Well, I am trying to get back on the trail. This morning Maline and I went for a walk/ run around our neighborhood and park. I am still sore in my right hip and left calf, but feeling much, much better. I will likely work out with the kids this afternoon, and have food run tomorrow, which is a good workout. Saturday I am leading a workshop on Games with a Purpose, and Sunday will be my first real run since the marathon.
On a side note, with the help of my neighbor, I was able to get my motorcycle going again. I rode to work this morning in a lite mist. I need to replace the rear brake pedal, as it is not very comfortable where it is now, as well as both mirrors. The tank is dented, so I am half looking for a used tank to swap out. It was good to be back on the bike, though it was a challenge for my left elbow, the one I broke in the accident. It has not completely healed, and may not ever. Oh, well, it is a great battle scar, right?
Pictures from the marathon are on-line now. There are 2 that I really like. First is a picture of me with Maline immediately after the race. It looks like we have our arms around each other, but the truth is that she was holding me upright! The other is a picture of me running with the Capital behind me (this was approaching the finish line). I love skylines and city landmarks, so this is one that I really enjoy. You can see the pictures at http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event_video.asp?EVENTID=75398&BIB=4387&S=230&PWD=, as well as a video of me crossing the finish line.
Best wishes,
Michael
Showing posts with label motorcycle accident. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motorcycle accident. Show all posts
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
And Finished!
Well, I have finished my first marathon. Sunday, February 20, I gathered around the state capital with 17,999 of my closest friends to traipse around Austin. I got in with the 5:00 pace group (they are supposed to set a run pace for you to complete the race in five hours), which I knew was a little faster then I anticipated, but I figured I would start out there and see how I did. My group got out of the gate at 7:22, 24 minutes after the start gun, and we were off with a sea of people. A five hour pace means running about a 11.4 minute mile. However, we finished the first mile in less then ten minutes, and were at three miles in about 28 minutes. I realized that at that pace I would run out of steam way too soon, so I forced myself to fall back a little. That was just about the time that I saw Maline for the first time on the race route at Oltorf and Congress. It was great to see her there and to have the moral support. We had just climbed a fairly steep couple of hills, and having her there to cheer me on was a wonderful support.
As I ran, people would call out my name and offer words of encouragement. It was about 5 miles into the race when I realized that my name was on my bib in big letters for people to see, and the thousands of people who were out in their yards, at their businesses or at water stations along the way were there to support us in our endeavor. This was all the more helpful after mile 16, when I was starting to slow down, and 20, when I was walk/running. As we ran across Ceaser Chavez toward MoPac, we came to the "Yellow Mile," the first of the Livestrong stretches. There people cheered us on, gave out water, and flooded the sides of the course with inspirational signs and posters. This much needed boost at mile 9 was a welcome part of the race, as we were hitting a long, steep hill, which by the way, was my first walk in the race. I walked about 50 yards while I did an energy gel shot, then was back on to running.
Maline and her friend Tricia met me just after we turned off Cesaer Chavez, and I told them I needed a banana. About a mile up the road I ran into them again by a Starbucks, got the banana, and felt a hundred times better. They met me several times along the route, and their encouragement was critical for my success. By mile 16, which was at Camp Mabry, I was ready for a bathroom break. The half-marathoners had broken off at mile 11, so there were shorter lines and fewer people. As I came out of the restroom, I looked and saw a sea of people behind me. I was not the last person in the pack, which made me feel great! I set off and ran another 4 miles before I needed to slow down and intersperse walks with my runs. That was not before I went through one block of people supporting the runners from their front yards, and having a great deal of fun doing it! There were signs on the road written in chalk that said, "beer ahead." Finally, there was a sign with an arrow into a driveway, where a group of men were pouring glasses of beer for the runners. I told them it was tempting, and one of them said, "You look like you need some energy. Come over and carb up." It would have been rude to say no, said being a good Texan, I had a beer with my new friends. As I drank it, I noticed signs in the yard across the street which I found humorous. One said, "26.2. Because 26.3 is just CRAZY!" and another said, "Puke & Rally (but don't puke here!). I told them I liked the signs and ran on.
