Bay Bridge Blues

A Dog's Life

2011-01-12T06:37:00.001-08:00

I was thinking that I did not want a dog but my seven year old kept asking for one. After much consideration decided to find one for her as she is deserving of that, being so loving with animals in that way. I did not want to get one because I knew I would be the one walking it in the morning and evening as I get up early and go to bed late! Of course that is what is happening but I now realize how much I enjoy doing that part of it- and how it gives me a few minutes of time to slow down and and opportunity to familiarize myself to this recently new neighborhood and other dog walkers as well. It also brought back memories that I get in my running, noticing temperature changes, feeling the air in my ears, listening to all kinds of sounds as I run. I don't wear headphones so there is so much to take in on a run. People sneezing, music playing, people arguing and everything else around alive in everyday life. Meditation in action- one of the things that I was so attracted to in yoga practice that I attended to years ago. Walking the dog gives me the same thing, a chance to slows down. The dog also shares daily ride to work in the mornings with me an our commute over the Bay Bridge and a radio that recently in the car that is not working. Now that silence is a challenge, but since it is only about 30 minutes each way- it's bearable. And I listen to Pandora all day long at work. When we arrive to work, she runs to the doors of our Showroom making a beeline for her bed, only to rest all day long. It's a dog life, and a good one at that.
I know that there will be a new group of runners that will be training for the Oakland Marathon that returns to Oakland in the coming months. I wish them all well on their journey of training and commitment that they will adhere to. It doesn't matter if you do not stick to the schedule every week in following the mileage chart. You do what you can (like life) and as long as you have it in your head "I can do this" that will bring you to the finish line. I know for me it was that mental game that was able to get me through the most difficult part for me- the final six miles. But I also know that I was flirting with going out too fast and trying to maintain that pace through the run added tremendous pressures in reaching my 3:30 goal. If that is not the case for those running, it will make the run a much more enjoyable experience.
Hard to believe I have been running for almost 40 years now. When I was in my teens, I would step up to the starting line thinking I was tired (nerves) and wondering if I could do it. Now I step up saying I can do this- a shift of the mind that comes to mastery of anything. I wish I could have been in that place in my younger years, and the negative thoughts that pollute the spirit of it all in those thoughts but that is that path of experience that one must walk- strike that- run.
I have been running about 3 days a week now- running sprints of various distances around Lake Merritt that I use as my track. Running 90% on 1000, 800, 600, 400, 200 meters with little recovery and the final 80 steps and 1 block uphill to my home. Feeling strong and sometimes so sore in different places. This week my ankle? I will probably add a 5k race to change it up.
The marathon has given me such a strength to my legs this year that I did not have prior to the marathon training and that was from 10 months ago. I still feel that strength in my legs when I do the ladder workouts- they don't get tired.
I have fighting a cold this past week and was determined to run regardless, but after running a few blocks I turned around- I had nothing. But I don't beat myself up about it as most times I feel it, I just keep going knowing that I will get through it.
Good luck to those who are running their first Marathon! For those who continue to run marathon after marathon- my hat is off to you.

800 Meter Training Begins

2010-12-23T15:37:00.001-08:00

It has been at least 5 months since I last posted. I am grateful for still having the same job of selling high end goods in the Design Center. I think those tax breaks for the wealthy are getting people to spend more (those who have the money) - and the stock market still rising brings in air of confidence that has been missing for the past years, and Designers telling me for the first time in years that they are busy months out. My prospects for staying in the business and working for local owners means that we are in it for the long haul. I am enjoying the job and reconnecting with Designers who have been in the business for years like myself and seeing new ones who have arrived on the scene these past years and educating them on rugs, lighting, local artists and case goods.
I have not been able to run the past few months, only sporadically due to a slip and fall near a waterfall (sitting bone) and and other injury due to a back strain due from moving heavy items.
All my injuries have always been due to recklessness, inattention, or greed. Yes that sounds like me- always taking chances- I have been fortunate that has not happened in my training runs . I just came back from the track to see if I could do the 4 400 meter ovals in 80 seconds with a 3 minute reset in between. I only did 3 of them- but hit my times 2@ 78 and 1@ 80 seconds. Whew- that was not easy- but I ran into somebody on the track who was visiting from Boston and could not believe how perfect a day in Oakland the weather was on this non-rainy and 63 degree temp. It has been raining off and one for weeks now, not that I'm complaining. He ran the last 2 with me- and is presently training for the 300 meter indoors. His race is the 400 meter with his PR incollege at 48 seconds. He told me the 800 is the hardest race- I told him I thought a 5K was harder. Perspective... He seemed to float as we ran these together- I however felt like I was sinking- now that's funny!
I was happy to hit three quarters of my goal the first time out. I have to admit I was a bit on the dizzy side for about 15 minutes after. Now it is back to cross training of 5k runs, fartlek, LSD (long slow distance) and racing 5k's (which I hate!) and off course mainly speed/track work. From what I read, since I did the 400 meter at full blast in a time of 65 seconds I should aim for the 80 second repeats x 4. I haven't run the 800 meters since high school but am well on my way will nervously run for the first time since high school an 800 meter open run at the Los Altos Open Meet sometime in January. Supposedly I should be able to hit a 2:20 800 meter- due to the 65 quarter- but that sounds like I could reach it in a year maybe, maybe 2012. I hope to meet some other like- minded track runners through the Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders (or LMJS) to support one another.
Happy New Year to all my readers! I have not had access to a computer at home - hence the difficulty in writing- which I have missed but now I am back.
See you in the New Year!

A New Job and the 800 Meter Run

2010-07-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

Wow- How quickly did that happen? I was so unhappy with my "old job" of 90 days- but was able to find out, apply and get the position due to someone moving out of California. Funny thing, they won't have to print out new business cards as the person leaving has my name. I have had a week off between jobs and trying to get as much done around the house, my spritual house, and also enjoy the time outside before I get back to work. The business of floor coverings, soft or hard, is now so oversaturated in both the high and retail end. It is very competitive for the little business coming in and hard to support somebody starting with few accounts. I am looking forward to working in a different industry and needing a break from the building and specific industry that I have been involved in for the past 7 years. Now I move across the street- with a different energy of people, showrooms and the opportunity to build connections and the chance to inprove the client base successfully as we slowly build the sales goals through networking.

I just got back from my 800 meter time trial. I brought my bedside clock (don't have the watch yet..) with me for a timing. Upon entering the nice Piedmont Track I saw that it was empty except for a lone jogger. I asked him if he would time me in the 800 and and he said he would. As I warmed up around the track for the run (about 800 meters) and a few stretches I decided I would go for a 2:33 instead of the 2:30. I started to psych myself out that I was not really ready, haven't run enough the past 2 weeks, blah blah blah. All that "mind chatter" that weighs one down. I did run in Tahoe on two of the days that I was up there, my runner friend said it was like your lungs were burning. I likened it to having one lung- you start out tired, period- and then it continues to get harder! My timer, Don woke my up out of my "head tailspin" and said I should be happy to just be able to go out and run it and being healthy and strong enough to attempt it. That is was all in my head (tell me about it...) I knew that was where the race was going to happen, not in my legs. I also believed that slowing down to about 77 seconds a lap HAD TO BE EASIER then 65 seconds. He said, ready-set-go- and I took off. I felt a little bit tired the first 200 but quickly warmed up in the bright warm sun- as I came upon the second turn- I felt strong and was hoping I would be under 1:20 for the first lap around the first track and Don shouted out 1:17. I felt like I had enough in me - to go twice, but oh how I wanted to stop and do this another time. As I came to the beginning of the first turn on my second lap, I pushed a little bit harder because I knew I would be fading so I had to work harder now- and not save it for the last 100 yards. I felt strong as I came out of the turn and started working the back straightaway. Don was supposed to be shouting out the 200 meter splits- if he did, I could not hear him. I came into the final turn, and now I am working hard and leaning into the turns- breathing a lot of air. As I came to the straight away- I had a bit of a kick and lightly crossed over at 2:32- exactly the time I wanted. I was happy with that- but I know it is going to take tremendous work to shave 5-10 seconds off that time in 6 months. I am looking at the Los Altos all comers meet in January. My competition did a 2:25 time last year- my age (50-55). I read that is is about 6-8 weeks of concentrated speed work before a race. Should be a hell of a lot easier then training for a marathon, but I can so feel the strength in my legs from having completed that- and know that is a part of how I can run that 2:32 with running only 20 or so miles a week around the Lake in the last month.

