Summer Sabbatical..

I noticed it has been over a month since I posted on this site. Wow...

I will post 'what i did for my summer vacation' book report in the next few days...haha...

Strike Two...

2007....No....2008....No..

At worst, I will be running the NYC marathon in 2010. Maybe I will be luckier in 2009...Never know..

End of May and I am getting older....

Took a couple of days off Friday(Birthday...yeah), and Saturday. Totals for the Week: Run= 4 miles Swim= 2500yds Bike = 34 miles Also...Took a nice hilly ride on Sunday morning... Performance Distance: 20.41 miles Time: 1:17:34 Speed: 15.8 mph Pace: 3' 48 /mi Calories: 905 Map Elevation (ft)

Posted from bimlog.com

20 Mile Ride...

Playing around with the Garmin 201 Forerunner....Thinking about upgrading.... Activity Route: -- Elev. Avg: 330 ft Location: Wake Forest, NC Elev. Gain: +0 ft Date: 05/22/08 Up/Downhill: [+1469/-1469] Time: 06:20 PM Difficulty: 4.2 / 5.0 Weather: Mostly Cloudy 74 F temp; 44% humidity 74 F heat index; winds SW 6 Performance Distance: 20.55 miles Time: 1:18:15 Speed: 15.8 mph Pace: 3' 48 /mi Calories: 890 Map Elevation (ft) Speed (mph) Splits Mile Pace (min/mile) Speed (mph) Elevation Gain actual +/- avg actual +/- avg 1 4' 26 +0' 38 13.5 -2.3 +75 ft 2 4' 35 +0' 47 13.1 -2.7 +72 ft 3 4' 33 +0' 45 13.2 -2.6 -10 ft 4 2' 34 -1' 13 23.3 +7.5 -56 ft 5 4' 12 +0' 24 14.2 -1.6 +43 ft 6 3' 37 -0' 10 16.5 +0.7 -10 ft 7 4' 04 +0' 16 14.7 -1.1 +42 ft 8 3' 45 -0' 02 16.0 +0.2 -7 ft 9 3' 20 -0' 27 17.9 +2.1 -13 ft 10 2' 31 -1' 16 23.7 +7.9 -109 ft 11 4' 34 +0' 46 13.1 -2.7 +82 ft 12 3' 23 -0' 24 17.6 +1.8 -46 ft 13 5' 19 +1' 31 11.3 -4.5 +89 ft 14 2' 49 -0' 58 21.2 +5.4 -20 ft 15 2' 38 -1' 09 22.8 +7.0 -82 ft 16 4' 37 +0' 49 13.0 -2.8 +99 ft 17 2' 59 -0' 48 20.1 +4.3 -72 ft 18 5' 25 +1' 37 11.1 -4.7 +118 ft 19 3' 11 -0' 36 18.8 +3.0 -82 ft 20 2' 46 -1' 01 21.6 +5.8 -112 ft end 3' 25 -0' 22 17.6 +1.8 -4 ft Versus average of 15.8 mph

Posted from bimactive.com

A Colorado Report....Sorta..

Since returning from the fine state of Colorado, I have been preoccupied with other things and have been lazy about writing something.
Isn't it amazing how you have these great 'ideas' and come to find out it was a terrible mistake. My poor decision on my part was the decision I could run 3 marathons in 3 months. We have already beat that dead horse. So I am going to leave it alone.
Elizabeth and I arrived in Denver on Friday(5/2). Did I mention it was our 1st trip alone in 3+ years without our 3 kids.What greeted us was 40 mile per hour winds and 4 inches of snow. Yeah for springs in the midwest!
We ended up staying with Elizabeth's college roommate & her husband on Friday night. It was good to see her and her family. Elizabeth spent quality 'girl' time, while the guys took in a Rockies game(great seats, but felt like I was at a Bronco's game(freezing!!) .

The next morning we started our Trek north to Fort Collins. What an incredible view we had the entire way.

We checked into the Hotel, stopped by the expo(small, but the people were incredibly nice..), , grabbed our traditional Spaghetti dinner, and got to bed early knowing I had to catch a 4am shuttle bus.


Nothing is worse that sitting on a warm bus for an hour long drive knowing you have to get off and sit out in 30 degree cold for an hour. The bus winded up and up the mountain pass to our destination. Once we arrived, we all congregated next to the Poudre River in Roosevelt National Forest. The view was amazing once the sun rose over the mountains.


