Today's post is going to be one whole quote from today's Las Vegas Review Journal, from a news article by Patrick Everson, called "FINISH LINE IN SIGHT: Change afoot for local marathon"
Devine strikes deal to sell race, will hand over control Dec. 8.
Devine Racing, which engineered an extraordinary evolution of the Las Vegas Marathon but also struggled mightily to meet its financial obligations, will handle all aspects of this year's Dec. 7 race.
On Dec. 8, the company will no longer have any stake in the event.
The Competitor Group -- which oversees the highly successful Rock 'n' Roll Marathon races -- will assume full control of the event going forward.
Devine Racing chairman Chris Devine, whose company brought the race to prominence in 2005 by securing a course that included the Strip, the Fremont Street Experience and business and residential neighborhoods, said Tuesday that making the move was a difficult but necessary decision.
"It was a hard call personally, but the economic dynamics made it a simple one," said Devine, whose Chicago-based company bought the event in early 2005 from longtime operator and Las Vegas resident Al Boka. "We didn't have the economic firepower to take the event to the next level."
That became clear as 2008 progressed. Devine Racing was in arrears to dozens of local, regional and national vendors from the 2007 race and even the 2006 event in some instances.
The company had to sell off several assets, most notably the successful Los Angeles Marathon in September. But those sales -- whose numbers weren't specifically released but were pegged in the double-digit millions by Devine earlier this year -- still didn't gain enough to put Devine Racing on firm enough financial ground in Las Vegas. The company has cleared many of its obligations to vendors, but some substantial payments remain outstanding, and Devine Racing still has had issues regularly meeting payroll with its own employees for the past several months.
"To be candid, I think it was the best thing to do for the race and for the market," Devine said. "I'm passionate about the sport, and I want to make sure the race is in the right hands going forward, from a stability standpoint."
Competitor Group chief executive officer Peter Englehart said his company, based in San Diego, already has made the first payment in its confidential agreement to buy the event.
"The deal has officially closed," Englehart said. "A transfer of moneys has taken place, and there will be further transfers. Devine is totally running the 2008 event, and our side takes over entirely after that. Come Dec. 8, it is our baby."
And Englehart expects it to be a very large baby, considering his company garnered more than 30,000 entrants earlier this month for the inaugural Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon -- the largest first-time running event ever in the United States. Like Las Vegas, San Antonio offers a marathon and half-marathon.
"We're obviously very excited. We think it has the potential to be a great event," said Englehart, who held off on providing further details in the interest of letting Devine Racing reach its finish line with the race. "The gentleman's agreement is that we don't want to steal any thunder from Chris and this year's event."
Devine said the pending transfer of ownership will in no way affect the quality of this year's race.
"I think it will be very positive," he said. "The performance on race day will be similar to last year. The market can expect a high-quality race this year and nothing but improvement for the future."
That future is something Devine said he's looking forward to, even though his company no longer will be involved.
"We've had some unfortunate situations as far as available capital goes," he said. "But there are a number of things we're very proud of that we were able to do. We took this race from one that had 6,000 entrants starting in the desert to one with 11,000 in 2005, and now were up to the high teens (16,000 last year).
"Now, to have the race branded with the Rock 'n' Roll brand, a company with hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure, it's the right place for us to be."
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Beginning Three Week Taper
Daily Quote: "Unless you test yourself, you stagnate. Unless you try to go way beyond what you've been able to do before, you won't develop and grow. When you go for it 100%, when you don't have the fear of 'what if I fail,' that's when you learn. That's when you're really living" --Mark Allen (World Champion Triathlete)
I'm definitely testing myself this fall, maybe testing myself a little too much as my right ankle will attest. I'm concerned the 100% that Mark Allen recommends in the above quote has created a situation where I'm overtrained and hope I didn't leave my best efforts during the training weeks. All in all, I am really living!
Today is my first day of my Three Week Taper!! I'm back on schedule where my longest run of the week is on a Monday (last week was Veteran's Day and had to change my schedule as my wife had the holiday off.) My taper won't be a deep cut in mileage as I plan on running the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon as a long training run for my upcoming "Labor of Love 50k Race." I plan on running a 20 miler today, unless my right ankle disagrees during the run.
9:30 a.m. Long Run, 20 miles. Time, 3:10. Overall Pace, 9:32 minute mile pace. Out and Back on Torrey Pines Road that partially traverses the Las Vegas Marathon course. Another beautiful day!! Warm, 62-65 degrees, with no wind (today's high in Vegas will be in the mid 80's, which is higher than normal for this time of year). No marathon pace miles today as I'm pampering my right ankle. Average heart rate: 144 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 152 bpm. My right ankle was o.k. until the last two miles when I had to cross the 95 highway overpass, then the ankle did protest a little, but nothing severe.
I'm getting concerned about my right ankle, but I do have a upcoming three week taper, which should help my ankle recover more.
SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 10-16, 2008
I have three weeks until the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon!! A rather disappointing week as I had to reduce my mileage as right ankle was sore, didn't run any "doubles" this week and ended my running streak when Thursday was a total rest day. Only ran 67 miles this week, a big difference from last week's 100 miler.
I lost one pound last week and I'm now 170 pounds on a six foot frame. My goal is to reach my racing weight of 165 pounds, which is doable in the next three weeks. I must focus on eating healthier on the weekends, as I tend to binge with the wife during our days off, plus the reduced mileage from my tapering will make my diet even more important.