My friend Amanda lives on the route just before mile 22. Maline and Amanda told me they would all be there waiting for me, and I pressed on to her apartment. I was walking most of the way from mile 20 to her place, where I got another banana, chatted with Maline, Amanda, Tricia and Amanda's boyfriend, Mike. We got some pictures and I started off again. At mile 22 I started running again, but was only able to do about half a mile, likewise at 23. I ran all of 24, then walked the first half of 25. At about 25.5 I began to run up a steep hill, closing in on the finish line. At 800 meters I began to sprint, well, as fast as one can sprint 6 hours and 35 minutes into a race. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, I turned the corner and saw the finish line. I finished in 6 hours and 40 minutes, not a course record, but there were still many behind me, and even more who did not make it at all. I completed my first marathon. Maline was at the finish, and she was a very welcome sight!
After crossing the finish line, we went to where the medals were given out, and I stood there as my medal was put around my neck and the volunteer told me he was proud of me for completing the marathon. After he was done, I literally could not move my legs and had to work for some time at willing them to move. We walked to the car, maybe a half mile away, and as Maline was unlocking the doors I found myself wobbling. I was about to just fall over, not from being dizzy or light-headed, but from not having enough strength in my legs to keep me upright. Maline got me into the car and we were off. We stopped at Starbucks on the way home. I wore my bib and medal into the store, not to show them off, but because I did not have the energy to take them off. I ordered a Chai Latte, regular, feeling that I did not need to do skinny today! Strangely, I tasted no difference between the regular and the skinny, but it still was nice to know that I earned the sugar and fat fix! After all, I had likely burned some 4,000 calories during the day.
I will run the marathon again next year, with a goal of doing it in under 4 hours. Then I will run New York as my last marathon. However, running will forever be a part of my life.
Thanks to all who have read the blog and supported me along the way. I will keep writing about my endeavors here, but I will also be looking at sharing other thoughts and insights from life.
So until next time, remember: 26.2. Because 26.3 is just CRAZY!
Post Script: As I proofread this posting, my eyes swelled with tears. This has been a goal for a long time, one that had really been more of a dream up until a year ago. I am proud of having met this goal, and am forever grateful to all who helped me get here.
As I ran, people would call out my name and offer words of encouragement. It was about 5 miles into the race when I realized that my name was on my bib in big letters for people to see, and the thousands of people who were out in their yards, at their businesses or at water stations along the way were there to support us in our endeavor. This was all the more helpful after mile 16, when I was starting to slow down, and 20, when I was walk/running. As we ran across Ceaser Chavez toward MoPac, we came to the "Yellow Mile," the first of the Livestrong stretches. There people cheered us on, gave out water, and flooded the sides of the course with inspirational signs and posters. This much needed boost at mile 9 was a welcome part of the race, as we were hitting a long, steep hill, which by the way, was my first walk in the race. I walked about 50 yards while I did an energy gel shot, then was back on to running.
Maline and her friend Tricia met me just after we turned off Cesaer Chavez, and I told them I needed a banana. About a mile up the road I ran into them again by a Starbucks, got the banana, and felt a hundred times better. They met me several times along the route, and their encouragement was critical for my success. By mile 16, which was at Camp Mabry, I was ready for a bathroom break. The half-marathoners had broken off at mile 11, so there were shorter lines and fewer people. As I came out of the restroom, I looked and saw a sea of people behind me. I was not the last person in the pack, which made me feel great! I set off and ran another 4 miles before I needed to slow down and intersperse walks with my runs. That was not before I went through one block of people supporting the runners from their front yards, and having a great deal of fun doing it! There were signs on the road written in chalk that said, "beer ahead." Finally, there was a sign with an arrow into a driveway, where a group of men were pouring glasses of beer for the runners. I told them it was tempting, and one of them said, "You look like you need some energy. Come over and carb up." It would have been rude to say no, said being a good Texan, I had a beer with my new friends. As I drank it, I noticed signs in the yard across the street which I found humorous. One said, "26.2. Because 26.3 is just CRAZY!" and another said, "Puke & Rally (but don't puke here!). I told them I liked the signs and ran on.
