Sunday, April 24, 2011
Bike Wreck
I'll update more later. I wrecked on my bike yesterday day morning; hit a pothole and wiped out. The crash was one thing. It was missing my peak week of long training that has really ruffled me. Pictures of the mess on facebook.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Boston (!) Results and Rememberance
The 2011 Boston Marathon was contested on Monday. It's an incredible race that I spend much of the morning following via whatever contemporary blog feed is being used (this year it was Twitter). Fantastic weather produced amazing times and PRs (personal records) for numerous runners. The world's fastest, and America's fastest marathon was run, though due to the course conditions, those times won't be recognized as records. Though unfortunate, I generally agree with that assessment. The Boston Athletic Association has results, and lots of coverage is provided at Runner's World.com.
The running world did suffer an unfortunate loss. Legendary runner Grete Waitz passed away this morning after a six year battle with cancer. Amby Burfoot at Runner's World and CBS offer more complete summary's of her contributions to running. She won the New York Marathon nine times, setting the world record three times (once during her first attempt at the distance).
The running world did suffer an unfortunate loss. Legendary runner Grete Waitz passed away this morning after a six year battle with cancer. Amby Burfoot at Runner's World and CBS offer more complete summary's of her contributions to running. She won the New York Marathon nine times, setting the world record three times (once during her first attempt at the distance).
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Semper Paratus
I told myself I wouldn't sign up for any fall races too early. I know my exercise takes on a special purpose when I have a race down the line, and I think a break/pause in focused training is necessary. I don't know if I ever really had one after the City of Oaks Marathon. Sure, I didn't have any planned races or structure training for most of the winter, but that was primarily from forced rest due to my injury; which I'm sure anyone who has been injured can confirm, is not restful. Nevertheless, I was reminded that registration had opened for the Medoc Trail Marathon and despite being a relatively low key event, it fills up quickly. So I went ahead and signed up. I'll just have to do my best to decompress after White Lake Half Ironman. Still I think the Medoc Marathon will be a good introduction into ultra running. I was planning on doing my first as a 40 miler that is held the same weekend. But starting off with a trail marathon help reinforce my mantra to take it slowly. Better to savory each accomplishment upwards, than to skyrocket to 100milers and burnout.
It was interesting weekend; an All-Hands training for the CG Reservist in Sector North Carolina, held at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, due to available facilities. I probably over-thought my runs. I had decided to wait until Saturday evening and try to go off-base to run in the nearby Croatan National Forest. However, without Internet access, finding a public trail access was unsuccessful. Furthermore, severe weather was creeping in. Though I normally scoff at bad weather, I figured I was doing the safe thing by not running. However, some encouragement from a friend had me re-assessing and I did head out for a good trot. One way was nice; being pushed forward by the wind is a unique sensation. The other way sucked being pushed back to almost running in place.
Still I got in before the worst of it. We briefly lost power in the housing unit. And for a good while, I can best describe the storm as endless strobe light. I seriously tried determining if there was some expansive emergency beacon flashing, or if it really was the lightning (it was lightning).
In closing:
Nothing is more inspiring than being on a base for colors. Being a Reservist, and unaccustomed to typical base demeanor, I was taken aback when, near the end of my run, I notice all the cars stopped in the middle of the road; passengers out and at attention for evening Colors. Hoorah.
Turns out a good acquaintance with the Coast Guard is an accomplished triathlete. Our parents knew each other, and we had happened to enlist and go through boot camp together. Never did much to stay in touch though. Meeting up at the All-Hands, I come to discover is also a triathlete, at the moment well on his way to qualifying for the Olympic (distance) Nationals. Good luck Andy!
Pictures are up for last weekend's races:
Tarheel 10 miler
Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon
I like the half photos better.
It was interesting weekend; an All-Hands training for the CG Reservist in Sector North Carolina, held at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, due to available facilities. I probably over-thought my runs. I had decided to wait until Saturday evening and try to go off-base to run in the nearby Croatan National Forest. However, without Internet access, finding a public trail access was unsuccessful. Furthermore, severe weather was creeping in. Though I normally scoff at bad weather, I figured I was doing the safe thing by not running. However, some encouragement from a friend had me re-assessing and I did head out for a good trot. One way was nice; being pushed forward by the wind is a unique sensation. The other way sucked being pushed back to almost running in place.
Still I got in before the worst of it. We briefly lost power in the housing unit. And for a good while, I can best describe the storm as endless strobe light. I seriously tried determining if there was some expansive emergency beacon flashing, or if it really was the lightning (it was lightning).