I didn't do any weight lifting sessions this week. No excuse, as I had the extra time to lift weights due to reduced mileage, but spent too much time on the computer reading blogs and connecting with others with my new FaceBook page.
I was able to sleep 7-8 hours nightly and my morning heart rates are back to normal, approximately 38-41 bpm. Undoubtedly, not only did my right ankle needed a rest last week, but my whole body needed a break. I should easily get enough rest in the upcoming three weeks as I gradually reduce my mileage.
A short recap of last week's training:
Monday: Tempo Run, 9 miles.
Tuesday: Recovery Run, 6 miles.
Wednesday: Long Run, 24 miles.
Thursday: REST DAY (ended running streak due to sore ankle).
Friday: Recovery Run, 6 miles.
Saturday: Medium Long Run, 16 miles.
Sunday: Recovery Run, 6 miles.
Total weekly mileage: 67 miles
I'm definitely testing myself this fall, maybe testing myself a little too much as my right ankle will attest. I'm concerned the 100% that Mark Allen recommends in the above quote has created a situation where I'm overtrained and hope I didn't leave my best efforts during the training weeks. All in all, I am really living!
Today is my first day of my Three Week Taper!! I'm back on schedule where my longest run of the week is on a Monday (last week was Veteran's Day and had to change my schedule as my wife had the holiday off.) My taper won't be a deep cut in mileage as I plan on running the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon as a long training run for my upcoming "Labor of Love 50k Race." I plan on running a 20 miler today, unless my right ankle disagrees during the run.
9:30 a.m. Long Run, 20 miles. Time, 3:10. Overall Pace, 9:32 minute mile pace. Out and Back on Torrey Pines Road that partially traverses the Las Vegas Marathon course. Another beautiful day!! Warm, 62-65 degrees, with no wind (today's high in Vegas will be in the mid 80's, which is higher than normal for this time of year). No marathon pace miles today as I'm pampering my right ankle. Average heart rate: 144 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 152 bpm. My right ankle was o.k. until the last two miles when I had to cross the 95 highway overpass, then the ankle did protest a little, but nothing severe.
I'm getting concerned about my right ankle, but I do have a upcoming three week taper, which should help my ankle recover more.
SUMMARY FOR NOVEMBER 10-16, 2008
I have three weeks until the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon!! A rather disappointing week as I had to reduce my mileage as right ankle was sore, didn't run any "doubles" this week and ended my running streak when Thursday was a total rest day. Only ran 67 miles this week, a big difference from last week's 100 miler.
I lost one pound last week and I'm now 170 pounds on a six foot frame. My goal is to reach my racing weight of 165 pounds, which is doable in the next three weeks. I must focus on eating healthier on the weekends, as I tend to binge with the wife during our days off, plus the reduced mileage from my tapering will make my diet even more important.
I didn't do any weight lifting sessions this week. No excuse, as I had the extra time to lift weights due to reduced mileage, but spent too much time on the computer reading blogs and connecting with others with my new FaceBook page.
I was able to sleep 7-8 hours nightly and my morning heart rates are back to normal, approximately 38-41 bpm. Undoubtedly, not only did my right ankle needed a rest last week, but my whole body needed a break. I should easily get enough rest in the upcoming three weeks as I gradually reduce my mileage.
A short recap of last week's training:
Monday: Tempo Run, 9 miles.
Tuesday: Recovery Run, 6 miles.
Wednesday: Long Run, 24 miles.
Thursday: REST DAY (ended running streak due to sore ankle).
Friday: Recovery Run, 6 miles.
Saturday: Medium Long Run, 16 miles.
Sunday: Recovery Run, 6 miles.
Total weekly mileage: 67 miles
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Music For the Heart
Daily Quote: "Songs that make our hearts soar can make them stronger too, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday. They found that when people listened to their favorite music, their blood vessels dilated in much the same way as when laughing or taking blood medications." --Maggie Fox, Reuters.com, from article, "Music to your ears? Music for your heart, too"
Appears the more I read about music the tougher the argument against running with music. Today I borrowed two CD's from the Clark County Library, Suzanne Vega's "Beauty & Crime," and Tori Amos' "American Doll Posse," which should help my motivation during my next week's runs.
9:00 a.m. Medium Long Run, 16 miles. Time, 2:39. Overall pace, 9:56 minute miles. Out and back on Torrey Pines Road that traverses the Las Vegas Marathon course. Perfect weather! Partly Cloudy 61-63 degrees with little wind. Average heart rate: 148 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 159 bpm. No marathon pace miles today as I'm still pampering my right ankle.
Thursday an old friend, Laura Geverink, had sent me notification of her joining "FaceBook," therefore had to join FaceBook to respond. Discovered they have different "groups" at the site including an Ultra-marathon group and also a 2008 Las Vegas Marathon group! What a fun way to stay connected with other runners!! I really don't need another site to keep me busy, as I'm overwhelmed as it is, but networking with old friends, classmates, chessplayers, and runners seems like a winner. I'm also communicating on FaceBook with Charles White (cewtwo) from Denver, Colorado who is also running the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon. We're planning on doing a light recovery run when he arrives in Las Vegas.
Appears the more I read about music the tougher the argument against running with music. Today I borrowed two CD's from the Clark County Library, Suzanne Vega's "Beauty & Crime," and Tori Amos' "American Doll Posse," which should help my motivation during my next week's runs.
9:00 a.m. Medium Long Run, 16 miles. Time, 2:39. Overall pace, 9:56 minute miles. Out and back on Torrey Pines Road that traverses the Las Vegas Marathon course. Perfect weather! Partly Cloudy 61-63 degrees with little wind. Average heart rate: 148 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 159 bpm. No marathon pace miles today as I'm still pampering my right ankle.
