I was going to name this post "Oh my aching unmentionable area" or "What a pain in the fill in the blank," but thought better of it.*
Today's Run: Linear Trail: 25 degrees. 5 miles; Splits: 9:59; 9:52; 10:18; 9:58; 9:45 49:52; 9:58 per mile average pace.
Yesterday's Run: Road: 23 degrees. 5 miles; Splits: 9:06, 9:06, 9:29, 8:59, 8:54; 45:34; 9:06 per mile average pace
WARNING: This post is a downer...
Today's run was planned for 7 miles, but I barely made 5 miles. I decided to run on the Farmington Canal Linear Trail today, but on a different part that is in the next town. I needed a change of scenery to help lift my mood and to motivate me. I drove the 5 miles from my house and when I arrived there I was disappointed. It was still covered in frozen snow. Apparently that part of the trail doesn't get plowed. I decided to give it a run, since it was pretty much packed down from people running and snowmobiling on it. Off I went, and it was a slow go. I was having difficulty with my footing, and my toes and fingertips were numb from the cold wind. I knew that it generally took me about 1 1/2 miles to warm up, so I wasn't too concerned. I was resigned to the fact that my time would be slow, and I was alright with that. At about the mile and a half point, my toes and hands did warm up. I kept my gloves on, even though my hands now felt too warm, since the wind chill made it feel as if it was in the teens. Although I was warm, my legs had no power, and it wasn't completely due to the poor footing. I made the decision early on to cut my run back to 5 miles. Ignoring the pain in my groin area (Sorry ladies for this info.) the past 4 months no longer works. Nine hours later, it's still lingering, and actually feels worse. Tylenol doesn't work anymore, and my runs are no longer comfortable, especially afterwards when the real pain begins. Running for two days in a row like I did this weekend is a struggle. My times reflect that. The time has come for me to go see my doctor. My research leads me to believe it's either a sports hernia or a muscle strain. Of the two, the muscle strain would be better. Worse case scenario for a sports hernia is surgery and about 8 weeks of recovery time. To be continued....UPDATE: I'm not feeling as much pain as yesterday. However, I went to my doctor today, Monday. He has referred me to "Bob" the sports medicine dude at a physical therapy/aquatic therapy facility. My appointment is for this Wednesday.
* Not really
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Running Naked Was Not a Good Idea
Yesterday's Run: Road: About 39.6 degrees I think. 3.4 miles; Splits: 8:53; 9:05; 8:55; 3:22; 30:15; 8:53 per mile average pace.
I didn't want to run, but I HAD to run.* I scheduled a haircut after work, I stopped at Double D for an iced coffee (Yes, on a winter's day, hazelnut with cream and sugar), I took my sweet ass time driving home, I got the mail, I read my e-mail, I read my Facebook (Feel free to request me as a friend-link is on my blog, bottom right), and dressed in my running gear as slowly as I could, hoping it would get dark and I'd change my mind. Sunset in Connecticut is 5 p.m now (Woo-Hoo!), so the stall tactics didn't work. So I put on my reflective armband, pressed the on button, and it weakly flashed and died. I took off my reflective armband, grabbed my newer reflective arm band with the bright, flashing red l.e.d. (I think) disco lights, velcro'd (I know-not a real word-sue me)it on my arm, had it keep sliding down my arm, swore, took off before mentioned armband, attached it to the back of my hat, checked out my unstudly physique wearing flashing disco hat in my dark bathroom mirror, got fascinated by red flashing disco lights reflecting in my bathroom mirror, had flashbacks to growing up in the '70's and HATING disco music, snapped out of it, and was ready to go for my run. Keep in mind I had already done everything I could to not run, still wasn't motivated to run, but for some unknown reason decided to run naked. If you've never run naked, I can say that I've done it before, and sometimes it works as far as feeling "as one" with your run, and sometimes (Like yesterday) it affects your performance in a negative way, meaning your run sucks. My run sucked. I was panting like a dog, the cold air felt extremely cold (Gee, I wonder why?!), and my slacker run of 3.4 miles felt like a marathon. Having Rachael** with me didn't help ease my pain. Even though I never felt like I was running comfortably and struggled the entire time, I surprised myself by averaging an 8:53 per mile pace. However, running naked, especially when you're not motivated to run, is definitely a bad idea. If I ever run naked again, I'm waiting until it's warmer and I can be comforted by the warm rays of the sun and the trees with leaves, and all the other great warm weather sights, sounds, and smells. I missed my MP3 player, I needed my music. I so regret running naked, without my MP3 player to keep me company and help motivate me. OK, update: NEVER type a blog at 4:30 a.m! Running naked was a poor attempt at humor on my part, meaning I ran without my mp3 player. Now that it's 8 hours later, I've been scolded by Stephanie, and reread my blog, I see the misunderstanding. So no, I did not run without clothes on. If anyone was offended by this post, so be it!
