Wow what a couple of weeks we have had here in Tennessee. The heat index has been insane and getting quality runs in has been nearly impossible. I am currently training for my first Marathon which will be in about 83 days in St Louis. I hear people say that the full is the hardest thing to train for and accomplish. I always thought it would be a challenge, but adding in this heat has made it almost instant extreme sports.
With the heat coupled with work, I have started a totally different approach to training. I start at 0430 for about an hour of running. I then change into my PT uniform and go to my 0600 meeting. At 0630 it is time to get some more miles in along with cross training ( push-ups, sit-ups, rope climbs etc.) This is four days of the work week. Thursday is the fun day where I run for 30 minutes then put my rucksack on and walk 6-8 miles with 45 lbs added to my back. Is this a good program to train to run 26.2? I do not know yet but in 83 days it will all come to fruition.
If there is anyone who has a plan that can fit into this schedule please post it here or send me a message to let me know. I also have a 1/2 two weeks after this first full which I am running with my family and friends.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Zone
Have you every gone for a run with a distinct mileage goal in mind, and realize when you finish you have gone further than you planned? I know this happens to more than me. I was running the other day with a goal of three miles before PT (physical training) then three miles with cross training during PT. This was an easily obtained goal in my eyes. This week the temps have been horrible for running any time of day never mind the beautiful humidity of the western KY/TN border land. So I started my first part at around 0445 and 4 1/2 miles later I was finished with part one. I did not realize I had run that far or the pace I was going. I kind of went into the zone and just pushed forward with it.
I went and got my PT uniform out and ran to my office to change before our morning meeting and the start of the day. I drank down some refreshing HEED took some notes reset my watch and was ready to take my platoon on our Cross training day. Right face, double time march!! We were off just jogging at first then for the next 1.5 miles I had a guest want to speak to me so we went out at at 6:30 pace it was awesome talking and running then realizing the Platoon was way back so we had to double back and scoop them up. I did not care it felt great to run that free and talk at the same time again. We then started doing push-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups, dips, crunches, sit-ups and some squat thrusts for about twenty minutes. The energy was awesome everyone was pushing each other to go harder and do more.
Once the muscle break was over the run started again for about 3/4 of a mile then we hit the ropes. You know you have always had the urge to climb ropes when you were running we just happened to find some to climb on our route. The four ropes hung about 4o feet into the air off of a beam it was beautiful. All of the platoon members ponied up and climbed them. It is a thrill to be up that high hanging on just by what you can (hands and legs). Then it was a short jaunt to a crazy looking area with lines painted in it, most people call these parking lots, we use them as the urban gymnasium. Sprints were in order so after 8 x 100 and 4 x 200 we were ready to pack it in and head back the last 3/4 of a mile to cooling down and awaiting the rest of our day.
We all had been to the pinnacle of the zone which for us is "war". We all now just found ourselves in a physical war of one upsmanship which created an awesome "zone" to train in. By the end of the 12 who started 4 had left everything on the field and the other 8 were not far behind them. It was a great training day which I eclipsed my goal of 6 total miles to hit almost 9.
Some times the zone is not peer to peer competition but it is an inner competitor that pushes us all forward.
What puts you in the ZONE?
Oh yeah all of the HEED was gone by the end of it all.
I went and got my PT uniform out and ran to my office to change before our morning meeting and the start of the day. I drank down some refreshing HEED took some notes reset my watch and was ready to take my platoon on our Cross training day. Right face, double time march!! We were off just jogging at first then for the next 1.5 miles I had a guest want to speak to me so we went out at at 6:30 pace it was awesome talking and running then realizing the Platoon was way back so we had to double back and scoop them up. I did not care it felt great to run that free and talk at the same time again. We then started doing push-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups, dips, crunches, sit-ups and some squat thrusts for about twenty minutes. The energy was awesome everyone was pushing each other to go harder and do more.
Once the muscle break was over the run started again for about 3/4 of a mile then we hit the ropes. You know you have always had the urge to climb ropes when you were running we just happened to find some to climb on our route. The four ropes hung about 4o feet into the air off of a beam it was beautiful. All of the platoon members ponied up and climbed them. It is a thrill to be up that high hanging on just by what you can (hands and legs). Then it was a short jaunt to a crazy looking area with lines painted in it, most people call these parking lots, we use them as the urban gymnasium. Sprints were in order so after 8 x 100 and 4 x 200 we were ready to pack it in and head back the last 3/4 of a mile to cooling down and awaiting the rest of our day.
