small victories, heaving lungs
A wee 4 miler this morning.
Not HORRIBLY painful, but not sprightly and lithe either. The first mile was like death of 1,000 cuts, but I managed to find a pace of sorts after that. I wasn't fast, but I was faster than expected. It was not too bad. That's the best I can say about it.
The Mets CRUSHED The Giants last night. A 45 minute, 12 run, 3rd inning that set a franchise record for most runs in an inning. Cespedes hit a double and a Grand Slam in that inning. Michael Conforto did what Michael Conforto has been doing. Hitting doubles in the gap like there was a sale on 'em. Seriously, they beat The Giants like The Giants owed them money.
I thought about this and other things on my run this morning. Mostly I thought about running etiquette and why the same group of 5 walkers block both lanes of traffic every f***ing morning. I mean, come on. Did you learn nothing as a child about manners? I wished very unhappy, un-tranquil, wishes upon their heads.
I also thought about pain. I mean, I always think about pain when I run because it always hurts. I thought about pain, I conquered pain and I considered ending all this pain by switching to another sport, like knitting or checkers. I also thought about cheeseburgers.
After I finished my run I came home and made my smoothie; Flax seed, Chia Seed, Goji berries, Cacao powder, almond milk, non-fat yogurt, banana, frozen blackberries and peaches. I then made todays lunch; roast chicken, kale salad & some hummus. I played with the Captain for a bit and then got on my bike and rode to work.
My ride today was MUCH easier than my past rides. Maybe its the Amino Acid Supplements I have been taking? Door to door its about 30 minutes. I love my new job by the way. It kind of suits me perfectly.
Man, I am all loopy brained this morning. More water and more caffeine please. Until next post!
Ciao.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
the lackluster sheen of a spent turtle
I ran 3 miles this morning.
I tell ya, the hardest part was getting out of bed! I did not want to see what this run was going to have in store for me. I dreaded getting dressed and the 43 degree temp outside (at the end of April no less) did not help. I tried these new Nike Compression tights this morning and I must say their large must be for large hamsters, 'cause squeezing into these was like squeezing a holiday ham into an argyle sock.
The run went fine. I huffed and puffed a bit more than usual and kept at it until I made it to and around the park. I stopped at 3 miles because my legs are still a little worn down from Saturday and i'm in no rush to start training hard. I want to build strength and endurance slowly so when I begin to train in earnest I will be ready.
My bike ride was harder today. I ride to and from work 5 days a week. Each round trip is around 11 miles. It's mostly downhill to work and conversly all uphill on the way back. I go over The Manhattan Bridge which boasts a pretty good climb in both directions. Today was just tougher than usual. I felt winded. I'm pretty sure running and cycling muscles are distant cousins at best. My legs did not seem to want to aid my ride in any way. Dicks.
I had a guilty pleasure for dinner last night. Pernil with rice and beans. It's generally enough for two from my take-out place, but I ate nearly all of it. I housed that bastard for sure. So this morning I paid for my sins with a very sluggish run, nearly an 11 minute mile. I am aiming for a run Friday and I hope my legs are in better condition then.
Brown rice and chicken again for lunch. For my sins....
I ran 3 miles this morning.
I tell ya, the hardest part was getting out of bed! I did not want to see what this run was going to have in store for me. I dreaded getting dressed and the 43 degree temp outside (at the end of April no less) did not help. I tried these new Nike Compression tights this morning and I must say their large must be for large hamsters, 'cause squeezing into these was like squeezing a holiday ham into an argyle sock.
The run went fine. I huffed and puffed a bit more than usual and kept at it until I made it to and around the park. I stopped at 3 miles because my legs are still a little worn down from Saturday and i'm in no rush to start training hard. I want to build strength and endurance slowly so when I begin to train in earnest I will be ready.
My bike ride was harder today. I ride to and from work 5 days a week. Each round trip is around 11 miles. It's mostly downhill to work and conversly all uphill on the way back. I go over The Manhattan Bridge which boasts a pretty good climb in both directions. Today was just tougher than usual. I felt winded. I'm pretty sure running and cycling muscles are distant cousins at best. My legs did not seem to want to aid my ride in any way. Dicks.
I had a guilty pleasure for dinner last night. Pernil with rice and beans. It's generally enough for two from my take-out place, but I ate nearly all of it. I housed that bastard for sure. So this morning I paid for my sins with a very sluggish run, nearly an 11 minute mile. I am aiming for a run Friday and I hope my legs are in better condition then.
Brown rice and chicken again for lunch. For my sins....
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
rundown...
I haven't run really since Saturday. My legs are SPENT. I tried to run a quick little 2 miler on Sunday and could barely make it a mile and a half. This morning my legs felt stuffed. My calves tight, my quads sore and my knee still the same dull pain. I definitely may have pushed it a little too much the last 1/2 mile of the race.
I have also managed to gain back 10 pounds and that has REALLY bummed me out. it definitely happened after I started biking to work. Am I building muscle? Is my body over the exercise and sticking to its own agenda (getting me fat?)? It's very frustrating.
I am going to shoot for 3 miles tomorrow morning. I am going to try and cut my miles down a little and start upping my pace. I will also include a hill/interval day. I can start building for the half in July. Until then I need to work on my foundation. My fat temple is in a shitty state.
