never got to this one yet.
but oh, what a race it was!
what a busy morning...trying to decide
what to wear was the least of my worries,
so i thought.
Anyway....
Race slotted for 7:30 AM...got up and out the door at 6:30
and headed off to Shawns house so we could carpool to the race!
Got there at 6:45 just like I said i would, but wasn't completely ready
to hit the road yet, needed to change up a few things.
Lets keep in mind that every day leading up to race day had been
pretty nice weather, hot dang, we were stoked for a replication of last
years perfect day.
But NO! we got 37 degrees and windy for race start. Ughhhhhh...
no big deal, we are Minnesotans for God's sake,
we eat 37 degrees for breakfast and an appetizer before dinner as well!
i was gonna roll with the new nike running shorts
and a long sleeve 1/4 zip running shirt.
so, from top to bottom, bottom to top...it went like this....
New Asics Trainer 14's (love hate relationship! Fast and lite, but my Achilles really hate me)
Skins compression socks....keep me warm and cozy from the knee down!
nike lite running shorts (black and red)
C9 1/4 zip long sleeve (tight fit) running jersey
Lite running coat for start of race
sunglasses!
Why does all this matter...well it doesn't,
especially two weeks later...lol!
My goal for this race was not only to finish (that's a constant goal)
but to beat last years number, and to beat it decently.
Last year = 1:45:12
This year = 1:40:22
I like this year better! And 'under trained' physically mind you!!
how did it all pan out? I knew that was your next question....
No technology,
no mythology...
just pure energy...
bringing me to the end you see.
Chip on my foot,
sensor in my mind
knowing i have it in me
knowing that its time.
The race had started, we were off! i felt pretty good for the first few miles, and I was running with friends, chatting. I love talking and running, but i always run slower in that scenario, so I pulled myself away, a little ahead. Kept up a consistent pace, I think, since I had no watch...I had to ask fellow runners what time they had thus far, what kind of pace they were holding. my goal pace to keep was around 7:40 or so (realistic goal that is)...that is what we were holding, that seemed to feel pretty good.
I had to change my running style a few times...from midfoot striking to heel striking, the pain of the hills and my calves was getting to me form time to time. no problem...quicker steps quicker release. the miles just seemed to melt away on this day. I never really felt out of oxygen or out of breath. I was running hard though! I was also enjoying myself out there...talking to people as they came by or I went by them. Exchanging smiles and some laughter along the way. It was a good day! Toward the end (last 3 miles or so) i found myself chatting it up with a couple of guys who were out there just doing their thing, running a solid race, also enjoying themselves. We chatted as we ran and i saw (and felt) our pace pick up a bit...it felt real good, my legs were real good too. With about a mile left the guy i had been pacing said he had just enough in him to hold this pace to the end....yet he urged me to pick off as many of the runners ahead of us as I could in the next mile or so. I could see 5 in my sights! "go get 'em" he said to me, and I instantly kicked it up a notch. Like an old coach I used to have...he knew me, he knew I would go get em, and I did. Stride fro stride, feeling the strength of my Mom and my God!
I re-entered the high School stadium and had to make a half loop around the track to the finish. Glory all the way through! IZ was cheering, waiting, happy...so was I. A good finish, a good race. The time mattered, but it really didn't matter all that much. So a quick bite to eat and watched a few of my buddies cross the finish, Drew had a great race and had crossed that line many many minutes before me and 566 other people as he took 5th overall. Nice job, good show. good job to all my pals who were out there, and thanks to Marty for cheering me on at mile 3, and to Jeff (and his kids) for cheering me on at mile 12. Thanks for your support.
Now back to the house to get the kids breakfast and to hang out for the rest of the day and relax.
Cheers,
GK17
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Signed and delivered...
Papers are signed,
just on time...
to find some relief,
in this overwhelming life.
into the unknown,
primed and ready for whatever.
making my way clear...
not living in fear.
another dollar notha dime
working my way to fancy free.
stepping out of the way
of all who disagree.
making sure its clear,
no time to dissappear.
seeing that the end is near.
i won't shed a tear.