Thursday an old friend, Laura Geverink, had sent me notification of her joining "FaceBook," therefore had to join FaceBook to respond. Discovered they have different "groups" at the site including an Ultra-marathon group and also a 2008 Las Vegas Marathon group! What a fun way to stay connected with other runners!! I really don't need another site to keep me busy, as I'm overwhelmed as it is, but networking with old friends, classmates, chessplayers, and runners seems like a winner. I'm also communicating on FaceBook with Charles White (cewtwo) from Denver, Colorado who is also running the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon. We're planning on doing a light recovery run when he arrives in Las Vegas.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Ended Running Streak
Daily Quote: "....The rules to a "Streak" is simple. The USRSA founded in 2000 requires members to (Run a minimum of one continuous mile within each calendar day) without the help of any mechanical aids other than prosthetic devices. Membership is open to runners who have met the criteria for a minimum of one year. My goal is not to become a member, but running for at least 1/year without a day off sounds very cool." --Jimmy "Jtornadoman" Jacobs, from his blog, Richlands Road Runner.
Yesterday I had ended my own little running streak as I allowed my right ankle more time to recover. I hadn't intended to run a "streak,"I just accumulated many training days as to prepare for my very first ultra-marathon this coming April (The Labor of Love 50k) and the long training run of the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon on December 7th. My last day of total rest was Monday, May 26, 2008 when I took a day off from running to spend quality time my wife on Memorial Day. My shortest run during this last "streak" was four miles. I don't know if I will have another long chain of training runs, but will listen to my body daily to determine my running schedule.
Today, I decided on running one short easy Recovery Run as to allow my right ankle a little more rest.
9:30 a.m. Recovery Run, 6 miles. Time, 57:20. Overall pace, 9:33 minute miles. Out and back on Torrey Pines road that traverses the Las Vegas Marathon course. Partly Cloudy, 70 degrees, Winds NNE at 15 mph. Average heart rate: 141 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 146 bpm.
Nice easy run and right ankle feels fine with no aches nor pain! Tomorrow I'll attempt a easy Medium-Long Run and determine if I'm ready to add some marathon pace miles into the mix.
Yesterday I had ended my own little running streak as I allowed my right ankle more time to recover. I hadn't intended to run a "streak,"I just accumulated many training days as to prepare for my very first ultra-marathon this coming April (The Labor of Love 50k) and the long training run of the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon on December 7th. My last day of total rest was Monday, May 26, 2008 when I took a day off from running to spend quality time my wife on Memorial Day. My shortest run during this last "streak" was four miles. I don't know if I will have another long chain of training runs, but will listen to my body daily to determine my running schedule.
Today, I decided on running one short easy Recovery Run as to allow my right ankle a little more rest.
9:30 a.m. Recovery Run, 6 miles. Time, 57:20. Overall pace, 9:33 minute miles. Out and back on Torrey Pines road that traverses the Las Vegas Marathon course. Partly Cloudy, 70 degrees, Winds NNE at 15 mph. Average heart rate: 141 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 146 bpm.
Nice easy run and right ankle feels fine with no aches nor pain! Tomorrow I'll attempt a easy Medium-Long Run and determine if I'm ready to add some marathon pace miles into the mix.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
24-Miler!
Daily Quote: "Honestly, the only gadget that I really want is my Ipod. But if you run without music I would not suggest starting now. It is a crutch. And I need it. I love it and I don't want to run at all without it. But sadly, most races make you leave your Ipod at home. So do not start using one if you don't already; otherwise you'll be sad like I am when I have to race without it." --Nat from her blog, The Negative Split
UGH! Now Nat tells me!! I'm already addicted to music on my longer road runs!!!
Normally I would do my Long Run on Mondays so I can hit the sack early on Sunday night and awake early on Monday. This week my wife has Monday and Tuesday off from work due to Veteran's Day, therefore I juggled my training schedule...Monday's hard workout was a quick Tempo Run and today's hard workout is my Long Run, this way I was able to spend more quality time with her on Monday and Tuesday.
I was only able to sleep five hours last night before I attempted my longest training run for the fall...not much I can do about sleep as I work 12-hour shifts. Oh well, during the night before my races I'm usually so nervous I don't get much sleep anyways, therefore running with little sleep will simulate my racing conditions...o.k., I'm rationalizing about running with little sleep, but what else can I do?
8:00 a.m. Long Run. 24 miles. Time, 3:42. Overall Pace, 9:15 minute miles. Miles 12-16 at marathon pace of 8:00 minute miles. Out and back on Torrey Pines Road (traverses on the Las Vegas Marathon course) Partly Cloudy, 58-66 degrees, winds East at 8-10 mph. Average heart rate: 147 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 154 bpm. Right ankle is sore, but I'm not limping and doesn't have a sharp pain, but as a precaution I'm taking tomorrow off from running and treating the ankle to RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation.) After my long runs I tend to be upbeat, but today I'm totally exhausted and have a depressed mood.
In past years my longest training run has been 20 milers, but this year my focus is on the "Labor of Love 50k" in April. My plan is to treat the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon as a long training run for my first ultra race. I don't have any time goals for the marathon, just a nice strong training effort would be fine, although I tend to be more competitive for my own good.
