Just keep swimming

(photo courtesy http://www.kiwanismidnightrun.com/)

Friday night, July 3rd, my baby ran her fastest 5k in a few years.  It was the Kiwanis Midnight Run over the Dunedin Causeway.  Based on pre-race factors (such as two prior workouts, a self-defense class and a random dinner of rice, coffee and an expired Cliff bar) none of us (me, Wendy or Greene) were planning to set any personal records (PRs).  Oh yeah, and the race really is at midnight.  I am a night owl; Wendy is typically in the dark recesses of REM by 11pm; and I think Greene is somewhere in the middle and will have to weigh in on her typical sleep habits;)  

However, when the gun went off, so did Wendy Bartlett!!!  We three started the race together- bobbing and weaving through the masses of people, catching glimpses of each other, speeding up and slowing down, trying to get in a kind of groove together. Greene and I found some space and fell into a rhythm but Wendy was off the grid.  No worries, I thought, she likes to do her own thing. 

The first mile clicked off on my Garmin at 9:05.  Not bad with such a dense group at the start.  Also, Greene and I were running the 10k race (which follows the 5k conclusion) so we were not trying to kill it.  We chatted along joking about dinner and hoping neither of us saw it again while keeping an eye out for Wendy.  Both the 5k and 10k courses are "out and back" routes.  I kind of like an "out and back" course because you get to see and cheer for the race leaders as they fly by and look and cheer for your friends as well.  Bonus--people watching passes the time, deflects aches and pains and keeps dark thoughts away!  

Just after the turnaround my Garmin chirped notice of mile 2 and an 8:46 pace-whoa, faster than expected!  We were not sure about Wendy at this clip but then I thought I caught a glimpse of her smiley face bandana just ahead of us.  Trigger pulled - chase on - off to the finish. 

There were still quite a few racers on the street which kept us in a zig zag pattern until the final finisher chute.  Mile 3 beep signaled an 8:30 pace and Wendy was still a ghost. We both thought she was behind us.  As we crossed the line a smiley face bandana girl brought us water--say what?!?  Wendy was smiling ear to ear with a glow all around her.  She just crushed that race!  BAM!

It is a beautiful sight to see someone's hard work pay off and we were a witness that night. Congrats baby!  And a huge shout out to Greene for hanging with me and keeping the conversation flowing and my mind off running.  It was a gorgeous night and morning filled with surprises, friendship and harmony.  

Lace up friends, you never know what a race will bring:)

Cotton Candy Skies

Another beautiful night to run...

I was going to take a break from exercise Thursday night but I was feeling restless.  Tell me if any of you experience the same feeling, where your mind and body are telling you to rest yet you have this nervous energy and you know if you do not release it you are going to have a hard time focusing on anything (or sleeping later that night in my case)??

After debating with myself and knowing I would feel better afterwards, I took off at almost 8pm.  I was worried darkness would set in before I returned home but I was rewarded with an amazing spectrum of colors following sunset (see picture above).  Oops, I have gotten ahead of myself...

Although the end is the best part of this enterprise, it is hard to appreciate the evening's value without the full story.  I was moving along the sidewalk next to the road staring at all the cracks and remembering the last time I ran in the dark on this busted up walkway - I was not paying attention, legs and feet heavy near the end of a long run, when a crack caught my shoe and I went airborne.  I felt like a little kid, falling and skinning my knee less than a half mile from home, ha!  Anyway, this was several years ago and the sidewalk is still crumpled up like a mini earthquake ruptured.  Made me wonder when our tax dollars might fix this booby trap?!

As you can tell from the start of this venture, my mind was all over the place.  I was trying to control the stream of thoughts bombarding my brain and hone in on writing a nice Father's Day post.  My psyche had other ideas.  I have learned not to swim against my inner tide and let my spirit go with the flow.  In that moment of resolve, a quietness occurred.  I lifted my head and began to explore the street I have run probably 100 times.  It always amazes me how the time of day or running on the opposite side of the street can give a road a completely new appearance.  I noticed a pond in this subdivision I had never seen and was baffled at how I could have missed it over the years.

