Ran a 10k in June (6 Viewers)

[gruecd]

I am in! I registered tonight. This will be marathon #1 for me. I already know that I will be running this baby just to finish. I will work on bettering my time in the marathons to come. DolphinsPhan you have an training buddy. Crap I missed my first training run tonight. Oh well. I was planning on taking 2 days off after the half, so I will jump in for 3 miles tomorrow.

:(

Way to go, meeka! Super happy for you. FWIW, I used Higdon's novice schedule for my first marathon, too, and it worked great for me!One piece of advice -- since you're up in (near?) the Cities anyway, try to do some of your long runs on the actual course. There's a pretty significant elevation gain over the last 10K, so you'll want to practice running uphill on tired legs. So when you start your 16-/18-/20-milers, drop off your car at the finish, have someone give you a ride back to mile 6-10, and run to the finish. It'll be well worth the hassle.

Also, everybody, today is National Running Day, so there's no excuse for anyone to not get out there and run! My running club is getting together tonight at 6, so probably an easy 10-14 for me.

 

[tri-man 47]

You'll notice that the Kenyans are not exactly dominating the pool (or the velodrome (did I come close to spelling this right)) at the Olympics.

It's as though they just ran by all the Kenyan swimming pools and velodromes without even thinking about stopping for a workout. New marathoners - congrats! Stay healthy as you gear up that training.-----Swam yesterday - was basically the only one in the local outdoor pool as the 50 degree temp and light rain showers kept everyone else at home. So gruecd won't get mad at me, I ran today. 5 miles, with 6 quarter-mile 'block striders' with an easy jog-back between them. I haven't done these yet this spring ...running a full quarter mile while striding one step per city sidewalk block. Over the quarter mile it's just a bit longer than my regular full-pace striding, so I feel like it's good training to get the legs rotating fully as I focus on that long stride.

 

[pigskinliquors]

No doubt, I am a sail. Now that I know my seat is too low (even though I have never felt more comfortable in the saddle), do I move it a 1/2 inch each ride to see how things go? I thought I'd done a decent job of fitting my self. A hate even dropping down to the lower part of my bars as I can't see crap when I am over like that. I need to get over this. I never stopped pumping the enitre 12.4 miles, so I have the stamina, I just have to position better for more speed and more aero.

By the way, I got ZERO sympathy for my idea of a Mini Me Division in running events, but you all have to admit, at 5'6" I am at a HUGE disadvantage in these tri events. I swear, every age division winner for the males were 6'4" + and the girls were dang tall too. Heck, a Clyde was second overall in the Olympic. Its just not fair Waaahahahhahah!!!!

This article is a nice start to get you set-up for your road bike. This article for setting up a tri-bike. When doing tri's you are going to want the seat further forward. Once you have yourself set-up for normal rides (road set-up), measure the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the forward tip of your seat. Right this measurement down as this is (IMHO) the most important number to know. IF you change pedals or bikes, etc. you'll want to remember this number. To get yourself set-up for tri's/TT's, move your seat more forward (do this in small increments until it doesn't feel right anymore) and slightly up; such that you keep the tip to bottom bracket distance the same. Ideally, you'd have aerobars on your bike. To maximize your aero position, you'll want the height of your seat (measured from floor/ground to top of seat) to be approx. 4 inches (pretty aggressive) higher, than the height from the floor/ground to the top of your aerobars. For any/all seat changes DO NOT make changes more than 1 cm at a time. If you are currently comfortable (= zero knee pain after long rides) you are probably not too far off from the ideal distance from pedals to seat. No sympathy for your mini-me division; though I'd like a division for people who drink too much.

 

[Keggers]

No sympathy for your mini-me division; though I'd like a division for people who drink too much.

Drink too much on a Saturday and have a terrible training day on Sunday. NEVER happens to me. Wait, it just happened last weekend. Between working two jobs and partying hard on Saturday (didn't run on Sunday) last week was not good. I was pissed at myself and decided last night to just go out and friggin run! Ran a total of 8 miles in 1:07:10. The pace of 8:22 is amazing (for me)! Then went and played volleyball....yes it's at a bar but it's also very competitive! It was a back-and-forth match and we played for an hour and 15 minutes. Legs are sore today but it's a good sore! Off to coach soccer tonight and plan on getting a few miles in after the practice (seeing as how it's National Running Day).Good luck to those training for their marathons. As always, updates are very much appreciated!!!

 

[gruecd]

Drink too much on a Saturday and have a terrible training day on Sunday. NEVER happens to me.

I'm convinced that running is the absolute best cure for a hangover.I only live about four miles from downtown Appleton, so a lot of times when I go out drinking, I'll drive downtown, leave my car overnight in the parking ramp, and take a cab home. Then I just make sure that my Sunday run ends downtown so that I can jump in my car and drive home. Perfecto!

