I cannot run the path you all do, due to my vision depth perception issues, I am continuing to run on a more level path.

-Julie"

The truth is, it is people like Julie who continue to strive against life’s obstacles that inspire me. I am just a guy who is lucky to have the good health to do what I do...


One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff
12/20/11

Monday, December 12, 2011

Looking for the green light

‎"if your dream ain't bigger than you, then there's a problem with your dream.". Deion Sanders @ HOF speech.


I am not a big fan of Neon Deion but this quote is a great inspiration for running and life. I would follow it up with, "dreams without action is just an IDEA." So whatever our dreams are, lets go get it... get up, do it.

It has been a long time since the last entry and lots happened since Double Trouble in Maine and New Hampshire. I cannot believe the end of 2011 is approaching and 2012 is going to be here before we can blink again. Last year this time, I was in full off-season mode as I scheduled no races until June of 2011. This year however, I am in the thick of thing training for the El Paso Marathon. The training has been a little choppy at times but I feel good at the moment. Legs are strong and I think El Paso is going to be a good fast race.

I must admit that I am a little distracted by what can possibly be beyond El Paso. I am hoping that I might be able to try my hands on my first ultra marathon at the end of March. The race would be in Taiwan and is a 12 hour race put on by Taipei University. I don't know, I think these challenges are keeping the flame going as the progression towards the 50 States is a long one for me. Since I did complete the double, I am not as worried about what might come with the 12 hour race.

Two things must happen if I were to run this race. First, we have to figure out the logistics of moving about in Taiwan. I am hoping that my overseas family will help direct me in planning and getting around. Second, I still have to convince my lovely wife that it's a good idea to add this race to our vacation plan in Asia. She has been a great sport and I hope that she can see that this is something awesome to do! :) As I always say, I would not be on this journey without the support of Aud.

Beyond El Paso and (maybe) the Taipei U Ultra, I hope to run WY mid year and another double year end. Getting 4 done in one year would also be a first. So here is goodbye to 2011 and look forward to doing some great things in 2012!


one race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Looking back at the Double - NH ME Oct 2011

Now that I've had a week and a half's time to decompress, recover, and reflect on the time spent in New Hampshire and Maine, I thought it was appropriate to update the blog on finishing my first double.

First off, big, huge thank you to my sister and my wife (better known as Team Double Trouble) for running besides me in Maine. Chrissy had the fun half with the longer leg but far more rain and hills, and Aud had the other half where she had to reel me back from my mind melt late in the race. You guys were true sports to splash around with me for five plus hours in the pouring rain.

So the double itself!

NH was a fairly challenging course with multiple rolling hills but beautiful scenery around Newfound Lake. A very small but well organized race that started later than usual at 9:00AM. It rained moderately throughout on that Sat. Oct 1, 2011 with temperature hovering around the low 60. Very nice day for running. I really took the advice of many 50 Staters and slowed down on this first race. I even took a photo at every mile marker by coming to a walk each time. Finish time, 4:19.

A little fun story was that I had begged the Hotel to allow me with a late checkout at 2:00PM. That gave me exactly 5 hours to finish the race and drive back to the hotel (exactly 30 min drive away from start/finish). Between running another 0.5 miles to my car and chugging a couple of chocolate milk in the ride, I got back to the hotel at 1:55. Just enough time for me to shower up! My wonderful wife had packed 4 gallon bags of ice for me to then ice down in the car on our drive to Maine immediately after the shower...

I was sore and a little worried. BUT, I was not broken the following morning. That gave me some confidence that I would finish the second race without crippling myself. The 7:45 start plus the hard rain was a little intimidating at the start. I was literally shivering and shaking as we waited for the start... Chris and I ran the first mile at about 10:15 pace... and the rain did not let up for the first 12 miles or so. Oh, and the rain caused my over-sensitive Garmin 405 to run out of battery at about mile 7.

Running with a giant trash bag is interesting. You stay warm but then you get too hot. So I had to constantly cover and uncover my body to regulate my temperature. Once a few miles in and realizing that this WAS going to be another race in the rain; I thought I'd just roll with the absurdity of it. We goofed off and posed and took funny photos at each mile mark. We walked some hills and made friends along the way. At the exchange, my wife joined me from 14.8 to the finish. There were a few miles in the 20s where I think a sugar low really caused my mind to wonder (hallucinate perhaps). Aud kept talking to me and all I could do in response was saying "I’m okay." I upped the GU intake and caught a second wind... we finished the last few miles jogging all the way through.


So, the double is in the bag. Was it tough? No doubt. But not as hard as I thought it might have been. Will I do it again? Most likely. The question is should a time goal be imposed? Or should I try to enjoy the runs as I did in NH and ME? Not having a time goal was so different for me that it was a little difficult to cope at times? I kept looking at my dead Garmin in ME even though I knew that it had gone to sleep at mile 7. I did really enjoy the difference. I got to look at the sights, smell the pines, and talked to people. So maybe, just maybe, a yearly double without time goals should be worked into the routine...

We'll see. I fear that I am too competitive for that...


Food for thought: 50M ultra in the future??? TBD...


One race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff

Thursday, September 22, 2011

T-9 NH/ME Double - Getting puffed up on Eminem

If you want to help me make through this, comment, email, FB me and tell me I can't do it, tell me its a stupid idea, tell me its a waste of time... nothing motivates me more than doubters and skeptics.

I was so fired up after watching this youtube vid that I had to find the lyrics to Eminem's 'Till I Collapse'... its going into the playlist...
here are some highlights:


'Cause sometimes you feel tired,
feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
and just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
and not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.

Till the roof comes off, till the lights go out
Till my legs give out, can’t shut my mouth.
Till the smoke clears out - am I high? Perhaps
I'ma rip this shit till my bone collapse.
Till the roof comes off, till the lights go out
Till my legs give out, can’t shut my mouth.
Till the smoke clears out and my high burn out
I'ma rip this shit till my bone collapse.

Until the roof
The roof comes off
Until my legs
give out from underneath me

I will not fall,
I will stand tall,
Feels like no one could beat me.

