As April wraps up today it is a good time to track progress for our marathon training and how things are going. April was a century month. For runners and bikers a century is 100 miles. For April I ran 106.4 miles, biked 47 miles and swam 1 1/4 miles. Events included the Race for the Roses 5K, the Spring Classic Duathlon and the Bridge to Brews 10k.
In about 73 hours I will be jumping into the pool for my first triathlon. Not sure at 47 years old why I feel the need to do this, maybe it is a bucket list thing. There will be a 500 yard swim, 13 miles biking and 3.1 miles running in Hillsboro, OR.
Fundraising has been coming in and with just under 6 months to the marathon we have received in excess of $2,000 in pledges already. In addition we are receiving a lot of names of cancer warriors to add to my training shirt. This week we added Denise's grandfather - Jacob Klassen.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday Morning
This morning I was able to get back to training after a weekend of "rest" days. Denise was actually out of town with some girlfriends so the boys and I kept pretty busy but there was no running, swimming or biking.
Like last week, today was a combination of 500 yards in the pool followed by a four mile run. I am really enjoying this combination and although it is specifically geared for the triathlon coming up this weekend, I will most likely keep with the swimming as part of my cross training.
One of the reasons I initially got back into running was to help with weight loss and to supplement the results of using the Isagenix products. Now that I am at my "goal weight" I am finding that I am having to increase my food intake to maintain it with the training I am doing. Since I truly enjoy food this is an extra benefit to putting on the miles!
You might want to review the previous post from the Spring Classic Duathlon of a few weeks ago as pictures have been added to that post of both Denise and me on the road and the bike.
Like last week, today was a combination of 500 yards in the pool followed by a four mile run. I am really enjoying this combination and although it is specifically geared for the triathlon coming up this weekend, I will most likely keep with the swimming as part of my cross training.
One of the reasons I initially got back into running was to help with weight loss and to supplement the results of using the Isagenix products. Now that I am at my "goal weight" I am finding that I am having to increase my food intake to maintain it with the training I am doing. Since I truly enjoy food this is an extra benefit to putting on the miles!
You might want to review the previous post from the Spring Classic Duathlon of a few weeks ago as pictures have been added to that post of both Denise and me on the road and the bike.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Mid-week Report
This morning I mixed in a little cross training with a 600 yard swim. Unfortunately the Firstenberg pool is only 15 yards rather than the traditional 25 so it was a lot of turns! I also ran 4 miles on their track with similar conditions (12.5 laps per mile). Feeling a bit dizzy right now.
With today's 4 and yesterday's 5 miles my total training miles since the official start on April 3 are 81.75. This does not include bike or swim, just run miles. No events this weekend, but next weekend is the Hawthorn Farm Triathlon in Hillsboro. This will be a 500 yard swim, 13 miles on the bike and a 5k (3.1 mile) run. Always open to anyone joining us at the events.
In a response to my e-mail note on my Weekly Wealth Report, I will be adding Connie LeCompte and Marie Day to my training shirt at the request of my friends Curt and Larry. Please let me know if there is someone else you would like to recognize as part of this effort.
With today's 4 and yesterday's 5 miles my total training miles since the official start on April 3 are 81.75. This does not include bike or swim, just run miles. No events this weekend, but next weekend is the Hawthorn Farm Triathlon in Hillsboro. This will be a 500 yard swim, 13 miles on the bike and a 5k (3.1 mile) run. Always open to anyone joining us at the events.
In a response to my e-mail note on my Weekly Wealth Report, I will be adding Connie LeCompte and Marie Day to my training shirt at the request of my friends Curt and Larry. Please let me know if there is someone else you would like to recognize as part of this effort.
Monday, April 20, 2009
2009 Bridge to Brews 10K
Yesterday was the annual Bridge to Brews 10K. The race starts at Widmer Bros. brewery on N Russell and works its way up the lower deck of the Fremont Bridge. It is the only run in Portland that goes over the Fremont. It then drops down into NW Portland to Naito Way then back to the Broadway Bridge before finishing back at Widmer Bros.
In addition to Denise and me, Bill and Vicki Fouch, Walt Warren, Rich Warren and Curt Frazier all showed up on a perfectly sunny and warm morning. Denise wanted to beat 9:30 per mile and her 58:52 works out to 9:28 per! My goal was to break 48 minutes and I clocked in at 47:37 for a 7:40 per mile pace. After we joined the Fouchs at IHOP for much needed carbo reloading with pancakes, hashbrowns, eggs, etc. What a great day with great friends.
This morning added another 5 miles as a recovery run along the lake and then up the hills to Lake Road and back to the house. Another beautiful morning without a cloud in the sky!