 

[wraith5]

Speedwork today - 5 x 800s + warmup/cooldown. 1:30 Rest intervals. 3:41 is my target (based on the FIRST schedule)

3:33, 3:31, 3:28, 3:28, 3:29

Felt surprisingly good afterwards - I was pressed for time otherwise I would have done 1 more.

Happy National Running Day to everyone!

 

[meeka]

I am in! I registered tonight. This will be marathon #1 for me. I already know that I will be running this baby just to finish. I will work on bettering my time in the marathons to come. DolphinsPhan you have an training buddy. Crap I missed my first training run tonight. Oh well. I was planning on taking 2 days off after the half, so I will jump in for 3 miles tomorrow.

Way to go, meeka! Super happy for you. FWIW, I used Higdon's novice schedule for my first marathon, too, and it worked great for me!One piece of advice -- since you're up in (near?) the Cities anyway, try to do some of your long runs on the actual course. There's a pretty significant elevation gain over the last 10K, so you'll want to practice running uphill on tired legs. So when you start your 16-/18-/20-milers, drop off your car at the finish, have someone give you a ride back to mile 6-10, and run to the finish. It'll be well worth the hassle.

I am going to run with a buddy of mine and we are going to do our long runs together once they get 2 hours+. I think we would benefit from doing exactly that. Meet near the finish and leave 1 car there. Drive to where our run will begin and then pick it up after our run. Thanks for the tip. The climb from the River Road up to Summit Ave is pretty from mile 20-23 on the course. My normal running route here south of the Twin Cities is very hilly. It is tough, but I figure better to train tough than to take something on in a race that you are not used to.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Drink too much on a Saturday and have a terrible training day on Sunday. NEVER happens to me.

I'm convinced that running is the absolute best cure for a hangover.I only live about four miles from downtown Appleton, so a lot of times when I go out drinking, I'll drive downtown, leave my car overnight in the parking ramp, and take a cab home. Then I just make sure that my Sunday run ends downtown so that I can jump in my car and drive home. Perfecto!

I sometimes do the same here, but I'm now 11 miles from our bar area = that should help cure any hangovers!! Cleo's and Brooklyn's still in Appleton? I lost quite a few brain cells at those two places in the late 80's (my college sweat heart went to West).

 

[pigskinliquors]

Hey All,

Have a good week+ of training/racing. I fly out early tomorrow for Palma Mallorca, Spain for 8 days. It looks like I'll be renting a road bike for a day (hopefully I can get in an epic ride!). I'll also hopefully be able to get some ocean swims, and long runs as well.

 

[gruecd]

I am going to run with a buddy of mine and we are going to do our long runs together once they get 2 hours+. I think we would benefit from doing exactly that. Meet near the finish and leave 1 car there. Drive to where our run will begin and then pick it up after our run.

Perfect. You'll be glad you did this.

Cleo's and Brooklyn's still in Appleton? I lost quite a few brain cells at those two places in the late 80's (my college sweat heart went to West).

Yeah, but nobody really goes there anymore. Cleo's is definitely, um, "eclectic," but I'm only 32, and it's really a much older crowd. I used to go to Brooklyn's all the time for "dry night" when I was in high school and college, but now it's pretty ghetto.Spend most of my time now at Speakeasy, Mill Creek, and Anduzzi's.

Have a good week+ of training/racing. I fly out early tomorrow for Palma Mallorca, Spain for 8 days. It looks like I'll be renting a road bike for a day (hopefully I can get in an epic ride!). I'll also hopefully be able to get some ocean swims, and long runs as well.

:jealous:Have fun, and take some pictures!

 

[gruecd]

Speedwork today - 5 x 800s + warmup/cooldown. 1:30 Rest intervals. 3:41 is my target (based on the FIRST schedule)3:33, 3:31, 3:28, 3:28, 3:29 Felt surprisingly good afterwards - I was pressed for time otherwise I would have done 1 more. Happy National Running Day to everyone!

Good work, wraith. I always dread doing speedwork, but it feels SO REWARDING afterwards!

 

[tri-man 47]

Hey All,

Have a good week+ of training/racing. I fly out early tomorrow for Palma Mallorca, Spain for 8 days. It looks like I'll be renting a road bike for a day (hopefully I can get in an epic ride!). I'll also hopefully be able to get some ocean swims, and long runs as well.

Have a great and safe trip! Bring back some good stories (maybe get caught in currents and end up in Morocco?).Wraith: As I recall, a rule of thumb is that your repeat 800's time can roughly be your marathon time. I.e., 3:30 for the 800's would imply a possible 3:30 marathon (with appropriate marathon training, of course).

 

[Keggers]

Drink too much on a Saturday and have a terrible training day on Sunday. NEVER happens to me.

I'm convinced that running is the absolute best cure for a hangover.I only live about four miles from downtown Appleton, so a lot of times when I go out drinking, I'll drive downtown, leave my car overnight in the parking ramp, and take a cab home. Then I just make sure that my Sunday run ends downtown so that I can jump in my car and drive home. Perfecto!

