A big few weeks!!

Well, for me it was an exciting few weeks in my short running career. I was preparing for my second half marathon and was feeling extremely prepared to have an outstanding run. And I was accepted in the Brooks ID Member Program. Here’s what Brooks says about their ID Program:

Brooks I.D. stands for Inspire Daily. These two simple words guide the principles of the program. Brooks I.D. is made up of over 2,000 members who are active in their running communities and share a passion for the Brooks brand. They are runners who are winners in their own right: Winning their age divisions, accomplishing their personal goals, pushing their own limits, and, by extension, encouraging others to do the same. They are coaches, mentors, and leaders.

I applied for this on a whim. I certainly like to think this statement applies to me, however, I truly thought that a company like Brooks was looking for someone that performs at a more elite level. Seriously, I’m not even a threat in my age group… yet!

That said I have been inspired by their choosing me to be a grass roots representative of the company. I have never been more passionate about a hobby, and being an ID Member makes me very proud to be a member of the running community. These folks stick together. Do you know why? Because weather your marathon time is 2:10 or 5:10, the road to get to the finish line is the same for an elite or running enthusiast. You can’t get there without doing some hard work.

Thank you Brooks for choosing me, and if you’re reading this I ask that when shopping for your running please keep Brooks in mind. No other company is as concerned about the “regular” folks as them, and no other company is as environmentally conscious as them. I’m proof they listen to their end users on level where a 10 minute for 26.2 is still a great goal.

Now for the inspiration, I started running consistently last December. I have lost 70 lbs, and have never felt better. Before you say, “I can’t do that” it just takes a few simple changes, consistency being chief among them. Just get started 30 minutes (that’s giving 1 bad sitcom 3 days a week) a week 3 times a week. You’ll see a difference. I promise.

Now, back to that second half marathon, I felt really ready. I was going to hammer this run. My training went great, my food was spot on, my weight was down. I felt bullet proof.

BUT… Texas weather is always fairly unpredictable, and my wife and I were enjoying the San Antonio sites in the warm south Texas sun. We were both really hoping that it would cool down for the run. It didn’t. That morning it was warm and humid. I had no idea how warm and humid, but it wasn’t going to be a banner day for a PR. I found out after the race the humidity was over 90% and temps were touching 80 degrees.

I hit my first split dead on and was close on the second at 10k, but after that is was pretty much the death shuffle. Brutal.

But running for me has become an analogy for life. Not every run is spectacular and not every endeavor in life is successful. But, if you keep at you will have success. Every failure leads one step closer to success. History is on my side. Almost nothing great was achieved by trying it once or even twice.

Running is indeed more forgiving than life, and your mistakes can be erased in a matter of days not years. This bad half marathon will be a memory, probably after this weekend’s long run. I’m already looking forward to running another half, because I know I can do better and I expect better. And again much like life putting one foot in front of the other and inching my way closer to my goals makes me feel like a better person. So until the next starting line I’ll be a regular guy running.

Muddy Buddy plus a Dozen

My wife and I ventured out into the pre-dawn cool that often pervades a Dallas October morning, with a bit of apprehension. We were on our way to Cedar Hill Park south of town for our first ever Muddy Buddy race. It seemed like a good idea when I signed us up for it, but now that the day was here it was kind of an after thought. We are also in the midst of training for a half marathon, and that has taken center stage in our athletic endeavors.

Only one day earlier we had run our longest scheduled training run of 12 miles. Both of us were feeling the effects of that. The training run was the important thing this weekend. We both had a real need to see where we were in our training for the half. The run went well, for the most part, and gave us both an indication that we were thankfully on track there.

Now that the 12 miler was out of the way the Muddy Buddy was going to be a have fun thing, with no expectation. Just before we pulled into the park we had passed a number of convenience stores and my made the suggestion of stopping for a bio break. Did I listen? That'd be no. Well, as we pulled into the park, then drove another 5 miles to the parking area, we were both ready for a porta-potty. Which by the way were about a 15 minute walk fro where we parked. NICE! So after the pit stop we headed to the start line which goes off in waves based on combined. The sun was just starting to peek out which would have made the weather perfect, then clouds rolled at light speed and kept it pretty cold during the event. Which was fine until the mud pit. The mud was COLD!! George Castanza type shrinkage!!

