How to see a PT

Well PP One way to see a PT is to go to the doctor and let him know of the reoccurring pain in your knee. If you've had it for a week or two say a month. Maybe mention something about the lower back. That's all it took for me. I keep having set backs but it's better than me just saying " I'm tired I'm gonna go home now" then turning my bearded flannel wearing ass around and heading back to Greenbo Alabama. I liked the Pt's so much I now volunteer at the clinic and think I'm NO I am going back to school hopefully fall of 08 to be a PTA. Actually PP we have people coming in with all sorts of different things from little two visit fixes to like me a couple of month's to work the kink's out. Don't be afraid to come right out and ask the doc to send you. Well I'm going to go stretch for a while then go to bed, this cold is kicking my ass. Feeling a little bit better hoping tomorrow I can get a decent run in before I'm so far behind I won't be able to catch up.
Any pointers DRILL SERGEANT. Nick I think you need to change your name, I like this, It's like asking to be yelled at. PLEASE!!!!!

Overall Impression: Sixpack is a SHOE WHORE!!!!!(SiaSW!!!!!)

Because I Can Run Again!

I've finally figured out the role that Nick plays in this whole affair. I was about to post a message about how excited I was to be able to run again, but that post would include a discussion of present difficulties. I thought to myself, "Nick must be getting sick of my whining!" And then it came to me. With his scant two comments to people he has become that silent drill seargent (How does one spell that word?). He's the man that screams in your ear when you can't make it another mile, but there are four more to go. The beauty is it's different wordes for each of us. Tell me he hasn't gotten under your skin. So, it's my theory that Nick is the Bizarro Chopra. The yin to Sixpack's Yang. The satan to DJ's Pope. He keeps, at least me, a little more in line.
That said, I'm going to whine now. I went out to today to run the 5 miles I'm prescribed to do. This workout called for a 1 mile warm-up run, 3 miles run at 7:55, and a final cool down run. Mind you, I haven't even walked around the block in the better part of two months. I knew it was going to be tough, and after Tuesday's run I was having some knee pain. I figgered if I kept them hips pushed forward, and concentrated on speed, I might come close to my goal.
After the warm-up mile I decided to walk a lap between miles. The first mile went well, and then mile 2 kicked my ass. Another 1/4 mile walk and Mile 3 kicked more of my ass. Suffice it to say that by the end of mile 4, mile 5 was no longer considered a "cool down" but more of a "SURVIVAL MISSION". I finished the 5 miles and with only a little of the knee pain that has plagued me for months. I did find if I followed all of the tips the PT gave me I could severely reduce that pain. Hips forward, head back, lean forward, and shoulders out. I'm sure he's just auditioning me for porn!

Summary:

Distance: 5 miles (6.25 if you count the walking)

Total time: 48:16

Average Pace: 9:39

Impression: Holy Shit I Just Ran 5 Miles! (HSIJR5M)

Quicky

In seeking an answer to why, for no f*cking reason, I developed my first side stitch in approximately a year during my run today, I found this helpful bit of info on runnersworld. I tried EVERYTHING EXCEPT of course what they tell you to do. Never would have thought of that myself. I hope I don't have to use it on my next run.

So, thanks for the positive mojo power. I made up for my slack-ass run last week and look to put in a total of 24 mi. this week. If anything, running 4.75 mi. with a stabbing pain (hey Sybil, is that you with a kitchen knife running behind me?) in my side will make my 9 miler this weekend easy-peasy.

Peace out, kiddos! SANDI WHERE ARE YOU???????????????

New Day, New Run, New Motivation

OK, you got me. I kind of didn't tell the whole truth yesterday. Yes, I got new FASTER running shoes, and Yes I rode my bike to the bike shop to buy them, but what I left out was the fact that I bought two pairs of shoes yesterday. So this morning it was really hard to decide which pair to wear. My shiny, new, awesomest of awesome, faster running shoes:

or, my hot new, coolest of the cool, you can't touch this, John Fluevog shoes:

In the end I came to my senses and wore the running shoes, even though I'm dying to break in those Fluevogs. For those that are counting that's only 4 pair. for the run I went down to Kezar Stadium, former home of the 49'ers and first tried to calibrate my iPod again. it's pretty accurate, but fell about 25 yards short on a 2 mile run. I'll keep trying. It was a great run. The two laps I ran to calibrate were at 2:00 each, that would have been an 8 minute mile!!! I ran instead, 2 more miles in 18:22 for an average pace of 9:11/mile. The goal on my training plan, which I'm already realizing might be a bit ambitious, was 9:26. So, I beat the goal.

It was awesome to be back running, and I hope my return will be long lived. I'll train for B2B then will look at the calendar for the next marathon! I'm so excited to be back in the saddle again that I almost want to go back out and run again tonight!!!!!

Stats;

Distance: 2 miles

Time: 18:22

Overall Impression: Damn Them Shoes Is Fast! (DTSIF)

P.S. PP you can do it!!! Keep up the work it will pay off. Bad weeks happen, just don't let it push you off and discourage you for this week!!!!

When Bad Weeks Happen to Good People

I am not entirely sure what happened last week. It could have been a combination of factors: pollen count is high; still not accustomed to time change; it was recovery week in my training plan, etc. As I said, it could have been any of those things. But the fact remains that I had a terrible, unmotivated week.

Of the scheduled 12 miles for the week, I only completed 8 mi. I could not bring myself to run the last 4 mi. I can only explain it by saying I must have hit the proverbial wall and it sucks. However, since the whole point of the recovery week is to "recover" I am certainly going into this week with fresh legs. I've got two "longish" runs scheduled this week (7 & 9) and I absolutely intend on completing those.

Sooo, send your positive running mojo thoughts my way this week. Especially around 6 pm (Central) when I try to convince myself to get off the couch and hit the pavement.

Weeks Stats
Total Miles: 8
Total Time: 1:06:22
Avg. Pace: 8:17
Total Mi. since Jan: 141.5 (So getting crushed by DJ)
Observations: Too lazy to make an observation (TLTMAO)

New Shoes, New Hope!

Well, it's been forever since I've run regularly. There were a few short runs after the January Marathon, then Basto! I've been struggling with this bruise. Yes, if you can believe it it still hurts, but a few test runs and I've been doing OK. So, in hopes that I will be able to start an 8 week crash course to prepare for the Bay to Breakers, I went out today and bought a new pair of shoes.
What an ordeal! He had me try on 5 pairs of shoes. Each more comfortable than the first. Each pair required a 2 block run to try them out, and 2 of the pairs were tried on multiple times. I ran at least a 1/2 mile just trying on shoes. When was the last time you combined exercise and shopping? Not bad, huh?
In the end I've got another pair of Brooks. I opened my mind way up and tried on Asics and Saucony and Brooks. After my 1/2 mile process of elimination we settled on Brooks with an orthotic. They are way comfy and should be great for my run tomorrow. I'm supposed to do 2 miles at 9:26 minutes each. I think I can do it. I'm psyched and ready to go. An update should arrive later this week.

FARTLEK

fart·lek (färt'lĕk) n.
An athletic training technique, used especially in running, in which periods of intense effort alternate with periods of less strenuous effort in a continuous workout.
A workout using this technique.
[Swedish, speed play : fart, running, speed (from fara, to go, move, from Old Norse) + lek, play (from leka, to play, from Old Norse leika).]
I have know more questions. I finally found out how to use this computation machine for something besides porn. Who would a thunked.
I didn't mean to cause so much controversy over Nick. From here on out I'll keep my mouth shut. NAAAA I'll never do that, it's against my nature. I always say what's on my mind even if I might offend. Sometimes especially if I might offend. My family and friends can attest to that, huh guys. Stroller Motor this a prime place for you to make your first comment and yes I was laughing my @$$ off when I saw the question asked of you for your profile. I was really looking for more of an answer as to what it was made of. Something like recycled school paper or recycled flowers so it smelled as pretty as I.
Nothing to report as Sybil has locked me in the attic, I'm wondering now if my bad knee is from her pushing me down the attic stairs. I'm starting to worry I think Sybil and Kathy Baites are becoming good friends. If I write to ya'll telling you of how I've been hobbled, PLEASE send help!!!

20 Minutes on the Torture Device

Sick and tired of being held back by this fucking bruise-- Yes, it is still yellow, and yes, it still hurts to walk down stairs -- I decided to climb today onto the medieval torture device Steve keeps in the living room. It looks like this:



While watching a documentary about Eastern Musicals during the Cold War -- Yes, there is such a thing, who knew? I didn't. -- I climbed on and swung my legs back and forth for 20 minutes. Something akin to Nordic Track, but leaves one feeling a bit more like a 5 year old girl at the park. I guess there's just something about a grown man swinging his legs as wide open as they will go, that's wrong in oh so many ways. The good news about it all though is that this motion does not hurt my calf, so I can do it more often. I will continue to try this device until I can get out onto the road. I'm gettig stircrazy, and fat, so I'm hoping that's pretty darn soon.