* Rough day at work
** Rachael is my Garmin. See previous post.
I didn't want to run, but I HAD to run.* I scheduled a haircut after work, I stopped at Double D for an iced coffee (Yes, on a winter's day, hazelnut with cream and sugar), I took my sweet ass time driving home, I got the mail, I read my e-mail, I read my Facebook (Feel free to request me as a friend-link is on my blog, bottom right), and dressed in my running gear as slowly as I could, hoping it would get dark and I'd change my mind. Sunset in Connecticut is 5 p.m now (Woo-Hoo!), so the stall tactics didn't work. So I put on my reflective armband, pressed the on button, and it weakly flashed and died. I took off my reflective armband, grabbed my newer reflective arm band with the bright, flashing red l.e.d. (I think) disco lights, velcro'd (I know-not a real word-sue me)it on my arm, had it keep sliding down my arm, swore, took off before mentioned armband, attached it to the back of my hat, checked out my unstudly physique wearing flashing disco hat in my dark bathroom mirror, got fascinated by red flashing disco lights reflecting in my bathroom mirror, had flashbacks to growing up in the '70's and HATING disco music, snapped out of it, and was ready to go for my run. Keep in mind I had already done everything I could to not run, still wasn't motivated to run, but for some unknown reason decided to run naked. If you've never run naked, I can say that I've done it before, and sometimes it works as far as feeling "as one" with your run, and sometimes (Like yesterday) it affects your performance in a negative way, meaning your run sucks. My run sucked. I was panting like a dog, the cold air felt extremely cold (Gee, I wonder why?!), and my slacker run of 3.4 miles felt like a marathon. Having Rachael** with me didn't help ease my pain. Even though I never felt like I was running comfortably and struggled the entire time, I surprised myself by averaging an 8:53 per mile pace. However, running naked, especially when you're not motivated to run, is definitely a bad idea. If I ever run naked again, I'm waiting until it's warmer and I can be comforted by the warm rays of the sun and the trees with leaves, and all the other great warm weather sights, sounds, and smells. I missed my MP3 player, I needed my music. I so regret running naked, without my MP3 player to keep me company and help motivate me. OK, update: NEVER type a blog at 4:30 a.m! Running naked was a poor attempt at humor on my part, meaning I ran without my mp3 player. Now that it's 8 hours later, I've been scolded by Stephanie, and reread my blog, I see the misunderstanding. So no, I did not run without clothes on. If anyone was offended by this post, so be it!
* Rough day at work
** Rachael is my Garmin. See previous post.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Whatever Direction the Wind is Blowing...
Today's Run: Road: 40 degrees. 4.1 miles; Splits: 9:03; 9:05; 9:00; 8:40; :44; 36:32; 8:54 per mile average pace.
