Thoughts for Thursday

"It's very hard to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the real competition is against the voice inside you that wants to quit." -George Sheehan

Bad Bike Karma

Wednesdays are my days off. As I've mentioned before I like to go out to Oak Mtn. to ride. After coffee, blogging, and bike prep I headed out to meet my friend, S. for a ride (in celebration of a new job she is starting on Friday). We parked in the upper lot and chatted with some nice trail runners from Pensacola who needed running store and restaurant recommendations and S.'s RPM instructor at the Y who was there for some trail running too. It was a little busier than usual at the park--3 busloads of kids seemed to be on some sort of biology excursion, plucking leaves from everything in sight. All in all though it was festive and summery--a great start to the day.

The Pensacola couple complimented Birmingham on how runner-friendly it is--apparently they run the Oak Mountain 50K every year (just not this past one). Anyway, it's always nice to hear good things from out-of-towners.

So we were off. The first mile is almost all downhill so S. and I enjoyed some catching up and chit chat, knowing that the hills would make talk impossible at some point. Just after cresting the first hill and heading down, S.'s cell phone rang. She reached to get it out as I jokingly said, "Boy, that's daring" (thinking of the many times I couldn't even get my water bottle out and drink on the bike). Just as I was about to push on ahead so she could answer the phone I saw her grip her left brake handle. In slow motion I watched her bike lurch to a stop. With one hand still on the brake and the other holding the cell phone, she flipped over her handlebars and landed SMACK on the pavement with her bike on top of her. My heart just about jumped out of my chest.

I swung around, clipped out, and ran back to help her. I think she was pretty dazed and took a little while to get up. Talk about SCARY stuff! A nice cyclist blocked the road for us while she moved to the side of the road and a polite old man in an R.V. asked if we needed any assistance.

Poor S. was scraped up and visibly already bruised all over her legs and arms. Her arm was hurting her the most and was the main reason I immediately rode back to get the car. We trekked out to the hospital and I dropped her off at the emergency room, where her husband met her.

With nothing else to do and only 2 1/2 miles in--and admission paid--I decided to head back out to the park to ride some more. Guess that's one of the benefits of part-time employment. Got a great ride in (cringed a little, S., when I passed the area where you wrecked) and then dropped S.'s bike off at her house on my way home.

She has a nasty broken elbow and a bike ride for the books--and serious pain medication thank God. That said, huge Kudos to S. for not screaming like a baby. I think I would have been oh-so-dramatic. All the way to the hospital we just chatted about her exciting upcoming job. You are seriously tough, S.!

I'm so sorry and hope you get better soon! I should have warned you. I've joked with people before that I have bad bike karma. I think this confirms it.

Channeling Doogie . . . and a Great Run!

I saw an interesting segment on the local news about twittering the other night. The gist of the anchor's point was that twittering and blogging is self-absorbed. As a journalism major and a to-be English teacher I was a little dumbfounded by his accusation. What he doesn't note is that these forums are simply today's version of yesterday's letters to friends, journals, autobiographies, and memoirs. People documenting their lives is not a new phenomenon--it's just increasingly more accessible. And more people seem to be taking advantage of it. What a nightmare--geez--people all over the world thinking, writing, and sharing their thoughts.

I'll be the first to admit that I think a little bit of this when blog:



Oh Doogie . . .

To those who believe blogging, twittering, etc. is self-absorption I have one question to your common question, "Why do you do it?" Well, if you don't know why we bloggers blog or twitterers tweet, then why do you read them? If you don't understand that at the end of the day we do this for reflection, to measure personal growth, sometimes to rant, sometimes to rave, but most of all because we can then I guess I cannot adequately answer your question. Within that question your assumption seems to be that blogging must have value beyond importance to the writer. It is a form of self-absorption but not with the negative connotation that your questioning and report imply.

If more people would spend time recording their thoughts and thinking about what happens to them on a daily basis maybe they would begin to view their lives as something valuable to record (if even just for themselves). I (as an English teacher) honestly believe the world would be a better place.

I can look back at my blog and remember the progress that I've made in the last two years. That's the point of our blog (this is really J.'s blog too).

So before I get too distracted . . .

Yesterday's run was AWESOME! I don't know what I did right--maybe the 30 minute swim before the run helped, maybe the endurolytes helped, maybe it was just an unexplainably great day. The bounce is finally back in my step and I feel like I've crossed into that sub-10-minute-per-mile pace on a (scared to say it) "permanent" basis. Consistently over the past few weeks I've been able to make it under that time.

