Here we are, at the brink of a new year. It's been a little over two years since I started this blog and I feel as though I haven't done it justice this year. I will try to change that in 2010.
They say things come in threes. Specifically, "they" say deaths come in threes. I don't know why "they" say this...but "they" have been right so many times.
Early this year, our dog, Sable, had to be put down...she was 19, so she had a long full life, but it was still hard on Brian and me to lose a friend.
Then, in April, my best friend, soul sister, and closest confidant, Terri, lost her 4-year-long fight with cancer. It was a loss I couldn't fathom at the time, and still have a hard time believing. Sometimes I still think of calling her or texting her but quickly realize that it would be impossible. When someone's been a 20-year-long friend, it's hard to let go of the "usual stuff" like calling just to say hi or sending a daily email. It becomes habit.
It never occurred to me that "deaths come in threes". After Sable and Terri, I didn't think anything else would happen. Then, this past Monday, I realized fate still had its chance to make it three for the year. Three months ago, Brian and I adopted our puppy, Savanna, a 12-month-old Catahoula Leopard Hound, from Animal Friends Society, a rescue organization out of Tampa. This past Monday morning, she got away from us. She thought it was play time and started running around. She got carried away with her energy, ran out into the street and was hit by a car...killing her instantly. I still see the event in my head and I keep hearing that crack over and over again. I went temporarily insane I think. I fell prostrate when I heard it, screaming NOOOOOOO over and over. When I brought the car around and saw her, I just fell apart. Her blank eyes just staring up from the cold pavement broke my heart into a thousand pieces. A million. I was unable to move. Brian had to lift me into the car. I insisted on riding with her in the back of the truck. I wanted to be with her as much as I could. As Brian drove to the hospital I held her in my arms as her heartbeat faded away to nothing and she died. My sweet girl was gone. I sobbed uncontrollably. I don't know why Nature, or God, or fate, or what- or whoever saw fit to take our little girl from us but I do believe that things happen for a reason. Maybe this means that now we'll get to save another Catahoula from a shelter where he or she may have died without ever having been loved. That is my hope.
We can never know why things happen. But I firmly believe things happen for a reason. So I'm hanging on to that notion as we pass from 2009 into 2010.
I have experienced a lot of successes in sports, and a fair amount of personal happiness this year as well. I finished my first 100-mile run, a race I'll return to next year. I set PR's in a bunch of running distances and PR'ed in both triathlon distances I raced this year (sprint and Olympic). I achieved my first triathlon age-group win, and my first top-5 finish in a sub-marathon distance race. I ran my first sub-1:30 half marathon...a big step for me since I'm pushing hard for that 2:59 marathon mark.
Brian and I are still going strong, and we've really transformed our condo into an IKEA catalog! We have had some stresses this year with finances but we refused to let it consume us. Luckily now, with Brian's new awesome job based in Canada, we are doing much better. Christmas was a wonderful holiday for us as we, after almost 2 years together, have started wearing commitment rings, bonding our souls forever.
I got to find out what it's like to be a personal trainer. Although, in the end, I wound up going back to engineering full time, I now know what it's like to work in such an exciting field. I will return to it in some capacity, even if it is just doing boot camps and training a few private clients. It was fun, and I really made some great friends. Coach Q is not out of the picture!
People tell me to concentrate on the good and let go of the bad. This is definitely good advice. However, I would really like to let go of 2009, despite its good points. Having lost two animal friends and the closest friend I've EVER had in my 35 years, I'd really like to forget about 2009 and welcome 2010 with open arms. It really just HAS to be better. Although I can't guarantee that, I feel that 2010 has to be a better year than 2009 was. It's time to start a new year, a new decade, a new chapter in my life. I will return to Ironman racing in 2010, and I am hoping a lot of new and exciting things will happen over the next year.
Sure, there will be stress. But I'm stronger now. 2009 definitely built up my mental and emotional strengths. It revealed my weaknesses. But to 2010, I can only say...
BRING IT!
20091231
20091106
Say The Words. Reflect.
Some day you'll say the words "Fort Hood."
You'll say the words and it'll be like saying "9/11".
It'll be like saying "Challenger".
It'll be like saying "Columbine".
It'll be one of those things you remember forever. You'll remember where you were when you heard it happened. The WORST EVER mass shooting at an American military post.
I'm coming to see a few things that make me feel proud. One of my fellow triathletes is stationed at Fort Hood. As soon as I heard about what happened there, I immediately thought of her. Thankfully, she was not on post at the time, she'd been in Michigan attending the funeral of one of her Soliders. Of course, though, everyone who knew she was stationed there went to her blog to see what she'd experienced, or if she'd seen any of the action. I was one of them. Though I did not comment immediately, I read what people had wrote. The most compelling statements were made by other current or past military personnel. It brought tears to my eyes to see how much caring was involved, how everyone got past the "military tough-guy/tough-girl" attitude and just emoted.
What struck me the hardest, though, was not the caring, not the emotion, not the anger or turmoil the event elicited from everyone, it was the pride in their country and their military service, even though it was so difficult, that they displayed. It made me wish I was part of it. The trip from which Brittany was returning was a difficult one. I can only imagine how awful it feels to attend the funeral of a Soldier she herself sent to war in the Middle East. I want to quote what she wrote because I think it is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read in my life.
"I cannot tell you how hard it was to see my Soldier in that casket, to see the anguish of his parents and his wife, and then to see his little girl scampering about not knowing she doesn't have a Daddy anymore. I sent him over there, and while the Army told me to, I still sent him off. I don't blame me, in fact, I'm somewhat surprised at how much this has truly impacted me as I didn't know Brandon as well as one would want to as he wasn't assigned to us very long before we had to deploy him. Before, I would've told you that part of the burden of command was all those middle of the night phone calls when Soldiers did stupid things, but now I know that is just the responsibility of the command. Offering condolences to grieving family members, presenting them with their Gold Star lapel pins, offering a final salute to my fallen hero, and eulogizing his short 23 years, that is the burden of command.
…It is nice to see that there are places in America who, as a community, still know how to honor her Patriots who give the ultimate sacrifice. It's not about the war, nor the reasons behind the war, it's that a Soldier left the comforts of his American life to pursue defending that American life, and in so doing, his life was cut far too short."
I came away from reading her post, not sad…but with a smile. Not a happy smile, but a proud smile. People like Brittany, and the Soldier she sent to war, love their country. They take pride in their service and enjoy what they do. This country has its issues. As a society on the whole, we are pretty intolerant. I deal with it on an every day basis, both directly and indirectly, and it makes me angry, sad, frustrated…and sometimes I feel as though it's hopeless to think I'll ever really be an equal citizen in this great country. THAT…makes me sad. It also makes me wish I was part of something bigger, fighting for the right things.
I hear way too many derogatory words about life here. Yes, it's hard sometimes. Yes, we have our issues. But, maybe someday, the American society will stop to look at what we all enjoy without even thinking about it…thanks to people like Brittany, and Haley, and Jennifer, and Hayley, and Dave, and Mike, and every single Soldier fighting for freedom and for bringing that freedom to the places in the world that do not have it…and maybe they'll all realize we have a pretty fucking awesome life here.
You'll say the words and it'll be like saying "9/11".
It'll be like saying "Challenger".
It'll be like saying "Columbine".
It'll be one of those things you remember forever. You'll remember where you were when you heard it happened. The WORST EVER mass shooting at an American military post.
I'm coming to see a few things that make me feel proud. One of my fellow triathletes is stationed at Fort Hood. As soon as I heard about what happened there, I immediately thought of her. Thankfully, she was not on post at the time, she'd been in Michigan attending the funeral of one of her Soliders. Of course, though, everyone who knew she was stationed there went to her blog to see what she'd experienced, or if she'd seen any of the action. I was one of them. Though I did not comment immediately, I read what people had wrote. The most compelling statements were made by other current or past military personnel. It brought tears to my eyes to see how much caring was involved, how everyone got past the "military tough-guy/tough-girl" attitude and just emoted.
What struck me the hardest, though, was not the caring, not the emotion, not the anger or turmoil the event elicited from everyone, it was the pride in their country and their military service, even though it was so difficult, that they displayed. It made me wish I was part of it. The trip from which Brittany was returning was a difficult one. I can only imagine how awful it feels to attend the funeral of a Soldier she herself sent to war in the Middle East. I want to quote what she wrote because I think it is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read in my life.
"I cannot tell you how hard it was to see my Soldier in that casket, to see the anguish of his parents and his wife, and then to see his little girl scampering about not knowing she doesn't have a Daddy anymore. I sent him over there, and while the Army told me to, I still sent him off. I don't blame me, in fact, I'm somewhat surprised at how much this has truly impacted me as I didn't know Brandon as well as one would want to as he wasn't assigned to us very long before we had to deploy him. Before, I would've told you that part of the burden of command was all those middle of the night phone calls when Soldiers did stupid things, but now I know that is just the responsibility of the command. Offering condolences to grieving family members, presenting them with their Gold Star lapel pins, offering a final salute to my fallen hero, and eulogizing his short 23 years, that is the burden of command.
…It is nice to see that there are places in America who, as a community, still know how to honor her Patriots who give the ultimate sacrifice. It's not about the war, nor the reasons behind the war, it's that a Soldier left the comforts of his American life to pursue defending that American life, and in so doing, his life was cut far too short."
I came away from reading her post, not sad…but with a smile. Not a happy smile, but a proud smile. People like Brittany, and the Soldier she sent to war, love their country. They take pride in their service and enjoy what they do. This country has its issues. As a society on the whole, we are pretty intolerant. I deal with it on an every day basis, both directly and indirectly, and it makes me angry, sad, frustrated…and sometimes I feel as though it's hopeless to think I'll ever really be an equal citizen in this great country. THAT…makes me sad. It also makes me wish I was part of something bigger, fighting for the right things.
I hear way too many derogatory words about life here. Yes, it's hard sometimes. Yes, we have our issues. But, maybe someday, the American society will stop to look at what we all enjoy without even thinking about it…thanks to people like Brittany, and Haley, and Jennifer, and Hayley, and Dave, and Mike, and every single Soldier fighting for freedom and for bringing that freedom to the places in the world that do not have it…and maybe they'll all realize we have a pretty fucking awesome life here.
20091028
Army Anxiety
Yesterday, on my last day of employment at LA Fitness, one of my favorite clients (who I've become friends with) trained with me. Her name is Hayley, she's in the US Army, and before she'd left for re-activation, I helped her lose 20 pounds. Unfortunately, a condition she "acquired" from being blown up in Iraq a year earlier (she lost her entire company over there...every one of them died, except for her...and she came pretty close) kept her from active duty upon return to the Army. So they put her in the reserves. As a result, she has to prepare for a Physical Fitness Test in a month. So, we decided to do the standard Army PT exercises to see where she stood (and I wanted to know how I'd score on the test). Her requirements were 17 pushups and 52 situps. She got 20 pushups, but only got 36 situps. Almost there...but she's got some work to do. We skipped the run part. She didn't want to run. I got 87 pushups and 75 situps. I would estimate my 2-mile run at 13:00 or under.
My scores would have been:
Pushups - 87 - 100+% (75 is 100%)
Situps - 75 - 99% (76 is 100%)
Run - 13:00 - 100+% (13:18 is 100%)
Total score - 299
S0...that makes me happy. :) 299 out of 300 for a first try!
Now...on to the anxiety part. Coincidentally, my OTHER friend Haley (no extra Y) deploys today. She'll be in Kuwait for a while, and then Iraq. I won't see her for over a year. I won't be able to talk to her for at least 6 weeks. I'm scared/nervous for her (and sad for myself cuz I won't be able to talk about CF and other fun stuff with her)...but so excited to see what she experiences there. Still, I'm having major anxiety over it. I didn't expect to be feeling this way. I'm having more trouble with it than I initially expected. She and I have become much closer friends over the past couple years. I lost my soul sister this year to breast cancer. I lost a close friend to brain cancer last year. I can't imagine losing another close friend to terrorists in the coming one. The thought of going to a sad military funeral makes me close my eyes and scream inside.
My scores would have been:
Pushups - 87 - 100+% (75 is 100%)
Situps - 75 - 99% (76 is 100%)
Run - 13:00 - 100+% (13:18 is 100%)
Total score - 299
S0...that makes me happy. :) 299 out of 300 for a first try!
Now...on to the anxiety part. Coincidentally, my OTHER friend Haley (no extra Y) deploys today. She'll be in Kuwait for a while, and then Iraq. I won't see her for over a year. I won't be able to talk to her for at least 6 weeks. I'm scared/nervous for her (and sad for myself cuz I won't be able to talk about CF and other fun stuff with her)...but so excited to see what she experiences there. Still, I'm having major anxiety over it. I didn't expect to be feeling this way. I'm having more trouble with it than I initially expected. She and I have become much closer friends over the past couple years. I lost my soul sister this year to breast cancer. I lost a close friend to brain cancer last year. I can't imagine losing another close friend to terrorists in the coming one. The thought of going to a sad military funeral makes me close my eyes and scream inside.
20091014
Upping My Game
Fifth Overall. How crazy is that? I totally didn't expect it. I also was surprised to see I won my age group. Where did all this happen you ask?
This past Sunday, I decided to do the Ace of Hearts 15K in Clearwater, as a tune-up for Marine Corps Marathon...just to see how my endurance is holding up (or should I say, how it is returning). I'm happy to say that it's almost back to where it should be! I still have a little work to do, as well as some mental confidence training to accomplish. But it's all starting to fall into place again.
