I'm a full three-and-a-half months into my marathon training program. Today, I actually ran 15.5 miles, or 25K.
Really.
I can hardly believe it myself. It's a testament to what the human body can adapt to. I had never run more than 6 miles before starting with Round Rock Fit in late August. Now, I can actually run 15.5 miles. I probably could have run further, to be honest -- not that I wanted to, believe me.
But the program has lived up to its billing. Slowly and steadily, we've increased the milage, most notably for the Saturday long runs. The program works like this: Monday is an easy run (ranging from 30-40 minutes), Tuesday is track repeats or hill repeats, Wednesday is a cross training day (no running, but swimming or biking), and Thursday is a tempo run. And Saturday is the long run. It's similar to the Run Less, Run Faster program I followed this summer when training for my first 5K.
The first long run was 3 miles. I remember struggling with it -- it was late August, early September and still hot, hot, hot here in Central Texas. We've more or less added a mile each Saturday since then, though some weeks we've dialed back the miles, and some weeks we upped it.
This week we upped it. We did 13 miles last week, and as noted above 15.5 miles today. Today was a benchmark run, which I think means if you've made it this far you get the T-shirt. And a very nice technical T it is!
The only time I had to walk was the first time we ran 10 miles. Getting to double digits got in my head, I think, and that's not uncommon. Since then, the only time I've walked is to refill my water bottle from the coolers strategically placed on the training course. It's amazing how much I still sweat, even when it's in the mid-40s.
And so, a few minutes ago I formally registered for the Livestrong Austin Marathon. For $139, I'll have the opportunity to realize my midlife crisis and complete a marathon. I love that it raises funds for cancer research, and I will run in memory of my father and mother, both of whom died from cancer. I suddenly miss them both very much having written those words. My dad was 61 when his prostate cancer metastasized and took his life; mom was a 40-year survivor who died in 2010 at 75 after her cancer returned. I can't help but believe they'll be cheering for me as I run the race.
I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. The training has been terrific, and the only days I've missed have been when I've been under the weather.
So far, this has been an experience I would recommend to anyone -- approaching midlife or not. Even though I've developed plantar fasciitis in my left foot, it hasn't been so bad to keep me from running. It's more annoying than anything. But perhaps that's for another post.
Thanks for reading, and let me know if there's anything about this you're curious about.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Let the midlife crisis now officially begin
I joined a marathon training program and picked up my information packet yesterday. So now it's official: I've lost my mind.
I've paid my $100 to Round Rock Fit, a six-month training program that will prepare me body and soul for the Austin Livestrong Marathon in February. Further evidence of mental deterioration (I know, like more evidence is really needed): I bought a new pair of expensive running shoes as well as an even more expensive (though on sale!) running watch.
So now, dear reader, I'm more committed than ever. This blog was an important first step. Next was following a training program and actually participating in a 5K. I ran a second 5K on my birthday, and it was a lot more fun. It was the 5K for Clay, which benefits the Clay Madsen Recreation Center, where I exercise a lot. I got to see a lot of fellow City employees, and my in-laws even showed up to cheer me on!
The kickoff event for Round Rock Fit on Saturday was really cool. Again, got to see some friends from work -- all of whom are coaching various groups -- and the real treat was the speech by USA Fit co-founder Denis Calabrese. He talked about why he started the organization (while there are a ton of places to take tennis lessons or golf lessons, there wasn't any place for running lessons), related spot-on what we newbies were experiencing that day, and then related what we would be feeling as went through our training and then on the day of our first marathon.
Bottom line: this training program will prepare your body for the rigors of the race, but more importantly it will prepare your mind for the event. Your mind will lie to your body, he said, telling it that it's time to quit when you've got plenty left in the tank. If he said it once, he said it ten times in various ways: this is a mental challenge.
So for a guy so obviously mentally challenged as I am, this should be a piece of cake ...
I've paid my $100 to Round Rock Fit, a six-month training program that will prepare me body and soul for the Austin Livestrong Marathon in February. Further evidence of mental deterioration (I know, like more evidence is really needed): I bought a new pair of expensive running shoes as well as an even more expensive (though on sale!) running watch.
So now, dear reader, I'm more committed than ever. This blog was an important first step. Next was following a training program and actually participating in a 5K. I ran a second 5K on my birthday, and it was a lot more fun. It was the 5K for Clay, which benefits the Clay Madsen Recreation Center, where I exercise a lot. I got to see a lot of fellow City employees, and my in-laws even showed up to cheer me on!
The kickoff event for Round Rock Fit on Saturday was really cool. Again, got to see some friends from work -- all of whom are coaching various groups -- and the real treat was the speech by USA Fit co-founder Denis Calabrese. He talked about why he started the organization (while there are a ton of places to take tennis lessons or golf lessons, there wasn't any place for running lessons), related spot-on what we newbies were experiencing that day, and then related what we would be feeling as went through our training and then on the day of our first marathon.
Bottom line: this training program will prepare your body for the rigors of the race, but more importantly it will prepare your mind for the event. Your mind will lie to your body, he said, telling it that it's time to quit when you've got plenty left in the tank. If he said it once, he said it ten times in various ways: this is a mental challenge.
So for a guy so obviously mentally challenged as I am, this should be a piece of cake ...
Sunday, July 17, 2011
First 5K race is in the books
And it's nothing to write home about.
But write about it I must. When last we visited, I had completed week 3 of my 12-week training program to prep for my first 5K. I was hitting my pace time targets and was pretty pumped. This was about mid-May.
So by the time mid-July rolls around, and it's time to run this 5K I've been training so diligently for, my per-mile time in the race is ... slower than my per-mile time from week 3! My official finishing time was 33 minutes, 22.7 seconds. (Official race results here.) In May, I ran 3 miles in 30.27.
Now, there's no question I'm in better shape -- I've shed over 11 pounds since starting this blog -- and I can now run 5 miles without feeling like I'm about to die.
So what gives?
All I can think of is, it's the heat. There's no question running in the heat is much tougher. I remember early posts where I note how chilly it is and how that made the running easier. We'll, now that temps have risen to even hotter than normal in these parts this summer (30 days or so of triple-digit heat), there's no doubt the heat -- and Saturday for sure, the humidity -- has taken a toll on my times.
Of course, yesterday morning, the day of Vern's No Frills 5K, it actually rained before the race and thus it was even more humid than normal. How cruel, because it hasn't rained hardly at all this summer. Ah, so what. I entered the race, got my little runner's bib, pinned it on and finished. So, according to the late running guru Dr. George Sheehan, I've now officially made the transition from jogger to runner (the difference being a completed entry form).
