RunGordoRun

17 Down...

2015-01-18T18:14:00.001-05:00

So it's been 3 weeks since I've been back on the wagon. I haven't really run a lot because it's been either raining or cold most days I've had the extra energy. Beside lowering/monitoring my calorie intake I also started Insanity. I'm into the 3rd week... With a break the lasted a few days. Needed a mental and physical recovery. I started back up today. I just completed Cardio Recovery Week 3. Just going to continue on as if I haven't missed days. I'm just keeping track of the work outs.

The good news is... I've lost 17lbs in 3 weeks. The bad news is I gained 50 in the last year. The grieving process did a number on my emotional eating. It happens. That's the reality of a weight journey. I call it that instead of a "weight-loss" journey because all of us who aspire to be fit lose and gain...many many times. Some of us never get to that "dream" size. But the most important thing is to never quit. Even if you haven't moved in a few days, in a few months, or like me... In almost a year. Just move when you can. However you can.

I have a half marathon next week. Signed up just to get myself motivated. Hopefully it isn't too cold. I plan on running a little bit and walking a lotta bit. It's a 3hr time limit so that is my goal.

I intend on getting some wristbands out again and hope to press some new t-shirts. More on that soon.

Until next time.

Vaya!

Gordo

Hello Again...

2014-11-24T11:55:00.001-05:00

Hey Gordo's and Gorda's,

I haven't shared on this platform in a long time. A lot of life has happened since I last wrote on this blog. I haven't spent much time running either. I can honestly say the better part of the last 2 years have been challenging. We experienced financially set backs, heartbreak & family tragedy. Though I dedicated the 3 years prior to running half marathons and competing in triathlons the last thing I could muster to do was run. It saddens me to admit that. Running was my safe haven through a lot of tough times and when it got the toughest I couldn't do it. I could not run. So I did not. For a long time.

Most of the time I didn't even think about running. There was too much going on at any given time to worry about it. But any time i'd see someone running past by me on the street, and as my clothes stop fitting the way they used to I would, think. I would reminisce about the races, the finish lines, the waking up in the morning and not even hesitating about running for 5 miles. I missed the freedom. I missed the spirituality of a run. I always felt closest to God when I would be in the middle of a run. I missed. I miss it. I missed the connections with all the runners on Instagram who followed me and supported me. I missed the newbies who shared the excitement for the runs. All the people I'd sent RunGordoRun wristbands to. I felt I abandoned them.

I think the hardest part was being labeled a runner when I hadn't laced up in so long. I felt like a hypocrite. But again, too much was going on to motivate me to get back out there. Until now. As I continue to heal from life I realize that I need to get back to what I miss. I need to run, again. So last week I signed up for a half marathon on January 24th. I know, its only 2 months away and its in the dead of winter. I do not anticipate doing well at all or even running much of it. I just needed a marker, a line in the sand to force myself back. So, I started to train yesterday. And I plan on doing a little bit everyday to gain my strength. So hopefully you guys will continue with me where we left off.

Vaya,

Gordo!

P.S.: You can read more about what happened to us on our other blog heavensentpenny.blogspot.com

After my Half Marathon

2012-11-18T14:58:00.001-05:00

Hey Guys,

Its been a while since I last posted. A lot has happened. First, the half marathon.

The AllState 13.1 Fort Lauderdale: Was not my best showing. I attribute it to the bout of allergic reaction that I had a few weeks before. Was out of commission for a week and never was able to regain my strength in time for the race. The week leading up to the half I felt extremely fatigued and my legs felt dead. When I woke up race morning I felt it was not going to go well. So I ran with out my GPS and just enjoyed being out there. Awesome people out on the course. Felt great to see so many people at different levels. I ran, I walked, I jogged, I hobbled, and more importantly I finished. At a few seconds over 3 hours. I am proud I finished but know there is a lot more work to do. Going to work on shedding some more lbs and strengthening my legs. Started doing sprints yesterday. When Feb comes and I run my next Half I want to do better than my goal of 2:30! I am shooting for sub 2:15!!!!! I have 3 months.

