Jason's Running Diary

If there is any confusion....

2008-05-07T11:14:00.003-04:00

I am now located at Recast in Iron. You can find all my blog postings at that site :)

See you there!!

Recast In Iron

2008-05-05T18:40:00.007-04:00

So, I've reached a major decision in my life. I've talked about it a few times on this blog. I've even chronicled some of my timid beginnings. But, now I am officially committed to it. I've told my wife ;)

What I plan to do is complete a Full Ironman in 2010. Yep, that's it. I will race an Ironman. I will continue my running journey. But, now I've added two more sports to my plate and I will only be updating my new Ironman blog. Tell your friends....join me on another journey!!

Without further ado:

i*ron man (also i*ron*man)
noun
(esp. in sporting contexts) an exceptionally strong or robust man.

[often as adj.] a multi-event sporting context demanding, in particular a consecutive triathlon of swimming, cycling, and running.

My life is changed. I conquered the marathon last year. This fall, I will do so again. I am no longer defined by what I cannot do. I am defined by what I can.

My journey is not over. I will continue to be more than I think I can be. I will embrace my desire to overcome.

I will be an Ironman. I will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles in one day. I will triumph over my fear.

I will retool my body and mind to accept and welcome the pain of extreme endurance. It will take time. But, I will persevere. I will persist. I will continue.

Transformed. Altered. Remade.

I will be Recast In Iron.

2008 Flying Pig Half-Mary Race Report

2008-05-04T20:45:00.007-04:00

What a great race!!!

Cincinnati does a great job. This race actually reminded me of the Richmond Marathon. The people were incredibly friendly and the runners were great. We had a great time.

The race itself was great as well. The weather was perfect. Cool, clear blue skies. The course was wonderful. There are some hills, but nothing that was overwhelming. The hills in the Charlottesville Ten-Miler were worse than the ones in this race.

A few things stick out that I wanted to mention:

Around mile 2, the race crosses a bridge into Kentucky. The bridge is one of these big arch bridges, which was pretty cool. But, what was really great was that the wind was whipping through the steel girders that support the bridge which somehow caused the wind to whistle as it traveled through the bridge. It actually sounded like an Enya song. How cool!!
At mile 5, right before the start of the hills, the race went through a part of town that was mobbed with screaming spectators. It was GREAT!!!! If there was ever a time I felt like a superhero it was then :)
Miles 5-8 were nothing but hills. They were long and the grade was a little steep, but like I said, nothing impossible. At the top of the last hill, Elvis was on hand to sing a version of Bridge over Troubled Water to us.
Around mile 9 or 10, the race goes down a huge hill....it lasts for like a mile (at least it felt like it). I think I like running up hills rather than running down them. It sounds counterintuitive, but man, downhill running jostles your legs a bit.
The finish line, as always, is great. It was packed. There must have been like 3 or 4 thousand people there.

I would absolutely recommend this race to anyone. It was really one of the better experiences I've had while racing. Oh, and one more thing, I ran it in under 2 hours. Official time 1:58:32. I got my pig butt!! Woot!

Thanks to Steph's sister and her fiancee for putting us up while we were there. Also, thanks to her friends for driving them around to the different spectator locations to see me. Thanks everyone :)

Later!!

Weight: 155lbs
Exercise:Running 13.1 miles
Weather:Beautiful weather

2008 Flying Pig

2008-05-02T12:27:00.004-04:00

Steph and I leave today for the 2008 Flying Pig Half Marathon. Woohoo!!!

It looks like I'll be the only representative from our family who will run it. Steph decided she doesn't want to try the hills (I can't blame her). Anyway, we'll spend the weekend with her sister and then return on Sunday after the race.

See you soon!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Weight Training
Weather:Overcast, warm

Jason Becoming Ironman (T minus 2 years)

2008-05-01T14:01:00.002-04:00

I don't know who this guy is, but, damn, I want to go do one right now :)

Yoga?

2008-05-01T09:44:00.005-04:00

So as I go to my second Yoga class tomorrow, I was wondering what other folks felt about Yoga and its ability to help with your running?