What's more, I ran into friend and work colleague Emsud Horozovic at the race. To know Emsud is to love him. An always-cheerful Bosnian, Emsud is the City's official "tree hugger," i.e., arborist. He always addresses me as "Sir William" (Seer Veelyam! in his Slavic accent). I don't know why he calls me that but how can you not love someone who addresses you like royalty? He passed me early in the race (I secretly hoped my superior training program would have me passing him later in the race) and he finished three minutes before I did (nope!). We chatted for a while afterward. I can see us running on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail together on Saturdays since he lives close to it, too. Like me, he prefers crushed granite to pavement to run on.
For a people watcher like me, the race was absolutely fascinating. All shapes and sizes, ages and ability levels. You could pick out the serious runners pretty easily (no shirts, no body fat), there were a few heavyset folks and everything in between. I was surprised by the handful of kids -- nearly all of whom whipped me, but good. An 11-year-old girl finished in 24.14 for crying out loud!
What really irked me (and will propel future training efforts) is the folks who looked like they weren't in as good as shape as me who beat me -- easily. There were the two pear-shaped guys who ran shirtless and finished in the top 20-30. I wonder how fast they could go if they gave up the beer? And there was one particular woman who looked like she was in her late 30s, maybe early 40s, who, judging by the size of her, ah, lower body, looked like she hadn't missed many desserts over the years. I was behind her as we walked from the parking lot to the registration desk. There was no way in hell I would have guessed she would finish ahead of me. She did, and by a bunch.
Being humbled is always a good thing for me, so I obviously had a great experience at the race. I'm motivated to keep on truckin', to gradually build to greater distances. This running is my veins now. It feels so good to finish a run. It also feels good to have my slacks fitting so loose (some dress shirts, too).
I can only hope my times improve once it cools off this fall. Until then, I'll keep on, slow and steady. Just hopefully not always this slow.
But write about it I must. When last we visited, I had completed week 3 of my 12-week training program to prep for my first 5K. I was hitting my pace time targets and was pretty pumped. This was about mid-May.
Now, there's no question I'm in better shape -- I've shed over 11 pounds since starting this blog -- and I can now run 5 miles without feeling like I'm about to die.
So what gives?
All I can think of is, it's the heat. There's no question running in the heat is much tougher. I remember early posts where I note how chilly it is and how that made the running easier. We'll, now that temps have risen to even hotter than normal in these parts this summer (30 days or so of triple-digit heat), there's no doubt the heat -- and Saturday for sure, the humidity -- has taken a toll on my times.
Of course, yesterday morning, the day of Vern's No Frills 5K, it actually rained before the race and thus it was even more humid than normal. How cruel, because it hasn't rained hardly at all this summer. Ah, so what. I entered the race, got my little runner's bib, pinned it on and finished. So, according to the late running guru Dr. George Sheehan, I've now officially made the transition from jogger to runner (the difference being a completed entry form).
What's more, I ran into friend and work colleague Emsud Horozovic at the race. To know Emsud is to love him. An always-cheerful Bosnian, Emsud is the City's official "tree hugger," i.e., arborist. He always addresses me as "Sir William" (Seer Veelyam! in his Slavic accent). I don't know why he calls me that but how can you not love someone who addresses you like royalty? He passed me early in the race (I secretly hoped my superior training program would have me passing him later in the race) and he finished three minutes before I did (nope!). We chatted for a while afterward. I can see us running on the Brushy Creek Regional Trail together on Saturdays since he lives close to it, too. Like me, he prefers crushed granite to pavement to run on.
For a people watcher like me, the race was absolutely fascinating. All shapes and sizes, ages and ability levels. You could pick out the serious runners pretty easily (no shirts, no body fat), there were a few heavyset folks and everything in between. I was surprised by the handful of kids -- nearly all of whom whipped me, but good. An 11-year-old girl finished in 24.14 for crying out loud!
What really irked me (and will propel future training efforts) is the folks who looked like they weren't in as good as shape as me who beat me -- easily. There were the two pear-shaped guys who ran shirtless and finished in the top 20-30. I wonder how fast they could go if they gave up the beer? And there was one particular woman who looked like she was in her late 30s, maybe early 40s, who, judging by the size of her, ah, lower body, looked like she hadn't missed many desserts over the years. I was behind her as we walked from the parking lot to the registration desk. There was no way in hell I would have guessed she would finish ahead of me. She did, and by a bunch.
Being humbled is always a good thing for me, so I obviously had a great experience at the race. I'm motivated to keep on truckin', to gradually build to greater distances. This running is my veins now. It feels so good to finish a run. It also feels good to have my slacks fitting so loose (some dress shirts, too).
I can only hope my times improve once it cools off this fall. Until then, I'll keep on, slow and steady. Just hopefully not always this slow.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Love, Actually
My son, Jake, left a note in my running log the other day. I had to share it because it absolutely made my day!
Hitting targets
Training is only half the equation. Diet completes it. Because we're in the Pascal season at church, my diet is back to pre-Lenten fare as noted in my April 30 post. I've tried not to go overboard with cheeseburgers and the like, but I know I should be a little more diligent about what I put in my body. Exercising definitely encourages better food choices. But when good friends invite you to Louis Mueller's for lunch, it would be rude to turn them down ...
OK, here's the rundown on the last two week's running/training:
Monday, 5/2: Played 11 holes of wet, cold golf. Didn't exercise in the morning because I stayed up late watching the news of the Bin Laden killing.
Tuesday, 5/3: 3X400 track repeats, times were 2.12, 2.10 and 2.08, sandwiched between 10 minute warmup and cooldown runs. Did 10 minute ab routine, played hoops at lunch.
Wednesday, 5/4: 45 minutes on the stationary bike, avg 95 rpm
Thursday, 5/5: 3 miles, with a mid-tempo pace run as the middle mile. Times were 10.08, 9.50 (or 9.38 depending on whether my watch or the iPhone/Nike+ clock is right) and 9.40. Played 30 minutes of hoops at lunch.
Friday, 5/6: 45 minutes on the stationary bike, goal was 80 percent max heart rate, which translates into 95-100 rpm
Saturday, 5/7: Long run, 3 miles with goal of 10.10 per mile pace. Time was 30:27! Much better than the previous week. Did 10 minute ab routine afterward.
Sunday, 5/8: 45 minutes of stretching
Monday, 5/9:4X400 track repeats, times were 2.13, 2.12, 2.13 and 2.14, in between 10 minute warmup and cool down runs. Did 15 minutes of ab work afterward, followed by upper body strength training at lunch
Tuesday, 5/10: 45 minutes on the bike, same pace
Wednesday, 5/11: 3 miles on the treadmill (4.1 acc'd to Nike+, whatevs ...) with a pace mile in the middle of 10.0 minutes.
Thursday, 5/12: played an hour of hoops at lunch
Friday, 5/13: 45 minutes on the stationary bike, 95-100 rpm
Saturday, 5/14: long run of 3.5 miles in 35.34 -- right on my target pace! Yeah!
The next couple of weeks push a little farther, so stay tuned to see if we can stay on target.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Thank you and congrats, Dean Karnazes
Gotta give a quick shout out to the Ultramarathon Man, Dean Karnazes, who earlier today completed his Run Across America. He's spent the past 75 days running from Anaheim, Calif., to New York City.
