tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-320275602024-03-23T10:44:14.415-07:00 Pat's Running Again My journey is to eat healthier, run stronger and live life to the fullest.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.comBlogger632125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-81933634679291343202013-11-15T16:20:00.001-08:002013-11-15T16:20:19.377-08:00First RunYesterday was my first run post marathon. It was a 2 miler at a nice an easy 11:30 pace. My ankle/heel feels fine today. Tomorrow I'll see if I can do a five miler.<br />
<br />
The ankle quit giving me problems when my doctor told me to start taking 800 mg of Ibuprofen three times a day for the next couple weeks. Not sure if I'll do it that long, but it does seem to work.<br />
<br />
Tonight I'm going to a party. Yes, I'm wearing my medal. Does that make me a tool?<br />
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<br />Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-38339175777879292782013-11-12T14:21:00.000-08:002013-11-15T16:16:58.283-08:00New York Marathon 2013, Unbelievable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ft. Wadsworth, the Marathon Start Village.<br />
<br />
My day started with a walk from our hotel to catch the 1 train from Penn
Station. Penn Station is under the historic Madison Square Gardens
Arena. All the runners had to get on the first 5 cars. For some reason,
those are the only ones that will let you out at the south ferry. It was
packed, wall to wall runners. At each stop, we'd see a frantic run to
get in those first five cars. The dock is right at the top of the
stairs, I was afraid that I'd have to walk some there too. But, that was
not the case. I entered the building to see runners sitting
everywhere.I just got in line. I didn't care whether I was on the 7:30
ferry, like I was scheduled. I just followed the rest. On the ferry I
tried to find a seat quickly. I didn't want to have to stand for all
three modes of travel. I found a seat inside, so I missed seeing the
Statue of Liberty up close. I did find out we could stand on the back
deck outside and I got some great views of Manhattan and the statue from
afar. Next, I bought some food at the other dock and got in line for
the buses to take us to Fort Wadsworth, the marathon start. First the
bus made a big loop,
after 5 minutes passed the place we loaded up and the went to the
fort. Leaving the bus, we got into another line. The police check point.
Every runner was 'wanded'. I got through and started walking to the Marathon
start village at Fort Wadsworth.<br />
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The fort is a national park and was
closed because of the government shut down. The New York Road Runners
were making alternate plans until the government reopened just a week
prior to the marathon. The village was set up into three groups. Green,
the runners that would run on the lower level of the bridge. Orange and
blue would be on the top. I was in green, which meant I was running on
the lower level
of the Verrazano Narrows bridge. I found my way to the waiting area and
looked for a tree I could lean against. There were four waves or start times for the runners. I was in the last. I was prepared for a 2+ hour
wait. I brought extra clothing. I had a beanie cap, an Arizona baseball
cap, 2 pairs of sweat pants on top of my running shorts and a sweat top
on top of my running shirt. I had a pair of gloves and 2 hand warmers I
bought at Dick's Sporting Goods. I, also, had a blow up cushion that I
bought at the 99 cent store. It came in handy, I should have brought
two.At the Au Bon Pain inside the Staten Island ferry building I bought
some apple strudel and a steak and cheese sandwich. The sandwich wasn't
very good. The strudel was
great. I had about 3 hours until my wave/corral was to start at 10:55. I
decided to see if I could start early. I snuck into line with the wave 3
people and started about 30 minutes early.<br />
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At the start I talked with a guy that lives in Westchester, north of the
Bronx and a girl from San Francisco. Also, a few others. He asked for some
marathon advice. I suggested to 'start slow and taper'. Several runners around us agreed. I didn't take my
own advice.<br />
<br />
There was a guy leading cheers from the upper deck. The blue and orange folks up above would
cheer, then we would. I said I wasn't going to cheer with the people who
were going to pee on us.. The announcements kept warning people not to
pee off the side of the bridge. They give these messages in multiple languages. It's rumored that the pee gets blown
back onto the runners on the lower deck.<br />
<br />
They played 'God Bless America' and then shot the cannon to start the
race. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_YTjr7EqPs" target="_blank">'New York, New York' </a>was song by Frank Sinatra. It was nice of him
to attend.<br />
<br />
The Race.<br />
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The first mile is uphill on the bridge. I planned on taking it slow, but
everyone was running a 9 minute mile or faster. It's easy to get caught
up in the excitement, run with the crowd and not know it or feel it at
all. I did. I kept looking at my garmin and would slow down, but it
wouldn't last long. I did stop and take pics of Manhattan from the bridge. It was a great view of the city.<br />
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<br />
The second mile was downhill off the VN. I took it easy, but it was
still faster than I planned. My plan was to do all the miles between
11:45 and 12. I started out with an 11 minute mile and a 9:31 mile. It wasn't until mile 7 that I did a mile to plan.<br />
<br />
Now in Brooklyn, the green runners had a separate route than the rest.
Dictated by the off ramp of the bridge. We were running in the left
lanes. This was the first time I realized it was cold. Strong winds on
the bridge. I wasn't cold at
all at the fort, but I was much more bundled up. I had left one pair of
sweats behind at Fort Wadsworth. I would leave my outer top, gloves and
beanie behind in Brooklyn around mile 4.<br />
<br />
<br />
The crowds were large in Brooklyn. 2-3 people deep for long stretches at
a time. I spent time running near the edge so that I could give fist
bumps to kids and lots of adults. (Note to kids: give fist bumps, not
high fives. You don't want to touch the open hands of these runners) To
honor my late father, Joe I had his name on my shirt. All day long
people would yell out his name. "Go, Joe" , "You can do it, Joe",
"Looking strong, Joe". I loved it.<br />
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<br />
I was looking forward to seeing what each borough looked like, but I
realized I was more interested in the people.. I was still trying to get
into my pace. The plan was to run
for 4/10 of a mile then walk for 1/10, then repeat. I was to drink and
eat my fruit chews each walk break. This was hard to do, I was running
for longer stretches and forgetting to eat. I was doing good to stay
hydrated. Most of the time I was drinking the Gatorade provided by the
race.<br />
<br />
People had tissues, candy, bananas , pretzels to offer us. Some people
were having parties and BBQs on their front steps. I passed one and it
smelled great. I asked if I could hang with them and they said yes. I
kept running. Several bands were playing every mile. From choirs and
school bands to bar bands to guys with boom boxes.<br />
<br />
Williamsburg has a large Jewish community. Things were much more quiet
there. Very little cheering. The girls had their school skirts on. Not sure why, since it was Sunday. The
kids would watch us, but not cheer. The women would sit on their steps,
but not act like they were paying attention. The men were always walking
somewhere or would be at a street corner. No one showed any signs that
we were running. The men had beards, long twisted hair and hats. I'd never seen anything like that. They didn't look like they wanted their pictures taken, I respected that.<br />
<br />
The police were all over. Mostly keeping the crowds on the sidewalk
behind the police tape. They were trying to keep people from crossing
the street, but this was almost impossible. People would cross like it
was a game of frogger. It was most interesting when it was a Jewish man
crossing in his black suit and hat. It just seemed out of context. <br />
<br />
My first signs of any discomfort came around mile 11. Too early, but my
feet were starting to hurt. All week long I had issues with my left
ankle/ heel hurting. This wasn't the same pain. My feet were just taking
a pounding and I had not toughened them up enough. My knee bothered me
a few weeks ago. That would rear its ugly head in Harlem.<br />
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<br />
<br />
The second bridge was the Pulaski bridge at the half way point. Not
nearly as big as the VN. I walked the rising side, ran down the backside. It's the entry point to
Queens.<br />
<br />
This part of Queens is mostly industrial. There were nice crowds here
and they were appreciated because they had to travel a bit further to
get to the race. I assume there not much housing in the area we were
running in.<br />
<br />
As soon as you enter Queens, you notice the 3rd bridge way overhead. The
Queensboro bridge taking you into Manhattan. It's the second largest
bridge we cross. It's the quiet before the storm. I walked up most of it
trying to conserve my energy for 1st avenue. This is the portion of
the course that has traditionally had the largest and loudest crowds.
It did not disappoint. 4-5 people deep. All yelling. You come off the
bridge and then loop around and go under the span. There's people from
the moment you hit the streets. <br />
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Amy and Tyler were about a mile up waiting for me. They had some fruit
chews and a candy bar for me. The lady next to them kept saying, 'Joe,
you got to go'. She said it at least three times. I did stay their for
at least 7-10 minutes. Finally, I got back to running.<br />
<br />
1st avenue is downhill too. They say the pro runners can't win the
marathon on 1st, but they can lose it. I was able to run that portion
well. It was my the third favorite part of the course. The VN bridge was
second. First favorite was yet to come.<br />
<br />
Up 1st avenue you get into Harlem. I was starting to get sore at this
point. More walking. Less talking. Less interaction with the crowds. I
felt bad about this, since they were just as great as anyone. I don't remember much about this part of the course. Around the
18 mile mark my garmin started to die. Low battery. I knew it wouldn't
be long. I started to calculate the difference between what garmin said
and what the official clocks said I thought it was an hours difference.