My friend Amanda lives on the route just before mile 22. Maline and Amanda told me they would all be there waiting for me, and I pressed on to her apartment. I was walking most of the way from mile 20 to her place, where I got another banana, chatted with Maline, Amanda, Tricia and Amanda's boyfriend, Mike. We got some pictures and I started off again. At mile 22 I started running again, but was only able to do about half a mile, likewise at 23. I ran all of 24, then walked the first half of 25. At about 25.5 I began to run up a steep hill, closing in on the finish line. At 800 meters I began to sprint, well, as fast as one can sprint 6 hours and 35 minutes into a race. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, I turned the corner and saw the finish line. I finished in 6 hours and 40 minutes, not a course record, but there were still many behind me, and even more who did not make it at all. I completed my first marathon. Maline was at the finish, and she was a very welcome sight!
After crossing the finish line, we went to where the medals were given out, and I stood there as my medal was put around my neck and the volunteer told me he was proud of me for completing the marathon. After he was done, I literally could not move my legs and had to work for some time at willing them to move. We walked to the car, maybe a half mile away, and as Maline was unlocking the doors I found myself wobbling. I was about to just fall over, not from being dizzy or light-headed, but from not having enough strength in my legs to keep me upright. Maline got me into the car and we were off. We stopped at Starbucks on the way home. I wore my bib and medal into the store, not to show them off, but because I did not have the energy to take them off. I ordered a Chai Latte, regular, feeling that I did not need to do skinny today! Strangely, I tasted no difference between the regular and the skinny, but it still was nice to know that I earned the sugar and fat fix! After all, I had likely burned some 4,000 calories during the day.
I will run the marathon again next year, with a goal of doing it in under 4 hours. Then I will run New York as my last marathon. However, running will forever be a part of my life.
Thanks to all who have read the blog and supported me along the way. I will keep writing about my endeavors here, but I will also be looking at sharing other thoughts and insights from life.
So until next time, remember: 26.2. Because 26.3 is just CRAZY!
Post Script: As I proofread this posting, my eyes swelled with tears. This has been a goal for a long time, one that had really been more of a dream up until a year ago. I am proud of having met this goal, and am forever grateful to all who helped me get here.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Baby, It's Cold Outside
I left the house this morning at 7 a.m., and the temperature was 38 degrees. By the time I finished my meeting at 8:15, it was 30. By the time we ran at 1:30, the temperature had dropped was at 25. Twenty-five, with a strong wind, and a wind-chill of 11, running on the lake. Even the ducks were shivering. We discussed making it a shorter run, especially when the cold weather triggered my asthma. However, I am 19 days from the marathon, and I need to run/walk/move as much as I possibly can, so we ran from MoPac to Congress Ave, with a few short walks along the way so I could take a hit on the inhaler and catch my breath. The first leg, other then asthma, was not all that bad. I had a good level of energy, the wind at my back, and a very warm fleece jacket. OK, my ears burned from the wind, but other then that, I was making it. However, once we crossed the river on Congress Avenue, we came to a stark and scary realization: running into the wind with an 11 degree wind-chill is just, well, insane. It reminded me of my days in Upstate New York and the reason that I left! It is now 3 hours after the run, and I am still feeling cold. I am just now able to type, as my fingers are now thawing out.
After the run, I attended my Club's J.K. Livin' program, a fitness program sponsored by Matthew McConaughey's J.K. Livin' Foundation. I worked out with the students, and for the first time since my accident, completed the entire workout, including 60 push-ups. This is the first time I've done push-ups since breaking my elbow in November. I felt very good afterward, and it gave me a renewed sense of self, and while I feel the workout in my arms and abs, I am once again reassured in my ability to complete the marathon.
If you would like to support me in running, here are two opportunities. The first is that you can make a donation through my marathon fundraiser page at http://bgcaustin.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=453053&lis=1&kntae453053=9CD2B0C8FA3648A29564247BDB045012&supId=286365985. My goal is to raise $7,500 for the Club, and I am currently at $5,664. The second way you can support me if you are in Austin, is to join me for a Be Grape Wine Tasting and Marathon Kick-Off at Water 2 Wine in North Austin. Details about this event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179796632059571. This will be a fun event, with all the wine you can drink for only $25! And if you are unable to support me with these, then simply a note of encouragement will work wonders and carry me miles!
So, until next time, Run, Live, Sleep, Repeat!
