If you're lost and alone
Or you're sinking like a stone
Carry on
May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground
Carry on
Carry on, carry on
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Fun - Carry On
Fun - Carry On
Apologies
Sorry I haven't updated, I've been so busy with my move that i've had very little much time to do much more than come home and sleep. Much time has been spent volunteering at PAWS Chicago which is near and dear to me. I've survived not only a 5k but also an 8k with an injury that I had to nurse in between. However, I am back and I promise to update frequently. Especially since the race season has begun.
St. Paddy's Day 5K Benefiting PAWS Chicago
30:58!!!!!!
The race season has begun back in January for me. I did my first 5k in the Warm Your Heart 5k at McCormick Place. I did 35:32 during that race. It's only been 3 months since my last race and I improved my time by nearly 5 mins. Training helps immensely. All you need is a little belief in yourself and magic can happen.
Some post race thoughts. Running in below freezing weather can hamper your day if you don't wear gloves or cover your ears. However, a sweat band can make great ear muffs in that case. The St. Paddy's Day 5k was held on March 16th. It was pretty cold.
Start Corrals are important! It helps you gauge your time and your pace. I haven't found a full proof way to gauge my pace while I am actually in the race. My GPS threw all kinds of issues with distance and speed. Generally there are clocks though but its hard if you are not close to a mile marker.
Injury
Yes folks, shortly after my St. Paddy's Day 5K. My middle left toe was in pretty bad shape. I could barely bend it. It was very similar to the injury I sustained after switching to minimalist shoes. The middle toe where the toe meets the ball of my foot was in a bit of pain.
The injury was sustained because I treated the track like an obstacle course. I was dodging, and weaving, and jumping up over hills. All these turns and movements made it easy to slip, or hit the ground the wrong way. I do not suggest this in future races.
It took about 3 weeks to heal up but I kept aggravating the issue during my move into Chicago. I moved to Chicago! Sure its a 3rd floor apartment but its technically 3.5. So moving tons of bins/furniture up and down stairs didn't help my toe heal up much.
Volunteering & Team PAWS
I've been volunteering pretty regularly at PAWS Chicago. I work in dog town where I walk the dogs, clean their rooms, do laundry, as well as dishes. It's a labor of joy really. I love helping the dogs. They brighten my day and I stay to brighten theirs.
Shouts out to my PAWS crew. You guys are great! Looking forward to more social events. Thank you for volunteering as well.
Team PAWS Shepard
Team PAWS pairs up veterans with newbies like me. My mentor is pretty cool. He's already given me vital advice! Unfortunately I had to rush out of the apartment and get to the race but I lacked one very important tip. I didn't put lubricating jelly on certain body parts to prevent chaffing and I nearly screamed in the shower. I hope to be running with my mentor in a race this year.
Shamrock Shuffle 8K Running for Team PAWS
I jumped on the redline and sat with other Shamrockers. I took the subway somewhere! Brings me my memories of my hometown of NYC. It felt right. I had to courage to speak to a total stranger named Rich who was also on his way to the race. We were both worried if we were going to be late. We were surprisingly just a few mins late but the corrals did not start at the times they were suppose to, so I lucked out.
Rich I hope you had a great race and didn't further your current injuries. (he had a pulled muscle).
Nearly 45,000 people came in to run the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago's Grant Park. The course went through the city as well. Upon starting we were treated with a grand view of Chicago's skyline. It was a beautiful day one of our first 60s days officially kicking off spring.
As I ran the course getting into the rhythm of running it took a mile before I got the initial what i'd like to call stiffness out. Unfortunately, I hadn't been able to train very much since I was just coming off my injury. As I hit the pavement and put one foot in front of the other I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer mass of people in my wave. I was in wave H.
As I ran the course getting into the rhythm of running it took a mile before I got the initial what i'd like to call stiffness out. Unfortunately, I hadn't been able to train very much since I was just coming off my injury. As I hit the pavement and put one foot in front of the other I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer mass of people in my wave. I was in wave H.
Powerups! At the first of two aid stations I picked up a cup of gatorade and quickly drank it and tossed the cup. I had this instant boost of energy and used that moment to propel my self forward dodging and weaving through the crowd of people getting drinks. My heart rate was pretty steady at 170 after my little boost for a block or two it was at 180. So I slowed it back down a bit.
I watch my heart rate like a hawk when I race. It helps me push my limits but keep myself at a good pace. During normal workouts my heart rate can be from 160-165. During races they can be between 170-190. Remember these numbers reflect me. Please consult your doctor if you are trying to gauge your heart rate zones.
4th mile turns and the signs. I nearly broke into tears just at the 4 mile mark. I was so euphoric from the endorphin passing through my body. I saw a number of signs that were just great. "You look incredible" "You are f**king awesome" It's amazing what a few simple words can do for you when you euphoric.
53:03 Finish. It's not the fastest, its not the best, its just mine and I don't mind. It's something I can shoot to break next time.
I watch my heart rate like a hawk when I race. It helps me push my limits but keep myself at a good pace. During normal workouts my heart rate can be from 160-165. During races they can be between 170-190. Remember these numbers reflect me. Please consult your doctor if you are trying to gauge your heart rate zones.
4th mile turns and the signs. I nearly broke into tears just at the 4 mile mark. I was so euphoric from the endorphin passing through my body. I saw a number of signs that were just great. "You look incredible" "You are f**king awesome" It's amazing what a few simple words can do for you when you euphoric.
53:03 Finish. It's not the fastest, its not the best, its just mine and I don't mind. It's something I can shoot to break next time.
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Post Race Victory Brunch
Pick Me Up Cafe
Team PAWS Fundraising
I've raised so far about 900, 500 from myself and the rest were small donations here and there. However I did receive a $200 donation from someone. I haven't asked permission to name her so I will keep it anonymous at this point.
$200 is the amount to beat in the choose Josh's Halloween costume.
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http://i.imgur.com/nXLuJWB.gif
Please don't let me wear drag!
$50 - Kickstarter bag
$75 - Kickstarter bag + Tshirt
$100 - KS bag + Tshirt + Added to Donation sign I will hold up with my victory photo after Chicago Tri
$200 - I'll take you out to dinner.
As always thanks for reading.
- Tiger
