Great story in Forbes about the guy running Nike.
I didn't know that Starter, sold at Wal Mart were made by Nike
Story
Friday, February 1, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Items I need to get at the Sporting Goods store
I have a $10 coupon from Dick's Sporting Goods from my frequent customer card, so a trip there is needed.
I hate to spend more then what the coupon is worth but I do need some things.
- BodyGlide, I can't run with out it ($8.99)
- Asics socks, they are made by Catawba Sox and I found that I get no blisters with them ( $12.00)
Ok, now I am way over what the coupon is for, and I know from experience that they will have some great clearance running items.
Decisions, Decisions, decisions!
January 2008 review
It came in very strong, and then it went all down hill.
Total miles for the month 103.87
31 days in the month and I ran only 15 of those days (less than 50%) very pathetic.
I am embarrased and ashamed of my self.
Had some great runs in some very cold days.
Goals for February:
Run consistently.
Try to run at least 22 of 29 days.
Try to average 40 miles per week
Try to have long runs be at least over 14 miles
Finish strong and try to make teh most of training
Try to lose 6lbs
Total miles for the month 103.87
31 days in the month and I ran only 15 of those days (less than 50%) very pathetic.
I am embarrased and ashamed of my self.
Had some great runs in some very cold days.
Goals for February:
Run consistently.
Try to run at least 22 of 29 days.
Try to average 40 miles per week
Try to have long runs be at least over 14 miles
Finish strong and try to make teh most of training
Try to lose 6lbs
Todays run
5 miles on the treadmill at the gym.
I dislike treadmills and I dislike gyms. Too damn boring. Plus after switching back to the original ASICS insoles, irritation in the same area nad blisters could form at any moment. I have to get new insoles before I get blisters.
Funny because for the first 5 months that I was trying to lose weight, I ran exclusively on the treadmill. Most runs were 6-6.5 miles and I even had a run of 14 miles on it on time. But now I have a hard time with them. Unfortunately I think I have to star liking them again, as it would benefit me to get on them and get at least 4-5 miles every morning to augment my other miles.
I dislike treadmills and I dislike gyms. Too damn boring. Plus after switching back to the original ASICS insoles, irritation in the same area nad blisters could form at any moment. I have to get new insoles before I get blisters.
Funny because for the first 5 months that I was trying to lose weight, I ran exclusively on the treadmill. Most runs were 6-6.5 miles and I even had a run of 14 miles on it on time. But now I have a hard time with them. Unfortunately I think I have to star liking them again, as it would benefit me to get on them and get at least 4-5 miles every morning to augment my other miles.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The search for Consistency
We all know that I have been struggling with consistency for the last couple of weeks.
I have tried everything, and bit by bit I am starting to find the path to fixing the issue.
After reading Amy Hunold-VanGundy's blog post yesterday, "Plan = Motivation" it dawned on me that I have not been following a schedule at all. I have just been going out and trying to run as many miles as possible.
Never mind the fact that I spent 2 months reading and trying to put together what I thought and still think to be a great training plan.
I used Bob Glover's book on running and revise his advanced runner training schedule. I believe it to be a solid plan that will get me to my goals.
But its doing me no good sitting there, not being followed.
My best training was when I was following Hal Higdon's Intermediate II program (slightly modified for some more miles) I followed it to about 90% of the time. There was mass improvement, and I was always finding a away to get the miles in. Once again, I followed it.
I need to get back to this, it is still not too late to salvage my spring race and start building for some great summer races.
But once again, having a training schedule is not doing me any good by not being followed.
The training plan is the foundation for my training and its either a case of follow it and have great success or don't follow it and crash and burn on race day. I have experienced the crash and burn, and I would rather not think about it. But history has a way of repeating itself, and if I don't start using my training plan as a map I am destined to get lost and and arrive very late at my final destination.
Amy got it right, you need a plan!
I have tried everything, and bit by bit I am starting to find the path to fixing the issue.
