I am Joram and I am in Shelton. I took off an hour earlier from work to try to avoid the traffic, but sadly the traffic was there. Slow downs here, accidents there, oh it was just annoying. I wanted to take the day off, but today was a co-workers last day and I wanted to be there even if it is for a couple hours (more later).
Anyway, I'm in Shelton because of the 7 mile run tomorrow. The sign ups didn't have any map of the course, so I am actually using the email description I got from the organizer and drive it later. Most of it is out in the middle of nowhere, Shelton is already in the middle of nowhere, but the run described was even out farther. I just hope it is safe and there not some crazy Sheltonian who thinks it would be funny to cross some orange cones. Anyway, I'm going to check out the road and maybe stop at Wal-Mart.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Hey, it's the sun!
All week I've been checking out the weekend forecast and all week it's been saying that it'll be cloudy and rain here and there, so I was quite surprised to find the sun coming out today. No, its more than that, it is all blue sky outside!
I originally planned today as a recovery/rest day, but with the sun in full force, I decided to get the bike out. I guess it was a good time to try out my new cycling shorts - it has some padding to help on those longer rides and bumps. I decided to cycle about 20 miles and it was nice to have the sun out for a change and the shorts did help. I hope to have some more nice weather for the rest of this three day weekend.
I originally planned today as a recovery/rest day, but with the sun in full force, I decided to get the bike out. I guess it was a good time to try out my new cycling shorts - it has some padding to help on those longer rides and bumps. I decided to cycle about 20 miles and it was nice to have the sun out for a change and the shorts did help. I hope to have some more nice weather for the rest of this three day weekend.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Capital City Marathon
So yesterday, one week after my half marathon, I ran the "5 miler" at the Capital City Marathon in Olympia. I wasn't sure how'd I do, since my roommate suggested I should just stay off my feet for a while after my first 1/2 marathon, but what can I say? I'm too competative! Anyway, there was a few things that worried me;
-When I ran 3.2 miles the Thursday before, my muscles hurt afterwards. I guess that was a sign that I was not at 100% yet.
-Another thing that was worrying me was the hot weather on Friday and Saturday, it made it hard to stay hydrated. I tried drinking a lot of water Saturday night, but I was still dehydrated.
-Poor diet, my mom doesn't have the food I've been normally been eating, bananas, whole wheat bread, chicken. I made do with some rice, pork, and salad (wait, I shouldn't be having ruffage the night before).
I ended up stopping at Wal-Mart to grab a couple bananas to eat on my way to Olympia the next morning. Also, I had 4 glasses of water as part of my breakfast to combat the dehydration. As for my body, I was hoping it had recovered enough in the last couple days.
One thing I'll say about this event, they need more port-o-potties! I get there and I make a bee-line for the port-o-potties. Sweet, no line, wait, yeah there is and it goes all the way... back there?! I stand in line for about 15-20 minutes and when I hear that the 1/2 marathon was starting soon and if the 5 milers in line for the bathroom(me), could let the 1/2 marathoners have cuts. Oh heck no! I look at the people in front of me and they see my bib and I just cover it up and whimper for bit. I don't give anyone any cuts and just run to the port-o-pottie when one opened up.
After the bathroom incedent, I go over to the start area to cheer the 1/2 marathoners. When they go by, I go over to the course map and study it a little bit more. I then take off my pants (I'm wearing shorts!) and drop it off at the clothes drop off booth. I do my warm ups and then head to the start line. Right before we start we are warned that it seems some people have been too stupid to notice the "Road Closed" signed in the middle of the roads and have driven on the course - FUN. Moments later the race starts.
We run through a few city blocks before getting the main strip, Capital Way, there I see the fast guys are waaaaay ahead. Now my goal for this run was to run a sub 10 minute pace, so 51:59 was my goal time (race was suppose to be 5.2 miles). I run my first mile at 9:40, nice, good pace. Right before I reach the 2 mile marker, I see the fast runners running back on the other side of the street - Geez! I'm just breaking a sweat and these guys are on getting ready to finish already. I wasn't expecting any water station for a 5 mile run, but since the course was also on the marathon and 1/2 marathon, there was a couple of water station. I grab some water and keep myself hydrated. I continue on my run and see that I'm on an awesome pace for a sub 10:00. Just before the turn around I notice that I'm running on a bike lane that is as wide as the car lane - wow, I'm sure a lot of bikers in Seattle would love to have this kind of space. I reach mile 3 and I try to speed up a little bit more. I end up passing these two girls (I later find out they're 14), and I tell myself that I should at least beat these girls. Right before mile 4 the girls pass me - gatdagit! I try to speed up some more. We come up on a small hill and as I reach the top, I could hear the speakers from the finish line. I try to speed up some more. I get to the point where I think I just can't or should speed up anymore if I want to finish this race running. I peaked. I start slowing down and those thow girls I passed recently pass me again - BAH! I finally try to run as fast as I can after running 5+ miles, but those two girls ended up beating me by about 13 seconds. Oh well.
