PodCast - Thought

So I am an avid podcast listener so I can stay up to date with knowledge of running and triathlon news and training. I also listen to other podcasts to better me as a person (history) or Humor. I really appreciate the people that take time out of their day to produce these podcasts. Most if not all of them have full time jobs and it is their passion to produce these podcasts. One I was listening to today was Phedippidations, where he was mentioning that he receives a lot of "hate" mail. I am using the word hate very loosely, if you want he full explanation please listen to his latest podcast (Fdip223). Anyway, this is a podcast for him and his listeners, it is a free service and you actually need to make an effort to listen to him. My thoughts are if you have an issue, don't listen to him!! How dumb do you need to be say things like that. It is almost like telling a street artist or someone just doing something out of passion that they "suck". Get over yourself. Be proud that we have a culture that allows this amazing free media. If you have something bad to say, don't say it to someone that is doing a favor to the public, unless it hurts your living. A podcast doesn't, you have an off button.

I do listen to many others. I have listened to some that doesn't jive with that I want to listen to and all I do is STOP listening to them. One of these was Running With Ghosts, this is a great show and well produced. I listened to her for a while and I enjoyed it for a while. But her and I went separate ways so to speak. I have met a few of these podcasts. They are amazing people, with amazing "real" lives as well. Drop your favor podcaster an email and tell them they are doing a great job, I am sure they would appreciated it.

MI:III and a Run

Last night I had to hit the gym very late. It was 9:45 when I jumped onto the treadmill. MI:III was already playing, however just started, in the movie room when I got there. I started moving at a 6.2, nice and easy to warm up. During the run I decided not to do a push run, becuase push runs take up slightly longer time and the gym closes at 11:00PM. Let me say it is hard staying on a treadmill while watching an action movie like that... I get all into it finding myself leaning this way and that. My cadence was off, my arms flying around everywhere. I really had to focus on my form. (Form Form Form... it's all about form)

I stayed at 6.2 until about 15 mins left in my hour run. So I decided to up the pace a little, upwards of 8. In the end I did 6.6 miles. I was a little sweaty. I did work it. But I think it was mostly the last 15 mins. My HR was slightly more than I wanted it to be (Avg. 154)... but hey it was fun.

Bike

Last night I jumped onto the bike at the gym around 9PM last night. Late? Yes, but that is the only time I could get theree. I was able to work in 1.5 hours of high resistance riding. RPMs averaged around 74. I need to get lower than that but I fear on those machines it will turn off if I get lower.

Since I did put high resistance my milage didn't come out very far at all only a little over 21 miles. But I guess if it simulating going up hill... that isn't that bad at all.

Push Run What???

You may ask what a push run is... well check it out from Zen and the Art of Triathlon.
I have had the privilege to workout with Brett, he is a great person and coach.

Incline

So I have been reading a lot about incline on the treadmill. So far I have been running at a 0 incline, when I am on the treadmill. From my reading you should increase the incline somewhere between 1 and 2 to make it more realistic to outside conditions. Considering you will pretty much never have a race on a treadmill I feel I need to simulate outdoors as much as possible. So I have settle to increasing my incline.
I do try to get outside as much as possible but lately our temperature has been bitter cold. But I have gone out a few times.

In the end... no more "0" incline. Race season is coming faster than we all think... time to get ready!

Push Run Interrupted

Tonight I was able to get to the gym prior to the "no parking" time frame around 6PM. At that time you can drive around in circles and still not find a spot. However since my workout spanned that time frame it was packed in the middle of my run. I was able to get in a little over 6 miles in an hour at a nice easy pace. (Avg HR 149, Max HR 180, Incl 1.0) I started doing a push run (15 push ups, 5 squats) for the first 20 mins but after that it was too busy to do my push ups. So I had to run it out.

One thing I noticed last night was this "cool guy", very fit looking guy, got on to the treadmill next to me and he was just bouncing around trying to look all cool. The treadmill was literally being jerked around. The TV on the treadmill was about to fall off. I am sure he was thinking his was loose, but the next guy that ran on it it didn't budge. I am not sure if that is the definition of lack of conservation in your running technique, but I think it might. Don't leap ... run. Don't wear hightops.. wear running shoes. He ended up at 1.2 miles a sweating heap and limped away. Then the next guy that got on had a much better running style but he did the classic look over at my trainer and made sure that his was at a higher rate of speed. He lasted for about 0.5 miles then he dropped off. I am not saying I am a fast runner, but do your own workout please. He jumped off a little later as well.

Let me state first, if you are a seasoned runner and you do not experience injuries, then the best and fastest way is the way you are doing it, from what I have been told. However, that I am sure is a select group of people, and you already know who you are. If you feel like you are not an efficient runner or new to running please go out and do some reading, or research Chi Running. If you are not standing upright shoulders back, arms pushing back and forward not sideways at all, arms bent, landing on your forefoot,etc these may be a clue that you need to change your running style if you plan to go long distances. I have had my running style videoed and corrected by a USAT Certified Coach. If you think you can go out and just run the way that you learned as a kid, you are wrong and you will most likely get hurt. First step research the running style you want to run, then get the shoes to fit that. If you are new to running I would suggest starting out right and getting some Newton, Nike has some as well, or other light weight low profile running shoes that simulate barefoot running. If I could afford to get a new pair of shoes right now I would but I can't. I am just walking as much as possible barefoot and just begging to go out and use my Vibram Five Fingers. We all take running for granted and think we all can run without getting hurt, you may be wrong. At the very least watch the video's online.

I was planning on finishing up my push ups and whatnot when I got home but prior to me arriving home I received a call and we had to take our dog to the vet to put her down.

My wife and I had dueling bike trainers and did a downward spiral work out tonight. I love spending time with her.

Last night.

Last night I was doing an hour base run. I knew I needed to keep my heart rate around high 130's to low 150's. I started out in the 160's so I had to drop my speed, so I can ease my heart rate. In the end it was a great run. Until the end. I have had a lot of thoughts lately of can I really finish this journey? Is everyone right about how I shouldn't do this? I tweeted "The race is short, but right now is forever." I am not really sure what that means now but that is what was in my head at the time.
I wanted to hit the pool but there was as class still in the pool so I just jumped onto the bike for 25 mins, just spinning and keeping my HR up.

Zentri Base Camp

Over the next few days probably months and years I may talk about the camp that I just left. The lessons I learned in those few shorts days will stay with me forever. As well as the people that I interacted with, I hope to know them for years to come.
Today I am going to take off since I have been training a lot recently. But I will have more updates to come.

-- Sent from my Palm Prē

Yesterday I arrived back from Texas. I was attending the Zen Triathlon Base Camp. It was an amazing experience.

9 Months Later - Couch to Triathlete

Okay I had this blog for about nine months. I started it shortly after I ran my first 5K. Now many thing have come about and I will share with you. Soon to come!