Let me start off by saying the Chicago Marathon was an incredible experience. I will also say it was likely the most difficult running day conditions I have ever experienced or chose to participate running in period.
Here is a recap of the race (from what I can remember) due to incredible amounts of sweat and attempts at pretty much failed attempts at proper hydration:
Start Line and Grant Park Crowds: After saying goodbye to my lovely girlfriend Susan and her wishing me luck I did my best to weave my way up to the 4 hr 30 min to 4 hr 45 min pace groups. I found a good spot by a couple of people who were sitting down which I decided was a good idea so as not to waste needless energy (so I sat down with them...while apparently the rest of the Chicago Marathon crowd decided to stand around us.) The National Anthem sung by Jo Dee Messina
was a nice pre-race motivation.
The Start and to Mile 1:
The gun goes off and after 19 minutes and 20 seconds I finally get to cross the starting line;) I get into a comfortable 10:30 to 10 minute pace early so as to stretch and not go out too fast. Pacing is key and from the previous 2 marathons I have done I know all too well about the importance of pacing properly early.
The crowds, number of runners and roar of the crowd is amazing. I have never been in a race with so many people cheering others on...it was truly amazing. Across a bridge and then under a bridge with everyone yelling fired me up as I started to pick up the pace just a little.
Mile 2: Approaching my first scheduled water break it became apparent that getting water might prove to be a bit difficult on this hot and humid day. Apparently I was on the wrong side of the street and this water stop was going to be skipped. I wasnt all that concerned so I thought to myself I would get water at Mile 4. Looking down at my watch as I crossed Mile 2 I was on a perfect 10 min / mile pace. I was feeling good.
Miles 3 to 4:
Approaching the first 5K I noticed I was sweating more than usual and the sun was now peaking around the corners of the tall Chicago buildings. Approaching Mile 4 I realized I would now need to start hydrating early and often..as I knew it was early and it was already getting hot. The problem now being that I realized everyone else in this marathon was getting hot and thirsty at the same time. Not wanting to panic and being stubborn that I wasnt going to stop my good pace now I elected not to fight the crowd on the right side of the street trying to get water and Gatorade which seemed to be in short supply. So, instead of water...I ate my Energy Strawberry Banana Gu Gel at mile 4 hoping that would provide some stability and energy to Miles 5 to 6.
Miles 5 to 6:
I was wrong about the Strawberry Banana Energy Gu Gel. Although it provided likely a little extra energy, this was not a supplement for proper hydration and I paid for it dearly in the coming miles. Knowing and now feeling that I was in dire need of water and/or Gatorade I was on the right side of the street...looking for the Gatorade signs that signaled a water station. I then saw it just after Mile 6 along with the 50 to 100 other people huddling around the tables for any sign of water and/or Gatorade. After hearing the volunteers telling us they were out of water and Gatorade, but there was water just a little further down was quite a bit disheartening and mentally demoralizing. Thankfully, I did find some water...albeit with about 2-3 minutes of searching and waiting for it to be given to me....but I did get some finally. After an hour of running the heat is already an issue.
Miles 7 to 10:
After the 1st hydration fiasco...I now was becoming very concerned about the amount of sweat that was STILL on my body and not evaporating...thus not enabling my body to cool effectively. My shorts were drenched and were hitting my legs on each stride I took. Mile 8 and 9 were tough and I remember that I had never felt as drained early in a marathon as at this time. Not a good feeling. Mile 10 I remember trying to get water again and the only water at this station was a guy dipping cups into a bucket of water and giving it to people. Simply put...there was not enough supply of water at the time of demand and need. This was unfortunate.
Miles 11 to 13:
It was at mile 11.5 I felt it was necessary to start walking a little. This was very frustrating especially knowing that I had completed 2 16-19 mile runs before without walking. I was just sweating too much and not getting enough fluids. If I wanted to finish without getting sick or risking injury I needed to start walking....and so I did.
Miles 13 to 14:
The halfway point was reached in 2 hrs 41 minutes and I can utterly say I was mentally ready to quit. Knowing that a sub 5 hour time was out of reach and not knowing if water was going to be in supply...I was looking for a way off the course. I could not find a taxi...so I kept going.
Miles 15 to 16:
I was now a little miffed that I was doing so badly...and that I was mentally giving up. I was not in the best shape, but I do know I put the training miles in so I should have been able to hydrate and at least finish. I ran walked some more...and thankfully to a guy who stopped and encouraged me from Minneapolis, Minnesota a little...I think that led me to at least me getting a finishers medal.
Miles 17 to (stopped race finish):
So according to the official marathon statement...the race was cancelled and runners were re-routed back to Grant Park from the 1/2 marathon point if u hadnt reached it by 3.5 hours or 11:30am. Others were allowed to continue.... I crossed the 1/2 marathon at 2 hrs 41 minutes and mile 16 before 3 hrs 30min even with a 19 minute gun delay...yet...me and others were forced back to Grant Park early and were not allowed to finish the race. I have some other friends who were allowed to finish with times of 5hr 45 min and 6 hr respectively, but the police around me directed us back toward the finish line bypassing the final 9-10 miles. This was frustrating...but all the same I likely would have had to withdraw from the race due to the heat and lack of proper hydration.
As many are frustrated at the marathon organizers for the decision to cancel the race early...I believe this was the best decision to be made due to the number of amateur runners in the race. It is just not a good decision to continue something that continues to get worse. As others will likely argue...I still believe the race directors made a decision that was needed due to the extreme heat, humidity, number of medical emergencies and apparent short supply of water and Gatorade.
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Chicago 2007 Marathon Weather Forecast...Wowsers!
Well...well...yesterday I checked the Chicago Metro forecast and it was suggesting a cooler day (lower 70's for a High). Now the weather story seems to be a bit different as of today...I am hoping for a cool front to come through Chicago early for a cooler marathon experience;)
Accuweather as of 10/3/07 @ 4:05 CT says a high of 86 degrees and hot and humid for Sunday Oct 7th!
AccuWeather Oct. 7th, 2007 Chicago Marathon Forecast
High: 86 °F RealFeel®: 86 °F
Very warm with the temperature tying the record from 1947 with intervals of clouds and sunshine.
Not exactly my idea of a fun weather situation for a marathon experience being that it will be quite hot and humid. All the same..I'm looking forward to the Chicago Marathon and will enjoy it all the same...just wish it would be cooler than lower to mid 80's in October!
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Accuweather as of 10/3/07 @ 4:05 CT says a high of 86 degrees and hot and humid for Sunday Oct 7th!
AccuWeather Oct. 7th, 2007 Chicago Marathon Forecast
High: 86 °F RealFeel®: 86 °F
Very warm with the temperature tying the record from 1947 with intervals of clouds and sunshine.
Not exactly my idea of a fun weather situation for a marathon experience being that it will be quite hot and humid. All the same..I'm looking forward to the Chicago Marathon and will enjoy it all the same...just wish it would be cooler than lower to mid 80's in October!
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Monday, October 01, 2007
Going the distance
By measuring marathon course meter by meter, JAY WIGHT assures runners of fair race
September 30, 2007
BY ESTHER J. CEPEDA ecepeda@suntimes.com
Armed only with a battered bicycle, a handlebar-mounted note pad and an ultra-low-tech odometer, Jay Wight painstakingly measures every inch of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon course.
After race organizers have spent most of a year tying themselves into logistical knots by checking traffic patterns, ordering 50,000 Mylar blankets and securing 22,000 feet of fence, Wight comes in a few weeks before race day and methodically clicks off every single meter of the course so that elite and weekend runners alike can rest assured they've run a course that's no longer or shorter than the standards set by the guys with the yardsticks at USA Track and Field.
''Marksmen say their guns aren't weapons, they're tools,'' said Wight, 50, a two-marathon vet from Hoffman Estates who has been measuring ''the Chicago'' -- as it's known to runners all over the world -- for 20 years. ''This is my tool. I've got another bike at home, but it's just a bicycle.''
His ride, a bordering-on-rusty gray Trek, has a special counter -- a variation of the Jones counter that has been used to measure Olympic marathons since 1976 -- mounted on its front axle. It counts every revolution of the wheel and clicks them onto a counter on his handlebars through a cable.
Twice before the big day, he's on the course at 5 or 6 a.m. on Sundays, armed with his spray paint, hammer and nails for the three-hour ride to measure and mark the entire course.
''There's a half-mile calibration course on the lakefront that was set up in 1985, and I ride it first to make sure I know how many counts I have in each meter,'' Wight said.
It gets way more technical after that, with splits counted and marked at every kilometer and every mile.
''I've tried GPS and I have an electronic bicycle calculator, but it's just not as reliable as the tried-and-true method,'' Wight told me as we stood at the X-marked spot that will be the finish line next Sunday. ''For instance, GPS doesn't work well in any place with tall buildings, and it's only true within a range of five to 10 meters. Plus, it doesn't register elevations.''
But do a few feet here or there really matter?
''People come to Chicago to run fast,'' he said. ''If a record is set, it has to be exact. The course can never be shorter.''
In fact, it's so crucial that the course not be too short that there's a little ''just in case'' -- a ''fudge factor,'' if you will.
