Monday
7 miles - "Piss Cave" loop with Evan. A hilly route that took us through a long, dark, uphill tunnel, frequented by street folk with full bladders. Nice, eh? Who would miss Boulder when they have routes like the Piss Cave? Heat, humidity, 3 hours of sleep, and 3.5h of lecture makes for a pretty nasty experience. At least we felt like death together to pull each other along. 7:00-7:40 pace. Uuuuuggghhhhhh, shit.
Tuesday
5 miles - a nice surprise after a day in class, I had an hour to spare before going to work for the night. 40-50 minutes of trails and soft beach sand. Barefoot and khaki shorts because I had no shoes or shorts in the shaggin' wagon. Great little escape from books and bricks.
Wednesday
...or thursday. 22 miles with Mike and Kelsey. Started at 9:30am at Yankee Springs and ran until 2ish. Easy miles on the trails to help Kelsey get used to running trails at night with no sleep. Seems like a pretty solid run was had by all. My longest run, timewise, in quite a while. My lack of preparation had me eating candy and oranges procured from my car or a gas station. I did find a clif shot on the trail, though. Thank you, litterbug cyclists(I'm guessing).
This run gave me the itch to get back into ultras. The peace of mind that comes from the woods and good company, the relentlessness that comes from placing more emphasis on distance than speed, and the high that comes from being tired from prolonged exertion. It's not better or worse than, say, a good track workout, but quite different.
After finishing the run, riding back to Grand Haven with Mike, and driving myself back to Muskegon, I was just a few minutes shy of being up for 24 straight hours. Slept from 5-8am, then got up for a 14hour day of driving, lecture, lab, and teaching water exercise.
Friday
I seriously can't remember if I ran friday. I don't think I did. Worst blog ever. Wait...mileage isn't a function of blog quality. Wait...my mileage and blogging skillz are sucking independently of one another right now.
Samantha and I went on a tour of the USS Silversides, a WWII submarine that now resides in our hometown. Though a bit embarassing, I find that each passing year results in me realizing just how unwise my former self perpetually is. I walk through the museum and see pictures of ships, wreckage, and artillery. Alongside these pictures are photos of men and women. These are the faces of people who gave up a life of whimsical goofing around. They decided not to wait for the perfect conditions to make something of themselves, and to contribute to something they beilieved in.
I thought of memorial day parades. How I used to hate the noises and the anxiety and having to watch old cars slowly drive by. How no amount of tootsie rolls or tiny frisbees with a local realtor's face on them could make me want to stay. This year, at age 25, I finally realized: It's not about entertaining me, but about honoring them. The people who fought in wars and came back different.
Saturday
7 miles with Mark and Ryan at Hoffmaster. Hills, sand, and roots, but at a pretty mellow pace. Nice jog in some cool weather.
Sunday
No running today, but a 10 mile bike ride with Sam.
Total
41 miles
A bit of a down week by design, as I knew I'd be busy with the holiday weekend. It had been about 3 weeks of "training," and I'm a fan of the "three on/one off" theory. Three weeks in the 50ish mile range, backed this one down to 40s, Then pick it back up again next week. As usual, training for this upcoming race has been full of distractions like cool long runs, school, and family. I'm happy for it, though. Training solo like a robot, doing exactly what I have planned would have a high probability of falling off the wagon. With help from friends and fun jogs to go on, I'll be better off.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
3rd Week of May
Monday
6 miles - Just a loop around home, nice and easy, then worked into a bit less shuffly pace. Flat, flat, flat. Creeped it down to a 6:30 mile without pushing it too hard. Maybe the 25k was a nice little tune up.
Tuesday
AM - 4 mile out/back from home. Again, started out slow(about 7:40 for the first mile), then slowly picked it up before cooling down. Just nice to shake the legs out before my 1hour commute followed by 4 hours of sitting in a lab.
PM - 3 miles - had a few minutes to kill before going into work, so I did a 20-ish minute jog at Hoffmaster. No warm up. Frustrated by the fast pace of a Summer physics course, I just ran hard for what little time I had and hopped in the car.
4 hours of water classes to follow. Feeling the need for some volume on the legs, but I have to relax and remember that I already know how to run slow.
Wednesday
8(?) miles. Afternoon track workout with Evan. Whole thing from start to finish took less than an hour. Ran to the track(300m asphalt), 900m(3:15), 600m(2:10), 300m(0:59) with 300m recovery. Watched Evan knock off another 300m in 0:56 while I held back dry heaves. I'm still adjusting to the new schedule/perpetual despair of Summer classes, so I forgot to consume more than a cup of coffee and a box of raisins all day. Well-nourished or not, this workout felt pretty difficult. 5:40-5:50 min/mile pace, even for these short intervals, felt bad. One doesn't get fast by wishing they were faster, so I'll shut up and keep at it.
Thursday
rest day, other than the aqua classes.
Friday
11 miles - several hours of homework, then a jog from home. Cut down to 6:30 ish pace until mile 8, then shuffled home. nothing too special, but running until I was tired felt good.
Saturday
16 miles - Beach run with Mike in Grand Haven. I had a pre-existing blister that I definitely should not have run barefoot on. Never ripped off, but filled with fluid and altered my gait. Kind of gross, but it turned out fine.
10 mile bike ride with Sam in the afternoon
Sunday
5 miles - 1 mile warmup, 3 mile tempo, then 1 mile of 30sec hard/ 30sec easy, then a walk cooldown. Hot with a plague-worthy amount of insects swarming around.
53 miles. As feelings of academic incompetence crush my soul, I'm glad I have running blow off some steam. Being "right brained" has never been so frustrating as in this physics class. Fuck it.
6 miles - Just a loop around home, nice and easy, then worked into a bit less shuffly pace. Flat, flat, flat. Creeped it down to a 6:30 mile without pushing it too hard. Maybe the 25k was a nice little tune up.