I am still eating pretty good. I have brown rice with hummus, chicken and arugula for lunch today. I am going to make a large salad for dinner. I did have whole wheat toast with 2 eggs for breakfast sans butter. I am going to try and make the switch to green tea next. I am slowly turning into a hippie. Barf.
On the bright side of things The Mets have been steaming right along. Both Degrom and Syndergaard had rough outings, but managed to get the W anyway. Colon is pitching tonight and that guy gives fat men everywhere hope. He is half sumo and half ballerina. What a piece of work is man.
I was thinking that maybe if I do shorter runs I can start doing 2-a-days on my days off.... But maybe that is crazy talk.....
I haven't run really since Saturday. My legs are SPENT. I tried to run a quick little 2 miler on Sunday and could barely make it a mile and a half. This morning my legs felt stuffed. My calves tight, my quads sore and my knee still the same dull pain. I definitely may have pushed it a little too much the last 1/2 mile of the race.
I have also managed to gain back 10 pounds and that has REALLY bummed me out. it definitely happened after I started biking to work. Am I building muscle? Is my body over the exercise and sticking to its own agenda (getting me fat?)? It's very frustrating.
I am going to shoot for 3 miles tomorrow morning. I am going to try and cut my miles down a little and start upping my pace. I will also include a hill/interval day. I can start building for the half in July. Until then I need to work on my foundation. My fat temple is in a shitty state.
I am still eating pretty good. I have brown rice with hummus, chicken and arugula for lunch today. I am going to make a large salad for dinner. I did have whole wheat toast with 2 eggs for breakfast sans butter. I am going to try and make the switch to green tea next. I am slowly turning into a hippie. Barf.
On the bright side of things The Mets have been steaming right along. Both Degrom and Syndergaard had rough outings, but managed to get the W anyway. Colon is pitching tonight and that guy gives fat men everywhere hope. He is half sumo and half ballerina. What a piece of work is man.
I was thinking that maybe if I do shorter runs I can start doing 2-a-days on my days off.... But maybe that is crazy talk.....
Saturday, April 23, 2016
like cattle through a garden hose we ran......
It was an early morning for sure. I was groggy and my legs felt like water logged salami's. The Captain looked at me like I was batshit crazy as I dressed for my race. I gulped down some water, walked out the front door and ran very slowly to the starting line as a warm up for the race to come.
This morning I ran my first race. In a crowd of nearly 900 participants I felt strangely alone. I signed in, pinned my number on my new t-shirt (this came with the registration fee!) and made my way to the corral where the rest of the runners mingled. I spoke to no one and no one spoke to me. We stretched and shook our legs out waiting for the start.
When the horn blew those of us towards the back had to wait for a full minute before we were actually able to start moving. We moved as a great mass for the first few miles. I was very cognisant of one thought; "Run your own race". I was not going to try and keep up with the lithe and nimble, but would stay at my pace. My own dumb, slow, mediocre, stupid, pace.
It went better than planned, for the most part. My legs were heavy and my lungs were strained from lack of use. I mean, I did take two days off. I felt strong for about 4 1/2 miles and then my body just went nuts. My left knee started to hurt. Not a sharp pain but, rather, a steady dull pain. My quads started to feel weak, my hips sore. Just not what I wanted to feel that early in the race.
I pushed through all that though and the last mile I committed myself to speeding up and trying to push myself out of my "comfortable" pace (which in all honesty is not that comfortable) and into a kind of torturous one. I kept at it until I was done. I finished having run the whole way. Never stopping, not even once.
And then I felt sad.
I looked at everyone cheering their runners on and I have to say I felt terribly alone. No one had come to support me. There were no signs saying "go dave! go!". It sucked. Sniff.
And then I looked at my phone.
And then I smiled.
Texts and messages on the Facebook (and Instagram), messages from far and wide telling me they were proud of me. Asking me how I fared. I was relieved that someone out there understood how hard it is to put yourself through this running thing. It hurts. All the time. It's nice to have someone that knows recognize your pain.
I walked home rather proud I must say. 3 months of getting up early, to do something that doesn't feel good, lead to this. The end of my first race. As much as I felt nervous doing the whole competition thing, I now wanted to try again. I want to join the cattle corral again. This morning, in the misty rain, it felt good to be one of the many.
Maybe because I was so alone. Maybe because everyone was so alone, running their own race, it felt good to be alone with them Battling our own running (and maybe even personal) demons as a group feels better somehow.
Anyways. Thats my story.
And i'm sticking to it.
It was an early morning for sure. I was groggy and my legs felt like water logged salami's. The Captain looked at me like I was batshit crazy as I dressed for my race. I gulped down some water, walked out the front door and ran very slowly to the starting line as a warm up for the race to come.
This morning I ran my first race. In a crowd of nearly 900 participants I felt strangely alone. I signed in, pinned my number on my new t-shirt (this came with the registration fee!) and made my way to the corral where the rest of the runners mingled. I spoke to no one and no one spoke to me. We stretched and shook our legs out waiting for the start.
When the horn blew those of us towards the back had to wait for a full minute before we were actually able to start moving. We moved as a great mass for the first few miles. I was very cognisant of one thought; "Run your own race". I was not going to try and keep up with the lithe and nimble, but would stay at my pace. My own dumb, slow, mediocre, stupid, pace.
