So yesterday's sucky day at work followed Monday's sucky day at work. How come the phone never rings unless I'm on a deadline?
Along with that, I found out that my health insurance wasn't going to pay for some of my kid's bills leaving a few hundred for me to pay, the tickets for Deb's visit to see Paula Deen on Sunday never arrived and they have no record of my order and an on-line payment I made on the Amex card never got posted from a few weeks ago.
Oh yeah, and we had two uncarved pumpkins on the front porch.
I had all that going for me.
I got home after 6 and Deb was on her way out with the boys to get flu shots and pick up dinner. I declined to join her in those festivities, preferring instead the couch, the remote and pre-dinner snack. In her infinite wisdom, Deb suggested a run on the 'mill. "I wanna see you sweaty when we get home!"
Great idea. It had bee 10 days since my last run. I needed it and there was no time like the present.
The house was now quiet so I changed and headed down stairs to the basement to run. As I got started, I was feeling really good. Everything was moving right and there was no pain anywhere. I finished the first mile in just over 11 minutes. Pretty good, but I'd been there before, always to slow in the later miles. Two miles down in 22:15. Good pace, feeling good. Three miles in 33:15. Now I'm rolling. One more mile to go. Can I break an 11 minute average? My PR on the 'mill is 11:20 for 5k. In the last mile, I have to walk more than I had hoped, but I pushed the final half mile and finished at 43:53 -- an average of 10:58. Now that felt great!
I fired up the computer to log my time and found that my old PR of 11:20 was set in June. I've been struggling with the times since then, often running 12's or slower, even for shorter distances. I'm thinking that the weight loss over the past month -- about 7 pounds -- is finally showing up on the clock.
As I logged in my time, I also noted a couple of other milestones. That 4 mile run included my 500th mile since I started this program 15 1/2 months ago and 296 so far this year. Not bad!
But enough resting on my laurels. There are two months remaining in the year. I've definitely got 100 miles in me -- well, make that 104 to get to 400 for the year. Need to get serious for the Columbia Metric Marathon, just 32 days away!
L'Chaim!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
It's Monday!
The rain kept me and many others away from the Lance ride on Saturday. Ultimately, I found out yesterday, the ride was cancelled by organizers, but Lance did attend and he did run the 5k and bring in quite a bit of dough for the cause. An article from the Baltimore Sun about the event is here.
As for the week, exercise was almost non-existent. Even though I did travel for work with plenty of work out clothes, I never did make it to the fitness room. I got out yesterday for my weekly ride though. It was my first "cold"ride, but it was a good ride. When I left the house, the car thermometer said 49 and I knew the wind chill on the bike would drop the temp even lower, especially on longer down hills. For much of the ride, particularly one section of 2-3 miles of low rise but wide open road, Dave was the recipient of my lead as he found the spot behind me where I blocked the wind. It was a great ride, certainly aided by the lower temps. Need to beef up my cold weather gear, for sure!
Despite the lack of exercise, the scale continued to move in the right direction. The 15-day average dropped 3.8 pounds week-over-week to a new low of 251.8. Today's weigh-in also hit a new low of 248.6. Now, I need to get back on the treadmill.
L'Chaim!
As for the week, exercise was almost non-existent. Even though I did travel for work with plenty of work out clothes, I never did make it to the fitness room. I got out yesterday for my weekly ride though. It was my first "cold"ride, but it was a good ride. When I left the house, the car thermometer said 49 and I knew the wind chill on the bike would drop the temp even lower, especially on longer down hills. For much of the ride, particularly one section of 2-3 miles of low rise but wide open road, Dave was the recipient of my lead as he found the spot behind me where I blocked the wind. It was a great ride, certainly aided by the lower temps. Need to beef up my cold weather gear, for sure!
Despite the lack of exercise, the scale continued to move in the right direction. The 15-day average dropped 3.8 pounds week-over-week to a new low of 251.8. Today's weigh-in also hit a new low of 248.6. Now, I need to get back on the treadmill.
L'Chaim!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Crazy Week and a Questionable Lance
The week has been crazy. Three days in Boston for work and 450 miles today driving in rain to and from a funeral in NJ.
Oh yeah, about that rain . . . we've had almost no rain since like May on a weekend, until tomorrow -- the Lance Armstrong bike ride on the schedule. Jobrotha has already bagged and it's looking real bad. They say rain or shine, but this novice isn't ready for the wet stuff.
Besides that, my body hasn't done a minute of exercise since Sunday. Ugh.
L'Chaim!
Oh yeah, about that rain . . . we've had almost no rain since like May on a weekend, until tomorrow -- the Lance Armstrong bike ride on the schedule. Jobrotha has already bagged and it's looking real bad. They say rain or shine, but this novice isn't ready for the wet stuff.
Besides that, my body hasn't done a minute of exercise since Sunday. Ugh.
L'Chaim!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Is it Monday, Again?
As the great Chico Escuela would have said, the scale "been berra berra good to me!"
This morning's weigh-in was at 250.2, a new total loss of 164 lbs. The rolling 15 day average is at 255.6, so this should come down nicely for next week as well. The diet and exercise seem to be really clicking now.
Last week was one of my best for exercise. 16 miles running included a great 7.6 mile run at Centennial Park (3 laps around the lake) on Saturday. For any tri-interested readers, Centennial Park is the home of the the Columiba Triathlon. The swim takes place in the lake itself. The bike route leaves and returns from the southern entrance off of Clarksville Pike, and the run begins on the south central portion of the course that I ran, then heads west aroun the lake and north out of the park into some local neighborhoods. There is very little flat land in this area so both the bike and run are pretty tough or so I'm told. (I've run and ridden parts of both courses.)
View Larger Map
Topped the runs off with 32 biking miles.