Tuesday
AM - 4 mile out/back from home. Again, started out slow(about 7:40 for the first mile), then slowly picked it up before cooling down. Just nice to shake the legs out before my 1hour commute followed by 4 hours of sitting in a lab.
PM - 3 miles - had a few minutes to kill before going into work, so I did a 20-ish minute jog at Hoffmaster. No warm up. Frustrated by the fast pace of a Summer physics course, I just ran hard for what little time I had and hopped in the car.
4 hours of water classes to follow. Feeling the need for some volume on the legs, but I have to relax and remember that I already know how to run slow.
Wednesday
8(?) miles. Afternoon track workout with Evan. Whole thing from start to finish took less than an hour. Ran to the track(300m asphalt), 900m(3:15), 600m(2:10), 300m(0:59) with 300m recovery. Watched Evan knock off another 300m in 0:56 while I held back dry heaves. I'm still adjusting to the new schedule/perpetual despair of Summer classes, so I forgot to consume more than a cup of coffee and a box of raisins all day. Well-nourished or not, this workout felt pretty difficult. 5:40-5:50 min/mile pace, even for these short intervals, felt bad. One doesn't get fast by wishing they were faster, so I'll shut up and keep at it.
Thursday
rest day, other than the aqua classes.
Friday
11 miles - several hours of homework, then a jog from home. Cut down to 6:30 ish pace until mile 8, then shuffled home. nothing too special, but running until I was tired felt good.
Saturday
16 miles - Beach run with Mike in Grand Haven. I had a pre-existing blister that I definitely should not have run barefoot on. Never ripped off, but filled with fluid and altered my gait. Kind of gross, but it turned out fine.
10 mile bike ride with Sam in the afternoon
Sunday
5 miles - 1 mile warmup, 3 mile tempo, then 1 mile of 30sec hard/ 30sec easy, then a walk cooldown. Hot with a plague-worthy amount of insects swarming around.
53 miles. As feelings of academic incompetence crush my soul, I'm glad I have running blow off some steam. Being "right brained" has never been so frustrating as in this physics class. Fuck it.
Monday, May 13, 2013
2nd Week of May.
Monday
8 miles...ish. 1:10 on the trails. Some gravelly flatter sections, hilly singletrack, and sand dune. Just kept moving and charging the hills. Still kind of blah feeling after that bastard of a 5k.
Tuesday
11 miles...or so. Real nice run around East Grand Rapids with Jeremiah, with a couple short trail loops thrown in. Varying pace from 7-8minute miles, with some emphasis on the hills.
Wednesday
AM: 7 miles...or thereabouts. Drove back to the State Park(been spending a lot of time there lately) and parked at the beach. Ran the 5k course from last weekend. Down the beach, up the "Sugar Bowl" dunes, and on the ridges back out to the beach. One loop barefoot, then another, with an additional mile of sand dunes tacked on.
PM: 5 miles - a speedier flat loop from home on the dirt roads. No watch, just a previously known route.
PM: 5 miles - same loop again with Sam after she got out of work.
17 miles? Shit, I've had weeks with less jogging than that!
Thursday
Rest day
Friday
7 miles - a quick loop at Hoffmaster with Evan and Neil. Cold rain coming down, but still some good traction. I like running in rain that isn't half snow. I felt fairly nimble, but it was probably because I was the only one of us who knew where he was going, and Evan ran a marathon last weekend.
Went to the 5/3 River Bank Run Expo and signed up for the race. Why Not?
Saturday
Riverbank Run 25k. Registered on a whim, stayed out pretty late the night before, and woke up feeling a little rum in my veins. For 4 hours of sleep, I actually felt really good. Perfect weather for a fast run. Low 50's and overcast with no rain. Other than a shoe coming untied and some...shall we say, digestive issues(I hate waiting in line to use the bathroom at huge venues), I think it was a great experience. 1:40 even, which is a 5 minute PR from my training days in college. Athletes are constantly searching for that perfect effort level- the feeling of exactly meeting a challenge and flowing effortlessly. This may have been the closest I've been to that in a few years(Woodstock 50 2010 may have been the very closest). At no point in the run did I repetitively stare at my watch, nor did my legs ever feel fatigued. Considering that it was a higer-volume week, I'm thankful for that. I haven't done much speedwork to speak of this year, but decided that this would make a great barometer for the upcoming half. I have about 5 weeks to do some speedwork and creep the volume up, and it's 2.4 miles shorter than this race. If I ran 6:30ish pace for a 25k, I could possibly cut that down. Dare I shoot for a sub 1:20 half marathon? Could be fun, right? Hot weather is the bane of my joggerdom, so I'll be at the mercy of our ever-warming climate. Anyhoo, I'll use the success and pleasantness of this experience to tell myself that all is not lost, and that I can improve.
Total
59ish miles. I think that this may be "sweet spot" for mileage for me. I don't feel drained, I've been productive, and I'm feeling fit. shooting for mega-miles always leaves me on my ass and proves counterproductive. I think if I find myself with some extra restlessness or drive, I should dedicate it to another physical activity like cycling or wood splitting. Damn near ran out of firewood before the spring rolled around.
I'm starting a class next week that involves 16 hours of physics, and a few hours of homework every day, so we'll see if running turns out to be my saving grace a burden.
8 miles...ish. 1:10 on the trails. Some gravelly flatter sections, hilly singletrack, and sand dune. Just kept moving and charging the hills. Still kind of blah feeling after that bastard of a 5k.
Tuesday
11 miles...or so. Real nice run around East Grand Rapids with Jeremiah, with a couple short trail loops thrown in. Varying pace from 7-8minute miles, with some emphasis on the hills.
Wednesday
AM: 7 miles...or thereabouts. Drove back to the State Park(been spending a lot of time there lately) and parked at the beach. Ran the 5k course from last weekend. Down the beach, up the "Sugar Bowl" dunes, and on the ridges back out to the beach. One loop barefoot, then another, with an additional mile of sand dunes tacked on.
PM: 5 miles - a speedier flat loop from home on the dirt roads. No watch, just a previously known route.