But, with long races, my math skills suffer. I would go from thinking I
had no chance of a PR, to thinking I had a great chance.<br />
<br />
<br />
Next up was the Willis bridge into The Bronx. The Bronx must sit up
higher than Manhattan. We went up and then we we got to the top, it
leveled off and the went up again.<br />
<br />
On this bridge I got to talk with a very positive lady with one leg. She
had one of those cheetah legs on her left. I would learn later that it
was<a href="http://www.alwaystri.com/about-sarah/" target="_blank"> Sarah Reinertsen</a> (Ironman) from "The Amazing Race". That's her 2 pictures below. I entered the Bronx and
got
to listen to rappers and some hip hop. There was a large video board
showing us running. Then we got to the final bridge.
<br />
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Back to Manhattan. My garmin battery had died. I couldn't check my
pace. Losing track of which mile I was on. My legs were tired. Very
tired. I kept checking my right knee. It felt bad. I thought it must be
the size of a softball. I could run short distances and then have to
walk. I tried running for 50 steps and then walk for 25. That didn't
work. I tried running for two stop lights and walking for one. That
didn't work.<br />
<br />
It was at this point I decided to take my long sweats off and run in my
shorts. It was cool. Amy said "very cold". She and Tyler bought $1 beanies from
a street vendor and they told me later how cold they were waiting for
me.<br />
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Running in just shorts must have helped. I still walked a lot on 5th
avenue, but that would change. I did enjoy walking as the leaves were
falling. It was beautiful. I wished i was running. I was still being
given lots of encouragement from the crowds. 'You can do it, Joe'. With
each shout out I got a boost of confidence and a reminder of my dad.<br />
<br />
Finally, I made it to Central Park. I tested my legs again and I felt
much better. Maybe they just froze numb. I, also, calculated my time and
thought I could finish in record time. I needed to get in under the 5:42
mark that I set at the Twin Cities Marathon in 2009. Could I do it? Of
course not. My math was askew. But, at the time I didn't know it.<br />
<br />
I was motivated. My legs felt better and I was going to PR. . Amy and Tyler were waiting for me around mile 24. I
looked for them. I wanted my jacket, that Tyler carried around all day. It was getting cold. I couldn't
find them and ran by. I was passing runners a dozen at a time. I felt
great. I knew I'd still have some walk breaks, but I felt they would be
few at this time. I would hear fans yell, 'way to go Joe'.<br />
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I turned onto Central Park South and thought it was Columbus Circle. I
was
confused by all the tall buildings to my left. But, it was almost a
magical place to run. It was my favorite part of the marathon from that
circle until the finish. I ran most of it. Took 2 or 3 walk breaks (5-10
secs) to
snap a few pics and get a breather. I then was running.I figured I was
doing about an 11 minute pace, just as fast as I was at the start of the
race. This, after I was down for the count back in Harlem.<br />
<br />
The last 386 yards is uphill. Didn't matter to me. I was passing people
and trying to get a PR that was lost 8 minutes prior. I finished with a
huge smile, grasping for air. I was 'hands on my knees' when a medical volunteer
asked me if I was okay. 'Yes, I just finished the best marathon on the
planet', I told him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf1SlettDfFgnAfyYy8TH1PXOyU3qPbVUUKQDqCvj0vkUjCB-gJtTkjTPlcWm7ol2yWKM1HxTOYIafIYgSEOvPpvUmW1phVBCcvOsLOTLLTJEG83zMm5NSymaQW3xuiUjiuBi/s1600/2013-11-03+02.49.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizf1SlettDfFgnAfyYy8TH1PXOyU3qPbVUUKQDqCvj0vkUjCB-gJtTkjTPlcWm7ol2yWKM1HxTOYIafIYgSEOvPpvUmW1phVBCcvOsLOTLLTJEG83zMm5NSymaQW3xuiUjiuBi/s320/2013-11-03+02.49.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Aftermath<br />
<br />
Getting to and leaving a 50,000 runner marathon is a logistical
nightmare. I left my hotel 5 hours before I was scheduled to run. Had to
take a train, boat and bus to get to the start line. Leaving the finish
was difficult too. It involved a mile long walk. It felt much further.
First, we got our medals and a big congratulations. Then we got our
mylar blankets to keep us warm. They were needed, since it was cold.
Then we walked
further to get our snack packs. I was too tired to reach in it. There
was no place to sit, I marched on. All I wanted was a bench. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shmnyc/6881522602/" target="_blank">A Siamese standpipe</a> would have worked. Finally, I spotted a curb that was higher
than normal. I sat by myself and watched as runner after runner slowly
and silently paraded past me. We were all hurting. Some were be assisted
and turning into the med tent. I wanted to stop in for some aspirin or
ibuprofen. But, the line was too long. I called Amy. Instead of meeting
near the finish, we decided to meet back near our hotel at the Port
Authority. Then we could find a restaurant. I still had to get standing
and finish getting to the subway. This was uphill. I finally made it to
Central Park west and being in the 'no baggage, early exit' group I was
going to
get a free fleece lined orange cape. It was heaven. Free subway rides
for marathoners and I was back to the PA.<br />
<br />
I got a dozen congrats from total strangers, not counting the dozens of congrats from the medical and finish line volunteers.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://patsrunning.blogspot.com/search/label/New%20York" target="_blank">All New York City Marathon Posts. </a></div>
Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-78021069243930628622013-11-09T15:23:00.002-08:002013-11-09T15:23:58.234-08:00bike, no runSix days after the marathon and my heel is still bothering me.<br />
<br />
I was able to get in short runs after 2-3 days after my previous marathons. Today, I inflated the tires and took the bike for a spin. 7 easy miles around the neighborhood, over to the mall and then to the park.<br />
<br />
I think I'll start doing a bike ride once a week.<br />
<br />
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<br />Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-4467696272660842942013-11-07T10:24:00.000-08:002013-11-15T16:13:37.612-08:00Race FuelA run down on what I ate on race day.<br />
<br />
The Best Western that we stayed at ($1400 for 5 days in Manhattan) said the complimentary breakfast would start at 5 am for marathoners. I went down a bit after 6 and there wasn't much to choose from. I had a mini bagel and some scrambled eggs that said they weren't done, but looked done. I didn't eat much for breakfast.<br />
<br />
I thought I'd stop at Dunkin' Donuts on the walk to Penn Station. They don't open that early.<br />
<br />
But, Dairy Queen was open at the Staten Island Terminal. I passed and got on the ferry. On SI, Au bon pain was open. I think that's french for 'my feet hurt', but I might be mistaken. Anyway, I got two apple pastries and a steak and cheese sandwich. I knew I would be waiting at the start village and if I wanted lunch, I'd better eat it before the cannons went off at 10:55.<br />
<br />
At the start village I found a nice spot to sit with my back on a tree. Ate my apple pastries and a cup of coffee from the Dunkin' Donuts tent. They did not have donuts. After a while, I had my sandwich. It wasn't very tasty. I only ate half.<br />
<br />
I decided to see if I could sneak into the earlier wave and get a 30 minute head start. I was successful, they don't check bibs really close. While I was in the corral I drank a pre workout drink they handed out. I think it was from Gatorade. It tasted good.<br />
<br />
During the run I had fruit chews from Mott's. They are similar to sports beans, chomps or the sports chews you buy at your local running store. Yet, they cost half as much. The calories are similar, carb amounts similar. Another running blog suggested it and I like them much better than downing gu's, gels or overpriced sports chews. I tried to eat 2-4 of them each mile.<br />
<br />
I had my fuel belt with two plastic canteens. One was for my chews and the other was used to refill with the gatorade that the race provided. I drank gatorade most of the race.<br />
<br />
I did get two mini candy bars, a half of banana and some pretzels from spectators as I ran.<br />
<br />
I thought about stopping at the White Castles on 1st avenue. Yeah, I can eat anything when I'm running. But, they were closed.<br />
<br />
In the last few miles of the race, when I felt very tired and sore I remembered I had a small chia seeds packet that the race gave all runners at the expo. I packed it away in my fuel belt because I heard chia seeds were the magic pill for runners. I ate most of the packet, downed with gatorade. My last 1.5 of running was as fast as I ran the whole day. Was it the chia seeds that gave me that extra boost?<br />
<br />
After the race, I had a New York McIntosh apple, some recover gatorade and a bit of a powerbar. I didn't like the powerbar.<br />
<br />
That's what fuel me until dinner time. I never felt hungry the entire day.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-64979162326286434412013-11-06T11:53:00.000-08:002013-11-15T16:13:55.479-08:00New York City Marathon Injury UpdateGoing into the marathon I had three small issues. One was a foot issue that kept me from running for about 4 days. It was a few months before the marathon. The second one was a right knee issue. I've never had an issue with either knee, but it kept me from running for about four days just 3 weeks before the marathon. The last issue was my left heel barking the week of the marathon. I get this type of pain fairly often and I figured I would just endure it on race day.<br />
<br />
The morning of the race I felt pretty good. My heel pain was there, but not an issue. The weather was cool, near 40 degrees when I was in the start village. But, I was bundled up pretty good, so I felt fine and didn't notice any cold until I got on the Verrazano Bridge.<br />
<br />
I first noticed pains in my legs around the 11 mile mark. That's way too early, but what are you going to do? I kept moving forward. At some point my feet started hurting and in particular the pad on my right foot. After the race I had a blister and it felt like I was walking on a ketchup packet.<br />
<br />
When I was in the Bronx and for a few miles after (19-24 mile mark) I felt my right knee swelling. At least it felt that way. I would touch it, but it didn't feel different. It would keep me from any serious running for most of those miles.<br />
<br />
The last 1-2 miles I didn't notice any of these issues. I was able to run like I had just started the race. Three things may have lead to this. One, I took my sweats off around mile 22. The cool weather (still in the 40's) against my bare legs may have given me a second wind, as it where. Two, I thought I had a chance at a Personal Record (PR). Faulty math in my head, I really didn't have a chance at all. Finally, I ate some Chia seeds from a packet I got from the New York Road Runners. They say chia seeds give you some extra umpff.<br />
<br />
After the race, I was limping because of the blister. I had a long walk to the subway station. I took one rest break on the curb.<br />
<br />
Chafing? I had none. I used vaseline extensively on my upper legs at 6 am and I got some more around mile 23. No chafing what so ever. I hate chafing.<br />
<br />
It's now three days later. My only issue is a sore left ankle. It started bothering me on Tuesday. My knee feels fine, the blister on my right foot is almost healed and I don't feel it anymore.<br />
<br />
There's a good chance I'll go for a 3 mile run tomorrow.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-6655131814913196322013-11-05T16:29:00.000-08:002013-11-05T16:29:14.604-08:00Five Miles to Remember in New York City<div>
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Five Miles to Remember<br /></div>
I've
completed the 2013 New York City Marathon and I have lots to tell you.
