Day .:140

Today I completed my final long-distance run before the marathon, 21 miles!

It took me close to 4 hours to do, so at this point I'm on pace to run the 26.2 in about 5 hours. I stopped by the Reho-Beach Running Co yesterday to pick up some Jelly Belly Sport Beans (huh?) and some Powerbar Gels. Steve-O implored me to never try these things, and he's right in that they taste like V8 mixed with toothpaste. But dang, do they work.

I ran straight to mile 18, and then crumpled. And walk-jogged pretty much the rest. But I don't even care. I did it. Here's a pic, post-run with a cliff-shot of hot cocoa:



11 Days left!

I'm just so excited, because this is all Jesus. I never thought I could do something like this in a million years. And it's happening. And it's awesome.

Day .:139

Wow. Just wow.

I can't believe it, but I'm almost there! I've messed up with blogging to keep everyone up to speed, but I've stuck with the running commitment this far! Last Saturday (Day .:131) I ran 17 miles. Holy Crap. Me.

I've been reading over the beginning posts about just deciding that you want to change your life for the better, and it's totally true. You seriously CAN change your life in a day. I guess all you really have to do is decide.

The race is in Lewes, DE on November 22nd. I'm signed up, ready to go. Tomorrow is my final long run before the big day.....I'm hoping to do 20 Miles. I'll let you know how it goes.

Day .:118

Spin Class last Monday, 10K run today. Gotta pick things up.

No excuses, but I've been losing it in the daily mileages. Long runs are looking good, but the small dailies are what's hurting me...

Day .:108

Ran 8 Miles on Wednesday...

Day .:104

Update on some improvements:

I'm registering for "The Big One" this week. I've gotten close enough now to believe I'm actually going to pull it off! Which is pretty exciting. I've been doing slightly better on the food-front. Tried to "give up" caffiene, and made it a full 24 hours before literally feeling buzzed sitting in my car with a vanilla chai with indian music playing. But that may be some of the gas fumes my car's been emitting. More on that in a different post.

Treaded 5.5 mi. today, and 15 mi. Spin class. Over 1K calories burned today.

BOOYA!

Day .:097

Today I rocked the treadie for 14 miles!

Personal best!

Day .:094

I have a slight problem.

I'm pretty sure I'm addicted to sugar.

Over the last few months I've grown what a certain acquaintance referred to as "anglo-saxon calves", but from the waist up, I'm still the outta shape semi-pudgy me. That's gotta change (and not just for aesthetics sake. "They" say a stronger upper bod can help you go farther / faster / keep yourself more stable). I was kinda hoping to look like this by November:



A friend is doing the "all veggies" deal and that's got me thinking. Not about becoming a vegetarian, but shaping up my diet on a provisional basis. Something along the lines of "no sodas and coffee" I'm sure would make a big enough difference.

Anyone out there have any personal experience with this sorta thing, and have made lasting changes?

Day .:093

hey, hey!

Checking in. Thursday, ran 3.5 Mi.
Saturday ran 12.8 Miles outside
Today ran 5.6 Miles on the tready.

YEAH!

Day .:087

Did 5.5 Miles on Monday (treadmill)
Did 6.5 Miles on Tuesday (outside)

Day .:081

Okay, so now that we're back into the groove O' things. Last week I took a 7 day vacation from work, and running. Started the commotion back up last Monday with a 5 mi. run & a 13 Mi. spin class. Back in action folks....My friend Enos says that I need to log in at least 40 mi. per week in order to be "comfortably ready" for this marathon.

Holy Monkey.

Day .:075 - Halfie Pictures

Enos & I walking to the Halfie


The Front of the Race

West Side!

Last Mile

With a Medal!

Day .:071 - HALF MARATHON!

YEAH!

Okay. So, this is so awesome. It was definitely one of those experiences in life where I had so many feelings that I hope I get to reminisce and capture them all. But here's a sweeping glance at this weekend:

- It was a few hour drive down to VA, and I met up with the Kainos group going camping. Steve-O, who ran in this race last year, helped me out with all the details and snapped some great pics of me in the race (coming soon). I couldn't sleep the night before, and ended up getting about an hour's worth (in a sleeping bag on the ground). And we were up at 4:30 AM to head over to VA beach.

- I ran the halfie in 2 hr. 41 mins. Which isn't awesome by some's athletic standards, but awesome for me. After every few hundred people, there's a pacing team, and I started out for the 1st 3-4 miles behind the 2 hr. 22 min. pacers. Then dropped back a bit to the 2:30. And had to pee. My average pace was about 11 Mi. per mile. Slow n' steady. I finished #10,920 out of 16,336 people.

- I had to use the porto-john at mile 12 and really wish I remembered to latch the door closed. An older lady saw more of me than anyone ever should.

- I broke down and took a "walk break" about 3 times. Steve-O happened to be strategically positioned at miles 11.5 and 13 to yell a well placed "RUUUUN!!!!" to kick me out of my trance.

Thanks so much Steve for all your help through this thing, man. You're the one who originally triggered my "start running" deal 70 days ago, and you've kept me accountable. Thanks also to friends & family for support this far.

