Recreation with Charlie (Running, Biking, Jeeping, Photography, And Other!)

Just a quick update to wish everyone a very happy holiday season.  I missed Hannukah, I apologize for that!

A Special Gift -

I am supporting a life long friend in his first marathon attempt.  Don, Nancy, Julia and Mitch are a super family. They provided me great support when I completed my first marathon in Las Vegas last year.  I want to support him in his first marathon!  So, I’m flying out to Phoenix on January 16^th, running the half on Sunday morning, then waiting at the finish line until my friend, Don, crosses it!  They were doing their best to get me to come out but I wanted to surprise them (Now I just hope they don’t read this blog until AFTER Christmas!)

The Numbers -

In November, I ran 21 runs.  It was for a total of 118.1 miles at an 11:04 pace.

In December, I’ve run 10 runs.  They’ve been fo 58 miles at a 12:18 pace.

The Future -

I hope to sign up for the 2011 Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge right after the first of the year.  That sets the sights high for training near the end of 2010.

January 17^th, I will be running the PF Chang’s Rock and Roll Half Marathon.  I’m there, I’m going to run.  I just hope that I can beat the first-timer to the finish line.

Nancy is going to walk the half-marathon, and their daughter, Julia, is going to run the half!  She is 12 years old and it will be her second half-marathon!

Of course, there is also the Rock And Roll Competitor bling. Vegas RnR haf medal, PF Chang’s half medal, a Desert Double Down medal for completing both Vegas and the Phoenix half.

I put a corkboard up in the living room behind the couch.  I put a RnR mylar blanket as a background and we are placing our race numbers and our medals on it now.

Picture?  Later maybe!

So, remember…  Get off the couch, get out there and run! 

Something for a friend that is far from home at Holiday Time!

File Attachment: Seasons greeting – Phil.mp3 (1460 KB)

Hang in there, Mate!  Wanted you to know that people are thinking about you and missing you!  Keep a stiff upper lip! And enjoy the holiday!

I trained for this competition with a good friend, Tom Martin.  I saw a T-shirt during the race that said, “This was a good idea 4 months ago!”  And it was, and it also was good in application!

In 2008, I ran the the Las Vegas full marathon.  I had seen the Runnin’ Elvi then and thought that they were a classy bunch that motivated both the runners and the spectators! 

Elvis! and the Running Elvi!

My desire was to run as Elvis (a costumed character runner) this year.  It involved some extra work.  I had to get a wig, sunglasses, and a costume to wear.  I started with a costume from a Halloween costume store, but it looked exactly like an Elvis costume one would buy from a store.  From the Rock n Roll website, I saw a way to order an Elvis athletic jump suit.  I followed that lead and ordered the jump suit!  That was the clincher!  I was actually going to run as Elvis!

I was looking forward to meeting a group of friends from Twitter that I knew were going to run it.  The meet up was set for 2:00 PM Saturday at the Expo.  I knew that there were Elvi activities that same afternoon, so I went to the Expo in the morning.  It was packed all day long.

When I showed up for the meet, I was in my Elvis persona.  I was found outside by other Elvi and never made it to the meet up.  That was depressing.  But seeing all of those Elvi at the half-marathon finish line was fun!  A lot of pictures and video was taken.

After the Finish Line activities, we Elvi went inside to the Expo.  It was very parade like with several stops in the Mandalay Bay convention center (for photos and showing off)!

We entered the Expo as a crowd, and worked our way through!  It was filled with stops for photos and fun.  There was a presentation at the end and all of us stood at or near the stage.

I wore the Leis around my neck.  At one point, I saw an older lady standing and watching us by herself.  I asked her if she was married or single.  She told me that she was single.  I placed a Lei around her neck.  I told her that, at least, she would not have to explain to anyone that she was lei’d by Elvis!

Many of the Elvi hung around for the Pasta Dinner, but I had friend and family obligations and couldn’t attend.

As you can imagine, restaurants and buffets were full all over town.  We ate at the Gold Coast.  It was very good.  All too soon, though, it was time to head back to the hotel and last minute preparations.

Santa just happened to be at the same buffet.  I stopped by and told him that I just wanted a completion in the morning.  He explained to me that you can wish and you can do. He said that he expected me me to DO my best and I would complete the Half.  Nice guy, and he was so correct!

