So I have this friend at work, Kelly, who has started running this past year. The thing I love about Kelly is that she is always excited when she talks about each new milestone she reaches in her new running life. As a teacher, wife, and mom of three young boys, my hat is off to you Kelly and your new found passion. The other thing I love about Kelly is she is not afraid to give me a hard time and shares my same twisted sense of humor. In our profession, as I am sure is the case with all, some people take themselves too seriously, so it is nice to have someone else to share a demented laugh with.
A few weeks ago, when it started to rain Kelly informed me that she was now "hardcore." She had made that leap from jogger to runner now, because she was not going to let some little moisture in the morning air keep her from getting out the door and pounding out some miles. To tell the truth, I was impressed. Most newbies usually ask me, what do you do when it rains? My reply, run. Kelly had already figured out, you are already dripping wet with sweat, so what is a few raindrops going to matter? So I thought, yup Kelly, you are hardcore.
Over the past week I continued to run everyday with a cold and sore throat. As many of you know, when you are running with a cold you have to learn how to gracefully shoot streams of yellow and green in such a manner as to not douse your sleeves, shoes, or sometimes the side of your face with your own snot. My high school athletes find this rather gross, but to be honest, their alternative is much nastier. They just suck it down, hock it up and then spit it out. Sorry, I'd rather not have that salty little flavor on my tongue for 10 miles. Kelly having known my predicament and a reader of my blog, (I hope you are liking it so far Kelly) asked me about this at work the other day. As I was explaining how I do not like to break stride and so forth, I asked her, "what do you do?" At which she replied, "I carry tissue."
I know many runners who carry a little emergency paper for when they need to ditch behind a bush, but not for blowing their noses. I mean, it makes sense to some degree, but what do you do with it later? Do you continue to run with your snot rags? Ewwww! Do you stop and look for a trash can? Excuse me sir, may I make a deposit into your waste container? Do you just drop it and litter? I hope not, since most runners really do care about keeping our running routes fairly clean. At least with a snot-rocket, it is biodegradable. Plus you have to stop, pull out the tissue, which is going to get all wet from your sweaty hands and fall apart when you blow and then you run the risk of blowing it in your hands. Yuck. Kelly, if you want to remain "hardcore," just stick one finger on one side of your nose, turn your head to the other and just blow hard. In the words of Nike marketing, "Just Do It!" I believe in you.
Until the next time, keep running, stay healthy, and if you need to release some nasal juices, you now know what to do.
SP
ps. Kelly, thanks for being a good sport and I hope you continue to enjoy your running life for many, many years. Keep up the good work.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Revenge is Sweet
When I was running in junior college I had a teammate, Darryl, that I did most of my track work-outs with. Now, Darryl had a flair for the dramatic. When he would finish a race, his arms would flail, his eyes would roll in his head, stumble a few steps and then collapse on the side of the track. Every race and work-out was a masterpiece production of suffering at its finest. For the most part I just accepted this as part of his quirky personality. However, our coach had a work-out that we had to do while preparing for our league finals and the Nor-Cal championships that called for us to run 2 X 1 1/2 miles with a 5 min rest jog and then 2 X 1 mile with a 3 min rest. Not a super hard work-out, but taxing none the less.
The plan was that Darryl would set the pace on the first lap and then we would take turns leading by alternating laps. Coach sent us on our way and Darryl took the lead. We passed the starting post and I took my turn at the helm. As we approached the 3rd lap, I noticed Darryl had not pulled up alongside me. Instead, I started to hear the sound of heavy breathing. This went on for laps 3, 4, and 5 as I lead going into the last lap. Finally, on the last lap, gasping for breath, slobber flying from his mouth, fortunately he missed my face with his foam, he blew by me over the last 200 and left me in the dust.
During the recovery I remember asking him, "are you alright?" In which he made some kind of incoherent reply, but toed the line for the next 1 1/2 mile repeat. Same game plan. Same result. Same out-kicking over the last 200. Recovery. Silence from me. One mile repeat number 1: Darryl leads first lap, I lead 2 and 3, out-kicked over the last 200. Mile repeat number 2. Same plan. Same result. Same silence from me.
Two weeks later we do the same work-out and the exact thing happens again! Lets just put it like this; I was pissed! Now, I must be fair, Darryl was a much more accomplished runner than I had been at the time. He had ran faster than me at all distances. He was our number 1 runner. But come on, pull your share of the work-out load dude! I was tired of being the mule being rode hard and put away wet at the 200 mark.
Two years later, we are both at the NCAA Cross Country West Regional meet. I was coming off the best season I had ever had. I was fit and ready to race. Our team, Sonoma State was looking to make its first appearance at the NCAA's. To say the least, I was pumped up for this one. Darryl was running for Bakersfield State now and was their number 1 runner and they were there as well. Darryl and I had not raced each other in nearly two years. I had been running faster all season, but not one head to head with Darryl.
Five miles into the 10K race I am starting to feel the fatigue of the long season. Running in the orange groves around UC Riverside was tough on my allergies and the dusty ground only added to my discomfort. I could feel another runner pulling up to my shoulder. Crap, it was Darryl! He passed me. Desperately I hung close behind. The whole time the memories of those two work-outs came rushing into my head. Not again. Why? This is supposed to by my day in the sun. Darryl pushed harder and harder to the finish. As we came into view of the finish shoot coming out of the orange groves a mere 200 meters away, I had one last thought; not today sucka!
With 200 to go I dug down with all I had. Every memory of Darryl kicking past me with 200 to go played in my head as I began to lift my knees and drive home. I pulled even and then it happened. I passed him. In a gray haze blur of 20 something seconds I reached the finish and looked to find Darryl, mouth foaming, eyes rolling, coming in behind me.
Yes my friends, revenge is sweet!
Until the next post, keep running and stay healthy.
SP
The plan was that Darryl would set the pace on the first lap and then we would take turns leading by alternating laps. Coach sent us on our way and Darryl took the lead. We passed the starting post and I took my turn at the helm. As we approached the 3rd lap, I noticed Darryl had not pulled up alongside me. Instead, I started to hear the sound of heavy breathing. This went on for laps 3, 4, and 5 as I lead going into the last lap. Finally, on the last lap, gasping for breath, slobber flying from his mouth, fortunately he missed my face with his foam, he blew by me over the last 200 and left me in the dust.
During the recovery I remember asking him, "are you alright?" In which he made some kind of incoherent reply, but toed the line for the next 1 1/2 mile repeat. Same game plan. Same result. Same out-kicking over the last 200. Recovery. Silence from me. One mile repeat number 1: Darryl leads first lap, I lead 2 and 3, out-kicked over the last 200. Mile repeat number 2. Same plan. Same result. Same silence from me.
Two weeks later we do the same work-out and the exact thing happens again! Lets just put it like this; I was pissed! Now, I must be fair, Darryl was a much more accomplished runner than I had been at the time. He had ran faster than me at all distances. He was our number 1 runner. But come on, pull your share of the work-out load dude! I was tired of being the mule being rode hard and put away wet at the 200 mark.
