Archive for November, 2009

There is a lot of discussion on running.  There seems to be 2 sides (basically).  There are competers and there are completers.  I am a completer.

I love to experience the excitement of a planned running event.  To stand in a crowd of thousands of fellow runners is an excitement that is difficult to describe.  It is exciting to experience and exciting to get there.  I do put in my training.  I am faster now and can go a lot farther than when I started the training.  That alone is pretty exciting.  I also know that Plantar Fasciitis is a surmountable injury.

Some people say that if you are not in it to compete and win, then you are wasting your time.  That implies, more importantly, that I am wasting my fellow runner’s time.  If you follow that philosophy, then there would be 15 to 20 runners in any event.  Those are the people that have the chance of being able to win, place or show.  Why would anyone put on an event for that amount of people?

I agree with John Bingham (http://www.johnbingham.com/), though.  He has said (I’m paraphrasing here) that there are competers and completers.  AND…  There is plenty of room for both. 

I remember my first 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon.  My very first was a half-marathon.  I knew that I could do it and I did.  There were doubters out there and in my pack, but they were wrong.  I completed that half-marathon!  I am a better person for it.

My roots in personal running was all based on concerns of friends and family.  I was 52, weighed 275 pounds, was lazy and lackadaisical. I was accepted in a medical trial.  I had gone through some tests at a cardiac clinic.  It was interesting to see the results of that test.  I knew that I had to change my ways.

I found a new Doctor that showed an interest in treating me. He was concerned for my condition.  I thank him every day for getting me into running.  I am definitely healthier, happier and far, far better than I was before.

That does not change the fact that I run near the back of the pack. 

Many people have asked me why I chose to run the Vegas Rock and Roll Half-Marathon on Sunday, December 6, as a member of the Running Elvi.  I completed my first marathon in Las Vegas last year.  I’d never run in a competition that had a mascot of any kind.  I found the Elvi last year to be funny and motivational.  When running the race is difficult enough, why make it harder?

The real answer for me is that it adds a twist to the competition.  Maybe I can motivate someone. Maybe I can get a laugh out of someone.  Maybe I can get someone to think that if I can run it in costume, then they can finish.  I also think it will be fun and get me some of that 15 minutes of fame stuff!

If you see something on the news about all of the Elvis impersonators that are running this year (They are trying to set a world record with this run), think of this half-marathon completer.  Give a wave and say Hi!  Because one of those many Elvi is me.

Remember…  There are people that love and care for you.  If you find yourself on the couch too much, try a run.  Its worth it!

Running –

Last week, I ran 30.3 miles including a 12.52 mile long run, a tempo run, intervals and maintenance runs.  I know that I can finish this one!

In November, I ran 21 times for a total of 118.1 miles.

Last week, I ran 5 runs.  It was for a total of 28.30 miles.  Some fast (for me) and some slow. My average run was 5.9 miles, average pace was 11:21.  This was not as good as last week, but it was good!  I am running again!

The long run was a little discouraging.  It has served its function and I know that I will finish my Half!  It was 8 miles on streets and 4 miles on a trail.  Unfortunately, the trail had several areas that were covered with ice, snow and mud.  I walked (inched along on some) the icy patches and tried to avoid the mud.  Pace for the long run? 13:01.  Slow!

November overall?  So far, 16 runs.  Average distance 5.6 miles.  Average pace 10:59.  Total distance? 89.3 miles.  Yep! I’m getting ready for a Something-or-other! 

I finally got my Running Elvis email!  I am a member of the Running Elvi!  The schedule is to meet Saturday @ 2:00 PM in costume for photos at the finish line.

On Saturday, December 5 at 2pm, I’ll go dressed in my Elvi best and bring the camera for a group photo at the Finish Line, which is located in the parking lot adjacent to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. 

We’ll go into the Expo then for an Expo Pep Rally and a run through the Expo and beyond as the Running Elvi!