Any comments are appreciated :)

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Running 3 miles, Swimming
Weather:Cool, overcast.

Swims like a Rock

2008-04-30T20:59:00.005-04:00

That's my new Native-American name. So, I had my swim clinic today. Apparently, I'm not that bad of a swimmer from my waist up. My problem is that my butt wants to sink. And, according to my instructor, it's because I'm not kicking correctly.

It seems that you are supposed to kick with your hips, which then forces your upper body up, which then allows me to turn my head and breathe like I should. It also will keep me from wearing myself out. Right now, when I swim, I lose my breath pretty quickly and it's because my arms and shoulders are pulling all of my weight. My instructor tells me that once I solve my kicking problem, I'll be able to swim with less effort and for longer periods.

So, I got two drills that I'm supposed to work on that will help me keep my butt up. Ok, if you read that sentence out of context......ok...nevermind. Anyway, I'll be doing that for the next few weeks as well as attempting to normal swims.

I ran 3 miles today and also weight trained. Tomorrow is 3 miles and my swim drills. Joy.

Cheers!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Running 3 miles, Weigh training, swimming
Weather:Cold, overcast.

What a weekend!!

2008-04-29T18:28:00.004-04:00

My legs are going to fall off :)

I ended up going to the gym on Friday for my normal weight training, which was great. It was what happened later that tired me out so much. Earlier in the week, I decided to be proactive about my hamstring problem (as well as just stretching in general) and took my first yoga class. It was at 9am after my workout. All I can say is WOW!!!!!

Yoga is all that.

Yeah.

It is.

I'll be going back this Friday and then I start a beginner's cohort. I think it'll really help with my flexibility.

After my class, I then decided to go for a bike ride. Mind you, Fridays are usually rest days for my legs. I ended up riding 15 miles. Then, on Saturday Steph and I did a 6 mile run.

Whew!!!!! I'm surprised I made it :)

I did 3 miles and weight training on Monday and will do 3 miles and weight training tomorrow. In addition, I have a swim clinic tomorrow evening (where I'll learn once again that I have the swimming capability of a rock).

Cheers!!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:Lots :)
Weather:Beautiful

3 more miles

2008-04-24T10:53:00.003-04:00

Got three miles in today and it felt great. My leg almost feels like it did before I injured it. Whew!!! I get so worked up about racing and adding the injury made me a tad more nervous than usual, but I think I'll finish the half just fine.

Steph and I are staying with her sister who lives in Cinci. There's a story here, so hang on :)

My decision to begin training for a marathon was influenced indirectly by Steph's sister. We visited her in May of last year and, while there, I read an article in her local paper about the Flying Pig Marathon. I can remember the article pretty vividly. In fact, I can remember where and when I read it, which for me is amazing as I can't even remember what I had for breakfast.

Anyway, the article was about this woman who decided to run the Flying Pig as her first marathon. She was a twin and her and her sister were both going to run it. I think the sister had already run it once before. It was pretty inspiring and I decided that I should consider doing it. Well, I'm not running the marathon, but I'll conquer the Flying Pig Half next month thanks to Steph's sister. If we hadn't visited her, I may not have gotten the marathon bug at all :)

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles
Weather: Beautiful

Mucho Better

2008-04-23T10:14:00.003-04:00

My leg is better today. Maybe the swimming helped? Got me. But, nonetheless, it feels much better. I lifted and ran 3 miles today. The 3 miles felt good. I still notice the tightness in my hamstring, but I was able to complete the 3 with no problems. I may do 3 again tomorrow and then no run on Friday. I'll swim again and then lift on Friday.

I agree with Andrew on getting some lessons, so I contacted a few folks around town. We'll see what happens.

Cheers!!

Weight:158 lbs
Exercise:Weight training, Running 3 miles
Weather:Beautiful

Finding Jason

2008-04-22T10:37:00.003-04:00

So I felt like Nemo today.

I did my first swim. It stunk!!!! I think I am meant to only exercise on land. Nevertheless, I got through it :) I intended just to do some drills that I picked up from my Triathlon 101 book. It worked out about as good as I could expect I guess.