Good idea! I live about 8-9 miles from where I would leave my car on most drinking nights. I'll let you know how that works out. i'm cringing just thinking about running that far on a hangover....but I should just HTFU!

 

[pigskinliquors]

Wraith: As I recall, a rule of thumb is that your repeat 800's time can roughly be your marathon time. I.e., 3:30 for the 800's would imply a possible 3:30 marathon (with appropriate marathon training, of course).

You are correct; but you need to be able to do 10 of them at that pace, with 400's in between slower than marathon pace.

Good idea! I live about 8-9 miles from where I would leave my car on most drinking nights. I'll let you know how that works out. i'm cringing just thinking about running that far on a hangover....but I should just HTFU!

Remember to bring your keys, as it "would" really suck if you started out all hungover ran all the way there got to your car and then realized that you didn't have them with you then had to go all the way back home to have your wife, who you then needed to ask to drive you there give you a lecture on "she told you so" the night before (not that I would know what that would be like )

 

[Keggers]

Good idea! I live about 8-9 miles from where I would leave my car on most drinking nights. I'll let you know how that works out. i'm cringing just thinking about running that far on a hangover....but I should just HTFU!

Remember to bring your keys, as it "would" really suck if you started out all hungover ran all the way there got to your car and then realized that you didn't have them with you then had to go all the way back home :( to have your wife, who you then needed to ask to drive you there give you a lecture on "she told you so" the night before (not that I would know what that would be like )

Hahaha, good use of the emoticons! I live an apartment and can't lock the doors without having my keys so that's not an issue. No wife and the girlfriend lives pretty far away. The only major problem I can see is remembering where my car is parked. Usually not a problem but it has happened.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Also, everybody, today is National Running Day, so there's no excuse for anyone to not get out there and run! My running club is getting together tonight at 6, so probably an easy 10-14 for me.

:( Did 10 easy at ~8:40.

 

[wraith5]

Wraith: As I recall, a rule of thumb is that your repeat 800's time can roughly be your marathon time. I.e., 3:30 for the 800's would imply a possible 3:30 marathon (with appropriate marathon training, of course).

You are correct; but you need to be able to do 10 of them at that pace, with 400's in between slower than marathon pace.

Well, I won't be shooting for a 3:30 marathon any time soon, but this is interesting to know. My block is exactly 3/4 mile around, so typically I run my 800 repeats followed by a slow 400. Today I just walked and timed 1:30 in between repeats. I plan to incorporate a lot of different distances into my speed work over the next several months.

Good idea! I live about 8-9 miles from where I would leave my car on most drinking nights. I'll let you know how that works out. i'm cringing just thinking about running that far on a hangover....but I should just HTFU!

Remember to bring your keys, as it "would" really suck if you started out all hungover :( ran all the way there :( got to your car and then realized that you didn't have them with you then had to go all the way back home to have your wife, who you then needed to ask to drive you there give you a lecture on "she told you so" the night before (not that I would know what that would be like )

 

[BassNBrew]

No running for me today. 10 mile TT tonite. Currently 88 degrees.

 

[gruecd]

No running for me today. 10 mile TT tonite. Currently 88 degrees.

Ewwwwww.

 

[wraith5]

No running for me today. 10 mile TT tonite. Currently 88 degrees.

Ewwwwww. :X

I can't stand running when it's that hot out.

Come to think of it, I'm not really even sure why I signed up for a 1/2 marathon in Chicago in August...

 

[2Young2BBald]

No running for me today. 10 mile TT tonite. Currently 88 degrees.

Ewwwwww.

I can't stand running when it's that hot out.

Come to think of it, I'm not really even sure why I signed up for a 1/2 marathon in Chicago in August...

Haven't you been paying attention, two words CORNHOLE & BUNHUGGERS

 

[gruecd]

Haven't you been paying attention, two words CORNHOLE & BUNHUGGERS

I thought we were just going there to check out the bunhuggers. You mean we actually have to RUN, too?!?!?!

 

[meeka]

I guess training has started. How better to kick off my marathon training than getting in an easy 3 miles on National Running Day. I felt like a fish out of water the first half mile. My legs and body were still pretty stiff from my race on Sunday, so it was probably a pretty funny sight watching me run for the first few minutes. Things were fine after a bit and it felt great to get out and run. I will have to run in the morning tomorrow because I will be on kid duty when I get home tomorrow night.

 

[BassNBrew]

26.93 mph on the TT this evening. 2 seconds off my pr in windy conditions.

 

[wraith5]

Haven't you been paying attention, two words CORNHOLE & BUNHUGGERS

I thought we were just going there to check out the bunhuggers. You mean we actually have to RUN, too?!?!?!

 

[wraith5]

26.93 mph on the TT this evening. 2 seconds off my pr in windy conditions.

