In the hullabaloo at the start, i had forgotten to put on my knee brace for my left knee, and it bothered me a little bit for the first 10 miles. When we got back to the van, I put it on, and the pain went away (or at least didn't bother me as much). We chugged on Gatorade, refilled our fuel belts, then started miles 10-20.
The second half was okay, but all the hills at Umstead started to appear. It was as if w didn't notice them before; now each hill became a challenge. We kept going at 5/1, stopping only to get stones out of shoes, or to sneak into the forest to pee. I had eaten 1 Gu (vanilla) at mile 8, and needed another one at mile 14. I thus discovered that my favorite Gu flavor is Strawberry-Banana. Or at least when I had it, it tasted good. Miles 15-17 were okay, but mentally I knew this was farther than any thign I've run before. I hoped I had enough to do the last 3.7 miles from the Reedy Creek end. I needed another Gu (Lemon Sublime, not too bad), but I only ate half, since I didn't want to feel bloated. It was a good idea, as several times, the flavor almost went back up my mouth :).
The hill at mile 18 was brutal- a long sloping hill that didn't seem to end. I knew there was another one coming up on Graylyn. My hamstrings were burning, my quas were burning. My knee was under control, although it bothered me at the start. I also noticed that my right ankle was also starting to hurt. I tried to be conscious of my run form- heels up, strike the goud quickly. I decided my Asics were not giving me as much cushioning, and thought about buying a new pair for the marathon. Mile 19 was this hill at Graylyn, another long, steep hill. Since we were doing 5/1, it seems like much-needed walk breaks were in the middle of these climbs, yay! Jeff said, 1 more walk break, and we're there. My HR at these hills were in the 168 - 171, but it wasn't the heart, or the breathing. It was the leg muscles. And the shoulder muscles too. Mile 20, I just thought of the Graylyn gate as the finish line, and suddenly, I got an energy boost.
This was not the marathon, but only 20 miles, but I knew it was mind over body. I started thinking about the pledges I've already received, and the oral pledges from friends. I started thinking about GK, and that this was for a poor family in the Philippines. It was a good mental trick, I felt energized. My legs were burning, but we made it. 20.8 miles! We finished in 4 hours 29 minutes, almost 13 min/mile. My average HR was probably in the high 150s. This was my longest run - I have *only* 5.4 miles to go, and that should be the marathon. My legs needed extra strecthing; I knew if I got into the van and started driving, I might not be able to walk out of the van.
So here it is, 10 hours after the run, and the one thing that's still painful is my right ankle. Everything seems to be fine, although my left knee needs some babying. Next week, an easy run of maybe 8-10 miles. Then 24 miles on Oct. 13?
Sunday, September 30, 2007
20.8 miles!
The plan was to meet at Umstead State Forest, at the Graylyn entrance at 5:30 AM, since if we were going to run more than 4 hours, it would be late by the time we were done. So I tried to get to bed early, but still started sleeping around 11 PM. Up at 4:45 AM, and driving to Umstead a little after 5 AM. Someone forgot to tell us that 5:30 AM in late September was already dark. On the drive, I even saw some deer, including one fawn on the side of the road who gave me the proverbial deer-in-the-headlights look.
So I got there, it was dark, the only light was from the half-full moon. I was the only one there. No other cars. So I parked all the way nearest to the gate. I knew I had become a little diehard athlete. I was the first one at the gate! Called up Jeff, who actually was there earlier, then figured out he was alone, so he went to a gas station to get some gas. It was dark, so I just sat there in the van for a few minutes. I thought I'd nap. Then I figured, what if someone comes and gets me while I'm in the van- I was alone and it was dark! I was sitting alone in the middle of a dark forest, so forgive these crazy thoughts :-). But i did stay inside the van and locked the doors. Of course, I didn't nap :)
In about 5 minutes, Jeff arrived. We were still the only ones there. It was cold- maybe in the 50's, and I was wearing my running shirt. I had to put on one, then two cotton T-shirts I brought. Jeff had a long-sleeved jacket on. As we were warming up, we were debating if we should run in the dark. We could see the trail illuminated by the moon, but we talked about forest animals, twisting an ankle at an unseen hole, etc. As we were stretching, this guy in a car drives up, parks next to us, then gets out and starts running really fast into the trail! Jeff and I looked at each other, and said, ok, I guess we can run too. For good measure, we brought a flashlight Jeff had in his van. Every now and then, I would turn the thing on, just to see if there were any road bumps or ruts, or horse dung.
