Oh wait, that's because it's freakin' smokey outside due to all the wildfires in NorCal. In case you haven't seen the news, pretty much all of the upper central valley has been socked in with smoke. In the last week or so, I could always see the smoke, but the smell of the smoke was never that bad, if non-existant during the morning. However, today it was bad. Last night I was able to see a clear picture of the nighttime sky, so I thought the prevailing winds would finish the job today and push the smoke out, but alas, it did not happen. I headed to the gym today and hammered out a nice workout. It took all the motivation I had to get myself there. At about 7am I was trying really hard to talk myself out of going, but it didn't work! My other personality talked me into going.
Two days ago I took advantage of the nice morning weather and ran 10.5 miles. I cruised...literally. I felt like a Cadillac in no hurry to get anywhere. I was just taking in the scenery. I cruised my way to about a 9:34 mile pace...no wonder it barely felt like I was working. I was going to add in a 5k loop at the end but just plain ran out of time. It was nice to know that I had a lot left in the tank. My body felt like it had about 85% left. I'll take this as a minor victory because my running has been slacking lately. Only due to me choosing to go wakeboarding instead. The day prior to that I swam for 35 minutes straight and that was also a killer workout. I don't swim enough, but I should do it more.
I didn't share this in the last post, but I took 3 dingers the other night wakeboarding. The first one caught me by surprise so my body was still a little more relaxed. Just after I landed after clearing the wake, I got too forward on the board and pulled a face plant. It felt like I got slapped by a paddle. The 2nd one hurt! I felt this fall coming and so I tensed up a little. I landed right-ear first and immediately it turned red. Not only did I get a slight case of cauliflower ear, but I hit so hard that it kickstarted a migraine headache. Migraine and no meds = no fun.
Well, after my sight came back I decided to go out a 3rd time. One could argue, why? However my thought was this...I read many articles about migraines and I remember a few of them saying that if you could increase blood flow it would minimize the headache...knowing that whether I took another run or not, a killer headache would ensue, I said why not! The ride was going great, clearing the wake again...again...again... and then BLAMMO! I took a backside digger and landed on the back of my head. It hurt so bad that I ended up getting a straightline bruise on the back of my head due to where the water line and my noggin first hit. So yes, I will wear a helmet for now on (I always wear one when snowboarding) but for the first time in my life of migraines, my headache was not that bad and I didn't get nauseous. So, I think the increase blood flow thing is legit...if only I hadn't fell that 3rd time.
Lastly...how about them Fresno State Bulldogs!?!?! Winning the NCAA Baseball College World Series. I couldn't be more happy for my alma mater. Go Dogs!
In health.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Running?
Is that what I planned on doing last week?? Last week was a baaaaaaad running and overall fitness week for me. I only went to the gym 2X, ran once, and wakeboarded 2X. Actually, I probably shouldn't have gone twice, but how can one resist the invite to hit the wake! Each run on the water leaves me feeling like I just ran quarters anyway, so maybe it wasn't all that bad.
I also spent two full days with windshield time, driving to the Bay Area for some business meetings. Afterall, I still work and need to fund the running shoe and athletic wear fix that I share with my entire family! My one run of the week was to the rental car place, which was only about 3.3 miles from the house. I covered it in about 25 minutes or so, it was just a nice little cruiser.
My body was stiff! It takes about a full mile at least for my body to relax and get that nice running tempo. But until that magical moment of fluidity hits, it feels like I am running on two axes and I am just chopping the ground. Not sure if anyone else feels that way. Literally, that first mile I always ask...what are you doing out here today!! You feel like crappola! BUT I know that all will be fine after that first 7-8 minutes. I am thinking about riding my spin bike for ten minutes before I run just so I can get loose.
Totally non-running related...this just in, my youngest daughter, who is 8yrs old, just one the "Little Miss" Queen of Placer County at the Placer County Fair. She was so excited, and she obviously really likes it. We are all very proud of her and I'll post some pics after I download them. It's pretty cool to see how different her and her sister are but how they both totally support each other.
Make all your days great running or fitness days! I'll be starting up the running program very soon aiming for the sub-3 finish at the CIM. I just need to make sure that I choose to run once or twice instead of wakeboarding!! That's gonna be hard!
One last thing, I read this proverb in the bible, Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." To me, this couldn't be written/spoken any more simply. It covers all aspects and challenges in life and running doesn't it? Amen I say to you!
I also spent two full days with windshield time, driving to the Bay Area for some business meetings. Afterall, I still work and need to fund the running shoe and athletic wear fix that I share with my entire family! My one run of the week was to the rental car place, which was only about 3.3 miles from the house. I covered it in about 25 minutes or so, it was just a nice little cruiser.