I look at the time and end up finishing at 48:13, a 9:16 pace. Holy crap, are they sure that was 5.2 miles and not 5 miles? Wow, that pace time really surprised me, I guess my next goal for a short run is to beat a 9:00 pace.
-When I ran 3.2 miles the Thursday before, my muscles hurt afterwards. I guess that was a sign that I was not at 100% yet.
-Another thing that was worrying me was the hot weather on Friday and Saturday, it made it hard to stay hydrated. I tried drinking a lot of water Saturday night, but I was still dehydrated.
-Poor diet, my mom doesn't have the food I've been normally been eating, bananas, whole wheat bread, chicken. I made do with some rice, pork, and salad (wait, I shouldn't be having ruffage the night before).
I ended up stopping at Wal-Mart to grab a couple bananas to eat on my way to Olympia the next morning. Also, I had 4 glasses of water as part of my breakfast to combat the dehydration. As for my body, I was hoping it had recovered enough in the last couple days.
One thing I'll say about this event, they need more port-o-potties! I get there and I make a bee-line for the port-o-potties. Sweet, no line, wait, yeah there is and it goes all the way... back there?! I stand in line for about 15-20 minutes and when I hear that the 1/2 marathon was starting soon and if the 5 milers in line for the bathroom(me), could let the 1/2 marathoners have cuts. Oh heck no! I look at the people in front of me and they see my bib and I just cover it up and whimper for bit. I don't give anyone any cuts and just run to the port-o-pottie when one opened up.
After the bathroom incedent, I go over to the start area to cheer the 1/2 marathoners. When they go by, I go over to the course map and study it a little bit more. I then take off my pants (I'm wearing shorts!) and drop it off at the clothes drop off booth. I do my warm ups and then head to the start line. Right before we start we are warned that it seems some people have been too stupid to notice the "Road Closed" signed in the middle of the roads and have driven on the course - FUN. Moments later the race starts.
We run through a few city blocks before getting the main strip, Capital Way, there I see the fast guys are waaaaay ahead. Now my goal for this run was to run a sub 10 minute pace, so 51:59 was my goal time (race was suppose to be 5.2 miles). I run my first mile at 9:40, nice, good pace. Right before I reach the 2 mile marker, I see the fast runners running back on the other side of the street - Geez! I'm just breaking a sweat and these guys are on getting ready to finish already. I wasn't expecting any water station for a 5 mile run, but since the course was also on the marathon and 1/2 marathon, there was a couple of water station. I grab some water and keep myself hydrated. I continue on my run and see that I'm on an awesome pace for a sub 10:00. Just before the turn around I notice that I'm running on a bike lane that is as wide as the car lane - wow, I'm sure a lot of bikers in Seattle would love to have this kind of space. I reach mile 3 and I try to speed up a little bit more. I end up passing these two girls (I later find out they're 14), and I tell myself that I should at least beat these girls. Right before mile 4 the girls pass me - gatdagit! I try to speed up some more. We come up on a small hill and as I reach the top, I could hear the speakers from the finish line. I try to speed up some more. I get to the point where I think I just can't or should speed up anymore if I want to finish this race running. I peaked. I start slowing down and those thow girls I passed recently pass me again - BAH! I finally try to run as fast as I can after running 5+ miles, but those two girls ended up beating me by about 13 seconds. Oh well.
I look at the time and end up finishing at 48:13, a 9:16 pace. Holy crap, are they sure that was 5.2 miles and not 5 miles? Wow, that pace time really surprised me, I guess my next goal for a short run is to beat a 9:00 pace.