In RGR news. We started selling our first T-Shirt. Tried to make them super cheap. They are all hand screened with love from the Gordo. So hopefully you like them. They'll be more styles and design down the road. Really appreciate those that have purchased so far.

You can get them at www.rungordorun.bigcartel.com

As usual the wristbands are free. Send your address to rungordorun@gmail.com and we'll shoot one out to you.

Next stop is getting this website updated. Want it to be more user friendly and interactive. Will keep you posted on that

Until next time...Get out there and run!!! Sign up for a 5K, a 10K, a Half...Challenge yourself to do something you think is impossible.

Vaya!

Gordo

Off Grid...

2012-11-01T15:16:00.000-04:00

Sorry Guys,

Have been off grid for a few weeks. Been busy in the lab trying to get some things with respect to RGR T-Shirts going... Will be offering some designs soon. Will keep you posted. Will be an afforable way to sport the RGR lifestyle.

Vaya-

Gordo

#nocheatweek

2012-10-14T12:56:00.003-04:00

So no cheat week was tough. My craving for sweets was on full blast the first couple of days. I started feeling less urge towards the end of the week. And as I write this entry I feel like I can keep this up for another week. One week at a time will be my approach. I want to lose 16lbs before my half marathon on November 11th.

This week I lost 3lbs. I am kinda proud of those 3 because on Thursday I came down with the worst allergic reaction to something i ate or was exposed to. I currently have hives all over and itching like crazy. The docs have me on steroids and antihistamines and don't know if I am sleepy or amped up! Fun times. Even

through that stress I didn't cheat. I passed on froyo, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies. All some of my favorite sweets. If I can make it through that I can make it another month I guess. 13 lbs to go. (since I started running in June I've lost 16lbs...I do a before and after once I reach my goal weight).

In RunGordoRun news:

On instagram we are almost at 200 pictures hash tagged with #rungordorun. A lot of those are mine but recently a lot have been from our awesome followers. Their support definitely keeps me motivated and honest. Keep them coming guys!

Next up is a 10k trail run. It's my first trail run so have no idea how I'll do. Shooting for 1:10 time.

Thanks again for following me and Gordita! Hope this thing is providing support and motivation and inspiration!

Vaya,

Gordo

The Gordo Codes

2012-10-03T20:24:00.002-04:00

1. If you can run...run fast.
If you can't run..walk fast.
If you can't walk fast...walk slow. Just move.

2. If you must eat a cookie...share. Spread the calories.

3. If you must eat fries...see code number 2.

4. If you must judge...judge effort...your own.

MCH5K

2012-10-02T20:56:00.000-04:00

Guys,

So I ran in my first 5K of the year!!! The Miami Children's Hospital 5K. It was on Saturday and I wanted to write about it sooner but have been a mix of exhausted and sick. Our little Gordita is in preschool and brings back the best germs. And it didn't help that I still ran 5 miles the next day. As I write this I am in my 2nd day of rest. Partly because I am still sick and partly because it has been raining cats and dogs today. I'll be back on the road in the am for 2 miles.

The race.

My goal was to break 35 minutes but ended up between 36-37 minutes. There was a huge difference between my GPS time and my official time. I think its because I may have started my GPS too soon. Either way I didn't hit my goal. I do not feel too bad about it because I felt good out there.

My first mistake was picking up my bib on race day. Had to wake up extra early and had a bunch of hanging around time. I was ice cold by the time I actually started running. Also, because I picked up my bib on race day I had to carry the goodie bag the entire race. A nylon back pack for 3.11 miles in the Florida humidity and a Gordo do not mix. I had to carry it in my hand the last mile. My finishers photo looked like I was carrying a man purse.

My second mistake was starting at the back of the pack. This was a great race for an amazing cause but there were a lot of walkers...not Walking Dead walkers...but people who were not there to run the 5K. The first half mile was filled with dodging other participants. It was a complete bottleneck. But again, I didn't mind. There were a bunch of families with the kids there to support the Children's Hospital. During the first mile I knew this wouldn't be a PR race. They'll be others. All things considered had a great time. It was an awesome race and will definitely do it again next year.

