Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Welcome to the OC (of Dallas County)
"Mary Katherine lives in Oak Cliff. I like Mary Katherine. Mary Katherine will run with me. I like running with others." I repeat these things to myself as I run with MK on Thursday mornings in beautiful Kessler Park...land of 1,000 gently rolling hills.
MK and I start our Tour de Oak Cliff at the crest of a hill on Junior Drive. It's a scenic spot, known for its varied flora and fauna (mostly ground coverings and the occasional raccoon) and mid-century modern dwellings (of unknown origin, truly one of Dallas's great mysteries...built circa 1954). At the crest of the hill the world is your oyster. There's a nice breeze, it's six a.m., the sun is just beginning to show itself, and the humidity is too lazy to make the climb to the top.
We start our run by clomping our way down the hillside. Running downhill can hurt after a bit--your joints kind of ache from all the pounding. By the time we reach the bottom, the laws of physics have taken over and I pray that no obstacles are suddenly thrown in my way, because I am counting on the momentum to keep my going for 5 to 10 minutes.
MK has introduced me to a seemingly pleasant running trail that winds its way along Kessler Parkway. It's about a mile round trip, and appears harmless. Don't be fooled. The trail is just a series of hills stretched out in a park like setting to make you think it's flat. The treachery.
Don't get me wrong, driving these hills wouldn't require down shifting your car. The sad fact is, you wouldn't even notice these hills if you were walking them, much less driving them. But when you are running them...particularly a few miles in, you tend to notice them. The remainder of the run consists of MK or myself commenting about how much we hate whatever hill we are climbing at the time.
There is an odd phenomenon when running. A gentle downward slope is totally unnoticeable. It's neither easier nor harder than just running on flat ground. Conversely, that same slope, when taken in reserve, is somewhat akin to a backward ski jump. No one knows why. It's just a fact.
And then there's the return trip to the top of Junior Drive. At this point the world is anything but an oyster...in fact the thought of oysters alone would make you instantly ill. Week 1 I made it half way up...to the last fence post of large house on the left #1. Week 2 I made it 60% to the top, to the start of the stone wall of large house on the left #2. Next week, I'm totally going to make it up to the top...of 70% of the hill...which we all know if the end of the stone wall of large house on the left #3.
Timmy
Days Left - 163
Total Distance Run - 20.5 miles
MK and I start our Tour de Oak Cliff at the crest of a hill on Junior Drive. It's a scenic spot, known for its varied flora and fauna (mostly ground coverings and the occasional raccoon) and mid-century modern dwellings (of unknown origin, truly one of Dallas's great mysteries...built circa 1954). At the crest of the hill the world is your oyster. There's a nice breeze, it's six a.m., the sun is just beginning to show itself, and the humidity is too lazy to make the climb to the top.
We start our run by clomping our way down the hillside. Running downhill can hurt after a bit--your joints kind of ache from all the pounding. By the time we reach the bottom, the laws of physics have taken over and I pray that no obstacles are suddenly thrown in my way, because I am counting on the momentum to keep my going for 5 to 10 minutes.
MK has introduced me to a seemingly pleasant running trail that winds its way along Kessler Parkway. It's about a mile round trip, and appears harmless. Don't be fooled. The trail is just a series of hills stretched out in a park like setting to make you think it's flat. The treachery.
Don't get me wrong, driving these hills wouldn't require down shifting your car. The sad fact is, you wouldn't even notice these hills if you were walking them, much less driving them. But when you are running them...particularly a few miles in, you tend to notice them. The remainder of the run consists of MK or myself commenting about how much we hate whatever hill we are climbing at the time.
There is an odd phenomenon when running. A gentle downward slope is totally unnoticeable. It's neither easier nor harder than just running on flat ground. Conversely, that same slope, when taken in reserve, is somewhat akin to a backward ski jump. No one knows why. It's just a fact.
And then there's the return trip to the top of Junior Drive. At this point the world is anything but an oyster...in fact the thought of oysters alone would make you instantly ill. Week 1 I made it half way up...to the last fence post of large house on the left #1. Week 2 I made it 60% to the top, to the start of the stone wall of large house on the left #2. Next week, I'm totally going to make it up to the top...of 70% of the hill...which we all know if the end of the stone wall of large house on the left #3.
