Daily Quote: "When in the mountains, enjoy the mountain scenery. Nobody achieves his goal without having some fun along the way. Without fun, we'd give up long before the finish line. If there's any way to make the road easier and enjoyable, I'm all for it." --Amby Burfoot, from his insightful book, "The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life."
I'm often so goal oriented (currently in training for the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon) that I don't often add any fun to my runs. It's fine to focused on pace, time, and mileage, but I need to add some enjoyment to my runs or my training will grow stale. Since this weekend is part of my Recovery Week I'm planning on travelling to a part of Las Vegas that I don't often run just for the joy of it!
2:10 a.m. (after work) Warm-up, 10 minutes on the elliptical machine. 35 minutes on Weight Circuit Training. Cool-down, 10 minutes on the upright stationary cycle. Felt great to get a good, hard, weight session without worrying about squeezing it into my busy schedule...sometimes I wish every week is a "Recovery Week!"
Slept 8 hours. Morning heart rate was 40 bpm. Breakfast was Cheerios topped with Raspberries, Blueberries & Blackberries (from frozen "Private Selection Berry Medley")
11:35 a.m. Medium Long Run. 11 miles. Time, 1:43. Overall Pace, 9:22 minute miles. Out and back on Jones Boulevard. Clear, 71-73 degrees with no wind. Average heart rate: 143 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 148 bpm. Body felt great! No aches nor pain and my right ankle, which is always a concern, was perfect!! It's great that the temperatures are getting cooler as normally I wouldn't start running so late.
Just enough time to cook a Chicken & Broccoli Lean Pocket before I leave for work.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Creativity
Daily Quote: "Sometimes my main reason for running is to simply to see where my brain will go while my body is meandering through the local trails or roadways. It can never be predicted, and it's always a surprise." --Amby Burfoot, from his insightful book, "The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life."
I find that my brain is more creative during those easy Recovery Runs, where I'm not pressured with maintaining a strong pace nor pushing myself through the longer runs. I don't carry music when I run as it would distract me from my inner voice. Lately I've read some interesting news about the pluses of listening to music when running, but I'll stick with my unencumbered self.
I won't be running any "doubles" today as I'm still in Recovery Week. Today I won't be wearing a watch, Garmin, nor heart rate monitor, which I had done last week with great success.
9:00 a.m. Recovery Run. 6 miles. Approximately 55 minutes. Clear, 67 degrees, with no wind. Out-and-back on Torrey Pines Road that partially traverses the Las Vegas Marathon route. I've ran this six-miler so often I don't even need Garfield (my nickname for my Garmin Forerunner). I was breathing easily and was in "conversational pace." I allowed my mind to wonder! Had many fruitful thoughts regarding chess (advanced variation of the French Defence, Wade Variation), my job (Checker Cab Company and the current contract negotiations), the beautiful weather and how fortunate I am for no longer living in Michigan! Life is good.
I find that my brain is more creative during those easy Recovery Runs, where I'm not pressured with maintaining a strong pace nor pushing myself through the longer runs. I don't carry music when I run as it would distract me from my inner voice. Lately I've read some interesting news about the pluses of listening to music when running, but I'll stick with my unencumbered self.
I won't be running any "doubles" today as I'm still in Recovery Week. Today I won't be wearing a watch, Garmin, nor heart rate monitor, which I had done last week with great success.
9:00 a.m. Recovery Run. 6 miles. Approximately 55 minutes. Clear, 67 degrees, with no wind. Out-and-back on Torrey Pines Road that partially traverses the Las Vegas Marathon route. I've ran this six-miler so often I don't even need Garfield (my nickname for my Garmin Forerunner). I was breathing easily and was in "conversational pace." I allowed my mind to wonder! Had many fruitful thoughts regarding chess (advanced variation of the French Defence, Wade Variation), my job (Checker Cab Company and the current contract negotiations), the beautiful weather and how fortunate I am for no longer living in Michigan! Life is good.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
On the Need for Traditions
Daily Quote: "In a world that perpetually moves faster, never slower, we need all the anchoring points we can find. Chaos erupts spontaneously in our spinning lives. It's the center of the wheel that we need to focus on more often." --Amby Burfoot, from his insightful book, "The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life."
