The BIG 4-0

Hard to believe it, but tomorrow is my 40th birthday. Crazy to think that I've probably live half of my life (average male life expectancy is somewhere in the 70s). Tonight, my wife is throwing me a party (she told me, so it's not a surprise). It should be fun as there will be plenty of people there and drinks will be a flowing. So tomorrow should be a little rough, add to that my little brother is coming down from T.O., so the family is getting together tomorrow to do our Christmas exchange, since he won't be making the trip down at Christmas. So the next 72 hours are going to be busy, and that is why I pushed my runs around.

HHM Challenge - Run #35

Did my long run today (as per my previous post) but instead of doing 14k (scheduled), there was a memorial run (10k) for a girl who was killed by an alleged drunk driver last year coming home for the holidays, so I did that instead. For more info see here and here.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	LSR	10:1	race pace
Distance	14 Km	10 Km	total: 179.6km
Pace	7:19-8:11	6:32	race pace
Average HR	127-145	165	high
Max HR	181	179	high
Calories Burned		1306	total: 21614

As you can see, I did a very fast pace, to the point where this race turned into being a Personal Best for me at 10k. I've done under this in some training and 11k races, but not for an official 10k. So I'm very happy with my results. This result puts me very close to finishing a half marathon in around 2:15, which is my goal.

HHM Challenge - No Run #9

Today was suppose to be a steady 4k run, but since I have other plans tonight and tomorrow (more on that later), I decided to skip today's short run and do a long run instead.

HHM Challenge - Run #34

Made it out today and I have to say, it was the worse run I've had during this training. It was suppose to be a 6km HR Zone 3 run, but it did not end up that way. At about 8 minutes I had to walk because I couldn't get my HR below the max number, and then at 15 minutes I had to walk because both my ankles were in pain. I then tried to continue but the pain wouldn't go away, so I cut my run short.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	HR Zone 3	no set pattern	see above
Distance	6 Km	3.3 Km	total: 169.6km
Pace	7:19	7:49	see above
Average HR	127-145	139	fine
Max HR	181	152	a little high
Calories Burned		407	total: 20308

I'm hoping to run tomorrow for a bit to make up for this horrible run.

HHM Challenge - No Run #8

Was suppose to go out yesterday and run hills, but had lunch with some buddies that I don't see too often.

HHM Challenge - Run #33

Being that we arrived home from NYC late Monday, and I was still exhausted from the weekend, I decided to stay home with my son yesterday (gave the babysitter a little break as she was also the one who watched my kids all weekend). That meant that I didn't have time to run during the day (he's not quite old enough to keep up with me yet). So after the kids went to bed, I needed to clear my head and decided to go out for a run with my dog. It wasn't going to be the scheduled run, it was only to get out.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Tempo	no set pattern	see below
Distance	4 Km	4.3 Km	total: 166.3km
Pace	6:36	7:19	see below
Average HR	145-163	146	see below
Max HR	181	204	high - see below
Calories Burned		534	total: 19901

As you can see, my numbers were all over the place. I started out way to fast and had to walk by the time I hit 5 minutes. From there, I just couldn't maintain a happy pace and walked off and on causing my pace to be way off. So even though I didn't do a Tempo run, I still ran and ended up going farther than I was suppose to (I didn't know before I left how far I was suppose to go, I just went by feel). Not a great run

HHM Challenge - No Runs #6 & 7

Because I was in NYC on the weekend, I unfortunately had to miss 2 runs. I did, however, walk an insane amount while being in NYC, that I probably did more km's than I was suppose to run. Either way, what is done is done and now to stay on pace with the rest of the runs.

New York, New York Part II

Well we all survived the weekend! No muggings, attacks, 3-card monty scams, celebrity sightings, or bad weather. All in all it was a great weekend. What made it even better is that the Giants won, breaking their 4-game losing streak. I don't have any pictures at the moment (on my home compy), so I can't post anything.

The friends who came with us were totally amazed, as they had never been there. I would highly recommend visiting it if you ever get the chance. I know I'll be back.

Now back to work so that I can relax again.