However, I can't even swim a lap without some problem with my breathing. I want to hold my breath when I'm under. The problem is, when you swim, you can't do that. You're supposed to exhale and then come up for a breath.....yeah that doesn't work out so well for me ;)

So I'll be giving it another shot on Thursday. We'll see what happens.

I just ran a mile yesterday as my leg was sore. I think I pushed it a little too hard on Sat. We'll see what I run tomorrow. Probably just 1-2 miles. I really want to be in good shape when I do the Cinci race. BTW, do you know the medal for that race is a pig butt? Ha!!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Swimming
Weather:Beautiful

Long Run

2008-04-19T22:51:00.002-04:00

Steph and I put in 6 miles today. I hadn't planned on running that much, but my leg felt pretty good so I gave it a shot. I felt pretty good...funny thing is that my calves were tight afterwards. My hamstring is still a little sore and I think my other leg was compensating again. So it was an odd run. Nonetheless, it felt good.

We came home and then mulched the yard....aghh!!!! I hate yardwork. Next week, I think I'll do 5-5-5-8. Then the week of the half, I'll do 5-5-5-13.1. That's the plan anyway, we'll see how it goes. Also, next week, I'm starting my swimming. I fully intend to sink like a rock, but if I don't start now, I'll never do a triathlon :)

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 6 miles
Weather:Beautiful!!!!

Ice, Ice Baby

2008-04-17T09:54:00.002-04:00

So this 4 times/day icing routine is hard to do. Especially if you work. I look like an idiot sitting on an ice pack. But, I'm doing it :) Yesterday, I lifted and then ran about a mile. I kept my pace very slow. Today, I ran 2 miles. My leg feels pretty good, but I'm still compensating for it with my other leg. That means that while I'm completing my mileage, my one healthy leg is covering more than its share of the load. But, nonetheless, I'm getting some miles in. I still feel like a slug though. It's amazing how missing 1 or 2 days of running makes me feel crappy. I need my FIX!!!!

I've also started a more rigorous stretching routine (using Kevin's suggestion) so I hopefully won't have many more injuries like this one.

Tomorrow is a rest day. Saturday, I think I'm going to try 3 or 4. Steph is running 8 or 10 I think.

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Running 2 miles
Weather:Sunny, warm.

Take two aspirin....

2008-04-15T14:54:00.004-04:00

I just got back from the doctor and my official diagnosis is a strained hamstring. There is no bruising so that's a good thing. I was told to ice it 4 times a day and then he gave me a prescription for some heavy duty ibuprofen. He seems to think I can still do the half in two weeks. So I'm pretty happy about that. I'll head to the gym tomorrow for my weight training and I may walk on the treadmill...we'll see. I also may give swimming a shot.

He told me that I am not anywhere as flexible as I need to be. In fact, he says that's why I probably hurt myself to begin with. I guess I should also mention that my Dr. is the head of sports medicine for WVU. Anyway, I need some advice from you guys on stretches for my legs, specifically my hammies. Any ideas?

It seems I've been on a youtube kick for a little while. So in order to not harm the streak....ha!!!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:None
Weather:Beautiful, cool.

2008 Ambulance Chase 5k Race Report

2008-04-14T14:38:00.006-04:00

What a race!!!!

Steph and I, along with some friends of ours, completed the 2008 Ambulance Chase 5k yesterday. The weather was overcast and chilly. Perfect running weather :) Steph had a great time of 27:47. She finished 4th in her class so she almost placed.....woohoo for her!!!!!

I, on the other hand, did not fare so well. The race went great for me until I got about 300 yards from the finish line. Up until that point I was running 7:10-7:15 miles, which is phenomenal for me. I thought I would finish around 21:30 or so. So I turned the last corner to head towards the finish line and blew out my hamstring. Yep, I pulled it pretty bad. I ended up walking across the finish line with 24:26, which isn't bad at all (until you factor in that if i hadn't injured myself I could had finished in the 21 min range). I also would have placed I think....the guys who did place, passed me as I hobbled to the end.

I can't say I'm happy with my performance although I guess I should be. 21 was soooooo close.....agghhhh!!!!!!

