The Half Marathon is done!

The title says it all. We did it - as a group. The first half marathon is complete!

I know I've been a little MIA lately, so I have to apologize (especially to Adrok and Fraskles). After the work trip to Miami, things became extremely hectic and with the half marathon coming up, I decided to return with the results.

Leading up to the race, the schedule called for tapering - a decrease in running leading up to allow your body to strengthen. This was definitely one of the reasons the race went well. Let's face it - your legs need to build up the strength before the race. Friday before the race I began eating lots of pasta (I'll take any excuse I can get!) and I went to bed extremely early (I'll take any excuse I can get!) SMG was out on Friday night and came home to me asleep on the couch watching Scarface....Is it really ever possible to turn that movie off when you see it playing?

So we went out to a great dinner the night before the race. Did I have pasta? Nope. That would too cliche - and I've heard that the night before the race it's actually too late to "carb load." Honestly - I just wasn't in the mood for pasta. I tried venison for the first time - and it was delicious!!! We went to bed early that night and woke up at 5 am Sunday morning.

SUNDAY MORNING

I was a combination of nervous and excited. I knew we had been preparing for 3 months and trained faithfully, but I was still haunted by the big BONK during the attempted 11 miler! I ate a fairly large breakfast (egg sandwich, bananas, small cup of coffee) and then we left the house at 6:30am for the 7:00 am race (the start line was about a 5 minute walk from our condo).

We were pumped!!!! As we went to the finish line we lined up in our corral...I had to take care of a last minute urge to relieve myself and then I was ready! It was surreal as we started - I couldn't believe we had actually begun! The first mile was torture...11:06 because of the crowd....but I have always said that speed was not my priority - finishing the race was. And I meant that - I wanted to have fun. We were separated from each other pretty quickly. The first two miles flew by and I barely broke a sweat. Interestingly enough, by mile 3, I started to feel weird - like I did the day I bonked...I don't know if perhaps my breakfast wasn't big enough, whether I didn't sleep enough or if I had no hydrated properly - but I felt something.

But I was prepared!!! I had my Gu Gel ready to go and I opened up that sucker after mile 3! I swished it around with some water and waited for it to take effect. And boy did it take effect - I sailed through miles 3 through 9....granted, I could not really go at anything more than a 9 minute mile pace because the race was crowded. It ran through some of the scenic, but more narrow streets of Philadelphia. But if you tried to go at a pace faster than the crowd, you risked causing some serious carnage. A few times I couldn't take it and I passed on the sidewalk, but those paths frequently ended abruptly so I didn't think that was really something I wanted to do very often.

Every water stop I took a drink. That was my best move - as I stayed hydrated the whole race and at no point did I think that I was thirsty. I definitely need to start training with a water bottle and get used to drinking while I run. The water stops were MOBBED with people and cups and were like a death trap. In the beginning I tried to run through the water stops but I found that more water was getting on my shirt than was going in my mouth. So I drank the water at each stop and then continued running. It only amounted to about a 3-5 second stop so it wasn't really a big deal.

Around mile 6, I saw the rest of our group - including SMG! I stayed with them because we had all trained together and running with them was fun. At the end of mile 9, we hit a MAJOR hill - and people started dropping like flies. But not our group! We fought through it and I was proud. At the top of the hill there was another water stop - and then I said to myself - ALL that is left is a 5k.

I ran the race with music - which was a last minute decision. I had put together a pretty reliable playlist so I had songs that kept me distracted and happy. I won't say that I necessarily needed the music - but it definitely made the race fun. I go through phases with that sort of thing - and right now, I'm in a "Yes to music phase."

The last three miles were tough. Actually 11 and 12 were not that bad. Mile 13 was a KILLER. I started to cramp up and my feet started to hurt. Twice I stopped very briefly but I persevered and ran a faster pace to make up for the walking. I crossed the finish line and SMG followed about 2 minutes later. We were DONE! And HERE is the complete Garmin reporting!