Amby's above quote has me thinking...I've ran the last seven Las Vegas Marathons in a row and I had hoped it would be my yearly tradition as it does anchor my health and fitness with this main goal every year. I shouldn't so easily discard this race due to financial pressures as it really isn't all that expensive, after all the race is held practically in my backyard! I won't have any travel expenses, nor room and board, all I need to do is pay for the $100 entry fee. It's not like I'm injured and can't physically run the marathon. As for my ongoing feeling of chaos with Checker Cab Company, I should focus that my running has been, is currently, and will be in the future my "center of the wheel," I'll survive the strike and be stronger for it. Well, all-in-all, maybe I'm just thinking of debating points with my mate?!?
Wednesdays are normally speed work, but since this is my Recovery Week I'll do a General Aerobic Run instead.
9:30 a.m. General Aerobic Run. 8 miles. Time, 1:13. Overall Pace, 9:12 minute miles. Out and back on Torrey Pines, which traverses the Las Vegas Marathon course. Cool, 57 degrees, winds N at 5 mph. Average heart rate: 144 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 149 bpm. Body felt very fluid today, like I was floating two feet above the ground with little effort, I simply love this feeling and makes running all worth while! I haven't been this upbeat since last week!!
Amby's above quote has me thinking...I've ran the last seven Las Vegas Marathons in a row and I had hoped it would be my yearly tradition as it does anchor my health and fitness with this main goal every year. I shouldn't so easily discard this race due to financial pressures as it really isn't all that expensive, after all the race is held practically in my backyard! I won't have any travel expenses, nor room and board, all I need to do is pay for the $100 entry fee. It's not like I'm injured and can't physically run the marathon. As for my ongoing feeling of chaos with Checker Cab Company, I should focus that my running has been, is currently, and will be in the future my "center of the wheel," I'll survive the strike and be stronger for it. Well, all-in-all, maybe I'm just thinking of debating points with my mate?!?
Wednesdays are normally speed work, but since this is my Recovery Week I'll do a General Aerobic Run instead.
9:30 a.m. General Aerobic Run. 8 miles. Time, 1:13. Overall Pace, 9:12 minute miles. Out and back on Torrey Pines, which traverses the Las Vegas Marathon course. Cool, 57 degrees, winds N at 5 mph. Average heart rate: 144 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 149 bpm. Body felt very fluid today, like I was floating two feet above the ground with little effort, I simply love this feeling and makes running all worth while! I haven't been this upbeat since last week!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Easy Recovery Day
Daily Quote: "I have learned that there is no failure in running, or in life, as long as you keep moving. It's not about speed and gold medals. It's about refusing to be stopped. You might find that one particular direction proves difficult, but there are many directions on a compass. Infinite, in fact. As long as you keep searching, you'll find your winning way." --Amby Burfoot, form enlightening book, " The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life."
Today I won't be doing "Doubles" as I'm in Recovery Week, just one easy six miler should be sufficient!
9:30 a.m. Recovery Run. 6 miles. Time, 59:00. Overall Pace, 9:50 minute miles. Out and back on Charleston Boulevard. Cool, 62 degrees with winds South at 16 mph. Average heart rate: 139 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 146 bpm. Charleston Boulevard is the main route to Red Rock Canyon. Run was almost too easy as I wish to keep my average heart rate above 140 bpm.
Appears the Federal Mediator has told Checker Cab Company and the Union that no actions will be taken from either side until they meet to negotiate more on the contract on October 21st. Could this be a ray of hope???
Today I won't be doing "Doubles" as I'm in Recovery Week, just one easy six miler should be sufficient!
9:30 a.m. Recovery Run. 6 miles. Time, 59:00. Overall Pace, 9:50 minute miles. Out and back on Charleston Boulevard. Cool, 62 degrees with winds South at 16 mph. Average heart rate: 139 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 146 bpm. Charleston Boulevard is the main route to Red Rock Canyon. Run was almost too easy as I wish to keep my average heart rate above 140 bpm.
Appears the Federal Mediator has told Checker Cab Company and the Union that no actions will be taken from either side until they meet to negotiate more on the contract on October 21st. Could this be a ray of hope???
Monday, October 13, 2008
Las Vegas Marathon Has New Partner
Daily Quote: "In doing our research, we got pretty comfortable pretty quickly that we could bring runners to Las Vegas for a long weekend," said Englehart, whose company will launch Rock 'n' Roll events in San Antonio and Seattle within the next year. "And we're going to have a very good race in Las Vegas in 2008. We need to make sure the runners are aware of that." --Las Vegas Review Journal, October 13, 2008.
