Just like I imagined: 3 weeks with no physical activities. 12 days have already gone by and I have gained about 4 kilos. Well the extra weight is welcome ... as long as it doesn't affect my results.
The plan now: to swim for the remaining 10 days in hope to keep my stamina. Plus it'll give me some workout for my skinny arms ... which is needed.
This will leave me with a little over two months to prepare for my first full marathon. And considering the week of easy jogging when I get back on the road, the holidays (which will of course include partying) and the tapering week, those two months will be not enough. Looking forward to the 3 hours of pain.
woohoo
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
WHYYYYYYY!!!!!! - a stupid post because I have nothing to do
November began quite good. Cool temperatures and few rainy days allowed me to make long comfortable runs in preparation for this year's main event: Ageo half marathon.
Injury free (no more left calf or right knee pains), I set off for a final run before tapering on Friday. The menu: 6 x 2000 at 3.30 pace.
BAM I twisted my fucking left ankle 500 meters before arriving to the track. Fortunately I was walking when it happened (won't go through it as it is retarded) ... but it was still extremely painful as I fell from a step.
I have weak ankles that are easy to sprain. I have probably twisted my ankle an average of one time a year. And it has become a phobia since I twisted it really badly in 2001.
A Friday 13th in 2001 (real date)
I was walking the dog and it just happened ... twisted my ankle trying to pull my dog - somehow jumped (after twisting it) and landed on that leg again while the ankle was twisted making the sole of my foot face upwards completely.
Blacked out for a second or two due to the pain and stayed there on the street first biting hard then laughing like a madman (I laugh when something hurts) for at least 30 minutes. Of course nobody approached the laughing madman.
Went to the hospital some days later (like I said I sprain my ankle often so thought it would go away like always) after my ankle had gotten thicker than my thigh ... You have two options, the doctor said, put a cast on it now and never run again or go through surgery fix the mess and hope for the best.
WHOA I thought ... say WHAT!
So yes I went into surgery. What began as a minor surgery became a major 7 hour operation where the doctor had to rebuild part of my ankle and place a small piece of metal (that is still in there) in it. 6 months of rest ... about a year before I both my legs had the same strength again.
Since that day I always run looking at the floor now and then and rarely play futbol seriously as I am afraid it will happen again.
It has happened about 3 times since then (all minor).
Friday 9th 2007
Like I said I won't go into details - it would be ridiculous mentioning I was distracted by putting a band aid over my nipple (runners do that by the way, for those who do not run) and missed a step, thus spraining my ankle.
But yes, it hurt bad and I looked at the sky and screamed "fuuuccckkk why now" scaring the people around me and then just sat there waiting for the pain to cease for 20 minutes (man it was cold and rainy).
Took a taxi and went home to follow the rest-ice-compress-elevate procedure in hopes of miracolously make it better.
Now Saturday I can at least step on it and move it a bit, but it is still thick and has some red stains ... which in my experience means that something inside has popped.
Tomorrow I will get a check up and see what's up down there.
My guess: The doctor will tell me to rest for about 10 days or more ... aka missing the most important race I've got this year ... missing 10 or more days of running which would mean my current endurance decreasing big time ...
And the worst part is I cannot go out and have some wild fun (now that I cannot run) because I cannot even walk.
I guess it's time to open those Japanese textbooks and study for the coming exam.
Injury free (no more left calf or right knee pains), I set off for a final run before tapering on Friday. The menu: 6 x 2000 at 3.30 pace.
BAM I twisted my fucking left ankle 500 meters before arriving to the track. Fortunately I was walking when it happened (won't go through it as it is retarded) ... but it was still extremely painful as I fell from a step.
I have weak ankles that are easy to sprain. I have probably twisted my ankle an average of one time a year. And it has become a phobia since I twisted it really badly in 2001.
A Friday 13th in 2001 (real date)
I was walking the dog and it just happened ... twisted my ankle trying to pull my dog - somehow jumped (after twisting it) and landed on that leg again while the ankle was twisted making the sole of my foot face upwards completely.
Blacked out for a second or two due to the pain and stayed there on the street first biting hard then laughing like a madman (I laugh when something hurts) for at least 30 minutes. Of course nobody approached the laughing madman.
Went to the hospital some days later (like I said I sprain my ankle often so thought it would go away like always) after my ankle had gotten thicker than my thigh ... You have two options, the doctor said, put a cast on it now and never run again or go through surgery fix the mess and hope for the best.