And of course, the race map:

It was a blast and "rewarding" isn't even the word that captures the feeling. Part of me is relieved to have gotten over the 10 mile hurdle and another part of me knows that there are SO many more challenges ahead. We enjoyed Sunday with our friends - drinking some beers and eating lots of snacks. Monday I took off and Tuesday I actually ran 3 miles (9:00, 8:15, 8:14) to get back into it! It felt great. I'm going to intensify my training this time around - focusing on speed and increasing distance. I'm going to do it gradually because that's what worked this time around. And also, I'll mix in more strength training.

We have another Half Marathon scheduled for January 9, 2010. But for now, I'm very happy. I'm happy that my wife and I set a goal and that we achieved it. Now we'll set new goals and achieve them. This experience brought us closer together with each other and with our friends who ran the race with us. What a great experience - thank you guys.

Intervals in Miami....not bad!

Miami Intervals

We are in Miami (work related for me) - and arrived at 9:15 am yesterday morning. A 6:30 am flight out of Philly meant waking up at 4:00 am - yes it's as fun as it sounds!

Tuesday I decided to give my legs a break and pack instead of the scheduled 5 mile run. Last night I did my scheduled 10x400 Intervals in Miami. The heat and humidity definitely felt different from the 50 degree Philadelphia air but it still felt good to get a good sweat out after the disaster of last Sunday!

Here's the graph:

And of course - proof of the location!!

Today I just have a 3 mile run...In this 11th week, tapering begins...

One of my favorite internet stars - Guy Goma

I LOVE this man, and you will too. This is definitely one of the best internet clips ever. When you learn what the story is, you understand how funny the video is. On May 8, 2006, BBC News interviewed technology commentator "Guy Kewney" about the outcome of a legal battle between Apple Computer and Apple Music - or at least they thought they did. Rather than place Mr. Kewney in front of the interviewer, they inadvertently brought taxi driver Guy GOMA into the interview.

The interviewer, Karen Bowerman, proceeded to interview Mr. Goma about the case. His reaction is now INFAMOUS. He actually fought through the interview, after being unknowingly pulled in, and gave it a shot! Amazing how the BBC Staff made this mistake - but even more amazing that he kept his composure....you can literally see the situation develop through his various tortured facial expressions...the more you watch it the funnier it gets.

Thursday - a good day for Super Stacker...

Ahhh, Super Stacker - otherwise known as Tetris' hot cousin. The object is pretty self explanatory - stack the objects you are given and don't let the stack fall...of course, as you get further and further along, the stacks become more and more ridiculous as well as the objects with which you are supplied....Don't question it - just start playing. You'll look up and have lost 1/2 hour of your life to this game!

Dots are back!

Natural fuel...

As I've gotten more involved in the long distance running, I find there are more and more "accessories" that you are urged to buy...GPS watches, sneakers, tights for cold weather, arm bands to hold your phone, etc...I've bought a few of these accessories and I will say that I do not regret any of them. I really try to keep an open mind and to be willing to spend a little bit of money on something if it will make the overall experience more fun and/or reduce the risk of injury.

However one thing I am not yet sure about are the various energy gels, chews, etc. After the experience on Sunday, I began to rethink my approach and thought that maybe I do need to carry some of these things with me. My hesitation is that maybe I would be simply putting sugar pills into my body and giving a very temporary boost of energy. Perhaps that is the point!

Any thoughts/opinions on these products and this issue are welcome! The more info and advice - the better!

Avatar - countdown to December 18th

I rarely get excited for movies but for some reason, this one has me counting the minutes!!!!

Dots is back in my life!

Who remembers playing dots back in the day? Of course, I have managed to find the game online here. My memories of this game are from years ago - when a friend and I would sneak a crumpled up piece of paper back and forth to each other - slowly approaching the inevitable meeting of our lines - and then gobbling up the boxes for as many points as we could possibly accumulate. This is like an intellectual tic tac toe....Definitely a great find and an excellent simple online adaptation of a classic!

