tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62480028427303957832023-11-16T03:08:11.492-08:00A Los Altos RunnerA blog about running and my daughter, Brooklyn.Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-28811856322458665842013-06-17T00:14:00.000-07:002013-06-18T16:26:11.020-07:00Big Basin (50K ultra maration) on June 9th plus the SF marathon on June 16Hi everyone,<br />
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Long time no post. I never had a chance to update my blog for the Napa Valley marathon. But, that seems like years ago (it was in March of 2013). So, I'll skip that one and talk about more recent races.<br />
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It's official - I'm an ultra marathoner! On June 9th, I ran the <a href="http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/bigbasin50.html">Big Basin 50k</a>! It took me a very long time. It was a nice course and a few of my friends were running it (so having company out there was great), but I struggled with it.<br />
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I did most of my training in at <a href="http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_rancho_san_antonio.asp">Rancho</a>. I clearly did not give myself enough training runs, but I did the best I could with my time commitments (work, family, teaching). I had about 4 runs around 3 to 4 hours in the hills of Rancho. Rancho is great because there are some very steep hills and, best of all, I can run there from my house (3 miles away with climbing to get there). Overall, I knew I maybe needed another two months of training, but I felt I could complete the course - and that was my goal!<br />
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I carpooled with some friends and met other friends up there.<br />
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Then we were off on the course. It was mostly single track with a number of ups and downs. The first few miles are mostly declines but after the first aid station you started climbing a little. I did well the first 5 miles and then started slowing down a little, but was still doing good the next five miles.<br />
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About mile 11 or 12 I was starting to slow some. I think the down hills at the beginning were working my legs. But, I felt confident. Big Basin has a marathon and 50K. The 50K has a loop at aid station 3 where you do the extra five miles. I just wanted to get to aid station three and start the loop so I don't back out and only run the marathon. I signed up to complete the ultra and that was my goal. At this point I felt I could complete it. Here are some more pictures (I got from the Big Basin runners). Stay tuned for more fun details below: <br />
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So I made it to the third aid station and started the loop. There was about a mile and half climb (I'm guessing) and then down hill. About mile 17 (the down hill part) I was going good and then . . . I hurt my ankle. I landed on a tree root (I think, maybe it was a rock). I hurt my ankle about 3 weeks before sort of bad where I had trouble walking on it. This was the same ankle (my left one). I landed wrong and it gave and I fell. I grabbed onto my ankle in a pain. I was in a lot of pain and said a number of F works (lucky there was no one near me). And, I do not curse much. Usually I say <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frak_%28expletive%29">Frak</a>. I could hardly put any weight on it. I almost started crying because I thought the race was over for me. But, I was too mad, I think, to cry. I was passed by a few people who asked if I was okay. I was except for the pain. I sort of wanted them to check on me, but I also wanted them to just get away from me. They passed me and kept going. I knew I had to also.<br />
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I knew I had to move so I walked and walked and walked and finally the pain was manageable. I finally completed the loop. Only 10 miles left. I was going to fuel up and then take off. My ankle was sore, but I felt I could run on it. I wanted to complete the course.<br />
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That's me talking to one of my friends who was resting</div>
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Getting my rubber band for completing the loop </div>
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And, I was off. The last 10 miles were tough. I pushed forward, but my ankle got worse. I landed wrong a few times and it just killed me. My goal though was to complete it. I pushed forward. Ran when I could and walked when I had to. I also yelled an F word when I would land wrong and my ankle would scream out in pain. One time two hikers moved to the side to let me pass a turn, I looked at them to say thank you -- landed wrong, came to a stop and cursed while I hopped on one leg. I wonder what they thought. I walked it off and then started running again.</div>
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At the end of the day, I finished!!!! My first ultra. My left ankle ended up being twice the size of my right ankle and was black and blue. But, I finished!<br />
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And, to top it off on June 16th, I ran the SF marathon! My wife told me I was crazy to run it. Maybe, but I wanted to know if I could and wanted to try to run it. My ankle was still a little swollen, but not as bad as it was. On Sat am (after not running all week), I went for a short two mile slow run to see if I can run on it. I could and felt I could run longer. Could I run 26.2 miles on it? I did not know. But I wanted to find out.<br />
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I woke up early, drove to SF. And, off I went. I was taking it "easy" and things were going good. I would get shooting pains in the ankle here and there, but I taped it really good (I know I'm risking major injury, but if you don't try, you don't know what you can do). I told myself I would pull out if the pain was too bad. Had money for a ride back if needed. About mile 11 or so, my legs were just giving out on me. My ankle was very sore, my knee was now sore (the same one that I hurt on my first marathon) and my other parts of my legs were cramping up! <br />
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The marathon split off from the1st half finish at Golden Gate Park. I have never in my life wanted to stop at the halfway point so much as I did today. My legs felt like they were toast. I walked the area where the full and half split. I debated should I stop. I'm going to hurt myself, I thought. I can't do that, I thought. But, I had to try. So I pushed forward. I tried to take it easy, but with my legs and ankle, this was not easy no matter how slow I was running. Yet, finally we got out of Golden Gate park, which meant we were around mile 19. Only 7 more miles. I knew I could do it. No matter how long it would take me, I knew I could finish. So I kept pushing on. I tried to "land soft". Tried to ignore the pain. Kept running (walked the aid stations and a few big hills). I tried to run from aid station to aid station, with walking a hill here and there.<br />
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And, I finished! A marathon one week after doing an ultra, with my ankle injury. My worst time for the SF marathon, but a marathon I'm very proud to have completed.<br />
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Some pictures I took from one of my friends.<br />
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Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-46754052132080765642013-02-03T00:20:00.000-08:002013-02-03T00:20:02.639-08:00100th post and 36 days runningSorry for the long absence. I've been meaning to post, but never quite got around to it until tonight!<br />
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I looked at my blog and noticed that this post will be my 100th post. I'm not quite sure what that means, but I wonder how long it will take me to get to 200 (1 year, 2 years, 5 years . . .).<br />
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I do have something to share - today I ran for the 36th straight day! I'm not quite sure this is the best idea, but something I thought about doing just before the New Year.<br />
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After the cancellation of the New York marathon, I let my running slip. Mostly due to work as I was traveling two to three days a week and just working a ton in November and December. I decided <u>not</u> to run CIM (which I signed up for) as I was only running 1 or 2 days a week and not getting in the long runs I needed for a marathon. Then, in December I got sick and that completely stopped my running.<br />
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I started getting better (from my week long illness) around Christmas and new that I had to start running more. I just felt out of shape and for some reason really, really wanted to run more. I always like to challenge myself so I made the goal to see how many days in a row I can run <b><i>at least 20 minutes</i></b>. With my work schedule I knew I had to have a time limit that I thought I could meet every day. Some days when I need to fly out of town, I need to get up at 5am to catch the first flight out and I don't get back home until 11pm or so (when I'm doing 1 day travel) - so I definitely wanted a time that was reasonable to get a run in.<br />
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I started this plan three days before the New Year. I've had days when I've been sick (should have got the flu shot), cold, in snow, up early, up late . . . but so far I've managed to run at least 20 minutes each day . . . with many days being much more than 20 minutes.<br />
<br />Basically I do my long runs, my tempo runs, speed runs, and my hill runs. Then on the days my work schedule is crazy or my legs are tired, I just do a nice and easy run (some days I limit that easy run to 20 minutes, other days run (easy) longer).<br />
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I'm not sure how long I will keep this up. A lot depends on my legs - sometimes they seem real tired and need a day or two off. In fact, I did 15 miles today with very tired legs and am having thoughts of resting a day or two, but I also think it would be great to get to 50 days in a row.<br />
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Importantly ---- Go 49ers! Hopefully, we will win!<br />
