Bib #1890.
It’s been quite some time since I last blogged—a full week and a half, to be more definitive. During that time I finished up the editing project (sans any revisions the author might send my way) I’d previously mentioned, but that definitely didn’t preclude me from visiting Blogland, at least briefly. Rather, I simply didn’t have anything “newsworthy” to which to speak. That’s all changed now. Now that I have my shiny new, official Boston Marathon designation, that is. On April 19, 2010 (25 DAYS FROM NOW!) at approximately 10:00 AM EST, #1890 will be toeing (from a coral approximately 50 yards back, I’d guesstimate) the starting line with just over 25,000 (or 26,000…or 27,000) of my “closest friends.” Also, the fine people at the Boston Marathon have enabled fans to track their runners without having to park their keisters in front of a computer monitor for hours on end—instead, they can receive progress-related texts periodically (at important points throughout the race) concerning their runner(s). Simply send the word RUNNER to 31901 using your cell phone, to which you will receive a text response with instructions on how to submit a runner's bib number. OR you can register for the same thing via email (again, to receive text messages) by visiting the following link: http://registration.baa.org/2010/cf/RegAthleteAlert/pg_AthleteAlert.cfm?mode=entry
The crucial junctures you’ll be contacted for:
Starting line (what time the runner actually crosses it, officially putting them “on the clock”)
10K
Half-Marathon
30K
Finish
And because I recognize you’re dying to know, I’ll get you caught up on my workouts since last we “spoke”:
Monday, 3/15 – 5.13 miles in 38:16 (7:28 pace)
Tuesday, 3/16 - REST
Wednesday, 3/17 – 5.95 miles in 45:31 (7:39 pace)
Thursday, 3/18 – Ran 4.45 total miles in 29:08 (6:33 pace). This was comprised of a 1.55-mile warm-up (11:30) and a 1.71-mile cool-down (12:17), with 7 x hill (0.17-mile), including 3 downhill. My hill splits were: #1--0:49, #2--0:43 (downhill), #3--0:49, #4--0:42 (downhill), #5--0:47, $6--0:42 (downhill), #7--0:49.
Friday, 3/19 – 4.25 miles in 31:41 (7:27 pace)
Saturday, 3/20 – 3.87 miles in 28:10 (7:17 pace)
Sunday, 3/21 – 7.99 miles in 59:35 (7:27 pace)
Monday, 3/22 - REST
Tuesday, 3/23 – Ran 16.59 miles (as part of a 3/1 run) in 2:01:36 (7:20 pace)
Wednesday, 3/24 – 4.15 miles in 31:13 (7:31 pace)
And here’s an acapella version of one of my favorite songs, both for running and general enjoyment (thanks, Joey!):
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Contentment Through Failure
Well, I didn’t finish first in the Shamrock 5k…but I did finish third overall with my fastest time (16:23; 5:17 pace) from the last couple of years, so I’m altogether happy with my output. Could I have run faster? I’m sure. But I learned long ago that in running, there is generally something regarding your result about which you can be pleased. And on Friday, I had a good time (both on the clock and in my head) and the legs felt good after. Next race: The Boston Marathon.
It’s a mad dash to get to the race’s first turn…
…after which most everyone realized that I’m faster than them.
Also, I ran 21.07 miles in 2:38:14 (7:31 pace) on Sunday.
It’s a mad dash to get to the race’s first turn…
…after which most everyone realized that I’m faster than them.
Also, I ran 21.07 miles in 2:38:14 (7:31 pace) on Sunday.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Shamrock 5k and Motivated Push-ups
Shamrock 5k today. It’s supposed to be pretty ugly out—70-75% chance for rain starting anytime now, and lasting throughout the evening (with sporadic thunderstorms beginning at/around 5:00 PM EST). The race itself begins at 6:00 PM EST. Fun stuff. Anyone that knows how susceptible to flooding downtown Savannah is will recognize that runners may need to become small craft boaters at some juncture during the run; I will hope that someone is just in front of me, affording me the opportunity to tether myself to them and use my ski-feet, both saving me energy and wearing them down.