Today's "Las Vegas Review Journal" has an encouraging news article called, "Partnership ensures financial stability for Las Vegas Marathon," which introduces Devine Racing's new partner, Competitor Group Inc. Now if I can ensure my own financial stability so I'll be able to run the new and improved "2008 Las Vegas Marathon!"
Today is my first day of Recovery Week and my Long Run will only be 16 miles.
7:30 a.m. Long Run. 16 miles. Time, 2:31. Overall Pace, 9:26 minute miles. Out-and-back to UNLV Campus. Clear, 50-58 degrees, winds NNW at 17 mph. Average heart rate: 145 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 151 bpm. (Note: Maximum heart rate is 190 bpm) Just a small blister on my left pinkie toe, otherwise no aches nor pain and all systems are GO!
A slow and easy pace on a crisp and windy fall day as I traverse a new course and different scenery, I needed a change rather than running the same Las Vegas Marathon route...I'm emotionally preparing not running the marathon this year and training on the marathon course has been giving me bitter feelings towards the greedy owner of Checker Cab Company, which has created this dire situation for me. I need to push myself away from negative thoughts and think of my current dilemma as a possible opportunity for a new direction. Not just a new direction in my running route, but a new direction in my employment as well.
I've been having second and third thoughts about the Las Vegas Marathon. My wife would be very happy if I didn't run the marathon anyway and I should place more emphasis on improving my situation rather than burdening her with my upcoming financial stresses. I've been searching for a new job via the classifieds and online, the job pickings are very slim during these financial hard times, nevertheless I must do something. Frustrating!
Today's "Las Vegas Review Journal" has an encouraging news article called, "Partnership ensures financial stability for Las Vegas Marathon," which introduces Devine Racing's new partner, Competitor Group Inc. Now if I can ensure my own financial stability so I'll be able to run the new and improved "2008 Las Vegas Marathon!"
Today is my first day of Recovery Week and my Long Run will only be 16 miles.
7:30 a.m. Long Run. 16 miles. Time, 2:31. Overall Pace, 9:26 minute miles. Out-and-back to UNLV Campus. Clear, 50-58 degrees, winds NNW at 17 mph. Average heart rate: 145 bpm. Cardiac Drift: 151 bpm. (Note: Maximum heart rate is 190 bpm) Just a small blister on my left pinkie toe, otherwise no aches nor pain and all systems are GO!
A slow and easy pace on a crisp and windy fall day as I traverse a new course and different scenery, I needed a change rather than running the same Las Vegas Marathon route...I'm emotionally preparing not running the marathon this year and training on the marathon course has been giving me bitter feelings towards the greedy owner of Checker Cab Company, which has created this dire situation for me. I need to push myself away from negative thoughts and think of my current dilemma as a possible opportunity for a new direction. Not just a new direction in my running route, but a new direction in my employment as well.
I've been having second and third thoughts about the Las Vegas Marathon. My wife would be very happy if I didn't run the marathon anyway and I should place more emphasis on improving my situation rather than burdening her with my upcoming financial stresses. I've been searching for a new job via the classifieds and online, the job pickings are very slim during these financial hard times, nevertheless I must do something. Frustrating!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
8 Weeks Until the Marathon
Daily Quote: "Sometimes it seems like the seasoned and hard-core programs get all the fun, with speedwork, hills, and more runs per week. The newbie program is based entirely on mileage, with the goal of simply building your endurance to the point that 26-plus miles is an easily reachable or at least attainable distance. So we concentrate more on time on your feet and less on speed. Next time around you can plan on more miles and improve either your time -- or how easy your time is." --Bart Yasso, from the marathon schedules in his entertaining book, "My Life On the Run, The Wit, Wisdom and Insights of a Road Racing Icon."
8:00 a.m. General Aerobic Run. Out-and back on Lindell Road. 10 miles. Time, 1:32. Overall pace, 9:12 minute miles. Cold! Partly Cloudy, 49-52 degrees, wind NW at 20 mph!! Average heart rate 143 bpm. Cardiac drift: 151 bpm. (Note, my maximum heart rate is 190 bpm)
I know those from the Northern climes will snicker at the thought that Vegans think 49-52 degrees with 20 mph winds feels like it's freezing, but we're used to much warmer temperatures...wasn't a week ago when temperatures were in the 90's! I didn't attempt any marathon pace miles during today's run as the wind and cold was disconcerting and was just striving to stay on an even keel. I made a mistake of not wearing gloves and was very uncomfortable throughout the run.
