Back in the hood and suffering from some fo real jet-lag yo! I didn't start running until 10 pm tonight. I did a modified version of the Lake-to-Lake 10k course. Since it was so late I wanted to avoid any drunks downtown (I was still chased by a drunk lady), so I changed up the route a little. Feels good to be home.
Tomorrow I'll run 10 miles easy. Hope to see you out there.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 80
My first day back in the states and I was still running in unfamiliar territory. I'm at my lady-friend's, and she lives way outside of town. It was the first time I've run out here and I got a little turned around.
I drove to a nearby park to start my run. It looked like it was about to rain, but I wasn't too worried about it. Then an impressive lightning storm started so I decided to cut my run short. Only one problem, I took a wrong turn. I just keep running
Before I knew it I was running in the dark down some country road and I had no idea where I was. I knew that I could just turn around and go back the way I came, but that's not how I operate. I always think I can get myself out of whatever situation I get myself into. I just keep running.
I figure I need to make a turn to get back on track, so I take my next left. After about mile I run smack into a dead end. Now I have to run back a mile and get back on the road I was previously on. I just keep running.
Eventually I ended up on a road I recognized and it was about 3 miles from where I needed to be. Once I was back to where I started, I was happy with the distance I ran. While lost, I think I discovered my mantra, "Just Keep Running".
I drove to a nearby park to start my run. It looked like it was about to rain, but I wasn't too worried about it. Then an impressive lightning storm started so I decided to cut my run short. Only one problem, I took a wrong turn. I just keep running
Before I knew it I was running in the dark down some country road and I had no idea where I was. I knew that I could just turn around and go back the way I came, but that's not how I operate. I always think I can get myself out of whatever situation I get myself into. I just keep running.
I figure I need to make a turn to get back on track, so I take my next left. After about mile I run smack into a dead end. Now I have to run back a mile and get back on the road I was previously on. I just keep running.
Eventually I ended up on a road I recognized and it was about 3 miles from where I needed to be. Once I was back to where I started, I was happy with the distance I ran. While lost, I think I discovered my mantra, "Just Keep Running".
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 79 (Japan)
For my last morning here I have decided to skip my run. I think I did enough damage yesterday. With 20 hours of traveling ahead of me, the last thing I need to be doing is nursing an injury. I woke this morning with what is becoming the all too familiar pain in my right calf. After a week of great running all it took was one speed workout to mess me up.
I've had a great time here in Japan and hope to return soon. It was wonderful to spend time with my son and I'm going to miss him like crazy.
I've had a great time here in Japan and hope to return soon. It was wonderful to spend time with my son and I'm going to miss him like crazy.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 78 (Japan)
It's been a while since I've done any speed work, so I thought I'd try it out. My plan was to do a mile warm-up, 3 mile repeats at 5:30 pace, and a mile cool-down. After the second mile repeat I started to notice some pain in my right calf again, so I jogged it out for the last 2 miles of my workout. I'm starting to think this calf thing is never going to go away.
It's my last full day in Japan, so I'm going out to explore a bit.
Later in the day I was able to check out another one of my son's soccer practices.
Then we went out for Indian food again. It was tasty!
It's my last full day in Japan, so I'm going out to explore a bit.
Later in the day I was able to check out another one of my son's soccer practices.
Then we went out for Indian food again. It was tasty!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 77 (Japan)
Today was not a good day for running. I felt bad from the start. After a couple miles I was still just not feeling right, then I stepped off a curb weird and felt a shock go up my back. So I hobbled back home and ended up only doing 3.5 miles out of 7.
I did manage to get out a few hours later to check out some more of Yokosuka and grab some lunch.
It's very important to know what color cow I'm eating!
I realize that while I have been in Japan my posts have strayed a bit from running, but I just want to share some of the stuff I'm doing while here. My son, Don, was dying to take me to the 100 Yen sushi place that he loves, and I have to say, it was pretty cool. All the plates of sushi were 100 yen, basically a buck. Check out this fried squid that I had:
I did manage to get out a few hours later to check out some more of Yokosuka and grab some lunch.