Monday, August 29, 2011

A Belated Thank You

It’s been over two months since the Seattle Marathon. Things have been crazy as usual with my two very active kids and “training” for the Oct double. I did not realize until this past weekend when I finally had the chance to chat with two of my friends who ran with me in Seattle that, I had never properly congratulated them on completing their first marathon. I had to bail immediately after the race in order to catch my flight back to So Cal. And even though I managed to blog an entry whining about not being able to PR in Seattle, I FAILED to thank all those who ran alongside me in Seattle. Better late than never right? So here goes…
My buddy Mike C, thanks for living up to your (drunken) promise made many years ago to run a marathon with me. Even though you are on one good knee you were able to accomplish your goal of finishing sub-five. That is amazing. Your story about running again after standing in the tunnel wondering how you’d finish the race with two cramped up legs at mile 16 tell a whole lot about who you are.
To Chris, my little sister. Congrats on another half. I hope you had fun... Im sure the food alone was worth the trip down the West Coast. Now we'll have to get Brad into the sport...
My buddy Larry C, AKA L Dawg, aka Smalls maybe small in stature but is huge in heart. First marathon and an amazing result (far better than my first). You surprised me with preparation and respect for the distance. Honestly I kept looking over my shoulder to see when you’d pass me. I am very happy that you enjoyed the race and may consider another in the future. There are lots of good ones out there… and besides, you need to out-run Lori.
David L, thanks for hosting and showing me around town. Dude, awesome job on the half! When I grow up I hope to stay active and pretty like you. As usual, thanks for listening to my grips about everyday life stuff… Oh, and apology for Larry’s insult on your mother and Korean women in general, he meant no harm.
Tito N, you are a stud. Who shows up for their first full and runs a respectable mid 4 after emailing me two weeks before the race wondering if you’d even run with the plantar fasciitis? It was good seeing you old friend. You tri guys are intense. Maybe one day I’d try one out, assuming I learn how not to drown.
MariAnne is like the female Yoda. You show up with the Zen like wisdom on running, no training, and then out run the entire party. Thanks for pulling me ahead for most of the race. Good luck with the knee. I know you will come back stronger than ever.
Thanks to Aud for being the super supportive wife on this trip. It made me miss home even on a 1.5 day trip.

Thanks again to all of you. I really hope that you enjoyed the experience. Finishing a marathon is no small task no matter the time of finish. You should be very proud of what you’ve done.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Eyes of the beast




I am in trouble. I have not recovered well from the last marathon and last week’s cold. As I stare into the eyes of the double headed beast coming my way, I am scared.
I’ve been running sluggish and choppy. I’ve been putting in too few miles.

S.O.S.

Anyone out there?

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

This is a test


Of my theory that you should run with a cold as long as it’s not the flu.

6 miler today in the heat with this cold (throat, and running nose) was not pleasant. But I’ve always said that the common cold should not stop me from training.

I will report later this week if recovery is impacted. Doubt it.

Friday, July 8, 2011

The aimless drift of a runners mind

Thought I share some thought bubbles that popped on top of my head during my lunch run today. It will give you a glimpse into what goes on in my head on a typical run.

“it sure is hot”
“eight seconds, mf’er (*&^”
“damn its hot”
“9 more weeks until the double… under 10 hours?... or just have fun... just have fun.”
“tired, maybe just 4 miles today”
“no, eight”
“no, six”
“1.45 miles, almost a quarter of the way done”
“8:40s, so slow… supposed to be a easy run today… but…”
“negative split..?”
“if I learned to swim, maybe a tri…”
“is 3:58 it for me? ergh…”
“wonder what is for dinner tonight…”

Some people say they find that Zen state during their run. My mind is usually just a mess. It has been hard for me to find the motivation to move after Seattle. I just can’t seem to get my mind to focus. 34 more… come’on lets go… keep on keep on.

One state, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Dealing with failure

"The one who doesn't fall doesn't stand up."


I am massively disappointed in myself for the Seattle Marathon (State #16/Marathon #21). I've put in a lot time and mileage this year than any time in the past, still failing to PR.
I'd like to blame the course but I won't use it as an excuse, it was much tougher than New Orleans where I last PR'd. I knew it would be a tough day when I hit mile three and saw the first hill because the first noticeable hill according to the course elevation map was at mile four. And there were a number of long tunnels that were draining mentally. Nevertheless, I thought that the preparation could overcome these factors, I was wrong.

Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss
1 0:08:11 0:08:12 1 0 7
2 0:08:12 0:08:08 1 3 0
3 0:08:35 0:08:33 1 44 0
4 0:08:35 0:08:32 1 25 26
5 0:08:41 0:08:37 1 110 0
6 0:08:07 0:08:05 1 0 135
7 0:08:23 0:08:22 1 14 20
8 0:08:31 0:08:31 1 62 29
9 0:08:37 0:08:31 1 37 33
10 0:08:19 0:08:20 1 16 67
11 0:08:29 0:08:29 1 22 14
12 0:07:29 0:07:48 1 60 11
13 0:10:13 0:03:33 1 56 29
14 0:08:28 0:08:28 1 24 109
15 0:08:55 0:08:47 1 89 83
16 0:08:53 0:08:46 1 107 0
17 0:08:34 0:08:17 1 37 63
18 0:09:45 0:09:39 1 129 0
19 0:09:03 0:09:04 1 181 295
20 0:09:57 0:09:50 1 238 191
21 0:09:18 0:09:14 1 0 92
22 0:09:06 0:08:41 1 53 36
23 0:09:36 0:09:31 1 0 74
24 0:09:42 0:09:38 1 0 8
25 0:11:09 0:10:46 1 2 0
26 0:10:54 0:10:41 1 3 0
27 0:05:03 0:04:58 0.59 11 0
Summary 3:58:59 3:50:01 26.59 1,322 1,323

Weather was perfect, 50 at the start and overcast the entire race. Like Calvin suggested, I trailed the 3:45 marker from the start... keeping it about half a football field in front. Going very easy in the beginning and eventually passing the 3:45 marker group at mile 8 with a steady state pace. At mile 16, the group passes me and I can feel myself slowing down going up each of the multiple hills. I was still confident to PR until mile 23 when both quads just seized. I literally had to stop and stretch until I can manage a walk… after about a minute or two started to run again but in serious pain. Mile 25, yet another hill/bridge. I looked at the watch and did a very fuzzy math and thought that hope of a significant PR was gone. Then my thought went to just finishing sub 4. As I rounded mile 26, I looked at the watch again and to my surprise, I was looking at yet another 3:58ish finish. So I put it down as hard as I could (8:37 pace) to the finish. Looked at my watch after the finish line and it was 10 sec slower than New Orleans. I am crushed.