Timmy
Days Left - 163
Total Distance Run - 20.5 miles
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
(Literally) Running Errands
Yesterday morning I decided to multitask. Instead of simply running around for 30 or so minutes, I was going to run around with a purpose...(sidenote - yes, I realize that all my running has a purpose...blah, blah, blah). On my way out the door, I grabbed the late video (An Education, for those of you who are interested...it's actually quite good, though they either ran out of money or time at the end) and decided to run it back to Blockbuster. Not in the sense that I usually "run" errands, which is to say, in my car. I actually ran, which is to say, on my feet.
I must say, I really enjoyed doing it. I know it is ridiculous, but I felt very self-important. I don't need modern conveniences like a vehicle...heck no. Cars are for the weak and people who live in suburbs.
Next time I am going to try and barter with Blockbuster for my rental. Then I can be done with cars and money. Then I'm pretty sure the societal evils left to me would be high fructose corn syrup and air conditioning.
Timmy
Days Left - 166
Total Distance Run - 16.32 miles
I must say, I really enjoyed doing it. I know it is ridiculous, but I felt very self-important. I don't need modern conveniences like a vehicle...heck no. Cars are for the weak and people who live in suburbs.
Next time I am going to try and barter with Blockbuster for my rental. Then I can be done with cars and money. Then I'm pretty sure the societal evils left to me would be high fructose corn syrup and air conditioning.
Timmy
Days Left - 166
Total Distance Run - 16.32 miles
Monday, May 24, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Six Miles...and counting
Tomorrow morning, if everything goes as planned, I will run 6 miles. For your viewing pleasure, I have attached a map of White Rock Lake, which I have marked with red X's for the start/turn around/finish lines. We start at the Bath House run 3-ish miles and then turn around.
Enjoy
Timmy
Days Left - 170
Total Distance Run - 9.6 miles
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
A Running Tally of my Running Total
Starting today, there's a new feature on See Tim Run.
You may have noticed the "Total Distance Run" notation at the bottom of the previous entry. I decided to start keeping track of my total milage beginning with last Saturday's official training kickoff. This total won't include the several weeks of training runs that lead up to this point, but at least it's a clear staring point.
This will either be incredibly inspirational or cripplingly depressing. Stay tuned.
For the record, including Saturday, I have run 26.41% of a one marathon...like I said, cripplingly depressing.
You may have noticed the "Total Distance Run" notation at the bottom of the previous entry. I decided to start keeping track of my total milage beginning with last Saturday's official training kickoff. This total won't include the several weeks of training runs that lead up to this point, but at least it's a clear staring point.
This will either be incredibly inspirational or cripplingly depressing. Stay tuned.
For the record, including Saturday, I have run 26.41% of a one marathon...like I said, cripplingly depressing.
Cross Training
Tuesday morning was my first day of Cross Training. Glorious.
What is cross training? Running can make me a bit angry, so I hardly need training in how to be cross while hitting the pavement morning after morning. Additionally, while exercise can be a religious experience for some, my training program is not intended to mold us into servant leaders.
No, in fact, as best I can tell cross training is simply an excuse to use "exercise vernacular". For example, after Tuesday morning's workout, I got to say "I hit the bikes this morning", which is similar to "I worked it out in Zumba" or "Step aerobics totally killed me." Runners rarely get to use gym-slang as (i) running is primarily done outside and not in the confines of a gym (notable exception being made here for the occassional [though nonetheless frowned upon] treadmill), and (ii) running is best described as "running ___ distance/time". There's no need to elaborate or describe how "brutal" or what a good "burn" you got. Everyone knows it's hard.
So, in the spirit of cross training, I worked up a mean sweat on the stationary bike. Totally brought the pain. I think I knocked out about about 10 miles. My quads are killing me.
Now, back to running ____ distance/time.