Running and thinking is a tricky endeavor.  I may start off running with thoughts of work overwhelming me or be on a quest for a solution to a problem or challenge. Other times, I try to distract myself with anything that comes to mind or be creative with ideas and conceptualizing. Whatever the original abstraction, it typically fades into the background with each footfall.  I do not usually solve a problem or write a new hit song on the run, but the serenity that lingers after the exertion allows me to focus and see interests in a fresh light.

Back to it... I was settling into the evening and the experience and my mind slowly started firing again.  This time my mental activity was not so frenzied and a theme began to emerge.  I was thinking how my thoughts were out of control, then how life can feel out of control when the word "control" stuck in my head.  I realized that running was my control.  Just that night I was wishy washy and unsure what to do, but running made sense.  To run is to take control.  I decide how far I want to go, the path I want to pursue, solo or with a co-conspirator, fast, slow, etc.  The common link is me.  I am the constant.  I am the control.  This revelation put a spring in my step.  I might not know my purpose in life or what to eat for dinner, but I can always go for a run.

My first mile this night was heavy but now the weight was lifted.  I was singing along with my cheesy iPod pop songs and smiling at strangers passed along the way.  The Safety Harbor Pier came into view and I did not want the sun to set!  Barely a single wave rippled the water - I felt simpatico with the sea.  Something about the water brings a calm to my soul.  I never want to leave.  I gathered strength from my fellow ocean admirers and reminded myself, I will return.

My smile and crooning carried me home to the gorgeous scene captured with a quick photo.  What more can I say to the universe except, "Thanks"!

P.S. - happy Father's Day;)

Everything is Zen

Last night I had a rare, I am tired and do not feel like working out kind of night... I laid down to rest but could not fall asleep.  It was dreary and rainy outside which did not help my mood.  Now, thinking back, I realize the nasty weather was actually a gift.  The downpour of rain (which flooded Tampa-pic below)

(Bay News 9 photo)

was a welcome relief from the earlier heat of the day and gave me an idea. My runner dog, Kismet, might enjoy this cool weather and be the perfect running companion:)   

I suited up with slight hesitation--decisions, decisions--what running shoes do I want to trash knowing Kis likes to run in the grass and it is super wet out;) Kis saw me getting dressed and started to get excited.  She likes to weave in between your legs and rub up against you and block your path as you prep up. 

I believe she always wants to go with me thanks to this pitiful guilt face she makes but the high temps and longer distances as of late are not the right mix. However, she was in for a treat tonight!

When I grabbed her collar she started barking and jumping--this was it--she knew she was going for an adventure!  I also grabbed some treats to keep her motivated on the return trip.  Yes, Kismet is spoiled but they all are in ways to match their unique personalities.  

Kis loves to run and has one speed-fast! She knows the path and takes off full throttle.  We have a park near our home a little over a mile down the road.  There is water, shade and freedom for her to open up and let loose.  It is a beautiful sight:)  The problem is she does not know how to pace herself.  I try to pace her but it is easier to give in and call it a Fartlek session.  This word still causes me to snicker, which according to elite runners distinguishes the serious athletes from weekend warriors (like me).    

Per wiki:  Fartlek means "speed play" in Swedish and “is simply defined as periods of fast running intermixed with periods of slower running."

Regardless, once Kismet burns it out on our sprint to the park, she needs a little encouragement on the road home, hence the bag of treats.

This run was pure joy from the start!  I left my watch and headphones behind and we shot out the door.  Kismet knew the night was ours and put her paws to the pavement.  The trip to the park was a blur with me pretending to stop her for her own good but really an excuse for me to suck air.  WOW--it's been awhile since I have run full speed!  Kis was smiling ear to ear with her tongue hanging out and nudging me to start the speedy roller coaster ride again.  Hang on, I thought, here we go.  I had to mentally remind myself, it is only a mile and surely I can gut it out.  I can rest on the walk/jog home.