Summary:

Miles: 2 floating miles, a la Care Bears.

Time: 15 minutes

Overall Impression: Musical Documentary While Performing Barbie Exercises? Have I Hit A Gay High Or A Gay Low? (MDWPBE?HIHAGHOAGL?)


Also: A welcome to Stroller Motor, thus making it 11 Drunk Runners with our strongest chapter in Wisconsin (5 members).

When Forest met Sybil

My knee hurts I should stop running and walk back........ You've already taken a total of two weeks off because of your back............If I don't stop I could make things worse......... If you do stop you may fall behind and we are coming into crunch time.......I need to stop... I don't want to stop.... you have to stop........ I can't I have to push thru this. OK OK I'LL STOP. You are such a bitch, you always win. Why won't you ever let me win.......huh I wonder why?

OK this went on for a mile before I finally stopped and walked back home. I am icing my knee as I write this. I guess it's better to miss a short run or two but keep up with the long runs. This is what I'm going to tell myself to help ease my disappointment. Part of me thinks maybe I jumped into this a little fast, maybe I should have tried a few smaller runs instead of jumping in head first. Well, I'm in the water now I have to keep pressing forward.
OK I know I'm dedicated to doing this, I knew I'd have some ups and downs, Just didn't know the downs would come one right after another. OK I'm done whining! On an up note, next Tuesday is supposed to 70 plus one. I'm gonna run like a man possessed.

Miles....1

Time....not sure, Sybil had me all upset

Pace...... Why do you keep asking me all these damn questions? Can't you just leave me alone

I've asked before with no reply, who is this Nick? I've only read one thing from him and that was him dogging Mrs. Mockingbird. If he's a member wouldn't we now be 11 Drunk Runners?

Drumroll, please....

To answer the most eagerly disputed question of the past week:


We counted 207 runners!!!! Unbelievable, but made more believable by the fact I counted around 80 yesterday in absolutely horrible conditions. Even allowing for the few repeats, which we were pretty good about avoiding, that's still an ungodly amount!

Forest wins for guessing the closest amount of runners, and Julie gets a backup/birthday prize for being close with the total people. Send your addresses to my account and I'll get you guys some German "care packages".

W.W.F.D.(?)

So, when I went out on my balcony yesterday it was raining, borderline sleeting, and cold. Needless to say, I didn't want to run in it and the ensuing inner dispute actually culminated with the conclusion (I swear I am not making this up): "Well, Forest would run in it."

So off I went. (I gave Tessa the day off due to conditions, and she thankfully scurried upstairs and spent the next hour in a hot shower.)
Basically, in terms of weather, imagine Bizarro-Last-Week. I could tell from the ripples in the canals that the wind was literally constantly against me. If I switched directions, so did it. I turned corners, and it did too. (I even twirled in a little circle once and THAT induced a small tornado that uprooted a rose bush.)

I was working both a watch and the Nike(Plus) because I knew that the battery on my iPod was dangerously low and I wanted to be able to register my time in the event that it died (Note: This led to me periodically saving runs on the iPod and starting new ones so I wouldn't risk losing the whole thing if it didn't last. As a result, my 9 miles reads like 350,000 little runs. After my laptop crashed, I am officially Backup obsessed.)

ANNNNDDDD, at about three miles, it started hailing just as the wind picked up hard, meaning I was getting pelted directly in the face by sharp balls of ice. I ended up among a small group of runners, all of which (including me) were running with our arms up in a sort of cross formation, trying to shield our faces from permanent ice-induced disfiguration.

It was kinda funny.

Anyway, things calmed down and I finished without too much event, but Tessa had to follow me around the house placing towels under me in order to protect our newly cleaned floors. I was dripping water everywhere.

The Run:

Distance: 9.1 miles
Time: 1:08:37
Average: 7:32

Somewhere in there I had a really fast mile, because Paula Radcliffe piped up at one point (she lives in my iPod) to tell me I established a new PB in the mile, but when I checked it looked the same as before...Other than that, I was chirpy all day for running that well when things sucked so much, and we celebrated by spending the afternoon in the Netherlands.

The rest of the week's training went pretty well. The speed work is a bit tricky, and I have to write notes on my hand to remember how many laps I have to do at "Cruise Intervals" and how many I do at "Speed Intervals"(?!). Of course, sweat blurs the ink to the point that every number looks like it says either "stop", "slow down", or "Wouldn't you rather be drinking a beer?". I'm not sure exactly how many miles I ran, because I don't always bring the iPod to the track (I'm far too uncoordinated to make it work with everything else, particularly while deciphering my Rohrschach splits). Also, I might have to stop running with Tessa on my optional days, because my legs are on the verge of total revolt. (Don't worry, I'll bike):

Logged Miles: 23.51
Time: 3:03:48
Average: 7:48
Best Weekday Run: 2.1 Miles (14:52)
Overall Impression: Pretty Pleased But Fatiguing (PPBF)

Basically, the blog must be working. If it wasn't for the fact that I read constantly about everything Forest runs through, I would have spent all day either A) in bed, or B) drinking beer in Maastricht.

So cheers, Forest, for helping me run when the conditions are horrible. And cheers, PP, for making me want to be faster, and (as always) cheers to Sixpack, for inspiring me to slog through an ungodly amount of miles.
(And cheers to you too, Tequila, for your comments and general fantasticness.)

Soryy P.P.

I was going to start this one by welcoming a friend, but after P.P blew my hair back like she did I thought I should write a retraction to my earlier post. I would like to sincerely apologize to our beloved Pavement Pounder for not including her in the people who have posted as of late. PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR THIS TERRIBLE MISTAKE, I TRUELY AM SORRY. I would also like to apologize in advance for anyone else I may PISS OFF after they read it. Thank you Forest F. Gump. and That's all I have to say about that!
OK back to what I was here for in the first place. I would like to be the first to welcome a new member to the Drunk Runners Wisconsin Chapter. I'll call her "The Stroller Motor", she has been a friend of mine for......... well a long time now. She has supported me through all of my goals and helped me achieve my first 5k by running it with me. By the way she beat me! About a year ago she and her husband had a baby and she has found it hard to get back into running or just about anything. But she is trying, She will be training for Crazy legs here in Madison for the UW sports boosters, whether she likes it or not( this is me supporting her). I have told her how much fun and help you've all been.
So please lets raise are glasses and give a big Drunk Runners welcome to " The Stroller Motor".

My Bones Are Weary

I totally take umbrage at being left out of the list of people posting! Boo hiss. Geez, you take one day off to celebrate your 3rd decade and its like you never ran at all. [Grin]

You want stats, I'll give you stats. Granted Forest, after your 31 miles for the week, my 18 look quite pitiful.

Today, Ginifer and I did what has become our weekly run together. We hit Memorial Park in Houston (yes, they have parks in Texas). Actually, it was really reminiscent of Golden Gate Park, including the high traffic of runners, walkers, dogs, and apparently it is the "meat market" of fit Houston people. Since Ginifer is going to wait to start posting until after she gets her laptop, I will share with you what AMAZING progress she has made over the last 4 weeks. She is now running 6 miles as her long distance (something she remarked she had only done one other time in her life and after that she decided to stop there!) and has brought her time down to the 9 min. range (and even faster for her speedwork). Yeehaw! Granted, I think she underestimated herself when setting up her plan, so it is really no surprise to me that she went from doing 11-12 min. miles to 9:30 miles. But I digress.

As for me, my body has held up despite my entrance into the 30s. I made up the tempo run that I should have done on my birthday on Sat. (6.6 miles) and then did my distance run today, Sunday (8 miles). All I can say is: they give you "rest" days in between for a good reason (I know Deetschei defies all logic with his crazy running-everyday-routine...).

This Week:
Total Distance: 18.6 mi
Total Time: 2:36:44
Average Pace: 8:25
Best Run of the Week: 6.6 mi at 8:01 pace
Overall Impression: Eh, can't complain. Legs are still attached and bionic knees are functioning. (ECCLASAABKAF)

Starting to feel my age!

Well folks, this week has been a good week in training. Well sort of........... no it's been good but my aches and pains are really reminding me I'm not 24 years old anymore. Actually when I was 24, the only running I did was from bar to bar and I could drink most under the table. Now I drink seven beers and pay for it the next day. I wasn't hung over but I was dehydrated and it made Fridays run real tough. This ones going to be short, I'm hoping by me posting so much that others will start to post. Right now it seems that only Dee and I are running, come on guys SAY IT AINT SO. My long run for the week was 14 miles, the last two were tough but I kept the pace up and finished. I'm glad I've got 7 - 8 weeks left before the big day.I'm going to need it all to get prepared for it. Well the stats for this week are as follows.

Total miles....31

Total time.....5hrs...9min...53sec

Pace..........10 min

Overall impression: My aches my pains, I will over come them and when I cross the finish line this will all be worth it. (MAMP,IWOCTAWICTFLTWABWI.)

