Team Rogue Blogs

Groovin'

Geezer Collins — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:45:00 -0800

I am back in the groove! I took the entire week off (except for the Hokahey 5K) as planned. Tuesday was test the hip day so I headed down to Rogue for the 5:30am run. The weather was cool and the youngsters where feeling friskie so we cranked out 12 miles at a ridulous pace in the low 7s. The hip was fine but my legs were shot! Wednesday morning was even colder but I didn't get started until 7:30 and got hot in the beautiful sunshine. I ran 9.2 at an easy recovery pace and felt pretty loose by the end. This morning, the alarm woke me up for the first time in weeks. I had trouble getting out the door but finally got out the door and headed to Barton Springs. 14 miles was the longest option and several runners indicated they were going 14. I ended up with a side stitch in the first 2 miles and had trouble holding the pace. By mile 5 I had caught up to the group just as those running shorter were turning around. By mile 8 Mike and I were running alone and at a comfortable pace. We ended up just short of 14 miles so I am sitting at 34.4 miles after 3 days. This mileage feels GREAT! I will try to get 8-10 tomorrow, 20 on Saturday then 5-8 barefoot miles on Sunday. That will net 68-72 miles for the week in 6 days. I will be getting 70-76 miles per week in until Boston in April. Feels so good, feeling good again!

Taking action on homelessness and high health care costs

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:12:13 -0800

Today, in commemoration of National Homeless Awareness Week, Green Doors‘ supporters, homeless advocates, city government officials, agency leaders, teachers, and residents of Green Doors’ homes launched Green Doors’ 2nd video in its Tex S. Taxpayer Series.

The purpose of the video is to move the public, the Tex S. Taxpayer — you, me, all of us — to take constructive action on the issue of homelessness. The series of video shorts illustrate how individuals and families end up homeless and demonstrate the price we all pay if we do not adequately address the issue. This 2nd video focuses on the high health care costs that all of us share when we, as a community, don’t address homelessness comprehensively.

After a full day of educational outreach on the street corners of Austin, tonight, we’re inviting you to visit the Holy Cross Lawn at St. Edward’s University at 5:30pm today for a free screening of the 2nd Public Service Announcement in the Tex S. Taxpayer Series and hear a special address from Frank Fernandez (Executive Director of Green Doors) and attend a public screening of Hollywood film, The Soloist.

Watch the video »

Team Rogue Elite at the San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll Marathon

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:47:00 -0800

Allison, Darren and Kyle at the R after the race. Allison finished 2nd Texan Female! Darren and Kyle were out for a progressive training run … more pictures to come.

Meet Rogue at the R at the San Antonio Rock ‘N Roll

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:16:40 -0800

Hokahey 5K

Geezer Collins — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:18:00 -0800

Our new business is keeping me busier than I ever imagined. For the first time in many years, I am fully engaged from the time I get up until falling into bed. I had forgotten the thrill and energy produced by taking on a new challenge. I have even come up with a new marketing ploy based on my running. I'm thinking of contacting all of the fast guys in my age group and offering to reduce my commissions if they will let me sell their house in Austin and refer them to an agent in say Portland. In a couple of years, I could start walking away with some age group awards!

Speaking of running, I actually haven't done much lately. In the days following the IBM 10K I noticed some tightness in my hip. The location was in the same general area that took me out of the 2007 Boston training and trashed a year of training. I began a concerted effort to address the issue before it become an injury. By Monday of this week it had reached the point of pain during my run so I cut the run short and developed my plan of attack on it. I notified my running buddies that I was taking a week off. I scheduled a massage with Lisa, the Mistress of Pain, and hit it with Aleve on day one then Advil and Tylenol after that. At my massage, Lisa was amazed at the lack of knots in my calves and at the vastly improved range of motion in all of the major joints. She agreed that the barefoot and near barefoot running has transformed my lower body and that it seems to be the right approach to running for me. Then she got busy on my hip. I had been dreading this because I hadn't done a massage in over 8 months BUT we were both surprised at how easily the muscles released. I left with a little bit of soreness that was nearly completely gone by the time I reached the office. No running on Friday. I had no time to really think about the Hokakey 5K that I had entered for Saturday.

The Hokahey 5K was not really a "race" after all. This was an opportunity to come together with the friends of Dan Keitz and raise funds for his battle with ALS. As I got ready for bed, I didn't know if I would race or not. The thought even occur ed to me to try running barefoot. I decided on the drive out to Oak Hill that I would run it barefoot if the pavement looked smooth. When I got there they were handing out chips with the bibs. Hmmm, hadn't thought about attaching a chip without shoes. Ok, lets run some of the course and decide what to do. I jogged out for what I thought was about a mile and found the pavement to be pretty rough so shoes were staying on.

I seeded myself near the front and decided to just see what I had when the gun went off. I knew Kurt M. would go for the win and there were several buff looking high school XC guys with that look in their eyes. When the horn sounded I found myself running in 5th place with Kurt and 3 XC guys out ahead. I was breathing heavy within 20 seconds while these guys seemed to be just cruising. At what I thought should be about the 1st mile I sneaked a peak at my watch and saw 4:20 so I knew I was in trouble. I was feeling like we had run a mile already but we had only run 3/4 mile if that! Then I saw the HILL. Where in the hell did that come from? I dug in and passed one of the XC kids but Kurt and the other two were now pulling away. Going down the backside was no fun because I could see we had to come right back up in short order. From this point on I could hear footsteps right on my heels. I never looked back though. On the return trip up the hill, I got passed by some guy named Larry. Why do they always seemed to be named Larry? He passed me like I was standing still. I figured I would now get passed by 5 or 6 more before we finished as I was beginning to run out of steam. I could hear footsteps getting closer and closer as we neared the final stretch. With about 200 meters to go, I felt someone try to pass me. I dropped whatever hammer I had left knowing it wouldn't be enough if it was one of the young guys. After about 50 meters, I heard them back off and knew that I had broken them. I pushed to the finish vowing to NOT look at my watch crossing the line. I looked up and saw Dan at the finish line so without thinking I jumped and gave Dan my best salute. I had my usual couple of minutes of dry heaving before I realized I hadn't stopped my watch. I don't yet know what my time was BUT I managed to hold onto 5th place overall and 1st masters! Kurt held off the 2 XC guys for the win and Larry must be younger than 40. I spent about an hour visiting with Dan and many of the folks from our Pikes Peak training. It was good to see people that I had not seen in 2 or 3 years. I'll be back to run this race next year!

RESULTS:
Hohahey 5k
Austin, TX
14 Nov 2009

1 0:18:42 Kurt Mohlman M 29
2 0:19:01 John Vogt M 31
3 0:19:27 Larry King M 43
4 0:19:40 Matthew Nyfeler M 17
5 0:19:50 Geezer Collins M 46
6 0:19:50 Cody Castelline M 15
7 0:19:56 Michael Wedel M 34

Essential Lydiard

Geezer Collins — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:03:00 -0800

Thank you Mike for forwarding this article! Anyone who has read my blog for any length of time knows I have struggled with the mental and physical aspects of becoming a marathoner. Not running a marathon, that was actually pretty easy, but becoming a marathoner. Shedding the excesses (shoes, technology, fueling, hair) and learning to simply run by feel has been the hardest thing I have done in my life except perhaps raising kids. So I plan to read this article a few more times. I hope it puts some of my rambling and disjointed blogging into perspective for me as well as you!