Trying to find some positive from this has been difficult. Only thing I’ve come up with is this:

Seattle NO
Overall% 25.25 26.86
Division 32.94 35.97
Gender 34.11 36.97

So some slight improvement compared to the rest of the population. I am still processing the failure in my mind... and now I have to wait until next year to push for a new PR…
Next up is that monster double in Oct. oh boy…

Monday, June 6, 2011

Sleepless before Seattle

Only 19 days to go! Is it time to panic yet? The pre-race jitter has set in… its not unusual but I have put a lot of pressure on myself for this race. I think I’ve said this to myself at least a thousand times (no exaggeration) “ I MUST PR.” Hopefully the amount of training has readied the body as well as given me the mental toughness needed for those last few miles. I think having a few friends running with me is going to be a big (positive) factor as well. ~good luck to Mike & MariAnne C., Tito N., Larry C., David L., and my sister Chris~ Looking forward to hanging out with all of you for a day.

Ran my last V02 today and discussed the results with Ironmen co-worker and Yoda. Things are looking pretty good. Just need to taper off properly and watch my nutrition and amount of sleep over the next 2.5 weeks. Speaking of sleep, or the lack of… I think I am permanently sleep deprived. I sure miss sleeping in on the weekends. Weekend long runs don’t really help but the biggest obstacle for my sleep has obviously been the kids. They seem to always wake up extra early on the weekends (but wants to sleep in on school days).

Big thanks to my lovely wife who has been positively extra supportive through the past 15 weeks. I hope you survive the kids on the 25th. I’ll be home right after the race… (after a shower of course).

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Countdown begins T-25


Wow, 14 weeks went by in a hurry! As usual, as the countdown approaches, its time to reflect on the training effort, work on the final prep, and calm that pre-race jitter.

566 miles since end of Feb.
Down about 10 lbs.
New PR in 5K

I am pretty amped up for this race b/c I've worked harder than ever. My realistic goal is to PR and shave as much time off that 3:58 as possible. The reach goal is 3:45.
Now that I've done most of the work, I just want to complete the remaining three weeks with some purpose. On race day, it'll be up to God to send some good weather our way.

I am ready for take off. Let just hope that there are no last second malfunctions.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Open letter to the Lance haters

“To all the cynics, I'm sorry for you, ... I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles.” - Lance Armstrong

So this week began with the 60 minutes piece of the continued witchhunt of Lance by former teammate Tyler Hamilton.

It’s pretty well known to everyone that I am a big fan of Lance and Livestrong. It would be hard for you to find me without my yellow bracelet. I think what Lance was able to accomplish as an athlete was incredible. But living in an era where we have learned to accept the embarrassing, immoral, and self absorbed behaviors of professional athletes, incredible athletic feats alone no longer inspire admiration from me. Rather, it is what Lance was able do in defeating cancer and in raising awareness and cancer research funding that is really inspirational. He is the symbol of hope for all who has been affected by this disease. Lance has shown us that we can not only survive cancer but we can kick this disease in the ass and win.

Did he cheat? My guess is that it will never be proven, but the accusation will continue forever. “What if they prove he is dirty?” The answer is that I would be heart-broken. I may lose faith in humanity forever. But in my heart I believe Lance is clean. And that is something of a rarity for a cynic like me.

I am not going to devote any time to debate or dispute Lance’s innocence or the claims brought forth by his former teammates. I will refrain from pointing out the credibility of “witnesses” and the accusations that have been thrown around. What I want to do is to call out the hypocrisy of some who has come after Lance. Some of these people with loudest opinion against Lance are the biggest fans of the likes of Kobe Bryant, Tiger Woods, or Mike Vick. So I ask this, why are you a fan of say a cheat, (alleged) rapist, or animal killer/convicted criminal? I have been mild amused to wild bewildered with the responses. “Because he plays for my home town.” “Because the girl was just a gold digger.” “Because its just sex.” “Because look at what he has done since coming back.”

REALLY? I know people who put their children in the jersey of the above named. I won’t. I wouldn’t want my children to make Kobe Bryant money if he/she had to become a Kobe Bryant person. So I am not a fan of these guys. But hey that’s just me. I tend to take things too personally for my own good. I don’t know Kobe Bryant or Mike Vick personally but I have seen and heard all of the on and off court behavior to know that these guys are assholes. But beyond all that, what have they done with their success (on and off the court/field) in comparison to Lance Armstrong? Nothing. Not comparable. Not in the same universe. So when you come after my guy with your accusations, I am going to call out your hypocrisy.

Lance is dirty = “multiple sources”
Kobe is innocent = “he said / she said”

Lance left his wife = “after all these years”
Eagle CO = “gold digger.” “all the ball players do it (sleep around)”

That sounds to me like a lot of bullshit.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Playing for JV

Well, I was pretty happy with my new PR (22:13) at the company 5K today...

Until I looked up Yoda's course PR of 18:58. I don't think he was even trying hard.

Welcome to the JV team Jeff, welcome...

Somewhere in Dagobah if you are reading this Yoda, I am doing my best to reach my potential. but I am afraid my potential just isn't very high...


One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

Monday, April 25, 2011

VO2 What?



V02 Max is the measurement of the maximum capacity one’s body to transport and use oxygen during exercise, which reflects the physical fitness of the individual.

Now entering the last phase of my 18 week Seattle Marathon training cycle and this week begins the more grueling Vo2 Max training sessions. For example tomorrow’s run will a 8 miler with five ½ mile intervals run at my 5K pace (7:15-7:30). The last time I ran such a run was with Yoda and I nearly threw up. You know that feeling when someone punches you in the stomach and you just can catch your wind. Well, it’s like that times 5. Its not going to be pretty…

Overall, the training has been going well. Only 8 more weeks until race week and I have just two more 20 mile long runs and a 18 mile race-pace run left. I have run 365 miles since Feb 22 of 2011. I ran a fantastic 16 miler yesterday at just about race pace. I have a great feeling about a new PR in June. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

One race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

You threw out the life line...

just in the nick of time...




As I stumbled back into the locker room today and stared blankly into my locker, my sudden realization turned into shock and panic. I had worn my flip flops home over the weekend and I had not packed it with my gym bag today.