Not this time....
just on time...
to find some relief,
in this overwhelming life.
into the unknown,
primed and ready for whatever.
making my way clear...
not living in fear.
another dollar notha dime
working my way to fancy free.
stepping out of the way
of all who disagree.
making sure its clear,
no time to dissappear.
seeing that the end is near.
i won't shed a tear.
Not this time....
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Weekend Warrior!
Ahhhh, Mothers Day weekend! One of the most emotionally taxing weekends of my year. this year especially crappy for reasons that any of you who really know me have already figured out. I wouldn't let it be crappy though...not in every aspect anyway.
Hunter was at her Moms house for the weekend...I dropped her off Friday night in Minneapolis. I think they had a mild weekend planned, but you never know!?
Saturday morning was a busy one...wake up from slumber, had some business affairs to deal with,then off to work at the Running Room for the afternoon. After work decided to take in the 5pm service at church since I was going to miss church all together on Sunday because of my race (more on that later). Good service!! Pastor Steve Weins touched on all points when including Moms on this particular night. He didn't skip a beat, and i think that was appreciated by ALL Moms who may have been listening in. After church was a stint to Benihana....rolling in the SLK320 lent to me by a friend...it was really shaping up to be a great evening with the IZ-meister! We gota table and hunkered down for a delectable meal...lotsa carbs to fuel the mornings racing spectacle. After a couple hours in the Grove, it was time to head back to the ranch and relax....already mentally preparing for the morning.
Sunday morning came quickly...slept well considering I had put alot on my plate (literally and figuratively). I had some pretty lofty goals set for a race time...but knew it was attainable since I was running with a vengeance of sorts.
the mall was wicked busy, packed,
smiles on everyone runners face....
ready to run,
but for reason,
not contempt.
Alot of survivors, alot of
memories locked up inside
of people like me
with stories to tell..
i just decide to tell mine
through my run!
in pure race mode....
i start heading towards the start line
(this is just after i remembered
that I forgot to grab my garmin).
Back and forth to the car,
now on my way to the race start.
had to nose my way up to the front if
I wanted any shot of knowing my true colors....
today they were black and white.
20 or bust,
so i one up'd myself for
a 19:20!
not too many had a day like that,
maybe 50 or so,
and that's a good feeling for me,
for me it was just that,
and Mom.
My pace was furious,
and felt right.
Music in the ears,
which is normal training for me,
but not normal racing for me.
today was my day,
so music i played,
my music for 19:20.
Off to the side, i waited...
familiar faces a few,
thousands of finishers
grinning ear to ear.
Running, with purpose.
Izzie came through nicely
but I missed it....
caught up in the moments
in the speed, in the time,
in the confusion,
through the hurt
physical,
physiological.
Great job at 32.00....
can't beat that,
well you can,
and you will next time.
Back to the MOA for coffee and some crocs....
no crocs to be had today,
maybe soon, but not today.
special crocs for a special day.
off to the GC in the SLP,
brunch on my mind,
money today is not an issue...
thanks ironman!
i cannot wait to get that inside of me....
that food was so good,
and filled me up quickly and nicely!
Off to a nap!
that race took a toll on me today,
may last through the week,
so far it has.
Moms grave with IZ,
no tears today, blank stares...
lost in the loneliness,
locked in the time of it.
flowers and cleaning
my heart was still bleeding
but not blood of fear
not enough to shed that tear.
coming to an end so fast
as always!
but a good run,
a hell of a weekend.
missing the little ones
but a test of reality
just a little early!
Bishop out...count on it!
Hunter was at her Moms house for the weekend...I dropped her off Friday night in Minneapolis. I think they had a mild weekend planned, but you never know!?
Saturday morning was a busy one...wake up from slumber, had some business affairs to deal with,then off to work at the Running Room for the afternoon. After work decided to take in the 5pm service at church since I was going to miss church all together on Sunday because of my race (more on that later). Good service!! Pastor Steve Weins touched on all points when including Moms on this particular night. He didn't skip a beat, and i think that was appreciated by ALL Moms who may have been listening in. After church was a stint to Benihana....rolling in the SLK320 lent to me by a friend...it was really shaping up to be a great evening with the IZ-meister! We gota table and hunkered down for a delectable meal...lotsa carbs to fuel the mornings racing spectacle. After a couple hours in the Grove, it was time to head back to the ranch and relax....already mentally preparing for the morning.
