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Yikes, it's been a long time...

...since I posted last. Sorry about that. So, where to begin:

-I have been running a lot.
-I've tried to keep my mileage up and have done so without any injury to speak of.
-I managed to finally collect all of the funds I commited to raise.
-I still want to do this race.

I have to admit I'm suprised that I made it this far. The race is less than a week away. I'm finally getting nervous. My coach told me this would happen when I began my taper. I guess all the energy I was using to train is trying to find a place to go. My mind has been going a hundred miles an hour and I have a constant flurry of butterflies, but I'm sure it will all pass soon.

Been a While

Okay, i know, it's been a while since I posted. I could say that a lot has been happening, but, even though it's true, it isn't a very good excuse. Instead of making excuses, I'll give you all the bullet points of the past few weeks, with a few comments along the way.
In the past few weeks I have accomplished a lot:
-I ran my first double digit run on 3/28 (10 Miles!)
-I made flight and hotel reservations for my family during the race in Seattle.
-I ran my first Half Marathon+ (Unofficial, but 13.5 miles!)
-I passed the half way point on my fund raising! $1575
The past few weeks have proven a lot:
-I can run the distance
-My legs will, most likely, not fall off in Seattle.
-I still have a way to go with my fund raising (I was really hoping to be done by now.)
-I still enjoy running for the sake of running.
-People are still surprised by my persistence.
-Treadmills suck!
That's about it for now. I'm running a race (12K) this weekend with the TNT crew and my wife (her first). So I'll keep you up to date on that, hopefully with some pictures. See ya soon and please pass on my info to anyone looking to give away some money to a great cause. :))

An Odd Reminder

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been really sick (flu) and it has been difficult to get back into the swing. I went for my first run on Tuesday after four days off. It was terrible, I struggled to put one foot in front of the other. Then I spent an hour on a treadmill--a fate worse than death--on Thursday. I was supposed to take a rest day on Friday before a long Team run on Saturday.
But, Friday morning, on my way to work, I received a call that my father was in heart surgery. Needless to say, I was anxious and the day was a harrowing series of calls, news, different news, potential flight plans, details, and worry. Fortunately, the surgery went well and he is safe and sound. There is no major damage to his heart and the doctors are giving him a very good prognosis with a few changes in lifestyle.
By Friday afternoon, I was spent: mentally, emotionally, and physically. But I needed to run, a point that Carolyn impressed on me. I left work a little early. Carolyn joined me and we ran a fun loop with Wyatt leading the way on his bike; Violet and Scarlet rode in the stroller and fought most of the time...ahh the joys of parenthood. At the end of the run, I felt a little better. My head was a little more clear and I was reminded of how much stress relief a good run can bring. Then I went home and slept. I slept long and well, ready to conquer the next hurdle in my training. But that's the next post.

BTW: In case you haven't noticed, I'm nearly half way to my fund raising goal. Is there anyone you know who might be interested in supporting me? Just click on the "DONATE" button on the right. Thanks in advance.

One of Three

Sorry, I've been a bit lax about posting lately. I was terribly ill last week and had to put life on hold for few days. Thankfully, I'm well again and back to hard core training. So, in order to catch up, I'm going to post a couple of times today. Why not?

Pictures Coming Soon

The race was wonderful! I had a great day and felt really good. My finish time was 1:27:24. I still can't believe that I was able to run almost an hour and a half. Three months ago, I could barley run to my mail box without sucking wind.
We arrived at the starting line about an hour early. Shortly after we got there it started raining. I should have kept my jacket with me, but...of course, I left it on the bus. Needless to say, by the time we actually started I was freezing. I have never been to the start of a running race before. It is a unique experience. There are so many people from so many backgrounds with so many goals, but for a few minutes, they are all singularly focused. It's like nothing I've ever experienced.
The first mile was down hill. I focused hard on staying slow. I'm glad I did. After the first mile we began the climb to the bridge. It was very steep. Luckily I was not alone. Many of us were walking up the hill. Once I hit the bridge, I took off. The rain stopped and I kicked up the pace.
After the bridge we went downhill through the a grove of eucalyptus, which smelled wonderful, and followed the shoreline into Crissy field. By this time, I was feeling great and sped up even more. It took until mile 5 before I felt sluggish.
I wanted to walk so badly, but I knew that my body was okay. So I kept forcing myself forward in short distances until I saw the 6 mile mark. I knew I could run another mile and a half without a problem, so I pushed a little harder.
It's difficult to explain my emotions when I saw the finish line just ahead. I was so happy that the run was over, so happy that I had done it, amazed at how far I've come, a little frightened at how far I have to go. So many things hit me at once. I looked around and realized that there was no one I know there to share the experience of that moment. Usually I would feel hurt by this, but this was a totally different experience. This was MY victory. Even if no one was there, it happened, I finished well. That made me very proud.
I found the bus and grabbed my jacket, then headed off to pick up my tee-shirt. I walked down to the wharf and looked out at the Golden Gate, amazed at how far I had come. Then I headed to the Buena Vista for a nice hot Irish Coffee or two...maybe three. That's where I was welcomed into the Tribe...but that's another post.

