Brutal! It was about 35 degrees out when I hit the pavement at Bidwell Park this morning, wearing shorts and a tee-shirt, as I wanted the best conditions for a short and fast walk. I did the mile in 11:26, not my best effort. The upside to it was the fact that I didn’t have to suffer for long. I returned with an overall time of 23:36, or an 11.68 average.
It may have hurt today, but it will aid me in my overall fitness and get me closer to obtaining a decent time in Saturday’s Almond Bowl 5K race.
Weight 197.4
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
The Simple Life
Life is far simpler now that I have decided to pursue ½ marathons and shorter races. For instance; I have a 5K race coming up this weekend and I did some training for it this morning…by going twice that distance. I did the usual circuit of the park and got in 6.38 miles in 81 minutes. That’s a 12.7 minute/mile pace. And since I have a landmark at the 5K distance, I was able to see that I did that distance in 38 minutes. (12.26)
Yes, I went back to racewalking and I think it is going to be my choice of “style” for all of the races in the future. I might run for short distances in a cross training effort, but I don’t see myself as a runner.
Speed training is something I haven’t been doing and I need to get back to it. Believe it or not, when I was training in Roseville and going to the ARC track in the evenings for speed work, my times were down into the low 10’s for a mile distance. So, tomorrow I will do a very fast one mile effort to see if I can’t pick up some speed for the weekend. Wednesday will be a slower effort and then I will do another fast mile on Friday. Saturday is a day of rest…
BP 118/51 Pulse is 62 and weight is 198.4
Yes, I went back to racewalking and I think it is going to be my choice of “style” for all of the races in the future. I might run for short distances in a cross training effort, but I don’t see myself as a runner.
Speed training is something I haven’t been doing and I need to get back to it. Believe it or not, when I was training in Roseville and going to the ARC track in the evenings for speed work, my times were down into the low 10’s for a mile distance. So, tomorrow I will do a very fast one mile effort to see if I can’t pick up some speed for the weekend. Wednesday will be a slower effort and then I will do another fast mile on Friday. Saturday is a day of rest…
BP 118/51 Pulse is 62 and weight is 198.4
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Bad Behavior
Blogger wasn’t behaving yesterday, so I had to postpone sending up this post till this morning…
I’m just back from a fairly fast 3 mile run and walk. And I think I soon have to make a decision; run or walk? The run, because it was cold, seemed to jar me more painfully than usual. The walk, by comparison, seemed quite nice! I did the run portion in 17 minutes (11.33) and the walk portion in 20 minutes. (13.33) Overall, that would be 12.33 and that’s definitely a good cardio workout.
So if I decide to rejoin the racewalking ranks, my plan would be to racewalk till I’m 70 years old. From 70 to 80, I would become a fast walker…no training necessary. From 80 to 90, I would become a serious stroller. And then, from 90 on, I could start all over again. Right from the very beginning…in diapers.
This mornings statistics: BP 126/65 Pulse 69 Weight 198.6
I’m just back from a fairly fast 3 mile run and walk. And I think I soon have to make a decision; run or walk? The run, because it was cold, seemed to jar me more painfully than usual. The walk, by comparison, seemed quite nice! I did the run portion in 17 minutes (11.33) and the walk portion in 20 minutes. (13.33) Overall, that would be 12.33 and that’s definitely a good cardio workout.
So if I decide to rejoin the racewalking ranks, my plan would be to racewalk till I’m 70 years old. From 70 to 80, I would become a fast walker…no training necessary. From 80 to 90, I would become a serious stroller. And then, from 90 on, I could start all over again. Right from the very beginning…in diapers.