''We figure in one meter per kilometer, so it is possible that, depending on the route, a person could run 42,237 meters instead of the 42,195 I've certified the course as.''
On race day, the tool stays home and the toy comes out. Wight gets to be the race leader, riding a scooter -- ''so I can actually stay ahead of guys who run the thing in 2 hours and 5 minutes'' -- to verify that the winner actually ran the entire course as it was certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
The Chicago Marathon is but one of the 82 courses Wight, Illinois' race-course measurement certifier, has given his blessing to. Here are some tips he has for the competitors:
''Know the course, hug the curves and run the tangents.''
The course is on the marathon's Web site, so that part is easy.
As for hugging the curves, ''You want to run the shortest distance, so if you're running down the middle of the course, you're probably running too far,'' he said.
And the tangents?
''Take the shortest distance between two points, know where the turns are and run on the diagonal through them,'' he said.
How about potential pitfalls?
''The bridges with their steel grates are the toughest, though at least the first one is covered with carpet,'' he said. ''The absolute worst spot is the underpass at Ashland between Cermak and Archer, north of Pilsen. It can get real bumpy and wet down there.''
He should know. A crash there during the measuring process last year left the front tire of his trusty steed ''lookin' like Pac-Man.''
His final words of wisdom: ''Run the shortest route, and you'll run faster. Just remember how the course was measured.''
September 30, 2007
BY ESTHER J. CEPEDA ecepeda@suntimes.com
Armed only with a battered bicycle, a handlebar-mounted note pad and an ultra-low-tech odometer, Jay Wight painstakingly measures every inch of the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon course.
After race organizers have spent most of a year tying themselves into logistical knots by checking traffic patterns, ordering 50,000 Mylar blankets and securing 22,000 feet of fence, Wight comes in a few weeks before race day and methodically clicks off every single meter of the course so that elite and weekend runners alike can rest assured they've run a course that's no longer or shorter than the standards set by the guys with the yardsticks at USA Track and Field.
''Marksmen say their guns aren't weapons, they're tools,'' said Wight, 50, a two-marathon vet from Hoffman Estates who has been measuring ''the Chicago'' -- as it's known to runners all over the world -- for 20 years. ''This is my tool. I've got another bike at home, but it's just a bicycle.''
His ride, a bordering-on-rusty gray Trek, has a special counter -- a variation of the Jones counter that has been used to measure Olympic marathons since 1976 -- mounted on its front axle. It counts every revolution of the wheel and clicks them onto a counter on his handlebars through a cable.
Twice before the big day, he's on the course at 5 or 6 a.m. on Sundays, armed with his spray paint, hammer and nails for the three-hour ride to measure and mark the entire course.
''There's a half-mile calibration course on the lakefront that was set up in 1985, and I ride it first to make sure I know how many counts I have in each meter,'' Wight said.
It gets way more technical after that, with splits counted and marked at every kilometer and every mile.
''I've tried GPS and I have an electronic bicycle calculator, but it's just not as reliable as the tried-and-true method,'' Wight told me as we stood at the X-marked spot that will be the finish line next Sunday. ''For instance, GPS doesn't work well in any place with tall buildings, and it's only true within a range of five to 10 meters. Plus, it doesn't register elevations.''
But do a few feet here or there really matter?
''People come to Chicago to run fast,'' he said. ''If a record is set, it has to be exact. The course can never be shorter.''
In fact, it's so crucial that the course not be too short that there's a little ''just in case'' -- a ''fudge factor,'' if you will.
''We figure in one meter per kilometer, so it is possible that, depending on the route, a person could run 42,237 meters instead of the 42,195 I've certified the course as.''
On race day, the tool stays home and the toy comes out. Wight gets to be the race leader, riding a scooter -- ''so I can actually stay ahead of guys who run the thing in 2 hours and 5 minutes'' -- to verify that the winner actually ran the entire course as it was certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations.
The Chicago Marathon is but one of the 82 courses Wight, Illinois' race-course measurement certifier, has given his blessing to. Here are some tips he has for the competitors:
''Know the course, hug the curves and run the tangents.''
The course is on the marathon's Web site, so that part is easy.
As for hugging the curves, ''You want to run the shortest distance, so if you're running down the middle of the course, you're probably running too far,'' he said.
And the tangents?
''Take the shortest distance between two points, know where the turns are and run on the diagonal through them,'' he said.
How about potential pitfalls?
''The bridges with their steel grates are the toughest, though at least the first one is covered with carpet,'' he said. ''The absolute worst spot is the underpass at Ashland between Cermak and Archer, north of Pilsen. It can get real bumpy and wet down there.''
He should know. A crash there during the measuring process last year left the front tire of his trusty steed ''lookin' like Pac-Man.''
His final words of wisdom: ''Run the shortest route, and you'll run faster. Just remember how the course was measured.''
Week 16: Chicago 2007 Marathon Training
Well the final week of Chicago 2007 marathon training is here and thankfully its taper time! What a long and enduring process its been with ups and downs, but I am thankful up to this point that I am healthy and injury free up to this point:)
My goal for the Chicago 2007 marathon is to purely finish of course:) Ideally, I would like to finish with a personal best of better than 4 hrs 27 minutes, but I dont see that happening based on the training times I have seen in the past 2 months.
Realistically, I see a 4 hr 45min to 5 hr marathon finish time unless I find a compelling reason to run reverse splits for the last 10 miles...(yea...that wont happen!...) It will be an amazing experience running with 44,999 other people:)
Mileage Targets for Week 16:
10/1: Ran 2.0 miles around SW OKC neighborhood
10/2: Rest
10/3: Ran 8 miles around Lake Hefner
10/4: REST
10/5: REST
10/6: REST
10/7: MARATHON TIME! 8am CT Downtown Grant Park...Chicago, IL!!!
Target Mileage: 10 miles
Actual Mileage: 10 miles
My goal for the Chicago 2007 marathon is to purely finish of course:) Ideally, I would like to finish with a personal best of better than 4 hrs 27 minutes, but I dont see that happening based on the training times I have seen in the past 2 months.
Realistically, I see a 4 hr 45min to 5 hr marathon finish time unless I find a compelling reason to run reverse splits for the last 10 miles...(yea...that wont happen!...) It will be an amazing experience running with 44,999 other people:)
Mileage Targets for Week 16:
10/1: Ran 2.0 miles around SW OKC neighborhood
10/2: Rest
10/3: Ran 8 miles around Lake Hefner
10/4: REST
10/5: REST
10/6: REST
10/7: MARATHON TIME! 8am CT Downtown Grant Park...Chicago, IL!!!
Target Mileage: 10 miles
Actual Mileage: 10 miles
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Week 15: Chicago 2007 Marathon Training
Its Taper Time:) I should already be tapering heavily...but since I am stubborn...I am still running...but this week I'll do about 25-30 miles this week and only about 5-9 miles next week before the marathon Oct. 7th:)
Chicago marathon is 10 days away! I'm pretty excited...although just excited to get to run in a major marathon for sure:)
9/24: Rest
9/25: Ran 4 miles around neighborhood
9/26: Ran 6.5 miles around neighborhood
9/27: Rest
9/28: Ran 2.0 miles
9/29: Ran 14 miles around Lake Hefner
9/30: Rest
Week 15 target mileage: 25-30 miles
Week 15 actual mileage: 26.5 miles
Chicago marathon is 10 days away! I'm pretty excited...although just excited to get to run in a major marathon for sure:)
9/24: Rest
9/25: Ran 4 miles around neighborhood
9/26: Ran 6.5 miles around neighborhood
9/27: Rest
9/28: Ran 2.0 miles
9/29: Ran 14 miles around Lake Hefner
9/30: Rest
Week 15 target mileage: 25-30 miles
Week 15 actual mileage: 26.5 miles
Monday, September 17, 2007
Week 14: Chicago 2007 Marathon Training
Week 13 update: Well, I got a good mental confidence boost by finishing a solid and consistent paced 16+ mile run this past Saturday morning. I walked and ran my last 3 miles for a total of a 19 mile run, but I did finish a long run which will be a good confidence booster for finishing the Chicago Marathon. I am definitely looking forward to it:)
9/17: Ran 4.5 miles around SW OKC.
9/18: Ran 6.5 miles around neighborhood
9/19: Ran 4.5 miles (10 min/mile marathon pace)
9/20: Ran 2.5 miles around neighborhood
9/21: Ran 7.0 miles around Lake Hefner
9/22: Rest Day
9/23: Ran 14.5 miles (finished a 16.5 mile route around Lake Hefner, but walked after 1/2 marathon) In other news I also almost got attacked by a dog on a leash with owner...that was fun after 16 miles of grueling running...;)
Target Week 14 mileage: 37-42 miles
Actual Week 14 mileage: 39.5 miles
It was a good last week of long run training although I am concerned about mileage after around 16-17 miles although that is nothing new to me. Both previous marathons I participated in I had to start walking/running after mile 17-18. Overall, my goal is to finish the marathon Oct. 7th, but with all the mileage put in it would be nice to finish under 4hr 30 min or be better than a 4hr 48 min time posted in my previous marathon this past April in the OKC Memorial Marathon. Chicago is 2 weeks away!:)
9/17: Ran 4.5 miles around SW OKC.