Now I am six weeks from my Half in Fort Lauderdale. Time to start increasing my milage. My goal for the half is 2:30.

#rungordorun.

A lot has been going on in the world of RunGordoRun. We have been sending out wristbands left and right and getting a lot of hashtags on Instagram and Twitter. Today we got a picture from someone in Ireland who just received his band. Was really excited about the fact the our wristbands made it across the globe. Our movement is spreading to more than just our family and friends. Siked! Keep the requests coming. We want all 50 states!

Vaya,

Gordo

Half Marathon Training Schedule

2012-09-28T07:20:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys,

So...I ran a sub 10 minute mile this week. Its was 9:55 to be exact but who's counting? I was huffing and puffing down the road so much so that I think I scared the 2 kids walking their dog. I am defintely not the most graceful runner out there but as of this week I am a sub 10 minute miler...at least for the first mile...cant vouch for the 2nd, or 3rd...at least for now.

I created my running schedule for the next 6 weeks. It's a half marathon/10K training schedule. Since I have both races coming up I have to try to run enough to be prepared for both. Not sure if it is the most aggressive but I thik i'll be able to finish the half on my feet. (See the schedule below and feel free to copy.)

So we've sent out a ton of @rungordorun wristbands this week. And as we continue sending to different states it has inspired us to get 1 to every state in the U.S. We want to come up with a campaign to get the word out. I floated an idea to the Gordita that I would run a 50K if we could get the 50 States... 50K/50States. Thoughts? I was already planning on running a full marathon in January. I could just run a 50K instead or even just run it on the track in our town. Maybe on January 1st? Just a thought.

Well, tomorrow is my 5K. Going all out to break 35 minutes. I'll keep you posted.

Go run this weekend!

Vaya,

Gordo

Beginner/Intermediate Half Marathon/10k Training
MON	TUES	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT	SUN
REST	2	2	3	Rest	5K!!!	5 miles
REST	3 miles	2 mile SP	3 miles	Rest	3 miles	6 miles
REST	3.5 miles	2 mile SP	3 miles	Rest	3.5 miles	7 miles
REST	4 miles	2 mile SP	3 miles	Rest	4 miles	8 miles
REST	4 miles	2 mile SP	3 miles	Rest	10k!!!	9 miles
REST	5 miles	2 mile SP	3 miles	Rest	5 miles	10 miles
REST	2 miles	2 mile SP	3 miles	Rest	Rest	13.1!!!

You are what you eat...

2012-09-23T18:22:00.000-04:00

Or shyt what you eat. One week out from my 5K. I had a awesome beginning of the week. Ran faster than I have in a very long time. I was feeling great. Pumped to get to the starting line. Than...I had a bad, very bad, salmon cake at my Mother-in-Law's complex. I had nausea for 3 days afterwards. I felt sluggish, exhuasted, and defeated. Which brings me to my point. You definitely are what you eat. I have been doing very good at my running for the last few months but have not been too disciplined on the food side. And it is starting to take its toll on my progress. So this week before my race I am committing to a NO CHEAT WEEK. Hopefully I can keep it up longer but I want to feel awesome next Saturday so will start off with the week. We'll see where it goes from there.

I have been seeing a lot of stuff on eating Paleo...going to do some research and see if its something that will work for me. Always game to try something new.

Shout out to my Instafam. They've kept me motivated for the last few weeks. Excited to post my 5K times on Saturday.

Reminder: If you are running with Gordo hastage me. #rungordorun on Twitter & Instagram.

Vaya,

Gordo

1 mile at a time!

2012-09-18T21:02:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys,

So this morning I ran a mile in 10min 22secs. Not the fastest mile in history but a lot faster than I ran a mile about 2 months ago. When I started running again in July my first mile took me 13min 43secs with a lot of walking breaks. During that first mile I knew the road back to respectability would be long, it would be tough, and it would be full of a lot of walking breaks. But I promised myself, no matter how long it took, or how tired I got, I would commit to progression. Each run I'd push a little harder. Each morning, I'd hit snooze one less time. Every day I would remember the first run/walk that took me 13:43 to complete. The last 2 weeks I have been able to run full miles without walking. Yesterday and today I was able to run faster than I have in a long time. I am excited about kicking it into the next gear and running longer distances and participating in a few races in the coming weeks.