For Sunday's run, my goal was to just go out and see how my breathing, heart rate, and endurance stacked up since I've started training harder for running. I wanted to see, also, how CrossFitting like a madman these past couple weeks has affected my muscular endurance. I wrote the following in my BT blog about it.
It was very hot...about 80 degrees and high humidity...at the start. The race started at the bottom of an overpass and went up immediately. After that it was flat with a few false flats for about 4 miles. On the way back there was a 10% climb and the overpass again, which brought the distance to 6 miles. It turned out that Mile 6 was pretty much all uphill.
Another flat out and back for three miles finished the race. My pace was all over the place. I took a gel at Mile 3 and felt good...but REALLY needed one at Mile 6, which you can see by my pace. At Mile 7 I saw a guy gaining on me and didn't wanna lose my top 5 overall placement so I turned it up. I'd noticed he was gaining on me when my pace fell into the 7's...so I figured he must be running about 7 flat. I thought if I just keep my pace under 7, I'd stay ahead of him. I was right. As my pace increased, so did my interval. I managed to stay ahead of him but he wasn't far behind. So I made sure to keep my effort high.
About 8 miles in, I was really feelin' it. I had taken my last gel at Mile 6 and I needed some nutrition. I was at the last aid station so this time I took Gatorade. I'd only taken water up til that point. I was almost done but I was afraid I'd lose my position if I let my effort get any lower.
At Mile 9 I thought I was gonna throw up. My pace was still about 6:40 but my effort was thru the roof. Only 0.3 to go... I came into the park and looked behind me. I was far enough in front of the 6th place guy that I knew I'd just be able to cruise thru the finish chute without a sprint, so I didn't sprint...I most assuredly would have thrown up. 1:03:33 was on the clock when I passed thru. New 15K PR by almost 5 minutes!!
I am attributing all this power/speed return to my focus on running, my giving up pure bodybuilding, and increasing my CrossFit volume. Today I wanted to have a long sweaty workout so I made up my own.
I'm calling this one "The Continuum"...
100 jumprope
Row 400m
21 pullups
15 clean and jerk, 95#
9 burpees
Row 300m
21 pushups
15 snatch, 95#
9 weighted jumping lunges, 2x10# plates
Row 200m
21 situps
15 overhead squat, 70#
9 weighted vertical jumps, 2x10# plates
Row 100m
21 squats
15 KB/DB swing, 1.5pood/55#
9 thrusters, 70#
100 jumprope
19:41 was my total time. It was exactly what I needed. I will continue to do CF right thru my MCM taper but I'll do easier, less taxing workouts. I still wanna sweat though.
This past Sunday, I decided to do the Ace of Hearts 15K in Clearwater, as a tune-up for Marine Corps Marathon...just to see how my endurance is holding up (or should I say, how it is returning). I'm happy to say that it's almost back to where it should be! I still have a little work to do, as well as some mental confidence training to accomplish. But it's all starting to fall into place again.
For Sunday's run, my goal was to just go out and see how my breathing, heart rate, and endurance stacked up since I've started training harder for running. I wanted to see, also, how CrossFitting like a madman these past couple weeks has affected my muscular endurance. I wrote the following in my BT blog about it.
It was very hot...about 80 degrees and high humidity...at the start. The race started at the bottom of an overpass and went up immediately. After that it was flat with a few false flats for about 4 miles. On the way back there was a 10% climb and the overpass again, which brought the distance to 6 miles. It turned out that Mile 6 was pretty much all uphill.
Another flat out and back for three miles finished the race. My pace was all over the place. I took a gel at Mile 3 and felt good...but REALLY needed one at Mile 6, which you can see by my pace. At Mile 7 I saw a guy gaining on me and didn't wanna lose my top 5 overall placement so I turned it up. I'd noticed he was gaining on me when my pace fell into the 7's...so I figured he must be running about 7 flat. I thought if I just keep my pace under 7, I'd stay ahead of him. I was right. As my pace increased, so did my interval. I managed to stay ahead of him but he wasn't far behind. So I made sure to keep my effort high.
About 8 miles in, I was really feelin' it. I had taken my last gel at Mile 6 and I needed some nutrition. I was at the last aid station so this time I took Gatorade. I'd only taken water up til that point. I was almost done but I was afraid I'd lose my position if I let my effort get any lower.
At Mile 9 I thought I was gonna throw up. My pace was still about 6:40 but my effort was thru the roof. Only 0.3 to go... I came into the park and looked behind me. I was far enough in front of the 6th place guy that I knew I'd just be able to cruise thru the finish chute without a sprint, so I didn't sprint...I most assuredly would have thrown up. 1:03:33 was on the clock when I passed thru. New 15K PR by almost 5 minutes!!
I am attributing all this power/speed return to my focus on running, my giving up pure bodybuilding, and increasing my CrossFit volume. Today I wanted to have a long sweaty workout so I made up my own.
I'm calling this one "The Continuum"...
100 jumprope
Row 400m
21 pullups
15 clean and jerk, 95#
9 burpees
Row 300m
21 pushups
15 snatch, 95#
9 weighted jumping lunges, 2x10# plates
Row 200m
21 situps
15 overhead squat, 70#
9 weighted vertical jumps, 2x10# plates
Row 100m
21 squats
15 KB/DB swing, 1.5pood/55#
9 thrusters, 70#
100 jumprope
19:41 was my total time. It was exactly what I needed. I will continue to do CF right thru my MCM taper but I'll do easier, less taxing workouts. I still wanna sweat though.
20091008
The Closer I Come to DEATH, The Better I Feel!
I'm so psyched up today about my CF return that I just had to make ANOTHER post today.
The past few days I've really gone hardcore with my CrossFitting. I am kinda bored with the regular old workouts. I have become a HUGE fan of mashups, chippers, and multi-round workouts. Yes, 99% of CF's workouts are multi-round...but I'm talking about MEGA-multi-round stuff...like 7 rounds...10 rounds...stuff like that.
For example...
Tuesday
21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps of-
95# hang power clean
Situps
Pushups
Wednesday
"THE RAMSTEIN"
For time...
Row 500m
25 Pullups
20 KB/DB Swings (1.5pood KB/55lb DB)
15 Overhead squats, 65lb barbell
10 Burpees
Run 400m
10 Burpees
15 Overhead squats
20 KB/DB swings
25 PullupsRow
500m
This one was absolute HELL...and I frickin' loved it!!
Thursday
For time:
50 situps
Then, with a 65lb barbell...
5 rounds of-
5 burpee cleans
4 split jerks
3 overhead squats
2 split snatches
1 hang power snatch
1 shuttle run (50m)
Then...
50 pushups
During the pushups, I actually fell on my face because I was just completely exhausted...I could not even hold myself up. The last 15 out of the 50 pushups were in sets of 5, I just couldn't get any more out. After it was over I couldn't move...I just lay on my back trying to breathe.
Tomorrow, I wanna do this...
(Thanks Wayne!)
“THE MAXIMUS”
For time:
800m Run
15 Clean & Jerks 115 lbs
50 Pullups
50 Dips
30 Burpees
75 DU’s
15 Snatches 115 lbs
30 Toes to Bar
30 KB Thrusters 35’s
75m Backwards Bench Drag
I.
FREAKING.
LOVE.
CROSSFIT.
The past few days I've really gone hardcore with my CrossFitting. I am kinda bored with the regular old workouts. I have become a HUGE fan of mashups, chippers, and multi-round workouts. Yes, 99% of CF's workouts are multi-round...but I'm talking about MEGA-multi-round stuff...like 7 rounds...10 rounds...stuff like that.
For example...
Tuesday
21-18-15-12-9-6-3 reps of-
95# hang power clean
Situps
Pushups
Wednesday
"THE RAMSTEIN"
For time...
Row 500m
25 Pullups
20 KB/DB Swings (1.5pood KB/55lb DB)
15 Overhead squats, 65lb barbell
10 Burpees
Run 400m
10 Burpees
15 Overhead squats
20 KB/DB swings
25 PullupsRow
500m
This one was absolute HELL...and I frickin' loved it!!
Thursday
For time:
50 situps
Then, with a 65lb barbell...
5 rounds of-
5 burpee cleans
4 split jerks
3 overhead squats
2 split snatches
1 hang power snatch
1 shuttle run (50m)
Then...
50 pushups
During the pushups, I actually fell on my face because I was just completely exhausted...I could not even hold myself up. The last 15 out of the 50 pushups were in sets of 5, I just couldn't get any more out. After it was over I couldn't move...I just lay on my back trying to breathe.
Tomorrow, I wanna do this...
(Thanks Wayne!)
“THE MAXIMUS”
For time:
800m Run
15 Clean & Jerks 115 lbs
50 Pullups
50 Dips
30 Burpees
75 DU’s
15 Snatches 115 lbs
30 Toes to Bar
30 KB Thrusters 35’s
75m Backwards Bench Drag
I.
FREAKING.
LOVE.
CROSSFIT.
The Insane VO2 Max is BACK!!!!
CrossFit has done it again I tell you.
About two weeks ago, I was genuinely nervous about Marine Corps Marathon. My running, because of my insistence (earlier in the year) on bodybuilding, had become slower and less efficient. It was when I had trouble keeping a previously "slow" pace for three miles that I realized I was going in the wrong direction. The last "nail in the coffin" was when I realized I'd stopped PR'ing in everything I did. I don't expect to PR in every race, but there were certain races I should have been faster in (case in point, the bike at Crystal River...I averaged 23.8mph last year and only 23.4 this year...it should have been well over 24).
I'm STRONG...but I'm not efficient. The good news is, the efficiency is returning. I've returned to CrossFit and have been doing more and more difficult workouts. I've stopped bodybuilding altogether in the last month and have been concentrating more on power, speed, and endurance. Sure I can still get stronger doing these things (clean and jerk requires strength as well as power), and I can still push up heavy weight doing bench presses...it IS a CrossFit move.
Last night my 5 mile run was supposed to be run at 7:30 pace...but my effort level was almost too low at that pace and I wound up running faster. 7:13 was my overall pace for the run and I felt great. In true CrossFitQ fashion, I immediately dropped and did 50 pushups, all in one set, after I finished running.
Not only is my efficiency, VO2max, and endurance returning...so is my confidence. This is big since I've been worried about my ability to reach my overall marathon season goal...run a BQ-worthy time (that's 3:15:59 or better) at every ROAD marathon I do this season. It doesn't count for trail marathons which will obviously be slower but road marathons need to be fast and efficient. Plus, I'd like to better my marathon PR at Gasparilla in 2010, since this year I ran 5 minutes shy of it (3:11 in '09...3:06 in '08). So, my training needs to be focused and goal-oriented. For this reason, I've shut down my idea for my "three-day Ironman" that I was gonna do at the end of November. Too much swimming and biking will reorient my focus in a direction I don't need to go in right now. My efficiency still isn't at 100%...but I'm confident that by the end of this month...by Marine Corps Marathon day...it will be pretty damn close to it.
It's time for CrossFit and running. That's what October thru February is all about. So THAT is what I'm gonna concentrate on. Or I'll kick myself in the ass come Gaspy day.
About two weeks ago, I was genuinely nervous about Marine Corps Marathon. My running, because of my insistence (earlier in the year) on bodybuilding, had become slower and less efficient. It was when I had trouble keeping a previously "slow" pace for three miles that I realized I was going in the wrong direction. The last "nail in the coffin" was when I realized I'd stopped PR'ing in everything I did. I don't expect to PR in every race, but there were certain races I should have been faster in (case in point, the bike at Crystal River...I averaged 23.8mph last year and only 23.4 this year...it should have been well over 24).
I'm STRONG...but I'm not efficient. The good news is, the efficiency is returning. I've returned to CrossFit and have been doing more and more difficult workouts. I've stopped bodybuilding altogether in the last month and have been concentrating more on power, speed, and endurance. Sure I can still get stronger doing these things (clean and jerk requires strength as well as power), and I can still push up heavy weight doing bench presses...it IS a CrossFit move.
Last night my 5 mile run was supposed to be run at 7:30 pace...but my effort level was almost too low at that pace and I wound up running faster. 7:13 was my overall pace for the run and I felt great. In true CrossFitQ fashion, I immediately dropped and did 50 pushups, all in one set, after I finished running.
Not only is my efficiency, VO2max, and endurance returning...so is my confidence. This is big since I've been worried about my ability to reach my overall marathon season goal...run a BQ-worthy time (that's 3:15:59 or better) at every ROAD marathon I do this season. It doesn't count for trail marathons which will obviously be slower but road marathons need to be fast and efficient. Plus, I'd like to better my marathon PR at Gasparilla in 2010, since this year I ran 5 minutes shy of it (3:11 in '09...3:06 in '08). So, my training needs to be focused and goal-oriented. For this reason, I've shut down my idea for my "three-day Ironman" that I was gonna do at the end of November. Too much swimming and biking will reorient my focus in a direction I don't need to go in right now. My efficiency still isn't at 100%...but I'm confident that by the end of this month...by Marine Corps Marathon day...it will be pretty damn close to it.
It's time for CrossFit and running. That's what October thru February is all about. So THAT is what I'm gonna concentrate on. Or I'll kick myself in the ass come Gaspy day.
20090923
What? All of a sudden a marathon is making me nervous???