9/18: Ran 6.5 miles around neighborhood
9/19: Ran 4.5 miles (10 min/mile marathon pace)
9/20: Ran 2.5 miles around neighborhood
9/21: Ran 7.0 miles around Lake Hefner
9/22: Rest Day
9/23: Ran 14.5 miles (finished a 16.5 mile route around Lake Hefner, but walked after 1/2 marathon) In other news I also almost got attacked by a dog on a leash with owner...that was fun after 16 miles of grueling running...;)
Target Week 14 mileage: 37-42 miles
Actual Week 14 mileage: 39.5 miles
It was a good last week of long run training although I am concerned about mileage after around 16-17 miles although that is nothing new to me. Both previous marathons I participated in I had to start walking/running after mile 17-18. Overall, my goal is to finish the marathon Oct. 7th, but with all the mileage put in it would be nice to finish under 4hr 30 min or be better than a 4hr 48 min time posted in my previous marathon this past April in the OKC Memorial Marathon. Chicago is 2 weeks away!:)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Week 13 Chicago 2007 Marathon Training:
9/10: Rest Day
9/11: Ran 9.5 miles in 1 hr 35 min around Lake Hefner
9/12: Ran 2.5 easy miles around neighborhood
9/13: Ran 8.0 miles around Lake Hefner (did some light walking due to fatigue)
9/14: Rest Day
9/15: 19 miles around Lake Hefner!:) 3 hr 25 min.
9/16: Rest Day or light 2-3 miles...
Target Weekly Mileage: 40-45 miles
Actual Weekly Mileage:
Well, I finally got a long decent paced run in for about 17 miles at a 10:00 - 10:20 per mile pace:) Mentally this is just what I needed to ensure I can and will finish the Chicago Marathon (barring any injuries etc). Weather was beautiful at Lake Hefner today (Sept. 15th) with perfect long running temperatures.
9/11: Ran 9.5 miles in 1 hr 35 min around Lake Hefner
9/12: Ran 2.5 easy miles around neighborhood
9/13: Ran 8.0 miles around Lake Hefner (did some light walking due to fatigue)
9/14: Rest Day
9/15: 19 miles around Lake Hefner!:) 3 hr 25 min.
9/16: Rest Day or light 2-3 miles...
Target Weekly Mileage: 40-45 miles
Actual Weekly Mileage:
Well, I finally got a long decent paced run in for about 17 miles at a 10:00 - 10:20 per mile pace:) Mentally this is just what I needed to ensure I can and will finish the Chicago Marathon (barring any injuries etc). Weather was beautiful at Lake Hefner today (Sept. 15th) with perfect long running temperatures.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Week 12: Chicago Marathon Training 2007
Well here I am just outside of 1 month from the Chicago 2007 marathon on Oct. 7th and I can honestly say I am not near where I would like to be shape wise. Its been a long 4 months of inconsistent training in my eyes, but all the same...the overall goal is to stick with the training and finish the marathon come Oct. 7th.
As I have stated in a couple previous posts...my goal over the next 3 weeks is to get 3 good long runs in of 15-20 milers each Saturday morning leading up to a (1 week very short timeframe taper..I know should be 2 weeks...but I'll risk it) before marathon day Oct. 7th. I think if I can gain some endurance and actual non-walking mileage between 15-18 miles I'll know that I'll be able to finish the marathon. So...I'll keep ya posted on the long run progress....
Week 12 Chicago Marathon Training Schedule:
9/3: Rest Day
9/4: Ran 8.5 miles around neighborhood in SW OKC....
9/5: Ran 6.0 miles around neighborood in SW OKC...
9/6: Ran 6.0 miles in 1 hr around neighborhood in SW OKC...
9/7: 2.5 miles around neighborhood
9/8: 9.5 miles around Lake Hefner (was going to do 15-16, but was rained out;)
9/9: 9.5 miles around Lake Hefner
Target Week 12 Mileage: 40-45 miles
Actual Week 12 Mileage: 42 miles
*Long Runs were hampered due to weather, but I did get my mileage in...
**This next weekend is critical for me to have the mental confidence of finishing;)
As I have stated in a couple previous posts...my goal over the next 3 weeks is to get 3 good long runs in of 15-20 milers each Saturday morning leading up to a (1 week very short timeframe taper..I know should be 2 weeks...but I'll risk it) before marathon day Oct. 7th. I think if I can gain some endurance and actual non-walking mileage between 15-18 miles I'll know that I'll be able to finish the marathon. So...I'll keep ya posted on the long run progress....
Week 12 Chicago Marathon Training Schedule:
9/3: Rest Day
9/4: Ran 8.5 miles around neighborhood in SW OKC....
9/5: Ran 6.0 miles around neighborood in SW OKC...
9/6: Ran 6.0 miles in 1 hr around neighborhood in SW OKC...
9/7: 2.5 miles around neighborhood
9/8: 9.5 miles around Lake Hefner (was going to do 15-16, but was rained out;)
9/9: 9.5 miles around Lake Hefner
Target Week 12 Mileage: 40-45 miles
Actual Week 12 Mileage: 42 miles
*Long Runs were hampered due to weather, but I did get my mileage in...
**This next weekend is critical for me to have the mental confidence of finishing;)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Week 11: Chicago 2007 Marathon Training
Well...I finally got a week of 37+ miles in...however I know I will be struggling greatly to get to a point where I feel like I can "finish" the marathon within 5 hours. I just dont have the good long continuous runs under my belt lately. My goal over the next 3-4 weeks is to increase my long run mileage considerably so I can get up to around running 15-18+ miles somewhat comfortably. We'll see what happens:)
Week 11 Chicago Marathon Training Schedule:
8/27: Ran 2.5 miles around neighborhood
8/28: Rest...didnt get a chance to run:(
8/29: Ran 8.5 miles (very good constant and 9 minute pace/mi. running)
8/30: Only ran 2.5 miles...around my neighborhood.
8/31: Rest day
9/1: Ran 9.5 miles around Lake Hefner in 1 hr 35 minutes. (good run)
9/2: Ran 8.5 miles around neighborhood
Total Weekly Mileage Target: 44 miles
Actual Weekly Mileage Total: 31.5 miles
(unfortunately I am still way under target long run mileage per day, but my mileage is increasing weekly and I am running more comfortably for longer periods of time....its now a matter of getting comfortable with a 12-15+ mile run (and actually running one comfortably)...before marathon day Oct. 7th...I'll finish...it will just not be even close to my personal PR time of 4hr 27 min in the 2006 OKC Memorial Marathon.) Finishing is great...and anything under 5 hours at this juncture would be wonderful;)
Week 11 Chicago Marathon Training Schedule:
8/27: Ran 2.5 miles around neighborhood
8/28: Rest...didnt get a chance to run:(
8/29: Ran 8.5 miles (very good constant and 9 minute pace/mi. running)
8/30: Only ran 2.5 miles...around my neighborhood.
8/31: Rest day
9/1: Ran 9.5 miles around Lake Hefner in 1 hr 35 minutes. (good run)
9/2: Ran 8.5 miles around neighborhood
Total Weekly Mileage Target: 44 miles
Actual Weekly Mileage Total: 31.5 miles
(unfortunately I am still way under target long run mileage per day, but my mileage is increasing weekly and I am running more comfortably for longer periods of time....its now a matter of getting comfortable with a 12-15+ mile run (and actually running one comfortably)...before marathon day Oct. 7th...I'll finish...it will just not be even close to my personal PR time of 4hr 27 min in the 2006 OKC Memorial Marathon.) Finishing is great...and anything under 5 hours at this juncture would be wonderful;)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Week 10: Chicago 2007 Marathon Training
8/20: Ran 3.5 miles around neighborhood
8/21: Ran 8.5 good miles around Lake Hefner
8/22: Ran 3.5 miles around neighborhood
8/23: Ran 7 miles around neighborhood
8/24: Rest Day
8/25: Ran 2.5 miles around neighborhood
8/26: Ran 2 x 6.5 mile runs...one early morning...one late evening...So 13 miles...
Target miles for Week 10: 40-42 miles
Actual Week 10 mileage: 38 miles
So inevitably my pure goal for the Chicago Marathon is to finish. With having personal property stolen on a long run weekend...to work and moving...and cars flooding...its been a battle to find time to get the proper miles and nutrition in to really put a good marathon together. With that said...I am still going to do my best to "finish" the Chicago Marathon in under 5 hours which I think is definitely doable at a 11min/mile or so pace. Start slow...finish slower...is my motto going into the marathon:) Maybe this next 4 weeks of hard training and hopefully cooler weather before I taper is going to pay off...I definitely hope so:)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
8/21: Ran 8.5 good miles around Lake Hefner
8/22: Ran 3.5 miles around neighborhood
8/23: Ran 7 miles around neighborhood
8/24: Rest Day
8/25: Ran 2.5 miles around neighborhood
8/26: Ran 2 x 6.5 mile runs...one early morning...one late evening...So 13 miles...
