The Mile Test

Not a long post today...it was the Mile Test at Tuesday Night Track. Last month I really felt it when I ran a 5:47...tonight I ran a 5:41 and felt much better. That is a nice increase. I know I can go faster...5:35? 5:30? Who knows...this is a tough distance to judge because too fast on the first 400, and you are dead meat. I guess that goes for any distance though...In a marathon if you are too fast early on, you burn out and crash by mile 20.

I think everyone ran strong tonight. Tara is on fire with a 5:38...beating her time a month ago by 9 seconds. Ian also looked strong with a 6:23...not bad at all for a 55 year old.

Props to the training program...it freaking works!

I was disappointed by American Idol though...a few killer performances but the rest was rubbish. Poor David Archuleta. He forgot the words...I think he will still make it through though. We'll know tomorrow.

The Sunol 17

What a great morning for a run! The day after daylight savings time, a little hungover, and just overall tired! I did not want to get out of bed. I was beat. Especially with all the crap I have been dealing with at work the past two days. So as I crawled out of bed, dazed from the wine last night and the loss of an hour from the time change, I lined up my excuses. They were good, they were believable...but that would not suffice. I had to go. After all it was supposed to be an easy 17 today and my buddies were waiting for me.

And that's how it started...easy. Our good pal Tim showed up looking for moral support from the hard news about Brett Favre. Hard news for some...for Wisconsintes and maybe Packer fans across the country, but that's it. Us normal folk could care less. Anyway, Tim was there, humor and all, to help get us through the first few miles of the run. He did rub it in that he was only doing 11 today! We had to hit Pleasanton-Sunol road for the journey over the hill and back up Foothill. Jokes were made by Louis about my shorts, but what could I do. I had to laugh as I was in this for the long haul.

So, there we were...a truly beautiful morning with signs of Spring everywhere. Not a cloud in the sky and a forecast high of 70 later today. Just perfect. I must confess, however, that I was sad to see Tim make the turn back early. Not because I would miss his jokes and conversation, but because as soon as he made the turn, the talking stopped and our easy run of 8:20 miles suddenly turned into 7:40s. We were only 6 miles in! We have a mile time trial on Tuesday! Is Louis insane???

The pace continued and picked up after each water stop. As we hit the big Sunol hill, our "easy pace" picked up again...what the F*&!. I must say that I felt great...it was what I needed to burn some stress and get this crap off my head. Just look at the picture above and you can see why. In the crowded Bay Area and ever so growing Tri-Valley, there are still places where you can find some solitude. Sure, we saw the occasional biker and some traffic, but when we got going, it was just the sound of nature, feet pounding the pavement, and the rythmic breathing of 6 runners all working together. This is one of my favorite routes and today it was perfect.

I thought we would ease off as we came back into town, but no, it only picked up. We tried to blame it on Louis, but soon another runner would take the lead, then another. The last half mile we were clocking 6:15s...it felt great and it was amazing. For the first time, in a long time I felt like I had a lot left with the last push. A strong finish and a feeling like I could do 3 or 4 more. It was exactly what I needed to clear my head, re-focus myself. Not sure what will transpire tomorrow...but I am sure my running is getting stronger!

Looks Like Stomy Weather

With the past two weeks being relatively mild here in the Bay Area, rain loomed on the horizon for the weekend. This was not just the typical forecasted rain we receive throughout winter here...you know, the kind that meteorologists can predict to the very minute, from start to stop. No, this was the second BIG storm of the season...the second big storm in six weeks. So this meant 60 to 70 mile per hour winds, several inches of rain, and possible thunderstorms to accompany it. Now, I am not complaining. After all, we need all the water and mountain snowpack we can get. Rain this time of year is typically always welcome, even the heavy stuff.