I've been pretty arrogant. Maybe not outwardly, but in my own mind, I've been of the mindset that a marathon is a pretty easy run. Moreover, I've been of the mindset that qualifying for Boston has become easy. When I ran at Boston, I went with no goal. But I came away with another qualifying time for 2010, which I'd already done three times over in 2009.
Suddenly, in the past few weeks, I've been shown (by my own body) that training matters!! I've seen some diminution in my performances over the past few months and my endurance has abated lately as well. I'm frustrated by this. I have never really had to work at my run speed before.
I realize that bodybuilding like a maniac for the past six months has given me strength and power, but I also realize that I am an endurance athlete, not a powerlifter or bodybuilder...and that power is replacing my endurance...so this is not acceptable. My goals are performance-oriented, not aesthetic. So, as a result of this realization, I've quit bodybuilding altogether. My strength workouts will involve CrossFit/intervals/Olympic lifting only. No more big puffy muscles. Just strong, dense, and tight. Size does matter...or the lack of it in this case. Big = slow...for me. I need to be small, light, and fast.
On my long run last weekend, which was supposed to be 15 miles but only wound up being 9 because of Achilles pain, I realized that I cannot just "wing it" anymore. I'm 35 now. My feeling is that, this year, my body has really turned on the reality check for my brain. My cavalier attitude towards my running is becoming guarded...vigilant. I don't feel that it's easy to just go run a marathon with no training anymore. I know that I can still finish a marathon at any time (for now) by just doing it. But doing WELL...that's another question now. It used to be no problem. I could just run forever. I hardly trained for the Umstead 100 and blew away my expectations and goals. But now, I feel as though without careful, diligent, purposeful, and most importantly, focused training, I will not see 2009's successes in 2010.
I am not used to feeling this way. I am discouraged by the fact that I now have to put REAL effort into my running career. I have VERY high hopes for Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2010, but I will not reap the benefits of my fitness if I don't train correctly. The same goes for any of my running races this coming season. I was in the shower the other day, and I don't know why I thought of it just then, but I became nervous about trying to win the Bartram Forest Ultra. Last year, I was almost arrogant about my chances. I knew upon getting there that I'd leave with a first place overall. This year, I'm a little nervous that I'm gonna bonk or run out of steam.
I know I'm getting way ahead of myself. These races are all over a month away and I'm already getting faster. But I just need to stay aware that it takes work, and I'm not just building and retaining this fitness with no effort. Every year it will take more and more effort for me to stay competitive. I cannot simply outlive my competition, I need to outDO them as well.
Marine Corps Marathon will be a test of how fast I can get from injured to qualified. I'd like to be able to run a Boston-qualifying time at every marathon I race this season. For me this year, that's 3:15:59 or better.
Suddenly, in the past few weeks, I've been shown (by my own body) that training matters!! I've seen some diminution in my performances over the past few months and my endurance has abated lately as well. I'm frustrated by this. I have never really had to work at my run speed before.
I realize that bodybuilding like a maniac for the past six months has given me strength and power, but I also realize that I am an endurance athlete, not a powerlifter or bodybuilder...and that power is replacing my endurance...so this is not acceptable. My goals are performance-oriented, not aesthetic. So, as a result of this realization, I've quit bodybuilding altogether. My strength workouts will involve CrossFit/intervals/Olympic lifting only. No more big puffy muscles. Just strong, dense, and tight. Size does matter...or the lack of it in this case. Big = slow...for me. I need to be small, light, and fast.
On my long run last weekend, which was supposed to be 15 miles but only wound up being 9 because of Achilles pain, I realized that I cannot just "wing it" anymore. I'm 35 now. My feeling is that, this year, my body has really turned on the reality check for my brain. My cavalier attitude towards my running is becoming guarded...vigilant. I don't feel that it's easy to just go run a marathon with no training anymore. I know that I can still finish a marathon at any time (for now) by just doing it. But doing WELL...that's another question now. It used to be no problem. I could just run forever. I hardly trained for the Umstead 100 and blew away my expectations and goals. But now, I feel as though without careful, diligent, purposeful, and most importantly, focused training, I will not see 2009's successes in 2010.
I am not used to feeling this way. I am discouraged by the fact that I now have to put REAL effort into my running career. I have VERY high hopes for Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2010, but I will not reap the benefits of my fitness if I don't train correctly. The same goes for any of my running races this coming season. I was in the shower the other day, and I don't know why I thought of it just then, but I became nervous about trying to win the Bartram Forest Ultra. Last year, I was almost arrogant about my chances. I knew upon getting there that I'd leave with a first place overall. This year, I'm a little nervous that I'm gonna bonk or run out of steam.
I know I'm getting way ahead of myself. These races are all over a month away and I'm already getting faster. But I just need to stay aware that it takes work, and I'm not just building and retaining this fitness with no effort. Every year it will take more and more effort for me to stay competitive. I cannot simply outlive my competition, I need to outDO them as well.
Marine Corps Marathon will be a test of how fast I can get from injured to qualified. I'd like to be able to run a Boston-qualifying time at every marathon I race this season. For me this year, that's 3:15:59 or better.
20090915
Musings of A Paranoid Mind...at least, it is paranoid today...
I don't know what it is...but I just feel like people are erasing me from their lives. I'm probably totally paranoid about this, but this is the way I'm feeling. It just seems like all the friends I have here in Tampa always have something better to do than even have a quick dinner with me. I've been forced out of a few people's lives in the past, and it really hurts, especially when one of those persons forced me out for doing something I never even did.
Today a few things occurred that made me realize all my friends were doing things with each other, and not with me. Now, I'm not saying that my friends always have to include me. Not at all. I'm usually pretty adamant about the fact that I like to do some things with some of my friends and not with others. But what it seems like to me lately is that my friends are canceling plans with me and then going and making other plans with each other, and leaving me out of them. Sounds crazy right? Maybe so...and maybe I'm just reading into things...but I can't help the way I'm feeling about it.
When it comes down to it, I feel like my closest friends are the ones that live furthest away from me. Nashville, DC, NYC, California. Why is it that I feel like the further away someone is, the more they care about me?
I think what I need to do is stop chasing my friends around and asking for their time. They need to come to me. I am gonna just stop calling everyone and asking everyone to hang out and just wait for them to come to me...or not come. In which case, it is time to let the friendship fade away.
When Terri died, we all agreed that no matter how busy we were, we'd all stick together and be like a family...like we used to be. But the only person who's really kept that idea going is me. I know we all have busy lives. I have three jobs. THREE. But I still want to make time for my friends. I'm tired of the "oh I'm busy every day for the next five years" type excuses I get. So...I will stand my ground and just let my friends miss me...or at least hope they miss me. If they don't then I guess they weren't really my friends anyway, were they?
Today a few things occurred that made me realize all my friends were doing things with each other, and not with me. Now, I'm not saying that my friends always have to include me. Not at all. I'm usually pretty adamant about the fact that I like to do some things with some of my friends and not with others. But what it seems like to me lately is that my friends are canceling plans with me and then going and making other plans with each other, and leaving me out of them. Sounds crazy right? Maybe so...and maybe I'm just reading into things...but I can't help the way I'm feeling about it.
When it comes down to it, I feel like my closest friends are the ones that live furthest away from me. Nashville, DC, NYC, California. Why is it that I feel like the further away someone is, the more they care about me?
I think what I need to do is stop chasing my friends around and asking for their time. They need to come to me. I am gonna just stop calling everyone and asking everyone to hang out and just wait for them to come to me...or not come. In which case, it is time to let the friendship fade away.
When Terri died, we all agreed that no matter how busy we were, we'd all stick together and be like a family...like we used to be. But the only person who's really kept that idea going is me. I know we all have busy lives. I have three jobs. THREE. But I still want to make time for my friends. I'm tired of the "oh I'm busy every day for the next five years" type excuses I get. So...I will stand my ground and just let my friends miss me...or at least hope they miss me. If they don't then I guess they weren't really my friends anyway, were they?
20090807
Random Thoughts on a Random Friday
Do you believe I'm writing this from my old computer in my old office at my old job that I left to become a personal trainer? My how things have changed in such a short time.
Sometime during the last few weeks I've realized that I'm really falling behind in bills. I'm even facing late fees on one of my credit cards...something that I haven't experienced in over five years. It became very clear to me at that time that I needed to have a second job. How, I asked myself, do I get a second job when I'm already working 60-65 hours a week at LA Fitness? How, I asked myself, do I even dare to add more hours to my schedule when I can't catch up on rest or sleep? I mentioned this need to my chiropractor and he said, "Whaaaaaat?!?! You are already working yourself sick!!". I needed a solution fast.
The idea hit me. I had to go back to civil engineering if I was gonna get out of this rut. The question was...would they take me back? I figured if I could do some part time engineering work, I'd be able to actually CUT my hours at the gym and still make loads more money. The engineering job would become Job 1, and LA Fitness would become Job 2.
Unfortunately, at first (it seemed), this would not work. My old boss told me there just wasn't enough work for me to come back to. All hope seemed lost. But the very next day, something happened. A project dropped into his hands and it was time-sensitive. He called me and asked me to work the next two days.
Originally I said that I couldn't because I had two full days of work at the gym, but on further exam, I cancelled my next two days at LA Fitness and came here to SCI instead. I made more money on Thursday, just working 9 hours at SCI than I would have made in 3 days at LA Fitness.
They have me scheduled for THREE days next week and at least two days the following week so I will not only catch up on bills, but even get ahead again!! The money is tax-free right now, but once I get caught up, I will need to start putting 20% of my checks away for taxes at the end of the year. For the first few weeks though, I will be fine using my entire check for bills and getting caught up on my finances. I will have plenty of time to save money for the taxes at the end of the year.
This is a HUGE monkey off my back...at least for a little while. I am hoping that this becomes regular for me. Sharon, one of my old co-workers who came back for temp work as well, said that now, since she doesn't have to work, would rather give up her hours so that I could have some. That's awesome of her to say, since it almost guarantees me work here at least one day a week. An extra 200 bux a week is PLENTY for me to stay afloat, nevermind an extra 600. This is good. It's about time things started looking up!!
I can tell by being here, and being sedentary for the day, that I will definitely need to UP my protein intake next week while I'm here working. I will do my "DIET FROM HELL" next Wed, Thur, Fri...while I'm here at Sprinkle, so I can stay lean. I can feel my six pack leaving me as I type!!
Sometime during the last few weeks I've realized that I'm really falling behind in bills. I'm even facing late fees on one of my credit cards...something that I haven't experienced in over five years. It became very clear to me at that time that I needed to have a second job. How, I asked myself, do I get a second job when I'm already working 60-65 hours a week at LA Fitness? How, I asked myself, do I even dare to add more hours to my schedule when I can't catch up on rest or sleep? I mentioned this need to my chiropractor and he said, "Whaaaaaat?!?! You are already working yourself sick!!". I needed a solution fast.
The idea hit me. I had to go back to civil engineering if I was gonna get out of this rut. The question was...would they take me back? I figured if I could do some part time engineering work, I'd be able to actually CUT my hours at the gym and still make loads more money. The engineering job would become Job 1, and LA Fitness would become Job 2.
Unfortunately, at first (it seemed), this would not work. My old boss told me there just wasn't enough work for me to come back to. All hope seemed lost. But the very next day, something happened. A project dropped into his hands and it was time-sensitive. He called me and asked me to work the next two days.
Originally I said that I couldn't because I had two full days of work at the gym, but on further exam, I cancelled my next two days at LA Fitness and came here to SCI instead. I made more money on Thursday, just working 9 hours at SCI than I would have made in 3 days at LA Fitness.
They have me scheduled for THREE days next week and at least two days the following week so I will not only catch up on bills, but even get ahead again!! The money is tax-free right now, but once I get caught up, I will need to start putting 20% of my checks away for taxes at the end of the year. For the first few weeks though, I will be fine using my entire check for bills and getting caught up on my finances. I will have plenty of time to save money for the taxes at the end of the year.
This is a HUGE monkey off my back...at least for a little while. I am hoping that this becomes regular for me. Sharon, one of my old co-workers who came back for temp work as well, said that now, since she doesn't have to work, would rather give up her hours so that I could have some. That's awesome of her to say, since it almost guarantees me work here at least one day a week. An extra 200 bux a week is PLENTY for me to stay afloat, nevermind an extra 600. This is good. It's about time things started looking up!!
I can tell by being here, and being sedentary for the day, that I will definitely need to UP my protein intake next week while I'm here working. I will do my "DIET FROM HELL" next Wed, Thur, Fri...while I'm here at Sprinkle, so I can stay lean. I can feel my six pack leaving me as I type!!
20090801
A "LONG" Run Early in the Journey
It's been a while since I've gone out and done a nice long slow distance. I've kept my longer runs for the week down to 6 or 7 miles lately because I really don't need to go any further, doing sprints and Oly's this year. But, I really do miss my longer runs. The ones where I leave the condo, go all the way down past Channelside, down to Bayshore, down and back ON Bayshore, and then back home. When I was training for Umstead, that's what I'd do every weekend, and I really miss it.
Why am I doing longer runs now when CdA isn't til next year? Well, I'm thinking...maybe I should do a 70.3 this year...at the end of the year...just to get myself ready for the big training starting in January. I'll explain...
