I just signed up Viv and I to do the Seabrook Lucky Trails 1/2 marathon relay on Saturday 3/15!! They have a 1/2 marathon and a 1/2 marathon relay on Saturday and a full marathon, full marathon relay and 1/2 marathon on Sunday.
Still debating if I also want to do the "full" 1/2 marathon on Sunday. That's a LOT of running, but then I would get TWO medals!
I'm going down there this weekend for another Krewe du Lac boat event (the Royal Ball this time - on the Stargazer yacht in the Yachty Gras Parade. Let's hope we don't ram the boardwalk again!!). On Sunday I'm going to check out the marathon route (it's 6-ish miles, so you do it 2 times for the 1/2) and then decide if I think I can handle doing both.
I'd really like a 2nd medal. It's all about the medals!!!
(P.S. -- I taught myself how to make text into links! I'm such a good little (remedial) blogger!)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Houston Half 2009
I just registered for the Houston Half Marathon 2009!
Today is the last day to register to get the price of the 2008 half marathon - $60.
I guess I'm in this for at least another year.
I should have gotten a hotel room for the San Antonio Rock & Roll (half) Marathon in November. I checked a couple of places today & they're booked already!
Today is the last day to register to get the price of the 2008 half marathon - $60.
I guess I'm in this for at least another year.
I should have gotten a hotel room for the San Antonio Rock & Roll (half) Marathon in November. I checked a couple of places today & they're booked already!
Monday, January 28, 2008
Shipwrecked on a paddlewheel boat in Kemah
Taking a break from regularly scheduled running blogging, here's an Anna-omoly.....
I went on our annual Krewe Du Lac (Kemah Mardi Gras Krewe) paddlewheel boat/bead tossing excursion aboard the paddlewheel boat Spirit of Texas on Sunday. The cruising part came to an abrupt hault after we rammed the boardwalk, ruining a good hunk.
We cruised along the Kemah boardwalk & were throwing beads to the people on the boardwalk. On the 2nd pass the captain came on the PA system and was frantically saying "watch out" (or something like that). I wasn't sure if he was talking to the people on the boardwalk, a boat, or the folks upstairs (I was downstairs at
that point). I looked out the window and realized we were going to ram the boardwalk!
The first hit took out about 8 boards between the Cadillac bar & the Flying Dutchman, leaving a BIG hole in the boardwalk. (So pedestrians would have to go all the way around) The second hit - closer to the bridge, I think right past the Aquarium only marred a
pylon (no boardwalk there), but was a BIG hit that knocked a lot of people on the boat to the ground despite the captain's frantic warnings to hang on (some people sitting in chairs fell over
backwards). Most all cocktails were lost & two people downstairs were bleeding (not sure about upstairs). Some people panicked after that (the drunkards). For the final hit, everyone downstairs was either in a chair or on the floor and braced. That hit wasn't too bad of a jolt & just took out 3 boards on the end of
the walkway.
The captain said (after hit #1) that we lost the engines, throttle & steering. Jennifer said the engines did sound odd before the first hit.
They got the boat tied up to the boardwalk by Pappadeaux and we waited with the band playing on, the bar staying open, and boaters coming by for beads until we had to abandon ship (after about an hour) onto a pontoon party boat in groups of 30 to go back
to Endeavor Marina.
Kemah & Seabrook police both came on board. Someone said the Coast Guard too, but I'm not sure about that. We had to sign a passenger manifest on the rescue boat. And I have a pic of me kissing the dock when we safely arrived back.
Shipwrecked on a paddlewheel boat in Kemah -
hysterical!
Wahoo!
Anna
I went on our annual Krewe Du Lac (Kemah Mardi Gras Krewe) paddlewheel boat/bead tossing excursion aboard the paddlewheel boat Spirit of Texas on Sunday. The cruising part came to an abrupt hault after we rammed the boardwalk, ruining a good hunk.
We cruised along the Kemah boardwalk & were throwing beads to the people on the boardwalk. On the 2nd pass the captain came on the PA system and was frantically saying "watch out" (or something like that). I wasn't sure if he was talking to the people on the boardwalk, a boat, or the folks upstairs (I was downstairs at
that point). I looked out the window and realized we were going to ram the boardwalk!