And this is what some peope call a workout

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:49:58 -0800

The Brooks Launch really does rock

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:29:01 -0800

John reviewed the Brooks Launch recently. Before the Portland marathon I posted that I selected and why (John has a much more succinct review). It’s the first time I’ve opted to run in Brooks, and I wore the Launch for the Portland marathon as well and still have the same positive opinion as when I tried them on at the store.

Tagged: review, running shoe

To take ibuprofen or not?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:58:13 -0800

There was an interesting article from the NY Times referenced on the Rogue site on the effects of using ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs). I guess all that pill popping isn’t such a great idea. Looking back at my training I think I took a total of 12 pills training for Portland (which went really well) and I’ve never taken any before or during a race in over 4 years … so without any scientific backing I guess I managed to do the right thing …. at times at least.

Strong showing from Rogue at the 10 Miler

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:29:23 -0800

As I was reading Wish’s article I was taken back by the number of Rogues mentioned (well not as Rogues but the names were of Rogues). The first group were Team Rogue Elite, a new group or runners that are being coached by Steve Sisson through a non-profit (Team Rogue) for post-collegiate athletes. Overall women’s winner Shauneen Garrahan is part of Team Rogue Elite, as are Darren Brown (2nd) and Kyle Miller (3rd). Let’s not forget Carmen Troncoso (masters winner) our Rogue Coach extraordinaire and the outstanding performance of her Tronky’s yesterday.

As a disclaimer and in the interest of openness I recently volunteered to be on the board of the organization to help get it started on its mission to help build an Austin based team that can compete at the World and Olympic stage as well as foster running and provide it’s benefits to the youth of Austin.

A moment of Pizza and TRUTH

Geezer Collins — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 07:16:00 -0800

Last night was our Post Workout Pizza Party at Mangia Pizza! A great time was had by all, including yours truly who tried valiantly to clear the table of pizza before abandoning the cause with 2 or 3 slices left. On my very slow pizza residual laden 8 mile run this morning, I was reflecting on recent conversations with several runners from my group.

The First Ten-A-Tive Steps to Boston

Geezer Collins — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:29:00 -0800

I really was excited to get the training started. So excited I woke up at 3:30am. I managed to lay in bed till 4 then got up. I have a training plan that has worked for me for a year now. I run 10 miles each day that I run on my own. Then I run whatever the longest route offered on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday workouts. That typically starts out getting me about 70 miles per week and builds to 85 or 90 by the peak of training. I also will skip any day that I am hurt or sick (not many lately) and don't feel the need to make them up. Anyway, the longest anyone seemed to be interested in going this morning was 10 miles. Mus, Chris and I were the longfellows this morning. So I have now logged 10 miles toward sub 3 hours at Boston!

Of note this morning: Chris E is back with our group. He is training for an Ironman and Rogue will be his running training. Glad to have him back as we ran many miles together last Boston season. Jim F is back and leaning toward an assault on 3 hours. He will be hard to keep up with on days he feels good so I'm looking forward to the challenge. Tausha is back!!!!! Julie is back in black!!! A couple of new faces that Steve didn't introduce yet. Missing some of the core people still, Ken, Mike, Bruce, Jason. I think Mike and Bruce will be joining up later. Larry is still too damned fast for me to chase and Kamran will likely go for sub 2:50. Mus and Damon are chasing 2:55. So I will have some bodies to try to keep in sight on tempo runs and some to run with. Its gonna be epic!

18 Beautiful Miles

Geezer Collins — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:35:00 -0700

Team Rogue starts up on Tuesday. I wanted to get in a long run with my Austin Marathon group before we get geared up again so I headed down to Rogue this morning for the 7am run. As has become the norm, I didn't look up the mileage and just planned to run whatever distance it turned out to be. A handful of Team Roguers showed up planning to run 10. We waited on Jason who drove up just as the groups were heading out and were the last ones to leave the store. That was fine as it meant I would come up on each of my runners and could see how they felt and run with them if they needed/wanted company. That worked out great as we worked our way through the pack. I slowed and ran for a minute or two with each of the runners that I recognized. Everyone seemed to be having a great run on a beautiful day. Of course it was early in the run so it may not have been so great for all of them 10 miles later. ;-)

I came up on the last runner, meaning the one out in front, and decided to join up with him. I have pushed him a little harder than I think he was ready for at the start of the program and wanted to offer him some support today. I guess I ran about 8 miles with him, over Mt. Bonnell, letting him set the pace. He finally let me know that even though I was letting him set the pace, he felt he was pushing too hard having me there. I had hoped to be with him toward the end to help him close the run. He had a great pace going and I hoped it would build his confidence that the goal we've discussed is within his reach. I left him and pushed on ahead to let him finish up. I ended up talking to Peri at her water stop and Jimmy caught up to me. He was grinning ear to ear and going on about how great a run he was having. I decided to run in with him. We had a great conversation heading in Lake Austin Blvd and I mentioned how in Team Rogue we often "closed" our runs to improve how we felt about picking up the effort at the end of the marathon. I couldn't tell if he was serious or joking but he said lets do it! So with about 2 miles to go we started picking up the pace. 7:30 7:15 7:00 6:50 6:45 6:30. I was about out of gears and he was right with me. And still yapping! I finally pulled away with about 100m to go and I tried not to puke as I pulled up to the store. 2 minutes later he was grinning ear to ear and telling me how great that felt. I love this sh*t! I have been telling him for years that he was faster than he gave himself credit and after his recent break from running he is feeling great. I hope he has a great marathon in February!

Several of my runners were there too and they all seemed to have had good runs. My last runner came in and seemed to be pleased with his overall time. He damned well should be as it was several seconds per mile FASTER than his marathon goal time. I also saw Kevin from Team and he said he had a great run but wished it had been his marathon instead of just a long run. I tried to offer some support and perspective by pointing out that I have run just as many 4 hour marathons as sub 3:30 and the list of things that CAN go wrong is nearly infinite. I think we will see him BLAST his PR at the next one! Overall I had a great day at Rogue, great weather, great running, great conversation. I hope all of my runners had great days too!

Getting Started Again

Geezer Collins — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:57:00 -0700

Team Rogue training officially starts in one week. I will be going for a sub 3 hour time at Boston. This morning I decided to try out the paces I will need to run at Boston. Historically, I find the marathon goal pace to feel very uncomfortable at the beginning of a training session. I elected to run my usual 10 mile route, warm up for 2 miles then start dropping to a 6:45-6:50 range. I got out the dor a bit late but the weather was great with sunshine and 54 degrees.

I passed mile 1 in 7:20, 2 in 7:15 then began pushing the pace a bit. By mile 4 I was running 6:52 and feeling good. When I turned around I kept the effort level the same but because my route is slightly downhill coming back I averaged 6:39 for the 5 mile return portion. The 6:45 pace felt the best of all of the paces I ran this morning. 6:45 = 2:58 marathon and I think that will be my official TRAINING target. I will look up the paces that McMillan predicts for a 3:58 marathon and also what Glenda's RaceCalc app for the iPhone suggests. I like that RaceCalc lets you make adjustments based on your natural ability for either speed or distance. Using RaceCalc and my settings for slightly faster a longer distances, my recent 10K time predicts a 2:58 marathon. McMillan predicts a 3:02 marathon. Both are close to the goal.