PM: 5 miles - same loop again with Sam after she got out of work.
17 miles? Shit, I've had weeks with less jogging than that!
Thursday
Rest day
Friday
7 miles - a quick loop at Hoffmaster with Evan and Neil. Cold rain coming down, but still some good traction. I like running in rain that isn't half snow. I felt fairly nimble, but it was probably because I was the only one of us who knew where he was going, and Evan ran a marathon last weekend.
Went to the 5/3 River Bank Run Expo and signed up for the race. Why Not?
Saturday
Riverbank Run 25k. Registered on a whim, stayed out pretty late the night before, and woke up feeling a little rum in my veins. For 4 hours of sleep, I actually felt really good. Perfect weather for a fast run. Low 50's and overcast with no rain. Other than a shoe coming untied and some...shall we say, digestive issues(I hate waiting in line to use the bathroom at huge venues), I think it was a great experience. 1:40 even, which is a 5 minute PR from my training days in college. Athletes are constantly searching for that perfect effort level- the feeling of exactly meeting a challenge and flowing effortlessly. This may have been the closest I've been to that in a few years(Woodstock 50 2010 may have been the very closest). At no point in the run did I repetitively stare at my watch, nor did my legs ever feel fatigued. Considering that it was a higer-volume week, I'm thankful for that. I haven't done much speedwork to speak of this year, but decided that this would make a great barometer for the upcoming half. I have about 5 weeks to do some speedwork and creep the volume up, and it's 2.4 miles shorter than this race. If I ran 6:30ish pace for a 25k, I could possibly cut that down. Dare I shoot for a sub 1:20 half marathon? Could be fun, right? Hot weather is the bane of my joggerdom, so I'll be at the mercy of our ever-warming climate. Anyhoo, I'll use the success and pleasantness of this experience to tell myself that all is not lost, and that I can improve.
Total
59ish miles. I think that this may be "sweet spot" for mileage for me. I don't feel drained, I've been productive, and I'm feeling fit. shooting for mega-miles always leaves me on my ass and proves counterproductive. I think if I find myself with some extra restlessness or drive, I should dedicate it to another physical activity like cycling or wood splitting. Damn near ran out of firewood before the spring rolled around.
I'm starting a class next week that involves 16 hours of physics, and a few hours of homework every day, so we'll see if running turns out to be my saving grace a burden.
Monday, May 6, 2013
1st week of May, 2013: Inspiration in Sand
Monday
AM: 4 miles. I seriously hate getting out of bed when I don't "have to." Great little wake up jog once I finally got outside though. 2 out/2 back on the dirt road with one hill. 7:28 pace overall, mostly offset by the 6:40 outlier 3rd mile.
...one research paper and test prep session later...
PM: 4 miles. Full stomach(sweet potato chips, bananas, oranges). Gravel road, trail, and pavement. 7:12 pace overall, pretty evenly paced throught.
8 miles on a monday. Better than the usual goose egg I've been doing every monday this semester.
One day of focused running, and I already feel better about myself. Such a simple thing that I've been overlooking.
Tuesday
7 miles - Hills. 3 mile warmup on the xc ski trails, then technical hill repeats. The thought of charging up a road hill just didn't sound fun, so I ran up hills of various grades, but they were either sand/roots or sand dunes that took 1-2 minutes to climb. After the last one, I stood up straight, and promptly plopped onto my ass. May have farted. Jogged the flat trail back to the car and headed to work.
Workouts like this are humbling reminders of the how much fitness I have to gain before I can feel confident in my jogging abilities.
4 hours of water classes.
Wednesday
6-7 miles - a hilly jog around GR with Evan. As is usual in this case, Evan put a hurtin' on me. He's tapering for the Kzoo marathon, and is ready to run like hell. First three miles at around a 6:40 pace, then we cruised at a slower pace as I shuffled a few steps behind.
These are the kind of runs I need, in moderation. I tend to be a bit soft, especially on solo road runs.
EDIT: Evan ran a 2:55 in the heat and hills of Kalamazoo this weekend, setting a 1 minute PR. Amazing feat.
PM was an intro to slacklining with mile munching monster monkey Mikey Jae. Definitely a cool summertime activity; a fun way to improve core and leg strength. If anyone could be the first to run 26.2 miles on a slackline barefoot while juggling clubs and eating bananas, it's Mike.
Thursday
2 miles - 15 minute run right after waking up. Didn't even put my contacts in, and headed to a small trail loop down the road, ran it, and came back.
4 miles of barefoot hiking with Sam at the State park. Pretty relaxing, but hilly. Training? Not really, but enjoyable.
4 hours of water classes.
Friday
5 miles - Slept in. Flat jog around the block. Started slow but felt like trying to crack 35 minutes after a couple slow miles(~9:00 each) . The watch ticked over 35:00 with about 200m to go. A good lesson in running hard after hope is lost. Running a few low sixes was encouraging, even if it hurt a little.
Impromptu sand dune 5k in the tomorrow.
Saturday
5k race - Earth, Wind and Tired 5k. Muskegon State Park. Somewhere between those obnoxious tough mudder/warrior dash/shock-your-private-parts-with-a car-battery-while-you-get-hit-with-foam bat races are my new favorite races in the whole world. The course is 99% sand, and about 1% flat. I'm fairly certain that I've run 5k mountain courses faster than this event. When one pushes off of a rock, it pushes back. Push off of a sand dune, and it just gives way. It also starts and finishes on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This cool event deserves a little write-up of its own.
9th overall with a time of 30:05. With regard to local races, I find myself at the mercy of whomever shows up. Sometimes, I get lucky and snag a win in spite of being unworthy of any kind of elite status. This time, a fantastic group of elite cross-country skiers came over from Wisconsin(the Cross-Lake Ferry was one of the sponsors for the event). They all ran fast, well-paced races and claimed the top 8 spots. I really admire people like this that dedicate themselves to athletic excellence, and long to emulate it in my own way.