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And, to close, here are a couple of pictures of my daughter with her riding lessons:<br />
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<br />Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-87328433826452869452012-11-03T20:34:00.002-07:002012-11-03T20:34:51.453-07:00New York Marathon - CancelledThis year my big race was the New York Marathon! Tomorrow morning, in a normal year, I would have been running it. Instead, as you all know, the marathon was cancelled. And, now I plan to run around central park in the morning before I head back home to the bay area.<br />
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Yes, I made the trip out here. After the storm, I was very unsure what to do and expected that more likely than not the race would be cancelled or postponed. I checked often for updates on the marathon and on my flight. My flight was scheduled for Thursday morning from SFO to Newark. I thought about calling off the trip, but we had used miles for the flights and paid for the hotel. Thus, as Wed came, my wife and I agreed that we would go if the marathon is on and our flight was not cancelled.<br />
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I check the marathon and flight status late Wed and early Thursday. Everything was a go, so I woke my two year up at 5:30am to make the flight.<br />
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We landed on time in Newark and had a car waiting for us. We decided to get a car because we heard of the gas problems. On my way to the hotel in New York, talking to the driver, I started to question whether I should be out here. The driver told me that many people were not happy the marathon was taking place. Back at the hotel, I saw a lot more images of the damage done by Sandy. My wife told me, should we be out here for a marathon? I was not sure. We had followed what we heard from about the marathon being on and made the trip.<br />
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On Friday, we went to the expo. I picked up my bib and shirt. And, started to feel okay about running. I felt horrible about the damage and the lost lives. Yet, I thought that I could run this marathon.<br />
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Then, we loaded a shuttle to head back towards the hotel. On the shuttle my wife told me she heard some one behind us say the marathon was called off. I told her she must have misunderstood. I checked cnn and espn and sure enough the marathon was off. News spread fast. Everyone was checking their smartphone. There was silence on the bus. People did not know what to say or how to react.<br />
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I brought my family out here and wanted to run the marathon. I was disappointed. But, I understood the decision. Especially being out here as I questioned whether I should run. My heart was torn as to whether I should even be out here. I know my running friends were just getting off a plane and heading to New York when the news broke. I thought of the people I spoke to who had traveled great distances to come to New York. Yet, I also thought of the people who lost their lives, who lost their homes, and those who are still struggling to survive. I understood the decision to cancel the marathon.<br />
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I wish the decision was made sooner. If I knew the marathon might be cancelled and was not "on" on Wednesday, I would have never made the trip. <br />
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However, I don't feel bad for the trip I made out here. I was able to spend the weekend with my wife and daughter in New York. I will not run a marathon in New York, but I will run in Central Park. My life will be back to normal on Monday. Yet, many people affected by the storm will be affected for years. I'm disappointed that the marathon was cancelled, but my heart goes to the people that lost so much due the Storm. I wish a fast recovery for those who were affected by the storm. There will be another marathon. And, I will run the NY marathon another time.Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-3712389050713492562012-08-01T22:20:00.001-07:002012-08-01T22:49:19.349-07:00Marathoners: Do you find this annoying?As I last posted, I ran the SF marathon on Sunday. I had a blog post on it and also posted to facebook. A friend of a family member who is a "friend" of mine on facebook (but otherwise do not know real well) posted the following either later that day or early the next day:<br />
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Not only did he post it, but then changed it as his main picture. Maybe because I just ran a marathon, I found this annoying.<br />
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I would never compare running a marathon to an ironman. Heck - the marathon is after you swim and biked a crazy distance. I know that I could not come close right now to doing an ironman.<br />
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I think people should be very proud of their accomplishments, but I don't understand the need to say "Oh, you ran a marathon? That's cute". That just seems arrogant to me. I hope I would not tell someone that just ran their first half "Oh, you ran a half? That's cute" and then put a 26.2 sign up.<br />
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I do hope to do an ironman one day. It is on my list along with doing an ultra. It is not in my current plan because (i) have more than a full time job (more than 50 hours per week), (ii) I'm an adjunct professor (one class each semester) and (iii) I have a young daughter who I want to spend time with on my free time. Thus, no time for the training. A sign like this does light a fire in me and makes me want to do it . . . but I think I prefer a 50 mile run first. <br />
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Anyone else find this a bit irritating or annoying? I do understand that some/most/all of us marathoners can be a bit irritating to people that do not run marathons. <br />
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Maybe, I need to do an ironman so that I can understand the need to post this after someone just ran a marathon. If I ever end up doing an ironman, will I also now have disdain for marathon runners?Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-3960739696004944982012-07-29T21:24:00.001-07:002012-07-29T21:39:55.961-07:00SF marathon done! 10th marathon!It was far from my best time, but I finished it! And, it was a course PR (though only the second time running it)<br />
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Before Big Sur marathon, I hurt my ankle. I ran on a very sore ankle at the Big Sur marathon and since that time I have not been able to do any hill runs, speed workouts, tempo runs. So basically, I did not do any training that might actually help my "speed" after the ankle injury. I ran generally about once a week most weeks due to my ankle being injured. I would do a long run on the weekend and then have to rest my ankle during the week so that I could do another long run on the next weekend (at times I could get 1 easy run in on a Thursday or Friday).<br />
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Then, my calf (on the same leg) got injured two or so weeks ago. I had to walk three miles back to my car when it got injured. It has been bothering me since.<br />
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This really lead to many questions about whether I should have rested after Big Sur. After Big Sur I tried to take it a little easier and hoped the ankle would get better by not pushing it too hard. The smart decision would have been to take 3 or so weeks off after Big Sur, but I did not and it was a bit too late to take time off after the ankle did not get better with SF around the corner.<br />
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Thus, my expectations were not high. I was just hoping that I could complete the marathon. And I did!<br />
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I started out a little slow, tried to get my legs loose and into it. My wife was running the first half so I ran near/next to her for most of the first half. We were keeping about a 9:05-9:10 pace. I felt okay, but my calf was tight (it has been since I hurt it) and the hills (especially the downhills) brought pain to it.<br />
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The GG bridge was very foggy and did not have great views, but it was still nice running on the bridge. I was starting to have stomach issues so I stopped at the restrooms on the lookout after getting off the GGB. There was a little line and I was about 9:16 avg pace when I started running again. I pushed to get closer to my wife. I caught her on the hill after coming off the GGB. I then tried to keep about a 9:09 or so pace to get her close to the 2 hour mark for the half. She was a head of me at times, but then fell a little behind me. I slowed down before the cut off and when she caught up I tried to give her some words of encouragement. She came in at the 2 hour mark. A PR for her.<br />
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I was doing okay at the half way point, but by mile 15 my calf was starting to really hurt. I also stopped to use the rest room again (I don't know what goes on with my stomach and marathons). By the time I got back to running I was at a 9:17 or so avg pace.<br />
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In the back of my head is to beat 4, but I knew that was not a strong possibility. I pushed forward and tried to get my avg pace down, but the faster I ran the more my ankle and calf hurt. I decided to not try to push for under 4. I just wanted to finish. I was worried about my calf and if it hurt like it did two weeks ago, I would not be able to run.<br />
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I focused on getting out of GG park. Too many miles in that park. But, about mile 19 I was finally out of GG park and then I just focused on running and kept a steady pace. I kept my avg pace according to my Garmin at 9:17 (which was a little off due to it reading the course long, showed my running further than what I actually ran).<br />
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I stopped to refill my water bottle two times and to use the rest room two time. Other than that I kept running. I was tired about mile 22/23, but it was so close that I just focused on trying to knock 1 mile off at a time.<br />
<br />
