Just kidding! I'm a Democrat (actually I'm left of the Democrats) but I'm not a big fan of Kerry. I do think the charge of flip flopping is unfair (considering how much the world has changed in 30 years, I would expect someone's views to change).
Anyway, this isn't a political post. I'm doing the 50 mile ultra in Kansas. I know, I know, I said I wasn't. I've been struggling with my goals and my purpose lately. Not in a bad way--struggling is probably not the best word. Exploring, considering, pondering, wondering, hoping. What I've finally decided, for the time being, is this:
1. I like being outdoors, I like trails, I like the variability and unpredictability of trail walking.
2. I want to be outdoors for longer periods. I don't like short races.
3. I want to explore other outdoor/endurance activities, such as fast packing/ultralight backpacking. I want to do some of these activities with my daughter.
4. I want to forget about pace, time, ranking, etc. I want to get outside and move and enjoy it.
So I decided to go ahead and go to Kansas and put my ass on the trail and see what happens. I'm not going to do the 24 hour track race. I'm going to focus on trails, some ultras and some shorter distances, and I'm going to learn about hiking, backpacking, primitive camping, fastpacking, etc. I'm a city boy. I don't know anything about the outdoors or survival or camping. But I want to know. I want to walk away from the world for several days with just a pack on my back. I want to introduce my daughter to a world beyond cars and concrete and work. I know this all sounds weird and hopelessly romantic, but this is what is inside of me right now. I'd like to go on some exciting adventure with my daughter when she is older, like hiking the Appalachian Trail or hiking in some remote spot overseas or something else crazy and adventurous!
So my plan is to race in the Heartland/Spirit of the Prairie 50 mile race on October 9th. I've also signed up for the Rock Ledge Rumble, a 25k trail race here in the Dallas area. After that I don't know what I'll do, and I don't care. I will probably explore more of the local trails and spend some time just enjoying the outdoors and my own movement. I just want to have fun, to feel fit and to feel challenged.
Thanks to everyone for their recent suggestions and support. I'm excited!
Coincidentally, I made this decision yesterday and booked a hotel. Today in the mail I got my race packet. I feel like everything is meant to be. Our hotel is in El Dorado, which is mentioned in one of my favorite poems ("Wichita Vortex Sutra" by Allen Ginsberg) which was then made into one of my favorite musical works (the poem read by Ginsberg himself with piano accompaniment by Philip Glass). Here's a good excerpt (curse blogger for removing the formatting!):
Let the States tremble,
let the Nation weep,
let Congress legislate its own delight
let the President execute his own desire -
this Act done by my own voice,
nameless Mystery -
published to my own senses,
blissfully received by my own form
approved with pleasure by my sensations
manifestation of my very thought
accomplished in my own imagination
all realms within my consciousness fulfilled
60 miles from Wichita
near El Dorado,
The Golden One,
in chill earthly mist
houseless brown farmland plains rolling heavenward
in every direction
one midwinter afternoon Sunday called the day of the Lord -
Pure Spring Water gathered in one tower
where Florence is
set on a hill,
stop for tea & gas
Friday, September 10, 2004
Check out this blog!
Check out Tales of slow, brave Athena. What an athlete! And what an attitude! Go, Athena. You're an inspiration!
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Weird.....
I wrote two posts on Tuesday and I thought they were lost. They never showed up on my blog and I got a "Page Not Found" error when I tried to post them.
Well, now they are here! I don't know how or why, but I guess Blogger finally posted them.
Well, now they are here! I don't know how or why, but I guess Blogger finally posted them.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Arrrrrgghhh!
Last night I wrote a long post about walking in marathons, based on this article from Runner's World. Then Blogger lost it. I don't have the energy to rewrite it.
Then I overslept today! I will probably only be able to train one day this week (tomorrow) because Tuesday was a rest day, I overslept today, and Friday I feel like I should take the day off before the 5k on Saturday. Oh well, it is what it is. I also feel like my cold is coming back, so maybe it is better that I didn't walk today.
Then I overslept today! I will probably only be able to train one day this week (tomorrow) because Tuesday was a rest day, I overslept today, and Friday I feel like I should take the day off before the 5k on Saturday. Oh well, it is what it is. I also feel like my cold is coming back, so maybe it is better that I didn't walk today.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Runner's World article on Marathon Walkers
Chris Brogan pointed me to this article in the current Runner's World. I had heard that someone was writing an article through the Yahoo! Marathon Walkers group but I hadn't seen it yet.
My first thoughts on reading it:
1. It doesn't really apply to me. While I'm no elite racewalker, I can compete with a fair number of runners out there and don't want to finish at the back of the pack any more than runners do. I'm out there to compete and push myself, even if I'm only competing against me.
2. Most of the complaints about walkers have to do with race etiquette, not walking in and of itself. There are plenty of people (runners and walkers) who line up at the front when they shouldn't, or congregate together and block the path. Walkers are only more visible and an "easy" target for complaints.
3. This is more of a problem in these large, mega-events. In the few large events I've done the start has always been crowded, confusing and frustrating, no matter where you start. I often have to dodge around people (and people often have to dodge around me) because of the sheer number of participants. This is one reason why I much prefer smaller races, especially 100-300 people.
4. I completely respect the position of the race directors. They have to make money or the events we all love will go away. I feel that they should set reasonable limits on their events and expect that the participants will manage themselves and their own capabilities. There is a large market in walkers so some events will naturally cater to that crowd. But there is nothing wrong with an RD who puts a 6 hour or 5 hour limit on the race. In racewalking I've seen some shorter races (mile, 5k) that told you not to show up if you couldn't keep a certain pace (and they were paces I could not maintain) so this is not exclusive to running.
All in all it was a pretty balanced article that I'm sure will receive a lot of feedback. I don't think there is any reason that walkers and runners can not coexist. They are each trying to accomplish something different. Think about trail runners, mountain bikers and hikers. When I recently walked the North Short of Lake Grapevine, I was very proud to complete the out-and-back in a little under four hours. A mountain biker could probably finish in 1-2 hours; a good trail runner is 2-3; a hiker in 7-8. Each of us sought something different out of the same route. I don't compare myself to runners because we are in different sports, just like a road cyclist shouldn't compare him/herself to a runner.
There was only one quote that bothered me, by Bob Glover, author of The Competitive Runner's Handbook: "Now they just go out and do it because they're told they don't have to run it, they can walk it. It's a cop-out for an underachieving society." That is an unnecessarily harsh and unfair statement. Someone who walks a marathon has achieved something! Most people, even most reasonably fit people, could not walk 26.2 miles. It is an achievement. Like I said above, it is a different achievement. I doubt any of these eight hour marathoners count themselves in the same "league" as the elites like Bob (jerk). I am totally in awe of olympians, elite marathoners, ultramarathoners. But I'm still working my butt off to be better and faster and stronger and healthier. To criticize my effort is to criticize amateurism in general. Should only superstars play basketball? Should only prodigies play the violin or the electric guitar? Should I stop playing chess? Or better yet, should I tell my daughter to stop learning chess if it becomes apparent that she will never be a Chess master? ARRGH! I have to stop before I get more angry!
Since I'm on this topic, I did receive an interesting comment during my race yesterday. I usually negative split my races because it takes me a little while to warm up. Therefore I usually pass a few people during the race. Yesterday was no exception--I probably passed 10 people in the last half of the race and was only passed by one.
Right before the turnaround I passed a woman who said, "I thought this was a running race." She immediately said, "Just kidding," but she didn't really sound like she was kidding. She might have been. Or she might have felt discouraged that a mere "walker" was passing her. Who knows.
In the last mile of the race a woman who passed me said, "I've been so impressed with you for the last few miles. Good job!" Mostly I've met with tons of encouragement and nice comments, even from people I'm passing.
So much of someone's attitude toward walkers depends on one's attitude in general. That's the main lesson I've learned. What do you think?
My first thoughts on reading it:
1. It doesn't really apply to me. While I'm no elite racewalker, I can compete with a fair number of runners out there and don't want to finish at the back of the pack any more than runners do. I'm out there to compete and push myself, even if I'm only competing against me.
2. Most of the complaints about walkers have to do with race etiquette, not walking in and of itself. There are plenty of people (runners and walkers) who line up at the front when they shouldn't, or congregate together and block the path. Walkers are only more visible and an "easy" target for complaints.
3. This is more of a problem in these large, mega-events. In the few large events I've done the start has always been crowded, confusing and frustrating, no matter where you start. I often have to dodge around people (and people often have to dodge around me) because of the sheer number of participants. This is one reason why I much prefer smaller races, especially 100-300 people.
4. I completely respect the position of the race directors. They have to make money or the events we all love will go away. I feel that they should set reasonable limits on their events and expect that the participants will manage themselves and their own capabilities. There is a large market in walkers so some events will naturally cater to that crowd. But there is nothing wrong with an RD who puts a 6 hour or 5 hour limit on the race. In racewalking I've seen some shorter races (mile, 5k) that told you not to show up if you couldn't keep a certain pace (and they were paces I could not maintain) so this is not exclusive to running.
All in all it was a pretty balanced article that I'm sure will receive a lot of feedback. I don't think there is any reason that walkers and runners can not coexist. They are each trying to accomplish something different. Think about trail runners, mountain bikers and hikers. When I recently walked the North Short of Lake Grapevine, I was very proud to complete the out-and-back in a little under four hours. A mountain biker could probably finish in 1-2 hours; a good trail runner is 2-3; a hiker in 7-8. Each of us sought something different out of the same route. I don't compare myself to runners because we are in different sports, just like a road cyclist shouldn't compare him/herself to a runner.
There was only one quote that bothered me, by Bob Glover, author of The Competitive Runner's Handbook: "Now they just go out and do it because they're told they don't have to run it, they can walk it. It's a cop-out for an underachieving society." That is an unnecessarily harsh and unfair statement. Someone who walks a marathon has achieved something! Most people, even most reasonably fit people, could not walk 26.2 miles. It is an achievement. Like I said above, it is a different achievement. I doubt any of these eight hour marathoners count themselves in the same "league" as the elites like Bob (jerk). I am totally in awe of olympians, elite marathoners, ultramarathoners. But I'm still working my butt off to be better and faster and stronger and healthier. To criticize my effort is to criticize amateurism in general. Should only superstars play basketball? Should only prodigies play the violin or the electric guitar? Should I stop playing chess? Or better yet, should I tell my daughter to stop learning chess if it becomes apparent that she will never be a Chess master? ARRGH! I have to stop before I get more angry!
Since I'm on this topic, I did receive an interesting comment during my race yesterday. I usually negative split my races because it takes me a little while to warm up. Therefore I usually pass a few people during the race. Yesterday was no exception--I probably passed 10 people in the last half of the race and was only passed by one.
Right before the turnaround I passed a woman who said, "I thought this was a running race." She immediately said, "Just kidding," but she didn't really sound like she was kidding. She might have been. Or she might have felt discouraged that a mere "walker" was passing her. Who knows.
In the last mile of the race a woman who passed me said, "I've been so impressed with you for the last few miles. Good job!" Mostly I've met with tons of encouragement and nice comments, even from people I'm passing.
So much of someone's attitude toward walkers depends on one's attitude in general. That's the main lesson I've learned. What do you think?
Monday, September 06, 2004
Rainy, Messy Labor Day 15k
Today I returned to racing on a wet and rainy Labor Day. My wife had some insomnia last night so I ended up waking up at 4:30 and never going back to sleep (it's hard to sleep when someone is watching "The Shining"!). I was reading the news on the internet and relaxing when I heard the sound of very loud and hard rain! I hadn't checked the weather in a few days so I wasn't expecting rain. Luckily it slowed down by the 7:30 start; it lightly rained about half the race and then stopped for the other half.
My legs felt pretty heavy and slow during a lot of the race. I think that might be because I didn't train at all last week; I took an unprecedented seven day break from racewalking. But I still had pretty decent times, a negative split and a PR. I had one really slow mile in the middle (mile 6) but that was mostly due to slowing down at an aid station and adjusting one of my safety pins that was starting to rub uncomfortably. My splits were: 10:22, 10:22, 10:22, 10:09, 10:12, 10:34, 10:11, 10:15, 10:15, 3:12. My previous PR was 1:38:20 (10:33 pace) so I trimmed almost three minutes off my previous best and 18 seconds per mile off the pace. I think if we had had dry weather I could have done even better.
Distance: 15 kilometers
Time: 1:35:37
Pace: 10:15/mile
I'm planning to race in a 5k next weekend (9/11, the Freedom Run). I'm hoping to set a PR but since I haven't been doing any speedwork that may not be possible. I thought I could go faster today but never got below 10:09/mile, so I may not be able to push the pace below my current 5k PR of 10:08. I am planning to do some speedwork on Wednesday so maybe that will remind my legs what it feels like to go fast!
Happy Labor Day and happy racing/training to all the other bloggers out there.
My legs felt pretty heavy and slow during a lot of the race. I think that might be because I didn't train at all last week; I took an unprecedented seven day break from racewalking. But I still had pretty decent times, a negative split and a PR. I had one really slow mile in the middle (mile 6) but that was mostly due to slowing down at an aid station and adjusting one of my safety pins that was starting to rub uncomfortably. My splits were: 10:22, 10:22, 10:22, 10:09, 10:12, 10:34, 10:11, 10:15, 10:15, 3:12. My previous PR was 1:38:20 (10:33 pace) so I trimmed almost three minutes off my previous best and 18 seconds per mile off the pace. I think if we had had dry weather I could have done even better.
Distance: 15 kilometers
Time: 1:35:37
Pace: 10:15/mile
I'm planning to race in a 5k next weekend (9/11, the Freedom Run). I'm hoping to set a PR but since I haven't been doing any speedwork that may not be possible. I thought I could go faster today but never got below 10:09/mile, so I may not be able to push the pace below my current 5k PR of 10:08. I am planning to do some speedwork on Wednesday so maybe that will remind my legs what it feels like to go fast!
Happy Labor Day and happy racing/training to all the other bloggers out there.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Big news
It was on June 8 that I announced my intention to race in a 24 hour ultra. Today, I'm announcing that I've changed my mind and I'm cancelling my plans. I've decided that I just don't want to push myself that hard right now. As Chris Brogan mentioned in one of his comments, this is supposed to be fun, but it's not fun for me right now. I'm burning the candle at both ends to get in my miles and it's starting to catch up with me. I've been sick since Sunday and haven't walked at all since then. I've decided that for the time being I want to work on speed and I want to RACE! I'm tired of walking at a 12:30 to 13:00 minute per mile pace when I know I can do 9:20 to 10:20.
It's funny but this hasn't been a difficult or agonizing decision. I'm tired of walking slow, I'm tired of not racing, I'm tired of being sore all the time, I'm tired of walking myself to the point of exhaustion and pain each Sunday. Once I decided this isn't what I want to do right now I felt much better. I'm really excited and already have some race plans.
