Running Against Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Single

2016-12-21T20:17:00.001-08:00

Today I went to Corvallis for computer repair. I had some other errands to run in Corvallis, and the since it was going to be done in two or three hours I decided to spend some time at the waterfront. As I walked down front Street I decided to go into flat tail for a beer and appetizers like Christina and I would often do in the great restaurants in Corvallis. I sat by myself in the corner looking out to the running path/ sidewalk. As I waited for my order, a man came on and was sat a table over from me, and while he waited for his party we chatted for a bit. His told me his name was Rick Ross I think, maybe around 70 years old? A younger couple joined him, and since I'm not an eavesdropper im not sure if they were related, but they send close. As I sat there I was flooded by my extreme loss of my wife, missing her more today than yesterday, a sense of desperate loneliness. Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I just leaned into that emotion. As it passed I realized that I am single now, and it blows!

~ today I am hopeful ~

Venting

2016-12-19T19:26:00.001-08:00

Today I realize how alone I am. I use running as a vehicle to release stress. Today I ran and I ran to escape to loneliness. Mile after mile I ran feeling better emotionally and physically. I took a hot shower, and rested. As my body ached from the trauma, my mind raced to comfort; desire to be comforted. That is missing from my life. Realization is setting in more fully than ever before.

~ today I am hopeful ~

Boston Marathon–Last training day!

2014-04-20T13:34:00.001-07:00

Today was my last day of training for the 2014 Boston Marathon! I arrived in Boston on Friday. My brother and sister came to Boston as well, and we are staying at a house in Wellesley owned by friends of the family. Thank you Kerry and Sean! My sister and I went to downtown Boston to do a little site seeing and to pick up my number. Here are some photos I took.

Boston Site Seeing

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Today was a simple three mile run that I took very slow, just to workout the cobwebs if you will. Tomorrow is the big race! I am a bit nervous, but very excited. I’ll post an update after the race. It will be a magical race, #bostonstrong.

Boston Strong, Fight against Cancer

2014-04-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

The reason I started this blog was to share my experiences from the perspective as a spouse fighting against Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). In January of 2014, we learned the cancer had returned and metastasized in at least one lymph node. This was devastating news to say the least. My intention was to share my Boston Marathon training sessions on this blog to memorize the events. It was difficult to be able to balance work, life, and supporting Christina alone, thus my blogging activity suffered. Please spend a few minutes to catch up on Christina’s blog as she is a terrific writer http://christinasrealtalk.blogspot.com/. Also, please consider donating money to support travel expenses, surgical procedures, and medical expenses: Capture Courage Fundraiser

Today I’ll update you on my training process. My last long run was on Sunday at the same time as the Corvallis Half Marathon. I ran the similar route in which I intersected the race around mile 7, and I ran with the runners for a few miles. Subconsciously my pace increased when I was in a “race” scenario, and I finished my 12 mile run feeling really good even though it was a little fast. Just a few more workouts before heading to Boston on Friday! Below is a summary of all of my Boston Bound workouts thus far:

Count:	74 Activities
Distance:	471.82 mi
Time:	66:31:17 h:m:s
Avg Speed:	7.1 mph
Avg HR:	146 bpm
Calories:	69,557 C
Avg Distance:	6.38 mi
Max Distance:	22.00 mi
Avg Time:	53:56 h:m:s
Max Time:	3:03:38 h:m:s
Max Avg Speed:	12.0 mph
Max Speed:	118.2 mph
Max Avg HR:	163 bpm
Max HR:	181 bpm

As the race draws near during my training runs I think of the runners that lost their lives or that were severely injury in the horrendous attack during last year’s race. I draw my strength from these experiences and remembrances, #Bostonstrong I am. Running in the 2014 Boston Marathon will be an enormous personal accomplishment – but moreover, training for the marathon has provided me the time, space, and setting to process just how short life truly is and to live each day as though it were my last.

For those that want to follow me as I run the race sign up here: http://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/participant-information/att-athlete-alert.aspx

My BIB number is : 11113

Here are three videos of the Boston Marathon course I created if you want to see what we will see:

Boston Marathon Course Preview in 1 minute!

Boston Marathon Course Preview in 10 minutes!

Boston Marathon Course Preview in 20 minutes!

Today we are hopeful!

Boston Marathon Training - Week #3 Day #1A - 5M Hill Repeats Cool Down

2014-01-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

Summary

Name	Boston Marathon Training - Week #3 Day #1A - 5M Hill Repeats Cool Down
Location	Corvallis, OR
Start Time	1/14/2014 12:00 PM (UTC-08:00)	Category	My Activities:Running
Distance	2.99 mi	Time	00:24:39.0
Time Moving	00:24:38.0	Stopped	00:00:01.0
Average pace	08:14 min/mi	Max. pace	07:09 min/mi
Average heart rate	146 bpm	Max. heart rate	159 bpm
Average power	401 W	Max. power	532 W
Total Ascent	23 ft +8 ft/mi	Total Descent	-24 ft -8 ft/mi
Weather
Calories	443 kcal
Notes	After a warmup, run uphill for 60 to 90 seconds at a 10-K race effort; it should feel like the same sustainably-hard effort that you’d make while you’re running at your 10-K pace. After you get up the hill, jog or walk downhill to recover. Repeat that cycle four times. Cooldown afterward. Hills are never really that fun for me. In high school I did enjoy racing my teammates up 5th street hill in Lebanon, and I recall that I was often first or second most of the time. Tyler hill was another story! We would get a ride in the van back to the high school from Coach Dannen if we hit our goal time. In four years I got a ride once! Today I was inspired not by coach Dannen, but by Shawn, Christina, and many other that have been diagnosed by a life threatening illness. When tired and wanting to walk I kept pushing. It was only four repeats for about 60 seconds each, but it felt like an eternity. Afterward the three mile cool down was relaxing.
Custom Data Fields:

Tailwind(-) / Headwind(+)

Splits: Mile

Pace

Min.	Max.	Avg.
9.4 min/mi	7.2 min/mi	8.2 min/mi

Splits: Mile

Heart Rate

Min.	Max.	Avg.
106.7 bpm	158.8 bpm	146.4 bpm

Splits: Mile

Elevation

Min.	Max.	Avg.
213.0 ft	244.8 ft	224.7 ft

Splits: Mile

Running, 1/13/-1/19/2014

Start time	Distance	Time	Average Speed	Athlete Weight
Start time	Distance	Time	Average Speed	Athlete Weight
1/14/2014 11:33 AM	1.58 mi	00:12:39	7.5 mph	226.46 lb
1/14/2014 11:47 AM	1.09 mi	00:12:00	5.5 mph	226.46 lb
1/14/2014 12:00 PM	2.99 mi	00:24:39	7.3 mph	226.46 lb
1/15/2014 12:56 PM	3.01 mi	00:25:09	7.2 mph	226.46 lb
1/16/2014 12:19 PM	4.99 mi	00:38:02	7.9 mph	226.46 lb

Created with Activity Documentation Plugin for SportTracks
(see http://www.sporttracks-plugins.com)

Boston Marathon Training - Week #2 Day #5 - 9 Miles LSD

2014-01-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

Cooking is another outlet for me, a little long forgotten lately. Yesterday I decided to make Colorado Chili using a slow cooking method - aka crock pot. It cooked all night long, and today's plan of attach, 1) Run 9 miles, 2) Eat a delicious batch of Colorado Chili, 3) Watch my Denver Broncos beat the San Diego Charger. Accomplished all three!

For today's run I wanted to map out a different routes with hills because I am bored running the same hills. The run I mapped started at the intersection of Conifer & Conser, then to Walnut, the to Glenridge heading up to Chip Ross Park. The hills heading up to Chip Ross are pretty step, and I had to stop a few times to get my heart rate to be in the "Easy" zone. I really need to work on this as according to training software I spent 69% of the workout in Zone 3, not good.

Chip Ross park was super muddy and slick, duh! I should have known, but you live and learn. Heading up some of the very steep sections I was walking, and slipped and fell uphill once! Once I made it to the top, heading down wasn't any treat either... tried to stay on my feet, braking on slick mud and grass, and tried to avoid going down at brake neck speed! I managed to find the parking lot without incident.

The last few miles were mostly downhill, and I just took it easy. I tried to hit as many puddles of water to clean the mud off my shoes.

Summary

Name	Boston Marathon Training - Week #2 Day #5 - 9 Miles LSD
Location	Corvallis, OR
Start Time	1/12/2014 10:26 AM (UTC-08:00)	Category	My Activities:Running
Distance	8.97 mi	Time	01:19:45.0
Time Moving	01:18:09.0	Stopped	00:01:36.0
Average pace	08:53 min/mi	Max. pace	06:48 min/mi
Average heart rate	154 bpm	Max. heart rate	174 bpm
Average power	395 W	Max. power	727 W
Total Ascent	630 ft +71 ft/mi	Total Descent	-680 ft -76 ft/mi
Weather	46.6 °F
Calories	1,568 kcal
Custom Data Fields:
* Norm. Power:	423
* TRIMP:	184
* TSS:	450

Map: Street - openstreetmap.org (Hike & Bike)

Tailwind(-) / Headwind(+)

Min.	Max.	Avg.
-1.4 mph	1.3 mph	0.0 mph

Splits: Mile

Pace

Min.	Max.	Avg.
29.2 min/mi	6.8 min/mi	8.9 min/mi

Splits: Mile

Heart Rate

Min.	Max.	Avg.
81.8 bpm	174.3 bpm	154.3 bpm

Splits: Mile

Elevation

Min.	Max.	Avg.
215.7 ft	693.4 ft	360.5 ft

Splits: Mile

Running, 1/6/-1/12/2014

Start time	Distance	Time	Average Speed	Athlete Weight
Start time	Distance	Time	Average Speed	Athlete Weight
1/7/2014 11:39 AM	4.98 mi	00:41:24	7.2 mph	226.61 lb
1/8/2014 2:56 PM	3.98 mi	00:33:57	7.0 mph	226.61 lb
1/9/2014 2:24 PM	4.98 mi	00:39:47	7.5 mph	226.61 lb
1/11/2014 12:59 PM	5.02 mi	00:40:34	7.4 mph	229.28 lb
1/12/2014 10:26 AM	8.97 mi	01:19:45	6.7 mph	226.46 lb

Created with Activity Documentation Plugin for SportTracks
(see http://www.sporttracks-plugins.com)

Boston Marathon Training - Week #2 Day #4 - 5 Miles Easy

2014-01-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

This was just an easy five mile run. Nothing special to say other than it was pretty storm, and I was soaked when I returned.

