The Running Men - 7.30.06

New PR!

Ran the Wall Street 5K last night, a great race that winds you through the massive concrete canyons of the Financial Capital of the World. You also get to see the World Trade Center, Tribeca, Wall Street, Battery Park, and the Statue of Liberty during the run.

So I decided to bring my camera along with me and try to take a few shots for the blog. I thought it would slow me down but didn't really care, I was not really into racing for time as I was still coming off my long run on Monday and feeling tired. I probably snapped about 20 photos during the race, and was therefore shocked when I got the finish line - I HAD SET MY PERSONAL PR FOR A 5K BY ALMOST 2 MINUTES! I don't know how it all happened, but I do remember when I started to tire after about 2 miles I told myself to slow down but keep good form. I was pretty pumped about it, I think it's a good sign for July.

Another race in Central Park on Saturday, a 10K. You can bet your ass I'm going to bring the camera again - maybe it's like Dumbo's feather for me?

11+ Strong

Turned in my first long run on Monday and did 90 mins on the treadmill. My run could not have been more different than Ben's "11 in Heaven". You see had I brought my camera I could have posted a tremendously interesting shot of the people in front of my treadmill as they watched TV and trodded along on their treadmills....crazy fun stuff!

I was going to try to run outside but didn't have the heart as there was a driving rain and upper 40s temps. Anyway almost quit after 30 mins on the 'mill, then realized this was going to be the best day for me to do a long run this week and to suck it up. Was a little tough, partially because it was so boring compared to running outside, but at the end felt great about the accomplishment.

Two races coming up this week....a 5K in NYC's Financial district tonight and a 10K in Central Park on Saturday. Posts to come!

CRAZIEST RUN OF MY LIFE!

I ran on dirt, I ran through mud, I stepped in poo, the cows went moo,

the Sun shone hot, the trees gave shade, I jumped a snake, ran past the lake,

I heard big frogs, I saw shy deer, I ran through creeks, best run in weeks,

eleven long, I feel okay, the legs are dead, it's time for bed.

shoe types

Paul and I did the extremely scientific "wet foot on concrete" test while we weren't running in California. I must say we were extremely pleased with ourselves to be "training". So the test is supposed to give you a starting point for purchasing proper running shoes. The results were pretty cool.

Paul's foot on the left is extremely normal - the width of the line connecting the forefront to hell is about 2 inches, meaning he can pretty much pick whatever is comfortable for him. The classification of shoe would be "stability".

My foot is extremely different. The band connecting the front and heel is extremely thin, meaning I have a high arch. This type of foot needs a shoe that is classified as "cushioned".

The third general catagory would be flat footed - the line connecting the front and heel is extremely wide. These types of runners generally need a shoe that has "motion control".

California Visit Unites Running Men

A quick weekend visit to California united two of the Running Men! Best intentions of running together were replaced with food, drink, and extremely intelligent conversation that of course at times approached brilliant. Some minor injuries were healing anyway. That's our Non-Running Man bro-in-law Jeff in the background trying to get into the club.

Cross Country Running

Here is my new spot to run.

Bottoming Out

Not to be too cliche, but hang in there brother! Injuries take such a toll on you in your mind it's amazing. It's a time when you have to be strong mentally and be positive. I've read that your mind actually goes through the classic "steps of grieving" when you are injured (denial-rage-depression-acceptance). I think that you have to take on as a philosophy to "do the best you can" with the situation. If you really feel that you are, then you mind will rest in satisfaction. With your injury this might involve non-running exercise. If you can bike, swim, or do gym machines (stair climber, elliptical) then great - you are still getting in better and better shape and resting the running muscles that are injured. If even these cardio choices are hurting, then maybe the best you can do is walk, which you should do. A good 2 or 3 hour walk at a brisk pace is great training, the point being that you are still putting in the time.
So commit to doing the best you can without being irrational, be at peace that the result for the big race may be less than you expected, and trudge on - miracles do happen and the race is still quite a ways away.

Frustration

Friday I ran 5.5 miles the hard way.  I didn't feel like running, but did it anyways.  At times I felt like I was getting into it, but I never hit the zone.  To make things worse, I didn't stretch enough after finishing and I woke up with a strained right hamstring.  First it was the left lower leg and now this minor setback. Saturday, I rested and Sunday I went on a hike in Las Trampas to keep my legs loose without straining them too much.  The good thing is that I am losing weight and my energy level seems to be improving.  Luckily there is still time to get on track, but each week going by brings the Marathon date closer which isn't really that far away.  My legs feel fine today.  I don't ever remember getting these nagging strains in the past.  Perhaps it is because I was slightly overweight and I tend to carry excess pounds in my upper body creating more impact on my legs when I run.  I just really need to watch myself so I don't pull something, start a little slower and remember to stretch more often.  I haven't been able to do a long run for awhile now and it is frustrating.

The Dawn Treader

ran 50 min on the  Tread mill on Monday night then lifted for 45 min.  it was an awesome work out.  I could sense soreness in my left achilles as I ran, but not pain.  It felt fine and I ran great.  started slow and worked up to a 7 min/mi  pace for two miles near the end of my run.

Yesterday, I went dragon boating in the Berkeley Marina for an hour.  It was a good work out.  i might start doing it on Saturday mornings and tuesdays.  there are races as well.

Prince Caspian

need for speed

3.5 miles today.  started off a little fast and my calves and shins got sore, so i took a walk/stretch break.  then i started to feel good as i jogged again gradually getting to a faster pace.  the last 1.5 miles, I burned it, hauled some serious ass, passing bikers.  ice bath, warm shower and Godfather II.

The Don