This mornings statistics: BP 126/65 Pulse 69 Weight 198.6
Friday, October 27, 2006
For and Against
I got in a good training walk yesterday morning, a 6.38 miler at a 12.7 minute/mile pace. And once again I debated with myself as to whether or not I should be a runner or a walker. Why do I do that? On the plus side for racewalking is the fact that it gives you a great cardio workout without the jarring impact that running gives your body. The negative is the fact that very few people racewalk and so you’re stuck with the fact that you will probably always practice alone. Running has a certain “elite” aura to it. Runners are perceived as being special in some way. Racewalkers are simply “odd” and often confused with the so-called speed walkers. Most people don’t realize that racewalking is a highly disciplined sport and an Olympic event; and it has been for close to a hundred years. Even baseball can’t claim that! Can you run a 6 minute mile? The world record for racewalking a mile is under 5 ½ minutes.
Statistics…5K was completed at a 12.35 minute/mile pace. 4 miles at 12.5
Weight... 200. Shame on me!
Statistics…5K was completed at a 12.35 minute/mile pace. 4 miles at 12.5
Weight... 200. Shame on me!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Thanks!
The Orland Crop walk is over and it was a great success. With your help we netted over $4,500 dollars for hunger relief. And the good news is that 25% of that money goes to local Orland food projects, like the Pantry and the Senior Nutrition Center.
As for myself...I enjoyed a good 3 mile run while Laurae got in a 3 mile walk with friends. I didn't get much company with me; there was one other runner and he was about 16 years old and I wasn't about to keep up with him!
As for myself...I enjoyed a good 3 mile run while Laurae got in a 3 mile walk with friends. I didn't get much company with me; there was one other runner and he was about 16 years old and I wasn't about to keep up with him!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Portland
Pictures are in! The race photos are now on the portlandmarathon.org website. Plus, the official times are now posted.
2:21:52 was the fastest time and 10:41:22 was the slowest. I was officially listed as being in 5,698th place with a time of 5:58:11, a 13:40 pace and 34th place in my age group.
If you want to see the photos, my bib number was 2350. Just fill in the search field and the pictures will come up...
2:21:52 was the fastest time and 10:41:22 was the slowest. I was officially listed as being in 5,698th place with a time of 5:58:11, a 13:40 pace and 34th place in my age group.
If you want to see the photos, my bib number was 2350. Just fill in the search field and the pictures will come up...
Monday, October 16, 2006
Stretching it
I was able to enjoy? a good run/walk in the park this morning. 58:40 was the time and the distance was 5.16 miles. (11:31 minute/miles) I jogged the first mile at a 10:20 pace and then tried to slow it down as I was working pretty hard to get oxygenated. There really is a good reason to do warm-ups and I hadn’t. At the turnaround I had a time of 30 minutes exactly. (11.62 minute/mile) On the way back, I ran for 1.5 miles and walked the first of the return miles, giving me 11:00 minute miles for that leg.
Now I have to come up with a plan for the Phoenix Half Marathon; racewalk or run/walk? I’m leaning towards doing it via the racewalking method, but with 20,000 entrants, just making my way through the pedestrian traffic with decent form will be tough. That was a problem at the Portland marathon this year and I ended up running on the sidewalks just to get around the slowpokes. Or I could simply do whatever comes naturally and enjoy the whole experience.
I’ve done a lot of short distances during the past week or so and now I need to make sure I get in some good sub-1/2 marathon practices; distances like 10 or 11 miles will be sufficient for most training days. Or twice around the park and that’s 12 ¾ miles; and it’s also a distance I’m comfortable with.
Now I have to come up with a plan for the Phoenix Half Marathon; racewalk or run/walk? I’m leaning towards doing it via the racewalking method, but with 20,000 entrants, just making my way through the pedestrian traffic with decent form will be tough. That was a problem at the Portland marathon this year and I ended up running on the sidewalks just to get around the slowpokes. Or I could simply do whatever comes naturally and enjoy the whole experience.