The guy continues to inspire me to achieve my running goal, which seems tiny compared to his, though I know he wouldn't see it that way.
I've looked forward to reading the team's blog every night for the past two months. All I can say is, wow. That guy -- and his super team -- absolutely rock!
The guy continues to inspire me to achieve my running goal, which seems tiny compared to his, though I know he wouldn't see it that way.
I've looked forward to reading the team's blog every night for the past two months. All I can say is, wow. That guy -- and his super team -- absolutely rock!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Yes, I'm still running ... and eating!
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| Louis Mueller's photo |
Enough of the menu. Let's get to the meat of the training. Recall that I've started the 3plus2 training program (three specific runs per week, two days of cross training per week). Here's the lowdown since the last post:
Week of April 18
- Monday -- 3 miles total, 2X400 track repeats (2.18, 2.08), Ab Ripper X, then chest and back at the Rec Center at lunch. Track repeat work goes like this: Jog for 10 minutes to warm-up. Run 400 meters at 2:10 pace; walk 200 meters, then run another 400 meters at 2:10 pace; then jog for 10 minutes to cool down.
- Tuesday -- 45 minutes on the elliptical
- Wednesday -- 3.92 miles on the treadmill, 39.42 minutes.This was my tempo run, which for this week was 1 mile jog warm-up, 1 mile at 10.00 (the tempo), and 1 mile jog cool-down. Again, the treadmill and the Nike+ disagree on the distance. Treadmill said 3 miles. Nike+ said 3.92. Whatever, I was sweating like a pig when I finished.
- Thursday -- Played hoops for 30 minutes
- Friday -- The Rec Center was closed! Oops ... so much for 45 minutes on the stationary bike. Ah, well.
- Saturday -- 3 miles in 32.37. This was the long run for the week. Goal was a mid-tempo pace of 10.10 per mile. Fell short, obviously. Was 75 degrees and sunny. I actually had to walk for a couple hundred yards toward the end of the run. The heat definitely took a toll.
- Sunday -- Pascha, Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Week of April 25
- Monday -- 2.85 miles total. 2X400 track repeats (2.18, 2.09). Still working to nail the 2.10 goal pace. I'll say this about the track repeats: They definitely push you. The 2.10 pace leaves me sucking wind.
- Tuesday -- 20 minutes on the stationary bike. Does playing in a golf tournament that afternoon count as cross training? Didn't think so, but had a great time at the Downtown Lions annual fundraiser. Thanks to Mac Ragsdale and Betty Trent for the invite!
- Wednesday -- Either 4.09 miles (Nike+), or 3.0 miles (treadmill) for tempo run. Same 10.00 pace for the middle mile. Did some sit ups afterward.
- Thursday -- An hour of pickup hoops
- Friday -- 45 minutes on the stationary bike at 95-100 rpm.
- Saturday -- 3 miles in 32.03. Long run again, still shooting for 10.10 pace. Have no idea how close I am to hitting that pace. The Nike+ says I ran it in 32.03. Or was it 30:15 and I actually beat the pace? The information on the site is confusing. It gives split times (10.26, 10.48, 10.49) in one area, but on the chart that shows speed over time, it looks like I did 3 miles in 30.15 (10.23, 10.39. 9.53). What the hell? To add to my confusion, my watch had me at 31.52. Also did Ab Ripper X after the run, as punishment for Louis Mueller on lunch yesterday. Oh, but those ribs, brisket and chipotle sausage were worth it!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Getting with the (3plus2) program
Here's last week's exercise log:
Monday -- 2.9 miles on the treadmill
Tuesday -- 45 minutes on the elliptical
Wednesday -- 3.5 miles on the treadmill
Thursday -- Kenpo-Cardio X in the morning, 30 minutes of baskeball and 15 minutes on the elliptical at lunch
Friday -- Hour and a half of yoga in the morning, 45 minutes on the elliptical that afternoon (had to work through lunch)
Saturday -- 5.8K on the street/trail
Sunday -- An hour of X-Stretch joined by my son, Jake. He's definitely more flexible than his old man.
After my run Saturday, Lance Armstrong complimented me on finishing my longest run yet. And today he praised me for my fastest mile since joining NikeRunning.com. Which was a pretty cool surprise. Gotta love the Nike+ program.
Today was the first day of my structured running program, the 3Plus2, or FIRST, model developed by a couple of exercises profs at Furman University in South Carolina. The basic idea is you run three times a week, focusing on different aspects of running. The three "quality runs" are track repeats, the tempo run, and the long run, which are designed to work together to improve leg speed, lactate-threshold running pace and endurance. The benefits are fewer injuries, less time spent training but with improved results (hence the name of the book, Run Less, Run Faster), training variety, maximize potential, etc.
What I like is that the method has been scientifically tested and it works. What helps me is that I live a 5-minute walk away from a middle school track, so today's track repeats -- two 400-meter runs sandwiched between 10 minute jogs -- were easy to measure. Once around the track equals 400 meters. God, I love that kind of math!
The "plus 2" means you do other aerobic activity twice a week -- like rowing, stationary bike, swimming -- to improve cardiovascular fitness. It gives you plenty of time to recover from the runs.
The book is full of tables that show you how fast you should be running the repeats and tempo runs, based on your time in a 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon. I'm doing the 12-week intermediate 5K training program now. My 400K times are targeted at 2 minutes, 10 seconds, since I run a 30 minute 5K. Or, the slowest 5K time available on the charts in the book is 30 minutes, so that's what I'm using. My first 400K was 2:18, so I picked it up a bit for my second 400K and did 2:08.
It feels great to have a tested and true plan to follow. What this also means is, I should be signing up for a 5K race 12 weeks hence, since the running plans are all 12 weeks long and target a specific distance event. A quick check of the Run-Tex event page shows ... absolutely no races on July 9. However, there is the Vern's No Frills 5K on Georgetown on July 16. Sounds perfect. If there's ever been a no-frills runner, it's yours truly.
Monday -- 2.9 miles on the treadmill
Tuesday -- 45 minutes on the elliptical
Wednesday -- 3.5 miles on the treadmill
Thursday -- Kenpo-Cardio X in the morning, 30 minutes of baskeball and 15 minutes on the elliptical at lunch
Friday -- Hour and a half of yoga in the morning, 45 minutes on the elliptical that afternoon (had to work through lunch)
Saturday -- 5.8K on the street/trail
Sunday -- An hour of X-Stretch joined by my son, Jake. He's definitely more flexible than his old man.
After my run Saturday, Lance Armstrong complimented me on finishing my longest run yet. And today he praised me for my fastest mile since joining NikeRunning.com. Which was a pretty cool surprise. Gotta love the Nike+ program.