Summary

Name	Boston Marathon Training - Week #2 Day #4 - 5 Miles Easy
Location	Corvallis, OR
Start Time	1/11/2014 12:59 PM (UTC-08:00)	Category	My Activities:Running
Distance	5.02 mi	Time	00:40:34.0
Time Moving	00:40:32.0	Stopped	00:00:02.0
Average pace	08:05 min/mi	Max. pace	06:05 min/mi
Average heart rate	152 bpm	Max. heart rate	170 bpm
Average power	350 W	Max. power	676 W
Total Ascent	199 ft +40 ft/mi	Total Descent	-172 ft -34 ft/mi
Weather	47.9 °F
Calories	789 kcal
Custom Data Fields:
* Norm. Power:	388
* TRIMP:	88
* TSS:	192

Map: Street - openstreetmap.org (Hike & Bike)

Tailwind(-) / Headwind(+)

Min.	Max.	Avg.
-2.7 mph	2.7 mph	-0.3 mph

Splits: Mile

Pace

Min.	Max.	Avg.
13.4 min/mi	6.1 min/mi	8.1 min/mi

Splits: Mile

Heart Rate

Min.	Max.	Avg.
77.4 bpm	169.5 bpm	152.1 bpm

Splits: Mile

Elevation

Min.	Max.	Avg.
218.0 ft	403.8 ft	266.0 ft

Splits: Mile

Running, 1/6/-1/12/2014

Start time	Distance	Time	Average Speed	Athlete Weight
Start time	Distance	Time	Average Speed	Athlete Weight
1/7/2014 11:39 AM	4.98 mi	00:41:24	7.2 mph	226.61 lb
1/8/2014 2:56 PM	3.98 mi	00:33:57	7.0 mph	226.61 lb
1/9/2014 2:24 PM	4.98 mi	00:39:47	7.5 mph	226.61 lb
1/11/2014 12:59 PM	5.02 mi	00:40:34	7.4 mph	229.28 lb

Created with Activity Documentation Plugin for SportTracks
(see http://www.sporttracks-plugins.com)

Boston Marathon Training - Week #2 Day #3– 5 Miles 3 Miles at MP

2014-01-09T20:08:00.001-08:00

Gratitude. Today I was excited to train at marathon pace! I started off my run slow and easy, and popped in an episode of the Adam Carolla Podcast. I took it slow for the first mile, heading from HP to the hill on Highland Dr. in Corvallis. I hit mile one right about as I cross highway 99. I sped up to Marathon pace targeting 7:20 min/mil. About a half mile in to the three mile marathon pace part of the workout, Bald Bryan Bishop .. whom has a brain tumor btw, started speaking about Gratitude. This spoke to me as during this difficult time it is hard to have gratitude, however I think it is something I should not take for granted. I thought as started running up the hill that I am grateful for having met the love of my life, I am grateful for our children, I am grateful for having a great career at a great company, I am grateful for all of my family and friends, I am grateful for living this united states that allow us many freedoms and ability to realize our dreams. se are the things I thought of as the incline continued to increase.. I am grateful for having the ability to run, I am grateful that I am about the reach the peak of this hill, I am grateful that I am now going downhill, I am grateful that I am now back to an easy pace!

This was an interesting run, and I did feel pretty good in that I was able to hit about 7:27 min/mil with hills for three miles relatively easily (160 avg. heart rate). I was able to reflect on the important things in my life that I am grateful for, and looking forward to spending some time with my wife at the coast tomorrow during my rest day!

Gratitude

Boston Marathon Training - Week #2 Day #2– 4 Miles Easy

2014-01-08T22:25:00.001-08:00

Today I talked to several people both at work virtually, and around town when running errands. People are learning of Christina’s currently situation, and naturally are at first stunned… not exactly knowing what to say, are saddened, and then offer their thoughts and prayers. We appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers. Naturally people that have been impacted by cancer directly or indirectly have stories, experiences to share, and treatment recommendation. Christina’s isn’t following the traditional western medicine treatment ideologies, thus much of this advice is mute, but we appreciate the thoughts. I can be frustrating, however luckily most of that communication is coming in my direction instead of Christina’s so I can filter out recommendations that are in alignment her treatment plan. An interesting day, and a nice easy run was called for to escape a bit.

Today the training plan called for a four mile easy run, “Take a cue from the Kenyans and start each training run superslow. You may even consider walking briskly for a few minutes before easing into a jog.” Start slow is what I am use to doing, but I gave it a shot anyway:

I started really slow, speed up a bit in mile two, and in mile three a bit more – partially due to the wind at my back, and took the last mile pretty easy. It was pretty warm compared to the weather lately at about 50 degrees, with a little rain. Nice little run.

See you next time!