Race Morning!

I slept better than usual.  I made it to bed by 9:00 PM.  I actually didn’t wake up until the alarm went off at a very early 4:00 AM.  I had one cup of coffee, one small bowl of oatmeal and a banana.  I checked the weather.  36 degrees with a wind chill factor making it feel like 31 degrees.  Very cold for Las Vegas (even in December).

I wore compression shorts, tights, tunic, heavy long socks, under the Elvis jump suit.  I pinned my bib number under the belt sash, pinned the sash to the jump suit and placed my runner’s wallet inside the sash!

In the lobby, Don, Tom and Julia were ready to go.  Julia just stared at me.  It took me a moment to realize that she had not seen me ‘in costume’ before.  We headed out and were the last ones on the hotel shuttle headed to the Start Line.  The shuttle took us to the front door of the Mandalay Bay.  On the way, I addressed the crowd (as Elvis) and introduced 12 year old Julia and the fact that this was her first half-marathon. She got a cheer and kudos!

We walked toward the Shark Reef entry. Shark Reef is an aquarium at the Mandalay bay.  The elvi were meeting there.

This was Tom’s, Don’s and Julia’s first half-marathon.  The event had sold out.  That meant that there were going to be 27,000 runners between the 2 events.  The Mandalay Bay was packed with runners.  There were 225 Elvi, and 95 couples either getting married, or renewing their vows, at the run-through wedding chapel (at the Paris Casino).  We talked about all the people, what to expect, what to watch for and all matter of things.  All of us were feeling the excitement of the event!

The Elvi were called together for the parade to the Start Line.  Imagine 200+ Elvi (Elvis and Elvettes) walking from the Mandalay Bay Expo Center to Russell Road, then around the corner to the Start line.  There we engaged in interviews, more videos, and some inspirational talk.  We saw Bengal tigers, show girls and the Band starting off the event.

After that, we walked back to Corral 14 that the Elvi and the Wedding Couples shared.  It was a fun beginning.

Now for the wait for the start.  I could feel the cold.  Slowly, runners were ambling out to their corrals.  As the people came out, and we squeezed 27,000 people into all of the corrals, it got warmer and warmer. 

As the start time got closer, things started to happen.  There were fireworks and sky jumpers.

They started off the elite group.  We watched as they took off on the Mandalay Bay marquee.

Then came the gun for the rest of us!  More fireworks!  The corrals moved up individually (at first) and released.  By the time Corral 14 made it to the start line we just ran right past.  We were headed South to the southern boundary of McCarran airport.  Then we turned North for the famous Las Vegas strip.

I started my Garmin 205 watch at the gun.  It took me 23 minutes to cross the start line.  The first mile was 37 minutes. It was much more consistent after that.

I played the Elvis role to the hilt during the run!  If there were spectators on the sidelines that were quiet, I’d put my arms in the air and ask them to cheer the runners on!.  When they did, I’d point the Elvis point and say, “Thank you, thank you very much!”

At the 6 mile point, the young lady that made the Elvis jump suit that I was wearing, saw it and told me who she was! I ran over to her and gave her a great, big, sweaty, Elvis hug!

At mile 7, I saw Nancy and Mitch (Don’s wife and son).  Mitch got a kick out of my costume (and a handshake from Elvis!)  Nancy got a hug!

One pit stop on the way, I had to wait in line for a couple of minutes.  I finally got in and when I left, I just couldn’t resist.  I had to say, “Elvis has left the building!”

It was an interesting course this year.  We were able to run the Las Vegas strip both North and South.  It made for an interesting way to track yourself as you ran.  Where are we?  Oh, yeah! There’s Treasure Island!  Oh yeah!  There’s Excalibur!

The miles did tick down.  Soon I was passing the Excalibur on the way back.  I could see the 13 mile mark.  I picked up speed as I neared the Finish Line.  I told my co-runners that a costumed Elvis was passing them!  (There is the unspoken rule – NEVER let a costumed runner beat you to the finish line!).

I pulled off my gloves and stuck them in my belt.  I saw the finish line and raised my hands above my head.  I put a big grin on my face as I crossed it!  Elvis has left the race!