Today's training music was a CD we bought at our last concert in Primm, Nevada, "Foreigner: Complete Greatest Hits." I have to admit, listening to music has helped me tremendously during this last hump before the marathon! Normally, I wouldn't shake my booty at traffic stops. Hopefully I'll be able to run music free during my upcoming taper and race.
Do they have a M.A.? Music Anonymous?? My name is Bruce, and I'm addicted to music on my road runs. Group: "Hello Bruce!" Couldn't hear the group's greeting due to my earphones.
UGH! Now Nat tells me!! I'm already addicted to music on my longer road runs!!!
Normally I would do my Long Run on Mondays so I can hit the sack early on Sunday night and awake early on Monday. This week my wife has Monday and Tuesday off from work due to Veteran's Day, therefore I juggled my training schedule...Monday's hard workout was a quick Tempo Run and today's hard workout is my Long Run, this way I was able to spend more quality time with her on Monday and Tuesday.
I was only able to sleep five hours last night before I attempted my longest training run for the fall...not much I can do about sleep as I work 12-hour shifts. Oh well, during the night before my races I'm usually so nervous I don't get much sleep anyways, therefore running with little sleep will simulate my racing conditions...o.k., I'm rationalizing about running with little sleep, but what else can I do?
8:00 a.m. Long Run. 24 miles. Time, 3:42. Overall Pace, 9:15 minute miles. Miles 12-16 at marathon pace of 8:00 minute miles. Out and back on Torrey Pines Road (traverses on the Las Vegas Marathon course) Partly Cloudy, 58-66 degrees, winds East at 8-10 mph. Average heart rate: 147 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 154 bpm. Right ankle is sore, but I'm not limping and doesn't have a sharp pain, but as a precaution I'm taking tomorrow off from running and treating the ankle to RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation.) After my long runs I tend to be upbeat, but today I'm totally exhausted and have a depressed mood.
In past years my longest training run has been 20 milers, but this year my focus is on the "Labor of Love 50k" in April. My plan is to treat the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon as a long training run for my first ultra race. I don't have any time goals for the marathon, just a nice strong training effort would be fine, although I tend to be more competitive for my own good.
Today's training music was a CD we bought at our last concert in Primm, Nevada, "Foreigner: Complete Greatest Hits." I have to admit, listening to music has helped me tremendously during this last hump before the marathon! Normally, I wouldn't shake my booty at traffic stops. Hopefully I'll be able to run music free during my upcoming taper and race.
Do they have a M.A.? Music Anonymous?? My name is Bruce, and I'm addicted to music on my road runs. Group: "Hello Bruce!" Couldn't hear the group's greeting due to my earphones.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
4 WEEKS UNTIL THE MARATHON
Daily Quote: "Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else" --Judy Garland
My wife has today and tomorrow off for the Veteran Day holiday, therefore my training week is slightly changed. Normally I would do my Long Run on Monday as I can go to bed earlier on Sunday night and awake earlier on Monday, but I shouldn't run over 3+ hours this morning when my wife has the day off. Decided to switch hard days, I'll be doing my Long Run on Wednesday and today I'll do my Tempo Run that's quicker and will be home sooner.
7:00 a.m. Tempo Run. Life Fitness Treadmill set at a 1% grade. 9 miles. Warmup: 2 miles at 6.2 mph. Tempo run: 5 miles at 8 mph (7:30 minutes per mile pace). Cooldown: 2 miles at 6.2 mph. Average heart rate: 164 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 180 bpm. (Note: my maximum heart rate is 190 bpm.) Tough run! No aches nor pain, even my right ankle didn't ache!!
Next week I'll attempt to increase my speed to 8.1 mph, but will decrease the distance as to give my body time to acclimate to the new speed. Felt a little strange running a Tempo Run so early in the morning, only two other exercisers in the gym at this time.
SUMMARY FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 3-9, 2008
I have four weeks left until the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon! Only one more week of hard training before I begin my taper...can I hang tough for another week? I accomplished something this week that I've often dreamed about achieving...I ran 100 miles this week!!! Now I know how my body feels with this much mileage...extremely tired! I've been running on the very edge of my ability; I know I'm courting disaster as my right ankle can attest, but this week has been such an accomplishment I'll never forget.
I'm still 171 pounds on a six foot frame, which isn't surprisingly as I've been eating like a horse with such high mileage...I'm always hungry! I only need to lose six more pounds to reach my racing weight of 165 pounds.
I only had time to accomplish one weight circuit session this week, oh well, my only emphasis now is to run like the wind.
I managed to sleep 7-8 hours nightly, but my morning heart rates are climbing, the highest being 50 bpm...my normal morning heart rates are 38-41 bpm. I'm very close to over-training and should reduce my training volume next week (duh, do ya think Bruce?)
A short recap of last week's training:
Monday: Long Run, 23 miles.
Tuesday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Wednesday: Tempo Run, 8 miles.
Thursday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Friday: Medium-Long Run, 16 miles.
Saturday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Sunday: Medium-Long Run, 11 miles.
Total Weekly Miles: 100 miles!!!!
My wife has today and tomorrow off for the Veteran Day holiday, therefore my training week is slightly changed. Normally I would do my Long Run on Monday as I can go to bed earlier on Sunday night and awake earlier on Monday, but I shouldn't run over 3+ hours this morning when my wife has the day off. Decided to switch hard days, I'll be doing my Long Run on Wednesday and today I'll do my Tempo Run that's quicker and will be home sooner.