Nice job, BnB!!

 

[2Young2BBald]

26.93 mph on the TT this evening. 2 seconds off my pr in windy conditions.

How far is the TT distance? Almost 27 MPH is impressive no matter how far, I just want to know. I am done "being a sail" on the bike. I raised the seat and rode 11 miles yesterday, all with my hands on the lower part of the bars to be more aero and with the seat raised up about an inch. I am more than ever now about my positioning. I felt very comfortable and think I can raise the seat even more. I could certainly see the difference, but am having a hard time seeing ahead in this position. I had typically rode with my hands on top of the brake/shifter area.

 

[BassNBrew]

26.93 mph on the TT this evening. 2 seconds off my pr in windy conditions.

How far is the TT distance? Almost 27 MPH is impressive no matter how far, I just want to know. I am done "being a sail" on the bike. I raised the seat and rode 11 miles yesterday, all with my hands on the lower part of the bars to be more aero and with the seat raised up about an inch. I am more than ever now about my positioning. I felt very comfortable and think I can raise the seat even more. I could certainly see the difference, but am having a hard time seeing ahead in this position. I had typically rode with my hands on top of the brake/shifter area.

10 mile.At some point in time I would look into a professional fitting. You shouldn't be raising the seat to get more aero, you should be adjusting the bars. There is a very narrow range where the seat is going to work without putting your knees at risk. Actually the "having a hard time seeing ahead" means you are somewhat close. I call it the turtle, but tilt that head back. It put's a strain on your neck. They guys you see with the aero helmets with the tails up looking like a shark are riding with their heads down. What type of bars are you using?

 

[2Young2BBald]

26.93 mph on the TT this evening. 2 seconds off my pr in windy conditions.

How far is the TT distance? Almost 27 MPH is impressive no matter how far, I just want to know. I am done "being a sail" on the bike. I raised the seat and rode 11 miles yesterday, all with my hands on the lower part of the bars to be more aero and with the seat raised up about an inch. I am more than ever now about my positioning. I felt very comfortable and think I can raise the seat even more. I could certainly see the difference, but am having a hard time seeing ahead in this position. I had typically rode with my hands on top of the brake/shifter area.

10 mile.At some point in time I would look into a professional fitting. You shouldn't be raising the seat to get more aero, you should be adjusting the bars.

There is a very narrow range where the seat is going to work without putting your knees at risk. Actually the "having a hard time seeing ahead" means you are somewhat close. I call it the turtle, but tilt that head back. It put's a strain on your neck. They guys you see with the aero helmets with the tails up looking like a shark are riding with their heads down. What type of bars are you using?

Thanks for the quick reply. I am using the standard bars that came with the bike, a 2007 Fuji Roubaix. Like a dumb ### I bought some great aero bars on eBay. The problem, the Fuji bars "flange" and then taper at the stem and the bars don't fit. I have been fighting getting a pro fit, but it is time. The shop I want to support is SO spendy though.WOW, 10 miles at that speed is amazing. Wern't you on track for a sprint tri? With the speed you can generate on the bike, I'd think you would kill in these.

 

[BassNBrew]

Thanks for the quick reply. I am using the standard bars that came with the bike, a 2007 Fuji Roubaix. Like a dumb ### I bought some great aero bars on eBay. The problem, the Fuji bars "flange" and then taper at the stem and the bars don't fit. I have been fighting getting a pro fit, but it is time. The shop I want to support is SO spendy though.

WOW, 10 miles at that speed is amazing. Wern't you on track for a sprint tri? With the speed you can generate on the bike, I'd think you would kill in these.

If the handle bars taper, then you can buy adaptors for the aero bars that will make them fit over the smaller diameter section. Are you using clipless pedals?I think you would enjoy this article. http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/how-aero-is-aero-19273

 

[DolphinsPhan]

Did 5 miles at goal pace last night which was very interesting since I don't actually have a goal pace. I did average about 3 m/m faster than what I have been doing on my long runs, so I guess that whole "running slowly for longer distances to keep your HR in your aerobic zone for as long as possible" thingy actually has benefits!

Oh and the blueberry/pomegranate Gu Chomps taste better than the cran apple ones...

 

[meeka]

Did 5 miles at goal pace last night which was very interesting since I don't actually have a goal pace. I did average about 3 m/m faster than what I have been doing on my long runs, so I guess that whole "running slowly for longer distances to keep your HR in your aerobic zone for as long as possible" thingy actually has benefits!Oh and the blueberry/pomegranate Gu Chomps taste better than the cran apple ones...

Nice job DPhan. You must be useing the Novice #2 plan, while I am doing the Novice #1 plan. I did my 3 miler this morning. It feels really wierd for me to be done running for the day already. Morning runs are like having a day off to me. You get your run in and then have the rest of the day without the looming run ahead. Not bad. It is a little tough for me to get started on morning runs, but getting it done in the morning is a great feeling.

