(Back to the) Starting Line

"All of this has happened before, and all of this will happen again." (Battlestar Galactica)

Feeling the need to write again. Feeling the need to run again. Or, Feeling the need to hit a writers block again. Feeling the need to be injured again. :)

Whichever happens again, life happens regardless. Rather I run or not (or, write about it) my life still happens. There has been a lot of life happening since I last tap tap tapped on the keyboard. Mainly injuries, and NO writing. The desire for more running and less injuries, hopefully is enough to quench a drought. For running the drought began mid July 2013, the writing (based on my last post) Jan. 2013.

Back to the starting line!

Location - Carlsbad, Ca.

When - Jan. 19, 2014

Event - Half Marathon

Last race? Disneyland Half Marathon, Sept. 2012.

Been awhile, eh?

The thrill of the events slowly and gradually dissipated. It was a slow downward spiral to " nah ... I really don't want to three-four drive with a family truckster full of kids; spending too much on food, gas and lodging." Let's see if the Carlsbad Half Marathon gets the thrill, and fun back into it for me.

Where I am today? Heavy. Out of shape? Hmm... been working out on weights, reliving my bodybuilding days for two months. Which is where the heaviness comes from. Running shape? 3 miles twice in the last few weeks felt labored, but not sore the next day. Weight training and swimming with not much running is where I am at.

Injuries? Piriformis most of this past Summer. Pain finally subsided end of August after months of it and discomfort (ran with the pain for a month). Then Sept. hit me with three weeks of upper respritory infection. In addition, I am having some noticable shots of pain in my right achilles/heel. Only when I first get up from sitting or laying down for awhile. Goes away quickly after walking.

So, there it is. Better shape than I was 4 years ago when I trained for my first Half Marathon or Marathon in 13 years. Yet, I have some work to do. Want to come along for the ride? At least follow? Feel free. Feel free to comment. Should be fun trying to get it all back at age 47. Time to kick some asphalt, dirt and grass. Literally.

Cheers!

(for some reason spell check is not working. sorry)

Happy When it Rains

I grew up here, or up there. Well, not literally in the Space Needle. Yet, very nearby. I miss it at times. Especially, on days that bring rain to the Vegas Valley of desert, which typically only gets 4 inches a year (if we are lucky). Oh, there are many other things about Seattle I miss compared to Vegas. The list is somewhat long, but usually begins and ends with missing people with IQ's.

Vegas is dumb. In more ways than one. Yet, it has sun, and to be honest - may favorite place to run. Even in the triple digit heat.

Yet, every now and then, doing this while running makes me smile.

Just in running shoes instead of these very cool yellow rubber boots.

Also, no matter how much I love the Sun and the instant Vitamin D every step out the door in the SW desert. I miss overcast and grey skies. Some days more than others, when my head and eyes need a break.

Thanks, for letting me express myself yesterday about my health issues of late. I am not one to share bad health, or bad days. I keep things in and steady as possible no matter. The Scandinavian in me I guess. Yesterday was a good day. Today, is starting out well, as well. So, hopefully I can streak on into pain free living.

I also wanted to give the bottom line reason why I have missed some races of late. Hard to motivate myself and push myself above and beyond when all I want to do is be in bed. Away from the Sun. Carlsbad is this weekend, and right now it is a hopeful retreat. Love that race, along with the following HM - Surf City. Outside of these I have no other confirmed races until Disneyland Half Marathon and the new 10K distance this year (Labor Day Weekend). Both races sold out within a day! Crazy how popular these Disney events are now. As most know, Disneyland HM was my first in 13 years 4-5 years ago now. I was able to register for that first one, online in June!

Anyway, I am not sure about any others for the year. I want to do more, but the push these days seems to be more enjoying each run. Enjoyment runs independent of whether I have race to do or not. Little tired of the 3-5 hour drives to most of them as well. Along with the overnight Hotel stays as well. They make for fun weekend getaways for the Fam. However, everyone is getting older. The older boys, especially, have full loads of activities going on each weekend from Sports, Youth Symphonies and Scouts. We have also been volunteering for more local races of late. We did the Running with an Angel race a few weekends ago. Have another second weekend of February.