7:00 a.m. Tempo Run. Life Fitness Treadmill set at a 1% grade. 9 miles. Warmup: 2 miles at 6.2 mph. Tempo run: 5 miles at 8 mph (7:30 minutes per mile pace). Cooldown: 2 miles at 6.2 mph. Average heart rate: 164 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 180 bpm. (Note: my maximum heart rate is 190 bpm.) Tough run! No aches nor pain, even my right ankle didn't ache!!
Next week I'll attempt to increase my speed to 8.1 mph, but will decrease the distance as to give my body time to acclimate to the new speed. Felt a little strange running a Tempo Run so early in the morning, only two other exercisers in the gym at this time.
SUMMARY FOR WEEK OF NOVEMBER 3-9, 2008
I have four weeks left until the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon! Only one more week of hard training before I begin my taper...can I hang tough for another week? I accomplished something this week that I've often dreamed about achieving...I ran 100 miles this week!!! Now I know how my body feels with this much mileage...extremely tired! I've been running on the very edge of my ability; I know I'm courting disaster as my right ankle can attest, but this week has been such an accomplishment I'll never forget.
I'm still 171 pounds on a six foot frame, which isn't surprisingly as I've been eating like a horse with such high mileage...I'm always hungry! I only need to lose six more pounds to reach my racing weight of 165 pounds.
I only had time to accomplish one weight circuit session this week, oh well, my only emphasis now is to run like the wind.
I managed to sleep 7-8 hours nightly, but my morning heart rates are climbing, the highest being 50 bpm...my normal morning heart rates are 38-41 bpm. I'm very close to over-training and should reduce my training volume next week (duh, do ya think Bruce?)
A short recap of last week's training:
Monday: Long Run, 23 miles.
Tuesday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Wednesday: Tempo Run, 8 miles.
Thursday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Friday: Medium-Long Run, 16 miles.
Saturday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Sunday: Medium-Long Run, 11 miles.
Total Weekly Miles: 100 miles!!!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Seven Random Things About Me
Daily Quote: "For the last 2 decades, many road races have used their starting-line amplifiers and speaker systems to play either the theme from Rocky or the theme from Chariots of Fire to get runners in the mood for racing. I like them both, I have to admit, but Chariots is my favorite of the two. I recall the movie of the same name, of course, with its twin themes of pursuing a goal and remaining true to one's faith, and particularly the opening scene where the young British Olympians splash across a beach for the rousing synthesizer music by Vangelis. No words. But somehow you can clearly hear the heartbeats pounding, and it always makes mine do the same." --Amby Burfoot, from his insightful book, "The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life."
"Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis is also my favorite music to inspire my run...hence it's the first song on my blog's playlist!!
Today is Saturday, hence it's a Recovery Day with double runs.
2:10 a.m, after work. Recovery Run. Out and back on Decatur Boulevard, 6 miles. Cooler, 54 degrees, no wind, which for me is perfect running weather! Time, 56:20. Overall Pace, 9:23 minute miles. Average heart rate, 141 bpm. Cardiac Drift, 146 bpm. (Note: my maximum heart rate is 190 bpm)
I've been icing my right ankle and pampering it all yesterday, my plan this early morning was to run until the ankle starts aching, then walk home. Thankfully, the ankle didn't whimper at all and was able to complete the full six miles. I think my right ankle is only stressed when I run long or add marathon pace miles to the mix, especially after sitting in a cab for 12-hours. I need to get my butt out of the cab routinely so my body gets some blood flow going.
Slept 9 hours!! I must have really needed the sleep. Ate a breakfast of grape juice and peanut butter on toast. My wife was already awake at 8:00 a.m. and she went back to bed for a long nap at noon, hence no guilt running my second run. She can't feel neglected if she's sleeping, right?
12:15 p.m. Recovery Run. Out and back on Torrey Pines, 8 miles. Time, 1:16. Overall pace, 9:34 minute miles. Beautiful Morning!! Sunny, 62-64 degrees with no wind. Average heart rate: 143 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 149 bpm. Again, no aches nor pain and right ankle is fine. The real test for my right ankle is tomorrow's General Aerobic Run of 10 miles. I was able to return home before my wife awoke and knew I was gone running.
During both runs I listened to the CD, Eddie Money's, "Wanna Go Back," which was something of a hoot. I plan on returning the CD's on Wednesday and getting a new supply of music from the Clark County Library.
Today I read Beachrunner411 blog and fitness diary and he stated, "Any homie who is interested, consider yourselves tagged." Therefore, here's my own list of seven random things about me.
--I'm a cat person. Cats are very independent and are easy to take care, all they need is a warm lap and they're happy. Dogs seem too "needy" for me. I own two adorable cats, Dorian Gray and Smokey, who were given to us by Lisa, my stepdaughter; she had rented an apartment that only allowed one pet (she is also a cat person); she has rescued many cats from the pound and was overflowing with cats...we are so happy with our children/cats.
--I love pizza!! During my years in college had pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner...couldn't eat enough pizza. You would think by now I would have grown tired of pizza, but nope, I'm still addicted to it!
--I'm a speed typist. Learned to type in Junior High School and could easily type 100 wpm, I don't even think of typing per letters, but by words. This skill has been invaluable during this internet age.
--I'm a collector of chess books. I own about 800 chess books that have taken over our third bedroom and most of the dining room. I no longer get the thrill of cracking open a new chess book, now I'm excited when I hear about a new running book that's on the market...I don't collect running books, but tend to give them away as to spread its message. Consider me the Brucie Appleseed of running.
--I HATE yard work. This summer we upgraded our front yard to natural landscape that's mostly rocks and don't need watering...doesn't need much upkeep either! Does give me a big feeling of FREEDOM! Less yardwork = Mo Running!!
