Today I had a very spiritual run. I'm not going to go into the details, but I will tell you this week has been very stressful. Add to that, I haven't been eating well, not to mention that I have had more alcohol this week, then I think I had all last month! Side note, as a new year resolution, I have been trying to cut back to only a one or two drinks a week...if any. I also missed my last three workouts, including one run.
Last night I decided I was going to get back on track. So, this morning I had a healthy breakfast and went for my run. It was a very hard run. I could tell cheating on my diet this week, was not going to help me this morning. Lets just say I was not physically or mentally up to par for this run.
This morning during my run, I was touched by God. In the 30 minutes it took me to finish my run, I was mentally tore down and built back up again. It was very spiritual and I am very glad the Lord was with me on my run today.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Astronaut will run Boston Marathon...in space
That's right! Check out this story!!!
Astronaut will run Boston Marathon...in space
I know I haven't posted anything this week, but it has been a crazy week. I did get in one 3 mile run earlier this week and hope to get another 3-miler in this weekend.
Not much to post about right now, but tell me what you think about the above link!
Astronaut will run Boston Marathon...in space
I know I haven't posted anything this week, but it has been a crazy week. I did get in one 3 mile run earlier this week and hope to get another 3-miler in this weekend.
Not much to post about right now, but tell me what you think about the above link!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Race Report Of My First 5k!!!
Sorry I haven't posted anything lately, it has been a crazy week. The good thing is, I've been following the cut-back plan for the week.
I have been asked by a few people, why I haven't posted a Race Report for my recent 5k yet. Well, it is finally written and being featured on RunningIS.com!
In fact, Click Here to go to the story!
Not only will there be a story, but I have also been asked to do an over-the-phone interview for an upcoming Podcast. I'm really excited and can't wait to see how it turns out.
Check out the story and let me know what you think!
By the way, here is a slide show that my wife made of the race pictures. I stole it from her blog!
I have been asked by a few people, why I haven't posted a Race Report for my recent 5k yet. Well, it is finally written and being featured on RunningIS.com!
In fact, Click Here to go to the story!
Not only will there be a story, but I have also been asked to do an over-the-phone interview for an upcoming Podcast. I'm really excited and can't wait to see how it turns out.
Check out the story and let me know what you think!
By the way, here is a slide show that my wife made of the race pictures. I stole it from her blog!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
5k Pre-Post Race Report
I just wanted to let everyone know that the 5k was awesome! I had a great time and can't wait to do another one.
I will be doing a longer Race Report, but it is still in the making as I'm still remembering things that happened. I don't want to leave anything out!
Check back in a few days. I hope to have it up soon!
I will be doing a longer Race Report, but it is still in the making as I'm still remembering things that happened. I don't want to leave anything out!
Check back in a few days. I hope to have it up soon!
Friday, March 16, 2007
The Lows
I'm sitting here this evening, feeling a little down in the dumps. You would think that I would be excited or nervous, since I will be running my first 5k tomorrow. However, that is not the case. I figure now is the perfect time to tell you about the lows of running.
In running, you will have highs and lows. Highs are usually followed after a good training run or after a race. I have heard of people being on their running high for weeks, after they had run a marathon.
Unfortunately, you will also have lows. Lows usually come when you haven't run for a few days. Maybe your are sidelined due to an injury or your schedule just hasn't allowed you to get out there and run. Lows can come from running indoors due to weather or from just missing a few days.
Well, I had a great training run on Monday morning. I ran 2.8 miles, which at that point, was the longest run that I had ever completed. I was happy about the distance of the run and excited, because I knew that I would not have a problem with running the 5k this coming Saturday.
But towards the end of the run, my shins started feeling a little sore. I wouldn't call it pain, nor would I call it Shin Splints. However, I did not want to risk further injury by running. So, I decided that I would not run this week, until the 5k.
Monday and Tuesday I was still enjoying the high of the great training run. But on Wednesday morning, I felt something was missing. Something just didn't feel right. I then started thinking about going for a run come Wed. night. I really had to force myself not to run. My shin still felt a little sore and I didn't want to make it worse by going out and running.
Well, I have felt the low for three days now. I know that the race is tomorrow. I know that I will be able to complete the 5k, without any issues, but I still feel a little down.