In addition to Denise and me, Bill and Vicki Fouch, Walt Warren, Rich Warren and Curt Frazier all showed up on a perfectly sunny and warm morning. Denise wanted to beat 9:30 per mile and her 58:52 works out to 9:28 per! My goal was to break 48 minutes and I clocked in at 47:37 for a 7:40 per mile pace. After we joined the Fouchs at IHOP for much needed carbo reloading with pancakes, hashbrowns, eggs, etc. What a great day with great friends.
This morning added another 5 miles as a recovery run along the lake and then up the hills to Lake Road and back to the house. Another beautiful morning without a cloud in the sky!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Repeats
One of the greatest and hardest parts of training is doing repeats. You know they are good for you (like green vegetables) but that doesn't mean you want to do them (like green vegetables).
We tried something different last night and it seemed to really benefit our workout. Rather than doing 12 hard runs of a 1/4 mile each with a 2 minute break; we did 3 repeats of 1/4 and then 3 of 1/2 miles followed by 3 of 1/4 mile again for a total of 3 miles plus 1/2 mile warm-up and cool down for an evening total of 4 miles.
While we both felt a little sluggish in the 1/2 mile runs (you have to maintain that high speed for twice as long) it really paid dividends on the final quarter miles. Denise's last quarter was her fastest ever at 1:43 which is a 6:52 per mile pace and my last quarter was at 1:24 (also my fastest) which is a 5:36 per mile pace. If you haven't ever done repeats and want to improve your overall speed this is a great workout. Let me know and I will help design a program for you.
This week I added my grandmother, Ruth Blakeley, to my training shirt. She died on March 29, 1991 from lung cancer. If there is someone you would like me to add that fought or is fighting cancer please let me know. Total training miles to date: 61.5. Have a great weekend!
We tried something different last night and it seemed to really benefit our workout. Rather than doing 12 hard runs of a 1/4 mile each with a 2 minute break; we did 3 repeats of 1/4 and then 3 of 1/2 miles followed by 3 of 1/4 mile again for a total of 3 miles plus 1/2 mile warm-up and cool down for an evening total of 4 miles.
While we both felt a little sluggish in the 1/2 mile runs (you have to maintain that high speed for twice as long) it really paid dividends on the final quarter miles. Denise's last quarter was her fastest ever at 1:43 which is a 6:52 per mile pace and my last quarter was at 1:24 (also my fastest) which is a 5:36 per mile pace. If you haven't ever done repeats and want to improve your overall speed this is a great workout. Let me know and I will help design a program for you.
This week I added my grandmother, Ruth Blakeley, to my training shirt. She died on March 29, 1991 from lung cancer. If there is someone you would like me to add that fought or is fighting cancer please let me know. Total training miles to date: 61.5. Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Mid week Post
With tax season finally coming to a close this week, it has been difficult getting my mind into my runs but have had two good training runs the last two days none the less. Monday was a rest day after the Spring Classic Duathlon and yesterday was 4.5 miles and today was another 5. Since I had a meeting at 7:30 this morning it meant being out the door at 5:30 to make sure I had enough time.
We have received a couple of more pledges this week and are now up to $1,625 with a long way to go towards our goal of $50,000 (half for MarriageTeam and half for American Cancer Society). Thanks to LPL Financial, Steve and the team at Peak, Dennis and Elizabeth for joining us in this adventure. If you decide to make a pledge remember to check with your employer to see if they provide matching funds to double the impact of your gift.
Total miles of training are now 54.25. Denise put in a good run yesterday and is running again this morning. This weekend we are running in the Bridge to Brew 10k.
We have received a couple of more pledges this week and are now up to $1,625 with a long way to go towards our goal of $50,000 (half for MarriageTeam and half for American Cancer Society). Thanks to LPL Financial, Steve and the team at Peak, Dennis and Elizabeth for joining us in this adventure. If you decide to make a pledge remember to check with your employer to see if they provide matching funds to double the impact of your gift.
Total miles of training are now 54.25. Denise put in a good run yesterday and is running again this morning. This weekend we are running in the Bridge to Brew 10k.
Monday, April 13, 2009
2009 Spring Classic Duathlon
Saturday was a new first for Denise and me. We participated in our first Duathlon called the Spring Classic. A duathlon is an event that combines running and bike racing. In this case it was a 5K run on Marine Drive in Portland, followed by a 15 mile bike ride and then another 5k run. The transition from running to riding then back to running was probably more difficult then the on-course events. My finish time was 1 hour 46 minutes and Denise was 2 hours 4 minutes. This event had serious athletes in it.
