Trying to manipulate my running schedule to accommodate this damn storm. Today is suppose to be my day off, but I wanted to run because I think my chances to run tomorrow will be slim. Looks like my group will be housed at the Deerbrook mall.
Three miles along the greenbelt with Andrea and Lulu. It was way too hot to run. ON top of that, I've drinking nothing but iced tea, so I'm probably not hydrated properly. Then this mornings breakfast wasn't exactly pre-run fuel. I had to take a few small walk breaks. At one time I gave up and said I'll do it another day. Something came over me and I decided to get it over with. It hurt.
Run: 3 miles, 36:58 (12:19 pace)
Friday, September 12, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
New Day
It's official, yesterday was a crappy day. Hurricane Ike has cancelled my long awaited vacation to float the Guadalupe River and the highlight of my birthday dinner was celebrated at the drive-thru window of McDonald's.
Oh well, it's all behind me. Today is a new day!
At work.
Administration has put all firemen on mandatory overtime starting at 12pm tomorrow. They also advised we could be here upwards of 4-days, depending on the damage. At least it will be good money.
Ran a single mile this evening. Beautiful skies with the feeder bans of the hurricane overhead while the storm is still 400 miles out in the Gulf. I'm exhausted from all the preparation work we have to get done with incidents such as this one. Most of it is overkill to a nauseous level, yet I understand why we do it.
Run: 1 mile, 12:07, (12:07 pace)
Oh well, it's all behind me. Today is a new day!
At work.
Administration has put all firemen on mandatory overtime starting at 12pm tomorrow. They also advised we could be here upwards of 4-days, depending on the damage. At least it will be good money.
Ran a single mile this evening. Beautiful skies with the feeder bans of the hurricane overhead while the storm is still 400 miles out in the Gulf. I'm exhausted from all the preparation work we have to get done with incidents such as this one. Most of it is overkill to a nauseous level, yet I understand why we do it.
Run: 1 mile, 12:07, (12:07 pace)
New Age-bracket
I've entered a new age-bracket. It doesn't make a difference for a slow runner like myself, although I'd probably be kicking some serious ass IF I was racing in the 80+ category.
Like so many other people, it's just another day.
Is it just me or is life a yo-yo... consisting of a series of ups and downs? Yesterday was a great day. Today hasn't been bad, but it's heading in that general direction. My checking account gently reminded while paying bills that I have more outcome than income. Then my fairly new washer, which recently went out of warranty died. Now I have to juggle my schedule to accommodate a person I don't even like...
Uhhh, life!!!
Due to the change in my schedule I ran mid-day on the greenbelts. It was hot and humid, but that wasn't too big of an issue. My biggest problem was boredom. Lulu is a horrible conversationalist!
Run: 2.5 miles, 30:46 (12:18 pace)
Several of the greenbelts have pedestrian tunnels under major roadways, so runners don't have to cross the roadways. On rare occasions a punk kid will "tag" or spray paint something on the concrete. I find it interesting that it's seldom anything offensive and the greenbelt maintenance crew usually has it removed within a day or two.
Anyways, while running today I saw that someone decided to spray paint the outside wall of the tunnel. I thought to myself "Where else do the 'punk kids' spray paint stuff like this?" Even our bad kids are pretty good!!!
The picture below is another reason I love Kingwood.
Upper body workout and 77 push-ups. I am tired of these push-ups!
Like so many other people, it's just another day.
Is it just me or is life a yo-yo... consisting of a series of ups and downs? Yesterday was a great day. Today hasn't been bad, but it's heading in that general direction. My checking account gently reminded while paying bills that I have more outcome than income. Then my fairly new washer, which recently went out of warranty died. Now I have to juggle my schedule to accommodate a person I don't even like...
Uhhh, life!!!
Due to the change in my schedule I ran mid-day on the greenbelts. It was hot and humid, but that wasn't too big of an issue. My biggest problem was boredom. Lulu is a horrible conversationalist!
Run: 2.5 miles, 30:46 (12:18 pace)
Several of the greenbelts have pedestrian tunnels under major roadways, so runners don't have to cross the roadways. On rare occasions a punk kid will "tag" or spray paint something on the concrete. I find it interesting that it's seldom anything offensive and the greenbelt maintenance crew usually has it removed within a day or two.
Anyways, while running today I saw that someone decided to spray paint the outside wall of the tunnel. I thought to myself "Where else do the 'punk kids' spray paint stuff like this?" Even our bad kids are pretty good!!!
The picture below is another reason I love Kingwood.
Upper body workout and 77 push-ups. I am tired of these push-ups!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Woo-hoo!!!
