Well, I think I'll start with the good news... I always like good news! I found out yesterday that I will have a news sponsor for the 2010 run/ tri season: Marathon Bar. I am really excited to be a part of the Marathon Bar team. It is going to be an awesome program. The team includes athletes, known as "hometown heroes" from all over the country, who recruitment officers believed embodied the qualities they feel are synonymous with the brand: true passion for sport and community, and a general zest for life. I am honored to have been chosen, and looking forward to see what I can do for the team in the upcoming season. Triathlon #1 is right around the corner... next weekend!
But, on that note... time for the bad news. Shortly after I got back from B2B last week, I started to feel like I was getting run down. Okay, so maybe I had some preliminary signs a few days before to B2B, but chose to ignore them... classic mistake! After getting in the pool for the first time this year (the seed has been planted -- I am excited to swim again) and having a great workout, I went to the gym for some leg strength in the afternoon. I was feeling just fine. But by the time the evening rolled around, it was clear that I was most definitely sick.
Things got progressively worse by the day, and here I am a full eight days later FINALLY starting to feel better. But, this is after EIGHT days off (probably the most I have ever had to take due to anything other than choosing a rest period), several sleepless nights of excessive coughing and many struggling work days trying to do reporting with virtually no voice.
While I still had to go to work, I did the best I could to listen to my body and give it rest. This is probably the worst and most painful case of a sore throat I have ever had, and it really wore me down, more than I could have imagined. As silly as it sounds, I am proud of myself for taking the necessary time off to let my body recover (this has always been much harder for me than it should be), and am hoping this will pay off. As crucial as rest and recovery are, it is easy to overlook them when you're trying to focus on training hard and getting in shape.
But this time, I made sure to do the right thing, and I really hope to reap the benefits. But I know I still need to be careful. I plan to get back into things slowly with an EASY, short run today and see where I can go from there. I hope to be able to compete in my first triathlon of the season next weekend, so I certainly don't want to push it before I'm ready. We'll see how it goes this evening...
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Capturing the Madness
Just a few images to help you imagine the craziness of San Francisco on Bay to Breakers Weekend...
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Bay to Madness... I mean Breakers....
For any of you who haven't had the pleasure of witnessing the absolute insanity that is San Francisco on Bay to Breakers weekend, I encourage you to change that. Not to say that you will necessarily find it to be a great experience, because you very well might not, but it is just something that everyone HAS to witness at least once in their lifetime. Because, frankly, I have never seen ANYTHING else like it. So add it to your bucket list and buy a ticket to the city by the bay for the third Sunday in May. You won't regret it... or maybe you will...
When I say I have never seen anything like Bay to Breakers, I mean it. The event is absolute madness. When I began my race at 8 am sharp, it was crowded, of course, but essentially like any other running race. Okay, so there were some interesting folks out lining the streets and a whole lot of boom box action, as well as some tequila slamming, but still... it resembled a running race, at least from the view I had in the seeded division. Myself and those around me were fighting full-force to get to that finish line and paying little attention to the surroundings as they quickly passed. But, as I would come to learn on my way back along the course, for the rest of the 65,000 people on the course behind me -- plus the WHOLEEEE lot of other people who didn't register for the "race" yet decided to "walk" (a.k.a. booze cruise) the course anyways -- it was NOTHING like your traditional running race.
Costumes ranged from bananas to watermelon to avatars to rockstars to complete randomness to complete nudity, in more cases than one. Intoxication levels, too, were all over the board... and often off the charts. Needless to say, people were enjoying the day. I don't think a description can really do the scene justice, but if I had to try I would say: imagine cramming 400,000 people into an eight-mile stretch of city, adding equal parts alcohol and totally wacky costumes, music and charades and a complete lack of control or concern for pretty much anything, and you have a slight understanding of B2B... though you still can't really conceptualize it.
I'm glad I witnessed the madness, because it was so unbelievable. Last time I ran the race, I parked on Mission at about 7 a.m. (from Truckee), ran, took my shuttle back, and hopped right back in the car and drove home. So, I was blissfully unaware of the insanity that had ensued the rest of the day. But, this time, I went from sisters' place on Hayes down to the start in a cab, ran my butt off, and walked the full 4.5 miles back because I didn't want to spend the money on a cab (you know you're broke when...). And, it was interesting to say the least. Again, I am glad I witnessed it. But, after about an hour of actually allowing myself to be in the thick of the masses, I was BEYOND over it. Couldn't wait to get off my feet, inside, comfortable and away from the crazies. And when the liberation finally arrived, it was every bit as sweet as I imagined. Ultimately, that is just not my kind of scene. But, maybe it will be yours! Everyone else sure seemed to dig it... so, check it out!
