Viva Las Vegas

Was in Vegas to celebrate a few birthdays this past weekend, so the training was put on hold. I stayed at the Bellagio and had a nice time. Saw KA at the MGM, ate at Prime, Jean-Georges Vongerichten's latest, as well as Nob Hill which is Michael Mina's restaurant at the MGM. I

do recommend the seared scallops with foie gras and grapefruit...yummy. Social house at Treasure Island was good and had a very good cold sake selection.

We are running our last high mileage run this weekend. We have the option of runing 20, 23 or 26 miles. I am opting for the 20 miles as I figure I want the 26.2 miles I do in Florence to mean something... I will update this over the weekend and tell you all about my aches and pains.

Thanks to my friend Michelle for the running side pouch. I actually have something to carry

my power bars and shock bloks in. No bonking this time.

23 miles...well almost

The alarm of my cell phone went off at 5:45 am and I laid in bed huddled under my duvet; "just 15 more minutes then I have to get my ass in gear." 6 am and I got up to get myself ready for the infamous 23 miler. I got dressed in my running gear and tried to figure out what I was going to eat to help sustain myself through this long run.

Misty picked me up at 6:30 am and we met everyone at our usual meeting spot in Golden Gate Park. Coach John was not there today, but someone else in his place (whose name escapes me.)
We were handed the course sheet and it looked fairly benign. The usual of running through the park, but we cut through the rose garden and headed down Presidio Avenue before turning on Jackson and then up the dreaded Lyon Street hill...a never ending hill...we were at the 7 mile point at this juncture. Once you go up a hill...you must come down and we did all the way down the Lyon Street Hills. Everyone was complaining how wobbly their knees felt after the descent. Our fearless pace leader Todd was feeling the effects of the descent and subsequently abdicated his leadership at the next water stop. His knee was crapping out on him and he could not run anymore. So the group bid him adieu and trekked on. And on did we go; past Pier 39 with the throng of tourists, past Pier 23...beer anyone? Past the Ferry Building with their weekly Farmer's Market. It was almost like playing dodge ball trying to navigate the mass amount of people mulling about. At the Heart and Arrow sculpture on Howard street we hit the 14 mile mark and turned around. Most of our group were really starting to feel the effects of the 67 degree temperature and the non-fluid pace - we lost any rythmn we had when Todd left. My right knee started bothering me around mile 15 and I lost all momentum at mile 16 when we hit Ft. Mason. I was hot, tired, cranky - due to lack of sustainance - and feeling like I was going to crash hard. I bid the group adieu. After some much needed gatorade and a banana I felt better, but knew that the only way I was going to get through the rest of this training was to make sure that I ate more before the run and to be sure to take a few powerbars for energy. This is what training is all about...trial and error. Only six more weeks until we are in Italia!

The Aids Foundation is still accepting donations through the end of November, so If you would still like to donate, please do so through my website.

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Two weeks of ten...then the dreaded 23 miler

Who would have thought that the 10 milers we run for our short runs would become common place and easy? That is exactly what they have become. Back in June when this journey started 3 miles was a stretch for me...now it is a walk in the park. Along the way I have made

wonderful friends through the folks in my running group. It is always fun to catch up and talk about what is going on in our lives...from fashion to running tips to what to eat or even sending off loved one to college, we have become a close knit group. We all have a common goal and are committed to helping our our community.

Rain or Shine...well almost

The twenty miler was this morning and my partner in crime, Misty and I missed out. Me due to a cold and being on antibiotics for a painful urinary tract infection (fun times peeing blood...not so much). I decide to listen to my doctor who advised against any activity for another week. Really does not make sense to run down an immune system which is already low. Misty missed due to being tired from her crazy travel schedule and just sleeping through the alarm. It was drizzling out this morning and I was happy to be snug in my bed listening to the pitter patter of the rain. No need to get my brand spanking new asics dirty just quite yet. We did join 10 of our fellow Salazar group members at an early dinner at Esputus to learn about the Florence course from marathon veteran George. He told us to bring all our own munchies like oatmeal, cliff bars, shok bloks as they do not have that stuff in Italy. Apparently 5 miles of the later part of the marathon is all cobblestone...I can just see a few of us getting sprained ankles already. Portable potties are also not always were they say they are going to be so he said to bring klennex and be prepared to find a wall or bush as the average wait for the portable bathrooms is 15 minutes or longer. We all cracked ourselves up by suggesting wearing Depends...I seriously doubt anyone is going to go to those lengths. Everyone was in good spirits after stuffing ourselves on various grilled meats...yes, we had flank steak, lamb chops, pork loin with parmesan, grilled prawns, chicken heart, and beef ribs...along with paella, 10 different salads...wonderful brazilian food. I definitely will go back...Hal this is the perfect buffet place for you...all you can eat! The next couple of weeks we are running 10 miles then we have our 23 miler on October 13. Cannot wait to get to Italia! I better get my rosetta stone language cd asap...

