Eddie By The Mile

Shoe Review: Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2

2011-10-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

This is probably my 1st real Shoe Review on my blog, but these Saucony Kinvara 2's definitely warrant the attention. Well... I actually broke a cardinal sin with these shoes, I brought a pair online without trying them on first! To my defense, I REALLY needed a new pair of kicks and wasn't able to get to a specialty running store to try out a pair. I've heard so many good things about the original Kinvaras that I made an impulse buy. So, did this purchase work out or did it bite me in the ass? lets see.

First off to get the trivial stuff out of the way... The Color! I absolutely love Red / Black color combination on running shoes! My last pair in that color combination were my Mizuno Elixers and I swear they actually made me LOOK faster! ;-) All jokes aside, The Saucony Kinvara 2's come in a variety of color combinations from Orange, Yellow/Green, White, Grey and even Black.

Okay now on to the more technical stuff. The first thing I noticed about these shoes were the fit. When I first put them on they felt nice and snug, like a glove! They were incredibly comfortable and felt like an extension of my foot. I wore socks this time around but the interior felt comfortable enough to go sock-less. The heel felt very secure and after properly lacing my shoes I had no problem with my heel slipping.

Okay now onto the weight of the shoes. At about 7.7 oz (according to the Saucony Website) these shoes are as light as many racing flats. To compare with my Mizuno Ronin 2's which are about 7.4 oz, there's not much of a difference. The reason for this is the ultra light weight materials used. The upper looked flimsy at first glance, but after handling the shoe I realized that the material is actually very durable. It looks like the midsole material was extended to the outsole as well, except for rubber on the heel and toe, and strategically placed pads on the forefoot. Since I know many runners who got 400 miles out of this shoe I'm not too worried about its durability. After trying on the Kinvara's, they didn't feel as light as I expected., maybe it was because I was already used to running in the Ronin's? In any case, now that I am fully adjusted to lighter shoes its not likely I'll ever go back to wearing even 9 oz kicks. To think my first marathon shoes weighed over 12 oz!!!

Another plus of the Kinvara's are that the heel to toe drop is only 4 mm. With minimalist shoes on the market with 0 mm drop The Kinvara's may not appeal to the hardcore minimalists, but its definitely a shoe that appeals to many runners (like myself) who are transitioning to a more midfoot / forefoot strike. However, for such a light shoe with such a small heel to toe drop, the Kinvara 2's were not as low to the ground as I expected. That's not necessarily a bad thing as this is one light weight shoe that has plenty of cushioning for longer training runs.

Okay, specs, colors and details are great but to really find out about a shoe you simply have to run in them! I'm happy to say my first run in the Kinvara 2's was great! These shoes felt good from the first step and didn't require any breaking in. The ride was smooth and I was able to settle into my natural stride very easily. To my delight I was able to put on these shoes and just RUN without thinking of them! I ran 10 miles in these shoes on the first time out and my feet felt great during and after! The cushioning on this shoe felt just right too, I didn't feel the road as much as I do in my Ronin's but it wasn't like I was running on clouds or marshmallow's either. Honestly its very easy to go fast in these shoes, which is mostly a good thing unless you have a long slow run scheduled, then it may take some discipline!

Conclusion: My first impression of The Saucony Kinvara 2's is that they are worth the hype. Obviously it will take many more miles to test the durability of this product, but so far i'm pretty impressed. They are lightweight, a joy to run in and have the added benefits of promoting a midfoot / forefoot strike. I'm still a Mizuno fan, and will probably get a pair of the new Ronin's, but the Kinvara's have definitely found a spot in my shoe rotation.

My Motivation Comes From Boston

2011-09-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

Today Registration for the Boston Marathon opened for those who have met the qualifying standard for their age and gender by 20 minutes or more. In the up coming weeks it will open up for other groups of runners based on time.

Since I have not qualified, I am not eligible to run the Boston Marathon. Just thinking of those who will be signing up both motivates me, and frustrates me at the same time. I got so close last year with my 3:12 at Philly and then took a step back with a 3:21 this year at Pasadena. Since then my training has taken a dive and I have been struggling for consistency. I know I haven't blogged since April, part of that was my disappointment with my Pasadena Marathon Performance. Even though it was a tough, hilly race, and even though I publicly stated I was proud of that time, at the end of the day it wasn't close to a PR or BQ. I knew I could do better! However with the way my training was going I knew I'd never get there at that pace.

The Boston Marathon has always been a huge motivator to me, and countless other runners. With all of the history and prestige behind the Boston Marathon; The Course, The Classic Medal, Heartbreak Hill, The Wellesley Girls, etc., it's still the Qualifying Times that are the center of attention. If The New York City Marathon is the race/course I most want to run, then The Boston Marathon is the race I most want to register for. Boston has dangled that Carrot and I'm chasing it. Not qualifying this year means my goal just got a lot tougher. Currently (just implemented this year), any runner who has qualified for Boston by 20 min or more has first dibs on Registration, then those who have qualified by 10 minutes, etc. That means I'd have to run a sub 3 hour Marathon to safely secure a spot as barely qualifying with a 3:10 likely won't get the job done. Next year barely qualifying will be a 3:05. Suddenly that 3:12 I ran doesn't seem so close anymore.

So what does this all mean? Basically to have a fighting chance to qualify for Boston, I will need to be in the best shape of my life and commit to training like I've never trained before. I wont stop running until I qualify for Boston, and even then I will have other running goals to reach. If you think about it, its a win/win situation! Eating well, staying fit and generally living a healthy lifestyle is something we should all strive for anyway! No matter what your running or fitness goals are, having something out there to motivate you can lead you to your full potential... or pretty damn close!

Running for A Cause

2011-04-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

On Sunday May 15th, 2011, I will be running the Pasadena Marathon. This will be my 5th Marathon, (1st Pasadena). As I've been training for this race, I continue to see a sight that is all to familiar to me already. I routinely pass homeless people on my runs. For some, this is an inconvenience, something to avoid and something that they'd rather not see. For me, its a dose of reality. Its a constant reminder that no matter how hard my life may seem at any particular day, someone has it worse.

Even with this dose of reality, I am often guilty of ignoring what's in front of my eyes. Out of sight, out of mind is a term that comes to mind, but now, living Downtown with the largest concentration of Homelessness in LA I can no longer ignore this issue. I try to do my part, but I realize giving a dollar to every homeless person I see on the street is not going to make a huge difference.

There are some people out there who refuse to give money to the homeless, claiming those who do are just enabling their habits and addictions. Problem is not all homeless people are in the same situation. There are many judgements made: homeless people are addicts, they're lazy, they don't want to find work, they are bad people who are getting what they deserve - these are all things I've heard at one point or another in regards to the homeless. Many of these judgements are made based on myth and not fact. Maybe, just maybe they are people who have made some bad decisions, or have had some bad breaks in life, people who have tried but can't help themselves. It's unfair to judge someone without knowing what they have been through.

I first learned about the Union Station Homeless Services (USHS) while I was researching the Pasadena Marathon. At first I looked at it as an opportunity to simply "run for a cause" but the more I learned about the Organization and how they are changing lives I realized this is something I could really believe in. As one person looking at the issue of homelessness it can be overwhelming, and difficult to imagine how 1 person can make a difference. The Union Station Homeless Servics has a track record of helping the homeless since 1973. Its more than just providing food and shelter, The USHS is taking steps to make positive long term impact through Life Skills Counseling and Employment Opportunities. Supporting this organization, I can know am impact is being made and they have the success stories to prove it.

To make a donation to this great cause you can visit my fundraising page - http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/eddie-diaz/pasadena-marathon

To learn more about The Union Station Homeless Services please visit their website - http://www.unionstationhs.org/index.html

-Eddie D

Back in the Groove!

