so it goes

I got in a nice 5 mile run today. Why was I able to run in morning today? Yesterday got laid off, totally unexpected. After work got call that due to lack of work was laid off. So any racing plans put on hold. But no reason not to go run and keep the endorphins high.

Hoping to find something soon. Funny I was obsessive about running , ran every day for a year, then I stopped and things start going wrong. Perhaps time to start another running streak

Perfect 10 Weekend

It was a good weekend, left to go to Cleveland Saturday afternoon. We stopped in Hudson at Vertical runner to pick up race packet, Me and Maria decided to eat at a little place in town near there. I have since been obsessed with grilled cheese sandwiches, I had a great one there and wonder if I could make it at home.

We then headed to Progressive field to watch the Indians game. Tribe won 3-1 and we got a Mike Hargrove Bobblehead. Life is good

Then Sunday morning went to Lyndhurst for the Perfect 10 miler. I was a little tentative starting out slow, kept thinking about crashing here last year. But it wasnt has hot or humid. Of course it rained the whole race. So kept me a little cooler. I made the 5 mile marker in 48 minutes. Right about where I wanted to be. I felt like I pushed it a little the second half, If I had remembered my Garmin maybe I would have some proof. But almost sure last 3 were fastest miles. Finsihed in 1:36:25 so almost an even split. But I felt better after 6 then after 2.

Overall a great weekend.

Lacking motivation

I just listened to the running in the center of the Universe podcast, found on itunes, and got inspired to try and get the blog going again. I had tryed to make a podcast, got 25 episodes out there. But so much has changed in life that I dont have the time or desire to do it right now. I continue to listen to them and once things are back to where I can do it again I hope to start the podcast up again. But I should be able to post a blog weekly

A quick update, I seperated from my wife last december. Due to this my living situation isnt perfect, far from it. Large part of reason no podcast I met a great girl in March been seeing her ever since. In May I started a new job, still getting used to it. Like I said big changes in my life.

In running I have done some races, biggie was the Cleveland Marathon in May. I made 1 year running and now decided to take it easier for a bit. Easier then running every day. I havent signed up yet but have plans to run the Columbus marathon in October. In short term,tomorrow im running the Perfect 10 miler. Hoping for a decent time but my running pace has been slow lately, even for me.

I took a real easy week this week, least running I done in long time. I felt I needed it. Any ways I need something to remotivate my running. Suggestions?

Mama dont let your babies grow up to be runners

Runners arent easy to love and harder to stop,
They rather go for a run
Finishers medals and old faded race shirts each day begins a new run
Mamas dont let your babies grow up to be runners
Dont let them run intervals and cross country
Let'em be bikers and swimmers and such
Mama dont let your babies grow up to be runners
They'll never stay home always running alone
even with someone they love
Runers like race day and cool morning runs
water stops and girls in tights
And them that dont know them wont like them
and them that do wont always run with him
Mama dont let your babies grow up to be runners
Dont let them run intervals and cross country
Let'em be bikers and swimmers and such
Mama dont let your babies grow up to be runners
They'll never stay home always running alone
even with someone they love

The forgotten blog

Yes I have been negligent with my blog. Its true I admit. I have been devoting my time to my podcast, http://bom1965.podbean.com/

I was hoping to do at least a weekly blog on its on, has well has keeping it has place for pictures related to podcast. But some times the best laid plans dont always happen. Now, if anyone still following this please give opinion of podcast, if you listen to running podcast give it a listen.

So whats happening with me? A quick update is im still running, done a slew of races, started running everyday, has of today September 29 I have run 62 days in a row. Last day off was july 29. Well I will try to do more updates.

Weekend races

Just somne pictures from this weekend races.

Virtual runner for Epilepsy association

I'm a Virtual Runner

This fall, I’ve decided to dedicate my races to support the Epilepsy Association and the many programs and services the Association provides.

Epilepsy is a highly misunderstood neurological disorder affecting over 3 million Americans including over 326,000 children under the age of 14.

What’s it like to live with a seizure disorder? For many it’s like living with a time bomb in your brain. Uncontrolled, epilepsy can lead to brain damage, developmental delays and pre-mature death. There is also a strong connection between epilepsy and depression. This is why the social services provided by the Epilepsy Association are so important.

I've decided to run in support of the Epilepsy Association, the only community agency in northeast Ohio supporting individuals with epilepsy, their families and caregivers. They have been providing help for over 35 years.

I'm a runner and now I have the opportunity to make my miles count for something more.

Please support my efforts.

With your help, I'll use my miles to raise money and awareness for the Epilepsy Association.

My Mileage Goal is: 50 miles

My Races are:Panerathon 10K, Brookfield 5K, Ice Cream rac 5K,Buhl Day 5K, Peace Race 10K

Stars and Stripes 5K

Saturday I went over to Howland and ran in the Stars and Stripes 5K. Normally it is on the fourth but since 4th is a Sunday the changed it, of course the parade was still on 4th so I dont know. I guess this shows how much I go to church.