Though I’d seen it before, I got particularly jazzed about the video/song below (the song is Ali in the Jungle by The Hours) Wednesday evening and knocked out 45 push-ups in short order—not something altogether wise when I’ve not been doing any at all, so suffice to say I’m a little tender in the abdominal and underarm/wing area. You probably didn’t even read that last portion of the sentence, because you were too busy knocking out your own push-ups, weren’t you? That’s how motivational that song is. Anywho, the song reinforced my already-pretty-strong belief that I’ll be running an ultra marathon later this year (barring injury), the training for which will begin shortly after I’ve completed the Boston Marathon. The two I’m currently considering (especially the latter one):
Nashville Ultra Marathon
North Coast 24-Hour Endurance Run
More on these at a later date.
Though I’d seen it before, I got particularly jazzed about the video/song below (the song is Ali in the Jungle by The Hours) Wednesday evening and knocked out 45 push-ups in short order—not something altogether wise when I’ve not been doing any at all, so suffice to say I’m a little tender in the abdominal and underarm/wing area. You probably didn’t even read that last portion of the sentence, because you were too busy knocking out your own push-ups, weren’t you? That’s how motivational that song is. Anywho, the song reinforced my already-pretty-strong belief that I’ll be running an ultra marathon later this year (barring injury), the training for which will begin shortly after I’ve completed the Boston Marathon. The two I’m currently considering (especially the latter one):
Nashville Ultra Marathon
North Coast 24-Hour Endurance Run
More on these at a later date.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Impatience + Competitiveness / Success x Benefits = Running
Because I don’t currently have access to my less-than-stellar training specs from last week, I’ll have to skip that portion of this post (dry those eyes, everyone), and instead focus on something altogether more meaningful: why I run.
Let’s set our scene: imagine a 6-year old with a face full of freckles and a sort of dirty blonde (but quickly approaching "just plain brown") afro. Now imagine that same child with seemingly boundless energy (so much so that he was asked to be a student in the inaugural Pre-First class, a made-up grade falling in between Kindergarten and 1st Grade for those showing the inability to sit still long enough to move on).
As you might imagine, asking an already-excitable kid to essentially retake Kindergarten (which sort of makes it sound like I flunked it, doesn’t it? How depressing) probably wasn’t too stimulating to the old brain pan. In fact, as close as I can remember, Pre-First was really just one long recess. So we’ll say that’s where I first began to hone my endurance. It’s probably nothing more than a well-told lie (one based upon the random, broken images of a 6-year old), but I feel it works well as a sort of foundation for the remainder of my tale.
Truth be told, I think I’ve always liked running, but never realized it until just recently. Even to this day, whenever my mom asks me to “run to the car” as a figure of speech, I take it as an excuse to do so literally—not because I’m too thick-headed to realize the difference, but because it’s something I enjoy. It just so happened that eventually, “to the car” wasn’t far or often enough. But why? For one thing, I’ll readily admit that some of my running is/was borne out of impatience—why take 5 minutes to get somewhere when you can take 4 and enjoy an extra minute at your destination? I also like surprising people with my speed; yes, fine sir, you did just get beaten by an unassuming sort of fellow with bird legs and "just plain brown" hair. And I’m good at it. That helps (quite a bit), too. But, while those all factor in to my running equation, the fact remains that I run because I like to. I like pushing my body and being surprised how far it will take me. I like getting lost in the sights, smells and feel of a run—being the only person in the world to experience some of nature’s little idiosyncrasies is a wonderful, wonderful thing (and very cathartic). Factor in the ability of running to keep me fitting into my clothing and it’s a win/win situation.
Impatience + Competitiveness / Success x Benefits = Running
March of Dimes 5k Shamrock Run this Friday at 6:00 PM EST. I sincerely hope that, at approximately 6:16:30 I still feel as positively about running. Also, I'm seriously considering running an ultra marathon or 24-hour race later in the year. More on that, later.
Let’s set our scene: imagine a 6-year old with a face full of freckles and a sort of dirty blonde (but quickly approaching "just plain brown") afro. Now imagine that same child with seemingly boundless energy (so much so that he was asked to be a student in the inaugural Pre-First class, a made-up grade falling in between Kindergarten and 1st Grade for those showing the inability to sit still long enough to move on).