The first hit took out about 8 boards between the Cadillac bar & the Flying Dutchman, leaving a BIG hole in the boardwalk. (So pedestrians would have to go all the way around) The second hit - closer to the bridge, I think right past the Aquarium only marred a
pylon (no boardwalk there), but was a BIG hit that knocked a lot of people on the boat to the ground despite the captain's frantic warnings to hang on (some people sitting in chairs fell over
backwards). Most all cocktails were lost & two people downstairs were bleeding (not sure about upstairs). Some people panicked after that (the drunkards). For the final hit, everyone downstairs was either in a chair or on the floor and braced. That hit wasn't too bad of a jolt & just took out 3 boards on the end of
the walkway.
The captain said (after hit #1) that we lost the engines, throttle & steering. Jennifer said the engines did sound odd before the first hit.
They got the boat tied up to the boardwalk by Pappadeaux and we waited with the band playing on, the bar staying open, and boaters coming by for beads until we had to abandon ship (after about an hour) onto a pontoon party boat in groups of 30 to go back
to Endeavor Marina.
Kemah & Seabrook police both came on board. Someone said the Coast Guard too, but I'm not sure about that. We had to sign a passenger manifest on the rescue boat. And I have a pic of me kissing the dock when we safely arrived back.
Shipwrecked on a paddlewheel boat in Kemah -
hysterical!
Wahoo!
Anna
Sunday, January 27, 2008
TexMed 5K and more spending!
Saturday in 42 degree temp I did the TexMed 5K. I've done this one before & like it because:
- you get a long-sleeved t-shirt
- they have a great after-party with pleanty of food, drink, treats, beer and a rockin' band
- there are a LOT of walkers, so even though I waddle through I still finish in the top 50%.
I did not finish in under 40 minutes, but did finish in 40:30, a 13 minutes/mile pace, which is DAMN (I cussed!) good for me.
Afterwards, I went by Sports Authority to pick up my 1/2 marathon finishers technical shirt (they RAN OUT on race day! I'm almost positive we had to put our size down when we signed up & they ran out!!!)
In our goodie bag from the 1/2 marathon/marathon/5K was a save $20 on a purchase of $75 coupon from Sports Authority, so I spent more -- but I did just get items I needed and were already on sale - 2 bras & a long sleeved under armor shirt.
So -- added to the tally is:
$15.34 sports bra (regularly $35.99)
$23.35 sports bra (regularly $ 37.99)
$27.66 underarmor long sleeved shirt (regularly $44.99)
$71.82 - total with tax.
Not bad for normally-priced $128.97 with of stuff -- but still more spending.....
- you get a long-sleeved t-shirt
- they have a great after-party with pleanty of food, drink, treats, beer and a rockin' band
- there are a LOT of walkers, so even though I waddle through I still finish in the top 50%.
I did not finish in under 40 minutes, but did finish in 40:30, a 13 minutes/mile pace, which is DAMN (I cussed!) good for me.
Afterwards, I went by Sports Authority to pick up my 1/2 marathon finishers technical shirt (they RAN OUT on race day! I'm almost positive we had to put our size down when we signed up & they ran out!!!)
In our goodie bag from the 1/2 marathon/marathon/5K was a save $20 on a purchase of $75 coupon from Sports Authority, so I spent more -- but I did just get items I needed and were already on sale - 2 bras & a long sleeved under armor shirt.
So -- added to the tally is:
$15.34 sports bra (regularly $35.99)
$23.35 sports bra (regularly $ 37.99)
$27.66 underarmor long sleeved shirt (regularly $44.99)
$71.82 - total with tax.
Not bad for normally-priced $128.97 with of stuff -- but still more spending.....
Friday, January 25, 2008
Running is not cheap!
In Spirit of the Marathon, someone mentioned that aside from shoes, running doesn't cost anything.
BULL!
On one of my long runs, I started tabulating what all I've spent & I guesstimated it was about $750.
Someone commented that since I've spent that much, I shouldn't have to spend anymore.
