What a company!!
In 1998, as I was just beginning to take this running thing seriously, I found out about the PEACHTREE ROAD RACE. I got a prized number even though I lived in CALIFORNIA at the time. On a whim, I mailed a letter to ASICS, explaining a little about me and my drive for running and that i was ABOUT TO RUN IN THE LARGEST 10K IN THE COUNTRY.
They wrote me back and said all I had to do was call a phone number with my name and shoe size and i'd get a free pair of shoes.
WAY COOL!!!!!!!
Fast forward to 2005 and I am training for the SF MARATHON and running in honor of my mom and raising money. Again, i mailed ASICS another in depth letter asking for any kind of donation. They sent me a very nice letter back along with a gift certificate for NEW SHOES AND NEW SHORTS at any place that sold their products!!
Double fast forward to current time: I mailed them a letter a month or so ago and explained that 2 times in the past they have been gracious enough to support me and how I'd be so honored if they would again as I attempt my FIRST ULTRAMARATHON -- THE JFK 50 MILER
I got home today, not feeling all that great physically, and went to my mailbox thinking I could hear back from them at any time. AND THERE IT WAS...a SIMPLE ENVELOPE AND NOTE from my contact at ASICS: I HAVE A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW PAIR OF SHOES. I have to redeem it by sending it back to the company.
IS THIS GREAT OR WHAT?? I will have you know that in my closest and other floor space, i have 13 pairs of ASICS. 2 of which were given to me by the company and the rest, I have purchased.
I am grateful and PSYCHED. They have come though once again. AMAZING.
Sometime, you just have to tell your story...and ask!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Time: ? but faster than usual
Distance: approx 3.2 miles, outside
Ran a faster than usual 3+ miles with buddy DC today on a spectacular fall day. Monday's are usually an off day, but it actually felt really good to push the pace and feel my lungs stretch. know what i mean?
18 days til blast off............
Distance: approx 3.2 miles, outside
Ran a faster than usual 3+ miles with buddy DC today on a spectacular fall day. Monday's are usually an off day, but it actually felt really good to push the pace and feel my lungs stretch. know what i mean?
18 days til blast off............
Sunday, October 28, 2007
"All pressure is self-inflicted. It's what you make of it or how you let it rub off on you."
Sebastian Coe
Time: 1:57:54
Distance: 12 Miles, outside
2 good runs this weekend. I guess more to the point was I felt strong on both days and I was surprised. Both saturday and sunday, when I woke, I felt tired still and not too motivated at all. And then shortly into the runs, I felt really good and my pace was good. Maybe some of my feelings are related to the distances being shorter...but I just felt refreshed in a sense. The temperatures were just about 50 degrees at the start both days. I definitely was having fun out there. On the route today, I deliberately went into an area that I had not been in a while and new I could see some changes in construction etc..
I saw a corner that had been re-vamped as a little sitting area with a bench and some new grass. On the wall nearby, there was some graffiti. The words were: HUG LIFE
I LOVE IT!
Soon, my feet with touch down on the trails of Maryland.
"I loved the feeling of freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person I'm competing with is me."
Wilma Rudolph"
Sebastian Coe
Time: 1:57:54
Distance: 12 Miles, outside
2 good runs this weekend. I guess more to the point was I felt strong on both days and I was surprised. Both saturday and sunday, when I woke, I felt tired still and not too motivated at all. And then shortly into the runs, I felt really good and my pace was good. Maybe some of my feelings are related to the distances being shorter...but I just felt refreshed in a sense. The temperatures were just about 50 degrees at the start both days. I definitely was having fun out there. On the route today, I deliberately went into an area that I had not been in a while and new I could see some changes in construction etc..
I saw a corner that had been re-vamped as a little sitting area with a bench and some new grass. On the wall nearby, there was some graffiti. The words were: HUG LIFE
I LOVE IT!
Soon, my feet with touch down on the trails of Maryland.
"I loved the feeling of freedom in running, the fresh air, the feeling that the only person I'm competing with is me."
Wilma Rudolph"
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Time: 57:45
Distance: 6 mile, outside - brookhaven neighborhood, small hills
9:27, 9:31, 9:50, 9:59, 9:44, 9:05
Awesome run. Didn't quite start out that way, but soon after I felt pretty good. Beautiful area to run in...wide streets, lots of trees, people walking, running, cycling...
Had fun and felt strong. Nice Feelings to have!
Distance: 6 mile, outside - brookhaven neighborhood, small hills
9:27, 9:31, 9:50, 9:59, 9:44, 9:05
Awesome run. Didn't quite start out that way, but soon after I felt pretty good. Beautiful area to run in...wide streets, lots of trees, people walking, running, cycling...
