Cherry Blossom race update

Hi y'all,

Everything surrounding the race day was absolutely perfect.
Race day temps. around mid-fifties, sunny with a slight breeze. Cherry blossoms were just past full bloom and beautiful. Plenty of friends came out to cheer and support us.

My body? Wellll, that's another story. I was running at a comfortable pace all the way. It was tempting to run with the crowd who went out extremely fast. I stayed disciplined and followed my HR monitor and pace. I was running so well that I even thought about increasing my pace the last two miles.

Then, the five mile point came with a twinge in my right knee. I slowed down, then started walking because the pain was getting worse. I stretched for awhile and attempted to run once again, but the pain was not going away. I thought I might walk it off and so this continued for the next mile. Finally decided to quit the race at mile six. I was embarassed and dejected at the same time. I felt I had so much left in the tank.

Very unsatisfied, but I've decided to get my redemption by signing up for the same race next year. I'll have another year of training and should have a couple of 10K races under my belt. I am cursing my knee and feeling the pains of growing older. The pain is still faint in my knee so I am moving forward with caution. A steady diet of walking and stretching for a week.

Best of luck to you Steph, as you get ready for your race. Get plenty of rest, eat well and stretch a lot after workouts.

Ultra weekend

The music was incredible, food was excellent and my host (RW) took care of me.

So here is my exercise log of the week. rented a bike and traveled over to South Beach from mainland. Danced both days at Ultra. Ran back on the second day of Ultra b/c there were no cabs to be picked up-about ten blocks. The run back to RW's place was rough as I had been drinking prior to leaving and had to stop three times to catch my breath.

Final shout out to RW as he let me stay at his place and took care of me for the weekend. He took me to many solid restaurants for Cuban, Peruvian and diner food. Diner had good food, but was disappointed when they told me no shakes! C'mon, dude?!

Final week of training. Looking to go light with two runs of three miles and get plenty of rest.

Thanks for all your support, y'all!

Keeping pace

Today's five-miler was a good one as I ran it under the 11-min. pace. I'd like to make sure that I stick to a bpm of 170 in the latter miles of the race. That should keep me at a comfortable pace where I can finish it.
I REALLY have to keep my pace down during the first mile as adrenaline and the runners around me will push the pace. Emotions can definitely mess with discipline. I'll need my emotional reserves the last couple miles for sure.

Been running without a shirt the last couple of times out. Definitely thinking about running without a shirt on race day. I don't get as hot but risk exposure to the sun for close to two hours. We'll see what the temperature and forecast will be that Sunday. I'm hoping for 60-degrees and cloudy.

Miami Week

This week will be cut short for a long weekend at the music festival in Miami. Staying with a friend and meeting four others down there for a mean weekend with some sick music throughout. Truly excited and I'm gonna try to keep the alcohol intake to three during the day and five at night.

Saturday's long run had to be cut short because we saw a late showing of "Watchmen" in imax on Friday. Started at 10:30 and lasted almost 3 hours. The movie was awesome as I didn't expect the depth of the characters and storyline. Story lagged a couple of spots as you can imagine for a long movie. And a little too much blue penis. It's an action movie that incorporates real life characters with their own comic book twist. Definitely recommend it.

Oh, for my long run. I ran five instead of seven for the day. I heart rate averaged 164 and felt like I had more energy in the bank afterward. Pace was good at a little over 11-min. pace. Still hesitant about finishing but gaining confidence.

I'm really starting to enjoy my runs now.

Recap

Ran the three miler last week at a quicker pace than normal. Finished a bit over the 10-minute pace and felt pretty strong afterward. It was good to know that I am usually running at a comfortable pace and have some left in the tank.

Yesterday's five miler was not so smooth. I thought I was running at a comfortable pace around a 11-minute pace but my calves (especially left) were killing me!!! I thought to myself, "I only finished half the race, now"? Clearly, not a good sign.
So hungry during and after the run. So I'm going to try out one of the gels that Kris recommended to see if it'll go down the pipes smoothly. I'll take it as a "go" if I don't choke on it.

The sports gel is traveling with me wherever I go. Thank you tiger balm.

Minor aches and pains

I ran my four miler on Tuesday and my hamstrings were sore yesterday. Probably due to going a bit hard and finishing at a 11:40 pace. Sad, yes, but that's my brisk pace now. Felt very good afterward and thought I was fine, but as soon as I sat down on the sofa, went straight to nap for twenty minutes or so. What a show!

Decided to walk as my cross training instead of hitting the machines. I've heard that the body will adjust to increased stress, but trying to avoid injury as well. Going to try and run at the brisk pace again today for the three miler and gear up for my long run on Saturday. Lots of water is in store before and after the run so I can avoid anything tightening up. Well, besides my belly, that is.

Have a good time in DC, Steph! Walk lots so you'll get some exercise.

-Y-

Steady and climbing

I now use my HR monitor as a guide to how fast I'll run.