I like the OC Half Marathon for the most part, and we love visitng The OC/Newport Beach that weekend. Weather and climate always seems perfect that weekend, so that is always there. I am also thinking SF in June (which moved from July this year), or Utah Valley that month. July maybe Mt. Timp HM again. That was a beautiful race going down a side of a mountain in Utah. August will be the E.T. midnight run for sure. Then Disneyland. Would like to do a Full in the Fall, just not sure which. Will see? I am done with the local Rock and Roll Vegas race. Maybe if they go back to a daytime race. Disneyworld next Jan. looks like THE race over the next 12 months, and 12 months away to boot.

Anyway, rambled on too much. Need to run - literally. I leave you with a Jesus and Mary Chain video that hits the spot today.

Cheers!

I Want to Be a Cylon

Not one of these "chrome toasters".

Even though these ones look cool, be hard to meet new running friends.

Nope, I will like to be one of these please

Well, maybe not exactly one of these, but a happy with being humanoid one. In other words, I would like to trade in my body please.

I am having health issues. Non running health ones. It caused a rapid weight gain a few months back. Out of nowhere which was my final sign something was up. I have gained over 20 pounds total. It has been hard to get rid of it since. Another crazy one are some nasty migraine's which leave me hating light and loud noises at times. Likewise, pretty nauseated.

Yesterday, was not a good day. I tried. After putting in a fairly good weekend of runs, yesterday I forced myself. I tried to shake off the sharp headache, hoping a run would cure me. It did not. In fact, it made it worse.

Today, is a new day. Just as yesterdays was near impossible to function. Today, I can kick it! Yesterday, 1.5 miles put me back to bed in a dark room. Today, 6.5 miles comfortably run under slightly overcast skies. Such has been my life for the last 6 months. Good, many days in a row, than ... 24-48 hours of I want to be a Cylon.

Keep kickin!

Cheers!

Frozen Vegas

Yes, it is cold outside. I have no idea where the above pix is from. Cool one (Ha!), it is not Vegas though. However, for the last 4 days it feels like it. Vegas does get cold at times. For a night or two at 30-32 degrees; with daytime highs in upper 30's low 40's. For the last 4 going on 5 we have been anywhere from 18 degrees to 25 for evening lows, and mid 30's for highs. Brothers and sisters, Hell has frozen over. Only happy thing about it, the bugs will be less this Summer. Plus, plumbers and lawn irrigation repair folks are making some post-Holiday cash. At least not from me - knock on wood!

Running? Well, let me tell you something - I love running in many kinds of weather. I will suffer through our triple digits for runs here in the Southwest desert. Love the rain. Not a fan of the wind, even though I will do it. Yet, Temps below 35? Well, lets just say I put my pioneer heritage to shame. Not for me. Yet, I am the guy - who has the posting to prove it - ran 12 miles in single digit temps Thanksgiving Day in Utah. Sweat froze into mini icicles from my glasses during that one. I have run in Topeka, KS. with weeks without end of single digit Temps.

 Yes, all that wonderful experience has taught me something - you can dress or not dress for any weather. However, I have no reason in me. NONE! from my bones, joints, toes, thighs, fingertips and nose any point to prove at age 46 I need to do it anymore. So, I didn't.

The Streak? The running streak officially ended at 13 days. With 6-7 of those runs/days with either a fever, body ache, and upper respiratory snot and cough. However, by the time I was looking at a sub 32 degree night just to push it another 14? Seriously, not worth it to me. So, The 2013 running streak ends at 13. Fitting.

I did learn something from this years streak - a love for shorter distances. In fact, I am finding more joy in putting in the fastest 5K I can, than any run in that 9-12 mile range. Especially ones on grass or trails. I guess me ole X-Country days are coming back. Most of the races were on golf courses when I was in High School, or other parks on grass.

Whats coming up? Geez warmer weather for one. Today is our last morning waking up to 23 degrees ( I hope ). Back up to the winter temp norms of 60 degrees. The reason we moved here. AZ rock and roll is this weekend, yet, unless something changes in our schedule - it will happen without me. I think this is the third year in a row registering for this and not making it. Carlsbad will not be missed, or Surf City (hopefully). Love these races!!