It was dark, though the moon illuminated the trail. Did I mention it was cold? I knew my body would warm up, but I still had one cotton shirt over my running shirt. We were supposed to do 5 min run, 1 min walk, but it was too cold, so we kept on running, for maybe 15 minutes. We were almost at the Reedy Creek intersection before we stopped. After a while, moonlight turned to daylight, and I now was the only runner on the trail with a flashlight. The plan was to do two "T" routes: Graylyn to Reedy Creek ntersection, right to Airport overlook, back to the intersection, straight to Reedy Creek road, back to the intersection, then back to the Graylyn entrance. Each "T" was 10.4 miles, so the plan was to do it twice.
My HR monitor went through its usual crazy readings, and kept beeping, so I just turned the thing to just show my HR, and let Jeff do the timing. We did 5 min/1 min run/walk intervals.
So I got there, it was dark, the only light was from the half-full moon. I was the only one there. No other cars. So I parked all the way nearest to the gate. I knew I had become a little diehard athlete. I was the first one at the gate! Called up Jeff, who actually was there earlier, then figured out he was alone, so he went to a gas station to get some gas. It was dark, so I just sat there in the van for a few minutes. I thought I'd nap. Then I figured, what if someone comes and gets me while I'm in the van- I was alone and it was dark! I was sitting alone in the middle of a dark forest, so forgive these crazy thoughts :-). But i did stay inside the van and locked the doors. Of course, I didn't nap :)
In about 5 minutes, Jeff arrived. We were still the only ones there. It was cold- maybe in the 50's, and I was wearing my running shirt. I had to put on one, then two cotton T-shirts I brought. Jeff had a long-sleeved jacket on. As we were warming up, we were debating if we should run in the dark. We could see the trail illuminated by the moon, but we talked about forest animals, twisting an ankle at an unseen hole, etc. As we were stretching, this guy in a car drives up, parks next to us, then gets out and starts running really fast into the trail! Jeff and I looked at each other, and said, ok, I guess we can run too. For good measure, we brought a flashlight Jeff had in his van. Every now and then, I would turn the thing on, just to see if there were any road bumps or ruts, or horse dung.
It was dark, though the moon illuminated the trail. Did I mention it was cold? I knew my body would warm up, but I still had one cotton shirt over my running shirt. We were supposed to do 5 min run, 1 min walk, but it was too cold, so we kept on running, for maybe 15 minutes. We were almost at the Reedy Creek intersection before we stopped. After a while, moonlight turned to daylight, and I now was the only runner on the trail with a flashlight. The plan was to do two "T" routes: Graylyn to Reedy Creek ntersection, right to Airport overlook, back to the intersection, straight to Reedy Creek road, back to the intersection, then back to the Graylyn entrance. Each "T" was 10.4 miles, so the plan was to do it twice.
My HR monitor went through its usual crazy readings, and kept beeping, so I just turned the thing to just show my HR, and let Jeff do the timing. We did 5 min/1 min run/walk intervals.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
A new equilibrium
Just finished 4.2 miles of straight running. There was no pain, just pure running joy. My legs just kept going. I was aware of my form, and could shift my footstrike to more forefoot or midfoot. This must be what it should be. My heart rate was a little high, or my monitor was kooky, because the treadmill reading was very different from my wrist monitor reading. For example, the treadmill readout would be 150 beats/min, and my wrist monitor would say 165. I'm almost sure that 165 was too high. Anyway, I ran at 5.5 mph the whole way, and my average HR according to my wrist monitor was 151.