2011-03-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to say I'm back! For the first time since I PR'd at the Philadelphia Marathon I am running consistent miles... and it feels GREAT! In an attempt to get in more miles I took a chance running with a backpack (commuting from work) and its worked out perfectly. Never mind the little extra weight and discomfort of the backpack - I've gotten used to it. The main thing is I'm running consistently and able to run daily with no schedule conflicts to slow me down!

I will admit, the increased miles has not come easy (well some runs were). I need to be mindful of the toll its taking on my body and rest accordingly. Now on my 3rd week of my new running schedule there is no sign of slowing down! Motivation for my recent running surge came from many different places, but mostly I've been inspired by my friends.

On the March 20th I came out to support all of my friends running the LA Marathon. It was the first time I have attended a race as a spectator since I started running. It was an amazing experience of its own being on the other side of it. This race was nothing short of epic - even just for the weather alone! I have to applaud and show much respect to everyone who braved the elements for this one, and especially those who PR'd on this course: Dominic M, Jen L, and Diaz Sisters Raciel and Minel! Seriously as crazy as it sounds, I guess the goal of getting out of the stormy weather was a huge motivation boost!

For my Ninjas

Spectators on the LA Marathon Course

The blur you see is the Elite Women passing...

Following the LA Marathon I got the itch to run another Marathon of my own. I looked at several options and almost signed up for OC, but in the end I decided on the Pasadena Marathon on May 15th. The extra 2 weeks of preparation (OC is May 1st) and its also much closer distance to home!
Usually signing up for a race provides a runner with motivation to step up their running. In my case being able to step up my running motivated me to sign up for a race, which in turn will motivate me to step up my running even more! See how that works? I still have over 6 weeks to get prepared for Pasadena and I know this is not a "PR Course". If I happen to have a good day of course I will try to get that 3:10, but mostly I want to see how I will manage the hills. If I can do decent on this course then I'll be even more confident on a flatter course, lets say Long Beach, or even a net downhill course like CIM. No matter what happens, I am just happy to be running with a purpose again!

The Start of Something New!

2011-03-15T23:03:00.000-07:00

Getting On Track

I have been in a bit of a funk lately when it comes to running, one that I've been trying to break out of. I've had some good runs here and there but no sort of consistency. There were lots of factors in my inconsistency - my busy work schedule and personal life definitely contributed. Also, racing was not a priority and I hadn't raced since the Philadelphia Marathon.

Today I feel like my running funk is coming to an end!

What has changed? Well first, a new job in Century City, 10 miles away from Downtown LA. The commute is MUCH easier and so is my schedule. I get to work a bit earlier and leave work earlier, and with the shorter commute time I can run after work and still have plenty of quality time with Jasmine. Settling into a new work schedule and routine should definitely work wonders for my running schedule!

But that's not it! Lately I've been feeling the itch to run more and start training again for a race. Maybe its all of the early morning runners I see on my commute to work? I've also started reading Bart Yasso's book "My Life On The Run" I'm only on chapter 4 but I'm completely captivated and motivated by it; Definitely a good read! Maybe its the flier I got about a stair climb race up the AON Building in Downtown LA. Not sure if I will do it (short notice to raise money) but that's irrelevant. The point is it got me interested again. I know that my inconsistent running has probably eliminated some race options for me, but that hasn't stopped me from looking.

The Run

Today, I went to work with a backpack and running clothes (to run after work). I have only run with a backpack on 1 other occasion, and I didn't care for it much. Taking some advice I read on runners world, I only packed my clothes and left my dress shoes at work to manage the weight of the bag. I also got some extra motivation today when I read of a company employee in Chicago who ran the Arrowhead 134 Mile Ultra Marathon - IN THE SNOW! Oh yeah and he finished 9th Overall!!

So off I went with my back pack! My goal was to run from Century City, take a detour in Beverly Hills via Rodeo Drive and finish in Hollywood and Highland to catch the Red Line Train. The run felt good! It was a unique challenge to run with a backpack. Not terribly hard but just enough that my shoulders were getting a bit tired, especially on the uphills. I didn't mind a little extra weight and definitely didn't mind that I didn't have my Garmin today, the weather was perfect and I was enjoying every minute!

I also loved running a different route! There is nothing like a fresh new route to make running fun again, its one of the things I love about running PERIOD. Working in Century City will bring about plenty of new route options and I'm excited about the possibilities!

-Eddie

Wasted Potential - A Runners Fear

2011-01-22T19:48:00.000-08:00

At the risk of sounding a bit cocky, I feel like I've been dealt a pretty good hand when it comes to running. Granted, I will never be in the league of Meb Keflezighi or other elite runners and I also will probably never ever win a Marathon, (including the small ones). But one thing I do know about myself is that things have been relatively easy for me when it comes to running.

First, I never had to over come many obstacles to get myself in running shape. I was never over weight and always on the slimmer side, I never was a smoker, never had any physical problems that would hinder me from running.

While I was in the Marine Corps I was forced to run on a regular basis. I was also subject to twice a year Physical Fitness tests which included a 3 mile run which had to be completed in under 28 minutes. While I never ran the 18 minute 3 miles required to get a perfect score, I did come pretty close at 18:30. While my training in Boot Camp definitely had something to do with it, others in my platoon had the same training and would still fall out of runs.

As for Marathon training, I definitely took my first one serious, and made adjustments for my second based on lessons learned. My mileage was highest while training for my second and overall was satisfied with my training level, however I did not set my sights high enough. I tried for a sub 3:30 and got a 3:29. I know now I was capable of much more. Since that race I hadn't trained at the level I've wanted to. I always had it in my mind to finally get serious about my training, join road runners or something similar, or strictly follow one of the many Advanced Marathon Training Plans out there. Instead I've simply enjoyed my running and done whatever I wanted. I haven't worried about weekly mileage or specific types of training (except for long runs) although I mix up my runs there was no solid structure. I did however notice that I was somehow getting faster. The result? I ran the 2010 Philadelphia Marathon in a personal best time of 3:12:39.

True, the conditions and the course were pretty ideal for Philadelphia, and his was the first time I attempted such an aggressive Marathon. It made me wonder, could I have easily qualified for Boston if I logged more miles or had a more structured training regimen.

Now in 2011, the year I was "sure to qualify for Boston", my training so far has been is even less structured. I have gone long periods without running, and most of my weekly runs have been short 4 milers during my lunch break. I am a year older and entering my prime at 31. I am getting worried about wasting my potential. I'm dreaming not only of qualifying for Boston, but also running a sub 3 Marathon. I read plenty of blogs and books and know that many people have done much more with much less. The difference is they have put in the time and effort required.

Sometimes I'm stuck in a place where, on one hand I want to keep running fun and free, but on the other hand I want to see what I am really capable of. I know my schedule is crazy, and it probably wont get any easier, I simply have to find a way to make things work. My move to Downtown LA hasn't made mid week run much easier, neither has my decision to take public transportation to and from work every day.

So maybe 2011 won't be the year I reach my full potential, and if the rumors are all true BAA changes will make qualifying for Boston even tougher. Still, I won't stop trying to push my limits and reach new goals. I'm still planing for my next Marathon, more than likely The OC Marathon in May. Hypothetical situations can only get you so far, at some point you just have to go out and make it happen!

-Eddie

A Downtown LA Runners Photo-Journey

2010-12-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

This morning before my run I decided to check out DailyMile to see how my fellow runners were doing and find out what the DailyMission was. Here it is - #dailymission - before you go out today, check out the mission: Find the biggest hill in your city - run up it!

Easy enough right? I knew of a pretty nice hill that I usually run when I run the LA Marathon Course. Was it the biggest dunno, maybe not so I decided to look for some others. I decided to take pics of them too! Somehow though, this DailyMission turned into a full fledged photo-journey, w/ a pretty crazy moment to wrap it all up! So without further adieu, here are the pics!!