I finally got to AT&T Park and then to the bay bridge. My Garmin has already showed me past 26.2 so I'm a bit annoyed (where is that finish). But, then I see it and soon I cross the finish line. I finish with a time about 4:05 and 50 seconds. Not bad considering the injuries caused my training to be horrible.<br />
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My daughter with the medals:<br />
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I was a bit surprised that the half medal was not even a 1/4 of the size of the full medal. But my daughter said, Brooklyn size medal.<br />
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Overall: I was very happy to finish. I felt that I pushed through the injuries (maybe not the smartest) and accomplished a goal. I will now rest for a few weeks and hope to get healthy for the NY Marathon!Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-27667380309837822592012-07-17T01:14:00.000-07:002012-07-17T01:14:57.139-07:00SF Marathon: Two Weeks Away and Still InjuredHi - hope everyone is doing great and had an awesome 4th. I spend the week of the 4th in Tahoe and it was great.<br />
<br />
I wish I could say the same for my running. Since I hurt my ankle before Big Sur, it has been a tough couple of months with limited running. I basically do a long run on the weekend, ankle is very sore, I rest 4 or 5 days, do a short easy run to see how it feels, rest my ankle for a day or two, do a long run, ankle is very sore . . . endless cycle.<br />
<br />
My plan all along was to try to do the SF marathon and then "rest" after the marathon. I've been able to do the long runs . . . a 18 mile run, a 20 mile run and a 22 mile run. My speed has suffered due to the no speed work (ankle has been too sore after the long run for a speed workout).<br />
<br />
This past Sunday, I went out to run with the San Fran Marathon training group (where I'm a pacer). We had a 16 mile run planned. I started out strong and we were going at a good pace. But, about 4 miles in my calf started hurting. Before mile 5, I had to pull up due major pain in my calf. My running group stopped with me. I tried to stretch and walk it off. Then, I tried to run again, within a few steps I had to pull up again. I told the runners to go on. I tried to walk for a while, but when I tried to run again, within two steps I had to pull up. I turned around and walked back to my car. I did try to run a couple of times on the long walk back, but had no luck and the pain was worse each time I tried.<br />
<br />
My calf is still sore! I'm just hoping it gets better.<br />
<br />
Good news: I finally went the doctor and had an x-ray on my ankle - no fracture! Yes!!! Which means I still have some hope of running SF marathon. The Dr said they needed an MRI to tell if I tore something in my calf and she stated we could go that route if it did not heal in 3-4 weeks (. . . yes . . . 3 to 4 weeks is beyond two weeks). She also could not recommend me running the marathon unless the calf healed up real quick.<br />
<br />
Right now - I'm just taking it easy this week and hoping for the best.<br />
<br />
Also - I cannot tell you how difficult it was to get my x-ray result. I received an e-mail that my x-ray result was in and I just needed to log into the online account. Problem - I could not remember my password. After trying a number to typical passwords I use, I got locked out of my online account (I hate when that occurs). Then, I spent at least a 1/2 an hour getting my account open again. The Dr said she would call me if there was an issue. Another problem - my home number (the number on record) was not working (not sure why, but no dial tone). I could not change my home number via the phone or website (could not log-in). Very frustrating process.<br />
<br />
I was able to finally decided to leave early and drive to the Dr's office to get my x-ray result, I needed to know whether or not I had a fracture.Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-12094627090546542222012-06-06T23:09:00.003-07:002012-06-06T23:09:27.840-07:00Hello - quick updateHi,<br />
<br />
I thought I would give a quick update since my last post was re the Big Sur marathon.<br />
<br />
I am generally very bad at staying updated and even worse when I have not been running much. My ankle has been sore every since Big Sur. I take some time off and then try to run again . . . sore. Take more time off . . . run again . . . sore . . . sore . . . sore.<br />
<br />
Injuries are horrible. Guess that's what I get for running a marathon on a sore/sprained/injured ankle.<br />
<br />
What's next - hopefully get healthy. My ankle is slowing getting better, but the SF marathon is coming quick. Can I get ready for it? I don't know because I'm not sure how my ankle will hold up on the long runs.<br />
<br />
In the meantime - I bought P90X and have been doing that for exercise. Has anyone done it? Right now, I'm following the program, but as I add more runs into my routine it will be very hard (if not impossible) to stay on the program.<br />
<br />
Hope all is well. Happy running . . . Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-78135086568490478242012-05-05T14:34:00.000-07:002012-05-05T14:34:03.974-07:00Big Sur Marathon Race Report!I meant to post this earlier in the week, but had a busy work week.<br />
<br />
I injured my ankle about three weeks before the Big Sur marathon. Not entirely sure how, I think I sprained it when I was out running in <a href="http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_rancho_san_antonio.asp">Rancho</a> in the rain (the footing was bad and I almost fell a couple of times). To make a long story short, on Monday (the week of the marathon) I was still limping around after trying to run 5 miles on it over the weekend. I was not sure I would make it to the start line. <br />
<br />
I had made an appointment to see a chiropractor. I've never went to a chiropractor before, but I was desperate. Even though I was having pain in my ankle, they started with adjusting my neck and hips. I thought that was a little old, but since I do not have "Dr." by my name I went along with it. It was strange to go into a place and 10 mins later they have you in what I view as awkward positions and the chiropractor uses force to move your body around. If it gets me to the start line, as long as you don't break my neck, I was willing to let them adjust whatever they thought needed adjusting.<br />
<br />
I went back for a second visit later in the week. The Chiropractor also does similar things that my prior PT would do (like deep massage and exercises).<br />
<br />
By Friday my ankle was not "as sore" as earlier in the week. Maybe the Chiropractor helped and also the rest helped (I did not run). So I felt that I would make it to the start line.<br />
<br />
I've never ran Big Sur before, but it has a lot of hills. With my sore ankle I decided I would run, but would "take it easy" or "not push myself too hard". Which meant I was going to try to come in between 4 and 4:30pm.<br />
<br />
My plan was to start with a 9:30 pace, see how the ankle feels and then decide whether I can go a little faster or if I need to slow down. Since I hurt the ankle, the faster I ran the more it hurt. I booked a hotel in Monterey and drove down on Sat am for the expo and to hang out. I brought my wife and daughter with me (which meant it was critical to sleep in a little on Friday). Sleeping in the same room with a two year is not easy. She makes a lot of noise.<br />
<br />
In Summary - I have some pictures below: Big Sur has great views. I've never seen so many runners stop along the side to take pictures. I started off with a slower pace and felt good the first few miles. My ankle was doing okay. The problem was that my stomach was not doing okay. I started at a 9:30 pace and then slowly increased to about 9:10, but then I had to use a porta potty - I mean I had to use it and wait in line. By the time I was able to run again, my avg pace was 9:30. I ran hard to get my pace back down to 9:10 and to be able to catch up to one of my running friends, but then about mile 8 - had to stop for the porta potty again. My avg pace was back again at 9:30 after waiting in line and then using it.<br />
<br />
I decided that I was just going to try to keep the 9:30 pace as there was a large climb in miles 10-12 (Hurricane point). I was feeling good and kept the 9:30 pace even though I had two more pit stops (very frustrating). I was not sure what was going on with my stomach but before the last pit stop I felt I was going to throw up. Overall, though I was doing okay. The ankle was more sore than it had been at the start, but I felt I could run on it even though there was some pain with every step.<br />
<br />
So even with the pit stops I was on pace for about 4:08-4:10 marathon. However, at mile 22 "the wall" hit me and I struggled. I think in mile 22 I had a 13 min mile. Part of that was the last pit stop and part of it was walking up a hill (I was tired and had ran up all the hills and the entire course except for the pit stops up to that point). Alot of people were walking and I pushed about halfway up the hill (this was Yankee point) but about the halfway mark I gave into my fatigue and walked. My ankle was now very sore and I was just tired. At the top I pushed to run again, but was tired. I continued to run until I saw a strawberry stand. I love strawberries. Since I had already walked and had 4 pit stops, I stopped to eat strawberries. It was AWESOME!<br />
<br />
I pushed on and finished the marathon at 4:14 and change. Far off my PR, but not too off my expected time. My 9th marathon is in the books!!!!!<br />
<br />
As far as the ankle - it is still sore. I'm resting it (only easy runs) and went to the chiropractor twice this week. It feels a little better, but still sore and gets worse when I run. Very frustrating. I'm hoping it heals soon so I can push forward with my training for the SF marathon.<br />
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Some photos (some photos I borrowed from friends who ran big sur) with some comments: <br />
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My wife and Brooklyn the day before the marathon - seal in the background </div>
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Brooklyn riding a fake horse in Monterey the night before. It was great having my family there. They did not go see me run, as my wife took Brooklyn to the <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/">Monterey bay aquarium</a>. The only though part was waking up at 3am and trying to get ready without waking Brooklyn up. </div>
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The meal before the race. Maybe going to an all you can eat buffet was not the best idea. </div>