Boston Marathon Training - Week #2 Day #1 - 5 Miles with Hills

2014-01-07T20:09:00.001-08:00

The main reason I started this blog was to capture my thoughts, share my feelings, and get support from my friends and family while we battled against my wife triple negative breast cancer diagnose. I use running as one of my therapeutic aides, and thought capturing my thoughts in video, writing, and Garmin training activities would be a great way to share this information as well as a living journal of my personal journey.
As time has passed in the last two years Christina’s cancer was under check, and after running races came and went, my motivation to keep up the blog went away as well. Once I qualified and made it into the Boston Marathon that changed. I wanted to capture and share my training notes as I progress thought my training plan for what will be one of the most historic Boston Marathon to date. So that is where I began…..
Yesterday we found that Christina’s cancer may be back. It is not 100% confirmed, but there is a new tumor. Of course this is devastating news, but I am so proud of my wife for the courage, strength, determination, and resolve in her plan of attach against this disease. I am also very thankful of all of our friends and family matters that are in support of our family. Thank You! So now back to the future….
Today on the schedule was a 5 mile run with hills. I plan a route from HP to Good Sam, and back. There was a small hill that I knew I would climb, and thought I would power up the hill blow off some stress, thinking that this is nothing compared to the hill we are climbing against cancer. Instead my thoughts lead me to go back to my training plan goals; take it easy, no huffing and puffing. That is what I did for the most part. Going up the hill I had to remind myself to slow down. I felt good during the run, and completed it in 41:24 @ 8:16 min/mil.

Boston Marathon Training - Week #1 Day #5 - 9 Miles LSD

2014-01-05T16:51:00.001-08:00

Today was the last day of the first week of training for the Boston Marathon. I missed my workout yesterday as I spend the day in the garage working on fixing some headphones and lost track of time. My son Cole had a basketball game at 7PM, and I thought if I hurried I could squeeze in my 4 mile run. I quickly gathered my running gear, but I couldn’t find my GPS watch. I searched for about 20 minutes, then realized I was out of time. My wife Christina found it when I was out on my run, thanks Babe!

Today I ran using the Garmin Fit app on my phone, which was fine for a LSD run because I pretty much know my pace. I ran northbound on highway 99, then left on Lewisburg Rd, left on Highland Dr, up the hill, down the hill, left on Walnut, and then back home. The first few mile heading up 99 there was I bit of a head wind. I took it slow and easy as prescribed. After turning on Lewisburg around mile 4 I was starting to feel some fatigue. I stopped a couple of time to check if my app was calculating the miles correctly in part, but also to bring down my heart rate. I took a long break at the corner of Lewisburg road and Highland Dr, and then again at the base of the hill by Crescent Valley HS. I shot a quick video from there, and prepared to run up the 1/2 mile up hill section of the hill.

I ran up the hill at a very slow pace, and walked when my heart rate got too high. I normally just press up the hill regards of my heart rate, and only stop if I am close to my maximum heart rate, however I have decided to try to stay within goals of the training program. I rested one last time at the top of the hill, and then ran the downhill part of the route, and then back home.

Overall I am satisfied with the run. I felt okay, but I struggled to keep my heart rate down on a relatively easy run. I need to be patient and build my base back up, boring!

9 Mile LSD

Boston Marathon Training - Week #1 Day #3 - 3 Miles Easy

2014-01-02T20:38:00.001-08:00

Today was my first day back to work after the HP shutdown. There were not many people in the office or online, however I did have plenty of work to catch up on. I meant to go out for my 3 mile run in the early afternoon, but I didn’t get break until about 4:00PM. I needed to mail off a package today so I rode my motorcycle home, and then to the post office downtown. By the time I got back home it was almost dark, and after I got changed and headed out on my run it was dark.

Today’s event called for running 3 miles at an easy pace. I just ran to HP and up the path nearly to Highway 20 and then back home. I am not a huge fan of running in the dark especially when there are areas without street lights, not because I am afraid of the dark , but because I don’t like to find myself tripping over an obstacle cloaked in the darkness! It was a short easy run, so I managed to stay on my feet throughout.

Tomorrow is a rest / cross training day, so I’ll probably lift weights and do some elliptical training

Later.

Boston Marathon Training– Week #1 Day #2

2014-01-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! This is the second day of training for the Boston Marathon. An easy 4 mile run from home to around the HP campus here in Corvallis. I took a very easy pace as suggested by my training program; no huffing and puffing, conversational pace. I averaged 8:09 min/ mil with an 149 bpm. Looking forward to tomorrow!

Boston Marathon Training Week #1, Day #2, 4M Easy Pre Run	Boston Marathon Training Week #1, Day #2–4M Easy, Post Run

Boston Marathon Training–Day #1

2013-12-31T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today was my first day of training for the 2014 Boston Marathon use the Runners World Boston Bound program! Having a schedule to follow versus trying to just go out and run to try keep in shape is much easier for me to stick with the program. I very rarely skip a day of training when it is on the schedule unless I am sick, work gets into the way, or family activities. Today I was off work, kids were preoccupied, and my wife was at work, so all the stars aligned!
The first few weeks of this training program are going to be fairly easy as this is the base building phase, and although I haven’t ran much in the past 10 – 12 day I still have a strong base. Here is a snapshot of the Runners World Boston Bound training program that I imported into Sport Tracks 3:

Today I ran four miles at a target pace range of 7:24 to 8:24 min/mil. I need to makes these ranges to be within 20 seconds of the target instead of 60 seconds, but I ran at about 8 min/mil today, including the climb up to Good Sam. Weather was cold but sunny. I felt a bit sluggish after spending the last few workout on the treadmill or elliptical during the really cold weather. I am now glad to be in the building phase!

