Well, it was a cold run today, but did good. First Berbee Derby is in the books. 728th out of 4025. 527th out of 1791 men. 39th out of 145 men, ages 35 to 39. 27:06. I'm happy with that. My first experience with a wave start, and my first course with hills. Nearly froze waiting for the thing to start, and as I was waiting in the corral to get started I got a cramp in my back. But, once we got going it went good. The first mile or so we had the entire road to spread out on and that was a good thing. So many people who started in my wave who were supposed to start in others. I was in the "J" wave, and there were "K" and "M" wave people in there. I guess they don't know their alphabet. Passed quite a few in the first two miles, lots slowed up on the first big hill. I just kept chugging along. But getting up so early really took alot out of me. Up at my normal time for work, then to the race location by 7:30. I'm hoping that Littleton is not this cold in a couple of weeks. I know I can handle it, but I would like a little warmer for my last race. 30 at race time would be nice!
Official race results
MapMyRun results
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Brrrrrrrr....
It's cold out! Went on a run yesterday morning. I think this was colder than the run I did in the Ozarks. Not to mention, there was snow and slush on the road. Still, managed 5K in about 26 minutes. Had a very steady pace for the most part. Feeling pretty good about tomorrows race, other than the fact I have to be up so early, 9am race but need to be there super early to get a parking spot. I see a power nap in the car before hand.
I think the run in the cold will be good before heading out to Colorado in a few weeks. I still have no clue what to expect out there. Their weather lately has been very unpredictable, 30's and snow one day, near 60 the next. I guess last year at race time it was around 20. I'm pretty much set for that one, still have yet to book my hotel and car (I'm lazy). And it helps that I've gotten a few messages from some family and friends in the area that they might try and make it. That would be cool if I had a few familiar faces there that day. I would never expect anyone to wait out in the cold for me. Now, when I return in May, it'll be nice and warm and there shouldn't be an excuse, other than the masses of people that will be there for that one. Hmmm, I wonder if I'll make it on TV for that one as it is televised.
Well, just sitting around waiting for breakfast to digest a bit before getting my workout in for the day. Typically I don't do anything real physical the day before a race, but I've been feeling real good lately and figure if I can get it done in the morning I've got the rest of the day to relax. So I'll get that done, wait on the furnace guy to come for the winter checkup, and then I have a massage scheduled for the afternoon. I think today is going to be pretty good to me!
I think the run in the cold will be good before heading out to Colorado in a few weeks. I still have no clue what to expect out there. Their weather lately has been very unpredictable, 30's and snow one day, near 60 the next. I guess last year at race time it was around 20. I'm pretty much set for that one, still have yet to book my hotel and car (I'm lazy). And it helps that I've gotten a few messages from some family and friends in the area that they might try and make it. That would be cool if I had a few familiar faces there that day. I would never expect anyone to wait out in the cold for me. Now, when I return in May, it'll be nice and warm and there shouldn't be an excuse, other than the masses of people that will be there for that one. Hmmm, I wonder if I'll make it on TV for that one as it is televised.
Well, just sitting around waiting for breakfast to digest a bit before getting my workout in for the day. Typically I don't do anything real physical the day before a race, but I've been feeling real good lately and figure if I can get it done in the morning I've got the rest of the day to relax. So I'll get that done, wait on the furnace guy to come for the winter checkup, and then I have a massage scheduled for the afternoon. I think today is going to be pretty good to me!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Confidence booster
Well, I got a huge confidence booster today. Picked up my bag-o-schwag for Thursday's race. Hot dayum! T-shirt, gloves, discount/free coupons galore, toffee, gum. CHAA-CHING!!! Now that's what I'm talking about. Not only that, but I got my bib and my wave assignment. Wave "J". And where you ask does that put me? That be the second wave for the 5k! SECOND WAVE!!! I had no idea until today were I'd be starting. I was thinking maybe halfway back, like in "M" or "N". Nope. That feels real good.