Being Muddy Buddy rookies we didn't dress in a silly costume. Not tragic, but I'd recommend it. Yes it's a race, but it's a fun thing more over. We wore older workout gear. Again, not a tragedy, but throw away clothes are better. See silly costume. I liked the Muddy Buddy, and I might do it again, but I could take or leave it. I'd rather do the 12 mile training run, just saying. However, if you are a thinking about doing one, here is my don't be a total rookie list:

1. Enjoy the spirit of the event and wear a costume.
2. You WILL get muddy!!
3. Bring WARM water to rinse off with. (one gallon is not enough, 2 might work, but more is better, this per person)
4. Be prepared to toss your clothes (you probably won't have to, but...)
   
5. Be prepared to toss your shoes (you probably won't have to, but...)
   
6. Take a bio break prior to event site entry
7. Bring a trash bag to put clothes and shoes in
8. OLD towels to dry off with
9. Stronger runner start running first
10. Stronger biker start biking first
11. Old blanket to cover car floor/seat when changing, or be used as a curtain
12. Take off any jewelry you don't want to lose, wedding band and engagement rings included
13. The packet pick up requires both participants to be there
14. Keep your mouth closed in the mud!!

That's it. Now you won't be a complete n00b!

Training With Purpose, or Shut Up and Listen to Jeff!

Ok, so my wife and I are training for our second half marathon. This one will be a Rock and Roll race in San Antonio. Neither of us have ever done a Rock and Roll event, but I have heard good things. We're both pretty excited about it.

So after having done our first half in February and feeling seriously ill prepared in hind sight, I set out to find a new and improved training plan for this one. I looked at Jeff Galloway, Hal Higdon, FAST, Marathon for Mortals, Runner's World, Ryan Hall, well I think you get the idea. So, after much discussion we decided on a modified Galloway plan and we headed into the sun rise with our confidence high and our running shoes tied tight!! A few weeks in, however, I got the nagging feeling I've been here before and was getting that chill down my neck about being under prepared, which wasn't on my list things to do. Having trained from the couch to a half marathon in 10 weeks was no easy task. I did a lot of work. I also saw, in my opinion, very poor results. I finished in 3 hours, my expectation was about 2:30. It has bothered me since. Taking some of the accomplishment away from finishing.

Through a set of slightly unusual, but not crazy circumstances, a gentleman named Jeff Kline and I stumbled upon one another. Jeff is a endurance training coach, who I highly recommend. His website is here, Anyway, we started trading emails and the next thing ya know we had signed up for his beginner half marathon plan.

The mileage went up, the purpose of each run was spelled out, strength training was introduced and I saw ALMOST NO CHANGE in performance... for a month. Then it happened on a Sunday long run, I didn't feel particularly different. I didn't eat or drink anything special. No new shoes or gear or music, but I was running almost 2 minutes per mile faster and my heart rate was only a tiny bit higher. So after about a week of calling BS on Jeff's grand plan, I actually stood in the walk way to my front door after running 9.5 miles and not breathing hard, I said out loud to no one, "Jeff is actually right"

I walked inside and felt none of the prior tiredness and exhaustion of my previous long runs. It in short it felt great. For the first time since starting this round of training I actually thought I'd run a time close to my goal. I've got a month left to train and I'm really looking forward to training on purpose!!

Running ... again, FINALLY!

It's taken a bit, but I have finally gotten back to it. After running the Cowtown Half I lost a BUNCH of motivation. I didn't have a good run on the day of the half. I did it, but after that, I can't claim much.

I have FINALLY started running regularly again. Two miles at first, slowly, but 2 miles. Then that feeling I'd been missing for months crept into my body. Gotta love endorphins! I'd missed that feeling. I'd forgotten how much.

This leads me to another point. Something I'd never dreamed I'd ever say. I am a runner. There I said it. Now, there are those of you that have known me for sometime that are catching your breath from the fit of laughter you have either just finished or are still in. It's OK. I understand. There are days when that guy wins. The Buffalo wing eating, beer drinking, couch potato guy wins. He just got done with a two month stint of winning. But, it's the running guy's turn.

Yeah there will be days when it's raining and I won't want to get up early and run before my kiddos wake up. But, there will be no more two month stretches of doing nothing. I miss it too much. I need to do it. My family needs me to. They like me better, I like me better. So, thankfully, I am once again a regular guy running!!

WHEW!!

It was almost 90 degrees on Thursday, of course, that was 2 days before we ran the Cowtown half marathon. DFW weather is unpredictable, 90 degrees is far too hot to run any kind of run with a PR in mind.

The weekend was supposed to be cooler, mid to high 50's, perfect! My first, half with absolutely perfect weather. I was a bit freaked out, it being my first one and all. My wife, Debbie was much calmer. We would be fine.

