The Chances

How a 250+ Pound Couch Potato Got Healthy

Friday, April 30, 2010

From Twitter 04-29-2010



  • 03:06:24: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-28-2010: 03:03:39: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-27-2010: 03:03:11: Ne... http://bit.ly/948M58
  • 06:12:21: Wt: 177.2, RHR: 48, BF: 18.3% #myhealthstats #fb
  • 09:44:58: You women probably thought men don't feel this way, but you're wrong... I feel fat today. I look fat in the mirror.
  • 09:45:10: But the good news is I'm running 3 miles later.
  • 09:59:11: DAMMIT! I said I was fat, now I'm getting weight loss spammed.
  • 11:55:31: Where's @RunRonRun been?
  • 13:05:31: Last training run! Ran 3 mi (8:25, 8:24, 8:46) in 25:36, 8:31/mi average, 338 calories. Walked .2 miles back to work. - http://bit.ly/akDlhO
  • 13:11:07: MapMyRun.com: Updated 2010/04/29 . 338 (kcal). 3.22 mi.. 00:30:26
  • 14:23:35: Hah I just NAILED a salesperson to the wall. Once in a while I'm satisfied with my job heh
  • 14:24:10: Call comes in, I don't recognize the # and it's an 877 #. She says, "Hi there, how are you? How's the weather out there?"
  • 14:24:33: I say, "Is this a sales call" and she says "Why yes, yes it is." I said ooh, strike one. Where are you from?
  • 14:25:02: Her answer... Austin. Aw, sorry, wrong answer, we're not interested. What, she says?
  • 14:25:27: I said well, you're supposed to tell me what company you're with, and her voice dropped. Good BYE, lady. *click*
  • 14:41:34: The sales people called AGAIN! Same origin phone # but different caller this time
  • 14:41:46: When I answered the phone, the guy was EATING, his mouth was full
  • 14:42:02: So he says, I'm looking to talk to someone about web conferencing
  • 14:42:19: My response was oh, you're looking for someone to provide that service?
  • 14:42:51: This time I shoved the call off to my boss :P
  • 15:43:49: That's all there is, just one box left to highlight. http://twitpic.com/1jh84m
  • 16:16:35: I just realized I didn't put my walking shoes back on after my run. D'oh.
  • 17:14:45: I'm at Bradshaw Shell (3591 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento). http://4sq.com/5xcgQc
  • 17:40:48: Look what the neighbor brought my son to read! http://bit.ly/c8Scrw
  • 17:42:51: I'm at Fleet Feet Sports (2311 J St, btw 23 St & 24th St, Sacramento). http://4sq.com/5gEF7A
  • 18:12:36: Not as impressive as most everyone else's, but here are my PR's:

    * 5k: 25:09.12
    * 8k: 49:11.08
    *... http://dailymile.com/e/6qtG
  • 18:27:21: Ran 3.22 miles in 30 mins. Last training run before Avenue of the Giants! I ran 3 mi (8:25, 8:24, 8:46) in 25:36, 8:... http://bit.ly/bjWGp9
  • 18:36:38: Nothing left to highlight. Only 3 days left! http://bit.ly/bEMyXv
  • 19:04:24: I'm at Walmart (1131 North Beale Rd., Marysville). http://4sq.com/8Sezha


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Thursday, April 29, 2010

From Twitter 04-28-2010



  • 03:03:39: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-27-2010: 03:03:11: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-26-2010: 03:02:51: Ne... http://bit.ly/bOqN1N
  • 06:18:29: Wt: 174.2, RHR: 50, BF: 17.3% #myhealthstats #fb
  • 08:41:24: Just remoted into a system randomly. The user was not only playing a flash game, but a HORRIBLE flash game. "Club Penguin" it says. :P
  • 08:41:49: Oh man I should call him and see if he quickly closes the window.
  • 08:43:33: The SECOND his phone started ringing, he closed the window... then answered the phone. :P
  • 09:03:27: I picture my tapering self as Picard looking at the lights.
  • 09:06:46: HOLY... Max Headroom's on DVD. http://amzn.to/c2703S
  • 09:38:57: One goal for Sunday: finish before the Photographer decides it's not worth taking finish line pictures anymore.
  • 10:36:15: The I Love the 80s app spells it KAHN. KHAAAAAAAAN!
  • 13:29:59: Wow. Well that works. RT @mashable: BREAKING: HP (client) to Acquire @Palm for $1.2 Billion - http://bit.ly/avM6o3 #pre #pixi
  • 14:56:01: Hey @Jose_Galvan AC/DC's playing outside my window, I'm THUNDASTRUCK!
  • 14:56:03: THUNDA!
  • 15:12:17: Falling asleep over here!
  • 15:30:06: See??? I'm not the only one! RT @lannies: Literally in a food coma after Sushi Nozawa...hands down best sushi I have ever had...AMAZING!!
  • 16:06:07: Not only did they spell it Kahn, but they spelled the actor's name Mantalbon! @ilovethe80s #fail
  • 16:13:17: The I Love the 80s app also called the Travolta movie "Prefect"
  • 16:53:57: I'm at Bradshaw Shell (3591 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento). http://4sq.com/5xcgQc
  • 18:46:02: This is great, the neighbor brought over a kid book about Terry Fox for my son to read!
  • 18:47:28: http://twitpic.com/1j8j1l - How awesome is this? The neighbor brought a book about Terry Fox for my son to read!
  • 20:46:31: hypotranemia. You know. :P
  • 20:46:39: hyponatremia
  • 20:46:46: abominable abomable, badonameble
  • 21:38:02: Well, I'm going to taper myself into bed. Goodnight all. #fb


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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

From Twitter 04-27-2010





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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Intervals: 6x400m (400m RI)

Today was the last interval session before the marathon. Only one more short run on Thursday, and I'll be done training!