 

[gruecd]

Morning runs are like having a day off to me. You get your run in and then have the rest of the day without the looming run ahead. Not bad. It is a little tough for me to get started on morning runs, but getting it done in the morning is a great feeling.

The only thing that I can't do in the morning is speedwork. I just can't get that kind of turnover until later in the day. But for anything other than that -- feels great!!Did 10 miles last night in celebration of National Running Day. Two miles from home to meet some peeps from my running club, a little over five miles with them, and almost three miles home. I don't "officially" start training for Chicago until Monday, and my schedule for the rest of the week is a little screwed up with the 10K on Sunday morning. NBA Finals game doesn't start until 8:00 tonight, so I'll probably do another 8-10 miles tonight and then take the day off tomorrow.Have a great Thursday, everyone!

 

[2Young2BBald]

Morning runs are like having a day off to me. You get your run in and then have the rest of the day without the looming run ahead. Not bad. It is a little tough for me to get started on morning runs, but getting it done in the morning is a great feeling.

The only thing that I can't do in the morning is speedwork. I just can't get that kind of turnover until later in the day. But for anything other than that -- feels great!!Did 10 miles last night in celebration of National Running Day. Two miles from home to meet some peeps from my running club, a little over five miles with them, and almost three miles home. I don't "officially" start training for Chicago until Monday, and my schedule for the rest of the week is a little screwed up with the 10K on Sunday morning. NBA Finals game doesn't start until 8:00 tonight, so I'll probably do another 8-10 miles tonight and then take the day off tomorrow.Have a great Thursday, everyone!

These posts generated a strange question. In general, I hate any type of morning workout, it just doesn't feel right and it seems to take forever to come down which makes it hard to get ready for work. What I am wondering is, if I try to work in at least one and maybe two mornings a week, could it have positive impacts on race days? I bet it would. I find it hard to sleep the night before events, somewhat I think because of my dread of not getting enough rest before and part due to having to do a morning workout. Yet, I always seem to rally when the gun goes off. Basically, I'd be training for the timing of races by getting up early.

 

[DolphinsPhan]

Morning runs are like having a day off to me. You get your run in and then have the rest of the day without the looming run ahead. Not bad. It is a little tough for me to get started on morning runs, but getting it done in the morning is a great feeling.

The only thing that I can't do in the morning is speedwork. I just can't get that kind of turnover until later in the day. But for anything other than that -- feels great!!Did 10 miles last night in celebration of National Running Day. Two miles from home to meet some peeps from my running club, a little over five miles with them, and almost three miles home. I don't "officially" start training for Chicago until Monday, and my schedule for the rest of the week is a little screwed up with the 10K on Sunday morning. NBA Finals game doesn't start until 8:00 tonight, so I'll probably do another 8-10 miles tonight and then take the day off tomorrow.Have a great Thursday, everyone!

These posts generated a strange question. In general, I hate any type of morning workout, it just doesn't feel right and it seems to take forever to come down which makes it hard to get ready for work. What I am wondering is, if I try to work in at least one and maybe two mornings a week, could it have positive impacts on race days? I bet it would. I find it hard to sleep the night before events, somewhat I think because of my dread of not getting enough rest before and part due to having to do a morning workout. Yet, I always seem to rally when the gun goes off. Basically, I'd be training for the timing of races by getting up early.

That is a good question. I try and do morning runs for a few reasons:1. temperature is more tolerable2. get it out of the way and the rest of the day "off"3. most races are run in the morning so it's a little bit of simulating race day conditionsFor my marathon training, I try and do either the Tues and/or Thurs run in the morning b/c they are shorter. I pretty much set my alarm for 4:30 to give me enough time to eat, stretch, warm up and then actually run and cool down before I get ready for work. I would have to get up even earlier to do the longer mid week runs. No thanks. 4:30 is early enough and I don't want to get to work any later than normal b/c then I will be coming home later and missing time with the kids.

 

[gruecd]

What I am wondering is, if I try to work in at least one and maybe two mornings a week, could it have positive impacts on race days? I bet it would. I find it hard to sleep the night before events, somewhat I think because of my dread of not getting enough rest before and part due to having to do a morning workout. Yet, I always seem to rally when the gun goes off. Basically, I'd be training for the timing of races by getting up early.

 

[tri-man 47]

2. get it out of the way and the rest of the day "off" is then available for some stength/flexibility work or, on weekends, another workout in one of the other disciplines.

Welcome to the world of an 'empty nester' triathlete.

 

[2Young2BBald]

2. get it out of the way and the rest of the day "off" is then available for some stength/flexibility work or, on weekends, another workout in one of the other disciplines.

Welcome to the world of an 'empty nester' triathlete.

