6 days...

Bonjour Readers,

I know it's been STUPID long since my last post, but as the big day is rapidly approaching, I feel the need to update those of you who are remotely interested.

First things first, our Marathon Team has dropped from a starting total of 9 people, to a grand total of 4 people. Danimal Coant, Ben and Erin O'Connor (Bro and Sis...aww how cute;-) and Myself will be running in our first marathon next Sunday. Bath, NY to Corning, NY. 26.2 miles through wine country and little towns, and hopefully large crowds cheering us on the whole way.

At the time of my last post, I think my longest run to date was 6 miles? My, how time flies. 6 miles is an easy day now. We've done runs of 9,10,12,14, and 15 miles as a group and I did a 17 mile jaunt solo one afternoon. Normally, or so I'm told, your longest run before a marathon should be about 20 miles. HOWEVER, Wineglass(the marathon we're running) is said to be one of if not the best course for beginners because it's 90% downhill, so you can get away with 17 being your long run. (phew). After the 17, I was very tired but not totally dead, and I remember thinking, if I was in the actual marathon right now, I could DEFINITELY pound out another 9.2 miles. I finished 17 in 3h4m, which was about what I expected. On average, we're running well over 22 miles a week, which might not seem like a lot, but at this point in training, we're mostly concerned with maintenance and maintaining what we've got.

I may or may not post once more before the race, but if I don't let it be known that I'm so proud of the group of people running this with me. We will and have pushed each other through some rough times. Its amazing how much you get to know a person simply by running with them. I love them all so much and am honored to call them my friends. We've become a small family and we will be for the rest of all time.

To anyone who was thinking of coming down for the big day, thanks so much! I can't tell you in words how much it means to me, knowing you'll be there offering support along the way. Expect the sweatiest hug of your entire life after I cross the finish line. which I will do. seriously. At this point, my leg will have to fall off before I stop running, and even then who knows.

Anybody who can't make it down; it's totally cool. I appreciate everybody's support over these
past 6 months more than you know. There were times when I doubted myself, and you all helped to keep me going without even realizing it.

For the few people who told me way back in April, that I wouldn't be able to do it; thanks to you also. I'm not bitter towards any of you, and yes, i remember who each and every one of you are. (MUHAAHAHA evil laugh). But seriously, to those people, I want to prove to you as much as to myself that anything is possible. Obviously I believed it before you, but it's never too late.

---Dave
***26.2 Miles, I respect you, but I will conquer you.***

First Race/Sweet Spot

Yao, I know it's been a while. I go in spurts where I have ZERO interest in writing.......this is not one of those times. This past Saturday was my first actual race. It was a 5K charity run/walk for the hospital. It started at Seneca Hill Manor and was all through their property. I got there and got an actual number (805) I felt like a real runner:-). I got into the parking lot and stretched. On all of our runs, we run either around a city block or a half mile at the track just to get warmed up. I didn't do this, and I really felt it. When the race started, I was in 3rd for the first quarter of it, the whole time knowing that I couldn't maintain that pace for 3.1 miles. So naturally, my calves gave out quick and more and more people started passing me. I think mentally I gave up on myself at one point and had to walk. there was probably .8 miles left and I was walking and I ended up next to an old man walking his dog on the route. I asked him how it was going and he said pretty good and asked about me, to which I replied "not as well as I'd hoped." He asked me if I had practiced and I said "yeah, but not enough I guess." Then he said "When you're my age, you won't be able to run like that, so you better do it now." and there was so much sincerity in his voice. (I know this sounds like something out of a movie) but it gave me the little extra boost I needed and I hauled ass the rest of the way. I finished 10th out of about 30 runners and had a time of 25:32 which was about 2 minutes slower than I wanted to finish. But it was a good learning experience.

After the race, I figured out what my problem is, not just at the 5K but running in general. I've been so concerned with moving fast, when I need to be concerned with just moving for a long time. So, during Sunday's run, I slowed my pace down and ended up finding my sweet spot. Did a 6 mile loop throughout the whole city and walked for maybe a block and a half. I was stoked. Everyone did a great job, and Andy played the role of Coach to perfection; driving around town meeting us at different locations offering water, and a hummer in the backseat, if we needed it. I'm really, really stoked that I've found a comfortable pace finally, now all I have to do is MASTER it.

aloha friends

--dave

6 miles? broken?