After the heat of the other day, wouldn't you know it, it was 60 degrees and raining today? I wish God would stop playing with the switch, it's getting annoying.


See the activity on RunSaturday
Type:Run - Intervals
Duration:0:47:14
Distance:4.87 mi




Intervals
1: 8:00/mi
2: 8:00/mi
3: 7:51/mi
4: 8:03/mi
5: 7:58/mi
6: 7:52/mi

4.9 mi total in 47:14 (9:42/mi ave), 517 kcal burned

From Twitter 04-26-2010



  • 03:02:51: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-25-2010: 03:01:59: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-24-2010: 03:02:13: Ne... http://bit.ly/aQmDvy
  • 06:35:36: Wt: 173.8 (-1.8), RHR: 51, BF: 17.7% #myhealthstats #WLMon #fb
  • 06:49:54: I'm at Tower Mart (4217 Arboga Rd., McGowan Pkwy, Olivehurst). http://4sq.com/7CHyek
  • 08:00:18: I just found my company's moving about 5 miles away. My boss didn't tell me though.
  • 08:00:47: I found out because there was an announcement on our Intranet. Thing is, we're the first ones who will be affected by the move.
  • 08:00:57: Why he neglected to tell us is beyond me, that's just ridiculous.
  • 08:01:48: This does complicate my life a bit. I'll have to switch gyms, it'll be a longer commute. Traffic off highway 50's a bitch at Sunrise.
  • 08:22:18: For the record though, I have yet to see cleavage in the wild today. #boobquake
  • 09:00:48: My stomach growling this morning sounds like a helicopter. #fb
  • 11:11:43: RT @nturnage: #RunFatboyRun D: Isn't there some sort of special technique? G: Yeah, u put one leg in front of the other over & over agai ...
  • 13:27:40: What use is that? The Foursquare client just told me my friends made 81 new check-ins. @zhephree
  • 14:20:22: Nothing like waiting until the last minute... my wife says the entry confirmation for the Avenue of the Giants Marathon just arrived. :P
  • 16:44:07: I'm at Bradshaw Shell (3591 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento). http://4sq.com/5xcgQc
  • 18:15:38: I'm at Rite Aid (1590 Butte House Rd., Yuba City). http://4sq.com/7evW62
  • 21:43:30: New post on my blog: Final Weekend Before The Marathon!: Saturday was the Run Drugs Out of Town 5k. It's most def... http://bit.ly/b28oy4
  • 22:00:37: WOOTOFF! :)"


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Monday, April 26, 2010

Final Weekend Before The Marathon!

Saturday was the Run Drugs Out of Town 5k. It's most definitely spring, we started at 9 and it was already 61 degrees.


See the activity on RunSaturday
Type:Run - Race
Duration:0:25:52
Distance:3.08 mi




Splits
Mile 1: 8:19
Mile 2: 8:30
Mile 3: 8:16
.1 Mi: :46 (8:34/mi)

Garmin time was 25:52, official chip time was 25:56. Not a PR (PR would be 25:06), but given how things have gone as of late, I'm pleased. It certainly made me feel good about Sunday.

Then yesterday was my final long run, 8 miles. That one didn't go near as well. I let myself be lazy and not get up with the 6am alarm, with the brilliant thought that I'd run in the late afternoon. Mmm, the seasons are changing, dude, WHAT was I thinking?

I also decided to take the railroad access road/trail, which I've run on before and is a nice dirt surface. That was a mistake as well, over the winter lots of morons took advantage of the water and mud to have a little fun with their dirt bikes, completely pitting & carving out the trail. Since we had a few days of rain last week, all those holes are now deep puddles.

The far side of the trail was worse, not only did it have the holes, and the puddles, but the weeds are now overgrown across the trail to the point where I was more shuffling & jumping over weeds than running.

Then there was the heat. It was 82 degrees when I started, and I felt every bit of it. So my 8-miler wasn't that great a pace. But I got it done.


See the activity on RunSaturday
Type:Run - Long Run
Duration:1:46:24
Distance:8.56 mi




I also need to share with you what I discovered as I went outside to run. Who says kids aren't influenced by parents?



That's a finish chute. At the fence outside of the picture, they have it labeled START. Written on the step is the word FINISH.

