Rock-N-Relay

The Rock-N-Relay was today, and The Texas Chainsaw Repairmen got to run!

First - our transport van was decorated with a life-sized Leatherface sitting on the top, blood oozing down the windows and big magnetic signs that sported the best of the slogans people suggested on Plime and Worth. Things like "Keep Screamin', We're Comin'!", "Honk If You're Homicidal", "Looking for Scantily Clad Coeds? We can Help!", "Organ and Blood Donors Inquire Within", "Because a dull chain just leaves a bigger mess", "If it doesn't require a chainsaw, you haven't tried hard enough", and a few more.

The race started with me running the first leg - 3.78 miles. I finished in a personal best time of 34 minutes....that's a pace of 9:07 per mile.

Second was Jason who ran 6.7 miles in approximately 52 minutes.

Next was Tom who ran 3.78 miles in 33 minutes.

The fourth leg was run by Eric, 3.8 miles in 30 minutes.

The final let was Wes who ran 2.94 miles in under 25 minutes.

Our total team time was 21 miles in slightly under 1 hour and 55 minutes.

The official times will be posted on the website soon....but (drum roll, please...)

WE GOT FIRST PLACE!!! No, not overall, but we got first place in our age division (30 to 39 Male). I've never gotten first place in a race before. I'm so stoked!!!

As soon as pictures come available, I'll share. As soon as the official times are posted, I'll link to that, too. (It will only give the overall team time, not individuals)

Anyway... I just wanted to brag a little about the AWESOME Texas Chainsaw Repairmen!!!!

I started the run at 7:59 AM and burned 716 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 3.76 miles
Weight: 249 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Allergies, Sore legs, concerts and upcoming race

My allergies have been brutal the past few days. I can't sleep the night through because I can't breathe. I've resorted to using eucalyptus oil at night (I put some beneath my nose) in an effort to keep the nose clear.

My legs were still a bit sore - primarily my left calf. Fortunately, my blister on my right foot is a non-factor now.

Went the see Rockapella last night in McKinney. What a great show. I've seen them half a dozen times and each show is better than the last! I even got to talk to Scott while he was onstage and then again afterwards at the autograph session. Too Cool!

The Rock-N-Relay is this Sunday. I still have some decoration stuff to do, but I'm very psyched for this race. It's gonna be fun!!

So, what does the above have to do with my running? It has caused me to NOT run yesterday (allergies and soreness)...and it will keep me from running tomorrow (don't run the day before a race).

Since today was a rest day anyway, I will end up only running two days this week....WOW - that sucks!

Today's stats:
Ran: 0 miles
Weight: 251 pounds

Excuses, Excuses

Yes, another excuse filled morning.

First, my allergies are absolutely killing me. I slept very poorly because I couldn't breathe...and I got up at least 4 times to blow my nose.

Secondly, my left leg/calf is bugging me again. I wonder if the knee issue and the calf issue are related. I'm really starting to think I need to go see Dr. Wimberly.

So, I ran the first 2.5 miles and walked the rest.

I started the run at 5:58 AM and burned 619 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 3.54 miles
Weight: 249 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Another Tuesday Morning

Tuesdays are normally speed days, but I really didn't feel like running fast. So, I ran a normal 4 miler at an average speed. My foot is feeling better, but my knee is starting to give me problems.

I started the run at 6:36 AM and burned 831 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 4.30 miles
Weight: 249 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Friday through Monday Recap

Ok, I've been a bit remiss on updating my blog. I was a little frustrated because my foot still hurt and I didn't get to run at all. Knowing there was a race on Saturday, I didn't want to be hampered by an injury.

I got to Tom's house in Fort Worth around 1:00 PM and we hung out and worked on our Rock-N-Relay props. Hopefully, I will have some pictures for you after the race next week. Anyway - we made it to downtown Fort Worth around 7:30 and hung out at the Civic Center for an hour before the race.

I started out waaaay to fast - my first mile took 7:56. My second took 9:13 (which is where I should have been the majority of the time). My final mile took 10:24 - and I was seriously out of gas. I was shooting for a sub 28 minute run, but ended up at 28:24. Not a bad time, but 24 seconds slower than I wanted. I think if I would have run that first mile at an 8:30 pace, I would have done much better.

I have decided that I do NOT like running night races. I think I have more energy and more excitement for morning ones. But, this was for a good charity and it was neat seeing everyone run with the chemlights.

Afterwards, we stopped at the Flying Saucer and had a few beers.

We had our hockey draft on Sunday Morning, so I didn't run on Sunday at all.