Sunday morning came quickly...slept well considering I had put alot on my plate (literally and figuratively). I had some pretty lofty goals set for a race time...but knew it was attainable since I was running with a vengeance of sorts.
the mall was wicked busy, packed,
smiles on everyone runners face....
ready to run,
but for reason,
not contempt.
Alot of survivors, alot of
memories locked up inside
of people like me
with stories to tell..
i just decide to tell mine
through my run!
in pure race mode....
i start heading towards the start line
(this is just after i remembered
that I forgot to grab my garmin).
Back and forth to the car,
now on my way to the race start.
had to nose my way up to the front if
I wanted any shot of knowing my true colors....
today they were black and white.
20 or bust,
so i one up'd myself for
a 19:20!
not too many had a day like that,
maybe 50 or so,
and that's a good feeling for me,
for me it was just that,
and Mom.
My pace was furious,
and felt right.
Music in the ears,
which is normal training for me,
but not normal racing for me.
today was my day,
so music i played,
my music for 19:20.
Off to the side, i waited...
familiar faces a few,
thousands of finishers
grinning ear to ear.
Running, with purpose.
Izzie came through nicely
but I missed it....
caught up in the moments
in the speed, in the time,
in the confusion,
through the hurt
physical,
physiological.
Great job at 32.00....
can't beat that,
well you can,
and you will next time.
Back to the MOA for coffee and some crocs....
no crocs to be had today,
maybe soon, but not today.
special crocs for a special day.
off to the GC in the SLP,
brunch on my mind,
money today is not an issue...
thanks ironman!
i cannot wait to get that inside of me....
that food was so good,
and filled me up quickly and nicely!
Off to a nap!
that race took a toll on me today,
may last through the week,
so far it has.
Moms grave with IZ,
no tears today, blank stares...
lost in the loneliness,
locked in the time of it.
flowers and cleaning
my heart was still bleeding
but not blood of fear
not enough to shed that tear.
coming to an end so fast
as always!
but a good run,
a hell of a weekend.
missing the little ones
but a test of reality
just a little early!
Bishop out...count on it!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
1st Annual Cannon Falls Duathlon!!
I signed up for this race on a whim! i just started working at the local running store (chain called Running Room) and found out a few days before this race event that all races put on by ‘FinalStretchInc.’ are free for employees. What a deal, I had to do it, but wasn’t sure if I would be ready or not.
Night before the race day is my favorite. Feels like I’m packing up for a vacation or something…making a list, checking it at least twice (learned that the hard way) and neatly packing all the things, and more, that I would need for my race. My biggest worry was the bike. I still had my ‘training’ tire on the rear, it was worn out to the point that it was not road worthy, but had plenty of life for the trainer. nonetheless, it needed to be swapped, so that was the first task at hand. Luckily, my buddy Stephen from http://www.gearandtraining.com/gearntrain/ had given me some Michelin racing comp tires to test out. I just put on the rear tire to give it a whirl on the road….smooth ride, i guess a 75 dollar tire might actually be worth the money?! To say the least, the first road ride of the year (albeit a short one) was really good and super fast!
I went through the rest of my list, got my Tri bag all packed up and was ready to hit the sack for an early rise Saturday morning. The nice thing, I learned, about a duathlon is that you don’t have to worry about the swim part…not only is that good for me cause I suck at swimming, but the lack of all the extra gear is nice to not have to worry about.
Saturday came on real fast! I had no problem waking up and getting ready for the drive to Cannon Falls (about 1.5 hours from my house). One more last minute check on the gear, loaded up the bike, sucked down a protein shake and had a banana….Dad was gonna show up by 6:15 to watch the kids for me….then off to pick Izzie up in SLP and head to the race. Race start was 9:00am, nice change of pace from your normal 7 and 7:30 starts. It was a brisk, but beautiful morning, and I was pumped, and a little nervous.
Directions to the sign - in area were mediocre at best…but I think my GPS in the car got me more confused then it really needed to be…and the fact that I have never really had the need to navigate through Cannon Falls before, but we made it in plenty of time, got registered, marked, set-up transition and started to warm up for the race start. A brief meeting 10 minutes prior to start and we were lined up in no time. i met a couple guys who were decked out in Team and Training gear so i struck up a convo to settle the nerves. They knew my buddy Drew who is a running and triathlon machine and does much work with TNT, so that was cool. Ready set go!!!!!