My body was stiff! It takes about a full mile at least for my body to relax and get that nice running tempo. But until that magical moment of fluidity hits, it feels like I am running on two axes and I am just chopping the ground. Not sure if anyone else feels that way. Literally, that first mile I always ask...what are you doing out here today!! You feel like crappola! BUT I know that all will be fine after that first 7-8 minutes. I am thinking about riding my spin bike for ten minutes before I run just so I can get loose.
Totally non-running related...this just in, my youngest daughter, who is 8yrs old, just one the "Little Miss" Queen of Placer County at the Placer County Fair. She was so excited, and she obviously really likes it. We are all very proud of her and I'll post some pics after I download them. It's pretty cool to see how different her and her sister are but how they both totally support each other.
Make all your days great running or fitness days! I'll be starting up the running program very soon aiming for the sub-3 finish at the CIM. I just need to make sure that I choose to run once or twice instead of wakeboarding!! That's gonna be hard!
One last thing, I read this proverb in the bible, Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." To me, this couldn't be written/spoken any more simply. It covers all aspects and challenges in life and running doesn't it? Amen I say to you!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Slacker (blogging that is!)
Man! It feels like it's been forever since I've blogged! I guess because in the instant gratification era of the digital world, three weeks is forever! I was recently debating two new pairs of running shoes...here me out on this first. Believe it or not, Nordstrom Rack sells some sweet motion control shoes. At least up in the Roseville, CA. area. If you time it right, you can have selections from Asics Duomax, Brooks Beast, Nike Equalon and about 4 different models of New Balance...all for about a 60% or more discount off retail...kid you not! Asics retail are $90, $39.99 there...Nike Equalon, $129 retail, $49.99 there.
Since I'm sharing this little tidbit of motion control heaven with you, I must also share with you that I am somewhat of a stupid guy, especially shopping. True story, the first few times I was shopping at the Rack for shoes, I was very excited to see the deals available, but I was so frustrated because....(ready for the stupid part???) I could only find the freakin' left shoe! Stupid me never realized that I had to go to the desk to ask for the MATCHING right shoe! Yes, it took me about 3 trips before my lovely bride told me "The Secret" of shopping for shoes at the Rack. Only after she laughed hilariously at me for a good 5-10 minutes. You must not share that story!
I digress...I brought home my tried and true Asics Duomax MC plus a pair I've never worn, Nike Equalon MC. I ended up returning the Asics! That's almost sacrilegious. For some reason the Asics have been feeling like bricks on the bottom of my feet and I think that is one reason why I've had some heel pain. I didn't have that pain in the Nikes. So I am no longer a Nike running-shoe virgin, so far so good. I'll tell you how they feel after 100 miles.
Speaking of running. Over the last 2+ weeks I've been running from 6-9 miles each time out. I am blessed to live in somewhat of a hilly area. Nothing major, but I have access to some climbs of 300 or so feet in less than 1/4 and 1/2 miles. That said, I'm really happy with my 10k times. The last few have all been well under 1 hour, which is cool. Yesterday though, I went for a run during lunch, in the heat (about 85). I had two nice size hills, both bigger than Beacon Hill in the Boston Marathon, and very similar in distance. The first mile cruised by in 7:33...I was pretty happy (Nikes feeling GREAT!). Miles 2 thru 3+ were hills. I rolled through the first mile of rollers nicely. Then the freakin' pitch came. I was able to hammer this but even while practicing every breathing tactic to keep making O2, I couldn't keep the lactic acid from attacking my hamstrings and gluteals. I was so tight at the top I almost had to walk, but didn't. After that, it was nice rollers, net drop, down to home. I finished averaging 7:42/mile for a rolling 10K, 48:54. I was very happy with that.
A few days prior to that I ran 9 miles. It was a little slower, finished at 1:15. I wore the Asics on this run, and my feet were hurting. There were some other runs in there too, but Dude! that was over two weeks ago, can't remember what I did:P.
I am logging around 20-25 miles per week, which is kind of where I want to be before I start kicking in the program for December.
The last few runs I wore the BodyBug, it's this thing that you wear around your upper arm and it counts calories burned. On the days I ran, my total calories burned was easily above 3,000, I think my highest was 3,800. Wow...you know what that means right? It means I GET TO EAT! and I like to eat! J/K kinda...I'm actually trying to eat better because I want to see how it makes me feel. Kendra read this great diet book, Eating Clean (and the sequal to it), there are some very easy to follow and good/good for you recipes in there. I recommend you read it too. I am still working out at the gym and each workout I am pushing my heart rate. I'll probably start to incorporate spin again...but after teaching spin for so long, it is very boring for me. I'd rather strap on the shoes and push my heart rate past 190 bpm that way. But I can't say enough about the low-impact a bike gives you, it is a good break from the pounding and I've been able to get my heart rate 200+bpm and not faint! That's definitely part of my plan...I need to keep increasing my anaerobic threshold because that will help me hammer my per mile splits and still stay aerobic. I can't wait for the day I can hit 165 bpm and still make O2...If I can do that and keep my mileage up, that 3hr mark will fall! I truly believe it.