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The start line. I knew 5 people running this race. It was amazing that we all ran into each other at the start line without having any plan on where to meet. For Big Sur you have to get up early, the bus left the hotel at 4am. You are dropped off at 5am (roughly) and have bout 1 hour and 45 mins to wait. So it is nice to run into running friends and spend time with them.</div>
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Me (in the middle) and a couple of my running friends getting ready. </div>
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Here are some pictures of the course:</div>
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The strawberry stand. <b>If you are not going to PR - it is well worth a stop!</b></div>
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Me at the finish.</div>
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Taking Brooklyn for yogurt to celebrate my 9th marathon! </div>
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Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-17832327209296003052012-04-22T23:24:00.003-07:002012-04-22T23:24:55.904-07:00One Week To Go And A Very Sore AnkleBig Sur is next week. However, for the last couple weeks I have been dealing with a very sore ankle.<br />
<br />
The big problem is that I'm not sure what caused it. I think I can pinpoint the general time frame. It was raining in the bay area recently and I went for a trail run out in <a href="http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_rancho_san_antonio.asp">Rancho San Antonio</a> twice when it was pouring rain - which meant the footing was horrible and I lost my balance a couple of times. Though there was not a moment when a felt an ankle sprain occur. However, soon after the second run, I started feeling ankle pain - just above the ankle on the exterior. It was still sore the weekend of my long run to prep for big sur. I pushed through and ran 20 miles on it. Since then it has been sore every day. I took three days off running this week, but after a 5 mile run - very sore.<br />
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I do have an appointment with a chiropractor on Monday morning - hoping for some magic!<br />
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So not only am I under trained, but now I have to find a way to get my ankle healthy enough so I can run 26.2 miles on Sunday.<br />
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I have every intention to still run Big Sur unless it gets significantly worse. At least I have to give it a shot. But, this is a disappointment. I don't have the best of luck when it comes to marathons. Mostly though it is getting sick and not injuries - though I have had my share of injuries. Very frustrating. My mind is negative right now - so I know I need to start focusing on positive thoughts and even if it is sore the morning of Big Sur I need to believe that it will be okay for 26.2 miles.<br />
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Other than that - things have been great. I took my daughter to the beach two weeks ago. She had a blast and flew a kite for the first time. It was so special to see her enjoy some of the little things in life:<br />
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flying a kite</div>
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Hunting for eggs</div>
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<br />Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-1761250713505025902012-04-05T23:33:00.000-07:002012-04-05T23:33:18.947-07:00Big Sur Marathon - my 9th???Many moons ago I signed up for the Big Sur marathon. Mostly because it sells out fast and it was on my "to do" marathon list.<br />
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Yet - I have been slacking. Mostly do to the same old song: work, teaching, daughter, travel. <br />
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I've been running. Pacing/coaching with the SF marathon South Bay training group, leading a run at a local running store and running 3-5 times a week. But, I have not been training . . . for a marathon. So, I have had my doubts about running Big Sur.<br />
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However, I have started to build up my long runs the last 5-6 weeks. I did a 16 mile run and two 18 mile run. Next weekend will be my 20 mile run. So, I think I'm going to go for it. I have a few running friends running it, so it will be great to see them in the race.<br />
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As long as I can get my 20 mile run in, then I'll give it a shot. The plan will be to not "race" it, but to just go out there and run a solid pace (not sure what a solid pace will be yet). I would like to have got in 1 or 2 more 20 mile runs, but not enough weeks left.<br />
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The big issue is that I need to find a hotel.<br />
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<br />Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-47982060744221000662012-04-01T21:40:00.000-07:002012-04-01T21:40:03.518-07:00Caballo Blanco ThoughtsI was find it a bit strange when someone dies that I do not really know. I've lost people that have been close to me (like my dad and recently my grandmother) so I try to keep it in perspective.<br />
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With that said, I was sad when I heard Caballo Blanco was dead. I did not know him. I only read of him. But, he was an inspiration. I was already running marathons before I read born to run, but reading of him gave me inspiration to one day run ultras. More importantly, reading of him (and people like him) helps me stay in touch with my love for running.<br />
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I wish I could have met him. But, through born to run and all of the blogs and articles about him, I feel that I sort of have met him.Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-79729256482737977532012-03-28T00:59:00.003-07:002012-03-28T01:09:33.935-07:00Awesome run in the Rain at RanchoIt was very rainy today (Tuesday) in the bay area. I mean . . . a lot of rain.<br />
<br />
It was also our first run at <a href="http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_rancho_san_antonio.asp">Rancho</a> this year for the SF marathon training group. Since I'm a pacer/coach for the South bay group and generally run the hill runs at Rancho I felt I should go. On my drive over I had a few second thoughts. Not so much because of running in the rain (it was only 4-5 miles) but for running in the mud where it might be very wet and slippery. Me + mud + slippery = trouble.<br />
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In any event, as I pulled into Rancho I noticed that the parking lot was nearly empty. It is always packed. Before I could have additional thoughts about backing out, I saw two people from our group there. Which meant I'm running. Not many people showed up due to the rain.<br />
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But, those that did went out and did about 4.5 miles of hills. It was very rainy. It was cold. Muddy. Wet. Slippery. But, most of all, it was awesome! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusdmHX-WcwDFggPQ_xzsNT7nmvPLGfTXuh6Iz6hTa6btWh7SAyhs42O78A6hver_s8Zlx8dJiE-RPR0Iy8FsV-zzR-CRqcg_n-YKNCp655hakA1e3X1lgAYY7MXHRXgd4XhHSNxHvZOJP/s1600/ranchorain1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusdmHX-WcwDFggPQ_xzsNT7nmvPLGfTXuh6Iz6hTa6btWh7SAyhs42O78A6hver_s8Zlx8dJiE-RPR0Iy8FsV-zzR-CRqcg_n-YKNCp655hakA1e3X1lgAYY7MXHRXgd4XhHSNxHvZOJP/s320/ranchorain1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-38045557768507963692012-03-26T23:27:00.000-07:002012-03-26T23:27:31.473-07:00Oakland Marathon . . .DNS for the Oakland half.<br />
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I have not really been training hard so when a trip to Lake Tahoe that my wife wanted to take came up, I did not have a big issue having a DNS. I did really miss seeing all my running friends run and catching views of some of the local bloggers that I follow.<br />
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It is awesome to run into a blogger for the first time and with this being a bay area event, I was looking forward to maybe running into others. Though, I think only a few bay area bloggers might know who I am. <br />
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In Lake Tahoe, I had a great time. Took Friday off work and was able to spend the weekend with my wife and Brooklyn, the best two year old in the entire world. :)<br />
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Brooklyn had blast playing in the snow. We went for a short walk after we arrived and she found a good patch of snow and immediate started to eat it. As long as the snow was not yellow, I was okay with her trying some. We also took her on a snow shoe hike - we pulled her in a slide. She enjoyed walking in the snow (which meant our hike went really slow at times). She also went ice skating for the first time. And, did some jumping.<br />
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A video and some pictures:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EHh92NFIUIPKjBlONcMazEDKMnPjxaYBa_pSP5p9-F72B1wf_cOmrIMjnWELeQ1kFzz29ALGlHdBV_DuGzAOqbODwnLKTGPZlXD3FzARa07R2YVt0rg466Pd1nQ3QimJN-HIbIyW6JU0/s1600/tahoe5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EHh92NFIUIPKjBlONcMazEDKMnPjxaYBa_pSP5p9-F72B1wf_cOmrIMjnWELeQ1kFzz29ALGlHdBV_DuGzAOqbODwnLKTGPZlXD3FzARa07R2YVt0rg466Pd1nQ3QimJN-HIbIyW6JU0/s320/tahoe5.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-47932869395360404852012-02-26T15:08:00.000-08:002012-02-26T15:08:21.292-08:00Exhausted!I'm completely exhausted. Work has been busy, I teach and then have a great two year old. All of that means it has been tough to build up the miles. And, I have not done a great job.<br />
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Since CIM I've done one 14 mile trail run, one 10 miler and a number of 7 milers. I've run 3 to 5 days a week, but my weekly miles have generally been in the 20s (with only 1 week in the mid-30s). Very little speed workouts!<br />
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That's okay as I am keeping my base, but I am not getting in "race shape". That presents a problem when I have Oakland Half on March 25th and then Big Sur which is April 29th.<br />
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I have just not got the training in for either of these races. Which means "if" I run them, I'm not "racing them". Or, I don't think I can race them.<br />
