Day 364, 1 To Go

December 30, 2013

It's back to work for a couple of days before I get another day off on New Year's Day.  That's means that the real fun is tomorrow.  Not only is it my LAST day to run for the year, it is the day when you are expected to get rip, roaring drunk!  Since I won't need to run on Wednesday, I can handle a hangover.

Who am I kidding...I can't handle my alcohol.  I don't know what happened.  I used to be able to drink a little bit, but now, I just need to look at a beer and I end up with a headache the next day.  I think I am just out of practice.  Maybe I need to practice more next year.  That is a good New Year's Resolution: Get better at drinking!

I ran alone today since I was working a little late and it was too dark for Honey to Rollerblade.  I mean, she could have done it, but it might have been a little bit dangerous.  Come on Honey, live dangerously!!  Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.55 miles

Pace: 8:26/m

Max Pace: 7:05/m

Calories: 367

Avg HR: 134

Max HR: 144

It was a little bit chilly today so I wore long pants and a shirt with long sleeves.  I felt pretty loose today too, so I ran a little faster today.  I know I could have gone quite a bit faster, but I didn't want to make my last day too hard.  I had planned on making my last day a really fast day, but I don't know if I will have it in me or not.  I think I will just run as fast as I feel.  If that means I run 10 min miles or 7 min miles, so be it!

My fastest pace so far this year was 7:19 back in April when I was only running 20 minutes a day.  I know I can beat that, but I don't know if I should!  I know if I try to run that fast I will hurt my hip more, my ankle more, and probably a few other things.  I don't want to take too much time off in the new year, so it may be more beneficial to my plans for next year if I take it easy.  I have a hard time doing that sometimes! 

Stay tuned tomorrow for my last blog of the year tomorrow along with my end of the month and end of the year numbers!  I want to thank all of you who have continued to read my blog throughout the entire year!  With your support and the support of my family, I am only 1 day away from reaching my goal!

Run for Life!!

Day 363, 2 To Go

December 29, 2013

Honey and I made a cake today.  My mother's cousin, Annita, was turning 90 and she asked for a small cake for her birthday.  We had planned to do something simple, but somehow, it turned into something more complex.  The worst part, we didn't take any pictures of the damn cake!  WHAT!  All that work and nothing to show for it.  It's not like we are going to be eating it, so not only do we not have anything to put on our website, www.cupncakesgourmet.com, we didn't even taste the damn thing!

So we spent almost the whole day doing that except for a little run during the afternoon.  Yes, Honey joined me on her Rollerblades today again.  That was a nice pick me up for the day.  I only have 2 days left and I needed the motivation!!  I am getting pretty excited that I am almost done.  My body is even more excited and it is begging me to stop!  Don't worry, body, only 2 more days and you'll get your rest.

Here are my numbers for today:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.35 miles

Pace: 8:58/m

Max Pace: 7:46/m

Calories: 348

Avg HR: 134

Max HR: 147

Hey, I broke 9 min miles today.  It's been a slow month and it is nice to know I have not lost all my speed.  I know that rest is one of the most important parts of your training, and it allows you to heal and to get faster.  If that is true, in a month, I should be able to run a 4 min mile!  Ok, that is completely unrealistic, but a runner can dream, no?

I would actually rather run a 3:30 marathon than a 4 min mile.  Actually, I would like to qualify for Boston, but that would mean I need to run a 3:15 marathon!  Yikes!  That is a 7:26 pace.  I can do that for 30 minutes on a really good day.  I guess my strategy will be to keep running the pace I am running now until my 70s, then I can qualify!!

Ok, folks, it's time to sign off.  Talk to you tomorrow!

Run for Life!!

Day 362, 3 To Go

December 28, 2013

Only three days left!  As I get closer, I get more and more paranoid that I am going to get hurt.  Every time I step out of my room, I encounter a minefield of children's toys: balls, dolls, cars, and the worst...Legos!  One errant step on a Lego will not only cause intense pain, it will ruin my last three days!  If you don't believe me, go over a friend's house who has children and don't look where you are walking.  You'll eventually step on one and you will realize that the pain is worse than childbirth (not that I would know that personally, but I've heard...)

The problem with being paranoid is that you end up making what you are afraid of happen.  A self fulfilling prophecy, so to speak.  I just need to relax and try to enjoy the last few days.  I know I have been struggling lately, but since I am going to take a few weeks off, I will probably miss running, so I should enjoy it while it lasts.

Here are today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.16 miles

Pace: 9:28/m

Max Pace: 6:12/m

Calories: 316

Avg HR: 124

Max HR: 146

I am so slow this month.  I am on course to have my best month as far as miles is concerned, but I definitely won't have my fastest month.  Sometimes, though, long and slow is the way to go!  Don't believe me, ask you wife if she likes is fast and quick or long and slow!

Today was an early run and Honey actually Rollerbladed with me today! It was nice to have the company and it help stave off the boredom.  Hopefully she will come with me again tomorrow.

Run for Life!!

Day 361, 4 To Go

December 27, 2013

Today is like Monday and Friday, all rolled into one!  After two days off, I have to work, so that makes it feel like Monday.  It is also my last day of work this week, so it is like a Friday!  It is my Froday...or maybe my Mriday...maybe my Fonday?  Whatever it is, it sucks! HA!

No one is in the office today.  I must have gone at least 2 hours straight without receiving any new email.  That is unheard of.  So, I took it upon myself to catch up on performance reviews.  I had 10 to do and I finished 9!  I supposed I could have banged out that last one, but it was 5pm and I shut off my computer right away!  I am done!!

I ran right after work and here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.20 miles

Pace: 9:21/m

Max Pace: 8:06/m

Calories: 320

Avg HR: 127

Max HR: 135

I am down to 4 days left!  That also means I only have 4 days left to solidify my New Year's Resolutions!  Here are some ideas that are banging around in my head:

1. Bike twice a week, even if it is on my trainer.  I will use Netflix and watch Breaking Bad for motivation
2. Run 4 to 5 times a week and work on getting faster and going longer
3. Swim somewhere.  I miss swimming
4. Work on strength and my core
5. Cook at least once a week with Honey.  We need new recipes and we can do it together
6. Eat veggies at least twice a day!
7. Stop drinking soda completely (or at least limit myself to no more than 2 cans a week)
8. Drop the holiday weight
9. Study and pass the test to get my PMP certification 
10. Become independently wealthy so I can quit my job
11. Participate in an Supermodel orgy

 What do you think?  I think they are all good goals.  Ok, the last two are stretch goals, but hey, a guy can dream! What are you resolutions!  Do you have any good ideas!  Comment and let me know.  I am always looking for inspiration!!

