The Nod and Random Catch Up Thoughts

Just over a month to go until the Walt Disney World Marathon and training is in full gear. I am finally feeling good about this thing and lucking out with some dry weather on the days of my long runs. I recently purchased a pair of Salomon cold running pants which are fleece lined. VERY nice!



I am impressed at the number of people that I still run into on the trail and I will say that there is definitely a lot to be analyzed when two runners pass each other and give acknowledgement. I am always curious what the nod means when I get it from someone. I am pretty much saying a. I am out here too and you aren't going to out run me / b. respect for the fact that you are crazy enough to be out here.



I think overall runners do have a great deal of respect for each other. How could we not? We all know what we go through to get out there and put in our miles.



- We went car shopping yesterday and ended up settling on a 2010 Mazda 6 for Allison. Car shopping is one of the most stressful annoying things you can deal with, and honestly the sales people there don't make things any easier. We were able to work a good deal and get something we wanted.



- I have a trip coming up to DC to go visit some family and friends, been having a hard time finding an area to do my long run this Saturday... put some feelers out to a forum I belong to and ended up getting some good suggestions. This site was suggested to me and I am very excited to use it to help find some new runs when I go to different places. http://www.usatf.org/routes/search/



- Work at the Firm is still going well, I am now more than two months and feel like I am a fully contributing. I have a lot more training to do and a lot more to learn, but I feel like things are moving at a slower speed. When you first come into something new like that everything feels like it is moving 100 mph. I am seeing things a lot more clearly now and feeling a lot more confident in my actions.



- My favorite sports season of the year recently kicked off. College basketball is by far and away my favorite thing to watch. My George Mason Patriots have done what I have come to expect of them up until now, been up and down. They are going to be a young fun team to watch for sure. On Wednesday George Mason (my school) plays George Washington (Allison's school) so there is a bit of smack talk going on in the house. Though I think Allison does it to humor me more than anything.



Overall things are going well, as I said I am very excited for a trip to DC and then the following month going to Florida. Hopefully the weather gives us a few more nice weekends to complete our training and go into marathon feeling strong.

Almost forgot one last though. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and go see The Blind Side. Do yourself a bigger favor and read the book. Whether you are a football fan, or just a fan of life and amazing stories you HAVE to know the story of Michael Oher. It is one of great inspiration!! Chec it out.

The Work / Workout Balance

As I said in a previous post I started a new job about a month ago... things at The Firm (that's what I'll call it) are going great... But like any major law firm the perks come with a price. The work is demanding and the hours are long.

With the day light in Seattle fading fast finding time to run out doors is getting kind of tricky. (That and the rain, which is not helping) I have tried doing some running on the treadmill in the gym, and to be honest I can't stand running on a treadmill. My hats off to anyone who can do that for a long period. So the question then becomes, when do I squeeze in these runs?

I recently invested in a reflective vest and so that will help somewhat. I am also going to need to get some cold/wet running gear. I think the hardest part has been the adjustment to the duration of my day. In my past job my commute was 20 minutes round trip and I could afford to take 2 hour + lunches. As it stands now my commute is roughly an hour, if I time the buses right, and my lunches are a lot more restricted because of my work load.

I guess as I read back now it looks like I am kind of whining a bit, but this will probably be the toughest training I have done from the stand point of being able to do everything scheduled and meet all my goals.

I realize that I am going to have to suck it up, find the time to do the training and deal with it. It makes me realize that much more the incredible dedication it takes to get to Boston or Kona. Yeah, it is always impressive for the pros, but my respect is more so with the folks that do it because of a love for marathons and Iron Man's. Those are the folks who are probably in my situation, trying to find that time to train while living life.

Another thing I am missing is climbing. Haven't been climbing in a gym in God knows how long. Went outside a few times with Kevin before the weather turned, but I can honestly say I see and feel a difference in my body when I am away from rock climbing (whether it be plastic or other wise).

Not mentioned in all this is also the importance of spending time with Allison and family.

As a result of all these things, last night I came to a decision. It is time to start scheduling. I am going to put a focus on setting time aside to do the things I want and need to do. Then the trick is just to stick with them. In this I have also decided that I will leave time for some "fun". So for now, that is the plan. We'll see how the follow through goes.


Random closing:

- Interestingly I have really also dropped off my twitter activity, with work being so demanding I have kind of let that slip. Interestingly enough though the folks that I connected with on Twitter I have found other ways to stay in touch. Though I do miss it I just don't have the time to dedicate to the feed anymore and I don't like being the type of twitterer that goes on and says what I am doing without some interaction with folks.

- Going Home: I have booked a trip back home for the beginning of December. I found a cheap ticket and I haven't really been back to Northern Virginia since I left. With Mom facing some medical issues and me missing out on my younger brother and sister growing up I think it is time for a visit.

- The Redskins: Suck.

- Trip to Portland: Went down to Portland last weekend for Allison's grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. WOW, to be there one day. Enjoyed my visit, had GREAT weather for my long run on Saturday and found a network of trails that runs from Beaverton through Tigard and presumably somewhere towards Portland eventually. I need to get a map of trails there and figure it out. It was gorgeous weather, nice trails and just a great day of running.

