How do you train for Boston during January?

You fly to Hawaii and run in 70 to 80 degree weather. That's how. Cameron (left) and Carlos (right) have been on Oahu and have whole heartedly embraced the island lifestyle. In a recent email from Carlos he proclaimed, "My new motto.. Life is a bitch so, why not go to the beach instead." Nice.

All I can say is...where's my coat, I'm late for a meeting?!

Back to the wheel...

 

How Running Marathons Made Me a Sissy

It's true! Running marathons has made me a sissy. I used to run around dehydrated, malnourished, and hungover without a problem. Then I started training for marathons. Stupid! As I got in better shape, I began to eat better (lest I pay the price of an urgent need for a restroom), I began to take supplements (to offset the readily apparent effects of aging), and I began to properly hydrate (to make my runs easier and recover quickly). The net effect is that I've created a hyper-sensitive system...yes, the sissy. Now, if I eat wrong, my sissy tummy grumbles. If I drink too much...defined as anything more than one sissy drink, I get a sissy hangover. And, if I don't hydrate properly...even when not training hard, you guessed it, I get a sissy dehydration headache. So, I ask you, what is the upside to training for marathons? I think we're better off eating junk and drinking too much. Our body acclimates  to the adversity and mutes all of our "normal" responses. Hence, we live a happier life. Yes, I know this conflicts with the my post extolling the benefits of exercise but it's my blog. :-)

5.6 around the park

Ok it's time for me to get off my lazy butt and take Boston seriously. I just got through with 5.6 miles around the park and it felt like 10. Of course, staying up late last night and a large order of Vegas Fries didn't help any. What are "Vegas Fries" you ask? They are french fries tossed in buffalo wing sauce and served with a blue cheese wasabi sauce. I still can't feel the tip of my tongue. :)

Back to the wheel...

Why Exercise?

Why do I like to run? No, why do I LOVE to run? Because I find exercise tremendously rewarding. I feel more alert and somewhat more sane when I exercise regularly...the voices in my head are not the topic of this blog. :-) Where was I? Oh yeah, the benefits of exercise. I stumbled across this article in the Scientific American (Jan. 02, 2009) which corroborates what those of us who exercise regularly already know: reduced cancer risk, reduced risk of heart disease, increased bone density, increased sex appeal...okay, so I threw the last one in there for the heck of it. Anyhow, I highly encourage you to read the article. 

 

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=does-exercise-really-make

 

Back to the wheel...

 

Boston Marathon Entry Confirmation

It’s official! The Boston Athletic Association confirmed my registration today for the 113th Boston Marathon. Oh S##T!! The email is listed below.

________________________________

Dear Eric C. Norton,

This is to notify you that your entry into the 113th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, 2009 has been accepted, provided that the information you submitted is accurate.

You can verify your acceptance into the field by searching the 113th Boston Marathon "Entrants" database on the B.A.A. web site, www.baa.org/2009/cf/Public/EntryLists.cfm. Additionally, an acceptance postcard will be mailed to you via US Postal Service mail.

In early April 2009, an official Number Pick-up Card and extensive information regarding the B.A.A. Boston Marathon and related race week activities will be mailed to you via US Postal Service first class mail. If you do not receive your Number Pick-up Card (required to claim number) and brochure by April 11, please contact our Registration Office at registration@baa.org. Registration related inquiries may also be directed to 508-435-6905.

Note that bib numbers will not be distributed on Race Day. Your travel arrangements should take into account picking up your number at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston on Friday, April 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., or Saturday, April 18 or Sunday, April 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you in April! Best of luck in your training!

Sincerely,

Boston Athletic Association

Wet 5

I woke this morning at 5 am and realized that there was no way I was going to get back to sleep. Apparently, the snooze feature on my mind has malfunctioned. So I got up, threw on some running gear and figured I'd make the most of being up early by getting in a few miles. I opened the door and was surprised to discover rain! I've been in a fog since going to Napa this weekend (go figure) and have not paid any attention to weather forecasts. Oops. Oh well, I pulled the hat down and headed out. I was hoping for a slow five, but I ran into Austin and my pace suddenly took a turn for the faster. We caught up on the last month and talked about upcoming runs. Austin has family in Solvang so he wants to run the Santa Barbara half later this spring. He figures 1:05 or 1:06 will win it and he wants the $700 in prize money, watch and two magnums of wine...he seemed most interested in the wine. :-) Good luck Austin. 

Back to the wheel. 

Land Park 8

I got in 8 with Carlos, Joe, Cameron, and Strada. We met at Land Park at 8:30 and had no idea about how far we'd want to go...my favorite kind of run. It was really cold (around 34 degrees plus wind). Yes, I know that there are many places where "cold" means 30 below, but this is Sacramento and 30 degrees is cold enough for me. We did a couple of laps around Land Park and then headed to Tower Cafe and back. 

On the run we discussed Boston logistics. Of course neither Carlos nor Joe have registered yet. Assuming they get in, Carlos and Cameron plan to stay with a friend in Boston. If Joe decides not to go with the fam, then he and I will make it a low-budget affair: cheap hotel, short stay, no frills. If not then Abby and I will make other arrangements. Luckily airfare is coming down ($400 round trip per person) but it's still hardly affordable. I really want to run Boston, but I also really DON'T want to go broke doing it!

Back to the wheel...