Target miles for Week 10: 40-42 miles
Actual Week 10 mileage: 38 miles
So inevitably my pure goal for the Chicago Marathon is to finish. With having personal property stolen on a long run weekend...to work and moving...and cars flooding...its been a battle to find time to get the proper miles and nutrition in to really put a good marathon together. With that said...I am still going to do my best to "finish" the Chicago Marathon in under 5 hours which I think is definitely doable at a 11min/mile or so pace. Start slow...finish slower...is my motto going into the marathon:) Maybe this next 4 weeks of hard training and hopefully cooler weather before I taper is going to pay off...I definitely hope so:)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Week 9: Chicago Marathon Training
8/13: Ran 4.5 miles
8/14: Ran 5 miles
8/15: Ran 3 miles around Earlywine Park
8/16: Ran 7.o miles around Earlywine Park 9:00 min/mile pace...
8/17:
8/18:
8/19: Ran 3.5 miles around neighborhood.
Target mileage for Week 9 is: 42 miles
Actual mileage for Week 9 is: 23 miles (Due to flooding and moving...my mileage is not where it needs to be:( I am still hoping to "finish" the Chicago Marathon...:)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
8/14: Ran 5 miles
8/15: Ran 3 miles around Earlywine Park
8/16: Ran 7.o miles around Earlywine Park 9:00 min/mile pace...
8/17:
8/18:
8/19: Ran 3.5 miles around neighborhood.
Target mileage for Week 9 is: 42 miles
Actual mileage for Week 9 is: 23 miles (Due to flooding and moving...my mileage is not where it needs to be:( I am still hoping to "finish" the Chicago Marathon...:)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Monday, August 13, 2007
VMware IPO Priced At $29...
August 13, 2007, 6:36 pm
Posted by Eric Savitz
Posted by Eric Savitz
The IPO for VMware (VMW) has been priced at $29, at the high-end of the most recently stated range, the company announced this afternoon.
VMware is a subsidiary of EMC (EMC). After the offering, as noted earlier, EMC will own 85.9% of the company’s shares. Intel (INTC) will hold a 2.5% stake, while Cisco (CSCO) will own 1.6%, leaving 10% for the public.
EMC shares, which rose $1.33 to $19.05 in today’s regular session, gained another 31 cents in after hours trading.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Get Latitude/Longitude from Google Maps Fast!
Found this interesting tid bit when trying to locate latitude/longitude quickly from an already identified location on Google Maps...
Use the following Javascript code by pasting into your browser bar after locating a spot on google maps and wahla! Your lat/long coordinates display in a pop-up window:
javascript:void(prompt('',gApplication.getMap().getCenter()));
Resource: LifeHacker: how-to-find-latitude-and-longitude-267361.php
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Use the following Javascript code by pasting into your browser bar after locating a spot on google maps and wahla! Your lat/long coordinates display in a pop-up window:
javascript:void(prompt('',gApplication.getMap().getCenter()));
Resource: LifeHacker: how-to-find-latitude-and-longitude-267361.php
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Week 8: Chicago Marathon Training
8/6: Ran 2 miles
8/7: Ran 7.5 miles around Earlywine
8/8: Ran 3 miles around Earlywine
8/9: Ran 7.5 quality miles around Earlywine (8:30 pace)
8/10: Rest
8/11: Ran 9 miles around Dallas White Rock Lake.
8/12: Ran 1 mile around neighborhood.
Weekly mileage target: 39 miles
Actual Mileage: 30 miles (9 miles short due to the following)...
Had a fun weekend running around Dallas White Rock Lake on 8/11/07...not.
After getting back to my car after a 9 mile run... I find my drivers side window broken/smashed out and stereo along with a backpack of mine stolen...in the middle of a nice Saturday morning in broad daylight with a packed parking lot of cars around. What a wonderful society we live in... Very frustrating that this happened. Anyway, my mileage this week was not quite 39 miles unfortunately, but I anticipate running hopefully a 40+ mile week this week even considering the temperatures are forecasted at 102+ for at least 2 days this week:( I am just working up to a 20 mile run this time around as I know I wont break any PR's with this marathon, but my goal is to run it and finish...and I will do that either way...even if I am walking a considerable amount;)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
8/7: Ran 7.5 miles around Earlywine
8/8: Ran 3 miles around Earlywine
8/9: Ran 7.5 quality miles around Earlywine (8:30 pace)
8/10: Rest
8/11: Ran 9 miles around Dallas White Rock Lake.
8/12: Ran 1 mile around neighborhood.
Weekly mileage target: 39 miles
Actual Mileage: 30 miles (9 miles short due to the following)...
Had a fun weekend running around Dallas White Rock Lake on 8/11/07...not.
After getting back to my car after a 9 mile run... I find my drivers side window broken/smashed out and stereo along with a backpack of mine stolen...in the middle of a nice Saturday morning in broad daylight with a packed parking lot of cars around. What a wonderful society we live in... Very frustrating that this happened. Anyway, my mileage this week was not quite 39 miles unfortunately, but I anticipate running hopefully a 40+ mile week this week even considering the temperatures are forecasted at 102+ for at least 2 days this week:( I am just working up to a 20 mile run this time around as I know I wont break any PR's with this marathon, but my goal is to run it and finish...and I will do that either way...even if I am walking a considerable amount;)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Monday, August 06, 2007
Geron Corporation article...
Interesting article for Geron Corporation stock (GERN).
I sold almost my entire long position in GERN last week...but do hope to buy more in the future as I still am positive on the potential of this company. Unfortunately, the market and recent press releases on earnings has proved negative for this company.
http://mikesmarket.blogspot.com/
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
I sold almost my entire long position in GERN last week...but do hope to buy more in the future as I still am positive on the potential of this company. Unfortunately, the market and recent press releases on earnings has proved negative for this company.
http://mikesmarket.blogspot.com/
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Monday, July 30, 2007
Week 7: Chicago Marathon Training
7/30: Ran 4 miles around Earlywine
7/31: **Worked 18 hours...yuck...no running:(
8/1: Ran 4 miles around Earlywine
8/2: Ran 6 miles around Earlywine and felt great:)
8/3: No running due to errands and work...:(
8/4: Ran 4.5 in the morning and another 2.0 in the evening.
8/5: Ran 3 miles...
Target Miles for Week 7: 34 miles
Actual Miles: 23.5 miles (I think I have about 1 more week to see if Chicago is still a possibility...)
7/31: **Worked 18 hours...yuck...no running:(
8/1: Ran 4 miles around Earlywine
8/2: Ran 6 miles around Earlywine and felt great:)
8/3: No running due to errands and work...:(
8/4: Ran 4.5 in the morning and another 2.0 in the evening.
8/5: Ran 3 miles...
Target Miles for Week 7: 34 miles
Actual Miles: 23.5 miles (I think I have about 1 more week to see if Chicago is still a possibility...)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Week 6: Chicago Marathon Training
7/23: 4 miles on treadmill at YMCA
7/24: 6.5 good miles around Earlywine
7/25: 1.5 miles around Earlywine...
7/26: 5 miles around Earlywine...
7/27: Rest Day
7/28: 9 miles around Lake Hefner
7/29: 1.5 miles around neighborhood
Week mileage target: 37 miles
Actual miles: 27.5 miles
7/24: 6.5 good miles around Earlywine
7/25: 1.5 miles around Earlywine...
7/26: 5 miles around Earlywine...
7/27: Rest Day
7/28: 9 miles around Lake Hefner
7/29: 1.5 miles around neighborhood
Week mileage target: 37 miles
Actual miles: 27.5 miles
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Interesting Google Read about Wireless...
Google's long shot in wireless
The company offers to bid for airwaves, and that could lead to open access and lower broadband prices.
WASHINGTON — If Google Inc. has its way, your cellphone will work on any wireless network and companies will sell high-speed Internet access for cut-rate prices.
Google thinks that would be a wonderful world — for consumers as well as its own bottom line — and it's proposing to pony up $4.6 billion in a long-shot bid to create it.
The king of Web search Friday offered to dig into its mountain of cash to transform a chunk of prime public airwaves into a high-speed data freeway. If successful, it could drive down the price of Internet access by creating more competitors to phone and cable companies.
Google promised to bid in an upcoming federal auction of spectrum that is ideal for fast wireless Internet service — but only if regulators agree to the company's proposals to require open access to those airwaves. That means any device, service, software application or network could operate on it without restrictions.
"That would be revolutionary," said Bob Williams, director of Consumers Union's HearUsNow.org, a website that promotes telecommunications competition.
"If you want high-speed Internet service, you basically have a choice of two, and in a lot of places you don't have any choice ... and that situation has to change."
Google told the Federal Communications Commission that it would put up the minimum bid of $4.6 billion. The Mountain View, Calif.-based company wanted to prove its seriousness and counter big wireless companies such as AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc., which say the conditions would make the spectrum virtually worthless.
The offer is unlikely to sway the FCC. The agency believes that the airwaves being given up by TV broadcasters in 2009 as they switch to digital signals could fetch much more for federal coffers.