From Twitter 04-25-2010





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Sunday, April 25, 2010

From Twitter 04-24-2010



  • 03:02:13: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-23-2010: 07:58:28: This time next week, I'll be fighting with the family to g... http://bit.ly/df5Y5d
  • 07:06:27: Wt: 174, RHR: 46, BF: 17.3% #myhealthstats #fb
  • 10:30:23: Run Drugs Out of Town 2010 official time: 25:26.4, no PR for me. But it was fun. :) #fb
  • 14:38:43: Happy Birthday, Thomas! 10 years old! (@ Wildwood Park) http://4sq.com/9IjkuO
  • 16:05:49: A guy at this bday party just said "You know what I like? Black anus." Whoa.
  • 17:11:33: I'm at Trader Joe's (801 East Ave, btw Cohasset Rd & Pillsbury Rd, Chico). http://4sq.com/9fo5aa
  • 18:37:10: Run Drugs Out of Town 5k, 25:56 (8:19, 8:30, 8:16), 8:23/mi average, 323 calories burned, #11 in age grp, #39 overall - http://bit.ly/9ZnfnI
  • 18:43:20: MapMyRun.com: Updated 2010/04/24 . 323 (kcal). 3.09 mi.. 00:25:53
  • 18:53:16: Ran 3.09 miles in 25 mins and felt great. Given how my calves have been feeling lately, I wasn't expecting a PR. I ... http://bit.ly/9evMLh
  • 18:56:58: I don't remember an announcement, but suddenly there's this link to "Upload GPX" on @DailyMile. Great job, guys!
  • 18:58:23: For the record, what that means is that I can now upload routes I combine in Sporttracks! @DailyMile
  • 18:59:03: It also means that I can add the actual ROUTES from Sporttracks instead of quick overviews. @DailyMile
  • 19:11:20: In fact that reminds me, i can now upload the Avenue of the Giants Marathon route to DM! @biscuiterie @LaylaBohm @derrickstang
  • 19:32:24: Boys & Girls, the weather forecast for May 2 now says partly cloudy. Oh yeahhhh. @biscuiterie @LaylaBohm @derrickstang
  • 20:13:11: At a birthday party today, someone overheard my wife saying I'd run a 5k this morning. "You ran 5k this morning?" sh... http://bit.ly/bQmSQx


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Saturday, April 24, 2010

From Twitter 04-23-2010



  • 07:58:28: This time next week, I'll be fighting with the family to get on the road to drive up to Humboldt for the marathon.
  • 08:02:19: For those who didn't believe me, here's the extended forecast for Weott, CA: http://bit.ly/aYTslr @LaylaBohm @derrickstang @biscuiterie
  • 08:03:14: That said, 7 days out is a very unreliable weather forecast. @LaylaBohm @derrickstang @biscuiterie
  • 08:22:17: I just found out yesterday that my favorite backpack manufacturer and my namesake @gregorypacks is HQ'ed in Sacramento. Flippin' awesome.
  • 09:26:59: I WANT ONE: http://bit.ly/cRX2qX
  • 09:28:44: I also got a car DVD player but the fam might get mad if I played Spirit of the Marathon on the way down.
  • 09:28:52: Up. North, it's up. :P
  • 09:36:12: I once played a close approximation of this solo at K-Mart on a cheap casio, heh. Listen for the sampled part: http://bit.ly/9S0EJ5
  • 09:44:49: I'm saddened by the fact that @gregorypacks didn't respond. *snif*
  • 09:45:56: RT @alienmeatsack: See Jar Jar Binks take an elbow to the face! http://bit.ly/bx3JlC
  • 10:06:55: Wow, Roger Waters has GE Smith on guitar for The Wall tour. Bet you haven't heard that name in a while. #fb
  • 10:10:02: I also love the fact that Roger tours with Jon Carin, who had previously toured with Pink Floyd. No need to teach him the material. :P
  • 10:20:38: Wow, classic loterry winner story. I wonder how long before he's broke again? http://bit.ly/9FlID2
  • 10:20:48: Yes, that was a typo.
  • 10:22:53: "...minus two front teeth he says he lost because he didn't take care of them but can now afford to have replaced."
  • 10:23:13: "Shaw said he needed a few days to decide whether he will keep his minimum-wage job at the store where he has worked for just three weeks."
  • 10:23:51: "Shaw -- who has a 10-year-old son, a 7-year-old girl and a 5-year-old girl by two different women..."
  • 12:33:58: RT @punkrokk: @gdead rt For those that run/bike/swim, check out @runsaturday... a nice site to plan routes, store your training info, et ...
  • 16:44:04: I'm at Bradshaw Shell (3591 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento). http://4sq.com/5xcgQc
  • 19:12:51: BY THE WAY, doing lots of stretching today has helped my calves tremendously.