I wanted to tell you this, because you too will have moments, days or maybe even weeks (if you are injured), where you will feel the lows. You just have to keep remembering the highs.
At first I kept a blog as a journal. I also record how I feel in my workout log. I suggest you start some kind of log or journal, so that when these lows hit, you will be able to review it and remind yourself what the high moments feel like.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
What I Learned Today
So, the last time I was at the Dentist, my BP was 122/90.
For adults, your PB should be lower than 120/80. I was close to that, but was still over that number.
They say "beginning at 115/75, every 20 point increase in your systolic (top) number or 10 point increase in your diastolic (bottom) number doubles your risk of having a heart attack or stroke." - Source
Well, my PB is now 116/60!!!
Anyways, I just had to share that!!!
For adults, your PB should be lower than 120/80. I was close to that, but was still over that number.
They say "beginning at 115/75, every 20 point increase in your systolic (top) number or 10 point increase in your diastolic (bottom) number doubles your risk of having a heart attack or stroke." - Source
Well, my PB is now 116/60!!!
Anyways, I just had to share that!!!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Longest Run Yet!
This morning I got up and ran 2.8 miles. I must say, it wasn't the best run that I have had, but it was the longest one. The only major issue I had was my left shin felt a little sore. I wouldn't call it a shin-splint yet, but I might not run on Wed. as planned. I'll see how I feel then. I will run my first 5k on Sat. and I would rather take Wed. off and be able to run on Sat. then not be able to run the race.
Also, I'm going to follow some advice the was given to me and cut back next week. I have been building up my mileage since the first of the year. I figure I'll do three 1.5 mile runs next week, then start running 3 miles 3 days a week. However, I'll still need to build my Wed. mileage up to 3 miles. Right now I'm at 1.5, as an easy run.
All-in-all I feel good. I'm still really excited about the race and I know that I'll be able to finish! Best of all, I'm going to have a cheering section. My wife, little sister and some of our friends will be cheering for me at the finish line.
Also, I'm going to follow some advice the was given to me and cut back next week. I have been building up my mileage since the first of the year. I figure I'll do three 1.5 mile runs next week, then start running 3 miles 3 days a week. However, I'll still need to build my Wed. mileage up to 3 miles. Right now I'm at 1.5, as an easy run.
All-in-all I feel good. I'm still really excited about the race and I know that I'll be able to finish! Best of all, I'm going to have a cheering section. My wife, little sister and some of our friends will be cheering for me at the finish line.
Friday, March 9, 2007
On the Run Thoughts
This afternoon was really stressful and I just really wanted to run when I got home. WHAT!?!? I just wanted to run? Is this really me that is thinking this? That's right, I found myself wanting to run. It's not like I have to force myself to run every time, but I've never found myself wanting to run, just to de-stress.
I had a really great run tonight. I wasn't supposed to run until tomorrow, but, like I said, I just wanted to run. Also, it looks like it might be raining tomorrow and this evening was really nice outside (52F). I felt good, so I decided to get it out of the way.
At around the 2 mile mark it hit me. I'm running. I'm in a rhythm. I'm not dying and I feel good. I'm day-dreaming and thinking about other things other than running. A big smile came across my face, and I felt my pace pick up a bit.
I ran 2.54 miles this evening. Not only am I excited about my first 5k next Sat., but now I know I can run it and finish.
If you are just starting out, go slow and keep with it. Rest when you need to and don't overdo it. Trust me, there comes a day when running is no longer forced. When that day comes: Man, does it feel good!
I had a really great run tonight. I wasn't supposed to run until tomorrow, but, like I said, I just wanted to run. Also, it looks like it might be raining tomorrow and this evening was really nice outside (52F). I felt good, so I decided to get it out of the way.
At around the 2 mile mark it hit me. I'm running. I'm in a rhythm. I'm not dying and I feel good. I'm day-dreaming and thinking about other things other than running. A big smile came across my face, and I felt my pace pick up a bit.
I ran 2.54 miles this evening. Not only am I excited about my first 5k next Sat., but now I know I can run it and finish.
If you are just starting out, go slow and keep with it. Rest when you need to and don't overdo it. Trust me, there comes a day when running is no longer forced. When that day comes: Man, does it feel good!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
10.5 Minute Miles!
Tonight after getting home, I was really ready for a run. The weather is the nicest it has been in a long time.