At 5pm, doors will open for the Official Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Pasta Party, which will take place in Mandalay Bay’s South Pacific Ballroom and be highlighted by the Elvis karaoke and costume contests for great prizes.   Tickets are selling fast.  Reserve now before they’re all gone.

I’m not sure I’ll attend the Pasta Party though.  Kind of expensive for Vegas!  I’m thinking on it, though.  I may need your opinion before I decide!

Then, we meet as the Runnin’ Elvi again at 5:00 AM on race morning. We’ll gather in the Shark Reef food court located just inside the entrance to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.  We will be joined by all of the couples who will tie the knot or renew their vows at the Run-Thru Wedding Ceremony and the Running Reverend, along with tons of media.

At 5:15am, we’ll be escorted to the front of the start line and introduced to a field of more than 25,000 runners and walkers as we pose for a start line photo for the worldwide media covering the race. Once the media gets their shots, we’ll be escorted to a special mid-pack corral (14) which will be comprised of Running Elvi, the Run-Thru Wedding Ceremony couples, their Running Wedding Parties and the Running Reverend for the start of the race.

After we cross the start line as a group, I may join everyone at the mile 3.5 Run-Thru Wedding Ceremony location (Paris Las Vegas) and then I can run at my own pace.

It should be an interesting, fun time!

Picture credit to Left Coast Cowboys located @ http://leftcoastcowboys.com/

What?  I knew it!  You want pictures from me?  I’ll se what I can do!

Training -

5 runs last week! 28.05 miles. 2 maintenance runs, 1 tempo run, ran intervals one day, and ran a 12 mile long run! 

I know that I can run it now!

Elvis -

Not just run the competition, but I will run it as Elvis!

The next 2 weeks are similar to the one just finished.  Won’t start the taper until November 29^th!

But it will be worth it!

Well, here it is.  November already.  AND I am so slow to catch up this blog.  I wonder why that is.

It was a fantastic October.  I am finally able to get out and run again.  The Plantar Fasciitis (of my right ankle) set me back for quite a bit of time.  But, it is better and better.  Running is no longer painful.

These are my October statistics:

I am running the Las Vegas Rock n Roll Half-Marathon (Inaugral).

I am using a combination of schedules to get to where I need to be.  It is an intermediate Schedule with the Galloway Method.  I run for 6 1/2 to 7 minutes then I walk for a minute to a minute and a half.  I find it much more refreshing then the way I used to run.  I’m putting in about 25 miles per week.  I am also up to an eleven mile long run.

I know that I can run the Half and succeed at it now.  Next week? 12 miles.  Week after another 12.  Week after that – 10 to 11.  Week after that?  Las Vegas!

I am not a fast runner.  I can do the job, but I can’t seem to do it fast.  I was thinking about having more fun while getting the job done.  One way I can do that for me (and maybe motivate others) is for me to join the ranks of the Running Elvi!

I’ve thought about it for a while. As I thought about committing for this, I started to get some supplies.  A costume, an Elvis wig, Sunglasses…  I was slowly getting what I needed.  I needed to know if I could run as Elvis.  The timing was right for this, though.  I had a 10 mile long run scheduled for Halloween day.

I know that I can wear the costume for the half-marathon now.  I may hone the costume and the appertenances prior to the race.

Veteran’s Day

I am a veteran of the US Army.  I served in the Vietnam Era between 197 and 74.  I beleive in the military and the way these people maintain our freedoms and defend our rights!

Honoring my fellows, I’d like to present, “Ragged old Flag.”

File Attachment: Ragged Old Flag 11092009(2).mp3 (3723 KB)

Now For Some FUN!

Did you know that I do a comedy segment for a podcast every week? It is based on puns (I’m somewhat known for my puns…) and topical, weird news.

I have a couple for you if you are interested!

File Attachment: BC PUNishment 11042009 w intro.mp3 (3998 KB)

AND – From Halloween!

File Attachment: BC PUNishment 10292009 w intro.mp3 (3947 KB)

Now…  How long will it be until I update again?