Finally have put together a few good days of workouts. It's been difficult to get motivated lately. I haven't been willing to commit to a race because I fear training in the summer heat, then I don't feel like doing anything because I don't have a race to train for. That cycle has dominated me since April and now I'm heavier, slower, and just overall less awesome than I once was. But, as the first line of this post suggests things are turning around. A while back I put together a plan to do a tri in December and another half-marathon in March. About 3 weeks ago I finally put my shoulder to the wheel and put a plan together that would get me ready for the tri in December. It's been humbling to start from "long runs" being 3 miles and struggling through it but it'll be worth it. Last week was the first solid feeling week. I feel like I'm starting to get back into the groove. I've learned a couple of things in the process as well.
1) I can't put in regular miles on the treadmill. Treadmills have their place in my world, but not as a central figure. I had been doing more than 90% of my miles on the gym treadmills and was wondering why my workouts were feeling so un-motivating. For the past 3 weeks it's been reversed where I'm doing more than 90% of my miles outside and I have felt so much better. Then on Monday I hit the treadmill again for a quick 2 miler and really struggled through it. For me the miles seem to be at least twice as difficult and 10 times more mind-numbing than any outdoor run. I do appreciate treadmills for the following scenarios: Occasional speedwork (probably only because a track is almost as mind-numbing as a treadmill), to avoid truly gross weather (which has been my excuse for the past few months when morning lows were in the low 90's), or keeping up during vacations (hotel treadmills can be a good option when you don't know where the heck you are going and want to avoid getting lost during a quick run in a strange town).
2) I'm no longer scared of triathlons. Not that I was ever really scared, but more of an uncomfortableness with the unkown. Last Saturday I had the chance to watch a reverse order sprint tri over the same coarse that I plan to do a regular order tri on in December. It was really inspiring and more importantly comforting to see the other "middle of the packers" out there. For some reason my mental picture of tri's was much more intimidating than what I saw on Saturday. It was good to see the lower end bikes in the transition area and people struggling through the swim like I'm sure I will be. In short, I'm getting more excited/committed to doing this tri in December.
Hopefully I will be a better blog poster as I train for my near term goals. It really helps me to digest what I'm thinking/feeling and helps me to more fully enjoy my running experience.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
What my 4 errr... 5 year old has taught me recently
I was doing some reflecting this Father's Day and have realized that my little man Drew has taught me some pretty amazing lessons lately.
He had a birthday recently and I can't say I remember the last time I saw somebody so totally happy for their birthday. As I think about this a few things come to mind.
- He completely enjoys being able to share the moment with his friends. He is probably the friendliest kid you will ever meet. He loves nothing more than to be with other kids and just play. He doesn't care what you look like, where you are from, what your beliefs are; as long as you can bring it on the playground and talk back when he talks to you, consider him your best friend. I wish I had that skill.
- Along with the first point he realizes that it's not all about him. He would be just as happy if it were any other kids birthday party. As long as there are friends, cake and party games, he's good. As hard as I try to do this in my life, I always find myself being selfish and becoming less than desirable to be around. Selfishness can turn otherwise decent people into total monsters. If you would like evidence watch any episode of "bridezillas".
- Not totally unrelated to the birthday party I have realized that Drew loves almost unconditionally. He is not a perfect child by any means. We have had our moments and I've been to the point of screaming at him and hauling him off to his room more than a few times. As hurt as he can be by my countertantrums and shortfalls as a parent, he is always quick to forgive. Paige tells me I can do no wrong in his eyes and judging by his frequent "I love you daddy's" even 5 minutes after yelling at him, I am almost convinced that she is right.
- Finally I've been blown away at some of the things he's been able to accomplish lately. He has gone from not wanting me to take off training wheels to going with me on 3 mile bike rids with no training wheels. And from screaming and fighting because he doesn't want to put his face in the water to jumping off the diving board in just a few weeks. It has taken a great deal of trust and bravery on his part. I wish in life I were brave enough to walk right up to proverbial diving board and belly flop off the end without hesitation. At times I have held myself back for fear of failing or looking stupid and probably missed some cool stuff.
So to Drew, keep up the good work and thanks for teaching me some pretty amazing lessons from your awesome example. And for the rest of us, here's to living like Drew.
-Justin
He had a birthday recently and I can't say I remember the last time I saw somebody so totally happy for their birthday. As I think about this a few things come to mind.