As for the diet, I haven't changed a whole lot, but the increased exercise is certainly helping. Yesterday's 21 mile bike ride burned 1600 calories -- almost half a pound! I've been trying to focus snacking on lower fat foods (i.e., less nuts!). I figure I can eat all the fruits and vegies I can handle. They're not going to kill the diet.
L'Chaim!
This morning's weigh-in was at 250.2, a new total loss of 164 lbs. The rolling 15 day average is at 255.6, so this should come down nicely for next week as well. The diet and exercise seem to be really clicking now.
Last week was one of my best for exercise. 16 miles running included a great 7.6 mile run at Centennial Park (3 laps around the lake) on Saturday. For any tri-interested readers, Centennial Park is the home of the the Columiba Triathlon. The swim takes place in the lake itself. The bike route leaves and returns from the southern entrance off of Clarksville Pike, and the run begins on the south central portion of the course that I ran, then heads west aroun the lake and north out of the park into some local neighborhoods. There is very little flat land in this area so both the bike and run are pretty tough or so I'm told. (I've run and ridden parts of both courses.)
View Larger Map
Topped the runs off with 32 biking miles.
As for the diet, I haven't changed a whole lot, but the increased exercise is certainly helping. Yesterday's 21 mile bike ride burned 1600 calories -- almost half a pound! I've been trying to focus snacking on lower fat foods (i.e., less nuts!). I figure I can eat all the fruits and vegies I can handle. They're not going to kill the diet.
L'Chaim!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Camp Shane
In the summer of 1979, my parents sent me away to Camp Shane. Camp Shane was (and still is) in the Catskills in upstate New York. Camp Shane is a fat farm. I was 14 and had just finished 9th grade.
We were a summer camp family, but this was to be my first experience at "sleep away" camp. I was nervous, but excited. Mostly, I was fat. I needed what Camp Shane had.
The night before departure, dad and I headed to Memorial Stadium to watch a scheduled double header between the Orioles and the three year old Toronto Blue Jays. Baseball was a passion and the Orioles were in their hey day, cooperating with lots of wins that summer en route to the World Series, where they would ultimately lose to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7 games. It was a great send off, where I would enjoy just about all the hot dogs and soda I could handle prior to my trip north.
On Saturday, we headed to the airport in DC and I was on my way.
For the first time, I was part of a group that did not ostracize me. Everybody was big, if not fat. We started each day with calisthenics, then breakfast, lots of activities during the day. Lots of trips around the sprawling, hilly campus. The food was not memorable. I'm sure that was by design.
On my initial weigh in, I tipped the scale at 303. We weighed in just once a week. After the first week, I was something under 300. I remember saying to one of the counselors that I'd never go back to the 3's.
We spent lots of time building self esteem. It was hard not to. We were all losing. We all had new, relatively non-judgemental friends. It was paradise. They did try to teach us how to handle life after camp, back in the real world.
At the end of camp, my official final weigh-in was 254, a loss of 49 pounds.
I don't remember how long it took for me to regain my lost girth, but I have full confidence that I did not continue to lose. I've probably spent more days since then over the 3's than in the 3's.
When did I last weigh less than I did in August of 1979? I don't know, maybe a couple of years before that. Maybe even longer.
Well, actually, not. Today I weigh less than that. I've been writing this entry in my head for about two months as I've been single digits away from that final weigh in. How many 42 year olds (or probably anyone over 15, for that matter) can say they weigh less than they did when they were 12 or 13? Y'all know one!
L'Chaim!
We were a summer camp family, but this was to be my first experience at "sleep away" camp. I was nervous, but excited. Mostly, I was fat. I needed what Camp Shane had.
The night before departure, dad and I headed to Memorial Stadium to watch a scheduled double header between the Orioles and the three year old Toronto Blue Jays. Baseball was a passion and the Orioles were in their hey day, cooperating with lots of wins that summer en route to the World Series, where they would ultimately lose to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 7 games. It was a great send off, where I would enjoy just about all the hot dogs and soda I could handle prior to my trip north.
On Saturday, we headed to the airport in DC and I was on my way.
For the first time, I was part of a group that did not ostracize me. Everybody was big, if not fat. We started each day with calisthenics, then breakfast, lots of activities during the day. Lots of trips around the sprawling, hilly campus. The food was not memorable. I'm sure that was by design.
On my initial weigh in, I tipped the scale at 303. We weighed in just once a week. After the first week, I was something under 300. I remember saying to one of the counselors that I'd never go back to the 3's.
We spent lots of time building self esteem. It was hard not to. We were all losing. We all had new, relatively non-judgemental friends. It was paradise. They did try to teach us how to handle life after camp, back in the real world.
At the end of camp, my official final weigh-in was 254, a loss of 49 pounds.
I don't remember how long it took for me to regain my lost girth, but I have full confidence that I did not continue to lose. I've probably spent more days since then over the 3's than in the 3's.
When did I last weigh less than I did in August of 1979? I don't know, maybe a couple of years before that. Maybe even longer.
Well, actually, not. Today I weigh less than that. I've been writing this entry in my head for about two months as I've been single digits away from that final weigh in. How many 42 year olds (or probably anyone over 15, for that matter) can say they weigh less than they did when they were 12 or 13? Y'all know one!
L'Chaim!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Every Day Starts Out Good.
I started to call this post "A Good Day", but I stopped myself. The quality of a day shouldn't be judged by how far, how long or how much. These are just small parts of the the full picture. Part of the path to what constitutes a good day vs. a bad day.
Every day that starts with eyes opening is a good day. What happens from there is in my control. When I turn over and give Deb a kiss, that's good. The boys are alive and kicking, also good.
I've tended to measure good vs. bad in the sense of if the scale is up or down, if I feel like running or not, if I actually run or not, but now I realize that this is totally unfair to everything else that life throws at you. With that realization, I changed the name to Every Day Starts Out Good. It's what you do with it after that that makes it good or bad.