Race wise, I am pretty pleased with how things went. I felt really, really good, and I was totally givin' 'er. I never let myself let up for an instant. My legs felt stronger than they have, and faster as well. Yet, cross the line, and come to see I was about 45 seconds slower than when I ran the race two years ago. Disappointing, naturally, but still... a really good day. Next time, I'll blow it out of the water! :) And based on how my body felt, I am really encouraged for where things are going. One highlight that's definitely worth mentioning: when I ran this race two years ago, I ran behind a woman in a very distinct, thong-focused outfit. After staring at her butt the full 7.43 miles, she ended up beating me. And yes, it made me angry. "Thong lady," as I deemed her, had beaten me. Though, I could tell by her physique, which was ever-so-available-to-see, that she was a legit runner. But still... she was running in a thong! Well, imagine my surprise when at mile 1 this year, I found myself behind the EXACT same lady in the EXACT same outfit and EXACT same thong. This time, I only saw her butt for about a half-a-mile... I took that thong lady down! Sorry to say, though, that I did get beat by one naked guy. Totally naked! Next year, he's going down...
When I say I have never seen anything like Bay to Breakers, I mean it. The event is absolute madness. When I began my race at 8 am sharp, it was crowded, of course, but essentially like any other running race. Okay, so there were some interesting folks out lining the streets and a whole lot of boom box action, as well as some tequila slamming, but still... it resembled a running race, at least from the view I had in the seeded division. Myself and those around me were fighting full-force to get to that finish line and paying little attention to the surroundings as they quickly passed. But, as I would come to learn on my way back along the course, for the rest of the 65,000 people on the course behind me -- plus the WHOLEEEE lot of other people who didn't register for the "race" yet decided to "walk" (a.k.a. booze cruise) the course anyways -- it was NOTHING like your traditional running race.
Costumes ranged from bananas to watermelon to avatars to rockstars to complete randomness to complete nudity, in more cases than one. Intoxication levels, too, were all over the board... and often off the charts. Needless to say, people were enjoying the day. I don't think a description can really do the scene justice, but if I had to try I would say: imagine cramming 400,000 people into an eight-mile stretch of city, adding equal parts alcohol and totally wacky costumes, music and charades and a complete lack of control or concern for pretty much anything, and you have a slight understanding of B2B... though you still can't really conceptualize it.
I'm glad I witnessed the madness, because it was so unbelievable. Last time I ran the race, I parked on Mission at about 7 a.m. (from Truckee), ran, took my shuttle back, and hopped right back in the car and drove home. So, I was blissfully unaware of the insanity that had ensued the rest of the day. But, this time, I went from sisters' place on Hayes down to the start in a cab, ran my butt off, and walked the full 4.5 miles back because I didn't want to spend the money on a cab (you know you're broke when...). And, it was interesting to say the least. Again, I am glad I witnessed it. But, after about an hour of actually allowing myself to be in the thick of the masses, I was BEYOND over it. Couldn't wait to get off my feet, inside, comfortable and away from the crazies. And when the liberation finally arrived, it was every bit as sweet as I imagined. Ultimately, that is just not my kind of scene. But, maybe it will be yours! Everyone else sure seemed to dig it... so, check it out!
Race wise, I am pretty pleased with how things went. I felt really, really good, and I was totally givin' 'er. I never let myself let up for an instant. My legs felt stronger than they have, and faster as well. Yet, cross the line, and come to see I was about 45 seconds slower than when I ran the race two years ago. Disappointing, naturally, but still... a really good day. Next time, I'll blow it out of the water! :) And based on how my body felt, I am really encouraged for where things are going. One highlight that's definitely worth mentioning: when I ran this race two years ago, I ran behind a woman in a very distinct, thong-focused outfit. After staring at her butt the full 7.43 miles, she ended up beating me. And yes, it made me angry. "Thong lady," as I deemed her, had beaten me. Though, I could tell by her physique, which was ever-so-available-to-see, that she was a legit runner. But still... she was running in a thong! Well, imagine my surprise when at mile 1 this year, I found myself behind the EXACT same lady in the EXACT same outfit and EXACT same thong. This time, I only saw her butt for about a half-a-mile... I took that thong lady down! Sorry to say, though, that I did get beat by one naked guy. Totally naked! Next year, he's going down...
Monday, May 10, 2010
Transitioning
This blog post is WELL overdue... but, nonetheless, here it is. Things have been pretty busy as I have been focusing on the whole job thing, and officially graduating. Yet, I have still been doing the best I can to find time to train, and have even thrown in a few early season races. Those turned out, well... as expected for early season I suppose you could say. In all honesty, it has been tough to train like I want. My internship at the paper has been taking up a LOT of time, so it is hard to get in good workouts during the work. But, I am doing my best and that's all I can do. I have been really trying to take advantage of my weekends to get in longer workouts and double days, and then squeezing in the shorter stuff like intervals and strength during the week. I guess you could say that as I am transitioning into a new season, I am also learning to transition into a new way of balancing training with "real life," or at least a real job. I'm sure I can only get better at it.
