The Results are in! Now this may come as a shock to some, but I didn't take first place. I'm sorry to have to report that. I was close though, really close. He only had me by a couple hours. I did finish strong however, and ahead of the pack. Out of a total of 22,359 finishers, I was 8617. In the mens division, I was 6066, and in my age bracket, I finished 780. Wow! All that with a camera in hand. I'll take it!
You can view all of the results, as well as pictures, on the LA Marathon website. My bib number is 10645. They have great links that show you the standing on the coarse, and compare you to other runners. www.lamarathon.com
I would really like to thank everyone again for being so supportive and generous through this. It has been such an amazing experience and so rewarding. It was shocking to me to find out how many people are effected by Diabetes in some way, most very close to home. The statistics about Diabetes are frightening, but seeing the progress we are making, and the desire people have shown to change is encouraging.
I am still receiving donations from people, and I thank you all so much for that. As I said before, the Donate button on the left side of the blog page will remain there, and we will continue to make donations as they come in. If you would like to send a check, I will be happy to e-mail you my address. Our first official donation will be made this week. Its going to be a great one.
Thank you all again so much. You have touched the lives of me, and my family so much by being a part of this.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
DIABETES, YOU LOSE!
My name is Nicholas Johns and I am changing the world! Now say it out loud, but put your name there. Because you are changing the world. We are together. And we will be successful! Yesterday was an amazing step forward.
Thank you all so much for your support, in every way that you gave it. I finished the Los Angeles Marathon in honor of my father, Riley Wade Johns, with the support of all of my friends and family, in 4:55:13. I was so proud. It may sound odd for me to be saying that, but it's not. I did the running, but the world was my team. In my fight for awareness I raised close to $2,000 in support, and I am still getting donations from people towards diabetic research. Thank you all so much. In combination with the financial contribution, we have brought an immeasurable amount of attention to Diabetes. It is so enlightening to know that people want to make a difference.
Yesterday was a very emotional day for my family and I. I was blessed to have my wife at my side for the entire weekend, and my mother, sister, brother-in-law, and niece were there to support me on Sunday. The morning had its frustrations - waking up at 4am is never a good way to start, if you ask me, but it was for a good cause. The two hours spent in the car parked on the freeway however, was not for a good cause. That resulted in me getting out of the car a half mile before the exit marker and walking to the starting line with the other hundreds of people trying to get there on time. Once the race started though, all of that was forgotten. This was about Me and Dad, my family, and stopping Diabetes. It was about my family and I finding closure to a chapter of our lives that ended too quickly, and about helping to make sure it doesn't happen to others.
Boy did that emotion come through during the race. I was a very happy person to be running that marathon. I love to run. Sure, doing it for five hours is torture, but it is empowering! And with the cause behind me, I couldn't be stopped. I can only imagine what people must have been thinking as they noticed me bawling my eyes out at various parts of the course, even though I was smiling and running strong. My Dad was right there with me the whole race and he carried me through the hard parts. His life and memory helped me coast through the easy parts too. When I crossed mile 26.2, well, nothing can describe what I was feeling. There are no words for that.
These last few months have been quite a whirlwind as I have tried to make a lifestyle change, and hoped that others would too. It has been motivating, enlightening, and, needless to say, difficult. Best of all, it has been successful.Originally, I had a lot of things I wanted to say in this "final" blog, but as it came to the day and the emotion came on and the big moment came, I stalled, waiting for just the right words to come. Then I decided not to let the emotion out yet. I chose to wait until after the marathon. It would be better then. I would be more dialed in on what I wanted to say. But even after, and all day today as I've thought about this post, there is still so much I want to say. I wanted to wrap this up. Say thanks for the support, keep it up and goodbye. But what I am realizing. . . This isn't, or at least shouldn't be, goodbye. We have changed the world and we will continue to. So let's not stop here. Let's leave it open. Let's continue the fight. I will be doing another race. Probably a lot of them. Every one of them will be against Diabetes. I hope that all of you will fight it in your own way too - for yourselves, your children, and the family and friends that you may not even have yet. The donate button on the site will remain there. I will be making continuous donations to the American Diabetes Association as they come in, and I will post info on my next race. Just a few weeks ago a good friend called and challenged me to train for a triathlon. Maybe that will be the next goal. For now, I'll start local with my friends, family, neighborhood, co-workers. I'll post things I am doing to fight Diabetes and hopefully you will all remain a part of it. Please, contact me if you are doing something as well, so I can become a part of that.
Tracy took several photos this weekend. I will post them here within the next couple of days. And in honor of my father who seemed to have his camera surgically attached to his hand, I decided to carry a camera with me through the race. I will also post that album here very soon, and you will be able to view it on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/curediabetes2010) too. They aren't all pretty, I promise you that, but I was a little busy as I was taking them. ;) I hope you enjoy seeing it through my eyes as much I enjoyed it through my feet. Thank you for being a part of this.
www.facebook.com/curediabetes2010
curediabetes2010@yahoo.com
Thank you all so much for your support, in every way that you gave it. I finished the Los Angeles Marathon in honor of my father, Riley Wade Johns, with the support of all of my friends and family, in 4:55:13. I was so proud. It may sound odd for me to be saying that, but it's not. I did the running, but the world was my team. In my fight for awareness I raised close to $2,000 in support, and I am still getting donations from people towards diabetic research. Thank you all so much. In combination with the financial contribution, we have brought an immeasurable amount of attention to Diabetes. It is so enlightening to know that people want to make a difference.
Yesterday was a very emotional day for my family and I. I was blessed to have my wife at my side for the entire weekend, and my mother, sister, brother-in-law, and niece were there to support me on Sunday. The morning had its frustrations - waking up at 4am is never a good way to start, if you ask me, but it was for a good cause. The two hours spent in the car parked on the freeway however, was not for a good cause. That resulted in me getting out of the car a half mile before the exit marker and walking to the starting line with the other hundreds of people trying to get there on time. Once the race started though, all of that was forgotten. This was about Me and Dad, my family, and stopping Diabetes. It was about my family and I finding closure to a chapter of our lives that ended too quickly, and about helping to make sure it doesn't happen to others.
Boy did that emotion come through during the race. I was a very happy person to be running that marathon. I love to run. Sure, doing it for five hours is torture, but it is empowering! And with the cause behind me, I couldn't be stopped. I can only imagine what people must have been thinking as they noticed me bawling my eyes out at various parts of the course, even though I was smiling and running strong. My Dad was right there with me the whole race and he carried me through the hard parts. His life and memory helped me coast through the easy parts too. When I crossed mile 26.2, well, nothing can describe what I was feeling. There are no words for that.
These last few months have been quite a whirlwind as I have tried to make a lifestyle change, and hoped that others would too. It has been motivating, enlightening, and, needless to say, difficult. Best of all, it has been successful.Originally, I had a lot of things I wanted to say in this "final" blog, but as it came to the day and the emotion came on and the big moment came, I stalled, waiting for just the right words to come. Then I decided not to let the emotion out yet. I chose to wait until after the marathon. It would be better then. I would be more dialed in on what I wanted to say. But even after, and all day today as I've thought about this post, there is still so much I want to say. I wanted to wrap this up. Say thanks for the support, keep it up and goodbye. But what I am realizing. . . This isn't, or at least shouldn't be, goodbye. We have changed the world and we will continue to. So let's not stop here. Let's leave it open. Let's continue the fight. I will be doing another race. Probably a lot of them. Every one of them will be against Diabetes. I hope that all of you will fight it in your own way too - for yourselves, your children, and the family and friends that you may not even have yet. The donate button on the site will remain there. I will be making continuous donations to the American Diabetes Association as they come in, and I will post info on my next race. Just a few weeks ago a good friend called and challenged me to train for a triathlon. Maybe that will be the next goal. For now, I'll start local with my friends, family, neighborhood, co-workers. I'll post things I am doing to fight Diabetes and hopefully you will all remain a part of it. Please, contact me if you are doing something as well, so I can become a part of that.
Tracy took several photos this weekend. I will post them here within the next couple of days. And in honor of my father who seemed to have his camera surgically attached to his hand, I decided to carry a camera with me through the race. I will also post that album here very soon, and you will be able to view it on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/curediabetes2010) too. They aren't all pretty, I promise you that, but I was a little busy as I was taking them. ;) I hope you enjoy seeing it through my eyes as much I enjoyed it through my feet. Thank you for being a part of this.
www.facebook.com/curediabetes2010
curediabetes2010@yahoo.com
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Marathon Eve
Ever notice that no matter how much you plan things they just don't happen the way they were supposed to? That is the story of today. I don't believe one thing happened as it was planned, but happily, everything still worked out great.
The morning started a little later than planned after a late night at work last night. To be honest, it felt great not to rush. We got up and made a good breakfast, got all of our stuff together, and hit the road. That's when the real fun began. Traffic today was a brilliant reminder of why I could never live in LA. Holy smokes, it took us almost three=and-a-half hours to get to Dodger stadium! Craziness! We got in alright, registered, got all our freebies and got out. Nothing personal to anyone who lives in LA, but I am a Padres fan. Dodger Stadium is one of the few places in this world I never needed to visit. Good reason to run faster at the start though, right? Get me outta there!!
Now we were off to drive the course. I really like to know at least a little about the area so I'm familiar. It helps me so I don't waste energy wondering what's next. So after a little confusion out of the gate, we were off. Holy Ghetto! I was pretty excited to run through Hollywood, but I had no idea the area around it. Not too bad though. It looks like it will keep me on my toes, but I'll survive it. The fun part seems to appear towards the end. The last eight to ten miles appears to be on a steady decline, the last five specifically a straight down hill! Going to take a bit of work to not burn out my legs there. With any luck it will make the home stretch a lot more comfortable.
So all in all, I've driven it and I approve! We can run it tomorrow. As if anyone was asking. . . I feel better having seen it though, and now Tracy has a great idea where she will meet up with me on the way. So now, a little later than planned, we sit down with Tracy's very wonderful cousin Megan (who is being kind enough to house us tonight) and enjoy a carb loaded dinner. Then it'll be time to turn in. The alarm goes off awfully early tomorrow!
The morning started a little later than planned after a late night at work last night. To be honest, it felt great not to rush. We got up and made a good breakfast, got all of our stuff together, and hit the road. That's when the real fun began. Traffic today was a brilliant reminder of why I could never live in LA. Holy smokes, it took us almost three=and-a-half hours to get to Dodger stadium! Craziness! We got in alright, registered, got all our freebies and got out. Nothing personal to anyone who lives in LA, but I am a Padres fan. Dodger Stadium is one of the few places in this world I never needed to visit. Good reason to run faster at the start though, right? Get me outta there!!
Now we were off to drive the course. I really like to know at least a little about the area so I'm familiar. It helps me so I don't waste energy wondering what's next. So after a little confusion out of the gate, we were off. Holy Ghetto! I was pretty excited to run through Hollywood, but I had no idea the area around it. Not too bad though. It looks like it will keep me on my toes, but I'll survive it. The fun part seems to appear towards the end. The last eight to ten miles appears to be on a steady decline, the last five specifically a straight down hill! Going to take a bit of work to not burn out my legs there. With any luck it will make the home stretch a lot more comfortable.
So all in all, I've driven it and I approve! We can run it tomorrow. As if anyone was asking. . . I feel better having seen it though, and now Tracy has a great idea where she will meet up with me on the way. So now, a little later than planned, we sit down with Tracy's very wonderful cousin Megan (who is being kind enough to house us tonight) and enjoy a carb loaded dinner. Then it'll be time to turn in. The alarm goes off awfully early tomorrow!
Friday, March 19, 2010
T-2 Days and counting
Excuse me, has anyone seen the month of March? It was just here a second ago, and now it's gone! I can't believe it is already race time. Two Days! In fact, this time two days from now I'll probably be cruising down the home stretch! Holy Moly!
It has been funny the past few days as I've had quite a few people ask me if I'm ready. My standard response has been, "I hope so." And really, I do. I have done all I could to get here, and now it's time to ride it out. No turning back now. I am feeling very confident that it will go well though. I have so much support from my friends and my family, and there will be so much energy on race day! Not to mention the fact that I am invincible. (Yeah, I like to tell myself that.)
With my last successful training run done today, I really would like to make sure I give my thank you's as needed. Training for something like this doesn't happen alone. I may have been the runner, but my number one cheerleader runs this show. Tracy has been so amazing. She's been my executive chef, my editor for these blogs, my coach, my massage therapist. . . I don't know how she puts up with it all. My family has been very supportive too. This has been an emotional journey for all of us, and they have helped me to spread the word, to raise money, picked me up on my destination runs, and also dealt with me through it all. Thanks too to everyone who has read this and talked with me about the marathon. Without everyone's constant support, I would have fallen off the wagon long ago. So thank you all so much. I can't wait to post a success story on Monday.
I will post a blog tomorrow after visiting the expo and driving the route. And Sunday will be my big finale just before the race. Stick with me! You can track me through the race if you like by registering at this site:
http://live.activeresult.com/msg/MSG-signup.tcl?event_id=24
Or go to www.lamarathon.com then to Runner Info then to Race Day Tracking. You can have my status e-mailed to you or sent via text message! Just enter in Nicholas Johns as the entrant.
It has been funny the past few days as I've had quite a few people ask me if I'm ready. My standard response has been, "I hope so." And really, I do. I have done all I could to get here, and now it's time to ride it out. No turning back now. I am feeling very confident that it will go well though. I have so much support from my friends and my family, and there will be so much energy on race day! Not to mention the fact that I am invincible. (Yeah, I like to tell myself that.)
