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The day in the life of a kid-like adventurer
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
First snow of the year
Night runs are usually good on the back roads. Tonight was exceptional the stars were bright and the sky was clean. The kind of night when you are glad to be a runner.
After the run we hit the pub for a few pints. Nothing better than a tough run than to kick back and share in the moment.
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Sunday, December 5, 2010
Jingle Bell 5K
Well I thought I had wrapped up my race season in October, but somehow a couple more races materialized. This past weekend I headed to Northville for a 5K with some friends and to more or less run a little speed. My company T-Mobile was a corporate sponsor and I was able to race for free; even better.
The night before there was get together at Keith's house for all of us running it. see the blog life in motion for more detail, worth the read!
Gathering at the start Keith and I moved to the front of the group to get a good start. Right out of the chute Keith took off and I was in chase. Feeling good every half mile I picked up the pace and worked my way up. Heading into the last section I turned it up even more eyeing another runner I thought might be in my age group. In the the .1 mile I was clipping along at a 4:31 pace and crossed the finish 9 seconds of him. When the results posted I found out he was in fact part of my age group and by passing him I had taken 3rd place in my AG and 36th overall out of 1000 runners. My overall pace was 6:17 and net time 19:30. Not only did I PR by a few seconds a good friend of mine Suann set a new PR as well as Keith setting a new PR!! Nothing better than all your friends being in the same race and achieving new PRs.
I really can't think of a better way to end the year than that race. Running is good, running with friends is great, running with friends all setting PRs is the best!!!
http://www.runmichigan.com/results/full.php/2010/12/04/jingle-bell-run-walk-for-arthritis-8.html
The night before there was get together at Keith's house for all of us running it. see the blog life in motion for more detail, worth the read!
Gathering at the start Keith and I moved to the front of the group to get a good start. Right out of the chute Keith took off and I was in chase. Feeling good every half mile I picked up the pace and worked my way up. Heading into the last section I turned it up even more eyeing another runner I thought might be in my age group. In the the .1 mile I was clipping along at a 4:31 pace and crossed the finish 9 seconds of him. When the results posted I found out he was in fact part of my age group and by passing him I had taken 3rd place in my AG and 36th overall out of 1000 runners. My overall pace was 6:17 and net time 19:30. Not only did I PR by a few seconds a good friend of mine Suann set a new PR as well as Keith setting a new PR!! Nothing better than all your friends being in the same race and achieving new PRs.
I really can't think of a better way to end the year than that race. Running is good, running with friends is great, running with friends all setting PRs is the best!!!
http://www.runmichigan.com/results/full.php/2010/12/04/jingle-bell-run-walk-for-arthritis-8.html
Friday, October 22, 2010
Closing up shop
This sunday October 24, 2010 is my last planned race for the year. It takes place in Cinncinati OH, Stone Steps 50K. The course record is 4:16:27.; that is an average of 8:10 for 31 miles with a total elevation climb of 10,000'. My PR is 4:43:47; my plan is to just go all out with the front runners. See how they handle the course and everything. Not sure if I can go the distance, but I will lock in and go as far as I can with them. A lot of running is pain management and we all hurt in the race. This will be my moment to see how I can block out it while matching stride for stride with the leaders.
My 10 year old daughter has confidence in me and looked me deep in the eyes then said, "you better take first or second place. If not you will bring shame to the family." A lot of runners have a coach that motivates them. I have a 10 year old that holds nothing back and expects performance. When I don't meet the goal the answer is always the same, not acceptable try harder. I find that a reality. When I achieve the goal then we celebrate and when not achieved we move forward to improve.
So stay posted to see how this all plays out.............................
My 10 year old daughter has confidence in me and looked me deep in the eyes then said, "you better take first or second place. If not you will bring shame to the family." A lot of runners have a coach that motivates them. I have a 10 year old that holds nothing back and expects performance. When I don't meet the goal the answer is always the same, not acceptable try harder. I find that a reality. When I achieve the goal then we celebrate and when not achieved we move forward to improve.
So stay posted to see how this all plays out.............................
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Motoring in the Motown
Detroit Marathon October 17, 2010
Paced the 4:45:00 group; Finished 4:44:58
Standing in the corrals on this fall morning the temps were very favorable. A lot of first time marathoners were excited as we discussed the plan to cover the 26.2 mile journey. Within minutes the race was in motion and Eminem "Lose Yourself" was blaring through the speakers. The corrals were sent out in two minute waves. So after about 16 minutes of slow progress my group was nearing the start line waiting for the chance to take on the course. Suddenly, it was our time and we were up to speed right off the line. I hit the first mile split at 10:40. This was 13 seconds ahead of the goal. So I got the group slowed down and before I could do anything more we came to dead stop just before we started the climb onto the Ambassador Bridge. It was a slow stop and go process in crossing the bridge. Once we were on the decent into Canada we were making up some of the 80 seconds that were lost in the first three miles because of the congestion on the single lane of the bridge.