Oh, Lord, why have you deserted me! my mind started racing in a panic to think of all the ways I might possibly take my shower without my bare foot touching that nasty, germ infested shower floor... what would MacGyver do?

As I stood in defeat, I reached into my gym bag for a plastic bag for my sweat drenched cloths... what is this?! my flip flops packed neatly in the bag!!!!!!!

MY WONDERFUL WIFE DID IT AGAIN! SAVED THE DAY!!!

one race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

4/20/11 12 Miles race pace

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Everyday... (added to playlist)

...is a winding road
I get a little bit closer
Everyday is a faded sign
I get a little bit closer

I've been swimming in a sea of anarchy
I've been living on coffee and nicotine
I've been wondering if all the things I've seen
Were ever real, were ever really happening

Everyday is a winding road
I get a little bit closer
Everyday is a faded sign
I get a little bit closer

Deep
-------------------------------------

Quick status on Seattle training:

10 Weeks to go (18 week cycle)
54 miles scheduled this week
277/818.2 miles completed
current status: injury free and on-schedule/pace

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Jumbo Shrimp

My "recovery run" today got me thinking about all the oxymorons we use on a daily basis. Here are some great running related ones...

Easy run/recovery run
Fast walk
Hurts so good
Friendly competition
California winters
Frozen hell
Long shorts/loose tights/sleeveless t-shirts
Almost finished
Half done
Higher ground
Marathon relay
Barefoot shoes

One race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff

4M recovery run

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Focused aggression and “stuff in the basement”




One of my favorite lines is from the much under-rated 2006 movie Rocky Balboa.
Rocky: "I don't know, there's still some stuff in the basement." Paulie: "What basement?" Rocky: "In here."

I can relate. I do not know why (well, I have some clues) but that is the way I am…
I’ve got stuff in the basement too. But what is this “stuff” that is inside? Well, it’s like a little fire that burns inside. Sometimes it’s just a tinder and other times it’s like a wild fire. For me, it’s the furnace that drives the motor. It’s the same competitiveness that drives me in the work place and on the marathon course.

“The stuff,” is the voice inside that says, “You are better than this.” “The stuff,” gives the middle finger to those who doubted or got into the way. “The stuff,” demands more and is hard to satisfy. Good thing it’s kept in the basement. The basement has some dark corners.
Is “the stuff” healthy for me? I don’t know. Probably not. But I know “the stuff” has pushed me over many walls on the marathon course. Just have to keep it locked up, Bruce Banner.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
3/31/11 8 Miler Easy

Monday, March 28, 2011

With all due respect... (+weekly report, week 5)

Here I was feeling good about myself early last week... Having run a few fast 8/9 milers and a successful 15 miler in week 4, I felt that little extra bounce in my step, a little swagger in my arm swing, a little bloated in the head.

Then the gods of the marathon smacked this mere mortal on the side of the head and said, "show some damn respect."

I got smacked by, beaten up, and reminded of seriousness the distance yesterday. I barely completed the 16 miler in the miserable rain but it was a timely wake-up call to not slack off. 13 miles on pace but the last three were completely shameful. I lost it mentally. but I do not intend to see it happen again.

5th week of the 18 week cycle now complete. Racked up a total of 45 miles in week 5. THIS week is a recovery week and we wind down to only 37 miles before kicking it up to 50 MILES(!!!) in week 7.

Damn, its already end of March. June will be here in no time...

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

Jeff

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Zen within


It has been a troubled couple of weeks for me physically and emotionally. I’ve had some real high points of physical breakthroughs (with running) followed by several inexplicable outbursts of anger and frustration.
There are moments in time when running exactly mirrors life. You go through the paces and the daily grind and things sometimes become mundane and repetitive. You start to lose the passion and drive that burned brightly inside when things began. You continue to run, only to run in place.
In running there is one thing that helps to bring the focus back. One thing that is clear and allows me to plan and execute. That is a tangible, measureable, and undisputable finish line. A finish line, a goal, that is as clear as it is unyielding. As a runner, the more you put into the daily grind, the more you get in return in achieving your goal.
In life however, things are just not as clear. You put in the work day in and day out and may never hit your objectives. There are just too many other elements involved. Worse yet, sometimes we don’t even know what the object is! WHAT IS THE END GAME?! How many times have you asked yourself, “what am I doing this for?”
I wish I had the answer. But I do not. Maybe that is a part of the reason I run. Because even if it is for a few minutes a day, I know that the effort I put in is going to take me a bit closer to my goal and objective. Success or failure is all up to me.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff
3/24/11 5 M recovery

Monday, March 21, 2011

Weekly report + LA Marathon

On the training front, I am feeling great approaching week 5 of Seattle Marathon training. Was able to complete week 4 (42 miles, 15 mile LR) with zero misses and felt very strong on the weekend 15 yesterday.

Tomorrow is going to be a hard day with a 9 mile Lactate Threshold run (8:00-8:30 pace; 81-92% HR). And this weekend's Long Run (LR) is going to be a race pace 16 miler. I am actually looking forward to his one b/c it'll be a nice early test of my fitness level.

I was so inspired watching the LA marathon from my living room last Sunday morning. The local channel did a great job not only with the elite stories (OMG 2:06!) but also with the coverage of the everyday runner. That is the beauty of the marathon and marathon running. We all have our stories and reasons for our participation in this race. Each unique, interesting, and inspiring. I can feel the positive energy from all the participants even though I was not in that crowd in the rain. LA was my first marathon and perhaps I will tackle it again at some point in the future.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Breaking new grounds

One beautiful thing about owning a Garmin is that you are able to look back in time and compare your current training to previous years. And that is what I did today.

I have never put in this kind of mileage. I will be up to 42 miles with 15 weeks to go.
Now the task is to focus on the run of each day and get it done.
So far, I have been near perfect. I hope to keep this up... if so, a PR is a sure thing.

BTW, my Garmin HR monitor is broken. will be taking it back to REI tomorrow. I know my resting HR is not 150!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

You can do it!