In 2008, to get ready for CdA, I started training in January for a sprint distance race in March (Moss Park)...then an Olympic in April (St. A's)...then a 70.3 in May (IM 70.3 FL)...and finally CdA in June. I trained "for the task at hand" each time...only ramping up to IM distance training for the last 6 weeks or so. This time, it will be different. I'm already training at the 70.3 level right now, and I don't even HAVE a 70.3 race in my schedule. My longest triathlon this year, so far, is an Olympic...and it's in a month. I'm already doing 50 and 60 mile bike rides (literally WAY overtraining for an Olympic) and 10 mile runs (and longer in the coming weeks). I need to do a 70.3 some time before the end of the year. I think I could do really well at Miami Man if it's not closed. It's WAY expensive for what it is (it's really not a 70.3, the bike course is 3 miles short)...and it's a long drive. But I've always had a good time doing it. I don't know what other 70.3 I could do towards the end of the year (Miami Man is in November) that would fit into my schedule. I have Marine Corps Marathon to PR at, and I'd like to win both of the ultras I won last year in December. Not sure where a 70.3 would fit right now, but I am determined to figure it out.
Why am I doing longer runs now when CdA isn't til next year? Well, I'm thinking...maybe I should do a 70.3 this year...at the end of the year...just to get myself ready for the big training starting in January. I'll explain...
In 2008, to get ready for CdA, I started training in January for a sprint distance race in March (Moss Park)...then an Olympic in April (St. A's)...then a 70.3 in May (IM 70.3 FL)...and finally CdA in June. I trained "for the task at hand" each time...only ramping up to IM distance training for the last 6 weeks or so. This time, it will be different. I'm already training at the 70.3 level right now, and I don't even HAVE a 70.3 race in my schedule. My longest triathlon this year, so far, is an Olympic...and it's in a month. I'm already doing 50 and 60 mile bike rides (literally WAY overtraining for an Olympic) and 10 mile runs (and longer in the coming weeks). I need to do a 70.3 some time before the end of the year. I think I could do really well at Miami Man if it's not closed. It's WAY expensive for what it is (it's really not a 70.3, the bike course is 3 miles short)...and it's a long drive. But I've always had a good time doing it. I don't know what other 70.3 I could do towards the end of the year (Miami Man is in November) that would fit into my schedule. I have Marine Corps Marathon to PR at, and I'd like to win both of the ultras I won last year in December. Not sure where a 70.3 would fit right now, but I am determined to figure it out.
20090729
The Journey Back Begins NOW!
OK...time for a change. I changed the look of this blog because I've changed a few things in my life.
First off, I'm gonna try to go back to engineering two days a week because working for LA Fitness isn't making me enough money to have the things I want.
Second, and this is the big one...my journey back to endurance sports has officially begun! On July 27, I registered for Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2010. It will be my second time in CdA. I have wanted to race it again since I left the town in 2008.
I am going to venture to blog here more often, I have 11 months to prepare to PR at this race. I am determined to go faster than 11:14 next year. I have a LOT of things to change about myself. I have become a "power athlete" lately, doing a lot of bodybuilding and speed workouts. I need to switch gears, lose some muscle bulk, tighten up, and become an endurance athlete again.
CrossFit will NOT leave my life...in fact, it will become MORE prominent as I probably won't be doing much "bodybuilding" type lifting in the coming months. It's been fun having a bodybuilder's body, but it's time to get back to where I belong...in the world of ultrarunning, and long distance triathlon. THIS is what I was made for. Bodybuilding has made me very superficial in the past few months...of course, that's what it is...it is purely aesthetic. And that's totally fine...that's what it's meant to be. Powerlifting is for strength and power...bodybuilding is for bodily VISUAL perfection...symmetry, development, and definition. Endurance sports are for endurance...not for the "look". So that's where I'm headed back to.
On June 27, 2010, I will be a four-time Ironman. The journey has begun.
First off, I'm gonna try to go back to engineering two days a week because working for LA Fitness isn't making me enough money to have the things I want.
Second, and this is the big one...my journey back to endurance sports has officially begun! On July 27, I registered for Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2010. It will be my second time in CdA. I have wanted to race it again since I left the town in 2008.
I am going to venture to blog here more often, I have 11 months to prepare to PR at this race. I am determined to go faster than 11:14 next year. I have a LOT of things to change about myself. I have become a "power athlete" lately, doing a lot of bodybuilding and speed workouts. I need to switch gears, lose some muscle bulk, tighten up, and become an endurance athlete again.
CrossFit will NOT leave my life...in fact, it will become MORE prominent as I probably won't be doing much "bodybuilding" type lifting in the coming months. It's been fun having a bodybuilder's body, but it's time to get back to where I belong...in the world of ultrarunning, and long distance triathlon. THIS is what I was made for. Bodybuilding has made me very superficial in the past few months...of course, that's what it is...it is purely aesthetic. And that's totally fine...that's what it's meant to be. Powerlifting is for strength and power...bodybuilding is for bodily VISUAL perfection...symmetry, development, and definition. Endurance sports are for endurance...not for the "look". So that's where I'm headed back to.
On June 27, 2010, I will be a four-time Ironman. The journey has begun.
20090607
Catching Up
20090608 - 2215
I have been away a long time! So many things have happened in the past few months and I really need to get them straight in my head before I can write them here. I promise I will do that some time this week. I just need to decide which highlights are the "brightest" so I don't become too wordy.
I shall return!!
I have been away a long time! So many things have happened in the past few months and I really need to get them straight in my head before I can write them here. I promise I will do that some time this week. I just need to decide which highlights are the "brightest" so I don't become too wordy.
I shall return!!
20090407
HUUUUUGE Race Report! It's Long...BEWARE!!!
Pre race routine:
I guess you could say the pre-race routine started on Friday morning when we woke up. As soon as I had my wits about me, I started getting a mental list compiled. We needed to get to Trader Joe’s to get race nutrition and some snacks for the support crew/pacers/jockstraps for the day. Since I’d forgotten two of the most important ultrarunning accessories at home, Shannon found me her headlamp and her gaiters so I would have them for the race. We headed to Trader Joe’s and got what we needed, plus some stuff to bring back home (since we don’t have TJ’s in Florida). My nutrition plan was ready to go. Upon returning home, I got some race equipment together and Chris got home from work. Brian was on some work phone calls, so Shannon, Chris, Campbell, and I headed out to Umstead to get my race packet and go to the orientation meeting. The meeting lasted over an hour! I expected it’d last about 30 minutes, but there was a lot to cover. Good thing too, cuz I learned a lot about how things work at a 100-miler. After the meeting, there was a dinner but I didn’t stay because we were meeting Shaun, Deb, and Brian at a little Italian place that Shannon and Chris liked. It was a good dinner. I ate SO MUCH FOOD!
After dinner we headed home and I got my race belt ready, laid out my clothes for the next day, and got ready for bed. I didn’t have much trouble falling right to sleep since I ate a week’s worth of carbs in about 2 hours’ time during dinner.
On Saturday morning, Brian and I woke up at around 430 and I immediately hopped out of bed. I was anxious, but not nervous, about what I was going to try to accomplish. I got dressed in my race clothes, and put a long pair of pants and a sweatshirt over them. It was about 50 degrees outside, perfect ultrarunning weather. We left the house around 5am for Umstead State Park.
The traffic getting into the park was pretty light, but finding parking in my designated parking area was a little more of a challenge. It was now 530 and the race was to begin in 30 minutes. My stomach was doing its usual flip flops like it does before pretty much every race I do. Luckily, there were bathrooms very close to the parking area we were in. I felt like I took forever, I was now in a rush to get to the starting line. We walked up to the start/finish area and I went inside the main building to get a quick drink and take my pre-race supplements. I was now ready to go.
Warmup:
Physically none, but mentally I had to psych myself up. Going into this race, I was totally prepared to NOT achieve the sub-24-hour goal I’d set earlier in the year. My training hadn’t been awesome, my longest run was a marathon, and I’d skipped my 50-miler in March. I was afraid I’d run out of steam somewhere around 40 miles and have to walk a lot. But the time for worrying had passed. It was 2 minutes to the start and there I was, about to run 100 miles.
Race comments:
Blake, the race director, counted down the minutes before the race. At one minute to go, I got a quick good luck hug, and I was ready to run. The gun and fireworks went off, and we were on our way!!
I immediately latched on to a group of three runners who were running about 9 minute pace and I stayed with them. Since I had no idea what this course was like, and I couldn’t see much at all outside the realm of the headlamp, I just decided to stay with some people who looked like they knew what they were doing. These three did. Two of them were chatting and laughing so I figured they must be pretty experienced. I stayed with these people for about the first three miles. One of them went ahead of the rest so I followed her. I immediately knew she’d be my rabbit. I followed her down the hill between Miles 3 and 4 and I came upon a guy wearing a Marathon Maniacs jacket. I had my Maniacs jersey on over my long sleeve compression T, so I said hi and we ran and chatted a while. His name was Rob and he told me he was Maniac number 266. We ran down the hill together and then up the other side…the hill on the other side was an entire mile long but wasn’t very steep. I had no problem running the whole thing at sub-9 pace. There was a water station at the top of it so I grabbed some water, took a gel, and kept going. After another mile and a half we were at the back aid station and I really was digesting food fast. So I jumped into a portapotty. I grabbed some food after finishing up, and Rob left the aid station before me so I was running alone again. Here’s where all the NASTY hills began. Between Mile 7 and Mile 8, the nastiest hill on the course, “Sawtooth,” reared its ugly head. It was about a 12% incline, I had to run on my toes to get up it. But I ran the thing. It was tough but it didn’t slow me down much. Another half mile and there was another steep hill, this one about a third of the height of Sawtooth though. Most of Mile 8 to Mile 9 was downhill. Then right at Mile 9, another crazyass straight up incline. OUCH!! After a bunch of switchbacks and false flats, I hit a nice three-quarter-mile downhill. At the bottom of that, another uphill…this one wasn’t long but it got steeper as you went up, and at the top was a very short very steep finish. There was a water stop right at the top there, so I grabbed some water, downed a gel, and went on. At the Mile 11 marker, there was the last hill of the loop. Shannon calls this “cellulite hill”…it’s a two-stage incline, I’d give it 8-9% on the steepness. Once I was up that, it was a mile and a quarter to the start finish area. Upon entering the headquarters area, the terrain got very rocky and VERY steep downhill. It was hard to run slow down the hill, but it was so rocky that it was hard to get my footing right. I ran down and then up another incline to the finish area where the aid station was. I finished the first loop in 1:53. I ate some food, and then went to my bag to get my supplements and gels for the next lap. Brian was still asleep in the car so I just headed out for the next loop.
On lap 2, I found my rabbit again, her number was 5. I stayed behind her as long as I could and then passed her. She definitely kept me going. I ran this loop pretty much the same as the last one and had no unique experiences. I felt good, my legs were strong, I had no knee, back, or leg issues. A couple times on this loop, I felt kinda giddy, like I did during my first Ironman. This was a first time for me…it’s been a while since I’ve done something for the first time so I felt happy to be doing something new. I came into the race headquarters area at around 3:47 elapsed, feeling good. I felt good about my speed thus far even though I knew it was a little faster than I wanted to be going. My original goal was to do the first 25 miles in 4 to 5 hours and complete 50 miles in 10 hours or so. Right now I was 13 to 73 minutes ahead of plan. I felt good though, so I went with it. At this time, Brian was sitting with my bag and helped me gather my lap 3 supplies. He was so helpful, I couldn’t have done this without him.
I changed my shirt from the long sleeve tee and my Maniacs jersey into my sleeveless Land Between the Lakes 50 Miler shirt…the race I never even started. It was much more comfortable though. As I left for lap 3, I saw my rabbit, number 5, heading out, so I needed to catch up with her. She was now running with someone. I left the “transition area” and headed out to catch them. I saw Rob coming in from his second lap as I went out. I was just about at the marathon mark. I crossed Mile 26.2 in 3 hours and 57 minutes. I was satisfied with that since I originally wanted to do 25 miles in 4 hours. Even though I was wearing an iPod, I could hear number 5 chatting and talking to her running partner. I have no idea why, but it annoyed me. Well, okay that’s a lie, I DO know why…cuz I was putting in a lot of effort to run these trails at 9 minute pace and she was out there just jogging and talking at that pace! I HAD HAD HAD to get in front of them. So I did at Mile 3. Normally, someone talking while running wouldn’t make a difference to me, so I don’t know why it did on this day. Hmmmm…weird. I ran down the long hill between Mile 3 and 4 and then ran up the hill between 4 and 5 as hard as I could without going too fast. I’d lost them. They kinda stayed with me though, I’d notice them coming into the aid stations and waterpoints as I left them. Just past Mile 6, I had gone 50K, so I recorded my split…4 hours, 40 minutes. Still decent. I started lapping other runners on this loop. On this loop I started talking to another runner who had just almost been run over by 15 deer sprinting across the trail. We chatted a while and ran the big hills on Turkey Creek together. At about Mile 10 of the loop, he dropped back. I should have run the whole race with this guy as he finished about 4 hours ahead of me later on but I needed to do this for myself. I needed to test my own limits. I came in from lap 3, and I was at about 5:48 elapsed. As I sat and adjusted my shoes and got my gels and supplements from Brian, I realized…I could have a 50-mile PR if I can do the fourth lap in 2:07 or less!! I knew this was a crazy goal to achieve, but I’d been feeling good all day so I figured why not at least go for that and then I can slow down for the rest of the race…at least it’ll be easier for me to get that sub-24 I want.