With my last successful training run done today, I really would like to make sure I give my thank you's as needed. Training for something like this doesn't happen alone. I may have been the runner, but my number one cheerleader runs this show. Tracy has been so amazing. She's been my executive chef, my editor for these blogs, my coach, my massage therapist. . . I don't know how she puts up with it all. My family has been very supportive too. This has been an emotional journey for all of us, and they have helped me to spread the word, to raise money, picked me up on my destination runs, and also dealt with me through it all. Thanks too to everyone who has read this and talked with me about the marathon. Without everyone's constant support, I would have fallen off the wagon long ago. So thank you all so much. I can't wait to post a success story on Monday.
I will post a blog tomorrow after visiting the expo and driving the route. And Sunday will be my big finale just before the race. Stick with me! You can track me through the race if you like by registering at this site:
http://live.activeresult.com/msg/MSG-signup.tcl?event_id=24
Or go to www.lamarathon.com then to Runner Info then to Race Day Tracking. You can have my status e-mailed to you or sent via text message! Just enter in Nicholas Johns as the entrant.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
T-4 Days and counting
Whew! It feels like summer out here! Quite the change from the weather we've had the past few months. Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. But I am noticing that it is quite different running in 80- 85 degree dry heat than it was when it was 65-75 degrees and windy. I do love it though. I'm a guy who will take heat over cold any day of the week.
A few changes do have to be made, however, to help me not passout mid-run. Like it or not, if you haven't trained properly for it, different conditions can cripple you. If you are planning a race somewhere warmer or more humid than the climate you're used to, they recommend you layer clothing to simulate the extra heat. There is a guy who runs my street almost every day in sweats, even in the summer. I can't even imagine. I'm not going that far by any means, but I am adjusting my running times. The marathon starts early, so it should be cool at the start, but I want to be used to the heat for when that comes. So this week, I am running as close to noon as I can. I'm waiting until it gets good and warm and then tackling my six miles. The main thing for me is to hydrate even more. It's so interesting to me to see how people do things differently during a run. My Uncle hardly drinks or eats anything before a race. I, on the other hand, could drink a whole bottle of water every mile and still want more. So when it's warm, I might as well drag a garden hose with me.
Today's run went amazing. I went down to Mission Bay. It is a truly beautiful place to run. Plus, there are water fountains all along the way. My music was especially wonderful today as well. I was rockin' the whole hour to a great 80's mix provided by a couple of friends, Ryan and Gina, who responded to my need for a marathon soundtrack. It was just enough run time to provide a sampling of what they prepared, but it was enough to get me even more excited about the run. People must've thought I was truly nuts when I would blurt out random shouts of joy as great tune after great tune came on. Thanks a lot for that guys!
Tomorrow I will do a nice long Bike ride, and then Friday I will post again after my nine miler. My final run before the big day. It feels weird that this is coming to a close. As ready as I am for the race, I'm not sure I'm prepared for the closure that will come with it. Be sure to watch for my post on Saturday, and especially on Sunday. It will be a special one.
A few changes do have to be made, however, to help me not passout mid-run. Like it or not, if you haven't trained properly for it, different conditions can cripple you. If you are planning a race somewhere warmer or more humid than the climate you're used to, they recommend you layer clothing to simulate the extra heat. There is a guy who runs my street almost every day in sweats, even in the summer. I can't even imagine. I'm not going that far by any means, but I am adjusting my running times. The marathon starts early, so it should be cool at the start, but I want to be used to the heat for when that comes. So this week, I am running as close to noon as I can. I'm waiting until it gets good and warm and then tackling my six miles. The main thing for me is to hydrate even more. It's so interesting to me to see how people do things differently during a run. My Uncle hardly drinks or eats anything before a race. I, on the other hand, could drink a whole bottle of water every mile and still want more. So when it's warm, I might as well drag a garden hose with me.
Today's run went amazing. I went down to Mission Bay. It is a truly beautiful place to run. Plus, there are water fountains all along the way. My music was especially wonderful today as well. I was rockin' the whole hour to a great 80's mix provided by a couple of friends, Ryan and Gina, who responded to my need for a marathon soundtrack. It was just enough run time to provide a sampling of what they prepared, but it was enough to get me even more excited about the run. People must've thought I was truly nuts when I would blurt out random shouts of joy as great tune after great tune came on. Thanks a lot for that guys!
Tomorrow I will do a nice long Bike ride, and then Friday I will post again after my nine miler. My final run before the big day. It feels weird that this is coming to a close. As ready as I am for the race, I'm not sure I'm prepared for the closure that will come with it. Be sure to watch for my post on Saturday, and especially on Sunday. It will be a special one.
Monday, March 15, 2010
T-6 days and counting
Here we go down the final stretch! If the excitement hadn't been building before, it sure is now. My heart rate goes up just thinking about it. Who needs to run it?! I can't wait. This weekend was a great reminder to me of the need to rest up this week. After doing my long run a day earlier than usual, my schedule was a little off, but I didn't think it would set me back. Friday was my cross training day so I hopped on the bike and went for a fun morning ride. I did about ten miles and couldn't have been happier with the results. My recovery was shocking. I'll be honest, after the twenty, especially with the silly two mile uphill at the end, I was nervous. But my legs acted like it was just another day. Literally, NO soreness. That gave me considerable hope for the run. Saturday was a nice relaxing day off (except for work that night) and Sunday I would do six to get back on it. Or so I thought.
Daylight savings had something all together different to say about that. I gave it everything I had to get myself pumped up for that run, and in the end, it took everything I had to stay awake until I got into my front door after work. I listened to my body and took a nap before dinner, then had an early night. Sometimes you just can't make it happen. When I woke up this morning, I made a conscious decision to understand what my body was telling me. "Nick, we have a long week ahead with lots of excitement, don't burn out now, boy!" My original schedule for this week was to run six miles every day, except on Thursday when I'd run ten and a quick bike ride Saturday morning before I head up to L:A. Realizing that may be a bit much, the revised plan is to go back to core workouts. I know I can run this. I've trained hard, and I'm ready, so go on cruise control. Keep the muscles warm, and kick butt on Sunday.
Today was a four miler to get back in the groove after a weekend off. Tomorrow and Wednesday will be six milers. Thursday I'll ride, and Friday I'll do nine miles. Just a little bigger than the rest of the week, but not out of range, and not enough to really put strain on my body. Saturday morning, I'll wake up and storm LA with a need for speed! My body will be rested, my mind will be whirling, and I will be ready as ever!
Daylight savings had something all together different to say about that. I gave it everything I had to get myself pumped up for that run, and in the end, it took everything I had to stay awake until I got into my front door after work. I listened to my body and took a nap before dinner, then had an early night. Sometimes you just can't make it happen. When I woke up this morning, I made a conscious decision to understand what my body was telling me. "Nick, we have a long week ahead with lots of excitement, don't burn out now, boy!" My original schedule for this week was to run six miles every day, except on Thursday when I'd run ten and a quick bike ride Saturday morning before I head up to L:A. Realizing that may be a bit much, the revised plan is to go back to core workouts. I know I can run this. I've trained hard, and I'm ready, so go on cruise control. Keep the muscles warm, and kick butt on Sunday.
Today was a four miler to get back in the groove after a weekend off. Tomorrow and Wednesday will be six milers. Thursday I'll ride, and Friday I'll do nine miles. Just a little bigger than the rest of the week, but not out of range, and not enough to really put strain on my body. Saturday morning, I'll wake up and storm LA with a need for speed! My body will be rested, my mind will be whirling, and I will be ready as ever!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Last Hoorah!
This is it, do or die. Twenty short miles. If I can't hack it today, don't bother showing up next Sunday. In fact, if anything goes wrong today, I only have a week to recover. Wow! No pressure there. What's a guy to do?...
Conquer the run! And that, my friends, is exactly what I did. I stepped out my door and said "Today is no different than yesterday when I ran eight miles or Monday when I ran three. I can do this."
The day started with big ambition. It was chilly this morning, which makes it difficult for me, but I was ready. I plotted my run, I set my water, and, like so many times before, things didn't happen as planned. My early morning run soon became an afternoon run. I was not going to be discouraged though. I rolled with the punches. I put on my new shoes and I braved the head wind that comes with post-noon-time running.
I had a fun route planned - a twenty mile loop from my front door and back. It is definitely easier when you don't have to make arrangements for someone to pick you up. So off I went into the wind. No joke. Straight into the wind. What a way to start! After the first mile it got much easier though. The first three miles were mostly down hill or level, making it a very encouraging start. The next three were a little more challenging, but I was still feeling good. Nothing too bad and the view was starting to get great. Then came the wall. I'm not referring to the proverbial wall people always talk about at mile twenty. No. I'm talking about the wall of wind. I have never been so humbled. As I made the right hand turn, I was literally stopped in my tracks. It was amazing. As I was pressing forward, uttering impolite things under my breath, a runner came towards me with one heck of a pep in his step. I could have turned around there, but I didn't. I kept going. The next eight miles were tiresome, but I finished them... If I could've asked for just one thing, it would've been for someone to have turned that fan off. Apart from that, I felt great.
Instead of music today, I tried an audio book. I think that definitely had a positive effect. It made it very easy to get "lost" in what I was listening to and suddenly realize I had gone quite a ways.
My next big challenge today was when I made my turn onto the home stretch. The thing with planning your run on the computer is that you don't see the inclines. Not the small ones and not the two mile ones. That's right. I planned myself a two mile uphill run after I had already run sixteen. Silly boy! There was only one option however. That was to tackle the challenge. Home was calling.
The last two miles were smooth sailing after that climb. They kicked my butt, I can't lie, but it was worth it. I had beaten the head wind. I had beaten the hills. Now I just had to keep putting one foot in front of the other and finish strong.
When all was said and done, I finished my twenty miles averaging an eleven minute mile. Not bad for a day's work in a new pair of shoes. Oh yeah. No break in time for them. All or nothing!
Conquer the run! And that, my friends, is exactly what I did. I stepped out my door and said "Today is no different than yesterday when I ran eight miles or Monday when I ran three. I can do this."
The day started with big ambition. It was chilly this morning, which makes it difficult for me, but I was ready. I plotted my run, I set my water, and, like so many times before, things didn't happen as planned. My early morning run soon became an afternoon run. I was not going to be discouraged though. I rolled with the punches. I put on my new shoes and I braved the head wind that comes with post-noon-time running.
I had a fun route planned - a twenty mile loop from my front door and back. It is definitely easier when you don't have to make arrangements for someone to pick you up. So off I went into the wind. No joke. Straight into the wind. What a way to start! After the first mile it got much easier though. The first three miles were mostly down hill or level, making it a very encouraging start. The next three were a little more challenging, but I was still feeling good. Nothing too bad and the view was starting to get great. Then came the wall. I'm not referring to the proverbial wall people always talk about at mile twenty. No. I'm talking about the wall of wind. I have never been so humbled. As I made the right hand turn, I was literally stopped in my tracks. It was amazing. As I was pressing forward, uttering impolite things under my breath, a runner came towards me with one heck of a pep in his step. I could have turned around there, but I didn't. I kept going. The next eight miles were tiresome, but I finished them... If I could've asked for just one thing, it would've been for someone to have turned that fan off. Apart from that, I felt great.
Instead of music today, I tried an audio book. I think that definitely had a positive effect. It made it very easy to get "lost" in what I was listening to and suddenly realize I had gone quite a ways.
My next big challenge today was when I made my turn onto the home stretch. The thing with planning your run on the computer is that you don't see the inclines. Not the small ones and not the two mile ones. That's right. I planned myself a two mile uphill run after I had already run sixteen. Silly boy! There was only one option however. That was to tackle the challenge. Home was calling.
The last two miles were smooth sailing after that climb. They kicked my butt, I can't lie, but it was worth it. I had beaten the head wind. I had beaten the hills. Now I just had to keep putting one foot in front of the other and finish strong.
When all was said and done, I finished my twenty miles averaging an eleven minute mile. Not bad for a day's work in a new pair of shoes. Oh yeah. No break in time for them. All or nothing!
New digs
I should really start by saying that I'm sorry for not blogging last night. The down side to working a full time job is sometimes, you actually have to work. I'll try and make up for it here.
Eight miles was a great build up for today's run. I was coming back after a not so good day on Tuesday, (I have a huge fear of getting sick so I was scared to push) so for the run to feel that good was amazing I felt strong, I ran comfortably, and I was right on time. I decided to finish the day by treating myself to a nice new pair of shoes.
As my training has progressed, I've gradually invested in better equipment. The first investment was getting nice running shirts. The wick-away breathable fabric makes such a difference in comfort. Next, I decided to try out shorts made of the same material. The difference was like night and day. So much lighter, so much more comfortable. Next I moved to head wear. I wear a visor so my head doesn't get as hot. But boy, by mile six it's soaked and there is nowhere for the sweat to go but down into my eyes. Not a happy feeling. So I moved up to better material there too. With all of this knowledge about how much of a difference good equipment can make, it seemed silly that I was running in not just old shoes, but ones that are "standard". By that I mean off the sale rack in the general running department. So I decided to take the step. I went to Road Runner sports and did a foot test. Yes, a foot test. It was amazing. They start by asking you all sorts of questions about your routine and usage. Then they measure you for accurate size. From there, they scan your foot. Using this scan, they show you all the pressure points and arches. It's interesting how one foot is so different from the other. It also tells you if you lean to one side or the other. Then they show you in 3D! It's so cool! There are things that you've never thought of before that are effecting your movement. Then they have you jog on the treadmill and they video your steps. Next they play it back for you in super slow motion. This lets them know if you run toe-heel or heel-toe, if you turn your foot as you run, if your arches collapse. Wow. I had no idea this much thought went into it. After making a mold of your foot, they send you over to a rep to now sell you a shoe that is designed to help you correct errors in your step; a shoe that will last longer and feel better. To top it off, when you have found the shoe you like, they come to you with an insole molded for your foot. It just doesn't get any better than that.