Just bought some new guitar strings- oh baby does that sound good. Thinking about buying an amp to play around with- but this Epiphone accoustic guitar screams when you play it hard- and the sound is pure joy when you touch it just softly. I want to teach my daughter some chords- but with piano and cello already in the mix- I will wait a few years. She is my main singer for the songs that I play frequently.

Next Friday I will be at work- today- this Friday at 4 pm, I am having a beer for my reward on that 800- and am enjoying the sweet sound of a friday afternoon in the sun instead of the daily grind of the commute on the Bay Bridge!

Cheers to you avid readers! and share with me your battles and or gains- running or not.

Spinning Round on Nothing New

2010-07-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

I am full on into the life of work, commuting, connecting, trying to bring in business. Then I go home and try to put a dinner together- cook it, eat it, clean it. Then the bathing routines. It is comparable to the movie "Ground Hog Day" and I can't seem to change a thing. I am doing all of it but feel outside of it sometimes like an "out-of-body experience". Some days feel like I am hovering (and no I'm not huffing!) - Male menopause? I go to my acoustic guitar and play, finally having a good relationship with my guitar- a long standing marriage of 40 years. My two longest constants, the guitar and running. Why? I've been to lucky with the creative and physical stuff- "how about a little bit of luck with the financial -oh great spirit in the sky". Life can change in an instant - as I have seen the past years through others, and I think about that all the time now, which makes me pause as I breathe in the "present" at a much more concentrated dose. Finally, I can take out the guitar and play in public. I've never really thought of myself as accomplished- as I have heard so many guitarist that are and I had frequently put it away thinking "why am I doing this?" Presently, it is my saving grace to the unrest that I am living. I like "the process" of learning a new song, then changing the arrangement- and then if all goes well-finding out how to put your personality into it. Lastly, performing it for friends.

I guess I have to talk a little bit about running if we have to keep a thread moving forward.
I ran a great workout on Lakeshore Ave. Hard to believe there is enough room for me to run on the sidewalks with walker, runners and dogs on leash. I ran a 400, a 200, and 600 and a 300 meter sprints at about 85-90% at sub minute mile pace. Felt good to know I have not lost it- although I have to get to the track and run the 2:30 800 meter time trial. I am now confident that I can reach it- but, it will be a run of effort - no doubt.

I am concerned for Oakland and what the outcome of the jurors decide for Oscar Grant.
I love this great city and the people in it. I am a part of Oakland as I have been here since 83 and now have many good friends that live here because we love the climate, diversity and changes that have come in the last 20 years in Oakland. There are so many good parts of Oakland- but like the press- the only news that gets heard is the negative- not the positive.

Reaching over my music stand- I strained my back- an obvious repercussion for the strong runs that I had done the night before. As usual- taking chances and getting injured- I guess I never do learn. Getting older- lovely thought. No running this weekend- just yoga, healing and from the advice of friend "making a gratitude list". I needed to hear that.

The Beast

2010-06-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

I made it NY-the city that never sleeps. Thankfully, there are air conditioners to block out the constant hum of life occurring constantly should one want to escape the pulse of life. Taxi cabs racing you back and forth from here to there, walkers moving down, up and across the city. So obvious the multi-tasking required to keep up with the continual grind of life: work, play, meet, pass, connect, ignore. You can see the technological side by way of phones, blackberry's, and of course the self-imposed disconnect with the ipod. The amount of people using these devices of communication as they navigate the streets and each other is is an amazing thing to witness during rush hour.

I was able to make it to the Hudson River and run several times where the multitude of runners, bikers, walkers and skaters moved alongside the water. Great to see such dedicated athletes outside, warm as it was and moving seemingly effortlessly along the Hudson River. It felt good to move my legs after the plane ride and I tried to release the jet lag that one acquires when moving through time-zones, at thirty thousand feet.

I decided that I am not going to run the Boston Marathon and instead face a different kind of beast. The last 6 miles of the Oakland Marathon was that beast for me. Unlike an 800 meter race, the Marathon is a continual battle and when coming to the final six miles and then an hour (more or less) of total concentration and determination, that is so different from running two laps around the track. To put in a good 800 meters one must push at 100% for two and a half minutes- full out running, two laps. The first lap is finding your grove by working the turns, staying strong on the second straight-away and then giving all you have remaining for the final lap. You will either hit the wall if you went out to fast or have enough to push it to the finish line at finding a well paced run. I know I had trouble with my Achilles in the marathon, so we shall see if that is due to age or exertion.

I will be timing myself for an 800 meter run and go for the time of 2:30 instead of "foolishly" trying to do my best time first time out. This will be a 5 minute mile pace and I am only running a half of it. I have been in many 5K's and have run 6:10 for the first mile and felt "OK" (and of course a little sluggish), but I think I am capable of hitting that time.

I continue to run Lake Merritt working the 5k runs into 400 meter runs, half mile run, and a few 200 meter runs, so I think I will be in good enough shape to come close to that mark.
When I ran a 400 meter time on two separate occasions last year, during the second attempt at bettering my time, I strained something in my inner knee. It healed (2 weeks sore) but it scared me. I had never had any problems with my knees before- so running a 65 second 400 meter was obviously greedy and stupid as I was not prepared for the stress of the speed, wearing the wrong shoes, (spikes needed!) and not having enough muscle memory in my knee in running the turns on the track, which is an art and science at the same time.

I can only do my best then begin the training of speed-work that is necessary for the 800. From there I will continue with the workouts for about 4-6 weeks. I won't be going for my fastest time when I run the quarter repeats (I learn from my mistakes) but instead I will run the 400 meter runs at 25% slower as is required for workouts. 80 seconds per lap with about 3-4 minutes recovery time in between 3-4 of them. That is what I am going to work up to, not start out with. I might have to adjust the time or lengthen the recovery time in between the runs. This will of course be one aspect of the training. 200, 600, 800 meter runs, with small recovery time in between with the same format (25% slower) repeats with recovery time, as well as running stairs (uhg!), push ups, sit ups, and everything else that can and will be necessary will be introduced and/or increased will be attempted. Any takers want to join this fool?...

Never Say Never

2010-05-28T15:44:00.000-07:00

I said I would never run another marathon after the grueling run I had- I had to dig deep to get to the finish line in the time I knew was capable of. But I just found out last month that I qualified for the Boston Marathon by a few minutes. I thought in that instant that I had to run it- but I know I was lucky enough to finish my marathon in spite of both Achilles acting up. The Boston Marathon is a race I have been following since the 70's when I started running. There is so much history icluding my own with that particular run- that is why I am so attracted to it. I am not sure I want to risk injuring myself again for a run that really is not what my body is made for. I will have to wait and see what happens in the next 6 months for me.
It is obvious that I am a sprinter and I begin my training for the 800 meters.
I realized after running tonight around the Lake and doing my usual sprints of mile, half mile, quarter and 200 meters- that I have the form that is required for running that type of running. After running the marathon, I can feel the strength in my lower legs and even my upper torso- and the endurance is just under the surface. Now it is time to work on the stamina with speed work and timed recovery between the intervals. The science of it all is fascinating and I anxiously await the results once I am immersed. I also really enjoy running on the track- it gives a little bit underfoot and I have a lot of experience in running the curves from the competition of my high school years. For me, it is a full circle to come back to it as I did not compete at the college level after an an injury in my senior year of high school. I also felt burnt out from the 4 years of training and competition which brought me to that level at that time. I feel fortunate that I am healthy enough to still run -never mind compete at a level similar to my high school years.
I am not sure if I will be ready for any open competitions this summer but I will time myself to see where I stand in my age group and see how much work it will require to get to the top. I have been running for 35 years and am not afraid of pushing myself to the limit. If I could only carry that passion to other parts of my life with similar determination. At least I am aware of what I am doing or not doing - I am not asleep at the wheel. In running, that is the one place I have complete control of my life and that is why I keep on coming back to it.
What will the universe be bringing to me next week? I know I am capable of contributing so much more then I am doing right now.
I fly to NY this coming week and will be running in Central Park in the morning.
I have never had that opportunity before but I know what a huge attraction the Park is for many runners including myself. Miami last month- now NY. I will have to write about the Miami trip when I return.