I'm having a GREAT day.
Okay, it's time for a small confession. You may recall I recently visited NOLA. What very few people know is the REAL reason behind my visit to the Big Easy. The fact is this was a "vacation" that had been planned and paid for several months in advance. The trip was "secretly" scheduled around the RRCA Running Coach Certification class hosted by the New Orleans Track Club.
The class was amazing. I've read lots of running books, but this class showed me how little I really knew about designing a safe and smart training schedule. So much of what I've read in the past is performance-based. I was skipping vital and fundamental steps to proper adaptations. Now I'm better prepared to build my own schedules and hopefully I'll do so in an informed manner. And when the time comes, I hope to help other beginning runners too.
The class lasted two days, but it really should be a 3-day class. Each day we started on time, stayed late, minimal breaks, with very short lunches. It's a lot of good information. I highly recommend this class to any runner of any ability. Nearly half the students in my class have no intentions of coaching. They simply wanted to enhance their ability to build personal training schedules. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you don't need a huge following of runners to benefit from this class. I only regret not taking it sooner.
After lots of reading, today I finally finished the online test and I'm proud to say I PASSED. It's official; I'm a certified RRCA Distance Running Coach!!! I want to take a moment to thank long time RRCA Running Coach Steeve, who helped me with a hand full of questions I was struggling with. Thanks Steeve, you Rock!!!
Kind of weird for a grown man to be this excited, huh?!?!?!?!
Moving on...
My hamstrings have been really tight all day. I didn't think I worked out all that hard yesterday, but my legs tell a different story.
Andrea and I ran an easy mile around the bayou. The path is mostly dirt and short grass along the brim of the bayou. Stayed on pace and my legs felt good.
Run: 1.0 miles, 12:13, (12:13 pace)
Okay, it's time for a small confession. You may recall I recently visited NOLA. What very few people know is the REAL reason behind my visit to the Big Easy. The fact is this was a "vacation" that had been planned and paid for several months in advance. The trip was "secretly" scheduled around the RRCA Running Coach Certification class hosted by the New Orleans Track Club.
The class was amazing. I've read lots of running books, but this class showed me how little I really knew about designing a safe and smart training schedule. So much of what I've read in the past is performance-based. I was skipping vital and fundamental steps to proper adaptations. Now I'm better prepared to build my own schedules and hopefully I'll do so in an informed manner. And when the time comes, I hope to help other beginning runners too.
The class lasted two days, but it really should be a 3-day class. Each day we started on time, stayed late, minimal breaks, with very short lunches. It's a lot of good information. I highly recommend this class to any runner of any ability. Nearly half the students in my class have no intentions of coaching. They simply wanted to enhance their ability to build personal training schedules. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you don't need a huge following of runners to benefit from this class. I only regret not taking it sooner.
After lots of reading, today I finally finished the online test and I'm proud to say I PASSED. It's official; I'm a certified RRCA Distance Running Coach!!! I want to take a moment to thank long time RRCA Running Coach Steeve, who helped me with a hand full of questions I was struggling with. Thanks Steeve, you Rock!!!
Kind of weird for a grown man to be this excited, huh?!?!?!?!
Moving on...
My hamstrings have been really tight all day. I didn't think I worked out all that hard yesterday, but my legs tell a different story.
Andrea and I ran an easy mile around the bayou. The path is mostly dirt and short grass along the brim of the bayou. Stayed on pace and my legs felt good.
Run: 1.0 miles, 12:13, (12:13 pace)
Monday, September 08, 2008
Pre-work run
At work today.
Last night I talked with Josh on the phone about running before work. The plan was to meet at the station and run 2.5 miles through the city.
It was a challenge getting the kids awake and ready for school that early, but I made it happen due to the commitment we made the night before. I arrived at the station at the exact time we discussed only to learn Josh was still on the other side of town. With a limited amount of time, I took off running solo. I ran to Humble FD station two. The route there and back was exactly 2.5 miles.
Good run, but the sidewalks and roads were in rough condition. I could feel the uneven terrain in my feet and lower back. On the return trip I ran with the girl's high school cross country team for half a mile. I always assumed they ran much faster, but we pretty much ran the same pace.
Run: 2.5 miles, 31:08. (12:28 pace)
This evening I completed a lower-body workout, 71 push-ups, and 45-seconds jump rope.
I'm barely able to stay on the 100 push up challenge schedule.
Below is a picture for my buddy, Josh aka: "Bisquick". On the outside he looks solid... all warm and nice, but when you look closer he falls apart in a flaky-crumbly mess!!!
Last night I talked with Josh on the phone about running before work. The plan was to meet at the station and run 2.5 miles through the city.