So with a new pair of shiney digs, I'm feeling great about twenty miles!
Eight miles was a great build up for today's run. I was coming back after a not so good day on Tuesday, (I have a huge fear of getting sick so I was scared to push) so for the run to feel that good was amazing I felt strong, I ran comfortably, and I was right on time. I decided to finish the day by treating myself to a nice new pair of shoes.
As my training has progressed, I've gradually invested in better equipment. The first investment was getting nice running shirts. The wick-away breathable fabric makes such a difference in comfort. Next, I decided to try out shorts made of the same material. The difference was like night and day. So much lighter, so much more comfortable. Next I moved to head wear. I wear a visor so my head doesn't get as hot. But boy, by mile six it's soaked and there is nowhere for the sweat to go but down into my eyes. Not a happy feeling. So I moved up to better material there too. With all of this knowledge about how much of a difference good equipment can make, it seemed silly that I was running in not just old shoes, but ones that are "standard". By that I mean off the sale rack in the general running department. So I decided to take the step. I went to Road Runner sports and did a foot test. Yes, a foot test. It was amazing. They start by asking you all sorts of questions about your routine and usage. Then they measure you for accurate size. From there, they scan your foot. Using this scan, they show you all the pressure points and arches. It's interesting how one foot is so different from the other. It also tells you if you lean to one side or the other. Then they show you in 3D! It's so cool! There are things that you've never thought of before that are effecting your movement. Then they have you jog on the treadmill and they video your steps. Next they play it back for you in super slow motion. This lets them know if you run toe-heel or heel-toe, if you turn your foot as you run, if your arches collapse. Wow. I had no idea this much thought went into it. After making a mold of your foot, they send you over to a rep to now sell you a shoe that is designed to help you correct errors in your step; a shoe that will last longer and feel better. To top it off, when you have found the shoe you like, they come to you with an insole molded for your foot. It just doesn't get any better than that.
So with a new pair of shiney digs, I'm feeling great about twenty miles!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Is Anybody Out There?
Now that our week of Diabetes-friendly recipes is complete, we would love to hear what you think. Have you tried any of the recipes we posted? Do you have a favorite Diabetes-friendly recipe that you'd like to share with us? E-mail me (Tracy: tmluke2@yahoo.com) and I'll post it so others can try it!
I tried to include a good variety of recipes last week. I didn't want them to all be chicken or beef, so we made two pork, two chicken, and one beef. There actually was a vegetarian pasta recipe I wanted to try, to add variety, but I couldn't find arugula. I'll post the recipe here, in case anyone has better luck than I do and wants to try it...
Penne With Arugula & Pesto
Prep time: 10 min Total Time: 20 min
Servings: 4
8 oz whole grain penne
2 cups baby arugula
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup low-fat evaporated milk
1/3 cup grated Romano cheese
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Combine arugula, walnuts, basil, garlic, and oil in blender or food processor. Process until nuts are finely chopped. Add milk and pulse until well blended. Add cheese and pulse to blend.
3. Place cooked pasta and grape tomatoes in serving bowl and toss with pesto sauce. Garnish with arugula leaf, if desired.
I tried to include a good variety of recipes last week. I didn't want them to all be chicken or beef, so we made two pork, two chicken, and one beef. There actually was a vegetarian pasta recipe I wanted to try, to add variety, but I couldn't find arugula. I'll post the recipe here, in case anyone has better luck than I do and wants to try it...
Penne With Arugula & Pesto
Prep time: 10 min Total Time: 20 min
Servings: 4
8 oz whole grain penne
2 cups baby arugula
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
3 cloves garlic, smashed
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 cup low-fat evaporated milk
1/3 cup grated Romano cheese
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
1. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2. Combine arugula, walnuts, basil, garlic, and oil in blender or food processor. Process until nuts are finely chopped. Add milk and pulse until well blended. Add cheese and pulse to blend.
3. Place cooked pasta and grape tomatoes in serving bowl and toss with pesto sauce. Garnish with arugula leaf, if desired.
Don't you forget about me
Hello! I know you have all been checking the blog hourly to see if I've posted my review of our final Diabetes-friendly recipe from Friday! Well... Wait to more! Here we go... =)
In all honesty, Nick should be the one doing the recipe review. He was off from work on Friday, so he was the one who actually made the pork chops.
I picked his brain a little bit and he informed me that the recipe was pretty easy. Anyone who knows Nick knows that he's not a big cook. He can cook (if he tells you he can't, don't believe him!!), but it's just not something that he enjoys doing on a regular basis. So if he said the recipe was easy, then believe me, it was!
I CAN vouch for the taste of the meal. The pork chops had good flavor. I could taste the ginger, but it wasn't over-powering. I would definitely let Nick make them again! =)
Serves 4
Ingredients
In all honesty, Nick should be the one doing the recipe review. He was off from work on Friday, so he was the one who actually made the pork chops.
I picked his brain a little bit and he informed me that the recipe was pretty easy. Anyone who knows Nick knows that he's not a big cook. He can cook (if he tells you he can't, don't believe him!!), but it's just not something that he enjoys doing on a regular basis. So if he said the recipe was easy, then believe me, it was!
I CAN vouch for the taste of the meal. The pork chops had good flavor. I could taste the ginger, but it wasn't over-powering. I would definitely let Nick make them again! =)
Beer-Grilled Chops
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 3/4-inch thick
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ginger root, grated
- 1 cup beer
- Place chops in a self-sealing plastic bag; add remaining ingredients and seal bag. Gently massage bag to evenly distribute marinade ingredients. Refrigerate 4-24 hours.
- Prepare medium-hot coals in kettle-style grill. Remove chops from marinade and discard marinade; place on grill directly over coals, cover grill and grill for 10 minutes, turning once.
| Nutritional Information (Per Serving) | |
| Calories: | 134 |
| Protein: | 23 g |
| Sodium: | 305 mg |
| Cholesterol: | 57 mg |
| Fat: | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat: | 1 g |
| Dietary Fiber: | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates: | 3 g |
The people who are making it happen
While looking through the American Diabetes Association website site today I saw this and thought it was amazing. I copied part of it for easy reading, but check out the whole page. They have some amazing info and ways to really become a part of the movement.
http://www.diabetes.org/news-research/research/recent/meet-the-researcher/Meet the Researcher
Meet American Diabetes Association-funded researchers who have made significant contributions to the care and/or treatment of diabetes and its complications.
Michael Freemark MD – Duke University Medical Center
Dr. Freemark, the recipient of a Basic Science Award, states, “Our study should help us understand how a mother maintains normal blood sugar during pregnancy while supplying the nutrients that are essential for fetal development and growth.”Dr. Lawrence Lavery, DPM, MPH – Scott and White Hospital
Lavery, the recipient of an ADA-APMA Mentor-based Postdoctoral Fellowship award, is evaluating the occurrence and frequency of lower extremity complications in persons with diabetes and on dialysis.Dr. Louis Philipson, MD, PhD – University of Chicago
Philipson, an American Diabetes Association Research Award recipient, is conducting a research project entitled, "Beta cell damage due to reactive species-induced oxidative stress."Monday, March 8, 2010
An Inspiring Afternoon
Thank Goodness for cross training! It is so amazing what a difference it makes to use those muscles right afterward. Friday's eighteen mile run felt great. What's even better was how good I felt the next day. I have to admit, I celebrated a little with a few drinks and a great meal and was a little worried if I would suffer. Fortunately, that was not the case. So I said "thanks" to my body by doing a fun bike ride through the neighborhood (about 5 or 6 miles) and then taking the dog for a nice long walk. It really loosened me up nicely. Sunday was my day off from training and I was so lucky to have it off from work too. I spoiled my body by doing a whole lot of NOTHING! I watched some movies, wrote some e-mails, just hung out with the wife and relaxed. It was nice.
Today I changed up my training a little. It is normally my short run day. I do three miles. This week is a shorter week, so I considered doing a longer run. Instead, I decided to try something new. I sprinted my three miles. Holy smokes! Whole new world of pain. Muscles I don't use very often were abused. But it was enlightening. I have spoken to a few friends recently and am finding that many people have trouble starting slow, and therefore tire out quickly. I, on the other hand, have trouble speeding up. So, today was a day in the life of others. I've decided I prefer staying slow.
What really brightened my afternoon was a talk I had with a great friend, Jesse, who moved away recently. Jesse is actually one of the key people who helped me with technique and training tips during training for my first marathon. Today he called me to ask about how to make a donation and we got to talking about the blog and my awareness mission. He told me how he has been reading the blog and following along. Hearing that is a great thing since I have no idea how many people actually read this. Beyond that, it got even better when he told me that after reading it, he went out and started researching Diabetes on his own and making changes to his lifestyle. I was on Cloud Nine. Mission complete! To know that I made a difference in at least one person's life means that someone else will benefit from their changes - it's that snowball effect. That makes me so happy. Thanks Jesse for the pick me up so close to the end!
Today I changed up my training a little. It is normally my short run day. I do three miles. This week is a shorter week, so I considered doing a longer run. Instead, I decided to try something new. I sprinted my three miles. Holy smokes! Whole new world of pain. Muscles I don't use very often were abused. But it was enlightening. I have spoken to a few friends recently and am finding that many people have trouble starting slow, and therefore tire out quickly. I, on the other hand, have trouble speeding up. So, today was a day in the life of others. I've decided I prefer staying slow.
What really brightened my afternoon was a talk I had with a great friend, Jesse, who moved away recently. Jesse is actually one of the key people who helped me with technique and training tips during training for my first marathon. Today he called me to ask about how to make a donation and we got to talking about the blog and my awareness mission. He told me how he has been reading the blog and following along. Hearing that is a great thing since I have no idea how many people actually read this. Beyond that, it got even better when he told me that after reading it, he went out and started researching Diabetes on his own and making changes to his lifestyle. I was on Cloud Nine. Mission complete! To know that I made a difference in at least one person's life means that someone else will benefit from their changes - it's that snowball effect. That makes me so happy. Thanks Jesse for the pick me up so close to the end!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Anyone seen the express route to the finish line?
Things to get done: Make breakfast - check; Start laundry - check; Mow lawn - check; Run 18 miles in three hours - check and DOUBLE CHECK! That run has been conquered!
I was so excited about this run. Recently I have had some really fun runs. I've had the pleasure of having friends come and run with me, which is inspiring. The big day is getting ever closer, so the energy is building. But yesterday's run, starting at Cabrillo and running down into the beautiful city of San Diego, stood in a class of its own. It may have been because this run was my longest so far this training session. Taking on a new long run really helps the motivation. It feels so good to know that you can make it happen. Part of it was probably the confidence I had going in to it as well. Coming off of that very strong run on Wednesday had me feeling extra confident. I think the real reason however was that the course had a lot of meaning to me.
If you aren't familiar with San Diego, Cabrillo National Monument, casually called the Lighthouse, is where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed 50 years after Columbus. This monument is dear to my heart because I started volunteering there when I was eleven years old. I spent three years working with the rangers doing all sorts of tasks - from grounds maintenance, to tours, even making an educational movie for the park. It is also one of my Gran's favorite places and the run I did is, in part, one that my Uncle used to do daily (he is an avid marathon runner). So as I said, this area holds some very personal weight. As well, the view is to die for. You start at the top of a hill looking down into the city across the bay. It's gorgeous. If I'm completely honest, it is very daunting too, because you are taking in this amazing view, then reality hits. . . Oh Goodness, I have to run all the way to there?! As well, it is a difficult thing to overcome the thought that you are going to be running for the next three hours, non-stop, if you make your pace. Sure, you could slow down. But then you are drawing it out more. Mixed emotions driving you there.
When I started yesterday I was very ambitious. I was out of the house right on time and only had to run back in twice for things that I'd forgotten. Not bad for me. I was halfway into driving my route when I realized that I had gone back into the house for my mp3 player, but didn't grab the headphones. No bueno. Thank goodness for Mom, who was going to pick me up from the finish line to drop me off at the start. She bailed me out, as Mom's always do. I finally started my run at around 11 o'clock. It ended up being at least an hour later than hoped, but nothing was going to get me down, especially not the head wind I was now going to run into! (That's what I was telling myself) I realized quickly after I started that perhaps I was starting from the wrong side as the first 3 miles are rolling hills, but again, I was on such a high, it wasn't going to phase me. That positive energy, and the view paid off for me big time. The first six miles were a complete breeze. I had a decent head wind for much of it, but I hardly noticed. I was on a mission. The next six were exciting because I had never run that area efore. It was a side of San Diego I had grown up in and driven through hundreds of times, but you look at things very differently through a runner's eyes.