Run for Life!!

Day 360, 5 To Go

December 26, 2013

The day after Christmas is like the day after an all night drinking binge.  You have a hangover, but instead of your head hurting and you being dehydrated, your wallet hurts and your bank account as fertile as a desert.  I think I'd rather have a traditional hangover!!

Sure, it was fun and everyone was smiling, but just like after a night of serious drinking where you may have said things you shouldn't have and slept with someone you may regret in the future, you bought things you shouldn't have and you regret the bill that will come in 30 days. 

Nothing like running with a hangover...actually, I don't think I have ever done that.  I don't want to try, that's for sure.  I did run today, of course, and my hangover was of the fiscal variety, so it didn't affect my run.  Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.02 miles

Pace: 9:55/m

Max Pace: 5:57/m

Calories: 287

Avg HR: 117

Max HR: 133

What can I say about today's run other than blah.  I am really feeling the strain mentally at this point.  I know I only have 5 more days, but it feels like 50!  How odd!  In the beginning, I couldn't wait to get out there every day.  After all the physical pain and mental difficulty, I am finally drained.  It kind of makes me feel like a loser...but just a bit.  I am proud of what I have achieved but on the other hand, I was reading an article in Runner's World magazine about a young lady who is basically a professional, at least on par with them, but still in school, and she tells about her first marathon.  Of course it was great.  She also toured the world as part of some exchange program where she got to meet with runners from all over the world.  At the end of the year, she said she had run over 3,000 miles.  It may have been 3,500, but I can't remember the number, the article, or her name.  My 1,000 miles seems puny and insignificant!

I read all the time about people who run every day and do 100 mile races, and they used to seem superhuman to me.  Now, I think they are SUPERHUMAN because I know how hard it is to just run 30 minutes a day!  They human body can be an impressive machine.  Some machines, like mine, are just lacking a few horsepower!

I don't know how I'll feel when I am done, but I hope I feel proud and energized for the new year.  I also hope I have encouraged at least one person to get out there and to try something they didn't think they could do.  I didn't think I would get this far.  I really didn't!  I figured I would fall apart halfway through the year.  I always knew I could handle it mentally, but physically...that was my challenge.  This is the first year I made it all the way through without a debilitating injury!  I hope next year is the same!

Run for Life!!

Day 359, 6 To Go

December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!!  I'm going to make this nice and short as this is a day for family and celebration, not sitting at my desk writing a blog!!  I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas and that you are able to spend this day with your family and friends.  It is a day for giving (ok, and receiving!!) and a day to share your love and for some of you, a day to worship your respective gods.  Whatever you are doing, just be happy and jolly and have fun!

Here are my numbers today:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.18 miles

Pace: 9:26/m

Max Pace: 8:27/m

Calories: 336

Avg HR: 127

Max HR: 136

I was able to sneak out of the house for my 30 minute run and it is over with only 6 more days to go!  I'll leave you with a picture of what Santa brought our little ones this year:

Lots of fun things that everyone can play with.  I hope it keeps them busy throughout the day, because I need to rest after all that shopping and all of the "some assembly required!!"

Merry Christmas!

Run for Life!!

Day 358, 7 To Go

December 24, 2013

Its Christmas Eve!!!  Finally, after all the preparations, wrapping the presents, cooking the food, putting up the decorations, picking up the visiting family members, putting up with the Elf on the Shelf, threatening the children with no presents if they just don't start LISTENING, it is finally here.

Honey, as do most Brazilians, celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve.  Don't ask.  I have no idea why.  I think they are just less patient than other countries.  That's my reasoning, and I am sticking to it.  After dinner, which is at midnight, we open presents.  Except, apparently, when you have a lot of small children, then you eat earlier and open up presents earlier.  I think that is just an excuse so Honey can open up her presents earlier too.  I was tempted to make her wait until Midnight, but I didn't want to make Derek suffer.  Honey, I wanted to suffer, but not the kids!!

This is what Derek (and me and Honey, et al) had to look forward to...

But first, he had to wait until after dinner...

Vovo (grandma in Portuguese), me and Derek

I know, it isn't all that extravagant, but there were only 4 adults and 1 child (the babies don't eat much).  We also don't have a dining room table because our dining room is the playroom.  Also, dining room tables are expensive.  Sure, we could get a small, cheap one, but it wouldn't fit everyone.  So, we are waiting until the kids are a bit bigger and we can all sit at the big table.  Until then, we eat in the kitchen. 

I suppose we should take a look at the numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.36 miles

Pace: 8:55/m

Max Pace: 6:46/m

Calories: 342

Avg HR: 130

Max HR: 150

I felt a little better today, but it was still a struggle to get out there.  I mean, it's Christmas Eve and I wanted to eat and open presents too!  I suppose I can highlight my gift haul...I got a new pair of Oakley Sunglasses (I lost my other ones) a bunch of new clothes, and my favorite gift, piano lessons!  Yeah! 

Honey was happy with her gifts too!  I got a gift for each of her 5 senses:

Smell: DKNY Golden Delicious perfume
Touch: Day at the Spa
Taste: Gift Certificate to Fogo de Chao restaurant
Sight: Gift Certificate to Ulta (makeup and beauty store)
Sound: Tickets to see the traveling Broadway Musical Once

I get to go to the last one and I probably will also benefit from the Taste gift too!  I'm looking forward to her gifts as much as mine!!

I hope you all had a great Christmas Eve.  Time to go to bed so we can wake up and see what Santa is bringing for the kids!  Good night to all, and to all a good night!!

Run for Life!!

