Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

Archives for July 2008

My Lazy Ass

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One of the reasons why Saturday’s run was challenging was that my left knee was hurting. It began around mile 7 and lasted well into the week. Okay, so it is only Tuesday, but feels like a long time. I don’t have time to mess around with injuries.

I made an appointment for a torture session with Kris, my favorite sports massage therapist. She also happens to be one of the TNT coaches. In the past, Kris has worked on my feet and lower legs, as well as my low back following a rear-ender. She has worked many a miracle, but she is also good for telling you to back off if needed. I was hoping that she would not be prescribing a break from running.

The appointment began innocently with the usual poking and prodding, as well as movements designed to test for the various knee ailments. Finally, with my legs extended out straight, she determined that my left leg was higher than my right (even though the actual length of my legs was equal). She rolled me onto my right side and began working on my left lateral thigh.

I writhed in pain, gritted my teeth, and whimpered until she finally gave me a stress ball to squeeze. “I thought that you said that you were using the foam roller,” she said with surprise. She added, “I am barely using pressure.” Apparently, I needed lessons in foam rolling techniques for the purpose of self-inflicted pain. I was not doing it correctly.

I also learned that I need to train my gluts to join the team, and help my knees and ankles more. This is a polite way of telling me that I have a lazy ass.

Of all of the past visits, Kris has never hurt me so good. I went straight from the table, to the stretching room, and then into the ice bath to numb the effects. I left with a new list of exercises, stretches, and foam rolling moves to add to my daily activities. Let me just say that I hope to have buns of steel in a few weeks.

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Recommitment

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The time has come for all of the TNT participants to complete and turn in their recommitment forms. The term “recommitment,” in the TNT world, means that each of us will pledge to raise the minimum amounts required to participate in our chosen events. For those who have not yet reached the minimum amount, a credit card authorization must be signed to guarantee the amount pledged. Thankfully, I do not fall into this category.

Along with the recommitment form, are other forms to complete. First, and most important, is the registration form for our event. The form captures the usual information along with information on pace, and estimated finish time. There is even an option for a early start (for those walking marathoners traveling at a pace of 15 minutes per mile or slower). This is a TNT participant exclusive that allows those who would not otherwise be able to enjoy this, an opportunity to participate. Although I am sure that the hills will have a negative effect on my time, I entered an estimated finish time of 4 hours. Goals must be set, and this seems like a reasonable goal to strive for.

Then there are the hotel accommodations, which are made for a generous two-nights stay. I can think of only 2 other times where I stayed at the hotel on the night after the race (Napa 2002, and Grandma’s 2006). Staying a 2nd night is such a luxury, especially given the proximity to the race from my home. It’s not like my race is on the opposite coast. Even after Chicago 2007, I traveled home on race day.

As participants, we are required to share our room with another member of our team (cost fully covered), unless we pay an additional change for our own room, or to have a guest or two join us. Wendy and I are trying to work out an arrangement for two rooms where her husband, family, and YaYa can stay in one room, and Wendy and I can stay together on the night before the race. After the race, we can stay with our own families. My biggest consideration, regarding YaYa, is football and school. There are too many unknowns to try to take into consideration.

Then, there are the the parties and transportation. TNT hosts a pasta party the night before, and a victory party the night of our race. Guests are allowed to join us but, of course, there is a fee. After all of the time spent with these great folks, it would crazy not to join the celebration. I also think that it is important to share this with YaYa (who has sat on the sidelines cheering and patiently waiting through many of the training events).

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The story,

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according to Coach Tim, goes something like this…

Back in the days of logging in the redwoods near Waddell Creek, there was a tree topper who fell from the top of one of the highest redwoods. He landed on one of two giant tires that were randomly out there in the middle of nowhere. He bounced up into the air after hitting the tire, flipped over twice, and came down to land on his feet. And he lived to tell the story.

We were told this story just before heading out on today’s 14 mile training run. The man in the story was unlucky to have fallen, but lucky to have lived. The tires, perhaps, may be lucky to those who come into contact with them. We would have the opportunity to do just that on the run. As Tim put it, “If you kick the tire, you are guaranteed to finish your event.”

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Homesick

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It is night time in California. I sit in bed, computer on my lap, thinking of my boys. This week has been a little tough at times.

Keeping busy has helped me while Y is visiting his cousins in New York. On the phone, when his voice is happy, he seems so close. But tonight, when he let his guard down, I heard a little homesickness on the line. Being on the other coast from each other puts us so far away. Unable to hold him and give him a kiss, I felt so helpless.

Later, I know that Y is asleep. I, however, am not. I am online, logging on to the iChat to look for B. Although his island is hours behind us, he is not online.

I am home sick because I miss my boys.

Commenting on comments

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I had an observation that I have noticed on my blog (among others). It would seem that the first commenter sets the stage for all the other comments that follow. This seems to be true even when the first comment is off topic.

So….
I wanted to suggest that you post your comment first and then read the other comments. If you feel compelled, you can add another comment afterwards.

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