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.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
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
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
“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…
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
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
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