Since my last post on Wednesday I had training runs on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and this morning and took Sunday morning off for Easter and to recover from the Spring Classic. Total miles so far in training for the MCM is now 44.75. Next event is the Bridge to Brews 10k this coming Sunday with Denise, Walt Warren, Bill and Vicki Fouch, Taylor Vilhauer and several thousand people we don't know yet.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Denise is going to DC
This morning Denise registered for the Marine Corps Marathon and we will be going to DC together! She is very excited to be registered for her first marathon and now we will be running for MarriageTeam together. The last couple of days have been regular training runs of 4.25 miles and the accumulated total is now 26.75 miles.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Race for the Roses
Yesterday was the Albertina Kerr Race for the Roses Annual 5K and Half-Marathon. With races the next two weeks I chose to do the 5K with a goal time of 25 minutes. The weather was great - sun with cool temperatures and I was able to start near the front of the field and avoid traffic. My finish time was a personal best in the 5k of 22:20 (7:11 per mile pace) and I finished 87th out of 1,269 and 5th in my age group. Special thanks to Susan and Duane Stanley for encouraging me to participate in this run.
Since next week is the Spring Classic Duathlon I decided to use yesterday as a warmup and went out for a 17.5 mile bike ride when I got home from the race then wrapped up with a 3.5 mile run.
This morning was a beautiful sunrise on the lake and a "recovery run" of 4.25 miles. Total miles in training 18.25.
Since next week is the Spring Classic Duathlon I decided to use yesterday as a warmup and went out for a 17.5 mile bike ride when I got home from the race then wrapped up with a 3.5 mile run.
This morning was a beautiful sunrise on the lake and a "recovery run" of 4.25 miles. Total miles in training 18.25.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Saturday Afternoon
Just completed a relaxing 4.25 miles along the Heritage Lake Trail. Not a cloud in the sky, kayaks on the stream and lots of runners, walkers and dogs. What a beautiful day. I have decided that each week from here to the marathon I will dedicate to an individual that has suffered from cancer. That individual will have their name added to my running shirt and I am going to start with my grandfather, Delbert Blakeley.
If there is someone you want me to dedicate a week to and add to the shirt please let me know via post. Current updated total miles = 11.75. Current projected pledges $1,250 towards my goal of $50,000. See my 4/3/09 post for more details.
If there is someone you want me to dedicate a week to and add to the shirt please let me know via post. Current updated total miles = 11.75. Current projected pledges $1,250 towards my goal of $50,000. See my 4/3/09 post for more details.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Registration Complete
Today I registered to run the Marine Corp Marathon (http://www.marinemarathon.com/Marine_Corps_Marathon.htm) in Washington DC. on October 25, 2009. This will be my second marathon, the 2002 Portland Marathon being my first.
This past November my wife Denise reintroduced me to the love of running. One thing I have noticed about running over the years is the self competitive nature of it - kind of like golf. This forces me to create new goals to keep running both exciting and challenging.
I would like to challenge you too. I will be running the MCM 2009 to benefit MarriageTeam (www.marriageteam.org) and the American Cancer Society. So many of you and your families have been touched by cancer, divorce or both just like me. Will you join me by pledging an amount per mile of my training from April 1 through the marathon for one or both of these important organizations. I run on average 100-150 miles per month. An alternative would be a flat dollar amount. I will be personally pledging $1 per mile.
Each week there will be a post about running, or some other tidbit from my training. This weekend I will run the Race for the Roses benefiting the Albertina Kerr Center. This is a 5k run in downtown Portland. So far training included a rest day on 4/1, 3.25 miles on 4/2 and 4.25 miles today. Total training logged 7.50 miles.
In November I weighed 209 pounds and set a goal of 175 pounds on April 1. I didn't make it... but on April 2 I did! Hopefully this blog will encourage you to find a passion or pursue your passions at an even deeper level. I want to publicly praise Denise for her encouragement and support in both my running and my health, she is both my inspiration and my passion!
This past November my wife Denise reintroduced me to the love of running. One thing I have noticed about running over the years is the self competitive nature of it - kind of like golf. This forces me to create new goals to keep running both exciting and challenging.
I would like to challenge you too. I will be running the MCM 2009 to benefit MarriageTeam (www.marriageteam.org) and the American Cancer Society. So many of you and your families have been touched by cancer, divorce or both just like me. Will you join me by pledging an amount per mile of my training from April 1 through the marathon for one or both of these important organizations. I run on average 100-150 miles per month. An alternative would be a flat dollar amount. I will be personally pledging $1 per mile.
Each week there will be a post about running, or some other tidbit from my training. This weekend I will run the Race for the Roses benefiting the Albertina Kerr Center. This is a 5k run in downtown Portland. So far training included a rest day on 4/1, 3.25 miles on 4/2 and 4.25 miles today. Total training logged 7.50 miles.
In November I weighed 209 pounds and set a goal of 175 pounds on April 1. I didn't make it... but on April 2 I did! Hopefully this blog will encourage you to find a passion or pursue your passions at an even deeper level. I want to publicly praise Denise for her encouragement and support in both my running and my health, she is both my inspiration and my passion!
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