Day 357, 8 To Go

December 23, 2013

I think it is safe to say that this is the worst Monday of the year.  First of all, so many people are out of the office today, so that causes me to have too much and too little work, all at the same time?  How is that possible, you ask?  Well, since most people are out of the office, I don't have anyone sending me normal day to day work or new work.  Yay!  On the other hand, when anything goes wrong, it gets sent to me because I am one of the only people left in the office!  Boooo!

You know what else makes this a horrible Monday?  Everyone is running around (in my house) happy and cheerful and signing Christmas songs and relaxing and getting excited, all while I sit, alone, in my office, working.  No one else works.  Just me.  Screw your holiday cheer!  DAMNNN YOUUUUUU!!!!

Ok, now that I got that out of my system, I can relax and count the seconds as they tick away until 5pm.  I have to work tomorrow too, and that might be worse, but one day at a time, right!

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.01 miles

Pace: 9:57/m

Max Pace: 7:18/m

Calories: 257

Avg HR: 123

Max HR: 161

I felt like crap today.  I think half of it is in my head.  The problem is that it is hard to separate what I am actually feeling from what I think I am feeling.  That's why the placebo effect works so well.  I have the opposite of that, whatever that is.  I think it is hypochondria.  That's probably it.

I am not only burnt out from running this year, I am burnt out from working and from writing this blog, so, I am going to cut things short today.  The excitement is palpable in my house, and I think I want to try to latch onto that a bit before the day is through.  Later!

Run for Life!!

Day 356, 9 To Go

December 22, 2013

Hello Sunday.  Did you miss me and my long runs?  I missed you.  I miss my long runs too.  After yesterday's revelation about my iron deficiency, I now know why you and I have drifted apart.  I pledge to get healthy so we can once again be joined in the holy tradition of the Sunday Long Run!  Are you with me!

Today, I ran a little longer, but just 10 minutes, so it is kind of a pathetic attempt at running long.  I actually felt ok and I ran nice and easy, so I didn't feel tired afterwards.  I supposed I could have run longer, but it was not necessary as I just want to ensure that I hit 1,000 miles for the year and I am pretty confident that I will now do that.  I probably don't even need to run long next Sunday.

Here are my numbers:

Time: 40:00

Distance: 4.17 miles

Pace: 9:35/m

Max Pace: 7:43/m

Calories: 389

Avg HR: 121

Max HR: 130

The long run is essential to running training.  You don't even have to do it every weekend, just every other weekend at least.  LSD (no, not the drug, although that would certainly perk up your run...I'm talking about long slow distance) runs build up various functions in your body like it increases mitochondria development and capillary growth, both of which will increase your endurance.  They help your body convert fuel to energy and energy is what allows you to run for a long time.  LSD will also strengthen your tendons and ligaments and your bones over time so you can handle more distance.  The human body is a highly adaptable machine!

So, not only is my endurance affected by the low iron, it is affected by the lack of the long run.  A doubly whammy!  I knew this experiment would be hard and possibly take a toll on my body, I just hope that toll doesn't linger too far into next year.  That would be unfortunate.  Good thing I plan on running for the rest of my life, so I have plenty of miles to go, whether it is next year or in 2015!

Enjoy your long run if you went today.  I'm all done and ready to lounge the rest of the day.  Peace!

Run for Life!!

Day 355, 10 To Go

December 21, 2013

Here we are, the 2nd to last weekend of the year.  Christmas is in a few days and the end of the year is just over a week away.  What does all this mean to me?  It means that my journey is almost at an end!  For all of you faithful readers (and I am averaging about 22 views per post, so not too shabby!) I want to let you know that I will continue to blog next year.  I just won't be doing it every day!  I'm thinking a weekly blog dedicated to running, exercising in general, family, and general life, will have to continue.  Of course if you write me and tell me to go to hell and to please stop bothering us with your daily Google+ and Facebook posts, I will most certainly tell you to go fuck yourself, so don 't bother.

I just recently went to a doctor for a checkup.  It wasn't because I was feeling ill, although I can't say I am feeling 100%, but just because preventative medicine is the best way to prevent any problems from growing.  Well, I did get my results from my blood work back and it was mostly good.  No issues for someone my age except I apparently have a Vitamin D deficiency (I think most people have this deficiency since we don't get enough sunlight and I don't drink milk) and I also have an iron deficiency!  What!  I'm a male and that is very rare.  I looked it up and only about 3% of men ever get this.  Then I looked up endurance athletes and that number jumps to 30%!  So, I think I know my problem.

I'm running too damn much! I remember about halfway through the year I had some blood work done and my CBC (complete blood count) was fine.  Then, as you may recall, I mentioned that I was feeling a bit weak and tired around the time I was in Brazil and when I returned.  It was about that time that I decided to stop running long because I didn't think I could keep running as much as I was and run long on Sundays.  I think part of the problem was that Honey had stopped running with me due to her knee injury and I was running more than I had all year, by quite a bit.  You add up travel, too much running, and an increase in running and you have all the necessary ingredients for Overtraining Syndrome, which I felt I was getting.  Iron Deficiency is a physical sing that I was right.

So now what?  Well, I will be taking an iron supplement and come January, I will be taking a break and running less.  I will not stop, but I will build up my mileage slowly.  As soon as I start to feel better, I can pick it up even more.  I do hope I don't need to be on these supplements for long because I don't like the way they make me feel!!

Here are today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.25 miles

Pace: 9:14/m

Max Pace: 7:35/m

Calories: 327

Avg HR: 130

Max HR: 141

Another day in the books and only 10 to go!  The end of the year can't come soon enough!!

Run for Life!!

Day 354, 11 To Go

December 20, 2013

 Thank Santa, it is finally Friday!  I can't take another day of work this week, so its a good thing I don't have to work on Saturday.  I actually have enough work to do to take me deep into the weekend, but I'm fried, so I will stop thinking about work right....now!

I have a Christmas party to go to on Saturday, but that's it.  Honey and I spent all our money on Christmas gifts, so we won't be going out tonight.  I really want to go see American Hustle, but I will just have to wait until after Christmas!

Here are today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.16 miles

Pace: 9:30/m

Max Pace: 8:21/m

Calories: 318

Avg HR: 123

Max HR: 135

11 days to go!  I hope I am able to get some good runs in, because I need a good one.  I feel like it has been a while.  Perhaps I can run in the Grand Canyon?  That would be nice.  Take a look at what that would look like...