Whatever direction the wind is blowing, my first mile will always be run into it, provided I'm running on the road. That's a fact I've finally recognized and accepted after 3 plus years of running on the roads of Cheshire, Connecticut. During the winter, this sucks since naturally the wind that's blowing certainly doesn't feel like a warm, tropical breeze. No, it tends to suck the wind out of me and leave me feeling like I'm running underwater. I must look really "cool" in more ways than one to those motorists unlucky enough to drive by me during that time. I wonder how many of them have contemplated dialing 911 to report a 53 year old man running with a contorted face having difficulty breathing. Today was one of those days. I was short on time, so I did my start at my house and run westward uphill into the wind for the first mile run. My other option would have been to start by running north, which of course also meant running my first mile into the wind. That being said, mile 1 was UGLY, mostly uphill, and I struggled to a 9:03 time. I actually expected Rachael, my Garmin, to display a slower time. I'm thinking that since she now has a name (See previous post) maybe she took some pity on me and fudged the time...or maybe not. Mile 2 I felt better, and the wind wasn't a factor. So how the heck did I run a slower 9:05 split? I'm blaming it on Rachael. I think I'm going to like this name thing. If I have a bad split time or a bad total time, it's Rachael's fault. OK, not really. But I really don't understand the slower mile 2. Mile 3, running again into the wind, due to me having fun with my run (Hey, that rhymes) and randomly choosing streets to run on. So go figure, a 9 minute split. Heading for home, wind at my back, and feeling warm and cozy (Gay, huh?!) resulted in an 8:40 mile 4 split, and an extra 1/10 of a mile for good luck took just 44 seconds. Total time was 36:32, for an average mile time of 8:54. Much better than I expected, and very satisfying since my running goal this time of year is a 9 minute or better pace per mile average.
Whatever direction the wind is blowing, my first mile will always be run into it, provided I'm running on the road. That's a fact I've finally recognized and accepted after 3 plus years of running on the roads of Cheshire, Connecticut. During the winter, this sucks since naturally the wind that's blowing certainly doesn't feel like a warm, tropical breeze. No, it tends to suck the wind out of me and leave me feeling like I'm running underwater. I must look really "cool" in more ways than one to those motorists unlucky enough to drive by me during that time. I wonder how many of them have contemplated dialing 911 to report a 53 year old man running with a contorted face having difficulty breathing. Today was one of those days. I was short on time, so I did my start at my house and run westward uphill into the wind for the first mile run. My other option would have been to start by running north, which of course also meant running my first mile into the wind. That being said, mile 1 was UGLY, mostly uphill, and I struggled to a 9:03 time. I actually expected Rachael, my Garmin, to display a slower time. I'm thinking that since she now has a name (See previous post) maybe she took some pity on me and fudged the time...or maybe not. Mile 2 I felt better, and the wind wasn't a factor. So how the heck did I run a slower 9:05 split? I'm blaming it on Rachael. I think I'm going to like this name thing. If I have a bad split time or a bad total time, it's Rachael's fault. OK, not really. But I really don't understand the slower mile 2. Mile 3, running again into the wind, due to me having fun with my run (Hey, that rhymes) and randomly choosing streets to run on. So go figure, a 9 minute split. Heading for home, wind at my back, and feeling warm and cozy (Gay, huh?!) resulted in an 8:40 mile 4 split, and an extra 1/10 of a mile for good luck took just 44 seconds. Total time was 36:32, for an average mile time of 8:54. Much better than I expected, and very satisfying since my running goal this time of year is a 9 minute or better pace per mile average.
Monday, January 25, 2010
An "Epic" Run(ner)?!
Yesterday's (Sunday)Run: Road: 35 degrees. 6.1 miles; Splits: 9:15; 8:59; 8:54; 9:02; 9:07; 8:59; :53 55:09; 9:02 per mile average pace.
"Epic": Adjective: Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size; Heroic and impressive in quality.
