Day 90
Boston Qualifying Training. Saturday. Rest. Football is over, no games, no where to be. We wake early in the house and decide to eat breakfast at Waffle House, healthy, no, but the kids love it.
We belly up to the counter, another fun thing for the boys. We laugh and share stories. My wife comments on my recent haircut. I share with her that the girl cutting my hair said there was not much she could do with my hair as there is so little of it to cut. We share a laugh. Proudly I let them know that she also said I had the nicest blue eyes she had ever seen… without hesitation Jack says, “Did she see the rest of your face?” We all burst out laughing. A good quick wit.
We finish off breakfast the remainder of the day is spent with errands, but mostly playing with the boys.
We end the day downstairs watching the new Star Trek movie that came out. Huddled on the couch we just relax. Nice
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Bring on Week 14
November 20, 2009
Day 89 Boston Qualifying Training. Week 13 ended this morning at 12:35 AM with the culmination of the last of five 20 mile runs. 89 days ago, I looked at the five 20 mile runs in the schedule and could only think, wow, that is a lot. It was over whelming to look at all at once.
With my failed attempt at Vermont, I wondered, can I do it. Though for Vermont I took a different approach, every run was geared at marathon pace or better and my body was not ready for that kind of pounding so soon. I broke down and only completed three of the five 20 mile runs during that training.
This time, I followed the program, I stayed on pace, sure sometimes a little faster, but within reason. The result, 13 weeks down, I feel healthy and strong. The next few weeks I will watch my diet and work to stay sharp.
As for the run itself, I had been having trouble sleeping the night before the big runs, too much thought about what lay ahead. Morning all to often came too soon, partly the interrupted or restless sleep, partly because we were leaving at 3:45 AM. Yesterday the idea came, to me, why not do it at night, 10:00 PM – 12:45.
The course mapped, I put the proposal in front of Jay. Surprisingly he agreed. The idea of sleeping until 7:00 AM sounded too appealing to pass up.
I made the bottle and GU drops, my idea was mile 8, 13, 17 and on race day, 21 for GU’s the city of Alpharetta was peppered with Gatorade bottles and water for our last 20 mile run.
Meeting at LTF at 9:30, we were off and running at 9:45. The first few miles were a little fast, they always are, and they were a little tough, after all we were running when we would typically be sleeping. Besides, those first few miles are perhaps our most difficult. At about 3.5 miles I still had not found the groove and briefly worried that maybe we should have waited until morning. Too late now. By the time we hit the first water drop, the body was warm and the pace was found. Jay and I locked in a pace and were much like a metronome for the next several miles… a steady cadence as our feet fell in unison.
Looking around I noticed the crowd at 11:00 and 12:00 PM are completely different that what you see at 4:00 AM. At 4:00 in the morning, you see the news papers being delivered, (a finite job that will likely be gone in 5-8 years) the occasional person who leaves for work way too early, the people heading to workout.
At night the it is completely different, when we start, there is still traffic coming off 400, the streets are filled. I am amazed at the number of people that are out. The number does thin as we close in on 11:00 and again the crowd is different, they are likely coming from a bar and it is a very good chance that they have had more than one drink this evening. We take extra precaution as we cross the roads. By 11:45, the only cars we are seeing are patrol cars. The streets are empty and we run down the middle of the road with no concern.
Another big difference is the smell. The smells are different and better! At 4:00 AM, you have the smell of garbage and it is not uncommon to have garbage truck pass you leaving a foul taste in your mouth. Last night we were treated to wood smoked grills, and a number of great smells emanating from the various restaurants.
We pass mile ten and I celebrate that we are half-way through our last 20 mile run. As we run by the theater, the is a crowd waiting for the midnight showing of New Moon. I know my wife and her friends are going today to the 10:00 AM show. She called to say every Mom in Alpharetta was there.
Passing the theater, I steel myself for the next part of the run, it is my least favorite, it is flat, but there is something about it that is not inviting. Mansell Road is only about a mile long, but it is dark and you can not see a thing. The path is narrow and the tall grass whips at your legs making them itch. Clearly I do not like this section. Jay and I muscle through a do our best not to pick up the pace.
Rounding off Mansell, we are back on Haynes Bridge. For the next 3 miles we will climb. The climb ends at the top of “Mount” Westside Parkway part way up we drink, feed and continue, turning the corner the most difficult parts of the 20mile run are done. We are on the home stretch. Up Old Milton Parkway, turning right on Roswell Road, we run past Pure, they are closing for the night. No sign of Ann Marie or the girls having fun on their "girls night out".
We continue with a slight down hill followed by an almost imperceptible uphill. The street is scenic and we run right down the middle of the road. I am almost euphoric as I know we have passed mile 15. Jay though is struggling, GI issues and some fatigue from a busy day that started at 4:30 AM, but he soldiers on. He is tough. He never breaks stride and never losses pace.
I wonder if my exuberance is bothering him, I tend to talk a lot on a run, today I have a lot to say. Jay says he is fine and we keep running. At this point I am ready to run 7 minute miles the rest of the way in, but do not knowing that would be a bad idea. We turn the corner and head down Hwy 9, it too is empty though we are smart enough to stay on the sidewalks. Nearly done. Jay and I discuss a strategy about the finish and which route to take. Once a path is settled we make our last stop for a Gu and sport drink. I try to convince Jay to take a Gel, he passes… GI issues.