I had a really good run. I was feeling good the whole run. I just focused on my breathing and found myself day dreaming. It felt awesome!
On top of that, I didn't have any dogs chase after me. :-)
But best of all, I ran 10.5 minute miles!!!!
I had a really good run. I was feeling good the whole run. I just focused on my breathing and found myself day dreaming. It felt awesome!
On top of that, I didn't have any dogs chase after me. :-)
But best of all, I ran 10.5 minute miles!!!!
Weight Up, Body Fat Down
This past week I have gained over three pounds! I know this weekend we ate at the Cheesecake Factory, but three pounds! The cool thing about it, my body fat is continuing to drop.
Even when I was at my lowest weight (195) this week, I was at 33.9% BF. That means I was 66 pounds of Fat. Well, I weighed in a 198.6 this morning, I was at 31.2% BF. That puts me at 61.96 pounds of body fat.
So, even thought my weight went up, it appears that I still lost over 4 pounds of fat!
I feel my motivation returning all ready.
Even when I was at my lowest weight (195) this week, I was at 33.9% BF. That means I was 66 pounds of Fat. Well, I weighed in a 198.6 this morning, I was at 31.2% BF. That puts me at 61.96 pounds of body fat.
So, even thought my weight went up, it appears that I still lost over 4 pounds of fat!
I feel my motivation returning all ready.
Motivation Detour
My motivation this week has taken a detour. I just could not get out of bed the past two mornings to workout. I feel so tired. I just need to force myself to run this evening.
Anyone ever feel this way?
Anyone ever feel this way?
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Long-Term Goal Change - Des Moines Half-Marathon
So I think I'm going to do the Des Moines Half-Marathon (Oct. 21, 2007), as my first half-marathon. After reading up on and talking to people about the Omaha Half-Marathon, it seems to be really hilly for a first-timer.
After someone recommended that I run the Des Moines Half-Marathon as my first one, I read up on that race. It is a flat course that is advertised as First-Timer friendly.
Pros:
First-Timer friendly
Flat Course - enough said.
It's in the Fall - it will be cooler
Extra month of training - Can fit in some more smaller races
Cons:
I can't think of any.
So, I'm changing my Long-Term goal, to running the Des Moines Half-Marathon on Oct. 21, 2007.
After someone recommended that I run the Des Moines Half-Marathon as my first one, I read up on that race. It is a flat course that is advertised as First-Timer friendly.
Pros:
First-Timer friendly
Flat Course - enough said.
It's in the Fall - it will be cooler
Extra month of training - Can fit in some more smaller races
Cons:
I can't think of any.
So, I'm changing my Long-Term goal, to running the Des Moines Half-Marathon on Oct. 21, 2007.
Saturday, March 3, 2007
CB Road Race - Post Race Report
That was a blast!!!
Weather: 18F - 22mph NW wind - Sunny - 1F wind chill
Not only was today my first race, but it was also the farthest I have ever ran!
I'm finding it hard to put into words what I feel. I'm excited, happy, high, joyful and supercalifragelisticexpeialidoshous (Mary Poppin's Song)!
So here's what happened:
Ten minutes before the race, I walked down the road a ways, to warm up a little. This is when I found out the road was a sheet of ice. I started having doubts,”I can barely walk on this road, let alone run!” Then I found that if I walk on the edge of the road, there was just enough snow, that you didn't slip and slide.
Coming back from my warm up, I noticed there was a restroom building a little ways from the parking lots. I started jogging toward it. Another runner said something to me as I passed. All of a sudden I was knee deep in snow. Then it clicked, he had yelled, “Deep Snow!” After a few steps I was out of the deep snow. However, to get back to the parking lot, I had to go through the snow again. I saw an area that looked shallow, but it was just as deep. I spent the next few minutes in the car with the heat blasting my feet and trying to get the snow chunks out of my shoes.
A few minutes later we were lining up for the race. There was 12 runners in all. Seven were running the two-mile race. The other five were running the 10K. We lined up at 10:00am in the freezing cold to do something fun. The race director asked everyone, what should we name this bunch. Some one yelled "The Crazy Dozen!" Crazy as it may seem, I had a great time.