After the run, I attended my Club's J.K. Livin' program, a fitness program sponsored by Matthew McConaughey's J.K. Livin' Foundation. I worked out with the students, and for the first time since my accident, completed the entire workout, including 60 push-ups. This is the first time I've done push-ups since breaking my elbow in November. I felt very good afterward, and it gave me a renewed sense of self, and while I feel the workout in my arms and abs, I am once again reassured in my ability to complete the marathon.
If you would like to support me in running, here are two opportunities. The first is that you can make a donation through my marathon fundraiser page at http://bgcaustin.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=453053&lis=1&kntae453053=9CD2B0C8FA3648A29564247BDB045012&supId=286365985. My goal is to raise $7,500 for the Club, and I am currently at $5,664. The second way you can support me if you are in Austin, is to join me for a Be Grape Wine Tasting and Marathon Kick-Off at Water 2 Wine in North Austin. Details about this event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179796632059571. This will be a fun event, with all the wine you can drink for only $25! And if you are unable to support me with these, then simply a note of encouragement will work wonders and carry me miles!
So, until next time, Run, Live, Sleep, Repeat!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Point of No Return
When I started this blog, I wanted people to hold me accountable, which they did. I received words of encouragement and support, and people asked me where I was in my training. I enjoyed that support and rode the wave of friendship as I increased my distances and decreased my times. However, after my accident, I did little exercise, as I was limited in what I could do, and found myself annoyed at my inability to train. I guess I was a little depressed, as well. However, I am back and am going to complete the marathon February 20. It won't be a fast time, but I am OK with that. During my ten mile run/walk last Sunday, I came to terms with the fact that I am angry about the accident, and how it set me back in my training. I am disappointed that I will have a slow time on my run, and that I will likely walk much of it. However, I am excited that I am still going to reach my goal of completing a marathon. Actually, my goal is 2 marathons. This year I run to say I did it, and next year I will run the Livestrong again, but then it will be for time. I have reached the point of no return, and have set my mind on the task at hand.
Having said that, I once again need the help of my friends and supporters. I need encouragement once again. remind me that a six hour run/ walk is not that bad. And if you are able, consider supporting my run. I am running to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, where I work. There are 2 opportunities for you to support me in this endeavor. The first is that you can sponsor me as I run. To do this, click on this link: http://bgcaustin.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=453053&lis=1&kntae453053=C5D2A5166A504627B624B53C78DA0AA2&supId=286365985&emaillogid=4193346122 . My goal is to raise $10,000, and I am about half way there. The second way to support me is by attending my Water 2 Wine Wine Tasting and Marathon Kick-off February 16, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. You can go to https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179796632059571 to get more information and to RSVP. Maline has designed a special Boys & Girls Club label as part of the silent auction, and there will be many other great auction items and door prizes throughout the evening.
Thank you, again, for all who have been so supportive during my training. I am anxious to post on February 21 to let you know how I did.
Having said that, I once again need the help of my friends and supporters. I need encouragement once again. remind me that a six hour run/ walk is not that bad. And if you are able, consider supporting my run. I am running to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, where I work. There are 2 opportunities for you to support me in this endeavor. The first is that you can sponsor me as I run. To do this, click on this link: http://bgcaustin.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=453053&lis=1&kntae453053=C5D2A5166A504627B624B53C78DA0AA2&supId=286365985&emaillogid=4193346122 . My goal is to raise $10,000, and I am about half way there. The second way to support me is by attending my Water 2 Wine Wine Tasting and Marathon Kick-off February 16, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. You can go to https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179796632059571 to get more information and to RSVP. Maline has designed a special Boys & Girls Club label as part of the silent auction, and there will be many other great auction items and door prizes throughout the evening.
Thank you, again, for all who have been so supportive during my training. I am anxious to post on February 21 to let you know how I did.