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. - Pope John Paul XXIII

9 Miles was easy; however the 20 miler is coming up

The sun was shining in my neighborhood which was a good sign considering we had a few days of overcast skies. However out in the "fog bank" of ocean beach, there was no sun to be had. This suited me fine as it has been easier to run when it is cooler. The group was quite small this week as I think that since we are up to 18 plus miles...these 9 milers are quite easy and folks tend to do these on their own. We started out running along ocean beach and ran a mile along the beach before turning around and heading back into Golden Gate park. The ubiquitous bison were no longer in their small pen, but were let out to roam out in their pasture. We talked about our upcoming run of 20 miles and of the various aches and pains people sustained during the 18 miler. We ran past the Conservatory of Flowers and I made a mental note that I need to check it out one of these days. There were quite a few other running groups out today which is always interesting to see. We got on the subject of plants and that the park actually has monthly plant
give aways. Right after a few of us were talking about this we saw a few Chinese women with potted plants in hand heading back from the infamous freebie give away...another mental note...find out where they give plants away. With no bathroom breaks or water breaks other than while walking, we finished our run right on time and everyone was in good spirits. I did not
eat before this run, as it was a "short" one, so I was ready for the bagels with cream cheese and of course the crunchy pickles. Our next run is 20 miles...taking everything in stride.

Where there is great love, there are always wishes. Willa Cather

4 times 4 is 16 miles that is...

The alarm clock went off at 5:30 this morning and I wished that I could sleep a bit more. This Saturday's training was moved to a 7 am start time due to the high miles. This is how it is going to be from now on. It's a good thing I stay in on Friday nights to rest up for our Saturday runs. I got my water bottle and my cliff bar shot blocks (so much better tasting than the liquid goo - I got margarita flavor with salt and "Razz" Berry.) Everyone was in good spirits as we started up the famous Cliff House hill and then back down towards the park. We ran past the large purple head "scuplture" in Golden Gate Park (photo above) and then past the Rose Garden. We changed the route up and were heading towards the Sunset and down towards Lake Merced and around the lake. One good thing about running through San Francisco is that is is a good way of exploring the city and checking out sights I would not normally see. We ran past Harding Park, the beautiful public golf course which hosted the American Express Open...I made a mental note to play the course after all this marathon training is over. Lake Merced or "the swamp" as a few of my fellow runners called it was a good visual distraction. Quite a few people were out running besides us. There were also a few teams of rowers on the lake / swamp. We also ran by the skeet shooting club...who knew we actually had a facility for that here in SF? Now I know. Once we got around the lake, we headed back towards Ocean beach to a wonderful view of the crashing waves and the smell of sea salt air. We were at 14 miles at this point and my right knee was starting to feel some pain. The lack of arch support (yes time for new running shoes) in my right foot at this point was causing me a bit of pain and discomfort. So the last two miles were the longest of the run so far as I was just trying to finish. I did make it and spoke with Coach John about my pains and he reiterated...time for new shoes. So off to go shop this week. This run was not as difficult as I thought it would be and I am happy I finished. After noshing on food, a few of us decided to brave the cold waters of Ocean Beach to "ice down" our tired and sore muscles. I could only stand the frigid cold water for about 5 minutes as my feet started going numb. Yes there is a reason the surfers are wearing wetsuits out there. Next week we go back down to 8 miles and then on September 8th we have the BIG 18 miler.

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. - Henry Ford

14 miles and sore calves...