In closing:
Nothing is more inspiring than being on a base for colors. Being a Reservist, and unaccustomed to typical base demeanor, I was taken aback when, near the end of my run, I notice all the cars stopped in the middle of the road; passengers out and at attention for evening Colors. Hoorah.
Turns out a good acquaintance with the Coast Guard is an accomplished triathlete. Our parents knew each other, and we had happened to enlist and go through boot camp together. Never did much to stay in touch though. Meeting up at the All-Hands, I come to discover is also a triathlete, at the moment well on his way to qualifying for the Olympic (distance) Nationals. Good luck Andy!
Pictures are up for last weekend's races:
Tarheel 10 miler
Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon
I like the half photos better.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Double Race High
I had a great weekend in which I ran two road races: the Tarheel 10 miler yesterday [Saturday] and the Raleigh Rocks Half Marathon this morning [Sunday]. Hopefully their locations are implicit. It's not typical, or often recommended to run two races back-to-back like this. But for one, I just really was interested in doing both these races. Secondly, running the half marathon on somewhat tired legs helps prepare my system for when I get to the run leg of the half Ironman (HIM).
Both races were run by different groups/companies and had their own quirks. For the Tarheel10, I thought the races was a little under-managed given the advertised scale of the event. Routine updates were few and post-race results were slow (given current trends/standards. A few years ago, an afternoon results posting would be fine, whereas today, you've got to have them up within a few hours). There was also very little direction from parking to the race start, where they were not in close/visible proximity to each other. At Raleigh Rocks, the parking was 100 yards from the start, so this was a non-issue. I also thought it course was better marked (or maybe I was just more attentive). However, I was little disappointed to in a cotton T-shirt, and the embroidered cap that I expected to be "performance" as simple cloth. While I know I am sounding picky, I am more just stating how the race management differed from some "standard" procedures. Raleigh Rocks definitely gets kudos for speedy race results, which were posted within minutes of finishes.
Of course my own performance should be the most important thing and in both cases I met my goals, and met or exceeded my expectations. For both, my goal was a sub-7:00 min/mile pace. For Tarheel this was also my expectation, given a solid training week and bare-requisite taper. For Raleigh Rocks, the sub-7 was a goal, but my expectation was more along a 7:15 min/mile pace, given some tired legs and more rolling hills (Tarheel can be called hilly as well; there were fewer, but more substantial). I can happily report (Tarheel results; Raleigh Rocks results sub-7:00 paces for both races. Tarheel 10 miler I was 1:09:25 (I think gun-time, still waiting for chip-time), for 95/2201 overall (84/942 men, age group unknown) Raleigh Rocks I was 1:30:26 for 18/1169 (17/450 men, 2/33 20-24 age group). I don't put a whole lot of weight into rankins; the size and make-up of the field can have big effects. I am happy with both times, which gave me my sub-7:00 paces, which are huge confidence boosters.
My one fear coming out of the half is my fueling/hydration. Fueling has always been difficult, and during a race paper cups make it significantly harder, lessening my chances of trying to take anything in. If I'm smart I'll try to remedy this in training, but... I'm not always that smart...
Saw a couple of people running with Vibrams Five Fingers, the shoes behind/associated with the barefoot/minimalist running trend. I bought a pair at REI and will ideally humbly begin to incorporate some running with them.
And yah, Diet Supernova (Diet Dew Challenge won. Again: tastes like liquid Skittles.
Both races were run by different groups/companies and had their own quirks. For the Tarheel10, I thought the races was a little under-managed given the advertised scale of the event. Routine updates were few and post-race results were slow (given current trends/standards. A few years ago, an afternoon results posting would be fine, whereas today, you've got to have them up within a few hours). There was also very little direction from parking to the race start, where they were not in close/visible proximity to each other. At Raleigh Rocks, the parking was 100 yards from the start, so this was a non-issue. I also thought it course was better marked (or maybe I was just more attentive). However, I was little disappointed to in a cotton T-shirt, and the embroidered cap that I expected to be "performance" as simple cloth. While I know I am sounding picky, I am more just stating how the race management differed from some "standard" procedures. Raleigh Rocks definitely gets kudos for speedy race results, which were posted within minutes of finishes.
Of course my own performance should be the most important thing and in both cases I met my goals, and met or exceeded my expectations. For both, my goal was a sub-7:00 min/mile pace. For Tarheel this was also my expectation, given a solid training week and bare-requisite taper. For Raleigh Rocks, the sub-7 was a goal, but my expectation was more along a 7:15 min/mile pace, given some tired legs and more rolling hills (Tarheel can be called hilly as well; there were fewer, but more substantial). I can happily report (Tarheel results; Raleigh Rocks results sub-7:00 paces for both races. Tarheel 10 miler I was 1:09:25 (I think gun-time, still waiting for chip-time), for 95/2201 overall (84/942 men, age group unknown) Raleigh Rocks I was 1:30:26 for 18/1169 (17/450 men, 2/33 20-24 age group). I don't put a whole lot of weight into rankins; the size and make-up of the field can have big effects. I am happy with both times, which gave me my sub-7:00 paces, which are huge confidence boosters.