If I can get over this cold I'm going to race in the Labor Day 15k on Monday, then the Freedom Run 5k on 9/11. Then I might do the Lost Dog 20k on October 10, and the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon on November 7.
I'll probably do a 5k race in November, along with the Turkey Trot, then finally I'll Run the Rock in the Dallas White Rock Marathon. Last year I did the half and I've always wanted to do the full marathon. This is Dallas' premier marathon and always draws a large crowd.
So that's my news. Thanks to everyone for their comments, thoughts and encouragement. I'm excited and and glad I made this decision. I'm looking forward to training again and hope to set some PRs in my upcoming races. After all, I have been walking 50-70 miles per week, so that's got to help my strength, endurance and speed. If I spend some time focusing on speedwork I hope to get my pace below 9:00 per mile on some shorter races. I'm not there yet, but that will be my new goal.
Happy running and walking!
It's funny but this hasn't been a difficult or agonizing decision. I'm tired of walking slow, I'm tired of not racing, I'm tired of being sore all the time, I'm tired of walking myself to the point of exhaustion and pain each Sunday. Once I decided this isn't what I want to do right now I felt much better. I'm really excited and already have some race plans.
If I can get over this cold I'm going to race in the Labor Day 15k on Monday, then the Freedom Run 5k on 9/11. Then I might do the Lost Dog 20k on October 10, and the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon on November 7.
I'll probably do a 5k race in November, along with the Turkey Trot, then finally I'll Run the Rock in the Dallas White Rock Marathon. Last year I did the half and I've always wanted to do the full marathon. This is Dallas' premier marathon and always draws a large crowd.
So that's my news. Thanks to everyone for their comments, thoughts and encouragement. I'm excited and and glad I made this decision. I'm looking forward to training again and hope to set some PRs in my upcoming races. After all, I have been walking 50-70 miles per week, so that's got to help my strength, endurance and speed. If I spend some time focusing on speedwork I hope to get my pace below 9:00 per mile on some shorter races. I'm not there yet, but that will be my new goal.
Happy running and walking!
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Beautiful day!
Today was a beautiful day for a walk. Yesterday morning it rained non-stop. I heard it from bed and was so glad Saturday is my rest day. I also got to sleep in yesterday because my wife got up and took care of the little one (normally I try to let my wife sleep in on Saturday because she gets up every other day of the week to get the kid ready for school or because I'm on my long Sunday walk).
Today's weather was cool for this time of year (70's) and sunny. There was a big, beautiful, yellow moon setting over the lake and the downtown skyline when I started walking (at 5:30!) and the lake was full from yesterday's rain. I saw a raccoon, some turtles and lots of birds.
The walk was kind of tough. I went out too fast and was getting pretty sore by the end of my second loop (three "short" loops equals about 27.3 miles) but I really wanted to get in three loops so I kept going. My times on the last loop were slower but acceptable to me so I feel pretty good about the results.
I can say that I'm getting a little burned out on the Ultra training. It takes so much time, and it prevents me from racing because I have to stay on track with my long distance training. I also don't do much speedwork and don't have much variety in my training because I'm just focusing on quality miles. I think I've decided to switch back to half and full marathons (for a while, maybe forever) after the Ultracentric race at the end of November. There are a lot of races I'd like to do but can't because of the two pending ultras.
After November I'll probably do the New Year's Day 5 mile run again, then the Lake Benbrook Half Marathon again, then the Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans. Last year I won the men's half marathon racewalk division; I'd really like to try to win the full marathon this year. We'll see how I feel after November 28th!
Distance: 27.2 miles
Time: 5:21:14
Pace: 11:48
Today's weather was cool for this time of year (70's) and sunny. There was a big, beautiful, yellow moon setting over the lake and the downtown skyline when I started walking (at 5:30!) and the lake was full from yesterday's rain. I saw a raccoon, some turtles and lots of birds.
The walk was kind of tough. I went out too fast and was getting pretty sore by the end of my second loop (three "short" loops equals about 27.3 miles) but I really wanted to get in three loops so I kept going. My times on the last loop were slower but acceptable to me so I feel pretty good about the results.
I can say that I'm getting a little burned out on the Ultra training. It takes so much time, and it prevents me from racing because I have to stay on track with my long distance training. I also don't do much speedwork and don't have much variety in my training because I'm just focusing on quality miles. I think I've decided to switch back to half and full marathons (for a while, maybe forever) after the Ultracentric race at the end of November. There are a lot of races I'd like to do but can't because of the two pending ultras.
After November I'll probably do the New Year's Day 5 mile run again, then the Lake Benbrook Half Marathon again, then the Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans. Last year I won the men's half marathon racewalk division; I'd really like to try to win the full marathon this year. We'll see how I feel after November 28th!
Distance: 27.2 miles
Time: 5:21:14
Pace: 11:48
Friday, August 27, 2004
Olympic 50k Racewalk Results
Robert Korzeniowski captured his fourth gold medal in racewalking by winning the men's 50k racewalk in 3:38.46, only 17/100 of a second short of the Olympic Record. He won the 50k Gold in Sydney and Atlanta and the 20k Gold in Sydney. Many consider him to be the greatest walker ever. The American walkers, Curt Clausen and Phillip Dunn, finished in 32nd and 35th place, respectively. Here are the complete results.
Here is a photo essay.
I'm a little behind in my posts
I'm a little behind in my posts for the week so let me quickly catch up.
Sunday I was successful in my long walk. I walked 33 miles and felt pretty bad at the end, but no so bad that I couldn't go to lunch with the family and go to the mall and the grocery store. I went a little too fast (my pace was at least one minute faster than my planned ultra race pace) which contributed to my fatigue at the end. I ended up with 73 miles for the week, my highest weekly mileage ever.
Distance: 33.0 miles
Time: 6:45:19
Pace: 12:16
Monday was a rest day.
Tuesday I walked in the neighborhood and at the track. I pushed the pace and felt really good. I was happy I could walk pretty fast considering I had walked 33 miles two days before. I even turned in a 9:44 final mile.
Distance: 10.2 miles
Time: 1:50:50
Pace: 10:51
Wednesday I felt tired and was also running a little late so I only walked 8 miles. I have a little less flexibility in my morning schedule because I drop my daughter off at school.
Distance: 8.23 miles
Time: 1:38:53
Pace: 12:00
Thursday I was just sooooo tired. I've been getting up every day at 4:00 am, but not getting in bed until 9:30 - 10:30, so I decided to get back in bed and rest.
Today I felt better and did my normal neighborhood/track walk. My time was pretty good and I didn't feel like I was pushing hard.
Distance: 10.3 miles
Time: 1:51:45
Pace: 10:50
Tomorrow the plan is to sleep in and rest, then do 22-26 miles on Sunday. I'm thinking about trying a new trail so I can get in more miles on the trails. My first ultra is a trail ultra (although it is supposed to be a pretty easy, smooth and flat course) so I feel like I need some trail miles to help me prepare.
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend and gets in some good training or racing!
Sunday I was successful in my long walk. I walked 33 miles and felt pretty bad at the end, but no so bad that I couldn't go to lunch with the family and go to the mall and the grocery store. I went a little too fast (my pace was at least one minute faster than my planned ultra race pace) which contributed to my fatigue at the end. I ended up with 73 miles for the week, my highest weekly mileage ever.
Distance: 33.0 miles
Time: 6:45:19
Pace: 12:16
Monday was a rest day.
Tuesday I walked in the neighborhood and at the track. I pushed the pace and felt really good. I was happy I could walk pretty fast considering I had walked 33 miles two days before. I even turned in a 9:44 final mile.
Distance: 10.2 miles
Time: 1:50:50
Pace: 10:51
Wednesday I felt tired and was also running a little late so I only walked 8 miles. I have a little less flexibility in my morning schedule because I drop my daughter off at school.
Distance: 8.23 miles
Time: 1:38:53
Pace: 12:00
Thursday I was just sooooo tired. I've been getting up every day at 4:00 am, but not getting in bed until 9:30 - 10:30, so I decided to get back in bed and rest.
Today I felt better and did my normal neighborhood/track walk. My time was pretty good and I didn't feel like I was pushing hard.
Distance: 10.3 miles
Time: 1:51:45
Pace: 10:50
Tomorrow the plan is to sleep in and rest, then do 22-26 miles on Sunday. I'm thinking about trying a new trail so I can get in more miles on the trails. My first ultra is a trail ultra (although it is supposed to be a pretty easy, smooth and flat course) so I feel like I need some trail miles to help me prepare.
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend and gets in some good training or racing!
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Olympic Racewalk Results to Date
There have already been two great racewalk events at the Olympics, the Men's and Women's 20k walks. Both were exciting races and the "favorites" were upset, especially in the Women's event where local Greek walker Athanasia Tsoumeleka "walked" away with the Gold! The American men had good races, but when you compare them to the field you can see that Europe and Asia (especially China and Russia) put a lot more emphasis on racewalking than we do here in the States.
Men's 20k Racewalk:
Results
Photo Essay
Women's 20k Racewalk
Results
Photo Essay
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Article on Racewalking
Here's a decent article on Racewalking from the Boston Globe, including brief interviews with the US Racewalkers at the Olympics. The article is a little bit silly but portrays racewalking in a positive light.
Friday, August 20, 2004
First Day of School!
Except for non-stop torrential rain, the first day of school went as well as can be expected. Here are a few pictures:
Here is Lela, about to enter her classroom for the first day of school.
Here she is having some second thoughts and first day fears.
She's settled in and getting to business.
Mom did OK with only a few tears after we left the classroom. This will impact her more than anyone since she spent all day with Lela. She's considering her options, including volunteering, working, school, or sleeping.
Walking related, I had good walks yesterday and today. Yesterday I went to the track for my usual workout; I've increased my daily walks from 7 miles to 10-11 miles. Yesterday I felt good and pushed the pace quite a bit.
Distance: 11.20 miles
Time: 2:00:52
Pace: 10:47
Today I went to a local paved walking trail because the track was too waterlogged. The route is short so I tried some neighborhood walks to extend it. I was also pretty tired from lots of walking this week so I cut the walk short at 10 miles.
Distance: 10.10 miles
Time: 1:57:38
Pace: 11:38
I'm blogging from San Antonio. Our development project goes live tonight so I have to sit around until 9:00 pm, then go on site and test everything to make sure it transitioned to production correctly, then sleep, then fly home tomorrow morning. Luckily tomorrow is a rest day so I don't have to get a walk in. Sunday I'll do long miles, hopefully 33-34 if I'm feelng OK.
I also got another pair of shoes, New Balance 110s:
These are the only commercially available shoes specifically for racewalking. They are light and very flexible, but they don't offer much support, so I primarily use them for shorter distances. I use the NB 833s for longer walks, and Asics GT 2080 (since discontinued and replaced with 2090) for trail walks. They are road running shoes, not trail shoes, but they offer me the additional support and cushioning I need on hard trails and I don't want to spend money on a pair of trail shoes yet.
Here is Lela, about to enter her classroom for the first day of school.
Here she is having some second thoughts and first day fears.
She's settled in and getting to business.
Mom did OK with only a few tears after we left the classroom. This will impact her more than anyone since she spent all day with Lela. She's considering her options, including volunteering, working, school, or sleeping.
Walking related, I had good walks yesterday and today. Yesterday I went to the track for my usual workout; I've increased my daily walks from 7 miles to 10-11 miles. Yesterday I felt good and pushed the pace quite a bit.
Distance: 11.20 miles
Time: 2:00:52
Pace: 10:47
Today I went to a local paved walking trail because the track was too waterlogged. The route is short so I tried some neighborhood walks to extend it. I was also pretty tired from lots of walking this week so I cut the walk short at 10 miles.
Distance: 10.10 miles
Time: 1:57:38
Pace: 11:38
I'm blogging from San Antonio. Our development project goes live tonight so I have to sit around until 9:00 pm, then go on site and test everything to make sure it transitioned to production correctly, then sleep, then fly home tomorrow morning. Luckily tomorrow is a rest day so I don't have to get a walk in. Sunday I'll do long miles, hopefully 33-34 if I'm feelng OK.
I also got another pair of shoes, New Balance 110s:
These are the only commercially available shoes specifically for racewalking. They are light and very flexible, but they don't offer much support, so I primarily use them for shorter distances. I use the NB 833s for longer walks, and Asics GT 2080 (since discontinued and replaced with 2090) for trail walks. They are road running shoes, not trail shoes, but they offer me the additional support and cushioning I need on hard trails and I don't want to spend money on a pair of trail shoes yet.
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
Catching Up
I haven't posted in a while! Things have been busy. I all but wrapped up my recent project (just a few more tasks to be completed) and proposed a new job for myself to our CEO--put me in charge of employee relations, because employee satisfaction at my company is at its nadir and many people are looking for jobs (some are just waiting on an offer so they can resign). I got her approval of my ideas, but today I prepared a budget for her. As they say, Money talks. We'll see if she is still as interested after she sees the money I want to spend.
We also bought a new car, a Honda Civic for my wife. We have always been a single car family and have never had any problems, but now that our daughter is starting school (tomorrow! Weep!!) we really needed a second car. We were able to get the payments and terms we wanted, and we showed up at the dealership around 6:30 and left around 10:00, so it was a pretty quick and painless process.
As for walking, I've done quite a bit of that. My last post was August 8th after my 32 mile long walk. Last week I only walked three times because I had some major hip pain in the middle of the week. But I was still able to walk 40.6 miles in those three days.
The most interesting and challenging walk was a trail walk on the North Shore Trail of Lake Grapevine, outside Dallas. I got there at 6:00 am and hit the trail, only to find that the trails were filled with spider webs! With big spiders!! Some of the spiders were as big as my thumbnail (just their bodies, not including the legs)! I had to pick up some brush and wave it in front of me as I walked to flush out the webs. It was a little disgusting for a while, but eventually the sun came up and other hikers/runners/cyclists hit the trails and cleared up the webs.
This trail was very, very challenging. I actually ran quite a bit, running up and down the major inclines, and I jumped over rocks, up rocks, over roots, across streams, etc. When I finished my legs were killing me and they were still sore for a couple of days. I walked the entire North Shore Trail round trip, plus a couple of small "detours" (I got lost) so I walked a total of 19.13 miles at a pace of 12:32. Considering the difficulty of the trail I thought that was a good pace.
I took Monday off to recover and did an easy recovery walk Tuesday morning:
Distance: 7.16 miles
Time: 1:29:55
Pace: 12:33
Today I did a longer walk and pushed the pace a little more:
Distance: 11.11 miles
Time: 2:05:32
Pace: 11:17
Tomorrow I would like to do another 10-11 miles, then 14 on Friday, then Saturday off, then long mileage on Sunday. I haven't decided for sure, but I would like to do about 33-34 miles. We'll see how I feel Saturday/Sunday morning.
I have lots of blogs to catch up on. I hope everyone is healthy and happy and enjoying their running/walking.