--I'm a movie fanatic. I first arrived in Las Vegas in 1988 and my very first job was working part-time at "Video-Tyme" which rents movies. One of the perks was renting movies for free. Between 1988 and 1990 I had watched hundreds of movies and have been hooked on them ever since. Movies are still a great escape from reality for me and I'll have withdrawals whenever I don't get my weekly movie "fix."
--Cargo shorts. I was borned and raised in Lansing, Michigan and didn't have a need for shorts of any sorts since I didn't exercise and Michigan rarely became warm enough to wear shorts. Now that I live in the desert my numbero uno clothing item is my trusty cargo shorts. Don't even need a backpack as I can stuff my many pockets until I walk like Gumby.
I now pass on this curse to you...."Any homie who is interested, consider yourselves tagged."
"Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis is also my favorite music to inspire my run...hence it's the first song on my blog's playlist!!
Today is Saturday, hence it's a Recovery Day with double runs.
2:10 a.m, after work. Recovery Run. Out and back on Decatur Boulevard, 6 miles. Cooler, 54 degrees, no wind, which for me is perfect running weather! Time, 56:20. Overall Pace, 9:23 minute miles. Average heart rate, 141 bpm. Cardiac Drift, 146 bpm. (Note: my maximum heart rate is 190 bpm)
I've been icing my right ankle and pampering it all yesterday, my plan this early morning was to run until the ankle starts aching, then walk home. Thankfully, the ankle didn't whimper at all and was able to complete the full six miles. I think my right ankle is only stressed when I run long or add marathon pace miles to the mix, especially after sitting in a cab for 12-hours. I need to get my butt out of the cab routinely so my body gets some blood flow going.
Slept 9 hours!! I must have really needed the sleep. Ate a breakfast of grape juice and peanut butter on toast. My wife was already awake at 8:00 a.m. and she went back to bed for a long nap at noon, hence no guilt running my second run. She can't feel neglected if she's sleeping, right?
12:15 p.m. Recovery Run. Out and back on Torrey Pines, 8 miles. Time, 1:16. Overall pace, 9:34 minute miles. Beautiful Morning!! Sunny, 62-64 degrees with no wind. Average heart rate: 143 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 149 bpm. Again, no aches nor pain and right ankle is fine. The real test for my right ankle is tomorrow's General Aerobic Run of 10 miles. I was able to return home before my wife awoke and knew I was gone running.
During both runs I listened to the CD, Eddie Money's, "Wanna Go Back," which was something of a hoot. I plan on returning the CD's on Wednesday and getting a new supply of music from the Clark County Library.
Today I read Beachrunner411 blog and fitness diary and he stated, "Any homie who is interested, consider yourselves tagged." Therefore, here's my own list of seven random things about me.
--I'm a cat person. Cats are very independent and are easy to take care, all they need is a warm lap and they're happy. Dogs seem too "needy" for me. I own two adorable cats, Dorian Gray and Smokey, who were given to us by Lisa, my stepdaughter; she had rented an apartment that only allowed one pet (she is also a cat person); she has rescued many cats from the pound and was overflowing with cats...we are so happy with our children/cats.
--I love pizza!! During my years in college had pizza for breakfast, lunch and dinner...couldn't eat enough pizza. You would think by now I would have grown tired of pizza, but nope, I'm still addicted to it!
--I'm a speed typist. Learned to type in Junior High School and could easily type 100 wpm, I don't even think of typing per letters, but by words. This skill has been invaluable during this internet age.
--I'm a collector of chess books. I own about 800 chess books that have taken over our third bedroom and most of the dining room. I no longer get the thrill of cracking open a new chess book, now I'm excited when I hear about a new running book that's on the market...I don't collect running books, but tend to give them away as to spread its message. Consider me the Brucie Appleseed of running.
--I HATE yard work. This summer we upgraded our front yard to natural landscape that's mostly rocks and don't need watering...doesn't need much upkeep either! Does give me a big feeling of FREEDOM! Less yardwork = Mo Running!!
--I'm a movie fanatic. I first arrived in Las Vegas in 1988 and my very first job was working part-time at "Video-Tyme" which rents movies. One of the perks was renting movies for free. Between 1988 and 1990 I had watched hundreds of movies and have been hooked on them ever since. Movies are still a great escape from reality for me and I'll have withdrawals whenever I don't get my weekly movie "fix."
--Cargo shorts. I was borned and raised in Lansing, Michigan and didn't have a need for shorts of any sorts since I didn't exercise and Michigan rarely became warm enough to wear shorts. Now that I live in the desert my numbero uno clothing item is my trusty cargo shorts. Don't even need a backpack as I can stuff my many pockets until I walk like Gumby.
I now pass on this curse to you...."Any homie who is interested, consider yourselves tagged."
Friday, November 7, 2008
MUSIC
Daily Quote: "New research from Brunel University in London reveals what many runners have known for years: Music can help you run longer. The study, due to be published in the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, found that carefully selected music can significantly increase a person's physical endurance and make exercise a more positive experience." --Christine Luff, About.com Guide to Running/Jogging
I never listen to music during my road runs as I normally prefer listening to my surroundings and own thoughts, but my motivation and enthusiasm has been very low lately, therefore I'm hoping music will help make my own running a more positive experience. I definitely need the distraction of music to make my high mileage training less mind numbing. Yesterday, I decided to visit the local Clark County Library that has a wealth of audio visual entertainment, hundreds of DVD's and thousands of CD's as well as a dozen internet terminals...libraries are not just for books anymore! I borrowed two CD's from the library; Magnolia Electric Co., "Trials & Errors" and Eddie Money, "Wanna Go Back." The plan is to listen to CD's that I've never heard before and be surprised with every song.