Timmy
Days Left - 172
Total Distance Run 6.92 miles
What is cross training? Running can make me a bit angry, so I hardly need training in how to be cross while hitting the pavement morning after morning. Additionally, while exercise can be a religious experience for some, my training program is not intended to mold us into servant leaders.
No, in fact, as best I can tell cross training is simply an excuse to use "exercise vernacular". For example, after Tuesday morning's workout, I got to say "I hit the bikes this morning", which is similar to "I worked it out in Zumba" or "Step aerobics totally killed me." Runners rarely get to use gym-slang as (i) running is primarily done outside and not in the confines of a gym (notable exception being made here for the occassional [though nonetheless frowned upon] treadmill), and (ii) running is best described as "running ___ distance/time". There's no need to elaborate or describe how "brutal" or what a good "burn" you got. Everyone knows it's hard.
So, in the spirit of cross training, I worked up a mean sweat on the stationary bike. Totally brought the pain. I think I knocked out about about 10 miles. My quads are killing me.
Now, back to running ____ distance/time.
Timmy
Days Left - 172
Total Distance Run 6.92 miles
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Dum dum DUUUUUUM
Tomorrow it really begins. 5 miles with Luke's at 7 a.m. In some ways, I think if I can finish tomorrow, I've got the marathon in the bag. Please do not throw this entry in my face later.
Timmy
Days Left 177
Timmy
Days Left 177
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Lunch on the Run
Today, for the first and last time, I ran over lunch. Perhaps there are places (e.g. Napa Valley, Wyoming, heaven) where running over lunch makes sense. Those places aren't particularly humid, they are not particularly hot, and they aren't 90% paved (notable exception being made here for streets of gold). I learned a few things:
1. Dallas is not Napa Valley
2. 90 degrees is hot, and it's not a dry heat
3. Black shirts are slimming but do simulate a skin tight furnace when exposed to the noon sun
4. When the sun is out, it is easier to see your reflection in the buildings that you are running by
5. I do not like to see my reflection while I am running
6. You have to stop sweating before taking a shower or it's all for naught
7. It takes at least 30 minutes directly in front of a tower fan to stop sweating
As much as I hate waking up in the morning, it seems to be the only time that works. Granted, this morning I had to make a trip to the airport at 6:20, and, come on, everyone has their limits.
Timmy
Days Left 178
1. Dallas is not Napa Valley
2. 90 degrees is hot, and it's not a dry heat
3. Black shirts are slimming but do simulate a skin tight furnace when exposed to the noon sun
4. When the sun is out, it is easier to see your reflection in the buildings that you are running by
5. I do not like to see my reflection while I am running
6. You have to stop sweating before taking a shower or it's all for naught
7. It takes at least 30 minutes directly in front of a tower fan to stop sweating
As much as I hate waking up in the morning, it seems to be the only time that works. Granted, this morning I had to make a trip to the airport at 6:20, and, come on, everyone has their limits.
Timmy
Days Left 178
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Fartleks
One of the bonuses of taking up running is that I get to utilize the word "Fartlek" in everyday conversations. One of the downsides of taking up running is that I have to do them.
Fartlek...as I am sure you know...is some non-English word meaning "speed play". I think the use of the word "play" in the definition is perhaps a bit of a stretch. Essentially, you speed up (what we runners call "sprint") for a bit, and then you slow down (what you might call "walk") for a bit. If you repeat this process an unknown number of times, before you know it, apparently, you get to be a faster runner.
This morning I was reintroduced to the Fartlek. While I am thrilled to be able to drop that term in polite conversation, I am hesitant to fully embrace the Fartlek. My run entailed 10 minutes at an easy pace, followed by 10 thirty second Fartleks (30 second sprinting/30 second slow run), followed by 10 minutes at an easy pace. To be honest, time really does go faster when doing Fartleks...correction...the time spent at a slow run/walk between the sprinting goes faster. The time spent actually sprinting is definitely elongated.
Timmy
Days Left 180
Fartlek...as I am sure you know...is some non-English word meaning "speed play". I think the use of the word "play" in the definition is perhaps a bit of a stretch. Essentially, you speed up (what we runners call "sprint") for a bit, and then you slow down (what you might call "walk") for a bit. If you repeat this process an unknown number of times, before you know it, apparently, you get to be a faster runner.