Off to a quick 2 mile loop….i have a Garmin 305 to track heart rate, mileage, and time…I don’t think i looked at it more than one time during the first 1.8 miles. Had to keep track of the heart rate mostly, being under trained and having a heart of steel can really be conflicting at times and that's when injuries tend to happen. HR steady at about 177, so I was working, but not too hard! 2 miles down and a fair amount of bikes were missing from T1…no problem! I felt like the bike was s going to be good this day, so I felt good about conserving energy on run #1. T1 felt pretty good, much quicker than in a TRI! And off to an out and back 14 mile ride in the country. nice roads, rolling hills and passing alot of people. Got passed a by a few, but never let it get to me too much and just kept plugging away. Besides my balls being on fire (lack of butt butter) i was feeling fairly comfy in the saddle and getting through the gears. I tend to hammer the uphills and put some of the competition behind me…I hate being passed back, so this usually works for me, and it did today too. NO passbacks on the bike at all! heading into mile 13 my right leg cramped up like crazy…again, not enough hydration during this windy ride…so I paid for it near the end. Had to unclip and let the leg hang out fora stretch and got passed by some gal who was just hammering it. I knew at this point I would have to clip back in and get through the pain…that's what I did and the pain started to fade. bike portion felt good overall.
T2 was very quick…I caught back up to the gal that passed me on the bike near the end and we were out of T2 at the same time. She was in first place for women and was really excited about it…we chatted a bit and then I left her alone and pulled away. A biker that I had passed on the bike portion had made some ground on me and passed me effortlessly on the run…I told him he was running too fast and he laughed out loud. I actually knew him from another race, but couldn’t pin-point it exactly, all I did know was that he was a hell of a runner and I wasn't’ going to try and pace him.
3 mile out and back…I love out and back short runs and my legs felt pretty good, but my HR was spiked at 182 so I just kept that pace. Learned later that it was a pretty nice pace (sub 7). I had some fun with the patrol police and the race photographer…cheered on some fellow racers as they were already on their way back to the finish. nice thing was I ddin’t see too many of them….YET! Made it to turn around on the run…had just downed a Roctane about mile 1 and needed a bit of water to wash it down. Water down the throat and I could feel the roctane take over. I now swear by that stuff…this was the first time I had raced with it and i was very pleased wtih its overall results. 1.5 miles to go, I could see some bodies out in front of me…had to catch them now or never. My biggest problem, as stated before, I hate being passed back, so at times I may wait too long to pass someone in the first place…I need to keep the confidence in my running and start picking these guys off quicker, cause I know I have it in me to keep up the pace. Anyway, caught up to a couple few guys…they were gassed so i took the opportunity to take them over and never heard from them again. About .3 miles left and 2 more runners and a last chance to move up 2 more places before the finish. hammer down and I did it…crossed the finish line in 1 hour 21 minutes 3o seconds. my goal was 1:25, so goal one accomplished…goal number 2…to feel good about my race! Accomplished! goal 3 was lofty….top 15 % for finishers……18 outta 131…….Accomplished! Great day, great race, and ready for more.
Thanks to Izzie for cheering me on throughout, Thanks to Mr. Bongers for putting on a good race to kick off my season…many more to come I hope. I bounced back pretty quick, ddin’t have time for the ceremonies and headed back toward SLP to relax for a moment and head back home to see the kids! What a great weekend, for so many reason, this one just happened to be my favorite part.
Night before the race day is my favorite. Feels like I’m packing up for a vacation or something…making a list, checking it at least twice (learned that the hard way) and neatly packing all the things, and more, that I would need for my race. My biggest worry was the bike. I still had my ‘training’ tire on the rear, it was worn out to the point that it was not road worthy, but had plenty of life for the trainer. nonetheless, it needed to be swapped, so that was the first task at hand. Luckily, my buddy Stephen from http://www.gearandtraining.com/gearntrain/ had given me some Michelin racing comp tires to test out. I just put on the rear tire to give it a whirl on the road….smooth ride, i guess a 75 dollar tire might actually be worth the money?! To say the least, the first road ride of the year (albeit a short one) was really good and super fast!