Anyway, yesterday started out good. Good 5k run on the mill. Home long enough to make the boys breakfast. Uneventful day at work.
Even though the days are getting shorter, the weather in these parts seems to be holding on to late summer -- upper 70's, low 80's all week, through early next week. Got in an unexpected pleasure -- 10 miles on the bike before the sun went down.
Kids off to bed and hung out with Deb to cap it off.
It was a very good day.
L'Chaim!
Every day that starts with eyes opening is a good day. What happens from there is in my control. When I turn over and give Deb a kiss, that's good. The boys are alive and kicking, also good.
I've tended to measure good vs. bad in the sense of if the scale is up or down, if I feel like running or not, if I actually run or not, but now I realize that this is totally unfair to everything else that life throws at you. With that realization, I changed the name to Every Day Starts Out Good. It's what you do with it after that that makes it good or bad.
Anyway, yesterday started out good. Good 5k run on the mill. Home long enough to make the boys breakfast. Uneventful day at work.
Even though the days are getting shorter, the weather in these parts seems to be holding on to late summer -- upper 70's, low 80's all week, through early next week. Got in an unexpected pleasure -- 10 miles on the bike before the sun went down.
Kids off to bed and hung out with Deb to cap it off.
It was a very good day.
L'Chaim!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Confessional
Dear Mom and Dad --
I thought that it was time to come clean.
In the summer of 1982, you guys went off to Germany for two weeks. You left Neil and I home alone.
I had just graduated from high school and, well, we decided to have some friends over and things might have gotten a bit out of hand. Before you get too concerned, I'll tell you that nobody died. Also, I don't think that the police were there more than once while you were away.
You see, it started with just a few people and then word got out in school and one person told another, who told another, etc. There were people there that we didn't even know. The jocks were there, the heads were there, the preppies even came. Just about every high school demographic was represented. It's fair to say that things got a bit out of control.
Unfortunately, we decided to have this "little" affair just a day or two before your return. There wasn't nearly enough time to clean up.
We got all the obvious stuff. The beer bottles and cans, liquor bottles, cigarette butts, puke off the obvious places, but we just didn't get it all.
I couldn't believe somebody had the gall to break all of the eggs in the fridge. I think that was our undoing. Mom, you found all the egg that went back behind the bottles in the door. I don't remember what excuse I gave you, but you weren't buying. It was pretty bad. Somebody else turned our basketball net from horizontal to vertical. Can't believe that they did that.
Since you're headed off to Europe for the first time since then for a much deserved vacation, I thought it was time to spill my guts. Have a great time. . . and thanks for the keys to the house!
Love,
Jeff
I thought that it was time to come clean.
In the summer of 1982, you guys went off to Germany for two weeks. You left Neil and I home alone.
I had just graduated from high school and, well, we decided to have some friends over and things might have gotten a bit out of hand. Before you get too concerned, I'll tell you that nobody died. Also, I don't think that the police were there more than once while you were away.
You see, it started with just a few people and then word got out in school and one person told another, who told another, etc. There were people there that we didn't even know. The jocks were there, the heads were there, the preppies even came. Just about every high school demographic was represented. It's fair to say that things got a bit out of control.
Unfortunately, we decided to have this "little" affair just a day or two before your return. There wasn't nearly enough time to clean up.
We got all the obvious stuff. The beer bottles and cans, liquor bottles, cigarette butts, puke off the obvious places, but we just didn't get it all.
I couldn't believe somebody had the gall to break all of the eggs in the fridge. I think that was our undoing. Mom, you found all the egg that went back behind the bottles in the door. I don't remember what excuse I gave you, but you weren't buying. It was pretty bad. Somebody else turned our basketball net from horizontal to vertical. Can't believe that they did that.
Since you're headed off to Europe for the first time since then for a much deserved vacation, I thought it was time to spill my guts. Have a great time. . . and thanks for the keys to the house!
Love,
Jeff
Monday, October 15, 2007
It's Monday!
The scale was not positive this week, but I wasn't surprised as I knew there were some higher days in the middle part of the 15 day average. The average was up 0.8 lbs at 258.4, but I've been running below that range recently, so the trend should be back to positive next week.
Now that the race is over, it's time to focus on weight loss again, with an effort to drop to 239 by year end. It can be done!
Total mileage of 13.6 this past week. None on the bike as I blew off the Sunday ride yesterday. Just two weeks until the Lance ride!
Looking back on the Baltimore run, I uploaded my Garmin data and found my leg was 7.27 with a total time of 87:08. My goal was to break 90 minutes and to maintain a 12 minute pace. Average pace: 11:59!
I went back into the archives to pull out my time from the Pikes Peek 10k in Rockville, MD. That race was on 4/29 and was the most painful and longest race I had ever done to that point. My time was 88:50 for 6.21 miles. In 5 1/2 months, I dropped my average mileage from 14:18 to 11:59 -- I added a mile and took off a minute! Both my leg of the marathon and the Pikes Peek race are downhill courses. Pikes Peek is known as a PR course as the net elevation drops 190 ft. What surprised me was the elevation change for leg four was only 94 feet, much less than I had expected. Can't wait to kick some butt in next year's Pikes Peek race!
This pic from the start of the marathon appeared in the Baltimore Sun yesterday. Guess I'm not the only one with a GPS device on my wrist!
Now that the race is over, it's time to focus on weight loss again, with an effort to drop to 239 by year end. It can be done!
Total mileage of 13.6 this past week. None on the bike as I blew off the Sunday ride yesterday. Just two weeks until the Lance ride!