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I have to decide whether I even want to race them. Oakland is coming up so I won't be able to get in race shape for a 1/2 marathon. So I need to decide whether I want to even run it. The main negatives for running it are: (i) have to drive to Oakland, (ii) have to get a hotel (if I don't then that means I need to drive out there for the expo and then for the race), (iii) time away from my daughter, and (iv) I might not enjoy it since I'm not ready for it.<br />
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The reasons to race it: (i) some of my running friends are running it so it will be great to see people on the course, (ii) I've paid for it, and (iii) won't have to worry about restrooms or water.<br />
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For Big Sur, the question will be whether I can get some long runs to build my endurance. I would not race that marathon, but try to just enjoy it.<br />
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I've been running, but not "long runs" and my weekly mileage is low (generally in the 20s save for 1 week in the 30s). I have not got in speed workouts or tempo runs. So it looks like I will have to cancel at least Oakland and likely Big Sur.<br />
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I could attempt to increase my miles to get me ready, but work has just been so busy.Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-36166672828536341742012-02-09T22:30:00.000-08:002012-02-09T22:32:19.475-08:00Brooklyn is sick!I hate it when my daughter gets sick.<br />
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I went for a run tonight and when I came home I gave my daughter a kiss on the forehead. She felt hot. After a while she still felt hot. We checked her temperature and it was 103.2! We tried to give her some medicine and she threw up . . . all over herself and my wife. My wife felt liking throwing up after having barf all over her. I just felt bad for my daughter and tried to get her clean as soon as possible without worrying about the smell.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">She is sleeping now so hopefully she can have a good night's sleep. I hate it when she gets sick. I feel so useless. She is a trooper so I'm hoping she can fight this off. I hate the fever too. I am getting used to colds . . . the running noise and caught. However, I am not no where close to be comfortable when she has a fever.</div><br />
On the running front, I got in 35-36 miles last week with a nice 14-15 mile run at Rancho (sometimes I love being out on the trails).<br />
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Take care and good running!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cz_nSyRDRtzN4dSFdUNb9zvDeeAnVXmiP-_kxsEt3tjtiti15MC00fOLj_P_YeYsbfkhyphenhyphenaS2h13oaCALiq2AentY5duMZfUKXYJd16oKpQckugqMo490ksTi7l3z2zrWCww2pQrERuCq/s1600/Tahoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cz_nSyRDRtzN4dSFdUNb9zvDeeAnVXmiP-_kxsEt3tjtiti15MC00fOLj_P_YeYsbfkhyphenhyphenaS2h13oaCALiq2AentY5duMZfUKXYJd16oKpQckugqMo490ksTi7l3z2zrWCww2pQrERuCq/s320/Tahoe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-32820438304586279102012-01-21T12:14:00.000-08:002012-01-21T12:14:54.961-08:00Go Niners!Hi,<br />
<br />
There has been so many things I've wanted to blog about, but like always a day or a week goes by and then I forgot about what I wanted to blog about. So let's try a quick update about posts that might have been if I made more time to update this blog:<br />
<br />
1. Go Niners! I went to the game last Sat and it was, without a doubt, the best game I have ever been to. I stood most of the time.<br />
<br />
2. I am going the NFC title game this Sunday. It is suppose to rain, but our seats are covered. The problem is that we park about two miles away so hopefully the weather is not too bad.<br />
<br />
3. The SF marathon training program starts this Sunday for the South Bay. I'm excited to be pacing/coaching again this year.<br />
<br />
4. I had a client meeting in Reno earlier this week. I had to stay the night which meant I took a little time to have some fun by playing Craps. I do not gamble much. I've generally play blackjack if I am in Vegas. The slots generally just take my money. The partner I was with wanted to play Craps. I've watched before to try to understand the game, but that was years ago. I broke a hundred and started playing (tried to follow the bets the partner made so that I could learn what to do). After some time, I was down to my last few chips and we were ready to call it a night. But, we said let's do 1 more roll. About an hour or two later I made about five hundred. We had to call it a night due to the client meeting in the am. It was great to win!<br />
<br />
5. I have been slacking in my running. Only running about three to four times a week and not long miles. I'm trying to put in a 7-8 mile run this weekend (failed at that this am due to being exhausted from a client deadline). I'm going to try later tonight. Then maybe run 10 miles next weekend to get my miles back up there.<br />
<br />
6. I have still not cheated on giving up treats!<br />
<br />
Have a good running weekend!Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-12174026716627657562012-01-14T10:36:00.000-08:002012-01-14T10:41:07.699-08:00First 2012 post - goals, update and 49ersHi,<br />
<br />
I keep meaning to post, but always seem to get caught up with something else and next thing I know I'm weeks (or a month) past my last post.<br />
<br />
Hope everyone had a great new year. I was in Lake Tahoe for the new year and got a couple of good runs in, but mostly just spent time with my family.<br />
<br />
<u>2012 goals(?)</u><br />
I did not really make specific goals. I do like making goals, but I tend to make the goals when I feel committed to them, rather than just because of a specific day came. But, I do have some general goals:<br />
<br />
1. No treats, including ice cream. Exception for any that have zero saturated fat, zero trans fat and zero Cholesterol. A few comments:<br />
<ul><li>This does not have to be for the entire year. I have grades. 30 days is a D. 100 days is a C. 1/2 a year is a B and a full year is an A. So far I'm still trying to not get an F.</li>
<li>This goal started on Dec. 21st (so I can have treats in 2012 as long as it is Dec. 22nd or later and still get an A)</li>
<li>Reason: I'm getting additional life insurance and had to take a physical. My results came Dec. 21st and showed my Cholesterol is elevated - 210. I decided after a couple hours of thinking and doing some quick research to drop treats (as I love them, especially ice cream). Overall my Cholesterol is not too bad because I have a lot of good ones (whatever that means). But, I need to get my number down to below 200. They did give me rates based on top health rates - so that is some good news, but elevated Cholesterol is still not good. I'm excited to see if this change will make a difference.</li>
<li>Yes it was hard to make this goal right before the holidays. But, I got through it without getting an F.</li>
</ul>2. Run my 9th and 10th marathon this year.<br />
<ul><li>I'm signed up for Big Sur, SF marathon and the NY marathon. Hoping to do at least 2 of them.</li>
</ul>3. Get faster<br />
<ul><li>Hopefully get closer to 3:30. I'll make a specific goal once I get into my training.</li>
</ul><u>Running updates</u>:<br />
<br />
1. I'm leading a running group from a new running store in Los Altos (near my house). They are starting running groups from their store. So far I lead a Wed. 6:30am group (there are also runs going on Monday at 6am, Thursday at 9:30am or 6pm, I think). Basically by "lead" I just have a route planned and make sure no one gets lost. If any one locally wants to join, please join me! The runs just started so the word is just getting out. The store is "on your mark performance" in downtown Los Altos. <a href="http://www.onyourmarkperformance.com/">http://www.onyourmarkperformance.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
2. I will be pacing/coaching for the SF marathon training (south bay) program again this year. We start Jan. 22 and Jan 29th. If any local people are interested, intro programs are on Sunday at 8am at Los Gatos High School.<br />
<br />
3. My neighbor might run his first marathon. I've been running with him the last few months to build him up. He has not run longer than 7-8 miles, but is considering building up for the SF marathon. I would do the long runs with him (and already run in the am weekday with him). Very exciting. I hope he does this. It will be a lot of running for me, but will be so enjoyable.<br />
<br />
4. GOING TO THE 49ER GAME TODAY! GO NINERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
Take care!Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-82149092144465292892011-12-24T23:04:00.000-08:002011-12-24T23:04:38.788-08:00Merry ChristmasHi,<br />
<br />
I hope you all have a merry Christmas and a great holiday season.<br />
<br />
I can't believe it is almost 2012. The year has went by very fast. Just about a week ago Brooklyn turned two years old. Two! Already! I can't believe how fast time goes by. I'm are looking forward to her opening her x-mas presents in the morning. It might take all day as she like to play with each toy before moving on to the next gift. Unfortunately, she is a little sick. Hopefully, she can get a good night sleep tonight, but so far a cough keeps waking her up. I hate it when she is sick. :(<br />
<br />
A quick running update: I planned to take a week off after CIM, it turned into 16 days because I got sick! I have ran three days this week, so I'm working to build myself back up. I'm going to Tahoe for about 5 days so plan to get some runs in up there.<br />
<br />
Take care and good running.Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-78035388010054520232011-12-05T09:02:00.000-08:002011-12-05T10:39:14.385-08:00A+ at CIM!My A goal for CIM was to PR, which would mean basically a 3:59 and a few less seconds than my prior "just break 4" PR which was done at CIM last year.<br />
<br />
I was not sure what I could or would do. My training had been up and down. I had a lot of travel the last 6 weeks due to the illness and then death of my grandmother and due to my work schedule. Due to the travel my weekly mile totals were much lower than I wanted. I did get three 20 mile runs in - 1 (the first of them) was a horrible, hard and slow run, 1 was one of my fastest 20 mile runs ever, and 1 (that last one) was a solid run. Which meant, if you go by the 20 mile training runs, I could have a great race, a horrible race or a solid race.<br />