I run up to Figueroa past the Staples Center

Staples Center

I came back down on Olympic, cut over to Grand and got this nice shot

Okay, about that DailyMission. While running on Grand this was the first hill in the distance as I approached it.

Partially up here is a better view of the hill:

I was too busy trucking up this baby to take any more pics of the hill but I did get this shot from the top looking down:

From here the route was pretty scenic:

Chinatown Gate

El Pueblo

Sister Cities of LA

Here was hill #2, not as steep but went on a little longer:

Then there were more sights to see:

Walt Disney Concert Hall

One thing about running through Downtown LA is that you notice a lot of sculptures and artwork mixed in with the office buildings. I took this pic because of the sculpture and the great view.

There's a crazy story behind this pic...

While I was taking this pic I saw a man in a business suit passing behind me so I turned around to make sure I was not in his way. Out of nowhere this guy became incredibly combative. He yells out "HEY, WERE YOU TRYING TO TAKE A PICTURE OF ME?!?" I was completely baffled. I told him I was taking pictures of the scenery and then he went off. "I saw you pointing your camera at me, you better not take any pictures of me, I SWEAR! I have a LAWYER on RETAINER and I will SUE your ASS!!".... *blank stare* WTF just happened? He was a pretty big dude and he was trying to be threatening. What I REALLY wanted to do was take a picture just to spite him and then say. "Oh, you're gonna sue me?! YOU GOTTA CATCH ME FIRST FATASS!!" I thought to myself "I bet this guy couldn't run a block without gasping for breath... Well thankfully I know how to listen to that little voice in my head and regulate my actions. I started thinking about why he would act out that way about someone *possibly* taking his picture. Whatever the reason, it could not have been good and definitely not worth getting killed over. I mean as fast as I run you can't out run a bullet and I think this guy may have been THAT serious about this picture thing.

Well moving on, here are the rest of the pics from my scenic route!

The Los Angeles Public Library

Stair case that cuts through the Hope Street Dead End

The Downtown Standard Hotel

All in all it was a good run, would have been much better minus the crazy encounter but I definitely enjoyed this one! My legs felt good and I was able to get some Hills, Intervals, and speed play all in one run! Looking forward to a longer run tomorrow!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Eddie D.

What defines a Runner?

2010-12-02T18:50:00.001-08:00

I remember the first day I signed into RunnersWorld.com. My wife looked over my shoulder and when she noticed the website, she said "Just because you run a couple miles a couple days a week, that doesn't mean you're a runner!" She was right! Not because of the length or the frequency of my runs, but because of my casual attitude about it. I was an "Aspiring Runner". I had run during my 8+ years as a Marine (not by choice) and after a (lazy) year of civilian life I sorely needed to get back in shape!

That's where running came in! I was the guy wearing a cotton t-shirt on his runs and i had worn out Asics from my Marine days. Struggling and gasping on a 2 mile run was a big bruise to my ego! I ran every once in a while and didn't get focused until i got an iPod and Nike+ as a gift that Summer. The competition of the Challenges were enough to motivate me! Pretty soon i was running 6 miles with relative ease! I was becoming a runner, but something was missing! That fall i received a challenge from my boss to run the LA Marathon! I was up for the challenge and this will make me a legitimate runner!

4 full Marathons later there's no hiding the fact that I'm a runner... but... when did I actually become one?! There are a wide range of opinions on this subject and some are extremely elitist. Some people say that you are not a runner until you run a Marathon or a Half Marathon. Other people say that whether you are a runner depends on what actions you take after your 1st race, do you stop there or sign up for another one? Furthermore there are those who claim you have to be *this* fast to be considered a runner. On the flipside of this argument many people attempt to simplify by saying anyone who runs *period* is a runner.

so when did I become a runner? I feel like I became a Runner when i started feeling like a Runner, and that was before my 1st race, for sure. Sticking with the crazy idea to run a Marathon and diving into the running culture feet first is really what did it for me! I found my local running store, participated in weekly *fun runs* and made friends that I cherish. My 1st race (09 Surf City 1/2 Marathon) was a coming out party so to speak, but that didn't MAKE me a runner... it was just part of the natural progression from runner to 1/2 Marathoner, Marathoner, etc.

So what do YOU think defines a runner? When did YOU become a runner, and has anyone tried to tell you you were not a REAL runner?! I'd love to hear your stories!!

Eddie D

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The small Daily Workouts We Neglect.

2010-11-30T07:27:00.001-08:00

Okay, the title may be a bit deceiving so let me give you a personal example. Since moving to downtown LA I've been taking the Metro to work daily. The Metro Red Line is 2 short blocks from where I live. I find myself running to catch the train quite often, and while its nothing compared to a normal training run it does get my heart pumping a bit. When I get off the train i run up the long and steep North Hollywood Station steps, and if the Bus is approaching i run for that too!

Sounds like a morning workout? Maybe, except I never count it as one! It's not traditional or structured, but i still feel it in my legs when i run up those steps. There are plenty of things we do as part of our jobs, our lives, and daily routine that are "workouts". Whether its heavy lifting at work or constantly picking up your baby or toddler. Taking your dog for a walk, Salsa dancing at a party will also get that heart rate up! Why is it that we don't give ourselves any credit? Sure they wont replace your 6 mile run or sets at the gym, but it still has a positive effect on your fitness.

Share some of YOUR examples and finally give yourself the *extra* credit you deserve!

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Lessons Learned From Philadelphia

2010-11-29T20:23:00.001-08:00

Its been a week since the Philadelphia Marathon and after a weeks vacation I'm ready to get back to my daily routine! After running a personal best 3:12:39, I'm happy though not completely satisfied. I want to get better and faster, and this is what continues to motivate me as a runner. So, how does one follow up a strong Marathon performance? I heard many experienced runners say that in order to be mentally prepared for your next race you must first forget your last one. There is a lot of truth to this statement, but before i forget i must first go back and learn what went right and wrong, and also what did I learn from the experience.

What went wrong:
1) I arrived in Philadelphia very late the night before.
2) Didn't make the expo and barely worked out getting my bib picked up!
3) Didn't have a traditional carbo-load the night before.
4) Didn't get much sleep the night before.
5) Had some GI issues during the last 3 miles of the race.
6) Had some chafing issues... (I forgot the Body Glide).
7) I need to work on how i approach the water stations. I was a bit sloppy and disorganized.

What went right:
1) I had a good taper
2) Got plenty of sleep before and during my flight.
3) Managed to stay hydrated!
4) I ate a small but good meal on the plane (calories count!)
5) I had a good race day breakfast!
6) Arrived to the race early.
7) I dressed appropriately for the weather!
8) No port-a-john lines!
9) Managed my Gu and Water intake well.
10) Paced myself well!

Lessons Learned:
1) Avoid stress, get your airline tickets EARLY!!
2) A good nights sleep the night before a race is not that critical; as long as you are well rested prior to that.
3) A WAWA turkey and cheese hoagie CAN get you through a marathon!!
4) Mizuno Wave Ronins are amazing race shoes!!
5) Less training miles doesn't mean less prepared. Quality over quantity!
6) Running in cool weather really DOES make a huge difference!!
7) I can run a full marathon w/ no music and not get bored at all!!
8) If you're running at target pace late in the race and are able to easily hold a full conversation with other runners that's a good thing!
9) Having people cheer your name is awesome! If there is no name on my bib next race i will MAKE one!
10) If i had 5k to go, were close to a BQ or PR goal and i had to "go" i may just risk crapping my pants!! (Thank God that wasn't the case this time!!)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is truly one of my favorite times of the year! Its a time when family and friends come together to enjoy a great big meal, its also a day filled with Parades, Football Games and ... Turkey Trots!!

Turkey Trots are not something I grew up with, but as a runner it is something that I've learned to be as much of a Thanksgiving Tradition as Pumpkin Pie! Runners and walkers of all skill levels wake up to participate in one of the funnest events of the year! Sometimes the winner even takes home a Thanksgiving Turkey! For many participants the REAL reward is a guilt free Thanksgiving Meal!