But Google is showing its intention to influence one of the biggest spectrum auctions in the nation's history.
Google's offer comes at a time when investors are raising questions about how much money the company is spending to put its ambitious plans in place.
Its stock fell more than 5% to $520.12 Friday after big investments on hires and other expansion costs caused its second-quarter earnings to miss Wall Street's expectations.
Despite its promise to bid, Google may not want to license the airwaves itself. But it does want to force them open to increase competition with cable and phone companies — and make it cheaper for people to get on the Web and use Google's growing array of services.
Wireless companies control all access to the spectrum they license from the government, which is why Apple Inc.'s iPhone can't be used on any network other than AT&T's.
Under Google's plan, people could connect any device to any network and run any software they want on their phones, including free Internet-based calling systems such as Skype.
But most important for boosting competition, companies would be able to use the airwaves at a wholesale price to offer their own Internet access.
"In short, when Americans can use the software and handsets of their choice, over open and competitive networks, they win," Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt wrote in a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin on Friday.
The effort is backed by public interest groups and a coalition of major technology companies including Intel Corp., EBay Inc., Yahoo Inc., DirecTV Group Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp.
But it faces huge obstacles in Washington, where the politically powerful phone companies have been fighting it.
Martin last week supported Google's plan to allow people to use any device or software on a network, but not the more controversial open-access requirement that many view as the key to creating a viable nationwide competitor to phone and cable companies in broadband access.
Martin worried that imposing the conditions could make it difficult for auction winners to get funding to build their networks. The FCC is still drawing up the rules for the airwave auction.
AT&T slammed Google's offer Friday, saying it was just an attempt to pressure the FCC to "stack the deck in its favor."
Under the traditional auction rules, Google says it and other companies can't outbid the big phone companies because of their built-in advantage of existing networks of cellular towers and pools of customers.
"It doesn't matter whether or not Google has the deep pockets — at some point you've got to say this is just an unreasonable investment," said Richard Whitt, Google's telecom and media counsel in Washington. "We're just trying to un-skew things enough to give Google ... or a DirecTV or an EchoStar or a Yahoo or whoever comes in there at least a decent shot for the spectrum."
The spectrum is considered ideal for providing wireless high-speed Internet access.
Rob Sanderson, an analyst with American Technology Research Inc., said Google had much to gain from lowering the price of high-speed Internet access. But he doubted Google wanted to buy any airwaves and provide the service itself.
"They're really trying to encourage an environment where others … can step in and become competitors," he said.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Week 5 Chicago Marathon Training....
Week 5:
7/16: 3 miles around Earlywine
7/17: 2 miles around neighborhood
7/18: 5.5 miles around Earlywine
7/19: 5 miles around Earlywine
7/20: Rest
7/21: Rest
7/22: 4.5 around Earlywine
Target Week 5 Mileage Total: 30-34 miles...only ran 20 miles:(
7/16: 3 miles around Earlywine
7/17: 2 miles around neighborhood
7/18: 5.5 miles around Earlywine
7/19: 5 miles around Earlywine
7/20: Rest
7/21: Rest
7/22: 4.5 around Earlywine
Target Week 5 Mileage Total: 30-34 miles...only ran 20 miles:(
Friday, July 13, 2007
Chicago 2007 Marathon Training Schedule...
Here is the schedule I'll be adhering to hopefully...to the best of my ability for the Chicago 2007 Marathon on 10/7/07:)
Chicago 2007 Marathon Training Schedule
Chicago 2007 Marathon Training Schedule
Week 4: Chicago 2007 marathon training...
Mileage Log for Week 4:
7/9: Supposed to do only non-running cardio...ran 3 miles;)
7/10: 2 miles around neighborhood (easy pace)
7/11: 3 miles (twice around Earlywine park) 9:00 pace.
7/12: 4.5 miles (8min:34sec constant tempo)
7/13: 3 miles
7/14:
7/15: Ran 6 miles total...
Week 4 Mileage Range Goal: 20-25 miles..will update....
Week total: Ran 21 miles...lots of work to do:(
7/9: Supposed to do only non-running cardio...ran 3 miles;)
7/10: 2 miles around neighborhood (easy pace)
7/11: 3 miles (twice around Earlywine park) 9:00 pace.
7/12: 4.5 miles (8min:34sec constant tempo)
7/13: 3 miles
7/14:
7/15: Ran 6 miles total...
Week 4 Mileage Range Goal: 20-25 miles..will update....
Week total: Ran 21 miles...lots of work to do:(
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Chicago Marathon T-Minus 3 months...
So, I havent been posting my running/training logs here lately...mainly due to me not running more than around 5-10 miles a week as of late:( That is going to change for the Chicago Marathon is now T-minus 3 months and counting. Oct. 7th, 2007 is the Chicago marathon this year:) It will be my first Chicago marathon and I am pretty excited to get the chance to run in a marathon of this magnitude.
Anyway, recent running log from this past week is here:
7/2: Ran 3 miles around Earlywine park easy pace....
7/3: Ran 2 miles
7/4: 2 miles
7/5: Ran 3 miles
7/6: Off Rest day
7/7: Ran 5 miles at Lake Hefner...
7/8: 2 miles in neighborhood
Week total: 17 miles for the week.
I am doing a training program out of Runners World this time around...with more emphasis at strength training for at least 2 days a week. Intitial goal for Chicago is under 4 hours which would be my 3rd marathon and a personal best.
I am in week 3 of training;)
I'll post a schedule of the proposed training here later....
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Anyway, recent running log from this past week is here:
7/2: Ran 3 miles around Earlywine park easy pace....
7/3: Ran 2 miles
7/4: 2 miles
7/5: Ran 3 miles
7/6: Off Rest day
7/7: Ran 5 miles at Lake Hefner...
7/8: 2 miles in neighborhood
Week total: 17 miles for the week.
I am doing a training program out of Runners World this time around...with more emphasis at strength training for at least 2 days a week. Intitial goal for Chicago is under 4 hours which would be my 3rd marathon and a personal best.
I am in week 3 of training;)
I'll post a schedule of the proposed training here later....
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Monday, June 18, 2007
What up !
Hey Carl Big Baller Ballenger !
It's Me Roland, AKA ChocolateThunda !
How is OKC treating you ?
What is this "Going all on a Caribbean Vacation Stuff" !?
Your pimp hand is Strong ! :-) haha !
Man I really need a vacation too !
I just wanted to drop you a line, to say "hey" and give you my blog url.
http://Blog0Matic.blogspot.com/
Peace Out !
Boom !
ChocolateThunda !!! ;-)
It's Me Roland, AKA ChocolateThunda !
How is OKC treating you ?
What is this "Going all on a Caribbean Vacation Stuff" !?
Your pimp hand is Strong ! :-) haha !
Man I really need a vacation too !
I just wanted to drop you a line, to say "hey" and give you my blog url.
http://Blog0Matic.blogspot.com/
Peace Out !
Boom !
ChocolateThunda !!! ;-)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Geron Corporation Technical Analysis Link...
Interesting read on a technical analysis of Geron Corporation (GERN):
http://hipegg.blogspot.com/2007/01/geron-teasing-telomerase.html
http://hipegg.blogspot.com/2007/01/geron-teasing-telomerase.html
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
Video-Boeing 757-200's engine backfires during take-off, inflight emergency
New video (May 2) of a Boeing 757's engine (Rolls-Royce RB211) catching on fire during takeoff. Includes Air Traffic Control so you can hear what is going on. Slow-motion of the engine at the very end in case you get bored by the middle.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
TORNADO DESTRUCTION in GREENSBURG, KANSAS [PIC]
This aerial photograph and the ones that follow show the devastation that occurred when a large tornado struck Greensburg Friday night.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
5/2/07: OKC Marathon Finishers!!!
I finished the OKC Memorial Marathon held on 4/29/07! My finishing (chip) time was 4 hrs. 48 min and 8 sec. Although not as good as last years time of 4 hrs. 27 min, I am still happy that I finished and was able to complete my second marathon.
Dad Ballenger finished in 4 hrs. 58 min and 16 sec. right behind me. Congrats to him on another fine marathon...his 5th.
The marathon was a great experience once again starting in downtown OKC and running out all the way to Lake Hefner and then back to downtown again. A great run to remember for sure.
Although I did not meet my goal of finishing under 4 hrs...(not even close) I am hopeful that I will attain a sub 4 hour marathon on Oct. 7th of this year when I run the LaSalle Bank of Chicago marathon. My other goals are to even get a better time than that in the Tulsa Route 66 marathon in Tulsa, OK this November. We'll see how training goes..nevermind the fact that I turn 30 in 4 days...so my motivation is now high;)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Dad Ballenger finished in 4 hrs. 58 min and 16 sec. right behind me. Congrats to him on another fine marathon...his 5th.
The marathon was a great experience once again starting in downtown OKC and running out all the way to Lake Hefner and then back to downtown again. A great run to remember for sure.