Turning down academy it is all down hill 1.8 miles to go. We let gravity take us down the hill. It is effortless. It is my hope to feel this good on race day. The weather tonight was perfect, cool, not cold, a bright starry sky, and no wind. Turning on to Tradewinds, we finish… Done.
The capping of a strong 13 weeks. We have been diligent and it appears to be paying dividends. We won’t really know until for certain until December 12th, but it feels good now. For the next three weeks we will stay the course and sharpen the blade.
As I lay in bed I thank God for family, friends and good health. I have a smile on my face, I know I do not have to wake up at 3:00 AM. My body clock naturally wakes me up at 5:00 AM, but unlike the days before, I am comforted knowing I can roll over, the work is done, and I will have no guilt about sleeping in this morning.
Week 14, bring it on!
Day 89 Boston Qualifying Training. Week 13 ended this morning at 12:35 AM with the culmination of the last of five 20 mile runs. 89 days ago, I looked at the five 20 mile runs in the schedule and could only think, wow, that is a lot. It was over whelming to look at all at once.
With my failed attempt at Vermont, I wondered, can I do it. Though for Vermont I took a different approach, every run was geared at marathon pace or better and my body was not ready for that kind of pounding so soon. I broke down and only completed three of the five 20 mile runs during that training.
This time, I followed the program, I stayed on pace, sure sometimes a little faster, but within reason. The result, 13 weeks down, I feel healthy and strong. The next few weeks I will watch my diet and work to stay sharp.
As for the run itself, I had been having trouble sleeping the night before the big runs, too much thought about what lay ahead. Morning all to often came too soon, partly the interrupted or restless sleep, partly because we were leaving at 3:45 AM. Yesterday the idea came, to me, why not do it at night, 10:00 PM – 12:45.
The course mapped, I put the proposal in front of Jay. Surprisingly he agreed. The idea of sleeping until 7:00 AM sounded too appealing to pass up.
I made the bottle and GU drops, my idea was mile 8, 13, 17 and on race day, 21 for GU’s the city of Alpharetta was peppered with Gatorade bottles and water for our last 20 mile run.
Meeting at LTF at 9:30, we were off and running at 9:45. The first few miles were a little fast, they always are, and they were a little tough, after all we were running when we would typically be sleeping. Besides, those first few miles are perhaps our most difficult. At about 3.5 miles I still had not found the groove and briefly worried that maybe we should have waited until morning. Too late now. By the time we hit the first water drop, the body was warm and the pace was found. Jay and I locked in a pace and were much like a metronome for the next several miles… a steady cadence as our feet fell in unison.
Looking around I noticed the crowd at 11:00 and 12:00 PM are completely different that what you see at 4:00 AM. At 4:00 in the morning, you see the news papers being delivered, (a finite job that will likely be gone in 5-8 years) the occasional person who leaves for work way too early, the people heading to workout.
At night the it is completely different, when we start, there is still traffic coming off 400, the streets are filled. I am amazed at the number of people that are out. The number does thin as we close in on 11:00 and again the crowd is different, they are likely coming from a bar and it is a very good chance that they have had more than one drink this evening. We take extra precaution as we cross the roads. By 11:45, the only cars we are seeing are patrol cars. The streets are empty and we run down the middle of the road with no concern.
Another big difference is the smell. The smells are different and better! At 4:00 AM, you have the smell of garbage and it is not uncommon to have garbage truck pass you leaving a foul taste in your mouth. Last night we were treated to wood smoked grills, and a number of great smells emanating from the various restaurants.
We pass mile ten and I celebrate that we are half-way through our last 20 mile run. As we run by the theater, the is a crowd waiting for the midnight showing of New Moon. I know my wife and her friends are going today to the 10:00 AM show. She called to say every Mom in Alpharetta was there.
Passing the theater, I steel myself for the next part of the run, it is my least favorite, it is flat, but there is something about it that is not inviting. Mansell Road is only about a mile long, but it is dark and you can not see a thing. The path is narrow and the tall grass whips at your legs making them itch. Clearly I do not like this section. Jay and I muscle through a do our best not to pick up the pace.
Rounding off Mansell, we are back on Haynes Bridge. For the next 3 miles we will climb. The climb ends at the top of “Mount” Westside Parkway part way up we drink, feed and continue, turning the corner the most difficult parts of the 20mile run are done. We are on the home stretch. Up Old Milton Parkway, turning right on Roswell Road, we run past Pure, they are closing for the night. No sign of Ann Marie or the girls having fun on their "girls night out".
We continue with a slight down hill followed by an almost imperceptible uphill. The street is scenic and we run right down the middle of the road. I am almost euphoric as I know we have passed mile 15. Jay though is struggling, GI issues and some fatigue from a busy day that started at 4:30 AM, but he soldiers on. He is tough. He never breaks stride and never losses pace.
I wonder if my exuberance is bothering him, I tend to talk a lot on a run, today I have a lot to say. Jay says he is fine and we keep running. At this point I am ready to run 7 minute miles the rest of the way in, but do not knowing that would be a bad idea. We turn the corner and head down Hwy 9, it too is empty though we are smart enough to stay on the sidewalks. Nearly done. Jay and I discuss a strategy about the finish and which route to take. Once a path is settled we make our last stop for a Gu and sport drink. I try to convince Jay to take a Gel, he passes… GI issues.
Turning down academy it is all down hill 1.8 miles to go. We let gravity take us down the hill. It is effortless. It is my hope to feel this good on race day. The weather tonight was perfect, cool, not cold, a bright starry sky, and no wind. Turning on to Tradewinds, we finish… Done.
The capping of a strong 13 weeks. We have been diligent and it appears to be paying dividends. We won’t really know until for certain until December 12th, but it feels good now. For the next three weeks we will stay the course and sharpen the blade.
As I lay in bed I thank God for family, friends and good health. I have a smile on my face, I know I do not have to wake up at 3:00 AM. My body clock naturally wakes me up at 5:00 AM, but unlike the days before, I am comforted knowing I can roll over, the work is done, and I will have no guilt about sleeping in this morning.
Week 14, bring it on!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Should I Stay or Should I Go Now
Day 88
Boston Qualifying Training. When the alarm went off this morning my shoulder was killing me, the same shoulder I crunched in football several weeks ago. Immediately came up with 10 reasons to rollover and go back to bed… but there was one over-riding reason to get out, December 12th, race day. Decision made.
The day is closing fast and I am in the fine tuning phase of the program. I change my attitude and off I go to the pool. What has really changed in my life since I was in Middle School (though we called it Junior High than) I would wake up at 5 AM go to morning wrestling workout, followed by a day of work at school, and playing football with my friends in the evening. I have not changed on bit, I wake at 5 AM, go workout, work all day and play football with the boys in the evening. The only thing different is I have a less hair and hopefully I am a bit wiser.
On the pool deck I am hoping for change. I have been miserable in the pool these last two weeks. The workout is a good one, 4 x 500 (300 with fins & paddles, 100 fins, 100 swim). Though I am excited with the workout, I turn in another crappy performance. I am dead last, and 20 meters behind in all but one of the 500’s. The sprints are good not great, the planks are good not great. I walk away discouraged. If this trend continues I will be back in the remedial lane, with my water wings on and the swimming ring with the duck head. I have no idea what is going on, but will continue to push.
Jumping on the scale my weight is 178. Not happy with that either. On the ride home from the gym, I think would I have been better to have just rolled over. Likely not. I know from years of training the most meaningful workouts are often not your best workout. It is when you are struggling and want to quit, when what is easy for others and difficult for you that you are building what it take to perform well.
It is easy when things are going good. But that is not life and certainly not racing. What do you do when things turn to “crap”, when conditions are not optimum, when you are not feeling your best. It is a day like today, that I can pull from, preserve, know that I can make it because I have been there before. An adjustment in attitude and the day is looking better.
Tomorrow I have my last 20 mile run. It will be the end of Week 13. The pace will be 8:15. The goal is to hit the first 14 miles at 8:15 and next drop it down to 8:10 with the last two being at 8:05 (maybe). Tonight I will drop Gel’s, Gatorade and Water. Dinner my usual, a big bowl of pasta. Bed will be early.
Wil is home sick today, you could see it coming last night, off to the doctors.
Boston Qualifying Training. When the alarm went off this morning my shoulder was killing me, the same shoulder I crunched in football several weeks ago. Immediately came up with 10 reasons to rollover and go back to bed… but there was one over-riding reason to get out, December 12th, race day. Decision made.
The day is closing fast and I am in the fine tuning phase of the program. I change my attitude and off I go to the pool. What has really changed in my life since I was in Middle School (though we called it Junior High than) I would wake up at 5 AM go to morning wrestling workout, followed by a day of work at school, and playing football with my friends in the evening. I have not changed on bit, I wake at 5 AM, go workout, work all day and play football with the boys in the evening. The only thing different is I have a less hair and hopefully I am a bit wiser.
On the pool deck I am hoping for change. I have been miserable in the pool these last two weeks. The workout is a good one, 4 x 500 (300 with fins & paddles, 100 fins, 100 swim). Though I am excited with the workout, I turn in another crappy performance. I am dead last, and 20 meters behind in all but one of the 500’s. The sprints are good not great, the planks are good not great. I walk away discouraged. If this trend continues I will be back in the remedial lane, with my water wings on and the swimming ring with the duck head. I have no idea what is going on, but will continue to push.
Jumping on the scale my weight is 178. Not happy with that either. On the ride home from the gym, I think would I have been better to have just rolled over. Likely not. I know from years of training the most meaningful workouts are often not your best workout. It is when you are struggling and want to quit, when what is easy for others and difficult for you that you are building what it take to perform well.
It is easy when things are going good. But that is not life and certainly not racing. What do you do when things turn to “crap”, when conditions are not optimum, when you are not feeling your best. It is a day like today, that I can pull from, preserve, know that I can make it because I have been there before. An adjustment in attitude and the day is looking better.
Tomorrow I have my last 20 mile run. It will be the end of Week 13. The pace will be 8:15. The goal is to hit the first 14 miles at 8:15 and next drop it down to 8:10 with the last two being at 8:05 (maybe). Tonight I will drop Gel’s, Gatorade and Water. Dinner my usual, a big bowl of pasta. Bed will be early.
Wil is home sick today, you could see it coming last night, off to the doctors.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Aliens Attack
Day 87
Boston Qualifying Training. Last night I could easily have gone to bed at 8:00. I am not a fan of the time change and it is my strong belief that it should be abolished. Sure when the United States was an agrarian society/economy, it made sense. The idea of telling your body, hey, it’s an hour earlier/later... this change is ridiculous. My feeling is the time should be split by 30 minutes and set at that time year round and never deal with the time change again.
I am so tired last night it was almost as if I was sick. I wonder, is it the accumulation of the weeks working out, could be, or was it the swim workout, of the fact that it is dark at 6:00?
Hard to say. I know when I was lifting I could barely do 10 pull-ups when I usually knock out a nice set of 11 or more. Whatever the reason, I knew I would be asleep before 9:30 and I was.
I woke up twice last night, once at 11:22, I had to laugh, I thought wow, this is when I used to go to bed. I rolled over knowing I had hours of sleep ahead. I woke again at 2:50 due to a bad dream , aliens had invaded the earth and were killing everyone. Man kind had turned to mass chaos, I was trying to figure out how to save my family. One of the invaders had entered our sub-division and I hit him with my car and jumped out and started beating it with my bare hands, blood would explode out of the aliens face every time I would hit it…. I kept thinking we can beat these guys… and I woke up. My take away is I’m either 12 years old inside a 44 year old body, or that subconsciously I know my main goal is to take care of, protect and provide for my family no matter how hard things may get in this world and I can persevere.
I decided to not figure out which it was and that I still had time to sleep, so I rolled over again, knowing the next time I woke it would be time for track and it was.
Fully awake and rested, I met the gang; really a gang, there were eight of us at LTF, we could have rumbled with the Windward running group. We made our way down to the track and after a quick lap to clear the lanes, setting our 50 yard markers, we were off. Today’s menu, 10 x 400 @ 1:34, with a 400RI, that meant we were doing 2.5 miles of running and 2.5 miles of RI running for a total of 5 miles on the track and 7 miles total.
The first 400 was 2 seconds fast and this repeated a few times. We dipped as low as a 1:22 but never higher than a 1:33. Towards the end, the 8th 400 was run at 1:33 and felt like we were doing a cool down lap. All was good. I enjoyed the conversation and the company of the other runners. It picks you up and makes a day like today feel effortless.
Today will be filled with work, but the house will be noisy after 12, it is early release day boys get home early. A good thing, I like having them home.
Weight 177, good.
Boston Qualifying Training. Last night I could easily have gone to bed at 8:00. I am not a fan of the time change and it is my strong belief that it should be abolished. Sure when the United States was an agrarian society/economy, it made sense. The idea of telling your body, hey, it’s an hour earlier/later... this change is ridiculous. My feeling is the time should be split by 30 minutes and set at that time year round and never deal with the time change again.
I am so tired last night it was almost as if I was sick. I wonder, is it the accumulation of the weeks working out, could be, or was it the swim workout, of the fact that it is dark at 6:00?
Hard to say. I know when I was lifting I could barely do 10 pull-ups when I usually knock out a nice set of 11 or more. Whatever the reason, I knew I would be asleep before 9:30 and I was.
I woke up twice last night, once at 11:22, I had to laugh, I thought wow, this is when I used to go to bed. I rolled over knowing I had hours of sleep ahead. I woke again at 2:50 due to a bad dream , aliens had invaded the earth and were killing everyone. Man kind had turned to mass chaos, I was trying to figure out how to save my family. One of the invaders had entered our sub-division and I hit him with my car and jumped out and started beating it with my bare hands, blood would explode out of the aliens face every time I would hit it…. I kept thinking we can beat these guys… and I woke up. My take away is I’m either 12 years old inside a 44 year old body, or that subconsciously I know my main goal is to take care of, protect and provide for my family no matter how hard things may get in this world and I can persevere.
I decided to not figure out which it was and that I still had time to sleep, so I rolled over again, knowing the next time I woke it would be time for track and it was.
Fully awake and rested, I met the gang; really a gang, there were eight of us at LTF, we could have rumbled with the Windward running group. We made our way down to the track and after a quick lap to clear the lanes, setting our 50 yard markers, we were off. Today’s menu, 10 x 400 @ 1:34, with a 400RI, that meant we were doing 2.5 miles of running and 2.5 miles of RI running for a total of 5 miles on the track and 7 miles total.
The first 400 was 2 seconds fast and this repeated a few times. We dipped as low as a 1:22 but never higher than a 1:33. Towards the end, the 8th 400 was run at 1:33 and felt like we were doing a cool down lap. All was good. I enjoyed the conversation and the company of the other runners. It picks you up and makes a day like today feel effortless.
Today will be filled with work, but the house will be noisy after 12, it is early release day boys get home early. A good thing, I like having them home.
Weight 177, good.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
2010 Slips By Without One Step Being Run
Day 86
Boston Qualifying Training. I was dreaming that I was in New York City with the family and my sister and her husband. I was watching William our youngest as we walked through Times Square and in a second he was gone, I could not find him. I was screaming his name, WILLIAM, when I woke up. My chest was heaving. It is a parents worse nightmare.
I slipped out of bed and checked his room, he lay there fast asleep. Sleeping children are like angels on earth, so peaceful. I look at my watch, 4:58. Time to get up anyway.
Pulling on my clothes I am hoping for a better performance in the pool than I have had these past few workouts. My last two workouts have been awful.
Arriving at the pool there is a bit of a pall in the air. Many of us who are preparing for the Huntsville Marathon in hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon had found out yesterday that the registration had closed for 2010. The news came by way of an email from Corey… the subject, Very Bad News. There was no text in the body, after all what could be said, the attachment alone was all that was needed. Reading it brought the cold hard sobering fact that next years Boston Marathon was off the table. Damn.
Clearly there is disappointment, but there is nothing that can be done to change what has happened. I think back to my time at Vermont… I should have gotten it done there, but I fell apart. Does not matter, I can not turn back time. If I could, that broken ankle would never have happened.
I take about 10 minutes feeling bad, and decide that is enough. I know I want to get back my speed, now I have an extra 18 months to do so.
On the pool deck I share the news with Jeff who had not heard, though he is not running he understand the sacrifice and shares the frustration. Ann Marie si the first to jump in and start swimming, it is time to get in the pool.
The pool. The pool is the complete opposite of the track for me. I love track, I hate the pool. Hate is a pretty strong word, I really, really, really dislike the pool. The fact that I have had two bad performances in the last 8 days makes it worse. The problem is, the harder I work, the slower I swim and the more exhausted I am.
My form seemed like it was getting better, but now I am just thrashing about. Today I want to be better. A quick warm up and I am ready. Positive thoughts… I will be fast, I will have good form. We are doing 7 x 300 with 100 breakouts, Swim, Fins, Paddles. The first set I have difficulty getting the fins on and I mistakenly put the paddles on too… I am already 20 meters behind. Crap. Next set, I am good on the swim in fact I stay consistent on the swim part, but when the fins go on, I am lost.
The girls in the lane are smooth and their feet are like little motors with their fins on. The gap widens and by the time the paddles go on I am back again 20 meters. Double crap! It is so bad that by the last 25 meters on the last 5 sets, I have to just stop and turn around to stay with the pack.
What the hell is happening. I was doing well with the 100’s and feeling fast less than two weeks ago. If this continues I will be going back to the remedial lane. The 25’s followed by push-ups and planks are good, but I am weak on numbers 5&6. The rest I do fairly strong. Resolved steeled me on the last two. It did hurt my shoulder considerably, but my pride was stronger than the pain.
A quick shower and I hop on the scale for a nice surprise, 176! I smile to myself. Jumping in the car, I get Wil off to school and make breakfast for Jack and I, steak and eggs, followed by a tall glass of orange juice. Man it taste good and I can feel my body feeding the muscles the much needed protein for recovery.
Work, lift, play and a little more work will round out my day. Tomorrow is track. Good.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Driver 8
Day 85
Boston Qualifying Training. Today was the start of Week 13, the last of the build weeks. After this week the workouts will be geared to tapering and staying sharp. The last 20 mile run will be Friday and it is my goal to run the 20 miles on the course we will be running on the 12th of December.
Today is a tempo run and I will be accompanied by Corey. It has been a while since we ran together I enjoyed the run and the ability to catch up. The run was a mild 8 mile run at an 8 minute pace. The times were a bit up and down, but not too bad, we ended up about a minute fast over 8 miles. Seven seconds per mile, is okay, 5 would be better, but again not bad.
I felt good, clearly my conditioning is good, however, I am still having a bit of trouble with my left quad. Oh well, I’ll just deal with it. I do not have any physical joint or bone pain. This run is another confidence builder. I did think that there were a few areas that I worked harder than others, but by the time we found the groove the 8 mile run was over.
I value the time Corey provided. He likely had a faster and I know it was too be a longer run, but he was great to have along on the run and his sacrifice to help me along and stay on pace is greatly appreciated. He made an 8 mile boring run a fun and effortless 8 mile run.
A quick stretch and shower and I am off to the house. Wil is waiting on Dad to put him on the bus.
The house is quiet when I return from my run, it is just Kim, and the boys. Our guest have returned home and though others enjoy when guest leave, we miss them. It is good to have family. The boys really enjoy having them visit and so do Kim and I.
My day will be busy with work and a meeting at school for William.
Weight 177. Good!
Sunday... All is quiet
Day 84
Boston Qualifying Training. A great Sunday morning. I finally sleep after re-playing Jack’s game from last night. The bad part is the majority of the night was already over when I finally slept.
Waking at fully at 7:00 I am up. I go downstairs and print out the football picks, as I do every Sunday. Heading back to the main floor, I sweep up the kitchen, take out the garbage, let the dogs our, fill up their dog bowls, give Rocky his meds, sweep out the garage, empty all the garbage from my car and about a half dozen other items as I wait for the family to get dressed and ready for breakfast.
After we are all rounded up we head to Mel’s. Our reserved table with the Sunday paper, sports on top is waiting. We have another great meal and all of us take our time this morning. Not that we are not busy, but Diane and Harry are leaving for home after we eat. They have been here a little over two weeks but it feels like two minutes. So good to have family. The boys as well as Kim and I love to have them visit. We all have a good time. We hug, and take a few last photos as they drive off back to Binghamton.
The remainder of the day is filled with work and play, football with Jack, riding bikes and feeding the ducks with Wil, cleaning out the cars and too many emails to even think about.
After making dinner for the family and the weekly Marinich of the Week Award being handed out, Jack won, we settle on to the couch and enjoy the Colts and Patriots game. I will not see the end of the game, I am running with Corey at 5:30 AM 8 miles at an minute per mile pace.Good night Sunday.
Hello week 13
Boston Qualifying Training. A great Sunday morning. I finally sleep after re-playing Jack’s game from last night. The bad part is the majority of the night was already over when I finally slept.
Waking at fully at 7:00 I am up. I go downstairs and print out the football picks, as I do every Sunday. Heading back to the main floor, I sweep up the kitchen, take out the garbage, let the dogs our, fill up their dog bowls, give Rocky his meds, sweep out the garage, empty all the garbage from my car and about a half dozen other items as I wait for the family to get dressed and ready for breakfast.
After we are all rounded up we head to Mel’s. Our reserved table with the Sunday paper, sports on top is waiting. We have another great meal and all of us take our time this morning. Not that we are not busy, but Diane and Harry are leaving for home after we eat. They have been here a little over two weeks but it feels like two minutes. So good to have family. The boys as well as Kim and I love to have them visit. We all have a good time. We hug, and take a few last photos as they drive off back to Binghamton.
The remainder of the day is filled with work and play, football with Jack, riding bikes and feeding the ducks with Wil, cleaning out the cars and too many emails to even think about.
After making dinner for the family and the weekly Marinich of the Week Award being handed out, Jack won, we settle on to the couch and enjoy the Colts and Patriots game. I will not see the end of the game, I am running with Corey at 5:30 AM 8 miles at an minute per mile pace.Good night Sunday.
Hello week 13
Time Warp Three Days in One
Days 81 - 83
Boston Qualifying Training. I can best describe my swim workout as lacking. I had the rest, I just did not seem to have any speed. The workout plan was great, a good warm up, and I liked the set, 5 x 400 with the 400 made up of free style, kick, IM and pull. But I had no energy. I was beat and my strength lacking. I was at the end of the pack the whole time. I pushed through the workout and called it a day. Later in the day I would hit the weights.
Boston Qualifying Training. I can best describe my swim workout as lacking. I had the rest, I just did not seem to have any speed. The workout plan was great, a good warm up, and I liked the set, 5 x 400 with the 400 made up of free style, kick, IM and pull. But I had no energy. I was beat and my strength lacking. I was at the end of the pack the whole time. I pushed through the workout and called it a day. Later in the day I would hit the weights.
Jay's reaction to hearing that Turkey Sausage has been removed from the menu at Cracker Barrel. He will now be forced to eat Bacon!
With a poor swim, I could only wonder how my run would feel. Jay is leaving for Vegas before noon. That means we have a big run, 15 miles that starts at 3:45 AM. The pace is an 8:10. This is really close to the Marathon pace, scheduled for 8:00. We start the run off well though too fast, we back the pace down and settle into a very comfortable pace. I feel good and Jay and I discuss keeping the pace at 8:10 for the first 8 miles and dropping it the last 7 miles. A good plan. We do just that and it feels good. The final time is 2:00:56, that includes stopping twice for water.
At the end of the run we do some quick math, 8:03 per mile. Nice. It feels good. At one point, around mile 12, I look at Jay, we are cruising. Our breath is normal, the legs, good, (my left leg hurt a bit but was manageable). I spent some extra time stretching. I feel good and I am very confident after this run.
The day is best described as GAME DAY. Wil has his last game of the season. Though I try very hard to not worry about the wins or loses with 7/8 year old boys, there is a part of me deep down that wants the boys to win. Not for me, but for Wil and his teammates. The Fighting Irish enter today’s tilt with no losses. I try very hard not to think about winning, but good play. If I press, it will only make it worse. I take out the sharpie and as I have done for the past several weeks I write my little reminder on my hand, “Coach Up!”. I make Wil a good breakfast before we leave for the game, pancakes.
We load into the car, we need to be on the field at 8:05, the game starts at 8:30. Driving over to the game I ask Wil if he is nervous. “Yes” he says. Good I respond. “Why, why good”. I share with him that it means he is ready. That he wants to do well. It is his body and mind preparing to give the very best. If he was not nervous, I would be more concerned. This relaxes him and we talk about football as we drive to the field.
The game goes well and Wil is outstanding. We score 42 points and it is never close. The boys play really well. Wil and kids finish the season with no losses. Perfect. Better I achieved the one goal I have every year, it is not based on wins or losses, rather, my goal to have every boy on the team score a touchdown. So many coaches pick 1-2 kids to be the quarterback or running back… I take a different approach. Every week I pick two new running backs. Everybody is the star one week. I am most proud that I can let the boys have their moment in the sun.
The game link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJL_nNy6ftw
We celebrate the season at the Varsity for lunch. A big day for Wil, three touchdowns and an undefeated season. Means more to me than my 15 mile run and marathon to watch as his face beams with pride.
Before the food is digested, my thoughts turn to Jack and his game tonight. They are playing to get into their Superbowl. The boys are clearly capable of winning. The team we are playing we have lost to twice. The first game was close, 6 – 13, but we played a less than perfect game. The next game was 0 – 0 at the half, but we were blown out in the second half, losing 20 – 0. This would be different. A new defensive scheme was put in place, we added a new offensive series, our version of the Wildcat.
The game is a battle. It is a hard hitting, smash-mouth game. We score first. It is good and I feel confident. A couple of blown tackles on defense and they score next. We get the ball back and drive the distance of the field. I call a risky play near the goal line and the ball is fumbled. The boys hold tough, but a missed tackle and it is off to the races. We are down. Once again we drive the ball, only to stall near the goal line.. The competitors are driving, we pick the ball off as the clock hit zero. Unfortunately the ball is accidentally run out of bounds. The score at halftime 13 -6.
The second half is a battle. Each yard gained is earned. The boys are dirty, bruised and many of them bleeding. There is no give. The second half is 0 – 0 . The final score is 6 – 13. Though we lose, it does not feel like a loss. The teams played so well, either team could have been victorious. It came down to a missed block here, a blown tackle here or there. I am proud of each of the boys. Jack had a great game, 3 solo tackles and a fumble recovery.
The boys may have lost, but they won a big battle and each can hold their heads high as a champion. We celebrate with beer and wings at Taco Mac.
I may say that I am happy, and I really am, however, that does not mean I did not spend the night laying awake re-thinking every bad play I called in. I could kick myself for the play near the end-zone. I was way too cute and it cost us, possibly the game.
I know I am happy that Diane and Harry stayed to see the boys play their final game of the season. It is great to have family around.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Not That Wet Wednesday
Day 80
Boston Qualifying Training. Track day is fun day. Yesterday in Corey’s absence I sent out an invite to all the track buds letting them know Jay and I would be leaving the LTF at 5:45 AM.
A good crowd gathered, though we missed having Jeff there. Ann Marie, Susan and Susan showed along with Jay and me. Susan, was well adorn in her bright yellow 2009 Boston Marathon tech shirt. She has run the race 7 times. Good for her, an inspiration for the rest of us this early morning.
The weather despite being wet, was good, a little warm even, 58 degrees. I was over dressed. Most of us were. A nice leisurely jog down to the track, hopping past puddles and navigating the mud, we arrived. Though the track was dark and deserted, it was welcoming. I was prepared and confident, the track workout was not a mystery. I knew it and knew it well, and I enjoyed the track.
Today, 3 x 1600 with a 400 RI, pace, 6:39 with 0:49 second splits every 200 meters. Piece of CAKE. After a quick lap around to clear the track and set up our markers, we all huddled at the start line, adjusting our watches. Confirming we were all check for go, we started. Jay and I, led by me on the first mile, followed by Ann Marie and Susan, targeting a 7:02 mile. Susan Lipscomb was there for support and also running, but not the mile splits.
The pace was good and I felt great. Rounding the first curve I knew I was right on… mid way down the back stretch, 47, 48, 49! Right on. Hitting the front stretch… 1:37, 38, 39! Again right on! I was barely breathing and was thinking this is too easy. The next three laps I would knock 1 second of each 200 meters and we would finish with a 6:33, six seconds fast, but well within reason. Better, Jay and I were barely breathing. The girls finished shortly behind us, though much faster than prescribed.
An easy 400 RI and now Jay led us out. Like clockwork. Jay was at his best. Right on the first lap, and dropping time with each consecutive lap. Finish time 6:24, 15 seconds fast, but again very controlled and negative splits. I led the last mile and we again ran negative splits, finishing in 6:21… too fast, but again not to a point that we were ever really uncomfortable. The pace was quickened on the last lap, but not raced or excessively sped up. A good controlled pace.
In the department of “Really” on the last lap, Susan came by Jay and I and said, let’s go… and I could not help but put a little fire into the last 20 meters, just to finish ahead of her. I’m so damn easy.
On the jog back we talked about Huntsville, Boston, family and training... the usual stuff. Found out that Ann Marie and I used to both hit the track when John Adamson was training us for $5 bucks a pop on track day. Small world.
My weight.. I have tried to not be so, well, so me about my weight, but it has been fluctuating with my sister visiting, I am just eating too much. I have been 177 -179. Today I was 179 after the run and 178.5 after lunchtime lifting. I need to get myself back in control. Right now. I blame my sister for the homemade apple pie and gingerbread chocolate chip cookies.
Next week it all stops, with 4 weeks out I will focus on nutrition.
Boston Qualifying Training. Track day is fun day. Yesterday in Corey’s absence I sent out an invite to all the track buds letting them know Jay and I would be leaving the LTF at 5:45 AM.
A good crowd gathered, though we missed having Jeff there. Ann Marie, Susan and Susan showed along with Jay and me. Susan, was well adorn in her bright yellow 2009 Boston Marathon tech shirt. She has run the race 7 times. Good for her, an inspiration for the rest of us this early morning.
The weather despite being wet, was good, a little warm even, 58 degrees. I was over dressed. Most of us were. A nice leisurely jog down to the track, hopping past puddles and navigating the mud, we arrived. Though the track was dark and deserted, it was welcoming. I was prepared and confident, the track workout was not a mystery. I knew it and knew it well, and I enjoyed the track.