I got a question from a friend last night, “how do I train for a half marathon.”
Well, first of all, I am not as experienced with the half… I’ve probably only ran about 4-5 halves in the past. BUT, the 13.1 is a novice friendly distance as well as a distance that can provide even the experienced runner the opportunity to push for a good pace. I would highly encourage anyone who is starting out in running to run the half as a challenge.
The training schedule is similar to that of a marathon with some variations. I like the Higdon 5 days/ week schedule (link below) with 3-5 mile weekday runs and a progressive weekend long run that goes up to 10 miles before the race. Unlike the full, there is no tapering and the mileage is pretty manageable.
There are several local half marathons coming up. I may do this one as a tune-up to the Seattle Marathon in June: http://www.pcrf-kids.org/reachingforthecure/

What say you?

http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/novice.htm
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-258-6851-0,00.html

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Double Down!

Alright, after much thought, I've committed to the Oct Double in Bristol NH (10/1) and Portland ME (10/2).




God help me

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

When life gets in the way of running

Top ten things that interferes with marathon training:

1. Weather
2. Sleep
3. Wine
4. Beer
5. Eating on time
6. Work
7. Family (except for my lovely wife of course)
8. Social events on Fri. and/or Sat. Nights
9. Chafing
10. Going to the bathroom

One race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff
3/2/11 8M 1:08

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Running to eat…

It is sad to say that my old mantra of “just run and eat whatever I want” is no longer accurate. That young man with the super metabolism is no longer here. And there is a soft area around the belly that seems to have become a permanent fixture on my mid-section. Check out this article I saw today. The top 25 worst junk food you should never eat. There are a couple of real surprises in here. (except for Vitamin water, I knew that stuff was junk)
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/thumbnails/0,,20307363,00.html

I am on a diet.
So sad.
So I haven’t been very good at my diet but I am definitely watching what I eat. For starters, I haven’t had a late night (extra) meal in a very long time. Thanks to my caring wife, my consumption of red meats had been reduced to maybe an average of 3 times a week. I am eating smaller portions.
Ok, but I am staying with the tradition of a post marathon meal of whatever I want. Oh, yeah, pure junk calories. but I figure after hundreds of miles of training, I deserve it. Some of the best in the past have been:
Costco Dog


A bucket of KFC


The Hat’s pastrami fries


I am hungry now…
What's your fav bad meal?

One race, one mile, and one step at a time
Jeff
3/1/11 10M 1:25:58
829/847/919/907/917/816/811/805/815/806

Friday, February 25, 2011

Double Trouble

There are things in life that are just better when doubled. Double the pleasure, double the fun!
For example:
An in-n-out Double Double.


Doublemint gum


Getting a double-double from your fantasy league starter
Double fudge
Double pay
The list goes on and on…

But what about a marathon double? What exactly does that mean? It means to run two back to back marathons races on subsequent days. Hmmm, somehow it doesn’t quiet bring the image of fun in my mind. Annually, there are several opportunities for 50 Staters to accomplish doubles on given weekends. That is, to run two full marathons in two adjacent states on back to back days.

Now mind you that this isn’t that uncommon amongst the core of hard-core 50 Staters and Maniacs. But it is far beyond my boundary of comfort and experience. I am usually fairly sore after one race. I can’t exactly imagine getting up the next morning and doing it all over again. Putting the physical challenge aside, there are tremendous logistical challenges, that means finishing the first race, showering, (an ice bath is recommended), consuming large amounts of calories within a hour after the first race, getting into a car and driving 2-3 hours across state to pick up bibs for the next race. Then my biggest concerns is to finish the second race in a timely manner so that I can catch the flight home!

Strangely, there is a part of me that wants to conquer a new challenge such as the double. There is an added bonus of the financial savings of combining two races into one. I am really torn. I have a little time to think this over. This is a LARGE commitment. Decision TBD.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff

2/25/11 4M recovery 40:00

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Just bring it…

It’s time ladies and gentlemen. Official training for the Seattle Marathon began today… 125 days, 18 weeks, 818.2 miles to go. At the end of all this, my goal is to 1) put together a well thought out and executed training regiment ,2) run a patient, well paced race, and 3) celebrate state #16 with a new PR in Seattle.
Today’s run went very well. One has to love the weather in Southern California. A cool breeze, perfect air conditions (by So Cal standards… no noticeable smog), and the warm embrace of the “winter” sun. Finished a brisk 8 miler with a heart cap of 155, average 8:15/mile. Somehow my pacing and heart wasn’t matching up. HR was a little on the high side today. It kept creeping into the high 150s. Good part is that it felt about a 7 on the effort scale. Hope to see some improvement in the weeks to come.
Lord give me strength to persevere
To give it all each and every day

One race, one mile, and one step at a time
Jeff

Monday, February 14, 2011

Moving too fast?

Read this from a fellow 50 Stater's FB page today:
"enjoy the races and the 50 States will come."

What Dave M. was referring to was running multiple races in a state and not worrying about completing all 50 states... really enjoying all the cool races and places around the country.

How is this possible!? In my mind, it has always been, run fast, complete 50 ASAP. what do you mean take my time???

For me, the statement was deeply profound.
Honestly, I have not truly enjoyed a race in the last 2-3 years. Flying out solo on a Sat, picking up bib, going to sleep, waking up early, racing, showering, then getting back on a plane has allowed me little enjoyment of the cities I've visited. On top of that, I've focused so much on trying to cut down my PR that I don't even enjoy the race itself.
For the most part, I just keep looking at my Garmin and mile pace to make sure I was on track to run my time goal.
This is pretty much also a reflection of our lives. We are constantly on the move. Rushing from one activity to the next...

I hope that this year, after Seattle, I will be able to enjoy the year end runs. I need to slow down just a bit. Both in running and in our everyday life. I don't know if I will reach the zen state that Dave has reached... maybe one day.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff

2/14/11
9M 1:16:09

Thursday, February 10, 2011

How blue can you get?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jCNXASjzMY



Pretty blue. the nine miler today didn't help either. where are you happy hormones???

one race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff
2/10/11
9M - unfocused
805/902/850/839/852/913/820/830/819
http://connect.garmin.com/player/67610007

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Gear Talk


This is my Garmin 405. It is probably the second most important piece of gear I own. I love this thing... it is with me every step of my training and marathon race.

It tracks

distance via GPS
lap (mile) time
actual pace
heart rate

it also has many cool features such as auto-pause (stops when you stop), training partner (programmable interval training)...