That's all for now!! See you at the finish!

Don't Call It a Comeback

It's been TWO weeks... Even I am shocked that I was able to rest for two weeks. I am not talking active rest where I ran a few miles here, or did some biking or swimming there... I am talking TWO whole weeks of doing NOTHING (except climbing outdoors twice, which I will discuss later)...

It was amazing, and it felt great. I took it a step further and went on a see food diet. I figured after ten straight months and completing all of the goals I had set for myself I could let myself splurge.

Today, I got back on the wagon. Walt Disney World Marathon is 96 days away and it is time to put in some work. I got some great new gear at the Brooks truck load sale a few weeks ago and I will probably get a new pair of Asics GT2140's in the next few weeks. I put in a nice four mile run today and was relieved and glad to find that I hadn't totally lost everything I had built up.

That was kind of my biggest fear with all of my training, IF I take time off will all the work I have done go away? The answer, that I know now, is no. I can tell my body needed the rest and I am glad I did it, but it was nice to get back out there.

In Other News:

- My fantasy football team sucks. With the roster I had I thought we would do well and we are off to a 1-3 start. This is the first year that I have done fantasy football and not had a good team, so it will be a test of my commitment to be fair to everyone else in the league and continue to pay attention and try to field a competitive team week in and week out.

- These past two Sundays Kevin, Connor and I have gone climbing up at Exit 38. That is the great thing about Seattle, 20 miles away is some of the best sport climbing in the state. The bummer part of it is, everyone else knows it too. So we typically get out there early to avoid the crowds, which ends up being very worth it in the end... though the last few days it has been COLD... Kevin got a few good shots of me on Ellie's Sweet Kiss which is in the Eastern Block area on 38... (pictures at the top because Blogger sucks for picture placement)

- The new job is still going well, settling into a groove now... I am very eager to prove myself but need to realize that this is not a sprint but a marathon and I'll have plenty of time to do my thing... Learning lots of things and meeting lots of very incredible people while doing what I love... what more could I ask?

Tri Tri and then Tri Again...

The Kirkland Triathlon is in the books. The good news: I met my goal. The bad news: My goal was only good enough for second to last in my age group.

Don't get me wrong, I am VERY VERY happy that I finished. But I also realize that I have some work to do. Admittedly my training in the last six weeks dropped off big time. I think I could have finished a LOT stronger had I really focused on my training as I had for the half marathon. I need to keep reminding myself that I have only been training for endurance sports for 10 months and my first race EVER was less than 6 months ago.

Pre Race:

The Thursday prior to the race Kevin and Tracy came over and Kevin gave the bike a quick once over. We also made a pre tri check list which proved to be extremely helpful. During the day on Saturday I went and picked up my race packet, racked my bike and got marked. It wasn't that big of a deal, but it would prove to be one less thing to worry about on Sunday and I was glad I did it. Saturday night we had several people over for a carbo loading party. Allison made some killer home made spaghetti and and meatballs.

Everything was laid out and packed in my my big duffel on Saturday and Allison and I got up at 5 to head down to the race. We arrived at Carrilon Point at 5:50 and laid out my area. From there it was the hurry up and wait game. There was a little delay in getting the race started because some idiots parked on the street despite the two weeks worth of signs warning them not to.

Swim:

This was going to be my weakest event, or so I thought. I ended up taking a few shots to the face at the start, as expected. However overall the swim went very well. Had some issues staying the course because I can't see without my glasses. I completed the half mile swim in 22 minutes, which was about 8 minutes faster than expected.

Bike Time:

Came out of the water and the cramps hit relatively hard in my stomach. My transition was less than five minutes, despite feeling like it was longer because the wet suit gave me some issues. Not sure if I swallowed too much water or just swam too hard, but I was STRUGGLING. The 12 mile bike started with some rough hills. My goal, as it was all along for this event, was just to finish. Particularly I did NOT want to get off the bike and walk it up the hill. I am weak on the bike. I know there is a strategy and science to it and I just don't have it down. I am strong going up the hills but have not gained enough confidence to bust it down the hills the way I should. The last three miles were a cake walk as they were all down hill, and it felt good. I ended up finishing the 12 miles in 48 minutes, I have NO doubt in my mind I can improve on this.

Run Time:

If the cramps could be considered bad on the bike, they were downright PAINFUL on the run. Going into it I thought this was going to be my strongest event. It wasn't my weakest, but I certainly did not put in the type of time I was anticipating. About half a mile in I was doubled over and thought for sure I was going to end up walking. A woman ran by me and gave me a quick tip to stretch and it might help the stomach cramps. I did so, and it really didn't help much. I finally just decided that I had to finish this thing running strong. Despite the cramps I did complete the run in rough 27:30.

I kept my legs moving and as I got further into the three miles my stomach got better. As I came into the finish there was a guy (won't mention the age group he was in) who was being encouraged by his friends to beat me. The jets came on and I came tearing into the finish feeling good.