WHOA I thought ... say WHAT!
So yes I went into surgery. What began as a minor surgery became a major 7 hour operation where the doctor had to rebuild part of my ankle and place a small piece of metal (that is still in there) in it. 6 months of rest ... about a year before I both my legs had the same strength again.
Since that day I always run looking at the floor now and then and rarely play futbol seriously as I am afraid it will happen again.
It has happened about 3 times since then (all minor).
Friday 9th 2007
Like I said I won't go into details - it would be ridiculous mentioning I was distracted by putting a band aid over my nipple (runners do that by the way, for those who do not run) and missed a step, thus spraining my ankle.
But yes, it hurt bad and I looked at the sky and screamed "fuuuccckkk why now" scaring the people around me and then just sat there waiting for the pain to cease for 20 minutes (man it was cold and rainy).
Took a taxi and went home to follow the rest-ice-compress-elevate procedure in hopes of miracolously make it better.
Now Saturday I can at least step on it and move it a bit, but it is still thick and has some red stains ... which in my experience means that something inside has popped.
Tomorrow I will get a check up and see what's up down there.
My guess: The doctor will tell me to rest for about 10 days or more ... aka missing the most important race I've got this year ... missing 10 or more days of running which would mean my current endurance decreasing big time ...
And the worst part is I cannot go out and have some wild fun (now that I cannot run) because I cannot even walk.
I guess it's time to open those Japanese textbooks and study for the coming exam.
Friday, November 9, 2007
October running: back to the 400 km
Hard month, running 3 races, with unfortunately no PB’s (ran two injured) and 1 time trial (PB). However, although I had to take off 6 days due to my knee pain I still manage to run over 400 km in the month. Best daily mileage average per training day so far. Also did my first 30 km run: It was difficult, but not as tough as I thought it would be. Managed to run the last 5 km under 19 min. Gotta thank Jason for that.Next race … Ageo half marathon.
October
1.- Morning: Jog 10 km
Afternoon: Hard ladder workout – 3 min 200 meter recovery jog (12 km)
1000 (2.54) – 800 (2.15) – 600 (1.41) – 400 (1.04) – 200 (28)
2.- Jog 14 km
3.- Jog 18 km @ 4.07 pace
4.- 15 x 230 meters – average 41 seconds – Total: 18 km
5.- Jog 13 km
6.- Rest
7.- Track race at Aoba no mori park (Chiba)
1500 meters: 4.15.51
800 meters: 2.09.42 (*20 min after the 1500)
8.- 30 km tempo run
Starting at 4.25 pace and ending at 3.35 pace (2.03 total time)
9.- Jog 17 km @ 4.22 pace.
10.- Hard ladder workout - 400 meter recovery jog 5-4-3 min rest respectively.
800 (2.09) – 600 (1.37) – 400 (1.03) – 200 (29) (15 km)
11.- Jog 15 km
12.- Jog 18 km (10 km @ 4.15 pace)
13.- Rest
14.- Track race at Tokyo National Stadium (1500): 4.14.59
15.- Knee injury - rest
16.- Jog 21 km
17.- 6 x 1000 – 2 min 400 meter recovery jog: Total 17 km
3.36 – 3.31 – 3.22 – 3.20 – 3.16 – 3.07
18.- Knee injury - rest
19.- Jog 18 km (easy)
20.- Jog 10 km (easy)
21.- Takashimadaira 20 km - 1.13.54
3.28 – 3.30 – 3.24 – 3.30 – 3.29 > 17.22 – 5 km
3.35 – 3.37 – 3.30 – 3.35 – 3.38 > 35.18 – 10 km
3.47 – 3.48 – 3.40 – 3.48 – 3.54 > 54.16 – 15 km
3.56 – 3.56 – 3.53 – 3.56 – 3.56 > 1.13.54 – 20 km
22.- Knee injury - rest
23.- Knee injury – rest (doctor check)
24.- 9 x 800 – 3 min 400 meter recovery jog: Total 19 km
2.56 – 2.57 – 2.59 – 2.58 – 2.56 – 2.58 – 2.59 – 2.58 – 2.56
25.- 3 km Time Trial: 9.13.82 PB
26.- 4 x 5000 – 5 min 1000 meter recovery jog: Total 27 km
18.43 (3.45 pace) – 18.18 (3.40 pace) – 17.52 (3.35 pace) 17.23 (3.30 pace)
27.- Knee injury - rest
28.- Jog 15 km
29.- Knee injury - rest
30.- Jog 19 km (easy)
31.- Jog 19 km
Total running: 404 km
October
1.- Morning: Jog 10 km
Afternoon: Hard ladder workout – 3 min 200 meter recovery jog (12 km)
1000 (2.54) – 800 (2.15) – 600 (1.41) – 400 (1.04) – 200 (28)
2.- Jog 14 km
3.- Jog 18 km @ 4.07 pace
4.- 15 x 230 meters – average 41 seconds – Total: 18 km
5.- Jog 13 km
6.- Rest
7.- Track race at Aoba no mori park (Chiba)
1500 meters: 4.15.51
800 meters: 2.09.42 (*20 min after the 1500)
8.- 30 km tempo run
Starting at 4.25 pace and ending at 3.35 pace (2.03 total time)
9.- Jog 17 km @ 4.22 pace.