So, while I do consider it cheating a little bit, I ran the farthest I've ever run the other day. I was at Fuller's Fitness with my man Pat Schrader, and while he got his swell on, I hit up the treadmill. I got to 30 minutes and said, go to 40. Got to 40 minutes and said go to 45. After this tug of war between my body and my "want to" was over, I finished at 60 minutes for a grand total of......6.3 miles! I consider it cheating only because there were no hills (obviously) but still, it felt really good.
Also, I weighed in at 225lbs. I haven't been weighed in a while, but I usually stick between 233 and 235 so weight has officially been lost baby!

Today we met at the track again. We did a half mile warmup, then Andy wanted to see how fast we could run a mile. My goal was 7:20, so naturally moments after I settled on that, Andy said "Alright, Dan and Dave, 7 minutes." To which I replied "I can't run a 7 minute mile, so I don't know what to tell you." Regardless, I set out at a comfortable pace, held it for the first three laps, then had a little extra for the last one. I increased my stride, found a good rhythm, and finished in 6:54. Call up Mr. McCaul and tell him to suck on that. I was very, very stoked. After that, we did a drill called "Strides". It sucked, that's all you need to know:-\

Some people that are close to me have been getting me down about the whole running a marathon lately, for reasons I will never understand. Shoutout to the whole MarathonTeam, (Ben, Jay, Andy, Dan, Snippy, and Erin) and a few other very close friends for being friends.


Until Next Time,

Peace

Feeling like a Runner

Runs have been going really well. Today was the 4th day in a row with a run. Tuesday morning, Ben and I met in the middle of the city and ran the loop of both bridges three times, which was one more than the past Friday. Wednesday, wasn't a scheduled running day, but Jay and I decided to get one in anyway. We ran 4.8 miles in just under an hour. Definitely a slower pace than we're used to, but it was good just to be out there. Thursday, Ben and I met at the classic brisk hour of 5AM and ran a 3 mile loop through the city, I finished in 26min30sec which was slower than I anticipated. the LAST part of that run was going up the Church St. Hill, which SUCKED. I thought people only talked out loud to themselves in the movies, but I literally was saying out loud "Don't walk, run this, run this." and alakazam: I didn't walk. This morning was 5AM again and yet again, Benner had a 3 mile loop mapped out. lots of hills, which I still haven't gotten accustomed to running, I finished in 26min27sec. I was hoping to do 26 flat, but that didn't work out. We're running a 5K next weekend (3.1) miles, and I would love to finish around 22 or 23 minutes. It's not out of the question, but I gotta put the time in next week for sure.

Last Sunday we met at the middle school track again and then Andy led us into the woods. I'll allow a few moments to let your purvurted imaginations run wild. (.............................) Once we got into the woods, we found out that it was a hill day. We ran quite a few hills and because it wasn't smooth terrain, focus became important; one wrong step and it wouldn't be tough to twist your ankle. After we finished, we circled back by where we started and I KNEW we were going to be running the first hill at least once more. Erin's ACL wasn't feeling well, so she sat out and stretched it. Jay said he had one left in him, so he did it once. Andy said he was going to do it twice, so I said I would too. I got back after the 2nd loop and I asked Jay where Andy went and he said that Andy did it again, so I said 'fuck it' and ran one more as well. (Some group members didn't make it that day due to other obligations/injuries so on and so forth)

I'm really wanting to show Ben and Andy that I can do this and that the desire is there. While I'm impressing myself, I honestly want to impress them. I think they're noticing this. There is possible talks of Me running with Andy more because He and Ben think that I can keep up with him and I'm ready for a faster pace. I keep stressing to them that I'm not as athletic as they seem to think, but they disagree. It's not that I'm athletic, I just have a small competitive fire in me, and since I'm not really SKILLED at any sports, (except of course, ultimate frisbee and pin game.....check my resume') I'm finding that I can excel in pushing myself because there's no real skill involved, just will power. I've heard it before, and I think it is true that "Great Will defeats Great Skill."

Overall I'm really proud of everyone so far. The ones that are sticking with it are really sticking with it. It'll be worth it on October 3rd. Sorry this is such a long post, but aayyyy I GOTTA LOT TA SAY!!