Wrong!
I went to Luke's to sign up for the 5K tomorrow & wanted to buy some insoles for my shoes (200 miles, should be able to get another 100-200 out of them). I've been using the ones that come with shoes so far & thought I should upgrade. And I got some sport blocs that I should be having on long (7+ mile) runs.
Then I went and got a running book by John "The Penguin" Bingham I've been wanting.
Man it all adds up quick!
So now, in addition to tracking my miles (on Runner's World), now I want to start tracking my spending. I don't know if Blogger has some neat way to do that, so for now I'll just start writing down expenses:
$11.00 Spirit of the Marathon movie - 1/24
$18.00 Gel insoles for shoes - 1/25
$ 1.80 Black Cherry gel blocs - 1/25
$ 1.25 Razzberry gel - 1/25
$15.95 Marathoning for Mortals book - 1/25
$ 2.50 Run Right Now training/log - 1/25 (not sure if I'll use, but it was $2.50!)
$25.00 TexMed 5K - 1/26
$75.50 total
BULL!
On one of my long runs, I started tabulating what all I've spent & I guesstimated it was about $750.
Someone commented that since I've spent that much, I shouldn't have to spend anymore.
Wrong!
I went to Luke's to sign up for the 5K tomorrow & wanted to buy some insoles for my shoes (200 miles, should be able to get another 100-200 out of them). I've been using the ones that come with shoes so far & thought I should upgrade. And I got some sport blocs that I should be having on long (7+ mile) runs.
Then I went and got a running book by John "The Penguin" Bingham I've been wanting.
Man it all adds up quick!
So now, in addition to tracking my miles (on Runner's World), now I want to start tracking my spending. I don't know if Blogger has some neat way to do that, so for now I'll just start writing down expenses:
$11.00 Spirit of the Marathon movie - 1/24
$18.00 Gel insoles for shoes - 1/25
$ 1.80 Black Cherry gel blocs - 1/25
$ 1.25 Razzberry gel - 1/25
$15.95 Marathoning for Mortals book - 1/25
$ 2.50 Run Right Now training/log - 1/25 (not sure if I'll use, but it was $2.50!)
$25.00 TexMed 5K - 1/26
$75.50 total
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Spirit of the Marathon
The movie was great!
I wish they would have gotten more into the science/physiology of running like the NOVA special did. It was great as it though!
In a way, I like that it was a one-showing. The theater was packed and I recognized quite a few folks that run at Memorial - people I've never met, but they knew me & I knew them. Plus, it was nice being in a theater which was probably 98% runners (and 2% spouses of runners). Hearing the reactions of other & the groans/chuckles was fun - you & the rest of the audiance were able to relate to the people in the movie.
The race at the end was Chicago, but it was Chicago 2005 (I think) not this last disasteous one.
After watching the movie, it reinforced my desire to run, but also that presently I don't have the desire to run a full marathon. I realized during the 1/2 that it's about 60% mental. Mentally, i just don't wanna run 26.2 miles. I think in a few years I may want to, but right now I'm quite happy with my 5Ks, 5-milers, 10Ks, and 1/2 marathons.
Wahoo!
Anna
I wish they would have gotten more into the science/physiology of running like the NOVA special did. It was great as it though!
In a way, I like that it was a one-showing. The theater was packed and I recognized quite a few folks that run at Memorial - people I've never met, but they knew me & I knew them. Plus, it was nice being in a theater which was probably 98% runners (and 2% spouses of runners). Hearing the reactions of other & the groans/chuckles was fun - you & the rest of the audiance were able to relate to the people in the movie.
The race at the end was Chicago, but it was Chicago 2005 (I think) not this last disasteous one.
After watching the movie, it reinforced my desire to run, but also that presently I don't have the desire to run a full marathon. I realized during the 1/2 that it's about 60% mental. Mentally, i just don't wanna run 26.2 miles. I think in a few years I may want to, but right now I'm quite happy with my 5Ks, 5-milers, 10Ks, and 1/2 marathons.
Wahoo!