This morning I was reintroduced to the Fartlek. While I am thrilled to be able to drop that term in polite conversation, I am hesitant to fully embrace the Fartlek. My run entailed 10 minutes at an easy pace, followed by 10 thirty second Fartleks (30 second sprinting/30 second slow run), followed by 10 minutes at an easy pace. To be honest, time really does go faster when doing Fartleks...correction...the time spent at a slow run/walk between the sprinting goes faster. The time spent actually sprinting is definitely elongated.
Timmy
Days Left 180
Monday, May 10, 2010
Four Miles and a New Friend
I know that all of you have been anxiously awaiting an update on Saturday's 4-miler. Well, the wait is over.
MK and I arrived at the lake around 7:15 and had a great run. The weather was great, the lake was kind of busy, and MK and I had a lot of gossip to catch up on...so there were numerous distractions to take my mind off of the monotony that can be running. We even made a new friend! Granted, we don't know her name and will never see her again, but friends we are, nonetheless.
Here's the scoop. About a mile into the run, I spied a woman in the distance who appeared to be of approximately the same skill and experience as myself (i.e., little to none). She was outfitted in pink cotton gym shorts and a t-shirt likely purchased on vacation to Orlando or New Orleans. I believe there was also a sweatband involved. I say all of this not to make fun of her, but to say that I am familiar with the outfit...because, change the color and the destination, and that is exactly what I wore when I first started running.
Much to my dismay, the distance between our future friend (who was ahead of us) and the MK/Tim dynamic duo was growing. I have never claimed to be a fast runner, but I thought I could at least spot the weakest gazelle. However, soon thereafter, pink-shorts gave up on the running and started to walk it out. Long story short we caught up with her and struck up a conversation, wherein we learned Pinky was returning to running after a break and was having a bit of a time getting her grove back. We talked for a few minutes as the three of us ran together about running programs for beginners and what a difference the Luke's Locker program made in our lives. It still gets me excited to tell people about the program and to assure them that if I can do it...ANYONE can do it.
For most people this would have been a passing exchange, soon forgotten. But for me, it's these type of conversations that I know I will be thinking about at mile 21, when it feels like I am about to collapse. I'm not out to prove anything to anyone but myself, and neither is Pinky, but still, I feel like we're in it together.
Timmy
Days Left 181
MK and I arrived at the lake around 7:15 and had a great run. The weather was great, the lake was kind of busy, and MK and I had a lot of gossip to catch up on...so there were numerous distractions to take my mind off of the monotony that can be running. We even made a new friend! Granted, we don't know her name and will never see her again, but friends we are, nonetheless.
Here's the scoop. About a mile into the run, I spied a woman in the distance who appeared to be of approximately the same skill and experience as myself (i.e., little to none). She was outfitted in pink cotton gym shorts and a t-shirt likely purchased on vacation to Orlando or New Orleans. I believe there was also a sweatband involved. I say all of this not to make fun of her, but to say that I am familiar with the outfit...because, change the color and the destination, and that is exactly what I wore when I first started running.
Much to my dismay, the distance between our future friend (who was ahead of us) and the MK/Tim dynamic duo was growing. I have never claimed to be a fast runner, but I thought I could at least spot the weakest gazelle. However, soon thereafter, pink-shorts gave up on the running and started to walk it out. Long story short we caught up with her and struck up a conversation, wherein we learned Pinky was returning to running after a break and was having a bit of a time getting her grove back. We talked for a few minutes as the three of us ran together about running programs for beginners and what a difference the Luke's Locker program made in our lives. It still gets me excited to tell people about the program and to assure them that if I can do it...ANYONE can do it.
For most people this would have been a passing exchange, soon forgotten. But for me, it's these type of conversations that I know I will be thinking about at mile 21, when it feels like I am about to collapse. I'm not out to prove anything to anyone but myself, and neither is Pinky, but still, I feel like we're in it together.