Had fun and felt strong. Nice Feelings to have!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thursday
Time: 43:00
Distance: 4.5 miles, treadmill w/ various intermittent inclines
Weights, hot tub
“Work as though you would live forever, and live as though you would die today. Go another mile!"
-Og Mandino
Distance: 4.5 miles, treadmill w/ various intermittent inclines
Weights, hot tub
“Work as though you would live forever, and live as though you would die today. Go another mile!"
-Og Mandino
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Running, Running, Running
LATE MORNING: I know what got me out the door, but I have no idea how I didn't stop after about 500 yds. My legs were so freakin' heavy. WOW.
Time: 45:45
Distance: 4.7 miles, outside
LATE AFTERNOON/EARLY EVENING:
Time: 47 minutes
Distance: 5 miles, treadmill
As oppossed to the "runners high", I have been in a "runners trance" this weekend. It's been a trip, really. I think today's runs were more satisfying than yesterday's....simply because I ran on some tired legs and felt pretty decent after I got going. In fact, tonight at the gym, I was just in some kind of zone. Yesterday was painful, as I would expect it to be.
Nevertheless, I am nervous about JFK race. Is is really a race? or an Adventure?
I have no idea...I have no idea.
To a non-runner or even someone who runs occassionally, i think the thought is, "you must really love running.."
you know...I don't know if i would say exactly those words. What I love is the challenge I am presented with each and every time I put on my shoes and get out the door. That's the love. That's the juice.
Time: 45:45
Distance: 4.7 miles, outside
LATE AFTERNOON/EARLY EVENING:
Time: 47 minutes
Distance: 5 miles, treadmill
As oppossed to the "runners high", I have been in a "runners trance" this weekend. It's been a trip, really. I think today's runs were more satisfying than yesterday's....simply because I ran on some tired legs and felt pretty decent after I got going. In fact, tonight at the gym, I was just in some kind of zone. Yesterday was painful, as I would expect it to be.
Nevertheless, I am nervous about JFK race. Is is really a race? or an Adventure?
I have no idea...I have no idea.
To a non-runner or even someone who runs occassionally, i think the thought is, "you must really love running.."
you know...I don't know if i would say exactly those words. What I love is the challenge I am presented with each and every time I put on my shoes and get out the door. That's the love. That's the juice.
Saturday: road, trail, road....treadmill
Morning:
Time: 3 hours, 11 minutes
Distance: 16.62 miles
Went out to Stone Mountain again. Gorgeous morning.
1-7 road miles
7-13 trail miles
14-16.62 road miles
For the transitions, I changed shoes and used my car as my own little "aid station", replenshing on water, powergels, mini-peanut butter sandwiches, banana. I started chafing on one leg in the later miles...not fun!
Late Afternoon:
Time: 33:11
Distance: 3.50 miles, treadmill
Hot Tub afterwards. AAAHHHHH
Time: 3 hours, 11 minutes
Distance: 16.62 miles
Went out to Stone Mountain again. Gorgeous morning.
1-7 road miles
7-13 trail miles
14-16.62 road miles
For the transitions, I changed shoes and used my car as my own little "aid station", replenshing on water, powergels, mini-peanut butter sandwiches, banana. I started chafing on one leg in the later miles...not fun!
Late Afternoon:
Time: 33:11
Distance: 3.50 miles, treadmill
Hot Tub afterwards. AAAHHHHH
Thursday, October 18, 2007
So often I have tried to write about what running means to me. And I have felt my words cannot quite capture what it is that I FEEL inside. So often when people ask me why I run, I try to give an answer...and many times I feel i was not accurate in my answer..that i have somehow fallen short.
I guess it was about in 2000 when i started reading George Sheehan's writings. He was a runner, doctor, writer, philsopher, etc..
His books, namely, PERSONAL BEST, became and remains my "bible." He was able to so very eloquently put into words what I struggle to do and I am so grateful.
Here is a short except on his words on "a runners high":
"my days run becomes my retreat..my mind is free to disassociate, to wander on its own. One some days, this brings on another type of high - a creative one. My mind is a cascade of thoughts. The sights and sounds, the touches and tastes, the pains and pleasures of my entire life become available to me. I am able to read a journal i never knew i'd kept."
--------------------------------
Treated my body to a much needed massage tonite. We are body, mind and spirit.
Balance.
I guess it was about in 2000 when i started reading George Sheehan's writings. He was a runner, doctor, writer, philsopher, etc..
