No Drugs Today

Not sure what my co-workers were on.
Today was the first day since my fall three weeks ago that I did not need ibuprofen. I had cut it down to 1 a day a week ago. I still have some discomfort in the left side of my chest cavity and back. And it was aggravated a bit during the boot camp this evening. Orlando and I again had a wonderful pre-boot camp run up Howard street from San Antonio College, a beautiful neighborhood of large homes with fine trimmed lawns, ranging in style from French provincial to Victorian to southwestern style bungalows, American colonial and many others. Streets lined with large trees as varied as the homes.
At boot camp the ladies we work with were acting like little school girls. Giggling through out class. Annoying? Nah. Fun and a great way to unwind. I teased them. It was fun. Adults acting like kids. Why not?
What were they on? LIFE!

Thanksgiving weekend

!Espero que todos pasaron un feliz dia de gracias!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! It sounds so much better in Spanish.
What a great extended weekend. 30 miles trail running and fantastic experiences. Friday we had a great group out at Bandera for a 14+ mile run in beautiful, cool, windy weather and new friends. Joe from Indiana, and Chris brought some new friends too. It's exciting and so refreshing to share our passion. Tom set out water, John accommodated Joe, Chris entertained us all (as usual). Saturday I ran alone at Leon Creek on familiar trails. Later in the afternoon we were out at the Leon Creek greenbelt with the Grandkids. I took them on the natural trails. What a blast they had. We saw deer, a bird's nest with an egg in it!
And we snuck up on Grandma as we jumped from out of the woods!
Sunday it was an enjoyable run with John on the northern trails of Leon Creek. Good conversation. Even during the quiet moments, when we lost ourselves in nature, our movement, and our passion.

Running with the Champ

It was fun running with the 2010 Leadville 100 Woman's Champ today. Speed work for me. I am sure just a casual stroll through the woods for her. We ran trails we don't normally run. Through the "Birds of Prey" sanctuary. Not a well known place. For now. The new Leon Creek greenbelt paved trail now straddles this park. The paved trail is a good thing, as it will encourage more people to be active outdoors. We ran across a new bridge just completed over the creek only to find out it was blocked at the other end. Construction is not complete. We jumped the barricade. the mountain bikers behind us couldn't do the same and turned back. Really nice mostly soft dirt trails today. A nice change of pace. Really fast pace for me.
Some of our conversation turned to pacing and crewing. And how it is a great responsibility. How we get nervous and afraid we will forget something or not tend to our runner as we should. I mentioned an instance where she snapped at us on her 100 miler, to which she offered apologies. "No" I said. You have every right. We were there for you. As a pacer or crew member, you accept those things and really, expect them. We take these responsibilities knowing that we are there for our runner. And to see our runner be successful is, and should be, our greatest reward.
I mentioned how I used to dream of going out to Leadville and attempt the 100 miler. And how being able to be there with her, and for her, was a tremendous experience for me.
Watching her great performance, and watching her win, was something I will never forget.
I ran some of the Leadville 100 with my friend, The Champ.
I couldn't asked for a better Leadville experience.

Newtons!

I bought a pair of Newton Running shoes Saturday. And put them to the test Sunday. I was surprised at how well they performed on the trails. The shoe manufacturer states that energy is conserved as the shoe promotes a mid to forefoot strike and the "lugs" absorb the shock of landing and helps propel the foot forward. I can see how this is how we should run. I am reminded on how we used to run naturally. The modern running shoe was not born until the early seventies. Before then, running shoes were flat with little to no padding in the outer sole. We HAD to land mid foot and lift the foot forward. I believe we got lazy due to all the new cushioning in the new shoes.
Recently I saw a video of the legendary coach Tom Landry running after a team practice. His shoes were flat football cleats. His form was classic as he ran down a country road. Upright, his feet landing softly, his knee rising up, then landing softly again on the next stride. His leg muscles were well defined, with well built calves.
This is how we used to run. I am old enough to remember running like this.
Now we need expensive shoes with "NEW" technology to teach us (old guys) to go back to running naturally.