Rachael (Mentioned in my previous post) has given me permission to share with those of you who still actually read my blog the kind comments she wrote on the card which she enclosed with the book I won in her giveaway. Yes, I know that was a long sentence. It's 4:30 a.m., and I'm completing this post which I started writing yesterday if you must know. And I'm only on my first cup of caffeine. So sentence composition and structure don't count. So, here are the kind words she wrote: "You are such an inspiration to me and I really hope you continue to run + run hard!" OK, so that's not everything she wrote, but that's the first sentence of it. That's the sentence that you now see under the "Comments" section of my blog. That comment along with her comment on my last post "You simply amaze me. I can't wait until I'm your age** and I can smear my abilities in the faces of little newbies like me. Epic, that's what you are" were very motivational when I went out for my run on Sunday. So motivational in fact that I've decided to name my next child after her.* I wasn't at all excited about going for a run on Sunday. Ever since I've returned from Las Vegas I've been cursing the 30 degree temperatures here in Connecticut. Plus it was dark and grey, not sunny and Vegas "glitzy." With the New York City Half Marathon 8 weeks away, I knew I had to start running longer distances. I drove to the linear trail, parked, and decided a longer than usual 4 mile run would be 5 miles. Told you I wasn't excited to run. At least I was running on the road and the trail, instead of just the trail. Off I went, and my first mile was mainly uphill. I felt like I was running well, but Garmin disagreed. First mile: 9:15. Slow for me, and discouraging since my first mile time usually dictates how the rest of my run will go. I decided to try to relax, listen to my "epic" 70's tunes, and just have fun. Screw my splits. (Note: I will be using the term epic in the wrong way and overusing it from here on). Well, it worked. Mile 2 was an epic 8:59 (I love it when I break a 9 minute split); mile 3 another epic sub 9 minute time of 8:54. Uh oh, slacker Rick's legs getting heavy, and an unepic (almost the word epic) mile 4 of 9:02 and mile 5 of 9:07. Lucky for me I miscalculated when I would arrive at the trail, so with a few extra epic loops, I added on an extra 1/4 + mile and ended up running 6.1 miles instead of my planned 5 miles. Plus my last mile split was an epic 8:59. Overall, I ran for 55:09, and averaged a 9:02 per mile pace. Although it was a little slower than I had hoped, I ran an extra 1.1 epic miles, so I'm (substitute whatever adjectives you want that mean extremely thrilled) that I was able to run 6.1 miles and "overachieve."
I think I covered everything I wanted to say. In closing, I want to say that you need to follow/stalk Rachael's blog. She's freakin' hilarious, she's crazy, and maybe someday she'll run as good as this 53 year old epic runner. :-) I'm terrible at creating links, and it's early, so just go to my previous post and click on the link to her blog that's there. Because, read previous sentence.
* I'm lying. I'm not having any more children. I'm naming my unnamed Garmin after her...until I change my mind, if ever. So my Garmin has a first name, it's R-a-c-h-a-e-l, my Garmin has a second name, it's...oh, never mind. Reminds me of a bologna commercial from years ago.
** Apparently she thinks I'm also ancient. Come on, 53 is...old enough to be most of you out there's father. Point well made. But I still feel your age. So there, 20-something runners!
"Epic": Adjective: Surpassing the usual or ordinary, particularly in scope or size; Heroic and impressive in quality.