Two years later, we are both at the NCAA Cross Country West Regional meet. I was coming off the best season I had ever had. I was fit and ready to race. Our team, Sonoma State was looking to make its first appearance at the NCAA's. To say the least, I was pumped up for this one. Darryl was running for Bakersfield State now and was their number 1 runner and they were there as well. Darryl and I had not raced each other in nearly two years. I had been running faster all season, but not one head to head with Darryl.
Five miles into the 10K race I am starting to feel the fatigue of the long season. Running in the orange groves around UC Riverside was tough on my allergies and the dusty ground only added to my discomfort. I could feel another runner pulling up to my shoulder. Crap, it was Darryl! He passed me. Desperately I hung close behind. The whole time the memories of those two work-outs came rushing into my head. Not again. Why? This is supposed to by my day in the sun. Darryl pushed harder and harder to the finish. As we came into view of the finish shoot coming out of the orange groves a mere 200 meters away, I had one last thought; not today sucka!
With 200 to go I dug down with all I had. Every memory of Darryl kicking past me with 200 to go played in my head as I began to lift my knees and drive home. I pulled even and then it happened. I passed him. In a gray haze blur of 20 something seconds I reached the finish and looked to find Darryl, mouth foaming, eyes rolling, coming in behind me.
Yes my friends, revenge is sweet!
Until the next post, keep running and stay healthy.
SP
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Eugene
I couldn't help but think about the first time I ran in Eugene, Oregon this past week. Mainly due to the fact that almost every run involved some form of precipitation. For those of you who have never ran in Eugene or on the fabled Hayward Field track, all I can say is that you need to make the pilgrimage to the mecca. Or should I just say "Track City USA." Now there are some people who post on other sites that bash the whole Eugene experience and all I can say is, "are you kidding me?!" I am just going to assume they are either jealous or have never had the incredible experience of racing in front of Pre's people. Of all the venues I have ever raced in, nothing compares to Hayward Field.
My first race there was in June of 1990. A 10,000 meter race was set up for Alberto Salazar and somehow, my coach, Danny Aldridge got me in the race with him at the Prefontaine Classic. Not only was I going to race at Hayward, I was going to be in the race with one of my running heros and the Prefontaine! I was way over my head to say the least.
As we were warming up, Aldge told me that it would be ok if I needed to step off the track half way if I needed to, but the night was about to get magical. At that moment, the Eugene mist began to fall as we stepped into the holding area. Being the slowest in the field, I was the first person announced to run onto the track. As I left the holding area, the clerk told me, "be sure to wave to the crowd." "Yeah, right," I thought as the announcer read my name...the crowd cheered and I ran dumbfounded onto the home-straight waving blindly like a homecoming hero. As each entrant made his way onto the track the crowd got louder and louder and finally; former American record holder, world record holder and hometown runner... The crowd was on its feet going nuts. "This is soooo coool," was all I could whisper to myself as we lined up for the start of the race.
To make a long story short, Alberto and the other top runners lapped me twice and I had to run the last two laps all by myself. Which was still cool, because the crowd still clapped in unison and Alberto waited until I was done to take his victory lap. I even got a 1 second pr.
After the race when we were getting ready to cool down I approached Alberto to sign my program. When I handed it to him, he looked up at me and asked, "why do want me to sign this? You were in the race too." From that moment on I was a different runner. I honestly don't think I would have ever been an All American in college if it was not for that night. So Alberto, I know you will probably never read this, but from a former Division II scrub, thank you for making me feel like one of the big boys. Even if it was for just one night.
Until the next time, keep running, stay healthy, and dream big! Even at our age.
SP
My first race there was in June of 1990. A 10,000 meter race was set up for Alberto Salazar and somehow, my coach, Danny Aldridge got me in the race with him at the Prefontaine Classic. Not only was I going to race at Hayward, I was going to be in the race with one of my running heros and the Prefontaine! I was way over my head to say the least.
As we were warming up, Aldge told me that it would be ok if I needed to step off the track half way if I needed to, but the night was about to get magical. At that moment, the Eugene mist began to fall as we stepped into the holding area. Being the slowest in the field, I was the first person announced to run onto the track. As I left the holding area, the clerk told me, "be sure to wave to the crowd." "Yeah, right," I thought as the announcer read my name...the crowd cheered and I ran dumbfounded onto the home-straight waving blindly like a homecoming hero. As each entrant made his way onto the track the crowd got louder and louder and finally; former American record holder, world record holder and hometown runner... The crowd was on its feet going nuts. "This is soooo coool," was all I could whisper to myself as we lined up for the start of the race.
To make a long story short, Alberto and the other top runners lapped me twice and I had to run the last two laps all by myself. Which was still cool, because the crowd still clapped in unison and Alberto waited until I was done to take his victory lap. I even got a 1 second pr.
After the race when we were getting ready to cool down I approached Alberto to sign my program. When I handed it to him, he looked up at me and asked, "why do want me to sign this? You were in the race too." From that moment on I was a different runner. I honestly don't think I would have ever been an All American in college if it was not for that night. So Alberto, I know you will probably never read this, but from a former Division II scrub, thank you for making me feel like one of the big boys. Even if it was for just one night.
Until the next time, keep running, stay healthy, and dream big! Even at our age.
SP
Monday, January 25, 2010
To Streak or Not to Streak?
Ok. So I had a major dilemma today. I stayed home from work today with a cold and sore throat. Since I am a teacher and nothing can make the day more miserable than feeling like crap and then have some smart mouth eighth grader ask you a dumb question to get you off task as you are floating around the class intoxicated on cold medicine (the old saying that there are no stupid questions, well, it was lie to make you not feel stupid for asking a stupid question) and not be able to say something sarcastic as you blow four gallons of green and yellow phlegm into a thin tissue in front of him and drop out his desk, it was a wise choice to stay home. Disclaimer: I really do like students and enjoy my job, I am just saying on a bad day...
Now, the dilemma. As many of you know, I have not missed a day of running over the past 56 days. I have ran in the dark of early morning and the dark of late night. I have ran in the rain, on holidays, including Christmas morning, and everything in between. However, there are two areas of life that one must take seriously before running. Your spouse and your health. Fortunately, my anniversary is not until August, so I think my 100 days straight is safe in that regards. However, sickness and injuries do happen and should never be taken lightly. I typically back off the distance and intensity when I feel a cold coming on and can usually run through a minor cold. But, today, I woke up with a sore throat, blowing green and yellow out of my nose and generally felt like I had been trampled by a herd of wildebeests. So, I called a sub, took my drug of choice, NyQuil, and went back to bed.
Later, when I awakened from my intoxicated state I felt much better. Earlier, I had written my streak off. Now I was wrestling with my running demons; to run or not to run? Was I actually feeling better or was the NyQuil dulling my senses? Was it just my foolish pride that begged me to pull on my Nikes and head out the door? For the next four hours I went back and forth, wondering what would be the right thing to do? Do I risk getting even more sick than I already am? What is a runner to do?
Well, this is the running life, so I pulled on my Nikes, dressed a little warmer than usual, and headed out the door. For five glorious miles I blew green and yellow snot rockets, spit nasal juices and loved every minute of it. I more than likely grossed out every person I passed along the way, but the streak lives. Day 57 in a row is now in the books forevermore.