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Friday, April 23, 2010

From Twitter 04-22-2010



  • 03:02:36: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-21-2010: 03:03:21: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-20-2010: 03:05:13: Ne... http://bit.ly/cHYGaC
  • 05:54:03: Wt: 173.6, RHR: 52, BF: 17.6% #myhealthstats #fb
  • 07:45:06: "Cooking w/Corey" blog contest. Details at http://cookingwithcorey.blogspot.com - Contest ends 4/30/10.
  • 07:51:50: "Twitter Status: Twitter API is temporarily unavailable." Bastages.
  • 08:05:31: I need to help a user, here's her description: "I have this email here, it just keeps blinking, blinking, and I've... can you look?"
  • 08:06:14: Like Shatner in Airplane 2... these instruments are beeping, and flashing, and FLASHING AND BEEPING! I'VE GOT TO GET OUT OF HERE!!!!!
  • 09:25:34: RT @cksully: Announcements on removing HFCS from products..its about time http://bit.ly/cPkgeI
  • 14:53:04: Ran 6 miles (9:36, 10:06, 10:39, 11:01, 11:48, 10:20) in 1:03:48, 10:35/mi average, 684 calories burned - http://bit.ly/cEKC4F
  • 14:58:47: User just sent me an email...
  • 14:59:04: "The boss asked me to ask to set up my iphone w/ Mozilla to be able to view my work email remotely."
  • 14:59:27: She still doesn't seem to understand that her email isn't called Mozilla.
  • 15:20:26: MapMyRun.com: Updated 2010/04/22 . 684 (kcal). 6.14 mi.. 01:06:35
  • 15:28:06: Ran 6.14 miles in 1 hour and 6 mins and 31 secs and felt blah. Just putting in the miles today. Both calves were gi... http://bit.ly/c2CvLn
  • 18:43:00: Remember the backwards Indian from Little Big Man? He'd feel at home here. (@ Walmart) http://4sq.com/8Sezha


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Thursday, April 22, 2010

From Twitter 04-21-2010



  • 03:03:21: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-20-2010: 03:05:13: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-19-2010: 03:04:27: Ne... http://bit.ly/9nPyCm
  • 06:26:12: Wt: 174, RHR: 51, BF: 17.3% #myhealthstats #fb
  • 08:11:45: I need to invent an antisocial network.
  • 08:11:55: Although I think the antisocial network is jail.
  • 08:14:02: Aw how sweet, a couple people like me. At least, according to Facebook. Can I like the fact that they like me?
  • 08:14:17: 13 minutes ago · You like you. Undo
  • 08:14:26: WOO!
  • 08:37:30: "If you like <this>, then you just might like <that>" instead of "then you'll love <that>", it just sounded weird.
  • 08:37:53: Sort of like Hugh Hewitt on the radio, the announcer says "The 8th most popular radio host in America" like that's something special hehe
  • 08:43:26: Last night in bible study I referred to my anger as the raging spirit that dwells within me. I was saddened that nobody got the reference.
  • 13:07:31: I had a discussion with a friend about the importance of proper running socks. He had an epiphany and bought 12 pairs.
  • 13:47:57: I wonder if, the next time we see William Bell, will he start singing the Ballad of Bilbo Baggins? #fringe
  • 16:44:15: I'm at Bradshaw Shell (3591 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento). http://4sq.com/5xcgQc
  • 18:17:52: I'm at Food Maxx (6000 Lindhurst Ave., Marysville). http://4sq.com/4OwnMP
  • 20:50:36: Post weight loss, I still need the Short & Stubby store, and it's not fair
  • 20:59:41: I click a link to a movie trailer on yahoo but have to see their ad first... for another movie. wha?
  • 21:12:28: <-- 5'6.5"
  • 21:12:44: <--26" inseam
  • 21:19:07: Captain Jack Harkness on Desperate Housewives? American TV? The world is coming to an end.


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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