Rachael (Mentioned in my previous post) has given me permission to share with those of you who still actually read my blog the kind comments she wrote on the card which she enclosed with the book I won in her giveaway. Yes, I know that was a long sentence. It's 4:30 a.m., and I'm completing this post which I started writing yesterday if you must know. And I'm only on my first cup of caffeine. So sentence composition and structure don't count. So, here are the kind words she wrote: "You are such an inspiration to me and I really hope you continue to run + run hard!" OK, so that's not everything she wrote, but that's the first sentence of it. That's the sentence that you now see under the "Comments" section of my blog. That comment along with her comment on my last post "You simply amaze me. I can't wait until I'm your age** and I can smear my abilities in the faces of little newbies like me. Epic, that's what you are" were very motivational when I went out for my run on Sunday. So motivational in fact that I've decided to name my next child after her.* I wasn't at all excited about going for a run on Sunday. Ever since I've returned from Las Vegas I've been cursing the 30 degree temperatures here in Connecticut. Plus it was dark and grey, not sunny and Vegas "glitzy." With the New York City Half Marathon 8 weeks away, I knew I had to start running longer distances. I drove to the linear trail, parked, and decided a longer than usual 4 mile run would be 5 miles. Told you I wasn't excited to run. At least I was running on the road and the trail, instead of just the trail. Off I went, and my first mile was mainly uphill. I felt like I was running well, but Garmin disagreed. First mile: 9:15. Slow for me, and discouraging since my first mile time usually dictates how the rest of my run will go. I decided to try to relax, listen to my "epic" 70's tunes, and just have fun. Screw my splits. (Note: I will be using the term epic in the wrong way and overusing it from here on). Well, it worked. Mile 2 was an epic 8:59 (I love it when I break a 9 minute split); mile 3 another epic sub 9 minute time of 8:54. Uh oh, slacker Rick's legs getting heavy, and an unepic (almost the word epic) mile 4 of 9:02 and mile 5 of 9:07. Lucky for me I miscalculated when I would arrive at the trail, so with a few extra epic loops, I added on an extra 1/4 + mile and ended up running 6.1 miles instead of my planned 5 miles. Plus my last mile split was an epic 8:59. Overall, I ran for 55:09, and averaged a 9:02 per mile pace. Although it was a little slower than I had hoped, I ran an extra 1.1 epic miles, so I'm (substitute whatever adjectives you want that mean extremely thrilled) that I was able to run 6.1 miles and "overachieve."
I think I covered everything I wanted to say. In closing, I want to say that you need to follow/stalk Rachael's blog. She's freakin' hilarious, she's crazy, and maybe someday she'll run as good as this 53 year old epic runner. :-) I'm terrible at creating links, and it's early, so just go to my previous post and click on the link to her blog that's there. Because, read previous sentence.
* I'm lying. I'm not having any more children. I'm naming my unnamed Garmin after her...until I change my mind, if ever. So my Garmin has a first name, it's R-a-c-h-a-e-l, my Garmin has a second name, it's...oh, never mind. Reminds me of a bologna commercial from years ago.
** Apparently she thinks I'm also ancient. Come on, 53 is...old enough to be most of you out there's father. Point well made. But I still feel your age. So there, 20-something runners!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thank-You and My Price is Right Story
Today's Run: Linear Trail: 34 degrees. 4 miles; Splits: 8:39; 8:44; 8:41; 8:32; 34:36; 8:39 per mile average pace.
I had taken the past four days off for some R+R (Rest and Relaxation). Monday's run as I said in my post was a struggle and probably did more harm than good. So I had low expectations as I once again headed to the Farmington Canal Linear Trail for a 4 miler. I was hoping to average around a 9 minute per mile pace, but honestly was expecting more like a 9:15 per mile average pace. Even though it was only 34 degrees, the wind was calm so it felt warmer. (About two months from now is spring...sigh...) As usual, I was wearing my favorite very comfortable Nike running top, shorts, pants, and hat, a long sleeved tech shirt, and of course my running socks and shoes. At the last minute I decided to leave my gloves in my car, a decision I regretted for the first 1 1/2 miles. As I started running, I expected to feel the same WTF pain I described in Monday's post. I didn't, so immediately was off to a better than expected start. I felt comfortable and like I hadn't had a layoff, which was great. My stride felt well, and lead legs and cement shoes feeling were no where to be found. Wow, I was having fun and grooving listening to my combination 70's and current songs on my MP3 player. Mile 1 came rather easily, and still unnamed Garmin beeped and displayed an 8:39 mile. I did a double take. Sweet! I was way ahead of my expected per mile pace. My mile 1 split always indicates how well my run is going to go, so I knew I was going to have a good run today. Miles 1 to 2 felt good as well, and I was enjoying running on the trail with other runners and walkers. During the week this time of year I sometimes run alone on the trail. Mile 2 also seemed to come quickly, and it was a little slower, at 8:44. I was disappointed, since my goal is always to run negative splits. I slowed down at mile 2.03, quickly turned around and headed back. I was determined to run negative splits for the remaining two miles, but at the same time didn't want to push myself too hard due to just getting over my sinus infection and still not being 100%. Mile 3 came and was an 8:41, three seconds faster than mile two. One mile to go, and I was picking up the pace a little bit. At mile 3 1/2 I glanced at my watch, and determined that I was ahead of my mile 3 pace by a little bit. So I increased my speed, again, not too quickly. I completed the last mile in 8:32, which was far better than I had expected. So overall, I had negative splits for miles two through four, and averaged an 8:39 per mile pace. I felt as if I'm back to normal with my running, which is good since the New York City Half Marathon is eight weeks from tomorrow.