Passing through Canada it was a beautiful fall morning. The sun was now up and the temp was ideal. Lots of cheering as we made our way towards the Windsor Tunnel. This tunnel brings you back into Detroit under the the Detroit water. It is officially the only underwater mile in any marathon. I practiced for this moment by learning to count my strides. I explained to the group I can not talk in the tunnel because I need to count since the Garmin wont receive a signal. Checking the race results it posted an exact 11 min pace through the tunnel. I had counted a 10:55 pace, but I very happy with that. Not to shabby for being a human Garmin with only a 7 second variance to a prescribed pace.
Well now we were back in the states and eight miles done. The group was still all together and the camaraderie was building. Everyone was supporting each other as we stayed on pace. Coming into the half marathon mark I was only 23 seconds behind the goal. I had figured out from the bridge how I was going to cut that 80 seconds without sacrificing any of the runners. The plan was working I had only lost two at this point and with another 13.1 miles to go cutting off 23 seconds was just a mere two seconds per mile.
A good friend of mine jumped in at mile 13.5 and kept us company through mile 16.5. At one point one of the runners in the group fell back. My buddy went back and got his spirits back up and by mile 17 the runner was back with us. He said that my buddy had really encouraged him and pulled him through the low spot he was going through in those two miles. I was really excited to hear that. As always in miles 15-18 Indian Village is one of the most supported areas! The residents come out and give out candy, cheers and beers!! I skipped on the beer and went for the jelly beans. I knew there would be more beer in the later miles. Just before leaving the village I high fived Benny from Benny and the Jets. How cool was this day going to get? I mean really, right on schedule, great weather, a great group and now Benny.
Heading into Belle Isle the sun was warming up a bit but not to the point where it gets uncomfortable. The Isle also has a lot of wind on it. I encouraged the runners to drink enough because the lack of shade. Everyone was staying hydrated and around the isle we went. As we left the isle one of the runners in my group made her move. She held back through the first 22 miles as we discussed and was looking remarkably fresh. Her goal was to beat her boyfriend's time of 4:43:00. I gave her the needed splits and a good description of the last several miles. Away she went and later I found out she beat his PR by 10 seconds.
Heading into the final miles my group had shrank down to two runners. Since mile 14 I was losing one per mile. It is always tough to see someone fall back. The group worked together alot encouraging each other and I would side up to each one of the periodically giving them some one on one encouragement. One of the runners at mile 23.5 dropped in right behind me. He was stride for stride as we made our way to the finish. He told me to tell him when we were a mile out. I said, "don't worry you got this and we are going to finish."
Within a few minutes I saw the final beer stand at mile 24. Approaching the aid station I hollered out "Beer Me!! Beer Me!! The pacer needs Beer!!" I got a few laughs and landed two full servings of beer. I checked to make sure my only runner was still in tow and away we headed to the finish. Occassionally, at this point he was fading. I would slow down and turn around giving him a thumbs up and a smile. He would pull up and continue on with me. Entering into mile 25 I saw another ultra runner friend of mine Al Durham pacing his father. We chatted a bit and encouraged each other on the run.
Turning the final corner on to Fort St; me and my only runner ran the last .2 into the finish. I checked my Garmin and it showed the last mile at 10:53 and only 1 second under my chip time. I could not be more proud sticking to the goal and working down those 23 seconds on the back half. The official time came back 2 seconds under the chip goal, but I am happy with that too!! I stuck around the finishing area for awhile. Most of my group was not far behind. It was nice to see that they were so close. Especially, most of them were first time marathoners and to hit their prediction goal that close was amazing.
Paced the 4:45:00 group; Finished 4:44:58
Standing in the corrals on this fall morning the temps were very favorable. A lot of first time marathoners were excited as we discussed the plan to cover the 26.2 mile journey. Within minutes the race was in motion and Eminem "Lose Yourself" was blaring through the speakers. The corrals were sent out in two minute waves. So after about 16 minutes of slow progress my group was nearing the start line waiting for the chance to take on the course. Suddenly, it was our time and we were up to speed right off the line. I hit the first mile split at 10:40. This was 13 seconds ahead of the goal. So I got the group slowed down and before I could do anything more we came to dead stop just before we started the climb onto the Ambassador Bridge. It was a slow stop and go process in crossing the bridge. Once we were on the decent into Canada we were making up some of the 80 seconds that were lost in the first three miles because of the congestion on the single lane of the bridge.