I also want to continue inspiring those who want to change their lives towards a healthy lifestyle. Individual health. Our weight loss/fitness journey will always be our own. Everyone's ideal health or figure varies by individual. And the reality of what one person can achieve is not easily attained by everyone. So I ask... Why have you started your journey? What weight, size, endurance, sport, speed is your ultimate goal? What motivates you? Who supports you? What derails you? What/who gives you the wake up call to get back on track? I ask these questions because some of you reading this may be in the midst of a breakthrough physically or battling to get back on track. Maybe its been a few days or weeks since you've worked out. Maybe you overindulged on dessert tonight. Maybe you are too exhausted to go out for that run. Whatever your situation know that our journey is about progression. If you commit to it you will always find your way back or find that inner strength to go a little faster, a bit longer, a lot harder.

I know that was a bit of a ramble but just I want to let those of you reading know that we appreciate the support and we feel fortunate for those who are sharing their experiences with us. We have connected with so many inspirational people though the site, twitter, Facebook and Instagram. People of all shapes and sizes. All living out their journey. All able to progress.

We can all do it...1 mile at a time.

Vaya!

Gordo

8 States down, 42 to go!

2012-09-15T21:13:00.001-04:00

Whats up Gordo's and Gordita's,

We have been feeling all the love from you guys. We have sent out a lot of RunGordoRun wristbands and love seeing the pictures up on Facebook and Instagram. We've sent them to Nevada, California, Texas, South Carolina, Minnesota, Florida, New York, & New Jersey. Would love to get one to each of the 50 States. Keep the request coming!!

So had a good mileage week this week. 16 miles total with a long run of 6miles (longest I've run in a year) this morning. My ankles are really sore right now. Picked up some Epsom salt for a soak. I am usually okay with dealing with the pain of soreness but feel jacked up right now and I hear a soak usually does wonders. I have 2 weeks left before the 5k and don't need a bum ankle to slow me down.

That's it for tonight. Exhausted but excited to run on Monday...Rest day tomorrow!!

Vaya!

Gordo

100 miles and running..

2012-09-10T22:29:00.000-04:00

Hey Guys,

Yesterday I celebrated my 100 mile run since I started training again. Not a huge number, but I believe that a final goal is reached by accomplishing smaller goals along the way. When I started running again in June I was running a plus 14 minute mile and as of this week I am close to a sub 11 minute mile. I have lost like 12lbs and am slowly feeling as strong and fast as I did last year. Super excited about my 5K in 3 weeks. Really enjoy the racing atmosphere. The thing I love most about the running community is that it is a very supportive community.  And it is definitely in full display during a race.  I am hearing from a lot of you about races you have signed up for or getting into running for the first time or restarting. These updates make me even more motivated to run everyday. Please keep us posted on races and completion times. We definitely want to give props to you and highlight you on this page. We'll even send you a wristband as a gift for getting on the pavement.

Updated:
We've been in the lab recently brainstorming ways to take RunGordoRun to the next level. The Gordita and I want to advance this thing to more than just our personal journey. We want to make it our life's work.  We are looking to network with individuals in the health and fitness arena (Personal Trainers, instructors, Gym Owners, exercise apparel designers, bloggers, health food/supplement distributors, people in the midst of a weight loss journey, or even just beginners) in the South Florida area. If you are in that field please shoot us an email so that we can network rungordorun@gmail.com.   We want to create a place, be it physical or virtual, that can be a haven for those who want to change their lives...for the first time, 2nd time, or 20th times. A place where no one judges where you our in your journey. Where no one cares if you failed before. We want to motivate and inspire and we have a few ideas and want to speak to those who are already doing it. Before we can pay it forward we'll need some of you to hopefully pay it forward to us.

One of the things we are working on is a KickStarter campaign for the RunGordoRun Apparel line. We will probably be launching the campaign in October. We are just working on a few designs for the shirts and shopping a distributor. We will have male and female designs and hope you guys can support once we get that out.   More info on that soon.