We made it to the park and I set Kis free.  She took off into the wide open park and I took off in the opposite direction.  The benefit of a herding dog--they like to chase (bonus-running for no reason;)  She heard my feet rustling the leaves on the other side of the trail and she was on my heels in seconds.  No sneaking away from Flash.  We then jogged along the trail which allowed me to catch my breath and her to investigate the bushes that run along the tennis courts, the holes created by gopher turtles and send squirrels scampering for the trees.

The sun was long gone and any remaining light was starting to fade.  I let Kis have a nice long drink and rest while I inhaled the cimmerian air.  Running is an equalizer for me whether I want to do it or not.  I need the physical release. Running (and boxing) allows me to push out excess energy and balance my body and spirit. The same holds true for Kismet--she needs the liberation as much as me.  She is my sole sister.  

The lethargy in my body was gone and my mood lifted.  Kismet was up and ready for the journey home.  Surprisingly, she wanted to run and kept up a jogging pace much more my style.  We ran along the grass in a state of bliss barely stopping for her typical treats.  On the final road home, the moonlight shimmered on the street and had me drifting into a zen-like state.  We were two shadowy beings, the rhythmic sound of our feet/paws and I felt like we were the only two alive when BAM--a cat ran across the road.  Kis had the leash fully extended in chase and I was skating across a neighbor's lawn.

Back to reality but the dream was real and set my soul at peace:)

The Art of Athletic Support

I have used the term "SAG wagon" over the years.  I knew it meant something about support and aid but then I fumbled with what the "G" stood for and kind of just mumbled it fast;)  Supporting our friends recently at the Dunedin Triathlon this past Sunday made me think of the term again.  

It appears the origin of the term came out of the cycling world meaning “Support and Gear” or “Support Aid Group.”  I laughed out loud at a SAG reference on a cycling site that mentioned it could mean "Sick And Grouchy" if having a bad day (http://www.steephill.tv/galleries/2005/high-pyrenees/). 

Wikipedia has more:

"SAG" may derive from a rider "sagging" off the back of the group.

SAG station - a location along the course of a long mass participation recreational ride providing mechanical and/or medical assistance to riders in need.

Volunteers at the SAG station may also dispatch SAG wagons to assist riders stranded along the course. A SAG station may also function as a food stop.

Now equipped with the definition I feel much better about using the term!  

So back to this weekend... it was a friend's first triathlon. We wanted to be there to cheer and support in this endeavor!  As a competitor, I know how valuable encouragement from a friend, family member or total stranger can be. One moment you are dragging along and then someone yells your name or says, "great job" and your head lifts a little higher and somehow your legs gain energy.  The emotional and physical lift is amazing!  

However, the logistics of athletic support is a sport in and of itself.  Just ask my aunt, Carol, who did a phenomenal job chasing me and a friend around the city of Louisville to cheer and support during the marathon.  The eve of the race, we poured over the course map to pinpoint locations/mile markers where she thought she could park, wave, cheer, throw pretzels and even coordinate a drop off for my wife to jump in and run the last ten miles with me.  This race was over 5 years ago but the images of my "sag wagon" evoke strong feelings of happiness, camaraderie, and strength which pushed me through fatigue and pain to the finish line!  Wow, I am about to tear up - such is the power of SAG!

We knew the Dunedin Tri course and set ourselves at the end of the Causeway at the bike turnaround to watch 2 laps of cycling.  We also knew the color of our friends' bikes, the color of their helmets and what they were wearing.  Although we had this information, discerning your friend in a pack of speeding bikes is not easy at all.  The colors and faces were a blur as bikes flew past us.  We cheered and clapped and kept a determined lookout.  I was sent up to the first bridge as a "spotter" to see if I could warn the cheer/picture squad of our friends advance arrival.  I was barely at the base of the bridge when I saw a white bike and gray helmet fly by.  My brain quickly made the connection as our friend on the bike yelled and waived to alert her supporters, hahaha.   I think we snapped one photo before our friend hit the turn and was cranking back towards Honeymoon Island.  We discovered she was on lap two already and her wife was maybe still on the course as well.  