Passing through Canada it was a beautiful fall morning. The sun was now up and the temp was ideal. Lots of cheering as we made our way towards the Windsor Tunnel. This tunnel brings you back into Detroit under the the Detroit water. It is officially the only underwater mile in any marathon. I practiced for this moment by learning to count my strides. I explained to the group I can not talk in the tunnel because I need to count since the Garmin wont receive a signal. Checking the race results it posted an exact 11 min pace through the tunnel. I had counted a 10:55 pace, but I very happy with that. Not to shabby for being a human Garmin with only a 7 second variance to a prescribed pace.
Well now we were back in the states and eight miles done. The group was still all together and the camaraderie was building. Everyone was supporting each other as we stayed on pace. Coming into the half marathon mark I was only 23 seconds behind the goal. I had figured out from the bridge how I was going to cut that 80 seconds without sacrificing any of the runners. The plan was working I had only lost two at this point and with another 13.1 miles to go cutting off 23 seconds was just a mere two seconds per mile.
A good friend of mine jumped in at mile 13.5 and kept us company through mile 16.5. At one point one of the runners in the group fell back. My buddy went back and got his spirits back up and by mile 17 the runner was back with us. He said that my buddy had really encouraged him and pulled him through the low spot he was going through in those two miles. I was really excited to hear that. As always in miles 15-18 Indian Village is one of the most supported areas! The residents come out and give out candy, cheers and beers!! I skipped on the beer and went for the jelly beans. I knew there would be more beer in the later miles. Just before leaving the village I high fived Benny from Benny and the Jets. How cool was this day going to get? I mean really, right on schedule, great weather, a great group and now Benny.
Heading into Belle Isle the sun was warming up a bit but not to the point where it gets uncomfortable. The Isle also has a lot of wind on it. I encouraged the runners to drink enough because the lack of shade. Everyone was staying hydrated and around the isle we went. As we left the isle one of the runners in my group made her move. She held back through the first 22 miles as we discussed and was looking remarkably fresh. Her goal was to beat her boyfriend's time of 4:43:00. I gave her the needed splits and a good description of the last several miles. Away she went and later I found out she beat his PR by 10 seconds.
Heading into the final miles my group had shrank down to two runners. Since mile 14 I was losing one per mile. It is always tough to see someone fall back. The group worked together alot encouraging each other and I would side up to each one of the periodically giving them some one on one encouragement. One of the runners at mile 23.5 dropped in right behind me. He was stride for stride as we made our way to the finish. He told me to tell him when we were a mile out. I said, "don't worry you got this and we are going to finish."
Within a few minutes I saw the final beer stand at mile 24. Approaching the aid station I hollered out "Beer Me!! Beer Me!! The pacer needs Beer!!" I got a few laughs and landed two full servings of beer. I checked to make sure my only runner was still in tow and away we headed to the finish. Occassionally, at this point he was fading. I would slow down and turn around giving him a thumbs up and a smile. He would pull up and continue on with me. Entering into mile 25 I saw another ultra runner friend of mine Al Durham pacing his father. We chatted a bit and encouraged each other on the run.
Turning the final corner on to Fort St; me and my only runner ran the last .2 into the finish. I checked my Garmin and it showed the last mile at 10:53 and only 1 second under my chip time. I could not be more proud sticking to the goal and working down those 23 seconds on the back half. The official time came back 2 seconds under the chip goal, but I am happy with that too!! I stuck around the finishing area for awhile. Most of my group was not far behind. It was nice to see that they were so close. Especially, most of them were first time marathoners and to hit their prediction goal that close was amazing.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Showdown in Chi-Town
Once again I was able to pace another race. This time it was a first for me in a new way. I was given the responsibility of pacing a solo runner. A friend of mine asked that I run in the Chicago Marathon with the goal of setting a BQ (Boston Qualifying) time for her. Since my inception into the world of ultra running the camaraderie of being supportive of other runners has become second nature to me and I was honored to assist. Many people with whom I sometimes never met or only met via virtually have shown up at a race to support me and without that help some of my running aspirations would have not been achieved.
Race morning we all were in that excitement and a bit nervous persona as we made our way into the starting corral. Never knowing what race day will throw at one can be a bit nerve wrecking to say the least. The biggest factor was going to be the heat. The forecast was a race day high of 86F. Most of runners don't do audible goals and back down from what we set out to conquer. We probably know that we should, but why? We train hard for this moment. Why would one settle for less than what they intend to do?? We bare down and go strong into the run looking to overcome what comes our way.