Monday was a scheduled rest day, so I didn't run today either. Yea, I'm behind on my miles....

I started the run at 8:30 PM on Saturday and burned 603 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 3.10 miles
Weight: 249.5 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Unscheduled Rest Day

I woke up this morning around 4:00 AM and my foot was throbbing. The blister I mentioned on the 13th has popped and the area around the blister is inflamed. It hurts to put pressure on it. So, I decided then I would not run this morning and give my foot time to heal. The race on Saturday night is more important that a normal scheduled run day.

If my foot feels better, I may run tonight or tomorrow morning.

We'll see....

Today's stats:
Ran: 0 miles
Weight: 251 pounds

Why do I do this to myself?

I may have to rethink my rest days. After running for speed yesterday morning, then going to the gym and spending an hour with my trainer, I just didn't have the juice to run the entire 4+ miles this morning.

I ran the first 3 miles, then walked/ran the last 1.3.

I think my trainer hates legs as she seems to try to destroy mine. Although the workouts are full body (at least at this point), the crap she does to my legs always seems a bit extreme.....

So, needless to say, my legs gave out much quicker than my lungs did this morning.

I started the run at 5:59 and burned 782 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 4.30 miles
Weight: 247.5 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Tuesday Fast Day

Today was another speed day....I don't know if I like them or not, but I do enjoy looking at my time when I'm done. I have high hopes for a sub 28 minute 5k this weekend at the 11th Annual Candlelighters Night Run.

Looking at my pace - it would have been a 27:41 5K...not a PR - but the second to best time I've ever run it. I'm very happy with that.

I started the run at 6:01 and burned 617 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 3.24 miles
Weight: 249 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Rest Day - Comments on my weight

I must be gaining muscle. I can squeeze into another notch on my belt (although it would be tight) - I'm wearing clothes that were too small for me before....but my weight is not going down.

I know I'm doing good....hell, I ran 22.36 miles last week*, plus went to the gym two days for some serious workouts! My diet - for the most part - is really good. I usually eat between 2200 and 2500 calories a day....and usually healthy foods, too....

But I'm not seeing the weight loss that I want to see. I've been stuck between 245 and 255 for the past 3 months.....seeing as how I lost 50 pounds pretty quickly and without a plateau, I'm starting to get frustrated. I don't know what to do!!!!

Today's stats:
Ran: 0 miles
Weight: 251 pounds

(*My running week is Sunday to Saturday)

Sunday.

Not much to report today. I was asleep by 10:30 last night and slept until almost 9:00 this morning! That's the first time in over a month I've gotten 8 hours or more.

I can tell you that there is a big difference between starting your run at 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. About 15 degrees different. I think that slowed me down a little as well as increased my heart rate.

But, I'm happy I got in the 3.7 miles. By this time next week, I will have completed the Candle Lighters run in Ft. Worth.

I started the run at 9:26 and burned 723 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 3.73 miles
Weight: 250 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

6.76 Miles!!!! Woot!!!

My goal today was to run 6.5 miles. I was really feeling good when I hit the 5 mile mark - so I had an option of running a little less than 6.5 by going one direction, or a little more by going another. I'm proud of myself for taking the long way.

When I finished - I still felt like I could run a little further. Maybe next week I'll up my LSD to 7.5 miles. (or not....we'll see)

I started the run at 7:35 and burned 1323 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 6.76 miles
Weight: 251 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Friday Rest Day

Today is another rest day...and I'm really resting. I slept in until 7:00 AM and am working from home today.

Tomorrow, I will try to do 6.5 miles.


Today's stats:
Ran: 0 miles
Weight: 252 pounds

Another Thursday Morning

Not much to report this morning. I'm still a bit sore from Tuesday with the trainer....but I didn't have any problem getting out of bed and running this morning.

I ran the same path today as I did yesterday, but at a little faster pace. I finished the 4.32 miles in 42 minutes. A nice pace.

I do have a big blister on my right foot - right inside the arch.....oooh it hurts. Hopefully it will go away by race time on the 22nd.

I started the run at 6:06 and burned 833 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 4.32 miles
Weight: 249 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Almost a rest day

Had another good session with the trainer yesterday after work. I think she has some personal vendetta against legs and thighs - because she worked mine pretty hard.

So, when I woke up this morning at 5:40 - I reset the alarm for 6:15 and decided that I wasn't going to run...I was just too sore.

So I laid in bed for about 5 minutes and a thought came to me - I shouldn't make excuses. I should get out and run. I thought of Jenny (TheLearnedFoot from the Running World Forums) and how she's out running even while she's going through chemo.