Grand Canyon, Arizona

 I'm pretty sure this picture doesn't do the Grand Canyon justice.  I mean, it is a GRAND Canyon, for goodness sake!  It does sort of look like a desert, which I don't find aesthetically pleasing, but based on other pictures I have seen, I would surely love to visit and run/hike the whole damn thing!

Vancouver, B.C.

Here we are going outside the US once again.  This time we are going to Canada and a nice coastal town.  Ok, I'll bite.  Looks like an interesting place to run.

Baja California Sur, Mexico

Again we leave the country, but this time, we go South down to Mexico!  Farmland, Cati and whales are part of the scenery down here.  I'm ready to book my flight!!

Well, I am running out of cool places to show you, but that doesn't mean there aren't hundreds of other places for you to explore on your own.  I suggest you start with your own backyard and go for a short run!  Get started!!

Run for Life!!

Day 353, 12 To Go

December 19, 2013

The final countdown has begun.  Only 6 days until Christmas.  Really, it is 5 days because Honey has a tradition (as do most of Brazil) to celebrate on Christmas Eve and to open the presents at Midnight.  If you think about it, though, you can't really count Saturday and Sunday.  That's the weekend and since I am not working, I can relax and the days will just fly by.  That makes it only 3 days left.  If we take it a bit further, we can even discount Christmas Eve.  That's the day we will be opening the presents, so it doesn't really count.  We will probably open up a present or two early, so that completely invalidates that day.  Now we are down to just 2 days.  Christmas is in just 2 days!!

I have been thinking, when will I run on Christmas?  It's one of those days you really don't want to do anything but spend it with your family.  Going out for a run will be a bit of a chore.  I can always run really early before Derek wakes up, but I may be up late putting some toys together, so that might not work.  One way or another I'll get out there.

Here are today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.26 miles

Pace: 9:12/m

Max Pace: 8:07/m

Calories: 348

Avg HR: 130

Max HR: 136

Blah, blah, blah, blahblahblah blah, blahblah blah.  Right!!

Onto another installment of some Rave runs to entice you to travel and see the world.  Get out there and run everywhere!!

Roseberry, Idaho

 Idaho?  Really?  I think I'll pass.  I'm not much of a small town guy.  I was born in NYC and I have always lived in urban or suburban locales.  This might be a nice place for a 5k, but that is about all I can imagine.

Gran Canaria Island, Spain

Look at that sunset!  This is an island in Spain!  Can't beat that.  I want to go!!  Honey, pack your bags!  Let's tie up the kids, lock them in a closet, throw some food in a bowl, and let's go!

Griswold, Connecticut

I lived in  CT for a few years, and I never heard of this place.  It is North of Mystic which was a good hour drive from where I was, so that is probably why.  It looks like a nice run through Sunflower fields.

That's all folks.  Talk to you tomorrow!

Run for Life!!

Day 352, 13 To Go

December 18, 2013

This week is flying by, and there is only one more week until Christmas.  Even more exciting is that I only have 13 more days and I can rest my aching body!  My biggest pain, now that I am almost done, is my left hip.  I think it is just tendon pain, but I supposed it could be some type of bursitis.  That worries me a bit since bursitis can become serious because the bursa, which gets inflamed, can actually get infected.  I don't think I have a serious case, even if it is that, so I'm not too worried.  I also think, based on where the pain is, that it is just tendon pain.  In either case, I'll have a couple of weeks off (or three) to recover.

For now I am just pushing through, just like I have all year.  I have battled all sorts of nagging injuries and I am still standing.  I actually think that running every day has strengthened me.  Many of these injuries would have sidelined me in the past, but this year, I just battled through them.  I don't know if this will serve me well in the future as I may be more inclined to push through any pain when I should, maybe, be stopping.  I do know it has made me more mentally strong, and that is one of the most important aspects of endurance training of any kind.  It is one of the most important aspects of any sport.

It has also made me a better writer, I think.  I am no Shakespeare or Mark Twain, and I probably never will be, but the fact that I have spent a year writing almost every day has helped me along in my development as a writer.  This is one of the unexpected benefits of my year of running.

Let's take a look at today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.36 miles

Pace: 8:56/m

Max Pace: 7:55/m

Calories: 336

Avg HR: 127

Max HR: 134

Just another day out there.  Nothing more to report.  Let's take a look at a few more Rave runs that you can plan on doing at some point in your life.

Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

 Yes, this is very pretty.  No, you will probably never see me running out here.  I might do it in warmer weather, but I have no desire to run in the snow.  I would cross country ski or snow shoe here, but not run.  If you are a winter person, then this is the place for you!

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

The mountains in the background are nice, but again, I'm not a fan of running in the desert either!  I would choose this over the winter wonderland above, but I think I would pass on this one too.  Let's take a look at the last one for the day.

Telluride, Colorado

We are back in Colorado for this run, and it looks a little more up my alley.  This run has a 2,600 foot descent which would be tough, but you can always walk down part of it.

That's it for today folks.  Talk to you tomorrow!

Run for Life!!

Day 351, 14 To Go

December 17, 2013

Oh yeah!  One week until Christmas Eve and only 14 runs to go!  Yayyyyyy!  I think I am happier about the 14 runs than the arrival of Christmas.  However, as much as I may or may not be looking forward to Christmas, Honey makes up for any lacking of excitement on my part.  She has already begun the begging to open some of her presents early.  I offered a deal where she would perform certain wifely functions for the honor of opening up one of her presents early.  I believe she may be considering it.  Christmas may come early for me!

Now that I have thoroughly embarrassed Honey, I can get to the fun part of my blog.  I am going to give you a few more rave runs (yes, I am stealing these runs from Runner's World which shows a new rave run every month in their magazine) to enjoy.  You know what, let's look at my numbers first:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.34 miles

Pace: 8:58/m

Max Pace: 7:31/m

Calories: 326

Avg HR: 127

Max HR: 135

Not much to talk about on this run.  I am going through the motions at this point.  That's not to say that I am not paying attention to my form or my cadence or any of the other important things to think about when I run, I am just kind of getting through it any way I can.  Ok, let's take a look at something beautiful!