Monday, December 13, 2010
First Run
November 1 I was involved in a hit-and-run motorcycle accident. I fractured my left elbow, chipped the bone in my right wrist and received a large 3rd degree burn on my left knee. As a result, I was unable to run for a while, as well as type. Three weeks later, I finally braved the treadmill. While I was pleased with the run overall, the jarring on my elbow was quite painful. I did not run for a while, and while I would not admit it out loud, I questioned whether running the marathon was still something I would be able to do. Amanda and I set several times to run, but in the mornings I would be too sore, or too cold, or too tired to run. In truth, while all of these were the case, at least at times, the real problem was that I was depressed and scared of running. I found excuse after excuse, and my main one was that it would hurt my arm. Yet, I was willing and able to do other things that hurt my arm, such as boxing on the X-Box Kinect, deer hunting, and replacing the radiator on my car. I needed to decide whether I was going to let the accident knock me out of the race.
Yesterday I looked at the weather and saw that it was going to be 27 degrees in the morning, too cold to run. But as I looked at my calendar, I realized that I had free time in the middle of the day. With finals starting this week, my Club is not open, which makes the middle of the day more flexible, one of the advantages of working for the Boys & Girls Club. I contacted Amanda, and she was free in the afternoon, as well. So we decided to run together. Let me say that Amanda ran a 5K yesterday and finished in 26 minutes. She was very motivated as a result, and that helped motivate me. We met up at the bridge, stretched in the cold, and began our run. I was very winded very early on, and found myself having to stop after the first mile. I was struggling to catch my breath and wishing I had my inhaler with me. After a very brief walk, Amanda informed me that I was rested enough and that it was time to run. The second mile was worse then the first, and I wondered how she would react when I told her that we would be walking the last 2.5. I tried to tell myself that I was actually doing well after not running for 6 weeks, but I was not very convincing.
We stopped at the 2 mile marker, stretched a little, got some water, then started a walk up and across the bridge. We then started running again. I was feeling discomfort in my arm, but breathing was easier, and my legs were not at all fatigued. About a mile into that leg of the run I said that I wanted to walk, but I really did not feel that I had to. Amanda said that was good, because we were not walking. Once we were into the last stretch I actually felt pretty good! We finished up 4.5 miles in about 50 minutes, meaning that while our distance was not where we had been, our pace was a little quicker. I felt good about the run, and was convinced that I would do the marathon, after all. I may end up walking more then I wanted to, and it may take me an eternity to complete, but I am going to compete, I am going to cross the finish line, and I am going to get that medal!
Thanks for all the words of encouragement since the accident. Thanks, too, for all the words of encouragement I know I will continue to hear. And during this holiday season, take time to give thanks to God for all you have in this life, and all that you will have in the life to come!
Yesterday I looked at the weather and saw that it was going to be 27 degrees in the morning, too cold to run. But as I looked at my calendar, I realized that I had free time in the middle of the day. With finals starting this week, my Club is not open, which makes the middle of the day more flexible, one of the advantages of working for the Boys & Girls Club. I contacted Amanda, and she was free in the afternoon, as well. So we decided to run together. Let me say that Amanda ran a 5K yesterday and finished in 26 minutes. She was very motivated as a result, and that helped motivate me. We met up at the bridge, stretched in the cold, and began our run. I was very winded very early on, and found myself having to stop after the first mile. I was struggling to catch my breath and wishing I had my inhaler with me. After a very brief walk, Amanda informed me that I was rested enough and that it was time to run. The second mile was worse then the first, and I wondered how she would react when I told her that we would be walking the last 2.5. I tried to tell myself that I was actually doing well after not running for 6 weeks, but I was not very convincing.
We stopped at the 2 mile marker, stretched a little, got some water, then started a walk up and across the bridge. We then started running again. I was feeling discomfort in my arm, but breathing was easier, and my legs were not at all fatigued. About a mile into that leg of the run I said that I wanted to walk, but I really did not feel that I had to. Amanda said that was good, because we were not walking. Once we were into the last stretch I actually felt pretty good! We finished up 4.5 miles in about 50 minutes, meaning that while our distance was not where we had been, our pace was a little quicker. I felt good about the run, and was convinced that I would do the marathon, after all. I may end up walking more then I wanted to, and it may take me an eternity to complete, but I am going to compete, I am going to cross the finish line, and I am going to get that medal!
Thanks for all the words of encouragement since the accident. Thanks, too, for all the words of encouragement I know I will continue to hear. And during this holiday season, take time to give thanks to God for all you have in this life, and all that you will have in the life to come!
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