The only time I don't welcome it, however, is when I am supposed to be running...especially running long. This past Sunday was a scheduled 22 miler and the main front of this storm was set to come in Saturday afternoon and basically be done by Sunday morning. This is where the forecasters got it wrong. All was calm and quiet Saturday night...no wind, no rain, just clouds. So I went to bed thinking, "Good, we dodged a bullet!" When I woke up at 5:00 am Sunday, I realized my thinking was only wishful. Outside it was coming down in buckets...sideways...with the branches of the trees moving in every which direction from the wind gusts.

My thoughts: "Looks like it did for last year's Boston Marathon...just maybe not as cold!"

So I met the gang over at Starbuck's...and the crowd was much thinner than normal. Can't blame them though, I was so tempted to stay in bed myself. Those who did show up, ran inside Starbuck's so they would not have to wait in the downpour.
We just stood there...gazing at the sideways rain...waiting for someone to say "Go!" or just "go home".

Well we suddenly took off and were hit with gusts, showers, downpours, and even small breaks of pure calm. The first 11...not so bad, most of those gusts were at our back helping us shuffle along. The second 11...an entirley different story! With fatigue setting in, we were hit with the harder part of the run and now turning into the wind was no help. The conversation slowed as we hit the first big hill...mile 15...we were getting closer. Then as we hit the second big hill, the infamous Morgan Drive hill, the clouds began to clear. It didn't matter at this point anyway, we were downright soaked. Coming up to the crest of Morgan Drive the sun broke through, but soon dodged behind the clouds for other heavy downpour. We started to feel good though, with the end of the run just a few miles away.

So, three hours later and completely water logged, we finished. I think we all felt good, just fatigued. It was futile to try an change into dry clothes right there in the parking lot, as the downpour started once again. So into Starbuck's for a quick change int he bathroom, and a Venti coffee it was! "This run will be talked about for a long time!", Michael said, "a LONG time!" And he is right...it certainly will. Boston could be like that again this year...or it could be perfect weather...but the training and preparation will go a long way no matter what.

What a great day to run!

Pain Free

So the back pain that was so troubling this past fall is a thing of the past. Every day since early October when I simply threw my back out just bending over until early January, I would wake up not knowing what to expect. Sometimes there was nothing...no pain, twinges, or feelings that anything was ever wrong. For the most part, however, the days were filled with discomfort...right around my lower back down the front part of my legs. Yes...the dreaded SCIATICA!

Now, I have never had back problems before in my life. The chiropractor said I was a mess, but his "you came to me just in the nick of time", used car approach turned me off. I see the benefits there but let's keep that $3,000 bill as a last resort. So then, I meet the wonderful ladies and Certified Physical Therapists over at Personal Edge. They are life savers and completely gave me a new perspective on how to heal my back and also prevent injury from recurring. Specifically, they listened to me and developed a rehab program that would help a runner.

So after a few solid weeks of going to their office for one hour sessions, I saw light at the end of the tunnel. By mid-December I was feeling much better, but still had some pain. It was depressing and humbling. As the holidays came and went so did the pain...I avoided Advil and pain killers, but every now and then a vicodin had to be popped (with a nice glass of Cab!)

Finally, in the first part of January, everything subsided....The exercises I was doing paid off, the new supplements I as taking, were beginning to work. Going natural was my approach and I wanted nothing to do with medication of any kind. On top of that I was increasing my mileage...bought new shoes, and was mixing my workouts.

Now, I swear by "core" strengthening and I really am a believer in the many health benefits of fish oil! Dave Foreman, The Herbal Pharmacist, was also a key in helping me get right again. He will never read this, but "THANKS DAVE...I MISS YOUR SHOW!"

So I am good, feeling well, and I have a 22 miler tomorrow....I just hope this storm that is coming in goes away by 7:00 am. What do I care, though...I don't think any storm will compare to what I ran through in Boston last year!!!