We also bought a new car, a Honda Civic for my wife. We have always been a single car family and have never had any problems, but now that our daughter is starting school (tomorrow! Weep!!) we really needed a second car. We were able to get the payments and terms we wanted, and we showed up at the dealership around 6:30 and left around 10:00, so it was a pretty quick and painless process.
As for walking, I've done quite a bit of that. My last post was August 8th after my 32 mile long walk. Last week I only walked three times because I had some major hip pain in the middle of the week. But I was still able to walk 40.6 miles in those three days.
The most interesting and challenging walk was a trail walk on the North Shore Trail of Lake Grapevine, outside Dallas. I got there at 6:00 am and hit the trail, only to find that the trails were filled with spider webs! With big spiders!! Some of the spiders were as big as my thumbnail (just their bodies, not including the legs)! I had to pick up some brush and wave it in front of me as I walked to flush out the webs. It was a little disgusting for a while, but eventually the sun came up and other hikers/runners/cyclists hit the trails and cleared up the webs.
This trail was very, very challenging. I actually ran quite a bit, running up and down the major inclines, and I jumped over rocks, up rocks, over roots, across streams, etc. When I finished my legs were killing me and they were still sore for a couple of days. I walked the entire North Shore Trail round trip, plus a couple of small "detours" (I got lost) so I walked a total of 19.13 miles at a pace of 12:32. Considering the difficulty of the trail I thought that was a good pace.
I took Monday off to recover and did an easy recovery walk Tuesday morning:
Distance: 7.16 miles
Time: 1:29:55
Pace: 12:33
Today I did a longer walk and pushed the pace a little more:
Distance: 11.11 miles
Time: 2:05:32
Pace: 11:17
Tomorrow I would like to do another 10-11 miles, then 14 on Friday, then Saturday off, then long mileage on Sunday. I haven't decided for sure, but I would like to do about 33-34 miles. We'll see how I feel Saturday/Sunday morning.
I have lots of blogs to catch up on. I hope everyone is healthy and happy and enjoying their running/walking.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
It wasn't pretty, but at least it's over
I did my long walk today, and it nearly killed me! ;) It was tough. I decided to do three loops at the lake. The first two were a standard loop of the lake plus an extra small loop on the spillway that makes the entire circuit 11 miles. So after two loops I was at 22 miles. Then I started my third loop, which was to be a standard loop and a smaller extra loop to get about 10 miles and end up around 32. At the beginning of the third loop I kicked a board on a wooden bridge and almost tripped. It strained my right knee a little bit and I thought about turning around, but the pain wasn't too bad and didn't seem to be aggravated by walking. It's not sore now so I guess the problem wasn't too severe.
I drank a TON today. I filled up my 40 oz. Camelbak with half gatorade/half water. Then I filled it up with 100% gatorade (after loop 1). Then I filled it up with 100% water (after loop 2). Then I stopped at 7-11 and bought another bottle of water to fill it up (halfway through loop 3). That's approximately 160 oz. of fluids! But believe me, I needed it. I only needed to urinate once during the walk, so I guess the rest of it was burned up and went to good use.
I also managed to do the whole walk with only one small sip of gel. I ate a Clif Bar and a couple of Fruit Leathers, and I took Succeed Electrolyte caplets.
By the end I just wanted to sit down. What really sounded good was a Coke with crushed ice; I started mapping a route to Sonic on the way home. This is unusual for me because I only drink Coke/sodas about once per month. But it sounded sooooo good. I just kept reminding myself that I could have a nice, big, cold Coke and some crushed ice to chew. That was my mantra for the last 5 miles, and I managed to drag my tired carcass to the car and drive myself to Sonic to fulfill my promise to myself. I was (and still am) beat and feel a little sore and tired, but nothing I haven't felt before. Now I'm going to clean up the house and do a little laundry, then try to sit down and read a book. I've also got to pack; back to San Antonio tomorrow, but only for 2 1/2 days/2 nights. I'll use the hotel treadmill while I'm there.
And the new shoes were great! The extra support was really needed today, but they are still very light. My only problem with my feet was that I pulled my socks on two hard and they hurt my toes, plus I have one small toe with a sore in the nail area that was uncomfortable. But no permanent damage!
I hope everyone had good training/racing this week.
Distance: 32.30 miles
Time: 6:38:20
Pace: 12:19
I drank a TON today. I filled up my 40 oz. Camelbak with half gatorade/half water. Then I filled it up with 100% gatorade (after loop 1). Then I filled it up with 100% water (after loop 2). Then I stopped at 7-11 and bought another bottle of water to fill it up (halfway through loop 3). That's approximately 160 oz. of fluids! But believe me, I needed it. I only needed to urinate once during the walk, so I guess the rest of it was burned up and went to good use.
I also managed to do the whole walk with only one small sip of gel. I ate a Clif Bar and a couple of Fruit Leathers, and I took Succeed Electrolyte caplets.
By the end I just wanted to sit down. What really sounded good was a Coke with crushed ice; I started mapping a route to Sonic on the way home. This is unusual for me because I only drink Coke/sodas about once per month. But it sounded sooooo good. I just kept reminding myself that I could have a nice, big, cold Coke and some crushed ice to chew. That was my mantra for the last 5 miles, and I managed to drag my tired carcass to the car and drive myself to Sonic to fulfill my promise to myself. I was (and still am) beat and feel a little sore and tired, but nothing I haven't felt before. Now I'm going to clean up the house and do a little laundry, then try to sit down and read a book. I've also got to pack; back to San Antonio tomorrow, but only for 2 1/2 days/2 nights. I'll use the hotel treadmill while I'm there.
And the new shoes were great! The extra support was really needed today, but they are still very light. My only problem with my feet was that I pulled my socks on two hard and they hurt my toes, plus I have one small toe with a sore in the nail area that was uncomfortable. But no permanent damage!
I hope everyone had good training/racing this week.
Distance: 32.30 miles
Time: 6:38:20
Pace: 12:19
Saturday, August 07, 2004
I'm back
I'm back from my long business trip to San Antonio. I was supposed to return on Saturday morning (after putting the application into production late Friday night) but the customer messed up and production has been delayed by two weeks. So yesterday as soon as I could I headed to the airport and went standby on the first flight back to Dallas. I ended up on the ground in Dallas by 5:00 and was picked up by my wonderful wife and daughter.
I spent all week training, two classes that were each two days long. It was exhausting and stressful. Luckily it's almost over: one more two-day class next week, then a quick trip in two weeks for the production rollout, then I'll go into "maintenance and support" mode for this system and roll off onto some new projects.
I really wore myself out this week. Whenever I travel I stay up too late, and I had to get up early every morning so I could get to the training early and setup. I spent all day on my feet talking and training. I didn't eat enough. But I still managed to walk three afternoons/evenings at McAllister Park, the park with the wonderful trails I discovered last week. The only bad thing about the walks is that I walked in the evening, not the morning, so the temperatures were between 95 and 100 degrees. I'm really not used to those temperatures!
I managed to walk 6.23, 7.58 and 6.14 miles in the park on the trails. They are a mixture of smooth dirt, rocky dirt, some nice rock with scree, lots of roots, etc. The trails are really awesome--I saw tons of cactus and prickly pear, lots of other flora and fauna, armadillos, deer, wild turkeys, etc. I might try to take some pictures next week so everyone can see how awesome this park is.
Due to my travel schedule I took two days off (Friday and Saturday). Tomorrow it will be back to the roads. I'm planning on doing a little over 30 miles tomorrow; that will be three loops around White Rock Lake, and I'll have to add a little extra loop I've discovered to get over 30 (a standard loop is about 9.3 miles). I'm going to get up at 4:00 and get going as quickly as possible, both to avoid the heat and to get home early and spend some quality time with my family. All this travel has been hard on everyone and I really miss being home. Since I have to leave again Monday I want to spend as much time with them as possible.
I hope everyone is having good training and avoiding the heat.
I spent all week training, two classes that were each two days long. It was exhausting and stressful. Luckily it's almost over: one more two-day class next week, then a quick trip in two weeks for the production rollout, then I'll go into "maintenance and support" mode for this system and roll off onto some new projects.
I really wore myself out this week. Whenever I travel I stay up too late, and I had to get up early every morning so I could get to the training early and setup. I spent all day on my feet talking and training. I didn't eat enough. But I still managed to walk three afternoons/evenings at McAllister Park, the park with the wonderful trails I discovered last week. The only bad thing about the walks is that I walked in the evening, not the morning, so the temperatures were between 95 and 100 degrees. I'm really not used to those temperatures!
I managed to walk 6.23, 7.58 and 6.14 miles in the park on the trails. They are a mixture of smooth dirt, rocky dirt, some nice rock with scree, lots of roots, etc. The trails are really awesome--I saw tons of cactus and prickly pear, lots of other flora and fauna, armadillos, deer, wild turkeys, etc. I might try to take some pictures next week so everyone can see how awesome this park is.
Due to my travel schedule I took two days off (Friday and Saturday). Tomorrow it will be back to the roads. I'm planning on doing a little over 30 miles tomorrow; that will be three loops around White Rock Lake, and I'll have to add a little extra loop I've discovered to get over 30 (a standard loop is about 9.3 miles). I'm going to get up at 4:00 and get going as quickly as possible, both to avoid the heat and to get home early and spend some quality time with my family. All this travel has been hard on everyone and I really miss being home. Since I have to leave again Monday I want to spend as much time with them as possible.
I hope everyone is having good training and avoiding the heat.
New shoes!
Picked up some new shoes today, New Balance 833s:
They are very lightweight and are used by a lot of racewalkers even though they are technically running shoes. They are also pretty cool looking, which is nice--silvery and space age, something David Bowie might have worn when he was in his "Major Tom" phase.
I really needed something new since my current shoes have 300+ and 500+ miles. These provide a little more support than then NB 110s (made specifically for racewalking) and should make my long walks more comfortable.
They are very lightweight and are used by a lot of racewalkers even though they are technically running shoes. They are also pretty cool looking, which is nice--silvery and space age, something David Bowie might have worn when he was in his "Major Tom" phase.
I really needed something new since my current shoes have 300+ and 500+ miles. These provide a little more support than then NB 110s (made specifically for racewalking) and should make my long walks more comfortable.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Two good long walks
This was my first weekend to be able to do two longs walks, which is one of my training techniques for Heartland and Ultracentric. Since it is not practical to do many ultra-distance walks in training, doing two (or three) long walks in a week is one way to acclimate my body to the long distances required for ultras.
On Saturday it was pretty cool for this time of year, low 70s in the beginning, low 80s at the end, and it wasn't too humid. I started around 6:15 and completed 20.1 miles. I pushed the pace a little bit (more than I should have considering I was going to do another long walk on Sunday) and by the end of the walk I was feeling sore, especially in "the buttocks" as Forest Gump would say. For the rest of the day I was still sore and stiff, and that really concerned me since I needed to get out again the next day. But I decided not to panic and to wait for Sunday morning before deciding if I could do the second walk.
Distance: 20.1 miles
Time: 3:51:12
Pace: 11:30
Sunday was great! I took a slower pace (around 12:20) and that made all the difference. I was a little sore in the morning but not much, and once I got started the soreness went away. The air was thick today and it was much sunnier and hotter (upper 80s when I finished) and within a couple of miles I was soaked with sweat.
After the first loop I ran into a great Master's racewalker who decided to change his route and join me. I really enjoyed talking to him, and it made the pace seem easier and the time go quickly. I was really happy to stop when I got to my car after the second loop, but I have to say that I could have gone on without too much trouble. Considering that I walked 42 miles in two days (and spent more than 8.5 hours on my feet) I feel great, and I even did a little bit of yardwork (after we took our daughter to Chuck E. Cheese). I'm going to take tomorrow off, but I could definitely get out and train tomorrow if I wanted to.
Distance: 22.1 miles
Time: 4:33:05
Pace: 12:21
Another interesting thing about the two walks is that I didn't use gel on either walk. I drank lots of gatorade and ate a Clif Bar at the halfway point of each race, but no gel. When I was training for the marathon I always had to suck down lots of gel, and I usually would still bonk at 18 to 20 miles, so hopefully the fact that I'm not relying on gel means that my body is adjusting to the distance and optimizing itself for ultras.
I'll be on the road all week this week, from Monday morning to Saturday morning. Luckily I'm going back to San Antonio so I'm planning to do most of my walks on the trails at McAllister Park. I'm still behind in reading everyone's blogs! According to Bloglines I have 102 unread running posts to read!! It may take me a while to catch up, so don't be offended if I haven't visited or commented in a while.
Hope everyone is having good luck with training and the weather!
On Saturday it was pretty cool for this time of year, low 70s in the beginning, low 80s at the end, and it wasn't too humid. I started around 6:15 and completed 20.1 miles. I pushed the pace a little bit (more than I should have considering I was going to do another long walk on Sunday) and by the end of the walk I was feeling sore, especially in "the buttocks" as Forest Gump would say. For the rest of the day I was still sore and stiff, and that really concerned me since I needed to get out again the next day. But I decided not to panic and to wait for Sunday morning before deciding if I could do the second walk.
Distance: 20.1 miles
Time: 3:51:12
Pace: 11:30
Sunday was great! I took a slower pace (around 12:20) and that made all the difference. I was a little sore in the morning but not much, and once I got started the soreness went away. The air was thick today and it was much sunnier and hotter (upper 80s when I finished) and within a couple of miles I was soaked with sweat.
After the first loop I ran into a great Master's racewalker who decided to change his route and join me. I really enjoyed talking to him, and it made the pace seem easier and the time go quickly. I was really happy to stop when I got to my car after the second loop, but I have to say that I could have gone on without too much trouble. Considering that I walked 42 miles in two days (and spent more than 8.5 hours on my feet) I feel great, and I even did a little bit of yardwork (after we took our daughter to Chuck E. Cheese). I'm going to take tomorrow off, but I could definitely get out and train tomorrow if I wanted to.
Distance: 22.1 miles
Time: 4:33:05
Pace: 12:21
Another interesting thing about the two walks is that I didn't use gel on either walk. I drank lots of gatorade and ate a Clif Bar at the halfway point of each race, but no gel. When I was training for the marathon I always had to suck down lots of gel, and I usually would still bonk at 18 to 20 miles, so hopefully the fact that I'm not relying on gel means that my body is adjusting to the distance and optimizing itself for ultras.
I'll be on the road all week this week, from Monday morning to Saturday morning. Luckily I'm going back to San Antonio so I'm planning to do most of my walks on the trails at McAllister Park. I'm still behind in reading everyone's blogs! According to Bloglines I have 102 unread running posts to read!! It may take me a while to catch up, so don't be offended if I haven't visited or commented in a while.
Hope everyone is having good luck with training and the weather!
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Trail Walker (Ode to Chris Brogan)
If you've been reading Chris Brogan's blog lately (and if you haven't, you should), that guy's crazy about trails. Trail happy. Trail daffy. Gaga for trails. He's recently been running a lot of trails and really loves it.
