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October 30, 2005
Week No. 3
REASON NO. 24 FOR RUNNING A MARATHON
Because I Can!!!
While sitting in a medical office waiting room earlier this week, I watched a friend of ours enter the room. She is in her early forties, and has advanced M.S. She can walk only with the assistance of a walker. Watching the determination on her face, as she worked to get from the car to her desk really hit home. This lady would most likely give everything she owns to be able to put on a pair of running shoes and run across the block. She is racked with pain every day, and every move she makes has to calculated and orchestrated to make sure she does not either fall or get injured.
Most of us, on the other hand, have no real medical issues to deal with. We are healthy (other than being overweight and too lazy to get off the couch). There is nothing that prevents the vast majority of us from strapping on those running shoes and getting in shape, other that our laziness, and our societal values that place a $5000 Flat Screen TV in higher regard than being physically fit. I personally would much rather be able to actually compete in a sport, rather than just sit and watch it on a television that cost more that the down payment on my first house!!!
Training Week Number 3 went well for me. A rest day on Monday, followed by a ½ mile swim and 3 mile run on Tuesday, weights and a 3 mile hill workout on Wednesday. Thursday was a rest day, other than a 30-minute walk at lunch. Knowing that we are going to be all wrapped up in a Halloween party (meaning decorating all day Saturday, and not worth much on Sunday) I opted to rest Thursday, and do my long run Friday after work.
My long run this week was in Paradise – I’m trying to alternate every second or third week in the hills, to make sure I’m ready for the undulations of the Napa Valley. I started at the new City Parking lot at Pearson and Black Olive, and went up to the top of Town (Pentz Road). This is about an 800 foot elevation gain, over about 4.1 miles one way.
When I started it was around 55 degrees, and just a light mist – perfect running weather. About two miles into it, it changed to a pretty steady light rain. It continued to rain all the way to the top (4.1 miles) and back (another 4.1 miles). About 6 miles into the run I realized that I had forgotten to use body glide on some of the important areas, as they were starting to chaff. Oh well, I guess that will help me remember next time.
Run went really well, for being in the hills. No significant pain or soreness, downed 24 ounces of water and two gels on the run. On the way back through Chico I had a Gatorade and Cliff bar, and then stopped and ordered an Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich.
Then for dinner I had two slices of pizza. Did I mention that long runs make me really hungry???
Saturday was just a short 3-mile run/walk with my wife, and then off to the party.
Sunday was I took an extra rest day, as I had some ankle pain issues Saturday night. My total mileage for the week was a little over 18 miles. Next week I start ramping up, to around 25 miles.
Posted by Dennis at October 30, 2005 08:15 AM
Comments
Dennis,
Not only do you have a great goal but you also are doing a great job of telling the story. The way you were "nudged" into triathlons demonstrates your tenacity -incredible! It's great to hear that someone else prefers to go out and participate in a sport rather than watch a team of millionaires play it. Best of luck - we'll be reading with you all the way.
Posted by: Paul at November 5, 2005 08:22 AM
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the feedback - I try to keep the story interesting, but you never really know how it "reads" for the average Joe unless someone tells you. I hope I can keep your interest, and that "we" can cross the finish line together!!!
Dennis
Posted by: Dennis at November 5, 2005 09:35 AM