Running Through Life

Confusing? Not really - just think like me.

Week 2 of pushups - elbow still in great pain.
Set 1 - 9
Rest - 60 sec
Set 2 - 11
Set 3 - 8
Set 4 - 8
Set 5 - max (at least 11) 7 - failed again.
Total - 43/144

Week 1 of Core Training - this is the training that was developed for Tyler Hansbrough and myself. I think he reads this blog and it pushes him to do better. Well, probably not, but it makes this old man feel better. Anyway, a set of 10 exercises with a medicine ball.

Medicine balls are expensive. I bought a kettle ball. 10 pounds. Smallest I could find. Steel ball with a handle on it. Should be close enough. Though I think the medicine ball would strengthen the fingers more during gripping. Note - don't use handle of kettle ball.

10 exercises -
1. Big circles - hold ball above head and big make circles (up, left, down, right, up). Do 10 in each direction.
2. Woodchopper - Start with ball overhead. Bend over, swinging the ball through your legs (do not let go or the TV will suffer) and then swing the ball back up over your head. That's 1 rep. Do 10
3. Standing Russian Twist - Hold ball straight out in front of you. Pivot on your right foot, rotating the ball and your torso to the left. Then reverse, pivot left foot and rotate right. 1 rep. Do 10
4. Squat to Press - Hold ball at your chest, squat down and then explode up pushing the ball overhead with full extension of the arms. Back to start position. That's 1 rep. Do 10
5. Medicine Ball Situp - with ball on your chest and preform a situp. Do 10

And there were 5 more. I successfully did the first 4. Then I tried a situp. No go. So I dropped the kettle ball and tried a situp. Nada. I cannot do a situp. I tried. My diaphragm is telling me that I tried. I CANNOT do a situp. How many times do you want me to say it here. It is impossible. I even know the secret of the Dragon Warrior and still cannot do a situp.

I can crunch. I got my shoulders off the floor. Maybe 3 inches, maybe 6 inches. I don't know. I did 5 of the best situps that I could. And because of that realization I quit. No, I stopped. And I was tired. The last 5 exercises all had something to do with some type of crunch work. It is possible that I shouldn't do these right after my pushup routine.

Maybe, pushups in the morning. Hansbrough's workout at lunch and Alwyn Cosgrove's workout at night. Think that is too much. Maybe. But how else am I going to beat Tom?

Week 1 Running workout - This starts the first
week of running with Team in Training. 40 minutes of running today. Basically a weekly running work is -
Mon - 40 minutes running
Tue - 45 minutes cross training
Wed - 30 minutes running - specialized, strides, pace laps, etc
Thu - Rest day
Fri - 40 minutes easy running
Sat - various long runs - 4 miles up to 20
Sun - rest

This is always the part I failed to do. I would always run with the team on Wed and Sat but never run on my own during the week. I was still proud of my last marathon time as it was what I wanted to run.

With the new Illinois marathon in April of 2009, I have a time as well. I think a sub 4 is doable. I just need to train. So maybe I will. And my competition will be looking at this to see what I am doing, but it is a blog and I can write anything I want. Is it real or is it Memorex?

That is what I have done today except for the running part. And Cosgrove's part. After all, it is only 8:33am.

taip ilgai, nes dabar (so long for now - in Lithuanian)

Woo hoo!!! i made it through the first week. My left elbow feels like I cracked it. My right pec feels like I sliced it. But I made it.

101 push-ups in 1 week. This mornings sets -
Set 1 - 8
rest 120 secs
Set 2 - 10
Set 3 - 7
Set 4 - 7
Set 5 - max (at least 10) - made 10 - barely.
Total - 42

@ days off from push ups. Hooray!!!
But with the construction going on I will still be using those muscles. What a drag. If only there was someone that could do what I do? Alas, I will do.

Ciao

Yes, from one day of pushups I am ripped. But not in the good way.
The girlfriend noticed bruising on my pecs. Apparently I have ripped muscle tissue. Know I understand the pain I was feeling yesterday and this morning.