Making 30 Look Damn Fine!

In honor of my entrance into the 30s, I hearby declare today a NO RUN DAY! That means that instead of running you are REQUIRED to drink your weight in margaritas or the beverage of your choice.

In honor of my 30th birthday, I have already had half a pitcher of cadillac margaritas - talk about knock you on your ass in front of your parent... Anywho, there will be NO TEMPO RUN today, as I can barely walk a straight line. (And that was just lunch!) If only I had had a Bloody Mary for breakfast... On the schedule for dinner are tapas and mojitos (or more accurately mojitos and then tapas). I think it will be the hangover tomorrow that makes me feel my age.

Additionally, I have decided that in the wise words of Justin Timberlake (who thought I would ever say that?), I have set myself the goal of bringing SexyBack and making 30 look better than it ever has. Soooooooo [slurred], watch out. That is all I gotta say.

Now I am gonna pass out before the next round of drinks!


I'll be back on the road tomorrow.

Only in Wisconsin

I had to write a short post for you all, Sixpack will love this. Today on My way home from work at 3:00 P.M. it was 61 degrees outside, the sun was shining with a light yet warm spring breeze.As I drove down John Nolen drive Monona Bay was on my right with about two hundred ice fisherman sitting on five gallon pails Dressed like, well like it was winter in Wisconsin. on the bike trail next to the bay was about 30 runners dressed like it was summer. Shorts, sport bras tank tops and some with out tops at all ( but only the men). I really need to buy a digital camera so I can share these sort of things with everyone. This really is a seen only found in places like Wisconsin. For me it was another good nay great run, we've got a cold snap coming in but it shouldn't last long.

Blur o' Pope

First off: Come on Sandi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're all behind you! It may seem hard now, but you'll be able to grind through it and it WILL get easier!


Two things about Sunday's long run:

1) I felt great. I was concerned after drinking most of a bottle of white wine the night before while staying up late entrenched in a massive cribbage game/card tournament of attrition with Tessa. But when I woke up, I felt good. Super good.

This good:

Distance: 8 Miles
Time: 1 hour 1 minute 23 Seconds
Average Time: Can't say. The flex capacitor kicked in again, and I finished the run in 1955, effectively melting my watch. But I did get to help my dad meet my mom. So I had that going for me.

Seriously, the speed work has been working for this guy. But, in the interest of full disclosure, I only started hitting the track last week. Until then, I had been employing 30 Pack's genius method of counting telephone poles...Basically, I would pick a landmark during my run and sprint to it, then slow down until I found something else to sprint to. The next run, I would sprint to a landmark a little bit further than that...and so on. It was the best method of medium scale, unprofessional fartlekking I could muster. But it seems to be effective.

We've been developing a more scenic running route since a huge portion of the run was on not-so-pretty university property that has, in the last few weeks, turned into a giant bog of mud that probably houses rodents of unusual size. I think we have settled on one that takes us straight to the city's green belt via a residential canal system. It's absolutely gorgeous, and slightly downhill the whole way home. Which basically ensures negative splits. Which allows me to pretend I'm in better shape than I really am...
Anyway, we exploited the new path for this long distance run, and I really think that the right environment can contribute so much to a good performance. Running can suck sometimes; there might as well be something pretty to look at (and running with a mirror is so damn unwieldy).

I'll post something from MapIt as soon as I sort out the best way to do so.

2) The weather never turned too cold over the Winter (I'm so sorry I'm writing this, Forest, you can kick me really hard later). I was convinced I would have to join a gym before we moved here but, after bundling up, we never missed a run because of the cold. In the last week, it has really turned Spring-like though, and Sunday was the first "perfect" day for running of the year. The sun was warm, but it was still cool enough that you didn't overheat after a few miles. A lot of trees are trying to turn green again, while daffodils and little flowers that Tessa calls "Daisies" are growing all over the place. In fact, the weather was so great that half of Cologne decided to run as well. We were so impressed with the amount of people running that we, um, actually counted them and decided to make a game of it:

Game of it: Guess how many runners Dayton and Tessa counted over the course of their 8 miler! Post your guess in the comments box, and the person who is closest will receive a special "Drunk Runners Germany" surprise in their mailbox! (after the requisite time it takes for a small package to reach America from Germany.)

The contest ends Sunday, and no members of Drunk Runners Germany may enter. Either of them.

One Mile Run

Yes, it's true!! I ran a mile today. I've been nursing my leg and thought I would see what it felt like to actually run a mile. I had an errand to run and since we are having an amazing day of weather: High of 75 today. I thought I would get away from the computer and go for a little jog.
All in all it wasn't too bad. I was in pain most if not all of the way, but it wasn't pain that said I was injuring myself, just pain that said, "Would you just sit down, this hurts!" It felt great to get out and get some exercise again. I can't tell you how great I feel to have gotten out and just done it. I feel so great that I plan to do it again tomorrow! My pace was 9:24. Nice to see I haven't lost all of my fitness. I'm hoping some of it is still there after all of this time off.

Stats:

Distance: 1.08 miles

Time: 10:09

Pace: 9:24

Impression: Praise Sixpack, Praise Pope Deetschei, and all hail Sandi Patti! I can walk! I can Run! It's a Miracle! (PS,PPD, AAHSP!ICW!ICR!IAM!)

RUN FOREST RUN, why yes I did!

Hello all, it's a sunny Sunday afternoon in Wisconsin, It's supposed to hit 51 today. Wow it seems like just last week I was talking nay complaining about how cold it was. Oh yah it was just last week. I'll start by telling the horror story's, but first, Drunk runners we have a problem with one of our members. Folks our beloved Sandi has fallen, not like Sixpack, it's worse. She has lost her drive, she is still losing the weight but she is not exercising. I'm afraid if we don't all pump her up she won't be ready for B2B. So let's all give her a drunk runners push and get her going again.
I believe I posted Tuesdays run, hey I was complaining about the cold earlier this week, wow what a difference. Well Thursday I actually went out and did speed work, have I mentioned how much I hate speed work. NO because I had never done any before but now I can tell you I hate it, yet it already seems to be working. Hate it yet good for me so I guess I have to keep doing it. Friday was like the last month or so of Fridays, at work during the day things are good outside but when the day is done so is the good weather. Well this Friday was no different. when I was leaving work it started raining the temp was 36 degrees I thought I'm still running it's just rain. I got home let the boy's out to run while I changed and stretched. While I was in doing that the London fog set in. But I stayed the course and ran anyhow and it turned out to be a good run, helped out by Mother Nature. She came calling at about mile three and I had to sprint back to the house before the bitch kicked the door in. It's funny how fast a person can run with clenched cheeks and a stomach rumbling like the Blueberry pie eating contest in the movie "Stand By Me". For those worried I maybe didn't make it and those laughing hoping I didn't, I MADE IT!!! But after that I lost my drive and didn't go back out and finish the last 1.5 miles, can ya blame me?
This brings me to today, I went up to Verona to meet and run for the first time with a marathon training group I signed up with. It was a sunny 29 degree morning with no wind not even a breeze. I'm telling you it was a BEAUTIFUL morning for a run, you couldn't ask for more. Crisp, clean air, sunshine and birds singing. It was like Sixpack and all of you got together and got this weather just for me. I had a tear in my eye when I started the run. THANK YOU everyone THANK YOU!!! It turned out to be a great run all together 12 miles in 2 hrs and 31 secs, folks that's a better overall time than I got when I ran 10 miles for the first time two weeks ago. I wish you all this beautiful sunshine for your training as well.

This weeks report

miles 27.5

time 4 hrs 37 min 9 secs

pace 10 mins 5 secs

overall impression
I think someone snuck up and unhooked the plow with out me knowing (thank you). Now that the plows gone I need to shift gears till I hit road gear. (ITSSUAUTPWOMKTYNTTPGINTSGTIHRG)

Run Forrest Run!

A shout out to everyone who is still out there beating the pavement!!!! You people are amazing and are an inspiration to me as I work my way back out there. I thought I would chime in today, during this week of photos and share with you my lack of running for the past 11 days. On the way to the faculty meeting last week I went to fill up my scooter. While driving down a short stretch of sidewalk, I actually managed to drive off the sidewalk, at which point I tipped the scooter over. I've done it once before, but that was a lighter scooter and I was expecting it. this time was a mess. The scooter landed on my left leg. It was actually trapped under the scooter! I thought I was going to have to chew it off or something, but I realized I could just lift it with my hands that still functioned properly. Other than the leg all I managed to do was bounce my helmeted face off the pavement. Thank god for helmets.
Just to prove I'm not lying, here's a picture I took of my leg today.

That's what it looks like on day 11. Needless to say, it's taken my best effort to walk straight for the last week. However, I am not daunted and am hopeful I will be giving a trial run on Tuesday. (pun intended.)