Anna
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Back running the streets
Tonight was my first run since the 1/2 marathon nine days ago. According to most of the info I've read, they say don't run for a day per mile, but that just seems crazy. I think maybe that means race-run. I don't do that anyway!
It felt really good to run again. And I did great for me:
- mile 1, 12:06
- mile 2, 14:15 (I took a little walk break in there)
average 13:11/mile
I've pretty much decided to do the TexMed 5K on Saturday. Mainly because Viv is doing it & she's excessively cool. Also, they give out a long-sleeved shirt (at least they did when I did it a couple of years ago).
I hope the weather isn't too crappy to meet up with PIM tomorrow. Even though we don't run together (way too fast for my waddling!) I like to meet up with them.
I blogged -- yeah me!!
Wahoo!
Anna
It felt really good to run again. And I did great for me:
- mile 1, 12:06
- mile 2, 14:15 (I took a little walk break in there)
average 13:11/mile
I've pretty much decided to do the TexMed 5K on Saturday. Mainly because Viv is doing it & she's excessively cool. Also, they give out a long-sleeved shirt (at least they did when I did it a couple of years ago).
I hope the weather isn't too crappy to meet up with PIM tomorrow. Even though we don't run together (way too fast for my waddling!) I like to meet up with them.
I blogged -- yeah me!!
Wahoo!
Anna
Monday, January 21, 2008
from the Houston Chronicle
The attached article was in the Chronicle. It's nice to the spectators, at least this one, knows how much they are appreciated!!
___________________________________________________________________
I came, I saw, I was heartened
Marathon was a first for this man, but it won't be last
By GREG FORD
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
I will never forget my first marathon — the 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon.
For the record, I did not run the 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon.
Furthermore, I have never run a marathon before, and in fact, before this year, I had never even been to a marathon for spectator purposes. Once, in 1984, I watched the Chicago Marathon at a favorite watering hole at Rush and Division streets. As my associate astutely observed Joan Benoit in the final mile turning in ridiculously fast mile times, he accurately pointed out, "If we were to jump in the race right now, we would still get beat."
As a rehabilitated runner from the '80s now running six days a week for health and fitness at Memorial Park, I decided in December that I wanted to apply for the ING New York Marathon when applications are open for acceptance. My thought: Maybe I'll get in, maybe I won't. Whatever happens, I'll continue to run for health and fitness. It just makes me a better human.
However, after experiencing the Chevron Houston Marathon last Sunday as a spectator, I have amended my first marathon application. Just hours after the Chevron Houston Marathon was complete, I applied for the 2009 event in Houston. I am sold on Houston's marathon event.
Here's what happened:
This year my wife and I decided to go check out the marathon on Jan. 13. We looked at the map route in the Chronicle the day before and over lunch decided upon an intersection near our home at approximately mile 18.
On race day morning, we arrived early so we could see everyone. We watched and cheered on the elite, the near-elite and the mortals for more than three hours. By the time we left, it felt like about 20 minutes had gone by. We cheered individuals on — calling out their names and offering words of encouragement like, "You're looking great, Bill," or "Great job, Barbara." We were really pulled into the race by these magnificent humans. By the end our voices were raspy, and our hands felt a little bruised from all the clapping. People had warned me a marathon would be painful.
Now I am not typically emotional — at least not overly emotional. Like many a fellow man, I learned a long time ago in my youth how to man-up and keep a stiff upper lip. However, as a newbie cheering spectator, I was not prepared for the feedback from the strangers running past us at mile 18. The response to our clapping and encouragement from the runners just about overwhelmed me — I had to hold back tears and high emotion several times at the beginning because the runners (of all levels) caught me off guard and got into my heart.
Some said, "Thanks, man." Some glanced back with the most genuine look of gratitude for calling out their name and encouraging them and gave a big thumbs up. Many just lit up and smiled when they heard their name.
It was beautiful to witness the incredible human spirit in each of these runners — just absolutely pure and authentic human spirit in the context of an extreme human achievement, 26.2 miles. I felt like every runner that ran by us was no longer a stranger.