Anyway, I head to the DR. tomorrow and then see what happens. My leg feels much better today than yesterday as I've been R.I.C.E'ing it as well as eating some Motrin. I'm going to take this week completely off and then see how I feel next week. If things look ok, I think I may still be able to do the half in Cinci, but we'll play it by ear.

I should kill David for talking me into 5ks :)

Cheers!!!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:None.
Weather:Cool, Sunny.

Jason...triathlete?

2008-04-12T19:58:00.006-04:00

I've been thinking about this for a while. Since I've been bitten by the running bug, I've been looking for ways to make it more challenging. I've been very happy with my decreasing running times as well as the benefits I've seen from my weight training. I'm also very happy with the race lineup I have for this year. But, as many of you know, I am, in reality, Batman. And unfortunately, my personality keeps me from being happy with running a marathon. I have to keep pushing it. So, that's what I'm going to do. Push it.

Unlike my running goals, which included me completing a marathon as my first competitive race, I won't be shooting for the Ironman right out of the gate :) But I think I can do an Olympic Triathlon with the right training. My thought is I'd do it in 2009. So, I signed up with a local club that brings together multisport athletes. I also signed up for a swimming clinic put on by this same club for the end of this month. I think my swimming will be the biggest obstacle to completing a triathlon.

Nevertheless, my ultimate goal is to complete a full Ironman. So here's to a new chapter in my life. Wish me luck!!

Cheers!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise:Running 6 miles
Weather: Warm, Sunny

Ambulance Chase 5k

2008-04-11T08:37:00.004-04:00

On Sunday, Steph and I will run the 2008 Ambulance Chase 5k here in Morgantown. It raises money to provide legal services to folks over 60 who can't afford it. Steph and I have never run a race as short as a 5k, so it should be fun.

I weight trained and ran this week. My schedule is/was 5-5-5-6-3.1. Once the 5k is done, I'll be back to 10/12 mile long runs until the Flying Pig Half. It terms of my weight training, I have a little secret.....I'm actually starting to develop abs...woohoo!!!! I'm not at a six pack by any means, but I can at least see them now :) As many of you know, I hate ab work. If there is one muscle group that I hate to work, its my stomach. But, over the last few weeks, I've worked in some crunches and oblique stuff that has really made a difference. I also think it has helped me bump up my run times as well.

I'll give you a race report after Steph and I finish the 5k. Until then, cheers!!

Oh one more quick thing (and don't watch if you are easily offended). This has to be the funniest thing I've seen in a while. Have fun with all that California!!!

Weight:157 lbs
Exercise:Running 5-5-5, Weight training MWF
Weather:Warm, Beautiful.

I am Jason...

2008-04-04T08:39:00.009-04:00

You know my first name. Today, I let you know my last...

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Weightlifting
Weather: Cold, rainy.

And I thought my gym had problems....

2008-04-03T13:03:00.002-04:00

Grabbed from Andrew.

Weight:158 lbs
Exercise: Running 4 miles
Weather:Cold

The best laid plans...

2008-04-02T11:28:00.002-04:00

So, I thought I wasn't going to run on Monday, but I ended up doing 3 miles with Steph. She was headed out the door Monday afternoon and I couldn't resist going with her. Man, I really am addicted to running.

Today, I ran 4 miles and lifted. I then shot some basketball. Tomorrow, I'll run 4 again and then 8 or 10 on Saturday. Our next race is the Ambulance Chase 5k here in Morgantown. This is an annual event that raises money for a group that provides legal services to people who can't afford it. My wife is a lawyer, so we participate every year. We're pretty excited as this will be the first year we've run it.

Cheers!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:Running 4 miles, Weight Training
Weather:Cold, Sunny

Charlottesville Ten-Miler

2008-03-31T12:15:00.005-04:00

We had spring break this past week at WVU. So, I decided to visit my dad in Virginia. On my ride to his house, he told me that the Charlottesville Ten-Miler was on Saturday. This race has been around for 33 years and, in fact, my dad has run it twice. I had planned on doing an 8 mile run on Saturday, but since I was going to be around the C-ville area, I decided to register for the race and run that instead of my eight miler. I'm glad I did. The scenery is wonderful. You get to run through the Univeristy of Virginia campus and the great city of Charlottesville.