Well that's it for now. Please follow us on Twitter and Instagram @rungordorun and @rungorditarun

Keep running!

Vaya,

Gordo!

Its September already???

2012-09-03T21:20:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys,

Happy Labor Day. It's a new month, a new season is approaching and the winds of change seem to be getting stronger around these parts. Change? What does it mean to you? Change can be many things and can represent many things to many people. Changing how you eat...water instead of soda, fruits instead of cookies, veggies instead of french fries. Changing from a couch potato to an active animal, walking instead of driving, stairs instead of elevator, standing instead of sitting. Whatever your change is, make it positive. With the new month lets all commit to making a positive change in our lives. The Gordita and I am committing to walking to the supermarket instead of driving. We happen to have a Publix half a mile away so we decided to save the gas and haul some a$$ every time we need to pick up some groceries. May not be the biggest change but its a change nonetheless. I know each of you can commit to one change too!

If your change happens to be to start running? Let us know about it at rungordorun@gmail.com and we'll send you a free rungordorun wristband. Look forward to hearing about your change!

Vaya,

Gordo!

5 Week 5K Training Schedule

2012-08-28T21:25:00.001-04:00

Hey Guys!

Well it is now 5 weeks until my 5K. I am signed up for the 2nd Annual Miami Children's Hospital 5K.

I feel pretty good on the road again but I need to get serious. I have just been concentrating on increasing my endurance but I havent really pushed myself. Consider this a warning to my legs...we are going for broke the next 5 weeks. I did some research online regarding 5K prep schedules but none really drew interest. I consider myself a novice at running. I dont mix things up much, I go out and run. That what I enjoy doing...hence the name. I haven't gotten into mixing up my training. I am just no their yet. I am sure I will once the 5K is over. I have already purchased cones for sprint workouts and looking for hills to get some hill work it. But for the next 5 weeks I am just keeping it simple. Running.

With that said I devised my own schedule based on what I think I can accomplish with my life schedule and knowing that I am currently incorporating other types of strength training (Insanity, Kettle Bell) into my fitness schedule. Feel free to copy.

Vaya!

Gordo

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Rest	2 Miles	Rest	2 Miles	2 Miles	2 Miles	4 Miles
Rest	2 Miles	Rest	2 Miles	2 Miles	2 Miles	5 Miles
Rest	3 Miles	Rest	3 Miles	3 Miles	3 Miles	6 Miles
Rest	2Miles	Rest	2 Miles	3 Miles	3 Miles	6 miles
Rest	3 Miles	Rest	2 Miles	3 Miles	Rest	RACE DAY!!!!

Rock the Bells

2012-08-27T16:51:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys,

So I tried out my new Kettle Bell this weekend. Awesome! Never thought swinging a ball around would be so hard...and fun. Since I had no idea what I was doing I searched on Youtube and found a couple of clips. Check my Twitter feed for some links. After one 6 minute circuit I was tired so decided to stop. But I am very excited about continuing to progress with the Kettle. So much so that I am in the process of purchasing a couple more. I want to be able to swing 2 at a time and do core training with them. Once I've perfected a routine I will post it so that you can get on that Kettle game!!

Updates on the running. Hurricane Isaac came through this weekend but I was able to get in a 5.5 Mile run in on Saturday. I felt good. As close to my old self except for being a lot slower. I almost broke 12 minute miles for the entire run but was exhausted towards the end. Came in at 12:04 per mile. I want to keep adding miles every week and will be doing the research this week on a build up plan for the marathon in January. I am setting my goal at 5 hours. I know it's not the most aggressive goal but I am Gordo. And my fastest half has been 2:40. So we will see.

We are looking for contributors for the site. Sorry we can't afford to pay but we can offer some free merch once we are up and running with the T-Shirts. If you are interested in providing Before&After stories, training advice, inspirational stories, anything health and fitness related please hit us up at rungordorun@gmail.com

Vaya!

Gordo.

26.2

2012-08-24T22:21:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys,

So in my attempt to challenge/punish myself I have decided to run a full marathon. Since I am in So-Flo now I will be running the ING Miami Marathon in January. I have 5 months to train. I feel a bit nervous about it since the most i've ever run is 13.1. But if you don't challenge yourself you will never know how far you can go. Excited to cross the finish line though.