As you might imagine, asking an already-excitable kid to essentially retake Kindergarten (which sort of makes it sound like I flunked it, doesn’t it? How depressing) probably wasn’t too stimulating to the old brain pan. In fact, as close as I can remember, Pre-First was really just one long recess. So we’ll say that’s where I first began to hone my endurance. It’s probably nothing more than a well-told lie (one based upon the random, broken images of a 6-year old), but I feel it works well as a sort of foundation for the remainder of my tale.
Truth be told, I think I’ve always liked running, but never realized it until just recently. Even to this day, whenever my mom asks me to “run to the car” as a figure of speech, I take it as an excuse to do so literally—not because I’m too thick-headed to realize the difference, but because it’s something I enjoy. It just so happened that eventually, “to the car” wasn’t far or often enough. But why? For one thing, I’ll readily admit that some of my running is/was borne out of impatience—why take 5 minutes to get somewhere when you can take 4 and enjoy an extra minute at your destination? I also like surprising people with my speed; yes, fine sir, you did just get beaten by an unassuming sort of fellow with bird legs and "just plain brown" hair. And I’m good at it. That helps (quite a bit), too. But, while those all factor in to my running equation, the fact remains that I run because I like to. I like pushing my body and being surprised how far it will take me. I like getting lost in the sights, smells and feel of a run—being the only person in the world to experience some of nature’s little idiosyncrasies is a wonderful, wonderful thing (and very cathartic). Factor in the ability of running to keep me fitting into my clothing and it’s a win/win situation.
Impatience + Competitiveness / Success x Benefits = Running
March of Dimes 5k Shamrock Run this Friday at 6:00 PM EST. I sincerely hope that, at approximately 6:16:30 I still feel as positively about running. Also, I'm seriously considering running an ultra marathon or 24-hour race later in the year. More on that, later.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Music and Me (At Least When Running...Sometimes)
Today, I'll be treating you to my whilst-running playlist, but first:
Tuesday: Ran 4.63 miles in 37:49 (8:10 pace). Also did some light sit-ups and push-ups.
Thursday: Ran 3.95 miles in 31:44 (8:02 pace).
Saturday: Ran a 0.95-mile warm-up in 7:30, followed by 8 miles in 53:27 (6:41 pace).
Sunday: Ran 18.1 miles in 2:21:01 (7:47 pace).
Weekly Total: 40.52 miles
Monthly Total: 140.22 miles
Below, you will find a listing of songs that are currently on my handy 2GB Sansa clip.
I don't always, or even generally, listen to music when I'm running (the reasons being twofold: 1. I like to train in a race-like atmosphere, which is typically devoid of music and 2. The sights, sounds and smells you encounter when out for a run are oftentimes unimaginable, especially when paired with each other), but when I'm stuck on a treadmill, or feel that a run might be enhanced by some tunes, these are some of my favorites. The songs are either topical, offer a good beat to which to run, or are simply, unequivocally fun (i.e. smile-inducing, lyric-belt'able).
Aha - Take on Me
Boston - More Than a Feeling
Feist - 1234
Foo Fighters - All My Life
The Killers - All These Things That I've Done
Fenix Tx - Beating a Dead Horse
Alphaville - Big in Japan
Lonely Island - Boombox
System of a Down - Chop Suey
Vampire Weekend - Cousins
Metallica - Die Die Die My Darling
Andrew W.K. - Never Let Down
Rammstein - Du Hast
Serj Tankian - Empty Walls
Foo Fighters - Everlong
Milencolin - Farewell My Hell
Andrew W.K. - Fun Night
AFI - Girl's Not Grey
The All-American Rejects - Gives You Hell
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way
Mudvayne - Happy?