The race started and within a mere seven and half minutes we were across the line and ramping up to race pace. Coming out I was instructed to run a 8:40-8:45 pace. Within a few 100 meters the pace was locked in and away we went. Going under one of the bridges the garmin lost reception and by the time we regained signal strength it was posting an extra quarter mile. I knew better and reassured her that we were on pace.
A few miles passed and I have now drank about 30 ounces of fluids. Realizing this day is going to heat up fast I continued to drink proactively. I was focused in these first several miles on holding her back to stay on plan. She is a very driven runner and was trying to quicken the pace. Confirming we were on plan she settled back in stride with me.
After passing the Lincoln Park Zoo around mile seven my normal ultra habits kicked in and I need to relieve myself. I politely excused myself and found a tree to attended to business. Thinking oh I hope a cop isn't looking at me and back to the course ready to continue on with this adventure. This is when I really started to realize I was drinking a lot more fluids and started to encourage her to drink more. The heat can sap one quickly and make a hard run even harder.
Around mile 10 I saw a friend of mine working the Fleet Feet aid station and stopped to say a quick hello. Back into the race I headed and sided back up with her. Looking over at her I started to sense we were not going to hit the goal and pushing the mark to hit the second goal of sub four hours. This is a hard thing to swallow as a pacer and even harder as a runner. You are out there doing everything you can and it is not changing the fact you will not achieve what you set out to do. As a runner you know deep down that there is always another day to do, but in the moment you want it TODAY.
Hitting the 13.1 mile mark I went into survival mode; this day was heating up and our goals were out of reach. Knowing she would not surrender my only thoughts were keeping her cool, drinking fluids, and getting in some calories. I was able to grab ice throughout the remaining miles and cool her down. She was drinking electrolytes every quarter mile and occasionally some fruit or other calorie item.
Around 17 miles we were doing run/walk between aid station to aid station. At one point I spotted a traffic light a few blocks up and said, "let's run to that then we walk again." She got up to speed and continued for a good mile pass that point. It was great to see the determination in her to finish this race. Around mile 22 she brought up her PR of 4:35 and was in the mind set to break that today. The pace picked back up and we were now focused on a new goal. Miles strolled by and the heat continued to beat down on us. Her perseverance stayed strong.
Just past mile 25 we could sense that a new PR was now out of reach. We closed out the last 1.2 miles just past her PR with a final time of 4:39:23. I was proud of her. Being by her side for every step of those 26.2 miles I know she gave everything she had inside. Sticking it out to the end was tough physically and mentally for her, I am sure of that; and that just proves what kind of runner she is for that. Running is not easy; especially when you run with goals. There were runners fainting, vomiting, and dropping throughout the course. Almost every single person we talked to had the same thing to say about missing their goal by a significant amount or it being one of the hardest runs for them.
After the race we were doing back to the hotel and a elderly married couple stopped us. He asked if he could take our picture. After the picture was snapped his wife asked how did we do. I looked at my friend and then turned instantly to them and replied, "she gave her all and is amazing."
The race was a showdown and in my book my friend won the fight for being stronger than race!!
Friend 1 vs Chicago 0
Race morning we all were in that excitement and a bit nervous persona as we made our way into the starting corral. Never knowing what race day will throw at one can be a bit nerve wrecking to say the least. The biggest factor was going to be the heat. The forecast was a race day high of 86F. Most of runners don't do audible goals and back down from what we set out to conquer. We probably know that we should, but why? We train hard for this moment. Why would one settle for less than what they intend to do?? We bare down and go strong into the run looking to overcome what comes our way.
The race started and within a mere seven and half minutes we were across the line and ramping up to race pace. Coming out I was instructed to run a 8:40-8:45 pace. Within a few 100 meters the pace was locked in and away we went. Going under one of the bridges the garmin lost reception and by the time we regained signal strength it was posting an extra quarter mile. I knew better and reassured her that we were on pace.
A few miles passed and I have now drank about 30 ounces of fluids. Realizing this day is going to heat up fast I continued to drink proactively. I was focused in these first several miles on holding her back to stay on plan. She is a very driven runner and was trying to quicken the pace. Confirming we were on plan she settled back in stride with me.
After passing the Lincoln Park Zoo around mile seven my normal ultra habits kicked in and I need to relieve myself. I politely excused myself and found a tree to attended to business. Thinking oh I hope a cop isn't looking at me and back to the course ready to continue on with this adventure. This is when I really started to realize I was drinking a lot more fluids and started to encourage her to drink more. The heat can sap one quickly and make a hard run even harder.