Don't let age be an excuse

These words were spoken to me by our personal trainer at work. I told him I was hurt and can't do what I used to be able to. "Yes you can" he said, "Just be smart."
Be smart. That's what I have to do. I know this. But in my mind I am still 17! I guess that's a good thing. but again, I must remember I am 52, Next month.
I received a call from Chris today. He remarked on how how he is afraid of reaching 50 after hearing about my injuries and Larry's latest incidents. I told him to take heed.
Then I thought, It's not the age to worry about. It's the mind.

Fears

Just before dawn on a cool morning last spring, Veronica was on a walk through the neighborhood when all of a sudden a skunk appears and shows no fear of her. It keeps coming her way, prompting her to turn and run. Tripping on the sidewalk, tearing her pants, scraping her knee, and dropping her keys, she frightfully flees home! She dare not go back for her keys. At her request the neighbor walks down the street to get them for her.
Today on a walk in Leon Creek the deer were everywhere. Veronica and I were walking on the paved trails when we saw a buck. Startled, Veronica stopped and was afraid to continue. They are more afraid of you than you are of them, I said. She continued ahead as I took photos. Later she would tell me about a friend who is terrified of frogs. As a young child this friend was running to a nearby pond only to be greeted by what she described as “a million frogs!” She froze and began screaming until her father and brother arrived to rescue her. Another friend is terrified of spiders, a niece fearful of clowns.
As veronica got far ahead of me the sun began to set. Darkness was setting in when I called her to ask if she had turned back. “Wait for me” she demanded. “The deer are everywhere. They’re surrounding me!”
I found this hilarious. I tried to assure her they wanted nothing to do with her. I waited till she was able to see me. She caught up and kept a steady pace leaving me behind. Running at times! Nice stride. Never seen that before.
When I caught up with her she said, “tomorrow I’ll walk the neighborhood. I’ll take my chances with Pepe Le pew.”

Thank you!

The thought of discontinuing this blog posting has crossed my mind. Then I hear from folks who are encouraged by what I do and my experiences. Some even tell me they anticipate my next post! I love to tell my stories. I was in trouble constantly as a child for talking too much. Even in my own family! I have toned it down quite a bit. But I am happy my stories please and encourage people. That was my initial intention.
Earlier this week, a co-worker asked if I was running the Marathon. I said yes
as another co-worker nearby said she would one day like to complete a Marathon
too. I told her what a great experience it is, and how it is so emotional
crossing the finish line for the first time. I told them my friend Sal was their
for me at my first Marathon and I crossed the finish line with tears in my eyes.
Near the end of yesterday's Marathon I was overcome with emotion. Orlando and
Elda screamed at the top of their lungs as they saw me coming up the ramp. I
thanked them for waiting on me and for cheering so loudly. O thanked ME! For
encouraging him and E to train and finish their Marathons.
Later, another friend called to say she had completed her first half and after
recounting her experience she thanked me for encouraging her.
Today I ran into another friend/co-worker at Sun Harvest. After conversing
awhile she said "I've got to go workout. Now I know why you run so much. It
makes me feel good!"
I don't know how to respond to them thanking me for something they have
accomplished on their own.
It does make me happy that I play a small part in encouraging people to be physically active and enjoy life
Just repaying the favor Sal and others have done for me.
Thank YOU!

San Antonio Rock & Roll Marathon 11/14/2010

Arriving at the Alamodome at 4:30 AM, the cops watching the parking lot
entrance were dosing off in their cars. I found a way in through the service
vehicle rear entrance. No worries, The parking pass was prominently displayed on
the dashboard. Seat reclined, the nap was short as a visit to the potty was
needed. Another little snooze and back to the potty. The two pints of water
along with a pint of Energy-C, water, and Dulse (seaweed) I consumed wanted out.
Soon the parking lot was filling up with volunteers and some runners. The
bicycle patrol, aid station attendants, and runners were making their way to the
start line.
6:30 AM and it was time to head to the start. Oh, better make one more trip to
the potty. This was a good decision. The potties at the start were being hit
hard. Long lines at every one. Met Marissa! Hadn't seen her in quite awhile.
Some catching up and the race begins. Struggling to keep a steady pace among so
many runners, then a train horn! Not yet at mile1! Not all found this hilarious.
Some showed their immaturity as we waited. Me? No big deal. Time? Not really
worried about it. Yes I want to do well. But set a PR? Naw, I've had my small
running victories. Materially and emotionally. Now I'm enjoying my effort and
people watching. Am I getting old? Yeah, probably. The train gone, and the race
resumes.