- He completely enjoys being able to share the moment with his friends. He is probably the friendliest kid you will ever meet. He loves nothing more than to be with other kids and just play. He doesn't care what you look like, where you are from, what your beliefs are; as long as you can bring it on the playground and talk back when he talks to you, consider him your best friend. I wish I had that skill.
- Along with the first point he realizes that it's not all about him. He would be just as happy if it were any other kids birthday party. As long as there are friends, cake and party games, he's good. As hard as I try to do this in my life, I always find myself being selfish and becoming less than desirable to be around. Selfishness can turn otherwise decent people into total monsters. If you would like evidence watch any episode of "bridezillas".
- Not totally unrelated to the birthday party I have realized that Drew loves almost unconditionally. He is not a perfect child by any means. We have had our moments and I've been to the point of screaming at him and hauling him off to his room more than a few times. As hurt as he can be by my countertantrums and shortfalls as a parent, he is always quick to forgive. Paige tells me I can do no wrong in his eyes and judging by his frequent "I love you daddy's" even 5 minutes after yelling at him, I am almost convinced that she is right.
- Finally I've been blown away at some of the things he's been able to accomplish lately. He has gone from not wanting me to take off training wheels to going with me on 3 mile bike rids with no training wheels. And from screaming and fighting because he doesn't want to put his face in the water to jumping off the diving board in just a few weeks. It has taken a great deal of trust and bravery on his part. I wish in life I were brave enough to walk right up to proverbial diving board and belly flop off the end without hesitation. At times I have held myself back for fear of failing or looking stupid and probably missed some cool stuff.
So to Drew, keep up the good work and thanks for teaching me some pretty amazing lessons from your awesome example. And for the rest of us, here's to living like Drew.
-Justin
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Moving forward
It's been interesting since Emma's Run.
The plan was to take it easy this first summer since I'm not sure how the heat will affect me. So I've been hitting the gym a little in the morning (can't you tell :-) and taking the random run or swim every once in a while.
While it's been nice not to HAVE to run, I've missed the regular training. I'm also way jealous of watching Paige do so well with her running and preparation for the Provo River 1/2 marathon. So for the past couple of days I've been planning my return to racing (just call me Brett Favre).
I'm going to start with the Holiday Classic Sprint Tri. in Anthem on Dec. 5th. This will be my first tri. and while I'm excited to be trying something new, I'm also a bit nervous for the parts I have no experience with.
Then I'm going to do the Valley of the Sun half-marathon in Mesa in early March. Looks like a good race and more importantly the timing works out great to give me a good three months to train after the sprint tri.
So, bottom line is that I'm still going to take it easy until about September when I get serious about the tri. If anybody is interested in joining me for any of these events let me know. I would love to have a familiar face with me.
The plan was to take it easy this first summer since I'm not sure how the heat will affect me. So I've been hitting the gym a little in the morning (can't you tell :-) and taking the random run or swim every once in a while.
While it's been nice not to HAVE to run, I've missed the regular training. I'm also way jealous of watching Paige do so well with her running and preparation for the Provo River 1/2 marathon. So for the past couple of days I've been planning my return to racing (just call me Brett Favre).
I'm going to start with the Holiday Classic Sprint Tri. in Anthem on Dec. 5th. This will be my first tri. and while I'm excited to be trying something new, I'm also a bit nervous for the parts I have no experience with.
Then I'm going to do the Valley of the Sun half-marathon in Mesa in early March. Looks like a good race and more importantly the timing works out great to give me a good three months to train after the sprint tri.
So, bottom line is that I'm still going to take it easy until about September when I get serious about the tri. If anybody is interested in joining me for any of these events let me know. I would love to have a familiar face with me.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Emma's Run Report
In summary. I didn't PR, but I took 2nd in my age group and 18th overall mens so I felt ok about it.
It was a little hectic at the start. I think I wasted a good 15 to 30 seconds because I started too far back and there were a lot of people I had to manuver around. I was also just going way too slow. Just wasn't mentally "into it".
After the first 1/2 mile I finally got into a groove. The second mile was really good. The girl who ended up 3rd overal for womens paced me perfectly through the second mile. She was probably really annoyed with me.