I’ve done a lot of short distances during the past week or so and now I need to make sure I get in some good sub-1/2 marathon practices; distances like 10 or 11 miles will be sufficient for most training days. Or twice around the park and that’s 12 ¾ miles; and it’s also a distance I’m comfortable with.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Registered
Here’s some good news…I just signed up for the P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona ½ Marathon. Yes, a ½ marathon. After completing 5 marathons it’s time for a change. I get all the “bling” without the sting! And a t-shirt as well… It’s scheduled for January 14th, a relatively cool day for Arizona. And according to the website; 20,000+ participants are doing the half? Now that’s a lot of people!
Friday, October 13, 2006
5K
Every day gets a little better. I was able to do a 5K plus (3.29 miles) in 36:30 and that gives me 11 minute/miles. That translates to a 34.38 minute time for the 5K; that was with my running (OK, jogging) for 2.5+ of those miles. I can also report that my quads felt the effects of my running with some hotspots in the muscles.
I’m not sure why, but the running seems to give me a real boost in my racewalking style. Perhaps it’s because it is such a relief to not be jarring your whole body with each step while running. I’ll keep on running, but my first love is always going to be racewalking.
And I dropped a pound…196.2
I’m not sure why, but the running seems to give me a real boost in my racewalking style. Perhaps it’s because it is such a relief to not be jarring your whole body with each step while running. I’ll keep on running, but my first love is always going to be racewalking.
And I dropped a pound…196.2
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Counting Calories
Day two of the new training schedule went well. I did the same two miles but I ran the first mile, walked a half mile and then ran the last half. All in 21:30. Certainly not the fastest, but it was surprisingly easier than yesterdays effort. I definitely use more oxygen when running and that will require some training effort to accommodate. And this afternoon I noted some aches and pains in leg muscles where I have never felt them before.
But, overall I’m in good enough shape so that none of this training will cause me to be crippled for life…just a few new sore muscles to contend with.
A benefit; for some reason, when I switched to a racewalking stride at the mile marker, I was suddenly faster and smoother than I have been in a long time. Why is that?
I’m back up to 197 pounds, but it should come off easily now that I’m back on track with the abbreviated training schedule. The fact is, I can’t take a week off of training without gaining some weight…unless I reduce the caloric intake. Simple; but oh, so difficult!
But, overall I’m in good enough shape so that none of this training will cause me to be crippled for life…just a few new sore muscles to contend with.
A benefit; for some reason, when I switched to a racewalking stride at the mile marker, I was suddenly faster and smoother than I have been in a long time. Why is that?
I’m back up to 197 pounds, but it should come off easily now that I’m back on track with the abbreviated training schedule. The fact is, I can’t take a week off of training without gaining some weight…unless I reduce the caloric intake. Simple; but oh, so difficult!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Here We Go Again
I’m back at it; training again, though it’s hard to believe that a full week and then some has passed since the Portland Marathon.
As I said earlier, my plan is to reduce the scale of my endeavors to ½ marathons and shorter races. So in preparation for that, I tried a walk/run combo this morning. I walked up the Bidwell trail for a mile at a 12:30 minute/mile pace. Then I ran back down…at a 9:50 pace. No, it wasn’t the fastest run I’ve ever done and it certainly wasn’t comfortable.
The racewalking stride is so smooth that anything else suffers in comparison, and suffer I did. Running just jars the heck out of me!
I know we all have a mental image of how we should look while running. In our vivid imaginations, we are like gazelles, or the cheetah pursuing the gazelles. But in reality…we’re plodders. Or, I am a plodder. I want to be light-footed, just kissing the asphalt lightly with my shoes. How do I get that spring into my step?
Well, no matter…it was great to be back and I know I can only get better.
And there’s a short race coming up in November, the Almond Bowl 5K walk/run. I’m racewalking it (maybe?) as I don’t think I’m ready for a run yet. We’ll see…
As I said earlier, my plan is to reduce the scale of my endeavors to ½ marathons and shorter races. So in preparation for that, I tried a walk/run combo this morning. I walked up the Bidwell trail for a mile at a 12:30 minute/mile pace. Then I ran back down…at a 9:50 pace. No, it wasn’t the fastest run I’ve ever done and it certainly wasn’t comfortable.