Tri-Man, I went and looked up the 70.3 you'll be crushing in a few weeks and thought you might like a couple of "planning" type resouces I've found for my events. I am self labeled insane when it comes to race prep and found amazing course information written by folks that have done the event before at Beginner Triathlete (this is your event). Additionally, MapMyRide gives elevation by miles if you want to see where the hills are and plan for them (I think you can do the same for the run course with MapMyRun).

 

[BassNBrew]

Results posted for last nite, 2nd of 30 in my age group. That should move me up to a podium spot in the complete series standings. The overall results aren't up, but it doesn't look like I made much head way there v. last month. Overall the times were better across the board (except in my category). I had thought they would be flat with the wind up last nite, but apparently most deal with wind better than I do.

Headed up to the mountains for a three day training weekend and then setting my sights on the tri relay the following Sunday.

 

[gruecd]

2. get it out of the way and the rest of the day "off" is then available for some stength/flexibility work or, on weekends, another workout in one of the other disciplines.

Welcome to the world of an 'empty nester' triathlete.

Or a marathoner who's separated....

 

[gruecd]

Strong 8-miler tonight at 7:40'ish pace. Basketball tomorrow, maybe a 2- or 3-mile recovery run so that I'll hit 40 miles for the week.

Time for sleep....

 

[tri-man 47]

2. get it out of the way and the rest of the day "off" is then available for some stength/flexibility work or, on weekends, another workout in one of the other disciplines.

Welcome to the world of an 'empty nester' triathlete.

Or a marathoner who's separated....

... :( 2Young, thanks for the link! It helped to read through the race reports. I did take a look at the elevations for the bike and run segments, and there's nothing much to see - just rolling terrain. I did a brick workout this morning ...45 minutes hard on the bike, then a 2 mile run. On the run I intentionally held back. I actually tend to take off too hard, which then burns out the legs and drains my energy. I need to prep myself to take off easy, trust my stride, and focus on refueling ..and then see if I can put some licks on over the last few miles.

 

[gruecd]

Good luck in the 8-K tomorrow, tri-man. Give 'em hell!!!

 

[tri-man 47]

Good luck in the 8-K tomorrow, tri-man. Give 'em hell!!!

Wraith, too!!! And have a butt-kicking PR in your 10K. I keep forgetting to dig out my 10K PR to give you something to shoot for ...Kendall is doing an Olympic tri (his first tri) up at Lake Delavan in Wisconsin this weekend. Kendall, if you check in ...do well!

 

[SFBayDuck]

Good luck to those racing this weekend!

Had a great 7 mile run this morning, mostly on trail. Just one of those runs where I ran hard but it felt good.

I've got a 25K race coming up on the 20th, the same race on Angel Island in SF Bay where I've done the 16K twice. Decided the butt kicking the 16K has given me wasn't enough, so want to tack an extra 6 mile loop on to the beginning!

Then the plan is the SF Marathon on 7/26. Only reason I haven't signed up for it yet is that I'm still kicking around the idea of a trail marathon up at Crater Lake in Southern Oregon 2 weeks later instead.

And then, depending on how the next few weeks go, I'm still considering the Lake of the Sky 50K (which is actually 57K for some ungodly reason). A buddy of mine, who is doing the Crater Lake Marathon and planning on running another 2 miles after the finish, has already registered. I'm still debating, but leaning towards it.

 

[tri-man 47]

Way to go, Duck!!

----

Just saw this on CNN:

CNN) -- When rehab and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings didn't work for Eddie Freas, he sought another way to kick his 20-year drug and alcohol addiction.

Eddie Freas fights drug addiction by putting all his energy into training for triathlons.

He swam 2.4 miles. He biked 112 miles. He ran 26.2 miles. The Pennsville, New Jersey, resident found relief in triathlons.

"I feel better when I'm working out," said Freas, 33. "It does wonders for the mind. The reason I started running -- it was a switch that went off in my head. I started feeling positive and feeling great about myself."

Freas spent his youth in pursuit of drugs. At the age of 13, he snuck bottles of Amaretto and rum from his mother's liquor cabinet. He also developed a taste for marijuana and cocaine. By his senior year of high school, Freas was kicked off the wrestling and football teams after failing a drug test.

Then in 2007, after a three-day binge, "I came home and was crying," Freas said. "I was so depressed. I turned on the TV." The set was tuned to ESPN, which was airing a story about a former drug addict who competed in triathlons.

The program's subject was Todd Crandell, who had lost a college hockey scholarship because of a drug addiction. After 13 years of using drugs, Crandell started competing in Ironman races and championed finding positive ways to fight addiction through his program called Racing for Recovery.

'Crack was my friend,' ex-addict says

"Having an athletic background, I was drawn to getting back in shape," Crandell said. "It makes you turn intellectually and spiritually fit. Exercise is essential. It decreases addiction, depression and you use it as part of the recovery."

Freas was entranced by the parallels.

"His whole story seemed like mine," Freas said. "That's why it hit me so much. It was my story but it happened to somebody else. I knew I had to get back into fitness."