It went better than planned, for the most part. My legs were heavy and my lungs were strained from lack of use. I mean, I did take two days off. I felt strong for about 4 1/2 miles and then my body just went nuts. My left knee started to hurt. Not a sharp pain but, rather, a steady dull pain. My quads started to feel weak, my hips sore. Just not what I wanted to feel that early in the race.
I pushed through all that though and the last mile I committed myself to speeding up and trying to push myself out of my "comfortable" pace (which in all honesty is not that comfortable) and into a kind of torturous one. I kept at it until I was done. I finished having run the whole way. Never stopping, not even once.
And then I felt sad.
I looked at everyone cheering their runners on and I have to say I felt terribly alone. No one had come to support me. There were no signs saying "go dave! go!". It sucked. Sniff.
And then I looked at my phone.
And then I smiled.
Texts and messages on the Facebook (and Instagram), messages from far and wide telling me they were proud of me. Asking me how I fared. I was relieved that someone out there understood how hard it is to put yourself through this running thing. It hurts. All the time. It's nice to have someone that knows recognize your pain.
I walked home rather proud I must say. 3 months of getting up early, to do something that doesn't feel good, lead to this. The end of my first race. As much as I felt nervous doing the whole competition thing, I now wanted to try again. I want to join the cattle corral again. This morning, in the misty rain, it felt good to be one of the many.
Maybe because I was so alone. Maybe because everyone was so alone, running their own race, it felt good to be alone with them Battling our own running (and maybe even personal) demons as a group feels better somehow.
Anyways. Thats my story.
And i'm sticking to it.
Friday, April 22, 2016
the horror.....the horror.... race day.....
The Mets lost last Wednesday because they couldn't hit a freakin' single. Sure, they seem to have the long ball down. More so, it seems, then anyone in major league baseball. But can they hit when they need to? When runners are in scoring position? That remains to be seen I suppose, but right now it ain't happening.
My first race is tomorrow morning at 8 am in Prospect Park. 10 K and I am shooting for a 10:00 minute pace time. I think I could do better, but my knee is still bothering me a little bit, so I am going to see whats what as I run and adjust accordingly. I would like to finish in an hour, but we'll see.
I am excited for tomorrow. For dinner tonight I am having brown rice, yams, broccoli, carrots and avocado. I don't want a bunch of gunk slowing me down mañana. LOTS of water today too. I took yesterday and today off and did not ride to work today. I really want a true rest day today before my race.
I'll post more tomorrow afternoon. Fingers crossed.
The Mets lost last Wednesday because they couldn't hit a freakin' single. Sure, they seem to have the long ball down. More so, it seems, then anyone in major league baseball. But can they hit when they need to? When runners are in scoring position? That remains to be seen I suppose, but right now it ain't happening.
My first race is tomorrow morning at 8 am in Prospect Park. 10 K and I am shooting for a 10:00 minute pace time. I think I could do better, but my knee is still bothering me a little bit, so I am going to see whats what as I run and adjust accordingly. I would like to finish in an hour, but we'll see.
I am excited for tomorrow. For dinner tonight I am having brown rice, yams, broccoli, carrots and avocado. I don't want a bunch of gunk slowing me down mañana. LOTS of water today too. I took yesterday and today off and did not ride to work today. I really want a true rest day today before my race.
I'll post more tomorrow afternoon. Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
if the Mets can turn it around then so can i
Last night the Mets came through. The Captain (David Wright that is, not my cat) jacked 2 homers and Noah Syndergaard pitched out of a few jams. Granted they were playing the Phillies, a skid mark of a team if ever there was was.
I could hear the crowd at Philedelphia's Citizens Bank Park heckling and booing through my t.v., louts and troglodytes all. They were particularly harsh to Mr. Lucas Duda screaming "DUUUUUUUDAAAA" every time a pitch came down the pipe at him. That is until he JACKED a homer into the upper deck silencing the crowd. Mr. Neil Walker stepped up next and crushed another home run, extinguishing any last vestige of hope from the surely mob.
I went to bed feeling proud of my boys in orange and blue and the Captain (my cat not Mr. Wright) purred away in acknowledgment. I was tired and before I knew it Morpheus beckoned and off I went to the land of dreams.
I had skipped my recovery run Monday and decided to try a short, slow, 3 miler this morning to put some life in my legs and to see how my knee would hold up. It was a little rough at first, but I found my stride and managed to keep a 10 minute pace for 3.5 miles. I got home, drank my smoothie, took a shower and rolled away on the foam roller.
My knee feels a little sore, but it feels firm. When I wake in the morning there is stiffness everywhere, but I feel like I can chalk that up to my, generally horrible, stretching practices (or lack thereof). It's another part of a long checklist that I am working through. Stretching, working out, diet, dating, health insurance..... it's a long list.
We have about 65 cases of wine coming into work today so I imagine I will get my workout wether I like it or not. I must remember to take my time and not try to haul too much. I can't risk a f***ed back right now. I need all parts in working order as my race is Saturday morning.
I am going to run 5 miles tomorrow and then I am going to take off Thursday and Friday. I am going to rest, hydrate and sleep. Like my Metropolitans I am in this to win this. I may suffer some setbacks, but I will come back stronger with better pitching and so-so hitting.... Oy.