Instead of writing the world's longest race report, I've decided I'll
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This first report is about the five most interesting miles I ran.</div>
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The
worst mile on the course was mile 22 or there abouts. Some call it the
wall. Each mile was getting progressively worse and I could have written
about any of the miles from 19 to 24. I was in pain. I had a huge
blister on the bottom of my right foot. My right knee felt horrible, I
kept feeling it because I was sure it was the size of a basketball. I
tried different tactics to run more than I was walking. First I tried to
run for 50 paces. counting each time my left foot hit pavement as one.
Then I would walk for 25. In the past the act of counting my steps would
work. Not today. Then I noticed there were stop lights at every corner,
so I thought I would run for two stops lights, walk for one. This
didn't work I was in too much pain. I dreaded the fact that I was going
to walk the majority of the final 4-6 miles. <br /><br />Mile 16 was a
great mile. It was the slowest mile I ran, but that was because Amy and
Tyler were there to greet me. It's the first mile in Manhattan and the
crowds were 3-5 deep on both sides of the road. The road was downhill
and I felt like a rockstar. After the quiet of the Queensboro Bridge,
this was loud. Super Bowl, 16th green at the Phoenix Open, game 6 of
the world series in Fenway loud. </div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmL3hmrwZFmIlaFLEp64oig3L1-mCeBVeZPE-01_JCInYI794VgWeL6QKFkL8CC3hu4JIsarjS3SUBPooH9R9rNDCeL2vn61SfY27u4gP5ZcZ0MZn8UoA9sgxR9A1zfYDTWa3/s320/2013-11-03+00.27.09.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgCjNXHdYAIcjWpW_KeGFMz6DbwKADgh5WZ11W0UdI1Q6HUnwW6IN9ZWQYX6z3kEJsidREGXSFS9rBoY-qRyikutaGTSLrf0cnylJKVTFgiuv3Iyhthr1PX7mD8KP6W_vmLXh/s1600/2013-11-03+00.27.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgCjNXHdYAIcjWpW_KeGFMz6DbwKADgh5WZ11W0UdI1Q6HUnwW6IN9ZWQYX6z3kEJsidREGXSFS9rBoY-qRyikutaGTSLrf0cnylJKVTFgiuv3Iyhthr1PX7mD8KP6W_vmLXh/s320/2013-11-03+00.27.50.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />It followed another down
mile. Mile 15. This was the quiet mile over the QB. When you sign up for
the NYC marathon, the bridges sound cool. And the Verrazano Narrows is,
but the rest are just hills in the way of you running a good race.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjbChq2cD8crXDFsKo8AQ1TNc9iTya8d5X-fj57tdBw_AwZ4qCYj4vfxWb-30zJC6JqPXax8O3OCSEBA61d9var29jDa2Ob1VoTA740S3LwWfotntxTgVQAi6Oek7xPYonlvS/s1600/2013-11-03+01.37.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjbChq2cD8crXDFsKo8AQ1TNc9iTya8d5X-fj57tdBw_AwZ4qCYj4vfxWb-30zJC6JqPXax8O3OCSEBA61d9var29jDa2Ob1VoTA740S3LwWfotntxTgVQAi6Oek7xPYonlvS/s320/2013-11-03+01.37.29.jpg" width="320" /><br /> </a></div>
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Speaking
of the Verrazano, that bridge rocked. It was the first two miles of the
marathon. You start with Frank Sinatra singing "New York, New York" and
you get incredible views of Manhattan. You don't even realize that
you're going uphill, until you are going downhill and you fly. No
crowds, but the runners are having a blast. Many of us snapping pictures
as we go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSH0Y6bYnnbSgjrLGSgDqUVB7XEXsVSDf5sdC8hrMKUjpZqxKhGZZ5FcEXTmCaD9sIYA1R8cNBH7y9rtBZVHcYqkKEMOJmtn1j0gv_8AMrLuICJYcuMLtJ7AVafPD9T8OvEw8/s1600/2013-11-02+21.11.00.mov" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSH0Y6bYnnbSgjrLGSgDqUVB7XEXsVSDf5sdC8hrMKUjpZqxKhGZZ5FcEXTmCaD9sIYA1R8cNBH7y9rtBZVHcYqkKEMOJmtn1j0gv_8AMrLuICJYcuMLtJ7AVafPD9T8OvEw8/s320/2013-11-02+21.11.00.mov" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsC6NoJhlk9_wHUEU2U9UMQH0lK9NZCS8tvDHR7gSI4iY9Qa2p9BmfXo25bVn0pk42D7sqkF75mh9hFBKbfjM-3G0I6PPpMIGiYyOAAgTsnH2aobmXouBbzxw5-wdzMDmGD0Zs/s1600/2013-11-02+21.14.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsC6NoJhlk9_wHUEU2U9UMQH0lK9NZCS8tvDHR7gSI4iY9Qa2p9BmfXo25bVn0pk42D7sqkF75mh9hFBKbfjM-3G0I6PPpMIGiYyOAAgTsnH2aobmXouBbzxw5-wdzMDmGD0Zs/s320/2013-11-02+21.14.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />And finally, the best mile on the course is the
last mile. From 25 to 26.2 on Central Park South thru Columbus Square
and into the park. It's uphill, but there's crowds and it rocks. It was
my fastest mile (except for the downhill portion of the VN). I ran it in
10:55 after not being able to run at all just a few miles back. I ran
it after 25 miles. </div>
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My
first NYC Marathon ended at 5 hours and 49 minutes. Four of those hours
couldn't be beat. I loved it. It was just those Harlem miles that were
tough. Not because of the area, the fans up there were great.</div>
Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-89158823871206729972013-11-04T15:05:00.002-08:002013-11-04T15:05:32.024-08:00I am a NYC MarathonerI had a blast running the NYC Marathon. I will file a race report, pre and post race reports and what I thought about NYC in the days to come.<br />
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Here's a few things:<br />
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1. The last mile of the race is amazing. It was my favorite.<br />
2. The Verrazano Narrows Bridge was amazing. Glad it was early in the race. The other bridges were a pain the butt.<br />
3. Loved the city.<br />
4. 26.2 miles covered in 5:49. Second fastest of my four marathons.<br />
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<br />Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-42904490512782260012013-10-27T20:04:00.000-07:002013-11-15T16:15:12.362-08:007 Days and CountingMy second to last run before we head out to New York City. It was a good one.<br />
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I ran a 5k. 3.1 miles at my current 5k pace.<br />
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I ran it without any walk breaks. Any every mile was faster than the previous mile.<br />
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I did a training run at the gym of 15 miles about a month ago. At that time I would run 4/10 of a mile (four laps) and then walk 1/10. I kept that up for 15 miles and I felt great the whole time. <a href="http://www.jeffgalloway.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Galloway, the former Olympian</a> recommends the RUN-WALK-RUNâ„¢ style to remain injury free and to run marathons. He recommends you start your <a href="http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/walk_breaks.html" target="_blank">walk intervals immediately</a>. Like in the first mile of a marathon. </div>
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I plan on running the marathon just like I ran that 15 miler back in September. Yes, I will do a walk on the Verrazano bridge in the first mile. In 2 of the 3 marathons I've run I've gotten to the 20 mile mark in about 4 hours. But, I then fade badly. I'm hoping this time will be different.</div>
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What I didn't train for is hills. NYC is on the ocean. At sea level. Flat, except for the bridges. Or so I thought. I've read lately that there are some hills. It's up hill in Queens and Central Park has hills. Plus, there's five bridges. Verrazano and Queensboro are both over a mile long. You can bet my walk breaks will be on the up hill side of any bridge.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ex Red Alert: Jonny Gomes just hit a 3 run tater in the World Series.</span></div>
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<br />Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-23842045657629831502013-10-23T20:18:00.001-07:002013-11-15T16:15:22.862-08:00Dress Rehearsal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoS0PRbUqoaEsz6Wg6zAt-togsuVgTI4cZnqjw4YDCDvpD3XHi5sbVvOUP6SEwMOzHZN_gH33Z07ppomB2HyeQLQ0sYJongkNf_iKN-YY8nMeyMuW3px8o5KILhP5KD1e5fkU/s1600/Interstate+sign+26.2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoS0PRbUqoaEsz6Wg6zAt-togsuVgTI4cZnqjw4YDCDvpD3XHi5sbVvOUP6SEwMOzHZN_gH33Z07ppomB2HyeQLQ0sYJongkNf_iKN-YY8nMeyMuW3px8o5KILhP5KD1e5fkU/s320/Interstate+sign+26.2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I got my running shirt from Cafe Press. I designed the front and it is shown above. The back says, "The VOICE in your head that says you can't ... is a LIAR!" Then it lists my marathons.<br />
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I wore it for my run tonight to test it out. Don't do anything new on race day is the motto.<br />
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I, also, wore my fuel belt (but I always do) and I attached a race bib onto it. I wanted to see if it was annoying to run with my race bib below the belt. See the picture. If I wear it this way, it will show when I have my sweatshirt and sweatpants on.<br />