GOALS

Its that time of year...a new page, clean slate, fresh start. However you want to define it, there is something in the air after January 1 that brings a feeling of renewal and optimism. For me, I have always hated January. The biggest reason is the fact that it is quiet, the parties are over, friends have gone home, and things are back to "normal". On top of that its usually damn cold and even here in Nor Cal, we have had enough of winter already. For most, the first sentence in this paragraph applies...you see the resolution people at the gym, read about diets, ways to save money, get a promotion...on and on and on.

For us runners...I think both of the above apply. Its cold...and those of us who are sane would rather stay in on Sunday morning instead of running 20 miles. Being that most runners aren't sane (or have some type of behavioral disorder), we still choose the run, the cold, and the punishment. For us, a new year also means a whole new set of goals. Races from years past are history...maybe many of them are PRs that we can look back and smile on, but not for long. Its time to set a whole new list of goals and challenges to keep us motivated. Why else would we get out of bed so damn early.

"Goal setting" and all the other terms that surround it have become so cliche especially this time of year. I hate the term New Year Resolution, because I have always believed that if you want something...why wait? Why wait to say, I'll quit smoking and get in shape on xxxx date? Start now!!! Even the picture for this article is cliche...silly little sayings that are supposed to mean something. Let me tell you, those sayings don't mean squat.

What does mean something is the dedication, pain, and struggle that nobody sees (except maybe your running buddies). Its the drive within each individual that has meaning, not some picture of Vince Lombardi and some old quote. Everyone's goal is personal. What may seem small to one person, may be the ultimate challenge to another. People who can't relate will be nay sayers and pessimists, while those who can will offer support, advice, and encouragement. The nay sayers are usually the ones with a whole new set of resolutions each year and the supporters are those who keep on chipping away.

So in the big picture, we turn the calendar to look at what races we might want to do and we set our goals and plan. There are no resolutions here, just commitments to get it done.

I say good luck to all in 2008, whatever your goals might be...personal, professional, or running/fitness related.

Stay healthy and RUN STRONG!

This Week's News

So here is the update from Louis....I don't have much to say myself today.


WEEK'S RECAP & TEAM NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS to all of our Nike Women's Half Marathoners. We had a handful of athletes race on Sunday mornings. Please let me know who raced this weekend to make sure we recognize your accomplishments in the 2ndWind Weekly.

Unofficial Results -

Pam Shinnick: 1:47:19

Mary Scavone: 1:51:32

Barbara Donlan: 2:10:08

Jacque Weede: 2:11:01

Tara Carreira: 1:36:46

Dawn Silva: 1:45:41


This weekend we are running from Ruby Hills’ Starbucks corner of Isabel & Vineyard at 7:00am. Our Cal Int'l Marathoners are doing their last marathon specific run 22 to 26 miles with 13-miles at your anticipating marathon pace. I do suggest to register this race so that we can take advantage the water station. KKIQ Half-Marathon Training Run

This week at 2ndWind...

The Oak House received some good press in the paper...here is the link. I still need to get my butt in there and eat, but I'm afraid I'll get sucked in like the mafia and just continue to eat and drink and eat and drink....

Good write up about the club.

CLICK ON TITLE ABOVE OR CUT AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER THE LINK BELOW...

http://www.contracostatimes.com/foodandwine/ci_7202010?nclick_check=1


WEEK'S RECAP & TEAM NEWS

Incredible weekend for our teammates who raced at the Primo’s Half Marathon – tune-up race 5 personal best. Can’t wait to see what these ladies what they can do at California International Marathon in December. Our speedy Barbara Donlan , with a blistering 1:42:35 just off coach prediction for 35 seconds and personal best by 8-minutes.


Barbara Donlan – 1:42:35 PRs

Christina Santos – 1:50:20 PRs. Off coach prediction by 20 seconds.

Joanne Silson – 1:50:23 PRs at her age group.