I just can't run any slower than 170bpm (is that unhealthy?) I'll chalk that up to me being really out of shape. I feel good after my runs and I can definitely talk if I need to do so.
Today's pace for the four mile run was 11:30. I think I'm running at a consistent pace as I ran 10:00 for the two mile, 11:00 for the three mile. Definitely feel like I can go faster but I'm trying to keep my bpm steady.

My race day strategy is to run at a consistent pace (whatever it may be that day) and go hard for the last mile as I know I'll be able to finish at that point. I'm hoping to irritate a bunch of runners by passing them by at a lightning pace. Hahaha.... I'm such an idiot at times. But that's why you love me, right Steph?

Steph, please leave yourself some time so you can rreellaaxx. Don't be afraid, I'm giving you permission. Much love from ATL!!!

-Y-

RUNNING ON EMPTY

Hey Yosh!

Oh my gosh! You are the first person I am communicating with via blog via internet!

I am so flippin' excited! Can you  believe I actually have internet now? Now all I need is a desk and a chair. I am on the ground right now,, and I am trying to maintain good and proper posture. All the vertebrae in alignment!

I have not run since thurs. I have been running "around like a chicken with his head cut off" does that count?

I have been so busy, I am going to AK seminar both sat and sun ALL DAY for more learning.. Like that grammar?

To Learn more....

Anyway, I have been working out and doing weights, circuit and Bikram 4x a week. But my mileage sucks!

I will run tomorrow 60 min and thurs and sun 60 minutes!

But no where near doing the 7-10 milers yet.

I need to put aside "me" time" and not try to do all these things that I can't possibly do right now.

I need to be PRESENT!

Help.

Be like a terrapin

I used my heart rate monitor for the first time yesterday and I realized that I was training waaay to fast.

I am clearly out of shape as my HR averaged 167 for the three miles. I pulled back from my regular pace so I could lower my rate and I wouldn't have my heart explode. Steph, I am going to try another method to analyze my max. HR. I would do squats for 3-minutes and record my HR at the end. Rest 5 minutes. Then do step-ups for 3-minutes and take a second per step up/down. Record HR at the end then average the two numbers to get the max. rate. I'll let you know the results and see if it makes a difference.

We are having another friend visiting from out-of-town but I'll make sure to get the run out of the way early in the morning. Like I said, I'm getting worried about my ability to finish the race. I don't want the paddywagon to pick me up for lagging on the race course.

-Y-

heart rate monitor

Hey there!
I am spending the night at my mom and dad's and staying in the yummy bed cuz we are going to Bikram at 6am tomorrow in costa mesa so we have to wake up at 5;15...
Anyway, you take your age mine: (38-180) whatever that is.... hahaha i have mercury and lead in my liver from my water and my mac lipstick. Anyway, it's 142... so that should be my average. I add ten points when i am training at my hardest and of course I can hit up to 180 when sprinting and going up hills... But my AVERAGE should be from 142-152. I add ten since I am training. It you are sick or pregnant then you minus ten. But that is NOT the case...
The HR monitor should be used all the time. Long distance and short.
EVen while weight training. If you do it right you should be at your average.
Gels? I have to muscle test and see which are best.
AVOID anything with CORN sugar. It causes adrenal hyperfunction and will cause shin splints, acihilles tendon strain or calf pulls and foot injury.
NO CORN, cornsugar, no maltodextrin or dextrose or corn oil///
Any derivatives of corn.
Okay, going to sleep

Lazy but eventful weekend

Dang it, I got caught!

You're right, Steph. Our friend was in town from DC and we ate and drank the entire time. Not only that, I missed my long run on Saturday and I'm starting to feel nervous about my 10-miler. I hope that I can finish....

I'm glad you're liking this forum. I did buy a HR so now I have some questions.
1. How do I know the range I'm supposed to run (bpm)? I plan on running a mile then taking a minute walk before I start my next mile.
2. Is it more important for short runs than long ones when I'm trying to just complete the miles? If so, then refer to question no.1

I'm also playing with the idea of ingesting those gel foods while racing. Not sure if that's even necessary but I will be running longer than an hour and a half.

-Y-

feeling old

Yes- So I am feeling really old when I have to ask my cousin and my little brother, Yoshi, how to sign on and post a comment. That's pretty bad huh?
Well, now that I know how to do it, I like doing it! I miss having the time and the connection that the internet provides.
I went to the gym during lunch and totally forgot that it was a holiday. The Gym was packed! Plus it was pouring down rain so bad that my entire gym bag was soaked by the time I entered the gym and i even had an umbrella!
What the heck is up with this rain?
I like it when I am at home and don't have to venture outside. But it definitely derails my training.
Anyway, I did the step mill for 30 minutes and did interval training no stopping for rests just powering out the front side and back side muscles. Heart rate stayed at 150-168 throughout the weight training, which is technically 20 points higher than what i am supposed to be at as a Blood Type A. I am supposed to be at 135-145 but I can barely jaunt and keep it that low...
My BP is back down to 116/67 (that's what it was before I started the chiropractic curriculum... Anyway, I am running on the treadmill if it doesn't let up.
I need to do more hills.
Anyone want to do a Black's Beach run? There are some nice hills there.
steph

steph

how can we make it so Lar and Kimiko and others only post comments about their training on the blog? I can't manage all the other stuff. I have no time to read everything. I can barely get online to check my emails!

