Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Blood, Sweat and Tears...Emphasis on the Blood
Last Saturday I ran 8 miles with the Luke's crew. Before the run got started out coach gathered our group for what I presumed would be the predictable "you can do it/Gipper" speech. Instead, what we heard was "Feel free to turn around at the 7-11."
What does this mean for me...the 7-11 turn around is where you turn around if you are running 7 miles. In fact, the 7-11 turn around results in you running 7.4 miles, but Luke's Locker brushes that off by saying that we are running "Luke's Miles" which must be somewhat akin to the metric system or measuring temperatures in Kelvin. Needless to say, our coach felt that 7.4 miles was close enough to 8.
In a car, I would totally agree with that. But trust me, if your assigned task is to run 8 miles, it's a long, long way between 7.4 and 8. Regardless, MK and I decided to buck the trend and run a full 8 miles. We passed the 7-11 with a flourish and kept right on running. In fact, we were the only people in our group to run the full 8 miles. Unfortunately, we were the only people who knew that. The result of running farther than your group is that you finish that much more behind them.
As we ran the return route back to the starting block, we realized after a bit that we were being followed by a man in scrubs on a bicycle. Apparently it's Luke's policy that the medical team trail the last runners back into homebase. Much like a lion trails the slowest anteloupe.
Rather than feeling proud of our accomplishment, MK and I wound up constantly slipping into our conversation with Rich (medical guy on bike) that we had run farther than our group. It was kind of pathetic, but at that point, I didn't care.
In fact, I was grateful for Rich's presence because I was in the middle of a medical emergency. At some point in the 8 miles my shirt decided to take on about 2 gallons of sweat. This sweat weighed down my shirt which caused it to press against my chest. The swishing motion of my running caused the pressing shirt move slightly back and forth. This is what we in the biz call friction.
After about 7 miles I realized that I was in some serious pain. But frankly there is no good way to tell someone that you think you nipples are being slowly sanded off of your chest. So instead I did my best to pull my shirt off the affected area and run in like a champ. But in case you are curious...here's the result...you have been warned...
Timmy
What does this mean for me...the 7-11 turn around is where you turn around if you are running 7 miles. In fact, the 7-11 turn around results in you running 7.4 miles, but Luke's Locker brushes that off by saying that we are running "Luke's Miles" which must be somewhat akin to the metric system or measuring temperatures in Kelvin. Needless to say, our coach felt that 7.4 miles was close enough to 8.
In a car, I would totally agree with that. But trust me, if your assigned task is to run 8 miles, it's a long, long way between 7.4 and 8. Regardless, MK and I decided to buck the trend and run a full 8 miles. We passed the 7-11 with a flourish and kept right on running. In fact, we were the only people in our group to run the full 8 miles. Unfortunately, we were the only people who knew that. The result of running farther than your group is that you finish that much more behind them.
As we ran the return route back to the starting block, we realized after a bit that we were being followed by a man in scrubs on a bicycle. Apparently it's Luke's policy that the medical team trail the last runners back into homebase. Much like a lion trails the slowest anteloupe.
Rather than feeling proud of our accomplishment, MK and I wound up constantly slipping into our conversation with Rich (medical guy on bike) that we had run farther than our group. It was kind of pathetic, but at that point, I didn't care.
In fact, I was grateful for Rich's presence because I was in the middle of a medical emergency. At some point in the 8 miles my shirt decided to take on about 2 gallons of sweat. This sweat weighed down my shirt which caused it to press against my chest. The swishing motion of my running caused the pressing shirt move slightly back and forth. This is what we in the biz call friction.
After about 7 miles I realized that I was in some serious pain. But frankly there is no good way to tell someone that you think you nipples are being slowly sanded off of your chest. So instead I did my best to pull my shirt off the affected area and run in like a champ. But in case you are curious...here's the result...you have been warned...
Timmy Days Left - 134
Total Distance Run - 69.32 miles
Monday, June 21, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
When I was 28
Tomorrow I turn 29. I am not overly sentimental about it, but 28 has been a good year.