Staying True

2010-04-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

These words echo in in my personal life, passions and day-to-day living.
I ran the 5K this morning and don't feel sore in the least after lowering my time by a minute.
I hit the first the first mile in a 6:15 followed by 6:30 miles for the last two. As I started the run and moved down the first 300 meters, I realized that I had a feeling of tiredness in my legs and started wondering how I was going to be able to finish? Once again I had to remind myself to allow myself to "warm up" and be patient and not let the doubts run free in my head. I had not run all week and only run maybe a half dozen times since the marathon from a month ago. I figured I had the strength to get around the Lake and felt more relaxed and ready then I had been in the past, but after about 2 minutes or so I did not feel the weight of my legs and started to find "my groove" as we wound ourselves around the colonnade's. I try not to be so hard on myself when I have these little bouts of giving up- but I know that if I ran another 5k in a month it would be easier. I remember from high school how hard the first runs in track meets were and then it would get easier physically (sometimes mentally) in subsequent track meets. I now know it is going to take some work to get close to the low 19 minutes but am confident that I can shave another thirty seconds off the time I did today. I have to say, I felt pretty strong the first 2 miles- passing a few runners in the front (some running 10K's!) and I know a year ago I would run out of gas after the first mile, but now I know I can keep it up for two miles. It will always be the last mile that is going to be the challenge for me. I also know that when I get to the track soon and run some 400's, that will make all the difference in my performance. I wanted to run the 800 meters this summer, but I know I won't really be ready until next January. It takes at least 6 weeks to get ready for that- and I know the marathon has slowed me down- but the strength in my legs that I have received in return has been a great trade off for the speed work I have lost.

Mile two, and here comes Mr. barefoot (Michae Legault) on my left side just as in the marathon when another silent runner amazingly appeared without a sound. I had just passed by somebody who was wheezing loudly, and my barefoot friend flanks my side and says I am his "source of pain" as he was using me as his pacer for the race when he overheard my conversation with another runner about the time I was going for- so he kept his eye on me thinking that was what he was going for. He said he finally caught up to me and said he had a stomach ache. He told me after the race he had ice cream the night before and that it was a bad idea the night before a race. I agreed, I have my vices as well and I sometimes pay dearly for them the following day. The next half mile (at about 2.5 ) I started to struggle and feel tired. I tried to stay on the pace but knew I was slowing slightly for the next 3-4 minutes. I was so close to the end and feeling strong all the way through, but it finally caught up to me after running confidently for fifteen minutes. As we made our way closer to the finish line, I overtook my barefoot friend as we neared the 3 mile marker. I am still awed by his seemingly effortless movement without shoes and I have a feeling I am going to have to run barefoot at some point in the future, no doubt about it. I finished strongly (not kicking it in this time) and looked up at my time (19:50) as I crossed the finish line. I was tired and out of breath for about 5 minutes. I was hoping (and thinking) during the race that if I could get close to a low 19 minute time I would not have to run a 5k like this again for a while. this is the very same strategy I used for the marathon, but I fell a little short well knowing I did my best this time and will have to put in some work as I decide if I will compete in the masters 800 meter run this summer or not.

My first two weeks of work have been completed this week. I called at least 50 or so Designers I have not seen in a year or so and some have started calling back or coming in to see me. Some dropped in but most are saying that "frugal fatigue" is getting old with many of their clients and more and more people are ready or getting ready to spend money on some on luxury items such as floor coverings, lighting and accessories.
I had a previous client come in and tell me she needed to borrow some rugs for staging a penthouse in an upscale penthouse in downtown San Francisco, which of course could lead to something big. Reaching out and connecting is needed in this economy and people are responding to me with the same enthusiasm as mine as opposed to the "lethal lethargy" that has flooded many in an industry that has suffered from the combined disappearance and closings of many showrooms in the San Francisco Design Center . I am coming back to this business after being away for a year, and I bring a renewed sense of energy, enthusiasm and optimism while others have only seen the slow death of spending come to a near or complete stop.
I feel fortunate to come back with a renewed vigor, and although I have paid a price for being out of work this past year, the return has been priceless in ways that now put me far in front of those who have just given up.

New Beginnings

2010-04-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

I knew it was going to be a few rough days after finishing the marathon as I had trouble walking immediately after finishing the run and hobbled around the house the next two days. I did not have any blisters, but the bottom of my feet were extremely tender to the touch. Friends of mine suggested a massage- but my thighs and calf muscles felt as if I was hit with a bat over the entire surface and felt on fire. Of course Epsom salts and cold baths with ibuprofen shooters were tried but nothing helped except time. By Wednesday, I was walking normally again and not wincing with every step. I had volunteered to paint two kids bathrooms at the school where my daughter attends in Berkeley during spring break, so the motion required to go up and down on step ladders, preparing then painting for the next 3 days helped work out any soreness that I had remaining in my body.

I went for a run a week later for a 5k and felt stiff but could feel the power underneath it all, unlike the SF Marathon 25 years ago where I felt like I had glass in my knees and could not run for months. This time I felt so strong in the quads and after running an easy 3 miles I thought to myself how could I have run 26 miles faster then the few miles I had just done? I could only think of the word "commitment" and how that one focus was instrumental in getting me to the finish line. I have also noticed how a transformation with my body has taken place after this long training regiment. My quads have never looked this developed and the same for my midsection. My upper torso has also been sculpted so I now need new clothes- I have gone down a size.

Two days after finishing the run I received a call from a job prospect that I had applied for months ago when I was turned down. I interviewed with the owner from the East Coast on my cell phone and pulled over in the car to talk and clinched it. I have been trying to get into this company for well over a year now. The philosophy of the company is to use sustainable materials pairing it with being socially responsible in the manufacturing process, and the end result is a beautiful product. A pioneer in the trade and highly respected, I look forward in representing this company. I am back to the SF Design Center from my year hiatus- so I count myself as fortunate. I fly back East to meet in a month or so for some training (Central Park runs!). The very next day, I sat down for 90 minutes for an interview to attain a volunteer position (after a training period) to answer calls for a 24 hour hot-line. This is something that I have also decided I wanted to do during my year off. What a challenging year of self-examination, struggle and patience. Remarkable to see what intention and karma can bring when moving forward positively.

I ran a quick 5k today- just a windy run with small rain this morning. I felt free once again and happy to be able to run healthily and without a mileage chart! I look forward to running a 5k and feel I can reach 19 minutes and change (my PR is 20:50).

3:33:04 Oakland Marathon 2010

2010-03-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

That race was much harder then I had anticipated: maybe I went out to fast, maybe I went for a time that was punishing, but attainable. I knew the last 6 miles would be a challenge, but I was hoping that I would have something left. That was not the case. Sheer determination and knowing I would not be running a marathon in the future, was what brought me to the finish line.

I arrived at the starting line in plenty time to stretch and get warmed up. I was able to meet a few of the people and friends from LMJS at the starting line and we talked about going the first few miles slower than the pace we wanted. I did not feel fresh at all, even though I had rested most of the week, so I knew it was going to be a long day for me. Time seemed to slow down, and I had a sense of floating that I could only think was similar to an out-of-body experience.

I had decided to aim for a 3:30 finish time and wanted to commit to this goal at the starting line. This was going to mean an 8 minute a mile pace. I met up with the pacing leader, who would have to carry his 8 lb "3:30" sign the entire course, I thanked him in advance for the hard work he was doing for all of us. The gun went off and it was not very crowded (1300 or so marathoners) as we headed down Broadway toward Piedmont Ave. As I was running the first mile I could feel tension on my neck, and thought this is great- yesterday my lower back and today my neck! I remembered what a marathoner had told me about her running, she said it took her about 7 to 8 miles to warm up. I then decided I would allow myself that same amount of time and to relax and be patient. The first mile split was 7:40, and wouldn't you know it- I was already going too fast- but I felt okay and slowed down a pinch. Pretty soon the pacing leader caught up and I was running with the group. As we headed uphill I made a move to pass him and his followers and stayed in front of him up and through Montclair Village. One of the families from Black Pine Circle School was there to cheer me on, as promised (thanks for the photo shown, Mark!) and this helped lift my spirits. My good friends and neighbors also managed to drive up to Montclair and somehow made it to motivate me two more times at different locations, despite the traffic paralyzed by the onslaught of runners all across Oakland.