<br />
I was also running my first marathon in <strong>my five fingers</strong> (picture below) so I was very unsure how my feet would hold up and my calves (these tend to get very sore after my 20 mile runs). I have never ran more than 20 miles in them.<br />
<br />
I wanted to spend Sat with my daughter before the race so I had someone from the SF Training program pick up my bib for me. I made it Sacramento about 8:30 on Sat night. Got my race gear organized and then tried to go to bed early. Our hotel shuttle was leaving at 4:30 am to take us to the Sheraton to get the buses that took us to the start line. I could not fall asleep though until about 11:30pm. Then, I was woken up at 1am by a vivid dream that it was 4:45pm and I missed the shuttle! So not the best sleep, but I made it to the 4:30am shuttle and got onto the buses for the start line.<br />
<br />
We were enterained by the conversations with what appeared to be a number of "lost buses". Now I see why they get you to the start line an hour or so early, just in case your bus gets lost. :)<br />
<br />
On to the race: My plan was to start about a 9mm pace the first few miles, then increase to about 8:30pace, then try to get some 8 mm in if I could and try to have have too many "bad miles" where I hit a wall and fall off.<br />
<br />
1 - 9.03<br />
2 - 8:48<br />
3 - 8:34<br />
4 - 8:31<br />
5 - 8:20<br />
<br />
My first mile was good, right where I wanted to be. Mile two was solid also. I basically just kept a bit in front of the 4 hour pace group. Tried to not go too fast. My plan was about miles 3 to 5 to drop to the 8:30s so I was right on schedule (maybe a little early with mile 3). I felt good and basically was just trying to control my pace at this point and not go "too fast" too early. I was trying to run a smart race (as I am known for starting off way too fast only to fall flat on my face).<br />
<br />
6 - 8:20<br />
7 -8:15<br />
8 - 8:16<br />
9 - 8:22<br />
10 - 8:09<br />
<br />
Miles 6-10 were strong. I was feeling good. I was planning to keep about 8:30mm pace to mile 8, but had picked it up a little more (but I felt fine). However, I could feel my stomach starting to act up. I have at times (during training runs and during races) had major stomach cramps. At the SF marathon my stomatch cramps were so bad that I had to walk accross the GGB. Later during the SF marathon, I had to stop and wait about a minute from my stomach to calm down. So I was worried.<br />
<br />
11 - 9:47<br />
<br />
Thus, I made the decision to stop at a porta potty and lost a good minute and a 1/2 to two minutes.<br />
<br />
12 - 8:25<br />
13 - 8:22<br />
14 - 8:16<br />
15 - 8:08<br />
<br />
After the stop and restart, I just tried to get a good pace going again. I was running great before I had to stop, but I was hoping it would pay off and not cause problems later in the race. I was worried about the "fall off" so again tried to slowly build my pace back up. After 15 miles, besides the stop, I was having a great race. I felt that I could easily PR and maybe have a massive PR. But, I knew the key would be miles 16-20. If I fell off and started walking or had major stomach cramps, then the last 11 miles could be horrible. So my goal now became let's push to mile 20. No stopping. No walking, just push forward.<br />
<br />
16 - 8:11<br />
17 - 8:16<br />
18 - 8:15<br />
19 - 8:12<br />
20 - 8:11<br />
<br />
These were very solid miles but very hard. I was tired, but I kept pushing to keep my pace up. I kept telling myself "you feel great" and "you are doing awesome" (even though I felt tired and little thoughts were in the back of my head telling me to just take a walk break). But, I made it to mile 20 without stopping or walking. I carried my hand-held water bottle and just grabbed water at the aid stations and dumped it in the bottle. I felt if I slowed down to walk through the water stations it would be very hard to get my pace back up. I felt that I could have a huge PR, could break 3:50 and maybe even 3:45.<br />
<br />
Now that I made it to mile 20, my mind shifted to just take one mile at a time and get through this 10K. My feet were sore and my calves were starting to cramp up. I focused on 1 mile at a time. Each mile I told myelf let's just make it to the next mile without stopping.<br />
<br />
21 - 8:19<br />
22 - 8:36<br />
23 - 8:33<br />
24 - 8:32<br />
25 - 8:31<br />
26 - 8:38<br />
.2 - 8:04 <br />
<br />
My splits were falling off, which was okay. I was trying to keep my pace about 8:30ish which I did! And, these were hard miles for me. My legs were tired. My left calf was killing me. My feet were sore. But, I knew as long as I did not walk, I would be fine. I was struggling the last mile, but I saw the 3:45 pacer. I worked to catch him (he was very nice and encouraged me to stay in front of him, which I did).<br />
<br />
As I got close to the finish, I knew that I easily broke 3:45 and I looked at my Garmin (which I had often) and then picked it up a little to break 3:43.<br />
<br />
Official Total: 3:42:54<br />
Garman total: 26.36 miles, 3:43:53<br />
<br />
A PR by almost 17 minutes.<br />
<br />
Further - I ran CIM in my VFF, without a knee brace! My calves are very sore (my left one was killing me the last mile) and my feet are sore, but they are slowly getting better (no injury).<br />
<br />
Lastly, I am limping around the office today! Within 2 mins in the office someone asked me if I was okay! Yes, I'm great!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBHrqCVCeWEjdazyp3LmpM9AzglJrshosSpajw8Azq3WuKB4oXMi5_-c5Okynw5pAYLL0g96_ghrm293KgNYeMUxjh2OPFCtDjD0qeokmszP4P8lwWT7P3TUBQHnFSgpTy-DTDkYYJkpv/s1600/CIM1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBHrqCVCeWEjdazyp3LmpM9AzglJrshosSpajw8Azq3WuKB4oXMi5_-c5Okynw5pAYLL0g96_ghrm293KgNYeMUxjh2OPFCtDjD0qeokmszP4P8lwWT7P3TUBQHnFSgpTy-DTDkYYJkpv/s320/CIM1.jpg" width="239px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
A picture with my VFF:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_2EdYuaMIqjRm8Ymt090X4tPkDfFel5hNwPvPy47ajCh1YDvD1RBbo8jIUyKIu5fo6HuQXP2bUg2BP3-yXheV1OYq_FEtTiz0pZuBiumSOxsS7vY9jSO8KnLq1CTtwTpfhmwdZ2xkSeh/s1600/CIM2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_2EdYuaMIqjRm8Ymt090X4tPkDfFel5hNwPvPy47ajCh1YDvD1RBbo8jIUyKIu5fo6HuQXP2bUg2BP3-yXheV1OYq_FEtTiz0pZuBiumSOxsS7vY9jSO8KnLq1CTtwTpfhmwdZ2xkSeh/s320/CIM2.jpg" width="239px" /></a></div>Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-21185185497791920802011-12-03T14:19:00.000-08:002011-12-03T14:19:45.395-08:00CIM on Sunday!Good luck to everyone running this weekend. A lot of good races.<br />
<br />
I'm heading out to Sacramento tonight for CIM. I have someone picking up my bid so that I could spend a good part of the day with my daughter.<br />
<br />
This will be my 8th marathon and first marathon with the five fingers!<br />
<br />
My goals:<br />
<br />
A goal - to PR. I would love to say break 3:50 but I have not trained as well as I good. Tough past two months with my grandmother passing away and a lot of work travel. But, I did complete three 20 mile runs and have felt that I have run strong. If everything goes great, then I'm hoping to PR.<br />
<br />
B goal. Have a good race. I would say Break 4 hours, but my PR is 3:59 and a good chunk of seconds so a new PR could end up being 3:59 and a few less seconds. So, my B goal would be just to enjoy the race and have the best time I can out there.<br />
<br />
C goal. Just finish! For about the last 10 weeks I have sent exclusively to using the five fingers running. I have done 3 20 mile runs in them with significantly less knee pain (I can run without a knee brace!). So just completely the marathon in my five fingers would be great as that will be a record running in "barefoot-type shoes". If I can finish with no injury, than that will be a B-/C+Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-69055802221307273602011-11-24T09:42:00.000-08:002011-11-24T09:42:23.058-08:00Happy ThanksgivingHi,<br />
<br />
Just a quick post to wish everyone a very happy thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
A few things that I am thankful for:<br />
<br />
<br />
1. My daughter Brooklyn, obviously. She is almost two (1 more month) and I am so thankful to have her in my life. She brings so much love and joy into my life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQ3HHoVzRLZRGhTBH6Cf6PCxEyt9zrVamdgjcs984JGBXx4saqdSG72C1Pxm44h-xCtzK0CV_5P59ndCUIUkbGUj4VyQ4RF2aTb-nPPF6eBg3WK_DrQNwTiQ9c4zaPTQhVhrfoOxpaU1x/s1600/sjrrhalf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQ3HHoVzRLZRGhTBH6Cf6PCxEyt9zrVamdgjcs984JGBXx4saqdSG72C1Pxm44h-xCtzK0CV_5P59ndCUIUkbGUj4VyQ4RF2aTb-nPPF6eBg3WK_DrQNwTiQ9c4zaPTQhVhrfoOxpaU1x/s320/sjrrhalf.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>2. I am thankful for my family (my wife, mom, sisters and extended family).<br />
<br />
3. For running. It has brought me new places and allowed me to make awesome running friends.<br />
<br />
4. For my job(s). My full time job - I'm grateful that I'm able to have a job I enjoy that also allows me to pay the bills. And, for my teaching job - which allows me to find enjoyment in teaching tax to others.<br />
<br />
<br />
5. My pets. My two dogs, two cats and 1 horse are part of my family and brings so many memories. Brooklyn loves them also!Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-37810080892515214182011-11-07T00:17:00.000-08:002011-11-07T00:17:28.970-08:00Update: CIM coming up, NY marathon DNS, and Grandmother!Hi,<br />
<br />
I wanted to start off by saying I have enjoyed reading your blogs (if I commented in the past on your blog, then I'm still reading you!). Sorry for not providing recent comments. I read them a lot on google reader and sometimes fall a little behind. Life has just been too busy.<br />
<br />
I also had a DNS for the NY marathon. I "got in" but I did not run it (deferred instead). I was never committed to running it, but had to "get in" and see how my life scheduled played out. I hope to run it next year as I am not sure I will be able to defer it again. I was able to watch it this am and wished I was there.<br />
<br />
Even if I wanted to run it, this would not have been the best time. Unfortunately, I am in So. Cal. for my grandmother's service and mass. She passed away earlier in the week. She was 91 years old. I will miss her greatly. I traveled and spent 4 days in So. Cal. to be near her during her final week. It was tough to see her during those final days, but I know she is in a better place now and is at peace.<br />