Well when reading Chris' posts I was both jealous and resentful. I felt that, as a walker, I'd never really be able to do trails. Sure, occasionally I could walk on an easy trail, if I had to, but I didn't see it in my future. This made me a little sad because there are so many great ultras that I've read about or heard about, but 99.9% of them are on trails, so I felt cut off from all these great races.
Well, all that has changed. Last night I met a colleague at McAllister Park in San Antonio, which is the place to run and ride bicycles on trails in San Antonio. He was late so I was warming up, stretching, wandering around, etc. Then I saw some trail: single track, mostly dirt, slightly rolling. While I was waiting, I decided to give it a try. It was awesome. Awesome! I didn't trip or stumble or have any trouble with form. The only reason I had to stop was that my friend was so late that it got dark and we couldn't see the trails so we moved onto the paved jogging path. But I was really excited to think that maybe I could walk on trails.
Today I finished work early. It was the first day of training and in spite of all of my anxiety and trepidation it went well, very well. I promised myself that my reward for making it through the day would be another visit to McAllister Park. So I headed back around 4:45 this afternoon. It was 97 degrees (ugh) but what else are you going to do in Texas in July. So I hit the trails. Man, it was awesome again. I wandered all over that park. These trails aren't particularly technical or difficult, but I still loved it. I scared off some deer; I passed a family of wild turkeys; I even saw an armadillo. It was so great to get lost in the park and on the trails.
The best part was that, for me, I was fast. I actually did a 10 minute mile for part of the trail, and my average was 11:23. For a lot of you runners that may not be fast, but for me it was a very acceptable pace for a training run. Considering that it was my first time on trails, that it was 97 degrees and that I walked 8.26 miles, I'm very happy with the results.
There's only one problem: I need some trail shoes. Chris, can you loan me $80? I mean after all, this is all your fault!
Distance: 8.26 miles
Time: 1:34:02
Pace: 11:23
Well when reading Chris' posts I was both jealous and resentful. I felt that, as a walker, I'd never really be able to do trails. Sure, occasionally I could walk on an easy trail, if I had to, but I didn't see it in my future. This made me a little sad because there are so many great ultras that I've read about or heard about, but 99.9% of them are on trails, so I felt cut off from all these great races.
Well, all that has changed. Last night I met a colleague at McAllister Park in San Antonio, which is the place to run and ride bicycles on trails in San Antonio. He was late so I was warming up, stretching, wandering around, etc. Then I saw some trail: single track, mostly dirt, slightly rolling. While I was waiting, I decided to give it a try. It was awesome. Awesome! I didn't trip or stumble or have any trouble with form. The only reason I had to stop was that my friend was so late that it got dark and we couldn't see the trails so we moved onto the paved jogging path. But I was really excited to think that maybe I could walk on trails.
Today I finished work early. It was the first day of training and in spite of all of my anxiety and trepidation it went well, very well. I promised myself that my reward for making it through the day would be another visit to McAllister Park. So I headed back around 4:45 this afternoon. It was 97 degrees (ugh) but what else are you going to do in Texas in July. So I hit the trails. Man, it was awesome again. I wandered all over that park. These trails aren't particularly technical or difficult, but I still loved it. I scared off some deer; I passed a family of wild turkeys; I even saw an armadillo. It was so great to get lost in the park and on the trails.
The best part was that, for me, I was fast. I actually did a 10 minute mile for part of the trail, and my average was 11:23. For a lot of you runners that may not be fast, but for me it was a very acceptable pace for a training run. Considering that it was my first time on trails, that it was 97 degrees and that I walked 8.26 miles, I'm very happy with the results.
There's only one problem: I need some trail shoes. Chris, can you loan me $80? I mean after all, this is all your fault!
Distance: 8.26 miles
Time: 1:34:02
Pace: 11:23
Monday, July 26, 2004
I love Texas in the Fall
At least it felt like Fall today. When I went walking this morning at 5:30 AM it was in the 60s. Right now it is in the 80s! Normally at this time of year it would be a low of 80s, not a high. There was also a nice breeze to make the morning very pleasant. I did a 7.1 mile recovery walk at the track this morning. I stretched well before I left the house and I didn't push the pace. I was pleased that I wasn't too tired and that my left calf felt great! No pain or even discomfort at all. Hopefully all of that is behind me.
I'm off tomorrow early for San
Antonio, so posting and blog reading might be sporadic. I'll be completing the final preparations for the system training I'll be conducting on Wednesday/Thursday. I have to conduct 4 two-day training classes over the next three weeks, but I know that the first one will be the hardest. Then this horrible project that I hate will be over and I'll be on to the next one. My next project is in Dallas and about 5 minutes from the office so things should be much more pleasant with much less traveling.
Good training, everyone!
Distance: 7.10 miles
Time: 1:22:50
Pace: 11:40
I'm off tomorrow early for San
Antonio, so posting and blog reading might be sporadic. I'll be completing the final preparations for the system training I'll be conducting on Wednesday/Thursday. I have to conduct 4 two-day training classes over the next three weeks, but I know that the first one will be the hardest. Then this horrible project that I hate will be over and I'll be on to the next one. My next project is in Dallas and about 5 minutes from the office so things should be much more pleasant with much less traveling.
Good training, everyone!
Distance: 7.10 miles
Time: 1:22:50
Pace: 11:40
Sunday, July 25, 2004
Great day today!
I had a great workout today. This was my first long walk since I took time off to heal my left calf, and everything was good. I did feel my calf more than I normally do; I was aware of a recent injury. But I made it the entire distance without any real discomfort, and I stretched well before, during and after. Now I'm feeling pretty good and am generally sore but don't feel anything unusual in my calf.
The weather was great. It was supposed to rain last night and this morning but the rain never came. Instead it was overcast and breezy and relatively cool for this time of year (80s).
I'll be traveling the next three weeks but I think I'll be able to do all of my training if I'm a little flexible. Then this horrible, terrible project will be finished and I'll be off to something new and hopefully more fulfilling. I've been so busy with this project that I actually had to work in the car while my wife drove me and my daughter from San Antonio to Dallas! We got home around midnight Thursday night and I had to work for four more hours, then get about four hours sleep, then work all day until about 7:00 pm and about five hours yesterday. I successfully completed a 108 page training document from scratch in that time, just in time since training starts on Wednesday!
I haven't caught up on everyone's blogs yet but will do so over the next few days. I hope everyone is having successful training and racing!!
Distance: 20.64 miles
Time: 4:00:02
Pace: 11:39
The weather was great. It was supposed to rain last night and this morning but the rain never came. Instead it was overcast and breezy and relatively cool for this time of year (80s).
I'll be traveling the next three weeks but I think I'll be able to do all of my training if I'm a little flexible. Then this horrible, terrible project will be finished and I'll be off to something new and hopefully more fulfilling. I've been so busy with this project that I actually had to work in the car while my wife drove me and my daughter from San Antonio to Dallas! We got home around midnight Thursday night and I had to work for four more hours, then get about four hours sleep, then work all day until about 7:00 pm and about five hours yesterday. I successfully completed a 108 page training document from scratch in that time, just in time since training starts on Wednesday!
I haven't caught up on everyone's blogs yet but will do so over the next few days. I hope everyone is having successful training and racing!!
Distance: 20.64 miles
Time: 4:00:02
Pace: 11:39
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Roosevelt quote available for download
I liked the quote that I posted the other day so much that I made a version that can be printed and hung somewhere for inspiration.
It's suitable for framing! ;)
Click here to open or download the file (PDF). There are two versions (two pages in the document); one has a portrait of Roosevelt, one is running-related. NOTE: There's something flaky going on with Yahoo! Sometimes when you click the link above it won't work. Usually if you hit refresh it will work. I'm not sure what's going on. If you can't download it, feel free to e-mail me using the link on the left.
Enjoy!
It's suitable for framing! ;)
Click here to open or download the file (PDF). There are two versions (two pages in the document); one has a portrait of Roosevelt, one is running-related. NOTE: There's something flaky going on with Yahoo! Sometimes when you click the link above it won't work. Usually if you hit refresh it will work. I'm not sure what's going on. If you can't download it, feel free to e-mail me using the link on the left.
Enjoy!
Friday, July 23, 2004
Fortune Cookies
I got this fortune in a fortune cookie tonight:
I think a lot of us can relate to that!
Risk may cause failure, but success cannot come without it.
I think a lot of us can relate to that!
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Tried out the leg today
I'm still in San Antonio today and have to get to work so I only have time for a quick post. I did six miles on the treadmill today and everything felt pretty good. I felt pretty tired (I haven't eaten enough this week and have been working very long hours) but I went faster than I realized and there didn't seem to be any pain or problems in the calf. Six miles isn't very far so we'll have to see how it feels on Sunday. But so far so good.
Thanks to everyone for visiting and commenting. I'm a little behind on reading everyone's posts but have tried to read a few and comment when I can. I'll catch up this weekend.
Happy training!
Distance: 6.00 miles
Time: 1:08:25
Pace: 11:24
Thanks to everyone for visiting and commenting. I'm a little behind on reading everyone's posts but have tried to read a few and comment when I can. I'll catch up this weekend.
Happy training!
Distance: 6.00 miles
Time: 1:08:25
Pace: 11:24
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
To all of those struggling or frustrated
I've read some heartfelt posts by those among us who have been injured, or too busy, or too frustrated, or are just working through something. I've received lots of encouragement and positive thoughts from all of you in the blogosphere, so I wanted to repay the favor with one of the most motivitational and inspirational quotes I've ever read. I hope it will have the same affect you you that it has has on me. Remember, at least we are in the arena:
It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiams, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt
Paris Sorbonne, 1910
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Tough Decision
After today's walk I'm making a tough decision. I've got to take several days off. That pain in my left calf from last week's long walk is still bothering me. Today's plan was 20 miles at the lake; then I was going to do 20 miles again tomorrow (the family is out of town so I thought I would take advantage of their absence). Unfortunately at about 7 miles I started to feel some discomfort; it gradually worsened until I decided to stop at 8.4 miles. I could have gone on; it wasn't excruciating. But I knew that with each step I was probably exacerbating the problem. I walked (regular walked) the rest of the way back to the car and called it a day.
I really don't want to take a break, but I know that if I don't this problem will linger and will affect the quality of my training. I'm encouraged by the fact that I made it so long before the pain appeared, so maybe a good long break will set everything right.
The plan is to stop walking until Thursday. Thursday I will do easy mileage on a treadmill (I'm traveling almost all week so I'll use the hotel treadmill) and see how things feel. If all feels good I'll walk again on Friday, take Saturday off, and then do long miles on Sunday. If there are still residual issues I'll take Friday and Saturday off and do medium distance on Sunday. That means I'll have four whole days with no walking. I haven't done that since last summer's vacation.
I know this will be hard for three reasons:
1. My legs will feel fine. I don't notice any problem when I'm not training, so I'll be lulled into the thought that everything is OK.
2. I love to walk! It's become so important to me, especially in times of stress. The next four weeks will probably be the most challenging weeks of my career (and the most unpleasant) so it will be hard not to walk.
3. My weight loss has been great lately (I'm down to 163) and I don't want to lose momentum.
But I know this is the right thing. If I can't get over this problem, or if I let it linger, I will never be ready for Heartland or Ultracentric. Now's the time to deal with this issue and put it to rest.
Distance: 8.37 miles
Time: 1:33:25
Pace: 11:09
I really don't want to take a break, but I know that if I don't this problem will linger and will affect the quality of my training. I'm encouraged by the fact that I made it so long before the pain appeared, so maybe a good long break will set everything right.
The plan is to stop walking until Thursday. Thursday I will do easy mileage on a treadmill (I'm traveling almost all week so I'll use the hotel treadmill) and see how things feel. If all feels good I'll walk again on Friday, take Saturday off, and then do long miles on Sunday. If there are still residual issues I'll take Friday and Saturday off and do medium distance on Sunday. That means I'll have four whole days with no walking. I haven't done that since last summer's vacation.
I know this will be hard for three reasons:
1. My legs will feel fine. I don't notice any problem when I'm not training, so I'll be lulled into the thought that everything is OK.
2. I love to walk! It's become so important to me, especially in times of stress. The next four weeks will probably be the most challenging weeks of my career (and the most unpleasant) so it will be hard not to walk.
3. My weight loss has been great lately (I'm down to 163) and I don't want to lose momentum.
But I know this is the right thing. If I can't get over this problem, or if I let it linger, I will never be ready for Heartland or Ultracentric. Now's the time to deal with this issue and put it to rest.
Distance: 8.37 miles
Time: 1:33:25
Pace: 11:09
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Good Quote
This quote is from the Editor's Note of the September 2004 Running Times. The article is discussing elite runners and "regular" runners, but could also be applied to racewalkers and runners:
"Speed is relative. Effort is universal."
--Jonathan Beverly
"Speed is relative. Effort is universal."
--Jonathan Beverly
Back at the track
I haven't been walking at the track since my Garmin was out of commission. I know, it sounds dumb, it's a track so I should know the distance but I never bothered to pay attention; I just let Garmin do all the work. So I was walking at a local jogging trail marked in 1/4 miles.
Since Garmin has returned and is working well I went back to the track, which I really prefer. Nothing too special today, 7+ miles. I considered doing 10 miles but I really needed to get back and start working, and I also didn't want to tax my recently sore legs. The seven miles felt good, although I did have some tightness/soreness in my left calf again at the very end. It's mostly gone now so I think I must have pulled something and it is slowly healing. If it's not better by the weekend I'll probably have to skip my long walk and do something more reasonable.
Distance: 7.10 miles
Time: 1:18:24
Pace: 11:03
Since Garmin has returned and is working well I went back to the track, which I really prefer. Nothing too special today, 7+ miles. I considered doing 10 miles but I really needed to get back and start working, and I also didn't want to tax my recently sore legs. The seven miles felt good, although I did have some tightness/soreness in my left calf again at the very end. It's mostly gone now so I think I must have pulled something and it is slowly healing. If it's not better by the weekend I'll probably have to skip my long walk and do something more reasonable.
Distance: 7.10 miles
Time: 1:18:24
Pace: 11:03
Les jeux sont faits
For you non-French speakers out there, this is a term from gambling which basically means, "No more bets, the game is in play." Well, for me and Ultracentric, "les jeux sont faits." I got official confirmation yesterday that I am in. I'm now focusing all my training and effort toward this event.
To that end, I've been looking for a good 50 mile race to use as a training race. I had several possibilities but I've finally settled on the Heartland 100/50 Mile Run. I think this will be a good race for several reasons:
1. It is October 9th, so I have a full month and a half to recover and continue training for Ultracentric.
2. I can drive (6+ hours) so I can afford it.
3. Even though it's a trail event it's not a difficult or very technical course. In fact, there is an ironic quote on the race website:
"This course is really not technically difficult at all, however, there is virtually no shade and no element protection and the rolling hills at times seem to go on for an eternity. In many ways this course has the potential to wear on her competitors like a 24/48 hour track ultra does...relentless and repetitive, yet different than a track event...exceptionally beautiful."