Just About Ready...I Think

Well, T-minus 12 hours for my first race. I'm ready..I think.

So Focused That I Forgot to Post

Wow, it's been a busy few days, weeks, whatever. I have been training like a mad-man. Even the foaming at the mouth, j/k. But, seriously, I have put in a lot of miles in the recent past, including another first...8 mile run.
The 8 miler was last Saturday and just in time, I was very anxious about my first race (12k or 7.46 miles), this coming Sunday. I cannot wait! I get to run the Emerald Nuts 12k Across the Bay (San Francisco Bay, over the Golden Gate Bridge). The weather is supposed to be beautiful and the scenery is sure to be spectacular.
My fund-raising is going well too. I have a little over $1000 in the account and another $500+ due in any day. I still have a way to go...so, if you know anybody with a big heart or a fat wallet, send them my way. Thanks in advance!

Love/Hate

Running has become a part of my life now, but I'm finally out of the beginning stages. You know, the part where you adore your new love. You make stupid faces at it, talk baby-talk to it, make kissy noises with it, and don't really care who knows about it. Well now I'm moving into the part where I'm a little perturbed when it farts, or forgets to shower, or eats with its mouth open. I'm into the part where sometimes...it's just a lot of work.
I took two days off last week after a five day string of significant mileage. My body was tired, my brain was exhausted, so I rested. On Friday, I got on the treadmill for a short run before a core workout, but after 10 minutes, I was in so much physical pain, that I had to stop. On Saturday, I was scheduled to go on an 8 mile run with my team, but after two miles (I had to walk one of them) it felt like my shins were going to explode. I walked for a minute more, had a drink and a little snack, and ran back to the start. I was in bed by 9:00 PM. I haven't been in bed that early since I was a kid.
I slept a very long time and woke up to a nice breakfast and a relaxing day with my wife (Grandma took the kids for the day). I feel better now and more ready to tackle another week of training.
Training is still so new to me. I am used to picking things up quick, but I have never been athletic before. It's difficult waiting for my body to catch up with my mind on this. I guess, I'm a little unnerved at just how difficult this journey is becoming.

What the...

Tonight was my first track workout with the team. I thought running on a trail hurt...HOLY $#&@!

Tonight was full of challenges, my Jeep died on the way to the track, luckily Carolyn was in the area and picked me up. I'll figure out what to do about the Jeep tomorrow. Then I was late. I warmed up and started the "hard" part of the work out, which included running so fast that I thought my lungs were bleeding. But, if that was not enough, I had to endure a bunch of other runners passing me like Dale Jr. at Daytona while smiling and chuckling about who knows what. Then I drove home (an hour) and found that now I wasn't physically able to walk up the stairs. Don't even ask how I got into the house...trust me, you don't want to know.

Now, I'm trying to remember how to spell through a pain induced haze. Screw it! I'm going to bed.

Running to Slow Down

There was a break in the weather tonight, so I took the opportunity to fit in a 3.5 mile run after work. I have to admit, it may have been my toughest run since beginning TNT. I've put in a lot more miles than I'm used to this week and I think my body is telling me to chill out a bit. My legs have never hurt so bad.
It's funny how therapeutic running has become. On non-running days I feel like I'm missing out on something. Like tonight, as I ran I was able to see some of the streets I drive on daily in a completely different light. There is so much life in the in-between spaces of our lives. We miss a lot of the beauty while coming and going. Running slows me down a bit, mentally. When I run, I feel more in tune with things around me and less stressed about things I cannot control. I think we could all use a little more of that.