Since most of my racing in the last couple years has involved galavanting across the country, my parents have usually seen my running through the lens of either Sam or Jason Robillard's camera. This time, even though it's just a local 5k, they saw me doing what I love doing, and are still support me as I creep up in the age groups(I keep forgetting that I'm not in the 20-24 bracket anymore). Seeing my dad standing on the top of one of the final sand dunes was pretty damn cool. He smiled, waved, and told me I looked like shit, reminding me the greatest of friends always know just how to communicate.
The best part of this race had nothing to do with my experience, but the vicarious thrill I got from my family. Sam, with only a couple weekly runs under her belt, placed in the top third overall. Her tenacity never fails to impress me, even if it sometimes leads to argument. If she turns into a runner after such a success, then that's cool. If not, that's cool too. Being married to a normal person will keep my head out of my ass.
My cousin Andy was the one who, at the last moment, tagged me in a facebook post about this race. We signed up on a whim along with Samantha, Candace and Kimberly(everyone was impressive on the course). I hadn't seen Andy since our family Christmas party, and that was kind of a blur since Scott family Christmas parties involve kegs of beer, billiards and Jägermeister. Had he not greeted me first in the parking lot, I might have walked right by. After commiting to get fit for a few months, Andy lost an incredible amount of weight by way of diet and exercise alone. He stood there with his beautiful family as a 6'3, 180-ish lb athlete. Placing 28th out of 150 runners, he didn't do well "for a big dude," or any other caveat one would add, but just plain did well, simple as that. No asterisk. It was a true accomplishment. His family was proud, and his daughter held up a sign that she painted as he finished his first race. His wife, Karen, hugged him excitedly as he came through the cattle gates. It's more than a race. It's a celebration of a better life, and I was inspired.
I needed Andy to remind me of why I run. Medals and t-shirts and free beer and sweaty people are awesome and everything, but there's something else brewing inside of us. In a state that's not exactly known for its fitness, I see determination and toughness that can't be matched. We can get healthy. We can lead better lives for ourselves and our children. In a world where running as fast as your legs can carry you is entirely optional, it takes initiative to start gaining momentum. The whole point of competing is to find something inside of you that you knew was there, but needed proof. Yes, it's okay to seek validation, as long as its from yourself. I only believe in what I see. We've got nothing to prove to anyone else, but everything to prove to ourselves.
I saw my running family all over this course too. Stuart, Ryan, Rick, Julie, and Mark all volunteered on the course and helped keep everyone from getting lost in the sea of sand between Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. Nature can make amazing things, and the human spirit is one of them. We're facing a time when that spirit is being tested, and 150 of us turned to sand and hills in search of...whatever it is.
A week of jogging wrapped up rather nicely. Super low mileage, especially considering that I've run 7 times in 6 days. I guess it's all good, especially considering the fun I had.
Jog on, Joggers.
AM: 4 miles. I seriously hate getting out of bed when I don't "have to." Great little wake up jog once I finally got outside though. 2 out/2 back on the dirt road with one hill. 7:28 pace overall, mostly offset by the 6:40 outlier 3rd mile.
...one research paper and test prep session later...
PM: 4 miles. Full stomach(sweet potato chips, bananas, oranges). Gravel road, trail, and pavement. 7:12 pace overall, pretty evenly paced throught.
8 miles on a monday. Better than the usual goose egg I've been doing every monday this semester.
One day of focused running, and I already feel better about myself. Such a simple thing that I've been overlooking.
Tuesday
7 miles - Hills. 3 mile warmup on the xc ski trails, then technical hill repeats. The thought of charging up a road hill just didn't sound fun, so I ran up hills of various grades, but they were either sand/roots or sand dunes that took 1-2 minutes to climb. After the last one, I stood up straight, and promptly plopped onto my ass. May have farted. Jogged the flat trail back to the car and headed to work.
Workouts like this are humbling reminders of the how much fitness I have to gain before I can feel confident in my jogging abilities.
4 hours of water classes.
Wednesday
6-7 miles - a hilly jog around GR with Evan. As is usual in this case, Evan put a hurtin' on me. He's tapering for the Kzoo marathon, and is ready to run like hell. First three miles at around a 6:40 pace, then we cruised at a slower pace as I shuffled a few steps behind.
These are the kind of runs I need, in moderation. I tend to be a bit soft, especially on solo road runs.
EDIT: Evan ran a 2:55 in the heat and hills of Kalamazoo this weekend, setting a 1 minute PR. Amazing feat.
PM was an intro to slacklining with mile munching monster monkey Mikey Jae. Definitely a cool summertime activity; a fun way to improve core and leg strength. If anyone could be the first to run 26.2 miles on a slackline barefoot while juggling clubs and eating bananas, it's Mike.
Thursday
2 miles - 15 minute run right after waking up. Didn't even put my contacts in, and headed to a small trail loop down the road, ran it, and came back.
4 miles of barefoot hiking with Sam at the State park. Pretty relaxing, but hilly. Training? Not really, but enjoyable.
4 hours of water classes.
Friday
5 miles - Slept in. Flat jog around the block. Started slow but felt like trying to crack 35 minutes after a couple slow miles(~9:00 each) . The watch ticked over 35:00 with about 200m to go. A good lesson in running hard after hope is lost. Running a few low sixes was encouraging, even if it hurt a little.
Impromptu sand dune 5k in the tomorrow.