We continued to clap and shout out to the bikers keeping an eye on the road for friend #2.  The bikers were very appreciative and many thanked us for the encouragement.  One girl stood out in particular as she pedaled along, she looked over and said, "thank you sooooo much".  It was extremely heartfelt and stuck with me.  It felt good to make someone else feel good.  

Our friends finished the tri and had a great experience.  We rehashed the details of the morning over a hearty, well-deserved breakfast!  Our friend's daughter (who was part of our glee club) brought up the appreciative biker in between bites of banana pancakes.  That girl made an impression on us all!

To all my friends, relatives and strangers that have motivated and encouraged me to conquer my goals - THANK YOU!  I hope you felt the gratitude in my heart bestowed onto me by this unknown triathlete:)

Nothing for granted

Recently I've been hampered with a lingering cough.  I thought I was on the road to recovery and had a decent 9 mile run prior to our cruise this past weekend.  My idea was to squeeze in one last run and then take a break while on the get-a-way.  On the cruise track, eleven laps = 1 mile.  A million laps around a tiny track-not my idea of a good time;)  Seems eerily familiar to treadmill running.  As you may surmise, I am not a fan of the hamster-wheel/treadmill.  I will run on a treadmill as a last resort but prefer an open road or trail!  It is too easy for me to just hop off the treadmill, versus if I run two miles away from home, I have to run (or walk, but I have no patience for that) two miles to get back.  Forced motivation, along with a sense of adventure awaits an outdoor run!

So, as intended I chilled out on the cruise.  No running, but we did use the track for some mini boot camp workouts (thank you Cherry).  On the last day we were going to run a few laps to warm up but the wind nearly blew us off the ship so we stuck to jumping jacks and jump rope.  

We had a great time on the cruise!  We read books and watched the sunset every night. We ate and napped whenever the mood struck.  We enjoyed the dance show and live bands. We took an excursion to "Isla de Passíon" which was amazing.  The water was crystal clear and a gorgeous green. Blue Lagoon drinks and ocean hammocks made the day fly!  We also met a cool couple from our area.  And the catamaran ride back was one big dance party.

Oh yeah, back to my throat tickler... I felt a little lethargic on the cruise and definitely not near the 110% I like to represent whether work or play.  After the Passion Island party my cough returned with a vengeance--not happy.  I tried to write it off to too much sun and drink; however, my allergies had other ideas.  The cold did not interfere with our good time cruise but the new virus did wreck havoc on my psyche.  I had something flu-ish in March and then bronchitis in April and now another viral attack-WTH!!!  Back on the mainland my goal was to run long in training for the Pinellas Trail Challenge (PTC).  I could not believe I was sick AGAIN.  

I wallowed around in pity for a few days but it was time to lift the mental and physical fog. I began to barter with myself.  I would appreciate every run in the future no matter the heat, the distance, the loneliness--as long as I could breathe without coughing or feeling blah.   I was forced to rest but I told myself, I will come back stronger.  I came to realize, you cannot take anything for granted.  I started to feel gratitude for the health I have, for the ability to run, for work, for my amazing soul mate and wonderful friends and family.

I was still a little bit shaky yesterday but totally stir crazy.  There was a slight breeze and some clouds so I decided to test out my legs and lungs.  I took a swig of Tylenol cold medicine and was out the door.  My legs fell into rhythm and my breathing was ok.  I tried not to assess everything and just enjoy the freedom and spirit of the run.  The 3 miles went by too fast but the spirit carried on throughout my day.  My body and mind celebrated this little accomplishment. I felt alive and back to my usual self.  

Sometimes a low brings out a high.  Not the "runner's high"... speaking of--topic for another blog~

Journey on friends!

Shadow Runner

Sunday night was a tough run.  Surprisingly not physically tough, but mentally.  This past weekend was the start of back to back runs in preparation for the Pinellas Trail Challenge (as I will lovingly now refer to as the PTC;).  Not to be confused with the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail - 2,663 miles) which Cheryl Strayed (portrayed by Reese Witherspoon) hikes a portion of in the movie Wild.