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The picture was taken with my phone which I planned to use during the marathon for pictures. I'm having second thoughts after seeing the quality here.<br />
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I've run 3 days in a row now without any knee issues. I want to run NYC tomorrow.<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/31313168?ref=nf" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://vimeo.com/31313168?ref=nf" target="_blank">A Great NYC Marathon Video</a><br />
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My father's name was Joe. In his honor, I have it above my heart.<br />
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<br />Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-46912838157737677072013-10-22T07:55:00.001-07:002013-11-15T16:15:37.488-08:00The KneeOn Sunday, just 13 days before the NYC Marathon, my right knee felt horrible. I could barely walk in the afternoon.<br />
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On Monday it was all better. I couldn't believe the turn around. In the evening I tested it with an easy 2 mile run in the neighborhood. One at a 10:55 pace and one at a 10:39 pace. And I felt <span style="color: red;"><i>no pain at all</i></span>. I wrote about it in <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/" target="_blank">RunningAhead</a>, my running log and now I'm getting ads for pain specialists.<br />
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I found a blog on<a href="http://www.zite.com/" target="_blank"> Zite</a> about a gal in NYC that is running the marathon. She's funny, lost a good deal of weight and likes to take pictures while she runs. Next time you get, check out<a href="http://www.sherylyvette.com/" target="_blank"> A Neurotic Glamour Girl. </a>Good luck Sheryl. She had her bib number and start info already. I didn't think I would get this until I went to the expo. But, I can and here it is.</div>
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I'm in the Green wave #4. There's three different colored waves and four different wave starts running from 9 am until 10:55. Cheetahs in the front, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=turtle+running&client=firefox-a&hs=eWz&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=u5BmUs2qG7C4yAGEx4CAAg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=594" target="_blank">turtles in the back</a>. I'm a turtle for this race. I may be slow, but I have no baggage.<br />
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Past bib #'s:<br />
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<a href="http://patsrunning.blogspot.com/2009/12/2009-tucson-marathon-and-almost-dnf.html" target="_blank">2009 Tucson Marathon: 646</a><br />
<a href="http://patsrunning.blogspot.com/2009/10/2009-twin-cities-marathon.html" target="_blank">2009 Twin Cities Marathon: 5766</a><br />
<a href="http://patsrunning.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-first-marathon.html" target="_blank">2008 Rock N Roll Arizona Marathon: 10100</a><br />
2013 New York City Marathon: 70071<br />
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<br />Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-610517155715166312013-10-21T10:03:00.001-07:002013-11-15T16:15:50.751-08:00Thirteen DaysThirteen days until I'm running in the New York City Marathon.<br />
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On Saturday I woke up with a sore right knee. My knees never give me an issue. By Sunday afternoon I could barely walk and I was thinking my marathon was over before I had a chance to start. A DNS. I iced and drugged it and now on Monday my knee feels way better.<br />
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My last run was on Wednesday. Five days ago. I need to decide if I will try a short run or give it one more day of rest. I'll see how it feels as the day goes on.<br />
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This year has been packed with running, but not racing. In February I ran in the Diamondbacks Race Against Cancer 5k. My time wasn't spectacular. Around 35 minutes, but it was faster than I thought it would be.<br />
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In April I found out I was accepted in the NYC Marathon. I had applied three times, lost out in the lottery three times and therefore was automatically accepted for 2013. This rule is going away after next year.<br />
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I started training and avoiding processed foods. My mileage for April was less than 20 miles. I weighed over 250 lbs. I got my mileage up to over 35 in May, over 60 in June, 80+ in July, About 85 in August and over 100 in September. My weight went down to around 220 today. My long runs went from 8 up to 18 miles. I was very conservative in not adding mileage to quickly and only doing a long run every other week. I didn't do a Higdon plan or a Pfitz. It was my own plan.<br />
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Yesterday I was thinking if we should cancel the trip all together or go to NYC, but watch the marathon. Today, I'm thinking I'll run and finish the darn thing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ingnycmarathon.org/images/pdf/INGNYCM13_Course_Map_ForWeb.pdf">NYC Marathon course</a><br />
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(Is anyone out there? Yeah, I know I haven't posted on my blog since October of 2011. I don't expect any readers, but I do want to start documenting my running history again.)Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-10314578244401806292011-10-30T20:13:00.000-07:002011-10-30T20:28:41.516-07:00A Zombie RunFinished my first audio book, The Great Bridge by David McCullough. I mean the first book I listened to while running. It's about the building of the Brooklyn Bridge in the late 19 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> century.<div><br /></div><div>A great book to read if you are into historical non fiction. Did you know john <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">roebling</span> designed the bridge and was going to be the chief engineer, but died from an industrial accident as they were beginning to build the Brooklyn side tower? So, his son took over, but was incapacitated by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">cassian's</span> disease or what we know as the bends. He lived for a long time after, but he could only continue his job with the aid of his wife, Emily. His wife, during a time when women didn't work in construction or engineering type jobs is credited for much of the work to get the great bridge built.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, for the past several runs I've been listening to this book. But, tonight was a new book full of zombies and army men. Called We're Alive by KC Wayland. I was so into it i made <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">a wrong</span> turn and added .4 miles onto my run.</div><div><br /></div><div>My weekly totals have been around 10-12 miles and I'll soon have it up to 15-20 miles. Then I can work on getting a tad faster.</div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-16528999045784395172011-10-22T19:48:00.000-07:002011-10-22T19:59:13.524-07:00The Great BridgeAs part of my Pilgrimage this year is my use of audio books. My plan was to download audio books onto my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ipod</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nano</span> from the library. I've listened to a few on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ipad</span> and really enjoyed them. Alas, my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ipod</span> won't take library books. It'll only take books from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Itunes</span>. My <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ipad</span> is too big to take on a run, so I bought a book for my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nano</span>. I'm working on getting library books on my wife's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Itouch</span>. That I can run with.<br /><br />So, tonight I ran listening to "The Great Bridge" by David McCullough. It's the history of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge in the late 1800's. If McCullough wrote a book about the invention of vacuum cleaners or headbands, I'd read it. He's that good. Loved "1776" and "John Adams". Really loved "The Greater Journey, Americans in Paris". This book seems to be a good one too.