Looking back on the Baltimore run, I uploaded my Garmin data and found my leg was 7.27 with a total time of 87:08. My goal was to break 90 minutes and to maintain a 12 minute pace. Average pace: 11:59!
I went back into the archives to pull out my time from the Pikes Peek 10k in Rockville, MD. That race was on 4/29 and was the most painful and longest race I had ever done to that point. My time was 88:50 for 6.21 miles. In 5 1/2 months, I dropped my average mileage from 14:18 to 11:59 -- I added a mile and took off a minute! Both my leg of the marathon and the Pikes Peek race are downhill courses. Pikes Peek is known as a PR course as the net elevation drops 190 ft. What surprised me was the elevation change for leg four was only 94 feet, much less than I had expected. Can't wait to kick some butt in next year's Pikes Peek race!
This pic from the start of the marathon appeared in the Baltimore Sun yesterday. Guess I'm not the only one with a GPS device on my wrist!
L'Chaim!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
A Really Great Day (in Excrutiating Detail)
This morning started at about 5:30, as I awoke 20 minutes before the alarm. Just excitement, I think. I had prepped everything that I needed for today, so I was ready to go fairly quickly. Even then, I left the house at 6:30. I had planned to meet two of the folks from my team at 7:30 near the starting line.
I stopped at Dunkin Donuts for an XL coffee and a bagel, then headed into town. Before I took my first sip, though, I checked the temp on the car thermometer. 49 degrees. BRRRRRRR!
At first, I thought I'd be quite early, but an at-grade train crossing, train included, took care of that. I arrived at the appointed spot at 7:30 on the nose.
I met Kim and and Rob there. After about 100 e-mails these past few weeks, it was good to finally meet them in person. Kim and Rob's wife Karen work for Alter Communications. (Didn't get to meet Karen as she already met the shuttle to the first transition stop.) Very nice folks. I was very excited for Kim -- this was to be her first race of any kind. No 5k's, no nothing else. Quite a first race! I warned her that she'd get hooked. Rob is an experienced runner, though he's moved on to triathlons. Only reason he was running today was so his wife would run. Very nice folks -- I was psyched to be a part of their team.
We hung by the start line as the pre-race festivities got under way -- intro of the dignitaries, Star Spangled Banner, yada, yada, yada. (Temp at the start was reported as 54 degrees, by the way.) Rob jumped into the street, Kim and I headed up to the starting line and watched as the gun went off as the runners headed north. Pretty exciting.
At that point, Kim and I headed off our separate ways. She had about a mile walk to the Maryland Science Center for the start of her leg and I had till 8:30 to get to the bus to my transition area. I took my time, checked out some of the vendors, hit the port-a-potty and headed to the buses. It was 8:30. On the nose. Something I should have learned long ago -- when they say "sharp", they mean "sharp." I look at my watch and it says 8:30 and the first 11 school buses have their doors close and they're starting to roll. I run like the wind and jump on the 12th and LAST bus as the driver closes the door and we start to roll.
There are no highways through Baltimore. It's nothing but surface roads with a light every block for the 7 mile ride. Normally, a 45 minute ride, if your lucky. However, if you happen to have a police escort, it's only 15 minutes! I was shocked to see the four or six police motorcycles jockey back and forth to close off streets for us to get to our stop led by a cruiser up front. Very cool way to go.
We arrived at Lake Clifton HS -- mile marker 19 -- at about 845. Now for the wait. Its only a half hour before the first wheelie came through. Man those guys are fast! It was another half hour before the first marathon runner came through. The stream started as a trickle but slowly built up to a massive throng, especially as the half marathon runners joined the group. (They started the half at 9:45 and designed the course so that at about mile 3, they would converge onto the marathon course. Marathon, half and relay finish together.)
At about 10:50, Dave arrived from completing his third leg. I expected to see Kim between 11:15 and 11:30, but I needed to be ready for earlier. Much to my surprise, I heard my team number called out at 11:05. I stepped out into the lane and got the chip from Kim. See you at the finish!
Finally, 4 1/2 hours after leaving home, I was finally running! (And you're saying to yourself, "Finally, after all this reading, I'm finally hearing about the race!)
My leg is officially 7.2 miles. The first mile or so if a descent up hill run through some North Baltimore neighborhoods. Then, the trail heads quickly downhill to Lake Montebello. As we're descending, you could see about a mile of the race ahead as the course routes around the lake and up 33rd St. The next mile or so is pretty flat around the lake. So far, so good. Two miles in, feeling fine. By now, it's probably close to 60 with a nice breeze across the lake. Staying right on track at my goal of a 12 minute pace.
For the first time in any race I've run, I'm actually passing people. Felt kinda wierd. By this point, there were lots of full and half marathoners walking. I'm still running steady as we head west on 33rd Street, site of the former home of the BALTIMORE Colts and Orioles. First time I've been by that site of so many games I attended over the first 25 years of my life. Today, there is a YMCA and senior housing on the property.
Next we head left towards the finish. Four miles to go.
There are LOTS of people on the course cheering. At one point, as we head through the Charles Village neighborhood, there's a regular block party going on -- some guy acting as a DJ, even. This really keeps you going. Hard to slow down now. At mile 23, there's the Gummy Bear Guy -- Stewart. Apparently he's a fixture. To get a flavor, here's his post on the marathon web site:
I stopped at Dunkin Donuts for an XL coffee and a bagel, then headed into town. Before I took my first sip, though, I checked the temp on the car thermometer. 49 degrees. BRRRRRRR!
At first, I thought I'd be quite early, but an at-grade train crossing, train included, took care of that. I arrived at the appointed spot at 7:30 on the nose.