How high is an elephant's eye?

Geezer Collins — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:18:00 -0700

I offered to walk Eileen to school again this morning. She agreed but reminded me that she had a pumpkin for the teacher that I would have to carry. I'm picturing one of those little pumpkins that you draw a face on with a sharpie and set on the window sill so I said sure. When I saw the darned thing it was huge! And heavy. So I lugged the dang thing the 1/2 mile to the school and then Eileen takes it up to the teacher like she carried it the whole way! I know, I know, I'm a great dad!

I left the school for my run and decided that should probably stick to a known route since I could tell the mind would be wandering due to the MARVELOUS - FANTASTIC - STUPENDOUS - UNBELIEVABLE weather! Sure enough, about a mile in I started singing Oh What A Beautiful Morning from Oklahoma then began trying to determine exactly how high IS an elephant's eye anyway. Before I knew it I was on the final mile of a 9 mile run just clicking along.

I just read Keith's post about his battle with what I call PMS (Post Marathon Syndrome). Lack of a real desire to run and even less to talk about in a blog that has focused mainly on running are the main syptoms he mentions. My only advice to runners suffering from this malady is this: Go for a run. Don't map out a route. Don't take a watch. Just put on your favorite shoes and go run. Tomorrow if you feel like going for a run, go for a run. If not, don't worry about it. If I can get myself out the door for at least 3 runs in 5 days I find that I begine to gain perpective on the root cause of my own PMS. It may be the result of a disappointing result. It may be the result of a great race where I actually made my goal and can't figure out what to do next. Surprisingly, I have found that I carry around a lot of guilt after a marathon. Run poorly and I feel guilty that I let my coach and teammates down. Run great and I feel guilty that I had a good race when some of my best friends in the world did not. Once I figured out it was guilt, I was able to put that aside and get back to what I truly love: the quest for that one GREAT RUN!

Supporting races and the marathon in Austin

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:54:07 -0700

Wish had an article after his latest Chicago Marathon race this year where he discussed how Chicago as a city get’s behind the marathon and that the way it’s done is something the city of Austin and it’s leadership should look at. I have to agree with him and I’m glad he brought up the topic of races in Austin which has been dormant since the City Council passed the new events ordinance. During the course of the Task Force and city council meetings I had a few blog posts, multiple e-mails and also we had the keepaustinrunning site up with updates.

One of the things that I still don’t understand is why the office of safety in Austin has standards in place that no other city seems to think are necessary. The number of cones, their spacing, their height … triple barricades instead of single, amount of use of officers … we’re way overboard compared to what other cities do and that has a number of negative consequences:

It costs more. Yes, go figure having a cone, that is bigger at more frequent intervals makes it more expensive. Having a policeman and a barricade makes it more expensive than just having one of those.
Roads are closed longer. It takes longer to put bigger barricades out, it takes longer to put more cones out … it also takes longer to take them off. This means the rules we have (which other cities seem to do without very well) are part of the reasons people get annoyed by races.

Since last December I’ve run two marathons. The California International Marathon and the Portland Marathon. Two different states and two different cities, and both of them had no trouble closing fully or partially large roads, in Portland a lane was closed on what was pretty much a highway and the number of cones there per 100 feet was less than we have on a city road in Austin. I was safe with an 18 wheeler there but am not with a Prius here … it’s just unnecessary but we have an office in the city that get’s to make the rules as it sees fit without any citizen oversight. I’m looking forward to some of the City Council taking up the health initiatives the city is promoting and going out of Austin and running a half marathon or marathon. Maybe then they’ll see what Austin can do to make marathons a great experience for the runners, for the residents of Austin be reducing the inconvenience and a more effective fund raising effort by reducing the unnecessary costs some city staff are imposing.

Lost Episode #1

Geezer Collins — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:27:00 -0700

Eileen was up for tempting the rain gods this morning so she I walked to school. It was lightly raining when I left the school and not too hot so I just decided to run my standard out and back for 5 or 6 miles. A couple of miles in and it started raining steady and really felt cool. As I got to my turn around point, I realized that I had not ever run through the little pocket of houses in that area so I took a left intending to do a 2 block square and head home. Instead of coming out on Oak Knoll I ended up on Spicewood Springs nearly 1 mile away from where I intended to be. I was so turned around I had to ask another runner how to get back to a known spot. Really embarrassing considering I have run the same route 3 days a week for 2 years. So I had a nice 8 mile run in the rain this morning.

Puttin the Hurt On

Geezer Collins — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:32:00 -0700

I broke one of my own cardinal rules and did NOT run yesterday, the day after racing the IBM 10K. I paid for that dearly today with calf/hip/quad stiffness and almost pain. I kept the run short (3.5 miles) so as not to cause compensation injury.

Got home and checked email and found "Dear Charles Collins,This is to notify you that your entry into the 114th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 19, 2010 has been accepted, provided that the information you submitted is accurate." Well Boston Athletic Association, that entry is NOT correct. I will not be using my qualifying time of 3:18:31 but rather my brand spanking new PR of 3:06:05 thank you very much. I'm excited to see how close to the front this will get me. I've never seen the elites before the race and hope that I will be close enough to see these guys this year.

Dear Mr. Geezer

Geezer Collins — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 03:23:00 -0700

Inspiration comes from unexpected places sometimes. Yesterday was the Texas-OU game which as usual was a edge of your seat game, not from a scoring standpoint but from a what will the defense do this series. Then I joined Ruth Anne cleaning out the carport and surprisingly even parked in the carport again for the first time in over a year! I ran out for take out and after dinner checked my email and found the following email in my inbox:

Dear Mr. Geezer: This is the only email I could find to contact you, but I just wanted to let you know that this 55 year old runner on his 25th comeback has really enjoyed reading your Running Amok blog. Congrats on your recent marathon accomplishment! I got into running 30 years ago, never quite qualified for Boston but still have the dream. I wouldn't want to be chasing anything else!

I still enjoy the training, and the challenges, and I love to read good passionate writing about the sport, which is how I categorize your posts. Love 'em! I live with my wife Jane in the scenic Hudson Valley in upstate NY. We go down to Washington DC next weekend where Jane will run her first marathon in 13 years. This is just a "get your feet wet" run for her ... finishing in one piece is the main goal. I hope to follow suit sometime next year.

Thanks for the inspiration ... you have an audience outside of the Lone Star State. Keep up the good work and good luck on the roads.

Best,
Brad

I know some of my runners read my blog and a few of my running buddies but I sometimes forget this is the WORLD WIDE WEB and you never know who you might reach out and touch with a few words. So Brad, thanks for taking the time to track me down and sending your wishes. Good luck in DC and keep chasing Boston. After being there when my great buddy Ed finally punched his ticket I can tell you that the harder the struggle the sweeter the victory!