It's very important to know what color cow I'm eating!
I realize that while I have been in Japan my posts have strayed a bit from running, but I just want to share some of the stuff I'm doing while here. My son, Don, was dying to take me to the 100 Yen sushi place that he loves, and I have to say, it was pretty cool. All the plates of sushi were 100 yen, basically a buck. Check out this fried squid that I had:
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 76 (Japan)
The running community is truly amazing! I think no matter where you are in the world you're going to find runners that are supportive and encouraging. I did a 15 miler this morning on a 6 mile loop. I ran by a group of ladies a few of times. The first time it was hellos, the second time we exchanged words of encouragement "Looking good", the third time I passed them they were finished and chatting at their car, all of a sudden they are hooting and hollering and cheering me on. Where else can you find this level of camaraderie (good thing I have spell check) amongst complete strangers?
This is post-long run breakfast done right! Yes, that is sparkling wine!
I was going to head into Tokyo, but that plan was ruined. There was a protest that surrounded the naval base I'm staying on, so I was not able to leave the base.
This is post-long run breakfast done right! Yes, that is sparkling wine!
I was going to head into Tokyo, but that plan was ruined. There was a protest that surrounded the naval base I'm staying on, so I was not able to leave the base.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 75 (Japan)
It was one of those mornings that feel so wonderful you could run forever. It was 70 degrees with 50% humidity when I started my run. I was definitely feeling like a running tourist today, just running around looking at everything and taking it in.
This was the view from a steep hill about 3 miles into my run. May not be the prettiest vista, but it still feels nice to survey your surroundings once you've conquered a hill.
Venturing out in town, I came across this nice park. I'll have to investigate it further when I'm not running. I ended up doing a little over 7 miles. Tomorrow I run 15 miles.
After my run I was able to check out my son's soccer game.
This was the view from a steep hill about 3 miles into my run. May not be the prettiest vista, but it still feels nice to survey your surroundings once you've conquered a hill.
Venturing out in town, I came across this nice park. I'll have to investigate it further when I'm not running. I ended up doing a little over 7 miles. Tomorrow I run 15 miles.
After my run I was able to check out my son's soccer game.
Life V. Marathon Day 74 (Japan)
I've run here 3 times now and every time the weather has been different. The first day was typhoon conditions, the second was sunny and hot, and today was like fall; cool and breezy. I did 7 miles this morning, breathing in the cool ocean air while running along the seawall.
My son started to feel sick last night and woke this morning feeling really bad, so we stayed in today. Hopefully, he's feeling better for the weekend so we can go exploring.
We did manage to get out and have some great indian food. I had Chicken Masala with Nan and a Kingfisher Beer.
Holy Smokes! Look at the size of that Nan! The restaurant had an appropriate name, "Delicious".
My son started to feel sick last night and woke this morning feeling really bad, so we stayed in today. Hopefully, he's feeling better for the weekend so we can go exploring.
We did manage to get out and have some great indian food. I had Chicken Masala with Nan and a Kingfisher Beer.
Holy Smokes! Look at the size of that Nan! The restaurant had an appropriate name, "Delicious".
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 73 (Japan)
Typhoon Roke came through last night. It passed north of where I am at so it wasn't that bad here, we had about 60 mph winds with some higher gusts. It's been gray and rainy since I arrived, then I woke up to this:
The sun comes up pretty early here, about 5:30, so by the time I headed out for my run at 7:30 the sun was high in the sky. It was as if I got out around 10 in the morning back in Florida. I did a 1 mile warm-up, 8 miles at MP 6:05, 1/2 mile cool-down.
After my run I was able to take a walk in town. I was on a walking path above the street in this picture. I was thinking of grabbing some lunch, but it was a little early and not many restaurants were open.
