Day 304, 61 To Go

October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween!!  Trick or Treat!  BOOOOOOO!!!

I hope all of you had a great Halloween and you got lots and lots of candy.  Now, throw it all away and save yourself some cavities and thousand's of calories!  I should do that...really, because most likely, it won't be Derek who eats it all, it will be me.

Here is a little pic of a few neighborhood kids dressed up before Trick or Treating.  Derek is Superman!!

Its kind of a blurry pic, but I'm having computer issues and I am unable to download a better version.  It was a fun night of chasing after children, keeping them out of the street, keeping them focused on staying together and getting to the next house.  I would have loved to have Honey been the one to go out with Derek, but she had to stay home and work on party stuff.  So, I got stuck walking through the neighborhood.  On the bright side, one of the houses was handing out jello shots for the adults.  Whooohooo!!

I ran during my lunch break today because I figured it would be impossible to run while everyone was out trick or treating and based on how many people were out, it would have been impossible.

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.43 miles

Pace: 8:45/m

Max Pace: 8:24/m

Calories: xxx

Avg HR: xxx

Max HR: xxx

When I got out there, my watch informed me that the battery was almost dead, so I used the MapMyRun app on my phone.  So I have no calories or HR info, but I did have a decent run for the day.  Now, I am going to ruin all the good work my run did by eating way too much candy.  I call it the chaperone tax, if Derek asks. 

Run of Life!!

Day 303, 62 To Go

October 30, 2013

Its one day before Halloween!  It kind of sneaked up on me this year.  I have no costume and I have no costume parties to attend this year.  That is kind of sad.  I didn't have any parties last year either.  What gives?  I think next year I will have to put on a party.

WAIT!  Scratch that.  What the hell am I thinking.  I'll just stay home and dress up in my bedroom, thankyouverymuch.  No more parties!  Speaking of parties, we are in full swing.  The cake has been started and we have everything we need.  There are still a few things to be completed, but we are in good shape.  Unfortunately, I will have to take Derek out by myself tomorrow.  I'm sure he will be even more sad than I will be, but for different reasons.

Anyway, I ran today too.  Check out my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.17 miles

Pace: 9:28/m

Max Pace: 8:05/m

Calories: 323

Avg HR: 125

Max HR: 134

Too many slow days this month.  Maybe I am wrong, but that is what it feels like.  I'll have the monthly numbers ready in a couple of days, so I can better evaluate my performance, but it feels slow.

We are at run 9 out of the 10 Runs Every American Must Do from Active.com.  Check out this one:

This 22-mile path stretches from Pacific Palisades to Torrance along the California coast in Los Angeles County. It's beautiful, passing the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach in Venice, the Manhattan Beach Pier, the beach volleyball courts in Hermosa Beach, and the harbor in Redondo Beach. It's everything you expect the Southern California beach life to entail, without any of the region's infamous vehicle traffic.

I have been to California once when I was 13 years old, so I was unable to properly enjoy the experience.  This 22 mile path sounds fantastic.  Running on the beach is hard, so it is nice to have a path that allows you to run by the beach like this.  I do remember the beaches were great and this looks like another fantastic run that I hope I get to do at some point.

Run for Life!!

Day 302, 63 To Go

October 29, 2013

Another day, another run.  That's what this is all about.  Sure, I talk about family, daily routine and life in general, but this is about running.  I sometimes get away from that too often but the reason for that is because running, for me, is so integrated into my life.  This is especially true this year for me.  Running every day, and all that goes along with it (scheduling, recovering, struggling), makes everything else in my life revolve around running.  There are times, like this week, where I have a lot to do at work and the extra work of planning a party, makes running not so much fun.  Still, when I am out there and when my steps fall one after another without me even thinking about it, I am smiling inside.  I am free.  I am powerful.  I am alive!

That is what running does for me every day.  It makes me feel alive and it helps me stay alive!  Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.68 miles

Pace: 8:09/m

Max Pace: 6:40/m

Calories: 398

Avg HR: 144

Max HR: 160

Today was a fast one.  I felt good and I needed a release, so I pushed the pace.  I was actually disappointed with my final pace, but after reviewing each mile, it was the first mile where I was still loosening up that caused me to not drop below 8 min per mile.  Whatever.  I had fun!

Speaking of fun, let's take a look at the next run on the 10 Runs Every American Must Do from Active.com.  This is one I have done and until I do some of these other ones, will remain one of my most favorite runs.  I never got tired of this run, no matter how many times I did it, and I did it plenty!