Besides some of the struggles with time, training has gone well so far. I really feel like I am in a good place for early spring. I know I am far from my prime shape in the sports of these coming seasons, and certainly not the shape I am hoping and expecting to be in. But, I think I am well on my way there, and happy to be getting things going earlier in the year than I have in the past. I feel like everything I am doing now is helping build strength for later, when I really get in to the competition season.
I have done a few races already, though. They were races, of course, in that I was pushing hard and giving it my all to cross the finish line as fast as possible. But, in essence, the competitions so far have been "training races," in that I have trained through them, and ultimately not expected much in the way of super fast times or great condition, because I am just not ready for that yet. And, I have pretty much gotten what I have hoped for out of my races so far: mediocre times, but feeling increasingly stronger and getting some "race base" under my belt.
My first race was April 11, the U.S. Other Half in San Fran, which I did with my good friend Taryn. This is EARLY for me for a running race, so I knew I couldn't expect too much out of myself. But, again, I think getting an earlier start to the season will be a good thing, if I let myself progress in time. Ultimately, I was pleased with how the race turned out. It was very tough -- I felt like I was in the end of a marathon the last few miles, rather than just a half. Tougher to get through 13.1 than I remember feeling in a long time. But, also made me that much more satisfied to finish at the end. I ran it in 1:39:41, which is about 8 minutes off my PR, and 10 minutes off of my goal, but I think a fine, and even encouraging place to start, especially for a pretty tough course. My legs were shot afterward. I could really tell they just need some more time to get stronger and adjust to the impact of running on pavement, and then it won't be so tough to get through those last few miles. Overall, an encouraging race, a chance to be proud, and a lot of fun racing with a good friend, who also had a great run in only her second half marathon!
A couple weeks later, I decided to jump into a local 5k as a warm-up for the next half marathon I had planned on my docket, and it ended up doing that job just perfectly. Again, I wasn't expecting a terrific result, especially in a short event, since I have done virtually no speed training yet. But the race turned out really good, and I was really happy I did it. I think it is good and really important to keep a variety of distances in your racing schedule, and to challenge yourself to become better at them, because it primes you to improve in your best distances. Again, the race was tough, despite being short. I am not used to pushing quite that hard and seeking so much speed. I felt good though, and most importantly pushed super hard, so it ended up being just the perfect hard workout I needed. I was well off my PR for a 5k -- though the course was fairly hilly -- but still satisfied. I knew I had gone all out, and that was the most important. I was totally exhausted after the finish, but my legs were not nearly as drained as I had expected, didn't end up with any pain, and even recovered super quick afterward, so that was VERY encouraging for me. I ended up second place for the women, and got a sweet prize: massage certificates! Those will come in handy :)
Finally, just last Sunday I ran the Rock-N-River half marathon in Reno. It was my first time doing this race, and I have to say it was wonderful. I will definitely do it again. It is great to have a local race, but especially when it is such a nice course and so well organized as this one. Right along the river, lots of aid stations, and lots of fun! Unfortunately, I had some minor issues that I think ended up having pretty major effects on my time. Namely, some pretty significant stomach problems that started just before 10k, and then a wicked blood blister that started developing about halfway through and only continued to rub more and more and get more and more painful. The sight was not pretty when I took off my shoe. So, I think these things held me back quite a bit in the second half, especially the stomach issues, which were difficult to ignore. This was a bit disappointing, because in terms of my body physically, I felt surprisingly great. I thought I had good speed, and my legs felt really strong, and again stayed pain-free even in the last miles. Super encouraging. So, overall a disappointment because I think it could have been a really great day, and I could have at least brought my time from the San Fran race down to a 1:35, but in the end I guess it wasn't the day. Nonetheless, I feel really positive about how much potential I felt on the day. Just need to get the shoes and food issues worked out, and hopefully I am on the rise for some good races! Finished with a 1:38:40, so I am working my way back down, but I hope the decrease is a bit more significant next time!
All in all, it has been a good spring so far... if you can call it that! It is fully dumping outside my window right now... on May 10th! Just nuts. But, I know this will be a good thing when summer finally does come, for the plants and the trails, and for my enjoyment of them. I am getting excited for all that is still to come. I know I still have a ways to go just with development of my running, riding and swimming muscles again -- mostly running. I am still working my way up to longer distances, and know I am a ways away from a marathon at this point. I am also hoping to add in some more speed sessions so that I can start improving my raw speed as well. This weekend, I am heading down to SF for Bay to Breakers, and I am stoked! I didn't get to do it last year because of WAC Champs for track, so it will be great to get back in that race. It is always a lot of fun to be there during such a big weekend, and it will also be great to run a 12k -- such a fun distance! Really looking forward to it, and hope I get some sunshine!!