Turkey Trotters aren't the only ones who get a pass for a big meal! Now that the Fall Marathon Season is over Thanksgiving comes at a perfect time! With training done and the race in the bag you can enjoy the fruits of your labor and reward yourself with a hearty meal!

Whether you have run a turkey trot or slept in I want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Philadelphia Marathon Race Report!

2010-11-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Early this year, way before I ran The Stadium to The Sea or The So-Cal Ragnar Relay, I had a plan to run The Philadelphia Marathon... call it a new years resolution! I told my wife Jasmine, a Philadelphia native, this was the only race I really cared about running in 2010. The goal was to make it not only a Marathon Trip but an opportunity to enjoy a week with our family on the east coast! Whether I was prepared for it or not, the Philly Marathon was going to be my first real attempt to qualify for Boston and I let everyone know! Truth be told, Philly was the only "A" race on my schedule. I ran the LA Marathon with some friends, I ran the So-Cal Ragnar Relay with friends, and recently paced a friend during the inaugural Rock n' Roll LA 1/2 Marathon. Though I hadn't really pushed my limits in any of these races I was seeing improvements in my running throughout the year. After a string of really good training runs I started thinking that my "Crazy BQ Idea" may not be so crazy after all! All good right?! Except this race almost didn't happen!

Though I made sure to register for the race early, I almost didn't get on a flight!! Almost down to the wire, family came through for Jasmine and I! We were set to leave on Saturday and I knew I wouldn't make the expo... that could be a problem, but... THANK YOU DAILY MILE! and THANK YOU MIKE! As a leap of faith I posted my situation on Daily Mile, asking for a HUGE favor. Mike, who was running his 2nd Philly Marathon came through for me and picked up my Race Packet at the expo! With that worry out of the way all that was left was to get to Philly! I was scheduled to arrive at 7PM Saturday Night but a full flight pushed us back to a later flight which was scheduled to arrive at 10PM. Not ideal the day before a Marathon but I was going to make it and that's all that mattered!

When I finally arrived in Philly the 1st thing on my agenda was meeting Mike to get my Bib and Race Packet. It was great meeting Mike, he's such a nice guy! I thanked him for helping me and wished him luck on his own race goals! Next on the agenda FOOD!! Since I arrived in Philadelphia so late I knew a true "Carbo Load" was out of the question so instead we headed to WAWA for some Turkey and Cheese Hoagies + Potato Salad! I also prepared for race morning picking up some bagels + peanut butter, Powerade and some peanut/almond granola bars! If my pre race dinner was a bit out of the ordinary my race day breakfast was going to be exactly what I eat before my long runs! Before bed I pinned on my bib and laid out my running gear! Now, I was ready!

Race Day Morning

I didn't get much sleep before the race, maybe 3 hours... kind of expected that! I woke up early and answered natures call. I got dressed and headed to the kitchen to eat my race day breakfast!

One of the biggest perks of running the Philly Marathon was that its so close to New York that my family could watch me run! Just before 5AM my parents arrived with my sister Lillian and her boyfriend Derrence. It was so great have them show up and I really wanted to have a good performance for them! Since I was staying with Jasmines grandmother in Mt. Laurel, NJ we didn't have a bad commute to the race, but still wanted to get there early, so we were out the door a little after 5:15. When we arrived the traffic wasn't horrible but there were long lines for parking. At about 6AM I decided to walk toward the starting line to find a Porta-John before the start. To my (pleasant) surprise they were extremely easy to find and there was no line whatsoever! When I was done is when I noticed the line forming so I guess I beat the rush! I once my family caught up with me it was on the way to the start!

While my family thought it was cold, I thought the weather was perfect at 40*! I wore a beanie and arm warmers at the start with the intention that I could take either off if I got too warm. I was in the Black Corral which was pretty close the the front. I talked to a fellow Mets fan in the corral who was running her first Marathon. We wished each other luck and pretty soon it was time for the race to start!

The Race

Miles 1-5:

When the gun went off the first runners were off! The Rocky Theme was blaring through the speakers and everyone was energized for a great race! With a wave start I crossed the start line 2 minutes after the first wave. This was my first time starting with a wave and I loved it immediately! It was nice running with people who were more or less at your level! The other perk, not much weaving around slower runners! Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against slower runners, but having corrals based on time just work better for everyone involved! These first 5 miles seemed to fly by quickly. I was warned that my Garmin wouldn't be very accurate for the 1st few miles because of the buildings Downtown. I just tried to focus on my "Perceived Effort" I really enjoyed this section of the course and it was nice running along Columbus Blvd. overlooking Jersey. There were a couple hills in the early portion but nothing too crazy. Also, knowing the second half would be flatter helped me mentally.

Miles 6-10:

Turning on to Chestnut Street the crowd energy was amazing! I know I probably high fived a few people and had several spectators call out my name as I was running (love having my name on my bib!) It was also great to run past the Frat Houses! Those guys were going wild and were hilarious while they were dancing and cheering on the runners! At this point I was passed the point where "going out too fast" was a concern and was settling into a good pace that I felt I could maintain, but also pick it up if I needed to. There were a few more hills heading toward and past the Philadelphia Zoo but it was also a really nice stretch! Conquering the mile 9 hill with ease gave me lots of confidence for the rest of the race!

Miles 11-15:

This stretch of the race ran by the river and then back across to the Art Museum by the halfway point. Not sure how everyone else felt but I loved that the race did this! My parents were there to watch me at the start and this made it easy for them since they didn't have to travel so far to see me along the course. When I heard my dad's signature whistle I turned and saw them! I stretched out my arms and let out a "Go Brooklyn!". I was though the half in 1:36:02 which was a new 1/2 Marathon PR for me. (I have not run a 1/2 since Surf City '09) I really felt good and very strong. During this stretch we passed Boathouse Row and Fairmont Park. I was really enjoying this course!

Miles 16-20

On this stretch of the race I came across Sam Felsenfeld who started Operation Jack. I had read a little about Operation Jack on Daily Mile and Runners World Forums but really didn't know the entire story. Talking to Sam was really inspiring! I won't go into the whole story but you can learn more about his amazing story and quest to run 61 Marathons to raise money for Train 4 Autism. I ran with Sam (who was wearing pink arm warmers) for about 2 miles or so. We chatted about Operation Jack, Marathons, and our goals for Philly. When we reached Falls Bridge Sam admitted he was fading a bit and said "This is where you leave me in the dust!" At that point I felt completely rejuvenated! This stretch heading into Manayunk was great; a wonderful area with great crowd support to top it off! Some runners seemed discouraged seeing other runners further along on the out and back portion, but to me this was just motivation for me to get there faster! The hills heading into Manayunk weren't too bad and were probably the last hills I would encounter on this course!

Miles 21-26.2:

Shortly after passing the 20 mile marker I was feeling great! I yelled out to some spectators only 10k to go!! I knew that barring a complete meltdown I would have a huge PR today! I knew I was on the fringe of a BQ time but actually miscalculated a bit. I estimated what I would need for 6 miles without considering the last .2. I was still right on pace for my more tangible goal of sub 3:15. I started my push! I have to absolutely RAVE about the crowd support on this CRITICAL stretch of the race. They were FANTASTIC! This is also where having your name in BIG BOLD LETTERS on your bib really helps! I heard numerous spectators shout "Looking Good Eddie" and "Running Strong Eddie" which really gave me the confidence to keep up that push. When I hit 4 miles I thought "4 miles!? I do that EASILY on the DAILY" Aside from a little calf soreness I was still feeling great with no sign of the Wall anywhere in sight; and with 5k to go this became a race to the finish!! I don't remember the exact moment but I remember hearing chants of "FAST EDDIE" as I ran by. I was picking off fading runners left and right at this point and had no intention of slowing down. doing the calculations I knew it was unlikely I'd get the BQ but I ran like it was still possible. Usually the final mile of a marathon drags a bit. You are so close that you are looking everywhere for either the 26 mile marker or the Finish line.. Well I must say this mile went by FAST. I couldn't believe it when I saw the finish line was the actual finish line and not the 26 mile marker. I glanced at the clock and saw that I would come in before 3:15 Gun Time which would put me under 3:13 chip time. I knew I was finishing strong in front of my family and gave an extra kick to the finish line raising my arms in "Victory!"