And will probably be trying to raise money for charity. Have the charity picked and now just deciding how much I think I can raise as a goal. More to come on that.

Also will be reserving a booth at the Marathon Expo when I run. Will hopefully be unveiling some RGR Running Apparel over that weekend. We will be looking for some help in the T-shirt biz soon. Any help and advice would be appreciated.

Had a quick giveaway contest on Instagram today and have some @RunGordoRun wristbands going to Texas, Nevada, California, New Jersey, and my Beloved NYC. RGR is going nationwide!!!

As far as my running. I am starting to feel like a runner again. I have been back on the pavement for about a month and now can run 2 miles without stopping. Starting back up this time felt horrible. I thought I would never get my form back. Little by little it is coming back to me. Tomorrow I am going for 5.5 miles or 6 if I feel good. Definitely breaking it up with some walk breaks.

RunGorditaRun had a bit of an injury set back this week. She'll have more on that on her page. But it comes with the running life. But we all get back on the track once we get healthy.

Apologies for the lack of focus on this post. Just wanted to get some nuggets of information out to you. We will have more substantial content soon.

But in the meantime get up and get going. Start running! If not now, when?

Vaya!!!

Gordo

Stuff brewing...

2012-08-17T11:55:00.000-04:00

Hey Fellow Gordo's and Gordita's,

A lot of stuff is brewing in the RGR world. First, a lot of training. I am preparing for a 5K, 10k, and a Half Marathon. And even more exciting, our very own RunGorditaRun is preparing for her first 5K. She is showing the dedication for all the post-maternaty moms out there. Follow her on her tab as she will be tracking her progress and the ups and downs of becoming a runner after baby numero dos... Look up, its the RunGorditaRun table...and on twitter @rungorditarun.

We are also prepping some new merch to spread the message. Free gifts and contest in the works. And other things...que mad scientist laugh.

Thanks for being patient guys. And thanks for always being supportive of RGR. Have recieved emails, Facebook, and Twitter hits about how our posts and updates keep you motivated. Its been tough for us to keep up with RGR for the last few months...a lot of transition going on. But we are back and ready to keep it going. Plus, we live in Florida now so no more excuses about weather. We can RUN all year.!!!

Vaya!

-Gordo

Oh we're on Instagram!!! @rungordorun Please follow...

RunGordoRun3.0

2012-07-08T14:08:00.003-04:00

Since today is the NYC TRI... Thought it would be a good day to start blogging again. Here it goes. So, it's been a while. About 9months of my wife's pregnancy and two months of relocating, new jobbing, and a whole lot of procrastinating. Been just Gordo for the last few months. Haven't even contemplated running. Every time I've looked at someone jogging I've looked the other way. Am I ashamed, a little. Am I disappointed in myself. Probably. Do I regret falling off the wagon. Nope. The last few months have been a time for self reflection. Its been humbling. It's helped me put things in proper prospective. As I begin my road back to respectability it will be with a more balanced approach. Sustainable. Sometimes in our journey we get singularly focused on our goals that we lose sight of what is happening around us. Though it is "our" journey, there is life outside of that journey. I personally do not want to miss out because of my focus. So I am back. Hopefully better than ever. So I've registers for 2 races so far. A 5k in September and a 10k in October. Still deciding which half I'll be shooting for but it'll probably be the 13.1 series in Fort Lauderdale. I liked the one I raced in last year in Queens. I'll keep you posted. Well, thanks for being patient and hope you keep following. Will definitely have more content moving forward. Vaya, Gordo

From pen to pad...to Mac.

2012-01-21T10:35:00.000-05:00

Check out the next T-Shirt Design... Let me know what you think. If you would like one just let me know the size so that I can have them made.

Also..special thanks to www.directimageprint.com. I literally sketched out the images on paper..took a picture on my phone and sent it to them and they made it happen. Fast!. Consider using them for your design needs.

Vaya!

Gordo

Are you still with me?