After a few informal remarks, the race started promptly at 6am. I knew I was about 50%(if that). I said a couple of motivating things to myself and I was off down the mountain.


I was like alot of people who underestimated the altitude. I was running downhill, but felt like I was breathing thru a straw. I could never catch my breath. Even slowing down didnt help.











Around mile 10, I started to walk. Bad omen, but I knew it was going to happen sooner than later. I ran off and on( mostly running) till about the half marathon point. After that was mostly all walking, my legs just couldnt take the pain.

There was another woman who was in the same boat as me. Injured her foot a week before the race, so I had someone to walk/run with. It got to the point where we would say..'See that light post ahead, run to that and we will walk...' We muddled thru the 2nd half and crossed the finish line in 5:03. About 1:15 slower than I did 2 months ago.

Its the 21st of May and its day 9 of not running. I promised myself I would stop running completely until 6/1. One positive, my swim times have jumped. We won't talk about the bike. Save that rant for another day.

The next goal. 70.3(Half Ironman) in September.

Off to the pool.

Run Strong..
Rob

#10 Complete(Colorado)...

Just got back from Colorado...

Finished the marathon, barely. Without the help of a local 'friend', I dont think I would have crossed the finish line. I am gathering my thoughts and will post the entire story later.

Just got back from the Doctor...

I have been dealing with this pain issue/injury for over 6 weeks, finally decided to break down and see an orthopedic doctor. Not a day too soon. I cant stand the fact that i went from running 40+ miles per week to not running at all and having to sit in a whirlpool. Not sure which is worse the physical pain or the psychological stress.
After a series of x-rays, the good news is I don't have a stress fracture. Thank God. The bad news is I have a severe strain of the adductor muscle. While I was 'trying' to press on and force the running,I have strained my hamstring and calves. Lesson learned.
The Doctor said the best advice would be to take advil every 8 hours for the next 2 weeks and lay off the running for 6-8 weeks. Easier said than done. I told him I was running a marathon in 10 days. He shook his head and said "I wouldnt advise it, but if you do...load up on the advil and dont do anything for the next 10 days."
So...shutting it down and praying..... Also, alot of stretching, hot tub, and Bio Freeze(great stuff...got some from my massage therapist.....works wonders for sore muscles).

I feel good that I went this morning, a weight has been lifted that nothing serious is wrong. Just overtraining soreness/strain.

Also, I need to write an open apology letter to everyone for the way I have been acting the last few weeks. Especially my wife. Saint Elizabeth...I call her Saint for the amount of support she gives me for my running/training. Its not easy with 3 small kids at home. I don't tell her enough how wonderful she is.
Not running/training has turned me into a complete a-hole. Feeling sorry for myself..blah..blah..blah..
I got a wake up call this week. My sister's husband cancer is back and he went into Duke Hospital for chemo(melanoma). The treatment went well, but cancer is a scary thing. I am so so lucky and blessed.
Also, I got a nice email from my best friend when I was in elementary school. He lives in Tenn. and we keep in touch by email. I told him about my injury and the upcoming marathon. He said...

"There are those that say they are going to do something and then there are those that do. You are one of the few that do. You the man!!"

That made my day...

In short...I am blessed and very lucky....Injury or no Injury....

Ok...off to the whirlpool....

Georgia Marathon cont...Lesson Learned..

I wanted to give a plug to another blog....'The Negative Split'.

http://www.thenegativesplit.blogspot.com/

Nat gives a funny and dead on description of the Georgia Marathon. Awsome job. She touched on something that I experienced and learned the hard way. Never again...

That is putting the pace group time bib on your back. If you are flaming out big time, its a neon sign that says...'LOOK AT ME!!!! I AM A FAILURE or I BIT OFF MORE THAN I COULD CHEW....!!!"

I was wondering what people were saying as they passed me around the 4:20 mark and I had this 3:40 pace group pasted on my back....

Next time....I will forgo the billboard and keep my failure private.....

#9 - Georgia...Done...Barely...

Well....I waited a couple of days and reflect on my experience on Sunday to post something. If I could sum it up in one word it would be...'hills'. Good God!