Moving through town, we made our way for the final steep incline toward the Mormon Temple, then down the big hill. I was just slightly ahead of the 8 minutes a mile pace and felt solid- not great, but just okay. As we headed down the hill, I was passed by a barefoot runner (Efrem?) and I was amazed by him. We ran a few miles together, with him staying with me all the way down. He seemed to run effortlessly, while watching carefully where he was putting each foot. He told me he had been running barefoot for about 8 years, I then said that my feet were hurting in my shoes and thought maybe he was on to something.

At a water stop, I lingered a bit and he kept going- I never saw him again. Amazing. The crowds were terrific and the support in all the areas of the course in Oakland was outstanding. It really did help having that cheering all along the course. Mile 15 came along and I began to feel really tired. The day was quickly warming up, and even though there were plenty of water stations along the way, I was beginning to feel overheated. I made sure to take fluids at almost every station, but I still felt hot.

I was much impressed by the multitude of volunteers working the tables. They seemed so practiced and perfect in their delivery of fluids to the runners. I caught sight of Paul and Margaret (my neighbors) at mile 15, and as I passed by them, I said, "I'm really tired". That evening they told me that although I told them this, I did not look tired. I was happy to be in front of the pacer, but no sooner had I slowed for water, he came right past me. I was close behind him, but when we were channeled into the Half Marathoner's group that would be running with the Full Marathoners for the remaining 10 miles or so, it became crowded very quickly. Fortunately, there was room to go to alongside the runners as our pace was faster, and I did so, trying to keep within striking distance of my 3:30 pacer. The next 5 miles it got warmer, so I poured water on my chest to keep cool. I felt as if I was working harder trying to keep up with the "3:30 group", but could see my pacer getting further and further ahead until I eventually lost sight of him.

Turning down Mandela Parkway I continued on and was happy to see my brother, Alan with his wife and daughter. Again I exclaimed, "I'm really tired", and this time I looked it, so he phoned ahead to my family and friends to let them know that I was on the way, but was struggling. I know I had not hit the wall just yet, but I wondered how I was going to run another 6 miles laboring as much as I was. So, I just stopped after mile 20 and walked about 30 seconds and decided right then and there that this was going to be my last marathon (2nd), so I was going to have to dig deep and go for it for the last 6 miles. I took off and with a renewed positive attitude - so much of this race is the mental game - felt fresher, and not afraid to work in my discomfort zone. I was passing people for the next 4 miles, buoyed by the energy of this mass of humanity moving along like a snake, and found myself being somehow magically pulled along.

As we hit Lake Merritt, I knew I had to quicken my pace, with no room for my mind to dwell on the fact that I was really tired. As I rounded the Lake, getting closer to the Lakeshore Ave turnaround, where I knew all my friends and family would be waiting, I saw them ahead and waved and they shouted to me as I passed by, "Go, Tom, Go!", "You can do it, Daddy!". I wish I could say how much I appreciated them being there, as I had for everyone else along the way, but it all seemed to go by in a blur, and I felt as if I was in an alter-universe by this point. I was hurting, but determined to keep going.

They told me after the race that they were not sure if they had missed me when they arrived down at the Lake, because I arrived later than the time I was anticipating. I think the starting time of the race must have been delayed because I was 20 minutes behind. But as the 3:30 pacer ran by them, and well ahead of me, they knew I would be arriving soon. They seemed to think he was about 6-7 minutes ahead of me. After seeing me, they all shouted and then ran to the other side of the park and cheered me on a second time. My running friend, Patricia (who had just finished the half marathon) then decided to run with me all the way to the finish line, now just 2 miles ahead. She led the way, making a path in between the runners, as we were the only ones passing. My twin brother, Steve had shouted out that the 3:30 pacer was not far ahead, so this motivated me and I picked up the pace, trying to catch him. I didn't catch him, but must have run those last miles at about a 7:15 mile or so, passing fellow marathoners along the way.

I made my way around the lake with "my guide" weaving us in, out and around as we passed runner after runner, catching and passing other marathoner's moving toward the finish. Then we approached the turn away from the Lake, (tiny uphill ugh!) with 3 blocks crossing Broadway and a turn toward the finish line. She said, "Go for it, Thomas" and she peeled off the course, as I sprinted for the finish line 200 yards ahead. I was just about to pass the finish line, when I looked up and saw the time was 3:33 and I was very pleased.

I could barely walk as I finished, and was hobbling around until I found Len Goldman to thank him for all his support, and tremendous training program that got me here. Then I hobbled over to the beer queue and sat down on the grass to listen to the music and rest. Feeling exhausted, but elated, I went home to celebrate my victory with friends and family.

Today I can barely walk (never mind get out of a chair!) and I know it is going to take me a few days of recovery until I am feeling (let alone walking) better again. I came in 80th overall in the Marathon and 5th for my age group.

After recovery and rest - and when ready - I will go for my best times in the 10K, 5K and finally the 800 meters, where I can tap into my strength which is stamina versus endurance.

Preparing for the Race

2010-03-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

I was remembering how the Olympic athletes prepare for their events like the ice skaters doing their moves on the ground before they hit the ice, or the bobsledders and downhill skiers having already memorized the course are literally making their turns with their bodies as if they are actually doing it. I thought it might be a good time for me to write about how I prepare or have prepared for the marathon run on Sunday.

I have been thinking about the course, and what I will have to do in order to be ready when the gun goes off. This is so different from running a mile or 800 meters in a competitive track meet where you have so little time to think about it and you are relying on your instincts in a short run whereas the marathon gives you so much time that one could possibly over think it.

I have written in past entries about how I was not prepared mentally in my teenage years during the fierce competition (city, regional and state) in my high school years. Waiting for the race, I would be pacing nervously as the adrenaline was coursing through my system and I was in complete overdrive, amped up and juiced by nerves. Sometimes I would feel exhausted, or worry if I would be able to perform to what I was capable of doing. Only after the starters gun would fire would it all disappear and I would drop down into my body and be completely in a focused trance as I ran. I know those same feelings (some uncomfortable) will appear on Sunday morning, but I also know that its completely normal to have those feelings and to let them have their time as it will all disappear the minute the run begins. The competitive spirit in me is still very much alive in my running, but in order for me to complete this marathon, I too will have to keep my thoughts positive in order to make it to the finish line. The mental game has to believe it and be alive for hours.

After running the Marathon course numerous times in practice, I know what to expect on the upward climb toward Montclair and it's many hills which form many can be a deal breaker on this course. What a great advantage the LMJS runners have had in it's preparation by way of support, clinics, race strategies and thorough training program with many of it's training miles done on the actual course. The other affirming thing is the community that has been built in joining this training group, as well as being a part of something much bigger than yourself with the positive influences of people of all shapes, sizes, gender, color and age. I like running the hills because I feel light on my feet when doing them. Of course going uphill requires more stamina, but that is my strength in running (hence middle distance runner). I also know that many runners will catch up to me long after the Montclair section where I will struggle to find my rhythm for the next 15 miles on the long, flat part of the course which is the essence of the marathon (my weakness). My body is made for fast running so this will be my challenge, regardless I enjoy the freedom and everything else "the flight" gives me as I run. I also know that I have prepared myself as best I could for this run during the past 6 months and in doing so am ready to go the full 26, but I will cross the finish line. My other challenge will be staying on pace and going for the time I have set for myself without hitting the wall. I look forward to the many spectators and friends along the way with their support along the course. I will feed on the energy of the crowd as this run of many hours gives so much time for being in the moment as opposed to running shorter distances in minutes where everything outside of the oval track is neither heard or seen as if one is wearing blinders and earplugs.