Livingston, Montana

 This run will take you to 5,600 feet above sea level, so you had better take it easy or you'll pass out from oxygen deprivation!  No worries though, because when you wake up, you'll be greeted by scenic views of wildflowers and mountains!

Patagonia Region, Chile

We take our first trip outside the US to Chile!  Look at those mountains in the distance.  The thing that has always struck me when I go outside the country is that not only are the people and language foreign, but the landscape is too.  That is a good thing.  Variety is the spice of life!!

Santa Barbara, California

This run takes you through the University of California and along the coastline.  You'll be greeted by beautiful views and beautiful coeds all at the same time!

That's all for today.  Happy Holidays everyone!

Run for Life!!

Day 350, 15 To Go

December 16, 2013

15 days left!  I am dying here folks.  Every run is hard.  I mean, I know I am going to do it, but every day I have to drag myself out there.  I have finally hit my limit!  And that limit is 350 fucking days in a row!  So, to cheer myself up, I am going to go back to something I did a few months ago and show you some pictures of great places to run.  What do you think?

Ok, so the first one I want to show you is in California.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, California

I always love running by the ocean.  I can practically smell the ocean air right now.

The next one is actually in Florida.  I have had enough of running in Florida, but this place looks nice.

Tate's Hell State Forest, Florida

It's not the most beautiful forest I have ever seen, but I do like running off road if I can find a good place to run.

The next one is in Nevada, so you know it is going to be picturesque...

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

That is just ridiculously beautiful.  Look at that path!  I suppose it is dangerous if you pay too much attention to the scenery...you may end up falling off the cliff!  I would love to take my chances though.

Ok, that's good for today.  I am almost cheered up.  Let's take a look at my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.41 miles

Pace: 8:48/m

Max Pace: 5:57/m

Calories: 355

Avg HR: 131

Max HR: 143

That max pace is actually legitimate today.  I ran fast for the past minute of the run just to open it up a bit, but it wasn't too long to cause any discomfort.  I hope, at least.  Will see tomorrow!  Ok folks, I'm out of here until tomorrow.  Later!

Run for Life!!

Day 349, 16 To Go

December 15, 2013

Happy Sunday everyone.  There are only a couple of Sunday's left in the year!  How exciting!  I am going to have to utilize my Sunday runs to go a little longer than I have been to make sure I hit my goal of 1,000 miles for the year.  So, in that spirit, I ran a little longer today.  I also finally did my Christmas shopping! 

I am pretty sure I spent too much money on Honey, although I don't think she will agree.  I hope she doesn't think I spent too little because if she does, I'll just take all the presents right back to the store!!  This year, I went with a theme: The senses!  I got presents that appeal to the five senses: smell, hearing, sight, touch and taste.  This necessitated that I buy at least 5 presents, which is probably why I ended up spending more than I should have.  Its not like we need to eat, right?

I also used Sunday to wrap all my presents.  Honey did as well and now our Christmas tree looks awesome! Take a look!

Merry Christmas!!

Don't let the picture fool you, that is one happy boy.  He just can't quite get the smiling for the camera thing down just yet!

Here are my Sunday numbers:

Time: 41:00

Distance: 4.19 miles

Pace: 9:48/m

Max Pace: 7:31/m

Calories: 413

Avg HR: 123

Max HR: 135

I had intended to run 45 minutes, but I was just kind of tired, so I stopped at 41.  I was back home already and I couldn't get myself to turn around and run another 4 minutes.  Yeah, it is at that point when 4 minutes more is just too much!!  16 days to go!!

Run for Life!!

Day 348, 17 To Go

December 14, 2013

Last night, after the run, Honey and I went to see little Derek's first class performance.  It was a Winter Wonderland theme and he and his classmates sang a cute little puppy song.  He did a fine job and he looked adorable in his puppy outfit.  Take a look...

Derek Puppy

Isn't he cute!?  I thought so.  All the kids were cute!

After the show, Honey and I went to go see the 2nd Hobbit movie.  Honey liked the first one, but she did not like this one.  This one had significantly more action and the movie moved along much faster.  Overall, I liked it, but I don't think either of the Hobbit movies can hold a candle to the Lord of the Rings movies.

Today, which is Saturday, we did nothing.  Well, I did run, but other than that, I spent most of the day just playing with the kids.  Nothing special happened.  I have nothing to report.  Yeah, my life can be pretty boring at times!

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.06 miles

Pace: 9:48/m

Max Pace: 8:41/m

Calories: 318

Avg HR: 124

Max HR: 131

Not much of an improvement over yesterday.  I figure I'll feel a little stiff for a couple more days.  I think, now, the plan is to take it easy for the rest of the year and then maybe...maybe, go all out on the last run of the year!  It is hard to say I will definitely do that because I never know how I will feel, but I would like to end the year with a bang!!

Run for Life!!

Day 347, 18 To Go

December 13, 2013

Being that it is Friday the 13th, I hope that none of my readers were slain by a homicidal, unkillable, ambling man in a hockey mask.  Surely, I am jesting, but many people get nervous on this date.  I don't know the origin of the fear of the number 13, but I can tell you without humor, that it is decidedly moronic.  Seriously.  Tall buildings are often built "without" the 13th floor.  Don't believe me?  Take a look at the floor numbers in an elevator the next time you are in one (assuming the building has at least 13 floors.)  Is the act of labeling your 13th floor as a 14 in the elevator actually make it NOT the 13th floor????

I didn't think so.  So the next time you get nervous about going out on Friday the 13th or doing anything that involves the number 13, you can relax.  You'll be fine!

My run on Friday the 13th was a bit of a horror show.  As I expected, I was a bit sore today.  My aging hip had a lot to say to me today.  It was not happy with me and it pleaded with me to take a break.  Instead, I stretched the shit out of it until it shut up, or at least simmered down a bit.  Let's take a look at my numbers, shall we:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.00 miles

Pace: 9:59/m

Max Pace: 8:03/m

Calories: 317

Avg HR: 123

Max HR: 136

So it isn't all that bad, but I had to push myself at the end of the run to make 3 miles.  It was fairly painful and I am glad it is over.  I don't expect tomorrow will be much better either.  I'll just keep on looking at that dwindling number at the top of my blog (18 to Go) and use that as my motivation to keep going, because I gotta tell ya...I'm beat!