<br />
Lastly, I am still training for CIM. And, doing my training in five fingers. I've done two 20 mile runs in my five fingers. I have not ran in "running shoes" in a month. My knee brace has been put away as well! I'm hoping to run CIM in my five fingers and without a knee brace. My first 20 mile run was a struggle, but yesterday I had a strong 20 mile run (it helped to have great running weather).<br />
<br />
I started blogging to track my running journey and also to have a place where I could express my thoughts. So, I'm going to express some of my main thoughts about my grandmother:<br />
<br />
1. I'm starting out with one concept my grandmother taught me. That is to forgive and forget. Don't hold onto bad memories. Don't hold onto hard feelings of others. Let them go. Forgive and forget.<br />
<br />
2. Be strong in your faith. My grandmother was always strong in her faith. And, she showed it by her actions.<br />
<br />
3. Give to others. She was very involved in the community and always reaching out to help others.<br />
<br />
4. Spend time with your family. I was so blessed to grow up near her. I have countless fond memories of spending time with her and my extended family.<br />
<br />
5. Be strong and believe in yourself. She was always a strong women. She had a lot of tough moments in her life, but was always strong. No matter what life hardship was dealt to her, she fought. She was a tough women and would not back down. I'm proud of her.<br />
<br />
6. Most important - Love others. My grandmother was a tough and strong women, but she had so much love in her heart. It was felt not only by her family, but my friends, community members and strangers.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">My Grandmother with four of her boys and her two daugthers (yes, I have a large family)</div><div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fSEMmAYz3qIz8CHx-vrjpHNNWuNrXmjSd4H2D3kIi1B9bPlcovPCxwofqZdtrE1G9x-iAjAvv2TtpgGnybo-fABkAtA9lVQ6pipmLvryAm9ibUL15afegTNlB958C87s3uCGtk3VfeyB/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fSEMmAYz3qIz8CHx-vrjpHNNWuNrXmjSd4H2D3kIi1B9bPlcovPCxwofqZdtrE1G9x-iAjAvv2TtpgGnybo-fABkAtA9lVQ6pipmLvryAm9ibUL15afegTNlB958C87s3uCGtk3VfeyB/s320/family.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div>Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-73594577735744669792011-10-06T14:59:00.000-07:002011-10-06T15:06:29.688-07:00PR at the San Jose Rock & Roll half marathonHi,<br />
<br />
I thought I give a quick update before too many days/weeks go by. With working, teaching, running and playing with Brooklyn, there seems to not be enough time in the day.<br />
<br />
This past Sunday I ran the San Jose Rock & Roll half marathon. This would be my fourth year in a row running it. My first year, 2008, I did it as part of my 20 mile training run (as I trained for my first marathon). That was the first time I ever ran 20 miles. I ran 7 miles prior to the start of the half. I had only started running a few months earlier (building up from 1 mile). Thus, the last few miles of the half in 2008 were tough. I still remember having to walk portions of it because I was so tired. I finish about 2:13 or so.<br />
<br />
In 2009, I was training for my second marathon (after coming back from a 5-6 month injury that occurred in my first marathon). I PR'd with a time of 1:48:52. In this race, I tried to not go too fast early in the race to save something for the end. It worked as I avg'd about 7:30 pace the last three miles.<br />
<br />
In 2010, I ran a marathon in June, slowed my training down and then was picking it back up for the Morgan Hill Marathon that was about 5/6 weeks away. I tried to watch my speed early and then pick it up at the end. But, this time, I was not able to pick up my pace and finished at a 1:51:xx time.<br />
<br />
For 2011, I was not sure what to expect. Since the SF marathon in July, I have not been "training". I've been running (10-15 mile long runs, well mostly 10-12 mile long runs with 1 slow 15 mile run) but not doing any speed or tempo runs. I did run the Ragnar relay and ran hard in it. But, with CIM coming up, I know that I need to get back to "training". So I viewed the SJ R&R half as a way to kick start my training. I thought was not sure what time I could do. My goal A was 1:45, goal B was a PR and goal C was to break 1:50. After 1:50, then it would be to just somehow have fun and finish.<br />
<br />
I now work in downtown SJ so I was able to park in my building and walk over. Which meant I also was able to use the bathrooms in my office. No porta-potties.<br />
<br />
My great running friends were there. I tried to not "find" them because I knew they were all going for sub 1:40s (and they all did that). I did not feel I was in shape for that and did not want to keep up with them and then burn out early in the race.<br />
<br />
I started close to the 1:45 pace group. I, like I always seem to, started off a bit too fast - about 7:30 pace the first mile. I decided to back off as I did not think I could keep that pace. I was going okay. My pace was solid the first few miles, but I had a lot of trouble finding a grove. Toward the middle of the race miles 5-8 I slowed down a little and my avg pace was dropping back to about 8:15 (based on my Garmin - which was showing the course as a little long). I wondered whether a PR would be possible since I was right on the edge. Due to my slower mid-miles, I gave up on goal A, but wanted to get a PR.<br />
<br />
I decided to just get try to keep my pace at 8:15 until mile 10 and then push to get under my PR (I assumed I need an avg pace about 8:13 - based on my garmin). I was able to keep up the pace until mile 10 and then slowly picked up the pace. I felt good when my Garmin showed an 8:14 then 8:13 avg pace. The weather was nice (not hot) and there were a lot of people which gave me energy. I came in at an 8:10 avg pace (by Garmin - which showed me running 13.3 miles, which was similar to my 2009 distance on the course). I was able to PR with 1:48 and change. I finished almost three minutes faster than my time last year.<br />
<br />
I did not get a sub 1:45, but I believe if I actually train hard for a half that I can get that goal and maybe close to 1:40. I do now need to pick out a half and train for it. I've never trained for a specific half.<br />
<br />
I ran into some of my running friends and they also PR'd. Some of them had times at the 1:37 and 1:38 level. It gives me times to strive to reach.<br />
<br />
Best of all, my wife brought Brooklyn out to the finish and they found me! They missed my cross the finish but found me among the 10K or so people.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYvplgZ4Q1bP5z4wVWYi6YMvifeiRf6bBJby4_NeVdUyMgk3tF93qh10zrAYUG_rdy4o31P64onVE1TKHJyhv0FxL6zYhbvttFetmkw1Po5yIXV-45kPm_7-yCk_iMvpeSbC8D8kkAFo4/s1600/sjrrhalf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYvplgZ4Q1bP5z4wVWYi6YMvifeiRf6bBJby4_NeVdUyMgk3tF93qh10zrAYUG_rdy4o31P64onVE1TKHJyhv0FxL6zYhbvttFetmkw1Po5yIXV-45kPm_7-yCk_iMvpeSbC8D8kkAFo4/s320/sjrrhalf.jpg" width="238px" /></a></div>Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-65146374656263834592011-09-19T22:16:00.000-07:002011-09-19T22:31:15.070-07:00Ragnar Napa Valley RelayHi, <br />
<br />
I took part in my first relay race this past weekend. It was quite the experience with many highs and some lows.<br />
<br />
Me and 10 running friends (one running friend got sick the week of the race and had to back out) took part in this relay. We had two vans. I was in van 2 and we had six runners, but we had the longer miles and, I would say, harder run times. So have 1 less runner in van 1 seemed to make sense.<br />
<br />
Van 1 started at 9am in SF and we met Van 1 at exchange 6 in Kentfield (the College of Marin). We got there in time to write on our van and get all ready for this journey. Then, we waited and waited and waited. We found out that van 1 went to a wrong exchange point and this caused a 45 min delay. But, finally they arrived - the extra time allowed us to have a little fun with another van. Another van did not lose a van, but lost a runner (they found their "runner 6") and had a little spelling problem. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0wvlGJ8W1QSjbTpmx-k-YynSZv47Ay30X2F7YycwsIAD_c-tHYC-O5-1Y2euGTinCjBCXU7z06Z_rgtyEsNmZ9i5S_bZjiqYSVZsg_WP7hu4X2ql-PQHVi3JehQauVdbYMfhnejbofsg/s1600/Sept11iphone+1061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0wvlGJ8W1QSjbTpmx-k-YynSZv47Ay30X2F7YycwsIAD_c-tHYC-O5-1Y2euGTinCjBCXU7z06Z_rgtyEsNmZ9i5S_bZjiqYSVZsg_WP7hu4X2ql-PQHVi3JehQauVdbYMfhnejbofsg/s320/Sept11iphone+1061.jpg" width="239px" /></a></div><br />
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Our legs started. And, once our van started running I was excited and ready for my leg 10 to start. My leg 10 was in Petaluma and was 7.8 miles. It was 717 feet of elevation gain and started about 4pm. I was excited and ready to go. I started off fast and gave it all I got. Then I got to a stop sign with a cop watching traffic. I had to slow down to a stop. I cross the street but not where the cop wanted me to so I got yelled at (at least no ticket). That was a low point. I then started picking up my pace and hit a large tough hill. I tried as hard as I could but had to walk for 30 seconds or so and then struggle running slow to the top. My avg pace had risen. I picked it back up and came in about an 8:30 pace. However, I was down 1 or 2 runners (I can't recall any more). <br />
<br />
I'm not sure how it started, but from the get go we started keep track of the runners we passed (our kills) and runners that passed us (killed).<br />
<br />
We started out in the deficit. So for my first leg, I wanted to help get us out of the defiicit, but also ended up in the negative. But, it was still fun to be out there. And, I had two more legs to get positive.<br />
We ended our first shift about 7pm or so. I went to eat and then tried to get a little sleep before we had to start over again. By the time we eat and got to the exchange point I only had a little rest (and no sleep). About 11:30pm we started our next shift. We had some strong women on our team, as our ladies were racking up the kills. By the time my next leg started - maybe about 1:40am or so, I believe we were well into the positive kills so my goal was to add some more. I had a 6.2 mile run for leg 22 in Santa Rosa. This was the first time I ran with a headlight.<br />
<br />