The racewalking stride is so smooth that anything else suffers in comparison, and suffer I did. Running just jars the heck out of me!
I know we all have a mental image of how we should look while running. In our vivid imaginations, we are like gazelles, or the cheetah pursuing the gazelles. But in reality…we’re plodders. Or, I am a plodder. I want to be light-footed, just kissing the asphalt lightly with my shoes. How do I get that spring into my step?
Well, no matter…it was great to be back and I know I can only get better.
And there’s a short race coming up in November, the Almond Bowl 5K walk/run. I’m racewalking it (maybe?) as I don’t think I’m ready for a run yet. We’ll see…
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Changes
Due to unforeseen circumstances…I had to cancel my marathon date for today. But it’s OK. I have a good season behind me, one that I can be proud of. (3 marathons completed) And I have also decided to change from being a walker of marathons to a walker of ½ marathons and a runner of shorter races.
The training time required for racewalking a marathon was becoming a chore; not the best feeling to have when you’re trying to keep fit and still enjoy yourself. Simple math says that ½ marathons will require ½ the amount of training. And ½ marathons are held in all of the popular places in this country. This means that we can continue traveling to new places; I’ll walk or run and then we get to go sightseeing afterwards. Make sense?
And I do want to start running again. I know I won’t be the fastest runner in Chico (Aged 66+) but there is a good chance that I will be the fastest one in Orland. And you take your victories when and where you can.
The goal remains the same…fit, not frail!
The training time required for racewalking a marathon was becoming a chore; not the best feeling to have when you’re trying to keep fit and still enjoy yourself. Simple math says that ½ marathons will require ½ the amount of training. And ½ marathons are held in all of the popular places in this country. This means that we can continue traveling to new places; I’ll walk or run and then we get to go sightseeing afterwards. Make sense?
And I do want to start running again. I know I won’t be the fastest runner in Chico (Aged 66+) but there is a good chance that I will be the fastest one in Orland. And you take your victories when and where you can.
The goal remains the same…fit, not frail!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Old but Not Frail:
A Matter of Heart and Head - New York Times
A good article...sorry if it requires registration to read it.
I'm taking it to heart. I've seen "frailty" and I don't like it!
A good article...sorry if it requires registration to read it.
I'm taking it to heart. I've seen "frailty" and I don't like it!
Sunday, October 01, 2006
It's Over
It’s over. 26.2 miles are behind me now. There’s nothing official about my time; I tried doing some mental gymnastics as I I tried to remember exactly what time it might have been when I crossed the starting line. I think it was 7:05 and the clock said 6:02 when I crossed the finish line. So, that makes it a 5:57 time? I will know later on after the official times go on-line at portlandmarathon.org.
Wow! I just checked the website and they have live results; no waiting.
OK, 5:58:11…I’ll take it! That gives me a 13:37 average. If you want to see the results for yourself, my bib number was 2350.
Now back to the beginning. The start was almost normal; too many people and a slow shuffle towards the starting line. What was missing from the start were the signs that indicated where you should be lined up according to your pace times. Those were absent and so people were lining up anyplace they felt like it. This created a real problem for the first two miles as I had to duck and dodge between slow walkers that were taking up a lot of road space. I finally ended up running along the left side of the road and sometimes up on the sidewalk in an effort to find some breathing room.
Once we started up the first hill, it became easier to get past the strollers and it became a regular marathon at that point. Pick em and put em down! And do it at the same speed and same stride for the next…say, 23 miles.
Without my trusty partner to inspire me, I had to find someone to focus on and I found one; an older gentleman (like me) and he had a great racewalking gait. We stayed quite close from about mile 4 until mile 9. That was when I decided to make a bathroom break. When I emerged, I ran for awhile, hoping to catch up, but without success, so I just kept plugging away.