Until next Time,

Buenos Dias

Solo Flight

Whatup World,

I know it's been a while since my last post but I haven't stopped running. Still right on schedule. Today isn't a running day but I woke up and it was gorgeous outside, so I decided to get one in. I ran out here at my house. 30 minutes 3.8 miles. I did walk for 1 minute. But differently than most runs, my lungs gave out before my legs, which means my leg strength is improving. 5 Am tomorrow. bad look.

Peace

Track Training

Today we went to the Middle School track, as a team, and did some track workout. We did a few 400 meter sprints, and a crazy 200 meter sprint relay (which we shaved 11 seconds off of the 2nd time we did it). Andy and Ben decided to do a track workout today, because during the week, we're getting our cardio workout. But some people have been saying that their legs are what's hurting them moreso than their lungs and trouble breathing. So we did the track workout to strengthen our lower body. One of my favorite quotes of all time applies; "The legs feed the wolf."

Track workouts could become a regular part of our training. We'll see what happens. It really was a good change of pace for us, and it allowed us to get a little competitive which was cool. But we all supported each other and the positive energy was-a-flowin. Jennie was keeping time in her wheelchair right at trackside. She's still just as much a part of the team as everyone else which is awesome. It was great she came out.

That's it for now. Later

Minus-1

Ben has been staying at the hospital with Jennie, so Tuesday, Today, and Tomorrow, it's just been Dan and I. Our runs are now 25 minutes, and we've done 2.8 miles and 2.7 miles. Watching Avatar....post more soon.

--Dave

"We should've just watched Face-Off."

Yesterday, we all showed up at Casa de O'Connor for our team run....BUT....Mike and Mallory got married Saturday, which means open bar at the reception, which means everyone except Dan and I was very, very hungover. Ryan suggested and we watch Face-Off and for a few moments it seemed like that was going to happen. However, Ben and Andy insisted that instead of a run, we should at least be active for a while, and at least burn some calories and get a decent cardio workout. Enter ultimate frisbee. We went to Shapiro Park and started playing some frisbee. Enter wind. It was way too windy for a frisbee. Enter football. We decided to play football instead. I had a Chris Johnson-esque touchdown run, which probably would've been the talk of game, but SOMEONE whose name starts with a J and ends with an Ennie had to be selfish and steal the show. In a total freak accident, Jennie broke her hip. She's laid up for a few weeks. We all feel terrible for her, but she's one of the toughest women I know, so she'll muscle through it. When the EMT's were putting her on the stretcher, in the middle of the pandemonium, I was sitting in the car with baby Olivia and I heard Ryan say "We should've just watched Face-Off."......agreed.

Days seem to be Melting together

Dan, Ben, and I went back to our 5am mornings on Tuesday. We had been getting about 1.6-1.7 miles done in 20 minutes, but Tuesday we ended up doing 2 miles in twenty minutes which is slightly quicker than marathon pace. Between work and the 5am training days, the weeks seem to be melting into one big jumble of Tired. But if all I'm thinking about is training and working then that leaves little room to get into trouble and little time to spend money, which means I can save a lot, which is good. God, that sounds so adult. Just when I feel like an old man, I remind myself that the NFL Draft is next Thursday, and I start feeling the excitement of a little kid. Work-Training-NFL Draft, as of right now, that's all my focus is on.

Au Revoir

--Dave

first team run

So today was a different setup. Instead of running at 5 in the morning with Dan and Ben, everyone met at 4 and ran together, as a team. We're going to be doing it like this every Sunday. And team runs are always our long runs. The past week we've been running for 20 minutes. Today we ran 20 minutes, walked 7 and then ran another 25. It was hot, there were hills, I didn't want to, but I walked for a total of maybe two and a half minutes. Andy and Dan ran the whole time, and for 98% of the run I was in the front with them. We started the run as a group, then everyone kinda separated, but we all met up again, walked together....then separated again. We all stumbled back to Ben's house at different times. Then, also a weekly tradition, we had a great dinner together. I had salad for the first time in my life. Wasn't crazy about it, but I muscled through it.

Overall, it was really cool running together. It was our first "team bonding". We were all motivating each other, which was super good. Next run...Tuesday: 5am. dammit.