New York, New York

Start spreading the news. I'm leaving today. I want to be part of it...
 
Heading to New York City this weekend for a pre 40th birthday celebration. Going to watch the Giants break their 4 game losing streak. Will post more after the weekend.

HHM Challenge - Run #32

Run number 7 in 8 days. That is a first.

Today was another HR Zone 3 run and it went very well.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Steady	HR Zone 3	did 12:1s
Distance	5 Km	5 Km	total: 162km
Pace	7:19	7:32	getting there
Average HR	127-145	143	perfect
Max HR	181	150	perfect
Calories Burned		616	total: 19367

Pace was almost there. I was having some problems keeping my HR under the max rate around 20 minutes, where I had to really slow down for a couple of minutes that otherwise might have had me even closer. Overall, it was a great run.

HHM Challenge - Run #31

Yesterday's break was nice, but not enough.

Did hills today and everything was good going and doing the hills, but I had no energy on the jog back and it took me an extra 3 minutes due to walking.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Hills	4x
Distance	10.5 Km	6.4 Km	total: 157km
Pace	6:36		see notes below
Average HR	145-163	140	see notes below
Max HR	181	170	good
Calories Burned		771	total: 18751

As you can see with my HR, my walking really brought it down. For my pace it is hard to calculate but I do know that my hill times where the following: 2:22, 2:22, 2:16, 2:22. My 3rd hill was faster and I planned that, while the goal with my 4th was to be the same time as my first 2 even though I was tired. So the hills part was great, now to get my energy levels back up so that I can maintain a good pace afterward.

HHM Challenge - Run #30

Today was my 5th run in a row, add that to the fact that yesterday was a very long run, I was tired out there. So tired that at 6 minutes into the run I had to walk. This made the run 6:1s instead of 12:1s. Oh well, I still made it out.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Tempo	6:1	should have been 12:1
Distance	4 Km	4 Km	total: 150.6km
Pace	6:36	6:48	slow due to extra walking
Average HR	145-163	144	a little low
Max HR	181	163	pretty good
Calories Burned		503	total: 17980

As you can see, because I walked a little more, my pace was a little off and my HR was just outside my training zone. Anyway I look at it, I made it out and that is a good thing. Tomorrow is a rest day NO MATTER WHAT!

HHM Challenge - Run #29

It's Sunday, so today's run was a long one. At this point, these runs are getting well past 1 hour in time and afterward, I"m feeling tired. I went out today with my buddy and my dog, and although it was overcast and had a little drizzle at the beginning, it was a good run.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	LSR	10:1	perfect
Distance	12 Km	12 Km	total: 146.6km
Pace	7:19-8:11	7:20	perfect
Average HR	127-145	148	pretty good
Max HR	181	159	pretty good
Calories Burned		1531	total: 17477

As you can see, my pace was right where it needed to be. We actually did an even split for time (same time for the first 6k as the last 6k). My dog had a blast as I left her off leash for a good portion and she spent most of her time exploring the area while we ran. She's really good as she never went far, nor did she ever let us get too far ahead of her.

Bottom line on today's run was that it was excellent, even though I really didn't feel like going out.

HHM Challenge - Run #28

Made it out this morning for another HR Zone 3 run. This time I took my dog.

Here are my numbers for today's run:

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Steady	HR Zone 3	did 10:1s
Distance	3 Km	3 Km	total: 134.6km
Pace	7:19	7:56	a little slow
Average HR	127-145	140	perfect
Max HR	181	148	perfect
Calories Burned		375	total: 15946

Today's pace was much slower and I attribute this to my dog, as I am always fighting her to slow down, causing my HR to go up and then I have to slow down.

HHM Challenge - Run #27

I made it out today and I am very glad I did, the run was awesome. I managed to get to bed fairly early last night and the extra sleep really helped.