I began to wonder, will the Vegan diet I've adopted provide enough energy? Will
the homemade energy drink of coconut water, dates and agave nectar do the trick?
Cytomax at the aid stations have provided only stomach aches in the past. Two
Hammer gels and dried dates, along with the energy drink mentioned would be all
that was needed.
Being advised by a friend to run the half because of previous injuries crossed
my mind. No, going for the whole thing. At any opportunity to run on a natural
surface, there I was. At times I would jump up and down on curbs and road
medians. I'm sure some people thought I was nuts. Or showing off. I just wanted
to break up the monotony of striking the same muscles over and over. Running on
the grass and dirt when possible did provide relief to the muscles. I saw many
friends along the way. Some took my picture. Early on, the pain in my chest from
my fall last weekend,was almost unbearable. I forgot my ibuprofen. I tried to
concentrate on the pace of my breathing rather than my running pace. Wondering
if maybe I should just run the half I thought, "No negative thoughts"
Many were running with headphones. Why? There's music every 3 miles? Tons of
people are cheering along the way! In the King William area I saw Orlando and
then LIz who took my picture (Liz met Chris R. at Prickly pear and thinks he's
nuts, In a nice way) Both of them were smiling from ear to ear. This made me
feel great. As did the frail looking little old lady who stood at her drive way
waving to runners as they went by. At mile 13 I spotted a medical aid station!
Heading straight to it for some Tylenol, the attendants rushed to me as though I
was in distress. They took my name and bib number before handing the pain
reliever to me. workers at the aid station stared as I took off back into the
race. Soon the pain in my chest subsided only to be followed by pain on the top
of my left foot. My shoelaces were too tight! Instead of loosening my laces I
tried not to bend my foot too much as I pushed off. Good choice. It made me run
with a mid foot strike. Good for my PF, which gave me no trouble. Thanks
Domingo.
I had a couple of low points where I did not feel too good but knew this would
pass and convinced myself of it. Robert B was at mile 18 and I paused as he took
my picture. I was enjoying the new route until we reached S.Presa Rd. Not a good
choice I thought. Although it was marked off for the race, this road is slanted
too much and too busy. I recalled riding my bike on this road with friends as
teenagers on our way to Calaveras Lake. And again was reminded of my teen years
when the band at the river played War's "Cisco Kid". I enjoyed all the bands and
always looked forward to the next one. After mile 20 I started walking at aid
stations and thanking the volunteers.
Now at mile 23 runners were beginning to falter. Many were struggling to run at
an even pace. I was OK and only felt stiff as I walked through aid stations.
Near the end and I thought, "this is great" So many people lining the course.
Loudly offering encouragement to all the runners, and by now the walkers in the
half Marathon. Then with one mile to go I see a runner on the ground. EMT's
attending to him. So close. They will not let him finish, I thought.

Paul as Leonidas, was there with half a mile to go! And Carol, Miss Leonidas.
We high fived. Coming up the ramp to the finish, I hear people screaming my
name! Orlando and Elda, and others caught in the excitement, yell encouragement!
what a great way to finish.

4:08 official time. No Laurel wreath awaits me, but my joy is exhilarating non
the less.
I'm not crazy about road runs, But this was fun.