Now.....to train for November.....

Day .:066

The pic to the right was me "post-run" drenched in sweat about to rub coke zero all over my face....And believe me. Sometimes that's exactly what you should do.

I'm about to hit the first major mile-marker in my journey to "non-lethargic freedom". The half marathon is this weekend, and I think I'm ready!

Yesterday I clocked in (survived is more like it) an 11 mi. run outside. It probably wasn't incredibly smart to run in the middle of the afternoon (87 degrees!), and it sapped me pretty quick. I was walk/jogging by mile 8, and walking at around 9. And ran out of gatorade by that time too. The sunburn wasn't too sweet either...But I did it!

This was also the "retirement run" for my old shoes. These guys have been with me for about 3 years, and are just wearing out. Tomorrow I go to pick up my new 9 EEEE shoes with arch support!

If you think of it, pray for me this weekend!

Day .:060

Well, the halfie is 11 days away, and I'm feeling pretty good. Last weeks recap:

- 2.3 Miles outside on Thursday
- 7.0 Miles inside on Saturday
- 7.5 Miles inside On Monday & 15 Mile Spin Class

Gatorade has now become my drink of choice, which is a tad better than all the soda, but still not quite where I need to be (water), and I think I just need at least one 11-12 mi. run before the halfie to feel I'm totally ready.

I also went to the outlets in Reho, and found that not a single store had running shoes in my size, which is a post unto itself.

you see, I have strangely shaped feet. My left foor is half a size smaller than my right. So, 7.5-8 EE on my left foot, and 8-8.5 EE on my right. Weird, right? So I'm going to check some online shops (read, zappos.com) for a quality shoe I can use for the halfie. My current shoes are wearing down quick.

Day .:051

Yay! New personal best. I ran 9.5 Miles today outside from the house halfway to church, to Ingram's pond and back!

Day .:048

Alrighty bedighty ladies and gents. Here's the lowdown of last week. I:

- Clocked 2 Miles last Saturday
- 8.5 Miles on Monday, followed by 13 Mile Spin class
- 4 miles on Wednesday
- Signed up for the VA Beach Rock n' Roll halfie Marathon!

So that means I have 3 more weeks to get up to par for running a smooth 13.5 Miles. No problem. I am way excited because it looks like, at my current training pace, I am seriously gonna do this piece!

August 30th!

DAY .:041

So I took Steve-O's advice and interviewed a friend who's run 3 marathons. He proceeded to break training down into more manageable "bite size" chunks. 25 Miles a week for the first 4 weeks. Starting now, says he.

He also said it's worth getting a good pair of shoes, and a personal suggestion for me to take longer strides. He observed me on the tready, and said that I definitely don't take as full strides as I need to, so widen it up like Tony Little on the Gazelle!

DAY .:040

Alright, Alrighty!

Last night I did a solid 1hr o' runnin' without any breaks at a steady 5.3 mph. 700 cals burned, covered 5.5 miles.

YEAH!

(I then proceeded to raid subway for a footlong meatball sub).

DAY .:038

Okay, so today I ran 3.5 Mile on a gym tready, and then did the ole' 15 Mi. cross-train spin class. I still need to kick things into high gear. I'm just not cutting it yet. I still need to hit an 8 mi. run (aka, "The Eminem Stride") and my diet isn't on par yet either.

*Sigh*

I know I can do this. But I think I need some solid guidance from someone who's done this before.

DAY .:031

Cross Training tonight: Spin class. Did roughly 15 miles biking in a sweaty gym!

DAY .:029

7 Miles on the tready yersterday! BOOYAH!

DAY .:024

Here's Today!

Man, oh man.....today was awesome...and painful. I did 5.6 mi. total. 4.5 without stopping outside, then it got dark. Then I came inside, and did another 1.14 on the tready.

As I was soaking the ole' legs in the tub, post-run....I felt my ankles aching up a tad, and I don't know if this is normal or a sign I should do a bit more stretching. Either way....great run, but holy canoley...My legs hurt.

Post Weigh-in: 162.4 lbs.

(Side note....I'm gaining weight! I wonder if that's normal too?!)

DAY .:022b

Went to a spin class...biked the equiv of 15 mi.

Burned 550 cals...

DAY .:022

Ran about 4 Mi. this morning.


See this run

Post-run weigh in: 161.2 lbs.

DAY .:020

Three Weeks ago tomorrow I decided that I wanted to train for a marathon. Within the course of those three weeks, I've:

- Done about 8 runs, with the top one being 6.1 miles. (still need to make it to 7 miles! TONIGHT!)
- Researched training schedules, and settled on this one.
- Decided that the marathon to run will be on November 6th, in Lewes, DE.

This week, I need to:

- Hit a 10 miler run.
- Register for the Lewes Marathon
- Find a Halfie Marathon to run somewhere in the meantime, just to see what I'm in for.

Sidenote: I also need to start looking into diet stuff, and what runners eat....(or maybe, more painfully....what they DON'T eat). Double Sidenote: I have a feeling the diet soda & mint fraps may have to go....and I ain't too happy about it.

I also want to schedule an interview with a coworker of my dads'. He does marathons, and is a runner's runner.

DAY .:017

Okay! I've found a marathon.

I'm running on November 6th in Lewes, DE. Thanks to Gilgal who found one for me...And then subsequently posted embarasing videos of me.

The 7 Miler I had scheduled didn't pan out...two nights ago ran 2 mi. And tonight is the 7 mi. reschedule.

Wish me luck!

DAY .:013

Well, things are going pretty well. I dropped a run yesterday because of the holiday, but am planning a shortie (3 Mi) tonight. Tomorrow's my next long run: 7 Miles.

I'm super stoked about all this, and may have a potential marathon in my sights. Any other runners out there? If so, any tips for running your first marathon?

DAY .:011

Holy cow!

Best run yet. Ran last night at 7:30 PM. It was nice and cool this time, so I was able to cover more distance. A personal best: 5.6 miles without stopping!

http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/de/georgetown/109283363830

Post-Run Weigh in: 158.8

DAY .:009

2:46 AM.

Can't sleep. Yesterday rested from the 6 miler. Today I do some cross-training (prolly biking / lifting) stuff. Looking into potential marathons. Right now possible winners are this fall's Under Armor in Baltimore, or there's another in Richmond I'm looking at. Any ideas from anyone?

DAY .:007

One week down!

Today I ran (read: survived) a 6 miler. It was like 90 degrees outside, and it took me 1.5 hours (stats read 14 min miles...awesome :) But I made it nonetheless, and just think, after the temps go down, running this far should be breezy cheezy.


Here's a pic of me in all my post-run glory (Pits McGee)



Post-Run Weigh in: 157.8

DAY .:005

Yeah!

Tiny victory here. Ran this morning for 3 miles without stopping. This cut 6 min. off of my total time.

This morning's run:


Post-Run Weigh in: 160.4 lbs

DAY .:004a

Over the last few years, my pastor made a lot of extreme, awesome changes in his diet, excercise and overall health. I asked him what makes the difference when you're trying to break an old habit or establish a new one. Here's what he had to say:
------------
Great questions about consistency, staying the course is hard for everybody. In complete candor let me say there are two aspects of what made me consistent. First I had to get to a point where I was completely sick of the direction I was heading; I hit that “enough is an enough” spot. Deep, deep discontent is what gives birth to change. Second I discovered the reward of discipline was indeed sweeter than the reward of indulgence, this I found to be absolutely true. This is what psychologists call “Operant Conditioning”. What that means is when we engage in certain behaviors we get either punished or rewarded. When we are rewarded we tend to repeat that behavior over and over again. The reward factor for me was I started looking less hideous, I started feeling better, people started complimenting me and those positive rewards kept me going. There are rewards for eating a whole chocolate cake – you get the sugar high – followed by the guilt and “why did I do that” record in your head. So the guilt for being undisciplined cancels out the reward for messing up, with the reward of being of disciplined- it is pure reward and it feels better than messing up ultimately. Any indulgence- sleeping in too long and not running give a short reward, doing the hard thing really brings a higher level reward.
-------------

That about sums it up. Awesome.

DAY .:003

Today I did some heavy lifting at the gym. My "anaerobic" day. (Whatever that means)

DAY .:002b

It was so hot out today....prolly upper 80's, and the air was thick. After the 1st 1.5 miles, I fizzled fo' shizzle.

Today's Run Results:



Post-Run Weigh in: 159.0 lbs.

DAY .:002a

Another staple of my conversation with Steve-O yesterday was a guy who has decided to run a marathon, and is using this training schedule. I think that’s the schedule I’m going to follow as well. That gives me 18 weeks to find a marathon (or halfie) to run, sign up, and train for.

Just to give you an idea as to what I’m working with…I’ve never really been the super-athletic type. I was usually last guy picked on a team in elementary school (And some girls got picked before me), but I wasn’t crazy overweight by any means. I’ve just never considered myself “athletic”. And for those of you that can stomach it, (use EXTREME caution) : ) Here’s a pic I took last night after my first run in all my shirtless, pasty-white glory.



And that, my friends…..is what I intend to change.

DAY .:001

DAY 001:

That’s it. It’s time.

That’s what I thought when I woke up from a lazy mid-Suday nap this afternoon. I’ve been thinking, talking, planning, discussing, wondering, hoping, “one-day”-ing this whole deal long enough.

I don’t know if it’s any one thing that’s making me feel this way, but I’ve finally reached that “all-too-used” buzzword: the tipping point.

Maybe it was talking to Steve today between the services, and hearing him talk about how he’s decided to give up soda for the next two months just because it’s time for him to “step it up” a level. Whatever it is, the decision has been made. I’m committing. No looking back. No more excuses.

I’m running a marathon.

I’m not sure about the training methods, not sure about which marathon. But I want to do this. And I’m starting today.

1st Run Results:


1st-Post-Run Weigh-in: 157.6 lbs.