When I got to mile twelve, things changed for me a bit. My legs got tired fast. My stomach started growling too, which is no fun. Nervousness started to set in. "Wow. I didn't see this coming. All I want to do is slow down or stop. Dang. What am I going to do?" As I saw it, I had two options - Quit or continue. "Hmmm... If I quit, I still have to get to my car. I have no phone and no money, so that means I'm walking! Well dang, dang! OK Legs, suck it up! Quit talking to the brain and do what you know how to do." And that was that. I was at it again. Now I don't want to discount what just happened. It was all going through my head across the span of about a half mile and some intense emotion. This is a big moment in any exercise. I've mentioned it before - hit the wall or climb it. . . You always hear about the 20 mile wall marathoners hit. I think it is garbage. I'm no expert and I won't ever profess to be, but I am a believer that you make a mental choice every day to keep going and that determines if that wall is there or not. It happens in dieting, exercising, everyday living. It's up to you to decide that you are strong. So I did. At mile twelve, when I noticed there was a wall being built in front of me, I detoured and jumped on the moving sidewalk. From there to mile sixteen life was grand again. I had a renewed sense of energy.
At mile fifteen I found another gear because I was now in very familiar territory, I was now on the Embarcadero. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, the home stretch. That helped a lot. At mile sixteen, I had a horrible thought. "I didn't put water out on this back stretch because there are water fountains." When I thought of that however, I didn't think about the fact that those water fountains are not exactly clean. I've seen people washing their hands, and laundring in them. I don't want to drink from them. Dang again. The back six and no water. . . "mind over matter, you can see the finish line." This became my mantra. That fence at the edge of the Hilton could not get there fast enough. And when it did. . . Glory!!
The amazing thing, after all the pain and the desire to finish, all the thoughts about maybe just cutting a few corners here and there, is that the minute I had walked it off, I could not wait to do it all again! I had won! Neener neener 18 miles. You can't beat me!
I was so excited about this run. Recently I have had some really fun runs. I've had the pleasure of having friends come and run with me, which is inspiring. The big day is getting ever closer, so the energy is building. But yesterday's run, starting at Cabrillo and running down into the beautiful city of San Diego, stood in a class of its own. It may have been because this run was my longest so far this training session. Taking on a new long run really helps the motivation. It feels so good to know that you can make it happen. Part of it was probably the confidence I had going in to it as well. Coming off of that very strong run on Wednesday had me feeling extra confident. I think the real reason however was that the course had a lot of meaning to me.
If you aren't familiar with San Diego, Cabrillo National Monument, casually called the Lighthouse, is where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed 50 years after Columbus. This monument is dear to my heart because I started volunteering there when I was eleven years old. I spent three years working with the rangers doing all sorts of tasks - from grounds maintenance, to tours, even making an educational movie for the park. It is also one of my Gran's favorite places and the run I did is, in part, one that my Uncle used to do daily (he is an avid marathon runner). So as I said, this area holds some very personal weight. As well, the view is to die for. You start at the top of a hill looking down into the city across the bay. It's gorgeous. If I'm completely honest, it is very daunting too, because you are taking in this amazing view, then reality hits. . . Oh Goodness, I have to run all the way to there?! As well, it is a difficult thing to overcome the thought that you are going to be running for the next three hours, non-stop, if you make your pace. Sure, you could slow down. But then you are drawing it out more. Mixed emotions driving you there.
When I started yesterday I was very ambitious. I was out of the house right on time and only had to run back in twice for things that I'd forgotten. Not bad for me. I was halfway into driving my route when I realized that I had gone back into the house for my mp3 player, but didn't grab the headphones. No bueno. Thank goodness for Mom, who was going to pick me up from the finish line to drop me off at the start. She bailed me out, as Mom's always do. I finally started my run at around 11 o'clock. It ended up being at least an hour later than hoped, but nothing was going to get me down, especially not the head wind I was now going to run into! (That's what I was telling myself) I realized quickly after I started that perhaps I was starting from the wrong side as the first 3 miles are rolling hills, but again, I was on such a high, it wasn't going to phase me. That positive energy, and the view paid off for me big time. The first six miles were a complete breeze. I had a decent head wind for much of it, but I hardly noticed. I was on a mission. The next six were exciting because I had never run that area efore. It was a side of San Diego I had grown up in and driven through hundreds of times, but you look at things very differently through a runner's eyes.
When I got to mile twelve, things changed for me a bit. My legs got tired fast. My stomach started growling too, which is no fun. Nervousness started to set in. "Wow. I didn't see this coming. All I want to do is slow down or stop. Dang. What am I going to do?" As I saw it, I had two options - Quit or continue. "Hmmm... If I quit, I still have to get to my car. I have no phone and no money, so that means I'm walking! Well dang, dang! OK Legs, suck it up! Quit talking to the brain and do what you know how to do." And that was that. I was at it again. Now I don't want to discount what just happened. It was all going through my head across the span of about a half mile and some intense emotion. This is a big moment in any exercise. I've mentioned it before - hit the wall or climb it. . . You always hear about the 20 mile wall marathoners hit. I think it is garbage. I'm no expert and I won't ever profess to be, but I am a believer that you make a mental choice every day to keep going and that determines if that wall is there or not. It happens in dieting, exercising, everyday living. It's up to you to decide that you are strong. So I did. At mile twelve, when I noticed there was a wall being built in front of me, I detoured and jumped on the moving sidewalk. From there to mile sixteen life was grand again. I had a renewed sense of energy.
At mile fifteen I found another gear because I was now in very familiar territory, I was now on the Embarcadero. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, the home stretch. That helped a lot. At mile sixteen, I had a horrible thought. "I didn't put water out on this back stretch because there are water fountains." When I thought of that however, I didn't think about the fact that those water fountains are not exactly clean. I've seen people washing their hands, and laundring in them. I don't want to drink from them. Dang again. The back six and no water. . . "mind over matter, you can see the finish line." This became my mantra. That fence at the edge of the Hilton could not get there fast enough. And when it did. . . Glory!!
The amazing thing, after all the pain and the desire to finish, all the thoughts about maybe just cutting a few corners here and there, is that the minute I had walked it off, I could not wait to do it all again! I had won! Neener neener 18 miles. You can't beat me!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Another sunny day
Well, it looks like we're on a roll! Although it'll be hard to top last night's recipe, I think tonight's meal was still pretty darn good. But really, in my book, ya can't go wrong with tomato and basil!! That's just my opinion though...
Besides the fact that this recipe contained two of my favorite ingredients, it also was super easy and very quick. Start to finish was 30 minutes. Really! A lot of recipes state that they are 30 minute meals, but they really take closer to an hour (or longer). Not this one!
I really don't have a whole lot else to say about it! Easy. Yummy. The only ingredient we had to buy was the basil (we haven't had time to get that herb garden going yet, but are hoping to this Spring). We didn't have chicken breast tenderloins, so I used regular ole chicken breasts instead and just cut them in half lengthwise and then cut them in half again across the width of the meat. Next time I will probably cut them into smaller pieces so they're easier to eat. I love that this recipe added the fresh spinach to it too. It made it different from a lot of the other tomato and basil recipes I've had before.
Nick will be home in a couple of hours so we'll see how it reheats! And just as a teaser... Tomorrow we'll be having beer-grilled pork chops! Can you guess who picked that recipe?! =)
Update: Nick reheated the meal in the microwave and said it was delicious! The spinach wilted a bit more, but it was good.
Basil-Tomato Chicken Skillet
SERVINGS: 4 (about 2-cup) servings
CARB GRAMS PER SERVING: 7 
| 1 | to 1-1/4 pounds chicken breast tenderloins | ||
| Nonstick cooking spray | |||
| 1/8 | teaspoon salt | ||
| 1/8 | teaspoon ground black pepper | ||
| 1 | 14-1/2-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained | ||
| 1/4 | cup snipped fresh basil | ||
| 1 | 9- to 10-ounce package prewashed spinach | ||
| 2 | tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese |
1. Cut any large chicken tenderloins in half lengthwise. Coat an unheated 12-inch skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook and stir chicken in hot skillet about 5 minutes or until done. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Add tomatoes and basil; heat through. Remove from heat. Add spinach; toss until wilted. Divide among 4 plates. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes 4 (about 2-cup) servings.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
- Servings: 4 (about 2-cup) servings
- Calories 170
- Total Fat (g) 2
- Saturated Fat (g) 1
- Cholesterol (mg) 68
- Sodium (mg) 265
- Carbohydrate (g) 7
- Fiber (g) 3
- Protein (g) 30
- Vitamin A (DV%) 0
- Vitamin C (DV%) 0
- Calcium (DV%) 0
- Iron (DV%) 0
- Vegetables (d.e.) 1.5
- Very Lean Meat (d.e.) 4
Diabetic Exchanges
Big Run Tomorrow
Tomorrow is a huge day, 18 miles.I tried to incorporate some hills and some level ground to really challenge myself. Tracy suggested this area and I loved the idea. I have a great route mapped out. I'll be starting at the top of Cabrillo Monument and will be going all the way to the 5th Ave Yacht Marina in Downtown. I'm guessing it will take me just over three hours. What a way to start the day!! If anyone sees me out there running, be sure to honk and yell!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Heaven... I'm in Heaven...
Well, this week just keeps getting better! Tonight I made Balsamic-Glazed Flank Steak with Broccoli Rabe and Chickpea Puree. Sounds fancy, I know! But don't let that sway you from giving it a try. Not only was it surprisingly easy (the hardest part was getting the puree out of the bottom of the blender), but it made our house smell like a gourmet restaurant, which made me feel like I actually knew what I was doing!
Actually, I need to make a correction. I couldn't find broccoli rabe, so I didn't make that. I did include the recipe for it however, just in case you have better luck and want to give it a try. (If you do make that part of the recipe, please let me know! I'd love to hear your opinion!)
Ya know, I just reread that paragraph and I'm thinking that I should make another correction. (Two corrections already and I've hardly begun?!) The hardest part was deciding whether or not we wanted to splurge on the flank steak or not. We found it at our local grocery store, but it was $7.99/pound and the smallest steak they had was just over two pounds. A little pricey and more than we needed. Today Nick went to a well-known butcher, but their flank steak was $10.99/pound and, again, the smallest steak they had was over two pounds. We finally decided that, for the benefit of our readers, we would take one for the team and splurge on the flank. (Yes, we are the greatest of all martyrs!) Fortunately it was on sale for $6.99/pound today, so at least we saved a couple bucks. I cut the steak in half and I guess we'll just HAVE to have the rest later on this weekend. Oh the sacrifices we make for this blog... {sigh}
I should probably note that I decided to double the amount of meat that the recipe calls for. When I was trying to wake up this morning, I thought about the recipe and how it calls for one 8 oz. steak. Anyone who knows me knows that I tend to have problems with portion control. I love to eat and tend to just keep going until I'm so full I get sick. (This, incidentally, is something that both Nick and I have been working on.) That being said, I have no idea how they expect 8 ounces to serve four people. I could down an 8 ounce steak all by myself! So, I used a one pound steak (16 oz) instead.
Again, as with the chicken last night, I chose to marinate the steak for 30 minutes at room temperature instead of in the refrigerator for a longer period.
When it came time to cook the meat, I added the 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet, but it wasn't enough to cover the bottom of the pan so I drizzled more until the pan was thinly coated.
I cooked the steak as directed and then let it stand for 5 minutes before I began to cut it into slices. After cutting into the second slice though, I realized that the meat was still way too red. The steak should be pink in the middle, but not quite so rare. By this point I had already prepared the sauce that would go on the meat, so I poured that into a small bowl and returned the meat to the skillet. After cooking it for approximately two more minutes on each side, I transferred the steak back to the plate I had had it on (we don't have a cutting board, so I used a large serving plate) and let it stand for a few more minutes. This time the meat was perfect.
I dished everything up as they recommended and took a bite. Wow! If there had been a waiter in a bow tie I would've thought I was at a fancy restaurant! It was that good!
Honestly, I would've preferred potato puree to the chickpea puree (I am a Midwestern girl, after all), but that wouldn't quite be as Diabetes-friendly, would it? =) The chickpea puree was ok, but nothing special. And we don't have flaxseed oil, so I used EVOO instead.
I will absolutely make this recipe again (or at least the steak part), but may substitute a less expensive cut of beef. The flank steak was a nice splurge, but for a family that's trying to save some money, it's just not something that we can afford very often - maybe on a special occasion such as Valentine's Day or an anniversary. I'd rather use the marinade on a less expensive steak and have it more often! =)
And just as a side note... Nick just got home from work and had his dinner. It reheated very well and he loved it all as much as I did!
Balsamic-Glazed Flank Steak
with Broccoli Rabe & Chickpea Puree
Total time: 50 min
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
8 oz. flank steak
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 small red onion, chopped
1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/8 tsp salt
1 can (15-19 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
3 cloves garlic, quartered
1 Tbsp flaxseed oil
1 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
Ground black pepper
4 cups coarsely chopped broccoli rabe
1/2 tsp olive oil
1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1. Combine steak, vinegar, onion, rosemary, and salt in heavy ziplock bag. Marinate at least 30 minutes and room temperature or several hours in refrigerator.
2. Simmer chickpeas, garlic, flaxseed oil, and 3/4 cup of the broth in saucepan 10 minutes, or until garlic is very tender. Transfer mixture to blender or food processor. Blend or puree, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth. Season with plenty of pepper. Return to saucepan and simmer over low heat if mixture is too runny.