<br /><br />Plus, it distracts me from the aches of my run. I got in 3 miles tonight and 12 miles in the last 7 days. I'm still not running the entire run, but each time out I run a bit further before I transition into a run/walk to finish the run.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-60780725880031647262011-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:002011-10-14T11:39:37.731-07:00Pilgrimage 51<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Today is 24 days before I start my "Pilgrimage 51". A year of eating healthy, running stronger and living life to the fullest.</span><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I'm in my pre pilgrimage stage. No, I won't take this year to the road like a typical pilgrimage. I'll be doing life right here in Arizona. In 24 days I will be celebrating my 50th birthday, but I won't wait to start doing the right things until then. I've already started.<br /><br />This week I've gotten four runs in. A 3 miler and 3 two milers. Each one has been better than the last. I've also started a "Gorilla Workout" program. It's a free app on my Ipad that is basically calistenics without any weights or tools needed.<br /><br />This blog will touch on three things for the next year.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. My running and fitness activities.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. My food life. Eating better, eating less and eating adventurously.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. My Adventure leisure side. Whether it's playing softball or vintage base ball or hiking a mountain; I plan to enjoy life.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">It's gonna be a great year!</span><br /></div></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-58208824078171395502011-01-17T16:25:00.000-08:002011-01-17T17:25:31.580-08:002011 PF Chang's Rock N Roll Half MarathonI didn't run this summer. Fitness wise I gave almost everything I earned over the past four years back. I gained 42 pounds. I lost the ability to even run a half mile. I went back on my cholesterol medicine.<br /><br />Then in October I ran. I walked and I ran some more. 2 miles a day, six times a week. I got to the point I could run a mile non stop. In December I was up to run/walking 3 or 4 miles, five days a week. Slow progress. I dropped from 252 pounds to 242. Then, to 236 before the race.<br /><br />The new year arrived, but I wasn't ready for a 5k, let alone a half marathon. I was resigned to skipping the PF Chang's Half Marathon. Four days before the race, the media started telling stories of some of the runners. A guy that lost 70 pounds and others. I wanted to run. I wanted to run with all the others in the half marathon.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShdYoJiBrpON38azPg8wnZUQYskN2R-qK-KA6aTN27oOQK8jFVvWMRBiKJaioqNpdQjXKMpuPZ8_24nomrqIBtiXmvuMMRyEHInq8s4o7YDFgkhhe17h9ynKglzR_S7FAvFDV/s1600/P1040306.JPG"><br /></a>Could I? My longest run was a 5 mile run/walk. No where near the 13.1 miles I needed. If I slowed down, could I run/walk the first half and walk the rest?<br /><br />I felt I could do that. It didn't matter how fast.<br /><br />Sunday morning arrived and off I went. I brought my cell phone and another camera so I could document the day. I was part runner, part spectator. I took the light rail down and got to chat with several runners heading the same way. I arrived at the race about 10 minutes before the elites would start. I've always wanted to see a race start, so I didn't get in a corral with thousands of other racers. Instead I was about 50 yards in front of the start line. See the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqv1cdMHffE">youtube start</a>.<br /><br />I watched as corral 1 and 2 went. Then I decided that I didn't really need to get in a corral, I would just start running from there. I figured if my garmin didn't reach 13.1 miles, I would do a loop on the course before I headed into the finish shoot. Wouldn't that be a site to see.<br /><br />I hit start on my garmin and followed corral 2. Saw a couple Elvi's running. Saw a homeless man with shopping cart cheering on runners. It takes about 2 miles to get out of the downtown area. I stopped to take some pictures along the way. The first mile was at an 11:48 pace. A few minutes slower than in other half marathons. I was hoping I'd do a bunch of 12 minute miles to start.<br /><br />Mile 2: 13:08<br />Mile 3: 13:17<br />Mile 4: 13:51<br /><br />The slower miles were due to me not being ready for a half marathon. It's like I did the four day Couch to Half Marathon plan. Just not a good idea. Now, I was taking lots of pictures and posting them on tumblr while I walked.<br /><br />I was having a good time, enjoying the spectacle that is the Rock N Roll race series. I had no time goal.<br /><br />Mile 5: 14:28<br />Mile 6: 14:08<br />Mile 7: 13:54<br />Mile 8: 14:41<br />Mile 9: 15:13<br /><br />Since I started real early I found that a lot, and I mean a lot of runners were passing me. I think I might have seen 90% of the half marathoners. I saw two guys dressed as bumble bees. I saw two gals playing air guitar to the music as they ran with blow up instruments. I saw one girl fall on her face, but she quickly got up. I saw two different runners in extreme pain. I guess they should have done my four day training program. But, each mile was getting longer. I was getting a bit more tired.<br /><br />Mile 10: 15:54<br />Mile 11: 16:49<br />Mile 12: 14:48<br />Mile 13: 16:20<br /><br />But, I kept marching on. Actually, I saw a guy in army fatigues, boots and carry a pack soldiering on. The race organizers have UPS trucks at the start that you can put your extra stuff in. The trucks drive to the finish, so you don't have to carry your stuff. So, I went up to the soldier and as we ran I pointed to his pack and told him they had UPS trucks for that. We both laughed. I told him thanks for his service, gave him a fist bump and we parted.<br /><br />Mile 13 was slow in part, because I was conserving my energy for running in front of the large finish crowd. And when I say conserving, I mean walking. I walked until I was close to the finish and then for the last 1/3 of a mile I ran in at an 11: 49 pace. You can see all my data at <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/workouts/b5f35f320df84f99a3996f53cc70dfc3">my RunningAhead.com site</a>.<br /><br />I finished 3:11 minutes after I started for a 14:38 pace. This was my 13th half marathon.<br /><br /><table id="ctl00_ctl00_PageContent_TrainingLogContent_EventList" class="DataList" cellspace="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody><tr class="alt"><td>10/25/2008</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">ymca half marathon - south mtn</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:43:25</td> <td class="TextRight">12:29</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>12/9/2007</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:27:41</td> <td class="TextRight">11:17</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <td>10/27/2007</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">ymca half marathon - south mtn</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:49:30</td> <td class="TextRight">12:57</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>10/7/2007</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">Casa Grande Half Marathon</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:34:49</td> <td class="TextRight">11:50</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td><br /></td> <td class="TextRight"><br /></td> <td class="TextRight"><br /></td> <td class="TextRight"><br /></td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>3/18/2007</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">Valley of Gold Half Marathon</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:42:53</td> <td class="TextRight">12:27</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <td>2/18/2007</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">Lost Dutchman Half Marathon</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:43:06</td> <td class="TextRight">12:28</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>1/14/2007</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">RnR Half Marathon Course</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:47:54</td> <td class="TextRight">12:50</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <td>/16/2011</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">RnR Half Marathon Course</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">3:11:33</td> <td class="TextRight">14:38</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>1/17/2010</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">RnR Half Marathon Course</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:49:52</td> <td