Lunch today! Lentil salad with a hard boiled egg and poached chicken in a yogurt miso dressing.
I'm eating a LOT of lentils.
Last night the Mets came through. The Captain (David Wright that is, not my cat) jacked 2 homers and Noah Syndergaard pitched out of a few jams. Granted they were playing the Phillies, a skid mark of a team if ever there was was.
I could hear the crowd at Philedelphia's Citizens Bank Park heckling and booing through my t.v., louts and troglodytes all. They were particularly harsh to Mr. Lucas Duda screaming "DUUUUUUUDAAAA" every time a pitch came down the pipe at him. That is until he JACKED a homer into the upper deck silencing the crowd. Mr. Neil Walker stepped up next and crushed another home run, extinguishing any last vestige of hope from the surely mob.
I went to bed feeling proud of my boys in orange and blue and the Captain (my cat not Mr. Wright) purred away in acknowledgment. I was tired and before I knew it Morpheus beckoned and off I went to the land of dreams.
I had skipped my recovery run Monday and decided to try a short, slow, 3 miler this morning to put some life in my legs and to see how my knee would hold up. It was a little rough at first, but I found my stride and managed to keep a 10 minute pace for 3.5 miles. I got home, drank my smoothie, took a shower and rolled away on the foam roller.
My knee feels a little sore, but it feels firm. When I wake in the morning there is stiffness everywhere, but I feel like I can chalk that up to my, generally horrible, stretching practices (or lack thereof). It's another part of a long checklist that I am working through. Stretching, working out, diet, dating, health insurance..... it's a long list.
We have about 65 cases of wine coming into work today so I imagine I will get my workout wether I like it or not. I must remember to take my time and not try to haul too much. I can't risk a f***ed back right now. I need all parts in working order as my race is Saturday morning.
I am going to run 5 miles tomorrow and then I am going to take off Thursday and Friday. I am going to rest, hydrate and sleep. Like my Metropolitans I am in this to win this. I may suffer some setbacks, but I will come back stronger with better pitching and so-so hitting.... Oy.
Lunch today! Lentil salad with a hard boiled egg and poached chicken in a yogurt miso dressing.
I'm eating a LOT of lentils.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick
I woke up excited to run 9 miles this morning. I drank about a gallon of water last night. I had some pad thai for dinner and a green papaya salad. I went to bed before midnight and slept well. I was smart. I rested. I hydrated and ate, more or less, responsibly.
I managed 7 miles. I ran them at a 9:52 pace. I felt good until the very end and then I felt my legs start to shut down. My left knee started to feel a little wobbly and my thighs were starting to tighten. I felt like I could run through it, but I decided to listen to my legs and shut myself down before I did some damage.
I walked about half a mile and then I was hobbling. I could barely put any weight on my left knee. It was painful. Then, about 100 yards later, I was fine. I walked home and stretched for about 20 minutes. I feel fine now.
I don't have a good idea of how much I should push myself. I have spoken to a lot of folk who tell me that I shouldn't even consider running 9 miles until I have logged more runs. That running that far too soon is a sure way to get injured. I want to build my distance, but I do not want to do it at the risk of being couch bound.
So I am trying to listen to my knees and feet and lungs and whatnot.
I am not good at patience. I know this about myself. I am not good about letting things grow organically. Sometimes I just want to get to the finish line without running the damn race. In my experience, so far, running is about being in the middle of it. Each step is an acknowledgment of suffering and dealing with it. I see people out in the park experiencing that and pushing through. It's very inspiring.
So I will accept the 7 miles today graciously. As my mother would say; "Its better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.'.
Friday, April 15, 2016
roast pork noodle soup with dumplings.... or why i run
"dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there will be no more cakes and ale?"
-Sir Toby Belch, Twelfth Night
I am envisioning my dinner tonight. 9 pm, after I close, I will ride my bike to the base of The Manhattan Bridge and go into The Great N.Y. Noodle Town and order crispy pork noodle soup with dumplings. And chilies... lots of chilies.
Maybe I will take that to-go and eat it on the bridge. Chopsticks fishing in and out of a somewhat, refreshingly, greasy quart container searching for noodles and wontons. The hot, steamy, chugalug of rich bone broth as I drink the last remaining gulps of nectar. Then back on my bike and off I go. Or maybe, instead, I will sit inside and enjoy my bowl with some green tea and order some greens on the side. Or some clams with black bean sauce. I love clams with black bean sauce. Silken fermented black beans, pungent garlic, ginger, chilies, scallions and soy. What's not to love?
On Sunday I am going to Frannys as, either, a celebratory dinner for running 9 miles Sunday morning or to hate feed for NOT being able to run 9 miles Sunday morning. Either way there will be some cured meats, pizza and a gazillion little bites and nibbles. And a salad. Tomorrow I have no food plans. I also have no yogurt and no fruit to make my smoothie. Tomorrow may take some improvising.
I wouldn't say I only run in order to eat, but it would be a HUGE lie to say that it's not a big part of it. I love to eat. I love eating with friends and family and I love eating alone. Hell, I love eating with complete strangers. Eating, much like running, consumes you when you are in the midst of it. You can not escape pain when you run. You can't really escape nature when you eat.
I eat like a wolf. It's disgusting. I gnaw, chew, gulp, gnash and there is usually a good amount of shrapnel everywhere when i'm done. It's a battle for me really. I want to get to the marrow of my meal. I want to get dirty. If i'm not wearing it, it ain't worth it.