Although I did not meet my goal of finishing under 4 hrs...(not even close) I am hopeful that I will attain a sub 4 hour marathon on Oct. 7th of this year when I run the LaSalle Bank of Chicago marathon. My other goals are to even get a better time than that in the Tulsa Route 66 marathon in Tulsa, OK this November. We'll see how training goes..nevermind the fact that I turn 30 in 4 days...so my motivation is now high;)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
4/24/07: Week 15 running log and 5 days until OKC Memorial Marathon!
Well its 5 days until the OKC Memorial Marathon which is on Sunday April 29th at 6:30am.
Marathon training this year has been fun, rigorous, tiring, intimidating, slow, fast, fatiguing and as always a learning experience for me. My goal for the OKC marathon is under my time last year of 4 hrs 31 min (gun time) / 4 hrs 27 minutes (chip time). Realistically, I think if I have an above average day I could possibly run a 4:20 marathon (10 min pace avg per mile) and I push at the end. Under 4 hrs is/was the ultimate goal, but it really is out of the question as I am just not pacing fast enough to get there I dont believe....maybe I'l surprise myself on race day...but its those last 6-10 miles that I am concerned about since after 20 miles is unknown territory other than last years mental test at mile 19.
Week 15 running log:
4/16: Ran 16.5 miles around Hefner...not real fast...about a 10 min overall pace.
4/17: Off
4/18: Ran 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/19: Ran 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/20: Off
4/21: Ran 4 miles treadmill YMCA.
4/22: Ran 13 miles total.. 10 miler at good pace 9min 18 sec avg per mile in stiff wind and 3 miler on treadmill at YMCA.
Week total: 42.5 miles.
Week 16 targets: (tapering)
4/23: Off
4/24: 4 miler
4/25: 4 miler
4/26: 4 miler
4/27: Off
4/28: 2 miles (easy warm-up)
4/29: OKC Memorial Marathon Day! (26.2 miles of fun!)
Week total target: 14 miles
Marathon training this year has been fun, rigorous, tiring, intimidating, slow, fast, fatiguing and as always a learning experience for me. My goal for the OKC marathon is under my time last year of 4 hrs 31 min (gun time) / 4 hrs 27 minutes (chip time). Realistically, I think if I have an above average day I could possibly run a 4:20 marathon (10 min pace avg per mile) and I push at the end. Under 4 hrs is/was the ultimate goal, but it really is out of the question as I am just not pacing fast enough to get there I dont believe....maybe I'l surprise myself on race day...but its those last 6-10 miles that I am concerned about since after 20 miles is unknown territory other than last years mental test at mile 19.
Week 15 running log:
4/16: Ran 16.5 miles around Hefner...not real fast...about a 10 min overall pace.
4/17: Off
4/18: Ran 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/19: Ran 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/20: Off
4/21: Ran 4 miles treadmill YMCA.
4/22: Ran 13 miles total.. 10 miler at good pace 9min 18 sec avg per mile in stiff wind and 3 miler on treadmill at YMCA.
Week total: 42.5 miles.
Week 16 targets: (tapering)
4/23: Off
4/24: 4 miler
4/25: 4 miler
4/26: 4 miler
4/27: Off
4/28: 2 miles (easy warm-up)
4/29: OKC Memorial Marathon Day! (26.2 miles of fun!)
Week total target: 14 miles
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
4/17/07: Week 14 log and Week 15 targets...
Week 14 running log:
4/9: Off
4/10: 4.5 miles around Earlywine 8:45 pace.
4/11: 8.5 miles up to Earlywine from house and around 3 times and back.
4/12: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/13: 6 miles on treadmill at YMCA
4/14: 4 miles up to Earlywine and back from house.
4/15: Off (up with brother-in law Robert late so I didnt run all day:(
4/16: 16.5 miles around Lake Hefner.
Week 14 totals: 44 mile week which is longest thus far for marathon training...:)
Week 15 target: 30-35 mile week for tapering...
Feeling better about finishing the marathon, but the real race and test will be the last 6-9 miles....:(
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
4/9: Off
4/10: 4.5 miles around Earlywine 8:45 pace.
4/11: 8.5 miles up to Earlywine from house and around 3 times and back.
4/12: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/13: 6 miles on treadmill at YMCA
4/14: 4 miles up to Earlywine and back from house.
4/15: Off (up with brother-in law Robert late so I didnt run all day:(
4/16: 16.5 miles around Lake Hefner.
Week 14 totals: 44 mile week which is longest thus far for marathon training...:)
Week 15 target: 30-35 mile week for tapering...
Feeling better about finishing the marathon, but the real race and test will be the last 6-9 miles....:(
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
4/10/07: Week 13 running and Week 14 targets...
Well, week 13 has passed and I ran a total of 36 miles for the week which was 4 miles under my goal, but I ran 2 back to back 10 milers this past Sat. and Sunday and felt pretty good at under a 9 min pace. Overall, the ultimate goal for the OKC Memorial Marathon this year is a sub-4 hr marathon, but likely anything under 4hr 27 min (beating last years time) would be an accomplishment.
Week 13 log:
4/3: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/4: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/5: 4 miles around Earlywine
4/6: 2.5 miles
4/7: 10.5 miles around Earlywine
4/8: 10 miles around Earlywine
Week Total: 36 miles
Week 13 log:
4/3: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/4: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
4/5: 4 miles around Earlywine
4/6: 2.5 miles
4/7: 10.5 miles around Earlywine
4/8: 10 miles around Earlywine
Week Total: 36 miles
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
4/3/07: Week 12 training and Week 13 targets.
Week 12 of marathon training was interesting to say the least. Miles I ran are listed below:
3/26: Ran 2.5 miles
3/27: Ran 4.5 miles (Around Earlywine park)
3/28: Ran 4.5 miles (Around Earlywine park)
3/29: Ran 4 miles
3/30: Off
3/31: Stupidly ran a hard 5.5 miles before a 20 miler:(
4/1: 20 miles with OKC LandRunners...ran about 18 of them and walked most likely about 2 miles...so I have some work to do.
http://www.okcrunning.org/landrunners/Training/RunAMarathon.htm
Week 12 total mileage: 41 miles
Week 13 target: 40 miles. Since I am off by a week compared to the OKC LandRunners...and I missed a 20-miler with them I am going to try to get one more 20 miler in this Saturday or Sunday so I can have at least a potential shot at a 4 hour marathon...although highly unlikely;)
Other than running...it seems my life consists of working..and then of course running:) Although I am finding running is becoming much more fun as my training is getting closer to the marathon. I am getting excited to run the marathon and I am hoping for good weather:) knock on wood...
Hope everyone has a great week:)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
3/26: Ran 2.5 miles
3/27: Ran 4.5 miles (Around Earlywine park)
3/28: Ran 4.5 miles (Around Earlywine park)
3/29: Ran 4 miles
3/30: Off
3/31: Stupidly ran a hard 5.5 miles before a 20 miler:(
4/1: 20 miles with OKC LandRunners...ran about 18 of them and walked most likely about 2 miles...so I have some work to do.
http://www.okcrunning.org/landrunners/Training/RunAMarathon.htm
Week 12 total mileage: 41 miles
Week 13 target: 40 miles. Since I am off by a week compared to the OKC LandRunners...and I missed a 20-miler with them I am going to try to get one more 20 miler in this Saturday or Sunday so I can have at least a potential shot at a 4 hour marathon...although highly unlikely;)
Other than running...it seems my life consists of working..and then of course running:) Although I am finding running is becoming much more fun as my training is getting closer to the marathon. I am getting excited to run the marathon and I am hoping for good weather:) knock on wood...
Hope everyone has a great week:)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
3/25/07: Week 11 progress...
Week 11 of OKC memorial marathon training:
3/19: Ran 9 miles
3/20: Off
3/21: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
3/22: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
3/23: 4 miles
3/24: 14 mile run with OKC LandRunners. Finished at 2hrs 16 min.
3/25: Ran 4 miles today.
Week total: 40 miles total. Week 12 is a 40 mile week with a 20 miler scheduled for Saturday morning with the OKC LandRunners:)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
3/19: Ran 9 miles
3/20: Off
3/21: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
3/22: 4.5 miles around Earlywine
3/23: 4 miles
3/24: 14 mile run with OKC LandRunners. Finished at 2hrs 16 min.
3/25: Ran 4 miles today.
Week total: 40 miles total. Week 12 is a 40 mile week with a 20 miler scheduled for Saturday morning with the OKC LandRunners:)
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
3/22: Crash into house...
Check this out:
A friend of our family Wayne had his house damaged by a car smashing into his house....
Video of damage listed below:
GarageCrash07_3_21.mov
Wowsers....
-Carl
A friend of our family Wayne had his house damaged by a car smashing into his house....
Video of damage listed below:
GarageCrash07_3_21.mov
Wowsers....
-Carl
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
3/20/07: Week 10 low miles and Week 11 targets.
Well, due to vacation and my car getting vandalized...last week... (Week 10) was a 12 mile week.
It was fun running 6 miles on the Las Vegas strip with my Dad though early in the morning. Was fun to watch people drinking beer at 8:30 am in the morning on St. Pattys day in Vegas as well;) lol.
Week 11 running schedule targets:
3/20/07: Ran 9 miles
3/21: Scheduled for 4.