My one fear coming out of the half is my fueling/hydration. Fueling has always been difficult, and during a race paper cups make it significantly harder, lessening my chances of trying to take anything in. If I'm smart I'll try to remedy this in training, but... I'm not always that smart...
Saw a couple of people running with Vibrams Five Fingers, the shoes behind/associated with the barefoot/minimalist running trend. I bought a pair at REI and will ideally humbly begin to incorporate some running with them.
And yah, Diet Supernova (Diet Dew Challenge won. Again: tastes like liquid Skittles.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Umstead
This weekend was the Umstead 100 mile Endurance Run. I did not run. I had told myself that when[ever] I do my first or any one-hundred, it wouldn't be this one. It's 8 laps of a 12.5 mile loop, with a couple of out-and-back type sections. However, I may be eating my words. Last Wednesday I had to opportunity to volunteer with some of the race setup. I'll admit, I was drawn to the energy and excitement of the other volunteers (many who were also running the race) and the race director. You could tell they had a well-oiled machine. Also, the volunteer "swag" doesn't distinguish me as a volunteer (vs. a competitor), which of course makes me feel obligated to "earn" the right to don the gear.
The past couple weeks I've much more running at Umstead than I have in the past. Last weekend was a pre-dawn long run in the dark and rain. Needless to say I got lost. Yesterday I was out there again, during the mid-afternoon, so getting lost was much harder... but not impossible. Though I worried about not getting enough in, of course I ended up doing a little too much. It was ok, I was able to see a little bit of the race. And I just got smittened by the sheer scope of Umstead. You can really feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere. I was excited to experience so much single-track trails. I look forward to doing a lot more trail- and ultra running.
I'm also enjoying the taste of the Diet Mtn. Dew Supernova. It's part of the marketing scheme to choose the next diet soda, between the strawberry-melon Supernova and berry Voltage. Personally: I like the Supernova. It tastes like Skittles.
The past couple weeks I've much more running at Umstead than I have in the past. Last weekend was a pre-dawn long run in the dark and rain. Needless to say I got lost. Yesterday I was out there again, during the mid-afternoon, so getting lost was much harder... but not impossible. Though I worried about not getting enough in, of course I ended up doing a little too much. It was ok, I was able to see a little bit of the race. And I just got smittened by the sheer scope of Umstead. You can really feel like you're out in the middle of nowhere. I was excited to experience so much single-track trails. I look forward to doing a lot more trail- and ultra running.
I'm also enjoying the taste of the Diet Mtn. Dew Supernova. It's part of the marketing scheme to choose the next diet soda, between the strawberry-melon Supernova and berry Voltage. Personally: I like the Supernova. It tastes like Skittles.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sick, Sick, Sick
Ugh. What a week/weekend. I started with just a sore throat on Wednesday, but of course I have a cold that's been running it's course. Sore throat is gone, followed by terrible congestion on it's way out (but still lingering), with a stuffed/runny nose on-coming. My run on Friday felt heavy. A typical brick workout on Saturday was just a bike. I completed my run workout on Sunday. It was a struggle, and is anyone could hear me it probably sounded like I was dying at times. I was a coughing, wheezing, congested mess. Given that I'm already getting over the congestion, I'm hoping it'll resolve quickly.
My resolve for biking is waning off. I'm just not sure if the time and money needed to properly invest in it is worth it. I mean, I really enjoying the cross-training I do during the week; it's a nice and necessary break from biking. But not so for the weekend long rides. Even though needed for triathlon training, I can't help but feel it's gets in the way of running, my REAL passion.
Despite being under weather, and because I was unable to run Saturday, I got up extra early on Sunday for a long run at Umstead Park, to precede my [somewhat] regular group run. It was drizzling and cold. But I dressed warm and used my new friend - the headlamp. Running in the dark is a pretty novel experience and one I have enjoyed. The run was definitely tough at times, given my clogged lungs. However, there were several highlights. One was getting lost and getting a unexpected stretch of single-track trail, but most came from those inexplicable runner highs and lows from being out there.