Focusing as the big race approaches!!!!

Week 11 BEGINS!!!!

Week 11 begins with a 5 mile run - which I will do tonight...my legs appreciated the Monday rest day but I decided to give them one more day of rest and do the run after work. We have less than two weeks to go! At this point, I am just trying to focus on some of the important things that perhaps I have been ignoring thus far...the aspects of the run that are frequently ignored by amateurs such as myself. Not only am I going to focus on stretching and not getting hurt, but I am going to provide my body with ample fuel these next couple of week. My priorities are going to be:

1) Proper form while running
2) Constantly hydrating
3) Eating well - staying nourished (glycogen)
4) Stretching, stretching, stretching...

If I really focus on these things for the next two weeks, I feel like it will be a recipe for success on the day of the race. At this point, my goal is not only to finish, but to not feel like a disaster afterwards!! SMG and I are running another half marathon in January and I would like to continue to train after this half marathon. This run should be as leisurely and enjoyable as the rest of the runs we have been doing during our training schedule and if we properly prepare - I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be!

Parking Lot 3!!

Nobody's boss is going to like me today - but I found another game online sure to eat up precious minutes of productivity....

I will readily admit that I did not know about Parking Lot 1 or 2, but I did stumble upon Parking Lot 3 - a game sure to remind any city dweller who owns a car about their daily struggle to find parking spots and to squeeze their car into the spots they may be lucky enough to find!

As you move through the levels, you encounter obstacles such as potholes, nighttime conditions, and oncoming traffic...Pretty fun - but also very reminiscent of actual city life!

Say what?

You have to love when these cheeseball news anchors get caught up saying the dumbest things.

I bonked

Ending Week 10 on a sour note - but staying positive!

Usually I write optimistically about my running - or have something positive to report about my run. Saturday's run was a good one - didn't really stick out at all. Sunday's run, however, was a big learning lesson. So even though I didn't have a good run yesterday - I'm going to use it as an opportunity for self improvement.

As I said, Saturday's 5 miler run went fine....I did feel extremely tight afterward but I just took some time to stretch (after treating myself to a lunch of lamb, rice and tomatoes (pictured right) - Yes I made it myself! The stretching session, as usual, helped breath new life into my legs.

The 11 miler - a different story. A new experience and hence a huge lesson.

I BONKED

It was going to be my longest run ever - but I "bonked." What am I talking about? From what I have read - this is the unofficial name for when your body just stops and says to you - NO, you are not running anymore. With a light breakfast this morning, I set out on my 11 mile run. I met up with some friends who were at the Art Museum for the "running of the Rockies" - a funny event with a few hundred people dressed up as Rocky running up the steps.

Apparently, their Rocky-like toughness did not rub off on me! I set off running - and I knew from the beginning that I was 1) dehydrated and 2) starting to get hungry. Bad news. Around mile 3 I felt a little strange and the downhill feeling continued. My mouth started to feel parched at around mile 5 and I ran to a point where there used to be a water fountain. To my extreme disappointment, no water fountain anymore.

So I turn around and decide to run about 2 miles back to the Art Museum area to get a drink of water - figuring by that time I would be 7 miles into the run. At that point, I could hydrate and knock out the last 4 miles. But the fatigue dramatically increased and turned into cramps and by 6.5 miles, I could not run at all.

The stopping point occurred at about 55:00...

I tried to alternate running and walking but quickly my body would not even allow me to run for .1 miles...it was bad. I reached the water fountain and hydrated. I felt better but even with my best efforts to keep running I just couldn't. I decided that I would walk....I made it to 10 miles and that was enough. I had to chalk this up to a learned lesson. No more running on too little food and no more running without having hydrated or something with me to chew on.