I got there and registered, regular cotton tshirt but did get a bag and a head band, reminded me of the old 70's style headband. I went did a little stretching, then a mile warm up with Rick, Todd and Todd's brother, who I forgot his name.

I lined up in middle of pack like usual. I got off to a decent start but wasnt able to keep it up the whole race, splits from my garmin show they dropped each mile. I knew th only hill was on mile 3 so I sort of expected it to be a little slower. I wasnt totally disappointed in my time, 26:15 about where my last couple 5K's have been. I just started doing some speedwork a few weeks ago so wasnt expecting miracles.

Overall a good race and may do it again some year. I trying to get a good time at the Presque Isle half marathon on july 18, If I was really worried about my time in this 5K might of not of done intervals Wednesday and 8 miles on Friday. But overall thought I had a good training week for the half.

If you want to hear me talk about it here's a link to my podcast.
http://bom1965.podbean.com/

Book giveaway Ep. 6

Book giveaway Ep. 6

If your interested in winning a copy of The Extra Mile by Pam Reed listen to see how to get it.

Happy Fathers day

I got up this morning and met Steve at the Lilly pond parking lot in Mill Creek park. I had planned to do an 11 mile run, staying on roads most likely. Steve suggested jumping on the trails and I agreed. I figured it was hot and sunny the shade would help.

Well I was right about the shade, we did lot of the run on trails, a little bit of back and forth between roads and trails. But we totally changed what I had planned, really no big deal, my garmin kept the mileage. Trying to get ready for a half so the fact that we did 12.3 instead of 11 is fine.

During the day it kept heating up, which is normal . But Steve who claimed he had not done long run over 10 miles in long time sure didnt show it. He started picking it up the second half of the run. We did the first 6 miles in 1:16:58. Then did the next 6.3 miles in 1:11:56. Now I know its not a blazing fast pace (i know im slow and slower on trails.) but to do it in the heat on, on trails and then run longer then planed is a diffent story.

I got the run done and I had started the run looking for ways to add on to the run to reach 11 miles then in after 8 or 9 miles I started looking for fastest way back to the Lilly Pond parking lot.

Well overall it was a pretty good training week. Decent mileage for week, a good long run and speedwork. A couple more weeks like this I should do good in the Presque Half marathon.

IHMF 5K

Thursday night I went to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Festival 5K. My daughter Megan and Granddaughter Riley went with me. They have a festival with 5K race, or is it other way around? I went for a warm up run planned to do a mile, got almost half mile out on course when Jim caught up to me, we ran to the first turn sign of the course. Jim's faster then me his warm up pace is faster then mine. Ended up doing 1.2 miles according to garmin. I think if I was going any further I wouldnt of stayed with Jim.

It was a warm evening, upper 70's. So didnt takea lot to warm up. My biggest problem wasnt the heat but my own stupidity. I got off work at 4 went home and ended up eating something. I had started to feel hungry so made myself a little something before the race. Naturally I ate too much.

After warm up ended up getting Meg some french fries, nothing beats festival fries. Especially for grease. Then I got to start line, chatted with a couple runners I knew. They have a short kids race, then we got started. I went out a little too fast but wasnt feeling totally horrible if not for the rock in my stomach. I got to the 2 mile mark and started to have some stomach cramps so last mile ended up being my worse one. I finished in 26:24 according to my garmin.

Overall this a fun race, cheap, with a downhill finish into the festival. Decent crowd for a Thursday night. Now I know I wouldnt of placed in age group but did have one complaint they passed out the age group awards right at finish line. No awards ceremony. To me its nice to gather with the other runners, many I know from other races, afterwards. Plus this race used to always have lots of door prizes. Not that I would win anything but when you run my pace having door prizes can keep you coming back. Of course they could of lost sponsors who gave the door prizes but I never found out. That would make a difference but way they do it now makes me feel like heres your award now get out the way. If you dont win one you dont need to know who did. Excuse me for letting my cynical side out.

After I got cooled off a bit and stomach had settled, I got a elephant ear and shared it with Riley. It was great, delious. I wasnt even hungry but who can go to a festival and not get an elephant ear to share with their granddaughter?


To hear me talk about it go here:
http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/confessions-of-a-race-addict/id374847106

The podcast

http://bom1965.podbean.com/

http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/confessions-of-a-race-addict/id374847106




I had thought about starting my own podcast for a long time. I know, I know, I dont think I actually mentioned it. If you read this for some time you might know im a long time listener of running podcasts.

So this past March I started to move towards it. I purchased a cheap digital recorder (which I hope to replace in near future) I looked for a mic to attach and record while running. I haven't found one yet but have a link to get one online if I decide to. Right now I just carry it while I record. Not the greatest quality but for now it will have to do.