4. The race is held in Cassoday, Kansas, the "Prairie Chicken Capital of the World." How can you resist that???
The only bad thing is that my family can't come. We've been spoiled because our daughter has not been in school so we've had lots of flexibility. She starts kindergarten in the middle of August so now we will have to plan activities around her school schedule. So I'll be doing this race solo since it starts at 6:30 AM on a Saturday morning.
So now all I have to do is walk and strategize, walk and prepare, walk and plan, walk and walk and walk.
To that end, I've been looking for a good 50 mile race to use as a training race. I had several possibilities but I've finally settled on the Heartland 100/50 Mile Run. I think this will be a good race for several reasons:
1. It is October 9th, so I have a full month and a half to recover and continue training for Ultracentric.
2. I can drive (6+ hours) so I can afford it.
3. Even though it's a trail event it's not a difficult or very technical course. In fact, there is an ironic quote on the race website:
"This course is really not technically difficult at all, however, there is virtually no shade and no element protection and the rolling hills at times seem to go on for an eternity. In many ways this course has the potential to wear on her competitors like a 24/48 hour track ultra does...relentless and repetitive, yet different than a track event...exceptionally beautiful."
4. The race is held in Cassoday, Kansas, the "Prairie Chicken Capital of the World." How can you resist that???
The only bad thing is that my family can't come. We've been spoiled because our daughter has not been in school so we've had lots of flexibility. She starts kindergarten in the middle of August so now we will have to plan activities around her school schedule. So I'll be doing this race solo since it starts at 6:30 AM on a Saturday morning.
So now all I have to do is walk and strategize, walk and prepare, walk and plan, walk and walk and walk.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Welcome home, my lovely!
I don't know if I mentioned it earlier, but I had to send my Garmin Forerunner 201 back to Garmin about 1 1/2 weeks ago. After a long training walk in the rain the buttons stopped working. The reset button would turn the unit on, but nothing would turn it off and none of the other buttons did anything. I was a little disappointed at first with their technical support; they were pretty slow to respond. Once I did get a response and we determined there was nothing I could do, they asked me for my address so I could get an RMA. Then it took another day for the RMA. Anyway, tonight I received a brand new Garmin! I guess the other one was totaled so they transferred my data to a brand new unit. The nice thing is they sent me the whole package so I have a spare charger and data cable. I can't wait to try it out again. I've hated having to resort back to trails where I knew the distance and estimating distances.
Speaking of training, I've decided to take tomorrow off. My legs are still pretty sore and I've been extremely busy at work. I've gotten home two nights in a row after 9:30, and that's not normal for me. I have a lot of work to do over the next few weeks--the Project from Hell, the worst project I've ever worked on, will end in early August and now is crunch time, so I'm going to relax tonight, sleep in a little tomorrow and then work my butt off all day to try and get caught up.
Thanks to everyone for the comments about my training and my pains. I appreciate the concern.
Speaking of training, I've decided to take tomorrow off. My legs are still pretty sore and I've been extremely busy at work. I've gotten home two nights in a row after 9:30, and that's not normal for me. I have a lot of work to do over the next few weeks--the Project from Hell, the worst project I've ever worked on, will end in early August and now is crunch time, so I'm going to relax tonight, sleep in a little tomorrow and then work my butt off all day to try and get caught up.
Thanks to everyone for the comments about my training and my pains. I appreciate the concern.
Sore legs today
I did another long walk today and by the end of the walk I was really feeling it. I started out at sub 11:30 miles, but finished with sub 12:00 miles. I also had some pain in my calves, especially the left one (that cramped on Sunday). I think it is just residual pain due to Sunday's long walk, but I'll keep an eye on it. I'm planning shorter walks for the rest of the week, then rest on Saturday, then about 20 miles on Sunday. If I still have some pain or discomfort I'll take some additional time off.
Distance: 13.50 miles
Time: 2:36:48
Pace: 11:36
Distance: 13.50 miles
Time: 2:36:48
Pace: 11:36
Sunday, July 11, 2004
Interesting Fact
I lost four pounds during today's walk, in spite of the fact that I drank almost 80 ounces of Gatorade, about 40 ounces of water (plus more when I got home), a Clif Bar, Hammer Gel and Succeed electrolyte caplets. This month's Runner's World has a good article on hydration and an experiment to help you determine your fluid requirements during exercise. So STAY HYDRATED! It's hot out there, people.
Milestones
I reached a couple of milestones today. First I walked longer and farther than I've ever walked. I made three loops around the lake (a first time for that, too) that equaled about 27.54 miles. I purposely started out slow and stayed slow because I knew I'd never make it if I went out too fast. I read a quote by an ultramarathoner recently that I really liked and that I kept in my mind during my walk today: "Speed is sex...distance is love." Today I was looking for love. I wanted a commitment. I knew it wouldn't be easy; I knew we'd quarrel at times, that we would disagree, that my legs would turn on my mind, but I hoped that in the end I'd find long, lasting love.
What I loved most about today's walk was that I didn't crash. Believe me I was dying at the end; I started having a pretty bad cramp in my left calf for the last 1.75 miles, but I was afraid that if I stopped I wouldn't start again so I just walked it off and finished before rubbing it out in the car. It still hurts a lot now and I have a pretty funny gait, but I'm sure it will get better quickly. I'm eating a banana now to make sure my potassium levels are good.
Anyway, back to pace. I targeted a 12:30 pace and I ended up with 12:20. I frequently had to slow myself down, even in the later miles. In fact my fastest mile was 19, and I also had good pace at miles 22 and 23. So I feel good about my progress. I still have a long way before I'm ready for 100, and I know I'll have to slow down even further to be able to complete Ultracentric, but I can see myself slowly making progress.
Two other milestones this week:
1. I walked more miles this week than ever before: 67.3
2. I crossed the 1000 mile threshold. So far this year I've walked 1010.8 miles
Thanks to everyone for visiting this experiment in vanity! It's so strange to sit here and write all about ME ME ME. I want everyone to know how I enjoy reading all the other running blogs. There are so many inspirational and funny stories out there. Thanks to everyone for sharing.
Distance: 27.54 miles
Time: 5:39:37
Pace: 12:20
What I loved most about today's walk was that I didn't crash. Believe me I was dying at the end; I started having a pretty bad cramp in my left calf for the last 1.75 miles, but I was afraid that if I stopped I wouldn't start again so I just walked it off and finished before rubbing it out in the car. It still hurts a lot now and I have a pretty funny gait, but I'm sure it will get better quickly. I'm eating a banana now to make sure my potassium levels are good.
Anyway, back to pace. I targeted a 12:30 pace and I ended up with 12:20. I frequently had to slow myself down, even in the later miles. In fact my fastest mile was 19, and I also had good pace at miles 22 and 23. So I feel good about my progress. I still have a long way before I'm ready for 100, and I know I'll have to slow down even further to be able to complete Ultracentric, but I can see myself slowly making progress.
Two other milestones this week:
1. I walked more miles this week than ever before: 67.3
2. I crossed the 1000 mile threshold. So far this year I've walked 1010.8 miles
Thanks to everyone for visiting this experiment in vanity! It's so strange to sit here and write all about ME ME ME. I want everyone to know how I enjoy reading all the other running blogs. There are so many inspirational and funny stories out there. Thanks to everyone for sharing.
Distance: 27.54 miles
Time: 5:39:37
Pace: 12:20
Saturday, July 10, 2004
100 Year Old sets 100 Meter Record!
I'd like to be like this guy and still be this active at 100! South African Philip Rabinowitz beat the 100 meter record for 100 year olds by 6 seconds. He also holds the record for the world's oldest competitive walker and walks 3.7 miles a day. What a guy!!
Friday, July 09, 2004
It's good to be home
We drove back from San Antonio last night. We took a great new route, a rural highway that had beautiful scenery, no traffic and small towns dotting the road. I think it took a little bit longer but we all agreed it seemed much shorter and was definitely more pleasant. My wife and daughter are going to take the same route next week when they go to Corpus Christi to visit her aunt.
I'm working from home today so I was able to sleep a little later than usual and still get in my normal walk. There was nothing unusual to post except that I feel like I'm getting stronger and faster. Not dramatically faster, but yesterday I did 13 miles at 11:01 pace and this morning I did 7 miles at 10:56. These are blazingly fast, but they are pretty good for training, especially considering my increase in mileage. I guess the long mileage training and the mid-week long walks are starting to pay off.
Tomorrow is a rest day and then I plan to do 20+ miles at the lake on Sunday. I'd like to do 24 but I haven't had much luck lately getting over 22 so we'll see what happens.
Happy walking/running!
Distance: 7.00 miles
Time: 1:16:35
Pace: 10:56
4x10 pushups
4x10 situps
I'm working from home today so I was able to sleep a little later than usual and still get in my normal walk. There was nothing unusual to post except that I feel like I'm getting stronger and faster. Not dramatically faster, but yesterday I did 13 miles at 11:01 pace and this morning I did 7 miles at 10:56. These are blazingly fast, but they are pretty good for training, especially considering my increase in mileage. I guess the long mileage training and the mid-week long walks are starting to pay off.
Tomorrow is a rest day and then I plan to do 20+ miles at the lake on Sunday. I'd like to do 24 but I haven't had much luck lately getting over 22 so we'll see what happens.
Happy walking/running!
Distance: 7.00 miles
Time: 1:16:35
Pace: 10:56
4x10 pushups
4x10 situps
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Just a quick update
A quick update from San Antonio. It's been a busy trip--it seems it's been harder than usual to balance family and work, I guess since I'm going out every evening with the family instead of staying home the way we normally would. But we've had fun--they went to the Alamo and the IMAX movies, we all saw the new Harry Potter movie on the IMAX screen, we ate dinner at the Riverwalk, the usual San Antonio stuff. Next time we come I'd like to do the Mission tour--my wife and I did it years ago and really enjoyed it; I think my daughter would really like it now that she's older and getting a better understanding of history.
As for walking, I overslept yesterday. Our daughter had a bad night sleeping and I didn't get much sleep. I still set the alarm on my running watch for 4:30 AM so I could get in a long walk; instead I woke up at about 7:15 AM holding the watch!
Today I successfully got up at about 4:30 and headed to a walking/running trail someone told me about. It is by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Babcock and Wurzbach. It's a simple asphalt 1/2 mile path with two lanes, one for walkers and one for runners. It wasn't crowded when I was there and it was nice to be able to go any distance by looping. I wanted to do a long mileage day so I did 13 miles (26 loops, phew!). I felt good the whole time and kept an incredibly steady pace, ending up with an average pace of 11:01 per mile.
Now I'll get a little more work done and then start driving home this afternoon. It will be good to get home!
Thanks to everyone for recent comments on my blog. I've been a little behind on my commenting (as Mark pointed out recently--Thanks, Mark!) but I've made an effort to get out and read everyone's recent posts and make some comments as possible. Thanks to everyone for the traffic on my blog! I get a lot out of reading everyone's thoughts and accomplishments. Thanks to everyone for sharing.
Distance: 13.0 miles
Time: 2:23:25
Pace: 11:01
As for walking, I overslept yesterday. Our daughter had a bad night sleeping and I didn't get much sleep. I still set the alarm on my running watch for 4:30 AM so I could get in a long walk; instead I woke up at about 7:15 AM holding the watch!
Today I successfully got up at about 4:30 and headed to a walking/running trail someone told me about. It is by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Babcock and Wurzbach. It's a simple asphalt 1/2 mile path with two lanes, one for walkers and one for runners. It wasn't crowded when I was there and it was nice to be able to go any distance by looping. I wanted to do a long mileage day so I did 13 miles (26 loops, phew!). I felt good the whole time and kept an incredibly steady pace, ending up with an average pace of 11:01 per mile.
Now I'll get a little more work done and then start driving home this afternoon. It will be good to get home!
Thanks to everyone for recent comments on my blog. I've been a little behind on my commenting (as Mark pointed out recently--Thanks, Mark!) but I've made an effort to get out and read everyone's recent posts and make some comments as possible. Thanks to everyone for the traffic on my blog! I get a lot out of reading everyone's thoughts and accomplishments. Thanks to everyone for sharing.
Distance: 13.0 miles
Time: 2:23:25
Pace: 11:01
Monday, July 05, 2004
Long and REALLY Slow
I wanted to stick with my distance training so I went out to the lake today. I had hoped to do more than 20 (22-24) miles, but I was just so tired and uncomfortable that I stopped at about 19.75. I started extra early to avoid the heat but I still got some sunburn on my face and I must have sweat a couple of gallons! I've started switching out my headband and wristband after each loop of the lake (about 9.33 miles) and you wouldn't believe how soaked these things are! My clothes are totally drenched and dripping; even my shoes are wet. Does anyone else sweat like this or am I a freak?
On another note, I'm going out of town for work again today. Luckily I'm taking the family with me so they'll have a three-day mini-vacation while I work. We're headed to San Antonio and we'll be driving (love road trips!). I'm taking tomorrow off, then I'd like to find a place to do long miles (maybe 15?) on Wednesday, then a normal 7+ on Thursday before driving back Thursday afternoon/evening.
I may or may not post while I'm gone, just depends on my schedule. I'll look forward to catching up on everyone's posts when I get back.
Happy running/walking!
Distance: 19.75 miles
Time: 3:57:06
Pace: 12:00
On another note, I'm going out of town for work again today. Luckily I'm taking the family with me so they'll have a three-day mini-vacation while I work. We're headed to San Antonio and we'll be driving (love road trips!). I'm taking tomorrow off, then I'd like to find a place to do long miles (maybe 15?) on Wednesday, then a normal 7+ on Thursday before driving back Thursday afternoon/evening.
I may or may not post while I'm gone, just depends on my schedule. I'll look forward to catching up on everyone's posts when I get back.
Happy running/walking!
Distance: 19.75 miles
Time: 3:57:06
Pace: 12:00
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Flagpole 8k Race Report
It was a warm and muggy morning for the 20th running of the Flagpole 8k at Flagpole Hill in Dallas, Texas. The race started at 7:30 and when I arrived at 6:45 it was already 77 degrees. But in Texas we have to expect that, so there was still a good crowd of racers. The race course is on city streets and has a few small hills. After about a mile on major roads it turns onto nice quiet neighborhood streets until turning back on the major road for the final mile.
I went out hard and fast, probably a little too fast, and I slowed at mile three, my slowest split. But I was able to gut it out at the end and achieved my goal of finishing at a pace below 10 minutes per mile. My time was 48:50, for a pace of 9:49 per mile. My splits were:
9:52
9:41
10:02
9:57
9:17
As I've mentioned in previous posts this race was my first race ever last year, so I've been racing for exactly one year today. How much have I improved?