3. Place large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining brothti skillet and bring to a boil. Add broccoli rabe. Cook, tossing, 3 minutes, until broccoli rabe wilts. Remove and cover to keep warm.
4. Wipe skillet dry. Add olive oil to skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade (reserve marinade). Sear steak in skillet 3 to 4 minutes, then remove skillet from heat. Lower heat to medium. Transfer steak to cutting board and let stand 5 minutes.
5. Add marinade to skillet and return it to heat. Scrape bottom of skillet to loosen browned bits. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes, or until mixture is sticky. Remove skillet from heat and set aside.
6. Cut steak across the grain into thin slices. Spoon chickpea puree and broccoli rabe onto 4 dinner plates. Top puree with beef, then drizzle beef with balsamic sauce. Sprinkle cheese on broccoli rabe.
Running Will Never Be The Same
They say that in order to find out if something is right, you need to try it a few times. The first time it may be a fluke. The second time it could be better, possibly worse. After those two times with the same results, you have a pattern forming, so stick with it. That's what I learned this morning - running partners are a God send! We ran ten miles today and for the last quarter mile, Sarah and I were joking (except I was was bordering on being serious) about doing another eight miles and getting my long run done early this week because we both felt so good. It really was that nice!
Of course, the weather definitely helped. It was warm enough outside so that getting started was easy, but it was not so hot that you felt like you were going to be considered well done when you finish. We started our run later than we originally planned, but thankfully Sarah was patient while we discovered a new route. The course that I had found was slightly inaccurate to say the least. It was from a great website, but they frequently send you on a course that is impossible (i.e they send you on a route that actually goes through a body of water or on a street that doesn't exist!) We drove the course beforehand to put out water and get an idea of where we would go and, sure enough, the first turn wound around into a dead end, the next street we were supposed to take didn't exist (or there was no sign so we could find it), and later in the run you crossed a vast span of nothing. I have no idea where. No road, no path, no sign. Much of it was along a main road too, instead of taking a nice well laid out footpath designed for just this. So we decided to rewrite it.
Another great thing about training with someone else is that you can learn something new from them. Everyone has a different style of eating, hydrating, recovering. You try new things and see what works. It was funny when I realized that Sarah knew exactly what I meant on my Facebook post a while ago when I said "Hydrating on a boat has its setbacks." Not everyone can relate to that, it's a tough thing to hydrate all day if you don't have anywhere to nip off to. The things you learn.
It was also great to talk with someone who shares a passion for feeling good. We had a good discussion about how simple it is to make small changes in diet and also about the use of the word diet. Most people read or hear that word and clam up immediately, full of thoughts about Jenny Craig. But that's not what we were talking about. Your diet is your food intake. Good or bad, a lot or a little. Exercise is another change that is so simple, but is such a huge hurdle to get over initially. Something I really want to point out is that I am using the word simple, not easy. I will never tell anyone, nor will I ever believe, that it is easy to eat healthy or exercise right or even just exercise a little. Few things are easy. But the process, what needs to happen, is simple. Doing things to try to prevent yourself from getting Diabetes is simple. Walk an hour each day. Start by committing to one day a week. Next week, do two days. Try that for a few weeks. Then move up to three. Do it on your lunch or after dinner with the whole family. Or split up the walk! Do half an hour before work and half an hour on your lunch break. Change out some pasta or rice with some "steam it in the bag" veggies. They are cheap! I know, I just bough 5 bags because they are so cheap. It is a challenge every day. For me, training is a challenge and I love to do it! But I have a goal in mind. To live long and worry free. To not be dependent or get to a point when it isn't simple any more. I have promised it before, and I will again, you WILL feel better for it. The high that comes from that walk, run, bike ride... Scientifically they say you release endorphins. Mentally you KNOW you controlled your own destiny. Try it. Prove me wrong.
Of course, the weather definitely helped. It was warm enough outside so that getting started was easy, but it was not so hot that you felt like you were going to be considered well done when you finish. We started our run later than we originally planned, but thankfully Sarah was patient while we discovered a new route. The course that I had found was slightly inaccurate to say the least. It was from a great website, but they frequently send you on a course that is impossible (i.e they send you on a route that actually goes through a body of water or on a street that doesn't exist!) We drove the course beforehand to put out water and get an idea of where we would go and, sure enough, the first turn wound around into a dead end, the next street we were supposed to take didn't exist (or there was no sign so we could find it), and later in the run you crossed a vast span of nothing. I have no idea where. No road, no path, no sign. Much of it was along a main road too, instead of taking a nice well laid out footpath designed for just this. So we decided to rewrite it.
Another great thing about training with someone else is that you can learn something new from them. Everyone has a different style of eating, hydrating, recovering. You try new things and see what works. It was funny when I realized that Sarah knew exactly what I meant on my Facebook post a while ago when I said "Hydrating on a boat has its setbacks." Not everyone can relate to that, it's a tough thing to hydrate all day if you don't have anywhere to nip off to. The things you learn.
It was also great to talk with someone who shares a passion for feeling good. We had a good discussion about how simple it is to make small changes in diet and also about the use of the word diet. Most people read or hear that word and clam up immediately, full of thoughts about Jenny Craig. But that's not what we were talking about. Your diet is your food intake. Good or bad, a lot or a little. Exercise is another change that is so simple, but is such a huge hurdle to get over initially. Something I really want to point out is that I am using the word simple, not easy. I will never tell anyone, nor will I ever believe, that it is easy to eat healthy or exercise right or even just exercise a little. Few things are easy. But the process, what needs to happen, is simple. Doing things to try to prevent yourself from getting Diabetes is simple. Walk an hour each day. Start by committing to one day a week. Next week, do two days. Try that for a few weeks. Then move up to three. Do it on your lunch or after dinner with the whole family. Or split up the walk! Do half an hour before work and half an hour on your lunch break. Change out some pasta or rice with some "steam it in the bag" veggies. They are cheap! I know, I just bough 5 bags because they are so cheap. It is a challenge every day. For me, training is a challenge and I love to do it! But I have a goal in mind. To live long and worry free. To not be dependent or get to a point when it isn't simple any more. I have promised it before, and I will again, you WILL feel better for it. The high that comes from that walk, run, bike ride... Scientifically they say you release endorphins. Mentally you KNOW you controlled your own destiny. Try it. Prove me wrong.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Wednesday's 10 miler
Tomorrow is my medium run day. I'm doing a 10 miler to warm up for the big 18 on Friday. Here is the route I'll be doing with my friend Sarah. Sarah is training for a country western marathon (translated: a marathon in Nashville) later this year so it will be fun to have someone to keep me going when I want to slow down.
It's a Sunshine Day!
OK, since yesterday's blog was titled "The sun'll come out... tomorrow," I figured it was only fitting that I title today's the way I did!... Cheesy, I know... =)
Hello everyone. It's Tracy again. And fortunately I have a much better report than I did yesterday! Tonight I made Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Heirloom Tomato Salad, and it was yummy! Easy to make too. I'll post the recipe and a video link at the end.
I actually didn't watch the video until about two minutes ago. I kinda wish that I had watched it before I made the recipe because I now realize I cut the chicken wrong (cut it in half across the width of the breast instead of cutting it so that each breast was half its original thickness), but it still turned out good so I didn't mess things up too bad!
I did have to make one substitution. I couldn't find any heirloom tomatoes, so I used roma tomatoes instead. It was good (though not as pretty), but I look forward to using heirlooms once they're in season. Also, the recipe doesn't state how much fresh basil to use. I personally love fresh basil so I added quite a bit!
To ensure that all flavorings were mixed together well so that the chicken was properly seasoned, I actually mixed the lemon juice, olive oil and garlic together in a small mixing bowl and then poured the mixture over the zest covered chicken breasts. Next time (that's right, I'll make it again!) I'll try the method they demonstrate in the video to see if it makes a difference.
For the sake of time, I let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes as the recipe suggests instead of chilling in the refrigerator for two to four hours as done in the video.
The recipe states that you should "scrape off the herbs" before cooking the chicken. In the video, he doesn't do that. Next time I don't think I will either. I'll leave the thyme and lemon zest on the breasts as I cook them. I think that will make the flavoring a little stronger. I could taste the lemon, but it was very mild. I personally like the fresh lemon taste and would've liked it to have been a little stronger. Although, if I had cut the breasts so they were thinner, perhaps the lemon flavor would've been more prominent.
When dishing up the meal, make sure to put the tomatoes on the chicken. The salad by itself is good, but when eaten with the chicken... Delicious!
So... There are a few changes I'll make the next time I make this meal, but overall, nothing major. Nick is working late tonight, so will have to reheat the chicken after he gets home. We'll let you know if it reheats well!
Update: Nick reheated the chicken and said it was wonderful. So there ya go! Two thumbs up!
The video: http://www.foodnetwork.com/lemon-thyme-chicken/video/index.html
Recipe courtesy Sam Talbot, 2008
Hello everyone. It's Tracy again. And fortunately I have a much better report than I did yesterday! Tonight I made Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Heirloom Tomato Salad, and it was yummy! Easy to make too. I'll post the recipe and a video link at the end.
I actually didn't watch the video until about two minutes ago. I kinda wish that I had watched it before I made the recipe because I now realize I cut the chicken wrong (cut it in half across the width of the breast instead of cutting it so that each breast was half its original thickness), but it still turned out good so I didn't mess things up too bad!
I did have to make one substitution. I couldn't find any heirloom tomatoes, so I used roma tomatoes instead. It was good (though not as pretty), but I look forward to using heirlooms once they're in season. Also, the recipe doesn't state how much fresh basil to use. I personally love fresh basil so I added quite a bit!
To ensure that all flavorings were mixed together well so that the chicken was properly seasoned, I actually mixed the lemon juice, olive oil and garlic together in a small mixing bowl and then poured the mixture over the zest covered chicken breasts. Next time (that's right, I'll make it again!) I'll try the method they demonstrate in the video to see if it makes a difference.
For the sake of time, I let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes as the recipe suggests instead of chilling in the refrigerator for two to four hours as done in the video.
The recipe states that you should "scrape off the herbs" before cooking the chicken. In the video, he doesn't do that. Next time I don't think I will either. I'll leave the thyme and lemon zest on the breasts as I cook them. I think that will make the flavoring a little stronger. I could taste the lemon, but it was very mild. I personally like the fresh lemon taste and would've liked it to have been a little stronger. Although, if I had cut the breasts so they were thinner, perhaps the lemon flavor would've been more prominent.
When dishing up the meal, make sure to put the tomatoes on the chicken. The salad by itself is good, but when eaten with the chicken... Delicious!
So... There are a few changes I'll make the next time I make this meal, but overall, nothing major. Nick is working late tonight, so will have to reheat the chicken after he gets home. We'll let you know if it reheats well!
Update: Nick reheated the chicken and said it was wonderful. So there ya go! Two thumbs up!
The video: http://www.foodnetwork.com/lemon-thyme-chicken/video/index.html
Lemon-Thyme Chicken with Heirloom Tomato Salad
Recipe courtesy Sam Talbot, 2008
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Inactive Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 8 min
- Level: Easy
- Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half crosswise
- 1 lemon
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for frying
- 4 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 pound mixed heirloom tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves
Directions
Put the chicken into a shallow dish. Grate the zest from the lemon over the chicken. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the chicken. Add 3 tablespoons of the oil along with the thyme and garlic. Mix everything together so the chicken is well coated with all the flavorings. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tomato salad: Cut the tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces and put them into a bowl. Add the vinegar, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper, tear in the basil leaves, and gently mix to combine.
When you are ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade, scrape off the herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and put a thin coating of olive oil into it. Cook the chicken, working in batches if necessary, until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.
To serve, place 2 pieces of chicken onto a plate, and spoon 1/4 of the tomato salad over the chicken. Spoon on some of the tomato juices as well. Repeat with the remaining chicken and tomatoes and serve.
Nutritional analysis per serving:
Calories 225; Total Fat 10 g; (Sat Fat 1.6 g, Mono Fat 6.5 g, Poly Fat 1.3 g) ; Protein 28g; Carb 5 g; Fiber 1.5 g; Cholesterol 68 mg; Sodium 83 mg
Food Exchanges per serving:
Very Lean Meat: 3 1/2; Vegetables: 1; Fat: 1 1/2
Recipe Analysis Note:
Ingredients without discrete measurements such as "Salt, to taste" or "Ice cream, optional" are omitted from analysis. This is because amounts can be highly variable and difficult to determine.
Monday, March 1, 2010
The sun'll come out... tomorrow!!
Hello everyone! It's Tracy, Nick's wife. I just got done with our first Diabetic-friendly recipe of the week - Apple Glazed Pork Loin.
Now, I know the point of us doing all Diabetic-friendly dinners this week is to show that you can have delicious meals that won't throw your blood sugar levels through the roof. Hopefully that will start tomorrow. Unfortunately, tonight's recipe let us down. I can't vouch for our blood sugar levels, but I can say with all honesty that tonight's recipe was, for lack of a better word, blah.
At first I was excited because it literally took me less than ten minutes to get the pork in the oven. It was very fast and very easy! Unfortunately, the pork then had to cook for 70 minutes and then another 30. Generally I only make pork tenderloin on a weekend or on a day when I only work for a few hours in the morning, but we've had the pork in the fridge for a week and I didn't want it to go bad. So, we decided to find a new Diabetic recipe to use.