I know it's not an issue of being in shape or stamina - and I'm trying not to beat myself up too badly. Considering the fact that I ran a 5 miler the day before there was no reason that my body would give out at a 6 miler - unless it simply did not have enough fuel. As soon as I got home, of course, I rested - but I also went online to research what exactly was going on in my body. Hence the discovery of "bonking." "Hitting the wall" or "the bonk" describes a condition caused by the depletion of glycogen stores in the liver and muscles - which manifests itself by precipitous fatigue and loss of energy. And now it totally makes sense - because when I did the 15k in Rhode Island - I had eaten about 5-6 of the fruit chews that my wife had bought just to try them out. And I felt FINE after that run.

So what's the major lesson? I MUST teach myself to prepare my body correctly for the long runs! I might be in "shape" to run a half marathon but it's not something to just jump out of bed and do. The body's a big chemistry set and when the chemistry is off - bad things happen! Sunday afternoon and night were rough - but lesson learned. I'm going to stay positive - and I'm not going to let one bad run ruin the fun of all of this training. Some things are gonna have to change in the last two weeks before the big run!

Warp Shot!!

I hate to do this to you all - but yes, I found yet another great online game...the game is Warp Shot. It's basically golf....but even more addicting. The goal is to get the ball to hit the white "orb" in as few strokes as possible. It starts out relatively simple.

Of course, as you advance, the levels become more and more complex - with tricks and obstacles.

Don't cry over spilled vodka!

Priceless...if you haven't seen this short video, check it out. Safe to say this man is currently unemployed.

Keeping it random....Hypercolor and crazy little weightlifters!

Hypercolor!!!!!

Who remembers Hypercolor? These were the clothes that change with your bodily heat! I was reminded of Hypercolor the other day and thought that I would look it up to learn all of the things about it that I never cared to know when I was younger. Hypercolor clothing contained a temperature sensitive pigment and actually were damages when placed in a wash that was hotter than recommended.

Since 2003 a company in Michigan (Body Faders) has been producing a new version of the Hypercolor clothing (not under the same name).

For a blast from the past - check out this article from 1991! CLICK HERE.

Almost done with Week 10...

After this Sunday, we will be finished Week 10 of the 12 week training program for the half marathon. Last night was a 3 miler - which distance wise was easy. But as usual, my legs were tired by the Thursday run and consequently, I could definitely feel some cramping/fatigue. No worries though - today is the rest day. This weekend consists of a 5 mile pace run on Saturday and then an 11 mile run on Sunday. We are getting closer and closer to the magical 13.1 mile distance - but we will not run the actual distance until race day. Here is what Weeks 10-12 look like:

The "stretch and strengthen" days are Monday (the schedule starts on Monday and ends on Sunday). Week 11 we are going to be in Miami, FL from Wednesday to Sunday so from the 10x400 intervals to the 12 mile run - all will take place in sunny Florida (it better be sunny!) which will be a nice change of pace. Although I do have to say that we have not suffered too much with the weather so far this fall. It has not really dipped too much below 50 degrees generally....I'm a little nervous for Sunday's 11 mile run - as I have never ran more than 10 miles ever at one time....but there's only one way to improve and that's to keep pushing to higher limits - so here goes nothing....

How do you discipline this kid?

Parental dilemma - your child is ridiculously jacked...is there any way to discipline a child like that? This kid is hilarious and as I watch the video I keep thinking that he is literally defying gravity. This is just hilarious. I love his posse dancing behind him to hip hop as he lifts weights....enjoy.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Tempo runs, lemonade stands and wonder.....

45 Minute Tempo Run - SUCCESS!

For some reason, I always dread the "Tempo Run" every other Wednesday. Perhaps it's because it alternates with the Interval Runs - which I particular enjoy. Or maybe it's because the Tempo Run is designated by the amount of time and time has never been something I really cared much about for my runs. Whatever the reason - our training program tells me that the Tempo Runs are the "thinking runner's runs" and that you start out slow and then are supposed to reach your peak speed about 2/3 of the way through the run and then slow back down. So each time we have done these - I have tried to follow that and do it correctly.