So I had been very ambivalent about racing the IBM 10K this morning until that email. I had set my IBM goal during the final 2 miles of Portland and knew that 2 weeks after running the marathon it would be a big unknown. The goal: place in my age group. I figured I would need to run a 6:10 pace to even have a chance. I have never held that pace for longer than 2 miles before but I was ready to give it a try. At the starting line I looked around at the 45-49 running GODS and immediately felt intimidated. Larry Bright, Scott Birke, Scott McIntyre, Marvin Hope..... If you run in Austin you know that these guys are serious fast and have been placing or winning whatever age group they have run in for years. After the first mile I knew I couldn't hold the 6:07 pace and just kept repeating my new mantra: RUNNING FAST IS HARD - RUNNING EASY IS FAST. I finished in 38:58 for a 1 minute PR and 5th in my age group. I am not upset at all with the result. I am on the edge of the conversation at least.

After grabbing some water, I went back out on the course to cheer in all my my runners who raced today. I think everyone raced well. They all looked good at the finish and most had smiles on their faces.

Laid Back 5

Geezer Collins — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:22:00 -0700

We walked Eileen to school this morning and stopped in the office to get an explanation of the nasty letter from AISD threatening to take us to court for allowing our daughter to miss 3 days of school. We had sent a note explaining we were taking her out so she could go to her big sisters wedding. We got a nice shoulder shrug along with, "if she isn't home sick with a doctor's note it will be counted as unexcused" for a response. NOW I remember why we started Chaparral Star Academy!

Left the school and got in a 5ish mile run while Ruth Anne walked home. Tried to pick up the pace a bit today just to limit the shock to the system when I run IBM Sunday. I have a plan for Sunday but I am not going to share it just yet. I'll see how it goes on Sunday and post about it when I'm back home. Maybe.

Hockey Night In Texas

Geezer Collins — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:23:00 -0700

Our movie has been selected to premier during the Austin Film Festival!

5 Over Easy

Geezer Collins — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 03:24:00 -0700

Overcast, warm and humid. Ruth Anne and I walked Eileen to school this moring. Ruth Anne was planning to go for her first run since Portland and I wanted to get 5 miles in. I didn't wear a watch and had no route in mind so I just zig zagged my way through and around our little subdivision until it felt like 5 miles. After mapping it out on gmap it came up 4.879. I am not keeping a log at this time since I am NOT training yet. I don't feel the need to run more than 5 right now but 5 feels a whole lot better than the 3 milers I was doing. Planning to race IBM this Sunday with no idea how that will turn out. I haven't done any speed work for over a month now.

Trying to keep the legs loose after the marathon

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:08:30 -0700

It’s been great to just unwind after the Portland Marathon, my running/physical activity has been very limited. The plan is to take it very easy until we start up again the first week of November to train for the Boston Marathon. Last week, just to loosen the legs out I hit the elliptical on Wednesday for 20 minutes, a quick 5 mile run on Saturday … with breakfast with Damon and Jason being the real goal, and today was a 4 mile run. Hopefully be back in the 50 miles per week range to get going in November but if I’m not … oh well, it’ll come with it comes.

5 Miles and Portland Pictures

Geezer Collins — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:17:00 -0700

Ran 5 miles this morning. That distance feels a lot better than the 3 miles I have been running. I have time to get settled in a bit before I'm finishing up. After a little mixup, I received the correct links to my Portland pictures this morning. I am pleased that the pictures pretty much confirm how I felt during the race: running easy and comfortable through 24 miles then working to the finish. Picture #1 is approximately 17.1 miles after crossing the St. Johns Bridge. This is just after I looked around and said "see ya" to the runners around me! Picture #2 is at 19.1 miles as we passed the University of Portland campus. Picture #3 is mile 21.1. The runner in Purple ended up finishing nearly 7 minutes behind me! Picture #4 is on the Broadway Bridge at about mile 24.1. I had just begon to contemplate closing so the effort level was incrasing about here. The last picture is pretty typical. I'm always looking at my watch as I cross the finish line. I never remember to look for the camera or celebrate finishing.

OK, now I have relived the race one last time. Time to get ready for bed!

One last thing: I love telling a bunch of runners to go run 7-10 miles and they DO IT! I keep getting more excited about what my runners are going to do in February!

Egg-selent day so far

Geezer Collins — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:46:00 -0700

Wake up - make coffee - get Eileen up - get Eileen breakfast - feed dogs - walk Eileen to school - run 4 miles home - feed horse - collect eggs - fix eggs - eat eggs - start day!

Boston - 192 days

Geezer Collins — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:29:00 -0700

Today was the beginning. No formal training until November 3 but I hooked up with Damon/Kamran/Jason and went for a 5.6 mile run at a 7:35 pace today and began visualizing the Boston course. I booked airfare on JetBlue, non-stop on Saturday. I booked hotel reservations at the Marriott in Cambridge. I looked up the CSU charter bus info from Duke last year. I am going for a sub 3 at Boston. After the fantastic experience at Portland, I am willing to go for an intermediate goal if the training does not fall into place but I plan to make every effort to get there. That means cutting 6 minutes and 6 seconds off my Portland time. That means cutting my pace from 7:06 per mile at Portland to 6:52 per mile. I plan to train at the 100 mile per week level this time around. That should net about 2,200 miles between now and Boston. That will burn through 5 pairs of shoes plus 1 for race day. I will eat and burn about 672,000 calories.

This is the worst running advice I’ve seen in a while

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:10:16 -0700

Yes I am venting a little here. I saw this recent post on the runtex web-site advising beginner marathon runners to heel strike … NO DON”T DO IT. Just think of your running form, think of your basic physics class, you’re pretty much putting force back into your body instead of propelling forward. Just land flat footed if you can’t land in the mid-foot. Just go look at any kid (not the “gifted one” anyone) and look at them run around … there is no heel strike, we have a natural way of running. Heel striking just doesn’t make sense when you’re jogging or running. That doesn’t mean you have to run on your toes, land flat, mid-foot, fore-foot … just don’t land on your heel and plan on this roll forward nonsense.

I’ll share something somebody wrote to me on the topic to draw a pretty funny parallel. Had me rolling in laughter but honestly the advice to heel strike is just as absurd.

When swimming I recommend keeping your head above water at all times – it just feels a lot better.

When cycling i like training wheels, that way if i slow down too much i don’t fall over.

Geezer's Perfect Marathon?!

Geezer Collins — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:40:00 -0700

Portland Marathon Race Report

Geezer’s Perfect Marathon

That is a loaded word to use when describing a marathon. Things never go perfectly as planned and the marathon has a way of insuring that nothing is ever perfect. Even so, I plan to run faster times but I seriously doubt if I will ever run another marathon as well as I just ran the 2009 Portland.

I am leaving out the pre-race stuff other than to say I had a small cup of coffee (4oz) and my now standard 2 scoops of Carbo-Pro with 2oz of water about 1.5 hours before the start.

The goal was to run a sub 3:10 marathon. My plan was to bank 30-45 seconds over the first 16 miles, give back whatever I needed to insure I topped out the hill on 16 with gas in the tank then begin a gradual closing effort to the finish aiming for a 3:08ish time. I new the pace was 7:15 per mile and I wrote the 10 and 20 mile splits on my arm for later reference. I seeded myself just in front of the 3:10 pace group but planned to run just behind them for a few miles before putting a little time in the bank.