Keep the inspiring stories coming and the pic of the Hayes Street Hill has me pumped. I can't wait to tackle it again!! I promise to inform you all of my progress as soon as I'm able to run again. In the meantime:


Miles this week: 0
Cocktails this week: Best not divulged. My mom reads this thing. I'll simply offer this as my proof:


Yes, Ladies and Gentleman that is my name on the side of a barrel of Makers Mark, and when that puppy is ready (6 to 7 years) there will be a big party. Too bad, I'll probably empty a few barrels that belong to someone else before then.

The Hayes Street Haters Rise Again

Just yesterday, as I finished up my speed work on the treadmill, I thought to myself, "I sure miss running hills like we used to back in Berkeley." Today, however, after my sister ("Gin"ifer) told me she had signed up for B2B and wanted to know whether people actually jogged the hill or whether they walked the hill, I felt compelled to send her a photo of said hill.

When I told you that I thought "gee, I miss hills" I certainly was NOT referring to the most "hated" of all hills:

Note: Do not let this beast in any way, shape, or form intimidate you. You are stronger than the hill. You are tougher than the hill. You will kick that hill's ass (if it had an ass). You will prevail over that hill!!!

Having survived the hill, I tell you in all honesty, there is nothing like the downhill side of that bitch! That having been said and in honor of your tackling the Hayes Street Hill, I am going to try to shave at least an extra 2-3 mins. off my goal when running in solidarity.

Last Weeks Stats:
Total Miles: 19.2
Total Time: 2:43:46
Avg. Pace: 8:31
Observations: Um... Ouch! (U...O!)

One More Thing...

I just joined this running "event" on Nike Plus last week (as always, click to make legible):



Basically, it does nothing more than keep track of the miles you run before March 17th and convert them into beers you've burned off in advance (2 miles is 1 beer). I've made room for eight beers so far!!!! Let's see how we can all do before the 17th, and then toast ourselves for our collective progress!

Return of the Deetschei

Alright, first things first. Don might be attaining nirvana for his knee right now, but you do need to know that there is another, mortal, running source of strength for those of you in need:



Not yet deified, when I'm not busy conspiring to hide gnostic secrets about Jesus getting jiggy with it, I have been known to run a lap or two around the cathedral. In white loafers.

(Note: Requests for pictures of a running pope have not been ignored. We're just waiting to wash the costume. I can not stress how gross it smells. If you imagine rolling around in a Bourbon Street gutter for five days, then just pouring two beers over your head for fun...you would be half way there. I couldn't put the outfit on without passing out right now)

I expected Karneval to really wipe out the progress I made over the past two months, but it apparently had some reinvigorating, super-hero like effect on me. I managed to run through some of the pain, so I never actually dropped a week. The overall miles naturally dropped from the 20 mile week I logged just before, but I was able to tread water until we got to London for some much needed detox. It turns out that the wrong side of the road is the fast side of the road:

My best (non-weekend) run in the week leading up to and including Karneval, in terms of speed and overall feel, was a 4.09 mile run for 34:01, which worked out to a 8:19 pace. I was totally ecstatic with that. Then, however, things started getting faster (dare I say, ass-kickinger?). For the past two weeks, my average time has dropped below 8 minute miles on almost every run. I bettered my 4 mile time to 33:25, then 31:13, and finally 30:51! (AND, I need to add, the Nike + needs to be calibrated again which means I'm running further than I need, so I'm actually doing even better than the times suggest...it's minimal, but I need to get that out there...I'm such a petty little pope.) Honestly, if I were a high school track coach and I needed to prepare my team for a meet in two weeks, I would have a hard time not taking them to Tijuana for a few days of drunken debauchery. The results speak for themselves.

Anyway, last week culminated with this run on Sunday:




It was relatively relaxed and I didn't need to thrust my hips too far in any one direction to sustain the pace, although I did make air-humping motions occcasionally to embaress Tessa, but I do that anyway. ;) Again, I had to run around the block an extra time just to get the iPod to register the six miles, so I actually finished in under 46 minutes. Not only that, but during that run I registered my fastest mile (7:26) and established my fastest 5K pace (23:48)! I figure I should be in good position for Bay to Breakers, Cologne Edition...However, those of us who can't make it to the actual race but who are running in satellite cities really should settle on goal times that take into account a lack of Hayes Street Hill. How much difference do you think it makes?

Last, but not least, I've started training for a Half Marathon in late April. I'm using the Intermediate Ultimate Half Marathon Plan from Runners World. It's going to be hectic, but I'm trying to beat my PB by at least 5 minutes. I must be nuts.

The Week So Far (includes runs with Tessa, she's getting faster too!):

Distance: 12.95 Miles
Time: 1:45
Average: 8:06 per mile


Overall Impression: Binge Drinking Make For Faster Pope (BDMFFP)

UPDATE: For those of you that are a little frustrated right now, I'm linking to a post of mine from October when I couldn't finish 2 miles without A LOT of pain here. And I would like to point out that my (then) estimate of needing a month to be able to log 20 miles in a week was off. I couldn't manage it until February! Running is just a world of heartbreak sometimes. But there's always reason for hope!

Serious post

I ran for the first time in 8 days again, back is feeling better but this winter##&*%@&*(^$@!^. Sorry I needed to blow off a little steam. I guess the computer thought it was a web site. try and visit it to see where it takes you, probably a porn site. Hmmmm maybe I could make some extra money for bills as a porno actor. I could call myself Forest F. Hump, what do ya think.
Back to what I was writing before I got side tracked. Got home and yes it's a training day, the winds blowing about 8 miles an hour seems beautiful huh, well not when it's 21 degrees outside. Did I mention I'm sick of this CRAP. I used to love winter when all I wanted to do was hunt, now I want to run I want to RUN FOREST RUN but this damn weather won't let up. OK sorry, done whining. I ran 5.5 miles tonight and other than my nose going numb it went fine. The back felt good, a little pain in the right knee but some more hammy stretches should straighten that out. I've got a total of 26 miles to do this week, so hopefully everything stays healthy for me. wish me luck.

miles 5.5

time 57 min 9 sec

pace 10 min 24 sec

overall impression:
Looks like I lost one of the bottoms off my plow. (llilootbomp)

No Run No Post :(

Hey all,
As your spiritual leader, I feel I have let you all down. As I sit here today I have not run in over a month and I'm feeling it. First the flu, then a wicked cold, all the while Physical Therapy for knee pain. Now, I have hurt my leg again, and won't be running for another little bit. I'd detail the situation here, but I'm tired of whining to the forum.

KNOW that I am here to support you all and want every one of us to succeed!

KNOW that as soon as I can walk a straight line I will be out there running!

KNOW that I wish I were out there running as much as I ever have!

KNOW that if I must walk the Bay to Breakers on crutches, I will!

KNOW that you are loved and supported in your running/walking endeavor!

your leader,
Sixpack Chopra

You asked for it Pavement Pounder

I was going to Wait until I actually ran. See I haven't been able to with the back and the snow and the whole blowing of the snow thing causing drifts. So all I have to report on is the weight thing, down to 176 lbs. haven't seen that since I was 19, don't remember all this extra skin back then. I guess 19 years of abusing my body may lead me to never being able to say I'm athletic and TONED.
So PP I've been standing naked in front of the mirror (that's how I noticed the skin thing) trying to figure out the hip tilt thing. I haven't come up with the position or figured out how it gives strength and power, well at least when it comes to running. But I believe I have found a few things that hip tilt can help with not necessarily speed but the power thing may blow your mind. I'm willing to pass this along to your hubby if you guys are interested. Hell I may need start a whole new blog, "The benefits of running; in the bedroom as seen by the partner" Well that's it for now, look forward to everyone else's posts.

Checkin' In

Hey Everybody. This is just a quick post to catch up on how everybody's training is going. I just wanted to make sure everyone was getting the motivation, inspiration, opportunity to complain, etc., they need in order to keep on walking & running toward their goals. I would love to hear how everyone is progressing! So don't be shy with those posts, folks!

Ode to the Sweaty Salt Crystal

You are so white.
You are so scratchy.
O, how you cake my legs and face;
My little, sweaty salt crystals.

Okay, so I am not cut out to be a poet. I'll stick to analyzing them instead of writing them.

Forest, I made a point to pay attention while doing my tempo run today. I realized that when I do speedwork, I shorten my stride. I don't know if this is common or if other people do it, but the shorter my strides the faster I find I can go. Additionally, I have noticed that if I tilt my hips I can also increase my speed/power. (I think Sixpack mentioned something about hiptilt in an earlier post). That was just my observation from today's run, which was surprisingly successful.