The first ~300 yards the road was ice covered. I found that running on the side of the road was less slick, but took more energy running in the snow. I got behind someone wearing a yellow jacket that seemed to be running at my pace. But after a few minutes, I decide to pass her, because it just felt too slow. I know everyone says to go out slow, but it didn't feel right. After passing her, I got into my rhythm.
After the first ~300 yards, we turned onto a street that was mostly clean. This felt a lot better than running on the snow and ice. Thankfully, most of this road was clean. I did a mental check. Everything felt good, so I focused on my breathing, to keep my rhythm and pace. Before I knew it we were approaching the turn around point. This is when the two "fast runners" ran by us heading back to the start. About 50 yards from the 1 mile mark, the girl in the yellow jacket passed me. I just told myself, she went out slow as a warm up, then got up to her pace at the clean road. Either way, I didn't let it bother me.
I reached the turn around point and noticed I was feeling really good. Heavy breathing, but not uncomfortable. At that time I looked across the frozen lake to the parking lot. It looked so far way. It was empowering to see how far I had came and to know I still felt really good. Soon after, I started hearing foot steps behind me. I focused on them. The person didn't know it, but focusing on that sound helped the time really fly. I don't know why, but it did. Next thing I know, around the 1.75 mark, I starting wanting to walk. I think my body figured out that I had ran past 1.75 miles (the longest I had previously run before). At this point, the runner behind me decided to pass me.
About ~250 yards away was the turn back to the finish line. I just focused on making it to the turn. I knew if I could get to the turn, I'd be home free. So, I just focused on that turn. When I got there, something weird happened. My body, which had been complaining the past ~250 yards, changed it's mind. I saw the people at the finish. Then I saw my wife.
My wife told me to make sure I lowered my face mask when I got close, so she could get a good picture. So for the next ~200 yards, I just kept reminding myself, “Lower the mask when you get close.” When I was about ~100 yards from the finish line I lowered the mask. I then heard my wife cheering me on. I thought to myself, she wants a good picture, then she is going to get it. For the last ~100 yards, I sprinted as fast as I could! It felt great. I just focused on the cheers and kept pushing faster and faster. Once I crossed the finish line, I had it was a little difficult slowing down. When you're running as fast I you can, trying to stop on ice can be a bit tricky. At least I didn't fall on my face.
As I started walking back to where everyone was, I heard them yell out my time. Twenty-two minutes, nine seconds! That's over a minute faster than my training pace. Then the Race Director's helper, called me over and handed me a silver metal! I came in second place in my age group. Not only that, I was in fifth place over all!
Well, I had a lot of fun...and I think I'm addicted.
Weather: 18F - 22mph NW wind - Sunny - 1F wind chill
Not only was today my first race, but it was also the farthest I have ever ran!
I'm finding it hard to put into words what I feel. I'm excited, happy, high, joyful and supercalifragelisticexpeialidoshous (Mary Poppin's Song)!
So here's what happened:
Ten minutes before the race, I walked down the road a ways, to warm up a little. This is when I found out the road was a sheet of ice. I started having doubts,”I can barely walk on this road, let alone run!” Then I found that if I walk on the edge of the road, there was just enough snow, that you didn't slip and slide.
Coming back from my warm up, I noticed there was a restroom building a little ways from the parking lots. I started jogging toward it. Another runner said something to me as I passed. All of a sudden I was knee deep in snow. Then it clicked, he had yelled, “Deep Snow!” After a few steps I was out of the deep snow. However, to get back to the parking lot, I had to go through the snow again. I saw an area that looked shallow, but it was just as deep. I spent the next few minutes in the car with the heat blasting my feet and trying to get the snow chunks out of my shoes.
A few minutes later we were lining up for the race. There was 12 runners in all. Seven were running the two-mile race. The other five were running the 10K. We lined up at 10:00am in the freezing cold to do something fun. The race director asked everyone, what should we name this bunch. Some one yelled "The Crazy Dozen!" Crazy as it may seem, I had a great time.
The first ~300 yards the road was ice covered. I found that running on the side of the road was less slick, but took more energy running in the snow. I got behind someone wearing a yellow jacket that seemed to be running at my pace. But after a few minutes, I decide to pass her, because it just felt too slow. I know everyone says to go out slow, but it didn't feel right. After passing her, I got into my rhythm.