Today's run was intimidating not only for the length, but the sheer size of our group. It had doubled in size due to the East Bay folks training with us. So "Group Alberto Salazar" was not our normal manageable size of 10-12 but a whopping 21 folks. Needless to say we slit into two groups.
The run started out in typical form, through Golden Gate park and out around the Panhandle. Instead of our normal route, we ran past the tennis courts and headed out to the Sunset district, running down towards MLK drive and 25th ave. At this point I had wished I had utilized the last bathroom stop, as the next 5 miles was nothing but us and the pavement and shrubbery. It got to a point where I could not concentrate on my pace, so I ducked into the "foliage" with my fellow runner Heather on the lookout. So much for me thinking my body would absorb the excess water. This was definitely the hardest run to date. My left calf never got loose and I just did not feel that I got into my normal rhythm. Perhaps the size of the group threw me off...at mile 12 my fellow runner Cindy and I made a command decision to walk the last two miles back.
Coach John stopped us and asked how we were doing and I told him about my calf cramping up..."stop running now." Yes thank god...I seriously thought that I was going to tear something...yes this is what training is all about...no sense in getting hurt now with only 3 months left to go. Cindy was grateful as well as her knees were starting to bug her. So at least
we had a 2 mile cool down. No need to run into Ocean Beach and cool down our muscles, though
the water looked especially inviting as the city at 12 noon was about 69 degrees and sunny.
Training is getting more intense and I am trying to take everything in stride. I am happy with the progress I am making and it can only get better.

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night. - Edgar Allan Poe

Only 6 miles this week...who would have thought that I would be saying "only"

After the 12 miler last week, I was looking forward to our "light" run of 6 miles. The fog was thick this morning and the mist heavy out at Ocean Beach. We were informed that we would be running up the famed Cliff House Hill...thankfully only up to the Cliff House (not the infamous 7 miler where 3 miles were all uphill ) and then turning around and running along Ocean Beach. We were anxious to get going as it was FREEZING...so off we went up the hill a mile then turning around to take in the surfers out along ocean beach this morning. The pace was easy and the view awesome as we watched the waves crash along our run. It was a piece of cake and definitely a good run that was easy to do. Who would have thought that I would be saying "oh six miles...no problem" at the beginning of this training. Our group leader Todd suggests that we all get together on Tuesday and Thursday for our maintenance runs along Chrissy Field...I think this is a very good idea as we have our 14 mile run coming up next Saturday.
Am I nervous...nah, I just have to remember to eat enough during my run so I do not bonk...I stocked up on powerbars and cliff bars the other morning as Walgreens was having their 3 powerbars for $3 special...that was a deal. Till next week!

People who lean on logic and philosophy and rational exposition end by starving the best part of the mind. William Butler Yeats

12 Miles...almost half way there to 26.2

The notion of running 12 miles had me psyched out all week. Running miles in the double digits now is the norm, but this is the first time in my life I have run 12 miles. I made sure I got my GU (god awful stuff...but we are suppose to feed ourselves every 45 minutes, less we bonk) and my water ready for the run. Since we did not have enough water volunteers...we got to run the "less fun route." We started out at Ocean Beach and ran our typical course through the park and once entering the Panhandle verved left...making our way to picturesque Lake Street all the way to 23rd avenue before turning around and running all the way back. The pace was good and the weather perfect - nice and foggy and with some mist to cool us down. Throughout Golden Gate park, folks were setting up for tomorrow's San Francisco marathon. We actually flagged down the Red Bull gals and got our drink on...with only 2 more miles to go...(apparently drinking Red Bull is a no no in marathon training as it has been known to make people have the runs...I doubt anyone wants to be the one who needs to wear "oops I pooped my pants" while running (Saturday Night Live skit). The run was one of the best to date and as we climb higher into the double digits, it becomes less daunting.

Only 3 more weeks left to make my fundraising goal...so PLEASE DONATE to my marathon.
(Mom and Dad...hint hint)

I'm off to take my nap....zzzzzzzzzzz

He who hesitates is a damned fool... -- Mae West

10 miles...ummm what happened to the alarm clock?