This time last year, I had only completed my first day of Luke's training and was convinced that I would never run more than 10 consecutive minutes. The summer was spent slowly building up to 30 full mintes of continuous running and by the fall we were adding a mile a week. In December, I completed the White Rock Half Marathon and thought I would run forever. But in January I decided the retention of my tonsils needed to take a back seat to the ability to breathe and had them ripped out...which was a minor set back. By the time I decided to start running again, I felt like I was starting from zero. Obviously, many adventures were had over the past year, but becoming a runner has been one of the more rewarding.
So tomorrow starts a new era. The time of 29. My last good year...kidding. This coming year has so much potential. I am determined to lose 40 more pounds. I am committed to sticking to my running program. And I will finish the New York City marathon.
Oddly enough, I moved this time a year ago into a highrise apartment with a killer view and luxurious amenities. This past weekend I moved again, this time into a quaint condo with hardwood floors and a questionable neighborhood. I guess my home is half as nice, but my goals are twice as big. Don't really know where that thought is going...just an observation.
Look for an entry this time next year that says something about crossing the finish line in Central Park (and possibly a description of my new apartment under a bridge and a plea for donations for my efforts to swim the English Channel).
Timmy
Day Left - 143
Total Distance Run - 59.09
This time last year, I had only completed my first day of Luke's training and was convinced that I would never run more than 10 consecutive minutes. The summer was spent slowly building up to 30 full mintes of continuous running and by the fall we were adding a mile a week. In December, I completed the White Rock Half Marathon and thought I would run forever. But in January I decided the retention of my tonsils needed to take a back seat to the ability to breathe and had them ripped out...which was a minor set back. By the time I decided to start running again, I felt like I was starting from zero. Obviously, many adventures were had over the past year, but becoming a runner has been one of the more rewarding.
So tomorrow starts a new era. The time of 29. My last good year...kidding. This coming year has so much potential. I am determined to lose 40 more pounds. I am committed to sticking to my running program. And I will finish the New York City marathon.
Oddly enough, I moved this time a year ago into a highrise apartment with a killer view and luxurious amenities. This past weekend I moved again, this time into a quaint condo with hardwood floors and a questionable neighborhood. I guess my home is half as nice, but my goals are twice as big. Don't really know where that thought is going...just an observation.
Look for an entry this time next year that says something about crossing the finish line in Central Park (and possibly a description of my new apartment under a bridge and a plea for donations for my efforts to swim the English Channel).
Timmy
Day Left - 143
Total Distance Run - 59.09
Monday, June 14, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Lessons to Learn
I have a lot to learn about running. I know it seems rather straightforward. Left foot...right foot...repeat ad nauseum. Nonetheless, I have a lot to learn.
For example, last week we received an email from our Luke's coaches informing us in detail the desired color and transparency of urine, before, during and after our long runs. Apparently, we are hoping for something akin to light lemonade, but I digress... This week we received an email about the dangers of running in the heat. The letter warned that running between the hours of noon and three was particularly dangerous. No need to tell me twice. I have previously discussed the insanity that is lunchtime running on this blog, and let me assure you once was enough.
I am also learning this week to respect "the base". As in, I built a "base" upon which I can build. As foolish as it sounds, there is a part of me that thought until we get to the "real mileage" that I would be totally fine. Sure I might not feel so hot, but I've run a half-marathon and will generally be okay. I was wrong.
Last week, as I previously mentioned, I didn't exactly follow the rules. I skipped a few runs, I shorted the others. And then I paid the price. My 6 mile run on Saturday was shortened to a 4.5 mile run with about a 1.5 mile walk thrown in for good measure. It was degrading. It was disappointing. It was terrifying. A 6 mile run isn't even 1/4 of a marathon.
So this week I made a commitment to stick to the schedule. I have done well so far (2 runs down, 2 to go), but staying on task will require a 50 minute run tonight followed by a 50 minute run tomorrow morning. Ouch. Why? Because I still need to learn how to get out of bed. That'll teach me.
Timmy
Day Left - 150
Total Distance Run - 38.92 miles
For example, last week we received an email from our Luke's coaches informing us in detail the desired color and transparency of urine, before, during and after our long runs. Apparently, we are hoping for something akin to light lemonade, but I digress... This week we received an email about the dangers of running in the heat. The letter warned that running between the hours of noon and three was particularly dangerous. No need to tell me twice. I have previously discussed the insanity that is lunchtime running on this blog, and let me assure you once was enough.