Around mile 10 I saw a friend of mine working the Fleet Feet aid station and stopped to say a quick hello. Back into the race I headed and sided back up with her. Looking over at her I started to sense we were not going to hit the goal and pushing the mark to hit the second goal of sub four hours. This is a hard thing to swallow as a pacer and even harder as a runner. You are out there doing everything you can and it is not changing the fact you will not achieve what you set out to do. As a runner you know deep down that there is always another day to do, but in the moment you want it TODAY.
Hitting the 13.1 mile mark I went into survival mode; this day was heating up and our goals were out of reach. Knowing she would not surrender my only thoughts were keeping her cool, drinking fluids, and getting in some calories. I was able to grab ice throughout the remaining miles and cool her down. She was drinking electrolytes every quarter mile and occasionally some fruit or other calorie item.
Around 17 miles we were doing run/walk between aid station to aid station. At one point I spotted a traffic light a few blocks up and said, "let's run to that then we walk again." She got up to speed and continued for a good mile pass that point. It was great to see the determination in her to finish this race. Around mile 22 she brought up her PR of 4:35 and was in the mind set to break that today. The pace picked back up and we were now focused on a new goal. Miles strolled by and the heat continued to beat down on us. Her perseverance stayed strong.
Just past mile 25 we could sense that a new PR was now out of reach. We closed out the last 1.2 miles just past her PR with a final time of 4:39:23. I was proud of her. Being by her side for every step of those 26.2 miles I know she gave everything she had inside. Sticking it out to the end was tough physically and mentally for her, I am sure of that; and that just proves what kind of runner she is for that. Running is not easy; especially when you run with goals. There were runners fainting, vomiting, and dropping throughout the course. Almost every single person we talked to had the same thing to say about missing their goal by a significant amount or it being one of the hardest runs for them.
After the race we were doing back to the hotel and a elderly married couple stopped us. He asked if he could take our picture. After the picture was snapped his wife asked how did we do. I looked at my friend and then turned instantly to them and replied, "she gave her all and is amazing."
The race was a showdown and in my book my friend won the fight for being stronger than race!!
Friend 1 vs Chicago 0
Friday, September 17, 2010
Ridin Solo @ Virgil Crest 100
Going into the VC100 my mind is wrapped on giving it my all. Digging deep inside myself and capturing the accomplishment of another 100. April 2009 the Umstead 100 Mile was my first 100 mile race. I finished the first 50 miles in under 11 hours then my left ITB went south. With the onset of seven blisters every mile became slower to the end. Finishing in 28:11 was the most painful experience I had encountered a that point in my life. A few months later I learned that I had pushed my body especially my kidneys so hard that I developed kidney stones. My doctor informed me that I should have been administered IVs on the course because of my condition. Well I passed the stones. When the pain was over a week later I passed another batch of stones. The pain was horrific. Still reflecting back I can justify it by completing the race no matter how much suffering I went through to achieve it. The next two 100's were not nearly that painful. Then last month I reminisced on a different pain. The pain of taking a DNF at my fourth 100, Leadville.
Listening to the song Ridin Solo by Jason Derulo (lyrics below) hit home on so many levels and with the mindset that I will complete the VC100 no matter what is thrown at me. In many levels I will be ridin solo in accomplishing it when all is said and done. I have several friends that throughout this run that will be pushing me through it in my mind.
I set an aggressive goal (a new PR by 1h 33min) of 22 hours. Will it happen? Not sure, but I will dig deep like that at Umstead and push my limits mentally and physically until I have nothing to give.
Lyrics to Ridin' Solo :
Yeeeeeyeeeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine,
I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky,
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm ridin solo, sooloooo.
Yeah, I'm feeling good tonight, finally doing me and it feels so right, oh,
Time to do the things I like,
going to the club everything's alright, oh,
No one to answer to,
no one that's gonna argue, no,
And since I got the hold off me,
I'm living life now that I'm free, yeah,
Telling me to get my shit together
now I got my shit together, yeah,
Now I made it through the weather
better days are gonna get better
I'm so sorry that it didn't work out I'm moving on,
I'm so sorry but it's over now,
the pain is goooone,
I'm putting on my shades
to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin' in my ride,
I'm heading out tonight,
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine,
I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
Now I'm feeling how I should,
never knew single could feel this good, oh,
Stop playing miss understood,
back in the game, who knew I would, oh,
So flex how I spread my wings, loving myself makes me wanna sing, oh,
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Telling me to get my shit together
now I got my shit together, yeah,
Now I made it through the weather
better days are gonna get better
I'm so sorry that it didn't work out I'm moving on,
I'm so sorry but it's over now,
the pain is goooone,
I'm putting on my shades
to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin' in my ride,
I'm heading out tonight,
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine,
I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo
yeah it's like S... O... L... O...