So what is it now, 3 straight runs of no pain? Beginning last week, and including the 12 miles of hills, my legs seem to have found a new, higher, stronger equilibrium. This must be what the training is all about! I have also incorporated weights; I use the machines for my calves after each gym run. It seems to have made a difference, so I'll just keep on doing it.
On the GK pledge/support effort, I have sent several letters out to friends and have received several oral pledges. So things are really going great- the running is getting there, and hopefully I can meet my target pledge amount!
The big target is 20 miles this weekend. I feel that even though I did only 12 miles last weekend, it was all hills, and may be equivalent to 16 to 18 miles of flat trail. We'll see...
So what is it now, 3 straight runs of no pain? Beginning last week, and including the 12 miles of hills, my legs seem to have found a new, higher, stronger equilibrium. This must be what the training is all about! I have also incorporated weights; I use the machines for my calves after each gym run. It seems to have made a difference, so I'll just keep on doing it.
On the GK pledge/support effort, I have sent several letters out to friends and have received several oral pledges. So things are really going great- the running is getting there, and hopefully I can meet my target pledge amount!
The big target is 20 miles this weekend. I feel that even though I did only 12 miles last weekend, it was all hills, and may be equivalent to 16 to 18 miles of flat trail. We'll see...
Monday, September 24, 2007
12 miles of hills
Sometimes when you don't plan things, things just happen (duh!). So the rough plan for Sunday's long run (I couldn't do it on Sat because of Mia's tri) was to run 18 miles. Only I hadn't really figured out a route in Umstead. So Jeff and I just sort of started to run. When we got to the Reedy Creek T, we turned right to the West Gate. This would have been 4 miles one way. However, I started smelling jet fumes (see previous post) from airplanes taking off at the nearby airport. So we decided to stop at Airport Overlook, turn around, then go the the other end of Reedy Creek Trail. This gave us 7 miles at this point. Then, we decided to do the South Turkey Trail. Now this trail has all the most punishing hills in all of Umstead. We're talking 6 or 7 or maybe 8 major, steep hills in a span of about 4.5 miles.
We finished in 2 hours, 20 min, for an average of 12+ min/mile. And I felt good the whole way. Just minor pains in the left knee- nothing to fret about. Average HR was probably 160 per minute. I say probably, cause I just turned off the time feature of my heart rate monitor- it was just beeping the whole time :) Jeff wanted to run a few more miles, but I decided not to push my luck, since my last run was Monday. But I think we can do 20 miles next week, then 22-24 miles on Oct. 13.
So, we have run all of Umstead's trails. We have conquered all its hills. Psychologically, I have broken another barrier. I love hills!
We finished in 2 hours, 20 min, for an average of 12+ min/mile. And I felt good the whole way. Just minor pains in the left knee- nothing to fret about. Average HR was probably 160 per minute. I say probably, cause I just turned off the time feature of my heart rate monitor- it was just beeping the whole time :) Jeff wanted to run a few more miles, but I decided not to push my luck, since my last run was Monday. But I think we can do 20 miles next week, then 22-24 miles on Oct. 13.
So, we have run all of Umstead's trails. We have conquered all its hills. Psychologically, I have broken another barrier. I love hills!
Mia's Triathlon
The fitness bug has bit the family. Since I've been training to run the Raleigh marathon to raise funds for GK, my family has been more aware of fitness. Mia, my 13-year old daughter, joined me on several runs and found this kid's triathlon in Raleigh. She and her friend Annetta (Jeff's daughter) signed up for it- the event was last Saturday.
I think it went really well for a first tri. It was 150 m swim, 4.5 mile bike, and 1.5 mile run. Mia's strength is the bike ride. Her swim skills are good (better than mine!), but she hasn't put in much time training for the run. That's pretty much how it went in the tri. She held her own in the swim, did really well in the bike, and struggled in the run. But overall, it was a good experience. I think she's probably going to do more triathlons in the future...
