A major disadvantage of running for me is the waking up early.  I’m just not a morning person.  Running is one of the few activities where i’ll give up sleep to do.  An advantage of running beyond the health and mental aspects is getting to watch the sun rise in the east.  Fall has really had some beautiful and peaceful sunrises.  Just wanted to share that.

Made it over to Brenda’s house on time at 6:20.

As you can tell by the car clock in the picture, Brenda was running behind.  Do not want to make a big deal out of this, just wanted to visually document the occurrence to better get underneath her skin on the matter.

Had the person I was waiting on had been Richard (her husband), he would have been on time.  I’m just saying….

Anyway, made it to the race.  The atmosphere was pretty festive.  There were lots of college students involved with the race.  Seeing younger people take an active role in such events is encouraging to see.

The race started with a bang.  Literally, a sound of a shotgun.  Off the runners went.  My main goal was to finish the 5K and to not get hurt.  As of this typing, I think I achieved my goal.  I started off pretty slow for the first 3K until I gradually worked at a higher speed to finish the race.

There were lots of volunteers such as cheerleaders that kept us entertained and cheered the runners on.  The course was pretty fast with several downhill sections.  The final stretch of the course was uphill.

I ended up crossing the finish line around 26:02?  This was off from my best but it was interesting to see that I ran a close time whether I start slow and finish strong or start fast and die out.

The only draw back of the race was the only water stop was after the 3K mark.  However, the goodie back given to the runners before the race was really good.  Overall, a pleasant morning to run the race.  The race coordinators did a great job of creating a wonderful environment to race.  Especially enjoyed talking with other runners after the race.

I will be racing at Overholser next week.  Its one time around the entire lake.  It’ll be fun since it’s the very last training run before Route 66 marathon.

The Sun was not cooperating with the camera but you do see Brenda running  by and finishing strong.

The video below is of a new running buddy that we met named Michelle.  Not sure if she’ll ever get to see this video because I didn’t get to tell her where to check online but you never know.  She is from the Norman area.

There you have it.  Race for Hope is next week followed by my big race in Tulsa (Route 66).  Special shout out to Michael Coffman for showing up today and running just under a 20 minute 5K.  Sure wish you’d dedicate to training because you could be good.

http://www.okbtf.org/

http://www.route66marathon.com/Contact%20Us.htm

Training

Completed my final 20 mile training run of the fall marathon season.  The event was rather painless in the grand 20 mile run scheme of things.  The weather cooperated and Lake Hefner was beautiful.  Melissa also ran her final 20 mile run.

Now i’m in taper mode for the next three weeks before the date with Route 66 marathon.  I have plenty of training questions up in the air right now.  These questions will be answered when I cross the finish line of Route 66.  It’s similar to OJT or On Job Training.

Upcoming Races

Race with the Stars is a 5K race on November 7.

Race for Hope is a 12K race on November 14.

Route 66 is the Marathon on November 22.

Dallas WhiteRock is December 13.

Some of you who are close to me may be seeing Dallas WhiteRock on my blog for the first time in a long time.  I’m in deep thought about it and i’m leaning towards a yes.  It will be three weeks after Route 66 so the recovery time is manageable.  I will also still be in great marathon shape to run it.

Involvement

I have volunteered for the race planning committee for next years Kelsey Briggs run.  Its kind of amazing how things work sometimes.  I am ready to put in the work/effort to make next years race successful and to bring about Child Abuse Awareness.

Also, i’m in the infancy stage of putting together a running/bible study group.  It’d be a great chance for runners to talk about races and training.  Even more importantly runners will have a chance to work on a relationship with Christ.

Will keep you posted on both projects as they progress.

Rollin’ the Clocks Back

Finally, daylight savings time has arrived.   This made me think about time.  More importantly, what we do with our time.  I happen to like running.  No matter what you do with your time, do it with  a purpose.  Just like running with a purpose.  I hope to look back someday on my life and be able to say that I did the best with the time that I had.

I ran the Kelsey Briggs 5K run this morning.  Here is a quick list of items to note…..

1. Great cause that is dear to me
2. Ran with my running buddies Melissa and Brenda
3. Met new people (Kim, Amber, and Phillip)
4. Pretty flat course
5. Saw a few LandRunners:  Roger Lemmons, Courtney Lemmons, Kelly Kramer, Jason Tilton, and Ron Kuykendall
6. Chilled out after the race and laughed which was much needed in my life

One final thought before getting into the pictures….I had no choice but to run this race.  As much as I thought about other races to run, I was drawn to this race (some would say convicted).  The cause was so powerful and I work in education.  Therefore child abuse prevention is a big cause to champion.