Kirkland 1/2 Marathon
I know this is more than a week behind, but I thought I'd post something up about my first 1/2 marathon. I actually started writing this at work last week, but things have just sucked so much that I couldn't even touch it until now. Anyway, on to the Kirkland 1/2 Marathon....
My alarm wakes me up before 5:30, but I hit the snooze button to try to get a few more minutes of sleep. This extra sleep doesn't last as Kibbie, the house cat, jumps on my bed and "meows" at my face. With Kibbie following, I make my way to the kitchen to have breakfast. I eat one egg, over-easy, two whole wheat toast, and one banana. I make my way back to my room to switch into my running gear. As I start pulling the pile of Champion gear by my shoes, I take a quick peak outside and find it cloudy and chilly - greaaat. Being so chilly, I decide to take a quick shower to wake myself up and to help my muscles warm up. After the shower, I finally put on my running short, shirt, socks, and shoes. I then put on a jacket and warm-up pants to help keep my self warm before the run. I grab my bag and put my hat and gloves in it. I head downstairs and grab a couple pills I'll be taking after the run, a powerade from the fridge, and a peanut butter sandwich I made the night before. I take another quick check of my inventory to make sure I have everything I'll need. With everything I need, I head for the door. As I open the door, Kibbie, runs out the door and only stops at the steps.
"Hey! Stop! Get back inside!"
Kibbie just looks outward and points his butt at my face - Jerk!
I put my bag down and grab Kibbie and put him back inside the apartment and lock the door.
Alright, finally, on to Kirkland. I drive over to Juanita Park in Kirkland and on my way there, I start seeing the orange traffic cones for where the marathon will run through.
Ok, change of pace, enough with these complete sentences because, my mind wonders too much for that...
As I near Juanita Park:
Where can I park? A bunch of roads are blocked.
I find some space a few blocks away from the park.
Holy crap, it's cloudy, it's cold and all the breeze is not helping.
I deliver the envelope of money to Hope Link, they seemed surprised. Wait? Did I do this right? Was I suppose to do all the donation online or what? Damn brochure!
I walk around to try to stay warm.
The half marathon walk is about to start.
I go over and do some clapping and cheering for the walkers.
Ok, time for me to get ready.
One last trip to the port-o-potties.
I strip off my jacket and pants (I wore shorts underneath) and give it to the clothes drop off booth.
I find a little area of my own and start my warm ups
Jumping jacks.
Stretches.
More stretches.
Ok, I make my way over to the 10:00 minute pace group.
Oh god its windy!
I walk over to a SUV parked near the start area and use it as a wind breaker.
I few people join me.
Rain? what? who said rain?
"On my way down here from the North, there was rain"
Oh please, don't let it rain, it's cold already.
Ok, 2 minutes before the start, I go back to the pace group.
3...2...1...HOOOOONNK (air horn sound).
Ok, here we go.
I'm aiming for a sub 11:00 minute pace for the entire race.
Oh, here comes the first hill of many.
Ok, not too bad.
Ohh, first mile already... 9:00 minutes?! Oh crap, must slow down.
Run, run, run
2nd mile, 21 minutes?! Did I just slow down to a 12 minute mile?! Ok, somewhere in between.
Oh god, more hills.
3rd mile, 31 minutes. Hmm, 10:20 pace, ok maybe the first two mile markers were off, but 10:20 is a good pace.
Ohhh, water station! I thought we wouldn't have one until mile 5.
I walk to make sure I actually drink and not choke the water and Gatorade.
Back to running.
I see a guy take a turn 90 degrees and run into some bushes.
Where is he going?
....ohhhh
Run, run, run
4 miles go by, forty something minutes - blah.
I finally take off my gloves and put it in the small of my back as the roommate had suggested.
GLOVES! GLOVES! GLOVES!
What? oh!
The gloves fell and luckily enough, the people behind me notified me and one even picked it up. I do some weird 180 degree jump spin and wait for the runner behind me to hand me my glove.
I get my glove and continue on the run.
Bah, more hills.
I don't know what mile I'm on anymore.
More water!
"Gatorade is next"
LIES, the Gatorade was gone. Oh, I hope the electrolytes hold up.
More running.
My pace is easily a sub 11 minute pace, but I'm still scared my body will just fail when I enter 10, 11, and 12 miles.
Another water station. No Gatorade again!
God, where am I? how'd I end up over the highway?!
Ugh, my feet hurts! Running down hill hurts! Ugh, can't go full speed on downhills.