I think it went really well for a first tri. It was 150 m swim, 4.5 mile bike, and 1.5 mile run. Mia's strength is the bike ride. Her swim skills are good (better than mine!), but she hasn't put in much time training for the run. That's pretty much how it went in the tri. She held her own in the swim, did really well in the bike, and struggled in the run. But overall, it was a good experience. I think she's probably going to do more triathlons in the future...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Memories
It's been another crazy week. I ran just 4 miles last week, and no long run. I was at the Toronto International Film Fest to watch the movie "Pisay", a film about our high school class, directed and written by my high school batchmates. The plan was to do 8 miles on Sunday, but we hardly got any sleep Th. and Friday night, and was traveling Saturday. So my body was wasted on Sunday.
The good news is that I ran yesterday (Monday), and there was no pain at all. I did 4.5 miles, running 4 miles straight at 5.5 mph at the treadmill. It felt really good. My HR was a bit high (ave. of 150), but otherwise my endurance still seems to be there. I am planning to do 18 miles this coming Saturday, so I need to ramp up the in-week runs.
The good news is that I ran yesterday (Monday), and there was no pain at all. I did 4.5 miles, running 4 miles straight at 5.5 mph at the treadmill. It felt really good. My HR was a bit high (ave. of 150), but otherwise my endurance still seems to be there. I am planning to do 18 miles this coming Saturday, so I need to ramp up the in-week runs.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Pressed for time
It's been quite hectic, I couldn't find time to run during the week. So I decided last night to go to the gym around midnight to run on the treadmill. When I got there, no one was at the receptionist's table, and the front doors were locked. I could see people (a few) working out, but no staff. So I decided to come back home and run on our treadmill. I did 45 min, around 3.5 miles, average HR of 137 bpm. I ran the first 3 miles at 12 min pace. I finally went to bed around 2:30 AM.
The following day (today), I was so tired in the afternoon, I needed a cup of coffee (my first in a long time) to keep going. Then I had to cram for Taekwondo testing in the evening. I think I passed- missed a couple of ho-sin-sools, but broke the board again in one shot. So I think I am getting my blue belt. Unfortunately, I may have to give up Taekwondo for a few months, at least until the marathon is over. This aging body just can't take all that pounding anymore.
The following day (today), I was so tired in the afternoon, I needed a cup of coffee (my first in a long time) to keep going. Then I had to cram for Taekwondo testing in the evening. I think I passed- missed a couple of ho-sin-sools, but broke the board again in one shot. So I think I am getting my blue belt. Unfortunately, I may have to give up Taekwondo for a few months, at least until the marathon is over. This aging body just can't take all that pounding anymore.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Spreading the word
Today, I started sending out email to friends and family about GK and why I am running this marathon. My plan is to also send actual letters to a few others, to ask them to support me and GK as I train for and run the Raleigh marathon in November. I guess I should have done this earlier- my running mates have all started. I may be the last to start my partnership drive.
I suspect there are a few reasons why it took me a while. First, I wanted to be sure I can get to the start line healthy, injury-free, AND with more than a good chance of finishing. As I have intimated in some of my posts, I run more with pain than pain-free, and the balance between training and suffering is something I am still learning. (Or is training= suffering? Hah!) Second, it is not easy for me to ask friends, old classmates, college "brothers and sisters", neighbors, and colleagues, for funds. Almost all of us probably are inundated with requests for support for this or that cause. I am shy about these things, but GK is more than a worthy cause, it may be one of the few bright spots for the Philippines. Lastly, I think I waited to see if I can really reach the finish line. After my 16 mile long run last weekend, I am more confident now that I can do 26.2, by hook or by crook, and if I have to crawl the last few miles, I will do it.
I just hope and pray I can get as many partners for GK, and that all this training will lead to at least one house for a poor family in the Philippines. I know what to do for the training part, but the fund-raising part, I have no previous experience. As always, it is "do your best".