Last year my time was 1:00:24, a 12:09 pace. So I cut almost 12 minutes from last year's time, and 2:20 minutes per mile off my pace! This pace is also faster than my 5k PR (10:08) and my recent 5 mile race on May 1st (also 10:08/mile). Also, I compared this race from an Age Graded Performance perspective with last year's race. This year's graded performance was 62.93% (my best ever!); last year's performance was 50.57%. So I feel like this race is a real success for me. I remember when 11:30 per mile seemed fast, and now I can see that one day I might actually get below 9:00 per mile for shorter races! I'm still no Olympian, but I'll be very happy with times like that.
Happy 4th of July, everyone, and good luck to any other racers out there!
Saturday, July 03, 2004
Tour de France Blog
There's a good Tour de France blog that posts on the race and posts links to good news sources. For all you cyclists and Tour enthusiasts you'll want to check it out.
Blog Survey
I copied this from Pam, who I think copied it from someone else, but oh well, it's kind of fun. Here we go:
There are TWO rules when answering these questions:
1) Only ONE answer to each. Of course its tough - thats the point!
2) Each blog/blogger may only be used ONCE. [I had to abandon this rule; I couldn't answer honestly without using some blogs more than once.]
What blogger inspired you to FINALLY start a blog?
Sean
What blog do you visit the most often everday?
Boing Boing
What blogger do you think you have the most in common with?
Chris Brogan. I swear we're long lost brothers.
Which blog can you be sure will make you pee a little you laugh so hard?
Running related: Rebecca!
General topic: Fark
Which blogger leaves you the best/funniest comments?
Charlotte
What blogger do you wish would update more often?
Race Walking Record
Which blog do you wish more people would read?
Running related: Annalisa. I love her insights into running and herself, and I love to read about her effort to run despite obstacles. Always interesting and entertaining.
General topic: AntiWar.com
Which blog do you learn the most from?
Mark
What blog is your newest addition?
James
Who has been on your blogroll the longest?
Sean (I know, I'm supposed to use each blog only once, but I can only answer this honestly by using Sean twice. I started reading him first and he inspired me to start blogging.)
Whose blogroll would you LOVE find yourself on?
Alison's
Whose blogroll were you the happiest to find yourself on?
Dianna
If you could write like any blogger, who would it be?
Running Related: pjmorse (running plus little extras)
General topic: Juan Cole
What blogger are you the happiest you've "met?"
Chris Brogan (OK, I cheated again, but not repeating blogs is TOO hard)
Which blog do you recommend the most?
Richard
Who is the next person you'll add to your blogroll?
Not sure.
Who is the blogger you hope to meet in "real" life?
Most of them!
Which blogger do you admire the most?
Annalisa
Who would you trust with your blog while you were away?
Chris Brogan
Which blog has your favorite design?
Annalisa
How many blogs are on your blogroll(s)?
Running related: 66
All blogs: 161 (see them here)
There are TWO rules when answering these questions:
1) Only ONE answer to each. Of course its tough - thats the point!
2) Each blog/blogger may only be used ONCE. [I had to abandon this rule; I couldn't answer honestly without using some blogs more than once.]
What blogger inspired you to FINALLY start a blog?
Sean
What blog do you visit the most often everday?
Boing Boing
What blogger do you think you have the most in common with?
Chris Brogan. I swear we're long lost brothers.
Which blog can you be sure will make you pee a little you laugh so hard?
Running related: Rebecca!
General topic: Fark
Which blogger leaves you the best/funniest comments?
Charlotte
What blogger do you wish would update more often?
Race Walking Record
Which blog do you wish more people would read?
Running related: Annalisa. I love her insights into running and herself, and I love to read about her effort to run despite obstacles. Always interesting and entertaining.
General topic: AntiWar.com
Which blog do you learn the most from?
Mark
What blog is your newest addition?
James
Who has been on your blogroll the longest?
Sean (I know, I'm supposed to use each blog only once, but I can only answer this honestly by using Sean twice. I started reading him first and he inspired me to start blogging.)
Whose blogroll would you LOVE find yourself on?
Alison's
Whose blogroll were you the happiest to find yourself on?
Dianna
If you could write like any blogger, who would it be?
Running Related: pjmorse (running plus little extras)
General topic: Juan Cole
What blogger are you the happiest you've "met?"
Chris Brogan (OK, I cheated again, but not repeating blogs is TOO hard)
Which blog do you recommend the most?
Richard
Who is the next person you'll add to your blogroll?
Not sure.
Who is the blogger you hope to meet in "real" life?
Most of them!
Which blogger do you admire the most?
Annalisa
Who would you trust with your blog while you were away?
Chris Brogan
Which blog has your favorite design?
Annalisa
How many blogs are on your blogroll(s)?
Running related: 66
All blogs: 161 (see them here)
Thursday, July 01, 2004
I'm back
I had to go to San Antonio for one day for work so I didn't get to blog yesterday. I stayed at a different hotel on this trip and they didn't have a fitness center! However, they gave me a half-price ticket for a fitness center around the corner, so I paid $7.50 (which I will expense) to walk on their treadmills. It was a pretty nice place, nothing fancy, with lots of equipment. I was glad because I wanted to do a long walk and didn't want to hog the treadmills. I didn't push hard but kept the pace steady.
Distance: 7.90 miles
Time: 1:30:00
Pace: 11:23
4x8 pushups
Today I had a great walk on the jogging trail near my house. I was able to maintain a pretty good pace, especially considering the additional mileage I've been logging lately.
Distance: 7.00 miles
Time: 1:14:18
Pace: 10:36
4x8 pushups
4x10 situps
Tomorrow I'm taking a vacation day from work, and I'm also tapering for my July 4th race, so I can sleep in tomorrow and Saturday and try to catch up on sleep and relax. On the 4th I'd really like to break a 10 minute per mile pace but I'm not sure if that will be possible. I know I can beat my current PR (12:09 mpm) since this was my first race ever last year and my pace is more than a minute slower than typical training paces these days. The only question is how fast I can go. I would at least like to beat my May 1st 5 mile race PR (10:08 mpm).
I'll post on Sunday and let you know how I did. Good training and racing, everyone!
Distance: 7.90 miles
Time: 1:30:00
Pace: 11:23
4x8 pushups
Today I had a great walk on the jogging trail near my house. I was able to maintain a pretty good pace, especially considering the additional mileage I've been logging lately.
Distance: 7.00 miles
Time: 1:14:18
Pace: 10:36
4x8 pushups
4x10 situps
Tomorrow I'm taking a vacation day from work, and I'm also tapering for my July 4th race, so I can sleep in tomorrow and Saturday and try to catch up on sleep and relax. On the 4th I'd really like to break a 10 minute per mile pace but I'm not sure if that will be possible. I know I can beat my current PR (12:09 mpm) since this was my first race ever last year and my pace is more than a minute slower than typical training paces these days. The only question is how fast I can go. I would at least like to beat my May 1st 5 mile race PR (10:08 mpm).
I'll post on Sunday and let you know how I did. Good training and racing, everyone!
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
And another thing
Last week was the first time I've ever walked 50 miles in a week. It's the first, but it won't be the last! ;)
My first Long Run Tuesday
In preparation for the Ultracentric 24 hour race I'm starting to build up to three long runs per week (preferably in the 3-5 hour range). Today I started that process by walking 10.5 miles. It's not a really long walk yet; I don't want to increase my distance too aggressively and injure myself or burn out. I was able to keep a pretty good pace and felt good the whole time. On the way to work I had some discomfort behind my left knee but it has mostly subsided.
It will be difficult to get my long weekend walk this week; I've got an 8k race Sunday morning. I haven't decided if I want to walk at the lake after the race or get up Monday morning (work holiday) and do it. Sunday would be preferable so that I could sleep in on Monday and so that my training week would not be disrupted, but I don't know if I'll feel like walking 17+ miles after a race. I guess I'll just play it by ear.
This afternoon I'm off to San Antonio for a quick business trip so I'll be doing tomorrow's mileage on the hotel treadmill.
Distance: 10.50 miles
Time: 1:56:13
Pace: 11:04
It will be difficult to get my long weekend walk this week; I've got an 8k race Sunday morning. I haven't decided if I want to walk at the lake after the race or get up Monday morning (work holiday) and do it. Sunday would be preferable so that I could sleep in on Monday and so that my training week would not be disrupted, but I don't know if I'll feel like walking 17+ miles after a race. I guess I'll just play it by ear.
This afternoon I'm off to San Antonio for a quick business trip so I'll be doing tomorrow's mileage on the hotel treadmill.
Distance: 10.50 miles
Time: 1:56:13
Pace: 11:04
Monday, June 28, 2004
Scott Jurek wins Western States, again!
Six times in a row. This guy is incredible. I'd give anything to run like that.
Weekend Recap
This has been a busy week and weekend! My ten year old nephew has been visiting for the week so we've been very busy entertaining him. My daughter's birthday was last Monday but her party was yesterday, so we've had a week of birthday celebrations and preparations. Wednesday night we went to Medieval Times (ugh, but the kids loved it). Friday night we went to the Texas Rangers game. Saturday night we went to a wedding. Sunday afternoon was the official birthday party (Lord of the Rings theme, Lela dressed up as Arwen [including pointy elfin ears]).
I managed to get in my long walk yesterday but in order to get home in time to prepare for the party I had to get up at 4:00 AM (ugh again!). It was misting as I drove to the lake, but by the time I got there it was a full rain storm. I promised myself I'd start walking by 5:00, so at 5:01 AM I stepped out of the car and into the rain. It rained almost the entire walk; I was soaked to the bone, including my shoes and socks, but miraculously I didn't get a single blister. I think my feet are magic! In all my training and racing the only blisters I've ever gotten have been very small blisters on the tips of a couple of toes, and they have never hurt or bothered me while walking.
My long walk was great--I reached my goal of 22 miles and maintained a good, even pace (11:35). I was definitely tired and sore at the end but I spent the rest of the day on my feet (preparing for the party, hosting the party, cleaning up afterwards) and I felt good the whole time.
This week my training will be off a little bit because of the Flagpole 8k on July 4th. I'm planning to walk 10 miles tomorrow, 7 miles on Wednesday and Thursday, then taper on Friday/Saturday, race on Sunday, then long walk on Monday July 5th. I don't want to let up on my long distances because I don't have much time before Ultracentric.
Good running/walking, everyone!
Distance: 22.00 miles
Time: 4:14:46
Pace: 11:35
I managed to get in my long walk yesterday but in order to get home in time to prepare for the party I had to get up at 4:00 AM (ugh again!). It was misting as I drove to the lake, but by the time I got there it was a full rain storm. I promised myself I'd start walking by 5:00, so at 5:01 AM I stepped out of the car and into the rain. It rained almost the entire walk; I was soaked to the bone, including my shoes and socks, but miraculously I didn't get a single blister. I think my feet are magic! In all my training and racing the only blisters I've ever gotten have been very small blisters on the tips of a couple of toes, and they have never hurt or bothered me while walking.
My long walk was great--I reached my goal of 22 miles and maintained a good, even pace (11:35). I was definitely tired and sore at the end but I spent the rest of the day on my feet (preparing for the party, hosting the party, cleaning up afterwards) and I felt good the whole time.
This week my training will be off a little bit because of the Flagpole 8k on July 4th. I'm planning to walk 10 miles tomorrow, 7 miles on Wednesday and Thursday, then taper on Friday/Saturday, race on Sunday, then long walk on Monday July 5th. I don't want to let up on my long distances because I don't have much time before Ultracentric.
Good running/walking, everyone!
Distance: 22.00 miles
Time: 4:14:46
Pace: 11:35
Friday, June 25, 2004
I'm a little behind
I didn't get around to posting yesterday. Not much going on here. Still celebrating my daughter's birthday! Her party is actually this Sunday (we had to push it due to scheduling conflicts) so we'll be preparing for that this weekend. It's a "Lord of the Rings" themed party; she's dressing up as Arwen (pointy ears and all). I'm still hoping to get up early and get in a long walk (22 miles?) on Sunday morning before preparing for the party.
Yesterday I was pretty tired and just did an easy 7+ miles. It's ironic because an easy pace (11:30 - 11:50) is still about two minutes faster per mile than my 24-hour pace will be. I'm actually going to start training at that slower pace on some of my long walks to get myself used to the slower pace.
Distance: 7.21 miles
Time: 1:25:32
Pace: 11:51
4x8 pushups
3x10 situps
Today I also did 7+ miles, a little bit faster than yesterday. I'm glad tomorrow is a rest day because I need a chance to sleep in. Since we are entertaining our 10 year old nephew this week we've been very busy and I've been getting to bed rather late. My alarm goes off at 4:45 AM so late nights are really hard for me.
Distance: 7.07 miles
Time: 1:19:33
Pace: 11:15
4x8 pushups
4x10 situps
Good weekend running, everyone, and good luck to all those racing (Charlotte has a Half Marathon this weekend. Go, Charlotte!!!)
Yesterday I was pretty tired and just did an easy 7+ miles. It's ironic because an easy pace (11:30 - 11:50) is still about two minutes faster per mile than my 24-hour pace will be. I'm actually going to start training at that slower pace on some of my long walks to get myself used to the slower pace.
Distance: 7.21 miles
Time: 1:25:32
Pace: 11:51
4x8 pushups
3x10 situps
Today I also did 7+ miles, a little bit faster than yesterday. I'm glad tomorrow is a rest day because I need a chance to sleep in. Since we are entertaining our 10 year old nephew this week we've been very busy and I've been getting to bed rather late. My alarm goes off at 4:45 AM so late nights are really hard for me.
Distance: 7.07 miles
Time: 1:19:33
Pace: 11:15
4x8 pushups
4x10 situps
Good weekend running, everyone, and good luck to all those racing (Charlotte has a Half Marathon this weekend. Go, Charlotte!!!)
It's Official!
The race director of the Ultracentric 24- and 48-hour run has agreed to make it a Centurion event, so I'm officially training for my first 24-hour race and my first 100 mile event! I think I must be crazy..........it's only five months away..........
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Quick Post
I'm very busy today (boo hoo for me) so just a quick post. I inadvertently did another tempo-type walk this morning, a little slower than yesterday. I started at 11:30 and ended up at 10:37 for two miles. It was a little cooler today (70 deg.) so that was a nice change of pace.
Distance: 7.13 miles
Time: 1:18:19
Pace: 10:59
3x8 pushups
3x10 situps
Distance: 7.13 miles
Time: 1:18:19
Pace: 10:59
3x8 pushups
3x10 situps
New Wilco Album!
The new Wilco album, A Ghost is Born, was released yesterday. I've been listening to it on their website for quite a while and I really like it. It's a departure from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot but there are still familiar stylistic touches and themes. I hope to have time to but it today. If you're interested you can still listen to the entire album on their website! Try before you buy....
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Great training today!
I had another great A. Tempo training session today! Considering that I walked 19 miles on Sunday and was pretty beat afterwards, I was really surprised with my results today. My splits were:
11:00
10:48
10:31
10:21
10:10
9:43 !!!