We all had been to the pinnacle of the zone which for us is "war". We all now just found ourselves in a physical war of one upsmanship which created an awesome "zone" to train in. By the end of the 12 who started 4 had left everything on the field and the other 8 were not far behind them. It was a great training day which I eclipsed my goal of 6 total miles to hit almost 9.
Some times the zone is not peer to peer competition but it is an inner competitor that pushes us all forward.
What puts you in the ZONE?
Oh yeah all of the HEED was gone by the end of it all.
Monday, July 4, 2011
The Fifth Annual Haley's Team Twilight 5K and Haley's Kids 1K
The team works for almost the entire year getting ready for the next year's event. You write e-mails to countless corporations asking for support, make sure you have insurance and a safe course for the runners to run on. Everyone on the team works with out worrying about themselves to ensure we put on a tremendous event to raise money to help research to find a cure to Cystic Fibrosis.
By race day you have already stuffed all the pre-registered runners bags with shirts, energy gel , biofreeze and pamphlets. This year we were very fortunate to have the McClellan Park Medical Mall as the race start and finish with use of the building. We also had a local band providing music throughout the race. ( it was their first ever gig)
The race set up goes pretty smooth except for losing a box on the road to the race. It was a pretty important one since it had all of our cups for the drink stations. This was yet a small hiccup during this years event and we were able to power through it.
Volunteers are amazing and helped us to man water stations, ensure dark areas of the course had light and the race was timed correctly and we greatly appreciate all of them.
By 730 PM the registrations were at 251. This is a great number. We start the Haley's Kids race and the youngsters took off quick. The young winner finished in just over 4 minutes then went on to run the 5K less then 30 minutes later. He also placed in his age group there. by 8 PM all the runners who would take to the streets of historic McClellan were lined up. Randy gave the pre-race instructions then counted them down to start.
Although it was after 8 at night and the temp had lowered a bit, the humidity was the key factor to the race this year. The winner crossed the finish line in just over 17 minutes with the runner up right on his heals. It was a great race with the runners led and followed by the Anniston Police Department. A huge thanks to the APD.
When it was all over we had over 210 finishers and had raised over 11,000 to go to research.
Huge thanks go out to all of our Sponsors especially : Taylor Construction, RoadID, GU and Biofreeze.
Oh yeah planning has already begun for next year and we are less than 51 weeks away from executing the 6th annual race. Hope to see ya'll there!!! Go to www.haleysteam.com for updates throughout the year.
By race day you have already stuffed all the pre-registered runners bags with shirts, energy gel , biofreeze and pamphlets. This year we were very fortunate to have the McClellan Park Medical Mall as the race start and finish with use of the building. We also had a local band providing music throughout the race. ( it was their first ever gig)
The race set up goes pretty smooth except for losing a box on the road to the race. It was a pretty important one since it had all of our cups for the drink stations. This was yet a small hiccup during this years event and we were able to power through it.
Volunteers are amazing and helped us to man water stations, ensure dark areas of the course had light and the race was timed correctly and we greatly appreciate all of them.
By 730 PM the registrations were at 251. This is a great number. We start the Haley's Kids race and the youngsters took off quick. The young winner finished in just over 4 minutes then went on to run the 5K less then 30 minutes later. He also placed in his age group there. by 8 PM all the runners who would take to the streets of historic McClellan were lined up. Randy gave the pre-race instructions then counted them down to start.
Although it was after 8 at night and the temp had lowered a bit, the humidity was the key factor to the race this year. The winner crossed the finish line in just over 17 minutes with the runner up right on his heals. It was a great race with the runners led and followed by the Anniston Police Department. A huge thanks to the APD.
When it was all over we had over 210 finishers and had raised over 11,000 to go to research.
Huge thanks go out to all of our Sponsors especially : Taylor Construction, RoadID, GU and Biofreeze.
Oh yeah planning has already begun for next year and we are less than 51 weeks away from executing the 6th annual race. Hope to see ya'll there!!! Go to www.haleysteam.com for updates throughout the year.
