At this point there is so much to say. I haven't really kept track of my this thing because to put it bluntly, my training went to shit. I can't run if I can't bend my knee. From there came a downward spiral of frustration and laziness. I mean what else can I do around this city if I can't run and have barely any friends around here.
It's rough coming back here for the summer. It has really kicked in.I told myself not to look forward to anything but running. Unfortunately when running began to take a downturn the reality of coming back here surfaced. I'm not comfortable here unless I put in my mind that I'm here to train. I'm not back here to make friends, hell I had 17.5 years to do that here and those that I am still friends with from here are there for a reason. "I kept going and going and going. And I kept running until there was nobody trailing me until there was nobody around me until I couldn’t hear any footsteps, you know. I left in a blaze of glory, so to speak. But I left some important people behind too. Now I go back to Zombieland and nobody’s faces look the same." This says it all. The funny thing is that even those that I come back to don't seem to be the same. We aren't as close as we used to be. I'm not sad about it though. Before I would be really depressed about it, but now I realize that I have the people I need around me already.
I also have come to the conclusion that I have sort of faded from the good person I used to be into kind of a douchebag. I have to fix that about myself. I guess my "friends" did too good of a job back then. I am not hurt as easily as before but I do not feel as genuine as I used to. Things need changing and the summer really is the perfect time to do it.
Summer has officially started and if I am not going to make memories I am going to at least make sure that I come out a better person.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Day Wasted.
After the pain of yesterday I spent the whole day being lazy. It was hard to sleep because of my knee aching from being extended and elevated so I ended up waking up at 2 in the afternoon. I got out of bed and it still hurt to walk.
Due to that I made a decision to take the day off to heal back up.
Due to that I made a decision to take the day off to heal back up.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Bittersweet.
I began the day as I have this whole break. Waking up every 6 1/2 minutes to the snooze button until I decide to finally wake up at 10. As I looked through the blinds I felt a wave of laziness just come over me, it looked hot outside. It's the summer so I shouldn't be that surprised. So I pulled myself out of bed, laced up the shoes and set off again into the hot California sun to get those miles in.
As soon as I began running my golden retriever, Bruce, began chasing me. I had to turn around so he wouldn't get lost but as I was walking him back I came up with a great idea, bring Bruce on my run. So I went inside, got his leash and I now had a running pawtner. He surprised me today, he was well behaved and was cruising at mid 7 minute pace. Looks like I'll be doing this again soon.
My regular run for the day did not go as well for me. It was set to be a 7 miler with Gustavo but it turned out to be a big challenge. As soon as I hit my first couple of steps I knew something was not right. Every time I bent my knee it would send a shocking pain through my system. I spent pretty much the rest of the run trying to deal with the pain. It was a nice run don't get me wrong, besides almost getting killed by a woman driver, again. The nice thing is I feel as though I haven't done anything.
As soon as I began running my golden retriever, Bruce, began chasing me. I had to turn around so he wouldn't get lost but as I was walking him back I came up with a great idea, bring Bruce on my run. So I went inside, got his leash and I now had a running pawtner. He surprised me today, he was well behaved and was cruising at mid 7 minute pace. Looks like I'll be doing this again soon.
My regular run for the day did not go as well for me. It was set to be a 7 miler with Gustavo but it turned out to be a big challenge. As soon as I hit my first couple of steps I knew something was not right. Every time I bent my knee it would send a shocking pain through my system. I spent pretty much the rest of the run trying to deal with the pain. It was a nice run don't get me wrong, besides almost getting killed by a woman driver, again. The nice thing is I feel as though I haven't done anything.
Day 1.
Summer base training finally has come. The workouts are right there all I have to do is get up and run. It's shaping up to look like a great summer to go out and run. I have a drive that I've never had before, I mean I've always had a drive to go out and train but never like this. I'm hungry, hungry to race. I've been dying to compete and Tracko-de-mayo was just a snack. I am dying to race but not like just going out today and doing a 5k, no, I am dying to race at my peak. I've surprised myself at how comfortable I am able to run, now I just want to get better and go out and surprise others.
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The first day came with me trying to wake up at 7 AM, again. Like I said trying, for some reason I can't make myself get up and go run at that early, so instead I woke up at 10. Instantly regretting pushing the snooze button so much, I made myself get up and go run. Better late than never.
Luckily it was not that hot. The sun was shining down on me but the breeze stopped the sun for burning me as much. I felt pretty lazy and just wanted to get the run over with. I hit the turn around point in under 7 minutes. Just less than 7 more and I could go back inside. The way back wasn't too tough, I mean it was only a mile.
I stopped my watch, 13:11. Nice little recovery run.
I took about a 5 hour break and it was off to do my assigned run for the day. I met up with Gustavo at the Claremont Colleges and started off our run. Unfortunately for me, I forgot to start the stopwatch so we ended up turning our 2 mile warm-up into a 3 mile warm-up. No biggie. The pace was nice and calm. Something that I haven't been able to do all summer.
We got on the track and I tossed him my victories. It was time for strides. Each one felt much faster than I have done before. It was much easier when I had someone to do the runs with me. Each of the 100's were in around 13 seconds so I guess I'm doing alright.
We finished off the day with a mile cool-down on the grass and some abs. Surprisingly enough, it felt as though I didn't even run that much. It feels nice to be able to come back home feeling fresh.
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The first day came with me trying to wake up at 7 AM, again. Like I said trying, for some reason I can't make myself get up and go run at that early, so instead I woke up at 10. Instantly regretting pushing the snooze button so much, I made myself get up and go run. Better late than never.
Luckily it was not that hot. The sun was shining down on me but the breeze stopped the sun for burning me as much. I felt pretty lazy and just wanted to get the run over with. I hit the turn around point in under 7 minutes. Just less than 7 more and I could go back inside. The way back wasn't too tough, I mean it was only a mile.
I stopped my watch, 13:11. Nice little recovery run.
I took about a 5 hour break and it was off to do my assigned run for the day. I met up with Gustavo at the Claremont Colleges and started off our run. Unfortunately for me, I forgot to start the stopwatch so we ended up turning our 2 mile warm-up into a 3 mile warm-up. No biggie. The pace was nice and calm. Something that I haven't been able to do all summer.
We got on the track and I tossed him my victories. It was time for strides. Each one felt much faster than I have done before. It was much easier when I had someone to do the runs with me. Each of the 100's were in around 13 seconds so I guess I'm doing alright.
We finished off the day with a mile cool-down on the grass and some abs. Surprisingly enough, it felt as though I didn't even run that much. It feels nice to be able to come back home feeling fresh.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Preparation
With our summer mileage already assigned and the first day being a day off, I decided to prepare for what was going to happen this summer.
It's a bit tough for me to accept that I have the least mileage out of the returning top guys but I understand. As much as I wanted to hit 80 this summer, I understand that my body might not be ready for it. I've been out for about 2 months so I have to start this summer slow. It's a bit frustrating but I know it is what's best for me at this moment. With that said I will be on top of all my miles. I will focus on quality not quantity this summer because no matter how many miles I do if they aren't quality they won't be as beneficial as if I'm doing less.
Thinking about it now, this summer doesn't sound like it is going to be so solitary. I have a new training partner for this summer, we share a common goal for our miles this summer. Hernan will be coming back next week, Kevin will be back at the end of the month, and two more teammates live close enough to join us. It is possible to have a group of 6 to run with this summer. That's pretty awesome.
This will be an interesting summer.
It's a bit tough for me to accept that I have the least mileage out of the returning top guys but I understand. As much as I wanted to hit 80 this summer, I understand that my body might not be ready for it. I've been out for about 2 months so I have to start this summer slow. It's a bit frustrating but I know it is what's best for me at this moment. With that said I will be on top of all my miles. I will focus on quality not quantity this summer because no matter how many miles I do if they aren't quality they won't be as beneficial as if I'm doing less.
Thinking about it now, this summer doesn't sound like it is going to be so solitary. I have a new training partner for this summer, we share a common goal for our miles this summer. Hernan will be coming back next week, Kevin will be back at the end of the month, and two more teammates live close enough to join us. It is possible to have a group of 6 to run with this summer. That's pretty awesome.
This will be an interesting summer.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Hootenanny
The day that I waited for all of track season had finally arrived. The second annual hootenanny. It is more than just a get together with the team. To me it signifies the beginning of cross country. The day that we all come together and meet our new recruits as well as learn about how our summer training shall go.
I picked up one of my new teammates and we went off. We talked throughout the car ride there and I was able to find out what kind of person he was. We got there and began to socialize with everyone. Everyone was playing games outside, getting to know each other, or catching up. A few minutes later coach brought the guys team together, it was meeting time. We received our summer mileage goals. I'll leave it at that.
From there we ate and talked until the girls meeting was finished. Afterward we got a chance to have some friendly competition in the park. Kickball started it all, the teams were pretty even. In one inning 3 balls flew my way, the first one bounced off of me, the second I ran to and caught and the third bounced off of me after I hit the ground hard.
After Matt popped the ball we decided to play ultimate frisbee. A tournament started and our team dominated. We came back to coaches house tired and thirsty and we all just socialized.
I am pretty excited about this season.
I picked up one of my new teammates and we went off. We talked throughout the car ride there and I was able to find out what kind of person he was. We got there and began to socialize with everyone. Everyone was playing games outside, getting to know each other, or catching up. A few minutes later coach brought the guys team together, it was meeting time. We received our summer mileage goals. I'll leave it at that.
From there we ate and talked until the girls meeting was finished. Afterward we got a chance to have some friendly competition in the park. Kickball started it all, the teams were pretty even. In one inning 3 balls flew my way, the first one bounced off of me, the second I ran to and caught and the third bounced off of me after I hit the ground hard.
After Matt popped the ball we decided to play ultimate frisbee. A tournament started and our team dominated. We came back to coaches house tired and thirsty and we all just socialized.
I am pretty excited about this season.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Another "Easy" Run
As I am getting serious about this summer of running I have noticed that I have to fit running first before anything I do. For instance, on the schedule for today was to watch two different track meets, the state meet, and Pre Classic. It began at 5pm so because I didn't want to miss any races, I had to run in the middle of the day. Let me just tell you, four in the afternoon is not a good time to put in a 7 mile run.
As I started running I began to feel the fatigue that had been building for this whole week. I guess the pace had really begun to take a toll on my body so I decided to take it easy. Every step that I took at that easier pace sent a shock up my legs which made me uncomfortable so I began to open my stride and quicken the pace a bit so that I wouldn't be hitting the ground so much. I felt like I was going pretty easy but when I glanced at my watch at the two mile mark that I did on Tuesday I noticed something surprising, I was fifteen seconds ahead of that pace!
I begin to settle into a slower pace. For the next mile and a half it is all uphill. A long, loud, uphill slope and I'll be half way done. Finally I reach the top and check my watch again, 24:30. At this point I realize that I have been still pushing the pace. I need to relax and enjoy the rest of my run and I would, if it wasn't for the strong wind slapping me in the face.
As I hit the downhill portion of my run I begin to let loose. I start moving downhill much faster than I did for the previous portions of my run. As I hit the final corner leading to my house I let out a sigh of relief. Almost home. I stop my watch just outside my house. 48:50. Another negative split. This is getting out of hand.
As I started running I began to feel the fatigue that had been building for this whole week. I guess the pace had really begun to take a toll on my body so I decided to take it easy. Every step that I took at that easier pace sent a shock up my legs which made me uncomfortable so I began to open my stride and quicken the pace a bit so that I wouldn't be hitting the ground so much. I felt like I was going pretty easy but when I glanced at my watch at the two mile mark that I did on Tuesday I noticed something surprising, I was fifteen seconds ahead of that pace!
I begin to settle into a slower pace. For the next mile and a half it is all uphill. A long, loud, uphill slope and I'll be half way done. Finally I reach the top and check my watch again, 24:30. At this point I realize that I have been still pushing the pace. I need to relax and enjoy the rest of my run and I would, if it wasn't for the strong wind slapping me in the face.
As I hit the downhill portion of my run I begin to let loose. I start moving downhill much faster than I did for the previous portions of my run. As I hit the final corner leading to my house I let out a sigh of relief. Almost home. I stop my watch just outside my house. 48:50. Another negative split. This is getting out of hand.
Making Due.
This day was a huge roller coaster for me.
As I mentioned before I don't really have too many friends left here and was expecting this summer to be very solitary. Needless to say the opposite occurred today. I spent the day caught in a problem, to go out and spend time with an old friend or spend time with one of my new best friends that didn't like how my old friend treated me. I felt as though I was being pressured and taunted into doing things I didn't want to do by my old friend so I decided to go with the latter. I ended up being guilt-tripped the rest of the afternoon. I genuinely felt bad about the whole situation. Don't get me wrong I honestly did want to spend time with my old friend; I don't see him too often, but today was not one of those days.
Today taught me that maybe being alone this summer isn't so bad.
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As the day began to come to a close I found myself losing time to go out and run. I love running in the night but going solo in this city is not really that safe. So I made due with what I had. I was supposed to go hang out with my friend for a bonfire in his backyard so I decided that I would run there and my roommate, who came to visit, would drive me back home.
It was a 5.3 mile run up to his house. Did not sound bad at all. So I got my gear on and set off for his house. I felt pretty great, just a bit sore but good enough to be running a nice pace uphill. As I began to get up higher, the temperature began to feel much cooler. I came to 4 miles and stopped my watch. 28:47. I was content with that. Just a little more than a mile uphill and I was done. As I began to get closer to his house my ankle began to bug me, but it was bearable. I arrived at his house less that 38 minutes later. Much cheaper than driving a car.
I spent the rest of the night eating s'mores and talking about random stuff with my friends. T'was a good night.
As I mentioned before I don't really have too many friends left here and was expecting this summer to be very solitary. Needless to say the opposite occurred today. I spent the day caught in a problem, to go out and spend time with an old friend or spend time with one of my new best friends that didn't like how my old friend treated me. I felt as though I was being pressured and taunted into doing things I didn't want to do by my old friend so I decided to go with the latter. I ended up being guilt-tripped the rest of the afternoon. I genuinely felt bad about the whole situation. Don't get me wrong I honestly did want to spend time with my old friend; I don't see him too often, but today was not one of those days.
Today taught me that maybe being alone this summer isn't so bad.
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As the day began to come to a close I found myself losing time to go out and run. I love running in the night but going solo in this city is not really that safe. So I made due with what I had. I was supposed to go hang out with my friend for a bonfire in his backyard so I decided that I would run there and my roommate, who came to visit, would drive me back home.
It was a 5.3 mile run up to his house. Did not sound bad at all. So I got my gear on and set off for his house. I felt pretty great, just a bit sore but good enough to be running a nice pace uphill. As I began to get up higher, the temperature began to feel much cooler. I came to 4 miles and stopped my watch. 28:47. I was content with that. Just a little more than a mile uphill and I was done. As I began to get closer to his house my ankle began to bug me, but it was bearable. I arrived at his house less that 38 minutes later. Much cheaper than driving a car.
I spent the rest of the night eating s'mores and talking about random stuff with my friends. T'was a good night.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Thompson Creek.
I began the day with a long conversation with someone from high school. I spent most of the day talking to her and it helped me come to terms with many of the problems I thought I had. I began to realize that even if I didn't talk to most people from here I was okay.
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When I am home I tend to drive to places to do my runs. For one Montclair is not nice to run in at all. It's a boring city with just a bunch of residential areas. Nothing nature-esque at all. One of the places I found that was nice to run at was the Thompson Creek trail in Claremont. A nice gradual downhill 2 mile trail that I used as a starting point to many of my longer runs. On the left you see nicer residential areas and on the right you see the mountains. A very enjoyable run to do especially in the late afternoon.
Last summer this was one of the runs that really brought me out of the slump that I was stuck in because of injury. I had one of my best runs on this trail and I was pretty excited to try it again.
I began at a pretty brisk pace as the wind began blowing pretty hard toward me. It was nice, even though I knew it was making me work harder. I remembered one line from a previous post saying that I passed the 2k marker at 8 flat. As I hit a split on my stopwatch it read "7:58", could I really be going this fast without even really feeling it? As the 2 mile marker began to come closer and closer I decided to make a last minute change and kept going. I passed through 2 miles at 12:35 and kept going for 8 minutes more just to give my mileage some room for error. I began to climb the big hill that came soon after the trail and was still feeling pretty good.
As I turned I remembered the one thing about this trail that I hated. The last two miles were uphill. I have to say those last 2 miles were complete hell. I pretty much just wanted to get them done and when I clicked my stopwatch to get my final split I was happy to say that I was done with running for the day.
For the day. Tomorrow continues my road toward hopefully the best running season of my life.
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When I am home I tend to drive to places to do my runs. For one Montclair is not nice to run in at all. It's a boring city with just a bunch of residential areas. Nothing nature-esque at all. One of the places I found that was nice to run at was the Thompson Creek trail in Claremont. A nice gradual downhill 2 mile trail that I used as a starting point to many of my longer runs. On the left you see nicer residential areas and on the right you see the mountains. A very enjoyable run to do especially in the late afternoon.
Last summer this was one of the runs that really brought me out of the slump that I was stuck in because of injury. I had one of my best runs on this trail and I was pretty excited to try it again.
I began at a pretty brisk pace as the wind began blowing pretty hard toward me. It was nice, even though I knew it was making me work harder. I remembered one line from a previous post saying that I passed the 2k marker at 8 flat. As I hit a split on my stopwatch it read "7:58", could I really be going this fast without even really feeling it? As the 2 mile marker began to come closer and closer I decided to make a last minute change and kept going. I passed through 2 miles at 12:35 and kept going for 8 minutes more just to give my mileage some room for error. I began to climb the big hill that came soon after the trail and was still feeling pretty good.
As I turned I remembered the one thing about this trail that I hated. The last two miles were uphill. I have to say those last 2 miles were complete hell. I pretty much just wanted to get them done and when I clicked my stopwatch to get my final split I was happy to say that I was done with running for the day.
For the day. Tomorrow continues my road toward hopefully the best running season of my life.