I knew by the ½ mile point that we were running fast. I was 10 seconds behind the pace leader at the 1 mile point and I was 12 seconds fast. By mile 2 I was 32 seconds fast and still running behind the pacer. He must have realized how fast he was and suddenly he slowed dramatically. I gave up on the pace group at that point and decided to take responsibility for the race myself. I don’t remember seeing the track at mile 3 but it was about this time that I knew I was going to have a great race. I gave myself permission to run based on effort and not worry about the mile splits as long as they stayed between 7:00 and 7:20. Kamran the human metronome will laugh at my spread but that how I run.

There are 3 distinct memories from the section from mile 3 to 6. First, cammo shorts guy comes out of a porta potty right in front of me and SPRINTS to catch up to his group now 100 meters up ahead. I made a note to myself to say hi to him later because I knew I would catch him. After he sprinted away, I looked at the number of runners ahead of me and how many were passing me and I said to the guy next to me that there were at least 100 runners ahead of us who weren’t going to be there at the end. That’s when I noticed that he was already struggling with the pace. On the big downhill I let myself flow downhill relaxed and easy. Silly runners were racing all out down the hill passing me like I was standing still but I just kept plugging away.

Miles 6 – 11 were the boring out and back miles along Front Street. I was anxious to see if Erik and Jacob were with the leaders and how Steve would look running his first hard effort. It seemed like forever before I saw the leaders then Erik and Jacob in 4/5 or 5/6 place. I gave them a huge cheer and a wave. Then Steve and Tim. I waved and hollered eliciting a scolding from Steve about running smooth. I already knew I was rocking the joint so I just kept hollering as Kamran, Larry, Damon and Andrew went by. I made my turn and saw Jim with the 3:10 group and made a note to keep an eye out for him later. I missed Niccole but I think I saw everyone else. Chad looked good running with the 3:15 group at that point. Ruth Anne was right near the 4:00 group. The miles in this flat section varied from 6:52 to 7:14. At mile 10 I looked at the split on my arm and saw I had nearly 2 minutes in the bank. It occurred to me that I might pay later but I really felt good and didn’t worry about it.

I came to the bar where Tonya Harding plotted to have Nancy Kerrigan clubbed and knew that we had a fairly good 2 mile climb coming up through a residential area. There were spectators out but it seemed fairly subdued. I saw Julia and John just before we topped the climb.

I didn’t see the half mark in time to check my split (1:32:44 on results page) and set my sights on reserving effort for the hill from 16-17. The high point of the course was the mid-point of the St. Johns bridge and I was determined to top it and rock the rest of the course. I ended up running next to “Jeff” during this section and he said he was 23 and running his first marathon. I asked him if he thought he was going to hold up and just smiled and said yes. He dropped me about 2/3 up the bridge approach and I never saw him again. I looked him up later and he ran a 3:02! At the mid-point of the bridge I looked around at the runners near me and said “see ya!” I did not want to get passed from that point to the finish.

We left the bridge and I had my first “Oh Shit” moment of the day. We dropped quickly then made a hard left turn on a steep slope into a big uphill that we missed on the drive through. I was concerned that I might have broken my stride but the next mile clicked off at 7:00 and I felt no lingering effects.

Miles 18-23: This was the BEST part of the race. I knew that I had 3:10 in the bag. I also knew that no effort would get me a sub 3 hour so I relaxed and had fun. I was talking to anyone who could match my pace, pumping up the crowd and generally hamming it up. A couple of runners passed me but I reeled every single one of them back in. I see know that my pace dropped off my 3 or 4 seconds per mile but I wasn’t pushing at all and didn’t really worry about it.

I knew there was a pretty good climb coming at 24 as we approached the Broadway Bridge but clocked a 7:03 (passed cammo shorts guy flailing up the hill) that I probably paid for with a 7:21 on mile 25. We were now back on Front Street and I knew we had 2 miles left. I waited to start the final push until I was over the train tracks then I picked up the effort. Steve had teased me the day before when I said we wouldn’t notice the .2 mile uphill to the finish and I was determined to be at a full sprint (in the context of having run 26 miles) when I hit the hill.

Then the final “Oh Shit” moment. I was passing EVERYONE at this point. These were the guys who went for 3 and didn’t make it and I was flying by them at a 6:50 or better pace. At the last underpass they had set up the final aid station with tables of water on either side of the road. Why a water stop with ½ a mile to go? Why set up tables only 12 feet apart leaving only 3 or 4 feet clear between the volunteers handing out cups? Anyway, the guy right in front of me took a water and stopped dead in the middle of the gap. Without time to think, I lifted my arm, shoved him aside and continued my sprint to the finish. There was a huge crash behind me but I never looked back.

I saw the turn and really dialed up the effort. 50 meters into the hill and Steve was right, I nearly puked trying to hold it to the finish. Crossed the line, checked for runners behind and stopped to catch my breath. Looked at my watch 3:06:06. Official time 3:06:05. Yeah! The perfect marathon!

I took no water or fuel on this marathon. The Carbo-Pro breakfast has worked out well and I loved having no digestion issues. I did feel hungry during the middle miles but that subsided. I had a minor side stitch around mile 19 but with a little relaxed breathing it too went away.

Recovery is hard to do

Geezer Collins — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:11:00 -0700

I want to run! I have committed to running only limited miles for the next 3 weeks. I didn't think it would be this hard though. I feel like I am going to explode! Eileen wanted to scooter to school so I got to run the 1/2 mile up there with her. Arghhhh.

Victory Lap

Geezer Collins — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:02:00 -0700

I just got back from a 3 mile victory lap through the neighborhood. Since I have had no pain or soreness walking around I wanted to see if running revealed any lingering issues from the race. Aside from a slight bit of tightness in the first mile and a slight twinge in my hip toward the end, nothing. I will stick to my plan of NO training until November 3rd. I will let myself run 3-5 easy miles a couple of times a week but no more than 25 miles in a week until then.

I spent a bit of time looking at the RunPix graphical race results and it confirmed what I already stated in yesterday's post. From the halfway point, 2 runners passed me and I passed 100. I knew a 23 year old named Jeff passed me on the approach to the St. Johns bridge and I never saw him again (3:02:01!) but I didn't start keeping track of passed runners until mile 17.5 when NOT ONE managed to pass me and make it stick. I particularly remember Heather. She got pissed when I passed her the first time and pushed to get back ahead of me. I kept a steady effort and passed her again and she once again pushed to get ahead of me. She was a crowd favorite so I kept hearing people cheering her name. We probably traded places 5 times between 18 and 23 before I dropped her for good (3:07:01 and 9th woman overall!) and by the time I reached the home stretch on Front/Natio Street I wasn't hearing her name any more.

I am trying to reassemble a full recollection of the race. I already have the title for it: "Geezer's Perfect Marathon" as I don't think I am capable of running one any better than this. I still hope to run faster, but I doubt I will ever run one better.

Time for PR update!

