by Ruel | Aug 11, 2011 | Fun run
I got up this morning and slapped on my Nike+ GPS Sportswatch and noticed it had a crack and small piece gone. Still was fine and all I had to do was cover it up with some black tape and no worries.
At lunch hour, I was ready for a run but not sure where to haul my fat ass. Perhaps a trail? Well not today. I need to research what is available and know what I’d be getting myself into on a work lunch break. So I grabbed a bottle of G2, got out the door, linked my GPS, and headed nowhere interesting with ear buds and music.
Earlier in the week I Google-mapped the distance and route to the local Road Runner Sports and found it to be 3.5+ miles to get there. I toyed with the idea of running to it and back. I was curious bit felt it would also be kinda pointless. It’s not like I was going to buy anything and if I did, I wasn’t going to run with it back. Pointless…until today.
About a mile into the run I decided I needed to talk to somebody at the running store about my damaged GPS watch. Plus since I had nowhere interesting to run, I now had two good reasons it no longer was a pointless out and back run.
In 80F degrees, it clocked 3.74 miles on GPS. I walked in and stood at entrance all shiny from sweat. A customer made his way towards me to exit and he looked freaked out. LOL. I thought “What? Doesn’t everyone run here?” 🙂
Someone on the sales staff greeted me, I presented him with my watch problem and he said his manager, Aman, might be able to help. With Aman already ringing up a customer, I checked out the shoes while I dripped on their newly remodeled store and enjoyed break from my run. A few minutes later I was able to catch Aman and showed him what was going on. He asked me how long I’ve had it. I guessed a month, but later realized it was more like two. Not expecting it, he offered to swap mine out for a new one. I was surprised and actually prepared to basically be told I was SOL. I was halfway ok with the swap, because even though I’ve synced my runs, from a sentimental level, I clocked a grueling 20 miler and my first marathon with my watch. Not to mention, what of my current run which was at a ‘PAUSE’? I wouldn’t be able to sync it and have it on record. Then quickly I got over it. F*** It! LOL
So just like that I got me a new GPS Sportswatch. I thanked Aman with a knuckle-bump and ran back to work completing somewhere short of 7.5 miles.
by Ruel | Aug 8, 2011 | Training
Been trying to shake the post marathon blues. I’ve only had one run since after the marathon. I struggle with my mind wanting to go for another long run, but my body doesn’t feel like it’s ready. For instance, last night I slapped on my GPS watch and was certain I’d go for at a least a half hour night run, but my gut was telling me know. No. Literally, my gut was the reason because I had lost control at IHOP and pigged-out on a bacon and egg cheeseburger with seasoned fries. Not to mention the appetizer sampler. 🙂
Well today I start. Inspired by a friend’s Facebook post last night “Dude…I need to loose 30 lbs……”, I’m determined to do the same. I went out today for 6 miler and had fun with it.I had my Vibram FiveFingers on. Decided to go without the iPod and just enjoy the run without any distractions.
One half mile into it as I warmed up, a woman pass me, so I gave chase. Like a lot of women runners, she was faster than me. I won’t lie and not ashamed. Actually inspired and in awe. I caught up to her for a couple miles, then had to downshift because I can’t hang for a long time at a 9:35 pace. Later up ahead she took a break to work on her chin ups on the par course. I ran past, pointed at her and said “you’re fast!” She smiled back, shook her head, laughed, and said “no.” I went on my way and enjoyed the rest of my run at an easier pace.
Office from across the water.
The path back and Oracle HQ in the background.
Halfway throught the run and halfway left of sips.
Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS taking a break off of the hot pavement.
by Ruel | Jul 24, 2011 | Training
I plan to get in a total of 16 miles of training in this week before the race. Basically the final week of my marathon training plan has me 8 this weekend, a 3 easy run, and a final 5 a few days prior to race day. I need to consider I ain’t ran jack for about 2 weeks.
by Ruel | Jul 22, 2011 | Training
9 more days till The SF Marathon. Haven’t done a training/taper run in 10 days. 🙂 Tried to today but forgot some gear. Oh well, maybe tonight I will.
Finished the audiobook “50/50” by Dean Karnazes. I liked it.
by Ruel | Jul 12, 2011 | Training
Been three days since my 20 miler. Need to put in an easy 3 miler today or tonight as part of training week 28. I put off doing it lunchtime yesterday thinking my sunburned skin needs a break, but also put off running last night out of laziness and desire to just chill at home with my wife.
Completed the 3 miles on my lunch break on my Vibram FiveFingers. Was supposed to be an easy run, but got curious to see if I can pull off sub 30 at a semi-comfortable pace, which I did.
by Ruel | Jul 8, 2011 | Training
What is a Fat Ass? The official definition seems to be a run characterized by the following slogan: “No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps.”
Start: Walnut Creek
Finish: Dublin
Course: Iron Horse Regional Trail
Plan: After taking son to his preschool about 9am, park at the Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station and take the train up to the Walnut Creek BART Station. Hop on the Iron Horse Trail in Walnut Creek and head south to Dublin station and make up an additional two miles to complete 20.
Notes:
It took a few miles to settle into a comfortable run. The plan was to hydrate every mile and to eat something every 40-45 minutes. I carried a full 70oz hydrapak, enough gels/ chews, and a peanut butter sandwich.
Going from the start to crossing under 680 to Alamo, it was a bit of a grind because of the subtle ascent. Early on I had to stop to clear pebbles out of my shoe and adjust my socks fearing potential blisters. The trail is primarily paved and totally new to me. I was interested to learn how this part of the trail runs along a community which included preschools and a swimming pool facility. These are never noticed along 680. I noticed several people on foot and on bikes. Even noticed a small group of preschool kids in matching shirts chaperoned by adults. Everyone seemed normal and I felt like some running oddball with a hydrapak. I liked it. Just passing through. Don’t mind me.
By the time I got to downtown Danville I was feeling awesome. I was surprised how seemingly quick it took to reach here. This part of the trail was wonderfully shaded. The day was getting hot. Just before heading out of Danville by crossing under 680, I snapped a couple pics of myself by a welcome to Danville sign. A couple teenage girls walked by and commented about the heat. I knew exactly where I was going, but I decided to ask the girl the way to Dublin. They were clueless. Sad. As I shuffled under the increasing heat of the day, I pulled apart my PB sandwich and start lunch on the go. I quickly learned I wouldn’t be able to choke the dry bits down without also sipping from my pak. So much for lunch.
As I came across Sycamore Valley Rd it must of been 85-90 degrees. Running through San Ramon seemed to take forever. This part of the trail was long and boring. It didn’t help that the heat was taking it’s toll on my feet. Blister hotspots had developed on my left foot and nothing I did seemed to fix it. So I blocked it out. It was impossible to hold a steady constant pace. Too damn hot. I had to break down the distance by running from shade to shade. Despite the sweltering temp, the discomfort and snails pace, I was enjoying myself.
I ran out of fluids faster than I expected. The heat definitely was a factor. Fortunately as I got to Crow Canyon, I had options. The stupid option would be to foolishly believe I can keep going with liquids. So I decided the nearby Burger King was my first aid station. I walked into the restaurant bathroom to whiz, check if I was overly dehydrated, and splash water on my face and arms to cool me down. I had packed my debit card, so I picked up a bottled water. The cashier was just staring at me soaking wet and sunburned. I also filled my pak with ice and water from the fountain machine. It was a much needed break before going on the trail.
Starting Temp: 75 degrees F
Finish Temp: 95 degrees F