He took a bus to Racing for Recovery's office in Sylvania, Ohio. There, Freas said he learned to "stay clean and use other things -- fitness, instead of drugs." On his first day, Freas pushed himself to run 10 miles.

"It killed me," Freas said. "I was just motivated. I was sore for a week and I gradually got into it. As soon as I started including fitness into my everyday lifestyle, it made it so much easier. It kept me busy and because of the physical fitness, it was making me feel better about myself."

He pushed himself to run farther and raced in his first Ironman competition in 2008.

"It's different when you use drugs, you temporarily feel good and afterwards, you feel like doing more drugs," Freas said. "When you go for a long run and do physical fitness, you feel good doing it."

Research in animals and humans show that exercise can be a mild antidepressant.

"It isn't a huge surprise when you consider many positive effects exercise can have with regards to the brain chemistry: dopamine, serotonin, endorphin, epinephrine -- these are all associated with mood altering effects," said Dr. Cedric Bryant, the chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise. "If they're able to get this natural high, through a natural endeavor such as exercise, it allows them to replace the means to achieve that high with a more positive approach."

One study showed that women trying to quit smoking were more successful when they exercised. And the National Institute on Drug Abuse held a conference last year to explore the possible role of physical activity in substance abuse prevention.

"The thought centers around the release of mood-altering brain chemical, mainly endorphins," Bryant said. "It gives you euphoria or what you call 'runner's high.' "

Crandell said some people who battle drug addiction "want something more than sitting in support groups filled with smoke, complaining about drinking."

"I've had some of my naysayers from other programs who say you've taken one addiction and replaced it for another," Crandell said. "I've taken addiction and put into a new focus that includes exercise. Exercise for me is essential to my recovery and well-being."

The purpose of Racing for Recovery is not to turn everyone into an athlete, but to focus on positive pursuits in a person's life.

"Whatever you lost during your addiction, that should be your Ironman, not just running," Crandell said. "If your goal is to become a teacher, let that be your Ironman."

 

[wraith5]

Good luck in the 8-K tomorrow, tri-man. Give 'em hell!!!

Wraith, too!!! And have a butt-kicking PR in your 10K. I keep forgetting to dig out my 10K PR to give you something to shoot for ...Kendall is doing an Olympic tri (his first tri) up at Lake Delavan in Wisconsin this weekend. Kendall, if you check in ...do well!

Trail running in the (forcast) rain - should be a total blast. I'm excited to meet Tri-man and hoping he doesn't wear bun huggers, since that'll be my view of him for most of the race...

Good luck to everyone this weekend!

 

[tri-man 47]

I keep forgetting to dig out my 10K PR to give you something to shoot for ...

gruecd - my PR was 39:10. Go for it! ...knowing you can't touch my 18:08 5K PR. (My wife: "you keep records from that long ago?")

 

[2Young2BBald]

Way to go, Duck!!----Just saw this on CNN:CNN) -- When rehab and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings didn't work for Eddie Freas, he sought another way to kick his 20-year drug and alcohol addiction.Eddie Freas fights drug addiction by putting all his energy into training for triathlons.He swam 2.4 miles. He biked 112 miles. He ran 26.2 miles. The Pennsville, New Jersey, resident found relief in triathlons. "I feel better when I'm working out," said Freas, 33. "It does wonders for the mind. The reason I started running -- it was a switch that went off in my head. I started feeling positive and feeling great about myself."Freas spent his youth in pursuit of drugs. At the age of 13, he snuck bottles of Amaretto and rum from his mother's liquor cabinet. He also developed a taste for marijuana and cocaine. By his senior year of high school, Freas was kicked off the wrestling and football teams after failing a drug test. Then in 2007, after a three-day binge, "I came home and was crying," Freas said. "I was so depressed. I turned on the TV." The set was tuned to ESPN, which was airing a story about a former drug addict who competed in triathlons.The program's subject was Todd Crandell, who had lost a college hockey scholarship because of a drug addiction. After 13 years of using drugs, Crandell started competing in Ironman races and championed finding positive ways to fight addiction through his program called Racing for Recovery.'Crack was my friend,' ex-addict says "Having an athletic background, I was drawn to getting back in shape," Crandell said. "It makes you turn intellectually and spiritually fit. Exercise is essential. It decreases addiction, depression and you use it as part of the recovery."Freas was entranced by the parallels."His whole story seemed like mine," Freas said. "That's why it hit me so much. It was my story but it happened to somebody else. I knew I had to get back into fitness."He took a bus to Racing for Recovery's office in Sylvania, Ohio. There, Freas said he learned to "stay clean and use other things -- fitness, instead of drugs." On his first day, Freas pushed himself to run 10 miles."It killed me," Freas said. "I was just motivated. I was sore for a week and I gradually got into it. As soon as I started including fitness into my everyday lifestyle, it made it so much easier. It kept me busy and because of the physical fitness, it was making me feel better about myself."He pushed himself to run farther and raced in his first Ironman competition in 2008."It's different when you use drugs, you temporarily feel good and afterwards, you feel like doing more drugs," Freas said. "When you go for a long run and do physical fitness, you feel good doing it."Research in animals and humans show that exercise can be a mild antidepressant."It isn't a huge surprise when you consider many positive effects exercise can have with regards to the brain chemistry: dopamine, serotonin, endorphin, epinephrine -- these are all associated with mood altering effects," said Dr. Cedric Bryant, the chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise. "If they're able to get this natural high, through a natural endeavor such as exercise, it allows them to replace the means to achieve that high with a more positive approach."One study showed that women trying to quit smoking were more successful when they exercised. And the National Institute on Drug Abuse held a conference last year to explore the possible role of physical activity in substance abuse prevention."The thought centers around the release of mood-altering brain chemical, mainly endorphins," Bryant said. "It gives you euphoria or what you call 'runner's high.' "Crandell said some people who battle drug addiction "want something more than sitting in support groups filled with smoke, complaining about drinking.""I've had some of my naysayers from other programs who say you've taken one addiction and replaced it for another," Crandell said. "I've taken addiction and put into a new focus that includes exercise. Exercise for me is essential to my recovery and well-being."The purpose of Racing for Recovery is not to turn everyone into an athlete, but to focus on positive pursuits in a person's life."Whatever you lost during your addiction, that should be your Ironman, not just running," Crandell said. "If your goal is to become a teacher, let that be your Ironman."