Goin' Long

Yesterday was my first 7 mile run. I've added miles a little fast lately and I'm feeling it today. I'm sore; nothing a little stretching won't fix. Even though it was a long, it felt really great.
I went out a little too fast and was worried by mile 3. I was huffing and puffing and generally ready to quit. But, one of my team-mates caught up to me and we began talking, before I knew it, we were passing mile 5 and going for 7. At mile 4, my body changed like someone through a switch. Suddenly, my legs stopped hurting, my breathing slowed down and I felt great. When I got home, I looked at my heart-rate profile (I love my Garmin 305) and could see my heart rate drop and fall into a slower rhythm right at 4 miles, even though my pace didn't change a bit. Is this "the Wall" that everyone talks about?
Anyway, it feels really good to run that far. I'm no longer embarrassed when meeting other runners. I feel like I can hang.
On another note, I got a great donation from someone close that put me a little closer to my fund-raising goal. This week, I'm sending out letters and emails to really begin raising money for this worthy cause. Thanks everyone for the support!

Cold Feet

...No, really. We have had six days (seriously six days straight) of snow and rain. My house has been buried in snow and I've spent a lot of time shoveling out cars and pulling friends out of ditches in their cars.
I drove down to lower ground on Saturday for a wonderful, but wet, run with my Wife and Father-in-Law. Today, I went alone. Carolyn dropped me off at a trail-head and I took off running. I met back up with her an hour later, much happier, very wet, and extremely cold. I love running in nasty weather. I'm not sure why, but it seems like more of an adventure. I ran through puddles that I couldn't avoid, through a creek that overflowed the banks, I stood and watched a waterfall. I slipped around in the mud and stumbled around fallen debris from the storms. After 3.2 miles, I felt good, except for a nagging little pain in my heel.
I've been noticing the irritation more as my runs get longer, but the pain goes away soon after running. I decided to stop into Auburn Running Company (a local proprietor) and ask for some advice. The staff was great and they helped me figure out that the problem had an easy fix. I needed new shoes. Normally, I would have thought that they were just trying to get me to spend some money in their store, but there was a lot of evidence to the contrary. The new shoes feel great and wholly different from my last pair. I cannot wait to try them out tomorrow night; which is convenient, because it is probably going to take my old pair a week to dry out. :))

Firsts

Last night was the first time I ran with my Team. We met at a park near my job and spent a few minutes chatting before we warmed up and went out for a run. I nearly choked when the coach said that she wanted us to go out for at least an hour, but I calmed myself down by deciding to walk a significant portion of the time.
I set out with everyone and was clearly at the back of the pack within a few hundred meters, but I plodded along. One of the alumni, from Team in Training, caught up with me (I think she started about 5 minutes after me) and we spent about half a mile chatting. Actually she spent half a mile chatting, I spent it sputtering and gasping for air, while interjecting a few, "Yeah," and "Huh." comments. I was struggling deeply.
We were fifteen minutes into the run when she excused herself and took off on her real pace. I was alone again and debating this whole half-marathon thing. But I knew that I had to finish the loop I was on. I figured it would take me about half an hour. I've run that far before and I decided that no matter what, I would make it back to the start.
I was turning the last corner when another group of runners (not with out team) passed by and greeted me. As I watched them run ahead, I started to feel better about myself. I passed the starting line and looked at my watch. 30 minutes. I decided to go for a few more and then walk a little bit. As I ran, Carol (the woman who was running with me before) lapped me. She asked me how I was doing and I told her that I was finally feeling good. She told me to keep up my pace and I did. 28 minutes later I ran across the finish. I was the last team-member back. But as I ran in, I felt great. One of the other alumni asked me how far I went. I told him that I had gone two laps and he said, "Wow, five miles on your first Team run." I didn't believe him, so I drove it after the fact and sure enough...5 miles.
Last night I had four firsts: 1.) It was my first official Team Training run, 2.) I ran 5 miles in one workout, 3.) I ran for an hour, 4.) I felt like a REAL runner, for the first time. It was a good night.

A Bad Day Running...