Today I received a special gift in the mail. Rachael of http://thebeginningrunnersblog.blogspot.com/ had a contest, and I was fortunate to win it despite having just one entry. I won an autographed copy of The Runner's Rule Book, by Mark Remy. Along with the book was a very nice card with a note from Rachael. If she gives me permission, I'll share with you what she wrote. Thank-you SO much Rachael for the great gift. As soon as I'm done writing my post, I'm going to read the book.
Also, I promised you a while back that I'd share my Price is Right Las Vegas adventure with you. Well, although it still pains me to talk/write about it, here goes. My wife Kathy and I were 2 of 125 people who signed up and paid the $50 each to be in audience of the Las Vegas version of it. It was taking place at Bally's, and is hosted by Todd Newton ("E! News Live," "Coming Attractions" and "Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck"). Dave Ruprecht, who hosted Supermarket Sweep in the '90's was the announcer. Well, for the final showcase showdown they chose two names at random, and I happened to be one of them. So some dude from Boston and I were up on the stage, in front of 123 other audience members, with a chance to win the showcase. Regular Price is Right rules applied, meaning if you overbid, you lose. There was a New England Patriots football, a New England Patriots jacket, a Heineken kegerator, an outdoor entertainment system with a movie projector and inflatable screen, a 4 day cruise for two to Mexico, and a Nissan Versa car. We had ten seconds to write down our bids. I quickly did the math in my head, figuring the football and jacket were about $50, the kegerator about $450, the entertainment system about $500, the cruise about $3000, and the car about $15,000; for a total of $19,000. To be safe, or so I thought, I bid $18,995. He bid $24,999. So if the actual retail price had been between $18,995 and $24,998, I would have won. Well, the actual retail price was only $15,000 something. We both overbid and lost. To this day if I hear the music from the Price is Right, or look at the home version that they give me, I get depressed. I'm getting better though. I guess time will heal me. Telling you guys and everyone I know about it has helped also. Not one person has told me they would have bid less than I did, so that helps. If you would have bid lower and won, I don't want to know, OK?!