Besides some of the struggles with time, training has gone well so far. I really feel like I am in a good place for early spring. I know I am far from my prime shape in the sports of these coming seasons, and certainly not the shape I am hoping and expecting to be in. But, I think I am well on my way there, and happy to be getting things going earlier in the year than I have in the past. I feel like everything I am doing now is helping build strength for later, when I really get in to the competition season.
I have done a few races already, though. They were races, of course, in that I was pushing hard and giving it my all to cross the finish line as fast as possible. But, in essence, the competitions so far have been "training races," in that I have trained through them, and ultimately not expected much in the way of super fast times or great condition, because I am just not ready for that yet. And, I have pretty much gotten what I have hoped for out of my races so far: mediocre times, but feeling increasingly stronger and getting some "race base" under my belt.
My first race was April 11, the U.S. Other Half in San Fran, which I did with my good friend Taryn. This is EARLY for me for a running race, so I knew I couldn't expect too much out of myself. But, again, I think getting an earlier start to the season will be a good thing, if I let myself progress in time. Ultimately, I was pleased with how the race turned out. It was very tough -- I felt like I was in the end of a marathon the last few miles, rather than just a half. Tougher to get through 13.1 than I remember feeling in a long time. But, also made me that much more satisfied to finish at the end. I ran it in 1:39:41, which is about 8 minutes off my PR, and 10 minutes off of my goal, but I think a fine, and even encouraging place to start, especially for a pretty tough course. My legs were shot afterward. I could really tell they just need some more time to get stronger and adjust to the impact of running on pavement, and then it won't be so tough to get through those last few miles. Overall, an encouraging race, a chance to be proud, and a lot of fun racing with a good friend, who also had a great run in only her second half marathon!
A couple weeks later, I decided to jump into a local 5k as a warm-up for the next half marathon I had planned on my docket, and it ended up doing that job just perfectly. Again, I wasn't expecting a terrific result, especially in a short event, since I have done virtually no speed training yet. But the race turned out really good, and I was really happy I did it. I think it is good and really important to keep a variety of distances in your racing schedule, and to challenge yourself to become better at them, because it primes you to improve in your best distances. Again, the race was tough, despite being short. I am not used to pushing quite that hard and seeking so much speed. I felt good though, and most importantly pushed super hard, so it ended up being just the perfect hard workout I needed. I was well off my PR for a 5k -- though the course was fairly hilly -- but still satisfied. I knew I had gone all out, and that was the most important. I was totally exhausted after the finish, but my legs were not nearly as drained as I had expected, didn't end up with any pain, and even recovered super quick afterward, so that was VERY encouraging for me. I ended up second place for the women, and got a sweet prize: massage certificates! Those will come in handy :)
Finally, just last Sunday I ran the Rock-N-River half marathon in Reno. It was my first time doing this race, and I have to say it was wonderful. I will definitely do it again. It is great to have a local race, but especially when it is such a nice course and so well organized as this one. Right along the river, lots of aid stations, and lots of fun! Unfortunately, I had some minor issues that I think ended up having pretty major effects on my time. Namely, some pretty significant stomach problems that started just before 10k, and then a wicked blood blister that started developing about halfway through and only continued to rub more and more and get more and more painful. The sight was not pretty when I took off my shoe. So, I think these things held me back quite a bit in the second half, especially the stomach issues, which were difficult to ignore. This was a bit disappointing, because in terms of my body physically, I felt surprisingly great. I thought I had good speed, and my legs felt really strong, and again stayed pain-free even in the last miles. Super encouraging. So, overall a disappointment because I think it could have been a really great day, and I could have at least brought my time from the San Fran race down to a 1:35, but in the end I guess it wasn't the day. Nonetheless, I feel really positive about how much potential I felt on the day. Just need to get the shoes and food issues worked out, and hopefully I am on the rise for some good races! Finished with a 1:38:40, so I am working my way back down, but I hope the decrease is a bit more significant next time!
All in all, it has been a good spring so far... if you can call it that! It is fully dumping outside my window right now... on May 10th! Just nuts. But, I know this will be a good thing when summer finally does come, for the plants and the trails, and for my enjoyment of them. I am getting excited for all that is still to come. I know I still have a ways to go just with development of my running, riding and swimming muscles again -- mostly running. I am still working my way up to longer distances, and know I am a ways away from a marathon at this point. I am also hoping to add in some more speed sessions so that I can start improving my raw speed as well. This weekend, I am heading down to SF for Bay to Breakers, and I am stoked! I didn't get to do it last year because of WAC Champs for track, so it will be great to get back in that race. It is always a lot of fun to be there during such a big weekend, and it will also be great to run a 12k -- such a fun distance! Really looking forward to it, and hope I get some sunshine!!
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