It's hard to find a balance. I want to have a healthier diet, but at the same time I would like to enjoy my life. Eating, celebrating, communing with others over a feast! It's all part of what makes life life. Cooking a meat, or vegetable, over (or in) wood coals brings you right back to something that is hardwired in your evalutionary makeup. Clinking glasses and exchanging drunken oaths of eternal friendship and love is not altogether a wasted gesture. We mean what we say, often more so, when we are stuffing our faces and crushing drinks. We are at our most content, why would what we say be false? Oath away and make promises that no mortal could possibly keep. Just do it less often. I mean, lets not kill ourselves here.
So I guess what I am saying is this; If I need to run and bike to treat myself once or twice a week I think it well worth it. It will make 185 lbs (goal weight) harder to achieve for sure, but I got to feed the monkey.
I gotta feed that goddamn monkey.
"dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there will be no more cakes and ale?"
-Sir Toby Belch, Twelfth Night
I am envisioning my dinner tonight. 9 pm, after I close, I will ride my bike to the base of The Manhattan Bridge and go into The Great N.Y. Noodle Town and order crispy pork noodle soup with dumplings. And chilies... lots of chilies.
Maybe I will take that to-go and eat it on the bridge. Chopsticks fishing in and out of a somewhat, refreshingly, greasy quart container searching for noodles and wontons. The hot, steamy, chugalug of rich bone broth as I drink the last remaining gulps of nectar. Then back on my bike and off I go. Or maybe, instead, I will sit inside and enjoy my bowl with some green tea and order some greens on the side. Or some clams with black bean sauce. I love clams with black bean sauce. Silken fermented black beans, pungent garlic, ginger, chilies, scallions and soy. What's not to love?
On Sunday I am going to Frannys as, either, a celebratory dinner for running 9 miles Sunday morning or to hate feed for NOT being able to run 9 miles Sunday morning. Either way there will be some cured meats, pizza and a gazillion little bites and nibbles. And a salad. Tomorrow I have no food plans. I also have no yogurt and no fruit to make my smoothie. Tomorrow may take some improvising.
I wouldn't say I only run in order to eat, but it would be a HUGE lie to say that it's not a big part of it. I love to eat. I love eating with friends and family and I love eating alone. Hell, I love eating with complete strangers. Eating, much like running, consumes you when you are in the midst of it. You can not escape pain when you run. You can't really escape nature when you eat.
I eat like a wolf. It's disgusting. I gnaw, chew, gulp, gnash and there is usually a good amount of shrapnel everywhere when i'm done. It's a battle for me really. I want to get to the marrow of my meal. I want to get dirty. If i'm not wearing it, it ain't worth it.
It's hard to find a balance. I want to have a healthier diet, but at the same time I would like to enjoy my life. Eating, celebrating, communing with others over a feast! It's all part of what makes life life. Cooking a meat, or vegetable, over (or in) wood coals brings you right back to something that is hardwired in your evalutionary makeup. Clinking glasses and exchanging drunken oaths of eternal friendship and love is not altogether a wasted gesture. We mean what we say, often more so, when we are stuffing our faces and crushing drinks. We are at our most content, why would what we say be false? Oath away and make promises that no mortal could possibly keep. Just do it less often. I mean, lets not kill ourselves here.
So I guess what I am saying is this; If I need to run and bike to treat myself once or twice a week I think it well worth it. It will make 185 lbs (goal weight) harder to achieve for sure, but I got to feed the monkey.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
holy crap sticks......
So that was interesting. I think my body was angry. I think I may have upset my knees, or shamed them at least. Was it the 1/2 ribeye and charred broccoli I had for dinner last night? The half bottle of Burgundy? The Mets getting shamed ONCE AGAIN by an (on paper anyway) inferior Marlins squad? I don't know, but my body must have been holding in some aggression because I ran 5.4 miles this morning in a....... wait for it......
8:44 MINUTE PACE!!!!!
That my friends is a FULL minute off my prior best time. I nearly died on Hell Hill, but I rallied and kept on rallying until I got home. No sense. No sense at all. Maybe it was Noah Syndergaard's incredible performance last night that inspired me. 13 K's. The guy is a beast. Too bad the Mets couldn't support him with a couple of runs. It's heartbreaking.
I rode my bike to work today and I got to tell ya, riding a bike uses very different muscles than running. OUCH. I must have looked like a drunk manatee huffing and puffing up the Manhattan Bridge this morning. WOOF. I really hope the bike aids in strengthening my legs. I would be pumped if I didn't have to add a gym routine. I just want to train without spending too much $$.
My bike route takes me through Chinatown which could be dangerous as roast duck and rice with some Chinese broccoli is my idea of heaven. But, hopefully, I will be eating with credit soon as I am racking up some calorie points. Running is like frequent flyer points for fat dudes!
The weather is definitely starting to take a turn in Nueva York. Looks like Spring may have finally sprung. I can't wait for some warmer weather runs. I am starting to even feel a little slimmer. I was 202 lbs after my run this morning. So close to getting under 200! I am going to Franny's for Pizza on Sunday with my neighbor who is also a rockstar runner. I won't even consider going for a run with her yet. She is on a whole other level.