I had taken the past four days off for some R+R (Rest and Relaxation). Monday's run as I said in my post was a struggle and probably did more harm than good. So I had low expectations as I once again headed to the Farmington Canal Linear Trail for a 4 miler. I was hoping to average around a 9 minute per mile pace, but honestly was expecting more like a 9:15 per mile average pace. Even though it was only 34 degrees, the wind was calm so it felt warmer. (About two months from now is spring...sigh...) As usual, I was wearing my favorite very comfortable Nike running top, shorts, pants, and hat, a long sleeved tech shirt, and of course my running socks and shoes. At the last minute I decided to leave my gloves in my car, a decision I regretted for the first 1 1/2 miles. As I started running, I expected to feel the same WTF pain I described in Monday's post. I didn't, so immediately was off to a better than expected start. I felt comfortable and like I hadn't had a layoff, which was great. My stride felt well, and lead legs and cement shoes feeling were no where to be found. Wow, I was having fun and grooving listening to my combination 70's and current songs on my MP3 player. Mile 1 came rather easily, and still unnamed Garmin beeped and displayed an 8:39 mile. I did a double take. Sweet! I was way ahead of my expected per mile pace. My mile 1 split always indicates how well my run is going to go, so I knew I was going to have a good run today. Miles 1 to 2 felt good as well, and I was enjoying running on the trail with other runners and walkers. During the week this time of year I sometimes run alone on the trail. Mile 2 also seemed to come quickly, and it was a little slower, at 8:44. I was disappointed, since my goal is always to run negative splits. I slowed down at mile 2.03, quickly turned around and headed back. I was determined to run negative splits for the remaining two miles, but at the same time didn't want to push myself too hard due to just getting over my sinus infection and still not being 100%. Mile 3 came and was an 8:41, three seconds faster than mile two. One mile to go, and I was picking up the pace a little bit. At mile 3 1/2 I glanced at my watch, and determined that I was ahead of my mile 3 pace by a little bit. So I increased my speed, again, not too quickly. I completed the last mile in 8:32, which was far better than I had expected. So overall, I had negative splits for miles two through four, and averaged an 8:39 per mile pace. I felt as if I'm back to normal with my running, which is good since the New York City Half Marathon is eight weeks from tomorrow.
Today I received a special gift in the mail. Rachael of http://thebeginningrunnersblog.blogspot.com/ had a contest, and I was fortunate to win it despite having just one entry. I won an autographed copy of The Runner's Rule Book, by Mark Remy. Along with the book was a very nice card with a note from Rachael. If she gives me permission, I'll share with you what she wrote. Thank-you SO much Rachael for the great gift. As soon as I'm done writing my post, I'm going to read the book.
Also, I promised you a while back that I'd share my Price is Right Las Vegas adventure with you. Well, although it still pains me to talk/write about it, here goes. My wife Kathy and I were 2 of 125 people who signed up and paid the $50 each to be in audience of the Las Vegas version of it. It was taking place at Bally's, and is hosted by Todd Newton ("E! News Live," "Coming Attractions" and "Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck"). Dave Ruprecht, who hosted Supermarket Sweep in the '90's was the announcer. Well, for the final showcase showdown they chose two names at random, and I happened to be one of them. So some dude from Boston and I were up on the stage, in front of 123 other audience members, with a chance to win the showcase. Regular Price is Right rules applied, meaning if you overbid, you lose. There was a New England Patriots football, a New England Patriots jacket, a Heineken kegerator, an outdoor entertainment system with a movie projector and inflatable screen, a 4 day cruise for two to Mexico, and a Nissan Versa car. We had ten seconds to write down our bids. I quickly did the math in my head, figuring the football and jacket were about $50, the kegerator about $450, the entertainment system about $500, the cruise about $3000, and the car about $15,000; for a total of $19,000. To be safe, or so I thought, I bid $18,995. He bid $24,999. So if the actual retail price had been between $18,995 and $24,998, I would have won. Well, the actual retail price was only $15,000 something. We both overbid and lost. To this day if I hear the music from the Price is Right, or look at the home version that they give me, I get depressed. I'm getting better though. I guess time will heal me. Telling you guys and everyone I know about it has helped also. Not one person has told me they would have bid less than I did, so that helps. If you would have bid lower and won, I don't want to know, OK?!
Monday, January 18, 2010
"Stone Cold"
Today's Run: Linear Trail: 27 degrees. 4 miles; Splits: 9:26; 9:33; 9:32; 9:31; 38:02; 9:30 per mile average (snail's) pace.
