Power 90 and Bike to Work Day

Been extra busy these days.  Nicole and I started a new workout program on Monday.  We started the Power 90 workout program.  This is similar to the P90x program, but came out before it.  This is the first version of p90x.  We've been getting through it.

Yesterday was Bike to work day.  I did p90 in the morning, rode my bike to work, ran 10 miles during lunch, rode my bike back home.  What a crazy day it was.  Maybe a big overboard?  Good for training.  I haven't trained like this since Ironman in 2008.

A new Ironman is coming to Texas.  Looks interesting!!!  Maybe in 2012?  We'll see.  Would need to find some extra money and time to train.

BB 10K - DONE

Another BolderBoulder 10K has come and gone.  That was 16 BBs for me.  I started running them when I was 14.  Pretty darn crazy. 

My offical time was 40:11.  Not my fastest, but I wasn't looking at a PR. 

I've got more to talk about...but will save my words today.

Run Day On, Run Day Off

It sure does feel great to run again!!  I have only run 4 times since Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010.  That is 4 times in a month.  I took about 2-3 weeks off, ran 3 times.  Took another 10 days off and ran once.  My right leg feels pretty good and no pain while running.  I ran a 10k a few weeks ago and my right leg started to ache after the race.  That is when I decided to take some more time off.

I have the BolderBoulder 10k race coming up.  This will be my 13th year running it (or so).  I am in the top wave again, 2nd year in a row.  Last years time will be much better.  I am looking at running the same as a few weeks ago.

I will only have about a week to train.  Yikes.  Instead of running every single day, I will be running every other day.  Hopefully this will give my leg enough time to finish healing (if necessary).  What's next.  I am going to Casper, WY to watch my friend Shirley race.  I have been thinking about the half-marathon????  Probably a mistake..??? But maybe not?  I will make a decision after the BolderBoulder.  If my leg feels great, I might talk with Nicole and see what she thinks.

Till now, I hope I get a chance to go out running today!!!

Oh YEAH!

Passing a Brick Wall

I went for a bike ride today.  I told Nicole I would be gone 1-2 hours but no longer.  My lungs were burning the first two miles of the ride.  The first two miles are on Quincy Ave which is a moderately busy road.  Cars always seem  to be pretty good about cyclists, but I am always alert.  The first mile is a slight uphill and the second is a fast downhill. I can get my bike 25-32mph.  I always take it too fast.

I went one loop around Cherry Creek Reservoir and only 40 minutes into my ride.  I was pretty worn out and felt like calling it a day.  GU to the Rescue!!  I had an orange burst GU and gave me enough energy to keep going.  I ended up going around Cherry Creek Reservoir again.  I paced myself better going around the second time.

I rode 26.5 miles and averaged 17.5mph.  Not too bad. 

Got some good Wii Sports workout afterwards. I was determined to beat the obstacle course record.  I did it, but too me way too long.

Blazing Bullets 5K/10K Trail Run

The Bullets Trail Run was a fantastic race. This event was held by the City of Westminster and the Westminster Public Safety Recognition Foundation. The community group benefits Westminster Firefighters who have been injured on the job and financial relief to citizens who have lost their home or have been displaced.

The best races start off with great volunteers and organizers. The Blazing Bullets event gave a personal touch because it had great community involvement. It felt like the sitcom Cheers where "everyone knows your name".

The location was perfect. It was held at the Christopher Fields (near Sheridan and 104th) just off highway 36. The registration was simple and easy. The goodie bags included a reusable grocery bag given by City of Westminster, water, toothbrush kit, and information about the course. The t-shirt gave it a nice touch.

This event wasn't a stressful event. There were plenty of bathrooms with no long lines. The event included a short walk to the south parking lot just before the start. 8am start was perfect and it starts right on time. The 10K runners started first and 5K runners started 5 minutes later.

The course offered a combination of road and trail. The course was clearly marked and each mile offered a quote of inspiration. The aid stations were well supported. There were more police motorcycles at this event than many 5k/10k races. It appeared that the officers enjoyed helping out for the safety of the runners.

The finish line was mostly organized. 5K and 10K runners finished at the same chute so it may have caused a little confusion at the end. We received a timing chip and several volunteers were at the finish line ready to take them off.

The Post race events may have been the best part. Great food and beverages afterwards. Panera bread, EAS shakes, water, coffee, and more. The exhibit booths made it fun for the entire family. Great music was provided by the Standley Lake High School Jazz Band and Car Toys.