Until the next time, keep running and watch out for old runners shooting liquid from their nasal cavities.
SP
Now, the dilemma. As many of you know, I have not missed a day of running over the past 56 days. I have ran in the dark of early morning and the dark of late night. I have ran in the rain, on holidays, including Christmas morning, and everything in between. However, there are two areas of life that one must take seriously before running. Your spouse and your health. Fortunately, my anniversary is not until August, so I think my 100 days straight is safe in that regards. However, sickness and injuries do happen and should never be taken lightly. I typically back off the distance and intensity when I feel a cold coming on and can usually run through a minor cold. But, today, I woke up with a sore throat, blowing green and yellow out of my nose and generally felt like I had been trampled by a herd of wildebeests. So, I called a sub, took my drug of choice, NyQuil, and went back to bed.
Later, when I awakened from my intoxicated state I felt much better. Earlier, I had written my streak off. Now I was wrestling with my running demons; to run or not to run? Was I actually feeling better or was the NyQuil dulling my senses? Was it just my foolish pride that begged me to pull on my Nikes and head out the door? For the next four hours I went back and forth, wondering what would be the right thing to do? Do I risk getting even more sick than I already am? What is a runner to do?
Well, this is the running life, so I pulled on my Nikes, dressed a little warmer than usual, and headed out the door. For five glorious miles I blew green and yellow snot rockets, spit nasal juices and loved every minute of it. I more than likely grossed out every person I passed along the way, but the streak lives. Day 57 in a row is now in the books forevermore.
Until the next time, keep running and watch out for old runners shooting liquid from their nasal cavities.
SP
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Ducks on the Pond!
Have you ever notice that coaches say the darndest things sometimes? It is if their lips cannot keep pace with their frontal lobe and then the weirdest things come tumbling off the tip of their tongues? "Go to town!" "Bury him now!" "Put him away!" What do this phrases really mean on their own? I mean, come on, we are running a race, not going shopping or to a funeral or putting away a possession. Yet, as athletes we know exactly what our coach wants us to do, even if we have never heard him or her use the phrase before. Somehow as athletes we have this innate ability to decipher the hidden message that our coaches are sending us through these strange verbal transmissions.
Such was the case my senior year at Sonoma State in our league cross country championship race. We were hosting the meet that year and was favored along with Humboldt State to win our league championship. Our team was having its best season in our school history and I was poised to finish in the top 3 overall. Our top runner, Mike, had been the league champion the past previous two years and was going to take the race out hard at around 4:25 the first mile. Naturally, I was in on this and would know better than to get caught up in the frenzy of the mad dash at the beginning. Our course made a figure 8 around two ponds and was all on trails other than the start and finish on a bike path. Soft rolling hills with two sharp short hills and one gully to cross. It was a challenging, yet very fast 8k course. More importantly, it was our home course and we did not want to lose in our backyard.
The gun blasted and off we flew. The first mile Mike took out in sub 4:30 and I came by at 4:37, looked over at my team-mate Phil and thought "Holy S*&#!" Phil and I were about 20th and 21st place at the mile mark. Mike, sticking to his plan, wanted to put the hurt on the other top runners in order for Phil and I to pick them off one by one over the next 4 miles. I had never gone out that fast before in a cross country race before and was feeling a little apprehension as I slowly began the task of moving up through the field. Then it happened.
Near the two mile mark we crossed a small levee and would turn onto a narrow winding trail and standing at the end of the levee was our coach, Danny Aldridge. At this point, the field had spread out single file and I had moved into 10th place. I was unsure where Phil was, but I knew he could not be far behind. Mike was leading the race, 5 Humboldt, 1 Davis, 1 Chico State and 1 Hayward State runners separated me from Mike, only about 10-12 seconds ahead of me. Doubt was beginning to creep in. Maybe I had been a little too cocky when I told Aldge a couple of weeks before I thought I could take second in our league meet. After all, in front of me were 6-7 All American runners and I had not run anything close to what these guys had ran. Heck, I had never ran two miles this fast before and now I was to keep going for nearly another 3 miles. Who was I fooling? There was no way I could keep this up. And then I heard it. "The ducks are on the pond! The ducks are on the pond!" "What? The ducks are on the pond. What am I, Elmer Fudd?"
Aldge was standing at the end of the levee yelling at me, "The ducks are on the pond." Now, it is true, there were ducks on the two ponds, but now it was time for me to go hunting and take down some other two-legged birds that were in full flight and I had better get at it if I wanted to succeed. My confidence restored, I spent the next 3 miles taking aim and knocking off my opponents one by one. The last with only 600 meters to go. That day Mike won, I took second and Phil, also over the last 400 meters picked off our opponets and finished 3rd. A historic 1-2-3 finish for Sonoma State, yet, due to our 4th guy not feeling well, we lost the team title to Humboldt State. Oh well, you can't win them all.
Until the next time, keep running, stay healthy, and remember, duck hunting season is just around the corner.
SP
Such was the case my senior year at Sonoma State in our league cross country championship race. We were hosting the meet that year and was favored along with Humboldt State to win our league championship. Our team was having its best season in our school history and I was poised to finish in the top 3 overall. Our top runner, Mike, had been the league champion the past previous two years and was going to take the race out hard at around 4:25 the first mile. Naturally, I was in on this and would know better than to get caught up in the frenzy of the mad dash at the beginning. Our course made a figure 8 around two ponds and was all on trails other than the start and finish on a bike path. Soft rolling hills with two sharp short hills and one gully to cross. It was a challenging, yet very fast 8k course. More importantly, it was our home course and we did not want to lose in our backyard.
The gun blasted and off we flew. The first mile Mike took out in sub 4:30 and I came by at 4:37, looked over at my team-mate Phil and thought "Holy S*&#!" Phil and I were about 20th and 21st place at the mile mark. Mike, sticking to his plan, wanted to put the hurt on the other top runners in order for Phil and I to pick them off one by one over the next 4 miles. I had never gone out that fast before in a cross country race before and was feeling a little apprehension as I slowly began the task of moving up through the field. Then it happened.
Near the two mile mark we crossed a small levee and would turn onto a narrow winding trail and standing at the end of the levee was our coach, Danny Aldridge. At this point, the field had spread out single file and I had moved into 10th place. I was unsure where Phil was, but I knew he could not be far behind. Mike was leading the race, 5 Humboldt, 1 Davis, 1 Chico State and 1 Hayward State runners separated me from Mike, only about 10-12 seconds ahead of me. Doubt was beginning to creep in. Maybe I had been a little too cocky when I told Aldge a couple of weeks before I thought I could take second in our league meet. After all, in front of me were 6-7 All American runners and I had not run anything close to what these guys had ran. Heck, I had never ran two miles this fast before and now I was to keep going for nearly another 3 miles. Who was I fooling? There was no way I could keep this up. And then I heard it. "The ducks are on the pond! The ducks are on the pond!" "What? The ducks are on the pond. What am I, Elmer Fudd?"