Last night I finally enjoyed a Tempo Run. My wife and I started out running together and about 1/4 of the way we separated. I concentrated (Ok, so I followed instructions and I was the "thinking runner") and instead of worrying about the overall time, I really wanted to see if I could run progressively faster without looking at my watch and then slow down per the instructions. The "program" says that the overall speed matters much less than your ability to control your speeds. And much to my surprise, I actually was able to control my speeds and do it correctly for the whole 45 minutes!

After the run, I felt great - completely loose and refreshed - not tired and beat up. In the 45:00, I ran about 5 miles - which is not my fastest but respectable considering I was not going for speed but for control of my speeds. Still, I can't wait for the intervals this Wednesday - they are definitely my favorite!

Lemonade Stand

Who else remembers this game?! I rocked this game. The game was created in 1973 and added to the Apple II computers in 1979. It was actually included on all Apple computers throughout the 1980's - hence my memory of playing it in school! Lemonade Stand gives you the opportunity to run a child's lemonade stand - and you make decisions regarding marketing, prices of lemonade, and how much lemonade to make.

I remember the disappointment whenever rain was in the forecast and putting my emploees to work when coming up on a hot and dry day! What a great game this was! This is not the original - but still a pretty fun version of the game - CLICK HERE.

Ahhh....The Wonder Years.

And in line with childhood memories - this is one show that definitely defined much of my childhood. I have early memories of watching Wayne torture Kevin, Kevin and Paul going through the awkward stages of adolescence....and although I don't recall the ending of the series (below) I caught it on youtube years later....for some reason it still gives me a lump in my throat (hey I'm secure enough to admit it) and brings me back to my own younger years, where my biggest worry on a summer evening was which jar to use to catch lightning bugs or to make sure I stayed within acceptable distance of the house so Mom could call me in to dinner....no bills, no mortgages, no house repairs...just the easy life...this show brings me back to that time and I'll always appreciate it for that...

Wednesday's Post

Halloween Report

After much agonizing and mind-changing in the Halloween store in Providence - I decided on my costume. I would be.....a watermelon. It was perfect - one piece, comfortable, didn't cover my head - and delightfully overpriced (as SMG's uncle put it - it's like buying roses are Valentine's day).

I know I know - it was not the most creative costume. But it was fun - and random - and that's typically the route I take on my Halloween costumes. The best part was giving candy to the trick or treaters and seeing what costumes were in style this year...we saw Lady Gaga, Milk (the drink, not the politician), a mouse, batman and of course a few Red Sox players (we were in Rhode Island after all).

It was a fun time - kids are endlessly entertaining. And now - we are looking right down the barrel of Christmas....oh boy...2009 is flying by.....

Intervals actually WORK!

Last night I ran my scheduled 5 mile run - with no expectation or real care about speed. I just wanted to do the run and get home to eat dinner with my wife! It turns out my speeds were among my fastest ever and I ended up running the 5 miles with an average of 8:12 mins/mile! This is among my fastest times yet for such a distance. I distinctly remember running 6 miles in Providence on September 13, 2009 and averaging about 8:30 mins/mile - and that being EXTREMELY hard. Today the 5 mile run was hardly anything. I finished the run, showered, and came upstairs to make dinner. It's amazing what a difference a month and a half of training will make. Here are the splits:

Now why do I say intervals work? At approximately the beginning of the 5th mile, I decided to increase my speed and run the last mile quickly. I may not be describing this very well - but I basically ran as I ran my intervals - quicker pace, longer strides - and I was not tiring out. In fact, it felt very natural to be going at a faster pace. My legs handled it fine and my breathing pattern kept up as well. It was very apparent that the interval training and changing of speeds has been very beneficial.

This one's for you, Rob!!!