Body feels very good considering the high mileage I accomplished this week, no aches nor pain and my ankle hasn't been complaining at all! Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to starting my Recovery Week tomorrow as my body and mind could use a rest.
SUMMARY FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 6-11, 2008
I have eight weeks left until the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon!! I ran another personal record of highest weekly mileage ever, a total of 89 miles! Next week is my Recovery Week, which couldn't happen at a better time as I'm starting to feel the stresses of high mileage training, PLUS the stress of a upcoming Strike. My marathon training is keeping me sane from my future uncertainties, but I may not be able to run the Las Vegas Marathon this year due to our finances. I'm still hoping that Checker Cab Company will realize that the drivers cannot afford a big pay cut in the proposed new contract.
I've lost another pound!! I'm now 171 pounds on a six foot frame. My goal is to reach my race weight of 165 pounds before the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon on December 7th...only six more pounds to lose!
Sadly, I only managed one weight circuit session this week. Next week is Recovery Week and should have no problems finding time to lift weights.
My sleep patterns last week were rather erratic because of my work stresses, I'm very worried about my future and my sleeping has been suffering for it. It's rare that I sleep soundly for the full 7-8 hours and find myself awaking several times during the night. My morning heart rates have been low, very low, 37-40 bpm, which might be due to overtraining AND compounded by my other life stresses. I had the same very low morning heart rates like last year, which was primarily from overtraining, but this year the upcoming Strike has definitely given me more stress. My upcoming Recovery Week is coming at a great time, I need the rest.
A short recap of last week's running:
Monday: Long Run, 22 miles.
Tuesday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 7 miles.
Wednesday: Tempo Run, 8 miles.
Thursday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 7 miles.
Friday: Medium-Long Run, 16 miles.
Saturday: General Aerobic Run, 7 miles.
Sunday: General Aerobic Run, 10 miles.
Total Weekly Mileage: 89 miles!
8:00 a.m. General Aerobic Run. Out-and back on Lindell Road. 10 miles. Time, 1:32. Overall pace, 9:12 minute miles. Cold! Partly Cloudy, 49-52 degrees, wind NW at 20 mph!! Average heart rate 143 bpm. Cardiac drift: 151 bpm. (Note, my maximum heart rate is 190 bpm)
I know those from the Northern climes will snicker at the thought that Vegans think 49-52 degrees with 20 mph winds feels like it's freezing, but we're used to much warmer temperatures...wasn't a week ago when temperatures were in the 90's! I didn't attempt any marathon pace miles during today's run as the wind and cold was disconcerting and was just striving to stay on an even keel. I made a mistake of not wearing gloves and was very uncomfortable throughout the run.
Body feels very good considering the high mileage I accomplished this week, no aches nor pain and my ankle hasn't been complaining at all! Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to starting my Recovery Week tomorrow as my body and mind could use a rest.
SUMMARY FOR WEEK OF OCTOBER 6-11, 2008
I have eight weeks left until the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon!! I ran another personal record of highest weekly mileage ever, a total of 89 miles! Next week is my Recovery Week, which couldn't happen at a better time as I'm starting to feel the stresses of high mileage training, PLUS the stress of a upcoming Strike. My marathon training is keeping me sane from my future uncertainties, but I may not be able to run the Las Vegas Marathon this year due to our finances. I'm still hoping that Checker Cab Company will realize that the drivers cannot afford a big pay cut in the proposed new contract.
I've lost another pound!! I'm now 171 pounds on a six foot frame. My goal is to reach my race weight of 165 pounds before the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon on December 7th...only six more pounds to lose!
Sadly, I only managed one weight circuit session this week. Next week is Recovery Week and should have no problems finding time to lift weights.
My sleep patterns last week were rather erratic because of my work stresses, I'm very worried about my future and my sleeping has been suffering for it. It's rare that I sleep soundly for the full 7-8 hours and find myself awaking several times during the night. My morning heart rates have been low, very low, 37-40 bpm, which might be due to overtraining AND compounded by my other life stresses. I had the same very low morning heart rates like last year, which was primarily from overtraining, but this year the upcoming Strike has definitely given me more stress. My upcoming Recovery Week is coming at a great time, I need the rest.