I suspect there are a few reasons why it took me a while. First, I wanted to be sure I can get to the start line healthy, injury-free, AND with more than a good chance of finishing. As I have intimated in some of my posts, I run more with pain than pain-free, and the balance between training and suffering is something I am still learning. (Or is training= suffering? Hah!) Second, it is not easy for me to ask friends, old classmates, college "brothers and sisters", neighbors, and colleagues, for funds. Almost all of us probably are inundated with requests for support for this or that cause. I am shy about these things, but GK is more than a worthy cause, it may be one of the few bright spots for the Philippines. Lastly, I think I waited to see if I can really reach the finish line. After my 16 mile long run last weekend, I am more confident now that I can do 26.2, by hook or by crook, and if I have to crawl the last few miles, I will do it.
I just hope and pray I can get as many partners for GK, and that all this training will lead to at least one house for a poor family in the Philippines. I know what to do for the training part, but the fund-raising part, I have no previous experience. As always, it is "do your best".
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Running on (jet) fumes
This week was just o-so-busy; I wasn't able to run much or post. I couldn't even get to the gym- and did the treadmill at home, before the kids woke up. I got about 2.5 miles in last Thursday morning, that was it. I felt tired the whole week- just too many things to take care of at work, several deadlines. I wasn't getting much sleep, either. I was running on fumes the whole week.
So Saturday came without much training, and I had planned to run 16 miles at Umstead. Jeff had an accident the previous week- while trying to avoid a dog while running in Raleigh, he fell down and fractured his left distal bone. His doctor told him he could still run on a treadmill, but no trails for 4 weeks.
So I got Tony to come to Umstead: Efren and Ed couldn't make it. Tony planned to run 8 miles, and I was to do 16. We figured we'd do the Graylyn to Reedy Creek Trail, then turn right on Reedy Creek all the way past Airport overlook, to the West gate. It was 4 miles one way; so Tony would do one loop; I would do 2 back and forths. We did 5 min run/1 min walk at an easy pace. We got to the West gate in exactly one hour, so the pace was close to 15 min/mile (with 2 or 3 bathroom breaks:). This route is less hilly than the one to the Reedy Creek road, and is less frequented by runners.
I did ok the first 8 miles- an easy pace, and HR averaged 137. I had only one Gu in my bag, so I ate it after 8 miles, refilled my Fuel Belt (16 oz Powerade and 16 oz water), then set off to do another 8 miles. The first 4 miles back to the West gate was easy. I decided to pick up the pace, and did the 4 miles in 48 min. However, from around Airport overlook to West gate, I started to smell a ketone/alcohol smell. This was around 9:30 AM. I knew it wasn't me :), and with trees and forest all around me, I couldn't imagine some kind of hazardous dumpsite nearby. I finally figured it was jet fuel - from the planes taking off from the airport! So this is the big revelation about Umstead- the part close to the airport smells like jet fuel around 9:30 - 11 AM, when the air traffic gets going! Well, it didn't help my run during miles 10-14, when I was breathing all this stuff. It is a state forest, but these trees can't absorb the smell, at least during this part of the day.
The other problem was that I felt I needed another Gu around mile 14. I was running on empty that last 1.5 miles. I emptied my Fuel Belt, took in as much Powerade as I could, but I needed more carbs. Last week, I ate 1 Gu, 1 Powergel, and 1 Hammergel for 14 miles. Here, I was doing 16 miles on just 1 Gu. I had some salt tablets; in desperation, I took them with water, but it didn't help. I struggled the last mile, and had to do 3/1 up the hill on Graylyn. I still did the last 4 miles in 50 min, but it was a struggle the last mile.