I am also learning this week to respect "the base". As in, I built a "base" upon which I can build. As foolish as it sounds, there is a part of me that thought until we get to the "real mileage" that I would be totally fine. Sure I might not feel so hot, but I've run a half-marathon and will generally be okay. I was wrong.
Last week, as I previously mentioned, I didn't exactly follow the rules. I skipped a few runs, I shorted the others. And then I paid the price. My 6 mile run on Saturday was shortened to a 4.5 mile run with about a 1.5 mile walk thrown in for good measure. It was degrading. It was disappointing. It was terrifying. A 6 mile run isn't even 1/4 of a marathon.
So this week I made a commitment to stick to the schedule. I have done well so far (2 runs down, 2 to go), but staying on task will require a 50 minute run tonight followed by a 50 minute run tomorrow morning. Ouch. Why? Because I still need to learn how to get out of bed. That'll teach me.
Timmy
Day Left - 150
Total Distance Run - 38.92 miles
Monday, June 7, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
For a Good Cause...
Since running has had such a huge impact on my life, I want my run to help impact the lives of others. I will be running the New York City Marathon as a member of Fred's Team (benefitting Memorial Sloan-Kettering, an institution with unequaled expertise in diagnosing and treating cancer) to raise funds for crucial cancer research.
If you want to help, an online donation can be made using the link below:
http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/Events/Freds_Team?px=1760239&pg=personal&fr_id=1310
Timmy
Days Left - 155
Total Distance Run - 29.87 miles
If you want to help, an online donation can be made using the link below:
http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/Events/Freds_Team?px=1760239&pg=personal&fr_id=1310
Timmy
Days Left - 155
Total Distance Run - 29.87 miles
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Plan
I am having some problems sticking to the above referenced "Plan." Otherwise known as the "Schedule." AKA the weekly workouts. I know from experience that the plan works...it really does. But, as mentioned before on this blog, the other problem is that I love to sleep.
Sunday - I'm going to give myself a pass for Sunday. It was the day before a holiday. Also, two members of my four person running crew didn't show up (for very legitimate and good reasons) on Saturday to run, so I thought my day off was justified.
Monday - Come on, do I even have to justify not running on Memorial Day? No. No, I don't.
Tuesday - Bonus points for me, because Tuesday is my designated day of rest, but because I care more about patriotism than fitness (see comment re: Monday), I thought I needed to run...so I ran...25 minutes...instead of 40. Okay, so no bonus points.
Wednesday - I have no excuse. None. I just ask for your compassion and hope that you can forgive me. Darn it Bed. Darn it.
Thursday - As per usual, 6 a.m. comes mighty early. 5:30 a.m. comes earlier...which is when my alarm when off to get me out of bed and down to Oak Cliff. MK and I ran 35 minutes...instead of 50. Dang.
Saturday may not be so pleasant, but MK and I are firmly committed to running the actual schedule all next week. Stay tuned.
Timmy
Day Left - 156
Total Distance Run - 29.87 miles
Sunday - I'm going to give myself a pass for Sunday. It was the day before a holiday. Also, two members of my four person running crew didn't show up (for very legitimate and good reasons) on Saturday to run, so I thought my day off was justified.
Monday - Come on, do I even have to justify not running on Memorial Day? No. No, I don't.
Tuesday - Bonus points for me, because Tuesday is my designated day of rest, but because I care more about patriotism than fitness (see comment re: Monday), I thought I needed to run...so I ran...25 minutes...instead of 40. Okay, so no bonus points.
Wednesday - I have no excuse. None. I just ask for your compassion and hope that you can forgive me. Darn it Bed. Darn it.
Thursday - As per usual, 6 a.m. comes mighty early. 5:30 a.m. comes earlier...which is when my alarm when off to get me out of bed and down to Oak Cliff. MK and I ran 35 minutes...instead of 50. Dang.
Saturday may not be so pleasant, but MK and I are firmly committed to running the actual schedule all next week. Stay tuned.
Timmy
Day Left - 156
Total Distance Run - 29.87 miles
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