The award presentation was good, but too long. The announcer knew many runners and explained who they were. Most amazing door prizes at this event. The door prize announcements were long but felt like everyone was a winner.

The Blazing Bullets event was a huge success and the volunteers and organizers did an outstanding job. Not to mention a personalized finishers certificate sent via email.

I placed 2nd out of 98 finishers in a time of 39:48.  I won my age division 30-39.  I also won a free pair of shoes.  YEAH!

GU Rocks!!!

I love GU.  My nutrition plans have been fantastic and I can certainly tell you that it has made a big difference in my performance.  I have been able to complete Ironman Coeur d'Alene, Salt Lake City Marathon, Boston Marathon, 24 hours of Triathlon (team event) and much more. 


GU has recently come out with a test drive package with a full variety of GU Energy products.  GU has over 20 years of experience providing athletes with proper nutrition while exercising.  Every athlete needs a workout plan and nutrition plan.  GU has helped me, so they can help you too.

So what does the performance energy sampler provide?  It gives the athlete with a range of choices to create their individual performance nutrition plan and includes the original GU Energy Gel, Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, Chomps Energy Chews, Electrolyte Brew, and Recovery Brew.

For full product information please visit http://www.guenergy.com/products/performance-energy-sampler.

Did I mention that I love GU.  They have helped me become a better person and a great athlete.

Boston Marathon Race Report

Alarm Clock

Alarm clock went off just before 5:15am.  I arose with ease and was eager to start the day.  I put on all my gear.  I also had some warm-up clothes.  I went downstairs to the cafe "Au Bon Pain".  I was able to get some coffee and oatmeal.  Little sugar and milk with my oatmeal and I was good to go.

Bus Ride

The Rocky Mountain Road Runners group met in the hotel lobby at 6am.  We met for a quick photo or two and headed towards the buses.  We didn't wait to long too get on a school bus.  The bus had a cute turtle on the window next to the door.  On the yellow school bus we go and we went straight to the back.  The ride took 45-60 min.  I started becoming uncomfortable half way.  I was getting car sick and had to find a restroom.

Start Line

The start line was crazy.  We started heading to the start line with only 15 minutes before start time.  It almost felt like a mad dash before the race started.  After a quick last minute bathroom break, I rushed to the the 2000's corral.  The video camera came right in front of us several times.  Click here to view the video.  My friend is dacook (David Cook) and I am next to him on the left.  Check out the bright yellow outfit and my sunglasses.

And we run...

The gun went off and let the mad chaos begin.  It wasn't a fast pace at first.  It actually took us about a minute to get to the start line.  My goal was to take it hard, but not to go crazy and run a miracle mile.  The crowds were already starting to form and I felt like this was going to be a good race day.  The weather turned out to be perfect and sunny.  I didn't even notice the wind.

Miles 1-6

Mile 1: 6:50, Mile 2: 6:18, Mile 3: 6:01, Mile 4: 6:36, Mile 5: 6:33, Mile 6: 6:33

5K - 20:13

10K - 40:48

What a great feeling to run again.  I felt great and so thrilled to be at Boston.  The first mile was perfect.  Not too fast, not too slow.  I increased my speed after the first mile.  Mile 3 might have been a mistake?  I ran too fast and noticed it.  My friend Dave Cook was keeping up with me and was wondering what I was doing. 

We passed by an awesome biker bar with tons of people cheering.  I didn't hear any engines roaring, but I could easily point out the biker dudes.  The first 5K and 10K passed by and I was pleased with my times.  Every time I passed a timing mat, I thought of all my friends, sponsors and family.  Especially those who were watching me on race day.

Miles 7-13

Mile 7: 6:24, Mile 8: 6:43, Mile 9: 6:48, Mile 10: 6:48, Mile 11: 7:01, Mile 12: 7:09, Mile 13: 6:57

15K - 1:01:35

20K - 1:23:18

Half-Marathon - 1:28:02

Steady, easy, and steady.  I was rockin and racing towards the half way point.  The miles started to slow down a little bit towards the end of the first half.  My quads and calf's started feeling tight around mile 11.  I blame this on my new orthotics that I only had a week to break in.  I also will mention that I took off 3-4 weeks before Boston.

Miles 14-20

Mile 14: 7:05, Mile 15: 7:15, Mile 16: 6:58, Mile 17: 7:46, Mile 18: 8:07

25K - 1:45:23

30K - 2:09:11

The hills started at mile 16.  The first two hills were tough and I felt the challenge.  I didn't think the first two would be tough.  We passed by Wesley College during Mile 16.  Something neat about Wesley College...It's a female only college and the girls were out to scream.  One of the most amazing parts about the course.  Hundreds and maybe even thousands of college girls screaming and shouting at all the runners.  Many of them held "kiss me" signs.  Runners would stop just to kiss the girls.  Not me.  I kept running, but I did blow a few kisses.