Aldge was standing at the end of the levee yelling at me, "The ducks are on the pond." Now, it is true, there were ducks on the two ponds, but now it was time for me to go hunting and take down some other two-legged birds that were in full flight and I had better get at it if I wanted to succeed. My confidence restored, I spent the next 3 miles taking aim and knocking off my opponents one by one. The last with only 600 meters to go. That day Mike won, I took second and Phil, also over the last 400 meters picked off our opponets and finished 3rd. A historic 1-2-3 finish for Sonoma State, yet, due to our 4th guy not feeling well, we lost the team title to Humboldt State. Oh well, you can't win them all.
Until the next time, keep running, stay healthy, and remember, duck hunting season is just around the corner.
SP
Friday, January 22, 2010
Dave
Today I was reading a Facebook post about my junior college coach Dave Bronzan. One of his recent former runners posted, if there was a Dave Bronzan fan page, I would join it. This resulted in many current and former athletes chiming in about our coach. It's amazing to see how one man in a span of 25 years has touched so many lives. Now I am not going to go all George Bailey about Coach Bronzan, but I just can't help but write today about the man who helped guide early on in this running life.
I never called Coach Bronzan coach. He was always Dave to me, since I knew him in high school when he owned the local sporting goods store. Now I could tell many stories about the work-outs, the speeding down the highway while reading race results, the jogger-runner-racer analogies, and countless other fun juicy tidbits about the man, but I am going to share about the moment my running life was changed forever.
Dave always talked about goals and met with each one of his athletes individually to talk about our goals. Now, I had never been much of a top-notch runner but I had set this goal of making the Nor-Cal championships in the 10,000 meters. When I talked to him about this, he thought maybe I should run the 1500, but I had come to the conclusion that if I could run the mile in sub 4:40 then I could run 5:00-5:15 for 6 miles. Not wanting to discourage me, he said we could give it a chance.
To make a long story short, I made the NorCaL championships in the 10,000 meters and here is where the story starts. I had given up red meat, soda and had started running 70-miles per week during the season all because Dave had mentioned that to be good, you had to make sacrifices and run. Run lots of miles. And, when you think you had run a lot of miles, you need to run more. So, for several months I ran, gave up burgers, learned to drink liquids other than Coke and came into the NorCal champs ranked 22nd out of 24 runners. I figured the only chance I had was for the weather to be bad.
Race morning the gods of running smiled and in the middle of May in Sacramento a monsoon erupted and my heart jumped for joy. Before the race, Dave came over to me and said, "you got your wish, now go and get your race." Now, Dave is a very mellow laid back guy, except when it comes to cheering own his athletes. For 25 glorious laps, Dave ran back and forth at the bottom of the bleachers at American River College, jumping up and down, shouting, jumping, shouting, calling out splits, jumping, shouting, all the while standing in about a foot of water. My parents sat in the stands under an umbrella watching the mad-man routine as the water soaked up his pants to his knees, wondering who is this guy? After finishing the race in a huge 45 second pr and barely missing a spot to state, he turned to my parents, who looked on in bewilderment as he exclaimed, that was "brilliant!"
The next Monday I stopped into his store to chat about the weekend and he asked, "how do you feel?" I thought for second and replied, "I feel like I can do anything." "Funny thing," he said, "I never thought you would ever run that fast!" Funny, the only reason I thought I could run that fast was because of all the advice, care, guidance and time he dedicated to helping me become a better athlete and person. A few years later when I made my first NCAA race he was the first person I called. I told him it felt like a dream, in which he answered this time, "this is as real as it gets."
That day in the rain in Sacramento changed my life. Never had a middle aged 40 something guy jump up and down in a puddle because he was excited about my new found passion. I knew then, I would live this running life for the rest of my days. Thanks Dave!
SP
I never called Coach Bronzan coach. He was always Dave to me, since I knew him in high school when he owned the local sporting goods store. Now I could tell many stories about the work-outs, the speeding down the highway while reading race results, the jogger-runner-racer analogies, and countless other fun juicy tidbits about the man, but I am going to share about the moment my running life was changed forever.
Dave always talked about goals and met with each one of his athletes individually to talk about our goals. Now, I had never been much of a top-notch runner but I had set this goal of making the Nor-Cal championships in the 10,000 meters. When I talked to him about this, he thought maybe I should run the 1500, but I had come to the conclusion that if I could run the mile in sub 4:40 then I could run 5:00-5:15 for 6 miles. Not wanting to discourage me, he said we could give it a chance.
To make a long story short, I made the NorCaL championships in the 10,000 meters and here is where the story starts. I had given up red meat, soda and had started running 70-miles per week during the season all because Dave had mentioned that to be good, you had to make sacrifices and run. Run lots of miles. And, when you think you had run a lot of miles, you need to run more. So, for several months I ran, gave up burgers, learned to drink liquids other than Coke and came into the NorCal champs ranked 22nd out of 24 runners. I figured the only chance I had was for the weather to be bad.
Race morning the gods of running smiled and in the middle of May in Sacramento a monsoon erupted and my heart jumped for joy. Before the race, Dave came over to me and said, "you got your wish, now go and get your race." Now, Dave is a very mellow laid back guy, except when it comes to cheering own his athletes. For 25 glorious laps, Dave ran back and forth at the bottom of the bleachers at American River College, jumping up and down, shouting, jumping, shouting, calling out splits, jumping, shouting, all the while standing in about a foot of water. My parents sat in the stands under an umbrella watching the mad-man routine as the water soaked up his pants to his knees, wondering who is this guy? After finishing the race in a huge 45 second pr and barely missing a spot to state, he turned to my parents, who looked on in bewilderment as he exclaimed, that was "brilliant!"
The next Monday I stopped into his store to chat about the weekend and he asked, "how do you feel?" I thought for second and replied, "I feel like I can do anything." "Funny thing," he said, "I never thought you would ever run that fast!" Funny, the only reason I thought I could run that fast was because of all the advice, care, guidance and time he dedicated to helping me become a better athlete and person. A few years later when I made my first NCAA race he was the first person I called. I told him it felt like a dream, in which he answered this time, "this is as real as it gets."
That day in the rain in Sacramento changed my life. Never had a middle aged 40 something guy jump up and down in a puddle because he was excited about my new found passion. I knew then, I would live this running life for the rest of my days. Thanks Dave!
SP
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Twinkie Run
I was so proud of my boys team today when I got home from work and six of them were waiting on my back porch waiting and ready to knock out at 7-8 mile run in the rain. I pretty much thought that they would blow off the run, especially on days like today when we post a work-out has been canceled on the girls coach's window of his classroom, leaving it up to them to run on their own. But these bad boys, they are hard core!
Needless to say, I quickly ran inside and got ready to run. Upon returning to my athletes I then realized that among them was my daughter, who is one of our top girls, but not quite up to speed to run with my top boys who gathered to face the onslaught of the looming hurricane. Dressed and ready to go, wearing her brothers University of Oregon sweatshirt, the first words out of her mouth were, "are you going to run with me dad?" Rain, Oregon sweatshirt, cute smile, wanting to run with her dad, how could I refuse. So for four happy miles I laughed, joked and got to spend time with my oldest daughter out doing what we do best, run. She even pushed the pace on me for a few miles. I think my time as the fastest runner in the house is quickly coming to an end.