I went through the rest of my list, got my Tri bag all packed up and was ready to hit the sack for an early rise Saturday morning. The nice thing, I learned, about a duathlon is that you don’t have to worry about the swim part…not only is that good for me cause I suck at swimming, but the lack of all the extra gear is nice to not have to worry about.
Saturday came on real fast! I had no problem waking up and getting ready for the drive to Cannon Falls (about 1.5 hours from my house). One more last minute check on the gear, loaded up the bike, sucked down a protein shake and had a banana….Dad was gonna show up by 6:15 to watch the kids for me….then off to pick Izzie up in SLP and head to the race. Race start was 9:00am, nice change of pace from your normal 7 and 7:30 starts. It was a brisk, but beautiful morning, and I was pumped, and a little nervous.
Directions to the sign - in area were mediocre at best…but I think my GPS in the car got me more confused then it really needed to be…and the fact that I have never really had the need to navigate through Cannon Falls before, but we made it in plenty of time, got registered, marked, set-up transition and started to warm up for the race start. A brief meeting 10 minutes prior to start and we were lined up in no time. i met a couple guys who were decked out in Team and Training gear so i struck up a convo to settle the nerves. They knew my buddy Drew who is a running and triathlon machine and does much work with TNT, so that was cool. Ready set go!!!!!
Off to a quick 2 mile loop….i have a Garmin 305 to track heart rate, mileage, and time…I don’t think i looked at it more than one time during the first 1.8 miles. Had to keep track of the heart rate mostly, being under trained and having a heart of steel can really be conflicting at times and that's when injuries tend to happen. HR steady at about 177, so I was working, but not too hard! 2 miles down and a fair amount of bikes were missing from T1…no problem! I felt like the bike was s going to be good this day, so I felt good about conserving energy on run #1. T1 felt pretty good, much quicker than in a TRI! And off to an out and back 14 mile ride in the country. nice roads, rolling hills and passing alot of people. Got passed a by a few, but never let it get to me too much and just kept plugging away. Besides my balls being on fire (lack of butt butter) i was feeling fairly comfy in the saddle and getting through the gears. I tend to hammer the uphills and put some of the competition behind me…I hate being passed back, so this usually works for me, and it did today too. NO passbacks on the bike at all! heading into mile 13 my right leg cramped up like crazy…again, not enough hydration during this windy ride…so I paid for it near the end. Had to unclip and let the leg hang out fora stretch and got passed by some gal who was just hammering it. I knew at this point I would have to clip back in and get through the pain…that's what I did and the pain started to fade. bike portion felt good overall.
T2 was very quick…I caught back up to the gal that passed me on the bike near the end and we were out of T2 at the same time. She was in first place for women and was really excited about it…we chatted a bit and then I left her alone and pulled away. A biker that I had passed on the bike portion had made some ground on me and passed me effortlessly on the run…I told him he was running too fast and he laughed out loud. I actually knew him from another race, but couldn’t pin-point it exactly, all I did know was that he was a hell of a runner and I wasn't’ going to try and pace him.
3 mile out and back…I love out and back short runs and my legs felt pretty good, but my HR was spiked at 182 so I just kept that pace. Learned later that it was a pretty nice pace (sub 7). I had some fun with the patrol police and the race photographer…cheered on some fellow racers as they were already on their way back to the finish. nice thing was I ddin’t see too many of them….YET! Made it to turn around on the run…had just downed a Roctane about mile 1 and needed a bit of water to wash it down. Water down the throat and I could feel the roctane take over. I now swear by that stuff…this was the first time I had raced with it and i was very pleased wtih its overall results. 1.5 miles to go, I could see some bodies out in front of me…had to catch them now or never. My biggest problem, as stated before, I hate being passed back, so at times I may wait too long to pass someone in the first place…I need to keep the confidence in my running and start picking these guys off quicker, cause I know I have it in me to keep up the pace. Anyway, caught up to a couple few guys…they were gassed so i took the opportunity to take them over and never heard from them again. About .3 miles left and 2 more runners and a last chance to move up 2 more places before the finish. hammer down and I did it…crossed the finish line in 1 hour 21 minutes 3o seconds. my goal was 1:25, so goal one accomplished…goal number 2…to feel good about my race! Accomplished! goal 3 was lofty….top 15 % for finishers……18 outta 131…….Accomplished! Great day, great race, and ready for more.