I left for lap 4 just after number 5 and number 77…again, they were chatting and having a good time. Again I had to get in front of them. Again, I did at Mile 3. After a few more miles I started to notice I was getting tired sooner than I had on each lap so I decided to step up my nutrition. I ate more food and drank more water at each of the stations. I could feel the difference when I took in nutrition on this lap, unlike the others when I was working off of stored nutrients. I was coming up on Mile 11 when I realized I pretty much had the 50 mile PR in the bag. It was weird, I almost started to cry! Ultrarunning does weird things to my emotions. When I came into the headquarters area, I realized I was about to have a 10-minute 50-mile PR! I was thrilled. Came across the line at 7:45 into the race, and grabbed some much needed food and drink (they had sweet tea!!!) at the headquarters aid station. As usual, I sat down and got my next loop supplies. Shaun was there now. He and Bri helped me get my shirt changed again, back into my Maniacs jersey.
Since I’d now PR’ed my 50 mile distance I felt it was time to take this lap a bit slower. Brian asked if I wanted a pacer but I said no. I wasn’t sure if anyone else was coming, I thought maybe Shannon and Chris had something come up so they couldn’t get there. So I wanted to conserve my pacers. I figured I’d run this one alone, and if Shannon and Chris weren’t there when I got back from lap 5, then I’d run 6 alone too. I left the headquarters area at 7:49 elapsed time.
On loop 5, I purposely ran slower. Here is where I let number 5 go ahead of me, she’d done her job and I was done using her as a rabbit. She’d also dropped number 77, who I guess wasn’t fast enough for her either! I ran up the mile-long hill between Mile 4 and 5, but I walked up Sawtooth and the other steep hill. I lapped some more runners and I even re-lapped a few that I’d lapped before. To my surprise, I ran up the “cellulite hill” at Mile 11. I was pretty sure I’d be too tired to do that, but I felt okay. I completed lap 5 in 2 hours and 30 minutes which put me at 62.5 miles in 10 hours and 19 minutes. This was an hour and 17 minutes faster than my first 50 miler back in 2006. When I got back, Shannon and Chris were there with the baby, and Jenn was there as well. I wasn’t extremely coherent but I said hi to everyone and just sat down. Shannon massaged my quads while Brian and Shaun took care of getting me some nutrition, and I changed my socks. I kept the same shoes on, the Montrail Streaks were working VERY well. I asked Shannon if they told her about my 50 mile PR and she said “yeah, what the hell made you do that!? If I didn’t love you I’d punch you in the nuts for that!!” I laughed. I took my supplements, drank some Gatorade, and just relaxed for about 10 minutes. I was starting to get tired. I knew this next lap was gonna be a challenge to complete. But I wanted to get 75 miles in my midnight and I was MORE than accomplishing that, so I just put my mind to it. Chris offered to pace me on the next lap so he got dressed and we got ready to head out.
Lap 6 was the first lap that I really felt like “damn I wanna be done with this” and started to feel definite motion-stopping fatigue. Chris was a God-send. He made me run most of the first four miles. We walked about three quarters of the mile-long hill. We ran from Mile 5 to the aid station. We even ran up some of the steep hills, except Sawtooth and the other steep one. Chris kept me talking thru the whole loop, so I wouldn’t get too bored. We chatted about our first Sunmart when Chippy got us all sick, we chatted about how things change, we chatted about BT, and about our other halves. It was definitely cool, cuz I haven’t hung out with Chris in like 3 years. Before I knew it, we were walking up “cellulite hill”…Chris said, “let’s run this” and I was like “ARE YOU INSANE??”. Another 10 more minutes and we were coming into the headquarters area and the start/finish line. We slapped hands and I went across to get counted. This time I ate soup, had a cheeseburger, and had some more sweet tea. I definitely needed more and more nutrition now. I was really starting to feel the pain. My heels were in bad shape, my feet were hurting, my toes were cramped. Still though, my hips, back, and knees were okay. No problems there. Shaun was to be my next pacer. I had decided earlier that I would probably walk the last loop, and I wanted Brian to do it with me, instead of loop 7. Shaun got ready and we headed out. I was at around 13:45 into the race at this point, and I knew I had 10 hours and 15 minutes to complete the last 25 miles of the race. To me, it seemed like it might take that entire time. I was falling asleep while I was walking.
Shaun and I headed out on loop 7. We ran most of the downhills and the flats on the first half and walked the inclines. We walked the entirety of the long hill. During our ascent we saw a runner sleeping on the side of the trail, with her pacer standing watch. I tried to run a little at the top of the long hill to the water stop but my feet said no. I even made Shaun walk most of Mile 5 and 6 because my toes and the top of my right foot felt like someone had put nails in them. It was here that I decided a.) we’d walk the rest of the loop, and b.) I’d change after this loop into my Asics Trail Attack 3 trail shoes and my Thorlos socks, which would be more comfortable for the long loop 8 walk. At the aid station I nearly fell asleep in the chair as I ate and drank. I had more soup, a burger, and a hot dog. They were good but I was so out of it, I hardly remember them. We walked up the hills on Turkey Creek Trail, and even walking, my feet were in major pain. My legs were okay, but cramping a bit from the distance. Back and knees were still fine. I was basically sleepwalking though. I just kept imagining myself sleeping beside the trail like the girl we saw on the long hill. Soon enough, we were on “cellulite hill” again. It was weird. Being dark now (we were wearing headlamps), I didn’t feel like I was walking uphill. I felt like if I stopped, I might fall forward, like I was walking DOWNhill. Darkness does weird things. It took about 20 minutes to go the next mile and a quarter back to the headquarters and start/finish. Seven loops down…one to go.
I sat down…I didn’t wanna get back up. I had grabbed some soup, another burger, and some sweet tea at the aid station before sitting down. I just wanted to stay sitting. I had 7 hours to do 12.5 miles. I just wanted to sleep. Brian had to force me up out of the chair. I took my last bit of supplements (which by the way, were Tylenol, Glucosamine/Chondroitin, and Endurolytes) and drank some Gatorade. I was pretty much out of it. I was slurring my speech, making incoherent sentences, etc. I didn’t even notice that there were other people around. Brian got his fleece on and I put on pants, a fleece, and my socks and shoes that I wanted. I was more comfortable in these but in a lot of pain. We left, and I knew it’d be a LONG time before we got back. We were at almost exactly 17 hours on the clock.
I had nothing left. I just wanted to be done. I felt like a big ball of pain. My feet were at least a little more comfortable but I was completely unable to run. We left the headquarters area, and walked up the hill that seemed to last forever. We walked the entire first mile. I was still somehow worried about finishing in under 24 hours, but it was obvious that it was just my mind leaking away that wasn’t letting me realize I’d do so with time to spare. So that’s when Brian told me that on lap 4 I had been in 7th place overall. It made me want to run. So we did! We ran most of the mile from marker 1 to 2. And then again, all the way from Mile 2 to Mile 3…and then AGAIN…from Mile 3.5 to 4.2 where the long hill started. That was the last time, effectively, I ran at all in the race. The pace for the rest of the time was over 20 minutes per mile. I don’t really remember ANYTHING from Mile 4 to the back aid station. I remember grabbing the last of the fruit punch that was available at the back aid station. I remember leaving the aid station. I remember walking up Sawtooth and hearing Brian ask me how I ran up this thing 5 times. I remember telling Brian that I was seeing people on the trail when there was no one there. I remember hearing people when there was no one there. I remember hearing owls on the trail…that WERE there. I don’t remember much other than that, except when we got back into the headquarters area and I knew I’d be done soon. When we got back, I started walking about 15 minute pace…faster than I’d walked in the last 4 hours. I told Brian I wanted to RUN to the finish line. And so I did. The timing crew was cheering for me and I ran across the finish line in 21 hours, 13 minutes…2 hours and 47 minutes ahead of my goal time. Interestingly enough, one of the guys I latched onto at the start finished right behind me, no more than 20 seconds after I crossed the line.
After the race, the aid station crew basically attacked me with food and drink, to make sure I stayed conscious. I was dizzy, basically walking with no direction. Everyone kept asking if I was okay, to which I replied “yes, I’m fine” around what seemed a million times. They made me go inside the headquarters building and I got some pizza and a little bit of water. The volunteers and aid station crews were just simply amazing. There’s no way a race like this could be run without these people. Plain and simple. HUGE thanks to them!!
After a few minutes I went outside to have my picture taken for a project that a student from NY was doing as a Master’s Thesis…a study of extreme exhaustion after ultrarunning. My face may be in a gallery in New York City soon!
After I’d regained some wits, Brian and Shaun gathered up the stuff and got ready to head out. We had to be at the gate by 4am or we’d have to wait til 5 to get out. I hobbled as best as I could and followed them to the car. The air mattress was all blown up in the back of the FJ. I climbed in. I think I was in the car about 30 seconds and I was asleep. Shaun headed back to his parents’ house but Brian and I went to Waffle House. I needed some food!! After eating lots of food at WH, we headed back to Shannon and Chris’s place and there I slept from 5am til noon on Sunday.
My first 100-mile run is in the history books. I feel great for having done it…but damn…IT HURT!!! Ironman is now on my list of EASY races. Will I do another 100? Probably. I think with the right training I can do Umstead in under 18 hours. For now, I’ll focus on being a coach and trainer…and kicking butt at the Sunmart 50 miler in December.
I guess you could say the pre-race routine started on Friday morning when we woke up. As soon as I had my wits about me, I started getting a mental list compiled. We needed to get to Trader Joe’s to get race nutrition and some snacks for the support crew/pacers/jockstraps for the day. Since I’d forgotten two of the most important ultrarunning accessories at home, Shannon found me her headlamp and her gaiters so I would have them for the race. We headed to Trader Joe’s and got what we needed, plus some stuff to bring back home (since we don’t have TJ’s in Florida). My nutrition plan was ready to go. Upon returning home, I got some race equipment together and Chris got home from work. Brian was on some work phone calls, so Shannon, Chris, Campbell, and I headed out to Umstead to get my race packet and go to the orientation meeting. The meeting lasted over an hour! I expected it’d last about 30 minutes, but there was a lot to cover. Good thing too, cuz I learned a lot about how things work at a 100-miler. After the meeting, there was a dinner but I didn’t stay because we were meeting Shaun, Deb, and Brian at a little Italian place that Shannon and Chris liked. It was a good dinner. I ate SO MUCH FOOD!
After dinner we headed home and I got my race belt ready, laid out my clothes for the next day, and got ready for bed. I didn’t have much trouble falling right to sleep since I ate a week’s worth of carbs in about 2 hours’ time during dinner.
On Saturday morning, Brian and I woke up at around 430 and I immediately hopped out of bed. I was anxious, but not nervous, about what I was going to try to accomplish. I got dressed in my race clothes, and put a long pair of pants and a sweatshirt over them. It was about 50 degrees outside, perfect ultrarunning weather. We left the house around 5am for Umstead State Park.
The traffic getting into the park was pretty light, but finding parking in my designated parking area was a little more of a challenge. It was now 530 and the race was to begin in 30 minutes. My stomach was doing its usual flip flops like it does before pretty much every race I do. Luckily, there were bathrooms very close to the parking area we were in. I felt like I took forever, I was now in a rush to get to the starting line. We walked up to the start/finish area and I went inside the main building to get a quick drink and take my pre-race supplements. I was now ready to go.
Warmup:
Physically none, but mentally I had to psych myself up. Going into this race, I was totally prepared to NOT achieve the sub-24-hour goal I’d set earlier in the year. My training hadn’t been awesome, my longest run was a marathon, and I’d skipped my 50-miler in March. I was afraid I’d run out of steam somewhere around 40 miles and have to walk a lot. But the time for worrying had passed. It was 2 minutes to the start and there I was, about to run 100 miles.
Race comments:
Blake, the race director, counted down the minutes before the race. At one minute to go, I got a quick good luck hug, and I was ready to run. The gun and fireworks went off, and we were on our way!!
I immediately latched on to a group of three runners who were running about 9 minute pace and I stayed with them. Since I had no idea what this course was like, and I couldn’t see much at all outside the realm of the headlamp, I just decided to stay with some people who looked like they knew what they were doing. These three did. Two of them were chatting and laughing so I figured they must be pretty experienced. I stayed with these people for about the first three miles. One of them went ahead of the rest so I followed her. I immediately knew she’d be my rabbit. I followed her down the hill between Miles 3 and 4 and I came upon a guy wearing a Marathon Maniacs jacket. I had my Maniacs jersey on over my long sleeve compression T, so I said hi and we ran and chatted a while. His name was Rob and he told me he was Maniac number 266. We ran down the hill together and then up the other side…the hill on the other side was an entire mile long but wasn’t very steep. I had no problem running the whole thing at sub-9 pace. There was a water station at the top of it so I grabbed some water, took a gel, and kept going. After another mile and a half we were at the back aid station and I really was digesting food fast. So I jumped into a portapotty. I grabbed some food after finishing up, and Rob left the aid station before me so I was running alone again. Here’s where all the NASTY hills began. Between Mile 7 and Mile 8, the nastiest hill on the course, “Sawtooth,” reared its ugly head. It was about a 12% incline, I had to run on my toes to get up it. But I ran the thing. It was tough but it didn’t slow me down much. Another half mile and there was another steep hill, this one about a third of the height of Sawtooth though. Most of Mile 8 to Mile 9 was downhill. Then right at Mile 9, another crazyass straight up incline. OUCH!! After a bunch of switchbacks and false flats, I hit a nice three-quarter-mile downhill. At the bottom of that, another uphill…this one wasn’t long but it got steeper as you went up, and at the top was a very short very steep finish. There was a water stop right at the top there, so I grabbed some water, downed a gel, and went on. At the Mile 11 marker, there was the last hill of the loop. Shannon calls this “cellulite hill”…it’s a two-stage incline, I’d give it 8-9% on the steepness. Once I was up that, it was a mile and a quarter to the start finish area. Upon entering the headquarters area, the terrain got very rocky and VERY steep downhill. It was hard to run slow down the hill, but it was so rocky that it was hard to get my footing right. I ran down and then up another incline to the finish area where the aid station was. I finished the first loop in 1:53. I ate some food, and then went to my bag to get my supplements and gels for the next lap. Brian was still asleep in the car so I just headed out for the next loop.