Our age

"At our age Tony, S&%t hurts just because"-RV
"Don't get old Tony, it hurts. you won't be able to do much when you get my age" -JZ "At our age Tony, We're just Fighting the slide" -PB
These are some quotes from friends I've heard in the last few years, and have been thinking of lately. The last one is my favorite. Uttered by my good friend Paul on a trip we made with John and JP to run the trails at Big Bend National Park a few years ago.
We, "men of a certain age", and women, seem to begin to come to terms with the passing years and the diminishing physical abilities the passing years leave in their wake. But some give in and give up too soon!
I prefer to see it Paul's way and "dig those nails in and keep fighting the slide"
My fall last week is still causing pain on the left side of my chest. Only when I breath though. Breathe deeply that is. This made me think of those quotes mentioned at the top. I can't let this keep me from running the Marathon Sunday. I'll do what I have to. Take some Tylenol and feel it out. If I run well, great. if the pain slows me down, so be it. heck, the pain my subside by Sunday.
This brings to mind my brother, who after rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders was told, "oh, you can't be active like you used to be anymore." "no way" said my brother. "after re-hab, I'm getting back at it." And he did.
Also, a co-worker, who after heart surgery to replace a bad valve, trained for and hiked to the bottom of the grand Canyon. And back UP!
These guys did this in their late fifties!
I want to be like them!
Oh, but that first quote, Yeah, it's true sometimes.

Running roads

I don't like running on the roads! Words I have uttered many times.
Though running this years Marathon crossed my mind. My run training has not been what it should be. Although, Bicycling and light weight training, along with some running, have kept me in pretty good shape. So when I was offered a complimentary entry into the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon I took it!
This past weekend I'd go for back to back, semi, long runs to see if I'd go for the full Marathon or settle for the half. Saturday's 10 mile was going well until the fall. Sunday was supposed to be a 12 miler, but turned into a 15 miler at a pretty good clip. Running with new and old friends helps. Monday morning my legs felt good. As did my foot. A pleasant surprise! Monday afternoon chest pain from Saturday's fall came to haunt me. Bruised externally and internally made it difficult to breath deeply. As did stretching my arms. Otherwise I was good!
After some Motrin this morning I was good enough to run roads this afternoon with O. On the wide, smooth, shady streets just north of downtown. We ran an easy 9 minute mile pace. 3 miles on a hilly route on this beautiful cool windy day. Then on to boot camp. During the push up segment of this evening's boot camp workout I laid motionless on my stomach. Couldn't do it, too much pain.
But, I am feeling good about Sunday's Marathon (26 miler). I am wearing trail running garb and carrying a water bottle. I will not rule out jumping curbs and over grass where possible. No great expectations. Under 4 hours will make me happy. If not, finishing is good (under 4 1/2).

I fall down go, BOOM!

As much as trail running is therapeutic and enjoyable with it's views of nature and wildlife, you must not forget to lift your feet!
L and I started our run this very cold morning at Government Canyon State Natural Area. It was 37 degrees! Very cold for us South Texans. We whined and complained. It's too cold! Give me hot weather any day. Oh well, we'd complain about that too. L was scheduled to run 30 miles today as part of her training for the North Face 50 miler in Northern California next month. Me? I was only running 10 today. I was leading and trying to keep a good pace so as to not hinder L's training. I commented to L that I may be running too slow. To my surprise she said I was not running slow. And that I should feel guilty for making her work too hard. Then I found out she ran hill repeats at Friedrich park the day before. "Cool" I thought, I can ease up. We hiked the steep hills and I was feeling pretty good. The conversation was great as we cruised along. Just as I thought to myself, "I am feeling good about my Marathon next week. I feel really relaxed running these trails" I relaxed too much going into the last 2 miles on a descent when, "Thump" I tripped on a rock with my left foot and started to go down. In a second, or less, so many thoughts went through my mind, "I am falling, I can regain my footing, no I can't, I'm going down, Face first, no time to tuck and roll, hands out. Them BAMM! I hit the rocks,dirt,and brush. No soft place to fall at Government Canyon. Then, as I lay there, my thoughts turned to, I am running a marathon next week, please don't let this prevent me from doing that. And, Did I rip my favorite Florence Marathon Souvenir running pants? Then I said to L, while still on the ground, I'm OK, just give me a minute. I was hurting. The left side of my chest landed hard on a rock the size of a brick. My left knee was throbbing. Gotta get up I thought. I did, slowly. It was good to have a friend there to offer comfort. Walking slowly we soon began running again. My 10 miles done, L shed a layer and took off into the woods again. After I cooled down I noticed a scrape on my left wrist and weakness in my right wrist. No time to rest though. Tree trimming awaits me at home. How will I feel in the morning? we'll see.