His books, namely, PERSONAL BEST, became and remains my "bible." He was able to so very eloquently put into words what I struggle to do and I am so grateful.
Here is a short except on his words on "a runners high":
"my days run becomes my retreat..my mind is free to disassociate, to wander on its own. One some days, this brings on another type of high - a creative one. My mind is a cascade of thoughts. The sights and sounds, the touches and tastes, the pains and pleasures of my entire life become available to me. I am able to read a journal i never knew i'd kept."
--------------------------------
Treated my body to a much needed massage tonite. We are body, mind and spirit.
Balance.
Time: 33:45
Distance: 3.27, trail
Went to a place called Yellow River to run yesterday. A bit out of the way, butI had an appointment out that direction, so it made sense. It was good to get on a trail mid-week. So refreshing! Hardly anyone out there. More of a mountain biking place, but I only saw 2 riders. Weekends are packed though.
Came across some deer. Actually, almost ran right into one! When they move, run?, trot?....the movement is delicate and graceful.
Legs were heavy. Looking to get a massage tonite. The air felt good on my face.
Distance: 3.27, trail
Went to a place called Yellow River to run yesterday. A bit out of the way, butI had an appointment out that direction, so it made sense. It was good to get on a trail mid-week. So refreshing! Hardly anyone out there. More of a mountain biking place, but I only saw 2 riders. Weekends are packed though.
Came across some deer. Actually, almost ran right into one! When they move, run?, trot?....the movement is delicate and graceful.
Legs were heavy. Looking to get a massage tonite. The air felt good on my face.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Time: 27:39
Distance: 3 miles, outside rolling hills
Ran after work in the beautiful Brookhaven neighborhood. Basically did a large loop on the outskirts of a golf course. I was feeling kinda down beforehand, and of course, my spirits were lifted afterwards. Temps in the 70's.
Afterwards, went across the street to The Big Peach and picked up the shoes I checked out on Saturday, ASICS 2120. Nice! Can't wait to wear 'em tomorrow. Maybe they will give me some extra speed....
Distance: 3 miles, outside rolling hills
Ran after work in the beautiful Brookhaven neighborhood. Basically did a large loop on the outskirts of a golf course. I was feeling kinda down beforehand, and of course, my spirits were lifted afterwards. Temps in the 70's.
Afterwards, went across the street to The Big Peach and picked up the shoes I checked out on Saturday, ASICS 2120. Nice! Can't wait to wear 'em tomorrow. Maybe they will give me some extra speed....
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Time: 3:01:38
Distance: 17.34 miles
All throught the streets of atlanta today. Felt pretty good except for last 2 miles were a bit tough. Walked another mile and a half home. Awesome weather this weekend. Mid 40's at the start of the runs and clear/sunny. Yesterday afternoon, i stopped in a local running store called THE BIG PEACH. I went in to check out what new ASICS were in and what new apparel. I bumped into the owner who I have gotten to know some since his store opened a few years ago. He is a ultrarunner and excited to hear about my upcoming quest. Just talking with him gave me a nice boost and some comraderie. It was good to talk with someone who has been there....I didn't get any shoes, but I might. I gotta check out another place and see if the colors are any different..... :)
I didn't wear my iPod today, but I had it one yesterday. I had it on shuffle and 2 of the songs that came on were recent downloads.. 1) Let's Go Crazy and 2) Baby, I'm a Star, both by Prince. I tell you what, those songs completely GET ME GOING! Not only do i want to run faster, i also want to sing out loud and DANCE!! FUN MUSIC...
Cheers.
Distance: 17.34 miles
All throught the streets of atlanta today. Felt pretty good except for last 2 miles were a bit tough. Walked another mile and a half home. Awesome weather this weekend. Mid 40's at the start of the runs and clear/sunny. Yesterday afternoon, i stopped in a local running store called THE BIG PEACH. I went in to check out what new ASICS were in and what new apparel. I bumped into the owner who I have gotten to know some since his store opened a few years ago. He is a ultrarunner and excited to hear about my upcoming quest. Just talking with him gave me a nice boost and some comraderie. It was good to talk with someone who has been there....I didn't get any shoes, but I might. I gotta check out another place and see if the colors are any different..... :)
I didn't wear my iPod today, but I had it one yesterday. I had it on shuffle and 2 of the songs that came on were recent downloads.. 1) Let's Go Crazy and 2) Baby, I'm a Star, both by Prince. I tell you what, those songs completely GET ME GOING! Not only do i want to run faster, i also want to sing out loud and DANCE!! FUN MUSIC...