Friday, June 24, 2011
T- 1 day till the Event
Another year of preparations has been completed. We have upgraded to course (due to construction) and have gone to a new shirt design. The shirt is designed by our race namesake Haley so it is cool. The amount of runners is always a crap shoot but we are hoping for a good turnout. in the four previous years participation has grown steadily. This year should not be any different.
All of the work that goes into an event is for a great cause, to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. For most of us a deep breath is an easy feat, for some it is like you are constricted. Our goal is to help the research teams in their pursuit of a cure for this disease.
The race will start at 8 PM from the McClellan Medical Park in Anniston , Alabama. The course takes you through scenic areas of the former Fort McClellan and also attempts to keep you cool by running at night during these hot days.
We hope to see every one come out with their blinkies on and shoes tied up to run our Fifth annual race.
Until Next Time Happy Running
All of the work that goes into an event is for a great cause, to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. For most of us a deep breath is an easy feat, for some it is like you are constricted. Our goal is to help the research teams in their pursuit of a cure for this disease.
The race will start at 8 PM from the McClellan Medical Park in Anniston , Alabama. The course takes you through scenic areas of the former Fort McClellan and also attempts to keep you cool by running at night during these hot days.
We hope to see every one come out with their blinkies on and shoes tied up to run our Fifth annual race.
Until Next Time Happy Running
Monday, June 6, 2011
Navy Ten Nautical Miler
The train up was the most I ever have done. I trained for over two months for a 11.5 mile race. I had my points plotted in my head what marks I wanted to hit and where. I knew which water stations I would stop at ( they had them at every Nautical mile).
I decided to do something I also never do before a race and that is to eat pasta. We sat and at the pre-race meal and thought nothing of it. We went back to the Holiday Inn Express and got some sleep for the early start of the race. 0630 will come fast so after watching Percy Jackson lightning thief I fell asleep. Sleep was usual with about two to three hours of good sleep followed by tossing around trying to get the last minutes of sleep for the night.
The morning was my normal procedures, take care of my hygiene to include showering and shaving then eat a Banana and drive to the race site. On arrival the air was thick with humidity. The gun went off and we started running. I was in the lead pack and having a great time up there. Then the pre-race pasta coupled with the 105 heat index hit me and crushed my PR dreams. I had to stop and gather my self for a couple miles then go back at it. The heat was intense but I kept pushing now stopping at every drink stop to get cold water and drinking my HEED which I carried with me throughout the run. As I headed to the finish and the Team Fisher House leaders were cheering me on , I finally felt better and cruised into the finish. My time was disappointing but I can grow from it. I completed the run in 1:48, 152 of 618 runners and 19th in my age group out of 40.
The biggest thrill was running back and pushing my young soldier to keep going and finish, then running the last mile with my best friend, my wife Gwen, she has overcome her dislike of running to power through three 10 plus mile races in the last 6 months. Great work to all.
Next Hurdle is putting together a successful 5th annual Haley's Team Twilight 5k for 25 June.
I decided to do something I also never do before a race and that is to eat pasta. We sat and at the pre-race meal and thought nothing of it. We went back to the Holiday Inn Express and got some sleep for the early start of the race. 0630 will come fast so after watching Percy Jackson lightning thief I fell asleep. Sleep was usual with about two to three hours of good sleep followed by tossing around trying to get the last minutes of sleep for the night.
The morning was my normal procedures, take care of my hygiene to include showering and shaving then eat a Banana and drive to the race site. On arrival the air was thick with humidity. The gun went off and we started running. I was in the lead pack and having a great time up there. Then the pre-race pasta coupled with the 105 heat index hit me and crushed my PR dreams. I had to stop and gather my self for a couple miles then go back at it. The heat was intense but I kept pushing now stopping at every drink stop to get cold water and drinking my HEED which I carried with me throughout the run. As I headed to the finish and the Team Fisher House leaders were cheering me on , I finally felt better and cruised into the finish. My time was disappointing but I can grow from it. I completed the run in 1:48, 152 of 618 runners and 19th in my age group out of 40.