So I stopped in a convenience store and grabbed this. I also bought a green tea to have with my lunch and a beer to enjoy after.
After my son came home from school we went to soccer practice. It was cold and windy.
We went out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Coco Curry. It's basically a fast food curry place. I did not have the Hot Energy Curry, apparently created by a wrestler. Instead I had this:
Delicious, but I'm not quite sure how well my stomach will feel on tomorrow's 7 miler.
The sun comes up pretty early here, about 5:30, so by the time I headed out for my run at 7:30 the sun was high in the sky. It was as if I got out around 10 in the morning back in Florida. I did a 1 mile warm-up, 8 miles at MP 6:05, 1/2 mile cool-down.
After my run I was able to take a walk in town. I was on a walking path above the street in this picture. I was thinking of grabbing some lunch, but it was a little early and not many restaurants were open.
So I stopped in a convenience store and grabbed this. I also bought a green tea to have with my lunch and a beer to enjoy after.
After my son came home from school we went to soccer practice. It was cold and windy.
We went out to eat at one of our favorite restaurants, Coco Curry. It's basically a fast food curry place. I did not have the Hot Energy Curry, apparently created by a wrestler. Instead I had this:
Delicious, but I'm not quite sure how well my stomach will feel on tomorrow's 7 miler.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 72 (Japan)
Because I didn't sleep on the entire trip here, I was able to get a full nights sleep and, hopefully, I won't suffer any jet-lag.
While in Japan I'll be staying with my ex-wife (pays to split amicably) and my son on Yokosuka Naval Base. Pictured above is right outside their apartment, and where I started my run this morning.
A portion of the path along the seawall turns into a grass path, which was great. In the background you can see the battleship Mikasa. This was Admiral Togo Heihachiro's ship during the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, it is now a museum. It was about 68 degrees and rained off and on during my run, but it felt great. I ended up doing 8.42 miles at 6:35 pace.
One of my favorite things about Japan is that there are vending machines everywhere you turn. While running you should always carry a couple hundred yen. You can get hot or cold drinks in a lot of the machines. I chose a refreshing sports drink after my run.
While in Japan I'll be staying with my ex-wife (pays to split amicably) and my son on Yokosuka Naval Base. Pictured above is right outside their apartment, and where I started my run this morning.
A portion of the path along the seawall turns into a grass path, which was great. In the background you can see the battleship Mikasa. This was Admiral Togo Heihachiro's ship during the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, it is now a museum. It was about 68 degrees and rained off and on during my run, but it felt great. I ended up doing 8.42 miles at 6:35 pace.
One of my favorite things about Japan is that there are vending machines everywhere you turn. While running you should always carry a couple hundred yen. You can get hot or cold drinks in a lot of the machines. I chose a refreshing sports drink after my run.
Life V. Marathon Day 71
Nothing to report today. I spent the last 28 hours traveling. There was just no energy or time to run.
While I was happy to be off the plane, I still had a 2 hour taxi (pictured) ride in Tokyo rush-hour traffic.
I seem to have great timing; there's a typhoon heading towards Tokyo. The typhoon may effect my planned track workout with a Tokyo running club. I can't even think about that right now, I must get some sleep.
I seem to have great timing; there's a typhoon heading towards Tokyo. The typhoon may effect my planned track workout with a Tokyo running club. I can't even think about that right now, I must get some sleep.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 70
I ran 9.4 miles this morning. Becase I have to be at the airport at 5:30am I am going to run at 3am tomorrow, 6 miles.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 69
I almost forgot what it is like to run without pain. I wanted to get back on track with my training plan, so I ran 10 miles. I did it at 7:21 pace, which is about 30 seconds slower than I was running before I took a few days off to rehab my right calf. Let my mistake be a lesson to you; going too hard without proper recovery can lead to disaster.