What else is coming up? After these two races, I am not sure. Some of it depends on my decision to coach Soccer this spring season, or not. No San Diego Rock and Roll this year in June. We have a conflict that weekend. Big Sur was supposed to be THE race this year. I am going to start training NOW to do it, yet, my wife has a conference that weekend now. It is something she needs to be at. Bummed! :(

So, the races this upcoming year will be different from past years. Several I am looking at - Utah Valley in mid June, SF end of July, Disneyland (of course) Labor Day weekend and Disneyworld next Jan. This last one means no Carlsbad for 2014. Would like to fill the year in with a a few more of course - any ideas? Always looking for something new, so if you have any race (half or full marathon) suggestions for me - let them rip!

Speaking of letting it rip - let me leave you with something I am trying rip on the guitar these days -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2bYJQFQMs8

Cheers!



Bring on the Running Fun for 2013 (and everything else of course)

My favorite running pix above. X Country team from my Alma - the University of Washington. Love the stride of the lead runner.

2012 - bye. It has been a good year. Somehow, I knew it was going to be just that before it started. 2013? Well, my feeling is it will be another good year. Yet, in a completely different way. Look forward to whatever it brings.

Whatever happens this upcoming year, one thing I can control is my running. I will be STREAKING in the new year as I did last year. Just like last year, I am closing out all things running and kickin' the asphalt into the new one. 37 straight days last year. This year? hmmm... well it would be nice to double that or more. I will be safe and sane though, considering I have two races on back to back weekends this month - AZ RR and Carlsbad. Along with one the first weekend of February - Surf City. Anyway, no set number, except 222 is my favorite number. So, for the next - I am not sure how long I go days - 2.22 will be the min. of each ... and Who knows? Maybe for 222 days? :)

Hoping the Holidays were everything you were hoping for. Have a Fabulous, Charming and Lovely 2013. B Who U B.

Cheers!

Happy Holidays/Who Is Still Out There?

A few people have poked me of late - "The Blog? Anything?" These must be my only fans though. I am not sure anyone else has seriously missed my written babblings. No one certainly listens to my verbal ones :), well unless forced too. Ha!

Happy Holidays and certainly a very merry Christmas!

Running Update:

Been happening. Injuries have slowed me. The biggest bugger is my right foot. Problem started with new shoes forced upon me by Asics. Their changes to the Nimbus from the 12-13's are leaving me with a squeezing feeling in the toe box. Too tight for my little piggies. Which in turn led me to trying Brooks Glycerin again. You know, I like Brooks (being the Seattle guy that I am). Yet, their shoes, at least this one and the other one I ran in? Well, they make me feel more of Clydesdale than I really am. There not any heavier than my Asics, yet I feel like my shoes have turned my feet into Duck feet (thought I would get Raina's attention with that one :) ).

Anyway, somewhere along the line - either the Asics Nimbus 13's or the Brooks (or, maybe the transition between them) has left me with pain below the middle of the Big Piggy and the next one, and my Hammer toe - which is the last one before Pinky Piggy. I probably should do the wise thing and just stop running for 3-4 weeks and let everything heal. Yet, who said I was wise? Ha!

Running, but not as many miles. Traded in my 12 milers for 6-7, and my 5 milers for 5K's. Plus, occasionally when the foot is really barking - just a quick one miler.

My last race? Disneyland HM - which was not taken very seriously. It's the Happiest Place on Earth - how else am I gonna run it? Silly. I ran it with Fun in mind. I missed Long Beach due to a scheduling conflict with coaching. My oldest was training for the HM as well, but his life got very busy once the School year started. He gave up. Yet, he did get up to a decent 10K time. Happy for that 13 year old.

Last night was to be my 4th Las Vegas Rock and Roll. My hometown race. Yeah, blew that money - no show. Timing was not good in my training, and we had a special family event this past weekend with family in town. Everyone was gone by 4:30 and seriously thought about having my wife drop me off for it. Remember - it is a night time race, with the start at 4:30. If we pushed I could have popped into one of the final corrals and still run it. Yet, with a 40 mph wind, and eating too much yesterday with the family - I knew it would be miserable.