Yesterday I finished 5 miles in 48:08 in the heat at 10 am on the parkway for an average pace of 9:38. I've been trying to vary my speed during the run because I am a sucker for falling into an even pace and not pushing beyond it. So here's the breakdown:

Mile 1, 9:21
Mile 2, 8:47
Mile 3, 10:07
Mile 4, 10:14
Mile 5, 9:40

My strategy was to go out fast, get a little faster, recover for 2 miles and then finish fast. I'll take small progress here and there. And I'll look back to posts like this to see how far I really have come.

To the news anchors or others who don't get blogging, I encourage you to find something about your life that you feel is worth documenting--for yourself, not others. If others enjoy reading about it that's just a plus.

As Doogie discovered back in the early 90's, computers simply make the age-old tradition of journaling more accessible.

Write on!

Life is Good... Ironman Training

Its Tuesday night and I am exhausted, just getting home from a 3 hour workout at 8 p.m.

Who am I?
How did I get here?

After completing my first marathon in February of 2008, I decided to give triathlons a try. It didn't take long to determine that the big daddy of triathlon, the Ironman, was the ultimate goal. This race consists of a 2.4 mile ocean swim, 112 mile bike, and a marathon (26.2 miles). The winner will finish in 8 hours and I'll be lucky if I cross the line under 12.

So now here I am 27 weeks from Ironman Florida, on November 7, 2009. I'm currently in the ninth week of my 36 week training schedule.

http://www.trifuel.com/triathlon/ironman-workouts/

Its not that any of the workouts are too difficult, its just that there are so many of them. This week calls for 12 hours of swimming, biking, and running. Its also necessary to get in a little strength training on the side, which adds to the load. It doesn't get any easier, so I better get used to being tired. On the bright side I have no shortage to training partners and endless support from Katie.

I bit the bullet and bought a Triathlon bike this year. Tri bikes differ from rode bikes in that they put riders in a more aerodynamic, comfortable position. Even though this position is less stable, its okay since drafting is not allowed in U.S. triathlons. I love the K-Factor! It may not make me faster, but it sure feels like it.

The 2009 season began last week here in Birmingham with the Powerman Alabama Duathlon, a 5 mile run, followed by a 33 mile bike ride, followed by another 5 mile run. The race moved to downtown Birmingham for 2009. I did well, but the race was nine days ago and I still haven't recovered. Maybe I went too hard for the first race of the year.

The Gulf Coast Half Ironman is coming up on May 9. Katie and I will be making the trek to Panama City with Colin and Wendy. This race provides a great opportunity for practice as its on the same course, albeit only half as long, as the Ironman in November.

So with 27 weeks to go and nine days since my last off day, I think I'll take tomorrow off and hang out with Katie, who conveniently is off is well.

Here's to the journey, which in the end, is much more rewarding than the goal. And here's to the people that make it so much damn fun!

Hit it hard!

JG

May Day Play Day

I am having too much fun these days. With just a part-time job--no classes, no school observations, and in general no other obligations--I've found myself in territory like I haven't seen since my days in undergrad. 25 total hours of obligations a week. And most of those fall on the weekend (every other one) and two nights a week. So I'm left to my own devices--training, enjoying sunshine, and yes, occasionally working around the house.

Today I got to the JCC at 8:15 for a weights class, hit RPM right after that, and jumped on the treadmill for 4 miles before leaving. It was 3 hours of bliss--no worries at all. I know I'm lucky. And I know that this set of circumstances won't likely happen again until . . . well, I guess I'll get a small taste of it with summers off. But I won't be able to enjoy the month of May like this until retirement.

I'm looking forward to a run and swim tomorrow before heading into work at 1 pm. Wednesday I'm heading out to Oak Mtn. with friends for a ride. Who knows what I'll do with myself after that :). And at the end of the week, I'll celebrate the first of May with friends--a la Marty's and Tonal Vision.

I have promised J. that I would spend some of my time working around the house--painting, repairing, etc. Maybe I'll add to my list of things to do on Wednesday, "Make a list of things to do around the house." But today isn't a day for serious list-making. I'll save that for Wednesday.