The volcano cone dominates the Honolulu skyline, but it doubles as a great place to go for a run. Start at Kapiolani Park and take the circular Diamond Head Road all the way around the crater, about 5 miles, until you're back where you started. You can circle the perimeter of Kapiolani Park—Honolulu's headquarters for active people—and add another couple miles to your memorable run.

I loved this run.  I used to do a 10k loop that started at Kapiolani Park that circled the Honolulu Zoo, went up Monserrat Ave which was about a mile long hill, then circled Diamond Head and passed by the ocean which was hundreds of feet below.  It was simply gorgeous.  It was also a run you did not do in the middle of the day unless you wanted to fry.  Hawaii has some great trade winds that helped cool you off, but it did get pretty hot and the sun was RIGHT there, cooking you.  So, I didn't do that too often.  I do hope to do that run again soon.  I just loved running around Kapiolani Park which bordered the ocean and there are very few ocean views more spectacular!  I say go do it now!!

Run for Life!!

Day 301, 64 To Go

October 28, 2013

As Monday arrives once again, a busy week of work at work and at home looms.  The bright side is that by Sunday, it will be all over, and I can get back to normal.  Honey  has been painting, sculpting, drawing, and been on full blown Partyzilla mode!  I just try to stay out of the way and hope that I have to work late!

Seriously, though, if that little boy (Derek) does not appreciate what his mommy is doing for him, he will receive the mommy guilt trip of the year.

As for me, I stayed in my room and worked all day and as I said, stayed out of the way.  I did pop out here and there to offer my opinions.  This was, of course, not necessary, because I know nothing about party decorating.  However, since I am paying for everything, I felt it necessary to offer my 2 cents even if it was not appreciated or wanted.

It is getting darker much earlier these days, so I have not run during the day in quite some time.  At least it feels like that.  I tend to get out there at prime mosquito time, so I may need a transfusion by the end of this month if this keeps up.  Mosquitoes or not, I love my 30 minutes of mental free time. 

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.31 miles

Pace: 9:03/m

Max Pace: 7:28/m

Calories: 303

Avg HR: 122

Max HR: 134

I was just another day at the office.  Now, let's take a look at the next run on the 10 Runs Every American Must Do from Active.com.

The Chicago Lakefront Trail spans 18 miles, sandwiched between Lake Michigan to the east and the awesome Chicago skyline to the west. No path is more runner-friendly while also showcasing all the charm of the Windy City.
I can't say that this would be the first run on my list, but I do like the runner friendly path, the lake side by side with the beautiful Chicago skyline.  The fact that it is 18 miles gives you so much opportunity for variety in your runs if you live nearby.  I have only been to Chicago a couple of times but it was before I was a runner, so I lost out on the opportunity.  I'll just have to make a new opportunity in the future!

Run for Life!!

Day 300, 65 To Go

October 27, 2013

Once again, it was not a typical Sunday.  I don't know if I will get to long runs again this year.  I am not really ok with that, from a mental standpoint, but from a physical standpoint, I have no choice.  Besides, mentally, I am never ok.  Mind as well add fuel to the fire.

Today was spent doing some more party shopping and party prep.  Already, the priority list I made for Honey is being ignored.  The items we agreed that should be done first are getting skipped for other items.  I think if I had reversed the priority, the more important items would get done first.  You know, reverse psychology.

Honey does not do lists!

I did get out for a regular 30 minute run today, so, here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.37 miles

Pace: 8:54/m

Max Pace: 7:23/m

Calories: 350

Avg HR: 134

Max HR: 143

I was tempted to push a little longer, but for once, I ignored my inner runner and listened to my inner doctor.  Come to think about it, my inner runner should be more versed in the subject of running than my inner doctor is versed in medicine.  What the hell do I know about medicine?  I do know a thing or two about running though.  Damn!  I should not have listened to myself and listened to myself instead!

As I said, mentally, I'm never ok.

Let's take a look at the next run on the 10 Runs Every American Must Do from Active.com.  This one looks amazing!

 Arguably the most scenic wonder in the United States, Yosemite Valley is surrounded by granite monoliths towering some 3,000 feet over the valley floor. Advanced runners can head up to Half Dome, El Capitan or Glacier Point, but you don't have to. Plenty of less challenging paths explore the valley (the full loop is about 13 miles), and the views are unforgettable.

Look at that picture!  Can you imagine running in someplace so gorgeous?  Sure, there are probably bears and mountain lions to contend with, but just think of of any encounter with them as a chance to work on your speed!

Run for Life!!