Finish Line and Post Race:

At the finish I saw my family hanging over the fence and immediately went over for hugs. Even before getting my finisher's medal! I loved that it was easy for my family to celebrate with me immediately following the race. Reading some race reports from previous years a lot of runners called the finish line "Disorganized" and didn't like that the families were allowed in the finish area. Well I have to question if these runners had family meet them at the race because to me this was PERFECT! I got my medal and blanket and kept it moving. My eyes lit up at the sight of Soft Philly Pretzels and I immediately made my way toward the food! Celebrating with my family was definitely the best part! This was the first time my parents have been able to see me run a Marathon and I "Made them proud" Having such support waiting for me at the finish definitely helped in the motivation department!

2010 Ragnar Relay - Part 3 "Keepin' It Movin'"

2010-04-28T23:38:00.000-07:00

I knew they would be a time during the Ragnar Relay when the lack of sleep and delirium would kick in. After my night leg I passed off to Mike and he was off. 5.8 miles in Hermosa Beach follwed by 3.3 miles in Torrance with no break in between, so basically it was one long 9.1 mile leg. We decided to head to exchange 21 to see mikes "Self Handoff" I was tired and decided to chill in the Van while JT and Miniver went along to catch up with Mike. They asked if Mike had ran by yet and was told he didn't, when they asked again they found out he was long gone.. damn, time wasted and with a short leg we needed to get back on the road to arrive at the next exchange. On some parts of the course the Van directions were different from the running directions, but on THIS part of the course, the Van Directions were non-existent!!! WTF?! We got lost in Torrance trying to get to the next exchange, not fun. When Mike called us to let us know he was at the exchange we were still about 15 minutes out. Craziness. This was probably the low point of Ragnar but we got through it!! Finally we find Mike, and he passes off to Miniver for her 2 mile leg, we race to the next exchange and pass off to Ali who also had a pretty short 2.5 mile leg.

After the whole "getting lost" situation it was nice to knock out 2 short legs. Once again we met up with Van 1 at the Major exchange at a small park in Harbor City. The stop was brief, we were soon on our way to Huntington Beach.. Surf City!!!

Huntington Beach was definitely one of the highlights of the Ragnar Relay. We all took our "baby wipe showers" and had a hot breakfast! Pancakes were on point! Not the best I've ever had but they were pretty good at the moment. We spent our time before JT's next leg listening to A Tribe Called Quest Radio on Pandora, (Thanks Ali), checking out all of the other teams (Indians were crazy), and watching some runners cross the exchange. Good times!

When it was almost time for JT's next leg, I was also mentally preparing for what was coming up, 2 long tough legs (7 and 8.8 miles respectively) with only a short rest between them. We headed to the next exchange point and as I waited for the hand-off I forgot to turn on my Garmin. By the time I turned it on it was too late and I couldn't get a signal.

Leg 32 - 7.0 Miles - Costa Mesa

Maybe it was a good thing I started this leg without a Garmin. I wanted to run by feel, run at a pretty good pace but not kill myself before my final "Very Hard" leg. Mentally this leg felt long, though physically I felt great! I passed up some more runners along the route but got stuck at a few looooong traffic lights that got frustrating after a while. Out of all of my legs during the Ragnar Relay, this one seemed the least runner friendly. While it was flat there were a lot of turns, shorter streets with lots of intersections, many pedestrians on the sidewalks and of course, the long traffic lights. Because of all of these factors I was able to chat with a lot of runners along this leg which was nice. For them, it was their final leg, so I motivated and congratulated them on a race well done! Toward the latter part of my leg I wanted to be done, as I mentioned this felt long mentally. When I hit the final stretch I saw the finish and I got caught on one last traffic light which had to be anywhere from 3-5 minutes long.. no joke. Its nearly impossible to have a good leg time with all of these setbacks!! When that light finally turned green I took off like a bat out of hell!! Crossed the exchange, passed off to Mike, and I was done! 1 leg to go and I was back on deck!

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2010 Ragnar Relay - Part 2 "Midnight Marauders.."

2010-04-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

After I ran my first leg I felt great! I was pumped up and ready for more! Following runners in the fan was incredibly fun! We would shout out and have a blast whenever we passed a runner, but it got real wild when we passed one of our own! Mike "Superman" Withers finished his leg and passed it off to Alicia who was running the "extra" leg. She passed on to Miniver who then passed it off to Ali again! Since Ali was the last runner in our Van all of her scheduled legs ended at a major exchange point. Our next major exchange point was Woodland Hills! I was practically in my own back yard!! We met up with our Van 1 teammates to hang out and recap the days events. Mike also met up with his wife Dawne. When Ali came through and we all ran with her through the final stretch as a group!!

Since it was getting dark at this point we had to walk around with reflective gear and Flags. For me it was glow in the dark horns! That it was late also meant that most of us were both hungry and tired. We originally planned to get some food in the Valley but Miniver got us a sweet deal on a room at The Santa Monica Sheraton Hotel. Santa Monica also happened to be our next major exchange point so we hopped on the freeway and headed to the beach!! Once we spotted our hotel we went to get some food!

We all concluded we wanted something fast and cheap.. Jack In The Box was the eventual winner! The Mini Sirloin Burgers were a popular choice but I had the Sourdough Steak Sandwich with some Onion Rings... Oh! And who can forget THE BEER!! We checked into our Hotel and feasted!! We also took turns taking a hot shower.. well worth it!!! Now it was time to get some rest!! Umm too bad that didn't last very long. Only 1 hour after I closed my eyes our Van 1 teammates called to let us know that they were at exchange 5, wait... what?!?! Impossible!!! I tried to do the math in my head but was too tired.. We were all pretty skeptical but also didn't want to miss an exchange sooo.. we got up and prepared to leave. We made it to the Santa Monia Pier and waited, and waited, and waited some more. Yeah, Van 1 had made a miscalculation and as a result we missed out on some sleep. I could have been upset about it, but you know what? That's what Ragnar is all about!! You just gotta man up and roll with the punches!

There were plenty of runners who had camped out on the pier, something I'm glad we didn't do! Van 1 showed up and it was almost time for JT's leg from Santa Monica Pier through Venice.. at 2 am!! Pretty soon I was off to the start of my leg.

Leg 20 - 5.8 Miles - El Segundo

Before the start of this leg I knew I wanted to run this leg fast. This was my shortest leg and it was also pretty flat. Not to mention I was running along the beach path at 3 am! As a rule (and safety measure) all Ragnar runners with legs after 6:30 pm and before 6:30 am are required to wear full reflective gear. This means a reflective vest, led butt light, and a flashlight or head lamp. I took it a step further with glowing green horns. When JT passed the baton I was off!! Right away I had runners in my sights and I started to pick them off. 1 at a time, 2 at a time, and at one point 3. I ran this leg with no music at all - partially for safety reasons but mostly so I could focus on running a fast leg. It definitely helped and in no time at all I was in the zone! I enjoyed this route, though it was mostly flat it stayed interesting with various curves and some small rolling hills. I ran this leg at an average pace of 6:50 min / mile and passed a total of 16 runners in the process!!

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Now that I got my speed fix out of the way I knew my final 2 legs wouldn't be so easy, but I was up for the challenge anyway!!