Keeping in the theme of this week, which has unintentionally become addicting internet games, here is the "Hardest Game." I dedicate this one to my boy Rob - who is home recovering from shoulder surgery. You may remember him as the leader of the church shish kebab team. Hopefully some of these games help him pass the time. Get better soon Rob....use your Wii for rehab!

So this game really is difficult! You basically have to get your ball from point A to point B through moving obstacles...it looks easy - but it is VERY hard and admittedly VERY stressful! There is a trick to each level though. The game actually talks trash to you! Check it out!

Vote for Pedro!

Still alive!

They did - the Phillies showed up with their bats - and of course, having Cliff Lee pitch doesn't hurt. Phillies fans nervously sat down watching their team trying to live to play ONE MORE GAME.

If you are superstitious, then you can't be very happy with Macy's right now. In yesterday's Philadelphia Inquirer, Macy's placed an ad congratulating the Phillies as "back to back champs" - apparently unaware that the SERIES ISN'T OVER! A big deal? Not at all. Foolish? Yes.

Back to last night's game - the offense showed up (even Ryan Howard walked twice - we'll take what we can get from him this series). If the Phillies pull through in this series, it's not going to be in Philadelphia, as the next two games are in New York. A day's rest is hopefully just the medicine the Phils need to pull through in the next two games....go Phillies!

The bad news: We have no room for error.

The good news: Pedro Pitches tomorrow night!

Half Marathon Update

Admittedly I started out Week 10 on a lazy note - I did not run this morning. Now to be fair to myself, it's been a LONG few days and I woke up this morning rested but just not up to a 5 mile run. However, I am not skipping! Just going to run this afternoon instead. It's not optimal - as I have been very happy these days getting the runs over with in the morning - but it's going to be done. This morning I stretched - which one could argue is just as useful and important. Fifteen minutes of quality time with my foam roller and grabbing my toes did my legs a world of good. My IT band tightness from the 15k on Sunday is virtually gone - which makes me feel confident that the stretching I'm doing is helping and that I'll be fine for the half marathon.

Another great game - Bloxorz!!!

Another addicting game - Bloxorz!! You manipulate the blocks to fall through the holes on different levels. It looks easy - it definitely is NOT. But fun - yes!

 

Planarity!!!!

Will the real Philadelphia Phillies please stand up?

Come on, guys....the first game or two were well played - but I am afraid the last two games I just cannot say that this is the team that made it to the big show....Start playing - get your heads in the game!!

15k!

We were in Rhode Island this weekend to surprise my wife's father - as he does an open house every year. Per our schedule, Saturday was a day off and Sunday was a 15k run. We partied with my wife's family for Halloween - and due to some unseasonably warm weather, bbq-ed and gave out candy all night...

And then....I watched the Phillies lose. :( In the words of Forrest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."

Sunday morning I woke up, and as usual, my wife was rearing and ready to go! I was being my lazy morning self, so she left and began her run. I had a little bite to eat and about 10:00am, embarked on the 15k (9.3 miles) scheduled for Sunday. It was not easy but surprisingly, not overly difficult. I admittedly took it easy on the speed, running an average of a bit over 9:00/mile. However, one thing SMG and I both agree on is that Providence and the area around where her father lives has many more hills than Philadelphia - which is relatively flat.

 

But the big difference I noticed from last week's 10 mile run was my post-run recovery. Whereas last week I was a mess all night and feeling dehydrated until Tuesday, this week I went and was able to have a normal lunch pretty much right after the run! We drove from Rhode Island to Philadelphia right after lunch and watched the Phillies (yes, lose again - ugh) with only some tightness still in my IT band. But overall, the recovery was MUCH quicker and the tightness less severe. Tomorrow is the first run of week 10 - we are getting close!

We are officially 75% through the training program...Week 10 here we come!

Planarity

This is a must try game! The game is called Planarity. Basically,  you have to arrange the vertices so that they do not overlap...the first level is actually pretty easy - and you might think you actually have the hang of it!

But quickly, these get tougher and tougher.

New game - and I like it! Try it out.