Gonna be a busy summer

See the problem with finishing one race, is it just motivates you to compete and sign up for a ton of others. Such is the case I had after Pat's Run; crossing that finish line, the only thing I could think of was "OK I want to do that again".

That being said, I've planned out quite a busy summer for myself.

So far, the races I'm looking at are:

Whiskey Row 1/2 Marathon - May 14th

Flagstaff Marathon 1/2 - September 24th

Nathan's Triathlon - September 25th

Tucson Marathon - December 11th

I think the best part about this might be the fact that Powerade is going to be a part of all this. Getting the chance to put together a team to compete and train together is going to be a blast!

More details to come about getting in on all of this, including where all the training runs are going to take place, so you can come out and be a part of it all.

In the meantime, I better make some travel reservations... and get my bike in order. Last time I checked, I was rolling around on two flat tires and a bent front rim.

That might slow my time down a bit.

Pat's Run

Wow. The past few weeks have been incredible. I was lucky enough to be given the task of training a running team for Pat's Run by Powerade. They allowed me to gather a group of runners, get them out weekly on training runs, and just get them ready for this amazing race. I was lucky enough to get a group of experienced runners together, that, by chance, had never run this particular race before.

If you're not familiar with it, Pat's Run is an annual 4.2 mile run to race funds and awareness for the Tillman Foundation, in honor of the late Pat Tillman. It's an amazing experience if you ever get the chance to run it... very inspiring.

My runners this year were Heather, Sam, David, Kym, Bill.I.Am, Cicely, and Jonelle. Good people.

They all did absolutely amazing! Could not have been prouder. Their times (probably against their will) are posted below, as is mine, in which I set a new PR for the course! I was stoked with how I ran it. I didn't realize how fast I was going until I hit mile 1 at the 6 minute mark. Never timed myself running a mile before, but cool to see that I can do 1 in 6 minutes, without trying for speed. Sweet.

Can't wait for next years race! Also can't wait for the next race with Powerade this year. I'm thinking the Whiskey Row Marathon... heard it was a blast.

Me: 27:43

David: 27:51

Bill: 30:29

Kym: 37:01

Jonelle: 40:30

Heather: 40:30

Sam: 51:41

Was That Real?

So I know I'm a little behind in getting this up, but I think its taken me this long to take a step back and realize what exactly happened. If you're not sure what I'm talking about, then you haven't been following my Twitter (shameless self promotion). I spent last week in the beautiful town of Austin TX, for SXSW! I was there to help out the On-Airstreaming crew while we were filming 30+ bands, all inside our lovely Airstream (see image).

I don't really remember individual days, cause after two nights of staying up till 5 am and

waking up at 8, the days just tended to blend together. Here's what I do remember, in a nutshell:

Breakfast burritos, Grouplove (the band, honestly), Chris Walla, Tequila, G Love, Matt Nathanson and Cary Brothers talking smack to each other, Jack Daniels, Uncle Billys BBQ (every. single. day) The Parlotones, stories of Joe Strummer, The Hours, Beer (oh so much beer) Laura Jansen making 4 grown men cry playing "Use Somebody", a Donkey Jaw Bone as an instrument, Irish Car Bombs, Mark Cuban, false Foo Fighters rumors, drunk web guys, crappy energy drinks, falling in love with Brooke Fraser, Liz Phair, weed lollipops, Uncle Billys BBQ (yes, again) and oh so much amazing new music.

Did I mention the BBQ?

Below is a small collection of the photos I took during the trip. Labeled as best I can remember. Cut me some slack.

Grouplove

Kill it Kid

The Airstream

Matt Nathanson & JB

Cary Brothers

David Wax Museum

Indiana Jones

G Love

Laura Jansen

The Submarines

Josh Ritter

Like I said, these are only a handful of the pictures I took. If you want the complete collection, check out my Facebook page. Plenty more eye candy to enjoy. In the meantime, I'm going to get some rest... I think my ears have finally stopped ringing.