After dropping her off at home I continued on for another four miles and ran into my boys working their way back. I noticed that one of my top runners was running a little behind and didn't look so good. As we were approaching my house he fell back a little ways and I waited for him. When he caught up, I asked him how he was feeling? "Not good. Twinkies."
Apparently on the run they had to stop to use the bathroom at the local Hostess store. While waiting for the one to finish his business, another runner asked, "do have anything for free?" At which the clerk pointed to a basket of Twinkies and muffins. Now, if you know anything about teenage boys, do not point to anything edible and say the word free. So gleefully they loaded up on free Twinkies and muffins and proceeded to continue on their merry way. While a Twinkie may make a fine pre-run snack, a whole stomachful on the other hand is a different story. I laughed and the first thing I thought of was, "a Twinkie sounds pretty good right now."
These are some hard core runners. Rain, Twinkies, and enough mischief to make a barrel full of monkeys seem boring.
It was a good day with a good run with some super great kids!
SP
p.s.. Fellas, next time, don't forget to grab a few Twinkies for your coach.
Needless to say, I quickly ran inside and got ready to run. Upon returning to my athletes I then realized that among them was my daughter, who is one of our top girls, but not quite up to speed to run with my top boys who gathered to face the onslaught of the looming hurricane. Dressed and ready to go, wearing her brothers University of Oregon sweatshirt, the first words out of her mouth were, "are you going to run with me dad?" Rain, Oregon sweatshirt, cute smile, wanting to run with her dad, how could I refuse. So for four happy miles I laughed, joked and got to spend time with my oldest daughter out doing what we do best, run. She even pushed the pace on me for a few miles. I think my time as the fastest runner in the house is quickly coming to an end.
After dropping her off at home I continued on for another four miles and ran into my boys working their way back. I noticed that one of my top runners was running a little behind and didn't look so good. As we were approaching my house he fell back a little ways and I waited for him. When he caught up, I asked him how he was feeling? "Not good. Twinkies."
Apparently on the run they had to stop to use the bathroom at the local Hostess store. While waiting for the one to finish his business, another runner asked, "do have anything for free?" At which the clerk pointed to a basket of Twinkies and muffins. Now, if you know anything about teenage boys, do not point to anything edible and say the word free. So gleefully they loaded up on free Twinkies and muffins and proceeded to continue on their merry way. While a Twinkie may make a fine pre-run snack, a whole stomachful on the other hand is a different story. I laughed and the first thing I thought of was, "a Twinkie sounds pretty good right now."
These are some hard core runners. Rain, Twinkies, and enough mischief to make a barrel full of monkeys seem boring.
It was a good day with a good run with some super great kids!
SP
p.s.. Fellas, next time, don't forget to grab a few Twinkies for your coach.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Fallen Brother
Today was day 50 in a row! I celebrated by, what else, going for another run. That gave me 12 miles for the day and a good start to the week.
I got some bummer news this past weekend about another over 40 guy who had to "hang up the jock." What a bummer. My friend Jack is one of those guys who truly loves the sport of track and field. If you want up to date stats regarding the top runners in the country, he can tell you down to the .001 of the second of their latest race results or pr's. If you want to talk training, I think his library must contain every coaching book ever published. But most of all, the guy just loved to run and race. After months and months of a nagging calf injury, he has "hung up his jock" and will learn to continue on his running life without the daily mileage.
I thought of Jack and all of those I have personally shared this running life with today as I was out running. It is strange how the simple act of putting one leg in front of the other, albeit, faster than normal, can bond people together. It is a brother/sisterhood that exists between runners. It knows neither age, sex, race, or speed. No matter who we are, we all pull our running shorts on one leg at a time and we all head out the door, hoping that today's run will be a little bit better than yesterday's. Aches, pains, chub-rub, snot-rockets, and black toe are all part of the joy of running and to not run, well, that is a bad day.
So savor those days you are out and running and enjoy the moment. Like Jack, we could be just an injury away from "hanging it up." I pray not. Jack, I am sorry, I have no words other than to say, thanks for being a part of this running life.
Until the next run, stay healthy and enjoy each and every step.
SP
I got some bummer news this past weekend about another over 40 guy who had to "hang up the jock." What a bummer. My friend Jack is one of those guys who truly loves the sport of track and field. If you want up to date stats regarding the top runners in the country, he can tell you down to the .001 of the second of their latest race results or pr's. If you want to talk training, I think his library must contain every coaching book ever published. But most of all, the guy just loved to run and race. After months and months of a nagging calf injury, he has "hung up his jock" and will learn to continue on his running life without the daily mileage.
I thought of Jack and all of those I have personally shared this running life with today as I was out running. It is strange how the simple act of putting one leg in front of the other, albeit, faster than normal, can bond people together. It is a brother/sisterhood that exists between runners. It knows neither age, sex, race, or speed. No matter who we are, we all pull our running shorts on one leg at a time and we all head out the door, hoping that today's run will be a little bit better than yesterday's. Aches, pains, chub-rub, snot-rockets, and black toe are all part of the joy of running and to not run, well, that is a bad day.
So savor those days you are out and running and enjoy the moment. Like Jack, we could be just an injury away from "hanging it up." I pray not. Jack, I am sorry, I have no words other than to say, thanks for being a part of this running life.
Until the next run, stay healthy and enjoy each and every step.
SP
Friday, January 15, 2010
If it is not one leg, it's the other
Well, the left hamstring is feeling much better, but gosh darn it! I was out running with my guys Friday and bam! There went the right hamstring. Fortunately I was able to complete the run, but hello Aleve and neoprene deluxe thigh thingy. At least after two days of running easy, it is feeling much better. I guess my right hamstring was feeling a little jealous of the left looking all sexy in its tight little neoprene sleeve. Ooooh baby.
So to say the least the running was very easy and minimal this week. Today marked day 49 in a row and a total of 40 miles for the week. The good news, both left and right felt much better today and that nasty ol sweaty neoprene thigh device will get a break tomorrow. One thing I have noticed over the past couple of weeks is that, man, there is always something from the waist down that is aching. Did you know that your toe next to your pinky toe can feel like it is being shoved up your knee cap? Holy cow! Or that when your hips get over 40 they don't turn on a dime and then you fall so fast that you are actually happy that you do have a butt now. Whew, good thing I have a Costco size bottle of Aleve. Anyway, learning to listen to my body again is coming along quite easy, since my body is constantly screaming, "what are you doing?!"
Until next time, keep running, stay healthy and remember, if it is not one leg hurting, it's the other,
SP
Total for the week: 40-miles
Total for January: 109-miles
Total for 2010: 109-miles
So to say the least the running was very easy and minimal this week. Today marked day 49 in a row and a total of 40 miles for the week. The good news, both left and right felt much better today and that nasty ol sweaty neoprene thigh device will get a break tomorrow. One thing I have noticed over the past couple of weeks is that, man, there is always something from the waist down that is aching. Did you know that your toe next to your pinky toe can feel like it is being shoved up your knee cap? Holy cow! Or that when your hips get over 40 they don't turn on a dime and then you fall so fast that you are actually happy that you do have a butt now. Whew, good thing I have a Costco size bottle of Aleve. Anyway, learning to listen to my body again is coming along quite easy, since my body is constantly screaming, "what are you doing?!"