2014 Boston Marathon Training–Day #1

Boston Marathon Pre-Training Session #8–Indoor / Outdoor

2013-12-01T19:12:00.001-08:00

Today I decided to do some cross training at the HP gym while watching my Denver Bronco's beat the Kansas City Chief 35-28! Our smaller gym in my building has Comcast and two 50” plasma TV’s to view while running on the treadmill, working out on the elliptical, rowing, or lifting free weights. My warm-up was the 1.25 miles from our house to HP. I then continued my run on the treadmill for 60 minutes on 6 MPH. I don’t like running on the treadmill, however the game was a good distraction. Even though the treadmill stated I was running 10 min/mil it felt more like my standard slow run at 8:30 min/mil. Time for a change of pace!
Near halftime I started doing some sit-ups and lifting free weights. My goal for weight lifting is to get toned and not be build too much bulk, work on my core strength, and strengthen my quadriceps as I’ll need that strength for the major downhill sections in the Boston Marathon. I did some sit-ups, push-ups, and lateral raises. As the first half of the game came to an end, I walked down to the our bigger gym that has more equipment. I did some leg extensions, lat pull downs, and curls. Time to head back to the other gym, second half is about to start!
I made it back to the the gym just in time to see the broncos receive the kickoff. I stepped onto the elliptical machine for a 60 minute aerobic session. Several years ago I weighed almost 270 pounds. I was working from home in Houston, and we had an Precor elliptical machine that we brought with us from Oregon. I was used primarily as a clothes hanger until I decided to do something about my weight! I started working out on the elliptical everyday during downtimes at work, and I played a XBOX 360 game called Fight Night Round 3 while completing my workout as a distraction. It really worked, and I lost about 30 pounds in a few months by doing the elliptical workouts and lifting weights. Why the long story? Working out at the HP gym while watching the game was reminiscent all of the rounds of boxing I did on the elliptical!
The game was going back and forth during my workout, which kept me distracted enough to complete my second 60 minutes cardio workout. I continued watch the end of the came while I stretched. It was about 4:30pm and getting dark, and time to run home. I jogged home at a nice easy pace while listening to the Adam Carolla show

Boston Marathon Pre-Training Session #7–Pre’s Trail

2013-11-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

When I was in high school when I first learned of Steve Prefontaine. Although his life was cut tragically short before I started running he was one of my running idols. Although we live 45 minutes from Eugene, I have never made to trip to Alton Baker Park to run on Pre’s Trail. Today I made the trip, and ran the 4 mile trail. This was one day after the Civil War football game in which Oregon beat Oregon State 36-35, and I just happened to be wearing on Beavers windbreaker. I did get some curious looks as I ran on the trail that is adjacent to Autzen Stadium, but everyone was pleasant enough. I did reflect a bit on Pre’s life from what I remember, and also reflected on my own life as a young teenager learning of my love for running. I did not achieve the successes that Steve Prefontaine accomplished, however running did give me a place to escape, compete, and to keep in shape physically. I was able to qualify for the Boston Marathon on the first try, I guess that is something

Boston Marathon Pre-Training Session #6–Thanksgiving 4M run

2013-11-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! The mini refrigerator in my hotel room kept waking me up all night! I should have unplugged the thing, instead I just put a pillow over my head and tried to go back to sleep. I finally just got up at about 5:30 AM, and drank some coffee and watch a bit of news. Now I was ready to brave the cold windy weather of the Oregon coast…. wait it was actually over 40 degrees and not too windy. I ran north to the jetty, and then turned around and went north just past the hotel. There were several others running along with dog walkers. I enjoy running on the beach, it is peaceful, a little easier on your knees, and you don’t have to dodge vehicles!

Boston Marathon Pre-Training Session #6

Below are a couple of 360 photo sphere pictures I took; one one the beach, one on the jetty.

Boston Marathon Pre-Training Session #5–Slow 4M

2013-11-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

I recent read on article on Runners World’s website “The 2013 Holiday Running Streak.” To summarize, the basic idea is to run at least 1 mile a day between Thanksgiving and New Year’s day. I decide to informally accept the challenge. Today my wife and I went to breakfast, and right after that I decided to do my at least “1 mile” run on the HP Trail. I am not sure what I was thinking as I know you should let your food settle first. After about 1 mile I didn’t feel sick, but my breakfast started coming up! I tried to push it down, but a little came up. The next mile or so I fought it back, and finished the HP Loop ran home. Lesson learned.