Plus, last years - the first at night on the Strip - was a disaster of a race. Organization was bad, many got sick which I think had more to do with start time; and it rained. Plus, areas of the course were too dark given the fact you had to watch out for potholes and huge cracks in the asphalt. Also, way too many people running it. I have heard from a few friends who ran it - we are all in agreement - Competitor Group (Rock and Roll) you need to move this race back to an early morning time.

So, my next one? I will be volunteering and not running. Myself and three of my kiddos will be handing out Medals for the finish line of the Hoover Dam Marathon and Half Marathon, Dec. 15th. My next running race - Arizona Rock and Roll and Carlsbad on back to back weekends in January. Let the training begin! February, Surf City. Carlsbad and Surf City are my fav's. Will NOT miss these. March? not sure yet? Most likely San Diego Half Marathon, or local race.

Soccer? Enjoyed the season coaching. Yet, it was my hardest. I had four new players. We struggled early in the season. Then midway the confidence picked up. The dominating players, started to do just that. One of the new players really improved her game over night as well. Yet, we finished badly in our Tourney. Been doing this 4-5 years now. Two seasons a year. Many seasons two teams as well. I am feeling I need a break from it all. Yet, I think it will let down so many on the team, I just don't have the heart to do it yet. Will see? As my own kiddos get older, everything is getting busier in our family.

Well, that's where I am at! I am also trying to pick up the guitar again, and I am thinking of picking up a stand up Bass. Learning that along with the drums better. No one said you had to be young to learn a new instrument? So, if I keep the blog going again - you might be treated to equal parts music and running.

Cheers!

2 Too Many (or, one too early)

The E.T. Highway kicked my Fox Mulder, and I loved it.

This past Sat/Sunday was the Extraterrestrial Highway Full Moon 51 K, Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K. Yes, there really is such a thing. A highway which runs just outside of Area 51 in the middle nowhere Nevada (which is pretty much 97% of Nevada). Supposedly strange things happen along this Highway at night. Things of the unexplained and unidentifiable happen in the heavens near this Highway. The only thing X File worthy for me on this Highway - the complete disappearance of any energy past mile 5.

It was my slowwwessst HM of my recorded time. Normally after a race like this, I would be tearing apart all things running. Only to piece my running world back together after yelling to the Heavens "KAHN!" doing my best William Shatner. Not this time. The race is intended to be fun - a fun challenge. So - the FUN of it all! is the attitude post race.

Most Calico Racing courses are challenging. Yet, still, myself and everyone else who is out there after Midnight on a Saturday night/Sunday Morning is there for fun. Lots of Alien costumes, running with inflatable ones, and WHO KNEW - you could be so creative with glow sticks. Not only covered head to toe in them, but creations that would make a Hollywood Special Effects person smile. Yep, in general, on a very dark night in the middle of nowhere Nevada, the only real X File was 1200 insane runners. All willing to run on NO sleep, with glow sticks, headlamps and LED lights a plenty. This is a race for those who LOVE running races.

Yet, still, my performance? The race is a unique thing. My only Midnight run ever. Plus, it involved a 2.5 hour drive to get there. How do you prep for such a race? Sleep? Carbo loading? You just obviously throw all your typical pre-race routines (anxiety) away, and just go with the flow. Go with what your body can give ya.

For my body - it was tired. I was still recovering from my downhill Mountain HM at Mt. Timpanogos the previous Saturday. Yep, this was a first. Back to back HM's only 7 days apart. The first 7 miles of the Mt. Timp HM is all downhill from 6500 to 4500 feet. E.T., in the first 6 miles, was 900 feet the opposite direction (going up) to 6000 feet elevation. Within 7 days ALL the muscles from my waist down were put to a test. A test they failed by mile 5. I was toast at least my legs. They were aching. My feet especially, and for only the second time in my life - blisters. I ended up walking half the last 5-6 miles of the course. Run/walk. Ugh!! I also need to throw in the elevation factor.

Yet, at the end of it all was a great breakfast spread waiting for me at the Little A'Le'Inn in Rachel, NV. Plus, the great feelings coming from meeting other insane runners, before sunrise in a place surrounded by mystery. It was a blast! Plus, on the two hour drive home I was greeted to a fantastic sunrise, and lakes! Natural Lakes in Nevada? Now that's an X File!!

Cheers!