10.- Hard ladder workout - 400 meter recovery jog 5-4-3 min rest respectively.
800 (2.09) – 600 (1.37) – 400 (1.03) – 200 (29) (15 km)
11.- Jog 15 km
12.- Jog 18 km (10 km @ 4.15 pace)
13.- Rest
14.- Track race at Tokyo National Stadium (1500): 4.14.59
15.- Knee injury - rest
16.- Jog 21 km
17.- 6 x 1000 – 2 min 400 meter recovery jog: Total 17 km
3.36 – 3.31 – 3.22 – 3.20 – 3.16 – 3.07
18.- Knee injury - rest
19.- Jog 18 km (easy)
20.- Jog 10 km (easy)
21.- Takashimadaira 20 km - 1.13.54
3.28 – 3.30 – 3.24 – 3.30 – 3.29 > 17.22 – 5 km
3.35 – 3.37 – 3.30 – 3.35 – 3.38 > 35.18 – 10 km
3.47 – 3.48 – 3.40 – 3.48 – 3.54 > 54.16 – 15 km
3.56 – 3.56 – 3.53 – 3.56 – 3.56 > 1.13.54 – 20 km
22.- Knee injury - rest
23.- Knee injury – rest (doctor check)
24.- 9 x 800 – 3 min 400 meter recovery jog: Total 19 km
2.56 – 2.57 – 2.59 – 2.58 – 2.56 – 2.58 – 2.59 – 2.58 – 2.56
25.- 3 km Time Trial: 9.13.82 PB
26.- 4 x 5000 – 5 min 1000 meter recovery jog: Total 27 km
18.43 (3.45 pace) – 18.18 (3.40 pace) – 17.52 (3.35 pace) 17.23 (3.30 pace)
27.- Knee injury - rest
28.- Jog 15 km
29.- Knee injury - rest
30.- Jog 19 km (easy)
31.- Jog 19 km
Total running: 404 km
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Takashimadaira 20 km
On October 21st I took part in an elite road race in Takashimadaira.The race was very well organized with volunteers blocking every corner to avoid the athletes from making wrong turns, kilometer marks, water stations, and some other necessary details to make it flawless.
They even pulled out a piece of garden (those gardens that run in the middle of a road) to make a passage for the runners, which was placed back once the race was over. It reminded me of the 1994 World Cup (for some reason) when a goal broke and they brought in a new one instantly.
The course, totally flat, consisted on 4 laps around a residential area running from Takashimadaira station to Nishi-Takashimadaira station. With Kilometer marks signaling the 2nd, 3rd and 4th kilometers.
Unfortunately the weather was not in our favor that day. It was a bit too sunny and very windy between the 4th kilometer mark and the finish line.
Like always, my physical condition was not optimal either. I still had my knee and back injuries, some lack of sleep and the worries of life we all carry on our shoulders. Not to mention the pain in my eyebrows, which had a direct effect on my bad result.
Now to the race performance, by that I mean the bad part.
Goal time was 70 minutes, running at an even pace of 17.30 per lap.
First lap was comfortable, cruising at 17.25 or so. Second lap, was not as wonderful, but still managed, going through the 10km mark at 35.15 (those hairs in my eyebrow were starting to hurt). From this point on, things began to crumble down. I slowed down to 3.50 per km and kept slowing finishing with a 3.55 pace.
Total time: 1.13.54. Four minutes off my target time.
Why did this happen? Who knows … I guess, let’s hope at least, it was just a bad race day. I felt pretty comfortable throughout and most importantly the 20km felt short and not long and tedious like my previous over 10km races.