I flew into Atlanta on Saturday and knew it was a bad omen when there were nasty thunderstorms rolling in. Like that city needs more damage after the tornado that ripped up downtown.

I managed to check into my hotel and walk over to the Georgia Dome to pick up my race # and chip. As far as expos go, it was 1st class. It was on the Georgia Dome field and everything was spread out. Got my Shirt, Chip and # . After I recieved those I was mentally preparing myself for tomorrow. That nagging feeling of..'can I do this with my legs' kept creeping back into my mind. Got an early dinner(Spaghetti ...eat it before every marathon..superstitious ) and got to bed early.

Sunday morning was cold and wet which I can handle, but wasnt too thrilled about the windy conditions. Got in my corral and ready to go. They started off the race in a 45 second staggered start. Which is fine with me, I did not have to fight the whole world the 1st 2 miles.

We were off and I felt the worst feeling a marathoner could have. Mile 1 and your legs hurt. I said to myself, you have 25.2 miles to go...great...

The next 5 or 6 miles were fine, keeping pace about 8:20, not overdoing it. Until mile 6, we hit a right turn and saw the hill that we were facing. I said outloud..'You have to be#&^$ kidding me' . This monstrous incline which lasted about a mile...

After that, I knew I was in trouble. I steadily started to slow and slow. About mile 11, I just had to walk. I couldnt believe it. Mile 11!!! Right then..I had a 'come to Jesus meeting' with myself and decided...Its going to be ugly, but you are going to finish, walk way and focus on a PR in Colorado in May. I made it to the half way point(13.1 mile mark) at a respectable 1:58. But the next 13.1 miles was a painful series of hills, hamstring pain, cramping. But that motto kept me moving ...'PR in Colorado.."

I have to admit, the scenry was great, especially the Decatur area. Also, you have to give credit to the volunteers and the locals cheering you on. Great job! Highlights... Anne Scott College, Emory Univ, Inman Park, Georgia Tech, Decatur neighborhoods.

But one thing I couldn't get over were the hills, they kept coming and coming. Mile 23 thru the end was pretty much ALL uphill. I shuffled my way to the finish line in 4:34:53. About 50 minutes slower than my previous marathon 5 weeks ago. But, after the lady placed the medal around my neck. I thought, it was my 2nd worst marathon, but one that I am most proud of . I went threw with something that most people would have backed out of. I think that makes me officially crazy.

I enjoyed the moment for a few minutes and told myself the saying that got me thru the day...'PR in Colorado'......Next Stop ....Colorado!!...4 1/2 weeks!!!

New York City Marathon Lottery

Well...I entered the lottery again(#225474) for the New York City Marathon. Hope I have better luck than last year. Struck Out. While planning the next 2 in the upcoming weeks, I decided to look back on previous successes and failures(so to speak).

size	pace	time	date	state	name
7727	11:45	5:05:10	1/7/2005	Florida	Disney Marathon
3537	10:00	4:26:34	11/12/2005	Virginia	Richmond Marathon
20934	10:04	4:23:58	10/29/2006	D.C.	Marine Corp Marathon
6956	9:02	3:56:30	1/14/2007	Arizona	Rock & Roll Arizona Marathon
3123	8:47	3:50:07	4/29/2007	California	Big Sur Marathon
2538	9:01	3:56:29	10/13/2007	Maryland	Baltimore Marathon
826	9:40	4:13:19	11/4/2007	North Carolina	City Of Oaks Marathon
1731	8:46	3:48:20	2/16/2008	South Carolina	Myrtle Beach Marathon

If I dont get into New York in November, Plan B would be to register for the Philadelphia Marathon which is run the same month.

As far as looking into the crystal ball for 2009, I haven't decided on any yet. I would like to get recommendations from my fellow runners. Anyone?

Status Quo....

It doesn't hurt me.
Do you want to feel how it feels?
Do you want to know, know that it doesn't hurt me?
Do you want to hear about the deal that I'm making?
You, It's you and me.
And if I only could,
I'd make a deal with God,
And I'd get him to swap our places,
Be running up that road,
Be running up that hill,
Be running up that building.
Say, If I only could, oh...

Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill.....

I heard that song over the weekend and thought it was appropriate for the situation. I need some divine intervention between now and Sunday. If not, I will have to deal with the realization on Sunday morning that we are just going to 'Go For the Bling' and ignore the time. Just get the medal and check Georgia off the list.....