I know that the race starts for me after leaving Jack London as the course takes us well away from the densely populated areas of Piedmont Ave, College Ave, Montclair, Fruitvale and International Blvd. As we head toward Mandela Parkway, hours from the beginning and when for many of us (myself included), sense that our bodies are feeling fatigued and are about to enter that unknown area of the last 6 miles (cue Twilight Zone music here), this will be the time to bring out your best game and believe that you will make it to the finish line. All of that hard work and dedication will get you there. Strong, smooth, stride, say it to yourself when you are ready to give up, the thoroughbred in you is tired- but you will be ready to go the extra miles due to all the hard work, and long hours you have put in, prepared for, and are now so close to finishing. Once you turn on Lakeshore Ave underneath the freeway you will be on Lakeshore Ave bringing you to the support of many (including my family with my 7 year-old cheerleader Emily, our students and friends), they will be next to the play park at the beginning of Lakeshore Ave, encouraging all of us with their shouting, cowbells and clapping. Now it is only 3 miles from the finish line, and if there is any gas left in the tank this is the place to make the move if one only needs to shave a few minutes off in order to reach the time they are going for.

Am I nervous? NO. Am I ready? YES & CHOMPING AT THE BIT! Do I have concerns? OF COURSE! Two days ago, both of my Achilles started acting up, not seriously but I can feel them once again. I had to take 10 days off in January due to this and recovered, but since the race is only days away, the mileage at this point is moot. I have rested both of them with little mileage since Saturday with a small run on Monday and three miles today (Wednesday) to keep my head in the game. I know they will hold up for the run, but I will be limping around all next week. We all are imperfectly perfect, so leave any doubts at home Sunday morning as you confidently head for the starting line on race day. I see that the weather is going to be at the right temperature and I have yet to decide on which pair of shoes to run in, but the pair I ultimately choose will get me there.
Good luck to all you, and thank you Len for all the advice and forums, workshops and confidence that you embody as well as the challenge to any of us to write a blog, I did not know how much my interior world needed to get out. I will see you either at the starting line, during the race or basking in the glory of accomplishment well past the finish line!

Perspective

2010-03-18T12:31:00.000-07:00

I ran 9 miles yesterday, well knowing it would be my last attempt at the longer miles before the marathon. I could barely get around the lake the first 3 miles and I seemed to be moving in a slow out of sync motion during my three circulations around the lake. I felt better running the 20 miles from two weeks ago then the 9 I just ran. I welcome the diminishing miles in the week ahead until race day, to rest and recover from not only the many miles run, but also the enduring commitment of the past 6 months. I am not always "flying" when I run- and yesterday was one of those days (I would liken it to crawling). My beginnings come from a 3 mile a week runner to 40 miles a week- and I felt the 40 miles run last week while I was out yesterday, and I think my body was was telling me to slow down and rest. Or maybe I just need to get an Ipod and boogie while I run.

I drove into San Francisco yesterday and was at a stop light when I overheard someone say "that's funny, I remember that too" and looked to see her talking to herself as opposed to talking with somebody. I gathered that the void they might be in is missing the interpersonal connections that most of us from day to day and this is her way of connection. Here I am sitting at my laptop today and am doing (or trying to do) the same thing as her but connecting via the web. I was thinking it was not much different. I write for many reasons and find myself purged when I do and as I move ahead I try to connect the dots that bring me to where I am. I write today because I make the time to do so and have recently been flooded with opportunities of pauses giving me the space for reflection on employment, success, commitment, doing your best, living your truth and finally, breathing.

When I run, my breath is the fire of my engine that I listen to as I am moving in motion. I can only imagine that a horse hearing it's own accelerated breath finds it's connection to the ground as it moves powerfully forward. Often my breathing is meditative and trance-like, and of course there are times it is difficult and labored. When I am running uphill it sounds like a steam engine working hard and when going back down it slowly quiets and cools and until it finds it's natural beat in my body. I listen to the breath of others to see if and how their breath is working as they move and run alongside me. My heart likes to be pushed and wants to kept alive.
Beating like a hammer, beating like a hammer (I love that song).

No running today, just rest and a yoga cool down tonight with deep slow breathing. Spring has arrived.

Desire

2010-03-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

I was able to run the week after the twenty mile training run, feeling tremendous strength in my legs but also realizing the pounding that they are taking. Sometimes my legs feel as if I have concrete blocks attached to them, and other times I am would swear I was flying. I ran there straigt days of 6 miles at marathon pace then took 2 days off. I then went away for the weekend, to ski in Tahoe. At the end of the ski day, I realized what a tremendous benefit of cross-training I had. It was a constant workout of the legs minus the wear and tear. I could also feel it in my stomach muscles and realized just how much work is required in that area of muscle used in downhill skiing. It was just what I needed, a break from the miles of pounding that the training requires and is eventually felt on my feet and in my bones. I ran a fast three miler yesterday (about 6:30 per mile with a few one minute stops between them) but felt like a bowl of spaghetti flailing around the Lake. I had to get it out of my system as I had not run in 3 days. It was the same thing with my guitar, I had not played it for days and needed to play my treasured Epiphone Acoustic to release the songs that had been running around in my head. Today I was going to run, but after running several blocks I realized I had absolutely no energy at all, and feeling completely fatigued, turned around and walked back inside. I will try tomorrow and see what surfaces, as it will not make any difference in my performance. I am ready and look forward to the day I run it.
Today, I was remembering how I was expected to win every race by my coach all through high school (cross country and track), and what came with that was the tremendous pressure that I was not equipped to handle at the age of 16. At that time, running was the one place that I was able to give 100% (desire) and not hold back, but the expectations of others was tremendous and stole the purity of it away from me. It was also the one place where I felt compelled to compete (probably having 5 brothers and a sister had something to do with that). That passion, is such a part of who I am and I try to spread it around in all the other areas of my life, but as a friend more recently told me "You can't have 10's in all areas of your life at one time, it's all about balance". Good advice. This will be the year of transformation as I reinvent myself like so many other people have had to do and are doing right now.
As for running, The clock has always been my main competitor and that still holds true today. Upon completing the Marathon (42 kilometers and change), I will use this accomplishment as the springboard into my universe of possibilities. I have gained plenty in return for my way of commitment and dedication. There is a rite of passage in running, training, and finishing a marathon, and the friendships forged in that quest are intensified by it. I look forward to getting on the other side of the finish line and rejoicing there with my fellow runners who have traveled the same path as I have on this journey whether it be in front, alongside or behind me.