Why can’t I run

So twice this past weekend I tried running 4 miles. The first time I stopped and turned back cause I got lost (no seriously, I came to a chain link fence with barbed wire. That was new), and the second time I actually had to call a run short because of some knee pains.

Never had knee problems before, but let me tell you, it is not fun being prevented from doing the thing you love because your body doesn’t want to.  However I have heard some horror stories about pushing yourself too hard to soon (that’s what she said?), and being out of commission a lot longer than a week or two. So I guess I’ll sit out this week and rest up.

Too much planned running coming up to be sidelined.

Technorati Tags: running

Sloooooowwwww Down

There's studies (probably) about running, that the runners high is more addictive than certain drugs. The feeling you have after an accomplished long run, be it a race, a 20 mile training run, or just a quick 5 mile loop, that can leave you in such a mood that you feel like you can tackle the world. I've experienced this first hand, and yes, its damn addicting. The problem I have is, after I complete a solid race, I just want to do more. Give me the next marathon, 5K, whatever, I want to get back out there, train, and give it my all.

This of course can lead to problems (seeing as the cheapest race I can find is $80. You've seen my sponsor page right? Currently accepting offers). However when I find a race for less than $100, I want to sign up, even if its less than a month after just completing in a marathon that left me feeling paralyzed. I know I need to slow down my racing so I don't burn out, but come on, with a race name like The Lost Dutchman Marathon, how do you say no to that?!? That's why for 2011, I've set a resolution: Compete in a race or run a new challenging course every month. Doesn't necessarily have to be a real race, just something I've always wanted to (like from end to end of the Metro Light Rail; it's about 20 miles), or take the running trail from Tempe to Scottsdale, all 18+ miles. It's what makes me excited, and keeps me going.

Bring on the Dutchman!

Like running on cushions of love

So last week I ran a marathon. Yes, thank you, I know (silences crowd). However during said marathon, I came to a realization: I should probably invest in a new pair of nice running shoes. Actually, during the race, it went something more like this: OWWW holy crap my feet are killing me why didn't I buy new shoes before this race this is stupid OWWW. Also during this tortuous run, I noticed that my calves were hurting quite a bit. Again, race time it was really more of a: SON OF A B!#%* my legs feel like someone is taking a corkscrew and just keeps twisting.

Now after these feelings, I decided it was time to invest in some new kicks. That is why I went to see my good friends over at Runners Den, an absolute running mecca that is full of a staff that knows everything there is to know about the sport, and will be more than happy to help you out in anyway whatsoever. While there, I was introduced to my newest friend:

A pair of Brooks Ghost 3's. I LOVE THEM. They are so amazingly comfortable its like running on clouds while little fairies sprinkle your running trail with love and motivational fortune cookies. I went for a run this morning in them for the first time, and cannot be more excited to train for my next race, which is quickly approaching. Can't wait to set a new PR in these bad boys!

Marathons are freaking long!

So, it's over. After 4 months of training, sacrifice, blood sweat and tears, the race is over. 26.2 miles later and I can now say I've ran my third full marathon. I didn't unfortunately qualify for Boston (missed it by about 30 minutes), but I did set a new PR and learned a hell of a lot along the way.

First off, I need to put in more miles every week, as I definitely found my legs needed more strength. I may be way off on this, but I feel if I can get more miles in, my legs will grow stronger. I'm not the biggest fan of gyms.

Second, calf cramps suck. I got hit with these around mile 12 and they didn't let up until I was sitting down after the finish line. I'm taking this as one more sign to try out compression socks. Gonna get some for my legs, and see what kind of difference they make.

Third, I really need to stay on top of my running shoes. This was my third full marathon in my current pair, plus a handful of half marathons and some short races (plus all the training for all of the above), and after the 500+ miles in them, I think it's time to start shopping for a new pair. Which is fine by me, I love new show shopping. Nothing motivates me more to get outside and run like a brand new pair of shoes.

Now what to get...?