After reading Amy Hunold-VanGundy's blog post yesterday, "Plan = Motivation" it dawned on me that I have not been following a schedule at all. I have just been going out and trying to run as many miles as possible.
Never mind the fact that I spent 2 months reading and trying to put together what I thought and still think to be a great training plan.
I used Bob Glover's book on running and revise his advanced runner training schedule. I believe it to be a solid plan that will get me to my goals.
But its doing me no good sitting there, not being followed.
My best training was when I was following Hal Higdon's Intermediate II program (slightly modified for some more miles) I followed it to about 90% of the time. There was mass improvement, and I was always finding a away to get the miles in. Once again, I followed it.
I need to get back to this, it is still not too late to salvage my spring race and start building for some great summer races.
But once again, having a training schedule is not doing me any good by not being followed.
The training plan is the foundation for my training and its either a case of follow it and have great success or don't follow it and crash and burn on race day. I have experienced the crash and burn, and I would rather not think about it. But history has a way of repeating itself, and if I don't start using my training plan as a map I am destined to get lost and and arrive very late at my final destination.
Amy got it right, you need a plan!
Slow day at SJ Tony....but my tipoff....
but totally off topic,
Cowboy Blog
After reading the story on CNN.com I emailed Dallas Morning News reporter Tim McMahon and sent him the story. He posted and as you can see a lot of people are in a hissy fit
Cowboy Blog
After reading the story on CNN.com I emailed Dallas Morning News reporter Tim McMahon and sent him the story. He posted and as you can see a lot of people are in a hissy fit
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The Barnegat Branch Trail is now opened
or at least Phase 1 is.
I just checked the Lacey Rail Trail website and they had pictures of the completed Phase 1.
Pictures
I am going to have to try and get there one day. This first part of the trail is ~2.5 miles long, so I may just do laps. But its a start. It will be cool once they complete the whole trail.
I just checked the Lacey Rail Trail website and they had pictures of the completed Phase 1.
Pictures
I am going to have to try and get there one day. This first part of the trail is ~2.5 miles long, so I may just do laps. But its a start. It will be cool once they complete the whole trail.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Last weeks training..... a real pain in the butt...but...
getting better but it sucked..... After three decent runs, I had to stop thanks to a pain in the butt...literally a pain in my butt...actually it's more of a chafe under my right butt cheek, that makes walking even painful. I have been trying not to "annoy" it too much. I am hoping 3 days rest will be enough to make it well enough to start running again.
Todays video post of the day
Ok, I have to set this up:
This was from the Osaka International Marathon (1/27/2008)
My thanks to http://japanrunningnews.blogspot.com where this was taken from
"Osaka's other major pre-race favorite, Japanese national 3000 m, 5000 m and half marathon record holder Fukushi, had a disastrous but courageous debut. Fukushi took the lead from the first km, going out completely alone at an aggressive sub-2:20 pace while the large pack settled around 2:23 pace. Fukushi held roughly to 3:20/km for the first 25 km, looking relaxed, smooth and powerful, laughing at teammates' messages written on her drink bottles, gargling with her special drink, and repeatedly waving off camera bikes that came too close. Naoko Takahashi's Sydney-era coach Yoshio Koide commented on-screen that he thinks Fukushi has the potential to run 2:16 in the future, but that the truth of her debut would come in the final 10 km.
After 30 km she began to show signs of strain, slowing to 3:42 during the 32nd km versus a 3:21 by the chase pack of Yamauchi, Morimoto, Julia Mombi (Team Aruze), and fellow 1st-time marathoner Madoka Ogi (Team Juhachi Ginko). During the 33rd km Yamauchi broke away from the other runners with a 3:18 km. Fukushi rapidly lost her lead of over 500 m, surrendering 1st place to Yamauchi at 34.63 km and to the others shortly before 35 km. She continued to slow to 6 minutes per km and beyond.