Pain and Hitting The Wall

2010-03-11T09:39:00.001-08:00

When I told my twin brother (who competed alongside me for many, many years) that I was going to run the Oakland Marathon he replied "why would you want to go through all that pain again?". I was surprised by his response because firstly, he was my main and most feared competitor in high school, and secondly, I had never thought of pain in that way before. Sacrifice, dedication and commitment for sure, but pain?
I have been thinking about that conversation for months now. More recently, while I was on a run the other day, I happened to slow down and talk with a runner going in my direction and as we talked a bit we were telling each other how long we had been running and what events we ran in. He said "I could never break five minutes in the mile in high school because I was not good at handling pain" then he said that I must have a high tolerance for pain for being able to go under five minutes in the mile. I started to think that this might be a subject that many people probably have been thinking about (or experiencing right now) especially with the Marathon or Half Marathon looming and many who have never run that distance before, the training involved, and the much feared words "hitting the wall" or "pain" that is associated with this particular journey.
Have you ever thought about the difference between good pain and bad pain? Good pain is being able to move through it without the long lasting complications like an injury (a stitch in your side while running for instance- which is painful and most times can be worked out). Bad pain would be continuing to run when a part of your muscle, or joint feels like it is on fire (inflamed), and you continue pressing on and ignoring what is really going on to attain your goal. After recuperating from my Achilles tendinitis injury (complete rest for 10 days with icing, ibuprofen and elevation), I followed with a gradual start on the mileage and specific stretches to the injured area. With the continued dedication of yoga (the ultimate balance to running) I was able to get back on course with the training schedule. I always think of injuries as the only way for me to stop dead in my tracks to see what is really going on and bring me the opportunity to slow down and go deep into my body and allowing me the time to look and see what is going on, what is sore, what is not, and more importantly is this pain or intense sensations. Most of my injuries in the past are usually a result of my reckless actions that I have always taken with my body.
Have I ever hit the wall in running? ALL THE TIME when I am pushing myself to my limits. I have also run past the wall in a marathon (without even knowing it was there) but I have also crashed (and burned!) at the wall in other various races. You don't have to be running a marathon to hit a wall.
I have always thought pain as being being the antithesis to pleasure and how sometimes the lines between the two can blur or be right up against each other. Personally, I find that the human condition of suffering, and constant emotional loss or tragic events that happen all around us are much harder to cope with then the pain incurred in either long distance or middle distance competitive running. Of course there are people with low and high pain thresholds, just as there are those who have debilitating injuries and need daily pain medication and those that don't. This is very different from pushing oneself to the limits that their body can either give them or that they believe is possible to reach when healthy. I want to open up a dialogue on how others deal with pain, how they cope with it, and to voice their opinions, stories, thoughts and comments.
If you want more information on "hitting the wall" just type in that phrase into your web browser and many links will appear.
Today I ran 6 miles for the third straight day resting only the day after the 20 mile run by walking 3 miles. I felt tired, but my legs have never felt stronger. This is the first time in a long, long time that I can see a transformation in my body that I have not seen in a long while. During the Sunday run, I was thinking I was doing pretty well hanging in there with the younger runners, but somewhere close to the 15 mile marker- I was joined with runners 10 and 20 years older looking incredibly strong. It gave me yet another perspective on aging.

Running the Course

2010-03-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

I was excited to be running the racing route and having some idea of how the long stretches would be and how I would be feeling as I moved along. It was great to run this many miles with a big group of people connecting with new people while running, meeting various runners in the LMJS as we continued with our run. Now would be a good time to thank all the new friends I have met during this training and their continued support (you know who you are).
As this rogue group of runners started down the the street, it was obvious how difficult it is to run downtown with the traffic and curb jumping required until we reached Broadway and it's "lovely climb upward" which was a bit of a rude awakening. The first hill was a short one and I had thought I would be running an 8:30 or so pace but it appeared to be closer to the 8:15 pace, the pace I usually run at (but not for 20 miles) and the pace I was going to attempt to achieve in the marathon in a few weeks not this morning.
I didn't think the Temescal uphill was that bad- in fact I felt better and warmed up after getting past it. But it was a long, long run on the back half of the run. I do see how much easier it is to run the long miles when running with other runners who are working just as hard as you and trying to do their best. It was a drag having to obey the lights with the stopping and starting over and over again. During the race the traffic will be held and that will make a huge difference that as well as having the support of the spectators and other runners.
The last time (a few weeks ago) I ran 20 miles for a training run, I was very tired at mile marker 13, that did not happen this time and I felt my reserves still present at mile 17 but when finally reaching mile 20, I was thinking that having to run another 6 was going to require the competitor in me to surface in order finish the run. I want to be at the starting feeling line fresh and rested not tired. I was looking at the map of the course this morning and was thinking that if I have to make a move, it would be from mile 22 just as we hit the Lake. If I am on pace, I want to finish strongly from mile 22 and bring it in to the finish line if I have something remaining in the tank. All of that of course depends on what I have left. I was very tired at mile 20- but my problem (again) is the shoes and discomfort on the bottom of my feet. I need to find a "proper" sock that can end that situation. I seemed to buddy up with many of the runners from LMJS and well as a few new people that were consistently within my pacing time. There were so many hardworking runners in the practice run yesterday, with some who have run a few to over 10 marathons. I was deeply impressed and inspired by their dedication of this particularly gruelling training regimen.
Did I need to stay home last night and put my feet up? Of course, but once again a dinner party I was invited to needed to be attended. Just before dinner was being served - a few musicians showed up, one whom was carrying a bass guitar strapped on his back, I imagined it to be a home-made custom french bread made in that shape and I so wanted to tear off the neck and devour it but thankfully dinner was called and I awoke from that strange fantasy to enjoy a meal of many different and delicious delights. Oddly, I did not have much of an appetite hours after the run which I thought was strange considering the hunger pang that surfaced just before the finish. This morning I am limping (and eating everything in site but avoiding my secret chocolate stash) and getting around the house with much difficulty. Running keeps my energy level high and is one of the places where my spirit lifts, but this morning I feel beat up so I will have get around the lake today in order to work out the kinks.
I feel as if I am ready for the marathon and will use the remaining time wisely by continuing to stretch and slim down the mileage, and this challenge that I have worked so hard and consistently on for the past 6 months will soon come to fruition.

Back on the Schedule

2010-03-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

I had to stop for ten days from my acute tendinitis on both Achilles a few weeks ago. With trepidation, I have tried to keep with the schedule of the runs needed in preparation for the marathon. Saturday at the Moraga Commons run, was a great back and forth 11 miles or so. It felt good to be able to run without concern- and I turned it on for about 4 miles on the way back. I considered it my workout for the week- running at 7 per mile on those 4 and slowed down the last mile in. I am training my body so that when I run the marathon- the pace I am shooting for will feel comfortable to halfway point. Today I ran 9 miles, there was a soft rain and it looked threatening but it didn't start coming down until I reached my doorway. There was a cool breeze early in the morning but I was able to run in a long sleeve shirt and shorts- that is why I moved out west from Miami- the temperate weather, but today there were very few people around the lake and it felt like it was totally mine. I will miss this freedom to run in the mornings whenever I get a job but I have to say that when I am feeling really positive in one area in my life it slowly saturates to other places as well (let's hope it floods the job outlook for me). I am back to running in the Nike Air shoes as I was first thinking that was the cause of the Achilles strain- (not much cushioning- but great racing flat) but I now know it was the lack of stretching the calf/Achilles and concentration on the hamstrings. Since then, I have been stretching those muscles/tendons and did get another pair of shoes (Asic's) but did run in the Air's yesterday (9 miles) with no Achilles problems.
I think this will be one of the few 40 plus mile weeks that I have done- and I have run them well below my expected running pace so I feel good about that. I am imagining I will feel comfortable in the first 16- miles and then it will take a tremendous amount of effort to continue at my pace and run faster IF I have the gas in the tank at mile 20. This weekend is the 20 miler which runs most of the course- it will be nice to know where the finish line is because I know that all parts of me are going to have to be working together in order to find the finish line. I distinctly remember the feeling of numbness from my knees down from mile 18 in the 1985 SF Marathon- that is fine with me- better that then feeling a blister coming on for the last 10 miles. I have learned from my most recent injury that the body has the ability to repair itself most of the time- if one takes the right steps, is patient, and of course has the belief in the healing process. Now it is time for me to suit up and hit the mileage road again.