Geezer Collins — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 12:46:00 -0700

Today was the Portland Marathon. Had a weird trip out. I always plan my marathon travel bag down to the last detail and check it 6 times before leaving. So how do I end up here with no phone and no underwear? And I left the hotel information on the plane. Anyway, I managed to get the race essentials packed in my carry on bag so I had what I needed to race. I will admit now that I knew I was prepared for this race. In fact, my concern was that I would get greedy and go for that shimmering 3 hour mirage that shows up in my dreams. In fact, as I left the room this morning, I had to force myself to leave the 3 hour pace band that I grabbed at the race expo on the room desk. I'm glad I did. I wrote the 10 mile and 20 mile splits for 3:10:00 on my arm and reminded myself of the 3:10:00 pace of 7:15/mile. The start was confusing to say the least. I was 3 feet behind the tape with maybe 200 runners. The Portland Mayor did his countdown and yelled GO and off went the elites. I was leaning into my start when they yelled at us to wait our turn. WTF? They gave the elites a 1 minute head start then let us go. I don't know how many "waves" they staggered but I heard it was the same thing for Ruth Anne at the 4 hour pace group. I stuck to my plan and ran BEHIND the 3:10:00 group through 2 miles where we were already 30 seconds ahead of pace. When the pace group leader slowed WAY down to get back on pace I ditched him and tried to get on my own "steady" pace. Anyone who has followed my blos for any time will laugh when I use steady and pace in the same sentence and you would be right again today. On the first big hill at mile 4 I clocked a 7:06 and wondered if I had just cooked my goose. I saw Erik and Jacob in 5 and 6 place on the out and back. Then Steve and Tim. Steve scolded me to run smooth. Are you kidding me? I was in the groove today and yelling at everyone I saw. I made the turn around and saw nearly everyone from Rogue go by. By mile 10 I had 2 minutes in the bank but instead of feeling scared, I felt like it was going to be my day. I made up my mind to run as steady as I could to the center of the big bridge and see what I had left. That was the 17.5 mile point of the race and I looked at the guy next to me and litterally said "see ya" and took off. From mile 17.5 to the finish line I did not let one person pass me. A few managed to pass me but I caught every one of them. I was hamming it up for the crowds when they went quiet and fed off of the cheers I could solicit. I guess I passed 80 runners in the final 8 miles. I noticed my breathing became labored at about 23 but I knew it was my day and I just kept pushing. At mile 25.something they had a water stop set up under an overpass. The tables were only 10 feet apart and with peaple handing out water it was very narrow. I was in full kick mode and the idiot in front of me took a water and stopped dead in the center of the gap maybe 6 feet in front of me. No time to think, I brought up my arm and shoved him out of the way. I heard a table crash and 800 water cups hit the ground but I never looked back. In the final 1/2 mile I passed at least 20 runners like they were standing still. I was hoping for a 3:05 at that point but heard 3:05 flat announced as I hit the 26 mile mark. 1:05 for the .2 miles and I was done. Cooked. Hungry. Thirsty. And getting cold. I had promised Ruth Anne I would wait no matter how long it took her to finish so I found my drop bag and headed out to the course. She was behind the 4:30 group and really looking bad when I found her but Julia and John (THANKS GUYS) where holding her hand and passed her off to me. I ran the final mile in with her and held her up through the medal/pin/drink/food/flower line and got her back to the room. Here are my splits. You can look up the course profile if you want to correlate them to ups and downs.

1 7:03
2 6:55
3 7:19
4 7:06
5 7:04
6 6:52
7 7:02
8 7:01
9 7:33 missed the marker so not accurate
10 6:54 short because of previous remark
11 6:54
12 7:14
13 6:59
14 7:00
15 6:58
16 7:12
17 7:47
18 7:00
19 7:04
20 6:58
21 7:05
22 7:01
23 7:13
24 7:02
25 7:21 No idea why this was slow, I felt like I had picked up the pace
26.2 8:14 Didn't split at 26.

P-3

Geezer Collins — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:20:00 -0700

3 miles this morning. I have a sinus thing building and a run usually loosens things up. 3 miles barely got things moving but I will keep at it today. Hydration plan is working pretty well. I am just about packed. Busy day dropping dogs and cat off, ordering some skate blades, and all of the usual last minute leaving town crap.

I have been pleased with the response to the potato chip run that I had my runners do on Tuesday. Thanks Bruce for telling me about it 2 years ago! Next week I am going to show them how to self torture (I mean treat) with the foam roller, the stick and the TP Roller system. Good times!

I may be posting from the iPhone so please excuse typos and brevity for the next few days.

See you on the roads!

P-5

Geezer Collins — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:28:00 -0700

Ran 10 this morning with 7 steady at 7:30 pace. I couldn't keep my brain focused on anything so I just let it wander. Lots to do today. Gotta go.

P-6

Geezer Collins — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:28:00 -0700

Race day is fast approaching. Today was a slow easy 5 miles. Running 8:30 pace I never really loosened up but I am trying to get fully recovered from the hard runs of the past 3 weeks. I have started my race week hydration plan that calls for 4-5 700ml water bottles per day + meal time drinks. I have my chip and race shoes in my carry on. I am washing my running clothes so I can pack my race clothes today. I haven't yet picked my throw aways. By tonight, I plan to have all of my race essentials packed and ready to go. Then I will check it every day until I leave on Friday.

Portland in 7 days!

Geezer Collins — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:38:00 -0700

Since I couldn't get my long run in yesterday, I received my alternate instructions from Steve: "12-14 but not too hilly. Keep it easy then close the final 10-15 minutes." I laid out a gently rolling 14 mile route and headed out with every intention of following Steve's instructions to the letter. My course was laid out with 2 mile segments so I kept track of my 2 mile splits. The pace for each 2 mile split worked out to: 7:45 7:30 7:15 7:10 7:00 6:29 6:23. Overall pace for 14 miles 7:05. I really really tried to maintain an even effort once I reached the 7:30 pace but there were just too many other runners out there this morning and as I blew past each one of them I just kept smiling, saying good morning and squishing them into the pavement. Figuratively of course. So it ended up being a progressive pace run without an all out finish. I will run about 35 miles this week then take the battle to the streets of Portland next Sunday. The goal is <3:10. I am going to try to run even 7:15/mile for 20 then see if I can shave a minute or two off the final time. After the last 3 weeks of mostly great runs, I feel that this is the best I have ever felt going into ANY marathon I've ever run. The goal does not seem as big a stretch as many of my previous attempts. Ruth Anne promised me that she will go to Boston with me whether she qualifies at Portland or not. That will be great. If I can put together a winter training season that ends up as well as this one I will be ready to go for 3 hours at Boston. Whoo Hoo.

A Small Taste of Death

Sisson — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:07:00 -0700

What can be known? The unknown.
My true self runs toward a Hill.
More! O More! visible.
-Theodore Roethke, "One More, The Round"

In my opinion, bluntly put, we run because we crave a small taste of death. Pressed up against a lack (oxygen) & desire (to be something more than we currently are), we are confronted with the edge of what we are capable of & more often than not we are found wanting. Because of that desire we want to hurt more, to press the outside edge of our limited, conventional world. This is not a socially acceptable place. Your boss doesn't want you to expand your concept of what you are capable of; your husband isn't keen on you realizing your body is made to move beyond his circumscribed expectations; your government wants you to vote red or blue (& what's the difference if you pay your taxes.)

Of course the indignities we suffer are not unique; what IS is our response.

Running asks you to go to the edge of your limited, acceptable, reasonable daily existence & to ask for a little more...& unlike your boss, your husband, your checkbook, your daily grind, it always comes through. Not always with the answer you want, but always with the answer you deserve. These questions ask you to risk...to die a little to gain a semblance of an answer. Frequently the answers are hard to digest or decipher or, in fact, are not even actual answers...but they do require risk.