I then downloaded audiocity on to the computer about the same time. Audicity is used to edit a digital recording. Im still learning how to use it. Basically learning on the go. I think have made some improvements in first couple episodes.

Finally, in April I took the rcorder out with me on a run. It was a distater. Unlistenable, most of what you could hear was the sound of me running with occasional background noise of me talking. So I put it a side for a month or so and finally after running the marathon gave it another attempt, this time not running. So I had a podcast.

I named it Confessions of a race addict, any doubt where I got that from? I wasn't sure if I wanted them to be intertwined but they are about the same topics. So while I dont want this blog that I have done for so long now to become just a place where I put links and pictures I mention in podcast I know it will be used for that also. Podcasting can be more time consuming. Hopefully some of the things I did in first couple episodes wont take me has long in the future.

So if you listen to podcasts maybe give it a chance. If you dont, no worrys I plan to keep blog alive like I have been doing.

Happy Memorial Day.

I start my 7 week training plan for the Presque Isle half this week. It has mondays and Saturdays has rest/cross training days. Which is good since I actually didnt run a monday or Saturday. So I took my grandaughter Riley to a small parade. Small town parade, some cars throwing candy, a few police cars, a few fire engines and a marching band. I was worried the noise of sirens or band would bother her but she barely noticed them, which is good the noise didnt bother her. Or she distracted getting her candy.

But the week looks like this, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday I have 5 miles planned. Thursays are either tempo runs or Speedwork. THis week its says 4 miles at tempo pace, 6 total. Then a long run of 10 miles on Sunday. It could be a tough plan but I think I can get thru it.

Podcast Challenge

Running Friends! We really need your miles for the month of May! The contest ends Monday! Thanks for your time!!!! Please sign up and help the Running Stupid podcast team. Its the last month of the challenge and would love your support!
http://buckeyeoutdoors.com/training/challenges?cid=368

Recovery Week 2.

I think recovery is going well. Did 3 short runs so far this week. Feel ready to start training for my next race. Im still deciding on a June race but have my July goal race picked out. Its the Presque Isle Half Maraton on july 18. Its my 6th time running it. Im making a goal of getting a PR there. If you never been to Presque Isle its flat. Pancake flat. Maybe too flat.

So, Starting Monday, which happens to be memorial day I got a 7 week training plan to follow which I made using Runners Worlds smart coach found on their home page. It was a plan I thought I could follow without too many tweeks. Never know when you might need to switch a day around. So the plan for now is to work towards PRing in Presque Isle! And I may of found a race that serves both purposes, theres a Thursday evening race coming up in June the day im supposed to do speedwork. Dontcha love it when a plan comes together?

10 mile Sunday

Yesterday, unwise known has Sunday, I got in a 10 mile run. It was just my second run since the marathon. I started to feel those aches and pains in my legs around mile 7 or so. Not to mention the humidity was over 90%. This week hoping to get back to regular routine of running 5 days a week. Might only do 4 days but something to that effect would be nice. I was a couch slug enough this week. Really lacking motivation after marathon.

So to get me going I signed up for the Presque Isle half marathon. Next week im starting a 7 week training program for it. I want to PR there! Yep im going on record im going to try and break my half pr of 1:59:10. Its a flat course looping around Presque Isle. Only problem would be how hot is going to be. It is the middle of june. At least you can jump in lake Erie after the race. Now I just need a race in June to keep the race a month streak going, currently at 27 months in a row.

Recovery

I have hardly done anything this week. Probably not the best way to recover, im sure active recovery has its benefits. But I basically vegged till Friday. I did some stretching to try and work things out but no real exercise and no running. Finally Friday I went over to Mill Creek Park and did a run/walk on the trail loop around Lake Newport. Good thing I was planning to go slow. Calf was still sore a little, so wasnt going to be a fast run. But at least I got a run.

Cleveland Marathon '10

Me and wife after race, notice the medal.

Right before race.

Jenny, Me and Michelle at picnice
Riley with Cleveland Browns stadium in background.

The short story: Ran Cleveland Marathon in 4:47:12 chip time.

Now for the rest of the story.

Saturday morning I went up to the Cleveland marathon expo with the wife and my grandaughter Riley. Got there before it opened and we went for a nice walk around block and got little sight seeing, awesome view of Browns stadium. Got mine and Ricks bib and shirt/goodie bag. This was the first time I ever had to show my ID to get it, last 3 years just said who I was and my bib number. Not sure what prompted the change. Walked around a little bit and oddly enough didnt find anything that interested me enough to buy it. That was a first.