It was a challenge getting the kids awake and ready for school that early, but I made it happen due to the commitment we made the night before. I arrived at the station at the exact time we discussed only to learn Josh was still on the other side of town. With a limited amount of time, I took off running solo. I ran to Humble FD station two. The route there and back was exactly 2.5 miles.
Good run, but the sidewalks and roads were in rough condition. I could feel the uneven terrain in my feet and lower back. On the return trip I ran with the girl's high school cross country team for half a mile. I always assumed they ran much faster, but we pretty much ran the same pace.
Run: 2.5 miles, 31:08. (12:28 pace)
This evening I completed a lower-body workout, 71 push-ups, and 45-seconds jump rope.
I'm barely able to stay on the 100 push up challenge schedule.
Below is a picture for my buddy, Josh aka: "Bisquick". On the outside he looks solid... all warm and nice, but when you look closer he falls apart in a flaky-crumbly mess!!!
Sunday, September 07, 2008
G.I.D. (girl I'm dating)
You don't have to dig too deep in this blog to see that I'm dating a new woman, Andrea. She's been good for me both mentally and physically. Andrea and I dated 10+ years ago, well before my marriage to Erin. Back then she was looking for something serious and I was still young and playing, so we drifted apart. As fate would have it, Andrea called the station to see "how I was doing" a few months ago. Our friendship blossomed into a serious relationship and I couldn't be happier.
It's exciting to date someone whom you share so many interests with. It's a bonus when that interest includes RUNNING.
I had the kids this weekend. We had a lot of errands to do, so it turned out to be busy. Any other day, the run would have been blown-off. Andrea and I decided to run separately which enabled both if us to run and still have time for the other things that needed to be done. It's these little things that really make me happy. I really think running (or any sport) is a solid base for a healthy relationship, no pun intended.
Run: 1 mile, 12:09, (12:09 pace)
Your training partners are key to your success, and friendships based on your runs together are strong. - Bill Rogers
It's exciting to date someone whom you share so many interests with. It's a bonus when that interest includes RUNNING.
I had the kids this weekend. We had a lot of errands to do, so it turned out to be busy. Any other day, the run would have been blown-off. Andrea and I decided to run separately which enabled both if us to run and still have time for the other things that needed to be done. It's these little things that really make me happy. I really think running (or any sport) is a solid base for a healthy relationship, no pun intended.
Run: 1 mile, 12:09, (12:09 pace)
Your training partners are key to your success, and friendships based on your runs together are strong. - Bill Rogers
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Soap Box
Woke up at work this morning to the best weather we've seen in a long time. As soon as I got home I changed into my running attire, loaded Lulu in the truck, and took off for East End Park. Schedule called for 2.5 miles at 12:15 pace. Perfect run with the exception of one issue that is progressively getting worse...
Damn irresponsible dog owners!!!!
East End Park is probably one of the most beautiful parks I have ever had the pleasure of running. It consist of several wooded miles of well maintained crushed granite trails and long wood bridges that weave in and out of the rivers bank. Lot's of people like to take their dogs to the park. Kingwood is in the City of Houston, which has leash laws. Kingwood has gone as far was opening a Dog-park off Northpark, but East End Park is NOT considered a dog park. People assume since they're in the woods, they don't have to put their dogs on a leash. Today I ran with lulu, who was on a leash. We passed no less than seven other people with their dogs and only 2 of them were on a leash. Now here's my complaint.... three of the dogs charged us, growled, and ran Lulu and I off the trail. This pisses me off. I'm abiding by the law and I'm scared to use our own trails. People think they have a right to break the law because, "My dog doesn't bite". This is bullshit!
I like dogs as much as the next person, but c'mon. I had to kick one dog in the head because he was nipping at lulu, which in return was pulling my arm out my socket via the leash. HPD doesn't seem to care. A couple months ago, I spoke to a bike patrol officer and he said for ME to remind them there are leash laws in the city limits. What the fuck are we paying cops for anyway? There is more to law enforcement than drugs, assaults, and theft. Do you're job you donut eating bastards.
Maybe I'll buy some pepper spray. Although, that brings me to another dilema... I'm not sure if I should spray the dog or the stupid-ass dog owners. You're right, maybe I'll spray both!
Okay, I'm done.
The run was great. A couple new trails have been cut and it would appear it has shortened my mileage when I run the outside perimeter. Usually it's 2.9 miles. Today my watch read 2.40 miles for the outside loop. I ran a little past my car to get the needed 2.5 miles. I think it's worth re-measuring with my bike. Something tells me my garmin wasn't 100% accurate in the trails. If indeed it is correct, I ran 30-seconds slower than scheduled. It felt like I was moving faster than my 12:15 pace.