"What can be known?...My true self runs toward a Hill."

Why Do I Run?

Sisson — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 08:27:00 -0700

I was having my Team Rogue office hours on Tuesday with an athlete I have been coaching, on & off, for around 5 years. We’d been communicating through email about some coaching comments I’d made to her concerning why I wanted her to back off of a certain type of interval workout. My concern was that, given what I knew about her motivations, her past training & racing, combined with her personality, she would begin peaking too early. We are around 12 weeks away from our goal race…I was concerned that we needed to adjust the training the group was doing to fit her tendencies. Of course, this conversation occurred at around 6AM after a few hard reps & she wasn’t sure she’d understood the reason for my concern. We spent a week emailing each other about this issue but quickly things got a bit more theoretical. I asked her what she thought her strengths & weaknesses were; which is a tact I take when I feel an athlete needs to examine their goals & running from a different perspective.

She decided to bring the answers to my office hours & we imparted on a long conversation that went beyond strengths & weaknesses & shot straight to the heart of why we run.

The question is ubiquitous, if generally unasked. Why does one step out on the roads or trails, placing one foot in front of the other in pointless, humdrum repetition? Even the elite among us recognize that the pay-off is ephemeral. A great friend of mine put it to me best over 15 years ago, there is no reason to running…it is an essentially meaningless activity. I think his direct quote was something like, "I run because it doesn't make sense; because everything else in my life makes sense and I need something that doesn't." Sure it provides some health benefits but considering the the way the majority of people I know run there are also serious health concerns associated with high mileage &/or high intensity. Undoubtedly we had an evolutionary purpose for running beyond the flight or fight response that might have a key to why so many people who have no real need to run continue to don their running apparel & slog though the miles. But ultimately there must be more to it...

It brings me to think more about why I run…or more accurately right now, why I don’t run.

Why do YOU run?

Team Rogue - Phase II

Sisson — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:55:00 -0700

Alright mileage mongers...here we go.

You should all be in a position to be fit enough train & the next 4 weeks will test that current fitness. Not necessarily in a way that will help you determine your time/"geek 'o meter" fitness but more to fine tune your effort levels on hills while continuing touch on the anaerobic conditioning (threshold/tempo) development that will be essential to your success in for the 26.2 mile distance.

I hope you'll forgive the repetition of the next 4 weeks & see that the opportunity to train on the same routes will allow you to more easily assess your current fitness. It will also allow you to be more conservative through the first round of workouts knowing you'll have the chance to get more aggressive later, once your soft tissues begin to adapt to the new stresses.

The work really begins now, guys. Your ability to listen to your own internal signals & to understand rhythm within the context of a variety of paces is now critical. You'll need to back your current mileage off some...initially I recommend you set a loose mileage level of 20% less than base mileage to allow a considerable amount of leeway for excessive tiredness, soreness & general shock to the system.

This is also a phase where you need to be able to communicate effectively with your coach. we'll discuss this more in the coming days, but you need to recognize that you need perspective in the coming weeks. I am here to help. Let's determine what is going to be most effective as we work on your weaknesses...this is a critical phase in your race preparation. Let's leave nothing to chance.

The Imperfect Beast: Another Attemped Start

Sisson — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:51:00 -0700

As a cub along the coyote's path, I have found to be wanting. As a boy among men, I have been found to be childish. As a businessman among the titans, I have been found "small." As a coach among the masters, I have been found inconsistent. I am imperfect & better for it. However, my lack of ability in being disciplined as a "blogger" is beginning to wear on me. I continue to think of myself as a person who loves to write, rant, share & cajole. Now, isn't a blog a perfect medium to incorporate these elements into messy stew?

I have to admit to being someone who cares what others think of me...for better or worse. When you are in the public sphere as I am this self-image can be intimidating: representing a university, the best athletic program in the country, a national championship program, a group of hardworking, motivated athletes, two independent businesses & the most progressive adult-focused training group in the world can be a little intimidating. If I haven't blogged consistently it is because it has been hard to determine where the "me" & the "we" diverge. I guess I have begun to realize that I am the "me" where all these competing organizations intersect.

We are all trying to be good, great, excellent or perfect. Our individual personalities are filtered through the day to day act of living, loving & learning. But each person has to adapt their worldview though their past & present. I hope to make this blog a place where purpose infiltrates the particular paths I find essential &/or interesting.

How you live is significantly more important than words you speak. However, in this Internet age how we live is becoming less & less visible. Who we say we are seems to hold a greater weight. I hope that this blog will wind through so many various paths that the words will trace a self that some will find interesting.

If not, ignore me. If so, we'll pass some time.

Rogue EQuipment

Sisson — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:05:00 -0800

GRAND OPENING - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd

5-9pm

dj*cocktails*keg*appetizers*giveaways

500 San Marcos St.
between E. 5th & E. 6th Street

two blocks east of IH-35; next to Progress Coffee

You are invited to attend the Grand Opening of RoguEQuipment, a new venture from Rogue Training Systems & Bettysport.
Austin's alternative running specialty store.
Dedicated to all runners: road runners, trail runners, triathletes & all of the above.

A store & training facility built by runners, for runners & run by runners.

We are running.

El Sendero Coyote

Sisson — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 01:14:00 -0800

Coyote Way

In October of 2001 my life changed. A marriage broke up, in Japan, & I returned to the States broken & purposeless. My brother & sister lived in So. California so I spent a few weeks there running & trying to put the puzzle of life back together in a place that was not home.

On one of my runs through the arroyos of Laguna Nigel I came around a turn & found myself face to face with a coyote. If you know coyotes you realize this is not a normal occurance. They are typically skittish around humans; they see or hear us coming & usually get out of the way. I was surprised to see the trickster on the trail in front of me. He looked me up & down then trotted off ahead of me down the trail. I started running after him. He'd turn back for a glance but I just kept my distance, trotting after the grey dog. We continued maybe a quarter mile before he strode into the brush & out of site. I continued on my run, not really thinking anything more about it.

Over the next few years I would remember that short encounter & it began to take on a deeper, more spiritual connection for me. It is very hard to describe accurately what El Sendero Coyote represents for me & I haven't really pushed to have it define anything...I just believe that I am on the path of the coyote I met in that California canyon. This is my path...I'll learn it's purpose along the way.

Bandera 100K

Sisson — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 08:27:00 -0800

I'll save the drama: I FINISHED. I know there were some doubters & some believers about whether I would actually accomplish this goal. & I'll admit that I counted myself in both of those camps. It was ugly...but I finished. More importantly, through finishing, I confirmed a few things about myself. I knew these things going into this race but I came away from my 12+ hours on a very rugged course understanding a few basic lessons:

Lesson #1: I'm Stupid.

No training. I mean NO TRAINING...unless you consider 30 min 3x a week in Nov & Dec as training. My last long run was a 20M at Lost Maples in early October w/ Joe's group...where I got my ass handed to me.
I should not have started this race. Ruth thought (knows) I was loony-tunes...I didn't really let anyone else other than Joe know I was so under prepared. But I'd said I would do it. Committed at the Belt; committed with drunken verbosity on a number of occasions. So, in my view, I needed to pay the piper.