Timmy
Days Left 181
Friday, May 7, 2010
Day of Rest (Sanctioned)
Friday is a wonderful day for many reasons. Foremost on my list is the fact that on Friday I get a guilt free day off running. Unsanctioned rest days are great too, but the Southern Baptist in me never feels quite right about it.
Mary Katherine and I are planning a 4 mile run at the lake tomorrow morning at 7 in case any of our adoring fans might want to catch a glimpse. Word on the street is there may even be a special guest runner (who MK may abandon me for so that they can relive the glory days of last summer...it's Jenny!) joining us tomorrow.
Nothing like running with an entourage.
Timmy
Days Left - 184
Mary Katherine and I are planning a 4 mile run at the lake tomorrow morning at 7 in case any of our adoring fans might want to catch a glimpse. Word on the street is there may even be a special guest runner (who MK may abandon me for so that they can relive the glory days of last summer...it's Jenny!) joining us tomorrow.
Nothing like running with an entourage.
Timmy
Days Left - 184
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Back to Backs
When I worked at the Mansion on Turtle Creek, I used to work a lot of back to back shifts. Meaning, I would work until 11 pm the first night and would begin working at 7 am the next morning. With a 20 minute commute home and a 30 minute commute back to work, that gave me approximately 6 hours of sleep. I was given a lot of back to backs...those were the days.
I have a new kind of back to back in my life, and I experienced my first one of my new training season this morning. After work yesterday I ran 2.75 miles, finishing up about 8 pm. This morning my alarm went off at 6:10 am (I pushed snooze until 7:30) at which point I sprang out of bed (read: silently cried as I forced myself to put on my shoes) and raced toward the door (read: stared longingly back at the bed and the slight impression that I could still make out in the sheets) to hit the open road (read: to be hit by the open road).
I ran a short couple miles and then had to get ready for work (see comment above regarding 1 hour and 20 minutes of snooze button heaven). Certainly not a long run, but in combination with last night's efforts, it's enough to make my legs feel like putty for the rest of the day.
Back to backs at the Mansion were hard on my social life...back to backs in running are hard on everything.
Timmy
Days Left - 185
I have a new kind of back to back in my life, and I experienced my first one of my new training season this morning. After work yesterday I ran 2.75 miles, finishing up about 8 pm. This morning my alarm went off at 6:10 am (I pushed snooze until 7:30) at which point I sprang out of bed (read: silently cried as I forced myself to put on my shoes) and raced toward the door (read: stared longingly back at the bed and the slight impression that I could still make out in the sheets) to hit the open road (read: to be hit by the open road).
I ran a short couple miles and then had to get ready for work (see comment above regarding 1 hour and 20 minutes of snooze button heaven). Certainly not a long run, but in combination with last night's efforts, it's enough to make my legs feel like putty for the rest of the day.
Back to backs at the Mansion were hard on my social life...back to backs in running are hard on everything.
Timmy
Days Left - 185
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Oh Crud
I have signed up for the Luke's Locker Early Marathon training program. I did not do this under duress and I cannot claim to have been misled. However, I was under the impression that we only had to run a 4 mile "evaluation run" the first and second Saturday of the program. Well, I was wrong. We have to run an evaluation run alright. We have to run 5 miles on the first Saturday and 6 miles on the second Saturday.
I am beginning to have small bouts of panic.
Why...WHY did I sleep in this morning. There's no time for sleeping!
I am beginning to have small bouts of panic.
Why...WHY did I sleep in this morning. There's no time for sleeping!
Motivational Issues
I don't like running after work. It hurts. Well, it hurts more. I also don't like getting out of my bed for almost any reason. And there's the rub.
This morning I chose to sleep in, which means I'll be running after work and wishing the whole time that I had just made my lazy self get out of bed.
Also, the temperature is supposed to exceed 90 degrees for the first day (of many days) this year.
What a great night to run.
Timmy
Days Left - 186
This morning I chose to sleep in, which means I'll be running after work and wishing the whole time that I had just made my lazy self get out of bed.