Run: 2.71 miles, 31:52, (11:46)
Finished the morning with a mid-body workout. My chest is sore from yesterday's push-ups, otherwise the workout went good.
UPDATE:
I couldn't resist, I HAD to take my bike and measure the trail. The loop is 2.66 miles. I made changes to my run time above.
Bike: 2.74 miles, 15:56, (10.24mph)
Damn irresponsible dog owners!!!!
East End Park is probably one of the most beautiful parks I have ever had the pleasure of running. It consist of several wooded miles of well maintained crushed granite trails and long wood bridges that weave in and out of the rivers bank. Lot's of people like to take their dogs to the park. Kingwood is in the City of Houston, which has leash laws. Kingwood has gone as far was opening a Dog-park off Northpark, but East End Park is NOT considered a dog park. People assume since they're in the woods, they don't have to put their dogs on a leash. Today I ran with lulu, who was on a leash. We passed no less than seven other people with their dogs and only 2 of them were on a leash. Now here's my complaint.... three of the dogs charged us, growled, and ran Lulu and I off the trail. This pisses me off. I'm abiding by the law and I'm scared to use our own trails. People think they have a right to break the law because, "My dog doesn't bite". This is bullshit!
I like dogs as much as the next person, but c'mon. I had to kick one dog in the head because he was nipping at lulu, which in return was pulling my arm out my socket via the leash. HPD doesn't seem to care. A couple months ago, I spoke to a bike patrol officer and he said for ME to remind them there are leash laws in the city limits. What the fuck are we paying cops for anyway? There is more to law enforcement than drugs, assaults, and theft. Do you're job you donut eating bastards.
Maybe I'll buy some pepper spray. Although, that brings me to another dilema... I'm not sure if I should spray the dog or the stupid-ass dog owners. You're right, maybe I'll spray both!
Okay, I'm done.
The run was great. A couple new trails have been cut and it would appear it has shortened my mileage when I run the outside perimeter. Usually it's 2.9 miles. Today my watch read 2.40 miles for the outside loop. I ran a little past my car to get the needed 2.5 miles. I think it's worth re-measuring with my bike. Something tells me my garmin wasn't 100% accurate in the trails. If indeed it is correct, I ran 30-seconds slower than scheduled. It felt like I was moving faster than my 12:15 pace.
Run: 2.71 miles, 31:52, (11:46)
Finished the morning with a mid-body workout. My chest is sore from yesterday's push-ups, otherwise the workout went good.
UPDATE:
I couldn't resist, I HAD to take my bike and measure the trail. The loop is 2.66 miles. I made changes to my run time above.
Bike: 2.74 miles, 15:56, (10.24mph)
Friday, September 05, 2008
Half-way point of Push-Up challenge
At work today.
Rest day. Two weeks ago I adjusted my mileage and started running 6-days a week. I've decided Friday will be my "off-day". Although my legs feel strong, I'm trying to let them have a little R&R.
I'll be glad to run tomorrow morning. My head is a little foggy. I could use a nice slow run.
87 push-ups. I'm at the mid-point of the push-up challenge.
Rest day. Two weeks ago I adjusted my mileage and started running 6-days a week. I've decided Friday will be my "off-day". Although my legs feel strong, I'm trying to let them have a little R&R.
I'll be glad to run tomorrow morning. My head is a little foggy. I could use a nice slow run.
87 push-ups. I'm at the mid-point of the push-up challenge.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Near miss
By 9pm I had decided to put off today's run and run on tomorrow's off-day. Just before bed I had a change of heart. Lulu and I ran a loop configuration around Alison's elementary school. Great run. Weather was wonderful. Didn't even break a sweat till I stopped.
Glad I ran. As much as I'm an emotional eater, I also consider myself an emotional athlete. I've had better days and I'm glad I forced my lazy-ass out the door.
I feel better now that I've run.
Run: 1.25 miles, 15:13, (12:10 pace)
Glad I ran. As much as I'm an emotional eater, I also consider myself an emotional athlete. I've had better days and I'm glad I forced my lazy-ass out the door.
I feel better now that I've run.
Run: 1.25 miles, 15:13, (12:10 pace)
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Lonely Run
I've grown accustom to running with people, both at home and at work. Today was just me and Lulu on the greenbelts. Gotta admit... it was kind of boring. Ran at 3pm. You think it would have been hot, but the temperature wasn't an issue. The pace was a little off my 12:15 mark.