Her final km was a replay of that of Hiroyuki Ono in the final km of this year's Hakone Ekiden 5th stage. Fukushi staggered, almost falling several times before finally going down in the last 800 m. She got up and continued, but after entering the stadium she abruptly fell flat on her face. After struggling to stand and pausing to regain her bearings, Fukushi resumed running. With less than 200 m to go she fell again, laughing as she got up and continued on only to fall a final time 10 m from the finish. She once more forced herself up, laughing and bleeding, and crossed the finish line in 19th place with a time of 2:40:54, a humbling demonstration of the marathon's power."
This was from the Osaka International Marathon (1/27/2008)
My thanks to http://japanrunningnews.blogspot.com where this was taken from
"Osaka's other major pre-race favorite, Japanese national 3000 m, 5000 m and half marathon record holder Fukushi, had a disastrous but courageous debut. Fukushi took the lead from the first km, going out completely alone at an aggressive sub-2:20 pace while the large pack settled around 2:23 pace. Fukushi held roughly to 3:20/km for the first 25 km, looking relaxed, smooth and powerful, laughing at teammates' messages written on her drink bottles, gargling with her special drink, and repeatedly waving off camera bikes that came too close. Naoko Takahashi's Sydney-era coach Yoshio Koide commented on-screen that he thinks Fukushi has the potential to run 2:16 in the future, but that the truth of her debut would come in the final 10 km.
After 30 km she began to show signs of strain, slowing to 3:42 during the 32nd km versus a 3:21 by the chase pack of Yamauchi, Morimoto, Julia Mombi (Team Aruze), and fellow 1st-time marathoner Madoka Ogi (Team Juhachi Ginko). During the 33rd km Yamauchi broke away from the other runners with a 3:18 km. Fukushi rapidly lost her lead of over 500 m, surrendering 1st place to Yamauchi at 34.63 km and to the others shortly before 35 km. She continued to slow to 6 minutes per km and beyond.
Her final km was a replay of that of Hiroyuki Ono in the final km of this year's Hakone Ekiden 5th stage. Fukushi staggered, almost falling several times before finally going down in the last 800 m. She got up and continued, but after entering the stadium she abruptly fell flat on her face. After struggling to stand and pausing to regain her bearings, Fukushi resumed running. With less than 200 m to go she fell again, laughing as she got up and continued on only to fall a final time 10 m from the finish. She once more forced herself up, laughing and bleeding, and crossed the finish line in 19th place with a time of 2:40:54, a humbling demonstration of the marathon's power."
pictures from Chicago
Watching the Spirit of the Marathon, I was brought back to a trip to Chicago in May of 2007.
Watching Lori run along the Lake Front Path brought me to once again the runs I had on the path. One of the runs was in the afternoon and it was packed. The other runs were at 6 AM in the morning and the path was once again filled with runners, cyclists and I even saw some triathletes coming out of Lake Michigan in wetsuits. The place is a runner's dream and the views are amazing. the path also provides you with water fountains, so hydration during runs is taken care of.
I took the below pictures with my camera phone one morning on run.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
For the Fantasy Sport fans
Been down, since football season ended and you cant track your fantasy football team? Well no need to cry the blues, thanks to the USATF.
You can now go and register and create your ultimate fantasy track and field team. Each week change your team and compete. And here is the pay out, if your team scores the most points at the end of the season you will win a trip to the Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Now does the NFL give you a trip to the SB for winning your fantasy league??
To get started:
http://www.usatf.org/events/2008/VisaChampionshipSeries/
You can now go and register and create your ultimate fantasy track and field team. Each week change your team and compete. And here is the pay out, if your team scores the most points at the end of the season you will win a trip to the Indoor Track and Field Championships.
Now does the NFL give you a trip to the SB for winning your fantasy league??