S... O... L... O... S... O... L... O...
Living my life and got stress no more,
I'm putting on my shades
to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin' in my ride,
I'm heading out tonight,
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine,
I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo
I'm riding solo, sooloooo,
I'm riding solo, sooloooo
Listening to the song Ridin Solo by Jason Derulo (lyrics below) hit home on so many levels and with the mindset that I will complete the VC100 no matter what is thrown at me. In many levels I will be ridin solo in accomplishing it when all is said and done. I have several friends that throughout this run that will be pushing me through it in my mind.
I set an aggressive goal (a new PR by 1h 33min) of 22 hours. Will it happen? Not sure, but I will dig deep like that at Umstead and push my limits mentally and physically until I have nothing to give.
Lyrics to Ridin' Solo :
Yeeeeeyeeeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine,
I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky,
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm ridin solo, sooloooo.
Yeah, I'm feeling good tonight, finally doing me and it feels so right, oh,
Time to do the things I like,
going to the club everything's alright, oh,
No one to answer to,
no one that's gonna argue, no,
And since I got the hold off me,
I'm living life now that I'm free, yeah,
Telling me to get my shit together
now I got my shit together, yeah,
Now I made it through the weather
better days are gonna get better
I'm so sorry that it didn't work out I'm moving on,
I'm so sorry but it's over now,
the pain is goooone,
I'm putting on my shades
to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin' in my ride,
I'm heading out tonight,
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine,
I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
Now I'm feeling how I should,
never knew single could feel this good, oh,
Stop playing miss understood,
back in the game, who knew I would, oh,
So flex how I spread my wings, loving myself makes me wanna sing, oh,
Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
Telling me to get my shit together
now I got my shit together, yeah,
Now I made it through the weather
better days are gonna get better
I'm so sorry that it didn't work out I'm moving on,
I'm so sorry but it's over now,
the pain is goooone,
I'm putting on my shades
to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin' in my ride,
I'm heading out tonight,
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine,
I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo
yeah it's like S... O... L... O...
S... O... L... O... S... O... L... O...
Living my life and got stress no more,
I'm putting on my shades
to cover up my eyes,
I'm jumpin' in my ride,
I'm heading out tonight,
I'm solo, I'm riding solo,
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine,
I'm loving cloud nine, my head's in the sky.
I'm solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo.
I'm riding solo, I'm riding solo, sooloooo
I'm riding solo, sooloooo,
I'm riding solo, sooloooo
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sole Searching
Last night around 9:00pm I started back into running and what a run it was for me. This month marks the anniversary of five years of running.
Sending my body into motion down the dark rolling country dirt road for a seven mile loop in complete darkness I was able to soul search. The sky was filled with heavy dark clouds that block all possible light from reaching the earth. Knowing the course I choose not to use a headlamp and just run on feel. The only light I would see over the next seven miles was from my Garmin that was set to only illuminate on the mile to provide a quick glimpse of my split. Each stride was in part me running with ground and brief moments I would draw upon what I taken away from running and how it had revealed my character.
Looking back at my relationship with running it was been very eventful. My first run/race was a 10K mix of trail running & mt biking. The run portion was about 4 miles for me and I recall in the second mile I shook my head at the realization of how hard running was for me. Over the years I have had other moments that tested me to my limits and that have been overwhelming incredible too. Running is hard for me; the shortness of breathe, the pounding of hills, the burn in my legs and the spurts of discomfort that arise through the journey of a run. Do I enjoy the pain that comes with it? Yes, I thrive on digging deep and overcoming it. I battle through a majority of my daily runs, especially on runs like this where it is just me. It is the moment the run/race finishes that I find an overwhelming amount of joy within the accomplishment.
The biggest thing I learned tonight was that I possess the ability deep inside to conquer any run while still enjoying it many facets. Leadville was very humbling and has been an experience I will never shake. Instead of walking away and being defeated I now see that I gave up momentarily, not forever. Within hours I knew that I will be returning in 2011 to compete again. What do I feel this says about me? That I don’t truly give up. Yes, I had a lapse in what I feel poor judgment, but I am not giving up on myself. In two weeks I plan to finish 2010 with another 100 mile feat. Heading to the Finger Lakes of New York for the Virgil Crest 100 mile. When I toe the line I know that this time I will be in possession of a new belt buckle when all is said and done. Whether I run, jog, walk or crawl I will carry myself the entire 100 miles and prove to myself that I have the determination to see this through.