Run: 2 miles, 24:54, (12:27 pace)
I lack the motivation to do my scheduled mid-body workout. Maybe later I'll get a second wind and get in the gym. I doubt it.
However, I did 78 push-ups.
Fired Up 5k pictures:
Alison
Andrea
Bill and Preston
Run: 2 miles, 24:54, (12:27 pace)
I lack the motivation to do my scheduled mid-body workout. Maybe later I'll get a second wind and get in the gym. I doubt it.
However, I did 78 push-ups.
Fired Up 5k pictures:
Alison
Andrea
Bill and Preston
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Having Fun!
At work today.
It's been a busy day, easily twice our typical call volume. The emergency room staff said a large percentage of their patients are LA evacuee's. Hmmmm...
Easy, easy, easy run. I have something neat going on with my legs. My legs feel tired and heavy during the day, but when I run they feel great. I also seem to be acclimating to the heat. The fire station weather sensor read 91 degrees with a heat index of 103. During my run I wasn't bothered by the heat whatsoever.
Slow easy running is nice, I might be on to something!?!?!
Run: 1.25 miles, 14:52, (11:57 pace)
It's been a busy day, easily twice our typical call volume. The emergency room staff said a large percentage of their patients are LA evacuee's. Hmmmm...
Easy, easy, easy run. I have something neat going on with my legs. My legs feel tired and heavy during the day, but when I run they feel great. I also seem to be acclimating to the heat. The fire station weather sensor read 91 degrees with a heat index of 103. During my run I wasn't bothered by the heat whatsoever.
Slow easy running is nice, I might be on to something!?!?!
Run: 1.25 miles, 14:52, (11:57 pace)
Monday, September 01, 2008
Fired Up 5k
Almost flaked on the Fired Up 5k. Technically, you could still say I flaked, since I didn't "race" this morning. This is the home of my PR and therefore is one of my favorite Houston area races. Unfortunately, it's nearly one-hour from Kingwood. With Andrea and both kids in tow, I had to wake up at 4:30... and we still barely made it there in time. After registering, we started wondering how we were going to logistically run the race with the kids. Alison is a great runner, but 3-miles is out of her range. We decided to run the family 1.5 mile/run-walk.
As soon as the 5k runners were passing the finish line, we changed our mind again. We took off walking behind them and decided to start "running" after we reached the 1-mile marker. Andrea and I started running, while Alison and Preston hitched a ride on the stroller. With about 1.5 miles to the finish, Alison jumped out and ran the rest of the way in. My schedule called for 2 miles at 12:15 pace. I was dead-on pace.
Alison and Andrea finished ahead of me. That little girl makes me so proud. She was excited to run. It broke my heart, because she put it all out there, she maintained a nice consistent pace with a GREAT finish line kick. She was disappointed she didn't get a "finishers metal", like most kid races give out. She asked me over and over to check the results to see if she won anything. We spent the next few hours telling and showing her how proud we are of her. Even got her mother to call and tell her she was proud of her. After a few hours we finally pulled her out of her slump. It is hard for her juvenile mind to process that she passed 20-30 people without a single runner passing her and she received nothing for her effort. I suppose there was a life lesson to be learned this morning.
Saw lots of Strider buds; Steve, Lou, Barry, Chris, Tim, and a lot others... my mind is fuzzy.
69 push-ups. I've DEFINITELY stopped liking the push-up challenge!
Run: 2.11 miles, 25:51, (12:15 pace)
As soon as the 5k runners were passing the finish line, we changed our mind again. We took off walking behind them and decided to start "running" after we reached the 1-mile marker. Andrea and I started running, while Alison and Preston hitched a ride on the stroller. With about 1.5 miles to the finish, Alison jumped out and ran the rest of the way in. My schedule called for 2 miles at 12:15 pace. I was dead-on pace.
Alison and Andrea finished ahead of me. That little girl makes me so proud. She was excited to run. It broke my heart, because she put it all out there, she maintained a nice consistent pace with a GREAT finish line kick. She was disappointed she didn't get a "finishers metal", like most kid races give out. She asked me over and over to check the results to see if she won anything. We spent the next few hours telling and showing her how proud we are of her. Even got her mother to call and tell her she was proud of her. After a few hours we finally pulled her out of her slump. It is hard for her juvenile mind to process that she passed 20-30 people without a single runner passing her and she received nothing for her effort. I suppose there was a life lesson to be learned this morning.
Saw lots of Strider buds; Steve, Lou, Barry, Chris, Tim, and a lot others... my mind is fuzzy.
69 push-ups. I've DEFINITELY stopped liking the push-up challenge!
Run: 2.11 miles, 25:51, (12:15 pace)
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