class="TextRight">12:59</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <td>/15/2009</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">Lost Dutchman Half Marathon</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:19:47</td> <td class="TextRight">10:41</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>1/31/2009</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">Random Route</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:27:15</td> <td class="TextRight">11:15</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr class="alt"> <td>1/18/2009</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">RnR Half Marathon Course</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:25:21</td> <td class="TextRight">11:06</td> <td class="Action"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td>12/14/2008</td> <td>Run</td> <td><div class="Course">Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon</div></td> <td>Race</td> <td class="TextRight">13.1 Mi</td> <td class="TextRight">2:32:36</td> <td class="TextRight">11:39</td></tr></tbody> </table><br />It was my slowest half marathon. It was slower than my fastest by almost an hour. I had a blast. I would have loved it if I walked the whole way. I won't lie to you. I would have loved running a 2 hour half even more. But, I loved getting it done.<br /><br />Now to lose some more weight and get ready for the next one.<br /><br />Pictures:<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CB6qBTsvDcW7_P2uRQDxgjCZkUKtYdUb0XmhJULogGjsDGfxXpsOAYwgVDF-VzUopRENiLbm-ssgxLFNSxOZWovQ9CabazzDTNcGQp-n5VnBzG5oJreOjhq0-4-RLAX4Q8qX/s1600/P1040300.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CB6qBTsvDcW7_P2uRQDxgjCZkUKtYdUb0XmhJULogGjsDGfxXpsOAYwgVDF-VzUopRENiLbm-ssgxLFNSxOZWovQ9CabazzDTNcGQp-n5VnBzG5oJreOjhq0-4-RLAX4Q8qX/s320/P1040300.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563329132022887378" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpvYI1wqIUMVtR_IJqUueNBD9VSRsahk5LyoAtpqPt-rj1xTnygysOjXQK9eX0WqX3Gks6RZ-o_9WsXn6kpboE8xulSqw-FTwERJbK5PX9JePBXwYTZU5XzzdListvnLSaQ9E/s1600/P1040302.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpvYI1wqIUMVtR_IJqUueNBD9VSRsahk5LyoAtpqPt-rj1xTnygysOjXQK9eX0WqX3Gks6RZ-o_9WsXn6kpboE8xulSqw-FTwERJbK5PX9JePBXwYTZU5XzzdListvnLSaQ9E/s320/P1040302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563329126226323442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAs1BzRyPII28DoVvr1w0rR4c6gvjimeOzq-6CuMiVRn1LjeGW9jBdk5d4mNS8tsxCmlXmMZ8XE6ExRi2HomUIvfddYJQy-a06OlLl90JkdzQMItqk0Qj3M89ASGTO9H5HaXHh/s1600/P1040303.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAs1BzRyPII28DoVvr1w0rR4c6gvjimeOzq-6CuMiVRn1LjeGW9jBdk5d4mNS8tsxCmlXmMZ8XE6ExRi2HomUIvfddYJQy-a06OlLl90JkdzQMItqk0Qj3M89ASGTO9H5HaXHh/s320/P1040303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563329121442511458" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm2YpQuyOfTqTA6kiXClTQUjN7l4Sb25fS9Oohi_DDSk29LUODJzYMk8TWUfm_wSu0MaMvOwxTUYrzsib_GMxEeLpNWwBTG4uGidAPI5lJ6_mRtgwFDYrVuLhPcJxKAzKDkpa/s1600/P1040304.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGm2YpQuyOfTqTA6kiXClTQUjN7l4Sb25fS9Oohi_DDSk29LUODJzYMk8TWUfm_wSu0MaMvOwxTUYrzsib_GMxEeLpNWwBTG4uGidAPI5lJ6_mRtgwFDYrVuLhPcJxKAzKDkpa/s320/P1040304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563329113453970290" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO55idkVVAW9BK2Hx8IUMwidCodqNqRoji7wQcMSNIeUMtAPXzIHUd7zpFH_OoB6yp5suP7S7_EAcPj7fGSDSYTL54gFHZRhznXPRW85XhZkk_WfOPCHprV9__FmcGgsUIi83/s1600/P1040305.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihO55idkVVAW9BK2Hx8IUMwidCodqNqRoji7wQcMSNIeUMtAPXzIHUd7zpFH_OoB6yp5suP7S7_EAcPj7fGSDSYTL54gFHZRhznXPRW85XhZkk_WfOPCHprV9__FmcGgsUIi83/s320/P1040305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563329108745585362" border="0" /></a>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-33598907687289548342010-04-11T13:22:00.000-07:002010-04-11T13:40:24.207-07:00A Twenty Mile week?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe4r5qpd5UZo7f97MDw_a7MgQh0EwHMRSDaVDFvMVFLo-f2xM9beEFZCFsqEEL6d1rM5PBTKugBXlOpGH-z6Oyj5MoB2Vluc_hQYN2COQsxy4FZs4usTb5mHx-Y02WddQTaXn/s1600/P1030322.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFe4r5qpd5UZo7f97MDw_a7MgQh0EwHMRSDaVDFvMVFLo-f2xM9beEFZCFsqEEL6d1rM5PBTKugBXlOpGH-z6Oyj5MoB2Vluc_hQYN2COQsxy4FZs4usTb5mHx-Y02WddQTaXn/s320/P1030322.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458982442992194594" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sitting at 19.4 miles for the week. They are walking/running miles, or what I call aggressive hiking.<br /><br />I've been reading a lot about the Pacific Crest Trail that goes from the Mexican border close to San Diego up thru Oregon and Washington and then past the Canadian border. 2,650 miles. And every year around this time, a few hundred people decide to hike it end to end. They're called <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thru Hikers</span>.<br /><br />It's pretty amazing. They take off from 5-6 months to do this journey. They hike thru desert, snowy mountains, rainforest and redwoods. They can climb Mt. Whitney (the highest point in the lower 48) as a bonus.<br /><br />I read about one Arizonians journey back in 2008. She came to within 100 miles of Canada, before she hurt her ankle and had to stop her journey. Amazing. You can read her journal at <a href="http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=208976">Pacific Crest Trail - Jellybean 2008</a>.<br /><br />Now, I'm following a couple from Houston that just started the PCT on Thursday. Read about <a href="http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=251502">Jim and Wendy</a>, as they head north. I'm also, reading about <a href="http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=299813">Tim from New Zealand </a>whose starting his journey later this month.<br /><br />On Wednesday, I plan to hike 10 miles in South Mountain Park, close to home. I wonder if I could do that for 150 days. That would get me a little over half way to Canada on the PCT.<br /><br />What's the furthest you've ever hiked?Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-21331849156362532962010-03-30T20:30:00.001-07:002010-03-30T20:38:13.835-07:00Work In ProgressRan with Alan Jackson tonight.<br /><br />2.5 miles. I'm running for 30 minutes at a time. I know I should be able to get more mileage than that, but I am what I am.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmyYkEHQoaIRk1oQd35l-uEGcb4XVgr6CQ5ahkcGdn6GWAbTI7zgBm7QELd2BSxC5ketxvKsKYjpcj3YJyGl8GWjWBx4cSjzuSuxu_oyH1AakJD2WWTZy4qSSXifObuVi7ECP/s1600/Archer+Farms+Blueberry+Granola.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmyYkEHQoaIRk1oQd35l-uEGcb4XVgr6CQ5ahkcGdn6GWAbTI7zgBm7QELd2BSxC5ketxvKsKYjpcj3YJyGl8GWjWBx4cSjzuSuxu_oyH1AakJD2WWTZy4qSSXifObuVi7ECP/s320/Archer+Farms+Blueberry+Granola.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454635410777828850" border="0" /></a>And today I'm a slow runner that likes to eat blueberry granola with flax from Target. It's so good, I know it must not be good for me.<br /><br />Had leftovers for lunch and dinner. See an earlier post and make your best guess. Today was day four with no soda. I did have an iced tea from Wendy's in the afternoon. With it, I got a free jr frosty. It's really small.Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-39779888631158444942010-03-28T20:24:00.000-07:002010-03-28T20:37:10.119-07:0013.5 Mile Week2.3 miles tonight. It's not high mileage and it's not fast mileage, but it's outdoors and it's enjoyable.<br /><br />I'm trying to be more concious of what I'm putting into the ole pie hole. So, I'm snapping pictures with my new palm pre. I just had to get a phone named after a runner.<br /><br />Anyway, Amy won a cheesecake at Albertson's. I had a small slice yesterday.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RQP3wU_Hfc1SoAPv4jdM_k8uj1GL3Sb3LmnQeShkcbKlxSNmPZvV6y2fncPPdKzSwUr7x_3vz9TmDLsktmooOJoDTp2eaVg82O15nuVHon2RmgAGiN-vNUA5xH5Wt-gOlmmq/s1600/CIMG0012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453891957979261826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4RQP3wU_Hfc1SoAPv4jdM_k8uj1GL3Sb3LmnQeShkcbKlxSNmPZvV6y2fncPPdKzSwUr7x_3vz9TmDLsktmooOJoDTp2eaVg82O15nuVHon2RmgAGiN-vNUA5xH5Wt-gOlmmq/s320/CIMG0012.jpg" /></a> I do like popcorn. Had some while we watched Charlotte Grey last night.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsRP4NEVaaiwMZz38ad8G0lFnBqGbzaOkp89smKh1NqruHlFQL9pqzkEdGzBPNqv7MFvlK2YLcTECko79zr1aQv8mXDgERj0I4kHJE43NKFXSMT8jmiob0bQtaTt2d0eoxB2x/s1600/CIMG0011.