2010 Ragnar Relay - Part 1 "In The Beginning.."

2010-04-26T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Ragnar Relay... what an amazing adventure!! During my LA Marathon Recap I wrote that the Race was the most fun I've had running a Marathon. Well then, the 2010 Ragnar Relay is the Most Fun I've Ever Had Running any type of event. The entire experience was incredible going into it I had no idea what to expect. I knew a couple of runners on my team (Sugitorias) that I've actually met before. Others I've known from social networking (Daily Mile, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and still others I was just getting to know all together. This made for a completely random experience that was a lot of gut instinct and going with the flow! But to be honest, I wouldn't have had it any other way!

Friday was the first day of the Race. Since I was in Van 2, I was able to sleep in a bit since thankfully we were not needed at the start. We all met at our Team Captains place in Burbank to meet, pick up our Van, and head to Exchange 6. In Ragnar every team has a theme and costumes to match. Our team theme was "Ravers". My teammates certainly dressed the part! Rainbow hair extensions, glow sticks, attire, and techno music all added to the Rave Feel.

Before making our way to exchange 6, our first stop was Ralphs to get lunch!

After this trip to Ralphs I knew exactly what type of weekend I was in store for!! We all grabbed our sandwiches, ice for the beer, and any various medications that would be needed later on. When we finally arrived at exchange 6 we all looked around to take in all of the various teams, themes and costumes. "The Dirty Pirates" were by far the best of the bunch.. and lets just say their timing was impeccable. Thought we cut it pretty close we met up with our Van 1 colleagues just in time to get our bibs for JT's first Leg. Janese, the final runner from Van 1 finished her 9.9 mile first leg and 'Tagged" JT with the baton/slap bracelet and off was JT for Van 2's first leg!! I was to follow suit so we went off to exchange 7 for the start of leg 8.

Leg 8 - 6.8 miles -Thousand Oaks, CA

Our team was short 2 runners (12 person relay with only 10 runners) so I stepped up early and volunteered to take a 4th leg. Of my 4 legs (8, 20, 32, 34) the first one had the steepest hills. The good thing about running this leg first was my legs were completely fresh! The hills were definitely significant, but the scenery was great and helped to distract! I think this was the first time I've actually been in Thousand Oaks, looks like a really nice area to live.

I ran this leg with my iPod blasting Midnight Marauders and I was quickly in the zone! I was eating up those hills and eating up other runners in the process. Though I didn't see many runners during this leg I was able to pass all of the runners I did see.. a total of 7! I convinced myself it was my job to pass any and all runners in my path!! The hills definitely came into play.. but definitely in my favor! The Calabasas hills I train on near my office had me well prepared and while others struggled, I seemed to thrive.

This leg was almost a disaster though about half way in when I nearly missed my turn by following a runner who was not racing Ragnar. Another Ragnar runner showed good sportsmanship and pointed me in the right direction. Thanks!!

The other interesting aspect to this race is that the roads are not closed. What this means to me as a Runner is that I could be running a great pace but have to wait 2 minutes on a traffic light. This got really frustrating at times.

Anyway I finished strong though my Garmin read 7.19 miles (not 6.8) with a total time of slightly under 56 minutes for a 7:47 pace!

Oh Yeah.. I also ran this leg with a Heffa-lump on my back ;) Part II coming soon!!

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2010 Los Angeles "Stadium To The Sea" Marathon Recap!

2010-03-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Its been over a week since last Sundays LA Marathon and I am finally ready to recap the LA Marathon Weekend! I will start out by saying that the entire experience was so much different from what I expected, and this is, hands down, the most fun I have had of all my previous Marathons!

First things first, any great race weekend must start off proper with the Expo! I really had no option but to attend the expo on Saturday since I have to work during the week. I thought I would miss out on a chance to meet Kara Goucher when it was announced she would be at the "Rock N' Roll" booth on Friday, I even asked Raciel (@RaDragon) if she would take a pic for me, but eventually it was announced that Kara wouldn't be able to attend. Going into Saturday I didn't really had any expectations except for meeting up with some friends, getting my bib and t-shirt, and possibly seeing/hearing Ultra-Marathoner Dean Karnazes speak. Well I did meet up with lots of friends, (we were rolling pretty deep at the expo) Now I knew it would be a fun time!

Next on the agenda was picking up our race bibs. Since I missed the cut off for race bib customizations there was a big BLANK spot where my name should be. I thought about it and determined that would be where Dean Karnazes would sign my bib! Next me and the crew headed to the stage to watch Dean Karnazes speak. I couldn't help but think he's a lot shorter than I thought he would be. Not to take anything away from the guy, he's in incredible shape.

After Dean's Mini Endurance Seminar, my friends and I headed to the Elipti-Go tent to take a picture with Dean and get his Autograph! What is an Elipti-Go? Think of combining an Eliptical and a Bicycle. That is what you would get. Dean rode one of these 500 Miles from Northern California to LA to get to the expo! Dean was nice enough to sign my bib and take some pics too!

The expo was fun I though I didn't buy anything I grabbed all of the freebies that I could!! ;) One of the highlights for me was checking out this hand panted LA Marathon Panoramic Mural. Simply amazing artwork and it was even more amazing seeing it up close!

To end on a good note we all took a pic at the starting line...

I stayed at Dodger Stadium a lot longer than I intended part of that was due to me losing my car!! I had to meet up with my friends Dawne and Michael to get a hotel shuttle wrist band, but was walking around the parking lot for about an hour looking for my car!! (Definitely not something you want to do the day before a race!) Thankfully Dawn and Michael (who I was planning on pacing for the race) picked me up at Dodger Stadium and were kind enough to drive me around until we found my car, which we eventually found in some "hidden" parking lot!?! Crazy...

The morning of the race I got up about 4 to get dropped off at the Metro which I would take to Pershing Square to meet up with Dawne and Mike at The Biltmore to catch the Shuttle Bus to Dodger Stadium! For breakfast I ate my, now routine combination of a toasted bagel with Chunky Peanut Butter, a Banana, and some Powerade. I didn't have any cliff bars so I also snatched some random energy bars at the expo for a race day snack. I got to The Biltmore in time for the 5:30 shuttle but didn't have an opportunity to stop at the rest room as I originally planned since the shuttle was leaving soon. I thought, I would be fine using the Porta-Johns near the starting line, since I thought for sure we would make it to Dodger Stadium well before the start of the race. Famous Last words!! Although Dodger Stadium was a mere 3 miles away from us it took us FOREVER to get there.

No, you are not hallucinating, those are runners walking along the side of the 110 Freeway. The shuttle buses were going so slow due to the traffic conditions that many runners decided it would be faster to simply walk or jog the rest of the way to Dodger Stadium. I was against this idea at first, until I saw the masses of runners passing our bus which was at a virtual stand still. So Dawne, Mike and I walked about a half a mile along the freeway to the off ramp and then some more to trek up the hill to get into Dodger Stadium. I guess you can consider that our warmup?

Once I got to Dodger Stadium my first objective was to find a Porta-John and make a pit stop. Unfortunately since so many people were arriving at Dodger Stadium late the lines were incredibly long and I knew I wouldn't have enough time before the start. Some people were actually climbing up the hills and going in the bushes, out in the open. Some had friends hold up foil blankets to "hide" them. There was no way that I was going to go that route.

When I headed back to meet up with Mike and Dawne I discovered I couldn't find them!! This is what I feared especially since I was going to be pacing them through the race. I made a turn into the corral and now there was no turning back.. literally!! There was about 20,000 people behind me that wouldn't let me turn back if I tried! I tried to call their cell phones to no avail and I even stood up on a Pillar near the 9 min / mile sign waving like a madman, no luck finding Dawne or Mike, but I did find Janese, who was supposed to join our group! The start of the race was actually delayed about 20 Minutes or so due to traffic so we were all really anxious to get started!