I would say that this is a must have for intermediate to advanced runners.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Leaving Las Vegas

When I was young, going to Vegas was an event. It was usually with the boys and every time was “epic.” Every time was wilder than the last. Every time the financial and physical damage was greater than the last. That was the Vegas of yesteryears.

Going to Vegas last weekend was still an event. But it was the geriatric version of our old Vegas trip. Don’t get me wrong, we were very excited about having a trip alone without the kids. Jacky Cheung was in concert for the New Year and dinner at Fleur was absolutely amazing. But gone were the all-nighter and heavy drinking. Gone were the hours of gambling at the smoked filled table and venturing the dark corners of the city. Wife and I had a wonderful, relaxed stay and even managed to go to bed at a pretty decent time by Vegas standards (1AM!).
I went for a run the following morning at 6:00. It was a little hard to get out of bed but the result was completely worth the effort. Finished an 8 mile out and back from Mandalay Bay to Stratosphere. Its really amazing to sense the quiet in Vegas early in the morning. With the exception of some people stumbling from their lingering drunkenness, a few runners, and lots of cleaning crews, the streets were near empty. It gave me a chance to see the city without the fog of its glamour. It gave me a chance to see how much this city is maintained by the working class. … the very working class that the city (and its corporations) often takes from to continue its growth… I felt good from the run, and I felt good about this new Vegas experience.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
8M : 1:08:30
1009/1006/836/817/835/857/950/835
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/67290827

Thursday, February 3, 2011

A Germaphobe? Who me?


I saw a guy today do things you’d never, ever catch me doing at the gym.
1. Lay my towel or clothing directly on the bench in the locker. Yuck.
2. Walk around barefoot. YUCK! (flip flops a must)
3. Sit on the bench with bare ass. Double YUCK! (see point one)
In general I try to touch nothing.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time
Jeff
2/3/11 6 miles treadmill
855/813/743/806/750/727
http://connect.garmin.com/splits/66491283

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Vegas baby Vegas!

There is no rule that this blog has to only pertain to running right?
I am so excited that my wife and I will be heading to Vegas this weekend WITHOUT THE KIDS! We have a concert to attend and I’ve booked dinner at Keller’s Fleur de Lys.

Am I going to let this trip ruin my running? Heck no. Shoes/Shirt/Shorts/Socks packed. Hello hotel treadmill!

Can’t wait for the Wynn buffet breakfast after a long run. Heaven.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff

2/1/11 7 miles Mid level effort
843/845/858/907/834/833/829

http://connect.garmin.com/player/66237080

Monday, January 31, 2011

“Just use Vaseline”

“Hey man, what do I use to prevent bloody nipples?”
“hmm, I use band-aids but you can just use Vaseline.”

Not a conversation I really wanted to have and be overheard here at work. But It happened. And it was overheard… with the strange look that followed.

Note to self, keywords to avoid at work: nipples, Vaseline.

Herd Mentality



I had a great run today at lunch with two co-workers. For some reason, it seemed so much easier than when I’d run by myself. What part of our programming says run with peers = run faster, easier? I am a running loner. For the most part, I like the time alone to just reflect, think, and find that happy place inside my mind. But today I took off the headphones and chatted a bit with Travis and Greg on a pretty brisk 6 miler. It felt relatively easy and I was a little surprised to see the time of 7:46 at mile one. I think I pushed them a little and to their credit, they hung on for the first three. I took it down a notch between 4-5 before pushing again at mile 6. I can clearly see that group running has its benefits especially if you have a competitive bunch.

I miss running with Yoda. I had my best runs with him running at my heel. Is there anyone out there up to the challenge of pushing this pedestrian runner?

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
1/31/11
6M - Group run (notch down back ½)
746/745/741/857/829/803
http://connect.garmin.com/player/66096297

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Potpourri

Pot.pour.ri (noun)
1. A collection of fragrant dried flowers. A collection of dried flower petals, leaves, herbs, and spices that is used to scent the air.
2. Miscellaneous mixture. A mixture of miscellaneous things

• Happy birthday to my 3 year old daughter! She has the meanest “runner face” when she goes on our runs. Love her.
• There is no such thing as sweat-proof sun block. Do not apply over eyes.
• guess the song and artist:

You can go the distance
We'll find out in the long run
We can handle some resistance
If our love is a strong one
People talkin' about is
they got nothin' else to do
When it all comes down we will
still come through
In the long run

One race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff

Friday, January 28, 2011

Biggest loser

This exchange from my facebook page yesterday:

Marathon Liu (status) 185 after dinner. 15 to go
Mike S.: 6 ft 1 in and you want to weigh 170??? What are you thinking!!!
David K.: He wants the 'waif' look.

Now, now... not sure if I can get down to 170 lbs but here is some science that supports my theory that dropping 20 lbs can take off 20 min in my marathon time. Excellent Runners World article below:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304--11903-0,00.html

Yep! and an excuse to buy new threads :) Still debating if I should run or rest today. leaning heavy on rest.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Running on fumes

Five straight days of running and I am running on fumes. I think I might take a day off tomorrow because today’s “recovery” run didn’t feel easy. Was very close to resting today but talked myself into running anyway. Last four looked like this…
1/24 7 – Hard (7:55 avg)
1/25 4 – Hard (8:13)
1/26 6.2 – Easy (8:46)
1/27 6.1 – Recovery (8:55)
If I ran tomorrow I am not sure if I’d be able to put in a good effort. Let’s see how it feels tomorrow morning.
I will definitely get up into the 30 mile range for the week… maybe 40?