So in all, I did the first 8 miles in 120 min (15 min/mile), and the last 8 miles in 98 min. (12.25 min/mile). It was a triumph in one sense- this is the farthest run I've ever done. But I got a few lessons. One is take extra Gu, and eat one every hour. Second, start slow- if I do the first half of the marathon in 3 hours, that's ok. I am almost sure I will do a negative time-split (faster second half), as long as I survive. Third, avoid the West gate route from 9:30 -11. I don't want to be running on jet fumes.
Recovery: as I type this in on Sunday morning, I feel quite good. My knees ached when I got up this morning, but a 1.5 mile slow bike ride (riding support for Mia and Annetta's triathlon dry run) this morning did wonders. I feel fine.
So Saturday came without much training, and I had planned to run 16 miles at Umstead. Jeff had an accident the previous week- while trying to avoid a dog while running in Raleigh, he fell down and fractured his left distal bone. His doctor told him he could still run on a treadmill, but no trails for 4 weeks.
So I got Tony to come to Umstead: Efren and Ed couldn't make it. Tony planned to run 8 miles, and I was to do 16. We figured we'd do the Graylyn to Reedy Creek Trail, then turn right on Reedy Creek all the way past Airport overlook, to the West gate. It was 4 miles one way; so Tony would do one loop; I would do 2 back and forths. We did 5 min run/1 min walk at an easy pace. We got to the West gate in exactly one hour, so the pace was close to 15 min/mile (with 2 or 3 bathroom breaks:). This route is less hilly than the one to the Reedy Creek road, and is less frequented by runners.
I did ok the first 8 miles- an easy pace, and HR averaged 137. I had only one Gu in my bag, so I ate it after 8 miles, refilled my Fuel Belt (16 oz Powerade and 16 oz water), then set off to do another 8 miles. The first 4 miles back to the West gate was easy. I decided to pick up the pace, and did the 4 miles in 48 min. However, from around Airport overlook to West gate, I started to smell a ketone/alcohol smell. This was around 9:30 AM. I knew it wasn't me :), and with trees and forest all around me, I couldn't imagine some kind of hazardous dumpsite nearby. I finally figured it was jet fuel - from the planes taking off from the airport! So this is the big revelation about Umstead- the part close to the airport smells like jet fuel around 9:30 - 11 AM, when the air traffic gets going! Well, it didn't help my run during miles 10-14, when I was breathing all this stuff. It is a state forest, but these trees can't absorb the smell, at least during this part of the day.
The other problem was that I felt I needed another Gu around mile 14. I was running on empty that last 1.5 miles. I emptied my Fuel Belt, took in as much Powerade as I could, but I needed more carbs. Last week, I ate 1 Gu, 1 Powergel, and 1 Hammergel for 14 miles. Here, I was doing 16 miles on just 1 Gu. I had some salt tablets; in desperation, I took them with water, but it didn't help. I struggled the last mile, and had to do 3/1 up the hill on Graylyn. I still did the last 4 miles in 50 min, but it was a struggle the last mile.
So in all, I did the first 8 miles in 120 min (15 min/mile), and the last 8 miles in 98 min. (12.25 min/mile). It was a triumph in one sense- this is the farthest run I've ever done. But I got a few lessons. One is take extra Gu, and eat one every hour. Second, start slow- if I do the first half of the marathon in 3 hours, that's ok. I am almost sure I will do a negative time-split (faster second half), as long as I survive. Third, avoid the West gate route from 9:30 -11. I don't want to be running on jet fumes.
Recovery: as I type this in on Sunday morning, I feel quite good. My knees ached when I got up this morning, but a 1.5 mile slow bike ride (riding support for Mia and Annetta's triathlon dry run) this morning did wonders. I feel fine.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Feeling good
Saturday, I ran with Efren from the GK Hero's Run Team. He was scheduled to do 8 miles; I planned on 14. So we went to Umstead, and did the Graylyn to Reedy Creek to S. Turkey Creek and back. We ran for exactly 2 hours, so I figured we did at least 8 miles. Then I continued and ran for another 1.5 hours, to Sycamore Trail, then Graylyn and part of Reedy Creek and back.