3/22: Scheduled for 4.
3/23: Scheduled for 4.
3/24: Scheduled for 4. (Might take off due to a long run in the morning;)
3/25: Scheduled for a 20 miler...youch.
3/26: Scheduled for 4.
Week target total: 40 miles.
It was fun running 6 miles on the Las Vegas strip with my Dad though early in the morning. Was fun to watch people drinking beer at 8:30 am in the morning on St. Pattys day in Vegas as well;) lol.
Week 11 running schedule targets:
3/20/07: Ran 9 miles
3/21: Scheduled for 4.
3/22: Scheduled for 4.
3/23: Scheduled for 4.
3/24: Scheduled for 4. (Might take off due to a long run in the morning;)
3/25: Scheduled for a 20 miler...youch.
3/26: Scheduled for 4.
Week target total: 40 miles.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
3/10/07: Week 9
Ran 11.5 this morning and was dehydrated and felt pretty awful....
Was supposed to run 18 this morning, but will be running around Lake Hefner tomorrow to get my miles in for the week.
Week 9 actual miles thus far:
3/5: 6 miles around Earlywine park
3/6: Off
3/7: Off: Not by design....car got vandalized...that was fun...not.
3/8: 12 miles for the day. 10 in the morning and 2 in the evening.
3/9: 2 miles in the evening around neighborhood.
3/10: 11.5 miles
3/11: Scheduled for 9.1 tomorrow morning.
Week total target: 40-46 miles
PS - Go pokes! Beat the Texas Longhorns today at the Ford Center in the Big 12 Basketball Tournament Semi-Finals;)
Was supposed to run 18 this morning, but will be running around Lake Hefner tomorrow to get my miles in for the week.
Week 9 actual miles thus far:
3/5: 6 miles around Earlywine park
3/6: Off
3/7: Off: Not by design....car got vandalized...that was fun...not.
3/8: 12 miles for the day. 10 in the morning and 2 in the evening.
3/9: 2 miles in the evening around neighborhood.
3/10: 11.5 miles
3/11: Scheduled for 9.1 tomorrow morning.
Week total target: 40-46 miles
PS - Go pokes! Beat the Texas Longhorns today at the Ford Center in the Big 12 Basketball Tournament Semi-Finals;)
Monday, March 05, 2007
3/5/07: Week 8 running update...and targets for Week 9.
Week 8 total: 31 miles
Didnt get a 12 miler in on Sunday 3/4 due to work and laziness...only did 6, but at a 58 min pace and felt really strong at the end:)
Scheduled for 40 miles for week 9...but to catch up I'll be doing 46...wowsers.
3/5: Scheduled to be off, but I'll do 6 tonight to catch up.
3/6: 4 miles
3/7: 6 miles
3/8: 4 miles
3/9: 4 miles
3/10: 18 or 4 miles depending on day.
3/11: 18 or 4 miles depending on day.
PS - DAD...we need to sign up for the OKC memorial marathon!
Also: Talk to Carrie about Chicago marathon on Oct. 7th. I think we should train for that too and actually get signed up in time this year;)
Didnt get a 12 miler in on Sunday 3/4 due to work and laziness...only did 6, but at a 58 min pace and felt really strong at the end:)
Scheduled for 40 miles for week 9...but to catch up I'll be doing 46...wowsers.
3/5: Scheduled to be off, but I'll do 6 tonight to catch up.
3/6: 4 miles
3/7: 6 miles
3/8: 4 miles
3/9: 4 miles
3/10: 18 or 4 miles depending on day.
3/11: 18 or 4 miles depending on day.
PS - DAD...we need to sign up for the OKC memorial marathon!
Also: Talk to Carrie about Chicago marathon on Oct. 7th. I think we should train for that too and actually get signed up in time this year;)
Thursday, March 01, 2007
3/1/07: Sickness and only 13 miles for week 7:(
Well after a 10 mile run on 2/22 I got a case of the flu and only ran a total of 13 miles for the week:(
Week 8 log:
2/27: 6 miles in 58 minutes.
2/28: Didnt run...supposed to run 5-6
3/1: Scheduled for 9 miles to catch up from yesterday...starting to feel better...
3/2: Scheduled for 6 miles
3/3: Scheduled for 12 or 4
3/4: Scheduled for 12 or 4
Week 8 log:
2/27: 6 miles in 58 minutes.
2/28: Didnt run...supposed to run 5-6
3/1: Scheduled for 9 miles to catch up from yesterday...starting to feel better...
3/2: Scheduled for 6 miles
3/3: Scheduled for 12 or 4
3/4: Scheduled for 12 or 4
Friday, February 23, 2007
2/23/07: So far so good...
Running Log for Week 7 of OKC Memorial Marathon Training:
2/19/07: Was supposed to be off, but ran 2 miles anyway.
2/20/07: Didnt get to run....
2/21/07: Another day I didnt get to run....:(
2/22/07: Ran 10 miles outside around Earlywine non-stop felt good.
2/23/07: Targeted for 3 miles tonight.
2/24/07: Scheduled for 16, but will likely run 2 and wait until Sunday for a long run due to weather.
2/25/07: 2 or 16 miles depending on which day I run.
Targeted Goal: 33 miles for Week 7.
I've been busy working on getting someone to rent my house which attributes to the reasons of finding time to run. Well, that and my work is on the South side of OKC and my house is in Edmond:(
Laters,
Carl (The Water Buffalo)
2/19/07: Was supposed to be off, but ran 2 miles anyway.
2/20/07: Didnt get to run....
2/21/07: Another day I didnt get to run....:(
2/22/07: Ran 10 miles outside around Earlywine non-stop felt good.
2/23/07: Targeted for 3 miles tonight.
2/24/07: Scheduled for 16, but will likely run 2 and wait until Sunday for a long run due to weather.
2/25/07: 2 or 16 miles depending on which day I run.
Targeted Goal: 33 miles for Week 7.
I've been busy working on getting someone to rent my house which attributes to the reasons of finding time to run. Well, that and my work is on the South side of OKC and my house is in Edmond:(
Laters,
Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
2/18/07: Week 6 training with OKC landrunners and wind.
Into week 6 of OKC memorial marathon training and it was 14 miles of stinging cold wind with the OKC Landrunners this Saturday 2/17/07. I finished and still know I have a long road of training ahead, but I felt pretty good and not too sore this morning after waking up.
Week 6 running log:
2/12: 3 miles
2/13: 3 miles
2/14: Day off
2/15: 7 miles treadmill YMCA
2/16: Ran out of time to run:(
2/17: 14 miles
2/18: Scheduled for 3-5 today...
Week 6 running log:
2/12: 3 miles
2/13: 3 miles
2/14: Day off
2/15: 7 miles treadmill YMCA
2/16: Ran out of time to run:(
2/17: 14 miles
2/18: Scheduled for 3-5 today...
Sunday, February 11, 2007
2/11/07: Running struggles....argh...
So today I was supposed to run 12 miles. Instead...I struggled through 9.1 miles of blustery 15-20 mph winds at Lake Hefner...yuck. Then...after feeling guilty that I didnt complete my mileage for the day...I drove down to the YMCA to run 3 miles...but only made it 2 before realizing I didnt eat anything...probably attributing to my lack of motivation or energy to run. Anyway, I finished 11 miles for the day at around a 10 min / mile pace....far below where I need to be, but I still have some time before April 29th.
In other news: Oklahoma State beat Texas Tech in a double overtime thriller in Stillwater. (See the 2 pics below.) I received 2 tickets from my good ole buddy from OSU Mark Wimmer. Thanks Mark! Me and Susan had a lot of fun watching OSU almost blow it twice...and then finally win in double OT:)
Game details...
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Running recap from 2/9 - 2/11:
2/9: 3 miles @ 8:34 pace
2/10: 4.5 miles around Earlywine Park
2/11: 11 miles of struggles...Hefner and YMCA.
Week Total: 31.5 miles
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
In other news: Oklahoma State beat Texas Tech in a double overtime thriller in Stillwater. (See the 2 pics below.) I received 2 tickets from my good ole buddy from OSU Mark Wimmer. Thanks Mark! Me and Susan had a lot of fun watching OSU almost blow it twice...and then finally win in double OT:)
Game details...
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Running recap from 2/9 - 2/11:
2/9: 3 miles @ 8:34 pace
2/10: 4.5 miles around Earlywine Park
2/11: 11 miles of struggles...Hefner and YMCA.
Week Total: 31.5 miles
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Thursday, February 08, 2007
2/8: Running fun...Week 5:)
Week 5:
2/5: Scheduled to NOT run, but did anyway;) 3 miles at 8:34 pace.
2/6: Ran 3 miles per my schedule @ 8:34 pace
2/7: Ran 5.10 miles on treadmill at YMCA => 8:34 pace.
2/8: Scheduled for a 3 miler tonight....getting ready for a 12 miler on Sat. morning.
In other news...I just read Anna Nicole Smith died today. Was not a real big fan, but its still sad to see a woman with younger children die so young.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/08/anna.nicole.collapses/index.html
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
2/5: Scheduled to NOT run, but did anyway;) 3 miles at 8:34 pace.