From Twitter 04-20-2010





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Tuesday, April 20, 2010

From Twitter 04-19-2010



  • 03:04:27: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-18-2010: 03:02:30: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-17-2010: 03:02:24: Ne... http://bit.ly/bcANLZ
  • 05:46:31: Wt: 175.6 (-1), RHR: 47, BF: 17% #myhealthstats #WLMon #fb
  • 06:29:34: Listening to the #bostonmarathon updates on @WBZ with #radiotime on my @palm #pre. I live in CA. I love technology. #fb
  • 07:08:31: Announcer just said, "Sunny degrees in Boston." Wha? @misterfonzie
  • 07:09:42: Hilarious, last year's txt updates are active for THIS year's bibs
  • 07:11:02: Got an update for some random elite female runner.
  • 07:52:14: "Ryan Hall has dropped?" What does that mean? Is he out?
  • 07:56:21: excuse me, I was wrong about Meb. Not sure now.
  • 08:07:40: Just lost the stream completely on justin.tv, it now says it's moved.
  • 08:09:27: Interesting, the stream on www.p2pstation.net says visit www.p2pstation.net, anyone else having this problem?
  • 08:09:43: Nevermind it just came back. :)
  • 08:11:35: Oh man, Meb just stopped to go potty.
  • 08:12:44: Oh excuse me I was wrong, Meb just stopped to hug a spectator. Heh.
  • 08:13:10: No wait, now Meb ripped off his shirt to reveal a large G tattooed to his chest!
  • 08:25:38: Valerie Bertinelli is in the lead pack?
  • 08:28:39: I walk away & both Meb & Ryan fall back? ack
  • 08:30:06: I just heard someone say, "It's very, very bad". Not sure who said that or why, hehe
  • 08:59:13: WOO!
  • 09:07:11: RT @thinkgeek: That cloud of volcanic ash halting air travel? It is sentient, evil, & wants to escape the island: http://twitpic.com/1gtzrj
  • 09:08:47: What was @ryanhall3's time last year?
  • 09:09:21: Yeah, let's hassle @ryanhall3 about getting over. Meh.
  • 09:29:16: Yet he finds time to tweet. :P RT @steverunner: Pain
  • 10:03:06: 10 years worth of infestation & 200 lbs of honey found in walls... gaaaaaaaaaah! I hate bees!!! http://bit.ly/daZg1K
  • 10:08:41: How the hell is @steverunner's battery lasting this long?
  • 12:05:34: I meant to send this earlier, @steverunner could use it now... ♫ http://blip.fm/~oxio0
  • 12:28:07: OK, this sucks. After watching the Boston Marathon this morning I haven't been able to work, too busy thinking about Humboldt!
  • 13:06:01: STOP SCRAPING THE SIDES OF WHATEVER CRAPPY PLASTIC CONTAINER YOU PUT YOUR FOOD IN WITH YOUR SPOON!!! GAH!!!!
  • 13:06:55: Also, find another freakin' container to drink out of, the current one goes "blub blub blub blub"
  • 13:58:22: Haven't seen an update in a while, how is @steverunner doing?
  • 14:01:16: Huh. So apparently when I send an email to someone and cc: another person, the other person ignores it, because it wasn't sent "to them"
  • 14:01:28: Is there some CC: round file I'm unaware of?
  • 17:17:38: I'm at Bradshaw Shell (3591 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento). http://4sq.com/5xcgQc
  • 19:02:22: I'm at Walmart (1131 North Beale Rd., Marysville). http://4sq.com/8Sezha
  • 21:04:10: Christina Hendricks has replaced Megan Fox as Esquire's Best Looking Woman. Justice has been served.
  • 21:48:42: RICE, RICE, baby.
  • 21:56:04: Hah everybody tweeted so much during the #bostonmarathon, they wore themselves out. It's quiet tonight.


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Monday, April 19, 2010

From Twitter 04-18-2010





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Sunday, April 18, 2010

Two Weeks

I had one heck of a week, running wise. It actually started last weekend, if you recall just prior to my 20-miler, my allergies flared and I actually deferred it for a day. I was able to run on Sunday instead, but boy, did I pay.

On Monday, once again I was miserable. At least I didn't have to run, but on Tuesday I was still suffering.

Monday's run was intervals, which I did, but of course my heart rate was elevated and my breathing was just terrible.

I had decided to avoid the gym all week to allow for more healing in my legs, where the calf pain was. Thursday was a 6-mile run, but rather quickly, I realized my calves were in tremendous pain. I ended up walking quite a bit just because they hurt so bad.

I made sure to ice my calves when I got back to my office. I also iced that night and used the stick to massage them. On Friday I did more of the same, along with some evening foam rolling.

Saturday I spent the day with my family, so I got a full two days of rest on my legs. That made a big difference today, when I ran 13 miles.


See the activity on RunSaturday
Type:Run - General
Duration:2:21:24
Distance:12.99 mi




Splits
Mile 1: 9:56
Mile 2: 9:52
Mile 3: 10:24
Mile 4: 10:41
Mile 5: 10:29
Mile 6: 10:21
Mile 7: 11:19
Mile 8: 10:41
Mile 9: 11:02
Mile 10: 11:31
Mile 11: 12:01
Mile 12: 12:18
Mile 13: 10:43

13 miles, 2:21:24, 10:52/mi average, 1408 calories burned

Of course, tonight I'm paying the price for the run. My calves are having as much problems as I had last week, so I've been icing off and on this evening. More foam roller use.

The happy news is that Week 1 of the taper is completed. Two weeks until the Avenue of the Giants Marathon. TWO WEEKS!

From Twitter 04-17-2010





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Saturday, April 17, 2010

From Twitter 04-16-2010



  • 06:04:55: Wt: 172.4, RHR: 49, BF: 17.2% #myhealthstats #fb
  • 08:38:53: RT @sactreasurehunt: SuperSwarm attempt today - 4pm @1801LStreet #4sqday. Courtyard area... Please RT, for we need 250 peeps!
  • 10:10:09: Heh... presale Rush tickets have the same face value, BUT by buying in the presale I saved about $8 in LiveNation fees.
  • 10:10:38: Or should I say, Ticketmaster fees. I'll call them what they are. :P
  • 11:02:22: Last night my wife told me she felt like she "ran a marathon". She weed eated the lawn earlier in the day.
  • 13:49:32: I just unlocked the "4sq Day 2010" badge on @foursquare! http://4sq.com/c4mqy1
  • 14:59:23: http://twitpic.com/1g39kh - @REI_CoOp I keep this one as my phone backdrop. Army Pass @ Mt. Whitney.
  • 15:21:27: D'oh. My wife just posted to Facebook that she planted a "tomatoe" plant.