After the first ~300 yards, we turned onto a street that was mostly clean. This felt a lot better than running on the snow and ice. Thankfully, most of this road was clean. I did a mental check. Everything felt good, so I focused on my breathing, to keep my rhythm and pace. Before I knew it we were approaching the turn around point. This is when the two "fast runners" ran by us heading back to the start. About 50 yards from the 1 mile mark, the girl in the yellow jacket passed me. I just told myself, she went out slow as a warm up, then got up to her pace at the clean road. Either way, I didn't let it bother me.
I reached the turn around point and noticed I was feeling really good. Heavy breathing, but not uncomfortable. At that time I looked across the frozen lake to the parking lot. It looked so far way. It was empowering to see how far I had came and to know I still felt really good. Soon after, I started hearing foot steps behind me. I focused on them. The person didn't know it, but focusing on that sound helped the time really fly. I don't know why, but it did. Next thing I know, around the 1.75 mark, I starting wanting to walk. I think my body figured out that I had ran past 1.75 miles (the longest I had previously run before). At this point, the runner behind me decided to pass me.
About ~250 yards away was the turn back to the finish line. I just focused on making it to the turn. I knew if I could get to the turn, I'd be home free. So, I just focused on that turn. When I got there, something weird happened. My body, which had been complaining the past ~250 yards, changed it's mind. I saw the people at the finish. Then I saw my wife.
My wife told me to make sure I lowered my face mask when I got close, so she could get a good picture. So for the next ~200 yards, I just kept reminding myself, “Lower the mask when you get close.” When I was about ~100 yards from the finish line I lowered the mask. I then heard my wife cheering me on. I thought to myself, she wants a good picture, then she is going to get it. For the last ~100 yards, I sprinted as fast as I could! It felt great. I just focused on the cheers and kept pushing faster and faster. Once I crossed the finish line, I had it was a little difficult slowing down. When you're running as fast I you can, trying to stop on ice can be a bit tricky. At least I didn't fall on my face.
As I started walking back to where everyone was, I heard them yell out my time. Twenty-two minutes, nine seconds! That's over a minute faster than my training pace. Then the Race Director's helper, called me over and handed me a silver metal! I came in second place in my age group. Not only that, I was in fifth place over all!
Well, I had a lot of fun...and I think I'm addicted.
Pre-Race Report
Okay, I have gone over what I'm going to wear. It is currently 18F with winds at 14 mph. Here is what I'll be wearing:
Long-sleeve Base top
Base tights
Fleece mid layer
Running jacket Shell
Running pants
Face mack that goes over your head
Sock Hat
Socks
Shoes
So, in two hours I'm be at my first race. In 2 1/2 hours, I'll be running my first race.
Check back later, because I'll be putting up a post race report.
Wish me luck!
Long-sleeve Base top
Base tights
Fleece mid layer
Running jacket Shell
Running pants
Face mack that goes over your head
Sock Hat
Socks
Shoes
So, in two hours I'm be at my first race. In 2 1/2 hours, I'll be running my first race.
Check back later, because I'll be putting up a post race report.
Wish me luck!
Friday, March 2, 2007
The Plateau Week
This week my weight loss has plateaued. I'm not over upset about it. I know I ate somethings I shouldn't have, but I also know you have to cheat every once in a while. So, I did.
Tomorrow is the CB Road Race. I'm excited about the race, however the weather is a different story. It is going to be 19F with winds at 22 mph!
I'm glad I ran out side a few weeks ago. It showed me what I needed to wear in cold weather. I got a running jacket last night, so hopefully that will cut down on the wind. I have something to cover my ears and I have some gloves. Well, we'll see how it goes.
Wish me luck! I'll put a post-race report up on Sat.
Tomorrow is the CB Road Race. I'm excited about the race, however the weather is a different story. It is going to be 19F with winds at 22 mph!
I'm glad I ran out side a few weeks ago. It showed me what I needed to wear in cold weather. I got a running jacket last night, so hopefully that will cut down on the wind. I have something to cover my ears and I have some gloves. Well, we'll see how it goes.
Wish me luck! I'll put a post-race report up on Sat.
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