Until next time, keep running, stay healthy and remember, if it is not one leg hurting, it's the other,
SP
Total for the week: 40-miles
Total for January: 109-miles
Total for 2010: 109-miles
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Mistress
"You better go now, because I will not feel like letting you go every-night. In fact, you need to make sure you run in the morning." Words of wisdom and warning from my wife last night as she sent me out the door to keep my running streak alive and well. Now, I have to be fair and say that my wife has been very supportive of me during my recent return to running. She bought me brand new Nike Marathon Racers and a racing singlet for Christmas. When the Nike Outlet had a sale last week, she sent me to purchase some warm clothing for those cold foggy mornings we enjoy in Central California and she has made sure I have plenty of healthy snacks to pack in my lunch for work each day. What can I say, I have a great wife.
But, there is a term that she uses to name my other passion other than her. On several occasions, my running has been referred to as my "mistress." Of course I feel guilty when she uses this term, because I know she feels like I am devoting too much time to another lover. If I am honest with myself, I have to agree, she is like a mistress. She calls me from my warm bed in the morning to leave the side of my wife. She causes my heart to race and my temperature to rise when I am with her out on the road or trails. I get a thrill and a rush when we really go at it hard. And crossing the finish-line after a really hard race, it is, well, almost, orgasmic. Yes, it is true. Running is my mistress.
Fear not. I will never leave or cheat on my wife with another woman. That I know. But tomorrow morning...yup, there I'll go. Out into the cold, wet, and foggy darkness of dawn to run another few miles to start my day and remember, if it wasn't for the support of my wife I wouldn't be here writing this blog, no way.
Until tomorrow, keep running, healthy and be careful who and what you love,
SP
But, there is a term that she uses to name my other passion other than her. On several occasions, my running has been referred to as my "mistress." Of course I feel guilty when she uses this term, because I know she feels like I am devoting too much time to another lover. If I am honest with myself, I have to agree, she is like a mistress. She calls me from my warm bed in the morning to leave the side of my wife. She causes my heart to race and my temperature to rise when I am with her out on the road or trails. I get a thrill and a rush when we really go at it hard. And crossing the finish-line after a really hard race, it is, well, almost, orgasmic. Yes, it is true. Running is my mistress.
Fear not. I will never leave or cheat on my wife with another woman. That I know. But tomorrow morning...yup, there I'll go. Out into the cold, wet, and foggy darkness of dawn to run another few miles to start my day and remember, if it wasn't for the support of my wife I wouldn't be here writing this blog, no way.
Until tomorrow, keep running, healthy and be careful who and what you love,
SP
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Spouse Supported Streaking
Ok. I know what you are thinking, but no this does not involve running around in my Nike Marathon Racers and nothing else. Well, maybe once or twice back in college on those Full Moon Midnight runs. This is about those good ol' running streaks of consecutive days, months, and years. My favorite shirt at the moment is a Nike t-shirt that simply says "Every Damn Day." Now, to be honest, I have never been big on streaking until just these past few months. Even though in the past I have had streaks of 120-150 days, they were always followed up with a week or two of non-running, and they were never planned, just part of my daily running habit. However, now "every damn day" I am out the door and putting in some mileage.
Today, my current running streak of 45 days almost came to a halt at 44. Just because I once did not consider streaking to be essential to my running regime, I have had a change in perception. After nearly 8 years of very little to non-running as the norm, I needed to have a goal in which to help keep me focused on those days when I did not feel like dragging my broken down bones out the door in the rain or such as the case of this week, just too much crap going on in all the other areas of my life. Therefore I have set a goal of running at least 100 days in a row. Nothing magical, mystical, or calculated. Just an easy number that was still a challenge to get me back in the habit of consistent training and doing what is essential to maintain that training to meet my other 9 goals for 2010. Thank goodness, my wife is being very supportive of my return to this crazy sport of running and I got out the door tonight to keep the streak going. (I personally think she just likes to see me in tights.)
So I wanted to take a moment and say "Thank You" to my biggest supporter, my wife. After both of us working all day, me being gone the past two nights, and my turn to make dinner tonight, she sent me out to run during our dinner time so that I could keep my goal of 100 straight days. For those of us who are married, have careers, and families, you know how cool it is when your spouse supports your running habit. So to all those streak supporting spouses, thanks for supporting us who live the running life.
Until next time, keep running, stay healthy, and at our age, keep your running shorts on.
SP
Today, my current running streak of 45 days almost came to a halt at 44. Just because I once did not consider streaking to be essential to my running regime, I have had a change in perception. After nearly 8 years of very little to non-running as the norm, I needed to have a goal in which to help keep me focused on those days when I did not feel like dragging my broken down bones out the door in the rain or such as the case of this week, just too much crap going on in all the other areas of my life. Therefore I have set a goal of running at least 100 days in a row. Nothing magical, mystical, or calculated. Just an easy number that was still a challenge to get me back in the habit of consistent training and doing what is essential to maintain that training to meet my other 9 goals for 2010. Thank goodness, my wife is being very supportive of my return to this crazy sport of running and I got out the door tonight to keep the streak going. (I personally think she just likes to see me in tights.)
So I wanted to take a moment and say "Thank You" to my biggest supporter, my wife. After both of us working all day, me being gone the past two nights, and my turn to make dinner tonight, she sent me out to run during our dinner time so that I could keep my goal of 100 straight days. For those of us who are married, have careers, and families, you know how cool it is when your spouse supports your running habit. So to all those streak supporting spouses, thanks for supporting us who live the running life.
Until next time, keep running, stay healthy, and at our age, keep your running shorts on.
SP
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Chub Rub and the Week that Was
One thing that is really starting to bug me about getting back in shape is the constant case of "chub rub." For those of you who have never had this little experience, it is caused by your skin rubbing against skin or the seams of your shorts or shirt. Nothing like getting in the shower after a run and it feel like you just rubbed salt, battery acid and tobassco sauce in the raw hamburger meat of your thighs. And the reason for this nasty little irritation, you got it, I need to lose some weight. Man I am going to be glad to lose that extra 15-20 pounds I am carrying around right now.
Well, week 1 of the 24 week plan is now history. I originally planned on running 60 miles this past week, but after my little hamstring fiasco I ended up with 38. On the bright side, this morning's 5 mile run felt pretty good after I warmed up for 5-10 minutes and today was day 42 in a row of running. This is the longest running streak I have had since 1996!
Total miles for the week: 38
Total miles for January: 69
Total miles for 2010: 69
Until tomorrow, keep running and stay healthy,
SP
Well, week 1 of the 24 week plan is now history. I originally planned on running 60 miles this past week, but after my little hamstring fiasco I ended up with 38. On the bright side, this morning's 5 mile run felt pretty good after I warmed up for 5-10 minutes and today was day 42 in a row of running. This is the longest running streak I have had since 1996!