steph

Yo Yosh!
What's up. I am sittin here waiting for my next patient... Ho Hum, It's raining so everyone is running late. It has been raining off and on for the past week. I haven't ran on the beach in a week! I have been doing interval training up and down hills and I did 4 seesion of 90 minute Bikram Yoga this past week and I feel FANTASTIC! I forgot how much I LOVE Bikram.
You sweat out all those nasty toxins. Skin feels good and rejuvenated & my frustration dwindles al little (hallelujah!) Greg LOVES that aspect of it.
So, we are going to DC march 4-8 for the triplets 40th bdy! Wish you were going to be there.
Haven't seen you blog for a while so was it a slacker weekend? Or like me and too busy to get online? I like this thing. I still havent got internet. Gonna call COX to get internet and cable now...
I am going to the gym at lunch and do my interval weight training with 30 minutes of the stair climber thing where you actually climb up the stairs (no stiarmaster cheat machine) you sweat alot cuz you fire up ALL your lower extremity muscles.
Good fort he booty too. Us asians always need to work on that to defy the stereotype. You and my brother dont though, u guys have the shelf booty like Melissa. hahahaha

Steph

Anyway,
yes!! Get the Polar heart rate monitor. It is THE best and the most cost effective. I recommend the one that runs 89 dollars. the other one is 20 bucks cheaper, but doesn't have all the breakdowns, averages and weekly totals that mine has.
Monitoring the heart is a great way to see how you are improving, and also you cna calculate week by week your total miles run, total caloric expenditure, etc..
If you knees hurt, Note To Self: WHAT DID YOU EAT THAT DAY?
The knees is a gallbladder muscle. Inside of the knee can be adrenal related which you probably have both!!
No corn, wheat or dairy.
Those will blow you out.
Opt for Ezekiel, Spelt, Manna, Brown rice for your carb options!!
No one eats Wheat anymore....
Right??

yosh

Hey there Yosh!
Thanks for telling me how to blog. Not knowing how to blog makes me feel old. Like how I used to make fun of my mom for not knowing how to check her voicemails!!
Anyway, I have been doing the Bikram Yoga 4 times a week and it has been raining here in sunny california off and on for one week now!
I run when it's sunny your basic 60 minute interval training, but I don't feel as strong as I normally do.
My ability to run more than 5 miles is not as euphoric as it once was... I am puzzled.
I think I don't enjoy it as much because I am always trying to rush my workout because I have fifty other things I should be doing.
It's hard for me to remember to do things for myself.
That's why yesterday I had a nice valentines day early. We went to Bikram Yoga and had a GREAT class and then got one hour foot relexology at this new place my friend Jaime recommended in Irvine, MAJESTIC SPA and it was only 30 bucks!
We are going to make this our Thursday date day.
I felt great!

The aches

I started back up and just went too hard at the track.
I ran way faster than my usual splits per quarter mile and blew a gasket at 1-3/4 mile mark. My knee was tweaking and I had to call it quits. So sad :(

My mind had something else in mind and the body didn't follow the master plan.

I'm going to save up so I can buy a heart monitor that Steph swears by. I think Polar is the type that she recommended. I hope to have it for a month and a half before race day so I can maximize my workout.

It's my cross-training day so I hope my knee doesn't act up on the bike. Cross your fingers for me.

Finally breathing

It has been a battle but I've beat the cold and stuffy nose.

Been slacking with the training but hopping back on today with stretch and strengthen. I've got to start out slowly so I don't get injured. I feel like a caged animal ready to get out!!!

All the Super Bowl parties and socials have added a nice plumpness to my face. It was fun while it lasted. Steph has mentioned time and time again, limit alcohol intake. That'll be my two-week goal and see if I'm on track to complete my training at the end of two months.

Kick the sugars and back on track

I was in North Carolina this past weekend for the Md-Duke game. The road trip was six hours each way so as you can imagine, lots of fast food and snacks along the way.

I started with Mickey D's and had Skittles before arriving in Durham. Dinner wasn't bad as we went to Brio (a bit pricey Italian joint) and I had some pasta.
We were in NC, so I opted to go to Bojangles and stuff some friend chicken with a bo berrry biscuit as dessert to start our return trip. The biscuit had icing on it and was a bit too much sugar. As I was crashing from my sugar high, I kept popping more Skittles in my mouth so I could finish the last two hours to ATL.
I was pretty tired so cooking was out of the question. We decided to pick up some pizza from our favorite place, Mellow Mushroom. I'm sure the pepperoni wasn't the best option but it was tasty!

So I'm back on the training schedule that Steph sent me. I think I've got a 4 miler today. Hoping it's warm out there.

Let's get training for the half marathon!

I've started this blog with Steph so we can track and share our experiences while training for a half marathon.
Since we're on opposite sides of the country, this is the best way for us to encourage each other.

I think Kimiko's going to be blogging as well. Let's do this!!!