I took a break from running today, worked out at the gym and then wake boarded after work. Sore! The water was glass on the Sacto River and only two other boats were out there. It was my first time boarding this summer and...yeah baby, was able to take it wake to wake on my first run! I had two more loooong runs, and worked on going fakey the last one. I got it, which was cool, but I felt like I had just run 400s, seriously. You can say it was a GREAT x-training day:D.
Back on the road tomorrow...or maybe I'll ride?? GOD BLESS and GOD SPEED!
Since I'm sharing this little tidbit of motion control heaven with you, I must also share with you that I am somewhat of a stupid guy, especially shopping. True story, the first few times I was shopping at the Rack for shoes, I was very excited to see the deals available, but I was so frustrated because....(ready for the stupid part???) I could only find the freakin' left shoe! Stupid me never realized that I had to go to the desk to ask for the MATCHING right shoe! Yes, it took me about 3 trips before my lovely bride told me "The Secret" of shopping for shoes at the Rack. Only after she laughed hilariously at me for a good 5-10 minutes. You must not share that story!
I digress...I brought home my tried and true Asics Duomax MC plus a pair I've never worn, Nike Equalon MC. I ended up returning the Asics! That's almost sacrilegious. For some reason the Asics have been feeling like bricks on the bottom of my feet and I think that is one reason why I've had some heel pain. I didn't have that pain in the Nikes. So I am no longer a Nike running-shoe virgin, so far so good. I'll tell you how they feel after 100 miles.
Speaking of running. Over the last 2+ weeks I've been running from 6-9 miles each time out. I am blessed to live in somewhat of a hilly area. Nothing major, but I have access to some climbs of 300 or so feet in less than 1/4 and 1/2 miles. That said, I'm really happy with my 10k times. The last few have all been well under 1 hour, which is cool. Yesterday though, I went for a run during lunch, in the heat (about 85). I had two nice size hills, both bigger than Beacon Hill in the Boston Marathon, and very similar in distance. The first mile cruised by in 7:33...I was pretty happy (Nikes feeling GREAT!). Miles 2 thru 3+ were hills. I rolled through the first mile of rollers nicely. Then the freakin' pitch came. I was able to hammer this but even while practicing every breathing tactic to keep making O2, I couldn't keep the lactic acid from attacking my hamstrings and gluteals. I was so tight at the top I almost had to walk, but didn't. After that, it was nice rollers, net drop, down to home. I finished averaging 7:42/mile for a rolling 10K, 48:54. I was very happy with that.
A few days prior to that I ran 9 miles. It was a little slower, finished at 1:15. I wore the Asics on this run, and my feet were hurting. There were some other runs in there too, but Dude! that was over two weeks ago, can't remember what I did:P.
I am logging around 20-25 miles per week, which is kind of where I want to be before I start kicking in the program for December.
The last few runs I wore the BodyBug, it's this thing that you wear around your upper arm and it counts calories burned. On the days I ran, my total calories burned was easily above 3,000, I think my highest was 3,800. Wow...you know what that means right? It means I GET TO EAT! and I like to eat! J/K kinda...I'm actually trying to eat better because I want to see how it makes me feel. Kendra read this great diet book, Eating Clean (and the sequal to it), there are some very easy to follow and good/good for you recipes in there. I recommend you read it too. I am still working out at the gym and each workout I am pushing my heart rate. I'll probably start to incorporate spin again...but after teaching spin for so long, it is very boring for me. I'd rather strap on the shoes and push my heart rate past 190 bpm that way. But I can't say enough about the low-impact a bike gives you, it is a good break from the pounding and I've been able to get my heart rate 200+bpm and not faint! That's definitely part of my plan...I need to keep increasing my anaerobic threshold because that will help me hammer my per mile splits and still stay aerobic. I can't wait for the day I can hit 165 bpm and still make O2...If I can do that and keep my mileage up, that 3hr mark will fall! I truly believe it.
I took a break from running today, worked out at the gym and then wake boarded after work. Sore! The water was glass on the Sacto River and only two other boats were out there. It was my first time boarding this summer and...yeah baby, was able to take it wake to wake on my first run! I had two more loooong runs, and worked on going fakey the last one. I got it, which was cool, but I felt like I had just run 400s, seriously. You can say it was a GREAT x-training day:D.
Back on the road tomorrow...or maybe I'll ride?? GOD BLESS and GOD SPEED!
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