"Running does not build my character it reveals it"
Sending my body into motion down the dark rolling country dirt road for a seven mile loop in complete darkness I was able to soul search. The sky was filled with heavy dark clouds that block all possible light from reaching the earth. Knowing the course I choose not to use a headlamp and just run on feel. The only light I would see over the next seven miles was from my Garmin that was set to only illuminate on the mile to provide a quick glimpse of my split. Each stride was in part me running with ground and brief moments I would draw upon what I taken away from running and how it had revealed my character.
Looking back at my relationship with running it was been very eventful. My first run/race was a 10K mix of trail running & mt biking. The run portion was about 4 miles for me and I recall in the second mile I shook my head at the realization of how hard running was for me. Over the years I have had other moments that tested me to my limits and that have been overwhelming incredible too. Running is hard for me; the shortness of breathe, the pounding of hills, the burn in my legs and the spurts of discomfort that arise through the journey of a run. Do I enjoy the pain that comes with it? Yes, I thrive on digging deep and overcoming it. I battle through a majority of my daily runs, especially on runs like this where it is just me. It is the moment the run/race finishes that I find an overwhelming amount of joy within the accomplishment.
The biggest thing I learned tonight was that I possess the ability deep inside to conquer any run while still enjoying it many facets. Leadville was very humbling and has been an experience I will never shake. Instead of walking away and being defeated I now see that I gave up momentarily, not forever. Within hours I knew that I will be returning in 2011 to compete again. What do I feel this says about me? That I don’t truly give up. Yes, I had a lapse in what I feel poor judgment, but I am not giving up on myself. In two weeks I plan to finish 2010 with another 100 mile feat. Heading to the Finger Lakes of New York for the Virgil Crest 100 mile. When I toe the line I know that this time I will be in possession of a new belt buckle when all is said and done. Whether I run, jog, walk or crawl I will carry myself the entire 100 miles and prove to myself that I have the determination to see this through.
"Running does not build my character it reveals it"
Friday, August 27, 2010
Un-acceptable
First, thank you to the individuals that sent me congratulations. This post is not to take away from that.
For me personally, not finishing the Leadville 100 Mile Endurance Run is upsetting. Only two people really agreed with how I was feeling. One was my 10 year old daughter. She said it best,
"He didn't do good. It was a 100 mile race and only did 50. What sort of person just stops trying?"
I feel that people in society try find something good in everything with the best of intentions. Although, to me not achieving what I set out to do is less than acceptable. Yes, I ran 50 miles through the Rocky Mountains over mountains of 11800' and 12600' in 13 hours. That means nothing and should not be celebrated. Giving ones best is the only thing that should be celebrated when the goal is achieved.
When I stood at the Winfield Aid Station (mile 50) and stepped on the scale to confirm my weight I told them I was dropping. Looking back now I had no idea that decision would bother me so terribly. I ask myself now, "Why did you give up?" True there was pain in my toes, but I should have overcome it and pushed through that. I trained for months in snow, rain, heat, cold, exhaustion & everything else to toe the line. Never did the thought occur to "just stop." I am sure that the 71 year old man that finished the race had moments were he wanted to quit and so did the other 360+ finishers. They however gutted it out, displayed true grit and achieved their goal. Standing at the finish line watching those runner come in made me realize even more what I left out there on the course. And at the awards ceremony as most hobbled/limped up to collect their buckle the sheer joy on their face was worth the struggle. Now one can take away what they achieved, but I took away from myself from not continuing on the course to see what I could really achieve.
There is a tag line on the bottom of my work email: "Running does not build my character it reveals it." Well the character I displayed is not the person I want to be known as. Next year I will toe the line and no matter what comes Leadville dishes out I will take it and go the distance. Once I have that belt buckle in my hand then I will truly appreciate the thanks that has been given to me.
The worse part is I have to wait another 357 days to try again.
For me personally, not finishing the Leadville 100 Mile Endurance Run is upsetting. Only two people really agreed with how I was feeling. One was my 10 year old daughter. She said it best,
"He didn't do good. It was a 100 mile race and only did 50. What sort of person just stops trying?"
I feel that people in society try find something good in everything with the best of intentions. Although, to me not achieving what I set out to do is less than acceptable. Yes, I ran 50 miles through the Rocky Mountains over mountains of 11800' and 12600' in 13 hours. That means nothing and should not be celebrated. Giving ones best is the only thing that should be celebrated when the goal is achieved.