To get started:
http://www.usatf.org/events/2008/VisaChampionshipSeries/
Spirit of the Marathon Encore
You can find where it will be playing at
http://www.fathomevents.com/details.aspx?eventid=694
It will be shown at 250 theatres across the country.
http://www.fathomevents.com/details.aspx?eventid=694
It will be shown at 250 theatres across the country.
Sorry for the no posts last couple of days
Last couple of dayts were a little busy. I am starting to catch up now, and will post thorugh out today and tomorrow.
My review on The Spirit of the Marathon Movie
I am one who appreciates stories of the human spirit. Spirit of the Marathon provides that in a documentary that interweaves commentary, history and personal insights from some of the foremost minds in the running community into a cinematic masterpiece of athletic achievement and human resolve.
Jon Dunham and his crew provide you with breath taking view of a sea of humanity all marching towards there own personal victory. Like modern day Athenians battling at the Battle of Marathon, we are witness to six individual stories of courage. All struggling against there own personal Persian Army. The work needed to bring this to the screen is amazing. The film never dulls and holds everyone captive, whether you are a runner or not.
"When you cross that finish line, your life will be changed forever", that one quote states it all. It is echoed through out the film and floats over it as the theme. The stories presented tell of lives changed, whether the runner was a pro, first timer, or experienced marathoner.
We watch Deena Kastor tell of how she was changed as she finished the 2004 Olympic Marathon in 3d place for the bronze medal. We watch her deal with injury in a methodical professional way. Pool running, cross training, weight training, all along waiting to ease back in to 120-145 mile weeks, her spirit unwavering. Personally I have never been a big Deena fan, but I am now! Here attitude is workmanlike in all aspects. She knows her job is is to be a professional runner and she approaches it as such.
Daniel Njenga works to change the lives of his family back in Kenya. He is also trying to shake the monkey of not being able to win Chicago. He has learned to deal with personal sacrifices of being away from his family in his native land. Living, training and working in Japan. He has had to deal with criminals killing his sister in law, nephew, and burning down his brother's home all because of his fame. Yet he he know every step he takes helps him bring his family one step closer to a better life.
We watch Jerry (aka Old guy) try to prove that age is not a barrier and how he inspires his own family to change. We watch him train and run with his daughter as tries to finish her first marathon. Oh yeah, Jerry is 70 years old!
You stand in awe of Lori (aka charity runner) as she balances school (she is a PhD student), work, a marriage and her running as she prepares to run her first 26.2 adventure. Trying to raise money for the charity which placed her with her adopted family as a child. You watch her husband seem unapproving, only to know she could not do all this with his help and support.
Family is also the theme of Leah (aka divorced mom) who took up running to help ease the tragedy of a divorce that left her without of shape, over weight, and depression to try and create a better life for her and her daughter. She struggles with training and spending time with her young daughter. But watch her light up the screen as she states that her daughter referes to her now as her "skinny mommy"
But all these challenges are nothing like those facing Ryan (aka BQ guy). Having missed a Boston Qualifier (BQ) by 22 seconds, Ryan is faced with the bigger challenge then in trying to finish in 3:10:59, when he is told by a Dr that he needs surgery to deal with a knee injury. We sit witness as we watch him break down into tears in the Dr office. We sit there helpless, being there, but not being able to comfort him with words in this most personal of tragedies. We feel the pain, we feel the hurt, we do not wish it upon anyone.
These stories are woven into a tapestry that includes history of the race, some science on the race, but more importantly insights that can only be obtained by each person's personal view on the race.
Watching Katherine Switzer tell the story of her run in Boston, shows you the struggle that helped allow women to run the marathon. Watching Joan Benoit-Samuelson say that she was surprised by the crowd at the LA Coliseum as she ran towards the Gold in 1984 (first ever Women's Olympic Marathon) was shocking and inspiring ( I remember watching it on TV.) This was then all wrapped up as we watch Paula Radcliffe set the women's record and watching her struggle, and drop out of the 2004 Olympic race. We once again bear witness to her very personal mental breakdown as she watches her dream falter. That segment was magnificently done.
