26.2

Update December 2010

Back in May, 2010 I started training for the December 2010 California International Marathon.  It was an experience I'll never forget, although maybe never repeat.  I was religious in my training and worked my way up to some very long solidary runs, reaching about 23 miles.  I was able to taper for nearly 3 full weeks heading into the marathon and had a couple small tune-up runs with the Folsom Half Marathon a few weeks prior and the Sacramento Turkey Trot 10 days prior.  I BLAZED the turkey trot, logging a time of just over 42 minutes for the 10 k race (6:55 min/mile).

The day of the marathon was P-E-R-F-E-C-T.  It had been threatening rain all week but on the morning of the marathon it all cleared up and the sun started peeking through the clouds.  Temps were expected to be in the 50's, just about perfect for the race.  I was carbo loaded thanks to a delicious spaghetti dinner prepared by Laura the previous night. 

An iPod, snacks, and energy gels filled my pockets as I waited anxiously at the starting line.  When the starting horn fired I was off, along with 9,000 other hopeful runners.  We surged in a hoard down a 5 lane road blocked off for us for the half mile then turned onto a long and flat two lane country road, heading West from Folsom to Sacramento.  It was crowded in the first two miles with some people surging ahead and others obviously starting too far in front and falling quickly behind other runners.  I was zipping along at just under 8 minutes per mile avoiding those falling off the pace. 

After a few miles I settled into my race groove which kept me at about an 8 minute per mile pace. I passed the time rocking out with Jason Aldean and other country superstars, watching other runners, and soaking in the crowds.  As a runner you definitely get a boost from the crowd energy and excitement of the day -- and all the nice snacks and drinks handed out by volunteers along the way.

I kept surging along, but then miles 17 through 21 were strenuous; my pace dropped off probably 20 seconds per mile and I was starting to labor.  I think that because of all my training my body was able to push through this and I picked the pace back up in the final 5 miles.  Running shirtless a la the Incredible Hulk I ran full sprint the last 200 meters, releasing my inner beast with war whoops and various other displays of manliness.

I crossed the line at a time I was really happy with, 3 hours, 31 minutes and 51 seconds for a 8 minute, 3 second per mile pace.  Not bad for a first timer!  I exceeded my own expectations when I set out to train for this thing and I will always consider it a big life accomplishment.

During the marathon, I had great support from my girlfriend, Laura, her friend Brooke, and Laura's Dad, Alan.  The ladies made signs promising beer at the finish line and one particularly special sign with a "B" inside of a Superman polygon. 

Will I run again???  Perhaps -- I've since been on a few short runs and one 14 mile slow run.  Maybe I'll run again at the end of 2011 ... until then I'm going to devote my fitness energy to something different .... stay tuned.

Official Results:
http://www.flashresults.com/2011_Meets/CIM/searchind/


June 2010 Post:

 Today I signed up for the California International Marathon (CIM)! I'm really excited for this and have been training for a couple months. Running a marathon is something I've wanted to do for a while, one of those personal accomplishments I'd better get done in my youth. It's all about the journey. The training isn't necessarily fun, but it is good. The long runs TAKE A LONG TIME; I prefer morning runs so waking up at 5:30 or 6 o'clock takes extra motivation and commitment. That feeling of accomplishment during the last miles of the run makes it all worthwhile; the adrenaline on race day should give an extra kick too.


One of my favorite things about the training is the time to just think; there's not a whole lot is happening out there at 6 in the morning except me running with my iPod. It's the perfect time to reflect on what is going on and the important people in my life. Oh, and you know I'm listening to country music when I run ... a techno country mix ... that's what I need.

My goal is to finish strong and run about an 8 minute per mile pace.

26.2 miles, one stride at a time.

Millenium Class + 10

Yesterday was the day of my ten year high school reunion! Wow, time sure is passing by fast! Unfortunately, I did not attend the festivities. The distance makes it a little tough and I’ve been travelling a lot recently, especially to the Seattle area. Next weekend is Reid’s bachelor party then three weeks later is his wedding.


Still though, this milestone is an opportunity to look back upon the past 10 years. I think I’ve accomplished a lot, learned a lot about myself, become closer with my family, and made some really great friends. Six of those ten years were fairly dedicated to getting my education, albiet with a lot of fun when I wasn’t working too hard. :) Going into college I didn’t have an exact plan, I just knew that I wanted to get the most out of my education ... somehow that led me to getting my Master’s degree in engieering. Luckily it’s a degree that is valuable and I’m still very pleased with; it’s opened one significant door for me and that is working for one of the most respected tech companies in the world, Intel. I’ve been at Intel four years now and things are well. I am passionate about technology and how it can change our lives, especially mobile technology and how it connects people and brings efficiencies to the world. It’s just amazing how life goes by. I’m extremely grateful that my parents taught me the value of getting an education and also sacraficed financially to make it happen. Thanks M&D!

So much else has happened these past 10 years. I’ve taken risks, moving to California all on my own; so far so good there. I’ve been consistently taking care of my health and keeping habits to live a long happy life. I’ve been a groomsman in 6 weddings; best man gig #2 is coming up in a month! There have been some interesting adventures, from achieving the summits of Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Shasta as well as crazy road trips, Nelson BC, Malaysia, Montana fishing, and snowboarding adventures. Definitely good times. I seriously think I’ve had 25 different roommates / housemates in this decade.

I think I’ve worked hard and played hard. The next 10 years hold a lot of promise. I will continue to work hard and play hard and as well as take time to celebrate life more frequenty. I’m adopting a modified motto, courtesy of Justin Moore: “Work Hard, Play Hard, Hold my Baby Tight.” These next ten years will be different though, no doubt. I don’t know exactly what’s down that road for me but I’m hopeful to marry that special lady, start a family, stay healthy, be there for family and friends, continue in a rewarding career, explore the world more, and have many, many more adventures.

As I sit between past an future, the present is here and it is to be celebrated. I hope you celebrated all night long Bellarmine Prep class of 2000 and poured out some bubbly for me!