So this morning was my catchup day to get on schedule for the first week of my 6 week pushup workout. Did I do it? Of course! It is what a man does. No time to be sick or tired or forgetful or just don't want to. Be a Man!

Day 2 - 5 sets with 90 seconds rest in between
Set 1 - 6
Set 2 - 8
Set 3 - 6
Set 4 - 6
Set 5 - max (min 7) I only made 6 and fell down.
Total - 32

2 day total - 59
probably 50 more pushups than I have ever done in my life.

But by not making the 7, I flunked. Zero, below average, failure, loser, no good, color-blind, diabetic, Lithuanian. Craptacular.

Tomorrow is my last day for week 1 than I will be on a MWF schedule for my 6 week pushup workout.

I hope to add a medicine ball routine on TThSa as well. If Tyler can do it so can I.

And maybe, a snow boarding routine that Hooker pointed out. Should be able to fit it in somewhere as well. Running starts Dec. 13 with TNT, so I can't wait for the days to start getting longer.

yes, today was the day. I started training. And now I want to quit. My left elbow and my right inside shoulder area are killing me.

I'll I did was 27 push ups. And not at once.
Set 1 - 6
rest 60 seconds
Set 2 - 6
rest
Set 3 - 4
rest
Set 4 - 4
rest
Set 5 - max (but at least 5). I did 7.

Dead. Tired. Exhilarated. Still tired.
and now aching.

And the girlfriend wondering what the noise was. My normally than louder breathing to help control the abdomen. like I said - karate guys make noise, so can push up guys.

Hey, it is a start. A start to something glorious.

We will see.

That I get my lazy ass out and moving, with feet on the ground, running, jogging and walking. Or will it be the weekend I come up with excuse after excuse and do no exercising.

HMM?

Soon I will have to start regardless. I did volunteer to mentor for TNT for the winter group. I hope it is better than the group going now. They just don't seem to practice much. Oh well, maybe they don't need to.

Sadness
Despair
Blackness
Scary
Dark
Gone
Tears
Broken
Silence
Relief
Remembered
Free

There were many a good times that I will remember because only in memory can the order and goodness that you were prevail.

Rest well, Hook!!!

Running - very little since the Alaskan Marathon. Yea, I have run with TNT for some track workouts and a few Saturday long runs but nothing to really talk about.

I ran the final Wild Wilderness Trail run at Kickapoo park on the 28th of September. I ran under my goal of 90 minutes finishing in 84 minutes 58.8 seconds. Since our illustrious governor has decided to close Kickapoo Park (along with 10 others) running the last race out there was bittersweet. I really enjoy running out there.

I ran with TNT for their 20 miler. Actually I only ran about 12 miles. I ran with a few of them here and there. Cheered them on, poured drinks and just gave moral support. Next month I have the first meeting for the winter group that I will be mentoring. It will demand a lot of time but I am looking forward to it. I will be running with them as well in preparation for the inaugural Illinois marathon in Champaign-Urbana.

Time soon to get off my ass and start training and getting in shape. This time I intend to go full force in the training. That means 5 days of training - running and weight lifting. I am looking dorward to it and hope that this time I can do it.

I went to practice. I ran. My lungs frakin burned.

Burned
Burned
Burned

Legs seemed pretty good. until the next day.
they were sore. So much for being in shape.

Friday I need to run.

Saturday I will run. The TNT group is running 20 miles.
I will run with them. Not 20.

I will run with someone. Rest. Run with someone else. Cheering. Giving kudos.

New mantra.

Run
Run
Frackin run.

I ran with the group on Saturday. Took it extremely easy. Cannot believe how easy I took it. Awesome.

Ran the first 2.4 miles (west out and back) at a 10:30 pace. Sat around and poured drinks for runners. Then ran the east out and back (3.7 miles) with a run/walk runner preparing for Disney 2009. Took it easy with her chatting about what it is like to run a marathin. Pitfalls of starting to fast, controlling excitement and taking gels.

It felt good to be out there running. I really think it is a soothing experience for me.