I met Kim and and Rob there. After about 100 e-mails these past few weeks, it was good to finally meet them in person. Kim and Rob's wife Karen work for Alter Communications. (Didn't get to meet Karen as she already met the shuttle to the first transition stop.) Very nice folks. I was very excited for Kim -- this was to be her first race of any kind. No 5k's, no nothing else. Quite a first race! I warned her that she'd get hooked. Rob is an experienced runner, though he's moved on to triathlons. Only reason he was running today was so his wife would run. Very nice folks -- I was psyched to be a part of their team.
We hung by the start line as the pre-race festivities got under way -- intro of the dignitaries, Star Spangled Banner, yada, yada, yada. (Temp at the start was reported as 54 degrees, by the way.) Rob jumped into the street, Kim and I headed up to the starting line and watched as the gun went off as the runners headed north. Pretty exciting.
At that point, Kim and I headed off our separate ways. She had about a mile walk to the Maryland Science Center for the start of her leg and I had till 8:30 to get to the bus to my transition area. I took my time, checked out some of the vendors, hit the port-a-potty and headed to the buses. It was 8:30. On the nose. Something I should have learned long ago -- when they say "sharp", they mean "sharp." I look at my watch and it says 8:30 and the first 11 school buses have their doors close and they're starting to roll. I run like the wind and jump on the 12th and LAST bus as the driver closes the door and we start to roll.
There are no highways through Baltimore. It's nothing but surface roads with a light every block for the 7 mile ride. Normally, a 45 minute ride, if your lucky. However, if you happen to have a police escort, it's only 15 minutes! I was shocked to see the four or six police motorcycles jockey back and forth to close off streets for us to get to our stop led by a cruiser up front. Very cool way to go.
We arrived at Lake Clifton HS -- mile marker 19 -- at about 845. Now for the wait. Its only a half hour before the first wheelie came through. Man those guys are fast! It was another half hour before the first marathon runner came through. The stream started as a trickle but slowly built up to a massive throng, especially as the half marathon runners joined the group. (They started the half at 9:45 and designed the course so that at about mile 3, they would converge onto the marathon course. Marathon, half and relay finish together.)
At about 10:50, Dave arrived from completing his third leg. I expected to see Kim between 11:15 and 11:30, but I needed to be ready for earlier. Much to my surprise, I heard my team number called out at 11:05. I stepped out into the lane and got the chip from Kim. See you at the finish!
Finally, 4 1/2 hours after leaving home, I was finally running! (And you're saying to yourself, "Finally, after all this reading, I'm finally hearing about the race!)
My leg is officially 7.2 miles. The first mile or so if a descent up hill run through some North Baltimore neighborhoods. Then, the trail heads quickly downhill to Lake Montebello. As we're descending, you could see about a mile of the race ahead as the course routes around the lake and up 33rd St. The next mile or so is pretty flat around the lake. So far, so good. Two miles in, feeling fine. By now, it's probably close to 60 with a nice breeze across the lake. Staying right on track at my goal of a 12 minute pace.
For the first time in any race I've run, I'm actually passing people. Felt kinda wierd. By this point, there were lots of full and half marathoners walking. I'm still running steady as we head west on 33rd Street, site of the former home of the BALTIMORE Colts and Orioles. First time I've been by that site of so many games I attended over the first 25 years of my life. Today, there is a YMCA and senior housing on the property.
Next we head left towards the finish. Four miles to go.
There are LOTS of people on the course cheering. At one point, as we head through the Charles Village neighborhood, there's a regular block party going on -- some guy acting as a DJ, even. This really keeps you going. Hard to slow down now. At mile 23, there's the Gummy Bear Guy -- Stewart. Apparently he's a fixture. To get a flavor, here's his post on the marathon web site:
Once again I will be manning my Gummy Bear Station, at 28th and Guilford, This is approximately mile 23. With 200 pounds of Gummy Bears, up from 150 last year, I promise to be there until the least-fastest marathoner passes me. For those that don't yet know... Gummy bears are a great late marathon snack. Here's why: - You can hold them in your hand and they won't melt. - They are chewy, and give your mouth something to do. - They give you the carbs you need and crave. - They are small enough that you wont choke on them. - If you do inhale one, you won't die. - They taste great. - You can bite their little heads off. Say Hi as you go by. Stuart
Gotta love the Gummy Bear Guy! They were good, too.
I hit 5 miles on the Garmin in just under an hour. Still managing to keep the 12 minute pace. By far, the longest continuous run I've ever done. As we approach an incline in the road, I need a break. I walk a 14 minute pace for about a quarter mile, but then, I start to run again as the elevation declines.
I can see Oriole Park off in the distance and I know that the end is near. On the downhill, the pace picks up to close to 11 minute miles and I'm back on the overall 12 minute pace with a mile to go.
Let me say that I am truly enjoying this run. All these people, running with actual other runners (not at the back of the pack), perfect weather. Just a great time and I have yet to hit the finale.
As I get ready to turn down for the final half mile, Kim yells out to me and then runs into the street. "Wow, you're doing great! I'm going to finish running with you, if that's okay." I say "you're hooked aren't you?" "Yes, I am." The last half mile goes down the Eutaw Street promenade that is along the outfield of Oriole Park.
As we clear Oriole Park, the finish line is now in sight. Of to the right, about 50 yard from the end, I see Katie holding a sign that says Jeff. "Hey, Katie, Woo Hoo, I yell." Very cool. People are lined up to the finish at least three deep. It's an awesome sight. The clock reads 4:30:37. My leg: 87:11.
I hit 5 miles on the Garmin in just under an hour. Still managing to keep the 12 minute pace. By far, the longest continuous run I've ever done. As we approach an incline in the road, I need a break. I walk a 14 minute pace for about a quarter mile, but then, I start to run again as the elevation declines.
I can see Oriole Park off in the distance and I know that the end is near. On the downhill, the pace picks up to close to 11 minute miles and I'm back on the overall 12 minute pace with a mile to go.