Oh noes, hills!
This guy passes me... again? Wait a minute, this guy has passed me like 5 times now, but I never notice passing him, weird.
Oh geez, enough with the hills.
How long have I been running? Hour and half?! geez!
More water stations with no Gatorade.
Ok, must be nearing the end, the waterfront is coming up!
OMG, a water station with Gatorade!
The greatest tasting Gatorade I've ever had in my life. A little too much, but oh so delicious.
Ohhh, Lake Washington... ow, it hurts to turn my head.
Ok, back to running.
Getting much closer, into the double digits.
Wow, these streets sucks. It's at a much steeper angle than most streets, so I hop on the sidewalk.
Oh, why more hills?! Why?! seriously?!
Mile 12?! Really?
Ok, Kick it Joram.
Hey, that's my mom and little brother.
Ouch, what was that? Oh noes, my right calf nearly cramped up.
On no, again. Oh hells no, not now!
Oh, smile for mom's camera... too slow mom, I'm not stopping now.
Oh, so close to the finish.
Another turn.
Ok, another turn.
Ok, another one. Oh, there's the finish.
OmG, I finished.
Ohh, goodie bag, no time to look, get this chip off my shoe and give me some water.
Hmm, water.
Hmm, banana.
Hmm, free pizza. Umm, why can't I chew? My jaw is cramping up?!
I chew through the pain and finish the pizza.
I get my jacket and pants at the booth and look for more free stuff at the park.
I grab an apple and head back to the car to get my cell phone to call my mom.
Oh, feeling light headed. Ok, I guess I'll sit here.
Ok, drink a bit more water.
Ok, I'm fine.
Anyway, I finished the race at 2:18:25 a 10:34 per mile pace which was much faster than I had wanted. I finally found my mom and celebrated mother's day with her for the rest of the afternoon.
My alarm wakes me up before 5:30, but I hit the snooze button to try to get a few more minutes of sleep. This extra sleep doesn't last as Kibbie, the house cat, jumps on my bed and "meows" at my face. With Kibbie following, I make my way to the kitchen to have breakfast. I eat one egg, over-easy, two whole wheat toast, and one banana. I make my way back to my room to switch into my running gear. As I start pulling the pile of Champion gear by my shoes, I take a quick peak outside and find it cloudy and chilly - greaaat. Being so chilly, I decide to take a quick shower to wake myself up and to help my muscles warm up. After the shower, I finally put on my running short, shirt, socks, and shoes. I then put on a jacket and warm-up pants to help keep my self warm before the run. I grab my bag and put my hat and gloves in it. I head downstairs and grab a couple pills I'll be taking after the run, a powerade from the fridge, and a peanut butter sandwich I made the night before. I take another quick check of my inventory to make sure I have everything I'll need. With everything I need, I head for the door. As I open the door, Kibbie, runs out the door and only stops at the steps.
"Hey! Stop! Get back inside!"
Kibbie just looks outward and points his butt at my face - Jerk!
I put my bag down and grab Kibbie and put him back inside the apartment and lock the door.
Alright, finally, on to Kirkland. I drive over to Juanita Park in Kirkland and on my way there, I start seeing the orange traffic cones for where the marathon will run through.
Ok, change of pace, enough with these complete sentences because, my mind wonders too much for that...
As I near Juanita Park:
Where can I park? A bunch of roads are blocked.
I find some space a few blocks away from the park.
Holy crap, it's cloudy, it's cold and all the breeze is not helping.
I deliver the envelope of money to Hope Link, they seemed surprised. Wait? Did I do this right? Was I suppose to do all the donation online or what? Damn brochure!
I walk around to try to stay warm.
The half marathon walk is about to start.
I go over and do some clapping and cheering for the walkers.
Ok, time for me to get ready.
One last trip to the port-o-potties.
I strip off my jacket and pants (I wore shorts underneath) and give it to the clothes drop off booth.
I find a little area of my own and start my warm ups
Jumping jacks.
Stretches.
More stretches.
Ok, I make my way over to the 10:00 minute pace group.
Oh god its windy!
I walk over to a SUV parked near the start area and use it as a wind breaker.
I few people join me.
Rain? what? who said rain?
"On my way down here from the North, there was rain"
Oh please, don't let it rain, it's cold already.
Ok, 2 minutes before the start, I go back to the pace group.