Saturday
5k race - Earth, Wind and Tired 5k. Muskegon State Park. Somewhere between those obnoxious tough mudder/warrior dash/shock-your-private-parts-with-a car-battery-while-you-get-hit-with-foam bat races are my new favorite races in the whole world. The course is 99% sand, and about 1% flat. I'm fairly certain that I've run 5k mountain courses faster than this event. When one pushes off of a rock, it pushes back. Push off of a sand dune, and it just gives way. It also starts and finishes on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This cool event deserves a little write-up of its own.
 |
| This is about 1 mile of the course. Photo taken this Fall. |
9th overall with a time of 30:05. With regard to local races, I find myself at the mercy of whomever shows up. Sometimes, I get lucky and snag a win in spite of being unworthy of any kind of elite status. This time, a fantastic group of elite cross-country skiers came over from Wisconsin(the Cross-Lake Ferry was one of the sponsors for the event). They all ran fast, well-paced races and claimed the top 8 spots. I really admire people like this that dedicate themselves to athletic excellence, and long to emulate it in my own way.
 |
| "Must. Puke. Now." After this, I took a dip in the lake, ate 5 bananas, and had 5 beers. Nice little Saturday Morning. |
Since most of my racing in the last couple years has involved galavanting across the country, my parents have usually seen my running through the lens of either Sam or Jason Robillard's camera. This time, even though it's just a local 5k, they saw me doing what I love doing, and are still support me as I creep up in the age groups(I keep forgetting that I'm not in the 20-24 bracket anymore). Seeing my dad standing on the top of one of the final sand dunes was pretty damn cool. He smiled, waved, and told me I looked like shit, reminding me the greatest of friends always know just how to communicate.
 |
| "Hold the bone" jokes aplenty, with or without banana. |
 |
| I always wondered what these boxes were for as they sat by the luge. |
The best part of this race had nothing to do with my experience, but the vicarious thrill I got from my family. Sam, with only a couple weekly runs under her belt, placed in the top third overall. Her tenacity never fails to impress me, even if it sometimes leads to argument. If she turns into a runner after such a success, then that's cool. If not, that's cool too. Being married to a normal person will keep my head out of my ass.
 |
| A section of smaller dunes toward the end of the course. |
 |
| Samantha levitating in to a finish. |
My cousin Andy was the one who, at the last moment, tagged me in a facebook post about this race. We signed up on a whim along with Samantha, Candace and Kimberly(everyone was impressive on the course). I hadn't seen Andy since our family Christmas party, and that was kind of a blur since Scott family Christmas parties involve kegs of beer, billiards and Jägermeister. Had he not greeted me first in the parking lot, I might have walked right by. After commiting to get fit for a few months, Andy lost an incredible amount of weight by way of diet and exercise alone. He stood there with his beautiful family as a 6'3, 180-ish lb athlete. Placing 28th out of 150 runners, he didn't do well "for a big dude," or any other caveat one would add, but just plain did well, simple as that. No asterisk. It was a true accomplishment. His family was proud, and his daughter held up a sign that she painted as he finished his first race. His wife, Karen, hugged him excitedly as he came through the cattle gates. It's more than a race. It's a celebration of a better life, and I was inspired.
I needed Andy to remind me of why I run. Medals and t-shirts and free beer and sweaty people are awesome and everything, but there's something else brewing inside of us. In a state that's not exactly known for its fitness, I see determination and toughness that can't be matched. We can get healthy. We can lead better lives for ourselves and our children. In a world where running as fast as your legs can carry you is entirely optional, it takes initiative to start gaining momentum. The whole point of competing is to find something inside of you that you knew was there, but needed proof. Yes, it's okay to seek validation, as long as its from yourself. I only believe in what I see. We've got nothing to prove to anyone else, but everything to prove to ourselves.
 |
| finished in the top 20%, even after stopping and dumping sand out of his shoes. |
I saw my running family all over this course too. Stuart, Ryan, Rick, Julie, and Mark all volunteered on the course and helped keep everyone from getting lost in the sea of sand between Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. Nature can make amazing things, and the human spirit is one of them. We're facing a time when that spirit is being tested, and 150 of us turned to sand and hills in search of...whatever it is.
A week of jogging wrapped up rather nicely. Super low mileage, especially considering that I've run 7 times in 6 days. I guess it's all good, especially considering the fun I had.
Jog on, Joggers.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Personality A
I've decided to train in the coming weeks for the Seaway Half Marathon here in my hometown of Muskegon, MI. A road half is probably one of the most out-of-character things I can do with regard to my usual running tastes, so that's why I decided to do it. This week has been my farewell to my "do whatever" approach. Not that you can't get fit by simply running a lot, but I just miss the structure from my formative years of running. I miss the results even more. I have to face facts: I'm fat and slow compared to who I was a couple years ago. I no longer have the resources at my disposal that I once did, but I have to give it a try. If you're not building up, you're breaking down.
Here's how this first week broke down.
Monday
18(ish)- miles with Mike around Spring Lake. Mile Munching Monster Magic Monkey Mikey Jae seems to be under the impression that he's slow. Well, I guess we all say that, don't we? Either way, he's not. Had a great jog at just the right pace and ended up at a brewery. Great way to spend the first truly nice day of the year.
Tuesday
Just my usual 4 hours of teaching water exercise classes. About a mile of running throughout the day, but nothing formal.
Wednesday
7 miles - cut down run. two miles of easy jogging, then 4 miles of progressively faster running. I whittled it down to a 6:00, but...fuck. It was unpleasant. I've got some work to do.
Thursday
Water classes again. Finals week at school, so it's just not in the cards. If I have to work a night job, I'm glad it's 4 hours of core work in the pool. It's a great supplement to running. Supplement. Not replacement. Must remember that part.
Friday
2 miles. Meetings, papers, and pulling some trees out for a landscaping job. meh
Saturday.
22(?) Miles - Sat around with my thumb up my ass for 3-4 hours waiting for Mike and Erik, then headed up to Manistee National Forest for some trail miles. A really great run in some warm weather. I felt like shit toward the end, but attribute it to not eating enough before the run. I've been switching to a plant-based diet, and forget just how much I have to eat. Ashamedly, I'm also a total wuss in heat. It was around 68F, and I felt like I was melting. Maybe Montana's PT program will be a good fit.
Sunday
Resting before my first week of real training. Worked on my car, kind of bummed around.
Total:
49 miles. I hope I can do better than that, but cautiously building is where the improvement comes from.