Small side note about the Pinellas Trail and then back to why the run was challenging... while researching when the Courtney Campbell Causeway trail will officially open on the Pinellas side-see blog post from Saturday as to why this was on my mind (June 19th for those wondering);  I discovered an "under construction" map of the Pinellas Trail.  I knew additions to the trail were under way but I was unaware of of the scale of the project.  New trail appendages along the east side of the Pinellas peninsula will connect the recent East/West add on to the current North/South trail creating a loop of the county.  Once the loop is complete, the trail will total 74.9 miles (seriously, wouldn't you add 0.1 and make it 75?).  I am so happy we are running the PTC now, hahaha~  Here's a map of the new county loop.

Anyway, back to Sunday's run.  I was tired from 18 holes of golf (plug for Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Course--Mother's Day discount!) and tired from 10 miles on Saturday and not ready for the weekend to end!  I was hoping to nap and recharge, but could not sleep.  So I laced up my shoes and grabbed my freshly charged iPod;)

The temperature was still in the 80's at 6:30pm but it did not feel near as hot as Saturday--there was a wonderful breeze and no direct sun overhead.  I decided on a quick 5 mile out and back to the Safety Harbor Pier.  We are very lucky this amazing gem is just 2.5 miles from our house!  It's not the most scenic route until you arrive at the Pier but I wanted simple and mind numbing.  As mentioned earlier, I was tired and my legs felt heavy.  I started moving my legs and began the mental Arnold Schwarzenegger "Terminator" type bodily assessment that seems to happen without thought.  I was feeling ok; however, as my scan moved from head to toe, my knee appeared on my mental monitor flashing red.  This I must confess was due to a ridiculous American Ninja Warrior move I tried to execute on the last hole of golf.  Let's just say I'm no longer 20 or 30 for that matter and should not jump small tributaries in a single bound.

Anyway, as I was jogging along with the scan complete, my mind started wander.  I was missing our friends which also double as running/up for anything partners.  I used to love running solo but the longer I've run the more I crave company (even if silent).  I know that may sound odd, but knowing someone is with you can make or break a run.  You know if you're tired, they are tired.  You are hot and they are looking for shade with you.  They have aches and pains which makes you feel good if you don't currently hurt or allows you to share and discuss resting strategies you will never follow through on;)  Or you run along together quietly and then open up like chatter boxes once the run is done to rehash the experience-good, bad, ugly!

It was the solo run Saturday and now again Sunday that had me feeling lonely.  Although there were plenty of cars buzzing past me and my music kicking, the road ahead seemed desolate.  It was then that my shadow caught my eye.  It seemed to jump out at me to say, "Hey, you are not alone".  Stride for stride my shadow matched pace and kept me moving forward.  She was my silent companion and perfect partner to push me to my destination.  Instead of counting my steps and checking my watch, I was gliding along fully engaged in the run.

Before I realized, I was looking at the water and it was gorgeous.  A beautiful, clear night, serene water and the landscape of Tampa looming in the background.  Lots of people were out and about enjoying the evening with their moms.  I reminisced about a fun filled day with my soul mate and mother-in-law.  Along with memories of my recent trip home and valuable time with my mom, sister, niece and nephew.  The impressions filled me with love and appreciation.

I took one last look at the water and headed home.  My shadow was now gone but the intimacy remained.

photo credit: Running shadow via photopin (license)

Losing yourself in the run...

Today was my first long run in a long time, and I have definitely missed it!  I was not sure of my route until I started driving towards Safety Harbor.  I was going to run a typical course along Bayshore Boulevard, when I remembered the new Courtney Campbell Causeway trail.  Now instead of the usual path, I was heading out on a new adventure!  This novelty made 10 miles seem way more exciting:)  I was curious of the distance to the new trail so here was an excuse to map it out.

I was off... my legs felt ok which I was happy to discover after a tough leg workout Friday night (another, it's been a long time since I've done 100 squats, lunges, ring jumps, etc.).  There was a slight breeze and shade in the first part and my mind was free.  Before I knew it I was at the Causeway, only a mile and a half from my start (Del Oro Park).  My guess was two miles so I was fairly close in my estimate.