Boston Marathon Pre-Training Session #4–Slow 7 Mile run

2013-11-26T12:14:00.000-08:00

Today I ran the course around HP three times to get a total of six miles, and when adding the distance from our house I ran a total of seven miles. Originally I was going to run around HP four times, but it was just too boring!! I run that loop all the time when I just want to complete a quick run between meetings or at lunch when I am at work. I felt fine, and just ran a very slow 8:38 min/mil.

Boston Marathon Pre-Training Session #3

2013-11-23T14:58:00.001-08:00

Today was another pretty cold day in the Willamette Valley at about 43 degree when I ran this morning. I decided to run on a route that a completed several times during my last training session that goes out Hwy 99 to Lewisburg Rd., to Highland Dr up the hill, then back down Highland, and then home. As I ran up the hill I was reminded of the many times I thought about the tough things we go through in life, and it is just a couple of minutes of pain to get up the hill. Our friend Shauna passed away one year ago yesterday, and I thought of her on the top of the hill.. remembering her battle, her courage, her faith, and her strength. My wife Christina as been battling breast cancer for the last two and a half years, and I admire her courage, faith, and strength. This fuels me to push up the hill.

Half Marathon Training Run

2012-08-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to the movies, which is a pretty rare occasion these days. We went to the matinee in the early afternoon, and did a little shopping afterwards. We arrived home in the late afternoon enabling me to get my five mile run in before dinner. It was a slow run down the typical running paths. The temperature was pleasant, and the run was just fine. I wanted to get my run completed in the morning because I needed to run a half marathon on Sunday. The temperature was suppose to be in the 90's in Lebanon on Sunday afternoon, so I should have completed my five mile run in the morning as well. Maybe I should have listened to my wife and just skipped the five mile run!

Today I went to the Lebanon to run the Run Away Pumpkin Half Marathon course from last year. I arrived around 9:30am, and I had my water, energy gel, and music ready to go. My goal was to beat my time from from the Corvallis Half since this course is flat. I set my pace for 6:46 min/mi, and within the first few miles I knew it was too fast. Around mile 3 I had to stop to let my heart rate recover a bit, and to drink some water. I acknowledged that this training run was going to be a walk / run 13 mile adventure.

The course is beautiful once you get out of town. It runs along Berlin road, to Waterloo, and then back to the start along River road. It was annoying having to stop and rest every mile or two, but I am to stubborn to reset the workout! I figured that I would treat it as a long interval training run to get my body use to the pace, muscle memory.

Around mile 8 a little deja vu came over me as was the same spot that I struggled through during the race last October. I tried to tap into using Shawna and Christina as motivation. I thought of the U.S. men in the 4x400 relay and the U.S. women in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. I thought of Mohamed Farah of Great Britain and Galen Rupp of the U.S. in the 5k and 10k. None of it really helped keep me running, time for another rest and more water.

I hit Waterloo, and started up River road. Only about four miles left and my pace was slowing to about 7:00 miles. I rested at the dam for a few minutes, and then prepared for the last two miles. Start, stop, start, stop! So annoying! I finally got to the finish. My time was 1:32:34, but the elasped time was 1:56: 54! I didn't think I rested that much! It was a tough training run, and in the future I plan to listen take my wife's advice and take the day off before these training races!

Please consider donating for my effort to raise $2,012 to support Christina during my run of the Portland Marathon in 2012.
http://gogetfunding.com/project/running-against-tnbc-portland-2012

Slow 12 Mile Run

2012-08-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today's run was a slow 12 mile recovery / long slow distance run. Again I found it difficult to map out a route that wasn't so familiar for two reasons: (1) it is boring; (2) knowing the exact route enables my mind to know when I am approaching the finish so I can take my foot off the gas! So I do have a GPS watch that tells me when I am close to the end of my workout, however I can choose to not look at my watch! For this run I choose to run on some familiar segments, but branched out to south of town hitting the trails at Willamette Park. I have only ran on these trails once because I don't like running on S. 3rd St. Today I made an exception, and I am glad I did.

The run out to S. 3rd was predictable and boring. The miles clipped off, and I hit the park around mile four. The temperature was in the mid 60's, and the sunny was out. It wasn't too hot, the shade on the trails was nice. Halfway through the trails I was getting a bit hungry, but I forgot to buy any cliff shots or energy gu. Luckily there were ripe blackberries throughout the trail! I picked and ate a couple of handfuls, drank some water, and continued on the path.

The scenery on the trail was beautiful! The Willamette river was running on the left surrounded by farm land and trees. I kept running down the path until hitting Riverside Dr, and then I ran from Riverside back to 3rd and back to the boring bike path! I ran behind the Corvallis Country Club on SW Brooklance Dr. I was about 1:20 minutes into my run, and needed more fuel. I found some more blackberries, and ate probably four or five handfuls this time. Later I found that Safeway sells about one half a hand full for about $6! I hit the gold mind I guess. I was about ten miles in at this point, and I was a bit spent. Include those ten miles I had run over forty miles in four days. I thought about walking it in, but I had motivation to keep pushing.

Going over the next couple of hills was tough, and I had to take a water break a few times. I made it past the hills, and coasted the rest of the way to the end of the course, 12.54 miles. I was relieved, and I felt good that I finished the course.