Tomorrow I'll do another 10 miles at easy pace. I have to figure out how I'm going to get my run in on Monday, I have to be at the airport at 5:30am!
Tomorrow I'll do another 10 miles at easy pace. I have to figure out how I'm going to get my run in on Monday, I have to be at the airport at 5:30am!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 68
I have now taken three days off from running, and I feel horrible. I'm going to run tomorrow morning. I hope three days off was enough to take care of this problem with my calf. Wish me luck.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 67
Since I'm taking a few days off to rest my calf, I've found I have a couple extra hours to kill. I also need some material to blog about. So I've decided to do a movie review:
If you enjoy sentimentality, cliché, and advertising; then you'll love UltraMarathon Man. This film follows Dean Karnazes as he runs 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Mostly, it seems to be about wearing The North Face gear, drinking Cytomax, eating GU, and I got a little bit of an idea that it was suppose to inspire America's youth to get out and run. It also gave a venue for people to quote whatever they read on their "Daily Inspiration" calendar that day.
I will say that Karnazes' story about discovering running is pretty cool, and he is definitely a positive force in the running community. It was just hard to really get into the story of the challenges and triumphs of his run when you're constantly seeing close-ups of his shoes, clothing logos, and fueling choices. At one point they're filming him preparing his breakfast, and the box of cereal with his picture on it is in the frame the whole time.
Hopefully, someone saw this film and was inspired to run and not just go out and buy the products featured in the film. I think that Karnazes is truly sincere about spreading the message of good health, but you have to pay for that message somehow. Let's face it, if you are able to do what you love and one way to do that is to pimp some gear, most of us would be all over it.
If you enjoy sentimentality, cliché, and advertising; then you'll love UltraMarathon Man. This film follows Dean Karnazes as he runs 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Mostly, it seems to be about wearing The North Face gear, drinking Cytomax, eating GU, and I got a little bit of an idea that it was suppose to inspire America's youth to get out and run. It also gave a venue for people to quote whatever they read on their "Daily Inspiration" calendar that day.
I will say that Karnazes' story about discovering running is pretty cool, and he is definitely a positive force in the running community. It was just hard to really get into the story of the challenges and triumphs of his run when you're constantly seeing close-ups of his shoes, clothing logos, and fueling choices. At one point they're filming him preparing his breakfast, and the box of cereal with his picture on it is in the frame the whole time.
Hopefully, someone saw this film and was inspired to run and not just go out and buy the products featured in the film. I think that Karnazes is truly sincere about spreading the message of good health, but you have to pay for that message somehow. Let's face it, if you are able to do what you love and one way to do that is to pimp some gear, most of us would be all over it.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 66
What do people that don't run do with all their time? I was stir crazy all day today. Things got fixed that didn't need fixing. Hopefully this calf gets better, because I don't think my lady-friend wants to put up with me being hyperactive around the house for too much longer.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 65
I may be the most stubborn person I know. I've been ignoring this calf issue for weeks now, but I think it refuses to be ignored any longer. I was suppose to do 14 miles today (the 14 that I have been putting off for a couple days now), but I could only manage 10 miles.
I had to stop running for a few minutes and when I started running again I was limping. Limping is bad. I'm envisioning my marathon goal going up in smoke. I'll be taking a few days off from running, but I will still be blogging.
I've got a trip to Japan to plan!
I had to stop running for a few minutes and when I started running again I was limping. Limping is bad. I'm envisioning my marathon goal going up in smoke. I'll be taking a few days off from running, but I will still be blogging.
I've got a trip to Japan to plan!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 64
Well, I've put off running my 14 miler once again. I think this is as long as I'm able to put it off. I did 5 easy miles this evening, mainly because I'm just not feeling 100%. I'll tackle 14 miles tomorrow.
I'll leave you guys with something funny. I guess the photographer missed me as I went through the finish line on Friday, so he just pasted me in.
I'll leave you guys with something funny. I guess the photographer missed me as I went through the finish line on Friday, so he just pasted me in.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 63
I decided after I started running this evening to switch today and tomorrow's run. After doing four races this weekend I found I just didn't have it in me to run 14 miles. I ended up doing almost 6 miles at recovery pace.
I've been doing some research and it looks like I may be able to do some group runs while in Japan!
I've been doing some research and it looks like I may be able to do some group runs while in Japan!
Life V. Marathon- Japan Edition
How will I stick to my marathon training? Where will I run? Who will I run with? And most importantly, What delicious foods will fuel my run? These questions and more more will be answered as I experience them.
The main reason for the trip is to spend time with my son. He lives there, so this is a rare opportunity for me to see him. Hopefully, I can get him to join me on some runs, and share my love of the sport with him.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 62
I'm going to add to this post after every race today.
1 mile race, 7am:
Started the morning with a 2 mile warm-up, then it was time to race. Actually, I started the morning off with coffee and an application of BodyGlide to my chaffed nipples. Nipples safe, I ran the 1 mile race in 4:55.
With 1 1/2 hours between races I had enough time to take care of a few things. I was able to blog about the first race, have some more coffee, take a poo, and apply more BodyGlide to my tender bits.
2 mile race, 8:30am:
Lighter on my feet and nipples protected, I headed off for the start of the 2 mile race. The starting line for this race is about 1 mile from my house, so that gave me enough of a warm-up. I believe this is the most challenging race of the series, plus, it has a nasty little hill right at the end. I ended up doing either 10:36 or 10:40, depends on who you ask. Since the technology of my Garmin seems to be over my head, I can't tell you what my time was (I pushed some buttons and messed everything up).
I'm going to eat some protein (eggs to the layman), then take a nap. Next race is a 5k at 7pm.
5k, 7pm:
I had a comfortable lead coming into this last race so I just set the cruise control and ended up doing 17:38. Overall it was a good series, I just hope I have the energy to do my 14 mile run tomorrow.
1 mile race, 7am:
Started the morning with a 2 mile warm-up, then it was time to race. Actually, I started the morning off with coffee and an application of BodyGlide to my chaffed nipples. Nipples safe, I ran the 1 mile race in 4:55.
With 1 1/2 hours between races I had enough time to take care of a few things. I was able to blog about the first race, have some more coffee, take a poo, and apply more BodyGlide to my tender bits.
2 mile race, 8:30am:
Lighter on my feet and nipples protected, I headed off for the start of the 2 mile race. The starting line for this race is about 1 mile from my house, so that gave me enough of a warm-up. I believe this is the most challenging race of the series, plus, it has a nasty little hill right at the end. I ended up doing either 10:36 or 10:40, depends on who you ask. Since the technology of my Garmin seems to be over my head, I can't tell you what my time was (I pushed some buttons and messed everything up).
I'm going to eat some protein (eggs to the layman), then take a nap. Next race is a 5k at 7pm.
5k, 7pm:
I had a comfortable lead coming into this last race so I just set the cruise control and ended up doing 17:38. Overall it was a good series, I just hope I have the energy to do my 14 mile run tomorrow.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 61
Finished the first 5k of the Aching Quad series in 16:43. Tomorrow at 7am is a 1 mile race, then a 2 mile race, and in the evening is another 5k.
I wanted to get all my miles in today so I ran 5.5 miles before this evenings 5k. It should be no problem hitting my mileage tomorrow, 8 miles, with the three races and warm-ups.
Congratulations to Katy, Running in the Real World's #1 fan, she ran a PR at this evening's 5k!
I wanted to get all my miles in today so I ran 5.5 miles before this evenings 5k. It should be no problem hitting my mileage tomorrow, 8 miles, with the three races and warm-ups.
Congratulations to Katy, Running in the Real World's #1 fan, she ran a PR at this evening's 5k!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 60
Well, I said I was going to do 9 miles, but I ended up doing a little under 5 miles. Sometimes you're just not feeling it. I thought it better to save myself for racing this weekend.
