Let The Journey Begin

   There's no more putting it off now. No more "Maybe next year". No more "I'm not sure I want to do this". No more "I'm not ready". Today is the day to "shit or get off the pot" as they say. Today I started training for a distance that I've never gone before. After 12 years of training and running distance races I must admit that the various unknown aspects of this event scare the hell out of me. So many questions, so many new things to figure out, so many what if's. But then again, that's one of the more exciting reasons of why to do it in the first place. 

   Waking up this morning I could tell that it was going to be a special day. I know people who aren't distance runners won't see why a day like today would be special. But, for runners like us it's a chance to go beyond our perceived limits and see what we're truly made of. I don't need to prove myself to anybody other than myself. I think that's why distance running appeals so much to me. I'd love to win my first ultra-marathon. But, I'd love to prove I could go the distance more. There's something magical about being better than you were the day, month, year before. Even small victories of tenths of a mile and seconds are celebrated. What's life for other than to become the best that you could possibly be? A long time ago I decided that I didn't want to exist. I wanted to live and endurance events like this give me that alive feeling. Who'd of thought beating up on yourself could be so rewarding?

   Today's run went amazingly well considering that I stayed up way too late eating and drinking things that I know aren't good for me. Even though I'm new to ultra-running, I'm a veteran when it comes to training for distance events. There's a lot of planning that goes into training for 16 weeks. You need to eat right, get good sleep and do the work. Throw in the additional time it takes to do all of those things, a full-time career and family and you've got quite a handful to juggle. So, for the last four days I've had my fun. Now, the real work begins. It felt damn good to have a goal again. The mini taper I put myself through rewarded me with a good kick in my legs and very little hip and hamstring tightness. The energy in the air was palatable as I knocked out exactly seven miles in an hour. Had a lot of fun playing with the new camera. But, that talking thing when your running is tough! I give mad props to you podcasters who do that on a regular basis! 

   Over then next 16 weeks I'm going to try to give you my thoughts and show you my experiences as I travel down this unfamiliar road. I'm not sure where it's going to lead, how I'm going to get there and what it's going to be like when I arrive. Hopefully it'll be one of the best experiences of my life. I don't know what I'm doing when it comes to ultra-marathons. But, that isn't going to stop me from giving it my best shot and have a hell of a time doing it. Don't be afraid of the unknown. Believe in yourself. Believe that you have what you need inside of you to get through the challenges placed before you. You wield an amazing amount of power in your life. Everybody tries to muddle up what life's really about. You need to act this way, do these things and get these results. But, it's much less complicated than that. All you need to do is close your eyes, breathe and take the first step. Let me know if I can help. 

   Ride that lightning my friends...  

       

5 Miles More Podcast-Episode 13 "GoPro & Easing Back"

Hello my friends. I've finally bit the bullet & forked up the money for a GoPro. This is the 1st of what I hope to become a new & improved version of my video podcasts. The volume is a little low in spots. But, Sandman Jr. dancing around in the background makes up for it!

Ride that lightning...

5 Miles More -Episode 12 "Peroneal Tendonitis"

In this episode I talk to my good friend Chris Russell about his peroneal tendonitis. 

Ride that lightning and don't get injured my friends...

Five Miles More-Episode 11 "Gosnell Nature Preserve-Part II"

In this episode I talk about my return to the Gosnell Nature Preserve. I recently discovered that there's a short trail inside the preserve. This is a brief clip of Ry & I after we explored it.

Ride the lightning my friends...

National Running Day (A Day Late)

   I originally meant to post something witty related to running on the big "National Running Day" yesterday. But, I did something a little selfish instead, I just enjoyed my workout that day. It was really kind of funny watching me try to figure it out. I typically run my hill workout on a treadmill inside my gym. It's nice to be able to change the elevation with the press of a button. But, I'd really like to eventually figure something out so that I can get this done outside on some hills. So, after some suggestions from fellow running friends I downloaded some new running apps for my phone that track elevation. I tested out the apps on various hills near my gym. Starting, stopping, starting again. I just couldn't find anything out there that automatically calculates the percent elevation automatically. So I got frustrated, gave up and ran inside. Regardless, it was a great run and the energy of all of the college kids home for the summer working out in my gym was uplifting. The grizzled regular hardcore weightlifters who stare at me and my unconventional exercises leave much to be desired and do little for my enthusiasm.

   Things have been going well otherwise. I'm trying to bring back more stretching into my daily life. The evening five minute sessions with a tennis ball while watching TV really helped my hamstring issues and it's flaring up again. So is that damn right shoulder strain. I've just gotta get my lazy but off that couch and do it. This week will be the first in about a month and a half of doing two cross-training sessions. I originally dropped down to just one to give the hamstrings and shoulder a break. But, as the day to officially start ultra training grows nearer I've gotta get back to more than once a week. After a little soul searching I've decided that maybe I was a little overzealous in past years with regards to how much cross-training that I did. It's easy to fall into that mentality that more is better. Well, sometimes it isn't. Therefore I'm still going to continue with my eight-week plan from my buddy Matt Fitzgerald. But, just cap the reps at what he recommends. No more extra stuff. I also scrapped the idea for trying to complete the 10 x 10 challenge. 10 miles every day for ten days just isn't smart right before my ultra training. Another time.

   The 2014 Run For The Sun is off and I've managed to convince the entire family to try it out this year. Everyone seems to be enjoying doing at least a mile a day. The little guy even has his Fitbit to help him track his stats. I came upon him running up and down our main hallway yesterday to pad his numbers. Hey, it's exercise and how can I complain. Someone who may have been trying to run 366 days in a row may have run laps in his basement during his surprise birthday party for the same reason! Tomorrow will be day 525 and there's no end in sight!

   I'm absolutely loving the new season of Boundless on the Esquire channel. Mrs. Sandman introduced it to me and I just can't get enough. Two guys globetrotting around the planet doing ultra distance running and biking races; sign me up! Esquire channel if you need someone new for the next season all you have to do is ask. The show's inspired me to think about getting a GoPro camera. Although, not anytime soon. I don't have a spare $500 laying around. I looked at getting a pair of Google Glass specs too. But, that price tag of $1500 is even worse. Besides, it doesn't look like they're going to be available until the next century to the regular public anyways. It'd be really unique to bring you along on my runs to see what I see. The only thing that's frustrating me about the show is that I can't find past episodes from season one anywhere? I'm good at that sort of stuff. But, I just can't seem to work my magic. Hopefully it'll come out on DVD soon.

   I've gotten my three free boxes of Accel gel in the mail. Really stoked to have my running pay for itself in a small way. At about $34 a box, I'll take free stuff every time! I look forward to trying them out and my new ultra vest this Saturday for my long run.

   Even though it's a day late I wish all of you a happy National Running Day! Running is one of the most incredibly honest sports out there. Yes, there are skilled runners who are able to run faster and further than us mere mortals. But, for the most part, us average people only get out what we put in when it comes to running. You do the hard work and amazing things will happen. You don't and you'll suffer during the longer distances and not meet your goals. I was amazed and thrilled to hear that my sister in law went on her first trail run with Mrs. Sandman the other day. She's been on a very personal quest to improve her health and the trans-formative nature of our sport is molding her into one badass fit chic! To hear that someone who thought I was crazy for running when nobody was chasing me loved her first time on the trails was just another example of the power that running has when you first try it.

   Get out there, do something that your body was designed to do and of course, ride that lightning my friends! Have a great week!    

5 Miles More-Episode 10 "Sandkid Jr. Speaks"

In this episode Sandkid Jr. hijacks the podcast to talk about his first mile for this year's Run For The Sun. Wait, he forgot to say ride the lightning....

5 Miles More Podcast-Episode 9 "Run For The Sun 2014"

In this episode I talk about the upcoming 2014 Run For The Sun Challenge created by my good buddy Coach Jeff. I also ramble on about Sammy the Super Running Dog!

Have a great day and ride that lightning my friends...