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Friday, April 16, 2010

From Twitter 04-15-2010





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Thursday, April 15, 2010

From Twitter 04-14-2010





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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

From Twitter 04-13-2010



  • 03:05:42: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-12-2010: 06:28:43: Wt: 174 (-3.2), RHR: 52, BF: 16.9% #myhealthstats #WLMon #... http://bit.ly/aUp4LV
  • 06:05:39: Wt: 172.2, RHR: 52, BF: 17.4% #myhealthstats #fb
  • 06:32:11: I'm at Tower Mart (1976 McGowan Pkwy, Powerline Rd, Olivehurst). http://4sq.com/5CYV6W
  • 13:08:47: I'm at 76 (705 Harbor Pointe Pl, at Stillwater Rd, West Sacramento). http://4sq.com/bPgBUY
  • 14:15:45: Looks like I won't be running today after all, thanks to being at our remote site most of the day. All is not lost, I'll run tomorrow. #fb
  • 15:03:35: WTF, the friend of mine who found out FROM ME about Rush going on tour bought tickets... and none for me.
  • 15:03:49: See, he was able to get in on the presale while I was working. Wonderful.


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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

From Twitter 04-12-2010



  • 06:28:43: Wt: 174 (-3.2), RHR: 52, BF: 16.9% #myhealthstats #WLMon #fb
  • 08:08:47: Yesterday's long run didn't help my already-flaring allergies, I'm afraid. Can't breathe through my nose.
  • 08:48:41: Dire Straits, "The Bug" @lauralang3http://blip.fm/~oj4yt
  • 09:01:56: RT @FakeAPStylebook: Always refer to the character as "the Doctor," not "Doctor Who." You don't want to get letters from those people.
  • 10:07:19: Well that's out of left field. RT @sacbee_news: Conan O'Brien to make TBS his new late-night home http://bit.ly/9DBbeG
  • 15:40:01: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-11-2010: 03:02:39: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-10-2010: 03:04:01: Ne... http://bit.ly/aQbzyy
  • 17:50:22: I'm at Bradshaw Shell (3591 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento). http://4sq.com/5xcgQc
  • 23:44:45: New post on my blog: Sunday Long Run: 21.4 Miles: Wow. It was supposed to rain, but holy cow, man. I think I per... http://bit.ly/90fDfj


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Monday, April 12, 2010

Sunday Long Run: 21.4 Miles

Wow. It was supposed to rain, but holy cow, man. I think I personally soaked up half the rainfall in California.

This run was originally scheduled for Saturday. My wife had wanted to go to Denio's Farmer's Market in Roseville, so I agreed, but what I hadn't counted on was how cold it was. We didn't last long there, and ended up eating lunch at Brookfield's. I do like that place, especially since they have sweet potato pancakes.

As I ate, my sinus headache got worse and worse, and by the time I got home, I was ready to go to bed. Yet, I was still supposed to run 20 miles, and the Zoo Zoom 10k was scheduled for Sunday!

After much procrastination I finally resigned myself to the fact that I needed rest. I decided to forego the Zoo Zoom, spend the rest of the day around the house, and running the 20 on Sunday instead.

Sunday morning I did feel much better, so at 11am I headed out the door. It wasn't raining at the beginning, in fact the sun kept threatening to come out of the clouds. At the 2 mile mark, I saw a stray dog ahead of me, and I talked to it as I ran. "Hey, buddy, what are you doing out of your yard? Oh, you're going to follow me? Okay." 1/4 mile later, I stopped to check if he had a tag, but all he had was a leash collar. He kept following.

Suddenly a big, white pitbull came running out of a fence, barking like mad! Three people were running after it, shouting at him, "MOTHERF-ER!!!" I'm not sure if that was its name, but it was obvious immediately that it wasn't chasing ME, it was chasing the dog that had been running with me.

I watched as the pitbull chased after this dog, who was doing pretty well getting away, while its owners chased the pitbull. After a few minutes, they were able to catch the animal. It made me wonder though: why would anyone A) keep a dog that's capable of great harm to another animal, much less a person, B) leave their gate open with a dog such as that, and C) not have him tied up, given that their gate was open? The only possible answer I could come up with was "Olivehurst".

Then the rain started.

Now, I can deal with rain, I've run quite a bit in it. I also know from experience that while I do well in rain at first, long distances (10 miles or more) sort of get to me after a while. How could it not? I was prepared, I have a supposedly waterproof ultralight jacket I use for backpacking, and was wearing tights & a longsleeve comperssion shirt. I had the cap of the jacket over my head, with my running hat to hold it in place. I was wearing my Brooks running vest for visibility.

The thing I didn't count on was the fact that the backroads I run on were extremely uneven. Not so uneven that you can't run on them, but uneven to the point where after a short time they became miles and miles of puddles. Not quite a lake, but it was a challenge not to run in an inch of water. The side of the road I normally run on was really more of a water-filled trench, so I had to run towards the center of the road. This road, of course, becoming a highway once outside of town.

Needless to say, I did my share of running, and my share of peeing. I made sure I was hydrated though, I had my 1.5 liter hydration pack, combined with my newly-purchased Ultimate Direction 24-ounce bottle filled with Nuun. I'd almost emptied the Nuun by the 12-mile marker, but my plan was always to go into the Plumas Lake Walgreen's for some water and sustinance. I refilled my bottle, added the Nuun, and ate a protein bar & apple.

I can't say I wasn't tempted to cut the trip short. Had I turned onto Plumas/Arboga Road, I could have been home in 16 miles instead of 20, but I was on a mission. I had to earn my taper!