By the way, I know I am gonna hear about this, but.... MAN was it hot today! Geez. If this keeps up, I am gonna have to hit the pool early this season ;) A brilliant, low-humidity, 76 degrees, clear skies, and windy! SWEET!!! [Note: I expect to be fully chastised for that little brag when summer comes and I am bitching about 90 degree weather with humidity not unlike that of the Brazilian Rain Forest! and the Wisco Clan is singing the praises of the mild, pleasant Midwest summer ;)]

eatin' well

here is an NYTimes article about eating well, which i thought some of you would find interesting/ helpful.

now i have to find a way to motivate my arse to get out the door and run... when it is windy with slushy rain that is going almost horizontally. i mean, i know for you cheeseheads that sounds like a lovely summer day, but for the rest of us who have come to expect somewhat reasonable weather, it plain sucks.

my training is still going okay. my "long" run on sunday really sucked– i felt like i had cinder blocks tied to my legs for the entire 5 miles and my pace suffered as a result (increasing it by a minute/mile).

total miles last week: 10

total time: you want me to do math!?!

pace: around 10min/mile

overall impression: Why Does Mother Nature Hate Me And Always Make It Rain On My Run Days? (WDMNHMAAMIROMRD)

Sistas Are Doin' It For Themselves

For perhaps the first time in my life, at least as far as I can remember, my oldest sister and I actually went running "together." This wasn't the kind of running in which the oldest sibling "chases" the youngest sibling around the house threatening to punch her. No no, this was real running. We did a nice 4 miler today in the L. J. While everyone else was at church, we took over the streets.

I know one should not immulate spiritual leaders or deities, but following in Sixpack's footsteps I have encouraged my sister to start training for B2B (even though we might not be running it with you in SF). I figured that we Okie Girls could provide a nice balance to the Wisco Supremacy. I have extended an invitation to her to join Drunk Runners. Hopefully we will soon be 10, so keep your eyes open and give "Ginifer" (she was born to be a Drunk Runner) a hardy welcome when she finally joins.

Inspired by DJ and Forest's distances, I have decided to up my "long runs" - I am ahead of my training schedule in terms of pace, so I figure I can extend the runs on the weekend to challenge myself and to catch up with the boys! So look over your shoulders occassionally, you just might see me coming up behind you :)

5 Bottom Plow and So much More

Ladies and Gentleman the five bottom plow:


Normally drug behind a tractor, not a runner, those five blades dig into the earth turning it over making it fresh and ready for planting. I'll leave you to imagine the drag and the extended meaning of Forests metaphor.

That out of the way, I'm proud to say that I have not run a foot since my last post. However, a trip to the physical therapist was most enlightening on Thursday. After assessing the situation he asked what my goals are. He didn't even flinch when I said I wanted to do another marathon. Granted, this is the guy that helped me walk again after the first one, so I thought the coin could fall either way. Either he was going to take it in stride, or he was going to say something like, "Now, you've run two of them. And you are in for your second round of Physical therapy in the last 6 months. I'm seeing a trend here. Are you sure this marathon thing is the best for you?" Thankfully he didn't, so I was spared having to bitch slap him and tell him that I was the one paying the bills and he would do what I said.
So, we've figured out the problem and have devised the beginnings of a plan. It all goes back to that barn in Wisconsin some 30 odd years ago. It looked something like this:

It is here that I fell and broke my arm at the age of 4. It is this accident that, it has been theorized, was the beginning of my scoliosis. No, no one pushed me. If you can believe it I was not the most graceful child, although it was my dream to be a world class diver or figure skater. So, this scoliosis has meant that my body makes a lot of funny adjustments in order to get through the day. What it means most significantly is that my stomach muscles hardly ever work. I use my back for everything which just doesn't cut it sometimes. As I know I've mentioned before, a marathon, in such situations, is much like a rock in your shoe. Imagine, if you will, that there is a rock in your shoe. Now, you could walk across the room and it wouldn't be that big of a deal. You might even be able to walk around the block and not have a problem, maybe a mile, but a 26.2 miles? Your foot would be a bloody messy. Trust me, I've had it happen for 11 miles. Why didn't I remove the rock? I'm not quite sure, but it was a bloody mess. So, 26.2 miles has exagerated what were previously minor injuries brought about by my poor body mechanics over years and years of moving. Frankly, I will continue to keep running marathons, because it is helping me move so much better, that we might eventually fix everything.
With round two of PT Mel promises we will fix even more and get me on the right track. Now if you will excuse me I have exercises to do. Can anyone say, Kegel? Just kidding.

So, the moral of the story is: Don't climb in barns. It's terribly expensive later in life.

UFF-DA!!!

Hey all,
This is my first full week back to running. The PT has been doing a great job at getting me back to and better than before. She wanted to cut me off, but I have a new found relationship with both the P.T. and the P.T.A. They asked if I had any questions, I said yah can you keep me coming until after the marathon, the answer absolutely. I don't know if it's my charm, my witt or just me, THE WHOLE WONDERFUL PACKAGE THAT IS ME.
OK back to why I am writing. My first week back I pushed myself pretty hard distance wise, I wanted to get back on track. I'm proud to say I did. I'm still not running the times I'd like to see, but the distance is where I should be. My previous longest run was seven miles. Last night I ran my longest run ten miles. I was supposed to run it on Sunday but we are having a BLIZZARD as I write this. So I decided to move my long run up two days. The really funny part, as I was in dressing and stretching (Not at the same time) freezing rain started to fall. The winds were about 15-20 miles an hour, figuring this was still better than the prediction for Sunday, I took off for my ten mile run. First five miles were OK, I had glasses and a hooded sweatshirt to stop the sting of the freezing rain. The winds were tough for me to run into, it was really pushing me. At the six mile point the freezing rain changed to snow, with the winds I could only see a few hundred feet in front of me at times. Yah, I know what you're thinking, MAN HE MUST RUN FAST. If only that were true! By the time I hit the ten mile mark about three-quarters of an inch of snow was on the ground. I know, ........ that snow was coming fast, actually I was running very slow, it was more like an exaggerated walk. my pace was 12 min 24sec. More core exercises and I need to start doing speed work.

Total miles this week, 21

total time, 4 hrs 6 mins 46 sec

Pace 11 min 45 sec

Over all impression..... could someone please run up beside me and pull the pin on the five bottom plow I seem to be pulling.
Any questions to this statement please ask your spiritual advisor.

Goals Goals Goals

So,Karneval worked me over in a major way. I'll post a pic or two when my laptop is back from the shop (part of the reason I've been gone...again), but trust me- one million drunken germans plus one drunken deetschei is not conducive to good running...having said that,I somehow managed a personal best 5K during the insanity. I hardly remember running it ;)
This last week was the end of my second 4 week cycle with the Nike + goal generator/ass kicking machine. After a mad dash at the end to compensate for the fact that I spent most of the past week dressed as an inebriated pope, I can proudly say I acheived two of the three goals: I both ran 65 miles (I actually ran closer to 70), and I ran ten runs in under 8:59 per mile (most of them are now under 8:30, and the last few have been hovering around/below 8:00!!! holy jeezum crow!). I did NOT run 16 times in 4 weeks. I only got 14 in. That's okay though, since that is the goal I was least interested in, anyway. That's what I tell myself.
Within those four weeks,I managed my first 20 mile week and my first ten mile run. Now that I've established my pre-prescribed 8 week base, I'm on the hunt for a half marathon to run in about six weeks. Training should begin on Monday. Or whenever my new liver arrives.

Bay to Breakers Costume

I found mine!!! Do you have yours?

Sixpack Chopra

Cold enuf for ya?

It is really depressing to read about all of the weather problems you are having in San Fran and other places of not so cold Climate. Yes, I have been runniing if you can call it that. My last update said the Short, Little Fat Fart wanted to be able to go a mile without walking in between by 2-5-07. Well, I made it to that point on 2-8 in place of 2-5. Surprisingly, it was easier than I was antisipating. The problem being, it got so cold that I did not repeat it until last night. Now the temps are in the 30's during the day, the training is back on. Increasing by 1/2 mile per week until I get to 5.5 miles per day by 4-12.

Now that all have had their laugh, on to the title. Below you will find an analogy of Wisconsin weather supplied by an old friend "Christy".

COLD IS A RELATIVE THING

60 above zero: Floridians turn on the heat.
People in Wisconsin plant gardens.

50 above zero: Californians shiver uncontrollably.
People in Madison sunbathe.

40 above zero: Italian & English cars won't start.
People in Wisconsin drive with the windows down.

32 above zero: Distilled water freezes.
The water in Superior gets thicker.

20 above zero: Floridians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats.
People in Wisconsin throw on a flannel shirt.

15 above zero: New York landlords finally turn up the heat.
People in Wisconsin have the last cookout before it gets cold.

Zero: People in Miami all die.
Wisconsinites close the windows.

10 below zero: Californians fly away to Mexico.
People in Wisconsin get out their winter coats.

25 below zero: Hollywood disintegrates.
The Girl Scouts in Wisconsin are selling cookies door to door.

40 below zero: Washington DC runs out of hot air.
People in Wisconsin let the dogs sleep indoors.

100 below zero: Santa Claus abandons the North Pole.
Wisconsinites get upset because they can't start the Mini-Van.