I also thought of my upcoming trip to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Paris Island in December. I really want to impress Allen and Patti with my weight loss. I don't want the graduating Marines to look at me with disgust. Staying in bed because I'm a little sore will NOT accomplish those goals.

So, I rolled out of bed, turned off the alarm, and went outside and ran.

I started the run at 6:02 and burned 845 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 4.32 miles
Weight: 250 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Speed Day - another PR?

Today was a speed day. I decided that I would run the route for The Colony Veteran's Day 5K Fun Run - but started at my house (which is on the route) instead of the actual starting line.

The total distance I ran was 3.26 miles and did it in 28:42 - a pace of 8:47 - an average of 9 seconds per mile faster than my last PR (27:51 5K). My first 3 miles was done in 26:31. The last quarter mile was done in 2 minutes, 11 seconds. If you take half of the 2 minutes, 11 seconds (to make the final distance .13) my time would have been 27:37. According to Cool Running's Pace Calculator, I would have finished the 5K in 27:21.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I started the run at 6:08 and burned 621 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 3.26 miles
Weight: 251 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Monday Rest Day

Today's a rest day...and I really need it. My calf's are still hurting. I think I'm going to try to get a massage today. There's a Massage Envy just right up the road.

Not much really to report today....


Today's stats:
Ran: 0 miles
Weight: 252 pounds

Running with Tom

Tom came over yesterday and spend the night. We went to Stan's Taproom last night and didn't get back home until after midnight. I'm definitely no longer a night person. I didn't sleep that well and finally got out of bed around 8:30...after about 6 1/2 hours sleep.

Tom has been running a little longer than me and is in better shape. I told him that I did my 6+ miles on Saturday, but he wanted to try and do around 5 miles today.

When he runs at my house, he loves to run through the park by the lake - the one that's been closed all summer because of the excessive rain we had and the park being flooded. Well, they must have recently opened it and we got to run the lake today. I like running the lake, too...so now I may have to re-map my morning runs to include the park.

However, trying to run so far after yesterday's run wasn't a good idea. My calfs were very sore all day yesterday and started to really flare up during the run. At the 3 mile mark, I sent Tom in a different direction (along Northpark to Westway to Windward) and I took a short cut (across Stewart). I added another seven tenths of a mile and had to walk. I turned off my Garmin. Tom caught up to me and passed me. I walked a bit further and then ran the last half mile....but I forgot to turn my Garmin back on. I ran it - but I won't count it towards my weekly total.


I started the run at 9:28 and burned 711 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 3.70 miles
Weight: 250 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Another LSD

Got up and running a little later than I wanted, but I got in a good run. My pace is still slow, but I think I really need to work on getting my heart rate down and my distance up. I think I will still do speed work one day a week, but I think I'm going to work on my endurance more.

On today's run - I added a few cul-de-sacs (as you can see in the top part of the map). These were pretty steep and were pretty difficult for me. But, I really enjoyed the route I ran and will definitely use it again.

I started the run at 6:51 and burned 1221 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 6.32 miles
Weight: 247 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Rest Day

Today is a rest day!!! I slept in until 6:30! WOW!!! The good news is that my legs are feeling better - the soreness is almost gone.

Went to the gym after work yesterday - got in a good workout. We did chest and back primarily. A little sore from that, but not like my legs were a few days ago.

I re-evaluated my eating over the past couple of days. I think I found the problem.

As soon as I get back from my run in the morning, I drink a bottle of Gatorade (130 calories). I shower and then drink a mixture that includes 8oz of juice (either apple - 130 calories, or grape - 160 calories), psyllium husk (45 calories) and Flax oil (110 calories). So before I even eat breakfast, I have already consumed over 400 calories.

My daily goal is to stay between 2000 and 2300 - so I'm consuming almost 20% of my daily calories in my post workout drinks.

So, starting with my next run, I will cut out either the Gatorade or the juice. We'll see how that goes.

Tomorrow is my LSD - but I have to have my son at baseball practice by 8:00 AM...so I guess I'll get up at 6:00 AM to run. I'm shooting for 6.5 miles!

Today's stats:
Ran: 0 miles
Weight: 254 pounds

Better but slow

Felt a little better this morning, but I'm still pretty sore.

I'm really not looking forward to today - I left my gym bag at home and I'm supposed to be at the gym by 4:00 PM today - since I leave work around 3:30 - I won't have time to go home and get it....so looks like I'll waste my lunch on a trip home due to my stupidity!