Today is my Medium-Long Run. 7:30 a.m. Medium-Long Run, 16 miles. Time, 2:24. Overall pace, 9:02 minute miles. Miles 10-14 were at marathon pace of 8:00 minute miles. Average heart rate: 148 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 159 bpm.
My right ankle is still not 100%, but I'm not limping nor does it have any sharp pain, just a little dull ache. I'll continue to baby the ankle throughout the day and RICE it, if necessary, tomorrow I may take a complete day off from running as to pamper the ankle.Listened to Magnolia Electric Co. on my trusty old Sony CD Player during the run and was a very different training experience! I actually enjoyed it! I felt like I had my own soundtrack and the star of my very own running music video!! I have less than two hard weeks of training before my taper and hopefully music will help me push through this last hump.
I never listen to music during my road runs as I normally prefer listening to my surroundings and own thoughts, but my motivation and enthusiasm has been very low lately, therefore I'm hoping music will help make my own running a more positive experience. I definitely need the distraction of music to make my high mileage training less mind numbing. Yesterday, I decided to visit the local Clark County Library that has a wealth of audio visual entertainment, hundreds of DVD's and thousands of CD's as well as a dozen internet terminals...libraries are not just for books anymore! I borrowed two CD's from the library; Magnolia Electric Co., "Trials & Errors" and Eddie Money, "Wanna Go Back." The plan is to listen to CD's that I've never heard before and be surprised with every song.
Today is my Medium-Long Run. 7:30 a.m. Medium-Long Run, 16 miles. Time, 2:24. Overall pace, 9:02 minute miles. Miles 10-14 were at marathon pace of 8:00 minute miles. Average heart rate: 148 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 159 bpm.
My right ankle is still not 100%, but I'm not limping nor does it have any sharp pain, just a little dull ache. I'll continue to baby the ankle throughout the day and RICE it, if necessary, tomorrow I may take a complete day off from running as to pamper the ankle.Listened to Magnolia Electric Co. on my trusty old Sony CD Player during the run and was a very different training experience! I actually enjoyed it! I felt like I had my own soundtrack and the star of my very own running music video!! I have less than two hard weeks of training before my taper and hopefully music will help me push through this last hump.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Checker Cab Contract Ratified!!
Daily Quote: "If you can fill the unforgiving minute/With sixty seconds' worth of distance run/Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it/And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!" --Rudyard Kipling's famous line in the the poem "Time."
The drivers at Checker Cab Company had been working without a contract since December 1, 2007 and we came very close to striking last weekend, at the very last minute, of the twelfth hour, the company ratified the contract!! The company didn't get the 7% cutback in wages they wanted, but we didn't get a raise we needed either. A tremendous weight has been lifted off me! This contract lasts four years and my wife and I agreed we'll be better prepared for a strike next time. I can now send in my entry fee for the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon!!
Yesterday ran my typical "doubles" (Early AM: 6 miles, Later AM: 8 miles) and my right ankle is feeling much better! I'm now ready for my weekly "Tempo Run" as I make an attempt to add another mile to the tempo.
9:30 a.m. Life Fitness Treadmill set at a 1% grade. 8 miles. Warmup: 2 miles at 6.2 mph. Tempo run: 4 miles at 8 mph (7:30 minutes per mile pace). Cooldown: 2 miles at 6.2 mph. Average heart rate: 162 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 179 bpm. Right ankle did whimper a little during the last tempo mile, but not enough to stop my run. I wasn't in such a bad Funk today as I always look forward to my speedwork as it's a big change of pace (both literally and figuratively) from my usual distance runs.
Thankfully I was able to jump on my usual treadmill next to the wall and didn't have to concern myself with any mechanical problems. I didn't wear any music today, but tomorrow I plan on visiting the public library and checking-out some CD's as I plan on adding more spice and variety to my longer runs.
The drivers at Checker Cab Company had been working without a contract since December 1, 2007 and we came very close to striking last weekend, at the very last minute, of the twelfth hour, the company ratified the contract!! The company didn't get the 7% cutback in wages they wanted, but we didn't get a raise we needed either. A tremendous weight has been lifted off me! This contract lasts four years and my wife and I agreed we'll be better prepared for a strike next time. I can now send in my entry fee for the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon!!
Yesterday ran my typical "doubles" (Early AM: 6 miles, Later AM: 8 miles) and my right ankle is feeling much better! I'm now ready for my weekly "Tempo Run" as I make an attempt to add another mile to the tempo.
9:30 a.m. Life Fitness Treadmill set at a 1% grade. 8 miles. Warmup: 2 miles at 6.2 mph. Tempo run: 4 miles at 8 mph (7:30 minutes per mile pace). Cooldown: 2 miles at 6.2 mph. Average heart rate: 162 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 179 bpm. Right ankle did whimper a little during the last tempo mile, but not enough to stop my run. I wasn't in such a bad Funk today as I always look forward to my speedwork as it's a big change of pace (both literally and figuratively) from my usual distance runs.
Thankfully I was able to jump on my usual treadmill next to the wall and didn't have to concern myself with any mechanical problems. I didn't wear any music today, but tomorrow I plan on visiting the public library and checking-out some CD's as I plan on adding more spice and variety to my longer runs.