Aloha

--Dave

day two.

Just got in from day two. Again, it was Ben, Dan, and myself. Met at east park and ran up and down bridge. Nice change of scenery. Suuper foggy this morning. Again, only a 20 minute run, very easy. I'm considering this part training for training; we're not into the crazy stuff yet, but we're getting our bodies into the habit of running. My eating sucks at this point. I'm not eating anything bad for me, but I'm not eating enough good things, which Ben says at this point, is fine. I guess that's it for now.

Aloha

--Dave

day one.

6:24AM and day one is already in the books. We're doing timed running for the first few weeks, which means we're running for a certain amount of time as opposed to distance. Today was super easy. Ben, Myself and a newcomer, Dan, who seems pretty cool, went. 20 minute run, 1.6 miles. Everyone else is going later on today with Andy. Waking up at 5am SUCKS but oh well. April 6th got here very quick, but I'm stoked it did. When we started today I looked at Ben and I said "and so it begins." Right now, it seems like we're all really excited to get going, but I'm sure we'll hate it sooner than later. And now, commence Operation: Try to Sleep some More

Adios Amigos

--Dave

the next 6 months starts tomorrow

Well, tomorrow, training/dieting officially start. Running with the 5AM group tomorrow, which I think will be Ben, Justin, and Myself, maybe Jay. We're just doing 3 mile walk/runs for the first week or so, just to get in the habit of running. Dieting is going to be easily the worst part. I gotta be doing 5 small meals a day, writing down EVERYTHING I consume. We're gonna have a weekly weigh in on Sunday nights, so I'll be posting that on here as well. I'm getting ice cream when I get out of work tonight as kind of a last indulgence. I'll be posting more and more frequently now that training will be underway (I would say at least 3 times a week). So anyone who's interested, keep checking back.



Word to Ya Motha

--Dave

post uno. (pre-marathon)

Sooo, this is officially my first post on my first blog of all time. Truly a historical moment in the Book of Dave. This blog will be used basically as a journal over the next 6 months as I train and attempt to write another important chapter in the Book of Dave. October 3rd..8am..Corning, NY.....(drumroll please)....The Wineglass Marathon. 26.2 miles traveling through beautiful wine country by way of foot. I will not be doing this alone. Jason Slight, Justin Patrick, Jennie O'Connor, Erin O'Connor and maybe most importantly, our esteemed "coaches"...Andy Weeks and Ben O'Connor.

I'm not sure if it was Andy or Ben that had the idea to run a marathon, but regardless, they took the idea and ran with it........pun. Andy and Ben used to run cross country, but outside of that there really isn't much running experience on the team. Andy is easily in the best shape of us so far, because he doesn't drink alcohol!! Also, Ben is a research machine, and has been awesome in the planning. Hooked us up with a diet plan and a training regiment. I really hope everyone appreciates what he's done as much as I do.

We're going to be running in two groups: a 5am group and a 7pm group. unfortunately, with my work schedule, I'll usually be on the 5am group. early, early mornings. We're gonna be running on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Sundays are going to be our longest runs of each week and we're going to run them all together and then have a big dinner afterwards (within the diet.) :-\

So....Why run a marathon? At our first team meeting, that question was asked and we went around the room and everyone said why they want to run a marathon. I've never really committed to any extra-curricular event in my life. I figure a marathon is going to get me in killer shape, which I need to do. Also, less than 1% of the WORLD's population has completed a marathon. How amazing would it be to be part of that group? There are a few people that are close to me that have said they don't think I can do it. Which is fine, I realize this is a crazy thing to attempt, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But I want to prove those people wrong. There are people I know that, due to disabilities, can't run a marathon and have really backed my wanting to try it. So I'm doing it for them as well. But when all is said and done, you've gotta want to do it for you, and I do. I want this for me. Is there anything more gratifying than crossing the finish line after running a fucking marathon? I don't know, but I'll keep you posted. I'm doing this with a great group of people and I love them all. We're either gonna be bonded for life, hate each other or both by the end of this.

I imagine this will be easily my longest post, so if you're still reading, don't worry, it won't always be this painstaking (thats what she said.) Training/Dieting starts next Tuesday. Until then...

Peace In