Boston Marathon Solidarity

The bombings at the 117th Boston Marathon were cowardly and horrible.

I'm grateful that no one I know personally was injured in the attacks, but I feel sorrow for those affected and my thoughts and prayers continue to go out to them.

In contrast, my spirit is buoyed by the incredible response of both Bostoners and people around the country.

First, this happened, and we were all stunned and shocked and horrified.

Then this happened, and we were reminded of how strong the people of Boston and its marathon are.

Then Patton Oswalt spoke up, and Stephen Colbert intro'd his show with this.

The Colbert Report

And people all over the country joined together in support of Boston and the people affected.

Seeing this arena-wide singing of the National Anthem at the Boston Bruins game on Wed, 4/17/13, brings tears to my eyes. Beautiful song, and a beautiful response as a city.

This quote by Mr Rogers has come up multiple times in the past couple years, and I find additional comfort in his reminder of the helpers and how many more people want to do good in this world than seek to do evil and harm innocents.

God bless Boston and its people, and I hope those responsible are brought to justice soon.

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Metallica Monday: Fuel

The saga of my healing from a torn Achilles tendon continues...

My doc and the PT cleared me just this month to begin doing workouts again, and it's been awesome.

Not working out was driving me absolutely crazy, so I've loved getting back to the gym.

Mainly I've been swimming and biking, and this week I've done a little on the elliptical.

And those sweet, sweet endorphins just keep fueling my fire to want to get back in shape for races and triathlons this summer, and to drop all the unwanted pounds I've put on both before and after the injury.

Which is why today's Metallica Monday song is none other than:

Fuel

If that video and song doesn't get you pumped up, I don't know what will.

So what fuels you?

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My First Marathon: Guest Post on "Leaving the Nest"

I've been invited to do a couple guest posts, and I'll admit that I've slacked on getting them done.

But the LaMays invited me to share a first experience on their "Leaving the Nest" blog, so I buckled down and got it to them just in the nick of time.

For my topic, I chose to discuss the experience of my first marathon.

Check out my guest post, including some pictures of skinny runner me, by clicking here.

Have you guest posted before? What was your experience?

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My High School Track is on ESPN!

Oh yeah, and there is a football game going on inside it, too.

Go Cottonwood Colts!

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Get Up and Finish the Race - Inspirational Runner Videos

I was/am in need of a major pick-me-up today, and sometimes YouTube fits that bill.
Especially when it involves running and overcoming the odds and obstacles.

Here are a couple that gave me a boost, just in case you need one, too.

Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire

Heather Dorniden, 2008 Big Ten Indoor Track Championships

Derek Redmond, 1992 Summer Olympics

I feel a little better already.

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2012 Cherry Blossom 10-Miler

After two years of unsuccessful attempts to get into the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler, my lottery submission was finally drawn, so this year I didn't have to just be a spectator!

Though my training was hampered by injuries in the months leading up to race day, I was determined to start and complete the course, even if my pace would be super slow compared to what I'd usually like.

The conditions were excellent on race morning, and I stuck with my planned race pace almost exactly. Through 5 miles, I was feeling alright and right on 10 min/mile.

Half way, still rockin' it

Just after the mid-way point, a few major muscles started to tighten up. I attribute this to terrible training, but I figured if I didn't push too hard they'd last the remaining miles. Luckily I was right.

Finishing strong

I'd wanted to push the last 2 miles, but with how things were hurting and not wanting to re-aggravate injuries, I decided to hold off until a mile to go. That worked great, as I still had the energy to push hard up the hill at 1200m and then all the way through the finish line on the nice, flat 800m straightaway.

With my fast final mile, I ran a 1:39:27 (9:57 min/mile pace) 10-miler, and I am very happy with that.

See? Look how happy I am (to be done)!

My cheering section had spotted me at the 5-mile mark and then again at the end, so we met up afterwards, got a picture, and then headed for the metro.

With my cheering section

Considering my conditioning (or lack thereof), I'm content with my 2012 Cherry Blossom 10-Miler. If I get selected for next year's lottery, you can bet I'm planning to obliterate that time.

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WIE Weekend 2012

Ah, another WIE (Where Is Everybody?) weekend in Ocean City, MD, has come and gone. Just like last year's WIE excursion, plenty of friends were along for the adventure, and I believe we all had a great time.

On Friday night, we missed the run since we couldn't get away from DC until after 5, but we did get there for the game playing and dance party. Pong was the primary diversion, as well as a little Twister.

The triumphant pong crusaders

Saturday morning, we were up (relatively) bright and early, ready for the run.

Some preferred to do cheerleader stretches...

...while others practiced for future live-action modern art/dance installations.

After riding the bus up close to the Delaware border, we circled up, with a few "shots fired" takedowns for good measure, including one on me. I felt it was coming, and he attacked from behind, so I couldn't stop it.

Three of our group decided to take a dip in the ocean.
They got their clothes back little by little over the next few miles of running.

With the run completed, we took a break and some showed off their fashion sense before either continuing to run all the way home or hopping on the bus back.

What comes after the run and lunch? Why the bonfire on the beach, of course!

The weather was cold and windy so close to the water, so we definitely huddled as close as we could around the fire.

 

 

Early March beach modeling

A little sun worshiping was in order

After a long circle (the bonfire norm at WIE), they may have roasted marshmallows or hot dogs, but I was tired so I went to take a quick nap. Then everyone got presentable, and we headed to dinner and the evening's festivities.

I don't remember why, but it was hilarious at the time. Trust me.

Stop #2 was fairly chill, followed by the American Legion where we sang karaoke, made human pyramids, and tested our hula hoop skills. These next three pictures are probably for my favorites of the entire trip. Such a bunch of characters!