As I did in my previous Marathon I broke down the race in 5 mile intervals every 5 miles I would take a GU and some water. Unfortunately the mile splits were not accurate on my Garmin so I'll use the splits from my official results.

First 10k - 51:47 - 8:20 Pace

An overall 8:20 pace over the 1st 10k would have been ideal for the people I were supposed to pace. But these miles were anything BUT even splits. The first mile and a half or so running through the Dodger Stadium Parking lot was congested and slow. I started running with Janese so we wanted to run an 8:30 pace anyway. The other factor in Dodger Stadium was the hills. Since I never run this part of the course this was something I did not expect, unlike the hills at miles 3 and 5. Pushing through the crowd it was easy to get separated but surprisingly we stuck together. I spotted a Porta-John at the end of the 1st mile and decided it would be a great time to stop only 1 person ahead of me in line! A couple of minutes later I was back on the course and trying to make up time. Somehow I caught up with Janese again and soon she suggested I just run ahead on my own.

The next 3 miles went by pretty fast, actually sub 7 miles according my Garmin.. Yikes, in retrospect that was waay to fast for so early in the race. I have no clue what came over me! I remember passing the hill on mile 3 thinking I was glad I ran it in training and knew to expect it! It was somewhere around mile 4 before mile 5 when I caught up with Mike. I was surprised that I found him and didn't think I would see him again. Anyway we were able to trek the mile 5 hill together and got some great pics by Echo Park!

To 20K - 1:39:57 - Overall Pace 8:02

Mike and I ran together for a good while and if there was one thing I got from him was "Run The Tangents, Run The Tangents!" For non-experienced runners running the Tangents means running the shortest distance between 2 points - a straight line! If the road is curved look ahead to the next point and run straight to it. This meant cutting clear across the road at times. Mike and I ran about the same pace as I originally intended to run with the group about 8:20 average pace. The stretch we ran together was familiar, I have run this a couple of times with my friend Zach. Not too many "sights" yet, we were passing some Cafes and I was feeling pretty good while we were chatting. At about mile 9 or so Mike was falling back and couldn't maintain the pace. I was looking forward to running on Hollywood with him but that wouldn't happen. It was a tough decision to go at it alone but at mile 10 I picked up the pace my plan was to try to make up some time and maybe even get a PR out of it?

I breezed through this part and having run this part of the course I knew what was coming up, a left turn and nice downhill on Orange and a right on Sunset! I must say, I was feeling pretty good averaging about 7:20 for miles 10 and 11 and I couldn't help but think - if I could run this pace consistently through out my next Marathon I could have a huge PR or even Boston Qualifier!

To 30K - 2:28:15 - Overall Pace 7:57

This stretch was one of my favorite along the course. Running on the Sunset Strip was great! I continued to keep about a mid 7 pace up until the Century City Hills. I started to reflect on how much better this course actually was than last years. I felt like there was always something to see throughout the course and someplace interesting to run through. I don't know why but of all the things to see on the Sunset Strip, I took a pic of Carneys! LOL guess I must have been hungry?! Or maybe it was the strategically placed LA Marathon Billboard?

Running through Beverly Hills was great enough but passing Nike Town was amazing! All of the people dressed in green body suits! I started high-fiving some of them and came out of it with some Cliff Shot Bloks!! I was doing great until the Century City Hills slowed me down a bit, this is where I was really regretting those early sub 7 min miles!!

To 40K - 3:21:23 - Overall Pace 8:06

This was probably my least favorite section of the LA Marathon simply due to the VA Hospital! I enjoyed running through Century City even though I struggled a bit, I even enjoyed running through Brentwood and San Vincente, but The VA Hostpial was just straight up demoralizing! I passed my friend Zach at the VA Hospital and he was in bad shape. I tried to run with him a bit but at that point he was at his low point and I felt like I was getting a second wind, so I pressed on. Though these were some of my slowest miles I avoided the urge to stop and walk and kept on pushing. I took off my headphones focus solely on the task ahead of me - finish the race strong!!

When I got to Brentwood I was relieved but I couldn't help thinking about San Vincente and the "downhill" portion of the race. When I finally did get to San Vincente and tried to push it I wasn't running as fast as I hoped. I was dealing with a side stitch an aching shoulder, and some random spasms in my calves. I kept focus on a runner dress as Nacho Libre, whom I was chasing for most of the race. At this point we were even and I actually passed him up as he walked through a water stop, though he passed me up again when I walked through a water stop of my own!

To the Finish Line - 3:32:47 - Overall Pace 8:07

The last stretch of San Vincente was downhill and fast, just what I needed! When I made the left turn on Ocean I knew I was almost there, I had run this section of the course many times before when i worked in Santa Monica. When I saw the mile 26 marker I knew the end was near but damn that last .2 miles seemed so long! I gave it all I had and finally crossed the finish! Gun time 3:35:15 - Chip time 3:32:47

The Beach Party!

After the race I met up with a bunch of my running friends and many Daily Milers who also ran the LA Marathon. I tried to eat as much as I could but could barely hold anything down at all. No matter it was great being able to celebrate with so many of my friends and fellow runners! No matter how fast or slow someone runs a Marathon they still run the same 26.2 miles! Congrats to everyone who completed the 2010 LA Marathon, all of those who had a PR, a BQ, and special congrats to all of the First Time Marathon Finishers!

Getting back in Gear

2010-03-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

Okay I know its been a while since my last blog so I got a lot to update you on. The new year has brought a lot of changes and challenges. I've been incredibly busy which is also one of the reasons I haven't blogged in a while. There was a lot going on in my life, and a lot of stress and uncertainty surrounding my work situation. While running helped with the stress, running was also the least of my priorities. I have a wife, a dog, a mortgage and a car note, those are my priorities!

In december I thought that I would skip the LA Marathon and just focus on running the So Cal Ragnar Relay. Knowing that I still had to train for this, I started picking up my running routine but it wasn't anywhere near the mileage I am used to running. My situation got better toward the end of January when I found a new job! It was still hard for me to run consistently or train when I started my new job but it was still a much better situation and much less stress!

Shortly after starting my new job I decided to run to my new Office Building and back (about 10-11 miles each way) to see what the route was like. The idea was that since there was a shower/locker room in the building I could run to work a couple of days a week shower, and then figure out a ride back home. Unfortunately 10 miles into my run I had to turn around and give it up due to what I would consider an "unsafe" road to run on. Whats unsafe? how about a dark road with blind curves and no real shoulder to run on. So that idea was out but I was still determined to get my runs in.

Once I settled into my new job, I started driving around a bit and checking out some maps to learn some routes close to my job. This is where the advantage of having a shower in my office came in handy. The ability to run during my lunch break is something I always wanted the flexibility to do, but not so bad that I would go back to work smelling funky after a run! I can also run in the morning and be at the office when I'm done instead of the alternative, coming back late for a run and having to deal with rush hour traffic!

Now that I'm back on a semi-normal running schedule again I have also taken on some new challenges as well. First I accepted an offer to pace some friends, Dawne, Michael, and Janese, at the LA Marathon. Although we are shooting for 3:45, a pace that should be easy for me, I've learned that this will not be as easy as it appears! More on that later! I have also signed up to run the Revlon 5K for Women in May, which benefits breast cancer research, awareness, and prevention. This is a Company Team and once we get all 25 members aboard we will begin our fundraising campaign! I'm pretty amped to be running this for such a good cause that is that is close to my heart.

Finally I have officially teamed up with my running buddies Tracy B (traceraces.com) and Zach E, to form a training partnership! Our goal is to not only push eachother and hold eachother accountable, but to also develop a training plan between the 3 of us that will propell us to our goals of a 3:10 Marathon (BQ) and ultimately help us all reach our full potential as runners! More on that later!

So to wrap this up, in the matter of a couple of months, my year of Running went from bleak to hopeful, to pretty damn exciting. This whole situation made me realize something about running, no matter how much time I may take off, or what my other priorities may be I always come back to running. Running has become more than just a hobby, its a part of my life that I cant ignore! Training may be tough at times, but balancing it with "real life" now thats the REAL challenge!