Mile 19-21: 25:38 (8:22/mile)

35K - 2:35:08

My garmin watch lost signal so I wasn't sure what my pace was.  This is good and bad.  Bad because I wasn't sure how fast I was running, but good because I could run at a comfortable pace. Heartbreak hill was around mile 21 and I didn't even notice it.  I asked another runner if we have passed Heartbreak Hill yet.  He told me we just passed it.  I do remember some college kids screaming at a person to start running again.  The runner nearly stopped and took a break.  The college students screamed and yelled louder once the runner got going again.  Way to inspire!

Mile 22-26.2

Mile 22: 7:54, Mile 23: 8:10, Mile 24: 7:47, Mile 25: 8:10, Mile 26: 7:38, Mile .2: 1:07
40K - 3:00:22

2nd Half-Marathon - 1:42:53

My pace was mixed, but I started picking up the pace.  After passing Heartbreak Hill, the toughest parts were done.  My garmin watch starting working again, so I was able to see my pace.  I passed the 24-25 mile marker and knew I wasn't going to break 3 hours.  My next goal was to break 3:10, which is the time to re-qualify for Boston.  I had a little over 1.5 miles left to run in about 12 minutes.  The finish line was coming close and I had enough time to finish in 3:10.

The last .2 miles was crazy.  I put everything I had left out on the course.  I was running at 4:12/mile pace for the last minute. I ran until I couldn't run any longer.  I finished with a time of 3:10:55.  I re-qualified for Boston by 4 seconds.

Will I be able to Walk?
The race was over and I was exhausted.  I kept thinking to myself, keep walking. Keep walking.  Don't stop.  The wheelchairs to the first aid tents sure did look nice.  I wasn't feeling the greatest and I thought I might have been a little dizzy.  I got my medal, water, snack bag, and headed to the bus to get my "gear bag".  I changed and went straight for the massage area.  I wanted to make sure I got a massage.

After a simple and basic massage I headed towards my hotel.  I found it right away and headed up the elevator.  I was walking pretty well compared to the last race.  I showered, closed the blinds, and took a nice 2 hour nap.

Looking Back
My training paid off.  I worked hard and ran hundreds of miles.  I couldn't have done the race without my sponsors, GU and Brooks!!  My nutrition was right on and I had good shoes, gear and support.

I might run Boston again next year, but I will do a few things differently.  I will make sure I have at least one day off either every week or every other week.  I will make sure to listen to my body a little better and rest when I need to.

I was happy to run the 2010 Boston Marathon.  Despite my leg injuries, I ran a great race.  I ran the first half a little too fast, and ran out of gas for the second half.  This race was my second fastest marathon and I have many more miles to run.  Thanks for your support and well wishes.

Boston Marathon Results

I made it through!!  Race report coming either tonight or tomorrow.

My finishing time 3:10:55.  Not too bad.

Headed to Boston

I put on my running shoes and went on a 8 mile run.  I ran last night at 9pm and had a great run.  My leg didn't feel too bad and I felt like I could keep running.  Pain level was around a 2 on a scale 1-10. 

I went out again during my lunch break today.  I went 6.75 miles.  Not as great of a run as last night, but not bad too.  I felt a blister on my heal and it was pretty painful.  Ah man.  Not another blister.  Do I blame it on my orthotics or shoes?  Yuck........

What does this mean?  I am planning on running the Boston Marathon next Monday.  It won't be my fastest marathon, so I hope to really enjoy the race!!

Game Plan..heal baby...heal.

2.5 weeks left till the Boston Marathon and I will make a decision in about 2 weeks.  I can defer the Boston Marathon till next year, but I must re-register and pay the entry fee.  I have stopped running on Monday and will give it 2 weeks off.  I have been cycling and swimming to cross train.  Aqua Jogging is something else.  Time passes by faster than I thought.

Heal leg heal. I felt very optimistic today.  My leg/foot seems to be going through all kind of feelings.  My ankle and calf are sore or ache.  Odd.  Heal leg heal.......I want to get back to running soon!!

I have some orthodics on order, but they won't get here until next Friday.  Not enough time.  Big decision to make soon...

Thanks for coming and reading/dealing with all my issues.  I will be talking about happier thoughts in the future!!