The biggest thrill was running back and pushing my young soldier to keep going and finish, then running the last mile with my best friend, my wife Gwen, she has overcome her dislike of running to power through three 10 plus mile races in the last 6 months. Great work to all.
Next Hurdle is putting together a successful 5th annual Haley's Team Twilight 5k for 25 June.
Friday, June 3, 2011
One Day till my first major event of 2011
After training since March for this race I think I am ready. I started the training in Afghanistan at 3,000 plus feet above sea level. That along with other conditions were awesome to train under. Now the last few weeks of training have been at home in TN. The runs have been good and I feel great. On Sunday I will represent team Fisher house in the Navy Ten Nautical Miler in Millington, TN with my wife at my side. This will truly be a great day for us.
I hope everyone running this weekend has swift feet and clear paths. Happy Running all!!!
I hope everyone running this weekend has swift feet and clear paths. Happy Running all!!!
What is your definition of Patriotism
I am biased in my opinion of this subject. I serve with pride for my country and do it voluntarily. There are many thousands just like me who wake up each day and put their uniform and boots on to perform our duties. Does this make us Patriots? Not this alone, so no.
A Patriot is someone who will stand up for their country no matter what is going on in politics or in the military. On 9-11-01 I was deployed in support of operations in the middle east. I saw first hand the patriotism in Soldiers with me swell beyond belief when they found out our country was kicked in the ass by a coward. We all noticed when we got home how our hometowns had become patriotic with flags everywhere. It was amazing to see that much pride showing. Then about two years later those same patriotic towns did not even have a flag up and if they did they were dirty and shredded. It was a bit embarrassing but it was not unexpected. It does not take a scholar or a nightly news hack to see that our country is based on the flavor of the week and most times that flavor is what ever that nightly news hack is feeding.
When Hurricane Katrina destroyed the gulf states the outpouring of support to the region was great, the outpouring of criticism to a sitting President was horrible. The way people complained was as if they thought he could control the weather and purposely directed the hurricane into New Orleans. This was not the case however the problem sat with the bureaucrats in almost every department in government. The outpouring of support was awesome, it was not patriotic however, it was human nature.
These are just two recent historical issues that showed Americans at their best and worst.
Back to my original question of myself. Does being a Soldier make us Patriots? Definitely not alone. You have to still serve with pride and spread our values around the world. Let people know you are proud to be an American each day you wake up. This is even when you wake up and the weight of the world is on your shoulders. By international means we are still a young country however we have advanced a long way in the short time we have been around. These advances have led to us having people hate us. We do not need to hate ourselves.
So when you travel or you meet travelers here, let them know you are American and you are proud. Cockiness is ok in this instance.
Be patriotic all year not just when it is commercially convenient.
A Patriot is someone who will stand up for their country no matter what is going on in politics or in the military. On 9-11-01 I was deployed in support of operations in the middle east. I saw first hand the patriotism in Soldiers with me swell beyond belief when they found out our country was kicked in the ass by a coward. We all noticed when we got home how our hometowns had become patriotic with flags everywhere. It was amazing to see that much pride showing. Then about two years later those same patriotic towns did not even have a flag up and if they did they were dirty and shredded. It was a bit embarrassing but it was not unexpected. It does not take a scholar or a nightly news hack to see that our country is based on the flavor of the week and most times that flavor is what ever that nightly news hack is feeding.
When Hurricane Katrina destroyed the gulf states the outpouring of support to the region was great, the outpouring of criticism to a sitting President was horrible. The way people complained was as if they thought he could control the weather and purposely directed the hurricane into New Orleans. This was not the case however the problem sat with the bureaucrats in almost every department in government. The outpouring of support was awesome, it was not patriotic however, it was human nature.
These are just two recent historical issues that showed Americans at their best and worst.
Back to my original question of myself. Does being a Soldier make us Patriots? Definitely not alone. You have to still serve with pride and spread our values around the world. Let people know you are proud to be an American each day you wake up. This is even when you wake up and the weight of the world is on your shoulders. By international means we are still a young country however we have advanced a long way in the short time we have been around. These advances have led to us having people hate us. We do not need to hate ourselves.
So when you travel or you meet travelers here, let them know you are American and you are proud. Cockiness is ok in this instance.
Be patriotic all year not just when it is commercially convenient.
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