Ian Veroni – 1:53:18

Doug Rodgers – 1:59:54. Welcome back coach Doug

Jennifer Corso – 2:06:50

Alyssa Casella – 2:10:40

David Aiken – 2:12:16 PRs



News from San Luis Obispo Kathy Wondolleck pulled down an incredible 1:47:00 (unofficial) ! Go Kathy.



Tara Carreira took first place in her age group 40:49 at Half Moon Bay Pumpkin 10K. Watch out Tani Clingy.



On Sunday (10/21) several of our members will be taking on Nike Women’s Half Marathon. Good luck to all of you!!

Corn Flakes

So take the Corn out and what do you get? Yes, Flake! I have been one big flake on this thing all year. I have kept saying previously that I am back and this and that but I leave and don't return for quite some time.

This time I have an excuse...Baby Maddie. I'd post pictures but too many internet freaks in the world today....although I think I would be okay judging by the amount of comments left on my page. LOL

So I am back...but not in great shape. Very inconsistent and a little slower but in a few weeks, that should be all good again....

Let's hope!

The Sunday Run

So I said I would write more and I have not...but I have been running. The past two weeks have been a little off with travel and the heat but I am back and committed. There really is NOTHING like the Sunday run despite what I might feel to the contrary sometimes.

Sure, I would love to indulge a little more on Saturday nights...sleep in Sunday and just hang out out. Maybe a nice breakfast or brunch would be on the agenda. But really, getting up early, like 5:00 am, when all else is quiet...is the best.

I wish I could do this on a workday.

So I meet up with the group and even though many of them are late, (a huge pet peeve of mine, and a flat out disrespect for those that do show up on time!!! Okay, I'll stop now and write about this topic later) I look forward to the next 2 hours we will have together working towards the same goal....GETTING DONE. The run always starts off the same with small talk, a few jokes and a general consensus that we do not want to be there. However, this conversation is the perfect ebb and flow that we need to get us through the first two or three miles.

From there, things seem to digress...depending on what the run is that day. If its an easy day, the jokes and all of that continue and the run is over as soon as it begins. And, if its a hard day, we sometimes have pure silence...even among 10 or so people. Water stops prompt minimal discussion, then its back to the grind. Even with all that, my Wisoconsin buddy still manages to lighten everything up with a few far fetched jokes. "P is for....."



Still what I like about the Sunday run is the fact that we are out there....together. Most of the country is still asleep...even the East Coasters. Most of the country is going to have some big brunch to nurse their hangovers and rest all day. Most of the country is not going to exercise this much all month!!! So its these points and the fact that on even the toughest of runs, I can sometimes engage in a conversation with someone...maybe a good friend, or someone I don't know that well yet. Not just any conversation, but the random times where the conversation turns serious...deep...meaningful. Such times where the door to someone just opens and maybe I would never learn the same things about them in any other setting. Perhaps is the sense that we are trying to kill time, or maybe there is a true sense of trust being built. Whatever the case, the Sunday run does this...like nothing else.



So when people ask why I run so much, especially early on Sundays, its tough to explain. Some say "Sunday is a day of rest!" Well, with all due respect...maybe God wasn't a runner. (Or maybe there is an exemption clause for us runners somewhere in the footnotes of Genesis). In reality, I feel more rested and relaxed after after a long Sunday morning run....than any other time during the week. So maybe it could have been written...."on the 7th day He ran 20 miles....then rested!"



Who knows, but it brings me back for more.

Yasso 800s

The track work out for today is 6 x 800m just a little slower than 5 k pace.

The goal: Run the 800m in the same time (seconds and minutes) as you would run a marathon (in hours and minutes). For example....say I want to run a 3:10 marathon...then I would do the 800s in 3 min and 10 sec.

Mostly this is mental because eventually you work up to 12 sets. Me, I have no marathons in sight this yuear, but I like this work out.

I'm all alone today though...nobody to help push me through.

Oh well...that's how it goes.