Today was not what I had hoped for; it hurt bad. My calves were so tight that I spent a lot of time walking. I'm sure that it has to do with the cold I've been fighting, but it is a little disappointing. Today was the first "Bad" running day, I've had in a while.
With the "Bad" there usually comes some good though. Today was no different. It is raining and not too cold, so even though I was walking a lot, I had some quality time in the beauty of the great outdoors. That is always good for my soul. I also was able to do a lot of thinking about my training. I realized that I've been approaching this journey like a test. Cram and conquer. I guess it's not that way. Running is an endurance sport and I guess it needs an endurance approach to training as well.
I've been really busy training my body, but I need to spend some time training my mind and disciplining myself in pursuit of this goal. So I'm going to be a bit more diligent in my sleep and eating habits, as well as my running schedule. I've also decided that I need to find a few new routes to break up the monotony. I cannot wait to look back on this time and laugh at how newbie I was. :))

Quick Post

I've been off of my feet with a cold and some seriously sore muscles for the past two days. It's raining like crazy here though and I love to run in the rain, so tomorrow morning, I'm going to add a few miles to the tally.

Ouch!

Well, now I have a coach. I've never really had a coach before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. My experience with sports is limited to a ranting High School Gym Teacher who frightened small children and most grown men and left a disdain for all things athletic buried deep in my gut. Oh yeah, her husband, the guys coach, was almost as bad. But, now that I'm preparing to run a marathon (they're slowly talking me into the full marathon; they have no idea how stubborn I can be) I guess they don't want me to embarrass them, so they gave us/me a coach, two coaches actually. They seem cool, but I'm reserving judgement for the moment.
I got a training schedule for the month of February from said coaches. HOLY CRAP! (Sorry, was that out loud?) Let's just say, I'm a wee bit terrified. There are a lot of miles on that calendar. I did my first workout today and spent a good part of the evening on ice. I'm sure things will get worse before they get better, but I've been assured that they've, "Done this before.","They know what they're doing.","You probably won't die." So, I going to bed. I've got a date with the treadmill in the morning.

Psst, DONATE, please.

First Team Workout

Today was my first workout with Team In Training. It was a pretty easy one, but boy are some of those guys and girls fast! I guess I really have my work cut out for me now. The good news is, my group (Placer County) seems to have about the same sense of humor as I do. That should be interesting. Also, it seems like we're all going to get along pretty well. I'm looking forward to the social aspects of this journey.

Also, don't forget, I'm doing this to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, please DONATE to this cause.

A little Snag...A Great Victory

Well, my time in Lake Tahoe didn't go as planned. I didn't feel very good when I arrived on Wednesday, so I took it easy: watched a movie, had a good meal, and hung out with my co-workers. The next day, I was sick as a dog. So, just after dinner, I came home, cutting my trip short by one day.
The hiatus put me a little behind. I had four days off in a row, I usually only take two days off in a row once a week. I was anxious to get out the door this morning, even though I'm not 100%. So I woke up, had a very light breakfast, stretched and took off running.
There is an intersection, not too far from home, that I always thought would be a good half-way point for an out-and-back run. So I aimed for it and ran. It is a beautiful day in Georgetown; fifty degrees, bright blue sky, and a mild breeze. It's also very quiet. I'm not used to being home on weekdays, so I guess this was a special treat. I was so enthralled with the splendor that I never looked at my watch.
The route has a very long (gradual but long) hill in the middle. On the way up I needed to take a short walking break and was a bit disappointed in myself. But I kept one foot in front of the other until I reached the half way point.
I ran the entire way back with little trouble and was actually feeling pretty good when I turned into my driveway. I stopped my watch and took a double-take. "Thirty nine minutes?" Until today, my longest run was just over two miles and/or twenty five minutes. I looked up the route online and calculated it at 3.28 miles. That is a significant increase in time and distance that I was not expecting. I am really excited, because today, I know that I'm going to do this thing. I'm going to finish a half-marathon. It's a good day.

Don't forget, I have a long way to go in training and fund-raising. Please consider a DONATION in honor of those battling Leukemia and Lymphoma.

Mental?