Run for Life!!

Day 346, 19 To Go

December 12, 2013

This week is going by kind of fast.  Sure, I'm working my butt off, but that does have the affect of making it feel like I am speeding through my week.  So, of course, after a hard week of work, and a speedy week at that, I felt it was time to speed through my run!!

I actually didn't plan it, I was just running and I felt good so I decided to push it a bit.  I know I will pay for it for about a week in slow, painful runs, but I was sick of running slow!

Let's get the numbers out of the way so I can get back to the fun gift ideas!  Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.86 miles

Pace: 7:46/m

Max Pace: 5:47/m

Calories: 395

Avg HR: 142

Max HR: 168

Yeah, that was hard.  I like hard runs.  If I was going to have a day off to recuperate, I'd like it even more.  Tomorrow I will regret it.  My left hip seems to get really tight after these hard runs.  I think I need a break.

Let's break for Christmas!  Take a look at some more gift ideas!!

MIO Alpha Heart Rate Monitor Watch

This is not just your run of the mill HR monitor.  This one is unique in that you don't need a chest strap, and they claim it is as accurate as a HR monitor with a strap.  I don't know if they are telling the truth, but it seems worth a try.  Check it out at the Mio site.

This next one is kind of ordinary, but still a good idea.

Headsweats Ironman Supervisor

Yes, it is just a hat, but since it is actually a visor, it is better at keeping you cool while still blocking the extra sunlight!  You can find these at www.Headsweats.com

Last but not least we have this...

TYR Elite Transition Backpack

 This is no ordinary backpack.  It is compartmentalized to optimize your storage if you are a triathlete.  Who doesn't love a backpack with lots of pockets!!  Find this one here!

Ok folks, that's all I have for today.  Have a good night!!

Run for Life!!

Day 345, 20 To Go

December 11, 2013

I took a break from giving gift ideas yesterday because I had run out of ideas and I was bored.  Well, have no fear folks, I have more ideas!

If you are wondering, these ideas are not my own.  I am finding all sorts of lists on the Internet at Active.com or Runnersworld.com.  There are plenty of other sites you too can find some good ideas.  I'm sure you probably know this, unless you were some dude who was frozen in a block of ice for the past 20 years, you are familiar with how the Internet works.  Either that or you are old.  You know how old people are.  They have trouble with new tech.  I know this because although I am only 41, I look at new gadgets like they are really cool but I don't have the patience or probably the brain power to figure them out.  Let the young whippersnappers of the day figure them out.  I assume this is what old people thought of microwaves and VCRs and yes, the Internet.

I digress...so today, since I hopefully have some triathletes who read this blog, I am going to show some ideas for the triathlete on your Christmas list.  So check these out...

XTERRA Lava Pants

This is basically half a wetsuit.  I know many swimmers who hate wearing wetsuits because it restricts their upper body movement, even if they use the sleeveless.  This is a nice alternative.  It gives you the buoyancy without the restriction.  Find these on the Xterra site.

This next one can be for just a runner too.  Compression socks!

Zoot Recovery 2.0 CRx Socks

Compression socks are supposed to help prevent injury and to speed up recovery.  Check these out on the Zoot site.

AquaSphere Swim Gloves

There are a ton of different types of swim gloves, pull buoys, fins, etc. that you can get to help you train for the swim.  Check them out on the Aqua Sphere site.

I have a few more to show you, so stay tuned for tomorrow's blog (which could post tomorrow or in like 10 days based on my history of being late.)

Here are today's numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.42 miles

Pace: 8:46/m

Max Pace: 6:53/m

Calories: 347

Avg HR: 132

Max HR: 147

I was feeling good today, so I ran fairly well.  I like days like this.  I hope tomorrow is another day like today!

Run for Life!!

Day 344, 21 To Go

December 10, 2013

I'm looking at my numbers and trying to remember why my max HR was so high.  Based on my overall pace, I'm pretty sure I ran easy.  It could have been a scare I had with a dog.  Yes, my main nemesis and greatest fear while running: dogs.

You might be thinking that getting hit by a car would be my greatest fear, but no.  I only run in the street in my development, and the speed limit is 20mph.  Even though some idiots might go a bit faster than that, for the most part, I can see them coming a long way off and I can easily avoid them.  When I run at night, I will often hop on the sidewalk when cars are nearby, just to be safe.  I did have a couple of close calls: one was my fault and the other was not.  The one that was my fault was when I forgot how to cross the street.  I thought I had the green light, but I was wrong, and I almost got hit.  Luckily, for me, the guy stopped and didn't run me over.  It would have been completely my fault.  The second time I was running on the street in my development and some guy was driving close to the curb and even though he was getting closer to me, he made no move to go around me.  I eventually hopped up on the sidewalk at the last minute and he never even swerved.  He was probably on his smartphone and didn't even see me.

So dogs are my greatest fear.  Most people have invisible fences which keep their dogs in their yard, but once in a while, they get out.  The fences can't always work and what if there was a power outage (keep in mind, I have no idea how these things work...like maybe they work on batteries...which is even more troublesome because batteries die!)  So I have been chased two times already, and scared an uncountable amount of times by dogs "defending" their territory.  Some of these dogs are big and scary.  What would I do if they came after me?  Well, I'm sure the first thing I would do is scream like a little girl then run as fast as I could.  Of course, I would not be able to outrun a large dog, so I would eventually get taken down by the dog and probably eaten.  One of my greatest fears is becoming animal poop.  I know, it sounds weird, but I just don't want to end up in the digestive tract of some random, vicious, hungry animal!

So, what do I do to protect myself?  Um, nothing.  I just take my chances.  I supposed I could carry pepper spray or something like that, but I don't.  I do recommend that runners carry something like that, especially if you are running in a new area and you are not sure of the potential animal life that is there.  For women, I recommend pepper spray to protect you from animals as well as the most dangerous animal: man.  I also recommend that you do not go running in strange, dangerous neighborhoods by yourself, but we all know bad things happen everywhere, so it is best to be prepared.