Back for 2007

Its sad to say that I have not posted in over 6 months. Boston Marathon and all just a void for now. I had my focus elsewhere, but I'm back and looking for ways to expand this baby.

RAN 14 today...it was good to finish. Its amazing how it takes so long to come back after a marathon.

Focus for the week...nutrition. I'll write about my new favorite supplement additions soon.

Carry on and run strong!

Vancouver, B.C.

As I might have stated before, the great thing about running is that you can do it anywhere. Recently I was traveling on business to Vancouver, Canada and decided to head out for about 4 or 5 miles. Vancouver was recently names one of the "most livable cities" in the world. They have done an excellent job of "building up" with high rise apartments and condos, and have also built an extensive network of trails and parks in between. All that coupled with being surrounded by water on three sides and mountains in the backdrop make this a picture perfect setting.

One of Vancouver's treademarks is the Sea Wall Trail. What used to be just 5 or 6 miles around Stanley Park (their version of Golden Gate Park) now winds several miles along the entire waterfront. It is here where I began my run.

Leaving my hotel near Robson Street, I took a quick jaunt down to the water and made a right turn. It was right about 5:00 pm, but being that so far north, it was almost completely dark. A fairly cold night, I was not sure what I would encounter along the sea wall. Soon I would come across several walkers, runners, and cyclists, who were all making their way along the trail for their daily exercise routine, or for mere enjoyment of the crisp fall evening.

I also ran by several waterfront restaurants, pubs, and salons, that were all filled with patrons going about their business. Soon I found myself along the beach at English Bay and the lights that were guiding me along the trail were now few and far between. All I had to guide me was the flicker of a cyclist's headlamp in the distance and the glow of the city lights behind me. Looking out to the water, was just a glimpse into darkness. There were no ships or boats, just still calmness with the occasional crash of the waves.

When I was about three miles out, I turned around to come back. Now I could clearly see my way with the entire city skyline looking over me and a full harvest moon rising up just behind it. I tried to pick up my pace, but I was still feeling the after effects form the Chicago marathon. My calves and IT band were wiped out, so I just slowed up a little. After all, not all runs are meant to be fast. Some runs should be meant for pure enjoyment...and that's what this one was.

THE CHICAGO MARATHON

The Chicago Marathon was a month ago, and I have not written a single word about . In my last post, I was fired up...I was ready to go.


For me, it was a great race. I hit my goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon, but I was just shy of my ultimate goal of breaking 3:10. It was damn cold that day, and just tough to finish strong. I felt like I came 100% prepared and ready for it.

Many others in the club did well also. Like I said, the conditions were tough and if you weren't expecting it, or not used to it, then you were in for a longer day than anticipated.


Not much else to say right now. Except that Chicago is one great city!

Back...and on track!

So August was my last post and I felt like hell that day. I mean I was really beat up and not having a good running experience. All that has changed...I AM BACK....AND SO IS MY "EDGE" (see archives April 2006, "Getting back my edge"). Sure it has been hard to stay focused but the runs have felt great. Sure I have been beat up, but the recovery has been strong. And sure I question my ability but my focus and goal keeps me on track.

Last Sunday I ran 16 and finished the last 4 or 5 miles with an excruciating pain in my left big toe. The doctor said it was a problem with pressure on the nerve. If I take care of it, it should not be a factor in Chicago. Even if it does pop up....I need to block it out. I can't control it. As for other things I can't control on race day, let's list them:

--The weather
--The crowd
--The course


What I can control, however, is my focus...for the next 10 days. Let's remember the hard track workouts in 100 degree heat...the early Sunday mornings when I could have stayed at home (in bed)...and the Friday evening hill work outs when everyone else was at Happy Hour.

This race is mine...I own it...I will run this course with precision and with PATIENCE. Come mile 22, watch out! The race will just be staring!

PATIENCE, FOCUS, REST, NUTRITION...my MO for the next 10 days!