460 (-459.67 F below zero): ALL atomic motion stops (absolute zero, zero on the> Kelvin scale.) People in Wisconsin start saying: "Cold 'nuff fer ya?"

500 below zero: Hell freezes over.
Wisconsin public schools will open 2 hours late.

HELL Froze Over on 2-10-07. School was cancelled on Monday and started 2 hours late the next 2 days. Thus, the reason for not training during that time.

Week #3 And The Hits Just Keep On Comin'

Hey there healthy and recovering runners!

Yet another week has past and yet another 13 miles logged. As much as I H-A-T-E speedwork and tempo runs I am finding them to be really effective in reducing my time. I guess all those running experts actually know something after all - I just assumed you could reduce your time by increasing the amount of potato chips you ate (I still hold to that theory! and if I were mathematically inclined I would come up with a clever little equation for you... give me some time!)

Anywho, I am bound to slack on my training plan. I am just hoping to stave it off for at least another few months. When Sixpack recovers I will let him take over the heavy running for a week or two ;)

My stats:

Total Distance for the Week: 13
Total Time: 1:50:57 (brought my time down by 8:43 from the same distance last week - but I was kinda lame last week, so...)
Avg. Pace: 8:32
Observations/Overall Impressions: I am in a way better place than I was last year at this time (IAIAWBPTIWLYATT)

Keep on truckin' you guys! Only 3 months until B2B (aka CHEERFEST 2007 - Cheese + Beer = Cheer)!!!!!

Is anyone running?

I'm writing from a sunny and warm, but decidedly unexercised San Francisco. I'm sure Nick is sick of hearing me whine about being injured. So, I have decided to stop that. Yes, I'm still injured, but I'm learning to live with it while I wait for recovery. In the meantime Dayton is kicking my ass in the 300 mile challenge. Almost half way finished he is over 100 miles in front of me. I will get out there soon and then the race is on.
I have, in the absence of running, begun swimming at Hearst Pool. A beautiful place, but boy am I out of shape. It was all I could do to stay in the water for 15 minutes. Granted that's 15 minutes of swimtime, but still. I felt like such a wuss. I'll be back next week to go for a full 20. The problem, of course, is not the legs, but my pathetically weak arms. Forrest can attest to the fact that I've always been a bit of a weakling. So, I now struggle to strengthen part of my body that has been neglected by running. The upside? I don't look so bad in a swimsuit. And this also means I will finally be doing the cross training I should have been doing for years now.
Is everyone else out there running? How are things going? Any news from the "Biggest Loser" front? Who's winning? Help me out here people. If you don't post I feel like none of us are running, and I'm not ready to deal with that. That race and beer fest are coming up soon. Speaking of which, if you haven't seen Beerfest yet, you owe it to yourself. This is one of the funniest intentionally stupid films I have seen, since well, Airplane! It's hysterical. My favorite line? This beer is so good, "I wish we could freeze it and ice skate on it, and then in the spring we could melt it and drink it!" I'm warning you it is really really stupid, but I cracked up as I watched it twice.

Long Time, No Post

So, I got hit by a bike last night.

I was crossing a street that isn't usually very busy, but at this time had sixty smart cars careening around in every direction. I needed a bit more awareness than usual, but I ultimately crossed the road without any problems. Of course, the result of such an easier-than-anticipated street navigation was that as soon as I hit the opposite sidewalk, I simply stopped paying attention. This is pretty dangerous since, as you know, in Germany the sidewalk isn't just for side-walkers. As soon as I stretched myself forward in a sinewy lunge towards athletic greatness, I got plowed into like the frog in Frogger. It didn't hurt, really. I mostly remember a series of slow snaphots in which a big headed coed was coming from my right, then she was suddenly near me, then she was more or less on top of me. This was all accompanied by our harmonious screaming in really loud German. I sort of had to hold onto her to keep her from flying off the bike, and she yelled at me for running in the dark with headphones on. Because apparently I'm more visible without them. And I see better as well.

Anyway, as I IM'd with the Pavement Pounder about this last night, it occcured to me that as I was helping this girl back into an upright/riding position, I was actually holding onto her pretty tight (hell, bodies in motion, inertia, startled suddennes...it was physics! Physics, I say!). Sooooo, now my face is probably plastered on some German Hollaback blog as the American pervert who runs around campus, trying to get female students to run over him...

So I got that going for me.

AH, other than that, I finally calibrated my Nike+iPod. I don't know how it went, because A) I cut my run short after said incident, and B) said incident "altered my stride" for a bit. I'm going to go out again today after it stops raining and test it then. I have to. Chantelle gets in today and Cologne shuts down for the next few days because of Karneval. Once again, I'll be putting the drunk back into drunk runners...
BUT, it's okay if I slack a bit. BECAUSE:

1) Last week was my first 20 mile week since the marathon. It went well. 20 miles is a long ways apparently, because it wore my ass out. But the weather was mostly fantastic, and the legs held up well. The only drawback is that over the course of the last four days I ate every cookie, croissant, and piece of cake within a fifteen mile radius of our house, justifying it by saying "Fuck. I ran 20 miles this week. I can eat anything." As a result, I burned almost 3000 extra calories from exercise,and probably still put on 2 pounds.

2) I crowned the big week with a big run. Sunday I managed 10.3 miles, when it looked for a little bit like I wouldn't get 2. It was raining, it was cold, and I pretty much was ready to pack it in and save it for Monday, when the weather improved a little. I decided to shoot for 6 miles, but everything kept getting better; There were blue skies, a hint of something that was almost warmth, and my legs started to untie themselves from the crazy tight knots that kept them from moving in the first two miles. I just kept going, and going, and going, and then I stopped. Um, because I was home. I was pleased. Very pleased. Pleased and broken.

Crappity-Crap-Crap-Crap

Two words: STUPID DOWNPOUR!

This is me after 2 miles in torrential rain (which, might I add, occurred suddenly!) Um, did I mention that shorts tend to really ride up when they are wet and see-through? Not a pretty sight, I am sure!

If I hadn't been running with my ipod, I am pretty sure I would have finished the 5 miles. Oh well, I'll dry out and hit the treadmill later today to finish up the distance.

Last Weeks Stats:
Distance 13 (after today's run)
Time: 1:58:00
Observation: Wear dark colors when there is a chance of rain (WDCWTIACOR)

Of Plica and Influenza

Wow! What a week! It's been nothing if not exciting. Or has it really been just nothing? For the first time in years Steve and I spent the week at home together. Yep, we left the house last night for the first time in a week. No better bonding experience than an influenza quarantine! And why did we leave the house last night? Two words: Jennifer Holliday! We were invited by Steve's PR guy to a dinner for Equality California held at City Hall. It was gorgeous. We were straight up glitterati. If you don't know who Jennifer Holliday here's the short story: She was the original Effie in Dreamgirls on Broadway and brought down the house with the song, "And I'm Telling You....". If you've ever seen me karaoke, you've seen me do this song! We drug our asses out of bed and went to dinner so we could see her sing her torchsong from the steps of city hall. It was fabulous!!!!

In addition to the flu, which included 12 hours of sleep a night and more than one 4 hour nap, the doctor also told me last week that my plica is irritated! Check out Plica Syndrome. He also described it as Patello-femoral syndrome, or something of the like. Basically this means I'm not in as much pain, but it's back to PT. Mel is going to be so happy to see me. I'm sure.

This all means that I have done nothing this week but sit on my ass and whine about how much it sucks to be sick. No running and hardly even any walking. We'll see how next week goes. Of course, the rest should have been good for the Plica Syndrome. It's hard to stress your knee when the furthest distance walked in a day is 30 feet to the sofa. But I'm not complaining. Sometimes it's nice to just be really friggin lazy. And that was me!!!!

Weeks Stats:

Miles: 0
Overall Impression: I Hate Being Sick More Than I Hate Eating Carrots (IHBSMTIHEC)

Behold the power of cheese

I just wanted to write and tell all off you cheddar lovers the news. I found a website that you can watch cheddar cheese age. I have to warn you to only view in small doses, the excitement may overload your senses. I'm hoping that with a great website like this that it will make training for B to B that much easier so you can enjoy more cheddar cheese! Remember don't over do it. OK the moment you've all been waiting for........ www.cheddarvision.tv .

B2B Registration Reminders

Hey all,
Just a few reminders for registration:
If you are looking for the prime position right behind the seeded runners you will need to register for and raise money for LLS. The link is readily visible on the registration. This is quite simple to do and highly recommended. With a few letters to friends, you should be able to raise the bare minimum of $200 for the prime placement. In the past two years we have raised about $2000 each year (that's $1000 per person).
If you do not raise funds, you will be back in the back with the other 50,000 people. Not a bad place to be. Lots of tortilla throwing and beach balls. It's quite a party.

get your shot glasses polished, kids...

it's time to register for the 2007 bay to breakers!

http://www.ingbaytobreakers.com/registration/rwp.html

come one, come all drunk runners... it's time for our pilgrimage to mecca.