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453891952937172978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsRP4NEVaaiwMZz38ad8G0lFnBqGbzaOkp89smKh1NqruHlFQL9pqzkEdGzBPNqv7MFvlK2YLcTECko79zr1aQv8mXDgERj0I4kHJE43NKFXSMT8jmiob0bQtaTt2d0eoxB2x/s320/CIMG0011.jpg" /></a> Dinner yesterday was a baked chicken breast, broccoli, three cherry tomatoes and some fruit (bananas and straberries). The bowl to the right was some kind of spicy stuff Amy wipped up. Oh, and that's a homemade roll. Part whole wheat and part white flour. It taste much better than it looks. I forgot to take a picture of tonights dinner. We had a salad, spaghetti with a little bit of chicken and a broccoli salad. I helped make it. I diced onion, grated cheese and made a sweet and sour mayo mix. It had sugar and vinegar in it. Tasted great. We used half the amount of mayo and sugar that the recipe called for.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTosKt_MqdIVf5ny8PoNP8ak_UjHCIA5BYvys7naV9aFySD4TJjbB2QhJn46juSIPGmudmiyzAgtq6ZS0KRaYl4CCBvu0qtZbqEuwJrHhv1zktKXhj0kfPfMAoYDUEuwprZRTQ/s1600/CIMG0010.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453891941811987026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTosKt_MqdIVf5ny8PoNP8ak_UjHCIA5BYvys7naV9aFySD4TJjbB2QhJn46juSIPGmudmiyzAgtq6ZS0KRaYl4CCBvu0qtZbqEuwJrHhv1zktKXhj0kfPfMAoYDUEuwprZRTQ/s320/CIMG0010.jpg" /></a><br />Lunch yesterday and today was left over Mostocholi. One bowl was for me and one was for Emily.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5sQ0UC3PTn_TiWBqPUQIccK8hejF1_YvCdSzzbhSUvCTHKNM80gPbPsPG_DUupXaPl2eaoXLrwh3tLb_9BeiAdYUVTwdkcJ5wlexw0X__R_UGlgH-rN6Px-p7wjsMd-tRbjO/s1600/CIMG0009.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453891932393913522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5sQ0UC3PTn_TiWBqPUQIccK8hejF1_YvCdSzzbhSUvCTHKNM80gPbPsPG_DUupXaPl2eaoXLrwh3tLb_9BeiAdYUVTwdkcJ5wlexw0X__R_UGlgH-rN6Px-p7wjsMd-tRbjO/s320/CIMG0009.jpg" /></a><br />Not pictured were a hand full of cashews, three sugar cookies (small ones) and one myoplex (after tonites run). Breakfast was a bowl of Target blueberry granola cereal with milk.</div><div> </div><div>NO SODAS FOR TWO STRAIGHT DAYS.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-13752878163112605672010-03-27T10:01:00.001-07:002010-03-27T10:16:06.467-07:00The Joy of Running<div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMr1cSvsJUMn1AJP9Eo8jSO67YVymxzwgs3qzuq-PpYZSivit7MVb1j0wBKTIPu921Dkg9GP7fOrR0sYXi-gJZScV71ruMAEnlB3tm-85EKuKz2KlS0VQAyJe8uFOM-UhDL3V/s1600/Steak+Billboard.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453361813135662306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMr1cSvsJUMn1AJP9Eo8jSO67YVymxzwgs3qzuq-PpYZSivit7MVb1j0wBKTIPu921Dkg9GP7fOrR0sYXi-gJZScV71ruMAEnlB3tm-85EKuKz2KlS0VQAyJe8uFOM-UhDL3V/s320/Steak+Billboard.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Ran another 2.4 miles last night. My 'joy of running' is high, even though my 'endurance' is low. 11.2 miles done for the week. That includes lots of walking/scrambling in South Mountain park on Thursday.<br /></div><div>Did anyone watch Food Revolution on ABC? Jaimy Oliver (The Naked Chef) has come over from the British Empire and is trying to help the fine folks of West Virginia eat less fried food and road kill. So, the Monahan's of Arizona plan to start eating a lot better too. Less refined sugars and more whole foods. I'll try to document our progress here. With pictures. </div><br /><br /><div>So, your job is to be brutally honest with me. Like, "Pat, I don't think a Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen for five days in a row is what you planned" or "Pat, that salmon bake with brown rice looked awful, how'd you eat it?"</div><br />Now, this is a meal. Maybe cut that steak up into three meals, less potatos and more veggies. Bon Appetit!<br /><br /><div></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 305px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453362163691776674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjry8WoUBWS1xN7QL_7_D_1HypYtgfUg7Oyxw9UWL6enKZrtx4rUGx_FpiJVDhYJ6ZOCiv59FiobRX0Jde-e7DDp2rN7iu2j4CANyITAfaXe_UYYDh4w6K0BhjnxMG7wTrSlpTk/s320/steak_toscano_6540.jpg" />Of course this was my breakfast.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453363272924483298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqXqEaFq7KXN8Q6oFFcpDIhspRR208MIptx3XyLafj1LM04U9vJO624rG9Ad_890bM6S8gn2yx86rfEc4txIAyd1BMAEa5JeBH-XkUOcyt-SbI9m7Jk5t7WtljYtDJ1Cm0faQ/s320/banana1.jpg" /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-85759889444981237092010-03-25T21:32:00.001-07:002010-03-25T21:41:56.216-07:00Hiking Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWpe5py3q88pXxWU_l5aXGLOR6UgGTHgppFAi1MA3Be-t-HExk1m2L6fYwyANb5P3MXILHvkN-kHfB_u_IuJ21j2o7tBLTJMDYvRCHeqy-vs6ONVsjHcbgfZILU-zAJTjfRLk/s1600/P1030323.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452796541375220434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWpe5py3q88pXxWU_l5aXGLOR6UgGTHgppFAi1MA3Be-t-HExk1m2L6fYwyANb5P3MXILHvkN-kHfB_u_IuJ21j2o7tBLTJMDYvRCHeqy-vs6ONVsjHcbgfZILU-zAJTjfRLk/s320/P1030323.JPG" /></a> After two run days I took it easy with a hike in South Mountain. I started just before 5 pm, so I knew I'd have to turn around 2 miles in so that I could get back before it got to dark. I probably could have gone 3 miles.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcOF-OTFtLR7N9ge_XiMOGyg4awGW1TfULCd9GdvbQiQ_IpE-EQHZ4aopkgOH2mWjt3AjjUZyzNPnH-SC6rS0S-TQDZeIp8GI3IltjXCZeHIz0KoasMRNrtYhomjan_WX9uS2/s1600/P1030324.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452796532265949938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcOF-OTFtLR7N9ge_XiMOGyg4awGW1TfULCd9GdvbQiQ_IpE-EQHZ4aopkgOH2mWjt3AjjUZyzNPnH-SC6rS0S-TQDZeIp8GI3IltjXCZeHIz0KoasMRNrtYhomjan_WX9uS2/s320/P1030324.JPG" /></a> I ran into the park on Pima Canyon road, a sort of fire road. Then I hiked south in a dry wash. At this point I was all alone. I heard the occassional bee, which had me worried about swarms. About every 50-100 yards I would have to scramble up boulders - a dryfall that I imagine looks great after a heavy rain.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNywhLhFbx4R0HaHu7MlbSwCArxcrpx7nKm5biyjNys0TvWnL7DRWTdVz8GV_g9ky0cLW7rdBHKhUHmNuf6Ty3P7twxejlGKV75RWR5OIUhndDeOGfDFqsV6iTXr6X86b2qACo/s1600/P1030325.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452796528496100082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNywhLhFbx4R0HaHu7MlbSwCArxcrpx7nKm5biyjNys0TvWnL7DRWTdVz8GV_g9ky0cLW7rdBHKhUHmNuf6Ty3P7twxejlGKV75RWR5OIUhndDeOGfDFqsV6iTXr6X86b2qACo/s320/P1030325.JPG" /></a> Hopefully next week, I can do this again and get deeper into the park to were the rock tunnels are. Below are some maps of my day. I traveled about 3.7 miles.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdtMzaATrHlMxWZNDV64hQvQajnuhh4v9EEZpx0dnrJZEO0gnXKbbrTl3BR7IZxFY-eZbAair2vGXg8ymIJJebYbP-cgR7uynlds0pEAYaUE7IN0thiBycQsbumd4shLqskMX/s1600/South+Mountain+Trail+-East+Entrance2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452796514330706930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdtMzaATrHlMxWZNDV64hQvQajnuhh4v9EEZpx0dnrJZEO0gnXKbbrTl3BR7IZxFY-eZbAair2vGXg8ymIJJebYbP-cgR7uynlds0pEAYaUE7IN0thiBycQsbumd4shLqskMX/s320/South+Mountain+Trail+-East+Entrance2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeegeFsapI3HrssZ8AxQZLNR1rn4EPCMdrwrz7jjQRUK0OS0bi6Wf-tbuzwYPu-BYusJx3VRHaGg2S89RErKHXMOkv27n_SMWGvLHgqQkxsKYmGpOrT_0Il64Mi7hIW1LiWu2/s1600/South+Mtn+to+Hidden+Valley.bmp"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452796513605727778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVeegeFsapI3HrssZ8AxQZLNR1rn4EPCMdrwrz7jjQRUK0OS0bi6Wf-tbuzwYPu-BYusJx3VRHaGg2S89RErKHXMOkv27n_SMWGvLHgqQkxsKYmGpOrT_0Il64Mi7hIW1LiWu2/s320/South+Mtn+to+Hidden+Valley.bmp" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-36485934835486103912010-03-24T20:14:00.000-07:002010-03-24T20:30:33.131-07:00Pirate On The Run2nd day of running. 2.56 miles in 30 minutes listening to one artist the whole time. Can you guess which one from the title?<br /><br />If you like the Artist guessing game, go over and say hi to <a href="http://magazinesmiles.blogspot.com/">Magazine Smiles</a>. Where every post is a song title and you get to guess who the artist is. If you don't know music that well, just keep answering the same band and eventually Irene will throw you a bone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JudQszJhOsI">Answer to title question</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnQgphDXOXU">Or my daughter would like this version.</a>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-58570514332941757962010-03-23T19:39:00.000-07:002010-03-23T19:53:03.695-07:0027 Days Ago<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">27 Days ago . . . I was a runner.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Today, I am a runner again.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">January thru April is a busy time for REALTORS in Arizona and I got to the point that I was too tired to run.