Saturday morning 4am, I didn't sleep well, too nervous. I had been awake for 10 minutes before the alarm went off. I took the dog out and was met with a 30 degree morning and a 30 mph wind. Maybe, hot would have been better.

We got our gear into the car and made the nearly hour trek to downtown Fort Worth. We met some friends and worked our way to the starting area. 17,000 runners had decided to brave the cold blustery morning to join us. The Star Spangled Banner was sung, the horn sounded and we were carried off in the wave of humanity that headed out of downtown. It was a total rush! I had not been a part of a run that big before. It was wild to look down a street normally bustling with cars into nothing but people running across all 4 lanes for about a half a mile. Very cool! We were off!! I felt really good! It was warm. This was going to be great. Well, the wind was at our back so I couldn't feel the cold, and I got a caught up in the adreniline of the start. As we settled into the rythm of the run I still felt awesome, but the cold and the wind were starting to creep into my bones a bit.

By mile 5 everything felt like normal for a run of this length. My air was good, my legs felt fine, but I still hadn't warmed up like I thought I was going to. By mile 7 the conversation with my wife had gotten less frequent and the hills were getting longer and the wind seemed to be in my face more often. Debbie was starting to dust me on the hills. She was doing great.

At the 10 water stop I drank a cup of red Powerade. My stomach turned to knots, and I couldn't get enough air. My running slowed way down, plodding, turned to walking. Every hill seemed like Mount Everest and every breeze Hurricane Katrina. For 2 miles this went on, 2 miles that seemed to take hours. At mile 11 I ate a banana, a real banana, not some gel block banana, not some sugar gooey stuff that tasted like banana, but a real banana. I started to feel a little better by 11.5 miles, and by mile 12, other than for the first time in my life I wished that I was 5'7" and 140 pounds, I started to run longer than walk again. FINALLY. Then, there it was as if out of no where the finish line, 3 hours later I crossed the line and felt relieved. Happy, but relieved. Debbie was waiting there, she would have done better had she not waited for me. I felt bad about that.

Overall, I was disappointed in my performance. I know I should have not had any great expectations, but I feel like I didn't have a day anywhere near the one I had envisioned. Never the less, my first half marathon is under the bridge. I'm a little less sore today than yesterday, and I know a lot more than I did just a day ago. And I'm looking forward to our next half. Ya know there's this run in April...

In Case You Were Wondering.... Being Sick SUCKS!!

OK, so taking a week off of running just before the half marathon you're supposed to run on February 28th is not the necessarily the best idea. On the other hand having the family shut down for a week with strep (especially Mom being totally out of commission) can put a kink in any training program.

I ran 4 miles today, my first run in week. And ya know what? I felt pretty dog gone good doing it. I was just cruising right along. In fact it was the best run I've had in two weeks. Which is always pleasing when you're over 40. Actually, any physical endeavor that leaves you feeling unaffected when you are over 40 flats out ROCKS!! Don't get me wrong I'm still fairly freaked out about running a half marathon this Saturday. Wait, did I just say this Saturday? So, maybe a touch more than fairly freaked, but I've run 11.5 miles so I think I'll be OK. My wife is ready, which for as sick as she was is kind of amazing. But, as I have said, she's in better shape than me, which is still annoying.

After this run is over three things are gonna happen: 1. I'm going to drink some beers for the first time since the Super Bowl. 2. I'm going to eat some really greasy, nasty bar food. 3. I'm going to ride my bike for a while. As for now I'm to going to just be a regular guy running. See you in the beer tent!!

OK, so I can do this, or 13.1 miles is REALLY far.

On Saturday I ran as far as I ever have run for any reason, at anytime for anything. 10.65 miles to be exact. I have a longer run this Saturday. WOW! First, I never thought I could do any of this. Second, my last 3 runs have been TERRIBLE!! They hurt, a lot. But as most anyone who runs will tell you, base runs are like money in the bank. They are always there when you need them. And in 3 weeks I'll be using some of those savings!!

Fortunately for me, my wife has also decided to take this journey with me (she's in better shape than me, which is kind of annoying) and she talked me off the ledge during my last long run. I was done mentally. I couldn't do it, I wasn't ready, my feet hurt, the sun was in my eyes, you get the picture. She calmly reminded me to slow down, walk a bit, collect myself and start running again. Thank you for that, because it worked, although it still hurt, I finished the run.