Ok. Got to run. Things to do. My lunch today is a little better; leftover ribeye, quinoa and broccoli!
Ciao
So that was interesting. I think my body was angry. I think I may have upset my knees, or shamed them at least. Was it the 1/2 ribeye and charred broccoli I had for dinner last night? The half bottle of Burgundy? The Mets getting shamed ONCE AGAIN by an (on paper anyway) inferior Marlins squad? I don't know, but my body must have been holding in some aggression because I ran 5.4 miles this morning in a....... wait for it......
8:44 MINUTE PACE!!!!!
That my friends is a FULL minute off my prior best time. I nearly died on Hell Hill, but I rallied and kept on rallying until I got home. No sense. No sense at all. Maybe it was Noah Syndergaard's incredible performance last night that inspired me. 13 K's. The guy is a beast. Too bad the Mets couldn't support him with a couple of runs. It's heartbreaking.
I rode my bike to work today and I got to tell ya, riding a bike uses very different muscles than running. OUCH. I must have looked like a drunk manatee huffing and puffing up the Manhattan Bridge this morning. WOOF. I really hope the bike aids in strengthening my legs. I would be pumped if I didn't have to add a gym routine. I just want to train without spending too much $$.
My bike route takes me through Chinatown which could be dangerous as roast duck and rice with some Chinese broccoli is my idea of heaven. But, hopefully, I will be eating with credit soon as I am racking up some calorie points. Running is like frequent flyer points for fat dudes!
The weather is definitely starting to take a turn in Nueva York. Looks like Spring may have finally sprung. I can't wait for some warmer weather runs. I am starting to even feel a little slimmer. I was 202 lbs after my run this morning. So close to getting under 200! I am going to Franny's for Pizza on Sunday with my neighbor who is also a rockstar runner. I won't even consider going for a run with her yet. She is on a whole other level.
Ok. Got to run. Things to do. My lunch today is a little better; leftover ribeye, quinoa and broccoli!
Ciao
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
a couple days of crap
Yup. A couple of days of crappy runs.
My plan of 9 miles on Sunday was sabotaged by some late night hanging with friends Saturday night. I only managed 5 miles on my Sunday run and didn't get out at ALL on Monday. I did managed about 3.5 this morning and will try for another 5 tomorrow, but I am discouraged.
Sunday was a shit show granted, but the thing that has been concerning me is my left knee. I skipped Mondays run due to soreness and actually did fine on my run this morning, but I do have some soreness still. I think I need to commit to my foam roller and work out my IT Band as I have heard that often times knee soreness is a direct result of tightness in your IT Band.
I ran with CHRC this morning. That's my running club. I was very happy with the results although I felt very worn out by the end. But I managed to actually talk while I ran.... for a little while anyway. It was nice to almost be able to keep up with the pack. I will make the 12 miles pizza run with them soon enough. Oh yes...
I started a new job and, although the money is a lot less than my last gig, I am much happier. I also love my hours because they don't really get in the way of my training at all. I think I am going to treat myself to some thai food tonight and some Mets baseball. Hopefully they will wake up because this is an awful start to a very long season. I went to the game on Sunday and treated myself to a Shake Shack burger. The Mets got killed by the Phillies so I took comfort in Cheeseburger.
A smoothie for breakfast and Quinoa and a hardboiled egg for lunch today. Go me.
Adios compadres and LETS GO METS.
Yup. A couple of days of crappy runs.
My plan of 9 miles on Sunday was sabotaged by some late night hanging with friends Saturday night. I only managed 5 miles on my Sunday run and didn't get out at ALL on Monday. I did managed about 3.5 this morning and will try for another 5 tomorrow, but I am discouraged.
Sunday was a shit show granted, but the thing that has been concerning me is my left knee. I skipped Mondays run due to soreness and actually did fine on my run this morning, but I do have some soreness still. I think I need to commit to my foam roller and work out my IT Band as I have heard that often times knee soreness is a direct result of tightness in your IT Band.
I ran with CHRC this morning. That's my running club. I was very happy with the results although I felt very worn out by the end. But I managed to actually talk while I ran.... for a little while anyway. It was nice to almost be able to keep up with the pack. I will make the 12 miles pizza run with them soon enough. Oh yes...
I started a new job and, although the money is a lot less than my last gig, I am much happier. I also love my hours because they don't really get in the way of my training at all. I think I am going to treat myself to some thai food tonight and some Mets baseball. Hopefully they will wake up because this is an awful start to a very long season. I went to the game on Sunday and treated myself to a Shake Shack burger. The Mets got killed by the Phillies so I took comfort in Cheeseburger.
A smoothie for breakfast and Quinoa and a hardboiled egg for lunch today. Go me.
Adios compadres and LETS GO METS.
Saturday, April 9, 2016
tomorrow and the inevitability of suffering
Sunday is mañana. I am going to try for 8.5 on my run. I am a little concerned because there is definitely some stiffness in my calves and in my ankles. My tendons seem a little taut. I think I have a date with the foam roller when I get home today after work. Also, starting Tuesday, I will start riding my bike to work which I hope will act as a little bit of a cross train to build up my legs.
8.5 miles. Lets just call it 9 if I can swing it. I think I can do it if I don't struggle with time and just run at a pace thats comfortable. It would definitely be an accomplishment. Just think amigos, three months ago I was running like a diabetic turd trying to get up a hill. I envision me a year from now and I look...... glorious.