What I like is that the method has been scientifically tested and it works. What helps me is that I live a 5-minute walk away from a middle school track, so today's track repeats -- two 400-meter runs sandwiched between 10 minute jogs -- were easy to measure. Once around the track equals 400 meters. God, I love that kind of math!
The "plus 2" means you do other aerobic activity twice a week -- like rowing, stationary bike, swimming -- to improve cardiovascular fitness. It gives you plenty of time to recover from the runs.
The book is full of tables that show you how fast you should be running the repeats and tempo runs, based on your time in a 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon. I'm doing the 12-week intermediate 5K training program now. My 400K times are targeted at 2 minutes, 10 seconds, since I run a 30 minute 5K. Or, the slowest 5K time available on the charts in the book is 30 minutes, so that's what I'm using. My first 400K was 2:18, so I picked it up a bit for my second 400K and did 2:08.
It feels great to have a tested and true plan to follow. What this also means is, I should be signing up for a 5K race 12 weeks hence, since the running plans are all 12 weeks long and target a specific distance event. A quick check of the Run-Tex event page shows ... absolutely no races on July 9. However, there is the Vern's No Frills 5K on Georgetown on July 16. Sounds perfect. If there's ever been a no-frills runner, it's yours truly.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Week 3: Still running, though how far is a bit of a mystery
Well, I haven't decided on a 5K or 10K race yet, so I missed that goal last week. Excuse: Had to get the taxes done. That's a valid one, in my book.
So far, I've run twice this week, both times on a treadmill at the gym on my lunch break. Interesting how different the mileage is on the treadmill vs. the Nike+ monitor. According to Nike+, I did 3.5 miles today; the treadmill said 3.01, though I think I reset the treadmill after a minute or so. Still, a half-mile is pretty significant. I have no idea which one to trust. Monday's run was 2.96 miles, according to Nike+. Seems like the treadmill distance was about the same Monday. That was a different, newer treadmill, for what it's worth. That run included some variations on speed and some walking.
And for the record, did 45 minutes on the elliptical on Tuesday.
That's it for now. I want to write a post on the book I'm reading, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It is absolutely fascinating. Think I'll wait until I'm done with it.
I also want to write a post about St. Mary of Egypt. Father Aidan's homily on Sunday focused on the life of that amazing saint. I have a lot to learn from her and want to share her story with my non-Orthodox readers.
So far, I've run twice this week, both times on a treadmill at the gym on my lunch break. Interesting how different the mileage is on the treadmill vs. the Nike+ monitor. According to Nike+, I did 3.5 miles today; the treadmill said 3.01, though I think I reset the treadmill after a minute or so. Still, a half-mile is pretty significant. I have no idea which one to trust. Monday's run was 2.96 miles, according to Nike+. Seems like the treadmill distance was about the same Monday. That was a different, newer treadmill, for what it's worth. That run included some variations on speed and some walking.
And for the record, did 45 minutes on the elliptical on Tuesday.
That's it for now. I want to write a post on the book I'm reading, Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It is absolutely fascinating. Think I'll wait until I'm done with it.
I also want to write a post about St. Mary of Egypt. Father Aidan's homily on Sunday focused on the life of that amazing saint. I have a lot to learn from her and want to share her story with my non-Orthodox readers.
Friday, April 8, 2011
An early victory, and then trouble in the sack
Hey, I still know how to write a grabber headline!
Wednesday's time was 31.27 for what I think is 2.7 miles. The day off from running helped. Felt OK the whole run, and had enough left for a little kick at the finish. Hardest part by far was just getting out of bed. Man was my body/mind fighting the idea of waking up at 5 a.m. (who can blame it/them?). I craved another hour of sleep. You can run on the treadmill at lunch, said mind/body. Seriously, you need more sleep. Don't get out of bed! Sleep! Please!
But I dragged myself out of bed and ran and, of course, felt great when I finished. Did 10 minutes of ab exercises afterward.
So, on Wednesday morning, a victory.
And then ....
My lack of sleep this week caught up to me. On Wednesday at lunch, I did 45 minutes on the elliptical -- this, after my longest run so far that morning! So you think I'd be dead to world Wednesday night? Nope.
Not much better Thursday night, either, despite having played a solid hour of basketball at lunch and then walking for an hour that evening. I wanted to get up today (Friday) at 5 a.m. and do Yoga X, but just couldn't fight through the urge to sleep another hour. I like the Yoga because its 45 minutes of cardio and 45 minutes of stretching and you feel fantastic when its done. So at lunch I did 45 minutes on the elliptical and some ab work. Maybe some Yoga next Friday.
Going to shoot for running 5K on Saturday morning. Assuming I can get things straightened out in bed ... (insert your own punch line here).
But I dragged myself out of bed and ran and, of course, felt great when I finished. Did 10 minutes of ab exercises afterward.
So, on Wednesday morning, a victory.
My lack of sleep this week caught up to me. On Wednesday at lunch, I did 45 minutes on the elliptical -- this, after my longest run so far that morning! So you think I'd be dead to world Wednesday night? Nope.
Not much better Thursday night, either, despite having played a solid hour of basketball at lunch and then walking for an hour that evening. I wanted to get up today (Friday) at 5 a.m. and do Yoga X, but just couldn't fight through the urge to sleep another hour. I like the Yoga because its 45 minutes of cardio and 45 minutes of stretching and you feel fantastic when its done. So at lunch I did 45 minutes on the elliptical and some ab work. Maybe some Yoga next Friday.
Going to shoot for running 5K on Saturday morning. Assuming I can get things straightened out in bed ... (insert your own punch line here).
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Ran into another runner, go figure
It's a truism in my life that God puts people in front of me right when I need them. Like on Saturday, when we had a neighborhood garage sale and I got to talk running with my neighbors.
On Tuesday, I played basketball at lunch, which is always a great workout. At least, my legs are always sore afterward. That evening, I was going to walk around the middle school track during son Jake's flag football practice to limit the pounding on my legs for the day. I didn't even complete two laps when I ran into Scott, a friend and former City Councilmember, who was dropping his son off at a different practice.
Scott, of course, is a runner. So we spent about a half hour talking running.
Scott mentioned he had just started running with the Vibram Five Finger shoes. "They're like gloves for your feet," Scott said. Wow. Not two days ago I read Michael Hyatt's blog about them (thanks for the tip, Maggie!) In fact, I had just put my hands on a pair at the REI store in Round Rock earlier in the day! Scott said they have taken some getting used to because you use your calves so much more running in them.
I've just started reading a book, Born to Run, that apparently extols the virtues of barefoot running. I'm happy to run in my Nike Frees for the time being, which are designed to replicate running barefoot. (They looking nothing like the shoes pictured above.) Here's the lead to the Amazon.com review that prompted me to buy the book: "Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong."
So I guess it's a good thing I don't know much about running. Hah. I'll share some of McDougall's insights along the way here. Looking like an interesting read so far.