Let's take a look at my Tuesday numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.27 miles

Pace: 9:11/m

Max Pace: 7:10/m

Calories: 331

Avg HR: 126

Max HR: 152

So my high heart rate was just a scare from an unfamiliar dog.  I did not know if he could get me or not, and he was fairly big.  In either case, it is nice to know that my fight or flight mechanism works well.  As soon as I saw him coming at me, I took off.  I felt light and easy and like I could run forever.  Of course, I slowed down almost immediately as I noticed he was not leaving his lawn.  It was just enough to spike my HR and speed on a nice easy run.  I'm ready for him next time though!

Run for Life!!

Day 343, 22 To Go

December 9, 2013

As you may have figured out already, I am a bit behind on my blog.  I'm of two minds about this blog...should I write as if it were actually Dec 9, or should I just say screw it, and write as if it was the actual date I am writing it (Dec 15!)  Since I am fond of science fiction and time travel, I'll go with writing as it if were Dec 9th.  Here we go!

You see, the thing is, it was a super busy week at work.  Um, I mean, it is going to be a super busy day at work, I can just tell if today was any indication.  I am pooped...or I will be pooped by the end of the week.  I think the only consolation I have is that Christmas is rapidly approaching and that makes me feel good.  I have a couple of weeks left to do my shopping and I even know what I need to get.  The question remains, will I be able to get what I want?  What about you?  Did you finish yet?  If not, I once again have a few fun ideas for the runner in your life.

Let's start with a "fun" gift.  If your runner has a sense of humor or, perhaps, wishes it were still 1982, this is the gift for them!

Running Funky Tights

 Even if your running love would hate these, isn't it worth it to just see them in these just once?  Find them here: www.runningfunky.com

This next one is something I use every day.  Actually, I use one that doesn't actually fit my phone, but hey, it's all I have right now.

Armpocket i-20 Armband

They have versions for every phone, so check them out at www.armpocket.com

The last one for today sounds kind of lame, and for anyone else, it might be.  Yes, I'm talking about socks.

Feetures! Performance Socks

Socks, to a runner, are more than just socks.  They are the difference between blisters and pain free feet.  They can tell a story or give a little attitude or show a little about yourself.  There are so many designs to choose from.  Check out these swanky socks at www.feeturesbrand.com

And of course, let's do the numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.22 miles

Pace: 9:19/m

Max Pace: 8:06/m

Calories: 329

Avg HR: 128

Max HR: 136

I'm just phoning it in at this point.  Seriously, I'm beat.  I need to keep up the mileage and even add a few more miles to reach my goal of 1,000 miles for the year, so I can't slack off completely, but oh, do I want to!  Not only is it the end of a long year of running, it is the off season when I usually slack...accept I can't really slack!  Just 22 days to go!

Run for Life!!

Day 342, 23 To Go

December 8, 2013

Yesterday, other than my run, I was a captive.  Honey was helping to organize a baby shower for her friend Andressa.  Since Honey is such a wiz with the arts and crafts, she usually ends up doing most of the creative things.  Of course she complains about it, but she really loves it.  I, on the other hand, did not love spending my whole day on baby duty.  Yeah, yeah, I'm a dad and I should love to spend time with my kids, blah, blah, blah.  Do you have kids?  Do you have 4 kids?  If you do, I'm sorry.  What were you thinking?  I know what I was thinking, but this is a family blog and I don't think I can properly type out what my orgasm sounds like, so I'll leave that to your imagination.

Anyway, today isn't too much better since Honey will be at the baby shower.  There is some good news.  Honey's mom will be coming to stay with us for a while through the Holidays.  This will keep Honey busy and it will take some of the child care duties out of my hands!  Yay!  If only I had something to do with all the extra time.  Oh, I know.  I can work more.  Yeah...that's right, I am going to work more.  Why?  Because I work for the man and they said I have to.  Seriously, this will be my busiest month of the year.  Don't they know it is Christmas this month?

I hate my job.

What I don't hate is Christmas!  I have some new gift ideas for you all today!  Yay!!  Check out these fantastic gift ideas for the runner or athlete in your life!

How about you buy your runner a training plan?

Training Plans

You can find these on Runnersworld.com.  Most runners won't buy a training plan even if they need one.  However, I bet they would take advantage of one if you bought it for them!!

How about you introduce them to minimalist running with a pair of Vibram running shoes!

Bikila

If you want to find out more about these great shoes, which I use, you can go to their website Vibramfivefingers.com

And finally, how about you splurge and get your love a GPS watch!!

Forerunner® 910XT

This is the top of the line Garmin GPS running watch.  You can find this on the Garmin site.

Personally, I can't live without my GPS.  I don't actually have this model, I have the Forerunner 310XT.  Other than a few software glitches, that I have mentioned in my blog before, I love it.  That 910XT looks way cool though...

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.03 miles

Pace: 9:54/m

Max Pace: 8:22/m

Calories: 323

Avg HR: 128

Max HR: 134

I again ran nice and easy today again.  I am pretty sure I can do this polarized training...at least I can do the slow part!  I have done plenty of speedwork before, so I should be fine.  It's the recovery that I have trouble with now.  Looking forward to getting it going!  Only 23 days left to the new year...

Run for Life!!

Day 341, 24 To Go

December 7, 2013

We are finally at the weekend!  That means that we are running out of time to shop for Christmas and to come up with New Year's Resolutions!  After this weekend, you have one final weekend to shop!  Alas, I will have to wait until next weekend to shop for my Honey!  Really, she is the only one I have left since the kiddies are pretty much taken care of.  Any money I have left after I drain my bank account on Honey can trickle down to the kids.

Do you have anyone else to shop for?  I hope you have a runner on your list because I have some NEW ideas!  Yes, I thought I was done, but I wasn't.  I found some more stuff.  I like stuff! 

This next one is a fun one.  I guess it really isn't running specific and more suited to adventure athletics, but it looks like it could be a lot of fun.  In fact, I think it would be very handy in the bedroom...

GoPro Video Camera

You can find this device at Gopro.com

Next, we have something from The NorthFace.