Now onto the pictures…Lots of pictures.

Public unveiling of Brenda 26.2 tattoo

Brenda is very proud of the 26.2 tattoo and even more so what it means to her.  However, the chill of the cold weather overrode her desire to show of her new tattoo.  Maybe next time runners.

Sneaking up on Melissa

After the brief tattoo unveiling to the running world, we were graced with Melissa’s presence.  Quick story about her, we called her earlier that morning to inquire on where she was on her trip to the Boathouse.  Ends up she was driving back home because she had forgotten her running shoes.  Not as bad as forgetting a timing chip though.

Melissa still gets really nervous before a race and that explains the story above.  Can’t wait to see how she gets before the Route 66 marathon which she will be running for the first time.

Orbitz Commercial

Here’s a really cool pic of Melissa and Brenda.  Love the sunrise in the background.  I also joke around about the orbitz commercial because Melissa and Brenda have two the nicest smiles around.  Both of these ladies are great running buddies and friends.  Many times they’ve heard my life story as we do training runs.  I’m starting to call them my running therapists.  It’s just so amazing how a sport like running and create such strong friendship bonds.

There goes the neighborhood

All was quiet at the OKC Boathouse until…..Kim enters the scene.  Kim is a good friend of Melissa.  It took about 10 seconds to warm up and feel comfortable with Kim.  It’s pretty obvious to see that nice people tend to surround themselves around nice people.

Another beautiful sunrise

Here’s a pic of Melissa and Kim.  I’m totally in love with the sunrise behind them.  I could probably count the number of sunrises that I have seen on two hands until I started running.  Now, I practically see one several days away.

Amber with her Gold Shoes

Melissa’s next friend to show up was Amber.  Once again another awesome person with a definite signature look…her golden shoes.  Not to be confused with a “golden ticket.”   This little gal ran in shiny golden shoes.  I should have gotten a direct picture of them to properly do them justice in describing them.  Amber was a big reason why I ran today even though she didn’t know it.  It was a chain reaction from a Melissa and Amber conversation weeks ago.  Amber discussed with Melissa about the Kelsey Briggs run that she is involved with which in turned brought me and Brenda into the mix by running the race.

Here's the Motley Crew

Here’s a photo of us all.  I do apologize for having my eyes closed.  Not the first picture I have ruined before.  Lets play…”Who doesn’t belong?”  Ding Ding Ding…that’d be me. I am surrounded by good-looking women.  I stick out like a turd in a punch bowl.

Having a group together like today really made the race extra enjoyable.  I laughed so many times this morning.

On to the Race–The race was an out and back race that started and ended at the OKC Boathouse.  The running path was a little narrow but the number of runners was kinda light so it was not a problem.  The hills were minimal and the weather was very cooperative.  The runners and volunteers were very friendly and helpful.  I started off at a medium pace and made it about a mile before I had committed a cardinal running rule.  Make sure your shoes are tied properly before running.  I had to stop and double knot one of my shoes.  After that, I settled into a fairly quick pace until the last 3/4 mile.  That was when I decide to dial it down to reduce the risk of injury.  I had proven to myself that I could hang a decent 5K time for myself and that was enough.  I’m starting to get into injury paranoid zone.  This is a zone where i’m freaking out about getting hurt or sick before I make it to the marathon.

Here I am finishing

Here I am finishing the race.  I’m under no pain or stress as I finish.  Special thanks to Phillip for taking this picture and many other photos for me.  Phillip was the silent hero today with his camera.  He took several pictures of us and of other runners.

Melissa has a 3rd in her age group finish

The picture to the left is of Melissa finishing in 3rd place for her age group.  Told you in earlier blogs that she is a “stallion” when it comes to running and competition.

Kim finishing right behind Melissa

Want to know the difference between Kim and Melissa?  3 seconds today.  That was the time differential between the two runners.  She looked good finishing and looked like she was having fun.

Golden Shoes

Amber comes in right behind Kim.  The golden shoes had definitely propelled her forward throughout the race.  Here’s a few Vids from the race I was able to take after I crossed the finish line.

Why yes, I have lot’s of pix and vids today.

Brenda and Melissa with Medals

Here’s a few pix of other people (LandRunners).