I got home at a little after 6:00pm and had the pork in the oven by 6:20pm (I, of course, had to check Facebook and change out of my work clothes first). Then, I waited. Then I basted. And then I waited some more. The pork was done (according to the recipe instructions) two hours later. I took it out of the oven and let it sit while I broiled some asparagus (which was delicious, so at least the whole meal wasn't a bust!). Visually it was nothing special, just a pink log of meat, but I was taught not to judge a book by its cover, so I was still hopeful. I cut myself a few pieces, dished up some asparagus and sat down to eat what I had hoped would be a culinary masterpiece. I mean, it was going to be the subject of my first "guest blog" so it HAD to be, right?! Well, as I said before, it was just blah. Nothing special. There was hardly any flavor and the recommended cooking time was way too long. The pork was dry. Normally we have to cook things quite a bit longer than recipes suggest because something is off with our oven. Not the case with this recipe! I even checked the temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer. And there was no "glaze" either.
Well, there's always tomorrow. I mean, if I blew you all away with our first meal of the week, then where would we have to go from there?!
As promised, I'm posting the recipe. But only because we promised... =)
Ingredients
Now, I know the point of us doing all Diabetic-friendly dinners this week is to show that you can have delicious meals that won't throw your blood sugar levels through the roof. Hopefully that will start tomorrow. Unfortunately, tonight's recipe let us down. I can't vouch for our blood sugar levels, but I can say with all honesty that tonight's recipe was, for lack of a better word, blah.
At first I was excited because it literally took me less than ten minutes to get the pork in the oven. It was very fast and very easy! Unfortunately, the pork then had to cook for 70 minutes and then another 30. Generally I only make pork tenderloin on a weekend or on a day when I only work for a few hours in the morning, but we've had the pork in the fridge for a week and I didn't want it to go bad. So, we decided to find a new Diabetic recipe to use.
I got home at a little after 6:00pm and had the pork in the oven by 6:20pm (I, of course, had to check Facebook and change out of my work clothes first). Then, I waited. Then I basted. And then I waited some more. The pork was done (according to the recipe instructions) two hours later. I took it out of the oven and let it sit while I broiled some asparagus (which was delicious, so at least the whole meal wasn't a bust!). Visually it was nothing special, just a pink log of meat, but I was taught not to judge a book by its cover, so I was still hopeful. I cut myself a few pieces, dished up some asparagus and sat down to eat what I had hoped would be a culinary masterpiece. I mean, it was going to be the subject of my first "guest blog" so it HAD to be, right?! Well, as I said before, it was just blah. Nothing special. There was hardly any flavor and the recommended cooking time was way too long. The pork was dry. Normally we have to cook things quite a bit longer than recipes suggest because something is off with our oven. Not the case with this recipe! I even checked the temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer. And there was no "glaze" either.
Well, there's always tomorrow. I mean, if I blew you all away with our first meal of the week, then where would we have to go from there?!
As promised, I'm posting the recipe. But only because we promised... =)
Apple Glazed Pork Roast
| |||||||||
- 2 pounds loin of pork
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small apple, peeled cored and sliced
- Trim all the visible fat from the roast.
- Place the meat on a rack set into a roasting pan.
- Mix together the apple juice, sliced apple and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the apple juice mixture over the meat. Cover.
- Roast in a preheated 350 degree F. oven for about 70 minutes. Continue cooking and baste with pan juices for about 30 minutes or until glazed and the meat thermometer registers "well done for pork".
| Nutritional Information (Per Serving) | |
| Calories: | 194 |
| Protein: | 17.5 g |
| Sodium: | 66 mg |
| Cholesterol: | 56 mg |
| Fat: | 11.2 g |
| Carbohydrates: | 4.8 g |
| Exchanges: | 1/4 Bread/Starch, 2-1/2 Medium-Fat Meat |
| Source: The Diabetic Newsletter | |
Who knew pain could feel this good?
Monday, Monday, Monday. . . Oh how we loathe them. It’s time to go back to the office, the grind, the work week. For me, it’s a great day. Mondays start the cycle all over again and that gets me pumped up every time. They are a chance to begin over, relax, run easy, and build energy for the big run to come. Every Monday gets me closer to the big day. (Which, HOLY COW, is very soon! It's hard to believe how fast it’s coming!) It can also be a great tell tale of what I need to do better and how I need to improve.
Today was a three mile run through the neighborhood. A three miler at this point should be a walk in the park for the most part, so if I struggle, it’s pretty definite that something is off. This afternoon was great. The run felt good. I was so happy to be at it again. My legs were a little stiff, but they always are on Monday. They loosened up nicely as I got going. I could definitely feel a subtle reminder that I slacked on my cross-training however, and my hydrating as well. The run did take me longer than normal and I was a little more tired. That is a sign to me that my body is thirsty. Is anyone seeing a pattern in the struggle to stay hydrated here? This should not be as hard as it is for me. To force myself to be better, I think I’m going to duct tape a water bottle to my hand. Hmmm, this may make piloting a boat very awkward! Let’s see how it goes. . .
As I was saying before I so rudely interrupted myself. . . The run felt great. One problem I haven’t been able to find a solution to is the start. If anyone experiences this or has solutions, I beg you, tell me your secrets! That is the hardest part for me. I’ve mentioned before that the first few miles are a bit tough, but the first one, heck, the first half mile, is torture. My legs scream at me. It’s like a kid throwing a temper tantrum. I constantly have to say to myself (sometimes out loud, which is very awkward if someone is out walking their dog or doing something nearby) that it will be ok in a few minutes. The blood will start flowing, the muscles will calm down. But for that first mile, I want it all to end. When I do my local run it helps that there is a traffic light after about a quarter mile out that I have never once seemed to catch green and I use that opportunity to re-stretch a little, which helps sometimes, but it is still tough. When it goes away however, the feeling is wonderful. I feel powerful. I am happy with myself for getting up and doing it. I feel better that I have pushed myself, and I feel rewarded for committing to help myself. It’s awesome. Who knew pain could lead to such happiness?
Today was a three mile run through the neighborhood. A three miler at this point should be a walk in the park for the most part, so if I struggle, it’s pretty definite that something is off. This afternoon was great. The run felt good. I was so happy to be at it again. My legs were a little stiff, but they always are on Monday. They loosened up nicely as I got going. I could definitely feel a subtle reminder that I slacked on my cross-training however, and my hydrating as well. The run did take me longer than normal and I was a little more tired. That is a sign to me that my body is thirsty. Is anyone seeing a pattern in the struggle to stay hydrated here? This should not be as hard as it is for me. To force myself to be better, I think I’m going to duct tape a water bottle to my hand. Hmmm, this may make piloting a boat very awkward! Let’s see how it goes. . .
As I was saying before I so rudely interrupted myself. . . The run felt great. One problem I haven’t been able to find a solution to is the start. If anyone experiences this or has solutions, I beg you, tell me your secrets! That is the hardest part for me. I’ve mentioned before that the first few miles are a bit tough, but the first one, heck, the first half mile, is torture. My legs scream at me. It’s like a kid throwing a temper tantrum. I constantly have to say to myself (sometimes out loud, which is very awkward if someone is out walking their dog or doing something nearby) that it will be ok in a few minutes. The blood will start flowing, the muscles will calm down. But for that first mile, I want it all to end. When I do my local run it helps that there is a traffic light after about a quarter mile out that I have never once seemed to catch green and I use that opportunity to re-stretch a little, which helps sometimes, but it is still tough. When it goes away however, the feeling is wonderful. I feel powerful. I am happy with myself for getting up and doing it. I feel better that I have pushed myself, and I feel rewarded for committing to help myself. It’s awesome. Who knew pain could lead to such happiness?
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Kicking off a week of good cooking
Happy Sunday everyone! I imagine that by the time most of you are reading this it is at least Monday. I have been a bit of a slacker on my blogging this weekend, and I'm sorry for that. Family time took a little bit of priority this weekend. Today was going to be my cross-training day after my long run on Friday. Unfortunately, after a full day of work, I wasn't able to fit in the bike ride before going to family dinner. This is something I have been working hard on, not letting time get away, and prioritizing. Today family won over exercise. I'm OK with that. The key for me now is to be sure to be right on it tomorrow. Do my run as planned. Keep up with my schedule.
As I said last week, starting tomorrow I will have a guest blogger, my number one cheerleader and supporter, Tracy. She wears a lot of hats in our house, one of which is the title of Executive Chef. Our menu this week will consist of Diabetic friendly dinner entrees. Each night we will post the recipe for that night's dinner along with a review of the meal. The goal is to show that you can eat amazing food and still be good to your blood sugar. The added bonus is that, thanks to my schedule this week (I have all night shifts), we will be also writing about how well each meal reheats.
Just to get your mouth watering, tomorrow night we will be having Apple Glazed Pork Roast. Until then... Bon Appetit!
As I said last week, starting tomorrow I will have a guest blogger, my number one cheerleader and supporter, Tracy. She wears a lot of hats in our house, one of which is the title of Executive Chef. Our menu this week will consist of Diabetic friendly dinner entrees. Each night we will post the recipe for that night's dinner along with a review of the meal. The goal is to show that you can eat amazing food and still be good to your blood sugar. The added bonus is that, thanks to my schedule this week (I have all night shifts), we will be also writing about how well each meal reheats.
Just to get your mouth watering, tomorrow night we will be having Apple Glazed Pork Roast. Until then... Bon Appetit!
A great site for some Diabetes info
Diabetes Care, Information & Support | Changing Life With Diabetes
www.changingdiabetes-us.com
Get the diabetes information you need on managing and planning your diabetes care. Find diabetes support, menu planning tools and more. You can start changing life with diabetes at ChangingDiabetes-US.com.
www.changingdiabetes-us.com
Get the diabetes information you need on managing and planning your diabetes care. Find diabetes support, menu planning tools and more. You can start changing life with diabetes at ChangingDiabetes-US.com.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Over the hump
Today, I wish I could predate these. I really wanted to write yesterday, but I just didn't believe anyone wanted to read a post that said, "I ran... Far... Good night." That is just about all of the blogging that my remaining energy would've let me complete. I was tired for a good reason though. Yes, running fourteen miles was a large part of it, but it was the evening's activities that not only used up most of my remaining energy, but also made me very proud. My young nephew had a Scouting awards banquet. He received a very high award for his age, the arrow of light. Only a very small percentage of Scouts get it. Great Job Samuell!
So now, on to secondary business: yesterday's run. It was a perfect day for a long run - lightly overcast, nice and cool out. I think my Dad was definitely watching out for me. I didn't start out as early as I had hoped though. The route I had chosen for yesterday was a great run, but had every opportunity for being twice as hard as necessary. The wind on the bay tends to pick up, like clockwork, in the afternoon. That means that the chance of a head wind was great. Fortunately though, I got lucky. I started my run at a little past 1:00 which is normally right when the wind starts up. But not Friday. The wind didn't start until I was almost at my turn around point seven miles in, when it became a tail wind for me. Thanks Dad.
I did a lot of pre-run prep for this one. As the runs get longer, that part becomes very necessary. I drive the route and every two miles or so I hide half bottles of water and Gatorade. During the marathon they offer it almost every mile, but I think that's a bit excessive for training. It does help a lot though. If you wait until you need it, it's too late. The other thing that I did was start training with sports gels. For anyone that isn't familiar with them, they are small pouches of carbohydrate protein formula. They help with muscle recovery and also really help maintain energy along the run. One of the biggest problems I encounter is that no matter what I eat before a run, by mile seven my stomach is growling. The gel packs seem to bring me something extra since I can't exactly have a sandwhich along the way. I wear a belt that I can carry these in and, at every other water station, I eat one.
The prep seemed to work out for me. I finished my fourteen miles, just over the half way mark of a marathon, at my hopeful race pace of ten minutes a mile. That was VERY exciting; especially because I was a bit worried after my potential scare earlier in the week, and because, when I was done, I felt wonderful! I think the greatest part of the run was when I suddenly realized that I had no idea how far I had gone. I wasn't paying any attention to the scenery and my brain had NO clue what my legs were doing. Seriously. I reached a point, I think around mile eight or nine, when I suddenly looked around and said to myself, "Huh! I'm here already? What happened to the rest of the run?" And I looked down at my feet and they were just doing what they do. My brain had nothing to do with it. That's a good feeling.
Now, I feel I must be honest with everyone. I have to admit something. Through all the prep I did, and all the hard work I put in, I really owe the success of this one to something else. The real reason I got caught up and lost track of ten of the fourteen miles might have been compliments of something apart from hydration and nutrition. You see, I had my radio going on Friday, and one of the local stations was doing a theme weekend, an 80's weekend! Yes ladies and gentlemen, I rocked fourteen miles to the 80's, and I loved every minute of it. Whew. Glad I got that out there. Now I feel much better about my next request. Since I had no responses to my much earlier post asking for a football game at the end of the race as motivation, I came up with an easier request... Can anyone hook me up with a playlist of great 80's music that I can put on my mp3 player for the marathon??
So now, on to secondary business: yesterday's run. It was a perfect day for a long run - lightly overcast, nice and cool out. I think my Dad was definitely watching out for me. I didn't start out as early as I had hoped though. The route I had chosen for yesterday was a great run, but had every opportunity for being twice as hard as necessary. The wind on the bay tends to pick up, like clockwork, in the afternoon. That means that the chance of a head wind was great. Fortunately though, I got lucky. I started my run at a little past 1:00 which is normally right when the wind starts up. But not Friday. The wind didn't start until I was almost at my turn around point seven miles in, when it became a tail wind for me. Thanks Dad.