Tomorrow will be fairly easy, three miles at a brisk pack (6:58 - 7:18 min/mi) along with a one mile warm up and cool down.

Please consider donating for my effort to raise $2,012 to support Christina during my run of the Portland Marathon in 2012.
http://gogetfunding.com/project/running-against-tnbc-portland-2012

Hills x 14

2012-08-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today the Garmin Calendar lists "Hills x 14." For my hill workouts I run on NW Withnam Hill Dr between NW Grant and NW Circle Blvd. It has about a 5% - 6% grade, which is ideal for longer hill intervals. The workout consists of a mile warm up, running up the hill for two minutes at 5k effort, jogging down for 3 minutes, repeating fourteen times, and then a mile cool down.

I decided to run from our house to the hill, which ended up being a 3 mile warm up, but it was relatively cool so I though it would be okay. As I started the repeats I quickly remembered why I dislike this hill so much; it starts off steep, levels off, the grade increases and stays the same for about 50 yards, and then it increase a bit more until it crests at the top. The last 20 - 30 yards are painful! After 4 or 5 repeats I was calling on a high power! I thought about Christina and Shawna, and how this is nothing compared to what they go through mentally and physically. I thought about the Olympic athletes and what many had to do to get the gold. Okay, I know that I have never been and will never be competing at the Olympic level, but it is still a good motivation tool while I am training. By the 6th repeat I counting down, "Just 7 more after this one, just six more after this one...." After I think the 12th I saw a couple of deer that I took a picture of, nice distraction and an excuse for an extra rest period.

After the intervals I ran about a mile for recovery, finding and eating some blackberries along the way. I decided after that too walk the rest of the way home. The entire workout without the walk ended up being over ten miles!

Tomorrow will be a slow 12 mile run, see you then!

Please consider donating for my effort to raise $2,012 to support Christina during my run of the Portland Marathon in 2012.
http://gogetfunding.com/project/running-against-tnbc-portland-2012

Long time no post!

2012-08-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a number of months since my last blog post. Life can be overwhelming at times, and some things just fell to the wayside as life continued. I apologize for those that follow this blog, and are wondering what happened. First off, please visit Christina's blog to follow to get an update on her status and ways to help us fund her treatment. Next let me give you an update on the races I completed since my last post.

Our world changed in July 7th, 2011 when Christina was diagnosed with breast cancer. One of the remarkable and unimaginable phenomenons is the outreach and support from not only friends and family members, but perfect strangers impacted by this disease. Strangers that become friend and allies against this disease. Scott is one of those friends, and wife is battling colon cancer - read more on her blog Loving on Shawna. They set up a 10k fundraiser to offset her medical bills Shufflin-for-shawna-10k.

I signed up for the race, and the day of the race (Saturday March 24th, 2012) I asked my sixteen year old son Cole if he wanted to run with me in the race. Cole did run cross country a couple of years ago, but had not did any running other than condition for basketball in some time. He said, "Sure." Easy for a sixteen year old to just go out and run a 6.2 mile race without training, must be nice!

Christina, Cole, Jackson and I head to the race. Prior to the race we met up with Scott and Shawna, and we also were introduced to their family members, and other volunteers that setup the race. Christina volunteered to help with the timing, and Jackson was there to cheer us on. Cole was a bit nervous being that he didn't train, but the start was about to happen... On your marks, set, go!

The race was of modest size with an estimated total of 100 runners and walkers. Cole took off with the leaders while I hung back running my pace of about 6:30 to 6:45 minutes per mile. Cole started slowing down around mile 4, and I started gaining on him. Near the top of the hill on Walnut near MLK park I was about 20 - 30 yards behind Cole as he started to walk/run. My plan to run up beside him and give him some encouragement to finish strong with less than half a mile to the finish was thwarted when he looked back! Seeing his Dad coming up behind he was enough encouragement as he started running again creating some more separation. Game on! About 100 yards from the up hill finish I was gaining on Cole, and he didn't know that I was gaining on him. Jackson was near the finish and yelled, "Go Dad, you can beat him!", or something like that. Cole swiveled his head ahead around and saw his Dad within a few yard of him. His eyes widened, and started sprinting to the finish. Cole finished 3rd, and I finished 4th behind him.

Shawna & Christina at the Shufflin' for Shawna 10k

Garmin Connect link to my run at the Shuffin' For Shawna 10k

The next race I completed was the Corvallis Half Marathon on Sunday, April 15th 2012. While training for this race, I discovered quite a few of my friends from work, old high school friends, and local acquaintances were running or walking in the race! Some I discovered after the race as I was very focused at kept to myself for the most part prior to the start of the race. During training I have ran the full course at least once, and parts of the course numerous times. The winner of the race this year (Craig Leon) was interviewed and said that it was a nice course and pretty flat! I guess for the most part that was true, however there is a gradual incline from mile 3.5 to 5.5 beside Bald Hill, and another tougher hill at mile 7 to mile 8.25 up Walnut Blvd. It was a tough section, but my training on those hills helped me power through them.

Around mile 10 I hit the wall; my heart rate started rising, I was dehydrated, and my legs felt like lead. I hit both water stations on Tyler at mile 10 and I think 11. After the second, I felt the water in the stomach gosling around. That second stop was probably a mistake! It was tough haulin' for the next couple of miles. According to my watch I was right about on target to finish below 1:30:00.