Let me say that I am truly enjoying this run. All these people, running with actual other runners (not at the back of the pack), perfect weather. Just a great time and I have yet to hit the finale.
As I get ready to turn down for the final half mile, Kim yells out to me and then runs into the street. "Wow, you're doing great! I'm going to finish running with you, if that's okay." I say "you're hooked aren't you?" "Yes, I am." The last half mile goes down the Eutaw Street promenade that is along the outfield of Oriole Park.
As we clear Oriole Park, the finish line is now in sight. Of to the right, about 50 yard from the end, I see Katie holding a sign that says Jeff. "Hey, Katie, Woo Hoo, I yell." Very cool. People are lined up to the finish at least three deep. It's an awesome sight. The clock reads 4:30:37. My leg: 87:11.
Actual Medal Awarded
As we cross into the runners area, pandemonium is apparent. First you've got to find the person with the right medal, since three races are ending simultaneously. Then you've got to ask for enough medals for the whole relay team. Then get past all the people laying all over recovering. Then find the food. Phillips Seafood is giving away crab soup -- one of my favorite foods. I snag a few servings. The line for other food -- fruit, chips, etc, is waaaaay too long. I need to go find people. Kim goes on her way and we agree to keep in touch.
Getting out of the runner area was also tough. Then it's just wall to wall people. I don't think that any one of the finishers has yet to leave the area. After 10 minutes of walking around, I throw in the towel. I won't meet Katie. I won't see Dave. Time to head home.
I get back to the car and call Deb to tell her of my awesome day. She's very excited for me. Then I get Dave. He did see me finish and pretty much knew we wouldn't be able to meet up with the huge crowds.
In all, it was a great race. It was a great day. I really loved everything about it.
Actual Formerly Fat runner wearing race Performance T and cool crab medal.
Reverse side of actual Performance T. Pretty sweet, huh!Time to start planning for the next run!
L'Chaim!
Friday, October 12, 2007
One Day Till Baltimore
Just one day until the Baltimore Running Festival. I finished my last pre-race run this morning and I'm as ready as I can be.
Last night, I hit the expo. The primary function of the expo is to distribute all the stuff that the runners need for the race: the bib number, t-shirt, and other important information. The secondary purpose is sell lots of stuff. There are vendors selling shoes, Powerbars, sweats, socks, sunglasses, etc. There are also booths for future races and usually lots of giveaways.
The expo was held at the club level of M&T Bank (Ravens) Stadium. A very cool spot, but not exactly conducive to this type of event. The organizers had everyone enter from a single door by elevator only. When you arrive, you are directed to the left as far as you can go. This gets you to the stop where you show your id and pick up an index card with your info on it. From there, you walk back to where you came in, show your card and pick up your race number. Then, all the way to the right, as far as you can go, to get the t-shirt. In between each of these stops are 50 or 60 vendors, so they make you look. The corridor is also too narrow for the heavy two way traffic with booths set up on both walls and in the middle.
It was a bit of a zoo, though they did get me for a $10 pair of socks! (YES -- I paid $10 for two socks. Five dollars each.) There were a few goodies that I picked up but not a lot.
They are projecting 14,000 runners tomorrow and I feel like I'm gonna know almost half of them! Well, maybe a few less than that.
Good Luck to:
Scott -- First Full Marathon -- what a way to celebrate your 40th birthday!
Ann Marie -- Full Marathon
Stacey -- Half Marathon
Bob -- Half Marathon
Dave -- Relay (3rd Leg)
Rob -- Relay (1st Leg -- Team Alter)
Karen -- Relay (2nd Leg -- Team Alter)
Kim -- Relay (3rd Leg -- Team Alter)
Katie -- 5k
After Katie finishes her 5k, she's going to be looking for running friends and she says she'll have a sign -- including for me! Katie will add wishes to the sign -- e-mail her here. Thanks Katie.
I'm running the 4th leg for Team Alter. We're bib 9858 and you can track us here.
Right now, the weather forecast is for a high of 70, low of 49 and sunny. Should put us in the upper 50's around start time at 8 am. PERFECT!
Next report: the post-race over the weekend.
L'Chaim!
Last night, I hit the expo. The primary function of the expo is to distribute all the stuff that the runners need for the race: the bib number, t-shirt, and other important information. The secondary purpose is sell lots of stuff. There are vendors selling shoes, Powerbars, sweats, socks, sunglasses, etc. There are also booths for future races and usually lots of giveaways.
The expo was held at the club level of M&T Bank (Ravens) Stadium. A very cool spot, but not exactly conducive to this type of event. The organizers had everyone enter from a single door by elevator only. When you arrive, you are directed to the left as far as you can go. This gets you to the stop where you show your id and pick up an index card with your info on it. From there, you walk back to where you came in, show your card and pick up your race number. Then, all the way to the right, as far as you can go, to get the t-shirt. In between each of these stops are 50 or 60 vendors, so they make you look. The corridor is also too narrow for the heavy two way traffic with booths set up on both walls and in the middle.
It was a bit of a zoo, though they did get me for a $10 pair of socks! (YES -- I paid $10 for two socks. Five dollars each.) There were a few goodies that I picked up but not a lot.
They are projecting 14,000 runners tomorrow and I feel like I'm gonna know almost half of them! Well, maybe a few less than that.
Good Luck to:
Scott -- First Full Marathon -- what a way to celebrate your 40th birthday!
Ann Marie -- Full Marathon
Stacey -- Half Marathon
Bob -- Half Marathon
Dave -- Relay (3rd Leg)
Rob -- Relay (1st Leg -- Team Alter)
Karen -- Relay (2nd Leg -- Team Alter)
Kim -- Relay (3rd Leg -- Team Alter)
Katie -- 5k
After Katie finishes her 5k, she's going to be looking for running friends and she says she'll have a sign -- including for me! Katie will add wishes to the sign -- e-mail her here. Thanks Katie.