Cold temperatures, the end of a sinus infection, and a ten day layoff = running at a pace that I ran at when I resumed running 3 1/2 years ago. I have nothing, nada, zilch, zero, good to say about today's run other than I somehow completed it. I wanted to ease myself back into running after a ten day layoff and having just recovered from a sinus infection. Ease myself I did, but by a ridiculously slower than molasses flowing uphill on a cold Connecticut day run. When I began my run, I immediately got a "WTF" reaction from my legs. After all, they had gotten used to 62 degree temperatures in Las Vegas along with leisurely strolls along the strip. How dare I expect them to move faster and in below freezing temperatures? Never mind the fact that portions of the trail were covered with icy slush...and that certainly wasn't a warm Vegas breeze blowing in my face when I turned and headed back at mile 2. Nothing beats "slush running" with a cold breeze blowing in your face as your toes turn to stones. (You can't spell stones without "toes"). Speaking of stones, since when did my running shoes with less than 100 miles on them feel like they're made of concrete?! So yeah, it was a stellar day of running. But hey, I did it. It sucked, it hurt, and it wasn't fun. But I'm back to doing what I love to do... Running. Nine weeks to lose the concrete shoes, shake off the cobwebs, WD-40 the running rust, regain my running mojo, and compete in the New York City Half Marathon. Life is good. As far as a training program, I may use Hal Higdon's Intermediate Training Program (Thanks, Lindsay). Or I may just wing it. I'm not sure how anal I want to be training for a half marathon. Also, I'm low on time, but at some point will update you on my Las Vegas Price is Right adventure. Lastly, I truly admire the few faithful followers who continue to comment on my blog despite the face I'm WAY behind commenting on yours. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!!! You guys are the best. Hopefully I can catch up this week on your blogs.
Cold temperatures, the end of a sinus infection, and a ten day layoff = running at a pace that I ran at when I resumed running 3 1/2 years ago. I have nothing, nada, zilch, zero, good to say about today's run other than I somehow completed it. I wanted to ease myself back into running after a ten day layoff and having just recovered from a sinus infection. Ease myself I did, but by a ridiculously slower than molasses flowing uphill on a cold Connecticut day run. When I began my run, I immediately got a "WTF" reaction from my legs. After all, they had gotten used to 62 degree temperatures in Las Vegas along with leisurely strolls along the strip. How dare I expect them to move faster and in below freezing temperatures? Never mind the fact that portions of the trail were covered with icy slush...and that certainly wasn't a warm Vegas breeze blowing in my face when I turned and headed back at mile 2. Nothing beats "slush running" with a cold breeze blowing in your face as your toes turn to stones. (You can't spell stones without "toes"). Speaking of stones, since when did my running shoes with less than 100 miles on them feel like they're made of concrete?! So yeah, it was a stellar day of running. But hey, I did it. It sucked, it hurt, and it wasn't fun. But I'm back to doing what I love to do... Running. Nine weeks to lose the concrete shoes, shake off the cobwebs, WD-40 the running rust, regain my running mojo, and compete in the New York City Half Marathon. Life is good. As far as a training program, I may use Hal Higdon's Intermediate Training Program (Thanks, Lindsay). Or I may just wing it. I'm not sure how anal I want to be training for a half marathon. Also, I'm low on time, but at some point will update you on my Las Vegas Price is Right adventure. Lastly, I truly admire the few faithful followers who continue to comment on my blog despite the face I'm WAY behind commenting on yours. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!!! You guys are the best. Hopefully I can catch up this week on your blogs.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Half Marathon Training Schedule Needed
A quick "Price is Right" update. Since it was a Las Vegas version of the Price is Right, it had different hosts and will not be televised.
I need your help. I need a good half marathon training schedule. I'm finally starting to feel better, so I want to resume running in a few days. However, since I'm visually motivated, I need a printed training schedule to motivate me. Thanks!
I need your help. I need a good half marathon training schedule. I'm finally starting to feel better, so I want to resume running in a few days. However, since I'm visually motivated, I need a printed training schedule to motivate me. Thanks!
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