Towards the finish I spotted a target, a slower runner that I was gaining on. I picked up the pace enough to pass that runner, and then spotted another target as we headed towards the stadium. I didn't have much left in the tank, but I always seemed to be able to sprint the last ~ 200 yards to the finish line. I sprinted and tried to pass my target, but he sensed I was coming and pushed to the finish as well. After the race in the beer garden I met up with him, Kelly, who works for HP out of Vancouver. He thanked me for pushing him in the finish. I ended up finishing 55th of 1,640 overall, 50/581 of male runners, and 7/76 of M4044, and a time of 1:30: 34. Dang, just 35 seconds faster and to get under 1:30:00! My watch let me down here as it had my pace a bit quicker. I did beat my PR nearly eight minutes. All in all a good race.

My Finish at the Corvallis Half Marathon 2012

After the Corvallis Half Marathon, I met up with a high school classmate Chris McCammon. He also works at HP, and we chatted in the HP fitness center about race and running in general. Chris had started training for the Lebanon Strawberry Festival 5k. I had ran that race in high school, and again in 2002 or 2003. After the Corvallis Half, I signed up for the Portland Marathon in October. My marathon training schedule does include some speed work, so I added this race to my schedule. I only had a few weeks to train for this 5k, and I didn't want to alter my marathon training activities too much. I did make an effort to hit all my speed workouts at or above target a little bit.

The day of the race the temperature was nice, in the 60's. Before the race I saw some high school classmates, my track and cross country coach (Marty Dannen), and some HP friends. The course is a flat out and back along Main and South Main in downtown Lebanon. My goal was to get under 20:00, which is under 6:26 min/mi. Now that I know my watch tracks my pace I bit quicker than reality, I set the watch to keep my pace between 6:10 and 6:15. The 5k felt more like a sprint after running in the half, and training for the full marathon! I kept my pace between the targets, but hitting toward the high end. My family wasn't at the event, but I did hear a few calls of my name during the race. Around the 1 mile mark, my shoe came untied, so I had to stop and retie my shoe. At the end of the race I saw a man probably about 50 yard in front of me, and I knew I could catch him. My heart rate was well into the 200's, but I sprinted hard... spectators were saying, "You can catch him! GO! GO! GO!" I caught him right before the finishing chute! Time, 19: 29 - 6:16 min/mil!

After the race I chatted with coach Dannen. There were several former students talking to coach Dannen including the winner that was 18 years old and ran a 16:31 @ 5:18. Coach Dannen congratulated me on my time, and as we chatted he told me he often used told a story to he former track runners. I was the only runner that every false started in the 3,000! That wasn't exactly the form of legacy that I wanted to be remember for, however that did trigger a memory of how much I despised that race in high school.. and that I probably false started on purpose. Marty though so too.

Slow 20M ~ Long slow run

2012-08-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today on my Garmin training center calendar it listed "Slow 20M." That simple description makes it seem easy, just run for 20 miles at a slow pace. I completed my longest run of 19 miles last weekend, so tacking on just on more miles should have been a piece of cake right? Well, I guess it was fairly easy the first 14 or 15 miles, but after that my legs felt a little dead. I hurt the top of my left foot during the 19 mile run in the Mac forest, and I could feel it a bit during the run. It wasn't painful just there if you know what I mean; my left shoe felt tighter. After showering I noticed it was a bit swollen. The hardest part of the run, at least the most time consuming, wasn't the run at all.. it was the preparation.

There are miles of bike paths and lanes in Corvallis, however after running here for nearly a year I have followed many of the same routes for longer runs. Many of the loops consist of the bike path along Philomath Blvd connecting to 53rd and to the waterfront, the path around Bald hill, and the path up Walnut by MLK Park and then down to HP. I also run south of town down Bellfountain to Airport, and go east and west dependent on the miles required for the run. My trip to the Mac forest via Oak Creek last weekend was a first, and the hills were not my favorite for a long run. So for the 20 mile run I spent hours trying to map out a new course that was fairly flat, off of the roads as much as possible, and someplace that I hadn't ran 50 times! In the end I gave up and just extended my Philomath / Corvallis loop.

About 7 miles into the run on a part of West Hills road that I hadn't ran before, and man was coming down a gravel driveway I was about to cross. He looked at me at his right, looked to his left, and then started coming out just as I cross the front of his 1980's K car. I held both hands out as to try bring the car to a stop, warning the driver he as about to hit a pedestrian, or brace myself for a stop-get-dropped-and-rolll of the top of this guys car! He stopped and looked very annoyed that I didn't yield him the right of way! Maybe they are use to seeing runners out in the country!

Only 13 miles to go after that incident. Now I am back on my regular training routes, and heading around Bald Hill and up Walnut. My pace is fine, hydration is good, and heart rate in check. As I round from Circle to Hwy 20 (mile 14-15) I started dragging a bit. I stopped just short of the HP entrance on Hwy 20 under some trees to get some water and let my heart rate get back to recovery levels. I then pushed it in the last 4-5 miles.