A short recap of last week's running:
Monday: Long Run, 22 miles.
Tuesday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 7 miles.
Wednesday: Tempo Run, 8 miles.
Thursday: Doubles, Recovery Runs, AM: 6 miles. PM: 7 miles.
Friday: Medium-Long Run, 16 miles.
Saturday: General Aerobic Run, 7 miles.
Sunday: General Aerobic Run, 10 miles.
Total Weekly Mileage: 89 miles!
Friday, October 10, 2008
STRIKE!!!
Daily Quote: "Running celebrates our commonality. Are we human because we can run on two feet, or does running make us human? I know I feel more like myself when I run, even if it's only a few miles, or at least I feel like the self I like best. Running inspires creativity, relieves stress, and gives us insight into ourselves and the world, making the human condition more tolerable." --Bart Yasso, from his entertaining book, "My Life On the Run, The Wit, Wisdom and Insights of a Road Racing Icon."
Last night I received two text messages on my cell phone:
Message #1, Alliance (Union): The Vote on the Company's Contract proposal is 808 NO and 11 YES. Yellow, Checker and Star drivers to a authorize strike is 787 YES and 28 NO.
Message #2, Alliance (Union): Attention ITPE Union Members: We need volunteers to form strike committees. Contact ITPE Union between 9am and 5pm.
I have no idea when we'll actually get on the picket lines, but undoubtedly soon. Hopefully the company realizes how serious the drivers are about the contract's proposal of a pay-cut and will return to the bargaining table.
I didn't sleep well last night due to stresses about work and how we'll meet our daily expenses, therefore I awoke at an unusual early hour of 6:00 a.m. and decided to run.
6:10 a.m. Medium-Long Run, 16 miles. Time, 2:24. Overall pace, 9:02 minute miles. Cooler, 60-63 degrees with 12 mph winds. Ran a rather zig-zag route, through the Spring Preserve, under the Fremont Street Experience canopy, down the Strip and then returned home. Average heart rate, 144 bpm. Cardiac drift: 150 bpm. I was able to become comfortably exhausted and returned to bed for another two hours of sleep.
I'm going to have to consider cost cutting measures on my expenses, the first to go would be the cable television, the Internet service, and cell phones. I'll continue writing on this blog as long as I can; I may follow Jimmy Jacobs idea of writing his blog at the public library's terminals whenever he can find the time.
I can't justify spending $100 for the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon entry fee and may not run it this year, that'll break my 7 year streak for running the Las Vegas Marathon. I'll continue to train for the marathon, hoping that the strike will end soon and life returns to normal.
Last night I received two text messages on my cell phone:
Message #1, Alliance (Union): The Vote on the Company's Contract proposal is 808 NO and 11 YES. Yellow, Checker and Star drivers to a authorize strike is 787 YES and 28 NO.
Message #2, Alliance (Union): Attention ITPE Union Members: We need volunteers to form strike committees. Contact ITPE Union between 9am and 5pm.
I have no idea when we'll actually get on the picket lines, but undoubtedly soon. Hopefully the company realizes how serious the drivers are about the contract's proposal of a pay-cut and will return to the bargaining table.
I didn't sleep well last night due to stresses about work and how we'll meet our daily expenses, therefore I awoke at an unusual early hour of 6:00 a.m. and decided to run.
6:10 a.m. Medium-Long Run, 16 miles. Time, 2:24. Overall pace, 9:02 minute miles. Cooler, 60-63 degrees with 12 mph winds. Ran a rather zig-zag route, through the Spring Preserve, under the Fremont Street Experience canopy, down the Strip and then returned home. Average heart rate, 144 bpm. Cardiac drift: 150 bpm. I was able to become comfortably exhausted and returned to bed for another two hours of sleep.
I'm going to have to consider cost cutting measures on my expenses, the first to go would be the cable television, the Internet service, and cell phones. I'll continue writing on this blog as long as I can; I may follow Jimmy Jacobs idea of writing his blog at the public library's terminals whenever he can find the time.
I can't justify spending $100 for the 2008 Las Vegas Marathon entry fee and may not run it this year, that'll break my 7 year streak for running the Las Vegas Marathon. I'll continue to train for the marathon, hoping that the strike will end soon and life returns to normal.
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