What's great is that I felt tired afterwards, but not totally exhausted. 10:10 is almost my 5k and 5 mile PR pace, and 9:43 is below any pace I've ever raced (I hit 9:30 once in a 5k but I didn't sustain it). I'm very pleased with these splits. I think maybe I can finish my upcoming 8k in below 10:00 per min. pace! That would be so awesome and the first time I would be able to maintain that speed over distance. We'll see.....
Distance: 7.16 miles
Time: 1:16:05
Pace: 10:37
3x8 pushups
3x10 situps
11:00
10:48
10:31
10:21
10:10
9:43 !!!
What's great is that I felt tired afterwards, but not totally exhausted. 10:10 is almost my 5k and 5 mile PR pace, and 9:43 is below any pace I've ever raced (I hit 9:30 once in a 5k but I didn't sustain it). I'm very pleased with these splits. I think maybe I can finish my upcoming 8k in below 10:00 per min. pace! That would be so awesome and the first time I would be able to maintain that speed over distance. We'll see.....
Distance: 7.16 miles
Time: 1:16:05
Pace: 10:37
3x8 pushups
3x10 situps
Monday, June 21, 2004
Five years old!! I can't believe it. Love you, monkey!
Sunday, June 20, 2004
Sunday Roundup
Here's a summary of my training to date:
Miles this week: 47.6
Avg. Pace: 11:15
Miles this year: 862.6
Avg. Pace: 11:16
Cumulative Time: 6 days, 15 hours, 5 minutes, 23 seconds
For more details, visit my training log here.
Miles this week: 47.6
Avg. Pace: 11:15
Miles this year: 862.6
Avg. Pace: 11:16
Cumulative Time: 6 days, 15 hours, 5 minutes, 23 seconds
For more details, visit my training log here.
Not quite what I had planned
I went to the lake today for my long walk, but things just didn't click. First we went to a wedding last night and, although I tried to resist, I ate too much wedding cake. Friday and Saturday nights I didn't sleep well or long enough, so this morning I just didn't feel great Then I left my Garmin Forerunner at home and had to go back and get it. That meant I started later than expected, and that means I dealt with the heat longer than necessary.
Once I got to the lake I got in the groove of things and felt pretty good. It was hot (I'll be repeating that phrase for several more months) but not unbearable. I had plenty of liquids (I brought an ice cooler with extra water and gatorade so I could replenish liquids halfway around the lake), had a snack, had my Hammer Gel and my electrolyte caplets. As I finished my first lake lap I caught up with some other racewalkers and passed them pretty easily (I hate to admit it but it felt good). One young punk (just kidding, a good young racewalker) decided to play with me and tried to out pace me, but I hung on his elbow until he got tired and then I passed him. That was the start of my second loop.
My plan was to do 24 miles. The lake is about 9.3 miles around, so that meant two loops plus another 5.5 miles. As I got close to the end of my second loop I had a little discomfort in my right knee. Nothing too severe but something to pay attention to. When I got to my car I refilled my bottles and drank some nice, cold water. I was feeling very tired and was tempted to quit there but I pushed myself to go on. However, I made it only another mile before I had some pain in my chest/side that was very uncomfortable and I was very tired. I decided there was no reason to push myself too hard so I walked slowly back to my car and called it a day.
I was a little disappointed but 19 miles is still good mileage, especially after 4 days of 7+ miles this week. I'm pushing my mileage in anticipation of the 24 hour race, but I know that if I push too hard I'll probably burn out or injure myself. I also know that I need to slow down if I want to go farther (I'll be doing the 24 hour race and 1.5 - 2 minutes slower per mile). So I'll just be happy with what I did and start planning for the week. This week will be more of the same (4 days of 7+ miles) and then my long walk (maybe 22 miles is a good target to aim for). The week after that will be the Flagpole 8k on July 4th.
Distance: 19.0 miles
Time: 3:37:36
Pace: 11:27
Once I got to the lake I got in the groove of things and felt pretty good. It was hot (I'll be repeating that phrase for several more months) but not unbearable. I had plenty of liquids (I brought an ice cooler with extra water and gatorade so I could replenish liquids halfway around the lake), had a snack, had my Hammer Gel and my electrolyte caplets. As I finished my first lake lap I caught up with some other racewalkers and passed them pretty easily (I hate to admit it but it felt good). One young punk (just kidding, a good young racewalker) decided to play with me and tried to out pace me, but I hung on his elbow until he got tired and then I passed him. That was the start of my second loop.
My plan was to do 24 miles. The lake is about 9.3 miles around, so that meant two loops plus another 5.5 miles. As I got close to the end of my second loop I had a little discomfort in my right knee. Nothing too severe but something to pay attention to. When I got to my car I refilled my bottles and drank some nice, cold water. I was feeling very tired and was tempted to quit there but I pushed myself to go on. However, I made it only another mile before I had some pain in my chest/side that was very uncomfortable and I was very tired. I decided there was no reason to push myself too hard so I walked slowly back to my car and called it a day.
I was a little disappointed but 19 miles is still good mileage, especially after 4 days of 7+ miles this week. I'm pushing my mileage in anticipation of the 24 hour race, but I know that if I push too hard I'll probably burn out or injure myself. I also know that I need to slow down if I want to go farther (I'll be doing the 24 hour race and 1.5 - 2 minutes slower per mile). So I'll just be happy with what I did and start planning for the week. This week will be more of the same (4 days of 7+ miles) and then my long walk (maybe 22 miles is a good target to aim for). The week after that will be the Flagpole 8k on July 4th.
Distance: 19.0 miles
Time: 3:37:36
Pace: 11:27
Friday, June 18, 2004
Recipe Recommendation
I've made this dish twice and it's incredible: Bar-b-que'd Sweet Plantains. We don't have a grill so I just broil them on the broiler pan in the oven. Instead of hamburger I use Morningstar Farms veggie crumbles with some onion powder, garlic powder and a little romano or parmesan cheese.
Make sure you let the plantains ripen until they are black and getting soft. They should be as sweet as possible. This is a tasty dish with an excellent mix of carbs and proteins. Check it out!
Make sure you let the plantains ripen until they are black and getting soft. They should be as sweet as possible. This is a tasty dish with an excellent mix of carbs and proteins. Check it out!
Whew! Warm and muggy this morning
When I opened the door this morning at 5:15 AM the muggy air hit me like a wall. It's getting hot down here in Texas. I did my usual route to the track and back, a little slower than yesterday. I did decide to carry a water bottle and I think that helped; I didn't feel so parched and tired when I got home. By 30 minutes into my walk all of the ice had melted; by the end of the walk the remaining water was tepid. I miss Fall/Winter training!
This weekend I've got to spend some time working on the yard! We'll also go to the Farmer's Market (we've gotten addicted to that place after only two weeks) and then a wedding tomorrow night.
Sunday I'll do 24 miles at the lake, then my Father-in-Law and his wife are coming to our house for Father's Day dinner. Looks like a full weekend! Good running/walking, everyone!
Distance: 7.13 miles
Time: 1:20:44
Pace: 11:19
This weekend I've got to spend some time working on the yard! We'll also go to the Farmer's Market (we've gotten addicted to that place after only two weeks) and then a wedding tomorrow night.
Sunday I'll do 24 miles at the lake, then my Father-in-Law and his wife are coming to our house for Father's Day dinner. Looks like a full weekend! Good running/walking, everyone!
Distance: 7.13 miles
Time: 1:20:44
Pace: 11:19
Want to boost your brain power? Try marathons and...
Sex! That's right, friends, Professor Perry Bartlett has studied the process of brain cell creation and has found, among other things, that sexual activity stimulates the creation of neurons, which he thinks might be essential for normal, healthy brain functions.
His team also found that, "if you put an animal on a wheel and let it run ad libitum and they run up to about 10 kilometres overnight, they make about twice as many neurones."
Seems like we might be on the right track with this running/walking obsession. Do any of you guys feel smarter?
His team also found that, "if you put an animal on a wheel and let it run ad libitum and they run up to about 10 kilometres overnight, they make about twice as many neurones."
Seems like we might be on the right track with this running/walking obsession. Do any of you guys feel smarter?
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Nothing special to report
Just another 7+ miles. I was a little slower today (11:15 per mile) but that's OK. You can't tear up the track every day! ;) I don't normally carry water for these shorter runs but I think I'm going to have to start wearing a water bottle pack. I sweat A LOT and I get very thirsty at the end of the walks. When I get home I drink LOTS of water, so I might feel better and perform better if I drink during the walk.
Distance: 7.30 miles
Time: 1:22:10
Pace: 11:15
Pushups: 3x8
Situps: 3x10
Distance: 7.30 miles
Time: 1:22:10
Pace: 11:15
Pushups: 3x8
Situps: 3x10
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Just Another Day at the Track
I had another good walk at the track today. I got a little nauseous and fatigues at the end so my slowest mile was actually the last one, but I was faster than yesterday.
Distance: 7.10 miles
Time: 1:17:01
Pace: 10:50
Pushups: 2x8 and 1x6
Situps: 3x10
Distance: 7.10 miles
Time: 1:17:01
Pace: 10:50
Pushups: 2x8 and 1x6
Situps: 3x10
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Normal daily walk
I walked 7.1 miles at the track today and felt great. I was also pretty fast, especially considering I walked 18+ miles on Sunday. This is good since soon my Tuesday walks will be long. I need to get my body adjusted to multiple long walks per week and back-to-back long walks.
Distance: 7.10 miles
Time: 1:18:02
Pace: 10:59
Pushups: 2x8 and 1x6
Situps: 3x10
Distance: 7.10 miles
Time: 1:18:02
Pace: 10:59
Pushups: 2x8 and 1x6
Situps: 3x10
Monday, June 14, 2004
Results of 2004 USA 15k Race Walk Championships
Congratulations to Curt Clausen and Teresa Vaill for winning the 2004 USA 15k Race Walk Championships! Curt's time was 1:04:40 (6:56 minutes per mile!) and Teresa's time was 1:10:43 (7:35 per mile). That's some seriously fast walking! I can only dream of times like that......
Update: Here is a nice photostory of the 15k from Racewalk.com.
Update: Here is a nice photostory of the 15k from Racewalk.com.
Rosie's Running Around the World
Rosie Swalepope, a 57 year old British runner, is running around the world to raise money for several charities, particularly the Kitezh Community for Orphan Children and The Siberian Railway Cancer Hospital, both Russian children's charities. She started in Russia and is averaging 40k per day. She's currently 2,000 miles east of Moscow and is entering Siberia. You can read periodic updates on her website.
I'm always inspired when I read about ordinary people doing amazing things!
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Sunday Roundup
Here's a summary of my training to date:
Miles this week: 47.6
Avg. Pace: 11:07
Miles this year: 814.9
Avg. Pace: 11:16
Cumulative Time: 6 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes, 50 seconds
For more details, visit my training log here.
Miles this week: 47.6
Avg. Pace: 11:07
Miles this year: 814.9
Avg. Pace: 11:16
Cumulative Time: 6 days, 6 hours, 9 minutes, 50 seconds
For more details, visit my training log here.
18+ miles with a negative split
Today was a great day for a walk, not too hot or sunny. I got started a little before 6:00 am and did my usual route around the lake. I got several nice comments from runners and also ran into a couple of other racewalkers. We finished together and talked about upcoming races and possibly training together.
I also got a negative split today, which I always feel is a sign of a good, well executed training walk. The first nine miles took me 1:42; the second nine took 1:40. My splits were 11:58, 11:23, 10:59, 11:48, 11:31, 11:20, 11:18, 11:04, 11:07, 11:21, 10:41, 10:58, 11:01, 11:05, 11:10, 11:10, 11:34, 10:38, 10:09 (.666 miles). My pace was 11:11, below my marathon PR of 11:20.
I'm tired now but felt good through the walk. I was able to drink plenty of water and some gatorade and used Hammer Gel and electrolyte caplets. I didn't finish the gel and didn't feel the need to eat the Clif Bar I had in my pack; I think that's a sign that I'm more able to handle the longer distances than I was a few months ago. I used to crash around mile 18 but I never crashed today.
Distance: 18.67 miles
Time: 3:29:00
Pace: 11:11
I also got a negative split today, which I always feel is a sign of a good, well executed training walk. The first nine miles took me 1:42; the second nine took 1:40. My splits were 11:58, 11:23, 10:59, 11:48, 11:31, 11:20, 11:18, 11:04, 11:07, 11:21, 10:41, 10:58, 11:01, 11:05, 11:10, 11:10, 11:34, 10:38, 10:09 (.666 miles). My pace was 11:11, below my marathon PR of 11:20.
I'm tired now but felt good through the walk. I was able to drink plenty of water and some gatorade and used Hammer Gel and electrolyte caplets. I didn't finish the gel and didn't feel the need to eat the Clif Bar I had in my pack; I think that's a sign that I'm more able to handle the longer distances than I was a few months ago. I used to crash around mile 18 but I never crashed today.
Distance: 18.67 miles
Time: 3:29:00
Pace: 11:11
More information on the death of Al Heppner
Here is a detailed article on the death of Al Heppner with some possible reasons why he chose to take his own life after not qualifying for the Olympics.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Teaching myself JavaScript
See the little quote on the left side of the page next to my picture? Well, if you refresh the page you might see a different one. I've added some JavaScript that will randomly change the quote (there are five in all). Click refresh and enjoy some running inspiration.
Can you tell I'm bored at work? ;)
Have a good weekend, everyone.
Can you tell I'm bored at work? ;)
Have a good weekend, everyone.
I don't know what happened today, but I hope it happens again!
Today was my best walk in a long time. I don't really understand why. Since this was going to be my fourth 7+ mile walk in a row, I expected it to be slow and steady. Instead I had great time and incredible splits. All of my splits were below 11:00; all but one were below 10:30! Excluding races, today's pace was probably my second fastest ever. Today's splits were: 10:56, 10:17, 10:20, 10:16, 10:16, 10:15, 10:19.
Today I also reached my lowest weight since I started training: 166.6. I first dropped below 168 on May 7th, so it took me over a month to drop below 167. Hopefully the longer miles I will be walking will help increase my weight loss (I think I need to be between 155 and 160).
This is a great start to my weekend. Tomorrow is my rest day so I'll sleep in and then we'll probably go to the Farmers' Market and Cosmic Cafe again. Then Sunday I'll be at the lake for about 19.5 miles (two loops).
Distance: 7.04 miles
Time: 1:13:05
Pace: 10:22
Today I also reached my lowest weight since I started training: 166.6. I first dropped below 168 on May 7th, so it took me over a month to drop below 167. Hopefully the longer miles I will be walking will help increase my weight loss (I think I need to be between 155 and 160).
This is a great start to my weekend. Tomorrow is my rest day so I'll sleep in and then we'll probably go to the Farmers' Market and Cosmic Cafe again. Then Sunday I'll be at the lake for about 19.5 miles (two loops).