I do think I've found my fuel of choice. I've done Clif Shot Blocks, and various sports drinks and gels. All worked, but I was never like "THIS is the one." Well, I really found that Jelly Belly's Sports Beans were great. It was sweet enough, and I loved the delivery. I just tossed the whole bag (about 100 cals, same as a serving of Shot Blocks or a gel) and it breaks down just like gum. I shoved the wad into the corner of my mouth and let it dissolved slowing. I dunno, maybe it was just that I happened to REALLY need to fuel, but I just thought it was perfect.
Busy week and uncertain weekend. David deploys this weekend for several months.
I got my first flat on my front tire. Sad, but it happens.
A little rat dog ran out in the middle of morning traffic to bark at me.
My resolve for biking is waning off. I'm just not sure if the time and money needed to properly invest in it is worth it. I mean, I really enjoying the cross-training I do during the week; it's a nice and necessary break from biking. But not so for the weekend long rides. Even though needed for triathlon training, I can't help but feel it's gets in the way of running, my REAL passion.
Despite being under weather, and because I was unable to run Saturday, I got up extra early on Sunday for a long run at Umstead Park, to precede my [somewhat] regular group run. It was drizzling and cold. But I dressed warm and used my new friend - the headlamp. Running in the dark is a pretty novel experience and one I have enjoyed. The run was definitely tough at times, given my clogged lungs. However, there were several highlights. One was getting lost and getting a unexpected stretch of single-track trail, but most came from those inexplicable runner highs and lows from being out there.
I do think I've found my fuel of choice. I've done Clif Shot Blocks, and various sports drinks and gels. All worked, but I was never like "THIS is the one." Well, I really found that Jelly Belly's Sports Beans were great. It was sweet enough, and I loved the delivery. I just tossed the whole bag (about 100 cals, same as a serving of Shot Blocks or a gel) and it breaks down just like gum. I shoved the wad into the corner of my mouth and let it dissolved slowing. I dunno, maybe it was just that I happened to REALLY need to fuel, but I just thought it was perfect.
Busy week and uncertain weekend. David deploys this weekend for several months.
I got my first flat on my front tire. Sad, but it happens.
A little rat dog ran out in the middle of morning traffic to bark at me.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Recovery week
This was a recovery week so my mileage was taken back a little bit. I also had to drill this weekend with the Coast Guard and did not do my usual weekend bike ride; it's not too hard to twist around my running schedule, and I'm much more willing to do so, but dealing with traveling with a bike for a long distance just isn't my cup of tea. And I told myself from the get go: to make sure I can enjoy the bike, if I don't feel like doing it, I just won't do it. Forcing myself would only make it worse.
It was a rough week. One where I felt like I had a some pretty high points, but then some pretty low ones. I'm not sure if I want to go into the all the details, which may be part of the problem. It's hard to know when and/or who to share some personal problems with, especially for an introvert like myself.
I hope I don't accidentally bite the ultramarathon bug sooner than I should. I had already planned on doing a trail marathon about a month after I do a second half Ironman (HIM in September, marathon in October), which would be right before the fair, so a fun way to end the season and get some R&R. Well, having discovered the NC Half Marathon Series I looked around and saw one that is being held the same weekend as the trail marathon I wanted to do. Turned out for the half there is also a full marathon AND a 40 miler. I'm pretty tempted to see what I can do about it.
I felt like I had more to say... not much going on. I'm going to start volunteering at Rex Hospital. I'm also trying to see about what my schooling options are, but I'm still so mixed up, I don't want to get my hopes/expectations up. Nursing is still a possibility. However, fitness/wellness is never out-of-mind. And I think a budding interest in nutrition has led me to look at food science. A conversation with a professor with NC State's food science department was very informative and their graduate (masters) program is enticing. Who knows...
It was a rough week. One where I felt like I had a some pretty high points, but then some pretty low ones. I'm not sure if I want to go into the all the details, which may be part of the problem. It's hard to know when and/or who to share some personal problems with, especially for an introvert like myself.
I hope I don't accidentally bite the ultramarathon bug sooner than I should. I had already planned on doing a trail marathon about a month after I do a second half Ironman (HIM in September, marathon in October), which would be right before the fair, so a fun way to end the season and get some R&R. Well, having discovered the NC Half Marathon Series I looked around and saw one that is being held the same weekend as the trail marathon I wanted to do. Turned out for the half there is also a full marathon AND a 40 miler. I'm pretty tempted to see what I can do about it.
I felt like I had more to say... not much going on. I'm going to start volunteering at Rex Hospital. I'm also trying to see about what my schooling options are, but I'm still so mixed up, I don't want to get my hopes/expectations up. Nursing is still a possibility. However, fitness/wellness is never out-of-mind. And I think a budding interest in nutrition has led me to look at food science. A conversation with a professor with NC State's food science department was very informative and their graduate (masters) program is enticing. Who knows...
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