I haven't been logging miles lately, but I think it's a good tool for keeping myself on track, so ignore it if you please.
Here's how this first week broke down.
Monday
18(ish)- miles with Mike around Spring Lake. Mile Munching Monster Magic Monkey Mikey Jae seems to be under the impression that he's slow. Well, I guess we all say that, don't we? Either way, he's not. Had a great jog at just the right pace and ended up at a brewery. Great way to spend the first truly nice day of the year.
Tuesday
Just my usual 4 hours of teaching water exercise classes. About a mile of running throughout the day, but nothing formal.
Wednesday
7 miles - cut down run. two miles of easy jogging, then 4 miles of progressively faster running. I whittled it down to a 6:00, but...fuck. It was unpleasant. I've got some work to do.
Thursday
Water classes again. Finals week at school, so it's just not in the cards. If I have to work a night job, I'm glad it's 4 hours of core work in the pool. It's a great supplement to running. Supplement. Not replacement. Must remember that part.
Friday
2 miles. Meetings, papers, and pulling some trees out for a landscaping job. meh
Saturday.
22(?) Miles - Sat around with my thumb up my ass for 3-4 hours waiting for Mike and Erik, then headed up to Manistee National Forest for some trail miles. A really great run in some warm weather. I felt like shit toward the end, but attribute it to not eating enough before the run. I've been switching to a plant-based diet, and forget just how much I have to eat. Ashamedly, I'm also a total wuss in heat. It was around 68F, and I felt like I was melting. Maybe Montana's PT program will be a good fit.
Sunday
Resting before my first week of real training. Worked on my car, kind of bummed around.
Total:
49 miles. I hope I can do better than that, but cautiously building is where the improvement comes from.
I haven't been logging miles lately, but I think it's a good tool for keeping myself on track, so ignore it if you please.
Personality B:
It's been two weeks since I've updated. I've survived the guilt of dropping out of another race. Okay, there was none.
I've got a bit of a confession to make:
I've been trying to be a well-rounded, normal, middle of the road, fence-sitting, pragmatist. And I hate it.
In Colorado, I was chasing a dream of some sort. It's no clearer now than then what that dream was, but it felt good to be chasing it. I often felt like a bird catching an unexpected tailwind on its migration. Telling exactly where and when inspiration would strike was impossible, but when it did, I felt like I was in the right place at the right time. All I've been able to say for certain, is that I ache to live an extraordinary life. To do things that I once thought were beyond my reach. To make it on less than others find comfortable. To uncover the redeeming qualities of our species that lie deep within myself and others.
Why does it all come back to running then?
Truthfully, I have no idea. It's a stupid, overly hyped hobby that has been bastardized by shallow displays of showmanship, narcissism and chest-thumping...or has it? My inner cynic dislikes the sport, and thinks I should get a life. My heart says, "Hey. Cynical douche. Stop being an asshole and follow your gut."
Why does it all come back to running?
Because it's life. You get what you put in, and some come by it easier than others. In a sea of many, great stories are plentiful. Most of them are real.
Anyway, back to the confession.
I've been telling myself to just go with the flow. Don't feel like running? Must be my body telling me to rest. Being as out of shape as ever and weighing 15lbs more than last summer tells me I've had just about enough rest for one year. It's time to push it some more. The cynical part of me looks down on those who are more committed, thinking they must be some sort of obsessive jackass who puts his family and friends out just to do the same mindless activity over and over. This, I think, is what keeps normal people normal. They like being normal. Save the hard work for those that have something to prove. "well-rounded" translates to "average at everything." The world is full of average people. That's sort of the definition, isn't it? There's nothing wrong with being a normal person. I just have a burning in my chest that won't let me be one, no matter how hard I try. Maybe it's just gas.
Maybe "normal" is a mask we all wear, and nobody is normal.
All existential bullshit aside, I doubt running is my all-inclusive trip to self-actualization. Right now, in a life of hoop-jumping for physical therapy school, and a financial situation that has me blogging from my childhood bedroom, it's all I've got.
The truth is, you just can't do the extraordinary by being normal.
My inner "obsessed runner weirdo" will rise again.
The inspired blogger isn't my enemy. It's the apathetic guy that exists between posts.
I've got a bit of a confession to make:
I've been trying to be a well-rounded, normal, middle of the road, fence-sitting, pragmatist. And I hate it.
In Colorado, I was chasing a dream of some sort. It's no clearer now than then what that dream was, but it felt good to be chasing it. I often felt like a bird catching an unexpected tailwind on its migration. Telling exactly where and when inspiration would strike was impossible, but when it did, I felt like I was in the right place at the right time. All I've been able to say for certain, is that I ache to live an extraordinary life. To do things that I once thought were beyond my reach. To make it on less than others find comfortable. To uncover the redeeming qualities of our species that lie deep within myself and others.
Why does it all come back to running then?
Truthfully, I have no idea. It's a stupid, overly hyped hobby that has been bastardized by shallow displays of showmanship, narcissism and chest-thumping...or has it? My inner cynic dislikes the sport, and thinks I should get a life. My heart says, "Hey. Cynical douche. Stop being an asshole and follow your gut."
Why does it all come back to running?
Because it's life. You get what you put in, and some come by it easier than others. In a sea of many, great stories are plentiful. Most of them are real.
Anyway, back to the confession.
I've been telling myself to just go with the flow. Don't feel like running? Must be my body telling me to rest. Being as out of shape as ever and weighing 15lbs more than last summer tells me I've had just about enough rest for one year. It's time to push it some more. The cynical part of me looks down on those who are more committed, thinking they must be some sort of obsessive jackass who puts his family and friends out just to do the same mindless activity over and over. This, I think, is what keeps normal people normal. They like being normal. Save the hard work for those that have something to prove. "well-rounded" translates to "average at everything." The world is full of average people. That's sort of the definition, isn't it? There's nothing wrong with being a normal person. I just have a burning in my chest that won't let me be one, no matter how hard I try. Maybe it's just gas.