On Tuesday, I played basketball at lunch, which is always a great workout. At least, my legs are always sore afterward. That evening, I was going to walk around the middle school track during son Jake's flag football practice to limit the pounding on my legs for the day. I didn't even complete two laps when I ran into Scott, a friend and former City Councilmember, who was dropping his son off at a different practice.
Scott, of course, is a runner. So we spent about a half hour talking running.
I've just started reading a book, Born to Run, that apparently extols the virtues of barefoot running. I'm happy to run in my Nike Frees for the time being, which are designed to replicate running barefoot. (They looking nothing like the shoes pictured above.) Here's the lead to the Amazon.com review that prompted me to buy the book: "Born to Run is an epic adventure that began with one simple question: Why does my foot hurt? In search of an answer, Christopher McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world’s greatest distance runners and learn their secrets, and in the process shows us that everything we thought we knew about running is wrong."
So I guess it's a good thing I don't know much about running. Hah. I'll share some of McDougall's insights along the way here. Looking like an interesting read so far.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Week Two is under way
Ran a slightly longer distance today. Time was 28.34. Distance, was, ah, 2.49 miles. Which is about what I thought I had been running, distance-wise. But I doublechecked on geodistance.com and figured I had been running about 2.43 miles.
So, if I want to add 10 percent to my distance per week -- a rule of thumb, so I've heard -- then I probably need to run more like 2.7ish miles. Which, using geodistance.com again, I think I've found an easy route change to accomplish.
On the other hand, I probably need to add some variety to my training. Long runs, pace runs, speed runs. You know. That kind of stuff. Ever since I subscribed to Runner's World, I get an email every other day touting a new book that's essential for beginning/serious runners. This would probably be a good time to head back across the street to visit with neighbor/serious runner Dave. In fact, as I was heading out the door this morning, Dave and his wife were getting in the car to head to a run -- wife noticed me, smiled and waved. Kindred spirits now, even though I'm sure they could both run me into the ground without too much effort.
I came across some more info on the web this evening that's starting to convince me that running every day isn't recommended anymore. Many of the training plans I've seen recommend three runs a week, with some kind of cross training every other day. The idea is to limit the pounding of running but building cardio endurance through other kinds lower impact exercise. Makes sense. I kept asking Dave the other day how long until I wouldn't be sore. He never did give me a definitive answer, other than to say, "One day you'll be running and realize you're not sore anymore."
Hmm.
I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes on the stationary bike today at lunch -- just to burn some more calories/fat. I figure running will be easier if there's less of me to haul around.
One thing is for certain: I need to target a race to train for to keep my training focused. Dave recommended the RunTex website for a list of area races. So that will be a goal for this week; pick a race and start training for it. All the training plans I've found are targeted for a specific distance event, with a specific training period beforehand.
And way we ... progress.
So, if I want to add 10 percent to my distance per week -- a rule of thumb, so I've heard -- then I probably need to run more like 2.7ish miles. Which, using geodistance.com again, I think I've found an easy route change to accomplish.
On the other hand, I probably need to add some variety to my training. Long runs, pace runs, speed runs. You know. That kind of stuff. Ever since I subscribed to Runner's World, I get an email every other day touting a new book that's essential for beginning/serious runners. This would probably be a good time to head back across the street to visit with neighbor/serious runner Dave. In fact, as I was heading out the door this morning, Dave and his wife were getting in the car to head to a run -- wife noticed me, smiled and waved. Kindred spirits now, even though I'm sure they could both run me into the ground without too much effort.
I came across some more info on the web this evening that's starting to convince me that running every day isn't recommended anymore. Many of the training plans I've seen recommend three runs a week, with some kind of cross training every other day. The idea is to limit the pounding of running but building cardio endurance through other kinds lower impact exercise. Makes sense. I kept asking Dave the other day how long until I wouldn't be sore. He never did give me a definitive answer, other than to say, "One day you'll be running and realize you're not sore anymore."
Hmm.
I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes on the stationary bike today at lunch -- just to burn some more calories/fat. I figure running will be easier if there's less of me to haul around.
One thing is for certain: I need to target a race to train for to keep my training focused. Dave recommended the RunTex website for a list of area races. So that will be a goal for this week; pick a race and start training for it. All the training plans I've found are targeted for a specific distance event, with a specific training period beforehand.
And way we ... progress.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Slow and steady
No alarm to wake me since it's Saturday, and both boys were on sleepovers. Nonetheless, got up around 7:30 or so, laced up the Nikes and headed out. Thankfully, it was brisk. Forgot to check actual temperature, but I'm guessing it was in low 50s.
Ahhhh.
Saturday's goal was to finish the 2.5 miles without stopping. I intentionally don't look at my watch after 5 minutes so I don't start playing mind games when I hit the 11 minute mark -- which is when I went from a run to a walk Friday. The familiar course helps, as does the cooler weather. It's all about finishing without stopping today. At the 20 minute mark (I peek down at my watch, knowing I'm way past 11 minutes) it's pretty much no fun. I'm not plodding but it's close (half-plodding?). I turn the last couple of corners and know I'll make it home without stopping. As I get halfway down the my street, about 20 yards from the driveway, I pick up the pace (quarter plodding?).
Today's time is 26.29, but it's really about just finishing. Looking back at Thursday's time, I can't believe I bettered it. Weird, but encouraging!
It's neighborhood garage sale day, so after I do my 16-minutes of ab work and take a shower I walk across the street to my visit with my neighbor, Dave. I know Dave is a serious runner, because he was written up in Brom Hoban's column in the Austin American-Statesman last year. First thing he says as I walk up the driveway is, "I saw you out for a run this morning." I said, "Yeah, but I know better than to ever ask you to join me," and tell Dave and his wife I saw the column and know he's in a different league. They laugh. His wife mentions he's run the Boston Marathon twice. Wow. That's big time, as you have to qualify to run that one. His wife (Sandra? Sara? God, my memory for names is terrible) is a runner too. They are both super encouraging and asks lots of questions (what kind of shoes do you have? What marathon are you going to run?). Dave asks if I have any friends I run with. I tell him no. He nods. I think someday I'll be able to run with him, but that day's a ways off. We chat a few minutes more and as I head down his driveway, he calls out, "Slow and steady."
Slow and steady. I like that. I take that to heart.
No run on Sunday, a day of rest, but I do the P90X hour-long stretch routine. My lower back is a little stiff, but I feel much better when I'm done. I meant to do it last Sunday but forgot. Not this time. My body needs all the help it can get.
Ahhhh.
Saturday's goal was to finish the 2.5 miles without stopping. I intentionally don't look at my watch after 5 minutes so I don't start playing mind games when I hit the 11 minute mark -- which is when I went from a run to a walk Friday. The familiar course helps, as does the cooler weather. It's all about finishing without stopping today. At the 20 minute mark (I peek down at my watch, knowing I'm way past 11 minutes) it's pretty much no fun. I'm not plodding but it's close (half-plodding?). I turn the last couple of corners and know I'll make it home without stopping. As I get halfway down the my street, about 20 yards from the driveway, I pick up the pace (quarter plodding?).