A Dull Week

This was not the best week of running I have had. I'm stilling whining with a little bit of knee pain, for which I will see a DR on Wednesday. You may already know that I'm a bit of a hypochondriac. If the machinery isn't 100% I call a doctor. So, I'll see what he says and take it from there. I'm already feeling pretty well rested.
I've started training with the gang here again. It's so far Emily, Mike, Jenn and I. i'm hoping Kooiker joins us soon. Emily can't be there for the 9 a.m. run, but can do an 8 a.m. run on Sunday. So, I did the gentlemanly thing and ran with her at 8 and then ran again at 9. Right now, it's not the big deal it might seem to be. It was a nice 2 mile run at 8 and a 3.5 mile run at 9. All in all a good distance, and one that made me feel great about being in shape enough that that wasn't all that big of a deal.
The down side of the week is that that was the only run. I'm going to try to head out for a run on Wednesday, maybe 5 miles. I'm wanting to recover from the race and get moving forward again. The hardest part is convincing yourself that not running can occasionally be the best thing for you.

The stats:
Miles: 5.5
Time: 47:52
Overall Impression: The Ohlone Greenway Is Only Relaxing Once A Day (TOGIO ROAD -- Is that near Hayes Street?)

One Week Down, The Rest Of My Life To Go

Hey Kids-

Just thought I would check-in and let you know how the first week of my B2B training went.

Kuddos, by the by, to everyone who is putting in the time and the miles!!!

I anticipated certain challenges to this years B2B training, but have been surprised (granted, it is only just the end of week 1) by what those challenges have been. I was almost positive that I was going to struggle on my first tempo run, but I am pleased to report that I came in under the training pace for all of the miles. The second challenge I anticipated, and correctly, was slowing down my long run to the training pace. I didn't succeed in doing that this week, but will work on it. Oddly, this really shouldn't be a "problem" per se, except that I have to make sure that I don't injure myself and that I save enough steam each week for the tempo/speed work. Anywho, I am super pleased with Week 1 and hope I don't crap out anytime soon.

Inspired by Forest writing about the progress he has made over the last few months, I started thinking about my own - I hadn't really realized it, but I have lost between 12-16 lbs. (my scale could be lying slightly - I am never sure, since it is one of those old turn the dial to zero ones) in the last year since I made the conscious decision to run regularly. Sweeeeet! That means I can eat even more tasty, super aged, delicious WISCONSIN CHEDDAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This week:

Distance: 13.4
Time: 1:58:38
Avg. Pace: 8:51
Observations: If you can run and spit hard enough that it doesn't fly back and hit you then you can run another 3 miles! (FYCRASHETIDFBAHYTYCRA3M!)

No frostbite

Hey folks, Sandi and I made it thru, at the start of the race the windchill was 70 minus 98 and it really felt it for about a three quarters of a mile when we were running on top of the levy along the Partially frozen Mississippi. I gotta say though it was beautiful With the big paddle wheel river boat and the Eagles soaring in the background.
Before the race we both layered up and found that when all was said and done, that we had actually over dressed, but that is a hell of a lot better than being under dressed. I saw one man that was wearing just shorts and a t-shirt, I thought he was out of his mind. Turns out he didn't plan on being out long enough to get frostbite. He finished the 4 miles in 20 min. and some change. He was amazing and modest at the same time.
Sandi plowed right thru and finished, I'll let her post her own story. We met to leave for the race at a friend of of Sandi's, her name is Monica, she is a life long runner and a very interesting person to party with, I'm telling you she is drunk runner material. Upon arriving at Monica's at 9:00 A.M. she pulled out the pot of coffee and poured us all a cup but left plenty of room for BAILEY'S which she pulled out next. I had two shots in my first cup of coffee when I went for a second cup the coffee only covered the bottom of the cup. Well wanting a second cup I filled it with Baileys, yes Deetchie, Equivalence of five shots for a four mile race, The best part and I attribute this to the five shots I ran my best time ever. So I have decided that I as well will do study of miles to consumption of alcohol and how it improves your time. I'm truly excited to do this study. Sixpack, Pavement Pounder, I thank you for your thoughts and blessings I attribute part of my success to you.

Distance 4 miles

Time 35 min. 15 sec.

Pace 8 min. 49 sec.

Long way to go!!

Brother Forrest already notified all that we made it through without frostbite. I have learned 3 things from this race. I need better gear so I don't feel like the jet-puff marshmallow man when I'm out in frigid weather trying to get my walk on, I can sweat in sub-zero temperatures, and I have a lot of work to do in order to run the Bay to Breakers. This has turned into my true point of conviction. I have continued to drop weight, but I'm struggling with the smoking. My back went out a couple of weeks ago and I ended up not running at all prior to this race, so this was a walker for me. I don't know that I will be running until the weather clears here. It's miserable training out in this crap!! Forrest has informed me of 2 other races in the near future, which will give me goal dates and building blocks for B to B. For now, it's just me, my diet and Turbo Jam (a desperate Midwest attempt at avoiding frostbite).

I was truly amazed yesterday to see Forrest so far ahead of my friend that has been running her entire life!! He was amazing out there, especially since he was fighting some pretty severe elements. My only complaint about this race and the party afterwards: when I'm with my brothers, someone (in this case several people yesterday) think that we are married!! We wore the most amazing hats and since they matched, everyone's assumption was husband and wife!! I may be jaded, but I don't see many couples out there just kicking back and having a good time or bickering in public like I do with them!! Where does the confusion come in? Thank you, Forrest, for letting me do what I could do and not expect more. It was an awesome day spent with you!! You need to be overly proud of your time, cause I am!!

Looking for sympathy

Well folks, Sandi has fallen off the deep end. She called me a few weeks ago and asked if I wanted to do a run with her in Clinton IA. Of course being her FAVORITE BROTHER I said yes. Well it's this weekend, For casted high 70 minus66, windchill 70 minus 87. I bought a heater to for my pants to keep my pipes from freezing I hope that's enough. If I'm forced to I may have to do a few shots to get some antifreeze in the old system before the run. We have the same prediction for Sunday when I'm supposed to do my 8 mile run, Sixpack Chopra please send me the will and the strength to endure all this and let me come through with no or at least very little frostbite.
My report for this week, I've lost a total of 63lbs in 10 months, with the help of diet and exercise. Two months ago I stopped drinking caffeine and last Thursday I quit chewing. The only thing I have left is "The cause of and solution to all of life's problems, ALCOHOL". So in true Drunk Runners fashion, I have vowed to wash down the dust of each race with a beer, what this means is I'm done giving up things in my life, I'm just going to cruise for a while.
Please pray to Sixpack for Sandi and Forest, pray for warmth and speed to get done quicker.

Run 7 miles

Time 77 min 5sec

Pace 11min 1sec

More about Nike +

Don and I have alluded to the Nike + in the past, while giving snippets of information about the hardware and its basic interface on the iPod. I went ahead and took some screen captures on my iBook so that everyone could see the website, which is really the more dynamic/fun aspect of Nike (+). You may click on the pictures for larger images.

The first shot is exactly what you would see after uploading a run. Its extremely simple. Once you plug the iPod nano into the computer, a prompt asks you if you want to visit the Nike website. All data is automatically uploaded for you, and usually within miliseconds. Sometimes it takes whole seconds:




The graph loosely corresponds with your speed over distance. You can see where you are slowing down, where you are speeding up, and your mile average at each mile marker. Usually, if you have run a distance multiple times, then a second graph appears titled "My Best Run". This allows you to compare your most recent run to your best (fastest) run.

Each run is cataloged and can be acccessed or viewed against other runs in month, week, or day formats. If you slide the cursor over each bar, then the information for that group of runs pops up. It will tell you how far you ran, what your overall time was, your average speed, as well as the calories you burned. Nifty, nifty:



There are three tabs on the right side of each personal page. The first links to your runs, and the second links to your goals. There are three different types off goals you can set: Distance, Speed, and Frequency. Each goal is represented by a bar that shows your progress, while simultanesouly displaying where you should be in relation to whatever goal you set. If you want to run 10 times in four weeks, it will let you know that you're behind a run. I cannot stress how much I have enjoyed this function in keeping me focused on where I want to be over the course of a month:



Finally, since we are all competitive types at heart, the third tab links to a challenge forum. This lets you search through the ether to find whoever is running and challenge them to a variety of races. Don immediately took up the opportunity and set up a race to 300 miles. Because 250 was just too short ;). My favorable positioning right now is mostly attributable to the fact he didn't bring his chip to the marathon:



If personal goals don't convince you to run, or you're just ridiculously competitive like a lot of us, then this function alone is a blast. I'm challenging Don to a trans-atlantic 5K as we speak. Should be interesting.