One race, one mile, and one step at a time
Jeff
1/27/11 6M 52:31
840/846/903/822/833/904
http://connect.garmin.com/player/65412230

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Gotham City

A frequently asked question is “what is your favorite marathon so far?”
I’ve only ran 15 States (20 races) so far. Every town and race has been unique in its own way. From the revitalized downtown of Phoenix to the serenity of Emerald Bay (Tahoe), there was something special and memorable from each race. I love Los Angeles, but… If I had to choose one race as my favorite, BY FAR, it would have to be the New York City Marathon (1998, 2002).
To experience the sights, smells, and people of all five boroughs of NYC is really an awesome experience on its own. Now add 30,000 marathoners from around the world and millions of New York’s finest in the crowd is really a life time experience. In particular was 2002. That was one year after the 911 attacks and emotions were still high and the runners and the city felt absolutely united on race day. My favorite memory of the race is near the 16 mile mark when one exits Queensboro Bridge and enters back onto Manhattan. To hear and see the roar of the thousands of fans gave me an emotional lift and sent goose bumps up my spine.
This is a very special race, difficult to get in (lottery system), but something that given the chance, every marathoner should experience.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boauNvB9h6I

Oh, a funny little story about the NYC marathon. A week before the NYC marathon, my wife was given the chance to attend a party (w/ guest) at the Playboy Mansion that took place the same weekend of the race. She asked if I would consider not going to NY in order to attend the party. I said, “There will be other opportunities to go to the Mansion in the future...”
Well, I am still waiting.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time
Jeff
1/25/11
4M 32:55 Easy
816/824/759/814 http://connect.garmin.com/player/65137880

Monday, January 24, 2011

Return of the Jedi


"Do, or do not. There is no 'try'." – Yoda



This email exchange between me and Mike L. (aka Yoda)

me: I lost my HRM. Don’t know why I keep losing my stuff. Ergh!
I want to be able to have a solid base of 30 miles and go into a 18 week training cycle this time. 3:45 means 8:30/mile. Going to be a test.

Yoda:30 miles base - Is this miles per week? If so, we need to get you up to at least 50!

me: Yes sir. 30 mile solid pre-training. 50+ during.

Yoda: 50 miles year round, unless you are building up to a race, then 60-80.

Damn Yoda! I thought you were banished to a far away planet!

1+1=?

It seems that so much of marathoning is the constant counting. My brain hurts.

Today marks 22 weeks until the Seattle marathon, which is 4 more weeks until official training begins.
In order to hit my goal of 3:45 (225 minutes), I will need to average 8:34 min/mile.
Today begins the building of a 30-40 mile week.
In order to hit 30 miles for the week, I’ll need to run a 6-8 miler during lunch.
In order to make a 6 miler at lunch with shower time, I will need to average roughly a 8 min mile =48 minutes which gives me 5-7 minutes to shower and 5-7 minutes to change and walk to and from my desk to the gym.
Get the picture?

I LOVE my Garmin 405… it provides me with real time pace and distance as I am running. But it has been a blessing and a curse. I can’t get myself to stop looking at the clock as I run. I seriously need to get a few runs in w/out my Garmin and try to enjoy the run and feel the run.
Sigh, well not today. Maybe another…

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
1/24/11
7M – 55:30 felt incredible
803/759/810/808/732/744/751
1040cals

Friday, January 21, 2011

Everyone is doing it...

Running Marathons that is!

Lance Armstrong, 2006 (2:59:36) and 2007 (2:46:43) New York City Marathon
William Baldwin, New York City Marathon 3:24:29
John Edwards, Marine Corps Marathon 3:30:18
Michael Dukakis, Boston Marathon 3:31:00
Natalie Morales, New York City Marathon (3:31:02) - I have no idea who she is
George W. Bush, 1993 Houston Marathon (3:44:52)
Ed Norton, 2009 New York City Marathon (3:48:01)
Anthony Edwards, 2003 Chicago Marathon (3:55:40) and 2009 NYC Marathon (4:08:20)
Will Ferrell, 2003 Boston Marathon (3:56:12)
Sarah Palin, 2005 Humpy's Marathon (3:59:36)
Bobby Flay, 2010 New York City Marathon (4:01:37) I am impressed!
Sean Combs (P. Diddy) 2003 New York City Marathon (4:14:54)
Alanis Morissette, 2009 New York City Marathon (4:28:45)
Oprah Winfrey, 1994 Marine Corps Marathon (4:29:15)
Lisa Ling, Boston Marathon 4:34:18
Al Gore, Marine Corps Marathon 4:58:25
Subway Jared, 2010 NYC Marathon 5:13
Katie Holmes, 2007 New York City Marathon (5:29:58)
Mario López, 2002 Boston Marathon (5:41:42)

Thursday, January 20, 2011

I am runner

Who qualifies as a “runner”? Is there a magical pace that separates a jog from a run?
I often get questions from people who are curious about my running. I think for the most part people are genuinely interested in the topic of marathons and running. But sometimes, I get a line questioning from THOSE OTHERS to gauge whether I am a “real” runner. Sometimes it is followed by a kind of a dismissive smirk (I am not fast). Yet some others will arrange another line of questioning to illustrate the (admitted) absurdity in participating in “so many races.”
What’s your PR?... oh…
Have you ran Boston?
Didn’t P Diddy (insert name of celeberty here, Oprah, etc.) run faster than that?
Do you win in these races? Do you win any money?

I think what qualifies a person as a runner is simply his/her commitment to the act of running. A runner moves her body to improve herself. She lifts her mind, body, and spirit with the physical act. She inspires others. That is a runner.

He is an extraordinary runner: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbKp2HeUpkY (2:08)
And so is she: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x32P3eiZDkc (10:04)

I am proud to be a pedestrian runner. Each of us has our own race, pace, and goal. Get out there and run. We are all runners.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
1/20/11
http://connect.garmin.com/player/64330976
6M – 50:18 sick/cold
836/842/834/802/804/816

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Need Inspiration?

...there are days like this when things aren't exactly peachy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPLCaAu_H2U

this vid reminds me of all the wonderful things I've been blessed with in my life and everything is about perspective. It also shows that nothing is impossible and we all have to power to overcome insurmountable obstacles...

one race, one mile, and one step at a time

Jeff

1/18/11
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/64033147
7.39M
813/824/827/826/756/748/754

Monday, January 17, 2011

The Chinese Dad and Running Kids

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704111504576059713528698754.html

I am sure some of you have already read the above article. It has certainly create a storm of controversy and debate over many Facebook pages. Being Chinese and having been raised in "the Chinese way" but raising two kids in America and living "the American life," made this article particularly difficult to process. Looking at how I am raising my two kids, I definitely see more of the "Chinese parent" in me than the "Western parent." The article has led to some self reflection about about my parenting style and raised the question of "am I pushing the kids too much?"