Total miles for the week: 38
Total miles for January: 69
Total miles for 2010: 69
Until tomorrow, keep running and stay healthy,
SP
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Pancakes and Memories
Today was "Pancake Run" with my high school guys. Every few Saturday's we gather in the morning for a long run and then have pancakes afterwards. Have you seen how much a skinny little 17 year old runner kid can eat? Good thing Bisquick is cheap. Anyway, once these ravenous greyhounds sit down at our dining room table it is only quiet for about 5 minutes as the pancakes are devoured and then the stories and laughter starts. If I let them, they would sit there all day, just talking and laughing. Most of the time I stand just to the side of the table, coffee in hand, and just observe. More often than not, they take me back in time to when I was sitting around the table with my teammates, laughing at the events of the week.
Sunday was my favorite day of the week when I was running in college. Every Sunday we would meet at Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa, CA to go for our weekly 12-15 mile long run. It didn't matter if we were putting in base mileage, recovering from a race the day before, rain, sun, sleet, hungover from Saturday night, whatever, we were in the parking lot at 9:00am ready to go. It was only quiet for about 5 minutes as we woke our sleepy bodies and then the stories would start flowing and we were off laughing, joking and flying along hill and dale at 6:00min pace. It's amazing how fast the time flies on a 12 mile run when you are laughing nearly the whole way. The best part though was the immediate trip to the Jelly Donut for coffee and you guessed it, DONUTS. What, were you expecting Jamba Juice with Bran Muffins and an energy boost? We just flew along a hilly 12 mile run and needed real sustenance. What a sight we must have been? Emaciated looking man-boys in little shorts, sweaty, and eating enough donuts to make the Biggest Loser drool for a week.
John L. Parker in his book, Once a Runner, talks about how when runners get older they often long to return to that brotherhood and bond that is shared between college teammates when they are older. He was right. It is a magical time that only happens once in a runner's life and nothing we do can ever emulate it. It was a glorious time. As I stand around my dining room table on Saturdays, coffee in hand, I hope my guys know that I am doing more than just feeding them pancakes, I am providing them an experience that hopefully, will be one of the best times in their lives.
By the way, thanks Phil, Stone, Stu, Chip, Aldge, Carlos, and all my other SSU teammates for such great memories. I still think of you guys when I am eating donuts on Sunday mornings.
Until the next time, keep running and stay healthy,
SP
ps. Have a donut and remember those who have made this sport so fun for you.
Sunday was my favorite day of the week when I was running in college. Every Sunday we would meet at Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa, CA to go for our weekly 12-15 mile long run. It didn't matter if we were putting in base mileage, recovering from a race the day before, rain, sun, sleet, hungover from Saturday night, whatever, we were in the parking lot at 9:00am ready to go. It was only quiet for about 5 minutes as we woke our sleepy bodies and then the stories would start flowing and we were off laughing, joking and flying along hill and dale at 6:00min pace. It's amazing how fast the time flies on a 12 mile run when you are laughing nearly the whole way. The best part though was the immediate trip to the Jelly Donut for coffee and you guessed it, DONUTS. What, were you expecting Jamba Juice with Bran Muffins and an energy boost? We just flew along a hilly 12 mile run and needed real sustenance. What a sight we must have been? Emaciated looking man-boys in little shorts, sweaty, and eating enough donuts to make the Biggest Loser drool for a week.
John L. Parker in his book, Once a Runner, talks about how when runners get older they often long to return to that brotherhood and bond that is shared between college teammates when they are older. He was right. It is a magical time that only happens once in a runner's life and nothing we do can ever emulate it. It was a glorious time. As I stand around my dining room table on Saturdays, coffee in hand, I hope my guys know that I am doing more than just feeding them pancakes, I am providing them an experience that hopefully, will be one of the best times in their lives.
By the way, thanks Phil, Stone, Stu, Chip, Aldge, Carlos, and all my other SSU teammates for such great memories. I still think of you guys when I am eating donuts on Sunday mornings.
Until the next time, keep running and stay healthy,
SP
ps. Have a donut and remember those who have made this sport so fun for you.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Happy Hamstring
Today I ran only two miles to test out the hamstring after yesterday's little fiasco. However, to be on the safe-side, I went to Sports Chalet and bought a neoprene deluxe thigh support device. Talk about "does this thing make my thighs look big?" Someone needs to put a disclaimer on the packaging that these little devices run small! Upon opening the package, it looked like it was plenty big enough, but stalled at the knee when I tried to slip it on. Of course I did not wait to get home to try it out, oh no, I was cruising around the parking lot in my wife's Honda Fit with my pants pulled down, while trying to get this piece of elastic rubber up my freaking leg. (Wife was driving the car.) Fortunately, she was pulling into a parking spot and did not crash into another car while laughing her head off at my ridiculous predicament. After finally slipping the device off and my pants up, I went back to Sports Chalet and exchanged it for the correct size.
After getting home with the correct size of thigh device, I gave it a test drive. Since I live only 1/4 of mile from the high school I coach at, I decided to do my run on the track today in order to have a quick trip back home if something went wrong.
On the jog over I could feel a little tension in the hamstring, so I went slow and easy. Once on the track I was able to slowly pick it up until I was easily cruising 7:30 per mile pace round and round. I don't think I have ever been so happy to run so easy for so short of time. Happy hamstrings make happy runners. Whew...big relief. My left hamstring may be strained, but not so bad that I can't do some light running to keep on track for my 2010 goals.
Until tomorrow, keep running, healthy, and have happy hamstrings,
SP
After getting home with the correct size of thigh device, I gave it a test drive. Since I live only 1/4 of mile from the high school I coach at, I decided to do my run on the track today in order to have a quick trip back home if something went wrong.
On the jog over I could feel a little tension in the hamstring, so I went slow and easy. Once on the track I was able to slowly pick it up until I was easily cruising 7:30 per mile pace round and round. I don't think I have ever been so happy to run so easy for so short of time. Happy hamstrings make happy runners. Whew...big relief. My left hamstring may be strained, but not so bad that I can't do some light running to keep on track for my 2010 goals.
Until tomorrow, keep running, healthy, and have happy hamstrings,
SP
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Reality Check
Today when I was running with the high school team I coach I got a little reality check.
I have one runner who likes to take off a little fast on training runs. My rule is that if you push the pace, then you have to maintain it the whole distance. Well, I was feeling a little frisky and decided that I would oblige his pacing by upping the ante. Then another runner on the team joined the fun. We were running a 7 mile course today and it was in the low 30's and I was feeling really good. Normally, I would put a stop to this type of behavior early in a run, especially since I knew this particular runner would not be able to hold the pace for the duration of the distance, but I didn't. I must have drank too much Kenyan roast coffee this morning! I was flying along, leaving my athletes in the dust, except for the one who joined the fun, when all of a sudden...
There are many things I like about being 42. No one ever cards me when I buy beer. My car insurance is lower. And when I look at other people who are in their 40's I feel pretty good about how I have managed to stay in fairly good shape with few health issues. However, today, being 42 let me know that it is not 17, nor will I join Zach Efron and be 17 again. At about 3 miles into our little speedfest, my left hamstring said, "not today sucka." Wow. I have never actually had a knife stuck in me, but I think what happened at that moment was equivalent. I tried to play it off as slowing down for the others and that we needed to stretch. After stalling my guys out for a few minutes we started up again, but it was too late.