Lesson #2: I'm Weak.

I couldn't stick to a race plan I'd created. I got fired up less than a mile into the race. Then I realized I was being stupid & tried to create some kinda rhythm. Too fast into the first aid station (Nachos) but chasing the leader. Passed the leader into Chapas (station 2) but feeling "good". Starting regretting the early, ill-advised fast pace on the flats where I began to cramp & look over my shoulder. Absolutely crawled through Crossroads twice & over Lucky. I don't think I ran more than a mile from XRoads to Last Chance. Leader passed me just before Last Chance & I knew I was a goner: cramping of the back, quads & calves led to a significant shrinking of my testes. I'd quit at this point, then walked the last 4.5M over Cairns & Boyles back to the Lodge in over an hour & a half.
UUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYY.

Lesson #3: I'm Tough.

Being a novice ultrarunner, I'd always thought crews & pacers were for pussies. I found out otherwise at the Lodge. My crew let me know I was letting them, my athletes, my family, my reputation & my very manhood down in the strongest terms possible. I was not amused. I give thanks to Carrie, Leah, Claire & Abe for their support. I was done & they made me realize that going back out for another loop was a better option than quitting.
I went back out telling Abe, my "pacer" (more like "life preserver"), that we'd just get around the first bend & I'd start walking. Somehow I kept running...all the way back to the Lodge.

Thanks to the aid stations...

Nachos - (Bill & Co.) Thanks for electrolytes, agua & the Old 97's.
Chapas - (Noelle & Co. - at least on the 2nd loop) Thanks for the pain killers & vaseline.
Crossroads - (HCTR, B-A-B-Y!!!!!!) Thanks for perspective, chicken noodle soup & being a soft cushion for my crew.
Last Chance - (ASHA!!! Brothers (& sisters) in arms!!!!) - For Tecate, a seat & L-O-V-E!!!

Thanks to Joe, Henry, Mike, HCTR & anyone I missed.

I am deeply humbled by my first foray into ultrarunning. [Simple aside: 50K does not equal ultra. You must go over 50M to be worthy of the ultra moniker] I was/am humbled by the requirements for success, humbled by the humility of the "winners "& the confidence of the "losers"; but mostly humbled by my own ability to overcome. In the week or so since the race, I seem to have garnered some undeserved respect for having covered 62+ miles. I feel this is completely ridiculous. I think anyone can run/walk 62+ miles if they had to.

The thing is, we don't have to...& I think that is what I am proudest of.

Don't understand? Well then, I guess you need to run an ultra.

When I Paint My Masterpiece

Sisson — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:31:00 -0700

Sometimes it just takes a just a moment, a little space in the crowding around us, to remember that we create our own lives. Circumstances, excuses, addictions, pleasures, pains & all the ephemera can't define a human being. How we respond to those happenings; how we act on the situations placed before us become the vision we see of ourselves & the projection we feed to the world outside us.

So choose the person you want to be...paint the life you want the world to see as your reflection & be disciplined enough, committed enough to that vision. Watch how quickly you become your own ideal. Do not paint in broad strokes, however, paint in all the details. Layer by layer, the grit, the guts; the grind, the grace, the grandstand. You won't get it right in just one sitting...keep adding to the canvas, redefining who you want to be & you'll become him or her.

You'll become your own masterpiece....or at least have fun trying.

Alright, So Maybe I Am...

Sisson — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:32:00 -0700

...a quitter. When it comes to my own training, life intercedes all to0 frequently as an excuse. The express purpose of this blog was to self-publish a training log to help motivate my lazy ass into being consistent. It has been an unmitigated failure up to this point. I tell every athlete I coach that consistency is the foundation of better performance. If you don't do the work, you can't claim the prize.

I was tempted to just let this little doggie die...but that would just continue the vicious treadmill I have let myself fall off. I am just going to get back on damn it. Maybe when I fall off the next time I can get back on more quickly.

Out the door for a short 20 min spin in Old South Austin. It'll feel good to sweat.

I Ain't No Quitter, Damn It!

Sisson — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 07:39:00 -0700

At the far end of the Greenbelt, sitting on a bench at the top of the Hill of Life (HOL), I am beat. Only 7.5 miles into a 15 mile run & I am looking for excuses to get a ride back to the start, skipping the final miles of trail. I only mention this to 2 folks, Carrie & Abe. Carrie, who is coaching the Pikes Peak group with me & has brought the water out to the HOL calls me a choice name but quickly adds that she too is a slacker. I agree with her...I saw her moseying down the trail after what could not have been more than a 30 min jaunt with her two dogs, George & Jack. At this point at the top of the hill all I could think of was coffee & the taste of a Trailer Park taco, trashy style. Then I think of Ruth...here is a optimal time to steal extra distance toward our Tussle in Tahoe! This doesn't seem to work as a motivator, either. I know it will after a few months & as we get closer to Bandera & Tahoe, but right now, at the beginning of this journey, I couldn't give a flying rat's ass. Finally, I think of the cool water crossings that will be all but gone in a matter of weeks. August & there is still water in Barton Creek... feel like I have to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Sure, I am out of shape & another hour + will be painful but those glorious dippings at the 3-4 crossings ahead get my tail back down the trail.

Distance: 15 miles
Duration: 2:14:37
Location: Barton Creek Greenbelt - Zilker Access
TOD: 7AM
Week's Total: 3:51:09
Month's Total: ?
Weather: 80 degrees at start; light clouds; high humidity

2nd Run of the Week - Before & After

Sisson — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:31:00 -0700

BEFORE
Pretty pathetic that this will only be my second run this week but as I said last time gotta start somewhere. Prepped with a beer & a coupla waters. Looking forward to getting out into the heat & steaming the pours clean with sweat & sunshine. Is it this blog that kept me accountable today or that I planned to run with Ruth?

AFTER
Gorgeous run...Greenbelt/Gus Fruh Access w/ Ruth/Lupi/Bala. Water at Gus Fruh is flowing clean & cool. Up to the chest on the left of the dam; quad height on the right. Out 360 Access & back. Hot but on the shady trail was great temp.

When I run everything seems right with the world.

Distance: Who Cares?
Duration: 30:01
Location: Gus Fruh Park
TOD: 6PM
Week's Total: 1:36:32
Month's Total: ?
Weather: 93 degrees; clear as a bell & gorgeously green

You've Gotta Start Somewhere

Sisson — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 03:19:00 -0700

Well it's time to shit or get off the pot. Ruth & I have challenged each other to race a 100 mile race in Tahoe in July, 2008. I have not been training consistently for many years now but the immensity of the endeavor & the rudderless feeling I've had all summer have now forced me into action.
Don't get too excited, though. I am starting pretty far back of fit & I am notorious for starting training but rarely have I followed though in the last 10 years since I stopped racing competitively.
Why?
Well maybe training for this event will allow me the time to think about this more critically & help to give my training a little direction.
So it started last night with a little over an hour run with my Pikes Peak group. We ran out at St. Edward's Park & scooted into Forest Ridge for a single loop & back.
Again, you've gota start somewhere.

Distance: Who Cares?
Duration: 1:06:31
Location: St. Edward's Park
Week's Total: 1:06:31
Month's Total: 1:06:31
Weather: 93 degrees but clear as a bell & gorgeously green