The wind blew my hat off at Mile 14, and as luck would have it, two or three cars were coming so I had to wait for them to pass before I could retrieve it. Meh.

Then I headed out to the Sleep Train Amphitheater. Running out there is a strange experience, with no concerts going on and with the rain, it's quite deserted. The occasional car doing 85 mph would always tear water up something fierce, which would then blow onto me. Meh.

I also wonder as I run out in places like that what people must think. Hey, there's a guy out here, and what... he's running? What a moron!

What helped was listening to podcasts. By this time I was knee deep in Running Stupid, and when someone's talking about ultramarathons, mile 17 in the rain doesn't seem all that bad!

As I passed the amphitheater, I saw a porta potty and thought wow, I could sure use a break... oh wait, it's behind barbed wire. I wasn't quite prepared to cross it, so I took the next stop behind a stack of hay bales and managed to get my shoes nice and muddy. By the time I got home, my shoes were clean. :)

I couldn't think about my muddy shoes though, because I still had miles to complete. As Running Stupid ended, I attempted to put on some music, only to find that the phone was just acting wacky. It just wouldn't do what I wanted it to do, so I finally gave up and turned it off.

At mile 19, I stopped at the Tower Mart to use the restroom and honestly, buy some sugar in the form of yellow Zingers. I would have preferred raspberry, but they were sold out. Meh.

Then I ran into someone I know. Here's how the conversation went.

"What are you running from?"
"Not from, to. I'm ready to get out of this rain, home will be 20 miles."
"Nonstop?"

Yeah, dude. When was the last time you ran 20 miles in the rain, does it not count if I don't run nonstop? Meh.

As I was into the last mile, the rain decided that it had been too nice to me, so the clouds opened up and suddenly I was in a hurricane. Or at least, it felt like it, the wind was blowing, the rain was now 3x as hard as before, and being back in civilization, there were lots of cars going by. Can I have another meh?

When I finally made it home, the shower was quite welcome. We went to pick up the kids, who had spent the weekend in Fort Bragg with grandma & grampa. For dinner I had a nice rib eye and made no apologies for it.


See the activity on RunSaturday
Type:Run - General
Duration:5:02:14
Distance:21.36 mi




So after my peak week of 37 miles, I can happily report that I'm officially in taper mode! Of course you wouldn't think so, given tomorrow's 6x800m intervals scheduled, but thinking about taper does make me happy. Only three more weeks until the Avenue of the Giants marathon, where I'm not expecting a PR, but should certainly beat last year's 6:21 time.

From Twitter 04-11-2010



  • 03:02:39: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-10-2010: 03:04:01: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-09-2010: 03:03:18: Ne... http://bit.ly/9BaoEQ
  • 07:41:23: Wt: 173.8, RHR: 47, BF: 17.5% #myhealthstats #fb
  • 20:07:45: RAIN! Farthes I've ever run in the rain: ran 21.4 miles in 5:02:13 (14:10/mi average), 2545 calories burned - http://bit.ly/c5fMuc
  • 20:14:55: MapMyRun.com: Updated 2010/04/11 . 2,545 (kcal). 21.30 mi.. 05:02:15
  • 20:38:00: Ran 21.34 miles in 5 hours and 2 mins and 13 secs and felt blah. I was supposed to do this run yesterday, but progre... http://bit.ly/9lmqm5
  • 20:54:24: I forgot to exclaim something... I'm in TAPER!!! #fb


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Sunday, April 11, 2010

From Twitter 04-10-2010



  • 03:04:01: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-09-2010: 03:03:18: New post on my blog: From Twitter 04-08-2010: 03:02:56: Ne... http://bit.ly/cqaEHh
  • 07:39:57: Wt: 174.8, RHR: 49, BF: 17.3% #myhealthstats #fb
  • 08:18:17: I'm at Arco AM/PM (1129 North Beale Rd., Marysville). http://4sq.com/77TtsE
  • 09:16:15: I'm at Denio's Farmers Market & Swap Meet (1551 Vineyard Road, Roseville). http://4sq.com/agnVxU
  • 10:58:49: I'm at Granny Estate Warehouse Sale (8620 North Antelope Rd. #16, Antelope). http://4sq.com/a3WKT3
  • 11:28:35: I'm at Fry's Electronics - Roseville (180 N Sunrise Ave, at Lead Hill Blvd, Roseville) w/ 2 others. http://4sq.com/81QDh8
  • 12:58:18: I'm at Brookfields (1817 Taylor Rd, Roseville). http://4sq.com/d5m7tk
  • 13:28:53: Question: would deferring my 20-miler until next sat, 2 weeks out from the marathon, be a problem?
  • 13:29:24: I feel like poop today, allergies flaring, one nostril glued shut.
  • 13:30:58: Another option is run tomorrow but it'll be rainy, and I could feel the same way.
  • 20:14:06: Boy, women like yogurt. They're the only people you see eating it on TV.
  • 21:34:44: HOLY CRAP, Rush is doing Moving Pictures in its entirety on tour.


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Saturday, April 10, 2010

From Twitter 04-09-2010





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Friday, April 09, 2010

Is There Any Other Sport Like Running?