I was very tired to start the run but after a while you get energy and get into the grove. It was actually nice to be out there. This leg I think was a positive 2 or 3. I believe after this leg I was up 1 (worse case I was even). I enjoyed running at night. A negative was that because other runners would stop at lights, I had to stop as well even though it was going on 2:30am and there were hardly any cars around. That cost me a little bit of time, but still came in about 8:15 pace.<br />
<br />
As our last runner was running his leg in our second shift, I was getting tired. We all were. We went to exchange 24 and decided to take a nap. We set the alarm for 5:15am; we all feel asleep (our van) and then are woken up by a phone call. Our runner came in earlier than 5:15am. A runner in van 1 was at the exchange and ready to go so we did not have to be there, but we all felt a little bad as no one was there to cheer him on or to tell him where the van was at.<br />
We then went and had something to eat. Before our next shift, we crashed for another 1/2 an hour or so.<br />
<br />
I think most of us were tired and not really looking forward to running this next leg other than to run it to get it over with. Then, a very high point for the relay occurred. One of our strong female runners was the first one out for the third and final shift. We went over to the end the leg to cheer her in. She passed a struggling male runner and he tried to pick up speed to pass her. This video shows what occurred:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rfZNBY0yyDY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
It was classic. He was okay . . . except for the pride.<br />
<br />
This just made us all feel good and excited for this last shift. My last leg was leg 34 in St. Helena. It was mid-afternoon at this point in time and very hot for this 6.8 mile leg. I went out fast and hard, but the heat was tough. I had to slow down. I pushed hard at the end and ended up positive 1 or 2 in this leg with about an 8:30 pace - not bad for me as I hate running in heat (maybe it is mental, but I just get exhausted). Most everyone out there felt the heat at that time of the day.<br />
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Soon - we would finish:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UrK_FL_OJNs/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UrK_FL_OJNs?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UrK_FL_OJNs?f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><br />
It was quite an experience.<br />
<br />
This Highs:<br />
1. The man falling.<br />
2. We ended up well in the positive in roadkills thanks to our amazing women.<br />
3. Some great running experiences<br />
4. Great times hanging out with running friends.<br />
<br />
The Lows:<br />
1. Being away from brooklyn<br />
2. The heat and hills with slowed me down<br />
3. The mean cop<br />
4. Very little sleep<br />
<br />
It was worth doing and something I will remember.Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6248002842730395783.post-6880915709302439102011-08-03T00:05:00.000-07:002011-08-18T16:38:49.226-07:00SF Marathon Dreadful Race ReportHi,<br />
<br />
On Sunday, July 31, I ran the SF marathon. My 7th marathon!<br />
<br />
To get the the bottom line - I'm really disappointed with my performance. I got sick on July 4th (right when I had to go on business travel). The cold/flu took me down for a week without running. Then, the next week I tried to run but really struggled as I was still recovering. After that week, I had a two week taper. I just could never get a good feel for running after getting sick. Every run I took after getting sick was a struggle. Especially, with chest pain. I went to the Doctor the Wed before the SF marathon because of the chest pain. My heart tested out fine. She thought my lungs might still have some inflammation. She thought it was safe to run the marathon. I guess this is a big excuse for my poor performance. But, before I got sick I was running stronger than I ever had. I was putting in 50 plus miles a week and running faster than I had in the past.<br />
<br />
I took off work early Friday to get to the expo and pick up my bib. I had a church meeting on Sat and worried about getting to SF on Sat. I did not spend much time at the expo. I picked up my bid, shirt and changed my wave group (moved back a group). I ran into one of my running friends (it was nice to see her there) and talked a little.<br />
<br />
On Sat night I drove up to SF and stayed the night in the city. I went up there close to Brooklyn's bed time so I got into the room about 9pm and just relaxed until I fell asleep. As normal, I woke up early and often . . . checking the clock to make sure I did not oversleep (even though I set about 5 alarms on my iphone).<br />
<br />
I woke up about 4:30am. Slowly got ready and then headed out to the start line. I had to walk about a 1.1 miles (walking the morning was fine, the walk back after the marathon was painful). I got there in time to run into some of my running friends at the SF marathon training group tent. We lined up together.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89Ipt9Deih05iOqBF25PyokO_RHuWsfOb-hDwq6X9u2AYWrpyRzlNPh88MuBIlGM2NG6JOruu1RJQe7KyqKZZeO4sEoCb3GhhvPtl62RDaRJRigyCudEIlhj9-IuIHW7XvtZKohYWQy24/s1600/SFmarathon.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89Ipt9Deih05iOqBF25PyokO_RHuWsfOb-hDwq6X9u2AYWrpyRzlNPh88MuBIlGM2NG6JOruu1RJQe7KyqKZZeO4sEoCb3GhhvPtl62RDaRJRigyCudEIlhj9-IuIHW7XvtZKohYWQy24/s320/SFmarathon.bmp" t$="true" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
I decided to try to stay behind the 3:50 pace group. I felt (before getting sick) that I would have tried for a sub 3:50. My thinking was that I had to give it a shot. I had very little confidence, but I did not want to kick myself for not trying. So I said let me see how long I can stay with them.<br />
<br />
I felt good the first 5 or so miles, but then (like my recent runs) my chest was bothering me (below my ribs) and I was losing my endurance. On the GG Bridge I realized that I would not be able to keep up with them so I let them go and told myself "just enjoy the race."<br />
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I ran across the GG bridge and made the turn to run back across it. Here is a video I took (I have no idea how to get it to play properly - it is sideways):<br />
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Then, the trouble really started. Halfway back across the GG bridge, I developed major stomach cramps. I mean major ones. I could not run. I had to stop a couple of times (on the GG bridge). I did not have a choice. A couple of my running friends passed me as I really struggled to control the stomach cramps. I finally was able to get running again. Thanks a lot to my running friend <a href="http://www.eatwriterun.com/2011/08/01/my-coaster-medal-a-sf-marathon-recap/">Rachel</a> who passed me. I was able to catch up to her once I started running and was able to run with her for a while until I ran into the porta potties. I had to stop.<br />
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After that I started running again. I ran into <a href="http://www.runnersrambles.com/2011/08/sfm-slideshow.html">Aaron</a>. I thought maybe she recognized me because she said hi Tim, but I realized that my bib had Tim on it. :) It was nice to see her because I was thinking about her great SF marathon course descriptions (I really relied on those) and how she thought the hill after the GG Bridge was the tougher one. I always feel a bit strange when I run into bloggers that I really don't know, especially when I think they don't know me (I don't want them to think I'm some crazy guy). But, it was very nice to see her out there. She was one of the first blogs that I followed and still follow (it is like seeing a star out there). Next time I need to get her autograph.<br />
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Soon after running into her, my cramps started up again. This time I was getting side cramps. This sucked. I really was thinking of stopping at the halfway point. I wondered whether I could get a half metal if I just followed the first half marathon runners.<br />
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I pushed forward. I ran into one of my other running friends. That was a real pleasure as I felt that at least I could pace along side him for a few miles. About mile 16 I needed to walk through an aid station to get some water. My running friend kept going and I knew that would be the last I would see him as I just did not feel strong. The next two miles were horrible. I struggled with chest pain and stomach cramps. I forced my way to mile 18. I used the porta potty again and then just tired to focus on getting the last 8.2 miles or so done.<br />
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About mile 19-20, another running friend past me. I told her I was struggling and wished her luck. She broke 4 hours! Yeah!<br />
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About mile 20, two of the trainees from the SF marathon training group approached me. I ran with them for about a mile or two. I turned off my watch and just focused on getting 1 mile done at a time. Once I got within the last few miles I knew I would finish. I tired my best to run as much as possible the last few miles (maybe the last six miles, I just walked through two aid stations for water). Here are two videos I took:<br />
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After the finish I waited for the two trainees to cross the finish line. It was incredible to see them finish their first marathon. Here are video's of them crossing the finish line.<br />
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Overall - I'm still disappointed with my performance. I came in about 4:17 and change. I know I could have done so much better. I want to run another marathon right away to "make up" for this performance, but I'm still letting things settle before making a plan. I would have likely signed up for the NorCal marathon in Sept, but that weekend I'm signed up to do a relay in Napa and can't really let down my running friends.<br />
<br />
Although I am disappointed with my performance, I also need to keep positive. I did complete my 7th marathon! I did lose about 10 or so pounds this training period. I made some great new running friends and enjoyed running with old running friends. I really loved working with the trainees in the SF marathon training program. It was a great experience to be a pace and help lead so many Rancho Thurs. night hill runs. I was able to run in SF for the first time. And, there will be a next time.Tim Fhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17175967717728798221noreply@blogger.com3