I have to admit, this is odd to say--it's odd period--but I cannot wait to run tomorrow. I'm heading up to South Lake Tahoe tomorrow for a corporate retreat. I need to be there early to make sure one of the houses is opened and heated before people arrive, so I'm going to set the thermostat and go for a run.
It's been bitter cold up there, well below freezing, so I'm going prepared. Still the weather and the altitude should give my lungs a wake-up call. I guess it really doesn't matter what I do, I love Lake Tahoe. It is other-worldly. So running shouldn't be any different...right?
I'll go for two runs over the three days that I'll be there, a fitting end. When I return from the serenity of Lake Tahoe, the real work begins. I officially begin training with my team on Saturday. I have no idea what to expect. A friend who has volunteered with Team In Training, has assured me that I will be okay; at least for the first few weeks, "...then it gets tough." She informed me today. I'm bit anxious. Who isn't on a new adventure, right?
Anyway, I'm looking forward to my run and I'll post a few pics this weekend to show you just how beautiful life can be.
Hey, while you're waiting...check THIS out!

The First Hurdle is Behind Me

Whenever I take on something, it consumes me for a few days. Everything I think about, dream about, and talk about revolves around my new found adventure. Excitement and anxiety seem to go hand-in-hand during these times of immersion, and yesterday was no different. I was antsy yesterday afternoon. So, after sending my first (of many) fund raising emails, I went for a run in the snow.
As I ran, I started thinking about how much was between me and a half marathon. There is a lot of training, dozens of pounds to lose, miles to be run, aches and pains to be had; but, the hurdle that concerns me the most is fund raising. I know how difficult the economy is right now. Many of my friends and family have far less money than they are used to. How could I possibly ask them to give?
I reached the half way point of my run at the bottom of a very long hill. Carolyn (my Wife) and I ran this route a few weeks back and I had to walk the entire thing. This time I dug in and began to run up hill. It was difficult and I had to walk a few yards in the middle, but by the time I got to the top I had done something that was impossible for me a few weeks back. I got back to the house and realized that this run is much bigger than I first thought. The distance is secondary. My race is to help people who need something that is impossible now, a cure. The money that is raised as I train will fund a cure for a merciless killer. How could I NOT ask for donations? A cure may not come this week, or next, but it will come as long as there are people committed to finding it.
This morning, I looked at my donation's page before work and sighed. This is a big task. But when I got to work, two of my friends (whom I had emailed) told me that they wanted to donate. Another told me that our company would match--dollar for dollar--employee contributions. A good friend emailed me, asking how to help. But, most unexpected of all, a new friend, from across the globe, became the first to donate. There is NO WAY I can turn back now.

Please DONATE today.

The Most Frightening Part

I have never set out to raise money before. Well, not officially anyway. After a good night's sleep and a strong cup of coffee this morning, I'm beginning to realize that raising $3,100+ is going to be a difficult task. Does anyone with more experience in this area have any ideas? I'm open to just about anything constructive. Thanks in advance.

See What Boredom Get's You...

Well, now I've done it. I have been so bored lately. Since I left a career in ministry, I have felt like I wasn't really doing anything to make the world a better place. I lost connections with most of my friends and I found myself bored.
It's been four years. I needed something to do. At the behest of my Doctor, I started running. He told me that unless I did some serious work and lost some serious weight (50 lbs.) he was going to essentially kick my butt. Needless to say, my wife was also in line for that event, so I decided to do something; because honestly, the two of them could probably take me.
On a whim, I Googled "running" and stumbled upon the Couch to 5k Program on coolrunning.com . I started out 6 weeks ago and barley was able to run 1 minute. Today, I went for my first 25 minute continuous run (a little over 2 miles). It's hard, but oddly enough, I'm starting to actually like it.
I finished my run in the rain this morning and then took a much bigger and more frightening chance. I joined the Team In Training.
Like I said, I need to make a difference in this world, this is a small way for me to help some people out that really need it. Please take a minute to check out the Team In Training website. Or, better yet, help me get together enough money to actually do this thing. I need to raise over $3,000. Visit my fund raising page HERE. I know that the economy stinks and that many of you don't have much to give, but every little bit helps. Also, keep checking back or add this blog to your watch list (Click the "Follow This Blog" button on the sidebar) so you can get regular and honest updates on my progress.
13 miles is a long way to run...what did I get myself into?