About mile 12, I saw him ahead of me but I just couldn’t make any gains on him. I figured that once we reached the Saint john’s Bridge hill, I could make a move on him. But, to my dismay, he pulled over to the side at mile 16 to change his socks. Darn! No matter, I found my way to the top of the hill and across the bridge. It was all downhill (almost) from here.
Then, at mile 21, he caught up to me and passed me. Whoa! I really didn’t have it in me to change that situation…yet. So I just kept him in view and hoped for a chance to catch him. And at mile 24 I did catch up to him; in fact we chatted for awhile. He lives in Vancouver and moved there from Citrus Heights. We kept on together for awhile and then he slowed or I got faster. Either way, I pulled ahead with just a mile to go. And at the half mile marker, there he was again, on my right shoulder. As we raced towards the finish line I was able to pull ahead of him and finished about 5 or 6 seconds faster, But since the race is decided on chip times, he might have beat me. That’s OK; it was fun to race to the finish.
After my chip was removed and I had my medal, it was time to browse the eats! Orange juice seemed to be my favorite this time; that and biscotti ice cream sandwiches. A little more water and some string cheese and I was good to go.
Now I’m relaxing. I have had a cold bath to help the injured tissues of the legs and a warm shower to remove the road grime. I’m nibbling on anything within reach and not worrying about any calories. And in about 2 hours we will walk (yes, walk) down to the Oyster Bar for dinner. A well deserved dinner.
Wow! I just checked the website and they have live results; no waiting.
OK, 5:58:11…I’ll take it! That gives me a 13:37 average. If you want to see the results for yourself, my bib number was 2350.
Now back to the beginning. The start was almost normal; too many people and a slow shuffle towards the starting line. What was missing from the start were the signs that indicated where you should be lined up according to your pace times. Those were absent and so people were lining up anyplace they felt like it. This created a real problem for the first two miles as I had to duck and dodge between slow walkers that were taking up a lot of road space. I finally ended up running along the left side of the road and sometimes up on the sidewalk in an effort to find some breathing room.
Once we started up the first hill, it became easier to get past the strollers and it became a regular marathon at that point. Pick em and put em down! And do it at the same speed and same stride for the next…say, 23 miles.
Without my trusty partner to inspire me, I had to find someone to focus on and I found one; an older gentleman (like me) and he had a great racewalking gait. We stayed quite close from about mile 4 until mile 9. That was when I decided to make a bathroom break. When I emerged, I ran for awhile, hoping to catch up, but without success, so I just kept plugging away.
About mile 12, I saw him ahead of me but I just couldn’t make any gains on him. I figured that once we reached the Saint john’s Bridge hill, I could make a move on him. But, to my dismay, he pulled over to the side at mile 16 to change his socks. Darn! No matter, I found my way to the top of the hill and across the bridge. It was all downhill (almost) from here.
Then, at mile 21, he caught up to me and passed me. Whoa! I really didn’t have it in me to change that situation…yet. So I just kept him in view and hoped for a chance to catch him. And at mile 24 I did catch up to him; in fact we chatted for awhile. He lives in Vancouver and moved there from Citrus Heights. We kept on together for awhile and then he slowed or I got faster. Either way, I pulled ahead with just a mile to go. And at the half mile marker, there he was again, on my right shoulder. As we raced towards the finish line I was able to pull ahead of him and finished about 5 or 6 seconds faster, But since the race is decided on chip times, he might have beat me. That’s OK; it was fun to race to the finish.
After my chip was removed and I had my medal, it was time to browse the eats! Orange juice seemed to be my favorite this time; that and biscotti ice cream sandwiches. A little more water and some string cheese and I was good to go.
Now I’m relaxing. I have had a cold bath to help the injured tissues of the legs and a warm shower to remove the road grime. I’m nibbling on anything within reach and not worrying about any calories. And in about 2 hours we will walk (yes, walk) down to the Oyster Bar for dinner. A well deserved dinner.
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