Beat Up

Sunday's long run got to me. Just beat the living hell out of me. The past several runs have been great. I mean I've felt strong all the way through. Last Sunday, however, was a different story. It was the first 20 miler of the season, and I just couldn't hang. I still feel tight 3 days later.

So, not much else to post here...just the thought that the run sucked and I could come up with a thousand reasons why. No excuses!!! But definitely time to reassess and plan. I'm not worried. A bad run now is better than a bad run come October 22. I'd be happy to get it out of my system and behind me.

Not much else to write tonight...I need some sleep.

Global Cooling

The perfect answer to any run, especially any long run or extended work out, is not heat my friends. Skip the hit tube...head for the freezer. I never believed it until I tried it, but my first belief was, "NO WAY!" After all, we think that after a long run, we must be tight, and unless we stretch, we will only get tighter over the next several days. Therefore, heat must be the answer. Loosen everything up, become limber, stretch some more. It sounds good in theory, but GUESS AGAIN.

We all know about lactic acid and its role in soreness after a tough workout. Well, heat, as good as it feels to sit in the hot tub, just perpetuates the effects of lactic acid. Think about it. Heat expands things...blood vessels open, cells expand. So, when you sit in the hot tub, you essentially push lactic acid further into your worn and tired muscles.

Now, take your thoughts north of the Arctic Cirlce and you have the right idea. After ant long or enduring work out, a 10 to 15 minute stint in the bath tub with a bag of ice will do you wonders. You simply constrict all of the cells in your legs, reduce the inflammation, and keep the lactic acid out. The end result...Less fatigue the next few days and a speedy recovery for that next run.

I get through it with a hot cup of Peet's and the Sunday paper. Soon, the 1st quarter of the football game will help the self-inflicted hypothermia. Call me nuts, but I'll be running strong come Tuesday!

The "Universal" Antioxidant

So I was doing some research on Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) which is the key in Omega 3's and the flaxseed I wrote about several years ago. I saw what I thought was ALA on the shelf at Trader Joe's and decided to pick it up. When I got home, I saw the bottle actually read Alpha Lipoic Acid". Still ALA right?

Being the diligent little nerd that I am I took to the internet to read all about ALPHA LIPOIC ACID...also known as the "UNIVERSAL" antioxidant. It seems like an amazing little pill...so I have been taking it. Healthier? Who knows, but at least I think I am.

Check out this article...ALL INFO IS FROM DOUGLAS LABORATORIES...References available. This research was not done by the author of this blog...just posted for information purposes.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid
The Universal Antioxidant with Metabolic Functions

DESCRIPTION
Amni®Alpha-Lipoic Acid tablets, provided by Douglas
Laboratories®, contain 100 mg of pure alpha-lipoic acid.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a non-vitamin coenzyme that carries out
important metabolic and antioxidant functions in the body.

FUNCTIONS
Alpha-lipoic acid is a nutritional coenzyme that is involved
in energy metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, has
physiological functions in blood glucose disposal, and is able
to scavenge a number of free radicals.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a fat- and water-soluble, sulfurcontaining
coenzyme. It functions in the body much like a
B-vitamin, since it is involved in energy production. As part
of several multi-enzyme complexes located in the
mitochondria, alpha-lipoic acid is essential for metabolizing
carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and for the conversion of
their energy into ATP. Two of these enzyme complexes,
PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase) and alpha-KGDH (alphaketoglutarate
dehydrogenase) are part of the citric acid cycle
(Krebs cycle), and as such assume a central role for general
energy production. Another lipoic acid containing enzyme
complex, BCKADH (branched-chain keto-acid
dehydrogenase), is involved in deriving energy from the
branched chain amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
A related metabolic function of alpha-lipoic acid is its role in
blood glucose disposal. This important coenzyme appears to
be necessary for the normal transport of blood glucose into
the cell. This may be explained by its functions in the
glucose-metabolizing enzymes, PDH and alpha-KGDH, but
some researchers suspect a more direct role in cellular
glucose uptake at the cell membrane.