The insight of Jon "the Penguin" Binham, brought some groans from the audience, but a chuckle as he says that in the end its about your return on investment. Enjoy it as long as you can, he says. For what its worth, your time in the 26.2 miles will have many facets, enjoy each one, but remember that its all about the hard work you put into it, it is a true test of honesty. If you cheated in training, you will pay for it in the race. Work hard and the pay out will be great.
The scenery was outstanding. I loved the scenes of Lori training on the Lakefront path. Having run there last May, I can still remember the views. Whether it was watching Daniel in Kenya or Deena in Northern California, you almost seemed to transcend the theater and be there.
But that would be nothing to "The Start".
The scene is the starting line, slowly the camera is raised above the start line and starts it's own journey over the 30,000 runners as they prepare to start there trip through the streets and neighborhoods of Chicago. The sea of humanity leaves you jaw dropped, you never ever get the sense of what it is like when you are in it. To watch it from above is almost religious as each soul prepares for there own pilgrimage to there soul.
Cinematographer Sarah Levy, does a remarkable job of relaying this. You are left speechless. Jeff Beal's score then heightens this to another level. As the music starts to slowly build and reaches its apex as the gun goes off.
Now the fun really starts. Thanks to some remarkable work, you are in the pack, running with Deena and Daniel as they duel mile for mile with there opponents. We run mile after mile with Jerry and his daughter Ro. We try and help Leah as she struggles to go beyond herself. We watch Ryan cheer on his wife Colleen from multiple points on the course. He is now changed, no longer the runner, he is the good husband and father and cheerleader. We watch as Lori enjoys herself on the course, constantly thanking those calling out her name.
We sit and watch as victory and defeat enter on to the course. We watch tears of celebration and tears of heartbreak and tears of what might have been. For those who never have watched a marathon finish, watch one. You see many tears. They are not tears of pain or agony. But instead tears of joy and ecstasy. I should know I still remember my tears after finishing my first, I had changed my life forever. This film leaves you feeling and sensing that as well, I feel that those who watched it probably left feeling changed and privileged to have watched 6 lives intersecting and coming out uniquely different in the end.
I highly recommend you go see the encore or buy the DVD, the return you will get on that investment is priceless.
Jon Dunham and his crew provide you with breath taking view of a sea of humanity all marching towards there own personal victory. Like modern day Athenians battling at the Battle of Marathon, we are witness to six individual stories of courage. All struggling against there own personal Persian Army. The work needed to bring this to the screen is amazing. The film never dulls and holds everyone captive, whether you are a runner or not.
"When you cross that finish line, your life will be changed forever", that one quote states it all. It is echoed through out the film and floats over it as the theme. The stories presented tell of lives changed, whether the runner was a pro, first timer, or experienced marathoner.
We watch Deena Kastor tell of how she was changed as she finished the 2004 Olympic Marathon in 3d place for the bronze medal. We watch her deal with injury in a methodical professional way. Pool running, cross training, weight training, all along waiting to ease back in to 120-145 mile weeks, her spirit unwavering. Personally I have never been a big Deena fan, but I am now! Here attitude is workmanlike in all aspects. She knows her job is is to be a professional runner and she approaches it as such.
Daniel Njenga works to change the lives of his family back in Kenya. He is also trying to shake the monkey of not being able to win Chicago. He has learned to deal with personal sacrifices of being away from his family in his native land. Living, training and working in Japan. He has had to deal with criminals killing his sister in law, nephew, and burning down his brother's home all because of his fame. Yet he he know every step he takes helps him bring his family one step closer to a better life.
We watch Jerry (aka Old guy) try to prove that age is not a barrier and how he inspires his own family to change. We watch him train and run with his daughter as tries to finish her first marathon. Oh yeah, Jerry is 70 years old!