Thanks to Izzie for cheering me on throughout, Thanks to Mr. Bongers for putting on a good race to kick off my season…many more to come I hope. I bounced back pretty quick, ddin’t have time for the ceremonies and headed back toward SLP to relax for a moment and head back home to see the kids! What a great weekend, for so many reason, this one just happened to be my favorite part.
GK17….out!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Amazing thing is this....
I google searched the 'title' to
make sure I spelled it right
and, I did, the first time!
I amaze myself sometimes.
Doesn't take much I guess.
Loan star this weekend...
that has its pluses and minuses...
mostly its pluses.
So, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to that.
Went on a last minute Bike to Run
last night, we call it a 'brick', and
the headwinds on the way out were
just plain out of control,
I forged through because I knew
that on the way back was gonna be speeds
of 25 plus mile per hour on average.
I was right.
just 8 miles quick to make sure
the new racing tires were a go,
and they are!!
thanks to Stephen at:
http://www.gearandtraining.com/gearntrain/
Followed the bike trip up with
a 2 mile run.
had to see how fresh the legs were...
this Duathlon is gonna be interesting for sure.
On my way back home from the
run I had a sneaky suspicion
that I was being watched!
No big deal, until I got home and listened to
my voicemail on the phone.
Brian was checking me out like crazy...
he loves my gallant stride...
so i sent him a 'hot' pic of myself with
no shirt on...he was very pleased!
Which scares me just a bit,
then I got over it.
The rest of the night flew by.
Kids in full spring,
keeping me on my toes.
Malia out with the grandparents for a
last little birthday hurrah...
shopping, eating, the what not and what not.
It's Friday now....
sunny, cool and windy.
I hate wind!!
Coffee this morning with the IZ-meister...
loved that. VWCM...down my throat, not my pants.
Good convo, and lots of smiles,
and why not, really!?
Thanks for everything,
you're truly a gem in the rough!!
Now off to the homestead....
dogs need to get out,
kids will be home soon...
Wolverine and the others will
be entertaining by 5!
Hunter out tonight,
she really is a teen now...
SCARY!!
Bish out for the weekend
but race news to come by Monday.
Cannon Falls Duathlon here I come (and IZ)
I google searched the 'title' to
make sure I spelled it right
and, I did, the first time!
I amaze myself sometimes.
Doesn't take much I guess.
Loan star this weekend...
that has its pluses and minuses...
mostly its pluses.
So, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to that.
Went on a last minute Bike to Run
last night, we call it a 'brick', and
the headwinds on the way out were
just plain out of control,
I forged through because I knew
that on the way back was gonna be speeds
of 25 plus mile per hour on average.
I was right.
just 8 miles quick to make sure
the new racing tires were a go,
and they are!!
thanks to Stephen at:
http://www.gearandtraining.com/gearntrain/
Followed the bike trip up with
a 2 mile run.
had to see how fresh the legs were...
this Duathlon is gonna be interesting for sure.
On my way back home from the
run I had a sneaky suspicion
that I was being watched!
No big deal, until I got home and listened to
my voicemail on the phone.
Brian was checking me out like crazy...
he loves my gallant stride...
so i sent him a 'hot' pic of myself with
no shirt on...he was very pleased!
Which scares me just a bit,
then I got over it.
The rest of the night flew by.
Kids in full spring,
keeping me on my toes.
Malia out with the grandparents for a
last little birthday hurrah...
shopping, eating, the what not and what not.
It's Friday now....
sunny, cool and windy.
I hate wind!!
Coffee this morning with the IZ-meister...
loved that. VWCM...down my throat, not my pants.
Good convo, and lots of smiles,
and why not, really!?
Thanks for everything,
you're truly a gem in the rough!!
Now off to the homestead....
dogs need to get out,
kids will be home soon...
Wolverine and the others will
be entertaining by 5!
Hunter out tonight,
she really is a teen now...
SCARY!!
Bish out for the weekend
but race news to come by Monday.
Cannon Falls Duathlon here I come (and IZ)
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