I ended up passing that girl at about the 2 mile mark and ended up in "no man's land" for the 3rd mile. It was a little slower than the second partially because I was alone and also because it was slightly uphill and into the wind.
Although I placed ok, I am now wishing for another shot at it as I reflect. I feel I left a little in the tank and the starting left much to be desired. This distance is really tough for me because there is so much pain involved. It's hard for me to balance the need to push hard, but not so hard that I crash after a mile. I'm sure there will be plenty more 5k's to get it right.
Also, Paige ran this race with me. It was the first race we've done together and her second 5k. She did really well considering it was esentially "off the couch". It was really cool to see her cross the finish line. You can't help but feel a swelling of emotion as you see somebody you love come down the finish chute. She is thinking of doing the provo river 1/2 marathon this summer. I can't wait to watch her go through the joys and pains of training for and running a 1/2 marathon. I love you Paige.
It was a little hectic at the start. I think I wasted a good 15 to 30 seconds because I started too far back and there were a lot of people I had to manuver around. I was also just going way too slow. Just wasn't mentally "into it".
After the first 1/2 mile I finally got into a groove. The second mile was really good. The girl who ended up 3rd overal for womens paced me perfectly through the second mile. She was probably really annoyed with me.
I ended up passing that girl at about the 2 mile mark and ended up in "no man's land" for the 3rd mile. It was a little slower than the second partially because I was alone and also because it was slightly uphill and into the wind.
Although I placed ok, I am now wishing for another shot at it as I reflect. I feel I left a little in the tank and the starting left much to be desired. This distance is really tough for me because there is so much pain involved. It's hard for me to balance the need to push hard, but not so hard that I crash after a mile. I'm sure there will be plenty more 5k's to get it right.
Also, Paige ran this race with me. It was the first race we've done together and her second 5k. She did really well considering it was esentially "off the couch". It was really cool to see her cross the finish line. You can't help but feel a swelling of emotion as you see somebody you love come down the finish chute. She is thinking of doing the provo river 1/2 marathon this summer. I can't wait to watch her go through the joys and pains of training for and running a 1/2 marathon. I love you Paige.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
All over the internet
Posting is hard, so now I just Twitter. It's like blogging for lazy people. Check me out under "rundignan" for more frequent updates. I also got going on facebook, but don't know how dilignet I will be in keeping up there becauese I like Twitter much better.
This is a "taper" week and I'm really enjoying the reduced training load. I've got the "Emma's Run" 5k on Saturday morning. As the race gets closer I'm feeling more and more optimistic about how I'll do. I finally got a new front wheel for my bike, so I am looking forward to biking to work a few days next week.
I saw that the SLC marathon is in a couple of weeks. Thinking that would be a great one to train for maybe next year. The timing works great for training in decent weather here in PHX, plus I get to visit home.
Also really thinking about giving up caffiene. I just read this thing about how it makes you have anxiety and sleeping problems and all sorts of negative things. That would be a big deal for me since I am pretty much dependent on diet mtn. dew every morning. I drink about a 2-liter per day which is about the same caffeine as 2 cups of coffee. Probably not an excessive amout of caffeine, but sure would be nice not to "need" it. That's a big hill to climb for me and I'll need to save up some willpower to tackle that. I'll keep you posted.
-Later
-Later
This is a "taper" week and I'm really enjoying the reduced training load. I've got the "Emma's Run" 5k on Saturday morning. As the race gets closer I'm feeling more and more optimistic about how I'll do. I finally got a new front wheel for my bike, so I am looking forward to biking to work a few days next week.
I saw that the SLC marathon is in a couple of weeks. Thinking that would be a great one to train for maybe next year. The timing works great for training in decent weather here in PHX, plus I get to visit home.
Also really thinking about giving up caffiene. I just read this thing about how it makes you have anxiety and sleeping problems and all sorts of negative things. That would be a big deal for me since I am pretty much dependent on diet mtn. dew every morning. I drink about a 2-liter per day which is about the same caffeine as 2 cups of coffee. Probably not an excessive amout of caffeine, but sure would be nice not to "need" it. That's a big hill to climb for me and I'll need to save up some willpower to tackle that. I'll keep you posted.
-Later
-Later
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Phoenix update
It's been a long time. Mostly because I don't think anybody reads this but me and I haven't felt like writing lately. It's been a little crazy moving from Flagstaff to Phoenix. I am really enjoying living here. The weather has been boringly beautiful. Just the same thing everyday, sunny and warm. It's been nice to have family and friends visit lately.