Today, 3 x 1600 with a 400 RI, pace, 6:39 with 0:49 second splits every 200 meters. Piece of CAKE. After a quick lap around to clear the track and set up our markers, we all huddled at the start line, adjusting our watches. Confirming we were all check for go, we started. Jay and I, led by me on the first mile, followed by Ann Marie and Susan, targeting a 7:02 mile. Susan Lipscomb was there for support and also running, but not the mile splits.
The pace was good and I felt great. Rounding the first curve I knew I was right on… mid way down the back stretch, 47, 48, 49! Right on. Hitting the front stretch… 1:37, 38, 39! Again right on! I was barely breathing and was thinking this is too easy. The next three laps I would knock 1 second of each 200 meters and we would finish with a 6:33, six seconds fast, but well within reason. Better, Jay and I were barely breathing. The girls finished shortly behind us, though much faster than prescribed.
An easy 400 RI and now Jay led us out. Like clockwork. Jay was at his best. Right on the first lap, and dropping time with each consecutive lap. Finish time 6:24, 15 seconds fast, but again very controlled and negative splits. I led the last mile and we again ran negative splits, finishing in 6:21… too fast, but again not to a point that we were ever really uncomfortable. The pace was quickened on the last lap, but not raced or excessively sped up. A good controlled pace.
In the department of “Really” on the last lap, Susan came by Jay and I and said, let’s go… and I could not help but put a little fire into the last 20 meters, just to finish ahead of her. I’m so damn easy.
On the jog back we talked about Huntsville, Boston, family and training... the usual stuff. Found out that Ann Marie and I used to both hit the track when John Adamson was training us for $5 bucks a pop on track day. Small world.
My weight.. I have tried to not be so, well, so me about my weight, but it has been fluctuating with my sister visiting, I am just eating too much. I have been 177 -179. Today I was 179 after the run and 178.5 after lunchtime lifting. I need to get myself back in control. Right now. I blame my sister for the homemade apple pie and gingerbread chocolate chip cookies.
Next week it all stops, with 4 weeks out I will focus on nutrition.
Tuesday I sleep
Day 79
Boston Qualifying Training. "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." Jack Stanbro. That is what my wrestling coach used to tell us when I was in high school. He’s right. It will make you quit, it will make you feel that have nothing left. All the more reason to make certain I am in top shape for the race on December 12th. Not just in conditioning, but also rest. The previous days run was an early wake up, 3;15 AM. My goal was to find an hour Monday and catch up on the missed sleep. It never happened the day was just too busy.
When I woke this morning, I was tired. Certainly I could make it through swim practice, but I knew my body needed rest. I need to recover from the previous days run and early hour wake up. I made a decision that swim would have to wait until lunch time.
Waking two and a half hours later, I was refreshed and ready for the day. The morning was productive at work and I headed to the gym for my swim. The workout, a variation of the previous Thursday workout, 250 warm up, 250 drills, 7 x 300. I was not as fast as I had been the previous week, though I did watch as my times dropped as I went deeper into the set. Good deal. I limited the workout to 2600 meters. Likely the volume I will be doing starting next week. As I get closer to the race, I want to cut down on my swim workout and will not swim at all the week of the race. I’ll likely take time to spin.
The afternoon was uneventful and the evening brought perhaps the best highlight of the day. My Sister Diane and her husband Harry, decided to stay and extra 5 days so they can see Jack and Wil play their games on Saturday. We are all happy for that. Great to have family.
Wil is enjoying his “Marinich of the Week” award and has it prominently displayed in his room.
I fall asleep listening to the rain, knowing it will be gone in the morning, just in time for Track!
Boston Qualifying Training. "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." Jack Stanbro. That is what my wrestling coach used to tell us when I was in high school. He’s right. It will make you quit, it will make you feel that have nothing left. All the more reason to make certain I am in top shape for the race on December 12th. Not just in conditioning, but also rest. The previous days run was an early wake up, 3;15 AM. My goal was to find an hour Monday and catch up on the missed sleep. It never happened the day was just too busy.
When I woke this morning, I was tired. Certainly I could make it through swim practice, but I knew my body needed rest. I need to recover from the previous days run and early hour wake up. I made a decision that swim would have to wait until lunch time.
Waking two and a half hours later, I was refreshed and ready for the day. The morning was productive at work and I headed to the gym for my swim. The workout, a variation of the previous Thursday workout, 250 warm up, 250 drills, 7 x 300. I was not as fast as I had been the previous week, though I did watch as my times dropped as I went deeper into the set. Good deal. I limited the workout to 2600 meters. Likely the volume I will be doing starting next week. As I get closer to the race, I want to cut down on my swim workout and will not swim at all the week of the race. I’ll likely take time to spin.
The afternoon was uneventful and the evening brought perhaps the best highlight of the day. My Sister Diane and her husband Harry, decided to stay and extra 5 days so they can see Jack and Wil play their games on Saturday. We are all happy for that. Great to have family.
Wil is enjoying his “Marinich of the Week” award and has it prominently displayed in his room.
I fall asleep listening to the rain, knowing it will be gone in the morning, just in time for Track!
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