3...2...1...HOOOOONNK (air horn sound).
Ok, here we go.
I'm aiming for a sub 11:00 minute pace for the entire race.
Oh, here comes the first hill of many.
Ok, not too bad.
Ohh, first mile already... 9:00 minutes?! Oh crap, must slow down.
Run, run, run
2nd mile, 21 minutes?! Did I just slow down to a 12 minute mile?! Ok, somewhere in between.
Oh god, more hills.
3rd mile, 31 minutes. Hmm, 10:20 pace, ok maybe the first two mile markers were off, but 10:20 is a good pace.
Ohhh, water station! I thought we wouldn't have one until mile 5.
I walk to make sure I actually drink and not choke the water and Gatorade.
Back to running.
I see a guy take a turn 90 degrees and run into some bushes.
Where is he going?
....ohhhh
Run, run, run
4 miles go by, forty something minutes - blah.
I finally take off my gloves and put it in the small of my back as the roommate had suggested.
GLOVES! GLOVES! GLOVES!
What? oh!
The gloves fell and luckily enough, the people behind me notified me and one even picked it up. I do some weird 180 degree jump spin and wait for the runner behind me to hand me my glove.
I get my glove and continue on the run.
Bah, more hills.
I don't know what mile I'm on anymore.
More water!
"Gatorade is next"
LIES, the Gatorade was gone. Oh, I hope the electrolytes hold up.
More running.
My pace is easily a sub 11 minute pace, but I'm still scared my body will just fail when I enter 10, 11, and 12 miles.
Another water station. No Gatorade again!
God, where am I? how'd I end up over the highway?!
Ugh, my feet hurts! Running down hill hurts! Ugh, can't go full speed on downhills.
Oh noes, hills!
This guy passes me... again? Wait a minute, this guy has passed me like 5 times now, but I never notice passing him, weird.
Oh geez, enough with the hills.
How long have I been running? Hour and half?! geez!
More water stations with no Gatorade.
Ok, must be nearing the end, the waterfront is coming up!
OMG, a water station with Gatorade!
The greatest tasting Gatorade I've ever had in my life. A little too much, but oh so delicious.
Ohhh, Lake Washington... ow, it hurts to turn my head.
Ok, back to running.
Getting much closer, into the double digits.
Wow, these streets sucks. It's at a much steeper angle than most streets, so I hop on the sidewalk.
Oh, why more hills?! Why?! seriously?!
Mile 12?! Really?
Ok, Kick it Joram.
Hey, that's my mom and little brother.
Ouch, what was that? Oh noes, my right calf nearly cramped up.
On no, again. Oh hells no, not now!
Oh, smile for mom's camera... too slow mom, I'm not stopping now.
Oh, so close to the finish.
Another turn.
Ok, another turn.
Ok, another one. Oh, there's the finish.
OmG, I finished.
Ohh, goodie bag, no time to look, get this chip off my shoe and give me some water.
Hmm, water.
Hmm, banana.
Hmm, free pizza. Umm, why can't I chew? My jaw is cramping up?!
I chew through the pain and finish the pizza.
I get my jacket and pants at the booth and look for more free stuff at the park.
I grab an apple and head back to the car to get my cell phone to call my mom.
Oh, feeling light headed. Ok, I guess I'll sit here.
Ok, drink a bit more water.
Ok, I'm fine.
Anyway, I finished the race at 2:18:25 a 10:34 per mile pace which was much faster than I had wanted. I finally found my mom and celebrated mother's day with her for the rest of the afternoon.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Huge Success!
Finished the Kirkland 1/2 Marathon at 2:18:30 (unofficial), that's a 10:35 pace. Yay me! Ok, got to take mom out for Mother's Day now.
Friday, May 9, 2008
That's a lot of hills
So the Kirkland 1/2 marathon is this Sunday and with the roommate's suggestion of checking out the course before the run, I saw a lot of hills. I was aware of the first hill in the 1st mile, I drive there to work, but I saw more hills that I would like to see. I've been running on mostly flat course and when I did do some hill on the treadmill, it was for the short runs. I feel like I should have spent some long runs on the treadmill with various hill added. Bah! Oh well, nothing I can do now, my last training run was last Thursday and all I can do now is get plenty of rest and eat the proper diet before Sunday.
So many hills...
So many hills...
Thursday, May 1, 2008
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