Just steps onto the new trail, I encountered a police officer guarding the barricades at the entrance to the pathway. Some bikers were also on the path and we were all told the course was closed (didn't we see the barricades, duh!#$%).

I'm not sharing my internal monologue but as you may guess, I was extremely disappointed.  My excitement and expectations were crushed.  I turned around and headed back towards the Safety Harbor Pier.

I immediately began that "running math" we runners love so much in order to recalculate the distance back to the start and then how far north to hit my target.  Interrupting my computations were cranky thoughts about the police officer raining on my parade.  I tried to let it go and then finally just gave in and let it out... unfortunately I wasted a few miles in a gloomy disposition until a butterfly caught my eye.  It was a big butterfly, mostly black with yellow spots. The butterfly totally busted me out of my mood and brought me back.  She flew with me for about a half mile and set my heart at ease.

I then saw a male and a female cardinal hanging out in a tree--I envisioned young love.  Several crows flew overhead, perched and squawked at me.  Crows always have something to say to me so I engaged them in some conversation. Next, came views of Tampa Bay, as the brush along the water was perfectly trimmed for eye level observation. It was a gorgeous day and the Causeway cluster was long forgotten.

I ran into Philippe Park and hit my turnaround point--yay! My legs were starting to feel heavy and it seemed much hotter than the 78 degrees when I started.


Mentally there is something wonderful about a turnaround/halfway spot and I tried to focus on that happy thought and put one foot in front of the other.

I did notice a breeze which was not there on the way into the park, plus sights of kayaks on the water and before I knew it I was a mile closer to some AC.

I stopped for ice cold water at the Safety Harbor Pier and started a gel to get me through the last 3 miles.  I don't recall much of anything until my iPod announced "low battery".  It was hot,  I just ticked off mile #8 and I thought--if my iPod dies, I die.  A tad dramatic, I know--blame the heat!  My predicament brought back memories of Wendy's iPod dying at the Marine Corp. Marathon.  Quick recap--Wendy's first every marathon, music is her lifeline, iPod quit at at mile 13, she was passed by a girl with a cast on her foot at mile 20, prayed for a sniper to strike at 22, blisters on both feet exploded around mile 25, body covered head to toe in salt at 26.2--SHE DID IT (video of her "sprinting" through the finish line on file;)!  All these visuals flooded my brain and my pace quickened!

The next mile is a blur, although I did look for gators at the little park before my turn.  One more mile to go and there's shade but also a slight incline (my knees and hips cried).  I haven't seen anyone else running since mile 4 and a guy pops onto the trail all fresh with a spring in his step.  I had just stopped for a last swig of water and probably looked fresh out of battle.  Oh well, someone to follow and swipe some energy from... mile 10 beeps on my Garmin.

I stop, walk and start to think what a crazy, unexpected run.  Good times!

To workout or rest, that is the question?!

Well here it goes... my first blog post and it's not about running (directly), ha!  This entry is about the dreaded "rest" day.  My wife jokingly said last night, "why don't you take a rest day today?".  Sounds so easy, but oh so hard!  Why?  Why is it difficult to relax and do nothing in the form of exercise?  Maybe it's the idea of doing nothing when in actuality I know I will do something just not my usual physical release.  Maybe my mind plays tricks with me--self doubts creep in, work problems cloud my mind--who am I... what's my purpose... these thoughts fill my head when I'm not drowning myself in sweat!  Just the word "rest" sends shivers down my spine--rationale is out the window.  I know my body needs to recharge, I know I will rise up stronger the next day, I know I won't gain 10 pounds overnight, I know I won't lose any conditioning.  Yet the psychological demon exists.  A rest day is a true test of mental toughness.  Hmmmmmmm, have I stumbled upon an understanding?!  The struggle to rest is really an exercise in mental strengthening. Therefore, I'm not really resting but powering up my brain for the long, hot runs ahead and the inevitable mind games.  Bring it on summer:)