Now I have 5 weeks with no races to prepare for Ageo, an even more elite race that takes place in Saitama.
(Hopefully my knee and nipple – had a major nipple injury – will feel better soon. Knee injury though seems bad. Had to take Monday off, maybe an easy jog today)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Last track race of the year
On October 14th I took part in a track race in Tokyo National Stadium. This was my last official track race this year and my last chance to break 4.10 in 1500.
There were 103 runners divided into 4 groups (26) registered for the 1500. Usually the fastest group is last, rarely first. This time however it was the 3rd group, mine, the one with the fast times.
Excellent start, locating myself among the top 5 runners. Kept going at pace for the first 600 meters. Messed it up in the middle 600 meters and recovered lost terrain in the last 300 meters.
Finished 4th with a time of 4.14.
No PB and no goal accomplished, but a good run considering I had an injured knee.
I guess I will have to wait until April for another shot to break 4.10.
There were 103 runners divided into 4 groups (26) registered for the 1500. Usually the fastest group is last, rarely first. This time however it was the 3rd group, mine, the one with the fast times.
Excellent start, locating myself among the top 5 runners. Kept going at pace for the first 600 meters. Messed it up in the middle 600 meters and recovered lost terrain in the last 300 meters.
Finished 4th with a time of 4.14.
No PB and no goal accomplished, but a good run considering I had an injured knee.
I guess I will have to wait until April for another shot to break 4.10.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Two track races within 30 minutes
On October 7th I took part in Chiba's 43rd Sport's tournament Track meet (no idea if this is translated correctly). It took part in Aoba no mori park, a beautiful green area similar to Tokyo's Komazawa park.
To get to the venue was harder than expected. It took me about an hour to reach Chiba station from Shinjuku and some 20 minutes to find the bus to take me there.
For anyone who decides to visit the park, take bus number 2.
I took part in 1500 and 800. The 1500 was scheduled for 11:20am and the 800 for 12:05. Lucky me (irony here) I was placed in the last heat in the 1500 so began near 11:30 and in the first heat of 800 which began at exactly 12:05.
The 1500
For some reason, here, like in my previous 1500 I had a bad start (I usually have a good start and a bad finish).
I wonder if it's because I began inside (both times in lane 2) or because of the false start (both had them).
The judge called us in ... on your marks ... GET SET ... poof air - the gun had no bullets ... oops sorry everyone take a step back.
On your marks - get set - bam ... I find myself in the back of the pack.
First 200's were slow, probably around 35 ... catched some runners and placed myself 2nd before entering the curve again. Lap split 1.08 ... slow for a first lap.
Everyone kept their place for the next 50 meters. Nobody making any moves.
Decided to spice things up and took the lead ... 2nd lap split 1.08 again ... slow but at least at an even pace.
Still first with nobody to pull me along ... third lap split again 1.08.
Finished first with a 4.15.6 or so. My first official win in Japan, but far from a PB.
The 800
It took me about 10 minutes to pick my stuff from the 1500 start line, catch a breathe and change into jogging shirt. It took me another 15 minutes to cool down and stretch for a bit.
10 minutes to go before the 800 start and I was dead tired.
I was running this pretty much as an interval as there was no way I was getting a PB ... but I did not want to finish last.
BAM! The race began and I took a comfortable 3rd position keeping the 1st place on sight. First lap a not so comfortable 1.05. The first place 4 seconds ahead seemed to by dying by the second. Began my move with 250 meters to go. Got in 2nd and went took the lead with 50 meters to go winning with a 2.09 (I only won my heat though ... placed 5th in general).
Negative splits ... good run.
For anyone looking into taking part in this event next year, the race is very local. I was probably one of the few runners that came from Tokyo - represent!
Also it was quite small ... about two heats per race ... and with no elite athletes ... thus I won.
In addition they have a masters division as well as a Junior HS class.
I'd say good for a time trial and a reason to go out for a lunch in Chiba (The outlet is very near).
What else is up ...
I got in Tokyo Marathon!! OH YEA BABY (once again irony)
I am not excited at all, and not really sure if I should consider this good news or bad.
People do ask when I tell them that I run ... have you ever done a marathon? And my answer is always no ... I guess from March 2008 I will say yes.
In preparation for this, yesterday Monday I did a 30km with Jason in Yoyogi. My first 30km, in fact my first time running over 21km non stop.