Here are my numbers for today's run:

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Steady	HR Zone 3	did 10:1s
Distance	5 Km	5 Km	total: 131.6km
Pace	7:19	7:35	better than most
Average HR	127-145	140	perfect
Max HR	181	150	perfect
Calories Burned		620	total: 15571

As you can see, I managed to increase my pace while keeping my HR inside Zone 3. I also did 10:1s while keeping my HR inside the zone. Only when I was within a half kilometer did my HR jump outside my range, don't really know why as my pace didn't change, but I slowed down a bit and got it under control without walking.

HHM Challenge - Run #26

Hills, hills, and hills. Today's run, which was suppose to be run yesterday, but due to family obligations (had to watch my kids) I didn't get it in, was my first attempt at running hills for this training period.

Here are my numbers for today's run:

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Hills	3x	see notes below
Distance	9.5 Km	4.6 Km	total: 126.6km
Pace	6:36	6:07	a little fast
Average HR	145-163	134	see notes below
Max HR	181	168	fine
Calories Burned		553	total: 14951

This run was an interesting one. Right from the start I just didn't seem to be into running. I've been feeling tired the past 2 days and that may be it, but no time for excuses. So I ended up walking more than I had planned leading up to the start of the hill. Also, the distance to this hill is 1.7km, but according to my training schedule it should be 3km, and because I was feeling tired, I took a different route back cutting my total distance even shorter than expected. As for my pace, while going up the hill, it average around 6:07, which turned out to be too fast, as it should average the same as my Tempo runs. With my average HR, because I walked more leading up to the hill, and then walked a good part back down the hill each time, my average was below where it should be, but while I was going up the hill, my HR was at (or higher, I didn't watch it closely) the range it needed to be in. Overall, not a great run, but still got it in and that is what counts. Tomorrow's run (which is really today's scheduled run) may not happen, we will see.

Happy Birthday Little Lady

My youngest daughter turned 5 years old today and I would like to wish her a very Happy Birthday. Mommy and Daddy love you very much.

HHM Challenge - Run #25

First off, I bought new shoes. New Balance 883. I've been running in NB since I started running and I like them. The 880-> series offers neutral stability so with my orthopedic insoles, they are great. Today was my 2nd run with them and I think once they become broken in a little more, they will be fine.

Here are my numbers for today's run:

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Tempo	10:1	almost there
Distance	4 Km	4 Km	total: 122km
Pace	6:36	6:27	a little fast
Average HR	145-163	155	OK
Max HR	181	201	high
Calories Burned		515	total: 14398

As you may have noticed, my Max HR was very high. I'm guessing it has something to do with my monitor as when I put the monitor on my HR was around 131 and I was doing nothing. My battery may be reaching the end of its life. Other than that, my pace was a little fast, probably because I'm walking less now, so I will need to work on slowing down a little with these Tempo runs.

HHM Challenge - Run #24

Today is Sunday and that means time for another Long Slow Run.Went out with my buddy and my dog and this time we did 10:1s

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	LSR	10:1	perfect
Distance	10 Km	10 Km	total: 118km
Pace	7:19-8:11	7:21	perfect
Average HR	127-145	151	OK
Max HR	181	168	good
Calories Burned		1301	total: 13883

As you can see, the run was a good one. My pace was perfect and my Average HR was just outside of where it should be, but lower than last week and that is good.

HHM Challenge - Run #23

Another HR Zone training run today and this time I took my dog.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Steady	HR Zone 3	should be steady
Distance	3 Km	3Km	total: 108km
Pace	7:19	7:53	very slow
Average HR	127-145	145	top end
Max HR	181	158	a little high
Calories Burned		344	total: 12582

I changed my Garmin HR range so that I can increase my speed and still keep my average HR within it's specified range. Unfortunately my Max HR jumped and I don't ever remember seeing get that high. I feel that when I run with my dog, she throws me off but she needs to run, so I can deal with it.

HHM Challenge - Run #22

I saw SNOW today. It was very little of it, but it was flying around. Fun times are ahead.