As early as 1959, alpha-lipoic acid was suggested to be an
antioxidant, since it could extend the actions of vitamin C in
guinea pigs, and those of vitamin E in rats. It is only
recently, however, that the specific actions of alpha-lipoic
acid in free radical quenching, metal chelation, and
antioxidant regeneration have been investigated.
Body cells and tissues are threatened continuously by
damage caused by toxic free radicals and reactive oxygen
species (e.g., peroxides) which are produced during normal
oxygen metabolism, and by toxic agents in the environment.
Free radicals, once formed, are capable of disrupting
metabolic activity and cell structure. When this occurs,
additional free radicals are produced which, in turn, can
result in more extensive damage to cells and tissues. The
uncontrolled production of free radicals is thought to be a
major contributing factor to many degenerative diseases.
Alpha-lipoic acid is unique among biological antioxidants,
because it is soluble in both water and lipids. This allows it
to neutralize free radicals just about everywhere in the body,
inside and outside the cells. Due to its unique sulfurcontaining
structure, alpha-lipoic acid can scavenge several
types of free radicals, such as the highly reactive hydroxyl,
and singlet oxygen free radicals. It is also capable of
suppressing the generation of free radicals in the first place,
since alpha-lipoic acid chelates transition metals, such as
iron and copper. Because alpha-lipoic acid is involved in so
many different antioxidant functions in virtually all body
tissues, it has been called the universal antioxidant.
Besides being a universal free radical scavenger, alpha-lipoic
acid can also recharge other antioxidant systems throughout
the body. As mentioned earlier, it can extend the activity of
vitamins C and E. In addition, alpha-lipoic acid can also
regenerate glutathione.

INDICATIONS
Alpha-lipoic acid may be a beneficial dietary supplement for
those concerned about a more complete antioxidant defense
system and maintaining proper glucose metabolism. Dietary
and supplementary alpha-lipoic acid is efficiently absorbed,
transported to the tissues, and readily taken up by the cells.

END


So I think it looks like a beneficial substance...will report back later.

Competition...

There's a great scene in the movie "Caddyshack" where the Judge (Ted Knight) approaches Ty Webb (Chevy Chase) and asks "Ty, what did you shoot today?" Ty modestly responds by saying, "Oh, I really don't keep score, Judge." The Judge then asks, "Well then, how do you measure yourself against other golfers?" Wittingly, Chevy's character Ty says, "By height!"

When I really think about that scene I think it can relate to running when we look at it from a competitive standpoint. When Ty responds, "By height", he is throwing out such an obtuse answer that it absolutely does not make sense. The answer the Judge was looking for was first a hard physical number, a score. Then when he didn't get it he was looking for reason. He himself was trying to establish how good he was compared to Chevy's character by associating a number to it. The same holds true for anything of a competitive nature because those of us who are competitive (and runners generally are) all want a ranking. How do we hold up to other runners, our peers, our age group?

In reality this is all okay. I mean when I run a race I want to be within the top percentage of finishers in my age group. I see a guy ahead of me with 500 yards to go, and I want to beat him. Someone is gaining right behind me, just footsteps away, and I try to kick it into another gear. When its all said and done, I want to give my competitive best.

For my fellow runners, I don't get caught up in competing with them individually. That would drive me nuts. When I golf with others, I know that each player is at a different level. The same holds true for my running buddies. Collectively we can almost guess to the minute what the spread will be between us at any given race. We also know that at any given race, one of us could have a great day, or just bottom out. In golf, you know what people shoot, and can guess the score. There are good days and bad too...however, there is a handicapping system. In running, we don't handicap...it would be too difficult. Inately the competitive drive to "catch" the next fastest runner kicks in. So this takes us back to the beginning. How do we measure ourselves against other runners?

My answer is simple..."By height."