Cheers.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
"When people ask me why I run, I tell them, there's not really a reason, it's just the adrenalin when you start, and the feeling when you cross that finish line, and know that you are a winner no matter what place you got."
-Courtney Parsons
Time: 1:31
Distance: 9.35 miles
9:33, 10:10, 10:06, 9:24, 9:36, 9:45, 10:34, 9:33, 9:39
When I woke this morning, the darkness still existed. I pulled out my journal to write something down and caught a few words from last weekends entry, "I only ran 16 today..." and I thought to myself, wow, I rememeber when I FIRST ran 10 miles back in 1998. During those days, I had never run past 6-7 miles at any one time. I made a goal to run 10 miles for a Kinesiology class I was taking in college. I'll tell you, I was soooo excited when I finished that run....the furthest I had ever run. It was awesome. And now, years later, I am going for 50. Wow. Hell, I remember when I ran 3 miles as part of my plan to stay in shape for soccer. i thought 3 was a lot. and it was. for me. back then. We are all at different stages, aren't we? And everyone's stage is special. Whether you are a 5 minute miler, someone just trying to finish a 5k or someone going for 100 miles. It's all special because we all have the ability and privelege to look back in time and see how far we have come. 1 mile is a big deal. Shaving 10 seconds off a PR is a big deal. Running a 10k under 50 minutes is a big deal.
Hopefully we can all give ourselves credit and kudos for our achivements, our "milestones."
Cheers.
Have Fun >> Train hard >> Train Smart
-Courtney Parsons
Time: 1:31
Distance: 9.35 miles
9:33, 10:10, 10:06, 9:24, 9:36, 9:45, 10:34, 9:33, 9:39
When I woke this morning, the darkness still existed. I pulled out my journal to write something down and caught a few words from last weekends entry, "I only ran 16 today..." and I thought to myself, wow, I rememeber when I FIRST ran 10 miles back in 1998. During those days, I had never run past 6-7 miles at any one time. I made a goal to run 10 miles for a Kinesiology class I was taking in college. I'll tell you, I was soooo excited when I finished that run....the furthest I had ever run. It was awesome. And now, years later, I am going for 50. Wow. Hell, I remember when I ran 3 miles as part of my plan to stay in shape for soccer. i thought 3 was a lot. and it was. for me. back then. We are all at different stages, aren't we? And everyone's stage is special. Whether you are a 5 minute miler, someone just trying to finish a 5k or someone going for 100 miles. It's all special because we all have the ability and privelege to look back in time and see how far we have come. 1 mile is a big deal. Shaving 10 seconds off a PR is a big deal. Running a 10k under 50 minutes is a big deal.
Hopefully we can all give ourselves credit and kudos for our achivements, our "milestones."
Cheers.
Have Fun >> Train hard >> Train Smart
Thursday, October 11, 2007
"Everyone is an athlete. The only difference is that some of us are in training and some are not."
-George Sheehan
Time: 28:35
Distance: 3 miles, outside
9:11, 8:44, 8:38
Ran at a trail area along side with Chattahochee River. Very popular place. Weather was awesome; cooler than yesterday with a little breeze. Felt very good out there.
-George Sheehan
Time: 28:35
Distance: 3 miles, outside
9:11, 8:44, 8:38
Ran at a trail area along side with Chattahochee River. Very popular place. Weather was awesome; cooler than yesterday with a little breeze. Felt very good out there.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Double Duty
AM WORKOUT
Time: 1 hour, 11 minutes
Distance: 7.1 miles
Run was more fun today. Legs felt much better. Ran through streets of atlanta and hit the park 2 times. that was some of the only shade. 90 % humidity again. What the hell? Ankle felt good and I elected not to wear the brace. Iced afterwards.
While I was having coffee this morning, I re-visited my hand written journal entries from my training days for the San Francisco marathon in July 2005. It was humorous, revitalizing and reaffirming to read!
PM WORKOUT
Time: 41:17
Distance: 4.25 miles, treadmill
Felt pretty good doing the double workout. I hope everyone had satisfying workouts or whatever this weekend.
Sad news about the 2 runners who died today while running The Army 10 Miler and Chicago Marathon. My prayers are with their families.
Time: 1 hour, 11 minutes
Distance: 7.1 miles
Run was more fun today. Legs felt much better. Ran through streets of atlanta and hit the park 2 times. that was some of the only shade. 90 % humidity again. What the hell? Ankle felt good and I elected not to wear the brace. Iced afterwards.
While I was having coffee this morning, I re-visited my hand written journal entries from my training days for the San Francisco marathon in July 2005. It was humorous, revitalizing and reaffirming to read!