Today's time is 26.29, but it's really about just finishing. Looking back at Thursday's time, I can't believe I bettered it. Weird, but encouraging!
It's neighborhood garage sale day, so after I do my 16-minutes of ab work and take a shower I walk across the street to my visit with my neighbor, Dave. I know Dave is a serious runner, because he was written up in Brom Hoban's column in the Austin American-Statesman last year. First thing he says as I walk up the driveway is, "I saw you out for a run this morning." I said, "Yeah, but I know better than to ever ask you to join me," and tell Dave and his wife I saw the column and know he's in a different league. They laugh. His wife mentions he's run the Boston Marathon twice. Wow. That's big time, as you have to qualify to run that one. His wife (Sandra? Sara? God, my memory for names is terrible) is a runner too. They are both super encouraging and asks lots of questions (what kind of shoes do you have? What marathon are you going to run?). Dave asks if I have any friends I run with. I tell him no. He nods. I think someday I'll be able to run with him, but that day's a ways off. We chat a few minutes more and as I head down his driveway, he calls out, "Slow and steady."
Slow and steady. I like that. I take that to heart.
No run on Sunday, a day of rest, but I do the P90X hour-long stretch routine. My lower back is a little stiff, but I feel much better when I'm done. I meant to do it last Sunday but forgot. Not this time. My body needs all the help it can get.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Crow, meet palate. Palate, say hello to crow.
Note to self: 45 degrees makes a difference ...
Where to begin with the folly of today's run? At the beginning, I suppose.
So, the alarm goes off at 5 and I "listen to my body" which says it is sore and requires another hour of sleep to recover from the beating it has taken this week. OK. So I sleep, knowing I can get in a run at noon. Except I forget I've got a lunch meeting at noon. Then I get the bright idea I'll run the trail behind the Rec Center instead of on the treadmill. Even when the thermometer in my car says it is 92 degrees. Heck, there's a nice breeze out. I grew up in Houston. I can take the heat, no biggee ...
So I hit the trail. First five minutes or so are A-OK. Next five minutes, OK. The next minute I'm wondering where the hell my stamina went. So I walk a minute. Then run some more. Then walk another minute. Then run some more. Then, well, the official breakdown goes like this:
Run: 11.12
Walk: 1.01
Run: 2.58
Walk: .55
Run: 2.08
Walk: .56
Run: 2.12
Walk: 1.01
Run: 1:41
Walk: .57
Run: 3:30 (was in public view here where the "trail" runs along the sidewalk of a busy street, so, of course, there's no walking -- shamefully -- in public view).
Walk: .59
Run: 1.10
Walk: 1.03
Run: 2.23 (now running behind an elementary school and, dammit, kids are out playing so must save face and continue running. Those little ....)
Walk 1.00
Run:1.44
So if my math's correct (never a given) that's almost 29 minutes running, and about 8 minutes walking. Distance is a mystery. The program I found on Google to track mileage didn't track real well with the signs on the trail.
Suffice it to say, boy I sure didn't run for a very long time when the temperature rose. Wow. Still, I ran. I sweated. In fact, I'm still sweating now as I write this almost an hour after finishing ...
John Vintage (or is it Winthorpe?) Harrison, you were right. Watch that ego.
 |
| D'oh! (Photo courtesy Fox) |
So, the alarm goes off at 5 and I "listen to my body" which says it is sore and requires another hour of sleep to recover from the beating it has taken this week. OK. So I sleep, knowing I can get in a run at noon. Except I forget I've got a lunch meeting at noon. Then I get the bright idea I'll run the trail behind the Rec Center instead of on the treadmill. Even when the thermometer in my car says it is 92 degrees. Heck, there's a nice breeze out. I grew up in Houston. I can take the heat, no biggee ...
So I hit the trail. First five minutes or so are A-OK. Next five minutes, OK. The next minute I'm wondering where the hell my stamina went. So I walk a minute. Then run some more. Then walk another minute. Then run some more. Then, well, the official breakdown goes like this:
Run: 11.12
Walk: 1.01
Run: 2.58
Walk: .55
Run: 2.08
Walk: .56
Run: 2.12
Walk: 1.01
Run: 1:41
Walk: .57
Run: 3:30 (was in public view here where the "trail" runs along the sidewalk of a busy street, so, of course, there's no walking -- shamefully -- in public view).
Walk: .59
Run: 1.10
Walk: 1.03
Run: 2.23 (now running behind an elementary school and, dammit, kids are out playing so must save face and continue running. Those little ....)
Walk 1.00
Run:1.44
So if my math's correct (never a given) that's almost 29 minutes running, and about 8 minutes walking. Distance is a mystery. The program I found on Google to track mileage didn't track real well with the signs on the trail.
Suffice it to say, boy I sure didn't run for a very long time when the temperature rose. Wow. Still, I ran. I sweated. In fact, I'm still sweating now as I write this almost an hour after finishing ...
John Vintage (or is it Winthorpe?) Harrison, you were right. Watch that ego.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Chilly Willy runs faster again
Day 4 -- Ran 2.5 miles in 26:41, a few seconds better than yesterday. Temperature: 45 degrees, a few degrees colder than yesterday. The chill obviously helps! Still underdressed. Ran past a couple walking and they were pretty bundled up. I, self-righteous and superior runner, held my nose high as I passed by in shorts and dri-fit shirt (I don't think I had snot running down my face at that point ...)
Tunes that helped today: Bang the Drum by Todd Rundgren, and California Sun by the Ramones -- again, those insistent, punk beats are killer.
Passed the walking moms again -- no laughter this time. They obviously now detect my superior running-ness guy-ness.
Lord have mercy.
Forgot to mention that I also did the P90X abs routine after my run yesterday, and on my lunch break did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes on the stationary bike. Today, it'll be hoops at lunch -- the funnest exercise of the week, easy.
And made my confession yesterday, but that's another post for another category ...
Legs pretty sore this evening. Probably ought to get in a hot soak before I get in bed.
Tunes that helped today: Bang the Drum by Todd Rundgren, and California Sun by the Ramones -- again, those insistent, punk beats are killer.
Passed the walking moms again -- no laughter this time. They obviously now detect my superior running-ness guy-ness.
Lord have mercy.
Forgot to mention that I also did the P90X abs routine after my run yesterday, and on my lunch break did 30 minutes on the elliptical and 30 minutes on the stationary bike. Today, it'll be hoops at lunch -- the funnest exercise of the week, easy.
And made my confession yesterday, but that's another post for another category ...
Legs pretty sore this evening. Probably ought to get in a hot soak before I get in bed.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
On the other hand ...
To quote Twitterati member Helen A.S. Popkin (the A.S. stands for Awesome Sauce):
OMG YA'LL!