When it all comes down to it, my competition isn't one of my fellow run club buddies, or the guy just ahead or behind me in a race. Sure, those mechanisms help me to push myself, and in the end, that is what matters most. Am I pushing myself greater than before? This is the true essence of competition as I see it. I am competing against myself and nothing else. How is this measured best? By the clock...period! Am I running better, stronger, and faster than last race, last month, last year? If I threw up a PR in my last 10K, can I beat it in my next one? Will I have a better track workout next week? Will I improve my overall well being and awareness of what my body can do? Can I push new limits and reach new heights beyond what I ever thought I was capabale of doing before? Competing against that is what sparks the fire and drives my competitive nature.

This is how I measure myself against other runners...how about you?

Hot....F#$!^ing Hot!!!

So a few posts ago I threw out some heat warnings. This was just general information to deal with "normal" summer heat. Now I say, take every one, read it, and IMPLEMENT IT!!!

It's just too damn hot right now. We are in San Francisco, not Arizona. It should never be 115 in San Ramon, I mean never. I can't cope. My AC is broken, its 11:00 pm and the house is 95, and all I have been doing is slamming beers and sangria to try and stay cool. Its so hot, I can't even cop a good buzz.

The run today went well, despite this heat. 14 moderately paced miles with temperatures rising from beginning to end. I must stress the word moderate because today it truly was. Usually running with Tani, Fermin, and Doug (just to name a few), moderate runs turn into fast runs and we never end up doing the slower pace as we should. Today, we all held to a steady pace, sweated until it was pure salt, and finished well. I felt great.

What really got me today was that some S.O.B. had the balls to take our water that Louis had planted. We found the first two water stops just fine, but the 3rd most important...not there. At that point, I was beyond cotton mouth. I really don't know who could have (or would have) taken our water. A do-gooder thinking he was doing something good for the environment...a kid or two playing a practical joke...a homeless person? Whoever it was deserves my size 12 Saucony up their ass!!! I was pissed.

I eventually got over it.

Okay, its late and still no relief from the heat in sight. You want my real opinion? I think heat is the cause to all of the world's problems. I mean look at it...Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel. These people live in god forsaken places where it is hot all of the time. And I do mean ALL of the time. No AC, deodorant, beer, etc and the end result is you want to freaking kill someone. On top of all that they don't shave and their women are wrapped from head to toe. I would hate my neighbor too if that were the case. Mix in some Old Spice, Sierra Nevada, a Hooters, and some Gillette product and you have paradise. Add some freon as a bonus and you would have peace in an instant!

Okay, for a running site I got a little political there but good topics for the next 14 miler. I think the heat is just getting to me. I am OUT!!!!

Carneros Half

Sunday was the 3rd annual Carneros Half Marathon, where the run takes place from Napa to Sonoma. It is a very scenic run that winds up and down the back raods through several vineyards in both Napa and Sonoma Counties. This year, the race was packed...about 2200 in all and about 15 to 20 runners from 2nd Wind. The weather was almost perfect, being a little on the warm side. Starting 20 minutes late, didn't help any, but I think most runners were able to deal with it. It has been 100 degress plus in the Bay Area fro some time now.


For me, it wa a great race overall. I felt comfortable throughout the entire 13.1 miles witht the exception of a few things here and there around mile 10. Nothing unusual, just typical discomforts you enter while racing. I can work on those, as I feel getting through those miles is more mental than it is physical. It goes back to haveing the "edge" I wrote about a few months back.

So despite a few miles of falling off pace, I still finished with a respectable 1:34 and hit a new PR by about 90 seconds. I think everyone in the group had a great run and we all have a good foundation to build on over the next three months for Chicago.

I did not stick around for the post race festivities or wine tasting. I wanted to look up by buddy Artie whi lives about a mile from the finish line, but I had to get back. The East Bay Sunday was complete with a nap, more heat, and several adult beverages!!! Congratulations to all the runners...great job!