</span> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Around February 24th, I got really busy. 2 days turned into 5, which turned into 20 and then 27. I learned that when you quit running you start seeing loads of people running. I'd be in my car with clients driving in Scottsdale, Chandler or Gilbert and I'd see someone running down the road. One moment I'm explaining short sales and the next I'm rubber necking watching the runners go by. I half expected my clients to start snapping their fingers telling me to "Focus, Pat Focus."</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The good news. 27 days off and 1 pound gained. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So, tonight I got out and ran for 30 minutes. I ran some, I walked some. 2.46 miles later I was done and I loved it. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The NYC Marathon lottery has not happened yet. It won't until April 7th. But, today I start training for the NYC Marathon that will take place on November 7th, 2010. My 49th Birthday. The plan is to be under 200 pounds for that marathon and to run it in under 5 hours. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">And Tomorrow I will be a runner again.</span></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-6182216408818597212010-02-07T14:08:00.000-08:002010-02-07T14:16:48.124-08:00Running past the kids<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqSgMJ8HVbnjo3BQQI0jymEY5P6RqQu-i2iBqukbvAqkr_yCTkGvlm3DpJcB5gTTZFmVuOTiZIeYjaxYFAk7mKjVaBz1Twp7DotWdo-6Z1nY4XEkAryl9VK2ZV0-zL_v9Wd55/s1600-h/100_2963.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435627435514638338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqSgMJ8HVbnjo3BQQI0jymEY5P6RqQu-i2iBqukbvAqkr_yCTkGvlm3DpJcB5gTTZFmVuOTiZIeYjaxYFAk7mKjVaBz1Twp7DotWdo-6Z1nY4XEkAryl9VK2ZV0-zL_v9Wd55/s320/100_2963.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>There's two things I do when I run to Desert Breeze Lake from my house. I tap my 26.2 decal when I'm done and I tap the shoe of this statue.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZUi7VEJD-WJN55-faDrvjkhN9oXkiSNYbyoIzbzYueSLpp-QD5oum0Wv-SH2C6tpYDnTSYuJW3usxA6N_60Tt0xNSGRj3CnOr9zsVeewdu0ea0YcdSs0I4XSaoZo1_LJDOQM/s1600-h/CIMG0011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435627091905706818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZUi7VEJD-WJN55-faDrvjkhN9oXkiSNYbyoIzbzYueSLpp-QD5oum0Wv-SH2C6tpYDnTSYuJW3usxA6N_60Tt0xNSGRj3CnOr9zsVeewdu0ea0YcdSs0I4XSaoZo1_LJDOQM/s320/CIMG0011.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's kids playing on a log. I saw a similar statue just north of the Metrodome in Minneapolis after my marathon. It reminds me to enjoy the moment. Today I got in a 3.2 mile run. The fifth run this week. </div><div> </div><div>When I ran this way yesterday I left a dollar bill in a tree. See it in the picture below?<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP25abqORH_vIAKM7sPk0bS_tcjOI4ZKtHB-vv5Yi0v8mnUnGeSZV5UpX-3SnCsy6P-aitBh2rkaKe2yKt0rIbVD2mDyodNUYQCTyXPbufn961nFMH7Xwi6Fw9wsMVXlfoCohK/s1600-h/CIMG0009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435627083232387394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP25abqORH_vIAKM7sPk0bS_tcjOI4ZKtHB-vv5Yi0v8mnUnGeSZV5UpX-3SnCsy6P-aitBh2rkaKe2yKt0rIbVD2mDyodNUYQCTyXPbufn961nFMH7Xwi6Fw9wsMVXlfoCohK/s320/CIMG0009.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's a gift for someone. But no one's seen it yet. This sidewalk isn't used much. Just runners, walkers and snot nosed kids with their skateboards. Or you, just go on down to Desert Breeze Parkway for your very own dollar bill.</div><div> </div><div>Indianapolis 35 New Orleans 21. What's your guess?<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-77821869110829597072010-02-06T13:02:00.001-08:002010-02-06T13:40:08.987-08:00My Favorite Places to Run Near Home<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfyF_u_yQ6nphKM9nh545Oi9wAQtu66vYacGOPL7XdcannLTV2iYzEv-ZfqV6IaJOUGTNz_r5RHTM5VUWfM9UB33ZOgvkisWT-keCNnGqKb6CXyDjmKyGvpJbZhrY4KS0t29E/s1600-h/PP_010909_004.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435248294356720194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfyF_u_yQ6nphKM9nh545Oi9wAQtu66vYacGOPL7XdcannLTV2iYzEv-ZfqV6IaJOUGTNz_r5RHTM5VUWfM9UB33ZOgvkisWT-keCNnGqKb6CXyDjmKyGvpJbZhrY4KS0t29E/s320/PP_010909_004.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqncW3PoBB1u2BHiG_sJqsoFf-jpvsAzJMI30Us9rVvxKft0AgQsi-IRaaqOBjOkuG3T4OB2iflDGdjksUJg1wbqZNjTw8K1kmmPPEz01kWwj3IWG5sesuvGDhBIO6L3kCnrm/s1600-h/100_3252.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435248289110094178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqncW3PoBB1u2BHiG_sJqsoFf-jpvsAzJMI30Us9rVvxKft0AgQsi-IRaaqOBjOkuG3T4OB2iflDGdjksUJg1wbqZNjTw8K1kmmPPEz01kWwj3IWG5sesuvGDhBIO6L3kCnrm/s320/100_3252.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I mean like within a 20 minute drive of my front door. If you click on them for a map you can toggle between the map and an aerial view.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>1. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/workouts/68d29fae0d764051bf7e4203f648c8cb/map">From my house to Desert Breeze Lake and back. 3.5-5 miles.</a></div><br /><br /><div>2. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/59279f71a89a40ba84dcd3ceb1241c42">My One mile loop that I began running back in 2006.</a></div><br /><br /><div>3. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/cae8992c42e34de3b7f5b7e4de962fa6">The canals in south Tempe.</a> Or this <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/94a2c4ce84ff48ab8b4d530ec7462ba7">way too.</a></div><br /><br /><div>4. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/dbe55d9c26e14017b42cf2fdcb125a8a">Mt. Chandler or the landfill they made into a park. </a>1 mile loop.</div><br /><br /><div>5. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/961a9e49f6434667b3f316b13df0ca9d">The Paseo Trail Canal system in south Chandler.</a></div><br /><br /><div>6. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/d551bb80df82488b88e90ac7631d2ef6">South Mountain - 48th Street entrance.</a></div><br /><br /><div>7. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/0985290fcdc9464d9c9c495ef3027dd7">Kiwanis Park, site of my first ever race.</a></div><br /><br /><div>8. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/e70867d41b1049c7aedecf2723a00cc4">Tempe Town Lake.</a></div><br /><br /><div>9. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/7ca1020291ce4428a885028484faff39">Gilbert Trail from the dog park past Agritopia to Power Road.</a></div><br /><br /><div>10. <a href="http://www.runningahead.com/logs/26ac7b9e5b854406a0dea424ec20da44/courses/cdc685b59be24f68a44c938a9dd1f918">Freestone Park with three different canals to run on.</a></div></div>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32027560.post-68495298689548526842010-02-03T18:48:00.000-08:002010-02-03T18:56:14.556-08:00A message on RunningAheadI got a message on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">RunningAhead</span>. I didn't even know you could leave messages. Here it is:<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">hi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">meepmeep</span>!<br />have you been running much?<br />okay, i admit, i <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">haven'tbeen</span> running much, and the farthest i can run is 0.625 mile.<br />how are u doing?<br />i am fine. since you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">probbaly</span> have more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">expirience</span> running then i do, can you tell me about it?<br />i mean like what do you do before and after you run?<br />like that stuff. thanks!ha ha the smiley faces.<br />not to be rude, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">butyou</span> don't have to answer the questions. i just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">wantto</span> get to know you more.<br />1. well first, are you a boy or a girl.<br />2. what is your favorite hobby?<br />3. and uh,when you run, do you have to eat certain things?<br />well first,<br />1. i am a girl,<br />2. my most favorite hobby is ice skating,<br />3. and uh, i am no.</span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">After I reply, if you don't hear from me for for awhile you can send me mail to:</span><br /><br />Florence Correctional Facility<br />Cell 1002<br />Florence, AZ<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fortunately</span>, I have friends in there (Nick).<br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span>Pathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01582990912598134354noreply@blogger.com5