You stand in awe of Lori (aka charity runner) as she balances school (she is a PhD student), work, a marriage and her running as she prepares to run her first 26.2 adventure. Trying to raise money for the charity which placed her with her adopted family as a child. You watch her husband seem unapproving, only to know she could not do all this with his help and support.
Family is also the theme of Leah (aka divorced mom) who took up running to help ease the tragedy of a divorce that left her without of shape, over weight, and depression to try and create a better life for her and her daughter. She struggles with training and spending time with her young daughter. But watch her light up the screen as she states that her daughter referes to her now as her "skinny mommy"
But all these challenges are nothing like those facing Ryan (aka BQ guy). Having missed a Boston Qualifier (BQ) by 22 seconds, Ryan is faced with the bigger challenge then in trying to finish in 3:10:59, when he is told by a Dr that he needs surgery to deal with a knee injury. We sit witness as we watch him break down into tears in the Dr office. We sit there helpless, being there, but not being able to comfort him with words in this most personal of tragedies. We feel the pain, we feel the hurt, we do not wish it upon anyone.
These stories are woven into a tapestry that includes history of the race, some science on the race, but more importantly insights that can only be obtained by each person's personal view on the race.
Watching Katherine Switzer tell the story of her run in Boston, shows you the struggle that helped allow women to run the marathon. Watching Joan Benoit-Samuelson say that she was surprised by the crowd at the LA Coliseum as she ran towards the Gold in 1984 (first ever Women's Olympic Marathon) was shocking and inspiring ( I remember watching it on TV.) This was then all wrapped up as we watch Paula Radcliffe set the women's record and watching her struggle, and drop out of the 2004 Olympic race. We once again bear witness to her very personal mental breakdown as she watches her dream falter. That segment was magnificently done.
The insight of Jon "the Penguin" Binham, brought some groans from the audience, but a chuckle as he says that in the end its about your return on investment. Enjoy it as long as you can, he says. For what its worth, your time in the 26.2 miles will have many facets, enjoy each one, but remember that its all about the hard work you put into it, it is a true test of honesty. If you cheated in training, you will pay for it in the race. Work hard and the pay out will be great.
The scenery was outstanding. I loved the scenes of Lori training on the Lakefront path. Having run there last May, I can still remember the views. Whether it was watching Daniel in Kenya or Deena in Northern California, you almost seemed to transcend the theater and be there.
But that would be nothing to "The Start".
The scene is the starting line, slowly the camera is raised above the start line and starts it's own journey over the 30,000 runners as they prepare to start there trip through the streets and neighborhoods of Chicago. The sea of humanity leaves you jaw dropped, you never ever get the sense of what it is like when you are in it. To watch it from above is almost religious as each soul prepares for there own pilgrimage to there soul.
Cinematographer Sarah Levy, does a remarkable job of relaying this. You are left speechless. Jeff Beal's score then heightens this to another level. As the music starts to slowly build and reaches its apex as the gun goes off.
Now the fun really starts. Thanks to some remarkable work, you are in the pack, running with Deena and Daniel as they duel mile for mile with there opponents. We run mile after mile with Jerry and his daughter Ro. We try and help Leah as she struggles to go beyond herself. We watch Ryan cheer on his wife Colleen from multiple points on the course. He is now changed, no longer the runner, he is the good husband and father and cheerleader. We watch as Lori enjoys herself on the course, constantly thanking those calling out her name.
We sit and watch as victory and defeat enter on to the course. We watch tears of celebration and tears of heartbreak and tears of what might have been. For those who never have watched a marathon finish, watch one. You see many tears. They are not tears of pain or agony. But instead tears of joy and ecstasy. I should know I still remember my tears after finishing my first, I had changed my life forever. This film leaves you feeling and sensing that as well, I feel that those who watched it probably left feeling changed and privileged to have watched 6 lives intersecting and coming out uniquely different in the end.
I highly recommend you go see the encore or buy the DVD, the return you will get on that investment is priceless.
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