I finished in 1:27:04, which is around an 8:49/mile pace (959th out of 2111). I'm very happy with that. I was about 10 minutes off of my dad's best run for the race. I'll beat his time next year :)

I also got another sweet medal...woohoo!!!

Steph did her 8 miles this weekend back in WV. I took today off as my legs are a little sore. The hills really punish you if you aren't used to them. I'll run and lift again on Wednesday. This week will be 4-4-8. Next week I'll be back to 5-5-5-10.

Cheers!!

Better gas mileage

2008-03-24T10:00:00.003-04:00

It seems like my running is getting easier. I am consistently putting down 8:30/miles during my easy runs and I can't tell you how happy I am about that. I never thought I'd run faster than a 10:00 mile. When I first started running, I tried to go out and run my fastest mile. It came out to 9:30. Right now, I could probably run a 6:30-7:00/mile if I really wanted to (although I'm not going to try). Woohoo!!! I'm getting faster :)

Steph and I did our long run (6 miles) on Saturday. We are taking it easy after the half-mary last weekend so we only ran 12 miles total last week. This week, I'm going for 4-4-4-8. I did 4 today (and lifted) and I feel great. I also decided to shoot a few hoops while I was at the gym.

Cheers!!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 6 miles Sat, Running 4 miles today, Weightlifting
Weather: Cool, Sunny.

It's for your nipples....

2008-03-20T10:32:00.002-04:00

Ha!!! Double Ha!!!!

PS. got my 3 miles in at the gym. 6 planned for Saturday.

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles
Weather: Cold

Tired Legs

2008-03-19T09:33:00.002-04:00

I was back in the gym today. Did my normal lifting routine and then hit the treadmill for 3 miles. Whew my legs are tired. Felt good afterwards, but during the run I thought my legs would fall off :)

I'll do 3 again tomorrow and then 6 on Saturday. Then I'll do 4-4-4-8 next week. We'll see how it goes. I'm going to take David's advice and look at some shorter races while I train for the Flying Pig. There is also a local half-mary in June that I think I might do. I'm going to put it on my schedule, but we'll see.

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles, Weightlifting
Weather: Rainy, warmer 55 degrees.

Shamrock Dolphin Challenge (8k and Half Mary)

2008-03-18T14:14:00.003-04:00

Woohooo!!!!! I'm a Dolphin!!!!!

That's right. I completed both the 8k and the half-mary at the Shamrock Sportsfest this weekend in Virginia Beach. That means that I completed the Dolphin Challenge.

Steph ran the half as well and her father and step-mom walked the half, so it was a whole family outing. We had such a great time!!!!

The 8k went really well for me. I did it in 42 minutes which is like super fast for me. The pace was like 8:37/mile. Woohoo!!!! I didn't know I could run that fast. I overdressed a little for this race, but it turned out ok. The weather this weekend was tricky. We had rain and winds out the yazoo Saturday night after a beautiful day. So we had some concerns about what to wear for the marathon on Sunday morning. We figured it out though.

The race itself started off great except for the fact that I didn't use the restroom like I should have before it started. Yep.....so at mile 1, I had to stop and go....I waited in line for 7 minutes!!!! That's right, I lost 7 minutes. So, I spent the remainder of the race catching up. So, I think I could have actually run a sub 2 hour race if I hadn't stopped for that stupid portajohn.

Here's the lesson: Always, always, pee before you race.

The rest of the race was non-eventful. I did pretty well I think. After I crossed the finish line a guy came up to me and shook my hand and thanked me for helping to pace him. He said I helped him for most of the race. That felt good :)

Steph did really well too. She completed it in 2:13. Woohoo for her!!!! Her father and step-mom also did great as well!!!!

Steph, her dad, her step-mom, and bunches of family friends have the Richmond Half on their schedule for this fall. I've got the Flying Pig Half and then the Marine Corps Mary and that's it for the year.

We can't wait!!!!

Cheers!!