On lap 2, I found my rabbit again, her number was 5. I stayed behind her as long as I could and then passed her. She definitely kept me going. I ran this loop pretty much the same as the last one and had no unique experiences. I felt good, my legs were strong, I had no knee, back, or leg issues. A couple times on this loop, I felt kinda giddy, like I did during my first Ironman. This was a first time for me…it’s been a while since I’ve done something for the first time so I felt happy to be doing something new. I came into the race headquarters area at around 3:47 elapsed, feeling good. I felt good about my speed thus far even though I knew it was a little faster than I wanted to be going. My original goal was to do the first 25 miles in 4 to 5 hours and complete 50 miles in 10 hours or so. Right now I was 13 to 73 minutes ahead of plan. I felt good though, so I went with it. At this time, Brian was sitting with my bag and helped me gather my lap 3 supplies. He was so helpful, I couldn’t have done this without him.
I changed my shirt from the long sleeve tee and my Maniacs jersey into my sleeveless Land Between the Lakes 50 Miler shirt…the race I never even started. It was much more comfortable though. As I left for lap 3, I saw my rabbit, number 5, heading out, so I needed to catch up with her. She was now running with someone. I left the “transition area” and headed out to catch them. I saw Rob coming in from his second lap as I went out. I was just about at the marathon mark. I crossed Mile 26.2 in 3 hours and 57 minutes. I was satisfied with that since I originally wanted to do 25 miles in 4 hours. Even though I was wearing an iPod, I could hear number 5 chatting and talking to her running partner. I have no idea why, but it annoyed me. Well, okay that’s a lie, I DO know why…cuz I was putting in a lot of effort to run these trails at 9 minute pace and she was out there just jogging and talking at that pace! I HAD HAD HAD to get in front of them. So I did at Mile 3. Normally, someone talking while running wouldn’t make a difference to me, so I don’t know why it did on this day. Hmmmm…weird. I ran down the long hill between Mile 3 and 4 and then ran up the hill between 4 and 5 as hard as I could without going too fast. I’d lost them. They kinda stayed with me though, I’d notice them coming into the aid stations and waterpoints as I left them. Just past Mile 6, I had gone 50K, so I recorded my split…4 hours, 40 minutes. Still decent. I started lapping other runners on this loop. On this loop I started talking to another runner who had just almost been run over by 15 deer sprinting across the trail. We chatted a while and ran the big hills on Turkey Creek together. At about Mile 10 of the loop, he dropped back. I should have run the whole race with this guy as he finished about 4 hours ahead of me later on but I needed to do this for myself. I needed to test my own limits. I came in from lap 3, and I was at about 5:48 elapsed. As I sat and adjusted my shoes and got my gels and supplements from Brian, I realized…I could have a 50-mile PR if I can do the fourth lap in 2:07 or less!! I knew this was a crazy goal to achieve, but I’d been feeling good all day so I figured why not at least go for that and then I can slow down for the rest of the race…at least it’ll be easier for me to get that sub-24 I want.
I left for lap 4 just after number 5 and number 77…again, they were chatting and having a good time. Again I had to get in front of them. Again, I did at Mile 3. After a few more miles I started to notice I was getting tired sooner than I had on each lap so I decided to step up my nutrition. I ate more food and drank more water at each of the stations. I could feel the difference when I took in nutrition on this lap, unlike the others when I was working off of stored nutrients. I was coming up on Mile 11 when I realized I pretty much had the 50 mile PR in the bag. It was weird, I almost started to cry! Ultrarunning does weird things to my emotions. When I came into the headquarters area, I realized I was about to have a 10-minute 50-mile PR! I was thrilled. Came across the line at 7:45 into the race, and grabbed some much needed food and drink (they had sweet tea!!!) at the headquarters aid station. As usual, I sat down and got my next loop supplies. Shaun was there now. He and Bri helped me get my shirt changed again, back into my Maniacs jersey.
Since I’d now PR’ed my 50 mile distance I felt it was time to take this lap a bit slower. Brian asked if I wanted a pacer but I said no. I wasn’t sure if anyone else was coming, I thought maybe Shannon and Chris had something come up so they couldn’t get there. So I wanted to conserve my pacers. I figured I’d run this one alone, and if Shannon and Chris weren’t there when I got back from lap 5, then I’d run 6 alone too. I left the headquarters area at 7:49 elapsed time.
On loop 5, I purposely ran slower. Here is where I let number 5 go ahead of me, she’d done her job and I was done using her as a rabbit. She’d also dropped number 77, who I guess wasn’t fast enough for her either! I ran up the mile-long hill between Mile 4 and 5, but I walked up Sawtooth and the other steep hill. I lapped some more runners and I even re-lapped a few that I’d lapped before. To my surprise, I ran up the “cellulite hill” at Mile 11. I was pretty sure I’d be too tired to do that, but I felt okay. I completed lap 5 in 2 hours and 30 minutes which put me at 62.5 miles in 10 hours and 19 minutes. This was an hour and 17 minutes faster than my first 50 miler back in 2006. When I got back, Shannon and Chris were there with the baby, and Jenn was there as well. I wasn’t extremely coherent but I said hi to everyone and just sat down. Shannon massaged my quads while Brian and Shaun took care of getting me some nutrition, and I changed my socks. I kept the same shoes on, the Montrail Streaks were working VERY well. I asked Shannon if they told her about my 50 mile PR and she said “yeah, what the hell made you do that!? If I didn’t love you I’d punch you in the nuts for that!!” I laughed. I took my supplements, drank some Gatorade, and just relaxed for about 10 minutes. I was starting to get tired. I knew this next lap was gonna be a challenge to complete. But I wanted to get 75 miles in my midnight and I was MORE than accomplishing that, so I just put my mind to it. Chris offered to pace me on the next lap so he got dressed and we got ready to head out.
Lap 6 was the first lap that I really felt like “damn I wanna be done with this” and started to feel definite motion-stopping fatigue. Chris was a God-send. He made me run most of the first four miles. We walked about three quarters of the mile-long hill. We ran from Mile 5 to the aid station. We even ran up some of the steep hills, except Sawtooth and the other steep one. Chris kept me talking thru the whole loop, so I wouldn’t get too bored. We chatted about our first Sunmart when Chippy got us all sick, we chatted about how things change, we chatted about BT, and about our other halves. It was definitely cool, cuz I haven’t hung out with Chris in like 3 years. Before I knew it, we were walking up “cellulite hill”…Chris said, “let’s run this” and I was like “ARE YOU INSANE??”. Another 10 more minutes and we were coming into the headquarters area and the start/finish line. We slapped hands and I went across to get counted. This time I ate soup, had a cheeseburger, and had some more sweet tea. I definitely needed more and more nutrition now. I was really starting to feel the pain. My heels were in bad shape, my feet were hurting, my toes were cramped. Still though, my hips, back, and knees were okay. No problems there. Shaun was to be my next pacer. I had decided earlier that I would probably walk the last loop, and I wanted Brian to do it with me, instead of loop 7. Shaun got ready and we headed out. I was at around 13:45 into the race at this point, and I knew I had 10 hours and 15 minutes to complete the last 25 miles of the race. To me, it seemed like it might take that entire time. I was falling asleep while I was walking.
Shaun and I headed out on loop 7. We ran most of the downhills and the flats on the first half and walked the inclines. We walked the entirety of the long hill. During our ascent we saw a runner sleeping on the side of the trail, with her pacer standing watch. I tried to run a little at the top of the long hill to the water stop but my feet said no. I even made Shaun walk most of Mile 5 and 6 because my toes and the top of my right foot felt like someone had put nails in them. It was here that I decided a.) we’d walk the rest of the loop, and b.) I’d change after this loop into my Asics Trail Attack 3 trail shoes and my Thorlos socks, which would be more comfortable for the long loop 8 walk. At the aid station I nearly fell asleep in the chair as I ate and drank. I had more soup, a burger, and a hot dog. They were good but I was so out of it, I hardly remember them. We walked up the hills on Turkey Creek Trail, and even walking, my feet were in major pain. My legs were okay, but cramping a bit from the distance. Back and knees were still fine. I was basically sleepwalking though. I just kept imagining myself sleeping beside the trail like the girl we saw on the long hill. Soon enough, we were on “cellulite hill” again. It was weird. Being dark now (we were wearing headlamps), I didn’t feel like I was walking uphill. I felt like if I stopped, I might fall forward, like I was walking DOWNhill. Darkness does weird things. It took about 20 minutes to go the next mile and a quarter back to the headquarters and start/finish. Seven loops down…one to go.
I sat down…I didn’t wanna get back up. I had grabbed some soup, another burger, and some sweet tea at the aid station before sitting down. I just wanted to stay sitting. I had 7 hours to do 12.5 miles. I just wanted to sleep. Brian had to force me up out of the chair. I took my last bit of supplements (which by the way, were Tylenol, Glucosamine/Chondroitin, and Endurolytes) and drank some Gatorade. I was pretty much out of it. I was slurring my speech, making incoherent sentences, etc. I didn’t even notice that there were other people around. Brian got his fleece on and I put on pants, a fleece, and my socks and shoes that I wanted. I was more comfortable in these but in a lot of pain. We left, and I knew it’d be a LONG time before we got back. We were at almost exactly 17 hours on the clock.
I had nothing left. I just wanted to be done. I felt like a big ball of pain. My feet were at least a little more comfortable but I was completely unable to run. We left the headquarters area, and walked up the hill that seemed to last forever. We walked the entire first mile. I was still somehow worried about finishing in under 24 hours, but it was obvious that it was just my mind leaking away that wasn’t letting me realize I’d do so with time to spare. So that’s when Brian told me that on lap 4 I had been in 7th place overall. It made me want to run. So we did! We ran most of the mile from marker 1 to 2. And then again, all the way from Mile 2 to Mile 3…and then AGAIN…from Mile 3.5 to 4.2 where the long hill started. That was the last time, effectively, I ran at all in the race. The pace for the rest of the time was over 20 minutes per mile. I don’t really remember ANYTHING from Mile 4 to the back aid station. I remember grabbing the last of the fruit punch that was available at the back aid station. I remember leaving the aid station. I remember walking up Sawtooth and hearing Brian ask me how I ran up this thing 5 times. I remember telling Brian that I was seeing people on the trail when there was no one there. I remember hearing people when there was no one there. I remember hearing owls on the trail…that WERE there. I don’t remember much other than that, except when we got back into the headquarters area and I knew I’d be done soon. When we got back, I started walking about 15 minute pace…faster than I’d walked in the last 4 hours. I told Brian I wanted to RUN to the finish line. And so I did. The timing crew was cheering for me and I ran across the finish line in 21 hours, 13 minutes…2 hours and 47 minutes ahead of my goal time. Interestingly enough, one of the guys I latched onto at the start finished right behind me, no more than 20 seconds after I crossed the line.
After the race, the aid station crew basically attacked me with food and drink, to make sure I stayed conscious. I was dizzy, basically walking with no direction. Everyone kept asking if I was okay, to which I replied “yes, I’m fine” around what seemed a million times. They made me go inside the headquarters building and I got some pizza and a little bit of water. The volunteers and aid station crews were just simply amazing. There’s no way a race like this could be run without these people. Plain and simple. HUGE thanks to them!!
After a few minutes I went outside to have my picture taken for a project that a student from NY was doing as a Master’s Thesis…a study of extreme exhaustion after ultrarunning. My face may be in a gallery in New York City soon!
After I’d regained some wits, Brian and Shaun gathered up the stuff and got ready to head out. We had to be at the gate by 4am or we’d have to wait til 5 to get out. I hobbled as best as I could and followed them to the car. The air mattress was all blown up in the back of the FJ. I climbed in. I think I was in the car about 30 seconds and I was asleep. Shaun headed back to his parents’ house but Brian and I went to Waffle House. I needed some food!! After eating lots of food at WH, we headed back to Shannon and Chris’s place and there I slept from 5am til noon on Sunday.
My first 100-mile run is in the history books. I feel great for having done it…but damn…IT HURT!!! Ironman is now on my list of EASY races. Will I do another 100? Probably. I think with the right training I can do Umstead in under 18 hours. For now, I’ll focus on being a coach and trainer…and kicking butt at the Sunmart 50 miler in December.
20090405
It Was Pain Like I've Never Experienced
20090405 - 1245
First off a big THANK YOU to all my friends who were at this race supporting me...either pacing me or cheering or just thinking of me from afar. HUGE thanks to Bri who kept everyone updated all day. I couldn't have done this without you all.
Lap 7 was hard...Shaun and I tried to run as much as we could but I was getting MAJOR pain in my toes and the tops of my feet...like someone was putting nails in them. Shaun made me take in more nutrition and I kept eating those nasty disgusting gels (they were tasty for a while mind you, but after 14 them? ACK) when I needed to. We walked most of the back half of the lap because I just couldn't lift my feet anymore. My hip flexors were SHOT.