The North Face Better Than Naked Short-Sleeve Shirt

This shirt will help keep you cool even on the hottest of days.  It drys super fast and it looks pretty cool too.  You can find this at TheNorthFace.com

Lastly, we have a teeny tiny foam roller you can easily carry around with you.

Trigger Point’s Grid Mini

You can't use this like you can a full sized foam roller, but it can help you with some minor rough spots like your calf, IT band and your glutes.  Find this at Tptherapy.com

I hope you enjoyed these picks.  I am running out.  I hope to find some more stuff for you tomorrow.  For now, let's take a look at my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.10 miles

Pace: 9:42/m

Max Pace: 8:39/m

Calories: 323

Avg HR: 128

Max HR: 134

Another easy day out there.  I tried very hard to stay under 130bpm and for the most part, I succeeded.  It was easy, and that was the point, I guess.  Polarized training, here I come!!

Run for Life!!

Day 340, 25 To Go

December 6, 2013

Thank you Friday.  I have been waiting for you.  I'm not happy that I still had to work until almost 7, but I am happy that you are here, nonetheless.  I am itching to get to next weekend because that is when I can finally start my Christmas shopping.  I have been helping all of you out with some good gift ideas, but I have not really started my own shopping yet.  I am a bit of a procrastinator.

Let's not procrastinate any more and let's get right to the gift ideas for the runner in your life.  Here is the first one for today.

Epic Bison, Bacon & Cranberry Bar

If your runner is a bit concerned with GMOs or processed foods, this is the bar for him.  I don't know if this will taste all that good, but I bet he won't care since its all organic and shit.  Find this at Epic Bar.

This next one I almost passed by, until I realized that it had a cool function.  Check it out.

Smartwool Liner Glove

Smart Wool is right!  You can use these gloves to keep your hands warm, sure, but you can also use your smart phone with the gloves on.  Nice.  Now even your gloves are smart!  What's next, your underwear?  Find these at Smart Wool.

Continuing on the theme of keeping warm, this next one is a nice idea for the lady runner in your life.

Wool Buff

Now you can keep warm while terrifying all your conservative neighbors.  Actually, this can be worn as a scarf, headband or a bandanna.  Find it at Buff USA.

That's it folks.  Not sure I have any more ideas...maybe I can scrounge up a few more for tomorrow.  Now, here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.27 miles

Pace: 9:11/m

Max Pace: 7:43/m

Calories: 353

Avg HR: 132

Max HR: 146

I figured I would be slower today.  Actually, I have been trying to run slower at times to see how hard it is to keep my HR under 130.  That is about 70% of what I think my max HR is.  I do need to test out what my true max is, but I figure if I stay under 135, at most, I am running very easy.  This is all part of my plan to try polarized training next year.  Let me tell you, it is hard to run this easy.  Since pushing my HR up to 140 doesn't feel all that hard, I naturally go there when I run.  This will take some practice.  I'll give it a shot this weekend.

Hope you all have a great weekend!  Peace!

Run for Life!!

Day 339, 26 To Go

December 5, 2013

I'd say this week was going fast, except I have had to work late every night.  I suppose that has the affect of making it seem like I am speeding through the week, but it is seriously draining, boring and not fun!!  I need some fun.  My runs have not been all that fun lately, although it has started to warm up nicely which is good.  It is December, so a little cooler weather should be expected, so when it is warm like it is now, I have to smile.

What also makes me smile is Christmas!  It is right around the corner, so I am going to give you all a few more good ideas for the runner in your life.  Let's take a look at the first one for today.

Petzl Tikka 2 Headlamp

If your runner runs at night like I do, this is a great one.  Sure, she'll look like an idiot, but she'll be able to see every step and better yet, everyone will see her.  Find this here at Petzl.com

This next one is a bit silly.  Do you really need to freshen up and look all pretty to accept your award?  If you do, you can use this.

Action Wipes

Find these fresher uppers at Action Wipes.  Really, that is the name.

If your runner is handy in the kitchen, then this is the perfect gift.

Runner's World Cookbook

This one you can get on Runner's World.  I wouldn't expect too many sweets in this book.

That's it for today.  I have a few more to give you tomorrow.  I hope you are enjoying the ideas.  If you haven't guessed, I have gotten all of these ideas off of the Runner's World website.  This is a great website for all things running.

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.35 miles

Pace: 8:58/m

Max Pace: x:xx/m

Calories: 375

Avg HR: 135

Max HR: 146

This makes 4 days in a row under 9 min miles.  Tomorrow will be slower, I'm sure.  Peace everyone!

Run for Life!!

Day 338, 27 To Go

December 4, 2013

On this happy hump day, I want to remind you that in three more Wednesdays it will be Christmas!  Are you ready?  We are getting there.  We just ordered an Elf on the Shelf for Derek.  I should say, we ordered it to get that boy in line because he has been naughty!  I can say all I want to him that if he is naughty that he won't get any presents, but I don't think I would really do that.  At least I wouldn't do it while he is only 5.  If he was 10 and being naughty, I would.  There is no better way to learn a lesson than finding out, for real, that your actions have consequences.  At 5, it is still a little too early for that.

The Elf should be here in a few days.  Everyone is happy to ship things to your house quick at this time of the year.  I have a few more things to recommend that can still easily be shipped to your favorite runner before is too late!

This next one is just a good gift any time of the year, but for Christmas, there is a little bit of a twist.

GU Energy Gel, Salted Caramel

A special flavor for the holiday!  Find these at Gu Energy.

Do you have a runner who likes to run at night?  Check these out.

Ion Iron On Reflective Designs

Make your runner glow in the dark!  Find these at Ion Iron Ons.

Lastly, does your runner complain about blisters all the time?  Well first, tell him to stop bitchin' and get new shoes or socks.  Then, give him these.

Engo Blister Prevention Patches

Find these an Engo Foot Care Products.

Now, here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.41 miles

Pace: 8:48/m

Max Pace: 7:10/m

Calories: 373

Avg HR: 134

Max HR: 145

Today was almost identical to yesterday!  That doesn't happen all that often.  I guess I was in the right zone.  Ok folks, time to split once again.  Talk to you tomorrow.

Run for Life!!