Also, the temperature is supposed to exceed 90 degrees for the first day (of many days) this year.
What a great night to run.
Timmy
Days Left - 186
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
What a difference 2 days make
Sunday was a rough day for running. Mary Katherine (my best friend and now marathon running buddy) and I set out to run 4 miles on the Katy Trail. This was not a cold turkey 4, this was a 4 mile run that I thought I was prepared to tackle after a few weeks of training (albeit, I hadn't been the most dedicated trainee). I was wrong. 3 miles in I had to throw in the towel...reminding me just how far I have to go before I am ready for November.
This morning, however, was an entirely different story. I felt great. I felt like I was flying...only not in the sense that it was easy or pain free...just that I was running a lot faster than I normally do. I have only felt this way a couple other times since the start of my running career. I don't think it's the same as the elusive "runner's high," but I'll take it!
I'm conquering the 4 mile hurdle this Saturday...rain or shine, and if I can keep running like this morning, I'll do it in record time. Well, at least a personal record.
Timmy
Days Left - 187
This morning, however, was an entirely different story. I felt great. I felt like I was flying...only not in the sense that it was easy or pain free...just that I was running a lot faster than I normally do. I have only felt this way a couple other times since the start of my running career. I don't think it's the same as the elusive "runner's high," but I'll take it!
I'm conquering the 4 mile hurdle this Saturday...rain or shine, and if I can keep running like this morning, I'll do it in record time. Well, at least a personal record.
Timmy
Days Left - 187
Monday, May 3, 2010
And so it begins...
Last November 1, I was lucky enough to be in the crowd of the world's largest spectator sporting event...the New York City Marathon. (Whether it actually is the world's largest, I have no idea, but I have heard that twice, so it must be true). My friend Kristi was running. She was inspired. She was inspirational. She was insane. Nevertheless, you couldn't help but wish you were running it too. One million screaming fans can't be wrong.
The marathon, however, was not Kristi's biggest accomplishment of 2009...at least from my perspective. What is truly amazing is that Kristi convinced me to sign up for the Luke' s Locker "Get With It" program. "Get With It" is a class designed for people, like myself, who have never run before...ever. From the first week's 10-minute jog, until I crossed the finish like at the White Rock Half Marathon in December, every week I managed to surpise myself. I made great friends (shout out to Noreen!) and lost a few pounds (shout out to the 70 pounds I lost in 2009!)....so, when Kristi told me I needed to put my name in the lottery for the 2010 NYC Marathon, I immediately signed up. With a 40% chance of having my name drawn to run the race, I assumed fate would decide whether I was meant to be a marathon runner.
And it did. My name wasn't drawn. But there are ways around fate.
I am now a proud member of Fred's Team (a charity benefitting cancer research) and have been officially accepted for the NYC Marathon. I've never blogged before, but thought this might be a fun way to keep everyone posted. Thanks in advance for your support (please stay tuned for more direct and gratuitous pleas for your cash money...it's for cancer people!).
Timmy
Days Left - 188
The marathon, however, was not Kristi's biggest accomplishment of 2009...at least from my perspective. What is truly amazing is that Kristi convinced me to sign up for the Luke' s Locker "Get With It" program. "Get With It" is a class designed for people, like myself, who have never run before...ever. From the first week's 10-minute jog, until I crossed the finish like at the White Rock Half Marathon in December, every week I managed to surpise myself. I made great friends (shout out to Noreen!) and lost a few pounds (shout out to the 70 pounds I lost in 2009!)....so, when Kristi told me I needed to put my name in the lottery for the 2010 NYC Marathon, I immediately signed up. With a 40% chance of having my name drawn to run the race, I assumed fate would decide whether I was meant to be a marathon runner.
And it did. My name wasn't drawn. But there are ways around fate.
I am now a proud member of Fred's Team (a charity benefitting cancer research) and have been officially accepted for the NYC Marathon. I've never blogged before, but thought this might be a fun way to keep everyone posted. Thanks in advance for your support (please stay tuned for more direct and gratuitous pleas for your cash money...it's for cancer people!).
Timmy
Days Left - 188
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