But tomorrow has to come and I have to get through it. I may treat myself with some Squab for dinner tomorrow night with roasted asparagus and lentils. I love Squab. Whenever I make Squab I feel like I am in Dickensian England. On some estate somewhere surrounded by lush gardens and gossiping country folk. And really, any excuse to gussy up some lentils works for me. I deserve it dammit.
Captain Marmalade (my cat for you not in the know) has become very supportive of my running. He no longer wakes me at 4:30 in the morning, but actually lets me slumber until 6:30 or so. He is a decent chap and I appreciate his kindness. Actually I think he is a serial killer trapped in a cats body. Sometimes he looks at me like he is sizing me up for something horrible.... eeeeeeeeeeesh.
I have been pretty good about my diet, but last night I had two late night hot dogs after a few cocktails. Still, when I weighed myself this morning AFTER my breakfast smoothie I was 206. That means I have lost 30 lbs! 20 more to go and then I treat myself to a day starting at Russ & Daughters, followed by Katz's deli, finishing up with a light snack at The Great New York Noodle Town. Goal made. Treat achieved.
Off to work I go compadres.
Adios!
Sunday is mañana. I am going to try for 8.5 on my run. I am a little concerned because there is definitely some stiffness in my calves and in my ankles. My tendons seem a little taut. I think I have a date with the foam roller when I get home today after work. Also, starting Tuesday, I will start riding my bike to work which I hope will act as a little bit of a cross train to build up my legs.
8.5 miles. Lets just call it 9 if I can swing it. I think I can do it if I don't struggle with time and just run at a pace thats comfortable. It would definitely be an accomplishment. Just think amigos, three months ago I was running like a diabetic turd trying to get up a hill. I envision me a year from now and I look...... glorious.
But tomorrow has to come and I have to get through it. I may treat myself with some Squab for dinner tomorrow night with roasted asparagus and lentils. I love Squab. Whenever I make Squab I feel like I am in Dickensian England. On some estate somewhere surrounded by lush gardens and gossiping country folk. And really, any excuse to gussy up some lentils works for me. I deserve it dammit.
Captain Marmalade (my cat for you not in the know) has become very supportive of my running. He no longer wakes me at 4:30 in the morning, but actually lets me slumber until 6:30 or so. He is a decent chap and I appreciate his kindness. Actually I think he is a serial killer trapped in a cats body. Sometimes he looks at me like he is sizing me up for something horrible.... eeeeeeeeeeesh.
I have been pretty good about my diet, but last night I had two late night hot dogs after a few cocktails. Still, when I weighed myself this morning AFTER my breakfast smoothie I was 206. That means I have lost 30 lbs! 20 more to go and then I treat myself to a day starting at Russ & Daughters, followed by Katz's deli, finishing up with a light snack at The Great New York Noodle Town. Goal made. Treat achieved.
Off to work I go compadres.
Adios!
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Still a turtle, but a slightly faster turtle
Ran my regular 5 mile loop on Wednesday and at the risk of sounding like a filthy hippie, which may be too late, I made an "intention" of running faster (to myself). I decided to run the loop backwards. I went down Hell Hill first and hit the long, gradual, uphill on the back 1/2 of the run. I now know that the Staten Island Half will be hilly so I want to start running as many hills as I can whilst I train.
I ran with an "intention". I didn't scream at my internal self to "Push!". I just let the intention hang there like a scent and found myself running a little faster than usual. I slowed down if it got too hard, but that happened less often than I expected. It was a good, faster, run.
About a mile before I was done I felt a very sharp, quick, sensation in my knee. It hurt a lot, but I managed to slow down and run through it. My knee still hurts a little today, but it doesn't feel like an emergency. I will keep an eye on it though. Especially with my long run coming up on Sunday.
I have managed to get my salad count up, but my weight is still constant at 210. I am going to have to start doing some sort of workout routine. GODAMN IT!!!! Stupid science. I just want to get skinny. Blarg.
All told I ran 5 miles at a 9:47 pace which is 40 seconds faster than my last run. My first run that was a sub 10 minute pace. Slow and steady my friends. Thats me in a nutshell. Or a Tortoise shell.....
wacka wack wacka
I ran with an "intention". I didn't scream at my internal self to "Push!". I just let the intention hang there like a scent and found myself running a little faster than usual. I slowed down if it got too hard, but that happened less often than I expected. It was a good, faster, run.
About a mile before I was done I felt a very sharp, quick, sensation in my knee. It hurt a lot, but I managed to slow down and run through it. My knee still hurts a little today, but it doesn't feel like an emergency. I will keep an eye on it though. Especially with my long run coming up on Sunday.
I have managed to get my salad count up, but my weight is still constant at 210. I am going to have to start doing some sort of workout routine. GODAMN IT!!!! Stupid science. I just want to get skinny. Blarg.
All told I ran 5 miles at a 9:47 pace which is 40 seconds faster than my last run. My first run that was a sub 10 minute pace. Slow and steady my friends. Thats me in a nutshell. Or a Tortoise shell.....
wacka wack wacka
Sunday, April 3, 2016
LET'S GO METS!!!!