15 reasons I'm looking forward to May:

1. I still get that about-to-be-out-of-school giddiness--appropriate since I'm going into the teaching profession I guess.
2. My birthday is this month--which always coincides with that end-of-month-we're-out-of-school giddiness.
3. Is there any month with better weather than May?
4. My classes are officially over--not to re-start until the first week of June.
5. I don't have to pound the pavement looking for a fall teaching job.
6. It's too far away from August to be planning too much for the upcoming school year.
7. Green--everything is green--lush and Southern green
8. No more closed-toe-shoes (well except my running shoes)
9. Cinqo de Mayo
10. Days are getting longer and longer
11. Dog baths with the hose instead of in the tub (much easier)
12. Fresh fruit--bring on the Southern watermelon, peaches, strawberries, and blueberries!
13. Fresh veggies--farmer's market style
14. Mosquitoes aren't out yet.
15. And oh the BEACH . . . I do love the beach! And the month of May always offers an opportunity for a beach trip.

Heat's On and Such

The racing and playing wiped me out this past weekend and I've had a hard time getting back into the swing of things. My hamstrings and quads were so sore from Statue to Statue that I walked 3 miles on Monday and skipped running Tuesday--opting for some stretching instead.

Wednesday after J. got off work we went out for a 6-mile run together. I was still dragging but managed to do the first 2 1/2 miles at a 9-minute pace--petering out quickly after that to a 10 1/2-minute pace. If I repeat this process over and over again I guess I'm sure to see results . . . maybe being able to hold the faster paces for longer.

Temps were supposed to get up into the mid 80s on Thursday so I decided I'd take an easy run at noon--ya know, to get used to the heat. Once it gets hot down here it stays HOT. I ditched the GPS, my watch, my cell phone, and struck out for a ZEN run--with no care as to how long it took me. I love these runs. These runs are my achilles heel because I always prefer to run like this. As J. observed on our Wednesday run--"Man, you just really don't like to be uncomfortable." I guess that really means--"Man, you're a wimp. Suck it up and just run faster. It won't kill you." And he's right. I know I can run harder. I just don't--the slowing down is almost automatic.

So for me to be a faster runner I have to change something even more fundamental than how quickly I can turn over my legs. First, I have to ignore that nagging voice in the back of my head that says, "STOP! Nausea will overtake you in 30 seconds if you don't slow down. Not to mention your chest may explode." And I have to find some deep-seated motivation to push harder--that's tricky.

I hate and avoid at all costs anything competitive. When I was younger I took swim team at the Y. On the days that we had to compete I would hide in the bathroom--and I was actually a really good swimmer (Sorry Mom and Dad :). You may find this strange considering I love races, right? Well--that's what makes running so amazing. It isn't really competitive. Everyone is out there having a good time and encouraging everyone else (at least that's how things are in the back of the pack). Stepping it up means I have to hang with the folks who tend to be a little more "competitive"--especially in triathlon. They all seem to get a kick out of beating folks in their age group (even though they say they're just content to beat their times from last year). Instead of their minds nagging about oncoming nausea or a heart attack theirs scream, "Push HARDER idiot--that guy/girl up there is in my age group!" or "Heh, I just passed that dude that thought he was the #@*# last year. Eat my dust!"

I like to just smile--a LOT--J. has even given me heck about it in my race photos. "You smile too much--looks like you're taking it easy," he says. So here's the ultimate question I have to answer:

Can I be a "fast" runner without tapping into some unfound source of beat-down-my-competitor aggression?

Looks like I need to do more mental training instead of heat training. I'll ponder all of this on my next run . . . or perhaps I should just start by running faster.

Sorry for the rambling--HAPPY FRIDAY!

And for anybody racing this weekend, "Go GET 'em!" See, working on it already.

What I've Learned in 365 Days

As J. mentioned in a post this weekend, the Statue to Statue 15K marked the anniversary of my first race. What do I know a year later that I didn't know then? The following:

1. I am an athlete (although not quite athletic).
2. What I do isn't exercise, it's fun.
3. Nothing is harder or more uncomfortable than the new-runner first mile.
4. Avoid Mexican food before a long run or race.
5. Avoid too much coffee before a run or race.
6. And ditch the whole wheat bagels--bring on the refined carbs.
7. Because I learned #'s 4-6, I also know that the port-a-potty hover is a must.
8. Wearing shoes that are too small will give you black toenails.
9. I wear an 8 1/2, not a 7 1/2.
10. Not all orthopedists think distance runners are great.
11. Physical Therapy is code word for massage--the only upside to injury.
12. No activity can replicate the runner's high (at least no activities I've tried).
13. Some days are great and others aren't. It's almost impossible to figure out why.
14. Wear white with caution.
15. Avoid light-colored running shorts.
16. GUs work.
17. But practice with them first.
18. After a year of running I really want to run Boston--but only if I can qualify.
19. After a year of running I understand how hard it is to go from a 5-hour-marathoner to a 3:40-marathoner.
20. However, running makes you believe anything is possible.
21. I am not a quitter.
22. Training is the cake. Racing is the icing. I've always enjoyed cake the most.
23. The training is what builds character.
24. You never run out of goals in running.
25. Hmm--Boston in 4 years--maybe it's possible . . . maybe . . .

Powermen

This weekend was a blast! It was like recess all weekend--with the Statue to Statue race on Saturday and Powerman this morning. The rain held off and it was a great day for J. and all of our friends.

I'll let J. do a detailed race report but here are some pics to tide you over until then. The weather wasn't the best but we counted our blessings because the torrential rains held off until later today.

Go Powermen! You all kicked butt today :). (Click on the picture below to go to the album.)

Powermen

The multi-sport season is officially here!

Way to go Ham

It's not every day that Birmingham gets publicity from the NYT--and usually when we do it's not exactly the best publicity. But I'm glad someone up there at the Times thought our little city was worthy of at least a little praise:

Click Here for the Article

Aren't you hungry after reading that?

Thanks, J. for the run today and excitement at my 4-minute improvement . . . still have a long way to go but I guess that's part of the fun. I love you for sacrificing your own PR to amble along with me.

Good luck at the Powerman tomorrow--I'll be there cheering, rain or shine.

(And thanks to J.'s parents who were there to cheer us on early this morning!)

Upside . . . 4 minutes to the good. Downside . . . check back later--don't have one currently.

P.S. as I crossed the finish line some nice soul gave me a great big shout out but I was tunnel-vision to the chute so I couldn't tell who it was. If you're out there--many thanks!

Life is Good... Mo Beta, Mo Fasta

This weekend marks the 1st anniversary of Katie's first race, the Statue to Statue 15k. This race begins at the largest iron statue in the world, Vulcan, above downtown Birmingham, and travels 9.3 miles to the Statue of Liberty replica out in the suburbs. Its a tough race, with the last three miles consisting of crazy uphills followed by fast descents.

As runners we gauge progress by trying to run races or training routes faster than before. When this occurs we celebrate the PR (personal record) as if it were an Olympic victory.

Katie has been through high points and low points over the last 365 days. 4 half marathons, 3 triathlons, a crazy trail race, and her first full marathon. There was a broken foot, a robocop boot, a case of plantars fasciatus, numerous visits to the orthopedist, pedorthist, and physical therapist, and last but not least, a bum hip flexor.

We arrived at the starting line this morning and realized the GPS was dead. Nothing like running a race not knowing how far you've gone or how fast you're going. We went out a little to fast and Katie got a little ornery. My parents were at mile 3 to cheer us on. Its always nice to have fans. The hills began at mile six and we did a little walking. Katie announced that she might have a heart attack, and that death did not seem too bad a fate at the moment. I think she was serious. As the finish line grew closer her mood and vital signs improved.

We finally hit a steep downhill, which lead to the finish line. Katie crossed 4 whole minutes faster than last year. Hoooooooooooorrrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyy! The elusive PR has shown itself.

Good job babe. You are officially Mo Beta, Mo Fasta than you were last year.

JG

Joy Rides

I've tried riding from my house but falling at intersections and getting blown off the busy roads make Oak Mountain my number one choice for a bike ride. It's hilly as hell, but there is a bike lane and cars are few and far between.

So I've been trying to make it out to Oak Mountain at least once a week--sometimes twice. I love being able to just ride and not worry about buzzing old ladies in VW bugs or irate drivers shaking their fists because they think cyclists shouldn't be able to share the road.

The usual route that I do is 17 some odd miles and this week I did that twice--for 34 total. Then I added a short 3 mile run around the lake. I'm not going to tell you how long all of that took me. I may be seeing some improvement in my running times but cycling is still a sore spot for me.



I'm getting better at pulling all of my gear together more quickly--and making sure my tires are in good shape. I've heard different opinions on psi--I usually pump mine up to about 135 and then when I unhook the pump I'm betting I lose another 10 psi. So I think I'm riding on about 125 or so.