Roger Wins the Race!

Katie wins the Women's Division

Kuykendall...Way too fast for me.

Jason finishes 3rd

Picture from Monster Mash..Stopped by on way home.

Here are some random pics that I wanted to post on the blog.  The last two at the bottom are from the Monster Mash in Norman.  We saw that the closing ceremonies were still going on so we stopped and took a few pictures of Snoopy and a dog in costume.

To sum up the race and the day….Wow!

Next week, Brenda goes to the Tulsa Run.  Melissa and I stay in OKC to do our final 20 mile run.

Dog in costume at Monster Mash

Greetings fellow readers.  Sorry it’s been so long since i’ve posted but I’m back and ready to roll out quite an interesting blog entry today.  You see, it all started last Spring during a long training run.  Brenda and I discussed the possibility of getting a tattoo to celebrate a successful completion of the OKC Memorial Marathon.  At first, Brenda was a little taken back but as time went on, it made more sense to her.  More sense?  Yes more sense, running the marathon is no easy task.  It require a minimum of sixteen weeks of training out in all kinds of weather elements.  In this case, blistering cold (remember the Beacon).  Once the training is complete, here comes the easy part?  Running 26.2 miles at one time.

As many of you followed on the blog last year, we struggled and overcame all obstacles placed before us and Brenda and Alex officially became marathoners.  After the marathon time went by and we continued to talk about the tattoo idea and when it would be convenient for both of us.  We finally agreed upon a day…today.  

We got our tattoo at the Hall of Tattoo’s on Main Street Norman.  Derek Vosten was the tattoo artist.  Here’s the website…  http://www.halloftattoos.com/

Here's the place...I'm in the corner

Notice the big smile..before needle

Here I am at the beginning of tattoo

It fun to watch Brenda's face

Holding her husbands' hand..not a real smile

Finished 26.2 tattoo

Here's my 26.2 tattoo

I happen to see this roadrunner emblem yesterday and when I saw it, I quickly changed my tattoo over to this.  The picture doesn’t do it justice because it’s blurry but you do get the idea.

The final media I have from today is a video of Brenda when the tattoo first started.  I like how she’s all smiles but don’t let that fool you, it was a front.  However, she did great.  No tears which is huge for her.  After we left the Hall of Tattoo’s, we expressed how pleased we were with the final product and we would recommend Derek to others on such a venture.

It’s been quite a week for me.  I was able to run three times outside and once inside on the treadmill.  My workout intensity is gaining strength.   My treadmill work consisted of several minutes of hill running.  The cooler weather has forced my road bicycle inside.  So my crosstraining took a hit this week.  That is the reason why I ran an extra time this week.

To combat the lack of bicycle time, I will be a guest visitor the Huston Huffman OU complex.  I plan to pay as a guest and start doing spin classes.  I can’t help but feel that the training going on this month is the most vital in my marathon training.  Something tells me November training is more about maintaining and resting.

Had a really good run today.  Woke up late and went to Edmond Hills and ran 12 miles.  It was quite amazing to see how I was able to run the hills now compared to two months ago when I first started training.  There was only a minor slow down in pace as I went up hills.  I can’t help but feel that this is a good as I head to Route 66 in six weeks.

Even though I feel good about today’s run, I can’t rest on that victory.  20 miles is staring at me on Saturday once again.  Two times around Lake Hefner.  I’m working hard to maintain the training run schedule set out by the LandRunners.  I am able to see my body come together as the race gets closer and I credit much of it to the training schedule and how the mileage is added in increments.  I’m also discovering the value of rest.   Rest has been something I equated with nonrunners.  I can still be a runner and rest. 

My race schedule has been rather light to nonexistent right now.  Most of this is due to OU football, training run conflicts, and money.  I’ve run alot of races over the last year but right now the training run overrides 5K races.  Don’t worry, I will be back on the 5K circuit.  Loganpalooza in two weeks is on my radar (unless I decide to do Monster Mash in Norman). 

Looking well into the future, my schedule is pretty loaded with big races.  After Route 66 Marathon, a decision will be made about Dallas White Rock.  I may run a half or full depending on how I feel about Route 66.  In the spring, I will run the Memorial Marathon and then do a quick turn around and run Avenue of the Giants.  I am leaning towards running the Memorial and jogging the Avenue but weather could easily reverse that order. 

Beyond running, I am leaning heavily toward Freewheel.  I’d love to ride across the entire state and camp out on the way. 