2/6: Ran 3 miles per my schedule @ 8:34 pace
2/7: Ran 5.10 miles on treadmill at YMCA => 8:34 pace.
2/8: Scheduled for a 3 miler tonight....getting ready for a 12 miler on Sat. morning.
In other news...I just read Anna Nicole Smith died today. Was not a real big fan, but its still sad to see a woman with younger children die so young.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/02/08/anna.nicole.collapses/index.html
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Sunday, February 04, 2007
2/4/07: I'm sore...ouch...
So...work was fun today....especially after a 7.5 mile run...and then I get to do another 3 tomorrow morning because I was 2.5 miles short for my targeted 10 miler this morning. Technically I ran/walked the entire 10 miles, but I still feel as if I need to run the whole distance;)
2/2: 2.5 miles
2/3: 4.5 miles
2/4: 7.5 miles
2/5: Scheduled to NOT run miles...but I am going to anyway;) Cant let my Dad beat me in the OKC memorial marathon on April 29th...although he likely will at this rate;)
In other news...Oklahoma State AND Texas Tech lost their respective Mens basketball games yesterday. At least Texas Tech had a respectable opponent...unlike OSU...that was beaten by the now 6-13 Colorado Buffaloes. More news here...
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
2/2: 2.5 miles
2/3: 4.5 miles
2/4: 7.5 miles
2/5: Scheduled to NOT run miles...but I am going to anyway;) Cant let my Dad beat me in the OKC memorial marathon on April 29th...although he likely will at this rate;)
In other news...Oklahoma State AND Texas Tech lost their respective Mens basketball games yesterday. At least Texas Tech had a respectable opponent...unlike OSU...that was beaten by the now 6-13 Colorado Buffaloes. More news here...
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Thursday, February 01, 2007
2/1/07: Work and training excitement...
Today was fun-filled and exciting working as a sys admin for a federal agency;)
I mainly worked with some HPOpenview and Oracle IAS issues and tried working some policies within HPOpenview using the PingNodeGroup utility from OVinternals. Testing and configuring different tasks to look for messages in the Message Browser and fire off notifications to various LOB's etc within the organization based on criticality...blah blah blah;) Ovinternals has a good set of sys admin utilities/tools that are outside of the normal OVOW 7.5 implementation.
This weeks running totals thus far:
1/29/07: Rest Day...YEA!!!
1/30/07: ran 4 miles at 8:34 pace
1/31/07: Didnt get to run:( (was supposed to run 5).
2/1/07: Ran 5 (was supposed to run 4 miles.)
2/2/07: Targeted to run at least 3-5 miles before a nice 10 miler on Sat. morning!:) Looks like it will be a balmy 23 degrees Fahrenheit on Sat. morning!:)
Laters,
Carl (The Water Buffalo)
I mainly worked with some HPOpenview and Oracle IAS issues and tried working some policies within HPOpenview using the PingNodeGroup utility from OVinternals. Testing and configuring different tasks to look for messages in the Message Browser and fire off notifications to various LOB's etc within the organization based on criticality...blah blah blah;) Ovinternals has a good set of sys admin utilities/tools that are outside of the normal OVOW 7.5 implementation.
This weeks running totals thus far:
1/29/07: Rest Day...YEA!!!
1/30/07: ran 4 miles at 8:34 pace
1/31/07: Didnt get to run:( (was supposed to run 5).
2/1/07: Ran 5 (was supposed to run 4 miles.)
2/2/07: Targeted to run at least 3-5 miles before a nice 10 miler on Sat. morning!:) Looks like it will be a balmy 23 degrees Fahrenheit on Sat. morning!:)
Laters,
Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
1/28: Running fun.
Running Log:
I was supposed to get up and run with the OKC LandRunners up in Edmond this Sat. morning 1/27, but I woke up at 6:30am and heard the banter of rain and sleet on the windows and roof. Decided a warm YMCA treadmill run inside would be much more pleasant. I have a ways to go to get acclimated to more than 25+ miles a week. I ran 5 miles and was winded...but then again...I will need to change my diet up to accommodate this kind of effort.
1/27: 6 miles on the treadmill at the local YMCA ; 1 mile outside in evening for 7 miles total.
1/28: Am supposed to run 6 miles today to complete a 28 mile week. (Next week starts the average of 30 miles a week heading into the next 3 months for marathon training...)
This weekend events and tidbits:
*OSU beat Iowa State in Mens basketball: 62-50
http://www.okstate.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=200&ATCLID=776400
*I havent played my PlayStation 3 all weekend yet....what is wrong with me?;)
*Thinking about studying for 2 Microsoft Exams 70-443 / 70-444 and/or some sort of storage networking exam. We'll see...
Anywho...hope everyone had a great weekend....
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
I was supposed to get up and run with the OKC LandRunners up in Edmond this Sat. morning 1/27, but I woke up at 6:30am and heard the banter of rain and sleet on the windows and roof. Decided a warm YMCA treadmill run inside would be much more pleasant. I have a ways to go to get acclimated to more than 25+ miles a week. I ran 5 miles and was winded...but then again...I will need to change my diet up to accommodate this kind of effort.
1/27: 6 miles on the treadmill at the local YMCA ; 1 mile outside in evening for 7 miles total.
1/28: Am supposed to run 6 miles today to complete a 28 mile week. (Next week starts the average of 30 miles a week heading into the next 3 months for marathon training...)
This weekend events and tidbits:
*OSU beat Iowa State in Mens basketball: 62-50
http://www.okstate.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=200&ATCLID=776400
*I havent played my PlayStation 3 all weekend yet....what is wrong with me?;)
*Thinking about studying for 2 Microsoft Exams 70-443 / 70-444 and/or some sort of storage networking exam. We'll see...
Anywho...hope everyone had a great weekend....
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Friday, January 26, 2007
1/26: More running logs....
1/24/07: 5 miles total => 4 constant running , 1 mile on elliptical, 1 mile walking for total of 6 miles.
1/26/07: 5 miles tonight...at YMCA.
1/27/07: Will be running with the OK LandRunners running group starting tomorrow for my training from here on out:)
For the week of 1/22 - 1/28: 28 miles...which will be on track for the marathon training schedule listed below for the OKC Memorial Marathon on 4/29/07:)
http://www.okcrunning.org/landrunners/Training/RunAMarathon.htm
OKC marathon information for this year 4/29/07:
http://www.okcmarathon.com/
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
1/26/07: 5 miles tonight...at YMCA.
1/27/07: Will be running with the OK LandRunners running group starting tomorrow for my training from here on out:)
For the week of 1/22 - 1/28: 28 miles...which will be on track for the marathon training schedule listed below for the OKC Memorial Marathon on 4/29/07:)
http://www.okcrunning.org/landrunners/Training/RunAMarathon.htm
OKC marathon information for this year 4/29/07:
http://www.okcmarathon.com/
-Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
1/23/07: Week 2 marathon training and other info...
1/22/07: 2.5 miles on elliptical
1/23/07: 3.12 miles @ 8:34 pace in morning... will likely run 4-5 this evening...
In other news: I passed the SQL Server 2005 MCTS Exam 70-431 on 12/21/2006.
Now apparently I know a little about this RDBMS....:)
http://sqlserver2005man.blogspot.com/
1/23/07: 3.12 miles @ 8:34 pace in morning... will likely run 4-5 this evening...
In other news: I passed the SQL Server 2005 MCTS Exam 70-431 on 12/21/2006.
Now apparently I know a little about this RDBMS....:)
http://sqlserver2005man.blogspot.com/
Thursday, January 18, 2007
1/18/07: Its a New Year!
Hmmmm....it has definitely been awhile since I have written in here...
Lets catch up on whats been going on.
Its a New Year here in OKC and its been very cold thus far this year already.
As for running, I have been doing not as good of a job as I would like, but am still working on training for my 2nd marathon on April 29th here in OKC:
http://www.okcmarathon.com/
I think my goal for this year is to finish in under 4 hours...last year I finished in 4 hrs 27 min which as of right now is a great time considering I am way out of marathon shape:( Ah well thats what training is for:)
I'll start posting more information about my training in posts soon:
This weeks running log:
Monday 1/15/07: 4.25 miles at 8:34 pace on treadmill with strength training
Wednesday 1/17/08: 5 miles no-stops at 8:34 pace on treadmill
Talk at ya soon,
Carl (The Water Buffalo)
Lets catch up on whats been going on.
Its a New Year here in OKC and its been very cold thus far this year already.
As for running, I have been doing not as good of a job as I would like, but am still working on training for my 2nd marathon on April 29th here in OKC:
http://www.okcmarathon.com/
I think my goal for this year is to finish in under 4 hours...last year I finished in 4 hrs 27 min which as of right now is a great time considering I am way out of marathon shape:( Ah well thats what training is for:)
I'll start posting more information about my training in posts soon:
This weeks running log:
Monday 1/15/07: 4.25 miles at 8:34 pace on treadmill with strength training
Wednesday 1/17/08: 5 miles no-stops at 8:34 pace on treadmill
Talk at ya soon,
Carl (The Water Buffalo)
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