For an inexperienced runner I believe a training partner(s) is essential. For experienced runners is certainly nothing less than beneficial. Accountability, motivation, and support all rolled into one handy package. The fact of the matter is 13.1 miles is far. And I need all the help I can get. I have never run a 5K in sub 30 minutes. What business do I have running a half marathon? Well, 10 weeks ago, NONE. But, now there has been progress made. I can go run 5 miles anytime right now. Unheard of for me 2 months ago. I can also eat like pretty much anything I want right now and not see it on the scale. I do, however, feel it when running. Bad food equals bad performance plain and simple. To believe otherwise is foolish. Athletes are made not only in their training, but in their kitchens as well. Gotta have both to see the drastic improvements. I've lost only 5 pounds during this escapade. I should have lost more, but my eating has been far from perfect. I'll take the 5 lbs!! Besides my clothes fit better.

So, if you are reading this, and you can't see your shoes (Shibes!) and you want to, just start moving. Motion is the potion. Be consistent, with at least 3 times a week of exercise. Get a training partner, and before you know you'll wonder what happened to the old you. Yeah you'll have bad days, they come and go, but in the end you'll feel better and in fact be better. Hey, if a balding (ok so I'm most of the way there), overweight, 40 something, white can do it so can you!!

Saving Money on the Run

"These are the times that try men's souls" - Thomas Paine, The Crisis, 1776

Well, Mr. Paine wrote this at the beginning of the American Revolution, a time that may or may not be looked back on as more turbulent than these, but certainly we've all felt, in some way, the effect of this country's economic woes. We are, as President Obama said, at the dawn of another new era for America. Which leads me to a more light hearted subject of how to save some money on the this addiction/hobby/fitness thing called running.

Running is often referred to as one of the cheapest sports to enter into. You just need a decent pair of running shoes and away you go, right? Umm.., yes and no. You could certainly trot yourself of to Sports Authority or of its many competitors and grab yourself a pair of Nikes that are on sale and go out and jog a few. You'd probably be fine. However, if there are any aspirations of do more than that do yourself a favor and go to a reputable running specific store and find out which shoes is right for you. Here in Dallas we have two great ones. Luke's Locker and Run-On, their links are listed to the right. These stores also will allow you to run in your new shoes for a few miles to make sure they are right for you. This has been invaluable in my experience. Definitely worth the few extra dollars you spend at one these stores versus online.

There is a ton of information on the Runner's World website pertaining to running style, but there are three basic types of foot mechanics, Overpronator, Neutral, Supinator, there are shoes for each of these types and more. They take into account your weight, your sex, your running conditions... and the list goes on. The important thing is though is to know which one you are. This is hard to do on your own, especially as a beginner. I have some favorites at these stores for foot type diagnosis. Luke's Dallas, would be Duncan, he's super passionate about getting it right and knows TONS of stuff, Luke's Plano, would be Patton or Marty, Run-On Richardson, would be Lear. These folks all want you in the right shoes, and will try on as many as it takes to get you there (I have tortured each one personally).

Bare Essentials:

1. Shoes - For obvious reasons (approx $100)
2. Running specific shorts - Or face the wrath of the chaffing gods (approx $30)
   
3. Shirt - Preferably one that is made of a wicking fabric like polyester (approx $25)
   
4. Running Specific Socks - Or enjoy your shiny new blisters (approx $10)
   

That's it. $165 for a new you. Damned cheap these days. You can't even learn how to buy real estate for no money down for that price!! From there you can spend as much as your little heart desires. There are a few things I would add to this list as needed, but not essential:

1. Heart Rate Monitor (approx $100)
2. The book Heart Rate Training by Sally Edwards (approx $15)
3. Map My Run (free)
4. Active Body (free)

Now to the heart of the matter... Saving the dough!!