Lap 8 was almost a complete walk. I figured, I had 7 hours to complete 12.5 miles to finish in under 24 hours. That's what I was there to do...not to get an overall top 10 finish or get a place in my age group. I just wanted to finish this race in a respectable time so I could get that belt buckle. So Brian and I walked the first mile, ran the second and third, and then walked up the big hill between 4 and 5. That was the last of the running for the day. We walked the entire time between Mile 5 and 12.5...I just had no more energy to give. Nutrition was just not helping. I was tired...mumbling...slurring my speech...I wanted to just lie down and sleep on the trail. But I stayed up. I ran to the finish line at 21:13 elapsed. I felt great, but I was destroyed. This hurt more than anything I've ever done.
First off a big THANK YOU to all my friends who were at this race supporting me...either pacing me or cheering or just thinking of me from afar. HUGE thanks to Bri who kept everyone updated all day. I couldn't have done this without you all.
Lap 7 was hard...Shaun and I tried to run as much as we could but I was getting MAJOR pain in my toes and the tops of my feet...like someone was putting nails in them. Shaun made me take in more nutrition and I kept eating those nasty disgusting gels (they were tasty for a while mind you, but after 14 them? ACK) when I needed to. We walked most of the back half of the lap because I just couldn't lift my feet anymore. My hip flexors were SHOT.
Lap 8 was almost a complete walk. I figured, I had 7 hours to complete 12.5 miles to finish in under 24 hours. That's what I was there to do...not to get an overall top 10 finish or get a place in my age group. I just wanted to finish this race in a respectable time so I could get that belt buckle. So Brian and I walked the first mile, ran the second and third, and then walked up the big hill between 4 and 5. That was the last of the running for the day. We walked the entire time between Mile 5 and 12.5...I just had no more energy to give. Nutrition was just not helping. I was tired...mumbling...slurring my speech...I wanted to just lie down and sleep on the trail. But I stayed up. I ran to the finish line at 21:13 elapsed. I felt great, but I was destroyed. This hurt more than anything I've ever done.
20090404
Lap Six - In the books
April 4, 2009 - 7:50pm
Jeff completed his sixth lap at 7:10pm. He definitely is showing signs of fatigue but then again, he's already done 75 miles. His feet are hurting but no back or knee pain. Just exhaustion. Chris forced him to do a bit more running than walking on this lap which was good. Also, he's not really taking in enough calories for what he's expending.
Shaun is pacing him on the 7th lap and hopefully will get him to take in some more nutrition at the back aid station. He's going to finish without a doubt.
I will be pacing him on the last lap so there will be no updates after this until Jeff finishes the race, I get him into the FJ, and get him back settled at Shannon and Chris' place. Expect that final update around 4am if you happen to be still be up and reading this.
Jeff completed his sixth lap at 7:10pm. He definitely is showing signs of fatigue but then again, he's already done 75 miles. His feet are hurting but no back or knee pain. Just exhaustion. Chris forced him to do a bit more running than walking on this lap which was good. Also, he's not really taking in enough calories for what he's expending.
Shaun is pacing him on the 7th lap and hopefully will get him to take in some more nutrition at the back aid station. He's going to finish without a doubt.
I will be pacing him on the last lap so there will be no updates after this until Jeff finishes the race, I get him into the FJ, and get him back settled at Shannon and Chris' place. Expect that final update around 4am if you happen to be still be up and reading this.
Lap Five - 37.5 to go!
April 9, 2009 - 4:45pm
Jeff finished his 5th lap at about 4:15pm which means he took a bit more time and slowed down on this lap. We also found out that as of lap 4 he was in 7th place overall. Wow!
He's looking great, feeling good physically and mentally. Took about a 15 min break before heading back out with Chris pacing him. He changed his socks and happy to report that there are no blister or other issues with his feet. Just sore from all the trail pounding.
His goal is to take the last three laps slow and easy - walk the hills and just go at a comfortable pace. At this rate, if all goes well, Shaun and I will do the last couple of laps with him. Hopefully, with a little luck, we'll be done sometime around 2 or 3 am! Woot!
Jeff finished his 5th lap at about 4:15pm which means he took a bit more time and slowed down on this lap. We also found out that as of lap 4 he was in 7th place overall. Wow!
He's looking great, feeling good physically and mentally. Took about a 15 min break before heading back out with Chris pacing him. He changed his socks and happy to report that there are no blister or other issues with his feet. Just sore from all the trail pounding.
His goal is to take the last three laps slow and easy - walk the hills and just go at a comfortable pace. At this rate, if all goes well, Shaun and I will do the last couple of laps with him. Hopefully, with a little luck, we'll be done sometime around 2 or 3 am! Woot!
Halfway to the finish
April 4, 2009 - 2:00pm
Jeff has finished 4 laps - 50 miles - of this incredible journey. His halfway split was 7h 45m which means he set a PR for 50 miles by about 10 mins.
He said he was starting to feel a bit tired but no complaints about body or nutrition at this point. He says he's staying hydrated and feeling good overall. His plan was to have someone start to pace him at this point but he's opted not to do that. Rather he's going the 5th lap alone but plans to take it easier and walk the hills.
Plan on the next update in about 3 hours or so.
Jeff has finished 4 laps - 50 miles - of this incredible journey. His halfway split was 7h 45m which means he set a PR for 50 miles by about 10 mins.
He said he was starting to feel a bit tired but no complaints about body or nutrition at this point. He says he's staying hydrated and feeling good overall. His plan was to have someone start to pace him at this point but he's opted not to do that. Rather he's going the 5th lap alone but plans to take it easier and walk the hills.
Plan on the next update in about 3 hours or so.
Lap Three - Looking Good
April 4, 2009 - Noon
Jeff has finished lap 3 (37.5 miles) in 5h 45m. Looked really good when he came in and spirits were great. He said his nutrition and hydration are spot on and no problems. Changed his shirt and grabbed his sunglasses along with more gels. He said if he runs the next lap in 2 hours it will be a PR for 50 miles.
Shaun is on his way ... Chris and Shannon and the rest of the group should be here around 3pm.
Jeff has finished lap 3 (37.5 miles) in 5h 45m. Looked really good when he came in and spirits were great. He said his nutrition and hydration are spot on and no problems. Changed his shirt and grabbed his sunglasses along with more gels. He said if he runs the next lap in 2 hours it will be a PR for 50 miles.
Shaun is on his way ... Chris and Shannon and the rest of the group should be here around 3pm.
Lap Two - and I was there this time
April 4th, 2009 - 10:00am
So Jeff has two laps (25 miles) under his belt in 3h 45m. Yes, that is probably a little fast but compared to the guy in first place (who finished 25 miles in 2h 55m), he's moving at a snail's pace. I'm sure Jeff's pace will slow a bit now but he seems to be on track with his gameplan for timing.
All good on the nutrition, physical, and mental fronts. He seems to be enjoying himself and even joked that they were cooking burgers at the aid station on the back side of the loop. I think I threw up a little in my mouth at the thought of running on a stomach full of cooked red meat.
So Jeff has two laps (25 miles) under his belt in 3h 45m. Yes, that is probably a little fast but compared to the guy in first place (who finished 25 miles in 2h 55m), he's moving at a snail's pace. I'm sure Jeff's pace will slow a bit now but he seems to be on track with his gameplan for timing.
All good on the nutrition, physical, and mental fronts. He seems to be enjoying himself and even joked that they were cooking burgers at the aid station on the back side of the loop. I think I threw up a little in my mouth at the thought of running on a stomach full of cooked red meat.
Lap One Done - I think
April 4, 2009 - 8:30am
Well it appears Jeff has completed his first 12.5 mile lap. Apparently, I missed his return to the starting point by 10 mins or so. I got back over to the starting area where our chairs and his race bag are stored and his bag was open and his second lap supply or gels and supplements are gone. I'd say he probably ran it in 1h 50m give or take. It also appears that he is well ahead of the main group of runners. I'm charging phone and laptop so that I can go sit and wait for the finish of his second lap.
Oh, and I thought that the Umstead site was posting real-time lap results but damned if I can find them anywhere on that crazy page.
Well it appears Jeff has completed his first 12.5 mile lap. Apparently, I missed his return to the starting point by 10 mins or so. I got back over to the starting area where our chairs and his race bag are stored and his bag was open and his second lap supply or gels and supplements are gone. I'd say he probably ran it in 1h 50m give or take. It also appears that he is well ahead of the main group of runners. I'm charging phone and laptop so that I can go sit and wait for the finish of his second lap.
Oh, and I thought that the Umstead site was posting real-time lap results but damned if I can find them anywhere on that crazy page.
Off and running ... at Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Race
April 4, 2009 - 6:30am
We were up at 4:30am to get the FJ loaded and get to the park. Arrived in plenty of time but dark and chilly (by FL standards) out. Dropped Jeff off at the starting line and cleared out as there were too many racers and watchers in the way. With a shot from the starting gun and a single loud firework, the race was underway.
Came back to the FJ and started getting things organized - chairs, cooler, clothes, etc ... the air mattress is inflated and calling my name. Alarm on my phone is set for 7:45 so that I can get back to the race course to hopefully see Jeff on his first full lap.
We were up at 4:30am to get the FJ loaded and get to the park. Arrived in plenty of time but dark and chilly (by FL standards) out. Dropped Jeff off at the starting line and cleared out as there were too many racers and watchers in the way. With a shot from the starting gun and a single loud firework, the race was underway.
Came back to the FJ and started getting things organized - chairs, cooler, clothes, etc ... the air mattress is inflated and calling my name. Alarm on my phone is set for 7:45 so that I can get back to the race course to hopefully see Jeff on his first full lap.
20090403
Time To Rest!!
20090403 - 2150
I know I'm not gonna get much sleep tonight. I am gonna wake up at 0200 to eat something and then get back to bed til 0430 when we wake up for our trip over to the park.
I have my compression socks on and I'm ready to get some rest. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day, but I'm ready for the challenge!!
I know I'm not gonna get much sleep tonight. I am gonna wake up at 0200 to eat something and then get back to bed til 0430 when we wake up for our trip over to the park.
I have my compression socks on and I'm ready to get some rest. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day, but I'm ready for the challenge!!
Pacers Lined Up!!
20090403 - 1500
OK, the pacers/crew are all lined up!
Brian
Shaun
Shannon
Chris
Jenn
Ryan
Maybe even a few others may volunteer. I'm sure that I will be fine! It's about time to head out to packet pickup and start getting ready for dinner. We're coming up on the 15 hours to go mark. More updates soon.
OK, the pacers/crew are all lined up!
Brian
Shaun
Shannon
Chris
Jenn
Ryan
Maybe even a few others may volunteer. I'm sure that I will be fine! It's about time to head out to packet pickup and start getting ready for dinner. We're coming up on the 15 hours to go mark. More updates soon.
One Day To Go!
20090403 - 0925
Today is a day of preparations and fueling...carbs carbs CARBS!!! And some protein too.
On the agenda this morning is to find a Trader Joe's to get some food, then go to the gym for some stretching and flexibility training. Then I have to get to packet pickup to get all the race materials I'll need. After that...dinner...not sure where yet! Then sleep. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep. I'm getting excited! I'm not nervous, but I'm anxious and psyched! 20.5 hours to go. Wow...
Today is a day of preparations and fueling...carbs carbs CARBS!!! And some protein too.
On the agenda this morning is to find a Trader Joe's to get some food, then go to the gym for some stretching and flexibility training. Then I have to get to packet pickup to get all the race materials I'll need. After that...dinner...not sure where yet! Then sleep. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep. I'm getting excited! I'm not nervous, but I'm anxious and psyched! 20.5 hours to go. Wow...
20090402
On The Road, And Not Moving
20090402 - 1700
Well...here we are. Stranded in awful standstill traffic 40 miles north of the SC/GA border. There's been intermittent standstill traffic for 2hrs now! I am frustrated with the weather too. UUUUGH!
Well...here we are. Stranded in awful standstill traffic 40 miles north of the SC/GA border. There's been intermittent standstill traffic for 2hrs now! I am frustrated with the weather too. UUUUGH!
20090401
The Countdown!
20090401 - 2200
In less than three days I will embark on the most ambitious event I've ever attempted. This will be more work than Ironman, more work than any other run I've ever done. I will attempt to run 100 miles in less than 24 hours elapsed. I'm totally prepared to not catch this goal, because I am just not sure I can do it. But I do know that I can finish within the allotted 36 hour window. I've become used to setting my mind to something and hitting it. But with this race, I am just not sure what it's gonna do to me. This is hitherto unexperienced territory for me mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is totally possible that I will experience levels of pain I've never before encountered. In face I EXPECT to face it. But it will be all part of the 100 mile run experience and I'm ready to undertake this task.
During the day on Saturday, Brian will be putting up periodic updates as to my progress through the course. Keep an eye on this blog to see how I'm doing, how fast I'm running, and where I am positionwise in the race. I do NOT expect to win, or take an overall place in this race, it's my first race and I just want to finish. Hitting my goal would be icing on the cake...an overall place would be icing on the icing.
Periodic goals...
Finish first 25 miles in 4 hours
Finish first 50 miles in 10 hours
Get 75-80 miles done by midnight Saturday/Sunday
Finish the race by 6am Sunday morning
I'm still unsure as to my pacers/crew. I do know I'll have Brian and Shaun with me...possibly a few others. Stay tuned...the story unfolds here...