Everyday Runner

2010-02-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

Everyday I think about my run - and sometimes that run does not pan out to what my expectations are. When I run, I try and take a check on how I am feeling physically and what type of sensations might be expressing itself or not at all. Am I sore from the day before or having residue from previous workouts? Am I giving myself enough time to "settle in" on the run or do I make judgements immediately by not being patient with my body and not giving it the time to warm up and see how it is going or even allow a chance for it to be where it is. Where is my head at as I leave the front door once again to explore my limitations? One of the things I took from all the years of yoga training was that when one begins the practice it is essential to allow yourself to be in that moment and to sit alongside it non-judgemental way. I liken it to making a pot of coffee and waiting for it percolate. I have recently discovered what it is about running that I have such a strong relationship with. Only in running do I have any sense of control in my life- the one place where I control how fast I am moving through space and with what speed I have at the moment and where all parts of me are usually working in unison. A book recently published (Outliers) repeatedly mentions the "10,000-Hour Rule", claiming that the key to success in any field is, to a large extent, a matter of practicing a specific task for a total of around 10,000 hours. I don't know how many hours I have spent running since the early 70's but with the thousands of miles logged - and with many years between each step taken upwards- has taken me a tremendous amount of time to reach a state of mastery that I have attained in my running. I feel grateful that I can still run and have the drive and need to run the fastest times I am capable of and to remain injury free for the most part. In running, it is crucial to lay the foundation in which to build on later.
I am running the marathon because I have lived in Oakland over 25 years and it has been exactly that time since my last marathon. After this, I will begin training for the mile and/or 800 meters (masters division). I am excited that I will be running the races I competed in high school year and will be able to come full circle and do that once again. The marathon will have given me an extensive base to work from and then I can concentrate on the speed work necessary for those 2 events.
Yesterday I logged in 6 miles although I intended to run nine- I had an exhaustion headache and thought I should listen (for once!) and stop. Today I ran 3 miles fast (7 min pace) and felt great. Everyday is a new day.
When I was 17 I was struck by a single lightning bolt while standing on my high school track field with 7 others. It was the only bolt of the day and as we were in a circle discussing what we were going to run next- BAM! Everyone was knocked out and lying on the ground but as some of us were coming to consciousness, somebody on the field came running over saying the bolt hit right in the middle of us. I looked around and did not see a cloud in the seemingly blue sky (Anvil Cloud: The upper flattened portion of a cumulonimbus cloud that spreads out when it meets the tropopause-many times invisible to naked eye due to it's tremendous height). It felt like a stick of dynamite had exploded over our heads. All of us suffered some form of headache and buzzing in our ears. I remember crawling away from ground zero imagining more was on it's way. Nobody was seriously injured and we were all rushed and checked out at a hospital. I am very lucky to have survived that billion or so volts, so I do appreciate everyday. It's hard to think of yourself as a survivor when you barely remember what happened in that instant. Needless to say, ever since then I feel extremely vulnerable being outside when I hear thunder or see lightning. I am well aware that everyday something unexpectedly can happen or as I like to say "a meteorite landing in your backyard" but I continue to take to the streets to run and in that place I feel at peace (unless it's raining).

Lightning facts and odds:

•The odds of getting struck by lightning in the U.S. in any single year is 1 in 700,000.
•The odds of being struck in your lifetime is 1 in 5,000.
•A single lightning bolt is about 50,000°F or 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun.
•A lightning bolt is anywhere from 1,000,000 to 1,000,000,000 volts and between 10,000 and 200,000 amps. Or about 215 kWh (kilowatt hours).
•There are two types of lightning; negative strikes and positive strikes. Positive strikes are 5 times more powerful than negative strikes and positive charge flows instead of negative charge.
•The average lightning bolt could light a 100 watt light bulb for about 3 months.
•The average lightning bolt is 6 miles long, although Cape Canaveral Kennedy Space Center has indicated some as long as 75 miles.
•The thickness of a lightning bolt is about the size of a silver dollar. It only looks bigger because it is so bright.
•A lightning bolt is made of a series of strokes from about 3 to 20, with an average of about four. The duration of each lightning bolt can vary, but typically average about 30 microseconds.

Twenty Mile Training Run

2010-02-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

I know I said I would not be running around the Lake Merritt 6 times but I did not want to carry water so I decided to bite the bullet as I was not able to make the group run since out of town. It does make it easier running in a giant circle although the scenery is a bit on the repetitive side. I do not listen to tunes while running - and running solo for that many miles is a challenge but one does see quiet a few "interesting" people when spending 2 1/2 hours in a setting where many people appear to be walking during their lunch break. I was hoping to possibly meet up with someone putting in some long miles but they appeared to be going in the opposite direction- so it was indeed a run on my own. I have a new pair of shoes I am breaking in and am only having problems with my left shoe- a constant rubbing on the ball of my foot. It appears the shoe is not as snug as the right so I had to make many adjustments with the laces on just about every lap- finally solving that after 15 miles. I'm considering placing the shoe in boiling hot water to see if it will shrink a bit but that probably won't work- or maybe 2 socks in that shoe? It feels like sandpaper or a burning on my skin- but after taking off the shoe I saw that there are no blisters. I know that might be a problem in the run- and of course the feeling of fatigue at mile 20 (which I did feel) and how I might be able to move through it mentally. I feel pretty good tonight so I think my recovery will be quicker as compared to the first 16 mile run accomplished weeks ago which stayed with me for days afterwards. I also wanted to have a feel for the concrete that I will be pounding during the run. I know it will be more exciting during the race which will make the time and miles pass by quickly. I also wanted to run the flats and not push it like I do in some of my other workouts with hills. I will be patient and believe that it all will come together for the marathon. Days off here and there, sickness or minor injury will not make a difference in finishing - that is where the strength of mind will come to play in the final 6 miles.

Recovery Time

2010-02-16T09:16:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe that I just ran the 12 mile workout with several uphills and both of my Achilles are fine. Granted I awoke feeling like I was beat up by a two by four on my quads, calves and hamstrings BUT my Achilles felt nothing. I was happy to feel the run in those muscles which I know can recover whereas the tendons just don't bounce back that quickly. After a 10 day rest and running only 15 miles in the two weeks that I used to heal, I was expecting to feel sore after the 12 mile run. I know I worked it on the hills but I felt fine and needed to move and test whether I would be able to compete in the marathon or not. I felt confident that I was on the path to recovery and competition. I had neglected stretching my calves and had been concentrating mainly on my hamstrings. That was a huge oversight. I now know how to isolate the Achilles through stretches in my calves and the result of creating the space in my calves has enabled the Achilles to heal within that space. I started the run a little tentative feeling the sensations in my heels- but after warming up the first few miles- it went away- and I just had to open up the engine after sitting still for that many days. But oh was I sore the next day- I am used to running a little bit the next day- but it was tough just negotiating my 5 steps in my split level house. As I skipped the next day I felt good enough to run and again felt really strong- I ran 6 miles at sub 8 minute pace yesterday- and worked out the soreness. This morning I feel great and plan to run much slower and longer. I am heading out of town and returning Sunday so I will miss the long 20 mile run that is up on the board. I will be doing that on my own Monday - probably around the lake a few times -but not the entire 20 miles (I would feel like a mouse on a wheel), but I do like having the available water stops around Lake Merritt. I now have the course map on my wall at home to study where certain mile markers are and tailoring my workouts to mimic the uphills of the marathon by increasing my tempo on the flat runs at those specific miles (5-10). The new shoes that I am now wearing (Asics) give me extra support on my heels (as opposed to Nike Air's) and I think that is a turning point for me. They advise not to switch shoes this close to the marathon- but I have no choice, these are working for my recovery- but I am not liking the new blisters associated with new shoes. It was good to be back with the group last week and to be a part of the dedicated individuals training for the half or full marathon served up in about six weeks. Good luck to all the runners in next weeks first test of the first of two twenty mile runs. And to the road warriors out there seeking their first half and full marathons: Strong, smooth stride!

Achilles Heel - Myth & Reality

2010-01-31T11:59:00.000-08:00

Achilles was the son of Thetis and Peleus, the bravest hero in the Trojan war, according to Greek mythology.

When Achilles was born, his mother, Thetis, tried to make him immortal by dipping him in the river Styx. As she immersed him, she held him by one heel and forgot to dip him a second time so the heel she held onto could get wet too. Therefore, the place where she held him remained untouched by the magic water of the Styx and that part stayed mortal or vulnerable.
Achilles fought heroically against the Trojans, but was killed by Paris, who shot him with an arrow from behind. Paris's hand was guided by Apollo who took revenge for the death of his son.

To this day, any weak point is called an "Achilles Heel". We also refer to the strong tendon that connects the muscles of the calf of the leg with the heel bone as the "achilles tendon" and this is where my "mortal blog" begins.
Halfway in training for the marathon- the weakest part of my body has surfaced (reality check!). My “Achilles’ heel” is my achilles heel.
Both of my achilles are close to the point of soreness that when after resting at night and getting out of bed in the morning- I am limping- and that is a sign of acuteness in the tendon. There is a big difference between tendons and muscles and that is mainly tendons and ligaments (smaller muscles) takes longer to heal then muscles, also the tendons are what connect the muscle and attach to the bone, and if overlooked or ignored can lead to tendonitis. I am now taking a week off from running and I hope that will help heal them. It's not like I am in considerable pain- but this is something that cannot be ignored (unlike a stitch in your side, stomach cramps, blisters on your feet, etc.) to do so could bring permanant scarring and I still have alot of running to do in my life.
I will ease back into the running next week slowly with the mileage and keep the pace of running scaled way back. I was so tempted to go out and run 3 miles today since it is sunny and warm (we haven't had many of those this past month) but I am writing this blog instead. I am not the only one beseiged by injuries, illness and accidents. We all will come face to face with our limitations and setbacks bringing us to this place of stillness and/or soreness, but we have the support of each other facing similar situations of inconvenience and hardship. I tend to think of it as a time for reflection on a new direction. If I can recover from this- I will be confident that I can step up to the starting line and bring whatever I have for this run. Setting a goal, committing to it, and doing the best you can is what matters.