I'm running the 4th leg for Team Alter. We're bib 9858 and you can track us here.
Right now, the weather forecast is for a high of 70, low of 49 and sunny. Should put us in the upper 50's around start time at 8 am. PERFECT!
Next report: the post-race over the weekend.
L'Chaim!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Better Late than Never
Just a few days late for my Monday update. I was away on business for a couple of days and then life just takes over.
The scale was even for last week, which is okay, I guess. Good week for exercise -- 15 miles running, which is my highest miles in several months. Also 21 miles on the bike on Sunday.
Two days and counting until Baltimore Marathon Relay. Getting pretty psyched for the run. Weather should be perfect -- high of 69, low of 53 and sunny. Planning to hit the expo tonight. More on the race tomorrow.
L'Chaim!
The scale was even for last week, which is okay, I guess. Good week for exercise -- 15 miles running, which is my highest miles in several months. Also 21 miles on the bike on Sunday.
Two days and counting until Baltimore Marathon Relay. Getting pretty psyched for the run. Weather should be perfect -- high of 69, low of 53 and sunny. Planning to hit the expo tonight. More on the race tomorrow.
L'Chaim!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Anybody Know a Good Glass Company
A couple months ago, my eldest along with the next door neighbor eldest boy put a baseball through our small basement window. We were totally cool with it -- it happens. Neighbors agreed to pay for half. We called out a handyman that we use (as I am definitely not handy) and $132 later, it was done.
With that came some important lessons: stuff happens; don't lie and the pain will be minimized.
I thought we handled it well, but it appears that the lessons were short lived.
Late this afternoon, the kids started acting weird. Finally, #2 tells me that the window "got broke." Tells me that they were playing baseball in the yard and it went through the same window as last time. Tells me where they were standing and that they were playing with a tennis ball. Okay, I tell him that he and his brother will share the cost.
So I go downstairs to survey the damage. The hole is definitely big enough for tennis ball, but I didn't see a tennis ball. I did see a golf ball, though. Can't possibly be a golf ball from the kids 'cause they told me it was a tennis ball that went through the window. Can't possibly be a golf ball through the window 'cause golf balls are not approved back yard equipment. Can't possibly be a golf ball 'cause the kids know that golf balls are not approved back yard equipment.
Seems that they were less than honest. Not a happy dad. Not a happy mom. Happy glass man! Lesson for us -- we'll be putting that board right back over that new glass.
L'Chaim!
With that came some important lessons: stuff happens; don't lie and the pain will be minimized.
I thought we handled it well, but it appears that the lessons were short lived.
Late this afternoon, the kids started acting weird. Finally, #2 tells me that the window "got broke." Tells me that they were playing baseball in the yard and it went through the same window as last time. Tells me where they were standing and that they were playing with a tennis ball. Okay, I tell him that he and his brother will share the cost.
So I go downstairs to survey the damage. The hole is definitely big enough for tennis ball, but I didn't see a tennis ball. I did see a golf ball, though. Can't possibly be a golf ball from the kids 'cause they told me it was a tennis ball that went through the window. Can't possibly be a golf ball through the window 'cause golf balls are not approved back yard equipment. Can't possibly be a golf ball 'cause the kids know that golf balls are not approved back yard equipment.
Seems that they were less than honest. Not a happy dad. Not a happy mom. Happy glass man! Lesson for us -- we'll be putting that board right back over that new glass.
L'Chaim!
Intoxicating and Irresistable
Of course I'm talking about Deb! I'm also talking about her chocolate chip cookies.
Deb makes her chocolate chip cookies probably 10 times a year. I'd put them up against anything out there in the market. They are amazing. In the old days, I'd hang around the kitchen and as she'd take a tray out of the oven, I'd be nearby to snag a hot one off of the wax paper. On a good day, I'd down at least six, maybe more.
For the past 15 months, I've tried to stay away from the cookie baker. Can't hide though, that delicious smell permeates the whole house.
Yesterday, Deb made a small batch since my mom was coming for dinner. When they came out of the oven and hit the cooling rack, I picked out a small one loaded with chips and said "I want that one." Then I walked away.
Later last night, I saw that very cookie put away in the closet. Deb said "you said you wanted it." I was kidding of course.
This afternoon, as I was killing time waiting for the Ravens late start and I spied the cookie. I'm thinking what could it be -- 50, 60 calories? Maybe 100 at worst? I know my bike ride this morning killed at least 1000 calories. It looked so good.
I caved. That luscious baked dough was too much. I took it out of the closet and just smelled it. Oh, my god, what a smell. I just inhaled it for a minute and then bit off just a tiny corner with a big chip in it. Wow, how did I let that go for so long. I probably took 10 bites, maybe 12 out of that cookie that once upon a time was a two biter. Just amazing. I'm sure I enjoyed that single cookie more than I have ever enjoyed any cookie.
Do I feel guilty? No not really. If I had followed that one with two or six more, then maybe I would (and should.) This one was worth it. This ONE was worth it!
L'Chaim!
Deb makes her chocolate chip cookies probably 10 times a year. I'd put them up against anything out there in the market. They are amazing. In the old days, I'd hang around the kitchen and as she'd take a tray out of the oven, I'd be nearby to snag a hot one off of the wax paper. On a good day, I'd down at least six, maybe more.
For the past 15 months, I've tried to stay away from the cookie baker. Can't hide though, that delicious smell permeates the whole house.
Yesterday, Deb made a small batch since my mom was coming for dinner. When they came out of the oven and hit the cooling rack, I picked out a small one loaded with chips and said "I want that one." Then I walked away.