Are you serious we are running 10 miles???!!!!...Yes that was my reaction when I got the email saying we were going to be in the double digits. We just conquered 8 so logically we were only suppose to run 9 miles right? Well someone obviously has not read their training manual very well. Believe you me, I know it by heart now.
Ok, my partner in crime (Misty) and I went to our friend Callum's party the night before at Roe and had a grand 'ole time. (Great party Callum!)
So Misty and I made a pact that if we were too tired to go run Saturday that we would get our sorry butts up at 7am on Sunday and go for our run and that is exactly what we did. The weather was awesome but I can tell you that it was really hard to get motivated, not only that we could not figure out the timing on her brand new running watch...it was comical.
Thank goodness we are back to our group training this Saturday...12 miles this week...definitely
need to get that goo stuff so I can go the distance. Yes the stuff tastes god awful, but it comes in
tiny packages that won't weigh you down...and frankly after running anything tastes good.

Among those whom I like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: all of them make me laugh.
W. H. Auden

8 Miles this week...a breeze

Another fogged in morning in San Francisco, but it was not as cold as last weekend. Our fearless leader Todd was there and I felt good about the run we were about to do. We started off at Ocean beach and ran past the buffalo in the park (they were no fools...snug warm in their pens), the flower conservatory was at the 3 mile point and the 4 mile point was at the pan handle. Everyone was in good spirits and it was a pretty flat course, which was AWESOME....no hills coach John! Thanks a bunch.

Overall this was one of the best routes to date...buffalo, a babbling brook, and waterfalls, who knew that Golden Gate park had all this to offer.

This was the first week we got fed after our run...celery with peanut butter never tasted so good. Yum.

Whoever is happy will make others happy too. - Anne Frank

Dad is doing well

As some of you may know, my dad went in this morning for major surgery. It was a success and he is expected to come home in a week. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for their prayers and well wishes.

How far up that hill do we have to go?!!!!

In typical San Francisco Summer weather fashion, the fog was quite thick this morning. So thick that some folks at the training site mistook the "mist" for rain. Needless to say the weather this morning was not exactly a mood enhancer to go run 7 miles.

We were told we were going to be running a new course today...yippee...at least until they finished telling us that we were running up the gianormous Sea Cliff hill up towards the Legion of Honor. 3 Miles of hills....lovely...at this point I wished I had stayed under my warm duvet instead of freezing my butt off waiting to get our group started.

Also our group "leader" (the guy with the Ironman running watch was not there today) but luckily Sarah had her watch and on we went. Can I say stairmaster has nothing on this hill...it was neverending...once we ran past the Cliff House and up the hill....it just kept going and going for 3 miles until we got to the Legion of Honor. We got a reprieve for a bit when we got to run down the hill next to the golf course, but then our glee quickly disappeared once we knew that we had to turn around and come back up the darn thing.

Needless to say once we got the the 4 mile point...it literally was all downhill and flat from that point on. Thank goodness! This run was definitely the most difficult to date, but keeping with our 4 minute 1 minute run walk ratio, we finished in an hour and 28 minutes; 4 minutes slower than our pace of 12 minute miles...not too bad with the hills...coach John said "you are not even sweating!" as I finished. Yeah, piece of cake :P

Next Saturday is 8 miles and we get to run through Golden Gate Park. Perhaps we will run by the buffalo again...yes we have buffalo in Golden Gate Park.

Blogging for dummies

Ok. So I finally am getting the hang of this blogging thing...well not really. I am still trying to figure out how to link things. Hopefully I will have everything figured out by next week so everyone can see my new blog.

I am sure amazon has a book "blogging for dummies."

Week 5 of SF Aid's Marathon Training

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."-John Bingham

It is hard to believe that I have already completed a month of training for the Florence Marathon! We still have 5 months to go before hitting the pavement in Florence Italy, November 25, 2007. Thank you to my college buddy Hal Marz for getting me involved with this great cause.

This Saturday we will be running 7 miles...only 19.2 miles to train for. I finally got on the ball this week and got my email solicitation out to a few of my friends and family. Thank you's go out to Sean Murphy of Abbott and to Jorge Maumer to be the first folks to sponsor me. Thank you very much!

I need to raise $4200 by August 17, 2007 so please donate to my marathon run. This blog will be updating on a weekly basis to let everyone know how the training is going and my progress - aches and pains - along the way.