The Mental Game

2010-01-23T16:09:00.000-08:00

I will start out and admit that this has been one of the hardest years for me. It has been a year of loss in so many different ways that it is now starting to filter down and affect me. How I feel has a lot to do with "what I bring to the table" every time I lace up and prepare myself for a long run. I was so hoping to get hired for a job I applied for and thought I was a good candidate but did not hear back on Friday so I knew that it was another opportunity that did not pan out. I lost my job last March and although I have been busy doing other things to survive- I am ready to go back to work and do what I do best, but that industry has been totally decimated by the recession. Loss of income, loss of loved ones, loss of my supposed role as a working father/husband completes this year of loss for me. Saturday morning I was in such a funk with my "blues" that I could not bring myself to participate in the Alameda run with the training group- let alone get out of bed. It reminded me of all the years in high school where I would get to the starting line for just about every race and how I was expected to win the races but would be at the starting line mired in self-doubt until the starters gun would fire. Only then, would the competitor in me fire up and completely takeover my personality. I was not ready for that kind of pressure at 17, and that was the same feeling of drowning I felt early Saturday morning. I now know that I should have gotten out of bed and made the run and would have felt better- but I was not ready to bring my funk and contaminate the other runners. So I took this feeling out for my solo ten mile run allowing it to shift and percolate. When I returned, I felt better, better because I finished just as the drops of rain started, and better to realize a shift is needed to recreate myself and look outside an industry that I thought was the perfect fit for me. Now I need to bring that same intensity to recreating myself and finding a similar passion that is inherent in my running. The season of spring follows the winter of hardship that I have endured, and when it arrives- I will be ready to run the marathon. I know I have lost clock-time in the "ageing process" but I continue to gain the mental edge with the mileage that continues to build week by week. I am ready to lace up this Monday morning, and what a surprise- it's raining outside again!, but I am healthy, I have dry clothes (for the moment), and the support of family and friends as I move forward this week with a different beat of the heart, albeit a wet one.

Midway in Training for the Marathon -

2010-01-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

I know I cannot make every training run with others consistently, but I do my running and keep on the schedule as much as possible. This week, I will have run 45 miles which is the most since I have started training- taking only one day off as opposed to two rest days. I would also guess that staying to the training schedule will be harder then running the marathon. Why? I hope to be well rested and strong when the marathon begins as opposed to feeling sluggish and tired like I have these past few weeks. On Saturday, I was supposed to run an 18 miler, instead I ran 9 miles but with pacing variations in the three laps around Lake Merritt (5k). First, I started the run with a warm-up for me that was 9-9:30 per mile, the second 5k was dropped to an 8 minute mile and the final 3 miles was at a 6:45 pace. Months ago I could only run that 6:45 consistently in a 5k race but with the miles, hills and consistent running accomplished so far, it has left me feeling so much more stronger since the beginning of the marathon training. I can feel the power, stamina and more importantly, the seeds of self-belief that continue to grow in my mind. These runs are a ten-fold increase from the usual once or twice a week runs that I used to do. I also know that I tend to push myself too hard sometimes with speed work (I'm a miler) and for me, I have to work at being patient and putting in the long slow distance (LSD). The other thing that will eventually catch me is a cold or a muscle strain. Knowing that, I continue to run while I am healthy and have the time. So when I miss some days or maybe a week of training, I know that I already have a lot of miles in the bank. Maybe I get a job next week? That will make the training runs much harder to accomplish- and for those who are already battling time constraints- and doing the runs late at night or early morning- I take my hat off to you! You should be very proud of your work. I also have been thinking about a post a runner in the LMJS forum asked "what one does to keep motivation up"?

I find myself so committed and focused to the training that I believe that is my starting point of my motivation. A quote given to me by my father when I started running competitively at the age of 15 continues to inspire me today "It has been said that the difference between a thoroughbred and a scrub is that a scrub runs until it cannot go another mile whereas the thoroughbred runs until it cannot go another mile-and then goes that other mile". If I can continue to run unswervingly ahead and injury free, I will be standing at the starting line confident, poised and ready to go- honoring the gift of running and all that it has brought me.

Training Run #6 Lake Chabot

2010-01-11T14:07:00.000-08:00

16 Miles. It was a lot to swallow and I decided not to think about the mileage (or have it tracked) during the run. Arrived just in time, was given a map and started out for the run I felt OK. Focusing on the mileage ahead of me would only lead me to a diminishing place mentally- so I hooked up with the group I am training with and checked in with most of the runners as we headed out along the trails leading away from the parking lot. I then noticed I was the only one who had not brought a water source- luckily it was a cool morning and a sheltered run, but I now realize I should have brought something to drink during the final 3-4 miles where I was fading fast. One of my friends offered me his water and I accepted! Again, it is great to be a part of a group that is supportive and where friendships are evolving. "You get what you give" and of course this mirrors the training runs as well. As I sit here writing this, I can feel my hip flexors "zinging" but I feel much better now after running 3-4 miles today as a recovery run . Granted, I feel a bit like I have a hangover, but instead of feeling it in my head it resonates from my shoulders down to the soles of my feet- but I feel pretty good now.
I hit a mini wall (hedge?)on my run around mile 12 just as we came out of the ravine, behind us all the trails twisting and winding including flashes of bright green trees amongst the brown footing that I had to completely concentrate on in order to keep my balance. At one point, I felt like part of a cross country team, runners moving in front and then tucking in behind- letting others lead and sometimes carrying the burden of us all during the long run.
The bottom of my feet were stinging from breaking in my new Nike Free shoes- I had worn socks (which I never do) and this produced friction, but the shoes did support me well for the run. Only at one part of the run did I feel good (mile 12-13) and turned on the jets- but it did catch up to me near the end of the run. I like to mix it up during the runs and really push it a bit so I can be fully prepared for a steady run throughout the actual marathon race. For me, this weekly run is a chance for me to push a bit harder then I might not do during the rest of the training week. A few barriers that I encountered along the way: dehydration, burning feet, chafing, overall I would prefer that to distracted pedestrians, car traffic or street running. I could have used a night in but was invited over by some good friends for a home cooked dinner - where a wonderful Hendrick's Gin and Tonic lifted me out of my funk! Keep on truckin'!

Marathon Training

2010-01-08T13:40:00.001-08:00

I am so pleased to be a part of something that is such a part of my history. I moved to Oakland in 1983 from SF - and needed a place to run where the sun was out at 6pm. I continue to make my runs around the Lake and have met more and more runners in the past year. Being a part of the training group has allowed me to focus on something that takes concentration, commitment and dedication. It is that part that allows me to feel strong not just physically but in a way that carries over to the rest of my life. Setting goals and attaining them. I have been running for over 35 years and was setting out for training for the 800 meters mens 50-59 Masters this summer- but along came the marathon and I knew I had to do that first. If I have anything left I will run in the summer. If I can attain an injury free 3 months- and complete the marathon I will see if I can get my speed back. I enjoy the training runs with the other runners and makes the miles go by so much easier and quicker.
I have already lost 10 pounds with the running and eating less (I dont need to carry any extra pounds for 26 miles) not to say I don't eat well- because I do. I go out for a run and sometimes I feel like a complete slog: slow, sore, stiff and heavy. But I know that when I finish I am transformed most of the time. I have dedicated myself to stretching - which does not come easily to runners but is so necessary- the more I run the more I stretch and can see myself FINALLY making progress in the forward bend. Sunday I run a 13 miler or so- followed by a potluck.