It struck me very early on that this is exactly what life is supposed to be like — whereby we cheer for one another — sincerely encouraging each other to hold our heads and posture with our eyes on the horizon, racing to the finish. It is so simple, that it is profound: authentic, genuine encouragement. It reminded me that a kind, sincere word of encouragement has tremendous, albeit understated, power. I am ashamed to admit that I have forgotten that from time to time.
The elite, the near-elite and the mortals who ran the marathon in the city I love most, individually and collectively re-educated me on the magnificent human spirit each of us has — and the power of that internal strength to motivate us to carry on through intense pain and adversity in light of achieving that which we set out to do.
Even though I do not know the runners we cheered on personally, I can no longer consider them strangers. They are now my heroes and friends.
Ford is an investment banker in Houston.
___________________________________________________________________
I came, I saw, I was heartened
Marathon was a first for this man, but it won't be last
By GREG FORD
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
I will never forget my first marathon — the 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon.
For the record, I did not run the 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon.
Furthermore, I have never run a marathon before, and in fact, before this year, I had never even been to a marathon for spectator purposes. Once, in 1984, I watched the Chicago Marathon at a favorite watering hole at Rush and Division streets. As my associate astutely observed Joan Benoit in the final mile turning in ridiculously fast mile times, he accurately pointed out, "If we were to jump in the race right now, we would still get beat."
As a rehabilitated runner from the '80s now running six days a week for health and fitness at Memorial Park, I decided in December that I wanted to apply for the ING New York Marathon when applications are open for acceptance. My thought: Maybe I'll get in, maybe I won't. Whatever happens, I'll continue to run for health and fitness. It just makes me a better human.
However, after experiencing the Chevron Houston Marathon last Sunday as a spectator, I have amended my first marathon application. Just hours after the Chevron Houston Marathon was complete, I applied for the 2009 event in Houston. I am sold on Houston's marathon event.
Here's what happened:
This year my wife and I decided to go check out the marathon on Jan. 13. We looked at the map route in the Chronicle the day before and over lunch decided upon an intersection near our home at approximately mile 18.
On race day morning, we arrived early so we could see everyone. We watched and cheered on the elite, the near-elite and the mortals for more than three hours. By the time we left, it felt like about 20 minutes had gone by. We cheered individuals on — calling out their names and offering words of encouragement like, "You're looking great, Bill," or "Great job, Barbara." We were really pulled into the race by these magnificent humans. By the end our voices were raspy, and our hands felt a little bruised from all the clapping. People had warned me a marathon would be painful.
Now I am not typically emotional — at least not overly emotional. Like many a fellow man, I learned a long time ago in my youth how to man-up and keep a stiff upper lip. However, as a newbie cheering spectator, I was not prepared for the feedback from the strangers running past us at mile 18. The response to our clapping and encouragement from the runners just about overwhelmed me — I had to hold back tears and high emotion several times at the beginning because the runners (of all levels) caught me off guard and got into my heart.
Some said, "Thanks, man." Some glanced back with the most genuine look of gratitude for calling out their name and encouraging them and gave a big thumbs up. Many just lit up and smiled when they heard their name.
It was beautiful to witness the incredible human spirit in each of these runners — just absolutely pure and authentic human spirit in the context of an extreme human achievement, 26.2 miles. I felt like every runner that ran by us was no longer a stranger.
It struck me very early on that this is exactly what life is supposed to be like — whereby we cheer for one another — sincerely encouraging each other to hold our heads and posture with our eyes on the horizon, racing to the finish. It is so simple, that it is profound: authentic, genuine encouragement. It reminded me that a kind, sincere word of encouragement has tremendous, albeit understated, power. I am ashamed to admit that I have forgotten that from time to time.
The elite, the near-elite and the mortals who ran the marathon in the city I love most, individually and collectively re-educated me on the magnificent human spirit each of us has — and the power of that internal strength to motivate us to carry on through intense pain and adversity in light of achieving that which we set out to do.
Even though I do not know the runners we cheered on personally, I can no longer consider them strangers. They are now my heroes and friends.
Ford is an investment banker in Houston.
okay -- if I'm gonna blog I should....