Tomorrow starts the "Aching Quad". I'll warm up with 5 miles then I'll do a 5k in the evening.
Tomorrow starts the "Aching Quad". I'll warm up with 5 miles then I'll do a 5k in the evening.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 59
Cloudy with light rain. Perfect. Non-runners probably think this weather stinks, but most runners think this is great weather.
I did 10 easy miles this evening at about 7:10 pace. Tomorrow I'll do 9 miles.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 58
I've got a problem, and that problem is speed. And I'm not talking about drugs, but like a drug, I can't seem to kick this habit of running fast. With my right calf still bothering me, I should be doing runs at 7:15 to 7:25 pace. I did 8 miles this evening at 6:40 per mile!
Most of you are probably saying, I wish I had that problem. I'm telling you, sometimes it's not a good thing. It can really start to wear on your body after a while and you can end up overtrained. If I continue to run these paces day in and day out, I'll end up fatigued and my body will not be able to recover from my quality workouts.
So...tomorrow is 10 miles easy 7:15 to 7:25 pace. It's going to take more concentration on my part to stay at this pace.
Most of you are probably saying, I wish I had that problem. I'm telling you, sometimes it's not a good thing. It can really start to wear on your body after a while and you can end up overtrained. If I continue to run these paces day in and day out, I'll end up fatigued and my body will not be able to recover from my quality workouts.
So...tomorrow is 10 miles easy 7:15 to 7:25 pace. It's going to take more concentration on my part to stay at this pace.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 57
Did an easy 6 miles this evening. My right calf is starting to feel better. Hopefully, it is 100% by Friday so I can race.
Since I'm planning to race on Friday and Saturday, I'm switching the Tuesday workout for Saturday's. That means tomorrow I'm doing 8 easy miles.
Since I'm planning to race on Friday and Saturday, I'm switching the Tuesday workout for Saturday's. That means tomorrow I'm doing 8 easy miles.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 56
Knocked out 9.5 miles this morning, now I have the rest of the day to relax. Breakfast comes before relaxing though, and I'm thinking bacon!
More easy miles tomorrow.
More easy miles tomorrow.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 55
Just an easy 10 today. I did it at 7:01 pace and my calf wasn't as bad today. I have to keep reminding myself to stay at an easy pace. I guess it's a good thing that faster paces are feeling more comfortable, but I don't want this calf thing to turn into something more. That means sticking to the easy miles for a while.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 54
No excitement today, just an easy 6 miles. I'm going to continue hitting my mileage at easy pace for the next week.
Hopefully, all pain in my calf will be gone by next Friday. I'm planning on doing a local race called The Aching Quad, which is 4 races in 24 hours. That's a 5k, 1 mile, 2 mile, and another 5k in 24 hours. If you want more info on the race, go to http://www.lakerunnersclub.com/.
Now it's time to drink some PBR and paint.
Hopefully, all pain in my calf will be gone by next Friday. I'm planning on doing a local race called The Aching Quad, which is 4 races in 24 hours. That's a 5k, 1 mile, 2 mile, and another 5k in 24 hours. If you want more info on the race, go to http://www.lakerunnersclub.com/.
Now it's time to drink some PBR and paint.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Life V. Marathon Day 53
Well, my right calf continues to bother me. I was able to do my marathon pace run this evening, but I think I'm going to make some adjustments to my training. I'm going to maintain the mileage, just change the pacing a bit.
For the next week I'm going to be doing all my runs between 7:15 and 7:25 per mile pace. Hopefully, I'll see some improvement in my calf.
One more thing: It's nice now that school is back in, we have live music for the track workouts.
For the next week I'm going to be doing all my runs between 7:15 and 7:25 per mile pace. Hopefully, I'll see some improvement in my calf.
One more thing: It's nice now that school is back in, we have live music for the track workouts.
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