As I hobbled back to the school, I would have walked, but since I was wearing tights I didn't want to add any insults to my injury, I cursed my poor aging body and my lack of wisdom that is supposed to come with age. Apparently, my mind still works like a 17 year old, even though my body does not. Although this is only a minor setback, this is only week 1 of my 24 week training plan, it still irks me that I could do something so stupid, Fortunately, the first 3 weeks calls for easy running, but I may end up missing a few days with this little injury.
I will try it out tomorrow and see how it goes. I have not missed a day of running in 39 days, so I really do not want to take time off now. Here is hoping that tomorrow will bring a better day of running.
Until then, stay healthy, remember your age, and run strong.
SP
I have one runner who likes to take off a little fast on training runs. My rule is that if you push the pace, then you have to maintain it the whole distance. Well, I was feeling a little frisky and decided that I would oblige his pacing by upping the ante. Then another runner on the team joined the fun. We were running a 7 mile course today and it was in the low 30's and I was feeling really good. Normally, I would put a stop to this type of behavior early in a run, especially since I knew this particular runner would not be able to hold the pace for the duration of the distance, but I didn't. I must have drank too much Kenyan roast coffee this morning! I was flying along, leaving my athletes in the dust, except for the one who joined the fun, when all of a sudden...
There are many things I like about being 42. No one ever cards me when I buy beer. My car insurance is lower. And when I look at other people who are in their 40's I feel pretty good about how I have managed to stay in fairly good shape with few health issues. However, today, being 42 let me know that it is not 17, nor will I join Zach Efron and be 17 again. At about 3 miles into our little speedfest, my left hamstring said, "not today sucka." Wow. I have never actually had a knife stuck in me, but I think what happened at that moment was equivalent. I tried to play it off as slowing down for the others and that we needed to stretch. After stalling my guys out for a few minutes we started up again, but it was too late.
As I hobbled back to the school, I would have walked, but since I was wearing tights I didn't want to add any insults to my injury, I cursed my poor aging body and my lack of wisdom that is supposed to come with age. Apparently, my mind still works like a 17 year old, even though my body does not. Although this is only a minor setback, this is only week 1 of my 24 week training plan, it still irks me that I could do something so stupid, Fortunately, the first 3 weeks calls for easy running, but I may end up missing a few days with this little injury.
I will try it out tomorrow and see how it goes. I have not missed a day of running in 39 days, so I really do not want to take time off now. Here is hoping that tomorrow will bring a better day of running.
Until then, stay healthy, remember your age, and run strong.
SP
Training Plan for 2010
After posting my nine goals for 2010 it hit me that I need to have a game plan in place if I am to accomplish those goals. After several days of thought, coffee, reading, coffee, consulting others and even more coffee, I have decided to follow Jack Daniels training plan. (Jack Daniels the coach, author, and PhD, not the whiskey, although I am sure I will need a shot or two of that after some days of hard running.) His plan calls for a twenty-four week period that is broken down into four phases to help you run as fast as you can for a peak race or period of racing. Since my racing goals are to finish in the top five in the Fresno Runner of the Year Series and race at the Masters National Track Championships, this program works out perfectly for when the most important races of the year take place.
The big drawback for me is that I want to race now! The first race of the Fresno Runner of the Year is this Saturday, but I know I am not ready to race a 6 mile race, I just want to get out there and feel the excitement again. I know it sounds crazy, but I miss that "I'm gonna puke" feeling just before the gun goes off, the "Frankenstein" walk after the race, and swapping lores of yesteryears' glory days with fellow scrawny, knobby-kneed runners as we celebrate the race, with what else, more running. However, Daniels says not yet. As a coach myself, I know how important it is for athletes to build the proper base before jumping in and racing, yet as an athlete too, I know that the whole reason many of us do this sport is to race and compete. So I am just going to have to be patient and do it right. After all, the main reason I have not been able to race much over the past few years is due to the fact that I rushed into running hard work-outs and racing too soon.
Phase 1: Six weeks of easy running and building mileage. I have not missed a day since November 30, 2009 and have ran 39 consecutive days. Last week I managed 70 miles for the week, but due to a flair up in my left hamstring, I am aiming to run 60-miles this week. Although I have been running consistently over the past eight weeks, I want to follow Daniels plan as it is in his book, Daniels' Running Formula, therefore I am counting this week as week 1 of the the 24 week 5k-15k racing plan. So Dr. Daniels, here is to the next 24 weeks and hoping for some fast masters personal bests.
Until then, keep healthy and running!
SP
Friday, January 1, 2010
Goals for 2010
As I enter into my 28th year of running, who knew when I went out for track my freshman year in high school I would still be doing this, I have nine goals that I want to accomplish this year. Even though I have been running for over 27 years, the past eight years have been very minimal and plagued with injuries, so now that I am finally healthy and ready to tackle the world of masters running, it is time to set some running related goals to help guide me back to the world of running and racing.
1) Log 3000+ miles for the year: now I know as a master runner that I am to not get so wrapped up in counting the miles, but some habits are hard to break. 3000 is not some magic number, but what I calculated I could run based on my current weekly mileage. I have never been a "streak" runner, accumulating days, months and years without missing a day, but I do want to have a goal that helps me stay consistent, so that I don't have a long lapse in running, other than illness or injury.
2) Finish in the Top Five in the Masters Division of the Fresno Runner of the Year Series: since I live in the middle of the central San Joaquin Valley, have a family and career, the Fresno Runner of the Year Series provides the perfect opportunity to jump back into racing without having to travel too far to find races.
3) Race 5,000 and 10,000 meters at the USATF Masters Track Championships in Sacramento: the whole reason I started running was to run track in high school. It has been almost eighteen years since I last ran a 10,000 on the track at the NCAA Div II Championships in San Angelo, Texas, so I would like to see what I can do now.
4) Race a 1600/mile on the track: well, didn't we all want to be Steve Scott, Seb Coe, or Steve Ovett back in the 80's.
5) Join a local Running Club: I have ran for some pretty good clubs in the past, but I have not ever really been involved in just a local group of runners who just like to run for the fun of it. Time to get to know some of the other runners in the area.
6) Run a Trail Race: even though I have logged countless miles covering trails in the foothills and mountains of California, I have yet to actually run a race on the trails. I have always been a little afraid I would be the guy that got lost and devoured by a mountain lion. I guess it is time to finally face my fears.
7) Pace Someone to a PR in a race: one thing that I miss from college is occasionally playing rabbit or pacer to help a teammate. Hopefully, I can help someone else accomplish a racing goal this year.
8) Donate my Old Running Shoes to a Charity: why am I still holding on to these things? Like most runners, I have a closet full of shoes that are still perfectly fine for most day to day activities just collecting dust.
9) Organize a Midnight Run: my favorite memories from college are the many midnight runs we did on full moon nights during the summer. Time to get a few buddies together and head out this summer for a little late night mischief.
Well, those are the goals for 2009. I thought about adding some time goals, but since I have not seriously raced in over eight years, I figure I better get out there and learn about my 42 year old body and how it will handle the rigors of racing and training again first and then maybe by mid-year I can add some time goals.
Until then, keep healthy and running!
SP
Today's Runs: am 7-miles pm 5-miles Total for the day: 12 miles
Total for the week: 51 miles
Total for 2010: 12 miles
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