I did a lot of pre-run prep for this one. As the runs get longer, that part becomes very necessary. I drive the route and every two miles or so I hide half bottles of water and Gatorade. During the marathon they offer it almost every mile, but I think that's a bit excessive for training. It does help a lot though. If you wait until you need it, it's too late. The other thing that I did was start training with sports gels. For anyone that isn't familiar with them, they are small pouches of carbohydrate protein formula. They help with muscle recovery and also really help maintain energy along the run. One of the biggest problems I encounter is that no matter what I eat before a run, by mile seven my stomach is growling. The gel packs seem to bring me something extra since I can't exactly have a sandwhich along the way. I wear a belt that I can carry these in and, at every other water station, I eat one.
The prep seemed to work out for me. I finished my fourteen miles, just over the half way mark of a marathon, at my hopeful race pace of ten minutes a mile. That was VERY exciting; especially because I was a bit worried after my potential scare earlier in the week, and because, when I was done, I felt wonderful! I think the greatest part of the run was when I suddenly realized that I had no idea how far I had gone. I wasn't paying any attention to the scenery and my brain had NO clue what my legs were doing. Seriously. I reached a point, I think around mile eight or nine, when I suddenly looked around and said to myself, "Huh! I'm here already? What happened to the rest of the run?" And I looked down at my feet and they were just doing what they do. My brain had nothing to do with it. That's a good feeling.
Now, I feel I must be honest with everyone. I have to admit something. Through all the prep I did, and all the hard work I put in, I really owe the success of this one to something else. The real reason I got caught up and lost track of ten of the fourteen miles might have been compliments of something apart from hydration and nutrition. You see, I had my radio going on Friday, and one of the local stations was doing a theme weekend, an 80's weekend! Yes ladies and gentlemen, I rocked fourteen miles to the 80's, and I loved every minute of it. Whew. Glad I got that out there. Now I feel much better about my next request. Since I had no responses to my much earlier post asking for a football game at the end of the race as motivation, I came up with an easier request... Can anyone hook me up with a playlist of great 80's music that I can put on my mp3 player for the marathon??
Thursday, February 25, 2010
BOO Headwind! YEAH Tailwind!
There is absolutely nothing in this world, I have decided, that is quite as frustrating as running into a strong headwind. For anyone who has never experienced this, try and imagine jogging nicely along while someone pushes on your chest. That's sort of what it is like. So frustrating. It cripples you. It almost feels like you are going up hill, but as you look around you think to yourself, nope, this is definitely flat! Now given, today's run was an out and back, so I had the tailwind to look forward to. But seriously, when the first two miles feel like you've been pulling bricks, it's hard to imagine the relief that will come.
Fortunately, it did. And when it did. . . Hallelujah! (Just a side note, I had NO idea how to spell that, but from the kitchen without writing it down, Tracy nailed it on the first try! She should rock the Spelling Bee.) When I finally made my turn at mile three, I wasn't exactly excited about the next half. When I suddenly looked up and noticed that the second half had already gone down to being the last quarter though, my spirits went soaring! Pulling bricks turned into being pulled and I loved it! Needless to say, a great and very encouraging way to end a prep run for tomorrow's 14 miler down the Silver Strand. And as I say that, I may just have to look up the weather and see what time the wind will be picking up tomorrow. That area is notorious for windy conditions.
Before I sign off, just one more thing. A few days ago, on my water taxi, I transported a few very nice gentleman with his bike. We were discussing just that - the conditions and the head wind on the Strand. He tried to inform me that riding a bike into a head wind was harder than running into one? I don't know if he recognized the look I was giving him, but it was the one that said you must have fallen off your bike and bumped your head. Seriously, I would argue that until I am blue. How could it possibly be more difficult? You have gears! You have mechanical aid pushing you along! If anyone could enlighten me, I'm open to your arguments. But if I get nothing, then we know, runners are hard core.
A few facts about Diabetes:
Diabetes doubles your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Every 20 seconds. That's how often someone is diagnosed with Diabetes. In the next 24 hours, 4,320 new cases of Diabetes will be diagnosed.
24 million children and adults in the United States live with Diabetes. That's roughly 8% of the population.
1 in 3 American children born today will develop Diabetes if current trends continue.
Fortunately, it did. And when it did. . . Hallelujah! (Just a side note, I had NO idea how to spell that, but from the kitchen without writing it down, Tracy nailed it on the first try! She should rock the Spelling Bee.) When I finally made my turn at mile three, I wasn't exactly excited about the next half. When I suddenly looked up and noticed that the second half had already gone down to being the last quarter though, my spirits went soaring! Pulling bricks turned into being pulled and I loved it! Needless to say, a great and very encouraging way to end a prep run for tomorrow's 14 miler down the Silver Strand. And as I say that, I may just have to look up the weather and see what time the wind will be picking up tomorrow. That area is notorious for windy conditions.
Before I sign off, just one more thing. A few days ago, on my water taxi, I transported a few very nice gentleman with his bike. We were discussing just that - the conditions and the head wind on the Strand. He tried to inform me that riding a bike into a head wind was harder than running into one? I don't know if he recognized the look I was giving him, but it was the one that said you must have fallen off your bike and bumped your head. Seriously, I would argue that until I am blue. How could it possibly be more difficult? You have gears! You have mechanical aid pushing you along! If anyone could enlighten me, I'm open to your arguments. But if I get nothing, then we know, runners are hard core.
A few facts about Diabetes:
Diabetes doubles your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Every 20 seconds. That's how often someone is diagnosed with Diabetes. In the next 24 hours, 4,320 new cases of Diabetes will be diagnosed.
24 million children and adults in the United States live with Diabetes. That's roughly 8% of the population.
1 in 3 American children born today will develop Diabetes if current trends continue.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Back to Basics
Today was magic. . . but not exactly a good magic. I turned what was supposed to be a ten mile run into a seven miler. This was not by choice. This morning was one of those mornings in which you are hopeful, but not necessarily optimistic. I didn't know why, but something just didn't feel right. At about mile four I realized I was right. My calf muscles began tightening up more and more with every stride. If I learned one thing from my last marathon, it was that when something isn't right, don't try to power through it. Stop and fix it. So, that run turned into a long walk back to the car, and now I have a date with Tiger Balm.
If you have never heard of or used Tiger Balm, it is a miracle drug. It's a menthol rub that you put on sore muscles or injuries. If you wrap the area up in plastic wrap after, it just intensifies it. The next day, good as new. I owe this find to my buddy Ryan, a professional dancer, who swore by it. So, this afternoon - a date with Tiger Balm. Tomorrow - good as new.
What I would really like to know is why this happened. I've never had this issue before. I can understand a pulled muscle or ligament, but this is different. It was like a cramped muscle, but more intense. Back to the drawing board, I guess. What am I forgetting to do? It's an amazing thing with this training. It doesn't stop at running. It is such an all encompassing part of your life. It's amazing. As you get going on it, it seems like it sometimes becomes a no-brainer, you almost go on auto-pilot. I sometimes feel like I don't have to pay as much attention to what I'm doing. But now I think I'm going to have to start at the store. Meal plans are going to need to be a little more involved. Yesterday was a wonderful dinner of taco salad. Delicious, yes. Not exactly a great prep meal for my ten mile run today though. A good sustainable breakfast might have been better too. The bagel and smoothie didn't cut it. It never ceases to amaze me how what you eat and drink the day before can drastically change how you feel the day after. While I'm thinking about, I think I'll grab another glass of water too.
So for today, here is where I sit. . . legs all wrapped up, recovering, and a very valuable lesson learned. I'll talk to everyone tomorrow with a happy new set of legs.
If you have never heard of or used Tiger Balm, it is a miracle drug. It's a menthol rub that you put on sore muscles or injuries. If you wrap the area up in plastic wrap after, it just intensifies it. The next day, good as new. I owe this find to my buddy Ryan, a professional dancer, who swore by it. So, this afternoon - a date with Tiger Balm. Tomorrow - good as new.
What I would really like to know is why this happened. I've never had this issue before. I can understand a pulled muscle or ligament, but this is different. It was like a cramped muscle, but more intense. Back to the drawing board, I guess. What am I forgetting to do? It's an amazing thing with this training. It doesn't stop at running. It is such an all encompassing part of your life. It's amazing. As you get going on it, it seems like it sometimes becomes a no-brainer, you almost go on auto-pilot. I sometimes feel like I don't have to pay as much attention to what I'm doing. But now I think I'm going to have to start at the store. Meal plans are going to need to be a little more involved. Yesterday was a wonderful dinner of taco salad. Delicious, yes. Not exactly a great prep meal for my ten mile run today though. A good sustainable breakfast might have been better too. The bagel and smoothie didn't cut it. It never ceases to amaze me how what you eat and drink the day before can drastically change how you feel the day after. While I'm thinking about, I think I'll grab another glass of water too.
So for today, here is where I sit. . . legs all wrapped up, recovering, and a very valuable lesson learned. I'll talk to everyone tomorrow with a happy new set of legs.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Want to reverse diabetes?
This morning started off with a wonderful, relaxing three mile run. It was one of the nicest runs that I have done in a long time. Not because it was only three miles or because I was at the bay. It was because I had company. Yep, after months of trying to get people to come out, my friend Ashley decided to take me up on the offer. Boy am I glad. Normally the first mile is the toughest for me. My body isn’t warmed up and my legs are trying to tell me no, they don’t want to play today. But as I get to mile two or three I’m feeling better, and by six I’m on cruise control. This morning was different though. I had someone to talk to, a distraction. It’s really amazing what good company can do for you. I couldn’t believe it when we were done! It felt like we had just started.
It did get me to thinking about the difference in people and their workouts, however. For me, six miles is a great way to start things up. For most, that’s a journey that's not about to happen. So I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to join me - whether it's for a shorter run/walk, maybe just for the first part of my run, or for the whole thing. If you bicycle, I’ll join you for a ride. If you swim, let’s do laps. Whatever it takes. If you are thinking about starting to exercise regularly, but can’t get motivated, I recommend finding a partner in crime. That way you both have someone to answer to.
Yesterday I was reading an amazing article about Diabetes and how to reverse it. Anyone who thinks Diabetes is a long way from them or something they don’t have to worry about, I plead with you to rethink and look around. I can almost guarantee that you know someone who has Diabetes. You just might not know it yet. Or they may not yet know it! What is truly scary is how many people do have it, but have yet to discover it. An estimated 23.6 million people in the United States have Diabetes. That is roughly 7.8% of the population. Amazing. Perhaps even scarier is that an estimated 57 million Americans over the age of 20 have what is called prediabetes. That is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not quite high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes... yet. Some long term damaging effects to the body, particularly the heart and circulatory system, may start during the prediabetes phase of the disease.
With that unnerving knowledge now in your head, here is how you can win. A decent diet is a great start. Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying go on a diet. Whether you want to or actually need to, that’s up to you. I’m saying choose what you eat wisely. Counting calories is for the birds if you ask me, but one suggestion to help with portion control is use a smaller plate. It’s mental. You see food, you want to eat it. That’s my problem. Fill the plate! And even if I’m getting full, I’m so excited it’s there and I keep eating. Sometimes I even go for seconds. Instead, start using smaller plates and don't have those unneeded seconds. Serve at the stove instead of putting everything on the table, if that's what you need to do. At the end of this post, I will post a link to some amazing recipes that you wouldn’t believe were healthy.
The next great plan. . . Walk a little. I keep pushing it, and I’m sure people are saying "enough with it already," but I’m serious. A study done by the University of Michigan showed that prediabetic adults that walked for an hour each day improved their sensitivity to insulin by 59% and their ability to produce insulin by 31% in only seven days. That's not a typo... ONLY SEVEN DAYS! Over time, you could reduce your risk of getting diabetes by 58%! Tell me an hour a day isn’t worth it and I’ll be quiet. But I don’t think anyone can say that.
So please... Let’s make some small changes together. My wife, Tracy, and I are going to do a meal testing next week of all Diabetic friendly meals. She doesn’t know it yet, but it's happening. And if I can convince her, she will be doing recipe reviews too. So if you would like a guest speaker next week, be sure to let her know.
Tomorrow I do ten miles on the waterfront. Until then. . .
It did get me to thinking about the difference in people and their workouts, however. For me, six miles is a great way to start things up. For most, that’s a journey that's not about to happen. So I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to join me - whether it's for a shorter run/walk, maybe just for the first part of my run, or for the whole thing. If you bicycle, I’ll join you for a ride. If you swim, let’s do laps. Whatever it takes. If you are thinking about starting to exercise regularly, but can’t get motivated, I recommend finding a partner in crime. That way you both have someone to answer to.
Yesterday I was reading an amazing article about Diabetes and how to reverse it. Anyone who thinks Diabetes is a long way from them or something they don’t have to worry about, I plead with you to rethink and look around. I can almost guarantee that you know someone who has Diabetes. You just might not know it yet. Or they may not yet know it! What is truly scary is how many people do have it, but have yet to discover it. An estimated 23.6 million people in the United States have Diabetes. That is roughly 7.8% of the population. Amazing. Perhaps even scarier is that an estimated 57 million Americans over the age of 20 have what is called prediabetes. That is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not quite high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes... yet. Some long term damaging effects to the body, particularly the heart and circulatory system, may start during the prediabetes phase of the disease.