I've never been a big sports fan. I just wasn't raised with it, my dad was the type who would watch the "big games", but not much else. The Super Bowl, NBA Playoffs, the World Series, those all got time on our TV's, but regular games were typically out. We'd watch oddities, like the famous bouncer competition that made Mr. T a household name.

Taking this into consideration, I'm probably not an expert on all things sport. I do have a few questions though.

Could a person who's been playing golf for a few years have a chance to play a few holes with Chi Chi Rodriguez? If I were so inclined, could I go head to head on the ice with Wayne Gretzky? Drive a couple laps around the track with Richard Petty? Shoot hoops with Magic Johnson? Play catch with Joe Namath? Swim a few hundred meters with Mark Spitz?

A few weeks ago, I got an email from Fleet Feet Sports in Roseville.


American River 50 Mile Endurance Run and Fleet Feet Sports Fair Oaks/Roseville are pleased to host legendary runner Dick Beardsley.

We invite runners and recreational enthusiasts for a FREE “fun run” (3-5 miles) with Dick Beardsley and Rich Hanna on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 5:00 P.M. from Fleet Feet Sports Roseville. If you are unable to join us for the run, drop by afterwards to the Roseville store for a meet and greet and book signing with Dick Beardsley.


Mark your calendar for this exciting night -
April 8, 2010.

For more information, visit: http://www.ar50mile.com/dickb.aspx


For those who may not be runners or haven't heard about him, he's perhaps most famous for the 1982 Boston Marathon, the finish of which was later called the Duel in the Sun. While he finished in second place behind Alberto Salazar, it was nonetheless an amazing finish. As he said to me, watching it makes the "hair on the back of your neck stand straight up."


That's right, he said that to me. I didn't read it in some book (although he's probably said it to people many, many times), he said it to me.

On Wednesday, I did a leg workout in the gym, and Thursday morning I ran 8 miles before leaving for work. By the end of the day I was about spent, but I did want to run with Dick Beardsley at Fleet Feet. I didn't get off until 4:30, and the run was to start at 5. I figured what the heck, at very least I could meet Dick afterwards.

I didn't get there until 5:20! When I walked in the door, Dick was speaking to everyone, so I hadn't missed the run.



When he was done speaking, he told us that he wouldn't be able to run with us. How disappointing! Apparently he'd strained one of his hamstrings and wanted to rest it, so he said he'd meet us when we returned.

I'd forgotten about the hills in that part of Roseville. The run itself was only a little more than 3.5 miles, but the hills, combined with my soreness from the 8-miler and previous day's leg workout made for one slow, sore run. As I ran I had to keep telling myself that it was a good thing to feel what it was like to be on sore legs, since that's how I'm going to feel at the Avenue of the Giants Marathon on May 2.

When I got back, I had the chance to talk to Dick for a few moments. It really wasn't all that long, but I had the opportunity to meet a running legend. If he hadn't strained his hamstring, he would have been running with us. It didn't cost a dime.

So I'll ask the question I posed in the blog title: is there any other sport like running, where you can meet people like Dick Beardsley, participate in the sport with them, even ask questions, without cost? I'm sure you can go to a sports clinic and pay thousands of dollars to meet baseball or basketball players.

This is just one of the amazing things about running. We're all in this together, whether we're out in front or in the back of the pack. The guys in the front are pushing for the guys in the back and want us to succeed just as much as they do. I'm thankful that I finally came to my senses and am able to take part!

Speaking of taking part, here's the details.


See the activity on RunSaturday
Type:Run - General
Duration:0:40:54
Distance:3.60 mi




This week happens to be my peak training week. Tomorrow's the only 20 mile run in the training cycle, and Sunday's the Sacramento Zoo Zoom, where I'm signed up for the 10k. 6.22 miles, which I certainly don't plan to run at a race pace after 20 miles. When the week is over, I will have run more miles in a week than I ever have, at just over 43 miles.

After that, it's time to taper, where mileage reduces prior to the marathon. Big fun lies ahead!

From Twitter 04-08-2010





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Thursday, April 08, 2010

Recovery Run: 8 miles

I thought for sure I'd be more recovered than I am from yesterday's leg work in the gym, but obviously I'm not. This morning was hard with a capital HARD. I struggled most of the way because of my sore legs, but I managed. I ran before I left for work, meaning I was out there around 4:15am.

Then to top it all off, not one, but two people cut me off only a half mile from my house. Both were at the same stop sign, too! Running on Arboga Rd., I had the right of way and they had a stop, but they tried to beat me there. The first person even waved at me as if there was nothing wrong.

It's not like they couldn't see me. As one person put it, when I wear my nighttime running gear, I'm "lit up like a Christmas tree". I think it's just another case of people caring more about themselves than the people around them.


See the activity on RunSaturday
Type:Run - General
Duration:1:41:10
Distance:8.01 mi




Splits
Mile 1: 10:28
Mile 2: 11:35
Mile 3: 12:26
Mile 4: 12:08
Mile 5: 14:57
Mile 6: 15:39
Mile 7: 13:28
Mile 8: 10:24

8 miles, 1:41:10, 12:38/mi average, 839 calories burned