Day 299, 66 To Go

October 26, 2013

Saturday is for running errands (and running, of course).  This Saturday was certainly no different.  We had party stuff to buy, so of course, we went to Home Depot.  Home Depot, you ask?  Yeah.  Honey was making palm trees and she needed PVC pipe.

Don't ask.  You'll eventually see what she did.

After Home Depot, there were stops at Wal Mart and Dollar Stores and the 9th level of hell and BJs .  The Dollar Stores are the worst of that bunch.  I hate them with a passion.  Let's set aside the fact that 4 year old Chinese children are slaving away in poorly lit factories with no breaks for 16 hours a day to make these "cute" decorations and party favors.  It is the sheer volume of utter CRAP that just destroys my will to live.

At some point in the day, I did escape long enough to run.  Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.21 miles

Pace: 9:20/m

Max Pace: 8:10/m

Calories: 381

Avg HR: 137

Max HR: 148

It was a typical day for me, at least lately.  As I mentioned previously, I have been getting lose before I run with dynamic stretches to lessen my discomfort as I run.  My ankle is still aching.  It doesn't always hurt when I run, after I am loose, but during the day, it hurts all the time.  I am going to start using an ace bandage to support the ankle during the day to see if it helps.

Let's take a look at the next run in the 10 Runs Every American Must Do from Active.com:

Yes, the 72 steps to the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art have been immortalized in the classic film Rocky. But there's a reason Mr. Balboa finished his long run here—the museum offers a spectacular view of one of America's most historically important cities. So go ahead, work it into your route...and don't be afraid to jump around Rocky style at the top. Everybody does it.

I know after you read the caption, you started humming the "Eye of the Tiger" to yourself.  You can't help it.  Sure, it isn't from this particular Rocky movie, but it is synonymous with the Rocky franchise.  How could you NOT want to run up those steps!  Even if you aren't a short, Italian man with an attitude, you still want to do it.  Just admit it.  I do.  Granted, I am shortish Italian man with a slight attitude, but that is besides the point!

Run for Life!!

Day 298, 67 To Go

October 25, 2013

It is once again Friday and time for work (employment type) to cease and party setup/planning/purchasing to begin!  Honey is an animal, and she only has a week left, so heads are going to roll if I don't get moving.

Honey is also stressing, big time, so I decided to help her out and write out a list of everything left that we needed to do, buy, or make.  It is a big list, but I am pretty sure we can get it all done.  Now all she has to do is follow my list and prioritization.

We are doomed!

Again, as I mentioned in a previous post, I am waaaay behind on my blog, so the specifics of today's run is a bit blurry.  I am fairly confident that I ran in the evening.  I am also pretty sure that it was a bit warm and that I was very stiff at the onset of the run.  I have been dealing with a lot of right ankle pain.  I am not a doctor and I don't have access to an x-ray, but I fear that I do have a stress fracture in my ankle.  It could be that, or, it could be a severe case of tendinitis.  I do hope it is the later, because if it is a stress fracture and it becomes a fracture, I won't be running for a few months, not to mention I'll be in a cast!  Not fun!

I have started doing some dynamic warm ups before I run so I am a little more loose at the beginning of  the run.  This seems to really help me out, especially after sitting down all day.  All a dynamic warm up is is active stretching, not static stretching (where you hold a stretch for 30 seconds and don't move).  The dynamic stretching loosens you up and doesn't weaken your muscles like static stretching will do.  It also gets the heart rate up so your body gets warm.

Here are my numbers:

Time: 30:00

Distance: 3.35 miles

Pace: 8:58/m

Max Pace: 7:40/m

Calories: 335

Avg HR: 132

Max HR: 145

The stretching doesn't seem to help my ankle, so sometimes I have to resort to a standard static stretch to loosen it up.  If I stretch out the calf, it feels better.  I need to look into dynamic stretches for the calf muscles.

Let's take a look at the next run in the 10 Runs Every American Must Do from Active.com:

Many of the United States' most famous landmarks are situated in and around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The east-west endpoints of the park—the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol—are only 2 miles apart, but there's enough paths to extend your route as long as you want. In one run, you can see the Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, the Vietnam Memorial, the Smithsonian and much more. You could even stretch it out, going south around the Tidal Basin and getting a peek at the Jefferson Memorial. 

I am a bit of a political junkie and this would certainly be an interesting run, if not a beautiful run.  Sure, there is plenty of beautiful architecture, but I am more of a natural architecture fan...like trees and mountains, etc.  Still, it would be a great way to sight see and stay in shape all at the same time!  

Hope you enjoyed this one...until next time.

Run for Life!