Also had the guys out on saturday night to watch a hard fought, sometime painstaking loss to Missouri. It was a great time.

Sunday saw a cookout with some of the TNT members from the summer season. That was a good time as well.

spent monday with Allyson's family at Polywogs (Oakwood) for some boating, food and plain old relaxation (for me that meant reading - for them playing dominoes).

One of my favorite places to run is in Kickapoo State Park, but our esteemed Governor has deemed it not necessary to suport that park any longer will close it in November 2008 to the public.

Frack!!! now what am I going to do. I feel really bummed out by this.

Here is a list of the other state parks on the cutting board. You will notce there is not one in the Chicago area or suburbs. Why not, you villianous creature?
The following Illinois State Parks will close effective November 1:

Castle Rock State Park, Oregon

Lowden State Park, Oregon

Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, Sheffield

Illini State Park, Marseilles

Channahon Parkway State Park, Channahon

Gebhard Woods State Park, Morris

Hidden Springs State Forrest, Strasburg

Kickapoo State Park, Oakwood

Moraine View State Park, Leroy

Weldon Springs State Park, Clinton

Wolf Creek State Park, Windsor

I will buy the park from the state for $1000. Seems like a fiar price for something that is not worthy of a citizen of the greater Chicago area.

Damn you, Rod!!!

Frack it!!!

Yes, I went and chatted with the fall and new winter groups. Except for one or two of the winter group people I knew everyone there. We talked and I introduced myself to the newbies.

Yes, I ran with them. I did a 1/2 mile warmup and then a mile of plyometrics (butt kicks, high kicks, scissor kick runs). They do kill a little bit but nowhere near like it was the first time I did them. Then a 1/2 mile cool down.

Basically a 2 mile run in 35 minutes.

I felt good. My legs felt a little tired.

Maybe i will run with them on Saturday.

I know these are 2 months late, but here they are.

From Alaska 2008

From Alaska 2008

From Alaska 2008

From Alaska 2008

From Alaska 2008

From Alaska 2008

Title makes you think I have been busy these last two months. Running all the time, stretching and working out.

Well, I have been not exactly that busy. Though I have been busy.
I haven't run a stitch in two months.

The kitchen is 87% done. 2 lights left and the base trim needs done. Still trying to decide on how to do the wall tile yet.

I have been thinking about running again. Not that thinking about it makes me any faster or stronger. On the other hand the Las Vegas marathon is December 7, which would give me 14 weeks to get ready. If that is a goal then track practice would be a good start tomorrow. Man, what to do?

On a brighter note, TNT alumni will be congregating at the farm on Sunday to rehash theirs races. Telling about their experiences, sharing pictures and generally having a good time.

As soon as I find the cable to my camera I will be able to upload pictures of Alaska. Wait those are on the laptop. Let me put some up.

I have been busy courting a new job and I started the job today as well. It was a typical new day boring day. Settle in, meet and greet, look busy.

Tmorrow will be different - installing an MS server product.

Anyway, have not really ran since Alaska. Have been moving alot, installing flooring, kitchen cabinets and electrical work at the house. but Wednesdy I will be back at the track for practice.

I sure it will kill me. But I also need to train when I am not training for an event. It will keep me at a level of semi fitness.

Next April is the inaugural Illinois marathon which I will run. Hopefully in the 4:30 range. I know 25 minutes better than Alaska. But flatter and hopefully with better training under my soles.

Here is the link to my Alaska pictures. http://picasaweb.google.com/Mastrosky/Alaska2008 I will get around to adding captions sometime.

I'll write after track practice and try to keep this up to date.

As a very funny man says, "Waddle on"

Yes, I am.
Alaska was awesome.
My new friends from Chicago were awesome.
The course was beautiful.
The course was hilly.

But I was ready. My training (what I did) prepared me well. My coaches prepared me well. Allyson prepared me well the night before I left. LOL

Anyway, morning of the race it was 50 degrees and misty. A sprinkling for the first 4 miles. But I covered the distance, traversed all the hills and raced across the finish lines in an emotional 4 hours 56 minutes and 33 seconds.