I do apologize if my blog posts seem like they are the same every week.  I’m still in love with running and blogging.  Lately I’ve been worried about being too boring.  The fact is i’m surround by awesome running people.  I get great support from my family and friends.

Its been quite a ride this weekend so far.  Some of you may not know but I am in week 2 of 5 where I am the color commentator for the one of the Norman High School football games.  Anyway, I had the opportunity to call the Moore vs. Norman North game last night.  I love talking about football and i’m having a blast talking on the radio.  If you want to hear me on the radio over the next three weeks, you’ll have to stay up late on Friday.  I’m the tape delay game that comes on after the live game.  In other words, around 11:30 p.m. you can hear my voice.  The station is the KREF http://www.sportstalk1400.com/kref/index.php 1400 am.  They do stream.

Woke up early this morning to run my first 20 mile training run.  My alarm went off at 4:20 a.m. and I quickly noted similarities and differences between laying in bed before going to work versus laying in bed before going to run.  It’s easier to get up and go run but the bed still feels super nice when one first wakes up regardless of days destination.

Met up with Brenda and Melissa.  Brenda aka my little running buddy has been fighting injury and sickness for several weeks.  Wasn’t sure how far or well she was going to do this morning.  Melissa has been showing up every week and doing what has been asked of her in order to be properly trained for the November marathon.  Fast forward several miles and hours….they made great strides today and i’m proud of them.  Heck i’m proud of them all the time. 

The course for the day was two times around Lake Hefner.  Each lap is around 10 miles.  We started off in the cover of darkenss.  Well, maybe not completely dark.  The large moon was still high in the sky.  We had moments of beauty early in the run.  We made note of the bright moon high in the sky and the cool crip air.  The water on the lake was still and reflected the moon.  In the distance, the lighthouse was illuminated by white lights. 

Quick note to runners….buying a miners light was a smart move for me.  At times I had to use it in order to see the course and to see people coming up on us. 

All three of us ran nicely around the lake the first time.  The second loop I decided to open things up and see what I could do.  This was kind of a risky move for me because this is the first 20 miler on the training schedule http://www.okcrunning.org/landrunners/Training/RunAMarathon.htm 

However, my body felt great and I ran the next 6 miles around a 9 minute pace before gradually slowing down the final 4 miles.  It was nice to know I could pick it up when I needed it.  I have about a month and a half of training left.  Really look forward to these weekend training runs.  I’m not sure if i’d be at this point in my running shape if I was doing this alone. 

I am very grateful for my running buddies and the friendships formed through this sport.  As for the title of post, I’ve used this phrase to simplify the training runs.  “Just know the pins down” every week.  This week there happended to be 20 pins. 

Next week we are going to deviate away from the LandRunners and run 12 miles of hills in Edmond.  There is a slight chance of me running a 5K tomorrow in Norman.  “Among Friends” is a low key race that I wouldn’t mind jogging just to have fun and get a taste of the race feeling. 

Stay tuned, I’ll keep you posted.

Ran 18 miles on Saturday and I am going to give it up to my new best friend….Body Glide.

If I had my way, i’d dip my entire body in body glide before a big run. 

Update…Over halfway over with Route 66 marathon training.  Body is feeling pretty good.  Expecting to have a big week running and biking.  Still a few weeks away from another 5K run.  Life is pretty good.

Reached the midway point of marathon training for the Route 66 marathon in  November. 

Its been a rather wet couple of training weeks.  Last Saturday’s 17 miles was a rainy one and this week’s 12 miles was the same.  Interestingly, it never rained down the road in Norman today.

I am encouraged by my current state of training.  I’m gradually starting to see my old form return.  Sure it’s still pretty slow but atleast it’s recognizable.  The next few weeks will be a test as I will be running 18, 20, 12 , and 20 mile long runs on Saturday mornings. 

Very thankful for the OKC LandRunners ( www.okcrunning.org ) for providing the venue and water for the weekend training runs.  Having other runners around me helps keep me motivated when I start to tire. 

Have big plans of stepping things up during the month of October.  My bike ride intensity and running intensity will increase.  

Upcoming events?  Not really sure.  I want to do the Rennaisance Run in Midwest City but I have noticed that the training run has not been moved to accommodate the event.  Do know that I need to cut loose on a 5K really soon to keep my juices flowing.   I will continue to update my status to you as time grows closer to the Marathon.