This, along with the discussion about the theraputic aspects of running this week couldn't have been more timely. I received some tragic news today about a very close friend of my sister & bro-in-law that has become a friend of ours. He was piloting a single engine plane, alone, over a tough area in a storm, crashed and lost his life & left behind his family that includes 3 & 5 year old. Dude was a stud runner and athlete. He'd run a sub sub 40 min 10K in his mid 30s and was an Olympic caliber kayaker. He'd offered once to take me trail running before I discovered just how amazing it is and I turned him down, mostly becuase I didn't want to slow him down and was intimidated by his running ability (I missed out on an awesome opportunity). Anyway, I had plans to rest today, but it just felt right to go for a run. At a stoplight, I was caught by a guy and we struck up a conversation and it turns out he is doing the same tri I am in a little over a week. We covered a few miles chatting and it felt good to get my mind off of things. I'd heard from my sister that my bro-in-law had headed to the gym to blow off steam and deal with things this way too. Not sure where I am going with this, but I am sure glad for the running thing. A younger me would have probably found a much different way of dealing with this.Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, those racing this weekend, go get 'em.

 

[SFBayDuck]

Way to go, Duck!!----Just saw this on CNN:CNN) -- When rehab and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings didn't work for Eddie Freas, he sought another way to kick his 20-year drug and alcohol addiction..............

This, along with the discussion about the theraputic aspects of running this week couldn't have been more timely. I received some tragic news today about a very close friend of my sister & bro-in-law that has become a friend of ours. He was piloting a single engine plane, alone, over a tough area in a storm, crashed and lost his life & left behind his family that includes 3 & 5 year old. Dude was a stud runner and athlete. He'd run a sub sub 40 min 10K in his mid 30s and was an Olympic caliber kayaker. He'd offered once to take me trail running before I discovered just how amazing it is and I turned him down, mostly becuase I didn't want to slow him down and was intimidated by his running ability (I missed out on an awesome opportunity). Anyway, I had plans to rest today, but it just felt right to go for a run. At a stoplight, I was caught by a guy and we struck up a conversation and it turns out he is doing the same tri I am in a little over a week. We covered a few miles chatting and it felt good to get my mind off of things. I'd heard from my sister that my bro-in-law had headed to the gym to blow off steam and deal with things this way too. Not sure where I am going with this, but I am sure glad for the running thing. A younger me would have probably found a much different way of dealing with this.Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, those racing this weekend, go get 'em.

Wow, so sorry to hear that, and talk about 2Young....Glad you (and others around you) have the physical outlet to help deal with this kind of thing, there's nothing better for it.As for the original story, a guy I know who participated in the World Championships in triathlon in Florida in the Fall, and is preparing for his first full Ironman distance in Couer d'Alene, is similar. Dude has some demons from his past (un-talked about rumors of Mogadishu and Black Hawk Down) and became an alcoholic, but has focused his incredibly manic and addictive personality on his training - with great results. As for me, I have my own (lesser, by comparison) demons, and I've sure found my running to be the outlet that allows me to at at least hang on and deal. It's part of why I've always run by myself. Literally, I have run with another person exactly one time in 2+ years. It's my time to just deal with things, in my own way. But it sure wouldn't happen if I wasn't out there, putting one foot in front of the other.......