OK Go - Here It Goes Again
Shakira - Hips Don't Lie
Panic! At the Disco - I Write Sins Not Tragedies
B.o.B. - I'll Be In the Sky
Foreigner - Jukebox Hero
Stroke 9 - Kick Some Ass
Jeff Lynne - Lift Me Up
Saul Willaims - List of Demands
Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer
Electric Light Orchestra - Livin' Thing
Vampire Weekend - M79
Lagwagon - Making Friends
The Musketeer - Movie Trailer Theme (Craig Armstrong - Escape)
Alien Ant Farm - Movies
New Found Glory - Glory of Love
Lagwagon - No One Like You
Jimmy Eat World - No Sensitivity
Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma
Andrew W.K. - Party Hard
Weezer - Pork and Beans
Disturbed - Prayer
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Otherside
Alien Ant Farm - Smooth Criminal
Fountains of Wayne - Stacy's Mom
Fall Out Boy - Sugar, We're Goin' Down
System of a down - Aerials
Reel Big Fish - Take on Me
Boondock Saints - The Blood of Cuchulainn
Europe - The Final Countdown
Cyndi Lauper - The Goonies 'R' Good Enough
Vampire Weekend - The Kids Don't Stand a Chance
Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Mannfred Mann's Earth Band - The Runner
Adema - The Way You Like It
Weezer - This is Such a Pity
System of a down - Toxicity
Annie Lennox - Walking on Broken Glass
My Chemical Romance - Welcome to the Black Parade
The Killers - When You Were Young
Mark Safan - Win in the End
Offspring - You're Gonna Go Far, Kid
And here's my dog, listening for the music:
Tuesday: Ran 4.63 miles in 37:49 (8:10 pace). Also did some light sit-ups and push-ups.
Thursday: Ran 3.95 miles in 31:44 (8:02 pace).
Saturday: Ran a 0.95-mile warm-up in 7:30, followed by 8 miles in 53:27 (6:41 pace).
Sunday: Ran 18.1 miles in 2:21:01 (7:47 pace).
Weekly Total: 40.52 miles
Monthly Total: 140.22 miles
Below, you will find a listing of songs that are currently on my handy 2GB Sansa clip.
I don't always, or even generally, listen to music when I'm running (the reasons being twofold: 1. I like to train in a race-like atmosphere, which is typically devoid of music and 2. The sights, sounds and smells you encounter when out for a run are oftentimes unimaginable, especially when paired with each other), but when I'm stuck on a treadmill, or feel that a run might be enhanced by some tunes, these are some of my favorites. The songs are either topical, offer a good beat to which to run, or are simply, unequivocally fun (i.e. smile-inducing, lyric-belt'able).
Aha - Take on Me
Boston - More Than a Feeling
Feist - 1234
Foo Fighters - All My Life
The Killers - All These Things That I've Done
Fenix Tx - Beating a Dead Horse
Alphaville - Big in Japan
Lonely Island - Boombox
System of a Down - Chop Suey
Vampire Weekend - Cousins
Metallica - Die Die Die My Darling
Andrew W.K. - Never Let Down
Rammstein - Du Hast
Serj Tankian - Empty Walls
Foo Fighters - Everlong
Milencolin - Farewell My Hell
Andrew W.K. - Fun Night
AFI - Girl's Not Grey
The All-American Rejects - Gives You Hell
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way
Mudvayne - Happy?
OK Go - Here It Goes Again
Shakira - Hips Don't Lie
Panic! At the Disco - I Write Sins Not Tragedies
B.o.B. - I'll Be In the Sky
Foreigner - Jukebox Hero
Stroke 9 - Kick Some Ass
Jeff Lynne - Lift Me Up
Saul Willaims - List of Demands
Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer
Electric Light Orchestra - Livin' Thing
Vampire Weekend - M79
Lagwagon - Making Friends
The Musketeer - Movie Trailer Theme (Craig Armstrong - Escape)
Alien Ant Farm - Movies
New Found Glory - Glory of Love
Lagwagon - No One Like You
Jimmy Eat World - No Sensitivity
Vampire Weekend - Oxford Comma
Andrew W.K. - Party Hard
Weezer - Pork and Beans
Disturbed - Prayer
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Otherside
Alien Ant Farm - Smooth Criminal
Fountains of Wayne - Stacy's Mom
Fall Out Boy - Sugar, We're Goin' Down
System of a down - Aerials
Reel Big Fish - Take on Me
Boondock Saints - The Blood of Cuchulainn
Europe - The Final Countdown
Cyndi Lauper - The Goonies 'R' Good Enough
Vampire Weekend - The Kids Don't Stand a Chance
Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Mannfred Mann's Earth Band - The Runner
Adema - The Way You Like It
Weezer - This is Such a Pity
System of a down - Toxicity
Annie Lennox - Walking on Broken Glass
My Chemical Romance - Welcome to the Black Parade
The Killers - When You Were Young
Mark Safan - Win in the End
Offspring - You're Gonna Go Far, Kid
And here's my dog, listening for the music:
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