Monday, November 3, 2008
5 WEEKS UNTIL THE MARATHON
Daily Quote: "Winning isn't about today, it's about tomorrow. A winner never rests on his laurels. It's not good enough to win one race or to have one good season. The winner is the person who gets up tomorrow morning and starts all over again, concentrating again on doing his best, whatever that might be." --Amby Burfoot, from his insightful book, "The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life."
Today is Monday, which is my scheduled Long Run and I'll strive to repeat last week's workout...same mileage, same course, but hopefully with a slightly faster time.
8:30 a.m. Long Run. 23 miles. Time, 3:33. Overall pace, 9:15 minute miles. Partly Cloudy 62-65, little wind. Out-and-back on the Las Vegas Marathon course. Ran the last three miles at marathon pace of 8:00 minute miles. Average heart rate 149 bpm. Cardiac Drift 170 bpm. Ran three minutes slower than last week and my right ankle is slightly sore again, not exactly according to today's plan. I'll be RICEing my ankle throughout the day.
I'm in a bad Funk. My running is becoming more and more like work! I feel like all I do is eat, sleep, run and drive a cab. My workouts are stale and mind numbing. I never listen to music when I run do to safety concerns and wanting to simulate my race experience as much as possible, but I'm seriously considering on listening to music during my longer runs as to spice up my marathon training. Tomorrow I'm going to dust off my Sony Sport CD Player and give it a whirl.
SUMMARY FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2008
I have five weeks left until the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon! Thankfully, I only have two more hard training weeks before my taper, which can't arrive too soon as I'm already starting to suffer burn out. Last week I was able to nudge my mileage to 95 miles (the week before was 94 miles), which is my highest weekly mileage ever!! My body and mind is starting to suffer from high mileage training, don't know if I'll be able to increase my mileage again, but I'll monitor my body on daily basis and determine what my body can handle.
I've lost one pound of weight last week, I'm now 171 pounds on a six foot frame. I'm so very close towards reaching my racing weight of 165 pounds. I still eat too much junk on the weekends, next weekend I WILL be more disciplined.
Last week I found the time for two weight circuit training sessions! This week I doubt I'll reach my ideal of three weight sessions, but will try and do at least two sessions again.
I managed to sleep 7-8 hours nightly, but my morning heart rates are starting to creep upwards, the high being 46 bpm...my normal morning heart rates are 38-41 bpm. This might be a sign that my body is tired and is on the verge of overtraining. I need to monitor my body very closely this week.
A short recap of last week's training:
Monday: Long Run, 23 miles.
Tuesday: Doubles, Recovery Runs. AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Wednesday: Tempo Run, 8 miles.
Thursday: Doubles, Recovery Runs. AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Friday: Medium Long Run, 16 miles.
Saturday: Recovery Runs. AM: 4 miles. PM: 6 miles.
Sunday: General Aerobic Run, 10 miles.
Total Weekly Mileage: 94 miles!
Today is Monday, which is my scheduled Long Run and I'll strive to repeat last week's workout...same mileage, same course, but hopefully with a slightly faster time.
8:30 a.m. Long Run. 23 miles. Time, 3:33. Overall pace, 9:15 minute miles. Partly Cloudy 62-65, little wind. Out-and-back on the Las Vegas Marathon course. Ran the last three miles at marathon pace of 8:00 minute miles. Average heart rate 149 bpm. Cardiac Drift 170 bpm. Ran three minutes slower than last week and my right ankle is slightly sore again, not exactly according to today's plan. I'll be RICEing my ankle throughout the day.
I'm in a bad Funk. My running is becoming more and more like work! I feel like all I do is eat, sleep, run and drive a cab. My workouts are stale and mind numbing. I never listen to music when I run do to safety concerns and wanting to simulate my race experience as much as possible, but I'm seriously considering on listening to music during my longer runs as to spice up my marathon training. Tomorrow I'm going to dust off my Sony Sport CD Player and give it a whirl.
SUMMARY FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 27 - NOVEMBER 2, 2008
I have five weeks left until the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon! Thankfully, I only have two more hard training weeks before my taper, which can't arrive too soon as I'm already starting to suffer burn out. Last week I was able to nudge my mileage to 95 miles (the week before was 94 miles), which is my highest weekly mileage ever!! My body and mind is starting to suffer from high mileage training, don't know if I'll be able to increase my mileage again, but I'll monitor my body on daily basis and determine what my body can handle.
I've lost one pound of weight last week, I'm now 171 pounds on a six foot frame. I'm so very close towards reaching my racing weight of 165 pounds. I still eat too much junk on the weekends, next weekend I WILL be more disciplined.
Last week I found the time for two weight circuit training sessions! This week I doubt I'll reach my ideal of three weight sessions, but will try and do at least two sessions again.
I managed to sleep 7-8 hours nightly, but my morning heart rates are starting to creep upwards, the high being 46 bpm...my normal morning heart rates are 38-41 bpm. This might be a sign that my body is tired and is on the verge of overtraining. I need to monitor my body very closely this week.
A short recap of last week's training:
Monday: Long Run, 23 miles.
Tuesday: Doubles, Recovery Runs. AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Wednesday: Tempo Run, 8 miles.
Thursday: Doubles, Recovery Runs. AM: 6 miles. PM: 8 miles.
Friday: Medium Long Run, 16 miles.
Saturday: Recovery Runs. AM: 4 miles. PM: 6 miles.
Sunday: General Aerobic Run, 10 miles.
Total Weekly Mileage: 94 miles!
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