Found – An Old Friend

My wife, aka Racingtales, was up early this morning for a 5:30 run.  Little did she know that I was planning to run this morning also.  But after being kept up last night by torrential rain and thunder storms, I was in no mood to run and remained in bed….awake.

After she returned, I got ready for my run.  The rain had slowed down until I got to the door when it picked up again.  I don’t mind running in the rain… I actually enjoy it when it starts to rain during a hot summer run, but this was a downpour and I didn’t want to start in that. (Disclosure:  I run with my phone after an incident a few years ago when their was an accident in my house while I was out running and I returned to scene my neighbor described as “it just looks like a murder scene”.  Don’t want the phone damaged.)

So I waited a few minutes and the rain got heavier….really.  Knowing that I had morning meetings, I found my old friend, with whom I have a love/hate relationship:

Old Faithful–12+ years old!

Today was a good relationship day.  It was a nice change of pace that I actually enjoyed. We hung out together through about 4 miles and then it was on to the business of the day.

Until we meet again, my friend.

Work Gets Busy; I Stop Writing

I’ve tried to explain to my son why I don’t want to sit in front of a computer after working all day . . . where I sit in front of a computer.  Same applies to blogging.  Sometimes I just don’t want to be in front of a computer even if I’m doing something I enjoy.  But, alas I’m back with a few quick notes:

• I can appreciate my wife and learn some things by reading her blogs when I’m dealing with my own stress and am not the best communicator.  Her blog yesterday about disappointment was excellent.  It is a must read at racingtales.
• My bike fell and got damaged to an extent that defies logic.  The bike was leaning against the wall while I got a new battery for my computer.  When I came back out a couple of minutes later it was on the ground.  I was upset and mad at myself.  But my wife said it was only superficial and my bike shop said that, based on my description, it was only superficial so I rode it Sunday morning.You don’t ever want to hear the subtle squeaking sound that is indicative of carbon damage….I did.  The shop confirmed the softness on the cross-bar and said it must have been caused by a direct impact….hmmm….the bike needs to go to the one CONUS carbon repair shop:  Calfee in California.I’ve described myself as cheap before and reluctant to spend money on a better bike given that I had a perfectly good aluminum FELT.  I did, it is faster, but in two months I wrecked and dropped the bike.  Now I need to spend more money…..OK, venting over…time to move on.  I can’t wait to get my B12 back.
• I’m gong to seize the opportunity to work on my running and strength.  I got out today on a beautiful 50 degree day in Northern Virginia and remembered that running can be enjoyable.  While I only ran 6.5 miles, it was the most relaxing run I’ve had in a long time.
• I was in PA last weekend with my 8-year old and his travel baseball team.  I witnessed one of the greatest series of events in sports.  Our underdog team, playing against kids one and two years older, lost both games on Saturday.  Did they get down and depressed…nope.  They came back Sunday morning and showed why the games are played as they made it to the Championship Game before losing to a very good team from New York.  We hoped the kids would win 1 game and benefit from the experience.  Instead they far exceeded anyone’s expectations and had fun doing it!

Back to work…wait, today is Saturday and I have the day off to spend with my family 🙂

Brooks – Utopia Shelter

I’m “Old School” (not just old).  Running was never a sport, it was training for a “real sport” like baseball.  To run you wore whatever shoes you had, put on baggy sweatpants and a hooded sweatshirt if it was cold….cotton, of course that felt great wet!  But I’m here to tell you that I’m now a convert.  This will be the first of a set of quick product reviews highlighting why I need to not be “Old School”.

Brooks’ Utopia Soft Shell.  Called “Be Warm X” or having “shelter” technology, this is one jacket that works.  I received this jacket as a give and put it on right away.  First of all it fits comfortably…not too snug, and has enough pockets of various sizes to carry the necessities AND access them quickly and easily while running.

 

It is also highly reflective, which is perfect for running in the darkness that accompanies the cold. 

Believe it or not, the challenge I’m having is matching the right amount of layers with this jacket.  Be Warm X is designed for under 40 F.  They are not kidding.  The first time I ran in this jacket, it was about 45 F and I was too warm although I only had one layer on underneath.  Next time I ran with it, it was about 32 F and I work a Cold Gear shirt.  Once again, too warm.  The third time I ran, it was around 37 F and I wore a standard wicking shirt and felt just right…hmm…sort of rings a bell…

I also am a big fan of the built-in hand coverings.  While not unique to this jacket, I never appreciated how valuable that covering could be as a second layer on cold runs or even as an initial layer prior to warming up on moderate temperature runs. 

For me, Brooks has a real winner here and a jacket that I would buy again…especially if it goes on sale!

Note: I was not compensated nor encouraged to write this review and the opinions expressed are mine alone.

Update: Injured or Hurting – Time for Core Strength Training

It has been over a week since the DC Tri and I still have pain in my shoulder.  I went to a doctor I know and trust:  Dr. Raymond Thal at Town Center Orthopedics.  He is an outstanding shoulder, elbow, and knee specialist and former head ortho for the Redskins (don’t like the ‘skins…Go GIANTS, but like the doc).

Q:  Why do I trust him?

A:  He holds about 15 United States patents and 16 international patents for devices and instruments he has invented for arthroscopic procedures through his research efforts.  More importantly, he listens when you speak with him and over the past 10 years has operated on both of my knees successfully.

A couple of quick, simple tests showed significant weakness in my shoulder.   Hmm…..interesting that the chiropractor I saw never checked for that.  The prescription: PT and anti-inflammatory medication for 2 weeks.

I started PT last night.  Range of motion tests were positive and the pain is less than it was a week ago.  The focus is on rebuilding the strength and determining the cause of the weakness.  However, as the rotator cuff is suspected, I am not allowed to do activities for the next week that involve rotation or compression of the AC joint.

Hello Running, Leg and Core Strength Exercises!!

PS  For a very good race review of the Charlottesville Triathlon, see http://racingtales.wordpress.com/

Q: What to Do When Your Wife is Away – Day 2

Much harder to train today.  Baseball at 0900 was fun but I’m not sure that pitching from one knee to little leaguers counts as much exercise.  I did my “running” after the game by dragging the field.  (I keep waiting for parents to offer to help or at least start singing Y-M-C-A like they do at Yankees Stadium or Camden Yards). 

New resistance exercise…the baseball field drag!

You wouldn’t believe how many laps it takes to cover an entire dirt infield!

This afternoon I went for a 45 minute bike ride with my younger son.  We must have gone at least 4 or 5 miles.  The has to be some value there too, right.  If nothing else, I at least spun my legs a bit which are very tired after yesterday.

The best news is that I’ve had a great day with my sons!