A few running notes- at a slower pace (maybe 14 min-mile), my HR never really went above 140-150, with an average of maybe 120. I went faster up a few hills, just to see if my HR would go up, and it did rise to 162. I felt really fresh the entire 8 miles, just relaxed. The Fuel Belt was great- it never bothered me, and the 8 oz x 4 (32 oz) was more than enough for 8 miles, until I had to refuel at the car. My solo run after Efren left was a little faster, I think. My HR was a little higher, above 155 most of the time. My average for the entire 3.5 hours was 137. So I think I definitely ran for more than 14 miles.
I felt I could have stayed longer and run another hour or so, but I didn't push it. There was some pain in the left knee (ITB), and I would run ahead of Efren and try to stretch it out. I consumed 1 hammer gel and 1 powerbar gel. I think I like the former more than the latter - the powerbar gel had caffeine which raised my HR quickly. But in general, it was a nice long run. I was walking, not limping afterwards. I really think the new run form was working. I am more certain now that I can finish 26.2 miles. I can do more than half, so all I have to do is do it again!
I plan to start sending GK pledge letters this week. I have talked to several of my prospective sponsors and they're expecting it. I hope this goes as well as the training.
A few running notes- at a slower pace (maybe 14 min-mile), my HR never really went above 140-150, with an average of maybe 120. I went faster up a few hills, just to see if my HR would go up, and it did rise to 162. I felt really fresh the entire 8 miles, just relaxed. The Fuel Belt was great- it never bothered me, and the 8 oz x 4 (32 oz) was more than enough for 8 miles, until I had to refuel at the car. My solo run after Efren left was a little faster, I think. My HR was a little higher, above 155 most of the time. My average for the entire 3.5 hours was 137. So I think I definitely ran for more than 14 miles.
I felt I could have stayed longer and run another hour or so, but I didn't push it. There was some pain in the left knee (ITB), and I would run ahead of Efren and try to stretch it out. I consumed 1 hammer gel and 1 powerbar gel. I think I like the former more than the latter - the powerbar gel had caffeine which raised my HR quickly. But in general, it was a nice long run. I was walking, not limping afterwards. I really think the new run form was working. I am more certain now that I can finish 26.2 miles. I can do more than half, so all I have to do is do it again!
I plan to start sending GK pledge letters this week. I have talked to several of my prospective sponsors and they're expecting it. I hope this goes as well as the training.
Winners
This is a late post- should have written this last Friday...
One of my students had her MS defense last Thursday. She did an awesome job- great presentation, great thesis. I probably gave her the most challenging MS project, and she did it. She learned, worked hard, and had a really good attitude throughout her studies. I am quite proud to be her adviser- she is one of those students whom you know will just succeed in life. In the words of another professor, she is a winner.
Thursday night, my wife and I went to a murder-mystery dinner, a whodunit sponsored by her company. There were 6 actors, who staged a performance interspered through dinner and dessert. It was quite fun, and we enjoyed it. The kicker was that each table had to forma detective agency and solve the case. Well, our table, the Hugh Killam and Will Ketcham Detective agency, was the first to solve it, and had the most complete solution. So we won some neat prizes! Overall, a day for winners- if only every day was like this :)
One of my students had her MS defense last Thursday. She did an awesome job- great presentation, great thesis. I probably gave her the most challenging MS project, and she did it. She learned, worked hard, and had a really good attitude throughout her studies. I am quite proud to be her adviser- she is one of those students whom you know will just succeed in life. In the words of another professor, she is a winner.
Thursday night, my wife and I went to a murder-mystery dinner, a whodunit sponsored by her company. There were 6 actors, who staged a performance interspered through dinner and dessert. It was quite fun, and we enjoyed it. The kicker was that each table had to forma detective agency and solve the case. Well, our table, the Hugh Killam and Will Ketcham Detective agency, was the first to solve it, and had the most complete solution. So we won some neat prizes! Overall, a day for winners- if only every day was like this :)
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