With that unnerving knowledge now in your head, here is how you can win. A decent diet is a great start. Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not saying go on a diet. Whether you want to or actually need to, that’s up to you. I’m saying choose what you eat wisely. Counting calories is for the birds if you ask me, but one suggestion to help with portion control is use a smaller plate. It’s mental. You see food, you want to eat it. That’s my problem. Fill the plate! And even if I’m getting full, I’m so excited it’s there and I keep eating. Sometimes I even go for seconds. Instead, start using smaller plates and don't have those unneeded seconds. Serve at the stove instead of putting everything on the table, if that's what you need to do. At the end of this post, I will post a link to some amazing recipes that you wouldn’t believe were healthy.
The next great plan. . . Walk a little. I keep pushing it, and I’m sure people are saying "enough with it already," but I’m serious. A study done by the University of Michigan showed that prediabetic adults that walked for an hour each day improved their sensitivity to insulin by 59% and their ability to produce insulin by 31% in only seven days. That's not a typo... ONLY SEVEN DAYS! Over time, you could reduce your risk of getting diabetes by 58%! Tell me an hour a day isn’t worth it and I’ll be quiet. But I don’t think anyone can say that.
So please... Let’s make some small changes together. My wife, Tracy, and I are going to do a meal testing next week of all Diabetic friendly meals. She doesn’t know it yet, but it's happening. And if I can convince her, she will be doing recipe reviews too. So if you would like a guest speaker next week, be sure to let her know.
Tomorrow I do ten miles on the waterfront. Until then. . .
Monday, February 22, 2010
What a Difference a Day Makes
Today is a new day, a new opportunity for greatness, and a perfect time to take a good hard look at how great it is to be alive! Yes, this is quite the contrast to yesterday's more somber post, but isn't it amazing that as humans we can change? Every day is a chance to start fresh and renew ourselves. Easier said than done sometimes, but possible. And you know. . . If you never have a bad day, how would you know just how good the rest of them are?
I started today in a much better mood than yesterday. Maybe I needed to finally be low. Maybe I was just a little more worn out so the emotional side came out more. Either way, I'm still glad I pushed myself to run. Physically I needed it yesterday, and today it showed. I looked back at the wall I climbed and felt empowered to push harder today. I finished my run this morning faster than usual!
I originally had planned to run at Mission Bay this morning and to do 6 miles. It is a truly wonderful place to run. Great view, great breeze, water fountains and mile markers. What more could you need? Today. . . HILLS! I have been on a hills kick lately. It is nuts. I've never been a hill runner. In fact, I avoid them. Hated them. But mid-way through this training I had an urge one day to do a hilly run. Man it felt good. Since then I've been hooked. It's really something, let me tell you, because they kick my butt! No joke. I practically cry. But when I'm at the top. . . WOW! I feel so strong. I feel like the rest is a cake walk. I might as well be on a moving sidewalk because I've already won.
The process on the hill is a funny thing, however. It takes a little learning. On my first big training day last year I learned a very valuable lesson - Don't make up time going down hill. Yep, as fun as it sounds to make up an easy 5 minutes sprinting down that long stretch with no effort, I promise that when I crumbled, mid-stride, about a mile later on a flat from the cramp in my legs, I forgot all about that free fall. So now I know, when you go down a hill, take it a bit slow. You have to force yourself to stand straighter, almost lean back, maybe even walk part of it. Then is the up hill. You have to respect the up hill. "Walking is good", the professionals say. "Just keep your heart rate at the same pace." Well that is a bit over the top for me because all I can tell is whether my heart is beating or not. So I stick to the first part, walking is OK. Anyone who knows Clairemont knows, where there is a down hill, there is an immediate up hill. It's Canyon World here. These hills aren't gentle nor are they usually short - half mile to a mile on average and very steep. This is where it becomes a funny process to me. I've just breezed down, caught my breath, looked up and said, " Holy Jeez! I don't want to!" But I do. Because I'm at the bottom of a canyon and no one is about to pick up a sweaty hitchhiker. It always seem like such a great idea at the top. Ever notice that? Ideas seem so much better at the beginning, then half way through you say, "why again?" With no other option but to own up, I start jogging again as far as I can at a nice steady pace, feeling good, handling it, making progress, and then I realize. . . wait just a minute. . . I'm not jogging anymore, I'm walking. Hmmmm. . . the hill humbled my pace ever so slowly to reduce me to walking without even knowing it. Well dang. OK, start jogging again. This happens a few times throughout the climb, every time a shock.
Today, I ran the farthest I ever have up Moraga hill. That is exciting to me. I felt strong, I felt driven. It's a hill that I usually walk at least 1/3 of and today I only stopped once. And it was a very short walk. I feel very strong and I owe that one to yesterday.
Looking very forward to this week. Tomorrow I have a friend coming to the bay to run with me. Wednesday is going to be a slightly longer run at 9 miles. Thursday another 6 at the embarcadero on Harbor Drive, and Friday the Silver Strand for 14. I would love if anyone wants to join. Good company is so welcome. You don't have to run. You can bike, walk, run part of it. Heck, you can drive behind and yell "GO TEAM" the whole way if you want.
Have a great week, too. That is what I ask today. I hope everyone feels as good this week to come as I do. Let's Party!
I started today in a much better mood than yesterday. Maybe I needed to finally be low. Maybe I was just a little more worn out so the emotional side came out more. Either way, I'm still glad I pushed myself to run. Physically I needed it yesterday, and today it showed. I looked back at the wall I climbed and felt empowered to push harder today. I finished my run this morning faster than usual!
I originally had planned to run at Mission Bay this morning and to do 6 miles. It is a truly wonderful place to run. Great view, great breeze, water fountains and mile markers. What more could you need? Today. . . HILLS! I have been on a hills kick lately. It is nuts. I've never been a hill runner. In fact, I avoid them. Hated them. But mid-way through this training I had an urge one day to do a hilly run. Man it felt good. Since then I've been hooked. It's really something, let me tell you, because they kick my butt! No joke. I practically cry. But when I'm at the top. . . WOW! I feel so strong. I feel like the rest is a cake walk. I might as well be on a moving sidewalk because I've already won.
The process on the hill is a funny thing, however. It takes a little learning. On my first big training day last year I learned a very valuable lesson - Don't make up time going down hill. Yep, as fun as it sounds to make up an easy 5 minutes sprinting down that long stretch with no effort, I promise that when I crumbled, mid-stride, about a mile later on a flat from the cramp in my legs, I forgot all about that free fall. So now I know, when you go down a hill, take it a bit slow. You have to force yourself to stand straighter, almost lean back, maybe even walk part of it. Then is the up hill. You have to respect the up hill. "Walking is good", the professionals say. "Just keep your heart rate at the same pace." Well that is a bit over the top for me because all I can tell is whether my heart is beating or not. So I stick to the first part, walking is OK. Anyone who knows Clairemont knows, where there is a down hill, there is an immediate up hill. It's Canyon World here. These hills aren't gentle nor are they usually short - half mile to a mile on average and very steep. This is where it becomes a funny process to me. I've just breezed down, caught my breath, looked up and said, " Holy Jeez! I don't want to!" But I do. Because I'm at the bottom of a canyon and no one is about to pick up a sweaty hitchhiker. It always seem like such a great idea at the top. Ever notice that? Ideas seem so much better at the beginning, then half way through you say, "why again?" With no other option but to own up, I start jogging again as far as I can at a nice steady pace, feeling good, handling it, making progress, and then I realize. . . wait just a minute. . . I'm not jogging anymore, I'm walking. Hmmmm. . . the hill humbled my pace ever so slowly to reduce me to walking without even knowing it. Well dang. OK, start jogging again. This happens a few times throughout the climb, every time a shock.
Today, I ran the farthest I ever have up Moraga hill. That is exciting to me. I felt strong, I felt driven. It's a hill that I usually walk at least 1/3 of and today I only stopped once. And it was a very short walk. I feel very strong and I owe that one to yesterday.
Looking very forward to this week. Tomorrow I have a friend coming to the bay to run with me. Wednesday is going to be a slightly longer run at 9 miles. Thursday another 6 at the embarcadero on Harbor Drive, and Friday the Silver Strand for 14. I would love if anyone wants to join. Good company is so welcome. You don't have to run. You can bike, walk, run part of it. Heck, you can drive behind and yell "GO TEAM" the whole way if you want.
Have a great week, too. That is what I ask today. I hope everyone feels as good this week to come as I do. Let's Party!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Hit the wall or climb it? It's your choice.
Lets not sugar coat it. . . today was HARD! I just finished my evening run and am completely ready to sleep where I stand. Just being tired isn't all of it though. I'm mentally tired. Emotionally tired. Heck, I did work a 6 day week, with a late night last night and an early start this morning. I have been burning the candle at both ends trying to keep up on family and friends as well as training harder. So maybe I should have just taken the extra day, relaxed a bit. Right?
No, no. I shouldn't have. That's why I didn't. As hard as it was to put on the running shoes tonight, it had to happen because I have a goal. That goal is to run a marathon. I also have another goal, a much more important goal. That goal is to be there for my myself, for my family, and to decide my future. That goal is to do whatever I can to prevent myself from getting Diabetes. See, you and I aren't very different people. Wherever you are in the world, whatever your lifestyle choice, we have very similar ways of thinking.
One thing that I was worried about when I started doing this is that people would hear what I am doing and say, "I can't run a marathon, so I can't relate or be involved." Let this blog be proof that I am not a superstar doing something you can not do too. I am an average guy who enjoys running. I have average problems and challenges just like everyone else. I get exhausted and have days I don't want to train. Some days I don't even want to move! What I DO have, however, is motivation and desire to help people change so they don't have to go through what I recently went through. I miss my Dad terribly and every day I think to myself, if I don't keep myself healthy, who will? And if I take one day off, I know me, I will want another after that, and it will get harder and harder to get back at it.
Diabetes is a very difficult disease. It's devastating. There is no hiding that. But it is not invincible! It can be beaten. It can be prevented. But, it takes climbing the wall, not hitting it. I'm praying that you all see that. It may look like Goliath. It may be something that you have never considered could or would happen to you, but it can. Small steps can change that. When you get home and are tired and just want to relax, do so for a few minutes, then meet your goals. Walk for 30 minutes. Play Wii! Laughter is even a great exercise. Tracy and I have been working at making a menu for the week so we don't have to think about it when we get home. It helps tremendously. Recently, I've been trying hard to make my social appointments at the park, or the bay, somewhere where I will be active.
"No one says its going to be easy." Sound familiar? Yeah. We've all heard it over and over again in life, but it does get easier. As it becomes habit, you think about it less. It becomes a part of the routine. The wall gets smaller and the reward gets bigger.
To end on a very high note, I would like to throw a huge thank you to Berkan and Chrissy, and her lovable fur faces who donated today, helping me get closer to my financial goal. Thank you so much!
No, no. I shouldn't have. That's why I didn't. As hard as it was to put on the running shoes tonight, it had to happen because I have a goal. That goal is to run a marathon. I also have another goal, a much more important goal. That goal is to be there for my myself, for my family, and to decide my future. That goal is to do whatever I can to prevent myself from getting Diabetes. See, you and I aren't very different people. Wherever you are in the world, whatever your lifestyle choice, we have very similar ways of thinking.
One thing that I was worried about when I started doing this is that people would hear what I am doing and say, "I can't run a marathon, so I can't relate or be involved." Let this blog be proof that I am not a superstar doing something you can not do too. I am an average guy who enjoys running. I have average problems and challenges just like everyone else. I get exhausted and have days I don't want to train. Some days I don't even want to move! What I DO have, however, is motivation and desire to help people change so they don't have to go through what I recently went through. I miss my Dad terribly and every day I think to myself, if I don't keep myself healthy, who will? And if I take one day off, I know me, I will want another after that, and it will get harder and harder to get back at it.
Diabetes is a very difficult disease. It's devastating. There is no hiding that. But it is not invincible! It can be beaten. It can be prevented. But, it takes climbing the wall, not hitting it. I'm praying that you all see that. It may look like Goliath. It may be something that you have never considered could or would happen to you, but it can. Small steps can change that. When you get home and are tired and just want to relax, do so for a few minutes, then meet your goals. Walk for 30 minutes. Play Wii! Laughter is even a great exercise. Tracy and I have been working at making a menu for the week so we don't have to think about it when we get home. It helps tremendously. Recently, I've been trying hard to make my social appointments at the park, or the bay, somewhere where I will be active.
"No one says its going to be easy." Sound familiar? Yeah. We've all heard it over and over again in life, but it does get easier. As it becomes habit, you think about it less. It becomes a part of the routine. The wall gets smaller and the reward gets bigger.
To end on a very high note, I would like to throw a huge thank you to Berkan and Chrissy, and her lovable fur faces who donated today, helping me get closer to my financial goal. Thank you so much!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Dolphins and Diabetes
Check out this article my sister sent to me. Its really interesting.
http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2010/02/dolphin-diabetes-could-be-import.html
Also, here is a great link to a site for some amazing recipes that are healthy, yet delicious! Trust me, I'm not the guy who is going to sacrifice taste for health.
http://www.everyhelpinghelps.com/
Be sure to post if you try some of the recipes so everyone knows which are the best.
http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/2010/02/dolphin-diabetes-could-be-import.html
Also, here is a great link to a site for some amazing recipes that are healthy, yet delicious! Trust me, I'm not the guy who is going to sacrifice taste for health.
http://www.everyhelpinghelps.com/
Be sure to post if you try some of the recipes so everyone knows which are the best.
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