Ran my 2.5 miles in 26:44, which is almost 45 seconds faster than days 1 and 2. Probably helped that it was 48 degrees F and slightly breezy out this morning. I was running faster just to simply get warm. I was underdressed, I suppose, with running shorts and a cotton T-shirt. Still, it's a good way to quicken to the pace ...
Two songs I need to remove from my exercise playlist: Talking Heads' Road to Nowhere, and The Beatles' Run For Your Life. The former has a nice beat but the lyrics are an obvious downer for a runner, while the latter is just too darn negative (Lennon wrote it, not McCartney.)
Calves were a little sore this morning, but not enough to make the run tougher. My focus for most of the run was generally on the temperature.
And I actually did a little bit of a sprint to the finish. "Sprint" always being a relative term for me. I've been world-class slow ever since I could run. I recall my mom told me that one of my youth baseball coaches told her once, "Will is quick, but he'll never be fast."
As long as I finish, I'll be happy.
OMG YA'LL!
Ran my 2.5 miles in 26:44, which is almost 45 seconds faster than days 1 and 2. Probably helped that it was 48 degrees F and slightly breezy out this morning. I was running faster just to simply get warm. I was underdressed, I suppose, with running shorts and a cotton T-shirt. Still, it's a good way to quicken to the pace ...
Two songs I need to remove from my exercise playlist: Talking Heads' Road to Nowhere, and The Beatles' Run For Your Life. The former has a nice beat but the lyrics are an obvious downer for a runner, while the latter is just too darn negative (Lennon wrote it, not McCartney.)
Calves were a little sore this morning, but not enough to make the run tougher. My focus for most of the run was generally on the temperature.
And I actually did a little bit of a sprint to the finish. "Sprint" always being a relative term for me. I've been world-class slow ever since I could run. I recall my mom told me that one of my youth baseball coaches told her once, "Will is quick, but he'll never be fast."
As long as I finish, I'll be happy.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Sure didn't take long for the fun to wear off ...
OK, Day Two wasn't that bad. But it was noticeably more difficult. I think my attitude was OK -- though certainly not as upbeat as yesterday. It was harder going, harder to finish. I had considered trying to go a little bit further today, but nixed that idea pretty quickly into the run. The goal became to keep running all the way back to our driveway, the same distance as yesterday. So, goal accomplished.
I thought my stride was off -- hah, I'm on my second day and my stride is off: how quickly we become experts -- but that wasn't the case. My running time today was 27:31, a few seconds faster than yesterday. I never would have thought that until I hit the stop button on my watch and saw the time. Weird the tricks the mind can play: I don't feel as good so I must be going slower ...
Did see other humans out today, a cyclist at the beginning of my run, and five walking moms at the end of it. One of the moms laughed loudly as I approached -- surely she wasn't laughing at me. A minute later I thought it more possible as I thought of what my pale, uh, thick thighs must look like in my running shorts.
Speaking of thighs, one of my goals is to lose enough body fat so that mine don't rub together as I walk. There, I said it.
And speaking of body fat, mine is either 36 percent or 31 percent. Our scale is hardly a precision instrument. Day One was 36 percent (Lord, I thought, surely it's not that high!), while Day Two had it at 31 percent. I'm going with 31 percent, for the record.
Weight is 221. That didn't drop from Monday to Tuesday, unfortunately.
More sore tonight than yesterday. Time for a hot soak in the tub to prep for Day Three.
I thought my stride was off -- hah, I'm on my second day and my stride is off: how quickly we become experts -- but that wasn't the case. My running time today was 27:31, a few seconds faster than yesterday. I never would have thought that until I hit the stop button on my watch and saw the time. Weird the tricks the mind can play: I don't feel as good so I must be going slower ...
Did see other humans out today, a cyclist at the beginning of my run, and five walking moms at the end of it. One of the moms laughed loudly as I approached -- surely she wasn't laughing at me. A minute later I thought it more possible as I thought of what my pale, uh, thick thighs must look like in my running shorts.
Speaking of thighs, one of my goals is to lose enough body fat so that mine don't rub together as I walk. There, I said it.
And speaking of body fat, mine is either 36 percent or 31 percent. Our scale is hardly a precision instrument. Day One was 36 percent (Lord, I thought, surely it's not that high!), while Day Two had it at 31 percent. I'm going with 31 percent, for the record.
Weight is 221. That didn't drop from Monday to Tuesday, unfortunately.
More sore tonight than yesterday. Time for a hot soak in the tub to prep for Day Three.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Day One Run
Alarm went off at 5. Hit snooze. Got up before it went off again. Rolled out of bed and didn't feel too bad, actually. The soreness from yardwork on Saturday was gone, though I had a slight headache. Screw it. I got dressed, laced up the Nikes, went out the front door and locked it behind me.
It was kind of chilly, 51 degrees, and I walked for two and half minutes to warm up. As I ran, I tried to focus on the only stride tip I'm familiar with: Don't land on your heels. Try to hit at mid-foot and make your stride a little shorter. I sure felt like I was moving faster than I had when I ran a few weeks ago, but I was also moving more efficiently. I went further and with less effort, it seemed.
I ran about 2.5 miles in 27 minutes, 36 seconds. I encountered no other runners, bikers or walkers, which kind of surprised me. One dog rushed the fence as I ran on the crushed granite trail behind some houses in Behrens Ranch.
And it felt good. I could have gone further, but figured it was best not too push it. As I write this at night, I'm glad -- I'm feeling a little sore in my hips.
I did a 16-minute ab workout (thank you Tony Horton and P90X) when I got back to the house. At lunch, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical.
OK, now, should I recount the songs I listened to on the Nano? Naturally, I think you'll be impressed with my superior tuneage. Then I realized a Journey song snuck in there somehow. So we'll settle on some highlights. I created an exercise playlist and set it random. First song was Radiohead, by the Talking Heads. Key lyric: "Transmitter, picking up something good ... it's a brand new world." What a great way to start. The Ramones' Rock and Roll Radio charged me up mid-run. And I confess, yes, enjoying Steven Perry's nasal-y tenor on Any Way You Want It. Last song was Fleetwood Mac classic Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow. What a great way to finish. The music definitely helps.
So Day One is in the books. It's a start. A good one, it seems. I'll try not to be so blow-by-blow in future posts. It's boring me, too.
But I'm excited to have taken a solid first step on this Run.
It was kind of chilly, 51 degrees, and I walked for two and half minutes to warm up. As I ran, I tried to focus on the only stride tip I'm familiar with: Don't land on your heels. Try to hit at mid-foot and make your stride a little shorter. I sure felt like I was moving faster than I had when I ran a few weeks ago, but I was also moving more efficiently. I went further and with less effort, it seemed.
I ran about 2.5 miles in 27 minutes, 36 seconds. I encountered no other runners, bikers or walkers, which kind of surprised me. One dog rushed the fence as I ran on the crushed granite trail behind some houses in Behrens Ranch.