As I said, I did meet my goal. I am very proud of this. But I definitely want to be more competitive in the next event I do which will be the Memphis In May Triathlon.

After doing this I think I realize my strength is going to be in the Sprint and Olympic distance Triathlons. The goal of completing a Half Iron Man is still on the horizon but I think the shorter Triathlons will be my bread and butter.

As if the Tri wasn't enough I started my first day at the new job on Monday. I can honestly say that I am VERY excited for the opportunities on the horizon at the law firm and while I haven't completed my first week I am starting to think I made the right move.

Changes Keep On Coming

On to the latest round of changes in life... this is the reason, not excuse, for why my posts have been fewer and further between...

The move is done now, we are fully unpacked and hosted a brunch house warming which went off very well thanks to Allison's ability to put together a monster breakfast... The Kirkland Triathlon is this Sunday and I am very excited/nervous... I feel like I am ready, I could be more ready BUT under the present circumstances and the duration of training I have been doing I feel good... I never thought I would say that I am actually VERY excited for the two weeks of rest which have been mandated by Tracy...

Kevin and Tracy came over last night and we went over the pre-Tri check list as well as a quick of tune up of the bike by Kevin.. I just did a quick ride up a wicked hill and I feel like the bike is ready to go...

Even MORE exciting is that I will be starting my new job on Monday... It was tough leaving work today as I have made many friends being in IT... It is easy to forget how quickly bonds can be formed with people that you work with, but I definitely think as far as a career move goes I am making the right move... not sure of the etiquette I should follow so I'll hold back on listing the name of the law firm for now... but I am excited to be working downtown and getting to take the bus to work and not worry about driving...

I will have a full race report after the triathlon on Sunday... hope everyone has a good weekend~!!

It's been such a long time...

I think I should be posting... just kidding... that is enough with the Boston references.



It has been an interesting few weeks since my last post regarding the Lake Stevens 70.3. The training has been going in peaks and valleys, but I definitely learned that the body needs a rest from time to time. Took a little three and half day break and definitely came back strong. The good news was I could tell my body needed it. The bad news was that it came over a weekend which usually cover my most important work outs. BUT, I am definitely feeling strong this week and ready to make the final push for the Kirkland Triathlon.

I am looking forward to some much needed rest after the Kirkland Tri before I gear up and start training for the Walt Disney World Marathon.



In other news:

- We are moving this weekend and I have learned something. Packing sucks. I haven't even done the majority of it and I realize how bad it is. My hats off to Allison who, as usual, has taken the bull by the horns and really spearheaded our moving effort as she does with so many other parts of our lives. I cannot wait to get settled in the house and have the freedom of making (within reason) as much noise as we want and watching Roxie run around the large backyard.

- For the first time this year I tried to start my own fantasy football league. Without going into details I will say I fell flat on my face, I think from now on I am going to stick with being in my brother in law's league and not worry about trying to start one.

When It's Over...

Today I had the privilege and good fortune to witness my friends Tracy and Kevin complete the Lake Stevens 70.3 Half Ironman. It has been a while since my last post, but after witnessing what I saw today I was inspired to write again.

There were many amazing things I got to see today, and many amazing people I got to speak to. I was fortunate enough to witness some of the elite's transition as well as Sister Madonna Buder cross the finish which was quite the thrill. What struck me the most though was not the start of the race, not during the race, rather what took place after.

I also saw many people, many just like you and me, cross the finish line. Some to a throng of several dozen cheering and others like the guy who sat down on a sidewalk next to me who was greeted by no one. Not a single friend or family member there to see him complete his first Half Ironman. I spoke with him for a few moments, congratulated him and looked on as he devoured a banana and some water.

Once Tracy and Kevin had finished competing we made our way back to the car to head back to a friends house for some pizza. On the way I saw other folks, no different than you or I, loading their bikes on to their cars. It got me thinking... what drives them? What drives us? At the end of the day, when the race is nearing completion and the tank is running on empty, what pushed them across that finish? Unless you are an elite there is no check waiting for you, no endorsement deal and in some cases you even have to drive yourself home.

For me the answer to the question lay in the faces of the finishers, in the faces of Kevin and Tracy, in the face of a smiling Sister Madonna Buder and in the face of the finisher who did it with no one there to watch him. The look of sheer joy and triumph. The look of accomplishment. The look of confidence and knowing that all the training they did, all of the work they put in led up to this one moment and put them over the top and made them Ironmen.

I had some serious doubts, as I prepare for my Sprint Tri, as to whether I would ever want to take my training to the level of an Ironman or even half. Today I was given my answer. It is by fortunate grace that I have been at a point for the last few weeks where I feel like I am going through the motions of training and not sure how much further I want to take this. After seeing this amazing event today, and seeing the looks of accomplishment, triumph and exuberance I now have no doubt in my mind that I want to do this.

I want to congratulate and thank all of the participants and finishers for reminding all of us again why we get up at the butt crack of dawn to put in our swims, do our biking and put in our runs.

Congratulations to you all and thank you for continuing to inspire.