I'll get pictures up later.

Thanks to all of you.

He is somewhere between Alaska and home. He did GREAT!! Further details to follow from the man himself! Welcome back and GOOD JOB honey!!

Well he is on his first plane headed to Alaska. He'll let us know when he has landed safely. He is totally ready for race day! He will post pictures when he returns and be full of highlights I'm sure.

Yepper, the "last" Saturday training run.
No more training runs - finish, nada, done, out o' here!!!

Lake of the Woods for a 60 minutes run there abouts last Saturday. I ran 4 miles in a very slow and comfortable pace. A 12 minute pace.

Got a few final words of encouragement from my fellow team mates and coach.

I have trained more this season than any other. I trained almost every Wednesday and Saturday.

Wednesday - tough but great track workouts.
Saturday - building up the mileage.

They have helped.

The Indy mini was almost 12 minutes faster (11:53 to be exact) than last year.
My mile time has decreased from last years best of just over 8 minutes (which I broke this year about 3 weeks) and have now bettered to a 7:07 (last week). A great personal best.

I hope next year (or this year) to do more and break the 2 hour mark for a half.

Here are some goals for the upcoming year -

Mile (1600) - 6:00
5k - 21:00
10k - 50:00
Half - 2:00:00
Full - 3:59:59.99 (yes, break 4 hours)

These are lofty. They truly are. But one feels that I am capable. He has spouted out on numerous occasions that I have the ability to run like this. How he knows, I have no idea. I hav always doubted the man, mainly due to my self doubt. But I am starting to believe.

Sorry, Hook for doubting you. Thank you bro.

I also have another that believes as well. She has never specified times or abilities like Hook, but she doesn't know alot about my past running or lack thereof. She just believes in me.

Thank you Ally.

And now me - Alaska this weekend. My bib number (if they have online tracking) is 842. I hope to place 800 or better. I also hope to run under 5 hours. I knowthat is not news. I have always said that a 4:50 or so should be doable.

Stay tuned for my real prediction and my ultimate goal.

Thanks to all.

Seeing as how it was my last hard practice before my race, coach Vicki decided to kick some ass.

here was her plan -
1600 - recovery
1200 - recovery
800 - recovery
400 - recovery

all at 5k pace.

ok, for me that should have meant about a 9:30 to 9:45 pace. Maybe. Not sure I can hold that for 3 miles but it would be a good try.

so off we go.

I bust out a 7:07 mile. What the hell? Where did that come from? Whose frackin legs were attached to my gorgeous waist?

OK, that was a stretch. But 52 seconds better than my best mile. Unbelievable.
then
oh, yea, the pain
the gasping for air
i must have been anerobic for the whole mile

so how were the 1200, 800 and 400? good all at 8 minute mile pace.
one helluva of a good pace.

I'm thinking a 3 hour marathon. hehehe

nope. still 4 hour marathon at just under 5 hours. 4:45 would be great

Saturday was a 90 minute run, but instead I hike 5.4 miles at Starved Rock. Boy, were there a lot of stairs. At one point 155 straight stairs that I attempted to jog up. I made it to the last landing and then walked the last short flight. boy, were my thighs burning.

Starved Rock is a pretty cool place. We hike almost 5.5 miles there. Enjoyed some beautiful scenery and cool canyons fromed from limestone cliffs. May have to go back inthewinter time and see the eagles.

Sunday was another hike through parts of Mathiesson State Park for about 2.25 miles. Not as long but just as awe-inspiring. Overall it was a great weekend. Spent it with the Elliotts minus Kayla and Ally and Chris. My kids once again absent.

I got a lot of good legwork in and do not feel that I cheated my training any. Monday I am going to try and fit (ok, choose a better word) not fit, try to do a workout for 45 minutes or so.

I got alot of work to do before the 21st. I do feel I will do well in Alaska. I know the marathon is hilly and 7 miles of it are trail, but I believe a 4 hour marathon is possible. It may be 4:59, but that is still 4 hours.

I'll give my ultimate goal later.