Take today for example, if anyone and witness the run with me and A at the track, they most definitely would have called child services. My son A is seven years old and has been running the track with me since he was four. While I have no real aspiration for him to have a track/field scholarship in college (he's got my slow genes after all), he is a fairly athletic kid. Last year at the OC kids marathon, he ran a 9:46 mile. Not bad! I was very proud of his time (while being astonished at his classmate's winning time of 7:02). He surpass his race time last year during one of our runs with a PR of 9:40... My offer to A was simple, run faster than 9:40 then he can have a pack of Pokemon cards...

So we start running today and we are rounding the first lap at 10:40 pace. I tell him "you'll need to pick it up A or you are not going to be close" "But I am running as hard as I can" "No you are not" "But you said to start easy then run finish strong" "but you need to pick it up" "But I am (now in a whining voice)" "we just hit 0.5Ms and you are at 10:20, you need to pick it up or you are not going to do it" "stop teasing me dad" "I am not teasing you, stop whining and pick it up" "I am running as hard as I can dad..."

We finish that first mile at 10:30. As we finish, he was near tears. I said to him "go sit down over there and pout, or play by the swing, b/c I am going to run some more... B/C there is no whining in running... you are NOT running as hard as you can b/c I've seen you run much faster and you are not doing that kid." "I want to run some more" "nah, you just go sit and pout" "I want to run!...." So I take off and he follows, running past me. We finish that second mile at 9:28... he was so happy. I was very happy and proud.

Am I pushing him? Every day! I am trying to teach the kid that whining and crying is not acceptable and he must push himself to achieve things! Am I pushing him too hard? I don't think so. Am I wrong? As we walked home, I explained to him what the expression "sand-bagging" meant... as he was clearly doing on the first mile. I will not and cannot allow him to grow up thinking that is ok.
So the next time you see a father pestering his son to go faster on their run in the neighborhood... know that its just this pedestrian runner trying to do the right thing.

One race, one mile, and one step at a time,

1/17/11 3M - Vibrams
1030/928/657

Saturday, January 15, 2011

So Cal Winters


Its harsh ain't it? 79 degrees today in sunny southern California. I am truly blessed to live here where its almost always running weather. While my 7 year old had his basketball practice today, I ran near the foothills of Irvine and had a great little run. It was HOT HOT HOT! Only 5 miles today with a mile walk earlier in the morning with the family.

Oh, by the way, have I shown everyone my Vibrams? I have really grown to love these cushion-less shoes. I already see an increase in my overall stability and leg/feet strength after about two weeks of workouts in them. Word of caution, work them in slowly and build milage in them slowly... they take some getting used to.

one race, one mile, and one step at a time
Jeff

1/15/11
5M+1M Walk
838/832/802/800/750

Friday, January 14, 2011

Playlist

I know that some purists hate the very idea of running with music. Some consider it an assist and some consider it an impairment to the experience. I fully respect these views. But, I think of music as an essential element to my running. My iPod and I together on 99% of my runs. I do take the extra precautions when running w/ headphones. Hug the right shoulder and turn the sound down so that I can still hear some of the ambient noise. Safety first!

What better way to enjoy the miles with your own soundtrack? Here is a sampling from my race soundtrack entitled “no limits”:

Rocket Man Elton John
Empire State of Mind Jay-Z
Cinderella Man Eminem
NY State of Mind Nas
I Go To Work Kool Moe Dee
Yeah! Usher
Paid in Full Eric B & Rakim
Moment of Clarity Jay-Z
Hit the Road Jack Ray Charles
Run this Town Jay-Z
Unbelievable Notorious BIG
Eye of the Tiger (I know its corny, but I love it)


What's in your playlist?

One race, one mile, and one step at a time
Jeff
1/14/11 – Zero day

Thursday, January 13, 2011

If I can, so can you...



This is the old me (1993, 230+lbs honestly I stopped measuring after hitting 230, size 40 w)











 






 
 

 

2011 (187 size 34 w)








 





 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
2014 (175 32w)





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Focus focus...

The human mind is a powerful (and often weak) thing. Why is it that, when I schedule a 8 miler that I get tired at mile 7? But why is it that, when I then schedule a 13 miler that I don’t get tired until mile 12? Mental block! Self limits that hinders performance… has it happened to you?
Running has been a great test and training of the mind for me. I don’t always succeed but it is a constant practice to put away doubts and excuses. “oh, its too cold this morning” “oh, its too hot today” “kids kept me up last night” “im on vacation!”… the list goes on and on… I’m sure everyone has got some good excuses. (send me your best ones!)
The marathon race IS the ultimate test of will. As I have often said, I learn a little bit more about what I am made of at each race. There comes a point in the race that your body will overpower your mind… this is most commonly referred to as “the wall.” As a mid to back-of-the-pack runner, the greatest reward of the marathon is often how I overcome that mental wall.
Therefore, marathon training is the place to build the physical and more importantly, the mental strength to withstand the vulnerabilities. But even the casual runner can gain the same benefits with a consistent running routine. Just bring the running shoes and leave the excuses!
here is a great quote…
"Limits like fears, are often just illusions." - Michael Jordan @ HOF ceremony

One race, one mile, and one step at a time
Jeff
1/13/11
http://connect.garmin.com/player/63271111
6M – 49:15
821/820/826/747/806/812 – 918 cal

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

I am back...

It has been a long, long layoff since my last blog entry (yahoo 360 May 24th 2008). In that entry, I had just completed the Coeur d'Alene marathon for my 11th State with a 4:08 finish (PR at that time). So what's happened since? Well, four more marathons/states came off the map... Omaha NE, New Orleans, LA (new PR 3:58), Stillwater, MN, and Tulsa, OK. That brings the new state count to 15! Still a long ways to go but we are certainly making progress.

Goals for 2011? well, suddenly high on the list is to revive the blogging! I miss communicating with sentences... something Facebook just can't provide. As for race planning, a slight deviation from the previous few year. Instead of planning for 3 races into early, mid, and late calendar year, I've decided to give myself the first 6 months of the year for the first race of the year. The Seattle Marathon on June 25, 2011!
Last year, after the PR run in New Orleans, I just felt mentally exhausted... with 4 months between each of the following race, I had little left in the tank... resulting in fairly poor performances.
This year, I will push for a new PR in June and then pull back for two late year races where I will try to actually enjoy the run.

Also very exciting is commitments (actually registration!) by Larry C, Mike & MariAnne C, and Tito N to join me in Seattle. More incentive to train hard and put on a good performance.


One race, one mile, and one step at a time...

Jeff