The Numbers

They used the same timing chip this year that was used in last year’s competition.  It is a plastic mounted RF chip that can be read along the course.  It can be saved as a souvenir or just thrown away.  The shoe chips were read at the start line, 5K, 10K, 10 Mile and at the Finish line.  My times were:

Charles White  #14681

Age: 56     Gender:  M

Distance: Half-Marathon

  5 KM                35:00

10 KM             1:10:19

15 Mile             1:59:10

Clock Time:     3:02:41

Chip Time:       2:36:18

Pace:                  11:56              

– – – – – – – – – – – -

Tom finished at 2:02:18

Don and Julia crossed the Finish line together holding hands and smiling!  They finished in 2:28:19.

Now for the bling!

The Aftermath

Once everyone was in, we had our pictures taken with show girls.  Don, Julia and I all joined the poor show girl together.  That way, Don and Julia got a picture of them with their favorite Elvis…

We got our refreshments (bananas, oranges, sport bars, bagels, Cytomax, water, pretzels, Spicy chips, and gobs more). We wandered about the finish area and watched people and things.

Many people asked for a picture with Elvis!

Then, all too soon, it became time to leave.  We made our way over to Russell Road.  We were waiting for our ride to show up.  Two people walked up and the lady touched my arm.  She asked if I was one of the Running Elvi.  I said that I was.  She asked if she could interview me.  Then she said, “On camera.”  I was about to get interviewed for television!

The interview was fun and I just answered a few basic questions…  Who I am, where I was from, why I decided to run as Elvis, and similar.  I, of course, expounded way beyond what was necessary.

It lasted for a few minutes.  They saw Julia and asked about her.  Her Mother (Nancy) explained that Julia was 12 and this was her first Half-Marathon.  Julia was put through a similar series of questions.  She did much better than I did at it, I thought.

About that time, our ride arrived and we were off.  It took about two hours to get to our hotel, but that is a story best saved for another time.

About 2:00 PM (or so), I got a tweet from one of my friends in Vegas.  “Um, did I see you on TV?”

I tweeted back that I had been interviewed.

I later learned that both Julia and I made it to the news show on TV8 KLAS. What could be a better end for an Elvis?

The Special Treat

Most runners plan on something special to eat or drink after a competition that they have trained for.  Tom and I did the same.  What was our special meal?

Canter’s Deli in Treasure Island casino.  I love their Reuben sandwiches.  2 Reuben sandwiches, fries and a soda was $31.50 and very worth it. It is a huge, delicious sandwich.  It did take me a while but I was able to finish the whole thing!

AND…  Just so you know…  I did not bet or wager any where this year.  I had enough to do to not even worry about that!

I am having some fun on this run!

This event lets us run the famous Las Vegas strip from South of the Mandalay Bay up to Fremont Street and then back again!

I’ve called myself the Hawaiian Elvis.  I’ll be wearing 17 leis around my neck and on my person.  I’ll had one off to a young lady as I complete each mile.  Included with the lei will be one of the Elvis cards (above).

The extra ones? One for the person that hands me my finisher medal, one for me as a souvenir and the others for people that supported and cajoled me through training for this event!

Want to find out more about the Las Vegas RnR inaugural event?  Go here!

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?

A couple of things!

It is currently snowing in Denver.  I hope you enjoy the snow as you witness it from my little car.

The video was recorded with a little Mini-DV MD80 camera unit.  This thing can be completely hidden by my thumb as it is so small.  Yet, it does give me some great video.

I recently went to Los Angeles with Family and Friends!  6 Flags Magic Mountain was one of the coasters we rode!  I hope you enjoy it!

This one was recorded with my Flip recorder.

I also met 2 friends (that I had never met – in person – before)!  Say hello to Jeff (JeffinLA) and Dwayne (Peacekeeper 357).

I have some video and I will post it later, but it was a great chance to meet and enjoy their company!

The Motobecane Fantom Cross II – A review!

Yes!  I do like this bike.  I give it 4.5 stars out of 5.  Why 4.5?  Because I never give 5 stars to anyone or anything.

It is a great bike!  The moment I got on it to take a first test ride, I liked this bike.  I still like it.  A lot!

The model is a Motobecane Fantom Cross II.  It is a hybrid bicycle meant to compete in Cyclo-Cross competitions.  There are some unique components like 2 sets of brake levers and Cross tires.