1. Get a second pair of those $100 shoes. What, you say, I thought I was supposed to save money, and you will my young apprentice. If you get a second pair of shoes, preferably from a different manufacturer, it does two things. First, rotating between two pairs of shoes will extend the life to that of almost three pairs (you just saved a cool hundo). Second, being in two different shoes will avoid small (or potentially large) injuries, by not allowing your foot to land in the same "grooves" over and over, ala carpel tunnel. The body will adapt to each run in a fresher way.
2. Wait. The end of the model year for shoes will provide major discounts. This has actually become easier to do because shoe manufacturers have started introducing new shoes both at the end and middle of the year. So, there are two opportunities to get end of model year shoes. These shoes are sometimes discounted up to half off.
3. Clothing: There are number of ways to save on clothing. You can wait until the seasonal changes, which will yield you a 10-30% discount on the big name brands. Or for these same clothes you can dig through the racks at Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Ross, where your hard work will get you sometimes 90% off, this is not a joke, however, the process is totally hit or miss as there is no rhyme or reason to the size runs or colors, and you often will not find anything in your size. Still worth the occasional peek. You can also try eBay. I have had no luck in this department, but others have. You just have to know it fits because returns are sometimes difficult. Shopping online can save you some money, but again trying things on is often a challenge, as can be returns. Lastly, Target and Kohl's both have a line of active wear that is virtually indistinguishable from their brand name brethren and are every bit as functional. These lines are Champion C9 at Target and Tek Gear at Kohl's, and every day they are half price of the name brands. When they are on sale they are extremely cost effective.
   
4. Sign up. Most of the online retailers, as well as some local retailers, have email sign ups where they will notify you of sales and send out coupons. They will also send out product updates, which you may or may not want, but they do keep you in loop on new releases.
5. Join a club. Local running clubs will give you discounts at some online retailers, and almost all local specialty shops. Usually, you will get some free race events as well.
   
6. Use Google. Sounds pretty tame, but there is so much free information out there for runners, but it does take time to find. You need to be specific or you'll be swamped. You can also check here!!
7. Be flexible. Maybe you'll find what you are looking for, but in a color you don't favor. Weight the cost savings and maybe after a few runs those really cool yellow shoes aren't going to be so cool looking. Maybe you don't look so bad in red!
8. Remember this simple rule and you'll keep more green in your pockets: If you need (stress NEED) it, if you want it, it is a good deal. As long as two of these are true you'll be OK!
   

Running can save your life in more ways than one!

I had planned on getting a little less emotional this week, however I read this story in the current issue of Runner's World magazine, and could not shake the power of this story.

So I'm not going to talk about how I'm a little freaked by the increase in mileage this week in my half-marathon training plan, which is only 40 days away!!

Instead I want to tell anyone willing to listen about this story. You see, the fact that it is running related is coincidental to the fact it deserves to heard by others. The young woman pictured here started an organization called Back On My Feet

This organization goes into homeless shelters and offers to take some homeless people for a run. They offer some running equipment in return for a commitment to a running program. Above that they offer other support programs after members have shown a commitment over time. The program intro from the BOMF website:

"To solve any problem you have to get at its core. We have all been on rocky roads in life and some people have unfortunately found themselves on a road without a home. BOMF does not provide food for the homeless nor does it provide shelter. While those are very important basic needs that all human beings deserve, we provide a program that teaches people to believe in themselves because it doesn't matter if you have 20 homes or 0 homes; if you don't have confidence in yourself it's very difficult to move forward. We use running as a vehicle to show individuals they are capable accomplishing goals...but it's not going to happen overnight - it takes hard work, dedication and perseverance."

There are no guarantees in life we all could be a little kinder and helpful to one another. You never know when you'll be staring up from the bottom. In these uneasy economic times anyone can end up here for any number of reasons, but without people reaching out a hand like Anne the lost and forgotten would remain lost and forgotten. This is a fate very few human beings deserve.

I'll end with a quote from Anne's CNN Hero acceptance speech. Kinda makes you feel a bit like a jerk when over come with anger for getting cut off while driving or losing two space in a reservation list for dinner.

"It makes me wonder where we went wrong when treating others with respect, caring, and kindness is considered heroic." Anne Mahlum, CNN Hero acceptance speech. Which can be viewed here.

Next week a little more nuts and bolts of how a slightly fat, mostly bald forty something guys trains for a half-marathon!!

Why I Run...

It is simple actually, both my parents died of diabetes, my mother at 68, my father at 75. My mother was taken quickly and overcome by her lack of activity. I watched my father's decline for years, the hero of my childhood, bound by his own habits to a walker, chair or bed. The words on his death bed still ring in my ears, "if I'd have known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself" Now, I have two beautiful young girls 5 and 2, I cannot let myself say those words to them. I need them to see me sweat and enjoy this body God has given me. I have no aspirations to run an Olympic marathon, but every time I come in from a run or bike ride I hope I'm building a foundation for my family. I also hope to be able to advise them well into their lives, side by side, arm in arm, Dad to daughter for a very long time. That is why I run.

This question is posed on Ryan & Sara Hall's website and without much thought at all the above answer was in my head. I thank them for this.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. - Hebrews 12:1