You would not think today was opening day for the Metropolitan's. It's 35 degree's out and windy as shit. Going up Hell Hill today (a good name for that bastard) with a 30 mile wind in my face was like getting a colonoscopy with a Super 8 strapped to a cold aluminum baseball bat. No fun. No gracias. No mas.
But mas I did. And mucho mas at that (if I may say so myself). 8 miles people. I ran 8 miles at a 10:27 minute pace. Which is not terrible for me. In fact, its pretty damned good. Granted, I would like to get that time down to an 8 minute pace, but that may take a tick. It was not always pretty, it was not always graceful, but I did it.
I almost didn't. Truly. I lay in bed at 7 AM and the wind was HOWLING. It looked very grey and seemed that it could rain, or even snow, at any moment. I went back to sleep for an hour and when I woke again the sun was out and I could not make any more excuses. Off I went and though I hate to admit it every time I start running I feel better. Almost immediately.
I felt pretty strong until mile 7 and then I thought I might have to stop. I felt tightness in my calves and my knee was starting to twinge a little. I just slowed my pace a little until I felt rested. Fortunately my second run up Hell Hill gave me a little bit of motivation and that helped me get through the last mile. It felt great.
I did have a "am I going to shit my pants?" moment today. That was amusing. I don't know about you guys, but since I have started running I have been farting like crazy. I mean, maybe its my legume heavy diet, but I fart. A LOT. Anyway, I was running along and felt the urge to release a intestinal cumulus or, perhaps, a stratocumulus. I looked behind me to make sure I wasn't releasing a toxic cloud on a fellow runner. Seeing that the coast was clear I made my intentions known to my rear. Nope, not a fart. I managed to brake in time and keep a disaster from happening. It was a close call though. Maybe I should find where the WC's are in the park.....
I'm gonna take it real slow tomorrow and try to keep my run to 2.5 miles. Just a wee run. Tonight I hope to catch the Mets game somewhere. Harvey is on the mound and I have high hopes for my Metsies this year. I wonder if they read my blog?
You would not think today was opening day for the Metropolitan's. It's 35 degree's out and windy as shit. Going up Hell Hill today (a good name for that bastard) with a 30 mile wind in my face was like getting a colonoscopy with a Super 8 strapped to a cold aluminum baseball bat. No fun. No gracias. No mas.
But mas I did. And mucho mas at that (if I may say so myself). 8 miles people. I ran 8 miles at a 10:27 minute pace. Which is not terrible for me. In fact, its pretty damned good. Granted, I would like to get that time down to an 8 minute pace, but that may take a tick. It was not always pretty, it was not always graceful, but I did it.
I almost didn't. Truly. I lay in bed at 7 AM and the wind was HOWLING. It looked very grey and seemed that it could rain, or even snow, at any moment. I went back to sleep for an hour and when I woke again the sun was out and I could not make any more excuses. Off I went and though I hate to admit it every time I start running I feel better. Almost immediately.
I felt pretty strong until mile 7 and then I thought I might have to stop. I felt tightness in my calves and my knee was starting to twinge a little. I just slowed my pace a little until I felt rested. Fortunately my second run up Hell Hill gave me a little bit of motivation and that helped me get through the last mile. It felt great.
I did have a "am I going to shit my pants?" moment today. That was amusing. I don't know about you guys, but since I have started running I have been farting like crazy. I mean, maybe its my legume heavy diet, but I fart. A LOT. Anyway, I was running along and felt the urge to release a intestinal cumulus or, perhaps, a stratocumulus. I looked behind me to make sure I wasn't releasing a toxic cloud on a fellow runner. Seeing that the coast was clear I made my intentions known to my rear. Nope, not a fart. I managed to brake in time and keep a disaster from happening. It was a close call though. Maybe I should find where the WC's are in the park.....
I'm gonna take it real slow tomorrow and try to keep my run to 2.5 miles. Just a wee run. Tonight I hope to catch the Mets game somewhere. Harvey is on the mound and I have high hopes for my Metsies this year. I wonder if they read my blog?
Friday, April 1, 2016
like the willow, like the mother f***in' willow
I started fast this morning. I was kind of cooking. Which, for me anyways, could mean a 9:45 minute mile. I have no idea how fast I was running because I was not keeping time. I was running sans tech. It was great for about 2 miles, tough for about a mile and a half and then manageable again for the final two. Not to sound like a broken record (too late) but this shit ain't about stability.
Once again I realize that every run is different and once more it dawns upon my thick skull that one can motor through most discomfort by acknowledging that it's there and not giving a flaming crap. Tara Brach, a Clinical Psychologist who also leads guided meditations via her podcasts, speaks of four steps to embrace being overwhelmed and I think these steps are very relevant for runners. She uses the acronym RAIN and speaks with MUCH more eloquence than I can muster. But anyways, here it is;
Recognize what is going on
Allow the experience to be there, just as it is
Investigate with kindness
Natural awareness, which comes from not identifying with the experience
I kind of like the I. My usual proclivity is to investigate with mortar rounds and strafing fire....
If you want a full break down read this article -
Another interesting thing about this morning was that it was 65 degrees! That is the hottest weather that I have run in by, like, 25 degrees. It was THICK with humidity and its not even July!!! I think water is going to start playing a much more important role in my life during the upcoming months.
Ok. I need to drink my smoothie. And STRETCH.
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