The tires (and the basic build) allow for riding the bike on almost any surface.  I’ve had it on gravel, pavement, cement and dirt.  It works.  I had it on a trail with a stream crossing that required me to lift and carry (portage) the bike across it.  It is fairly light (20 pounds) and was easy to carry.  It gives the bike a lot of versatility.

So…  As a road bike, or as a (light) mountain bike, this bike does what I want it to, and it does it easily.

My shortest ride so far was trying it out when I first got it.  My longest ride is in the neighborhood of 35 miles. 

It is always comfortable.  I love the sense of freedom that this bicycle gives me.  It may be work at times, but it is always fun.  Even on some extreme climbs, when I am geared all of the way down, I can conquer the hill that I am attempting.

I got the best components that I could afford.  The bike cost $599.  It has an aluminum frame, 18 gear system. 

I think that everything is a positive for me on this bike still.  I did change out the clip pedals for clipless.  I thought about changing out the crank set.  I didn’t, though, and now I don’t need to or want to.

The only negative aspect of the bike would be the wear on the back tire.  I would expect that with a conservatively price cross tire and a Clydesdale rider.  As long as there is a good tire with tread on the front to assist steering, I’m good.

Some reviews of this bike do mention that the saddle is uncomfortable.  It is.  But only at first, I became accustomed to it rather quickly and do not feel the need to change it out.

Would I recommend that you buy one?  Tough call – and you have to keep some things in mind.

This is not my first bike.  It was easy to size for me and to perform regular maintenance on it for that reason. The site that I ordered from does offer a toolset and DVD for bicycle assembly and maintenance.  That can assist you in setting up the bike.  There is also some videos on the site that does show you how to set the bike up.

You will save money by ordering this bike.  You will save enough so that you can take the bike to the local bike shop and have them assemble it and size it to you.

If you can appreciate using a bicycle, then think about how you would like to use it.  I use it for trail riding and a lot of street riding, and most of the trails in my area are cement. 

Before you order, go looking at bikes.  Check the groupos, get an approximate frame size for your build.  Ask questions.  Then price. 

Here are two websites to consider…  One is the BikesDirect site that I ordered from.  The other is the main Motobecane site.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm

This is the Bikes Direct website with the page showing everything that is available.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cross_cx3.htm

This is the page for the current version of my bike that they are offering.  The offerings change from time-to-time based on what is left in or coming into their inventory.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/contact.htm

A page with information on ordering and a lot of “How-Tos.”

This is the Motobecane website –

http://www.motobecane.com/

http://www.motobecane.com/MBUSAfcx.html

The page with the current model that is nearest to what I purchased.

So that is my review after having had the bike and having enjoyed it.  If you are interested, you can email me and I’ll help you with any additional information!

Yes, I do!  Occasionally!

RUNNING -

Finally!  I am back at it.  The plan is to run the Las Vegas RnR Half-Marathon in December!

August – 10 runs for 31.9 miles.

September – 9 runs for 31 miles (so far).

BICYCLING -

Still at this, though (and loving it!)

August – 14 rides @ 235.4 miles.

September – 9 rides @ 154.7 miles.

OTHER -

Hiking! And what a hike, I chose.  1,000 foot in elevation climb in a mile and a quarter.  Then, of course, if one goes up the mountain, then they must return back down the mountain.  Oh, was I sore by the time I was back at the car.

Now, although I complain, was it worth it?  Yes, it was!  The views of that part of Colorado are breath taking!  What sights to behold.

This is the sign at the pass!

The day before Labor day, we also hiked the Black Canyon of the Gunnison – A National Park in Colorado…

Isn’t Sami getting big?

PODCASTING –

It isn’t much, but I contribute every week to a hard hitting podcast on life, the news and general interest items.  You can catch it weekly at Bear Crawling! 

Every week, I do a short humor sequence based on puns and humor.  It is called, PUNishment by Charlie White.  This is an episode from a little while ago!

A punishing presentation!

NEW CAR –

Yes.  I took advantage of the CASH FOR CLUNKERS program.  I traded in my 1994 Ford Ranger Pickup for a 2010 Toyota Corolla S (and I did get the $4,500).

It is small but roomy.  I like the new car! I’m 56 years old and this is my first new car.