When I stood at the Winfield Aid Station (mile 50) and stepped on the scale to confirm my weight I told them I was dropping. Looking back now I had no idea that decision would bother me so terribly. I ask myself now, "Why did you give up?" True there was pain in my toes, but I should have overcome it and pushed through that. I trained for months in snow, rain, heat, cold, exhaustion & everything else to toe the line. Never did the thought occur to "just stop." I am sure that the 71 year old man that finished the race had moments were he wanted to quit and so did the other 360+ finishers. They however gutted it out, displayed true grit and achieved their goal. Standing at the finish line watching those runner come in made me realize even more what I left out there on the course. And at the awards ceremony as most hobbled/limped up to collect their buckle the sheer joy on their face was worth the struggle. Now one can take away what they achieved, but I took away from myself from not continuing on the course to see what I could really achieve.
There is a tag line on the bottom of my work email: "Running does not build my character it reveals it." Well the character I displayed is not the person I want to be known as. Next year I will toe the line and no matter what comes Leadville dishes out I will take it and go the distance. Once I have that belt buckle in my hand then I will truly appreciate the thanks that has been given to me.
The worse part is I have to wait another 357 days to try again.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Tough Choices
Well I went to Leadville, CO over the weekend to run the LT100 Mile Run. At 50 miles I decided for the first time in a race to take a DNF and leave the course. This was by far the hardest choice I have ever made in running. My toes were in a lot of pain and knowing it took just under 13 hours to get that far, I could only see me slowing down on the back 50 miles and barely able to make it in the 17 hours remaining.
A lot of people were supportive in me achieving 50 miles at a course elevation between 9200' to 12600' with climbs that make you question how the pioneers made it out West.
I know that I will be on the start line in 2011 to challenge myself again, but with only a better outcome. Plans are in place to improve upon the mistakes that were made. Sometimes in life you make a mistake, but not learning from it is the only mistake. I am now more prepared.
Leadville v. Rose 2011 I am coming back!
A lot of people were supportive in me achieving 50 miles at a course elevation between 9200' to 12600' with climbs that make you question how the pioneers made it out West.
I know that I will be on the start line in 2011 to challenge myself again, but with only a better outcome. Plans are in place to improve upon the mistakes that were made. Sometimes in life you make a mistake, but not learning from it is the only mistake. I am now more prepared.
Leadville v. Rose 2011 I am coming back!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Leadville Playlist
Good to be me. Uncle Kracker
Use Somebody. Kings of Leon
We are trying to stay alive. Wyclef Jean
This Afternoon. Nickleback
Its a Great Day to be Alive. Travis Tritt
Sweet Home Alabama. Lynard Skynard
Southern Voice. Tim McGraw
Middle Management. Bishop Allen
Lose Yourself. Eminem
All I Want is You. Barry Louis Polisar
The Distance. Cake
And a lot more. .............
Use Somebody. Kings of Leon
We are trying to stay alive. Wyclef Jean
This Afternoon. Nickleback
Its a Great Day to be Alive. Travis Tritt
Sweet Home Alabama. Lynard Skynard
Southern Voice. Tim McGraw
Middle Management. Bishop Allen
Lose Yourself. Eminem
All I Want is You. Barry Louis Polisar
The Distance. Cake
And a lot more. .............
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Ultra Running Community
This week a complete stranger, Maureen Upton, volunteered to help me at the upcoming Leadville 100 Mile Run. Just a great example of what strangers in the ultra running community will do for one another. She actually sounded more excited to pace me than I was in having a pacer. Dont get me wrong I am VERY EXCITED to be having a pacer. This is my fourth 100 mile race and all but the first, strangers have come forward to help. This year I was able to return the favor to a couple completing their first 100. It was so rewarding I now know why this is such a great sport!! Think about this: ultra running is one of the few sports maybe the only sport where the athletes pay to compete and the spectators watch for free. There is no prize money to be had; really just self-actualization.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Thoughts on the Leadville 100
Sitting here this morning eating breakfast and gazing out the window at the quiet morning I cant help but think of my upcoming race. There are mentions that there will be about 800+ runners at this event. On the average year less than half finish. So what is it that I possess that will carry me to the finish?? I am sure all of the past runners who DNF and all of us attempting this year have thought long and hard on that question. For me, looking back at my first 100 mile attempt I came out with the front pack to quickly for 20 miles. Around 60 miles my left knee was in more pain than I could imagine possible. I hobbled out the last 40 miles because I didn't see an option of not. So when does the breaking point hit a person? Inside I feel ready to take on this challenge. In 12 days I will be toeing the line and learning more about myself as I take on one of the hardest ultras.
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