Maybe "normal" is a mask we all wear, and nobody is normal.
All existential bullshit aside, I doubt running is my all-inclusive trip to self-actualization. Right now, in a life of hoop-jumping for physical therapy school, and a financial situation that has me blogging from my childhood bedroom, it's all I've got.
The truth is, you just can't do the extraordinary by being normal.
My inner "obsessed runner weirdo" will rise again.
The inspired blogger isn't my enemy. It's the apathetic guy that exists between posts.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Found, but Still Searching: Umstead 100 Weekend
I have no idea how to start this little write up. I had one of the most important events in my life take place this weekend, and it had nothing to do with what I once thought was important.
As was indicated by my recent training updates on this blog, I've taken a total "weekend warrior" approach to training. A couple shorter, faster runs on the weekdays, and either one or two long runs on the weekends. Jogging around on these days required very little focus, and therefore resulted in very little focus. I casually jogged a peak long run of 42 miles in ankle deep snow and ice, and stopped for a deuce can of Miller Lite halfway through. The rest of the weekends were back to back 20+ milers or less. I actually felt quite confident in my ability to run a slow, "easy" 100 miles.
Since returning from Colorado, Samantha and I have spent little time together. We were looking forward to a weekend together without work and school distractions(other than, of course, the 100). She got her work obligations out of the way, and I got a jump on studying and assignments. The road was waiting for us, and we took off on Thursday morning.
The drive down to North Carolina was great. We made good time getting to West Virginia, and really enjoyed each other's company all the way down. Instead of obsessing over the race, I was just enjoying the ride with her, talking about this and that, from work to life to how we will be valuable in zombie apocalypse(we're weird). I realized that even though we met at a young age, we grew together independently, and took convoluted emotional paths to finally end up at the same place. After a rough patch of snow in the mountains of West Virginia, we called it a night at hotel in Greensboro, NC. They were downright fraudulent about their rates, but we were just too tired to give a shit.
It was the next morning that I really started getting nervous. Had I really prepared myself for this? I felt kind of light-headed and heavy-legged.
We made our way to Raleigh, were found our hotel and a bit to eat. I knew I should eat, but had no appetite. Friends were texting, "Are you ready? This is a big deal, man!" I tucked my phone in my pocket and tried to eat. After I got my fish tacos down, we headed to Umstead State Park to check out the race area and pick up my packet. It was only a couple miles down the road from the hotel, and we were early to packet pickup. We walked around for a bit, killed some time, and walked over to the cabin where I'd get my bag, number, hat, and tiny sample-sized bar of hippie soap.
Nothing left to do but do the damned thing.
Samantha and I went for a hike to enjoy some warm weather. The snow hadn't quite melted in the trails near our home, so actually walking on dirt was something we hadn't done in 6 months or so. We walked around, enjoying some new scenery and talking. There were but a few other people in the park, and we took our time. The trail would eventually lead to a lake, and I couldn't wait to see it. I continually drummed the pocket of my jeans with my fingers to make sure nothing fell out. I was beginning to fill with a happy, eager feeling as we walked through the dark woods toward the sun-exposed lake. I saw it over a hill, and had a hard time talking. Luckily, Sam was carrying the conversation and didn't notice.
We made it to the lake and she told me how much she loves being near water. I imagine she feels the way I feel when sitting on a peak. The feeling of being home, regardless of actual location. As we've grown, "home" is no longer a place for me, it's a face. It's her face. Clearly, I wasn't nervous about any race.
At the Umstead State Park in North Carolina, I asked a girl to marry me.
After 7(or is it eight?) years together, I shouldn't have been too worried about the answer.
She said yes. We've been together since before she could drive a car. Why wouldn't she say yes? Because I'm a flaky, selfish, idealistic dreamer, that's why. I'm lucky she sees something else.
The Race itself?
Meh.
I'll cut to it: I dropped out. No injury, no sickness, no soreness to speak of. I was conservatively running with the intent of speeding up. I reached the 100k(ish) mark in 12 hours. The only explanation I have is pretty simple. I'd had enough.
The first laps went exceedingly well. I routinely erred on the side of running too slow. Walked every hill, found an efficient pace for downhills, and ran easily enough to breathe out of my nose. The 12.5 mile loops still clicked by in the 2:00-2:20 range.
It did eventually heat up to a balmy 65 degrees, but not enough to bother me, in spite of being a blubbery Michigan Eskimo. The course itself is very enjoyable...for a few laps. The laps would be wonderful for two or three loops to make a fast, hilly long run. 100 miles? A little too much repetition for this guy.
Why drop out of this race? At mile 60 or so, a list popped into my head that I could no longer ignore. I've run 100 miles before. Twice. At altitude. Over mountains. It was slow, but the scenery and the terrain captivated me. Running dirt roads like the very one I live on just wasn't holding my attention. Dark was coming, and I wanted delicious food. Maybe an awesome salad and a beer.
Most importantly, I think my mind was just not in it. I just got engaged for Christ's sake! If I even had to think twice about leaving my beautiful bride to be as I go shuffle around in the dark on a boring ass loop for the 6th, 7th, and 8th time, I don't deserve her.
I hope this doesn't sound negative. I enjoyed myself right up until the point where I dropped out. I ran with wonderful people, saw a new area of the country, and had a fantastic long run. The ultra community, especially those subjecting themselves to 100 miles, is filled with great folks.
I'm not one to speak in certainties, but I think this is the last time I'll find my name on the list for a 100 start for a while. I realized when I reeaaallly casually jogged a 9hour 50 at this event, that the 50 mile distance is where my heart is. It's a distance that one can (somewhat) aggressively cover technical trail, while still clearly showing patience and endurance. My current demeanor just loves the 50 mile. I'm not patient or stubborn enough for a 100, nor am I intense enough for the marathon. Still enough wiggle room to use leg speed, but allows for some leeway. I think I'll set my sights on a fall 50 and make it my own pursuit of athletic excellence.