Distance: 7.04 miles
Time: 1:13:05
Pace: 10:22
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Rainy morning walk
It's been raining for days here but this is the first morning I actually walked in it (the other mornings I somehow walked in the few moments when the rain had stopped). I don't mind walking in the rain since it usually cools me off so I was happy to get up and get going. I did another 7+ miles on my neighborhood jogging/walking trail. I've been able to pick up the pace every day this week; today's pace was 10:52.
I've also been adding some strength training to my morning ritual. I don't have time or money to join a gym so I've just been doing some exercises at home. Right now I'm hopelessly weak but I suppose that, just like walking, I will improve over time. Today I did 2 repetitions of 8 pushups and 2 repetitions of 10 situps.
Distance: 7.25 miles
Time: 1:18:47
Pace: 10:52
I've also been adding some strength training to my morning ritual. I don't have time or money to join a gym so I've just been doing some exercises at home. Right now I'm hopelessly weak but I suppose that, just like walking, I will improve over time. Today I did 2 repetitions of 8 pushups and 2 repetitions of 10 situps.
Distance: 7.25 miles
Time: 1:18:47
Pace: 10:52
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Today's Walk
I walked 7.5 miles today. I couldn't go to the track because we had a lot of rain last night and the track was soggy and puddle-filled, so I walked around the neighborhood for a while and then walked on a jogging/walking trail near the house. Nothing special about today's walk, just put in the miles and enjoyed being outside and working my muscles.
While meandering around the neighborhood I used my Garmin Forerunner to calculate the distance from our house to my daughter's school. My wife is trying to find a way to get exercise but has limitations due to her health problems, so she was thinking of walking to school to meet Lela and then walk home together. The distance is .789 miles, so we'll have to see how long it will take her to walk that round trip.
Distance: 7.50 miles
Time: 1:23:48
Pace: 11:10
While meandering around the neighborhood I used my Garmin Forerunner to calculate the distance from our house to my daughter's school. My wife is trying to find a way to get exercise but has limitations due to her health problems, so she was thinking of walking to school to meet Lela and then walk home together. The distance is .789 miles, so we'll have to see how long it will take her to walk that round trip.
Distance: 7.50 miles
Time: 1:23:48
Pace: 11:10
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Today's workout and some "big" plans???
Today's workout was a recovery seven miles at the track. I didn't push the pace because I don't want to overdo it after my sixteen miles on Sunday. I felt good and it was not too hot today because it was overcast and misting a little bit. When I was 50 feet from my front door it started to pour down rain, so I avoided getting soaked!
Did I mention that work is hell?
OK, now for the big news. I've mentioned once or twice on this blog my desire to race in some ultra distance races. Well, the time may come sooner than I thought. In a recent post I told you about Ollie Nanyes, a fellow racewalker who walked 101 miles in 24 hours. Ollie's goal is to become a Centurion--this is the official designation for a walker/racewalker who has walked 100 miles in 24 hours. Ollie's 101 mile attempt didn't count because it wasn't an officially sanctioned Centurion event and did not have walk judges. A few weeks later Ollie tried to become an official Centurion at a race in Rotterdam but he was too drained from his previous race and only completed 81 miles.
Ollie recently announced that he was asking race directors of other 24 hour events to allow judges to monitor the walkers who are seeking Centurion status. One of the races he is targeting is the Ultracentric 24 & 48 Hour Run here in Dallas on November 26-28. Centurion races are rarely held in the U.S. (they are much more common in Europe and Australia), so I'm trying to decide if I want to train for this event. It would have a major impact on my training (and my life):
1. I would probably only do two races before Ultracentric: the July 4th Flagpole 8k (for old time's sake) and the Palo Duro Trail 50 (as a 50 mile training race).
2. I will probably have to build up to three long walks per week (4-5 hours). Each week will vary, of course, and I will scale back every third week to give my body a break, but a typical week might be:
Monday--off
Tuesday--2-5 hours
Wednesday--5-6 miles
Thursday--5-6 miles
Firday--off
Saturday--4-5 hours
Sunday--4-5 hours
I don't want to overdramatize and say that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's not. It is, however, a good opportunity to reach one of my long term goals, and there is no guarantee that there will be another opportunity any time soon. It's also a good opportunity because I wouldn't have to travel to the event; this would reduce the stress and the cost of the event. It would also be great because my family could be there to crew for me and keep my spirits up.
So this is what is on my mind lately. I'm excited and a little scared, but I think that there is no harm in trying (as long as I train sensibly and take the mileage progression slowly).
Like the quote on my blog homepage says, "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." -- T.S. Eliot
Anyone out there have any thoughts?
Distance: 7.12 miles
Time: 1:24:18
Pace: 11:50
Did I mention that work is hell?
OK, now for the big news. I've mentioned once or twice on this blog my desire to race in some ultra distance races. Well, the time may come sooner than I thought. In a recent post I told you about Ollie Nanyes, a fellow racewalker who walked 101 miles in 24 hours. Ollie's goal is to become a Centurion--this is the official designation for a walker/racewalker who has walked 100 miles in 24 hours. Ollie's 101 mile attempt didn't count because it wasn't an officially sanctioned Centurion event and did not have walk judges. A few weeks later Ollie tried to become an official Centurion at a race in Rotterdam but he was too drained from his previous race and only completed 81 miles.
Ollie recently announced that he was asking race directors of other 24 hour events to allow judges to monitor the walkers who are seeking Centurion status. One of the races he is targeting is the Ultracentric 24 & 48 Hour Run here in Dallas on November 26-28. Centurion races are rarely held in the U.S. (they are much more common in Europe and Australia), so I'm trying to decide if I want to train for this event. It would have a major impact on my training (and my life):
1. I would probably only do two races before Ultracentric: the July 4th Flagpole 8k (for old time's sake) and the Palo Duro Trail 50 (as a 50 mile training race).
2. I will probably have to build up to three long walks per week (4-5 hours). Each week will vary, of course, and I will scale back every third week to give my body a break, but a typical week might be:
Monday--off
Tuesday--2-5 hours
Wednesday--5-6 miles
Thursday--5-6 miles
Firday--off
Saturday--4-5 hours
Sunday--4-5 hours
I don't want to overdramatize and say that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's not. It is, however, a good opportunity to reach one of my long term goals, and there is no guarantee that there will be another opportunity any time soon. It's also a good opportunity because I wouldn't have to travel to the event; this would reduce the stress and the cost of the event. It would also be great because my family could be there to crew for me and keep my spirits up.
So this is what is on my mind lately. I'm excited and a little scared, but I think that there is no harm in trying (as long as I train sensibly and take the mileage progression slowly).
Like the quote on my blog homepage says, "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." -- T.S. Eliot
Anyone out there have any thoughts?
Distance: 7.12 miles
Time: 1:24:18
Pace: 11:50
Sunday, June 06, 2004
Great new headband
If you sweat heavily (like I do) and hate getting sweat in your eyes, check out the new Tunnel Vision headband. It is very small and made of plastic and has channel to capture the sweat and deliver to the side of your head rather than letting it drip down your face. Unlike regular sweatbands it doesn't absorb the sweat and eventually become waterlogged. I've been using it for about a week (I used it in the 20k and I used it today on my 16 mile long walk) and I think it works very well. I sweat a lot so I still get some sweat in my eyes but it has significantly reduced the problem. It's a little pricey (mine was $15 at a local running shop) but it should last indefinitely since it won't wear out like standard sweatbands. Also, it can be washed in the sink and dries quickly so you won't need more than one. I think it is worth checking it out if you have this problem.
Great day for a long walk
It was beautiful out today. It was warmer than I prefer (mid-70s) but it was overcast so it never got too hot. I did an eight mile out and back course at White Rock Lake. The lake is about 9.25 miles around (it can be stretched to longer distances with some additional loops) so I went almost all the way around and then turned around and went back. Best of all, I was pleased with my times. They weren't extremely fast but they were fairly even, and I didn't push myself to go fast. I didn't experience any major slowdown toward the end and was able to keep an even energy level (I even kicked it on the last mile for my fastest split, 10:51). My average pace was below my marathon PR pace, so that's pretty good!
I used my Ultimate Direction Gemini water pack on the walk and it worked out very well. It has two bottles (I use one for water and one for gatorade) and an awesome little pocket in front that is big enough for my gel flask and electrolyte tablets. It has a large storage area in the back which is a little too big for walks of this distance but should be great when I get into the ultra distances.
Splits:
11:55
11:28
11:18
11:15
11:24
11:16
11:20
10:57
11:11
11:01
11:38
11:24
11:09
10:50 (I think this was a mistake; I think the Garmin lost .05 miles so this is a little faster than it should be)
11:23
10:51
Distance: 16 miles
Time: 3:00:28
Pace: 11:17
I used my Ultimate Direction Gemini water pack on the walk and it worked out very well. It has two bottles (I use one for water and one for gatorade) and an awesome little pocket in front that is big enough for my gel flask and electrolyte tablets. It has a large storage area in the back which is a little too big for walks of this distance but should be great when I get into the ultra distances.
Splits:
11:55
11:28
11:18
11:15
11:24
11:16
11:20
10:57
11:11
11:01
11:38
11:24
11:09
10:50 (I think this was a mistake; I think the Garmin lost .05 miles so this is a little faster than it should be)
11:23
10:51
Distance: 16 miles
Time: 3:00:28
Pace: 11:17
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Great Healthy Day with the Family
Today we enjoyed a lot of time together and focused on our renewed effort to be healthy. We started out by going to the Dallas Farmers Market, a great place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables right from farmers or dealers of local produce. We bought blackberries, peaches, corn on the cob, dime-sized tomatoes, apples, squash, asparagus and plantain bananas. I bought my wife a juicer for our anniversary and she couldn't wait to buy fruits and vegetables for juicing. We also bought two big hanging plants for the house.
After that we ate lunch at Cosmic Cafe, a great vegetarian restaurant specializing in Indian and eastern cuisines. My daughter and I shared a "Sacred Cow Pie" (pizza on nan with very fresh veggies) and a falafel sandwich.
After that we went to various other stores getting things for the house and groceries. We've been working on our backyard so we got some candles for the outdoor bistro table, some little pagoda-style hanging lanterns that are solar charged during the day, and so on. Now, after a nice dinner we're all relaxing before going to bed. Tomorrow I'll be up at 5:00 to head to the lake and do my 16 miles.
After that we ate lunch at Cosmic Cafe, a great vegetarian restaurant specializing in Indian and eastern cuisines. My daughter and I shared a "Sacred Cow Pie" (pizza on nan with very fresh veggies) and a falafel sandwich.
After that we went to various other stores getting things for the house and groceries. We've been working on our backyard so we got some candles for the outdoor bistro table, some little pagoda-style hanging lanterns that are solar charged during the day, and so on. Now, after a nice dinner we're all relaxing before going to bed. Tomorrow I'll be up at 5:00 to head to the lake and do my 16 miles.
Check out Bug
Check out Bug, our newest blogger and probably our youngest. She is the daughter of Reba and has just started running and blogging. Congratulations, Bug, and keep up the good work.
Philly runners create a terror scare!
In today's climate nothing is innocent! Read here how Philly's Hash House Harriers created a terrorism scare by marking their running route with flour! I lived in Philly for 6 years; I really wish I could move back!
The Pressure of an Elite Athlete
Here is an interesting and sad article on Al Heppner, an elite racewalker who killed himself in February after failing to qualify for the Olympic racewalking team.
Friday, June 04, 2004
I take it back, I DID walk today
Today is just too beautiful a day to work from home. I should have gone to the office. After working all morning my burnout caught up with me and the beautiful weather outside coerced me into putting on my walking shoes. I headed to the track on my usual route and put in a little over 6 miles. It's 88 degrees outside so it was a challenging walk, but now after my shower I feel refreshed and relaxed. I'll do a little more work, then make Southern Barbecue Tempeh for the family dinner and sleep very well tonight.
Distance: 6.31 miles
Time: 1:08:12
Pace: 10:50
Distance: 6.31 miles
Time: 1:08:12
Pace: 10:50
No walk today
Well, I got back from San Antonio last night just in time to visit with my family for a little while, tuck the little one into bed and then fall off to sleep. My wife just bought us a new mattress that arrived yesterday--it is soooooo comfortable. It's super soft with a very thick pillow top and feels very good. It's at least 4-6 inches taller than our old mattress, so our four year old has trouble climbing into the bed.
I woke up at 5:00 this morning but just felt achy and tired so I decided to grab another hour of sleep before starting work. I'm working from home today which is nice and saves me from the 30 minute commute and all of the interruptions in the office. It is a very stressful and very unpleasant time right now--the project I'm working on (which I hate!) is moving into a critical stage. The next month and a half will be hell, but I'm starting a job search with the goal of taking a new position as soon as this project ends in early August. I've already talked to a couple of companies so the process is going well so far. I'll keep you posted.
So no walk today, tomorrow is my standard day off, and Sunday I'm going to do a long walk and start building myself back up to the 20-22 mile range for my long walks. As I've mentioned in previous posts I want to bring my marathon time down dramatically so I feel that I really need to spend a lot of time (over a long period of time) walking the longer distances. My very long range goals are ultra distance events (50k, 50 miles, maybe even 100 miles some day down the road) so I need to gradually increase my mileage and acclimate my body.
I hope everyone has good running/walking this weekend.
I woke up at 5:00 this morning but just felt achy and tired so I decided to grab another hour of sleep before starting work. I'm working from home today which is nice and saves me from the 30 minute commute and all of the interruptions in the office. It is a very stressful and very unpleasant time right now--the project I'm working on (which I hate!) is moving into a critical stage. The next month and a half will be hell, but I'm starting a job search with the goal of taking a new position as soon as this project ends in early August. I've already talked to a couple of companies so the process is going well so far. I'll keep you posted.
So no walk today, tomorrow is my standard day off, and Sunday I'm going to do a long walk and start building myself back up to the 20-22 mile range for my long walks. As I've mentioned in previous posts I want to bring my marathon time down dramatically so I feel that I really need to spend a lot of time (over a long period of time) walking the longer distances. My very long range goals are ultra distance events (50k, 50 miles, maybe even 100 miles some day down the road) so I need to gradually increase my mileage and acclimate my body.
I hope everyone has good running/walking this weekend.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Not much to report
I'm traveling on business today. I ate mexican food last night with a colleague (I hate business travel! It's so bad for my eating and exercise habits) so I did an hour on the hotel treadmill. I kept it nice and slow (12:00 minute miles) just to give my body more time to recover from recent races.
I was supposed to stay through tomorrow but things wrapped up early so I'm on an 8:30 flight tonight. I'm looking forward to being home with my family in my own home. I'll probably do an easy 6 miles tomorrow morning, take Saturday off and then start long miles on Sunday. I'm not sure how far yet, may be 16 miles (nice and easy).
I was supposed to stay through tomorrow but things wrapped up early so I'm on an 8:30 flight tonight. I'm looking forward to being home with my family in my own home. I'll probably do an easy 6 miles tomorrow morning, take Saturday off and then start long miles on Sunday. I'm not sure how far yet, may be 16 miles (nice and easy).
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