After gym, I have to take my son to baseball practice from 6 to 8. As soon as I get home, I have got to push code (my job). We'll start at 8:00 PM and probably not get done until 1:00 AM. So, by the time I get to bed tonight I would have worked out twice (run this morning, gym this afternoon) and been up for over 20 hours. Not fun!!!

Anyway, this morning's run was a nice 4+ mile run, but my pace was pretty slow due to the soreness. Comparing my pace to other days, it looks like I slowed down between 20 seconds to a minute per mile. But I guess actually completing the 4 miles was the goal this morning, not speed.

I started the run at 6:02 and burned 850 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 4.34 miles
Weight: 253 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Lessons Learned!

I have been needing to cross-train for awhile, so I went to the gym yesterday after work and had a session with the trainer. This is the first time I've been to the gym in over a month. She worked me pretty hard - focusing on legs and glutes. I did squats, lunges, and some weird balance/core stuff on one of those half-ball things (I have no idea what they are called obviously). It was a good hard workout and I left happy.

Fast forward to 5:40 this morning....DAMN I'M SORE!!!! It was painful getting out of bed, but I did it. I shuffled into the bathroom and put on my running clothes. I headed out the door and did my morning stretches. (I won't even go into how much morning stretches hurt).

I originally planned today to be speed day - just running 5K for my best time.

When I took off, I ran the first half mile at an 8:30 pace. Then my body not so gently reminded me that IT HURT!! So I slowed down. And slowed down. And slowed down. At the 1.5 mile mark, I had to walk. I walked/ran the next mile. I ran the final half mile.

I usually run the 3.1 miles in under 29 minutes. This morning, I traveled less than 3 miles and did it in almost 35 minutes. I'm still hurting!

When I got on the scale, the pounds have gone up again. I feel like I'm doing well on my diet, but I've decided that I really need to figure out the calories I'm eating in a day. Since my daily food intake is almost the exact same every day (with minor adjustments), I will figure out what I eat today and adjust accordingly.



I started the run at 6:04 and burned 519 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran/Walked: 2.85 miles
Weight: 253 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Welcome to Tuesday!!

A quick recap of Monday (rest day). I slept in until 9. I sat at my computer all day. Pretty much it.

Tuesday - Back to my morning run. 5:40 came really early - even though I was in bed by 10:00 last night.

I've added new tunes to my MP3 player for my LSD, so I listened to that and kind of took it easy this morning.

I am getting a bit frustrated with my weight. I'm burning lots of calories, but I'm not losing any weight. I've actually gained a couple of pounds recently.

I started the run at 6:03 and burned 847 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 4.35 miles
Weight: 251 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran today:

Sunday's Post

Was a bit tired when I got up this morning, but I knew that since tomorrow is a rest day, I can sleep in (Yea, for rest days falling on Holidays!!! W00T!!)

After getting up at 7:00 this morning, I screwed around for about 30 minutes before heading out. My son followed me on his bike, so I knew it was going to be a good run.

I didn't push my speed (and my time will show that), but I wanted to leisurely run that my kid wouldn't complain about. So, we did 4 miles.

We'll be leaving the house today around noon to go to West Fest with my brother and his family. I'm looking forward to that!

I started the run at 7:35 and burned 775 calories.

Today's stats:
Ran: 4.01 miles
Weight: 249 pounds

Here's the summary and path I ran Sunday:

Saturday's Post

Yes, Saturday's blog post is being written on Sunday. Sue me!

I got up at 6:00 AM on Saturday and ran 6 miles! W00T!!!! That's the furthest I have ever run in my life! I think we ran 6 miles a couple of times in Boot Camp - but I'm not really sure.

Anyway - it took me a little over an hour to run that. So as soon as I got home and stretched...I took a shower, got on my motorcycle and went to my ALR meeting. We had breakfast at IHOP (there went every calorie I burned during my run!) then went on a nice leisurely ride around Lake Ray Roberts. It was a nice ride.

I got home around 12:30 or so and my wife and kids wanted to go Hawaiian Falls. So we played in the water from 1:00 to 6:00...and I got VERY sunburned!

After that - we went to Golden Corral Buffet....(as if I haven't eaten enough already). I came home, watched a movie, and went to bed.

That's why I didn't post yesterday.

According to my Garmin, I started the run at 6:15 and burned 1177 calories.

Anyway...my stats from yesterday are:
Ran: 6.02 miles
Weight: 247

Here's the summary and path I ran on Saturday: