Run for Boston

I have been so inspired by the love that has poured into Boston over this past week. We have seen truly remarkable stories emerge and while there is still a long road to recovery, we've seen some incredible strides made.

Last week's tragedies really hit home for Lindsey and I. We don't know anyone who was affected, but we felt connected in a deep way to those who were suffering. The running community is a tight-knit group and maybe that's why I hurt so badly for them.

Being 3,000 miles away, there is little we could do. Thankfully, Pavement Runner set out to organize group runs in honor of those affected. What started out with just a couple of cities has grown to over 120 locations, ranging anywhere from a small group to hundreds of runners, out there for Boston.

Lindsey and I cannot wait to get out there and run in honor of those who no longer can. Time to prove to the world that nothing can stop us runners.

Heartbroken over the attacks on the Boston Marathon

The race that stands at the pinnacle of success and the finish line that epitomizes triumph over adversity was attacked today.

My heart breaks for those who perished. My soul is angered for those who have been injured.

I am shocked. I am speechless.

These runners have dedicated their lives to this sport. Many fought through insurmountable odds to run the race today. For most, the Boston Marathon is not just a crowning achievement in their running careers, but one of life's greatest accomplishments.

These spectators came to the race today to cheer on their loved ones, to provide mental, physical and emotional support. In many ways, they have sacrificed more than the runners who trained for this race. The accomplishment of their runner is one they share.

I don't know how to respond to this, but I do know that I will lace up my shoes tonight and run until I feel like I can't keep going. And then I'll run more. In their honor.

Progress (Baby steps) Ongoing Update

I'm a couple of weeks into counting calories and four days in to a strict Paleo diet. I'm happy to report that over the last two weeks, I have lost 4.5 pounds. I still have a long ways to go to get to my goal marathon weight, but I feel confident I will get there.

For accountability purposes and for my own records, i'll continually update this post after every couple of weeks with my weight.

Friday, March 29: 183 pounds
Thursday, April 11: 178.5 pounds

The Paleo diet has paid off already. I haven't noticed a dramatic dip in my energy level or my running. Hopefully I continue to drop the weight and hit that 170 mark!

Unexpected rain

I wrote this post a couple of years ago and never posted it. When I came across it today, I remembered the lesson I learned from it and how it's stuck with me ever since...

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where life just stops? Maybe you're having the greatest day ever and you get a flat tire...or you are enjoying time laughing with friends and your phone rings with horrible news. Life has a funny way of keeping us all humble.

I was out on a 16-mile run last Saturday and the weather could not have been better. Gray skies and even a light sprinkle of rain had me feeling great after the recent heat wave. My training has been disappointing to say the least, so I knew a good day would give me some much needed confidence. As I jogged out of my neighborhood in the early morning, the thunder rolled and I couldn't have been happier.

Fast forward two hours into my run and the rain picks up as I run by El Camino Park. I happen to love running in a light rain, so I continued on, until I was hit by hard rain. And by hard rain I mean hail.

In Orange County, we are used to sunshine and the three or four days of rain per year. We're even accustomed to a few weeks of temperatures below 60 degrees, but this ice falling from the sky? Completely foreign.

I decided to take some cover rather than getting pelted by hail...now there's something I never thought I'd say when I set out on my run. Eventually the hail subsided and I was left with a very heavy rain that I sludged through the final couple miles. I arrived back at the house drenched, but thankful for the life lesson.

You see, life has its obstacles. Sometimes the obstacle is like rain and we can run right through it. Other times the challenges are so tough that we must change course. The moral of this story is that no matter what life throws at you, adjust and keep going.

Trimming down

Step one in my quest towards Boston is to lose what's been weighing me down the last few years.

My weight.

I'm not overweight. I would consider myself to have an "athletic" build at 5-10, 180 lbs. Problem is, most marathoners with PR's of sub-3:05 never had an athletic build. You've seen these guys, they look like high schoolers, but they're 35 years old. Most of their wives probably weigh more than they do.

I realize that not all bodies are the same and I don't want to look like those guys, but I do realize the importance of trimming down as I try to trim down my marathon time.

I started counting calories last week and as tedious as it can be, I am already seeing some results. In the coming weeks, I will continue to crack down as I push towards my goal.

I realize that similar to my marathon goals, I won't reach my weight loss goals overnight. I won't go from 3:45 to 3:05 in one race and I won't drop 10 pounds in the blink of an eye.

When I started my trim down, I weighed in a 183 pounds. My short-term goal is 170 pounds.

Here we go...

Boston

"Beantown" is not just a city. For runners, it is a goal. It's something that motivates thousands to push themselves beyond their limits as they strive to be among the running elite.

The Boston Marathon is the most prestigious marathon in the world. The level of competition is simply unmatched and the historic course draws countless international runners every year.

It's the Super Bowl of running, if you will.

Of course, with such a popular race comes incredibly fast qualifying times. Most runners will never come close to their qualifying times as it takes not only hard work, but God-given talent to run 26.2 miles at such a pace.

Being a 26-year old male, I am among the lucky bunch who would face the toughest qualifying time of 3 hours and 5 minutes. For those of you keeping score at home, that is just a tick over a seven minute mile. For every mile. 26.2 of them.

You heard me right.

In the last four years I've completed over a dozen marathons and have witnessed some incredible runners. I say witnessed because I normally find myself slightly ahead of the middle-of-the-pack guys, usually finishing right around four hours.

I never dreamed of Boston because I didn't think it was possible. Then I had a thought...

Five years ago I never thought I'd run a marathon. I've run 12. After I finished my first marathon, I thought there was no way I could go further. I have, in three ultras. I've learned that the human body is capable of amazing things. Why should I limit myself?

I want to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

There. I said it. I avoided saying those words for four years. I'm giving in.

I want it.

I could surprise myself and reach my goal quickly, but chances are this could be something I chase after my entire life. All I know is one thing...

I WILL GET THERE.

Another loop...

Over the years, I have become oddly fascinated with course layouts. I don't study the layouts before a race like some serious runners do, but I find myself thinking about them often while i'm running a race.

I make a left turn to encounter a hill and wonder why on earth they'd put a turn there. Or maybe I look to my left at a beautiful downhill and wonder why we're not taking that road. Worst of all, I loath the race director who forces runners to do laps.

Running a course of any distance multiple times is defeating. You are robbed the thrill of seeing the finish line and instead you are gifted with the helpless feeling of retracing your steps.

I despise the idea of retracing my steps. I prefer to blaze new trails, run new races and to cover new ground.

Yet...

I will be retracing my steps in my next two races as I take on the Long Beach and LA Marathons in October and next March, respectively.

There will be one major difference. In each race I'll help a "newbie" train for their first marathon finish. I've had the pleasure of helping others train before and I can honestly say the only feeling better than finishing a marathon is helping somebody else finish.

My brother-in-law, Matt, will take on Long Beach this October. I'm excited to run with Matt, but also a little nervous that he will crush me and leave me in his wake. The guy is super athletic, so it is a definite possibility. Maybe he'll invite me to go along with him after he qualifies for Boston?

In March I'll be running alongside my boss, Doug, who is a die-hard Dodger fan. Of course he would pick to run the race that starts at Chavez Ravine. Homer. Anyways, this is a phenomenal race and - assuming there is no repeat of the 2010 hurricane I encountered running with Bill - it should be an amazing time.

I'm anxious to get back into training and excited to share the stories of training with these great guys.