And it felt good. I could have gone further, but figured it was best not too push it. As I write this at night, I'm glad -- I'm feeling a little sore in my hips.
I did a 16-minute ab workout (thank you Tony Horton and P90X) when I got back to the house. At lunch, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical.
OK, now, should I recount the songs I listened to on the Nano? Naturally, I think you'll be impressed with my superior tuneage. Then I realized a Journey song snuck in there somehow. So we'll settle on some highlights. I created an exercise playlist and set it random. First song was Radiohead, by the Talking Heads. Key lyric: "Transmitter, picking up something good ... it's a brand new world." What a great way to start. The Ramones' Rock and Roll Radio charged me up mid-run. And I confess, yes, enjoying Steven Perry's nasal-y tenor on Any Way You Want It. Last song was Fleetwood Mac classic Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow. What a great way to finish. The music definitely helps.
So Day One is in the books. It's a start. A good one, it seems. I'll try not to be so blow-by-blow in future posts. It's boring me, too.
But I'm excited to have taken a solid first step on this Run.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Adoration of the Cross
This Sunday marks the halfway point of Great Lent, the season of spiritual striving for Orthodox Christians. At St. John the Forerunner we celebrated it with the brief Adoration of the Cross service between Orthros and Divine Liturgy. Father Aidan and Father Deacon Basil processed with a small cross surrounded by flowers that lay in a wooden box. Father placed the cross on a lectern in the middle of the nave. We all performed three metanias (genuflections) and sang of the victory of the Cross -- not the suffering.
During the homily, though, Father Aidan focused on suffering. Of course, the suffering we are called to during Great Lent -- extra services, fasting (essentially a vegan diet), additional giving, confession -- are a far cry from what Jesus endured at Golgotha. Nonetheless, through our suffering we are working toward the salvation of all mankind. Which is a pretty big deal.
Now, you probably think I'm going to segue into the suffering I will surely endure as I train for a marathon. Nope. The Maximus Run isn't just a chronicle of my physical journey; it's about the spiritual, as well. So while one of the things I love about Orthodoxy is the re-integration of soul, mind and body, I'm not going to go there in this blog. Not yet, anyway.
The truth is I've gotten soft in spirit as well as body. Maybe more so, as painful as that is to admit. The Run is just as much about being diligent spiritually, about living my faith with meaning and intention. And not the kind of intention like, "I intend to go to Vespers more frequently," and then not do it. I'm done with that kind of intention.
That's the goal, certainly. Part of the reason for the blog is to hold myself accountable in a public forum. (I'm already feeling it from those of you who responded to my first post!) It's been too easy to let myself off the hook when the only person I've been accountable to is me.
So I sent an email to Father Aiden after services today suggesting a time to get together this week to make my confession, something I've neglected to do too many times during Great Lent.
OK, so now's the time when I blend the physical and spiritual aspects of The Run. The Gospel Reading today included this from Mark 8:34: "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Consider this another first step.
During the homily, though, Father Aidan focused on suffering. Of course, the suffering we are called to during Great Lent -- extra services, fasting (essentially a vegan diet), additional giving, confession -- are a far cry from what Jesus endured at Golgotha. Nonetheless, through our suffering we are working toward the salvation of all mankind. Which is a pretty big deal.
Now, you probably think I'm going to segue into the suffering I will surely endure as I train for a marathon. Nope. The Maximus Run isn't just a chronicle of my physical journey; it's about the spiritual, as well. So while one of the things I love about Orthodoxy is the re-integration of soul, mind and body, I'm not going to go there in this blog. Not yet, anyway.
The truth is I've gotten soft in spirit as well as body. Maybe more so, as painful as that is to admit. The Run is just as much about being diligent spiritually, about living my faith with meaning and intention. And not the kind of intention like, "I intend to go to Vespers more frequently," and then not do it. I'm done with that kind of intention.
That's the goal, certainly. Part of the reason for the blog is to hold myself accountable in a public forum. (I'm already feeling it from those of you who responded to my first post!) It's been too easy to let myself off the hook when the only person I've been accountable to is me.
So I sent an email to Father Aiden after services today suggesting a time to get together this week to make my confession, something I've neglected to do too many times during Great Lent.
OK, so now's the time when I blend the physical and spiritual aspects of The Run. The Gospel Reading today included this from Mark 8:34: "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Consider this another first step.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
First step
When I turned 48 last year -- at least, I think it was then -- I made a secret vow to myself that I would run a marathon before I turned 50. I don't really know why, other than that I'm usually either getting in shape or in full-blown couch potato mode, and I was in the latter cycle determined to get into the former.
The first person I shared this furtive ambition with was my then-boss Jim Nuse. Jim's been a mentor and friend for going on 20 years, and runs in triathlons with his son, Adam. I told Jim I was going to do P90X for a while to lose some pounds, and then start running. Jim, thoughtful as ever, said, "Why don't you just start running?"
Simple: Because I don't like to run. It hurts. You've got to get up early and go outside -- where, here in Central Texas, it's generally an uncomfortable temperature. I'm nothing if not a world-class procrastinator. I'll engage in one kind of strenuous exercise to avoid another.
And then, over spring break, while suffering from a nasty sinus infection, I found a book by Dean Karnazes, titled Run! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss. The first I ever heard of Karnazes was, I think, in a 2006 column by Brom Hoban in the Austin American-Statesman about Karnazes' attempt to run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states. Run! was good stuff. So I downloaded 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days -- and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! Holy moly. This was great stuff. So I went back to Amazon for his first book, Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner. I won't go into details here about the many, many compelling stories in the books. Suffice it to say my myriad excuses for not running have been blown to smithereens.
So, inspired, here I am. Flu-like symptoms have abated, and a run first thing Monday morning awaits.
The first person I shared this furtive ambition with was my then-boss Jim Nuse. Jim's been a mentor and friend for going on 20 years, and runs in triathlons with his son, Adam. I told Jim I was going to do P90X for a while to lose some pounds, and then start running. Jim, thoughtful as ever, said, "Why don't you just start running?"
Simple: Because I don't like to run. It hurts. You've got to get up early and go outside -- where, here in Central Texas, it's generally an uncomfortable temperature. I'm nothing if not a world-class procrastinator. I'll engage in one kind of strenuous exercise to avoid another.
And then, over spring break, while suffering from a nasty sinus infection, I found a book by Dean Karnazes, titled Run! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss. The first I ever heard of Karnazes was, I think, in a 2006 column by Brom Hoban in the Austin American-Statesman about Karnazes' attempt to run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states. Run! was good stuff. So I downloaded 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days -- and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! Holy moly. This was great stuff. So I went back to Amazon for his first book, Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner. I won't go into details here about the many, many compelling stories in the books. Suffice it to say my myriad excuses for not running have been blown to smithereens.
So, inspired, here I am. Flu-like symptoms have abated, and a run first thing Monday morning awaits.
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