Can you tell that I'm enjoying my free time these days? Not sure how I'll fit all of this in come August--guess I'll worry about that then and enjoy the luxury of time now.



On a weekday morning the park is empty--it's totally quiet other than the birds, trickling streams, and breeze through the leaves--a stark difference from riding on noisy busy roads.



In 2 months I'll be swimming in that lake for the season's first triathlon.

Downside . . . it's all hills in these parts. Upside . . . where there is an uphill there is also a downhill.

New Look

I've updated the look and added quite a few blogs I follow--in case you're interested in following other folks' training and racing. On our training front, J. and I have been hitting things pretty intensely--running, biking (or as Meg and I have dubbed it, "bikling"), and yes, even swimming. That reese's peanut butter cup bunny on my kitchen counter has 800 calories in it--definitely motivation for a long run this weekend!

Slowly but surely I feel like I'm making speed progress. My runs last week and this week didn't go above 10 minutes per mile and on my last two runs I did I averaged (granted only 4 miles)9-minute-miles and 8:35-minute-miles respectively. Not Boston-qualifying times (in fact, I'd have to keep a crazy 8:24 pace for 26.2 miles to be in that arena)--but I'll take progress in any form.

I found this awesome quote and just had to share it (I don't know about the barking wild dog thing, but other than that I buy it).

"Live. More than your neighbors. Unleash yourself upon the world and go places. Go now. Giggle. No. Laugh. And bark at the moon like the wild dog that you are. Understand that this is not a dress rehearsal. This is it. Your life. Face your fears and live your dreams and take it all in. Yes, every chance you get. Come close. And by all means, whatever you do, get it on film.” John Blais - 2005 Ironman with ALS (Time: 16:28:58)

To all of you who were fast enough to qualify for Boston--good luck and enjoy! We'll be pulling for you on Monday!

Wordless Wednesday . . . Sort of

This clip makes me laugh. Back in the day--back when I was 13 and at home babysitting my then 9 and 6-year-old siblings--as soon as my parents would pull out of the driveway we would crank up the radio in the kitchen and dance around singing (fake singing) and laughing. Kitchen spoons as microphones and all.

My brother--the then 6-year-old--has always been the dancer in the family. And this kid reminds me of him.

We revived that tradition back when my littlest sister would come to our house on Tuesday nights for dinner. And I have footage of her and J. rocking it out to Michael Jackson. I'm working on locating that footage. But until then--enjoy the cute red-head with the serious dance moves. And if you haven't done it in a long time--crank up the music and grab a kitchen spoon. It's almost as therapeutic as running.



Here's to hoping I can find that clip of J. imitating Michael Jackson . . .

Life is Good...Into the Unknown

I haven't posted in a while. Where have I been? I'm not sure. Seems like everywhere and nowhere all at the same time.

The last few months have been some of the happiest of my life. Not to say there has not been significant difficulty or sadness, but overall there is a sense of inner peace along with constant energy to go and do like never before. My life is like a five year old's trip to an amusement park. I am intrigued by everything, but understand nothing. Not worried about when it will be time to ride the last roller coaster and go home, but instead just running through the park with reckless abandon, throwing caution and rationale to the wind.

I've been running now for two years and continue to push my limits. The question I have been asking myself is, how did I get here. How does one transform from a discontent, out of shape young adult, who has his life planned out all the down to what he'll be doing 20 years from now, into a five year old at recess who relishes the moment without worry of what's next?

Here are the answers I came up with. I think I would have laughed at this list two years ago.

1. Somehow I landed Katie, who continues to amaze me. The more time I spend around her, the better life gets. Each day I am more thankful for her love and adventurous spirit. Glad she still puts up with me.

2. Tremendous new playground buddies (friends). This group of people are the best I've ever been around. Their dedication to family and training is a constant source of inspiration.

3. A greater understanding that my parents road to hoe was much tougher than mine, but a deep appreciation that they hoed it anyway so that my brother and I could live closer to Easy Street than the road that travels uphill both ways.

4. Less expectations from people

5. No limitations for myself

6. Less TV, More Music and Conversation

7. Realizing that not knowing the answer if often the best answer

8. A deep sense that although none of us know what comes next, death is not the end

9. The farther I run, and the more it hurts, the better it feels

10. Life is not an out and back or a jog around the track. It is a great journey into the unknown!

Hit it hard!

JG