2012-01-15T17:40:00.000-05:00

Hey Guys,

I know I've been off grid for a bit. But I am currently in the midst of a thaw. To be honest, I have done nothing that could be mistaken for active in the last few months. I can blame it on many things but I can also just admit that I let myself get sidetracked. The key to any journey is to find your way back on course when you get side tracked. As of today, my scenic route is coming to an end. I recommit to a healthy life. Tomorrow...stepping on the scale to see how much damage I have inflicted. And then lacing up my kicks to start burning the cals, increasing the miles, and cutting the fat.

Goals for 2012:

Half Marathon: Not sure which one yet. But April or May...depending on when RunGorditaRun gives birth to our 2nd little one. Goal is to break the 2hr 30m.

Half Ironman: Miami 70.3 October 28th. Goal is just to survive. And finish under the 8 hours.

Hope everyone keeps following. Promise not to go MIA again.

Vaya,

Gordo

Tough Mudder Focker!

2011-11-22T23:08:00.000-05:00

Hey guys...here is a piece on Tough Mudder...our resident Big Mike finally recovered enough to jot some notes down. Enjoy. And good job Mike.

Tough Mudder 2011.

As I sit to write this, I am still recovering from the soreness that I brought upon myself this past Sunday Nov 13th. That was when 8 co-workers and I took off after a monster truck and so commenced 4 hours of grueling pain, exhaustion and ultimately sheer satisfaction. It was the start of the Tri-State Tough Mudder challenge perhaps the hardest physical challenge any of us had ever participated in.
For those who don’t know The Tough Mudder is a 12mile course complete with 33 military style obstacles. Created by British Special Forces, it is billed as the toughest event on the planet. What I can say for sure is that the Tough Mudder people take perverse pleasure in making you as cold, dirty, and overall as uncomfortable as humanly possible. All the while pushing you to the brink of physical exhaustion, and challenging you to find strength from places you didn’t know you had it in order to get past the next challenge. Then of course just when you think your home free and the finish line is insight the last challenge is running through electrical wires, which take it from me are very much charged and yes they hurt.
The Mudder as a challenge is something that was hard to train for as it places physical demand and strain on your body on a variety of different levels. Personally I needed to spend more time working on my endurance. Throughout most of my training I never put in more than 2-3miles of running at a time, and that stopped a couple weeks before the challenge. Instead I spent more time working on strength training exercises, which I felt I would need more to overcome such events as Climbing up a rope ladder 15’ from a freezing lake, climbing over 8’ and 12’ walls, running up a half pipe, carrying a tire around a track, and crossing a small pond using monkey bars just to name a few. I also worked on crawling around my apartment on my stomach in an attempt to recreate crawling under barbed wire, crawling through underground trenches, and navigating through an industrial strength plastic tube ( not easy when your 6’3” and 250lbs. ). Then there is the stuff that there was just no way to prepare for like jumping into a garbage dumpster filled ¾ way with ice water, trekking through 100 yards on mud the goes from being ankle deep to chest deep, or running through a trench with bushels of burning hay on either side.
However the most essentially aspect of the Mudder, and were I felt most equipped is team work. The Tough Mudder is extremely difficult to attempt solo, and people who found themselves alone quickly attached themselves to other groups. Our group of 9 would from time to time grow as people needed a hand to get past an obstacle. The Moto of Tough Mudder is that it is not a race. It’s a challenge and so the goal is not how fast you can do it, but that you can do it all. Some participants will not finish the course and more than a few required medical attention by the time all was said and done. My team I can’t say enough about how we helped each other through it. When your body just wants to drop it’s your group cheering you on that keeps your legs moving. When you hit a 12’ wall they’re the ones that boost you or pull you up. Or they simply wait for you to catch up when you’re out of breath and are falling behind. We all thankfully made it through in one piece. We all came out with an assortment of scratches, black and blues, and pulled muscles but still in one piece. Now as we pass each other at work we all feel just a bit closer to each other than we did before. That’s because among the hundreds at work…we alone, we 9 are TOUGH MUDDERS!
For all of this effort the prize for completing the challenge is a cup of beer (best drink I ever had), a Tough Mudder t-shirt, and the Orange Tough Mudder headband (this is thetrue prize). The headband is not for sale anywhere. The only way to get one is to complete the course. I wore mine proudly the entire day at work my first day back. It’s your testament that when needed to you can push yourself to your very limits and complete something special and extremely challenging. It was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to do it again next year Oct 27th 2012. For even more insight go to the Toughmudder.com website and learn more of this event plus feel free to shoot me any question to the rungordorun site.