PM WORKOUT
Time: 41:17
Distance: 4.25 miles, treadmill
Felt pretty good doing the double workout. I hope everyone had satisfying workouts or whatever this weekend.
Sad news about the 2 runners who died today while running The Army 10 Miler and Chicago Marathon. My prayers are with their families.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 16 miles
it was difficult out there today. i didn’t have enough fuel beforehand or during the run. i ran 8 out and back on the Silver Comet Trail. It was 90% humidity with low 70’s temperature. not ideal conditions. it’s been quite some time since i ran this many miles on what is a relatively flat course. the aches and pains are different and more noticeable DURING the run. The repetitive surface doesn’t allow for changes in stride and it does wear on the legs differently. My hamstrings and quads were tight from start to finish.
I bought a nifty ankle brace last night to wear as more of a protective mechanism than anything else. it worked well. i iced afterwards since the ankle is still not 100%.
the most positive thing i will take away from today’s training was that i was out there for 3 hours. Mentally, a good thing.
Plans for tomorrow are not solid, yet; except that I will be home at 1pm EST watching Browns vs Patriots. GO BROWNS!!
Distance: 16 miles
it was difficult out there today. i didn’t have enough fuel beforehand or during the run. i ran 8 out and back on the Silver Comet Trail. It was 90% humidity with low 70’s temperature. not ideal conditions. it’s been quite some time since i ran this many miles on what is a relatively flat course. the aches and pains are different and more noticeable DURING the run. The repetitive surface doesn’t allow for changes in stride and it does wear on the legs differently. My hamstrings and quads were tight from start to finish.
I bought a nifty ankle brace last night to wear as more of a protective mechanism than anything else. it worked well. i iced afterwards since the ankle is still not 100%.
the most positive thing i will take away from today’s training was that i was out there for 3 hours. Mentally, a good thing.
Plans for tomorrow are not solid, yet; except that I will be home at 1pm EST watching Browns vs Patriots. GO BROWNS!!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Just to get the Blood Moving
Time: 17:15
Distance: 2 miles, outside
An incredibly busy day at office; glad to just get outside afterwards and move with the elements. I'm so grateful to be able to move my body. Simple as that. May I take nothing for granted. Even the wiggle of my toes.
Train Hard, Train Smart, Have Fun
Distance: 2 miles, outside
An incredibly busy day at office; glad to just get outside afterwards and move with the elements. I'm so grateful to be able to move my body. Simple as that. May I take nothing for granted. Even the wiggle of my toes.
Train Hard, Train Smart, Have Fun
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
rest day ramblings
Yesterday while i was out shuffling on the trails at kennesaw, a world record was being broken: Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie shattered a marathon world record on Sunday in Berlin. Time: 2:04:26. This equates to 4:44 pace per mile. JUST LET THAT SOAK IN FOR A SECOND OR 2. 4 minutes and forty-four second pace per mile for 26.2 miles. THAT IS UTTERLY INCOMPREHENSIBLE to me. At my best, I can maybe run ONE 7-min mile. WOW. WOW. WOW.
As I sip on this Late Harvest Autumn Ale from RED HOOK, the light sounds of the TBS commentators are in the backgroud. They are broadcasting the rockies/padres baseball game. (i am rooting for rockies in this game) Overall in the MLB playoffs though, I am rooting for Arizona. Why? Because they were solid all season and have a good young team, are exciting, and most importantly, The GIANTS are long done. GO DIAMONDBACKS! (sorry to the AL's...I just cannot root for an AL team...)
I am already thinking of where to go for my long runs this weekend. I am thinking North Georgia, North Carolina, The GULF COAST...as you can see, i am all over the map. We'll see how the week goes and what the mood feels like.
it seems like i see more and more folks out running. hmmm. maybe this running thing is catching on....
cheers!
As I sip on this Late Harvest Autumn Ale from RED HOOK, the light sounds of the TBS commentators are in the backgroud. They are broadcasting the rockies/padres baseball game. (i am rooting for rockies in this game) Overall in the MLB playoffs though, I am rooting for Arizona. Why? Because they were solid all season and have a good young team, are exciting, and most importantly, The GIANTS are long done. GO DIAMONDBACKS! (sorry to the AL's...I just cannot root for an AL team...)
I am already thinking of where to go for my long runs this weekend. I am thinking North Georgia, North Carolina, The GULF COAST...as you can see, i am all over the map. We'll see how the week goes and what the mood feels like.
it seems like i see more and more folks out running. hmmm. maybe this running thing is catching on....
cheers!
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