So much for following directions..

Well....it lasted about 4 days and I couldn't take it...

I went to the Y yesterday and worked out.. I know! I know! I have a marathon in 12 days, but it was driving my insane.

Decided on a workout that minimized the stress on my Adductor muscle.

1. Took a 15 minutes ab/core strengthening class
2. Rode the stationary bike for 10 miles
3. Swimming drills for 45 minutes

At least I didnt run. The treadmills were calling my name, but I fought off the temptation. Tapering sucks...

Remain calm! All is well!

Ok....I am panicing!!!!

It's exactly 2 weeks until the Georgia Marathon and it is status quo with this leg issue. Of all the running injuries that I have faced, the Adductor muscle strain is the one that has stopped me dead in my tracks. It is day 7 of non-running and it is just as tender/sore as last Saturday after I attempted to run.

I solicited advice from fellow runners on how to handle this injury and the best way gut it out when I run the marathon in two weeks. The best advice I got was...
'Don't run at all between now and the 30th of March and if you can handle the pain of the first few miles which will feel like someone stabbed a knife into your hip. You should be alright until AFTER the marathon. The next few days , you will feel miserable. ''

The common answer on how to treat this injury was to give it complete rest by not running for 6 weeks.

Yeah right!! Like that is going to happen....

Come hell or high water, I am going to run on the 30th! There is too much invested to turn back now. I know that sounds stupid, but we will see...

I will leave you with these great quotes...

"Scientific testing can't determine how the mind will tolerate pain in a race. Sometimes, I say, 'Today I can die.'"---Gelindo Bordin

"There is no time to think about how much I hurt; there is only time to run." --Ben Logsdon

"Pain is weakness leaving the body." -- Tom Sobal

New Weapon Of Choice...

I have to share my impulse purchase....the new 2GB Ipod shuffle. It is a runners best friend!! 400 songs to choose from!!

As I was transfering the old playlist from my 1GB shuffle to the new shuffle, I was looking what I listened to the most.
Here is my top 10....
1) "Clocks" - Coldplay
2) "Mountain Song" - Janes Addiction
3) "Life is Short"-Butterfly Boucher
4)"Optimistic" - Radiohead
5) "Tropicalia" - Beck
6) "Rock & Roll Aint Noise Pollution" - AC/DC
7) "Pump It" -Black Eyed Peas
8) "Killer" - Seal
9) "James Bond Theme' - Moby
10)"Alive" - POD

I know as far as music tastes, I am all over the place.

Well, still battling the adductor(groin pull...insert joke here) muscle pull. I have decided to shut it down for a few days(no running, swimming or biking). 19 days until the Georgia Marathon and this injury is really bothering me. I ran over the weekend(5 miles) and that was a major mistake. Its that type A personality coming out. You know you shouldnt run, but that little voice tells you .."Its OK...its JUST 5 Miles...."

I thought this quote was appropriate for the situation.....

"For those that have done it before, you don't have to explain it. For those that have never, you can't explain why you do this to yourself."

Hey...Look at me..I am blogging!!!

I guess everybody and their brother is blogging, so I should join in the act.

Another reason would be to celebrate today(March 7th). Exactly 4 years ago today, I decided to start running. It was the ugliest 1/2 mile you have ever seen. I joked that I should have been smoking , so I would have an excuse. Its amazing how quickly the running drug takes over.
Now, 4 years later..I am in the best shape of my life. I am 37 and I have great abs(Ha Ha!!). I have ran 8 marathons and have taken the plunge into the world of triathlons. I guess you could say I have jumped into the deepend in with that one. Attempting my 1st half Ironman in September. Depending on how that one goes, shooting for a full Ironman in 2009.
It has been recently that I have decided to tackle running a marathon in all 50 states, plus DC. I thought what better way to chronicle my journey in writing my ups and downs in this blog.

People ask...So far, which marathon is your favorite out of the 8 you have done so far(Florida, California, Arizona, D.C., Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland)? Easiest question you can ever ask me. The Big Sur Marathon in Monterey, CA. Its a Zen experience, its a 'check off your list before you die' kind of marathon. Where else can you start off in the Redwood forest and run along the Pacific Coast Highway looking at the Pacific Ocean for 20+ miles. Unbelievable.

Hey...Look at me..I blogged...haha