Later last night, I saw that very cookie put away in the closet. Deb said "you said you wanted it." I was kidding of course.
This afternoon, as I was killing time waiting for the Ravens late start and I spied the cookie. I'm thinking what could it be -- 50, 60 calories? Maybe 100 at worst? I know my bike ride this morning killed at least 1000 calories. It looked so good.
I caved. That luscious baked dough was too much. I took it out of the closet and just smelled it. Oh, my god, what a smell. I just inhaled it for a minute and then bit off just a tiny corner with a big chip in it. Wow, how did I let that go for so long. I probably took 10 bites, maybe 12 out of that cookie that once upon a time was a two biter. Just amazing. I'm sure I enjoyed that single cookie more than I have ever enjoyed any cookie.
Do I feel guilty? No not really. If I had followed that one with two or six more, then maybe I would (and should.) This one was worth it. This ONE was worth it!
L'Chaim!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
2.67
The blah's continued last night. Pat and Jenny recommended running at football practice -- got home too late, but a good thought.
This morning, I got up at 5 to run, got dressed to run, got my shoes on to run, turned on the treadmill to run, turned on the tv to watch while I was running on the treadmill. Then, I just couldn't do it. I didn't have it in me. Every bone in my body, every cell in my head said not to do it. I listened. More blahs.
My plan was to come home from work, have dinner, put the kids to bed, then veg in front of the tv till bed time. But, I kept reading the comments and encouragement. Seems that there is a run of the blah's these days, but thankfully also a run of good advice.
Chubby said "Anyone can train hard when they feel like it. But the difference in results comes with the less-than-spectacular workouts - the "punch the clock" workouts." (She attributed this to Alwyn Cosgrove.) Kim didn't want to swim, but she did. Pokey didn't feel like running either, but she pushed on and had a great run. Mike was blah, too, but got through it. And now, I find out that my uncle is NOT an Ethiopian marathoner. (Who knew?)
So this afternoon, I talked to Deb and told her I needed to run through it. She wholeheartedly agreed. This needed to be outside, not on the 'mill. Time was not on my side. I got home at 6:15, changed, grabbed my Garmin and mp3 and headed out. No time to stretch (shame on me.) Off I went.
It was a really sloooooow run, but it was a really gooooood run! As dusk turned to dark, I turned into my driveway with 2 2/3 miles completed and, though my time wasn't stellar, I jogged the whole way and no pain in the ankle.
It felt great to be outside and to enjoy the run. Are the blah's cured? Thanks to all my friends out there, for tonight, they are!
L'Chaim!
This morning, I got up at 5 to run, got dressed to run, got my shoes on to run, turned on the treadmill to run, turned on the tv to watch while I was running on the treadmill. Then, I just couldn't do it. I didn't have it in me. Every bone in my body, every cell in my head said not to do it. I listened. More blahs.
My plan was to come home from work, have dinner, put the kids to bed, then veg in front of the tv till bed time. But, I kept reading the comments and encouragement. Seems that there is a run of the blah's these days, but thankfully also a run of good advice.
Chubby said "Anyone can train hard when they feel like it. But the difference in results comes with the less-than-spectacular workouts - the "punch the clock" workouts." (She attributed this to Alwyn Cosgrove.) Kim didn't want to swim, but she did. Pokey didn't feel like running either, but she pushed on and had a great run. Mike was blah, too, but got through it. And now, I find out that my uncle is NOT an Ethiopian marathoner. (Who knew?)
So this afternoon, I talked to Deb and told her I needed to run through it. She wholeheartedly agreed. This needed to be outside, not on the 'mill. Time was not on my side. I got home at 6:15, changed, grabbed my Garmin and mp3 and headed out. No time to stretch (shame on me.) Off I went.
It was a really sloooooow run, but it was a really gooooood run! As dusk turned to dark, I turned into my driveway with 2 2/3 miles completed and, though my time wasn't stellar, I jogged the whole way and no pain in the ankle.
It felt great to be outside and to enjoy the run. Are the blah's cured? Thanks to all my friends out there, for tonight, they are!
L'Chaim!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Blah
Just feeling kinda blah lately. Not sure what it is, but I'm really tired. Slogged through three slow miles on the 'mill yesterday and just couldn't get outta bed this morning. It's even been tough keeping my eyes open at night. Deb came home from a meeting last night at 9:30 and I was practically out on the couch. Just feeling blah.
#1 son has football practice tonight -- maybe a good time for a run. Maybe get me outta the blah's.
Blah, Blah, Blah!
L'Chaim!
#1 son has football practice tonight -- maybe a good time for a run. Maybe get me outta the blah's.
Blah, Blah, Blah!
L'Chaim!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Monday Update
After almost two months, finally a good week on the scale. Using the 15-day average, I am down 2.1 pounds from last week's 15-day average to a total loss of 156.3 at 257.7. Also during the week, I flirted with -160 for a day, but I think the scale was playing a joke on me as it didn't last long. For the month, I lost only 1.8 lbs. By far the smallest loss in the past 15 months, but a loss is a loss. I'll take it (as if I had a choice.)
Last week was a big week for exercise with 14.25 running miles and 21 biking plus one day of weights.
No doubt the increased activity made a difference. Still, after yesterday's ride, I think I ate just about everything in sight.
With three months to go, it's time to concede that I won't lose 100 lbs in 2007. Even 75 will be tough -- 18.7 to go -- but that's my target. Lot's of work to do.
L'Chaim!
Last week was a big week for exercise with 14.25 running miles and 21 biking plus one day of weights.
No doubt the increased activity made a difference. Still, after yesterday's ride, I think I ate just about everything in sight.
With three months to go, it's time to concede that I won't lose 100 lbs in 2007. Even 75 will be tough -- 18.7 to go -- but that's my target. Lot's of work to do.
L'Chaim!
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