Now today's run was a Zone 3 HR run and I'm having problems running at a decent pace and keeping my HR inside the range it is suppose to be.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Steady	HR Zone 3	should be steady
Distance	4 Km	4 Km	total: 105km
Pace	7:19	8:01	very slow
Average HR	127-145	138	perfect
Max HR	181	150	didn't think it got that high
Calories Burned		465	total: 12238

So my pace was very slow and I think it was because the last kilometer of this run was a slow gradual uphill climb where I walked more than when I was going down it the first time. Other than that, it was a good run

HHM Challenge - Run #21

Another cool day, but this time I brought my PANTS!

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Tempo	8:1	should be steady
Distance	3 Km	3 Km	total: 101km
Pace	6:36	6:32	perfect
Average HR	145-163	151	perfect
Max HR	181	162	very good
Calories Burned		383	total: 11773

Another good run and even though I was trying to go slower, my pace was a bit faster than yesterday, but my HR was slower and that is really good. As you can see I broke the 100km mark with this run.

HHM Challenge - Run #20

Although it was cool today and I forgot my windbreaker pants, I still made it out for a run.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	Tempo	8:1	should be steady
Distance	5 Km	5 Km	total: 98km
Pace	6:36	6:33	perfect
Average HR	145-163	155	perfect
Max HR	181	168	very good
Calories Burned		664	total: 11390

As you can see, my HR was perfectly in the middle of where it is suppose to be for this faster pace and I'm am very happy about this. My Max HR was also nicely placed, meaning these faster runs are not as taxing on the lungs/body as they used to be. All is good.

Life is simple

Let go of the past
Don't worry about the future
Always live in the present moment
Repeat

NY Giants Mid-Term Report Card

Well it looks like the wheels have fallen off. The past quarter of the season really exposed the teams weaknesses.

Offense
Eli has gone from MVP numbers to Jamarcus Russell (Oakland's QB) numbers. He has thrown more INTs in the past 4 weeks than touchdowns. The team has also gone away from running the ball, probably because they have found themselves down and needing to catch up early in the game. Their "red zone" numbers also haven't really improved and it has shown. Overall, they proved they can't hang with the high powered offense teams.

Defense
The past 3 games has seen the Giants give up an average of 40 points per game, and that is not acceptable for a team that has prided itself on being a smash mouth defensive team. The secondary has not been able to keep up with anybody, the linebackers can't seem to tackle and the defensive ends can't seem to find the quarterback. At this point, even if some of their injured players came back, I don't think it will help them fill all the gaps.

Special Teams and Kicking
When your place kicker is leading the team in points, that is a sign that you are not scoring enough points. The special team hasn't been great on either side. The defensive ST have given up huge returns on both punts and kickoffs, while the offensive ST haven't run any back.

After getting a great report card for the 1st quarter of the season, I have to give the Giants a big fat F for the 2nd quarter of the season. Combine the 2 and I would say that at the half way point of the season, I would give them a D.

At this point, if they don't manage to win 2 out of their next 3 games, they definitely won't make the playoffs. The good news is that after this upcoming weekend, they do have a bye to rest up and get ready for the end of the season push for the playoffs. In my opinion, because of their challenging schedule that still remains, I wouldn't be surprise if they finish the season somewhere around 8-8 and don't make the playoffs. Let's hope I'm wrong!

Health Numbers Update

Weighed myself and took my BP numbers this morning before I went out for a run. Since my last update, I've lost another 2+ lbs and I'm now under 270 for the first time in over 1 year. My BP numbers were a bit higher than last time but not enough to be concerned with and my HR dropped down to 75 from 96 and that is good. Overall, the big numbers are dropping and my BP is staying the same even though I'm not taking my medication as consistently as I am suppose to.

HHM Challenge - Run #19

Well today is Sunday and that means it was time for another Long Slow Distance (LSD) run. Today I went out with a buddy of mine and my dog Bailey.

Here are my numbers

		My results	Comments
Type of Run	LSD	8:1	should be 10:1
Distance	9 Km	9 Km	total: 93km
Pace	7:19-8:11	7:19	perfect
Average HR	127-145	155	a little high
Max HR	181	172	a little high
Calories Burned		1170	total: 10726

As you can see, my pace was right on and I am almost at the needed 10:1s. I've also broken the 10000 calories burned barrier and that feels good.