Ragnar Here I Come!

2009-12-29T21:41:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year I was invited to participate in the Inaugural So-Cal Ragnar Relay. The team was set and needed its final members. I wanted to accept the invitation but couldn't. I was trying to buy a new home at the time and could not commit my time or my money to that event.

A couple of friends who ran Ragnar shared how much fun they had doing it, and I regretted missing out on the opportunity. Knowing how hard it could be to put a team together I doubted I would get another chance to participate in this event. Yesterday I received that unlikely second chance, and I accepted an invitation to join a team for the 2010 Ragnar Relay!!

This 12 person relay is 178 miles long, starting from Santa Barbara and ending at Dana Point! Each member runs 3 legs between the distances of 3 - 9 miles. When not running, the remaining team members will spend time traveling in their 2 vans to each location. Now the fun part: Every team gets to choose their own unique name, decorate their van, dress in costumes, create their own team video, etc. The crazier the better! I look forward to conquering this event with my new team-mates and running in fun new places.

I was already excited about my running goals for 2010, but they've all been individual goals up until this point. The opportunity to participate in a team event like this is something I have wanted to do since I started running. I am looking forward to the teamwork, camaraderie, and motivation, but I'm mostly looking forward to all of the fun!

-Eddie D

Staying On Track During The Holidays

2009-12-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

2010 is right around the corner! As I'm starting to pick up my training for the LA Marathon I am finding it hard to increase my weekly mileage. This is not because of anything physical (no injuries here!) but rather a busy schedule. With the holidays rapidly approaching and all of the scrambling around that usually comes with it, it's easy to get off track (no pun intended). For me, getting into a steady running/training routine is key. Knowing where I am going to run, what type of run, distance and pace of my run etc. all makes things easy. Though sometimes unexpected things come up, ie. having to work late, but that's usually the exception.

During a normal work week I do most of my running during the evenings. This allows me to meet up with friends, and run with different groups and not be restricted to running my local route. We all have a local route, no doubt, and we all know how boring that can get if we had to run it day after day.

The holiday season, though is a completely different beast. This season is filled with parties, family visits, shopping, traveling, special events, etc. Those are definitely the priorities, and very well should be! During the up-coming holiday evening runs will become next to impossible! Simply too much going on every evening to even go for a short run, let alone a 10 + miler.

So it looks like I will be a morning runner once again; it also looks like I will be a solo runner once again (at least for the next few weeks). So Zach, Chris, Tracy, Mike, Elizabeth and anyone else I run with during the week, you may not see me around often. That doesn't mean I fell off the "wagon" though, it’s more like me trying to stay on track!

Happy Holidays!

-Eddie D

Weathering the cold: it's all a matter of perspective.

2009-12-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

Around this time of year I consider myself fortunate to live in Southern California. Yep, in my opinion we have had great running weather lately. Some say its been cold, but that's all a matter of perspective. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY so I know what a cold winter looks like! Though when you live in LA long enough you tend to get pampered. Many consider 40's and 50's to be ideal temperature for running. Though some out here have been complaining about the cold, I bet most of them haven't experienced the cold and windchill of an east coast winter like I have. Right now in New York its 28 degrees, in LA? 55. If you gave New Yorkers this weather this time of year they'd be rockin' shorts and t-shirts no doubt!

I only mention NYC because I am from there, but I know there are far worse places during the winter. Such as? Well as I have been told Colorado is one of them. My friend Doug "1Miletogo " once told me about his different "levels" of bundling up for cold weather in Colorado. I thought it was pretty crazy that one of the levels even included snow shoes! I mean that is pretty extreme and as much as I love to run I can't imagine going out for a run looking like this guy:

For some people the weather is a non-issue. Cold? Rain? Its treadmill time! Well I guess that's better than canceling a run completely, but I for one HATE treadmills. I know hate is a strong word but I absolutely DREAD running on a treadmill. For me, its the most mind numbing, boring, redundant type of workout I could do. I am fortunate that the weather here is rarely so bad that I have to resort to a treadmill.

In the event I had to run in such extreme conditions I would probably suck it up, bundle it up, and brave mother nature. But for now I am enjoying the Southern California version of cold. I'll be running in my shorts and t-shirt and feeling pretty lucky!

-Eddie D

Ayo Technology

2009-12-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think I rely on technology too much during my runs. Between the music of an iPod, a Nike + system, or a Garmin GPS watch, in some way I am constantly relying on some form of technology to get me through a run.

A few months back when I was trying to plan my Marathon schedule, I actually eliminated some races because they had a "no iPod" policy!! I relied heavily on my Nike + system to track my workouts until recently when I borrowed a Garmin 301 from a friend... at which point I began relying on the Garmin!

Well today's run was completely void of any technology... and it was good!! I ran with a group of friends at my local running store "Runnergy" for a 4 miler. I actually didn't plan on going completely black at first.

The first thing to go was the iPod. I was joining my friends Zach and Chris, who are both either as fast or slightly faster than me, and planned to chat a lil bit during the run. Soon the Garmin went too! Frustrated by a lack of a GPS signal I just turned it off completely. At the very least I knew I could keep a good pace in a group. About half way into the run I began to break away a little bit and distance myself from the rest of the pack. I thought I might miss the music at that point, even at such a short distance, but I really didn't. Additionally not having to look at a watch or focus on my pace felt a bit liberating! It was actually a relief!

So I learned a little something today about what I do and don't need to have a successful run. Now this doesn't mean that a GPS watch isn't great training tool to have during a workout. This also doesn't mean that I can run an entire Marathon with no music. (I still think that's unbelievable) But what it does mean is that I will try to switch it up from time to time and try not to be as reliant on this stuff, especially on the shorter runs.

I still have no clue how fast I ran today, but somehow I am perfectly fine with that!

-Eddie D

My First Blog - My Running Story

2009-12-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

2009 is nearly done and as I prepare for 2010, I can't help but look back on this past year. 2009 was a year of many firsts for me. Most notably my wife and I purchased our first house and are enjoying our new life as home owners.

For me the other significant first was running my first Marathon this year. The 2009 LA Marathon.

2009 LA Marathon - 3:39:26

I honestly had no idea what to expect, but what I didn't expect was the addiction that followed. I became a running addict! In running I found something that was fun, exciting, and challenging.. as well as calming, therapeutic, and a stress reliever. In fact I enjoyed my marathon experience so much I decided to give it another try!

2009 Santa Clarita Marathon- 3:29:00

During all of my training leading up to these marathons I discovered a community of runners, training partners, and friends which have helped to inspire and motivate me to continue to push my limits in running.

As 2010 approaches and I look forward to new challenges and new goals I decided to memorialize my experience with a runners blog. I will be sharing my training, workouts and races. My successes and failures, my good days and bad days, all the new gear and products I discover etc.

Should be a fun journey!

-Eddie D

Eddie By The Mile

Shoe Review: Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2

My Motivation Comes From Boston

Running for A Cause

Back in the Groove!

The Start of Something New!

Wasted Potential - A Runners Fear

A Downtown LA Runners Photo-Journey

What defines a Runner?

The *small* Daily Workouts We Neglect.

Lessons Learned From Philadelphia

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Philadelphia Marathon Race Report!

2010 Ragnar Relay - Part 3 "Keepin' It Movin'"

2010 Ragnar Relay - Part 2 "Midnight Marauders.."

2010 Ragnar Relay - Part 1 "In The Beginning.."

2010 Los Angeles "Stadium To The Sea" Marathon Recap!

Getting back in Gear

Ragnar Here I Come!

Staying On Track During The Holidays

Weathering the cold: it's all a matter of perspective.

Ayo Technology

My First Blog - My Running Story

The small Daily Workouts We Neglect.