Since I am not a good blogger, I'll post some e-mails I've sent talking about running.
Is there a way to backdate entries? Please let me know if there is!
Is there a way to backdate entries? Please let me know if there is!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
WHEW!!! I did it!
With tears in my eyes, I crossed the finish line after
3 hours, 11 minutes, 44 seconds.
My main goal was to finish and if successful then to
be under 3 ½ hours, so I was victorious on both parts.
The tears were a combination of pain and pride. The
last mile and a half was REALLY tough (where were
those positive vibes people??) and at one point Stacy
grabbed my hand and tugged me along.
Michelle, Will, Nathalie, Vivian and Shane - THANK YOU
so very much for coming out! Having spectator support
all along the route is so amazing and seeing people
you know is such a HUGE boost. I have a great picture
of Nathalie running to give me a hug that in a small
way conveys the emotions of your support – it really
helped me get through. Sarah - I wore the visor you
gave me for luck!
Although I’m just a tad sore now (I did take an ice
bath) and quite tired, I feel really, really good.
And am looking forward to doing more ½ marathons –
Seabrook in March and the inaugural San Antonio Rock &
Roll in November. (Let me know if you want to train
with me!)
No, I don’t think I’ll ever take on a whole one –
y’all know I don’t even like to drive 26 mile plus
that would involve going outside the loop.
Wahoo!
Anna
With tears in my eyes, I crossed the finish line after
3 hours, 11 minutes, 44 seconds.
My main goal was to finish and if successful then to
be under 3 ½ hours, so I was victorious on both parts.
The tears were a combination of pain and pride. The
last mile and a half was REALLY tough (where were
those positive vibes people??) and at one point Stacy
grabbed my hand and tugged me along.
Michelle, Will, Nathalie, Vivian and Shane - THANK YOU
so very much for coming out! Having spectator support
all along the route is so amazing and seeing people
you know is such a HUGE boost. I have a great picture
of Nathalie running to give me a hug that in a small
way conveys the emotions of your support – it really
helped me get through. Sarah - I wore the visor you
gave me for luck!
Although I’m just a tad sore now (I did take an ice
bath) and quite tired, I feel really, really good.
And am looking forward to doing more ½ marathons –
Seabrook in March and the inaugural San Antonio Rock &
Roll in November. (Let me know if you want to train
with me!)
No, I don’t think I’ll ever take on a whole one –
y’all know I don’t even like to drive 26 mile plus
that would involve going outside the loop.
Wahoo!
Anna
Friday, January 11, 2008
E-mail pleading for positive vibes!
6 long months of preparation
167 training miles run
2 different running clubs
~$750 in gear, clothing and fees
7 weeks of pneumonia
3 bottles of liquid glucosomine (for knee pain)
Too many 5am Saturday wake-ups....
Coming down to THIS Sunday 1/13/08,
7:10am – theHOUSTON HALF-MARATHON!!
Now I need YOUR assistance -- When you awaken Sunday morning (at a blissfully late time), please send massive amounts of good vibes and motivational thoughts my way (bib # 29931). I’ll be jogging along enjoying the race for a leisurely 3 ½ hours or so, so won't be done until around 10:30am. Keep the positive thoughts coming my way all the way to the finish 13.1 miles away!
I still can't get over it that I (of all people!!) am doing this....
Dang...
Wow...
Wahoo!
Anna
167 training miles run
2 different running clubs
~$750 in gear, clothing and fees
7 weeks of pneumonia
3 bottles of liquid glucosomine (for knee pain)
Too many 5am Saturday wake-ups....
Coming down to THIS Sunday 1/13/08,
7:10am – theHOUSTON HALF-MARATHON!!
Now I need YOUR assistance -- When you awaken Sunday morning (at a blissfully late time), please send massive amounts of good vibes and motivational thoughts my way (bib # 29931). I’ll be jogging along enjoying the race for a leisurely 3 ½ hours or so, so won't be done until around 10:30am. Keep the positive thoughts coming my way all the way to the finish 13.1 miles away!
I still can't get over it that I (of all people!!) am doing this....
Dang...
Wow...
Wahoo!
Anna
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