Not only did that make me feel good about this race, but I'm also feeling good about the one out in Colorado in 3 weeks. I went and got my eyes checked today so I could get a pair of sunglasses for running in, ordered my glasses, and picked up another set of warm bottoms. As I walked around the sporting goods store, I was trying to think if there was anything that I needed to pick up for next months race. I can't think of a single thing. Now remembering to pack it will be another story. I'm going to start making a check list so I don't forget anything. I'm really getting pumped for that race. Finally, the nervousness has started to leave. I can contend with the race day jitters all day long, but the anticipation isn't so bad anymore.
Not only did that make me feel good about this race, but I'm also feeling good about the one out in Colorado in 3 weeks. I went and got my eyes checked today so I could get a pair of sunglasses for running in, ordered my glasses, and picked up another set of warm bottoms. As I walked around the sporting goods store, I was trying to think if there was anything that I needed to pick up for next months race. I can't think of a single thing. Now remembering to pack it will be another story. I'm going to start making a check list so I don't forget anything. I'm really getting pumped for that race. Finally, the nervousness has started to leave. I can contend with the race day jitters all day long, but the anticipation isn't so bad anymore.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Running in the Ozarks
I couldn't just not run. Had a great early Thanksgiving with the in-laws. Found some time early Saturday morning to go and run. It was cold. Just barely 30 degrees. It was interesting. Didn't really know where I was going. Found part of my run on a hiking trail, rather than something paved or the kinds of trails that I usually run on. That added its own challenges, but was worth it. Still did my 3 miles, took 30 minutes, but with the added challenges, not too bad. Four days until the next race. Looking forward to it, then two weeks to Colorado. Really looking forward to that!!
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Rocky Mountain High
Ok, well, I'm not there yet. But today's run...it's gotta be close to what it's like. Went on a 3 mile run with my elevation mask set to 3000 feet. With my geographical elevation at just over 1000 feet, it had the resistance of 4000. The first bit wasn't too bad, but once I made the turn and headed uphill, I really started to feel it. Still, completed my run in just over 27 minutes. All things considered, hills and the mask, I'd say that's pretty successful. If I can run near that next month in Colorado, I'll be more than happy. My only goal for that race is to finish in less than half an hour and cross the finish line running.
If anything the mask has really helped me to focus on my breathing. I find myself learning to take longer, slower breaths. In turn, getting more air in, and more CO2 out. My plan is to continue my workouts for the next two weeks with it set at 6000, and any runs I go on with it at 3. I've got about three weeks to finish getting ready, and I think I'll be set.
If anything the mask has really helped me to focus on my breathing. I find myself learning to take longer, slower breaths. In turn, getting more air in, and more CO2 out. My plan is to continue my workouts for the next two weeks with it set at 6000, and any runs I go on with it at 3. I've got about three weeks to finish getting ready, and I think I'll be set.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
A bit behind. I blame Google.
So I'm a bit behind at writing on here, but I blame Google and the new version of Chrome. It launches right to the Google search page, not the "Apps" page where I have Blogger set. Whatever.
Anyway, I'm doing good. I'm currently in week 2 of a P90X/Les Mills Combat hybrid program. I'm using my elevation training mask along with it. That really takes things to a whole new level. Last week I did my workouts with it set at 3000 feet. This week I'm up to 6000. I did a mile run last Sunday with it set at 3000, that after a 3 mile run. Definately an experience.
Things are looking good for my run in Colorado in a few weeks. I've got my plane tickets bought, and just working out where to stay. I think I'm going to wait a bit to see if I can get any really good hotel deals. The trip has actually stressed me out a little. More so in the running aspect than anything. I've been out there a good dozen times, but this is really the first time I'm going to be doing any serious physical activity. And with as well as I've been running lately, I was fearing disappointment in not being able to do as well there. But that's nonsense. I'll do fine. Sure I might not be as fast, I might finish with the old folks, but my body (right now) is not conditioned to work at that altitude. Now that I've come to that realization, I'll be content with just finishing running. If I can do it at a good pace, and not have to resort to walking, I've done my best. I'm starting to get excited, and just seeing how well I'm kicking butt right now in Combat with the mask is very encouraging. An hour workout the other night with it, I'll be fine.
Well, really don't have much else. Remember, help me to support StandUp2Cancer.org by donating through the link that can be found at www.teammunky.com. I've got plenty of time to reach my goal, May 26th, but it's never too early to start helping. Thank you all for the support you've already shown me, it really means alot.
Anyway, I'm doing good. I'm currently in week 2 of a P90X/Les Mills Combat hybrid program. I'm using my elevation training mask along with it. That really takes things to a whole new level. Last week I did my workouts with it set at 3000 feet. This week I'm up to 6000. I did a mile run last Sunday with it set at 3000, that after a 3 mile run. Definately an experience.
Things are looking good for my run in Colorado in a few weeks. I've got my plane tickets bought, and just working out where to stay. I think I'm going to wait a bit to see if I can get any really good hotel deals. The trip has actually stressed me out a little. More so in the running aspect than anything. I've been out there a good dozen times, but this is really the first time I'm going to be doing any serious physical activity. And with as well as I've been running lately, I was fearing disappointment in not being able to do as well there. But that's nonsense. I'll do fine. Sure I might not be as fast, I might finish with the old folks, but my body (right now) is not conditioned to work at that altitude. Now that I've come to that realization, I'll be content with just finishing running. If I can do it at a good pace, and not have to resort to walking, I've done my best. I'm starting to get excited, and just seeing how well I'm kicking butt right now in Combat with the mask is very encouraging. An hour workout the other night with it, I'll be fine.
Well, really don't have much else. Remember, help me to support StandUp2Cancer.org by donating through the link that can be found at www.teammunky.com. I've got plenty of time to reach my goal, May 26th, but it's never too early to start helping. Thank you all for the support you've already shown me, it really means alot.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
And it begins!
And the elevation training begins! Day 2 - P90X/Les Mills Combat Hybrid - Combat 30 - YEAH!! So I started out doing some breathing with my elevation TrainingMask set at 6000 feet. That felt good. After that moved on to the Combat workout with the mask set at 3000 feet. Holy smokes! That really was something. Felt really good. Did 15 minutes with the mask on, then finished the other half without. You forget about how important breathing is. By the time the first 15 minutes was over, it felt like I had done 30 (and it looked like it too). Finished strong.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Cool running
Went on a run this morning. New route. Went out to the UW Arboretum. I am so going back out there again, the road is good, a few uneven places, but it's not bad. Definitely one of those places that I could really stretch a run out easily and work on distance. Some nice hills as well. 3.1 miles, 25:41. I just love the feeling of getting to the top of a hill, no matter how big or small, and feeling a burst of energy as I crest the top. All that work to get up it and then I can go!
Only two more races left for the year. One on Thanksgiving Day, and then two weeks later heading to Colorado. I've entered and bought my plane tickets for Colorado race on December 14, still have yet to work out where I'm staying. But that shouldn't be too hard. Even though the Thanksgiving race is going to be the biggest one yet, I'm a bit more stressed about Colorado. The first time running out of state. The first time pushing myself in an entirely different environment. Sure there's a chance that I might see a familiar face or two at the end, but that chance is small. It's going to be a big step. But, this is something I want to do. Honestly, if I could make a living doing this, I would. I really love it. I'm not a world class athleate, and that's not my goal. I'm just some 35 year old guy, who decided to take up running and really enjoys it. Maybe someday I'll get my big break. I guess it's kind of like being a musician. You love what you do, and you don't know where it's going to take you. You might pick up some fame at some point, you may not.
Just have to take one day at a time, and soak it up.
Only two more races left for the year. One on Thanksgiving Day, and then two weeks later heading to Colorado. I've entered and bought my plane tickets for Colorado race on December 14, still have yet to work out where I'm staying. But that shouldn't be too hard. Even though the Thanksgiving race is going to be the biggest one yet, I'm a bit more stressed about Colorado. The first time running out of state. The first time pushing myself in an entirely different environment. Sure there's a chance that I might see a familiar face or two at the end, but that chance is small. It's going to be a big step. But, this is something I want to do. Honestly, if I could make a living doing this, I would. I really love it. I'm not a world class athleate, and that's not my goal. I'm just some 35 year old guy, who decided to take up running and really enjoys it. Maybe someday I'll get my big break. I guess it's kind of like being a musician. You love what you do, and you don't know where it's going to take you. You might pick up some fame at some point, you may not.
Just have to take one day at a time, and soak it up.
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