I Michelle at the expo from the Runnersworld and runango forums. I saw her and since I had never seen her before except pictures wasnt sure it was her. I was going to call earlier but had lost cell phone reception when I first went into convention center. Luckily, I was able to call her and we got to meet. We walked around a bit talking. She talked me into going to picnice. It was mostly RWOL people who I didnt know except for Jenny and Michelle. All seemed to be a great bunch.

Sunday morning, got up before the alarm went off. I got dressed, everything else was pretty much ready to go. Me and the wife left about 4:30. I got into what I thought was perfect deck to park, halfway to start and finish. I made quick trip to portajohn then finished getting ready. Applied the pacetat on my left arm. Need to work on positioning it properly seemed to be at wrong angle. I got to starting line, it was so crowded I didnt think I would be able to find Rick in the crowd but did shortly before start.

Cleveland was a sellout, up 60%this year, so it was more crowded then ever before. But I think overall fairly well organized. Race started started to the blaring sounds of "Cleveland Rocks!" What else would you expect at the Cleveland Rock and Roll marathon? Being in middle of pack it was slow start, over 5 minutes before I reached starting line. Ran with Rick for the first few miles we did all our long training runs together. I made a pit stop between mile 3 and 4 and never caught up to him.

After mile 9 when the course was headed east the wind seemed to pick up. Right in our faces, and we didn't change directions till mile 17. Of course shortly after mile 12 it got alot less crowded since thats where we split from the half marathoners.

The real fun started after mile 18, thats when my calf cramps started. I was able to keep running for most part for the next couple miles but last miles were mostly run couple minutes till calf cramped up then walk a few minutes to work it out. Took a few short stops to try and stretch it out but would only help for so long. I did finish in 4:47:12, Short of my 4:30 goal but I did finish, always my number one goal. Got a nice medal, new tech shirt and had a good weekend.

Summary 04:47:15 26.49 10:50

1 00:10:03 1.00
2 00:09:47 1.00
3 00:09:47 1.00
4 00:10:19 1.00
5 00:09:50 1.00
6 00:09:40 1.00
7 00:09:45 1.00
8 00:09:56 1.00
9 00:09:40 1.00
10 00:10:09 1.00
11 00:10:37 1.00
12 00:10:05 1.00
13 00:09:51 1.00
14 00:09:57 1.00
15 00:10:24 1.00
16 00:10:57 1.00
17 00:10:44 1.00
18 00:12:09 1.00
19 00:10:56 1.00
20 00:11:50 1.00
21 00:12:09 1.00
22 00:13:05 1.00
23 00:11:52 1.00
24 00:12:12 1.00
25 00:12:26 1.00
26 00:12:59 1.00
27 00:05:54 0.50

Week to go

http://www.pacetat.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=209

Im tapering for the Cleveland Marathon, less then a week to go. Needless to say im starting to get excited. I dont think this has been my best training and like always I dont really feel ready. But im going for a 4:30. Can I do it? I have no idea.

I went 20 miles 3 times, twice it didn't go well. The last one crashed due to going out too hard and too much humidity. But im still going for my orginal goal just to see if I can do it. I even got a pacetat to help me stick to the pace. Im hoping not to go out too fast and pay for it the last 5-6 miles.




I also trying hammer gels this training cycle. I think its coming down to certain flavors. Some were fine, but had trouble with tropical. But Montana huckleberry and orange no problems at all. Finding right one for my stomach is the trick. I also going to use enduralyte tablets for this race. The one 20 miler I tryed them out I dont remember the calf cramps being bad at all.

Toe Running

If you are reading this then I am very excited to welcome you to the world of toe running! By now I'm sure that you have heard all the wonderful benifits that running on your toes can bring to your running. I won't waste your time by rehashing all the great things you stand to gain from this powerful new movement sweeping the country. I will simply describe what you will experience as life changing. The best part about all this is it won't cost you a dime. Let's see Newton, or Vibram make you the same promise! Enough talk, here are the four simple steps you can take to becomeing an instant toe runner.

Step 1: Place your regular running shoes flat on the floor in front of you.

Step 2: Insert sharp objects into heels of shoes. (I recommend a small rock just for the simple fact that they are easy to find and they are less likely to pierce the skin.)

Step 3: Put shoes on being very careful not to displace your object from the heel.

Step 4: Begin running and enjoy the new world of toe running!

FAQ:

Q: If I run with a sharp object in the heel of my shoe won't I hurt myself?
A: Actually studies have shown that after the intial shock of being stabbed in the foot the body releases an increased amount of dopemine which can help with overall endurence.

Q: What kind of rock should I look for?
A: This really is a matter of personal preferance but I like ones that are not so big that they lift me to high off the ground and also ones that are so small that float in the shoe to much.

Q: Do you have an instructional video for this technique?
A: Well at first I thought that one was not neccesary since the concept is so simple. I mean come on how hard is it to put a stupid rock in your shoe. Like most things though people have really surprised me, and there will be a video coming very soon.