Big Mike TOUGH MUDDER!
NOV2011

Postcard from the edge

2011-10-30T20:21:00.000-04:00

Hey guys,

Just wanted to send a quick post. Have been off grid for a while. Realized that I've stetched myself a bit thin. Weight loss...if it's about anything, it is about balance. I guess life in general is the same. I think I became so shorted sighted on my weight loss goals that I lost sight on other important things...to the detriment of the most important people in my life. So here I sit typing. A bit more aware of my surroundings, a bit heavier, and recommitted. To my journey and to all the important aspects of my life.

Here's to striking the right balance. I'll Update with a bit more substance soon.

Vaya!

Gordo.

Updates

2011-09-11T21:52:00.002-04:00

Hey guys!

New content up. Check out Big Mike's Corner, EatGordoEat, and Friends of Gordo pages. A lot more stuff to come. Very much under construction.

Vaya!

Gordo

Short Circuit!

2011-09-05T11:45:00.000-04:00

So I wanted to get back into circuit training. My initial success with losing lbs came from using the Biggest Loser Boot Camp work out DVDs. They were great for beginners and I was able to lose about 35lbs in the first 6 months of my journey. But then I discovered running, biking, swimming and I kind of lost the routine of the circuit training. I figured I was burning enough calories without it. During this latest regression I figured I would bring it back to where I started and picked up the Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD. My plan was to incorporate the dvd workouts with my running so that I can cut a few more calories while I train for my next half marathon. A good way to jump start my fat burning and rebuild my total body conditioning.

I just finished my first session. And I am exhausted. It is a challenging workout. First, because she uses a 3,2,1 method. Strength, cardio, abs. Second, because my conditioning is non-existant at the moment. At least for circuit training. During a run I know what my limits are and how to conserve energy. This ability is either a good thing or a bad thing but according to my scale I need to break my plateau. The dvd gives you an intense 20 minute workout with a beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. I completed the beginner and it was not the easiest. I am sure if you are in great shape this DVD is no problem but for us Gordos out there it will be a good tool to maximize your workout time. So I'll keep you guys posted on how it goes.

Update: August 7th look out for new content on the website. I wanted to get it out by the first but had some delays. But 7 is a lucky number!

Vaya!
Gordo

Earthquakes and Hurricanes...

2011-08-28T21:02:00.000-04:00

Two natural disasters in one week could not stop me from getting back on track. I was able to get in 4 runs this weeks. My long run was 4 miles. I am going to add a mile each for the next 7 weeks to get ready for my next 13.1.

In addition to getting my running back on I also need to get my food intake back on schedule. Today I prepared all of my food and snacks for the week. I filled up 5 ziplock bags with low calorie and single serving snacks. I find it best when I am able to eat something small every 2-3 hours. I am definitely a grazer. But I am also horrible at keeping track of what I eat. Left to my own devices and I can do some major damage. So preparing meals and eating frequently benefits me. It doesn't work for everyone, so try what works best for you. The main thing is to try something.

Today I purchased the Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD which I plan on starting tomorrow. I'll let you know how it is. Feel free to buy a copy on the link below. I want to add some more circuit training in the next month to boast the fat burning. Like I mentioned on my last position I did add a few lbs after the NYCTRI. The bad news is that I gained 5 lbs...The good news is that I do not regret it. I feel like I earned it but I also know I have to work hard to lose them again.

Updates:

Will have updates on all the tabs this week. Have some special posts coming from Big Mike, RunGoritaRun, and from me!

I am still seeking Before and After weight loss stories. Please if you or someone you know would like to be featured on our site please email me at santos@rungordorun.com. If you are featured you will get a T-shirt!

Vaya!

Gordo