I'm trying to get back into a workout/running ruitine, but it's difficult with so many changes. Paige and I signed up for a 5k. I've been training for that, but not too seriously. I do think I'll break my PR, but I'm still going to be a bit slower than I would like to be. My weight has been a struggle lately. A combination of easy access to great food, and not piling on as many miles. I'm sure if I got it down, by 5k time would be much faster.
The running has been ok. Lunchtime runs aren't as interesting as city streets replace the forest trails of Flagstaff. I did find a nice little "park" that has trails that go into some hills and behind some crazy nice houses. My speedwork has come a long way and I'm getting more and more comfortable with running "fast".
Summer is going to be a challenge. To avoid the extreme heat I plan on doing a combination of treadmill and early morning runs and up the cross training in the pool and on the bike. Biking doesn't seem to be as miserable in the heat. I figure since I survived biking around in the Texas heat in a shirt and tie, I can probably manage. I don't see myself doing any races until next fall/winter because the training will be too brutal this summer. The tenative plan is to do the rock n roll half in Phoenix next January.
Later,
Justin
I'm trying to get back into a workout/running ruitine, but it's difficult with so many changes. Paige and I signed up for a 5k. I've been training for that, but not too seriously. I do think I'll break my PR, but I'm still going to be a bit slower than I would like to be. My weight has been a struggle lately. A combination of easy access to great food, and not piling on as many miles. I'm sure if I got it down, by 5k time would be much faster.
The running has been ok. Lunchtime runs aren't as interesting as city streets replace the forest trails of Flagstaff. I did find a nice little "park" that has trails that go into some hills and behind some crazy nice houses. My speedwork has come a long way and I'm getting more and more comfortable with running "fast".
Summer is going to be a challenge. To avoid the extreme heat I plan on doing a combination of treadmill and early morning runs and up the cross training in the pool and on the bike. Biking doesn't seem to be as miserable in the heat. I figure since I survived biking around in the Texas heat in a shirt and tie, I can probably manage. I don't see myself doing any races until next fall/winter because the training will be too brutal this summer. The tenative plan is to do the rock n roll half in Phoenix next January.
Later,
Justin
Friday, February 27, 2009
Justin "needs"
So here is a game I heard about on the WWW. You go to google and type in your name followed by "needs". It can be interested to see what the WWW thinks you need. Here are my top 5
1)to stop being gay and start playing smash brothers again. i mean... wtf? (I don't know what smash brothers is, but I almost fell out of my chair laughing.)
2)To Bring Humble Back (always a good suggestion)
3)a date (more like needs a babysitter so I can take my wife on a date)
4)Australia (I would love to go but the long flight scares me. I don't like the idea of being trapped in an airplane for like 12 hours)
5)your help (I can't think of why, but if you would like to send money I can give you my address)
Hope you have your own narcissitic adveture through the www with this game. Let me know how it goes for you. Also you should check out the google suggestions when you type in "i am extremely". Maybe the fact that the Chinese hold billions of our nations debt has people a little nervous.
1)to stop being gay and start playing smash brothers again. i mean... wtf? (I don't know what smash brothers is, but I almost fell out of my chair laughing.)
2)To Bring Humble Back (always a good suggestion)
3)a date (more like needs a babysitter so I can take my wife on a date)
4)Australia (I would love to go but the long flight scares me. I don't like the idea of being trapped in an airplane for like 12 hours)
5)your help (I can't think of why, but if you would like to send money I can give you my address)
Hope you have your own narcissitic adveture through the www with this game. Let me know how it goes for you. Also you should check out the google suggestions when you type in "i am extremely". Maybe the fact that the Chinese hold billions of our nations debt has people a little nervous.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Provo is famous
This site is pretty funny (www.failblog.org). What made it even more awesome was seeing this picture of my hometown. What's even more amazing is that my little sister works here and I'm pretty sure she is responsible for what is written on the sign. Way to put Provo on the map Katie.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
I have seen this somewhere before
This picture remindes me of my Grandpa burning a brush pile in the pasture by his house. Except the fire was bigger and the "hose" was smaller and my Grandma was shreiking "Richard! you might as well just pee on it if you're gonna use that thing." in the background. Pretty much funny only if you were there.
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