*I'll put together a more in depth race review, as soon as I recover more. I always forget how much a race of this distance takes out of me.

A week.... ONE WEEK!

I can't believe that after everything, months of training, sacrifice, and running, my next marathon is in one week from today. This time of the training is always the hardest for me. All I want to do is get out there and run, but I can't. I need to preserve energy and strength so I have it race day. Anxiousness, excitement, nervousness... they're all about to come during the next week.

This is my third full marathon, and the first time I have set myself a time goal. 3:20. That is what I am going for. I've trained for it, studied for it, dreamed about it. Now its almost time to make that happen. Once I got my race number (1640 by the way, corral 1... no big deal), the reality hit me. Especially after finding out I'm starting at the beginning of the pack, this is probably going to be one of the most fun races for me yet. 7 days. That's all I have left.

Gonna be a long week.

Gin Wigmore

She's a New Zealander living in Australia with a voice thats a mix between Duffy and a non coked up Amy Winehouse. Check out my latest love interest Gin Wigmore.

Swoon

Sticks and Stones may hurt my bones... but, ow, ok seriously that stings

So I would say about 90% of my life I've been considered slim. I started off a little bigger, and don't think I've gained a pound since I was five; I just got taller and thinner. Maybe it's a high metabolism, good genes, or just some crazy aerobic exercises I do. Regardless; I'm skinny. Up until this point in life, I've accepted it. I know I'm not going to be the cover model anytime soon, which is fine. I like being slender. It suits me. It's never been a problem really... that is, until recently.

I was recently gifted a sweet Nathan Sports Running Belt that holds four water bottles, and velcroes around your waste. It's glorious. I love it... it, however, does not love me. The thing was designed for someone with a waste, which I do not posses. I have the thing as tight as it goes, and it's still loose around my bones. The problem is though, as tight as I make it, it cuts into my skin, and bruises and hurts like a biatch. I know I shouldn't complain, cause there are people out there on the opposite end of the spectrum. So I'll keep my mouth shut, strap on a pair of running shoes, and just head out the door. With or without my water belt of torture.

Two Guns

It never ceases to amaze me, how quickly I can go from loving a band, to hating their music, after simply meeting them and finding out how big of tools they are. That being said, on the other end of the spectrum, if I'm a small fan prior to the encounter, and they turn out to be genuine people, my appreciation for their music goes skyward. Such was the case with Two Guns.

I first met Kevin, the lead singer of Two Guns, a few years back when I was still doing the whole "radio" thing. I knew of the music prior and gave it some listens, but just the down-to-earthness of the guy, plus the raw talent he had while he played some songs for a group of listeners, got me even more hooked on the music. Which is why I'm excited to hear that they're currently working on a new album. Until that time, I'll just have to keep myself occupied with my old favorite, One Direction.

New Year... New Goal

For Christmas I got an awesome gift. A Banjo. Well, yes, I got a banjo, but I also got a fantastic book. "Ultra Marathon Man" by Ultra-Marathoner Dean Karnazes. For those who don't know about Karnazes, he is the standard in fitness and endurance. He's completed (and WON) everything from Badwater to the Western States 100 Endurance Run, some of the most extreme and challenging races in the world. Hell, the guy also ran a marathon to the South Pole (as in, he was in the south pole, and then ran a marathon... maybe I won't complain the next time it's only 50 degrees outside). Anyway, back to the book. It's an autobiography about how he got his start in ultra running, and what inspired him to compete in some of the events he has. Probably one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. Which takes me to the whole point of this post.

After reading how someone has pushed themselves to the absolute limit, and still found the strength to take another step, is something that I want to try. Don't get me wrong, a marathon is great. It's a chance to show what you're made of, and to learn your limits; that being said, I'm ready for something new. That's why I'm excited that starting in 2011, I'm giving up training solely for marathons, and am going to start higher endurance runs. Running from point A to point B, where point A is one side of town, and point B is the top of a mountain 20+ miles away. I want to see how far I can push myself... and then take another step.