In less than three days I will embark on the most ambitious event I've ever attempted. This will be more work than Ironman, more work than any other run I've ever done. I will attempt to run 100 miles in less than 24 hours elapsed. I'm totally prepared to not catch this goal, because I am just not sure I can do it. But I do know that I can finish within the allotted 36 hour window. I've become used to setting my mind to something and hitting it. But with this race, I am just not sure what it's gonna do to me. This is hitherto unexperienced territory for me mentally, emotionally, and physically. It is totally possible that I will experience levels of pain I've never before encountered. In face I EXPECT to face it. But it will be all part of the 100 mile run experience and I'm ready to undertake this task.
During the day on Saturday, Brian will be putting up periodic updates as to my progress through the course. Keep an eye on this blog to see how I'm doing, how fast I'm running, and where I am positionwise in the race. I do NOT expect to win, or take an overall place in this race, it's my first race and I just want to finish. Hitting my goal would be icing on the cake...an overall place would be icing on the icing.
Periodic goals...
Finish first 25 miles in 4 hours
Finish first 50 miles in 10 hours
Get 75-80 miles done by midnight Saturday/Sunday
Finish the race by 6am Sunday morning
I'm still unsure as to my pacers/crew. I do know I'll have Brian and Shaun with me...possibly a few others. Stay tuned...the story unfolds here...
20090213
Experience Does Not Equal Excellence
FR090213 - 2150
My thoughts for today...
I agree, in some cases, more experience does equal a higher level of quality. But it is not universal. It is safe to say that if someone loves something enough and practices at it enough over a number of years, but still isn't "officially stamped", that person may still be just as proficient, knowledgeable, and experienced as a professional in whatever field he or she may be interested in. On the converse, a person may be "officially stamped" and be completely inept. I have seen this...recently.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. No debate there. I just think it is sad that ignorance takes precedence over giving something a chance before forming that opinion.
My thoughts for today...
I agree, in some cases, more experience does equal a higher level of quality. But it is not universal. It is safe to say that if someone loves something enough and practices at it enough over a number of years, but still isn't "officially stamped", that person may still be just as proficient, knowledgeable, and experienced as a professional in whatever field he or she may be interested in. On the converse, a person may be "officially stamped" and be completely inept. I have seen this...recently.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. No debate there. I just think it is sad that ignorance takes precedence over giving something a chance before forming that opinion.
20090122
It Happened So FAST!!
20090122 - 1330
A number of positive changes have occurred since my last entry here. Not only did I have a number of interviews for jobs with fitness centers, I was offered a position as a full-time personal trainer at LA Fitness in Palm Harbor! I start on February 3rd, and will have a full list of clients on day one. There is a trainer there that they can't wait to replace, so I'll have all of his clients. It should be pretty interesting, so I'm really looking forward to it.
The pay isn't great, but I don't care. This is what I wanna do. Eventually, the money will be there. Plus I have my coaching business on the side and I have been thinking of doing lunchtime boot camps in Downtown Tampa. Thirty minute workouts a couple times a week, and it still gives the client time to eat and shower before having to return to work.
I have 6 more work days at my current job before I can leave the engineering world behind...well, leave the full time engineering world behind anyway. I'll be staying on as an independent contractor to help out with a few hours a week of CAD work when they need it. Extra money for me, I'm OK with that.
Things are looking up! I just hope I can make this all work!
A number of positive changes have occurred since my last entry here. Not only did I have a number of interviews for jobs with fitness centers, I was offered a position as a full-time personal trainer at LA Fitness in Palm Harbor! I start on February 3rd, and will have a full list of clients on day one. There is a trainer there that they can't wait to replace, so I'll have all of his clients. It should be pretty interesting, so I'm really looking forward to it.
The pay isn't great, but I don't care. This is what I wanna do. Eventually, the money will be there. Plus I have my coaching business on the side and I have been thinking of doing lunchtime boot camps in Downtown Tampa. Thirty minute workouts a couple times a week, and it still gives the client time to eat and shower before having to return to work.
I have 6 more work days at my current job before I can leave the engineering world behind...well, leave the full time engineering world behind anyway. I'll be staying on as an independent contractor to help out with a few hours a week of CAD work when they need it. Extra money for me, I'm OK with that.
Things are looking up! I just hope I can make this all work!
20090114
The Search Is ON!!
090114 - 1005
I sent out 22 resumes with cover letters yesterday. It feels strange to cold-contact potential employers...it's something I haven't done since 1999, and even then I was unsure of the results of such a search. I did have luck, however, and landed a good job with a marketing firm. Subsequently, I left that job and started on a road of regret, but it was a necessary step in my professional evolution.
I'm hoping that, with some luck, I'll start hearing from prospective employers within a few days to a week. I'm extremely motivated to get my business off the ground too.
I sent out 22 resumes with cover letters yesterday. It feels strange to cold-contact potential employers...it's something I haven't done since 1999, and even then I was unsure of the results of such a search. I did have luck, however, and landed a good job with a marketing firm. Subsequently, I left that job and started on a road of regret, but it was a necessary step in my professional evolution.
I'm hoping that, with some luck, I'll start hearing from prospective employers within a few days to a week. I'm extremely motivated to get my business off the ground too.
20090112
The Search Begins...
090112 - 0845
Almost everything is done.
The move...done.
The test...done.
The marathon...done.
Now it's time to focus on finding a personal trainer job so I can leave this awful engineering wasteland.
Today I will concentrate on making a list of addresses of all health clubs in the area so I can send out letters and resumes tomorrow. I am planning on sending out as many as I possibly can. Hopefully, at least one will respond with an interview request. I also need to call Robert, the owner of SoHo Health and Fitness, and let him know I've passed my test. I will need to take a meeting with him this week some time too, to discuss boot camp programs.
I would like to try to get as many clients as I can in as little time as possible so that I can establish myself and be able to leave Sprinkle Consulting in my goal time of 90 days from certification date. That makes it April 9th. Must stay focused!!!
Almost everything is done.
The move...done.
The test...done.
The marathon...done.
Now it's time to focus on finding a personal trainer job so I can leave this awful engineering wasteland.
Today I will concentrate on making a list of addresses of all health clubs in the area so I can send out letters and resumes tomorrow. I am planning on sending out as many as I possibly can. Hopefully, at least one will respond with an interview request. I also need to call Robert, the owner of SoHo Health and Fitness, and let him know I've passed my test. I will need to take a meeting with him this week some time too, to discuss boot camp programs.
I would like to try to get as many clients as I can in as little time as possible so that I can establish myself and be able to leave Sprinkle Consulting in my goal time of 90 days from certification date. That makes it April 9th. Must stay focused!!!
20090109
Jeff Giles, ACE-certified Personal Trainer
20090109 - 1430
I passed!! I'm very happy and very excited to start training client, but mostly SO RELIEVED that it's over. I didn't pass with "flying colors" but I didn't just pass by the skin of my teeth either. In the long run, I know it is because I decided to do this a few months ago, and threw myself headlong into studying for this test in 10 weeks, when ACE recommends taking up to 6 months to read the materials with enough familiarity to pass the test. I guess I learn quickly. I am ecstatic to say that I am an "ACE certified personal trainer" now. I'm "real". There are so many things I am excited to try and to begin.
This weekend, I have to get thru the Disney marathon, but on Monday I'm gonna start an onslaught of advertising and resume-sending. The sooner I can become gainfully employed by either a gym, or a private training studio, the better. I talked with the owner of SoHo Health and Fitness and he's willing to help me along the way. We will be taking another meeting next week to discuss programs and possible boot-camp classes. I'd love to be able to pick up clients that way. Things are looking up!
I passed!! I'm very happy and very excited to start training client, but mostly SO RELIEVED that it's over. I didn't pass with "flying colors" but I didn't just pass by the skin of my teeth either. In the long run, I know it is because I decided to do this a few months ago, and threw myself headlong into studying for this test in 10 weeks, when ACE recommends taking up to 6 months to read the materials with enough familiarity to pass the test. I guess I learn quickly. I am ecstatic to say that I am an "ACE certified personal trainer" now. I'm "real". There are so many things I am excited to try and to begin.
This weekend, I have to get thru the Disney marathon, but on Monday I'm gonna start an onslaught of advertising and resume-sending. The sooner I can become gainfully employed by either a gym, or a private training studio, the better. I talked with the owner of SoHo Health and Fitness and he's willing to help me along the way. We will be taking another meeting next week to discuss programs and possible boot-camp classes. I'd love to be able to pick up clients that way. Things are looking up!
20090108
It's Been a WHILE!!
TH090108
Man, I've been away a while. I haven't written here in a while because I just haven't had the spare brain cells to put enough thoughts together to write here.
A great many things have transpired since my last post. I sold ALL of the stuff I needed to sell on craigslist. And then, I sold MORE stuff. Lemme just sing craigslist's praises for a sec. Yes, I do know that some shysters hang out there, and it is used for not-so-good things sometimes, but for me it has been an invaluable tool for getting all of the stuff I didn't need into good homes. There was an overwhelming response. So overwhelming in fact that people were getting mad because they came 5 minutes late for something that someone bought before they arrived. Oh well, not my problem! But anyway, what a great experience.
I have moved in with my other half, Brian, and moved all of the unneeded but keepable (is that a word?) stuff into my storage unit. It's easily accessible and even though it will need to be reorganized and thinned out, it's convenient if I need something from it. The move went smoothly although I do know that I hate moving, with a passion. Time consuming, confusing, and ultimately messy, but at least it's done and things in the condo look really cool.
I've completed all my studying for my personal trainer certification exam, and I've taken the practice quizzes and practice final exam. I didn't do so well on the practice quizzes. But I purposely took them with no review of the coursework. To see exactly what I retained and what I didn't. The results of the quizzes made me realize I had a lot of reviewing and a lot of re-reading to do. I took the final practice test last night, and though I passed it, I didn't pass with flying colors. So, I reviewed a bit last night. I re-read some of the course work. And I retook the practice quizzes today. I passed them ALL. I will retake the practice final exam tonight and hopefully I'll get a nice high score on it. Then, all I have to do is keep my nerves down enough so that I can take, and pass, the REAL exam tomorrow morning.
I've done all of this studying at an accelerated rate. ACE says that a person should take between 3 and 6 months to complete the course work and read the trainer manual. I did it all in about 8 weeks, and I read the trainer manual from cover to cover (550-something pages) in 4 weeks. It's basically a college text book, two columns per page, small type, etc. So...550 pages which is really more like 1000 pages in a regular book. OUCH. Kinda like reading a Harry Potter novel. I have learned a great deal, but I'm still very intimidated by the test. ULTRAintimidated!! I want to do well...but I'm nervous because, even though I know all this stuff, the test throws trick and confusing questions out there to mess you up. I have to be vigilant.
This weekend is also the Disney Marathon Weekend. I am excited and am planning on having a great time, no matter the outcome of my ACE exam. I am ready to run a marathon again, it seems like such a short distance now. I'm ready to attack the Disney course and finally have a top 5% finish there.
Man, I've been away a while. I haven't written here in a while because I just haven't had the spare brain cells to put enough thoughts together to write here.
A great many things have transpired since my last post. I sold ALL of the stuff I needed to sell on craigslist. And then, I sold MORE stuff. Lemme just sing craigslist's praises for a sec. Yes, I do know that some shysters hang out there, and it is used for not-so-good things sometimes, but for me it has been an invaluable tool for getting all of the stuff I didn't need into good homes. There was an overwhelming response. So overwhelming in fact that people were getting mad because they came 5 minutes late for something that someone bought before they arrived. Oh well, not my problem! But anyway, what a great experience.
I have moved in with my other half, Brian, and moved all of the unneeded but keepable (is that a word?) stuff into my storage unit. It's easily accessible and even though it will need to be reorganized and thinned out, it's convenient if I need something from it. The move went smoothly although I do know that I hate moving, with a passion. Time consuming, confusing, and ultimately messy, but at least it's done and things in the condo look really cool.
I've completed all my studying for my personal trainer certification exam, and I've taken the practice quizzes and practice final exam. I didn't do so well on the practice quizzes. But I purposely took them with no review of the coursework. To see exactly what I retained and what I didn't. The results of the quizzes made me realize I had a lot of reviewing and a lot of re-reading to do. I took the final practice test last night, and though I passed it, I didn't pass with flying colors. So, I reviewed a bit last night. I re-read some of the course work. And I retook the practice quizzes today. I passed them ALL. I will retake the practice final exam tonight and hopefully I'll get a nice high score on it. Then, all I have to do is keep my nerves down enough so that I can take, and pass, the REAL exam tomorrow morning.
I've done all of this studying at an accelerated rate. ACE says that a person should take between 3 and 6 months to complete the course work and read the trainer manual. I did it all in about 8 weeks, and I read the trainer manual from cover to cover (550-something pages) in 4 weeks. It's basically a college text book, two columns per page, small type, etc. So...550 pages which is really more like 1000 pages in a regular book. OUCH. Kinda like reading a Harry Potter novel. I have learned a great deal, but I'm still very intimidated by the test. ULTRAintimidated!! I want to do well...but I'm nervous because, even though I know all this stuff, the test throws trick and confusing questions out there to mess you up. I have to be vigilant.
This weekend is also the Disney Marathon Weekend. I am excited and am planning on having a great time, no matter the outcome of my ACE exam. I am ready to run a marathon again, it seems like such a short distance now. I'm ready to attack the Disney course and finally have a top 5% finish there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)