Looks like she's been studying

What a lovely Titanic tattoo you have!

This 6-person pyramid worked; all larger attempts failed dismally

Slight contrast in styles here

You don't need a mic or a chair to join in the karaoke

I haven't done a hula hoop in quite a while, but it was actually quite fun and I surprisingly was able to keep it going for a decent amount of time. Okay, like 30 seconds or so, but it felt long!

After American Legion, we ended the night with some dancing at Seacrets. Again, they had a cover band which was rocking out. That place really is pretty impressive. Too bad it isn't closer to DC.

2012 was definitely a successful WIE weekend, and I want to thank the organizers for putting it together and making things run so smoothly. Hope Ocean City is looking forward to this gang next year!

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Messages to My Left Calf and Other Related Parties

Dear left calf,
You suck. We aren't friends right now.
Regards,
Me

Dear running shoes,
I regret to inform you that our regularly scheduled dates are postponed until further notice. Please direct all complaints and resolution inquiries to left calf.
Always your friend,
Aaron

Dear Hasher friends (my running club),
While I've been attending and doing the walker trail in recent weeks, I really can't wait to be back in the pack and hunting those hares. True, I know the FRBs are the real chasers, but I like feeling useful in solving a check here and there. Also, I'm hoping to be back to hare the St Patty's trail.
On on,
LDS

Dear scientists,
How are the cyborg experiments going? I am ready for a new left calf, because my current one hates me and won't let me get through runs without pain. Robocop was made in 1987, so you've got to be close. I mean, hoverboards from Back to the Future (1985) are in pre-order already (see attached picture). Please keep me posted.
Anxiously awaiting your response,
Aaron

Dear icepack & DVR,
Thank you for supporting me in this trying time and for providing comfort to ease my pain. I know I don't pay you much attention when I'm not injured, so it means a lot for you to step up when I need you.
Much appreciation,
Aaron
PS Sadly, I can guarantee that as soon as I'm healed, you'll again get very little attention*. C'est la vie!

Dear roads, sidewalks, trails, and treadmills,
I will miss you while I'm unable to visit. Just know that you always provide clarification and mental cleansing, and I'll likely be a mess until we're reunited. In the Governator's words, "I'll be back." Hopefully sooner rather than later.
Achingly yours,
Aaron


Dear bicycle,
We will hopefully be getting reacquainted in the next few weeks, so I hope you're ready to roll (pun intended). This is dependent on your cooperation with left calf, who is being finicky lately. I'll be making large quantities of Gatorade to our parties, along with a little chain grease for you. If the groundhog was right and weather stays/gets cold, our old friend the CycleOps trainer will also join us. I promise he's a good time, and you two get along swimmingly.
Ready to pedal,
Aaron

Dear pool,
I just wrote to bicycle and was reminded that you and I are out of touch. Such a tragedy. Given my current spat with left calf, I look forward to reuniting with you and bicycle on a regular basis. Please be ready and at the appropriate temperature for swim training. Also, not too much chlorine if you can help it.
You're the best dive I know,
Aaron


Dear left calf (again),
I'm sorry I was hard on you earlier. It's just really hard waking up and knowing that you're keeping me from my running. For so long, you were a contributor, and now you're holding the team back. Please remember that there's no "I" in team... or in calf.
Pulling my weight, how about you?
Aaron


Dear healthy diet and old man body of mine,
Let's pitch in and help left calf get better soon. When he's unhappy, no one's happy.
You know it's true,
Aaron


*Except DVR will still get used for Justified. How does neither Hulu nor FX offer full episodes?

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Lost Art: The Wave

Lately I've noticed a few types of waves that aren't done as often as they used to be.
The decline of all three makes me sad.
Let's all work together to bring them back. Wavers unite!

Passing other runners
Unless you're a super hardcore runner in the middle of your speed workout, you should wave hello.
You're not too cool to show solidarity for a fellow athlete. You just aren't.
If it helps motivate you to wave, feel free to consider raising your hand as an arm-toning move.

Sports games
Memories from my childhood fuel my sadness at the struggle to get sports fans to do the wave.
Going to BYU and UofU football games with my dad and brothers, we loved watching the phenomenon going around the stadium, and we excitedly popped up and flung our arms in the air.
I hope parents are still teaching kids to do this, because it's a grand tradition at games.

Waving at other cars
Oh, you just let me into your lane? Then I'll give you a courtesy wave.
Would you like to come into my driving lane? Sure, I'll wave to let you know that I acknowledge your coming over and that I'll give you plenty of space to do so.
Not something I learned in Driver's Ed class. My folks taught me this, and I'm grateful for that lesson.

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I'm a Freak. I'm a Weirdo. [Vibram FiveFingers]

I now own Vibram FiveFingers shoes.

Don't judge.

Even though I used to.

Alright, go ahead and judge.

I've run a few times in my new KSO's, and there's definitely a difference.
Stabilizing muscles are getting used that aren't accustomed to being used while running.
This is a good thing, as I hope it will strengthen more of my leg and make me less susceptible to injury.

Don't worry, I'm easing into them, as I was instructed to do.

Honestly, I think my body will adapt to them long before my brain or pride does.

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Phil's Fancy Toy Party

I'm used to seeing all my running friends in grubbies and sweaty and gross. That's the normal.

Lucky for us, Phil threw a toy-gathering party, and formal attire was strongly encouraged.

Check out how good we look!

With Phil, the evening's excellent host

  

 

Oh yeah, we clean up well. Plus, the kids got a bunch of toys for Christmas. Thanks, Phil!

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