I'll post about my runs later this weekend (Frankfurt actually was amazing, and I didn't see a single barge), but wanted to take this opportunity to show everyone a little bit more of what Donno and I are going on about. I realize these things (Nike Plus kit) are not cheap if you don't already have a nano, but they do kick a certain amount of ass, if you're into ass kicking.

16 Weeks to Bay To Breakers!!!

Today was 16 weeks from the Bay to Breakers. It's time to plug in your present times to get a training schedule at Runner's World (sorry I'm too lazy to program it here, check the link to the left.) Be honest with yourself and see what it gives you. 16 weeks is plenty of time to get ready.

Oh, and if you needed incentive..... There will be a beer bash at Casa de Twin Peaks after the race!!!!

hit a snag- help!

hey there drunkies... i need some thoughts/advice.

the last two weeks i have been thrown off my running track (so to speak) by unforeseeable/uncontrollable circumstances and i am not sure how best to proceed from here.

two weeks ago, it SNOWED here in the city. it has not snowed (meaning inches of snow that stuck on the ground for days) in the city for at least five years so, needless to say, the city came to a stand-still for the three days it took people to get even a little bit of the snow cleared. this also means that people don't have snow shovels, or if they do they only shovel the walk right in front of their own house/store/building. therefore, i had three days that i was not able to run. i got two runs in towards the end of the week and did okay- kept my pace, didn't have trouble completing the runs, etc.

well, then the week after that (last week) i got sick. i had a lingering sore throat and fatigue that kept me from doing anything other than the most essential work. i missed another two runs, only getting in one run last week once i felt better. i went on that run and found that i barely stayed on pace and couldn't do the entire run without breaking with a small bout of walking (and that was my short 2 mile run- nothing major here, folks).

and then i woke up yesterday morning with a weird pain in my foot. our cat (the one that Sixpack just loves) had slept on my legs for a while in the night, pinning my legs down in a strange position. not only was i still feeling worn-down from being sick, but also my foot had this new pain (it is a sore-muscle-cramp kind of pain in the top of my foot, kind-of in between my pinkie toe and next toe in). it only got worse after going on a walk so, yet again i didn't run. i took it easy the rest of the night and iced it while watching a movie. it still hurts this morning... :-(

my two questions: what the fork is going on with my body? (i guess that's more of a rhetorical question) and what do i do about getting back on track/ how much have i screwed up my momentum (i just started this training earlier this month)?

thanks much for any advice/thoughts/liquor you can offer to ease my suffering/worries. cheers!

p.s. i should note that i don't have health insurance (still) and so going to the doctor is out of the question. blarg.

7 Miles

I don't have too too much to report, since I've dialed things back a little because my cold has moved south into my chest. There are a few things to report though:

I finished 7 miles today for the first time since the marathon. It was pretty relaxed. I never pushed it, and finished with a 9:15 average. I was pleased, but coughed up some really interesting things afterwards. I'm now considerably lighter without all of that lung weighing me down.

Tessa's running is getting better. We decided to have a little race about a week ago. She would run 2 miles and I would run 3- the first one home wins. She beat me (about 22:35 to 24:30)! I really didn't have much of a chance since I set off on a blistering pace that melted the hair off my ankles and couldn't sustain it- BUT Tessa had to up her pace as well. I would have taken her if she had run the same speed of her previous two runs. I'm proud of her progress, and all it took was me chasing her for her to get faster...kinda like all my elementary school crushes.

I'll be running in Frankfurt this week, since I'll be researching at archives there. I'll let everyone know what its like to run along yet another German river (ooh, look! A barge!).

Post-Race Run

Went out today with Jenn and Mike from the German Department. It was the first meeting of what will soon be Drunkrunners Berkeley. We headed out to do a 2 mile run and decided at the one mile marker that none of us had run far enough. So, we stretched it out to 3 miles, and I have to say it was a nice run. It was relaxing and invigorating to get back on the road. All info I have read has recommended a few weeks off after a Marathon, and absolutely no running during the first 7 days after race. Today being day 7, I thought it was time.
We did well, without pushing ourselves. total run time was 26 and some change. Not bad. My knee is still nagging a little bit. I'm going to go see the doctor this week, just in case I need to visit my new best friend Mel -- My PT that got me back on track -- and do some more therapy. I'll see what they have to say.
I'm thinking the next marathon will be the San Francisco Marathon. Before then the Bay to Breakers and a couple of 10Ks. There's another Angel Island race coming up that I think I'm going to do. That one was a lot of fun.

Week in Review:

Miles: 3

Time: 26:50

Average: 8:51

Overall Impression: Thank God I'm Not Needing A Knee Brace After That Race (TGINNAKBATR)

This is for P.P.

I took a week off this last week, lower back pain and when I would run the top of my left foot would kill me before the end of my runs.After a month of going to the chiropracter and getting no results, I finally went to my Dr. and he looked me over said I have a bad disc. I said I've already taken a week off of running and can't take anymore off. He said keep up with your goal, don't stop, here is a note to the P.T. She as well told me not to stop running, She said I have a bulging disc, but the back pain and and the pain in my foot was from the fact that my left hip is a lot weeker than my right. So when my left leg gets fatigued the pain increases and shoots down to my foot. Do these stretch's and these strength excrercises and stick with the running, just listen to the pain as to how far you run. So the moral to this story, not all doctors think running is evil.

Last run: 6miles

Time:66min. 12sec.

Pace: 11min. 2sec.

The Risks of a Marathon (according to 'Grey's Anatomy')

Hear ye, hear ye. Listen up and take note all you marathon trainers and tv addicts. If, like me, you believe EVERYTHING you see on CSI, ER, and Grey's Anatomy,then you will understand my shock and horror at last night's episode. A young man arrives in the hospital after having collapsed and passed out after 12 miles of the Seattle marathon. He hurts his knee. Everything seems kosher. No biggy.

BUT THEN! [GASP]

His legs start to swell at an alarming rate and they CUT HIS LEGS OPEN WHILE HE IS STILL AWAKE in order to relieve the pressure.

[GASP and GAG!].

Anywho, let this be a lesson to all of us, fake tv doctors warn us that taking aspirin the morning of a race can KILL YOU DEAD! ;)

This is our poor, fellow runner.

Luckily, he survives! Whew! What would I do without fake tv medicine?

In running news: I have been watching tv. ;) Once my job interviews are over (next week), I will be back pounding the pavement.

This Week:
Distance: 4 mi.
Time: 36.12
Overall Impression: Hate the Treadmill when it rains. Run faster outside. Grrrr! (HTTWIR.RFO.Grrrr!)

Welcome Mamaschu

A shout out to our newest member, Mamaschu! You may know of her as my twin sister Dawn. And yes, we look exactly alike!!!!!

Welcome Mamaschu!! We look forward to hearing how your training is going! Keep us posted and we'll keep you inspired!

Your spiritual leader,
Sixpack Chopra

Goals Goals Goals

I think it's great that Don kept the floor for a day. It's like removing your point guard right before game's end so that the crowd may give him, and only him, a standing ovation. He deserves it.
Right now I'm actually sick in bed. I have an odd cold that leaves me with just enough energy to crawl downstairs and watch bad television. Last night I did get up to eat a red curry duck but that was about it.

If you remember, about a month ago I configured three four-week goals with www.Nike.com/nikeplus (in addition to the race Don and I have to 300 miles.)

Basically, they looked like this:

Distance: 50 miles
Speed: 10 runs in under 9:30
Frequency: 15 total runs

I have, officially, reached all goals with over three days to spare. Of the three, the frequency goal fell the quickest because I was running two-a-days at least twice a week. Adding a quick two or three miler in the morning really adds up! The speed work fell quicker than I thought too. Two mile runs are inherently fast runs, and it didn't take long to get my rhythm back from the duldrums of pre- and post-marathon fatigue. I underestimated the freshness of my legs, and I'm feeling fast. The last one to go was the distance, but that's partially attributable to a few days in Vienna and another couple of days off this weekend when some friends from London arrived on our doorstep. I wanted to be over with it by Friday, but managed to sneak out the door after we dropped them off to push me over, with three days to spare.
SO, once the clock runs out on those goals (day after tomorrow, I think), I'm setting up a new four week challenge to keep my motivations up during this late arrival of winter:

Distance: 65 miles
Speed: 10 runs under 9:00
Frequency: 16 total runs

The speed looks like a bigger jump than it is. My first goal was set artifically high (which I didn't know at the time, but I subsequently exploited it for cheap ego boosts). I'm not altering the frequency goals much because I will be running less two-a-days once I feel like I have a better base. Other than that, the distance should be doable.
I realize my posts have been both dry and sparse since I started again. I need distance for creative motivation, and will start working on that soon:)

I would love to hear what goals everyone else has set for the next week, two weeks, or month! It would be great to look back on the posts after we all have acheived them:)

Congratulations again Donno! You did a fantastic job. Now get healthy, you've got an eager challenger for first to 300 miles:)