Since dropping out, I've had a couple excellent speedier runs in the 20 mile range, I'm running with some consistency and feel better than ever. I think this was a fantastic jumpstart to a breakthrough summer. A hobbyjogger can dream! In the meantime, I've got a wedding to plan(HA! as if men have say-so in the planning process. Seinfeld was right. There's a reason we're all dressed the same).
Enjoy health and wellness, everyone!
As was indicated by my recent training updates on this blog, I've taken a total "weekend warrior" approach to training. A couple shorter, faster runs on the weekdays, and either one or two long runs on the weekends. Jogging around on these days required very little focus, and therefore resulted in very little focus. I casually jogged a peak long run of 42 miles in ankle deep snow and ice, and stopped for a deuce can of Miller Lite halfway through. The rest of the weekends were back to back 20+ milers or less. I actually felt quite confident in my ability to run a slow, "easy" 100 miles.
Since returning from Colorado, Samantha and I have spent little time together. We were looking forward to a weekend together without work and school distractions(other than, of course, the 100). She got her work obligations out of the way, and I got a jump on studying and assignments. The road was waiting for us, and we took off on Thursday morning.
The drive down to North Carolina was great. We made good time getting to West Virginia, and really enjoyed each other's company all the way down. Instead of obsessing over the race, I was just enjoying the ride with her, talking about this and that, from work to life to how we will be valuable in zombie apocalypse(we're weird). I realized that even though we met at a young age, we grew together independently, and took convoluted emotional paths to finally end up at the same place. After a rough patch of snow in the mountains of West Virginia, we called it a night at hotel in Greensboro, NC. They were downright fraudulent about their rates, but we were just too tired to give a shit.
It was the next morning that I really started getting nervous. Had I really prepared myself for this? I felt kind of light-headed and heavy-legged.
We made our way to Raleigh, were found our hotel and a bit to eat. I knew I should eat, but had no appetite. Friends were texting, "Are you ready? This is a big deal, man!" I tucked my phone in my pocket and tried to eat. After I got my fish tacos down, we headed to Umstead State Park to check out the race area and pick up my packet. It was only a couple miles down the road from the hotel, and we were early to packet pickup. We walked around for a bit, killed some time, and walked over to the cabin where I'd get my bag, number, hat, and tiny sample-sized bar of hippie soap.
Nothing left to do but do the damned thing.
Samantha and I went for a hike to enjoy some warm weather. The snow hadn't quite melted in the trails near our home, so actually walking on dirt was something we hadn't done in 6 months or so. We walked around, enjoying some new scenery and talking. There were but a few other people in the park, and we took our time. The trail would eventually lead to a lake, and I couldn't wait to see it. I continually drummed the pocket of my jeans with my fingers to make sure nothing fell out. I was beginning to fill with a happy, eager feeling as we walked through the dark woods toward the sun-exposed lake. I saw it over a hill, and had a hard time talking. Luckily, Sam was carrying the conversation and didn't notice.
We made it to the lake and she told me how much she loves being near water. I imagine she feels the way I feel when sitting on a peak. The feeling of being home, regardless of actual location. As we've grown, "home" is no longer a place for me, it's a face. It's her face. Clearly, I wasn't nervous about any race.
At the Umstead State Park in North Carolina, I asked a girl to marry me.
After 7(or is it eight?) years together, I shouldn't have been too worried about the answer.
 |
| nothing fancy, we aren't fancy people. |
She said yes. We've been together since before she could drive a car. Why wouldn't she say yes? Because I'm a flaky, selfish, idealistic dreamer, that's why. I'm lucky she sees something else.
The Race itself?
Meh.
I'll cut to it: I dropped out. No injury, no sickness, no soreness to speak of. I was conservatively running with the intent of speeding up. I reached the 100k(ish) mark in 12 hours. The only explanation I have is pretty simple. I'd had enough.
The first laps went exceedingly well. I routinely erred on the side of running too slow. Walked every hill, found an efficient pace for downhills, and ran easily enough to breathe out of my nose. The 12.5 mile loops still clicked by in the 2:00-2:20 range.
 |
| still running easy enough to wear a sweatshirt after lap 1 |
Why drop out of this race? At mile 60 or so, a list popped into my head that I could no longer ignore. I've run 100 miles before. Twice. At altitude. Over mountains. It was slow, but the scenery and the terrain captivated me. Running dirt roads like the very one I live on just wasn't holding my attention. Dark was coming, and I wanted delicious food. Maybe an awesome salad and a beer.
Most importantly, I think my mind was just not in it. I just got engaged for Christ's sake! If I even had to think twice about leaving my beautiful bride to be as I go shuffle around in the dark on a boring ass loop for the 6th, 7th, and 8th time, I don't deserve her.
I hope this doesn't sound negative. I enjoyed myself right up until the point where I dropped out. I ran with wonderful people, saw a new area of the country, and had a fantastic long run. The ultra community, especially those subjecting themselves to 100 miles, is filled with great folks.
I'm not one to speak in certainties, but I think this is the last time I'll find my name on the list for a 100 start for a while. I realized when I reeaaallly casually jogged a 9hour 50 at this event, that the 50 mile distance is where my heart is. It's a distance that one can (somewhat) aggressively cover technical trail, while still clearly showing patience and endurance. My current demeanor just loves the 50 mile. I'm not patient or stubborn enough for a 100, nor am I intense enough for the marathon. Still enough wiggle room to use leg speed, but allows for some leeway. I think I'll set my sights on a fall 50 and make it my own pursuit of athletic excellence.
Since dropping out, I've had a couple excellent speedier runs in the 20 mile range, I'm running with some consistency and feel better than ever. I think this was a fantastic jumpstart to a breakthrough summer. A hobbyjogger can dream! In the meantime, I've got a wedding to plan(HA! as if men have say-so in the planning process. Seinfeld was right. There's a reason we're all dressed the same).
Enjoy health and wellness, everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)