Of course it was raining
We began at an "easy" pace of 4.25 ending with a 43 min first 10km. Moved up to under 4.10 pace for the next 10km ... I was about to enter unknown terrain.
After the first 20km it was all under 4 min pace and the last 5 km under 3.50 pace.
Easier than I thought ... but I got really tired. 30 km (2 hr 03 min) is no joke even if it is just a "tempo run" ... many months for my first marathon and I am already not looking forward to it.
fun fun fun running around and around yoyogi park at 8am on a holiday under the rain
... It actually was not that bad ... had a nice talk with Jason for the first 20 k ...
To get to the venue was harder than expected. It took me about an hour to reach Chiba station from Shinjuku and some 20 minutes to find the bus to take me there.
For anyone who decides to visit the park, take bus number 2.
I took part in 1500 and 800. The 1500 was scheduled for 11:20am and the 800 for 12:05. Lucky me (irony here) I was placed in the last heat in the 1500 so began near 11:30 and in the first heat of 800 which began at exactly 12:05.
The 1500
For some reason, here, like in my previous 1500 I had a bad start (I usually have a good start and a bad finish).
I wonder if it's because I began inside (both times in lane 2) or because of the false start (both had them).
The judge called us in ... on your marks ... GET SET ... poof air - the gun had no bullets ... oops sorry everyone take a step back.
On your marks - get set - bam ... I find myself in the back of the pack.
First 200's were slow, probably around 35 ... catched some runners and placed myself 2nd before entering the curve again. Lap split 1.08 ... slow for a first lap.
Everyone kept their place for the next 50 meters. Nobody making any moves.
Decided to spice things up and took the lead ... 2nd lap split 1.08 again ... slow but at least at an even pace.
Still first with nobody to pull me along ... third lap split again 1.08.
Finished first with a 4.15.6 or so. My first official win in Japan, but far from a PB.
The 800
It took me about 10 minutes to pick my stuff from the 1500 start line, catch a breathe and change into jogging shirt. It took me another 15 minutes to cool down and stretch for a bit.
10 minutes to go before the 800 start and I was dead tired.
I was running this pretty much as an interval as there was no way I was getting a PB ... but I did not want to finish last.
BAM! The race began and I took a comfortable 3rd position keeping the 1st place on sight. First lap a not so comfortable 1.05. The first place 4 seconds ahead seemed to by dying by the second. Began my move with 250 meters to go. Got in 2nd and went took the lead with 50 meters to go winning with a 2.09 (I only won my heat though ... placed 5th in general).
Negative splits ... good run.
For anyone looking into taking part in this event next year, the race is very local. I was probably one of the few runners that came from Tokyo - represent!
Also it was quite small ... about two heats per race ... and with no elite athletes ... thus I won.
In addition they have a masters division as well as a Junior HS class.
I'd say good for a time trial and a reason to go out for a lunch in Chiba (The outlet is very near).
What else is up ...
I got in Tokyo Marathon!! OH YEA BABY (once again irony)
I am not excited at all, and not really sure if I should consider this good news or bad.
People do ask when I tell them that I run ... have you ever done a marathon? And my answer is always no ... I guess from March 2008 I will say yes.
In preparation for this, yesterday Monday I did a 30km with Jason in Yoyogi. My first 30km, in fact my first time running over 21km non stop.
Of course it was raining
We began at an "easy" pace of 4.25 ending with a 43 min first 10km. Moved up to under 4.10 pace for the next 10km ... I was about to enter unknown terrain.
After the first 20km it was all under 4 min pace and the last 5 km under 3.50 pace.
Easier than I thought ... but I got really tired. 30 km (2 hr 03 min) is no joke even if it is just a "tempo run" ... many months for my first marathon and I am already not looking forward to it.
fun fun fun running around and around yoyogi park at 8am on a holiday under the rain
... It actually was not that bad ... had a nice talk with Jason for the first 20 k ...
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
September running: Injury, lazyness ... no good
September was a month of low mileage due to lazyness, races and on the last week, injury.
I did manage to finally get a 5km PB, although not under 16 minutes, a PB is still a PB.
Planning on doing 450 km in October as preparation for Ageo Half Marathon.
Below are this month's numbers.
September
1.- Rest
2.- Track race at Kounosu (1500): 4.13.9
3.- Jog 17 km
4.- Jog 17 km
5.- Jog 18 km
6.- Rest
7.- Morning: Swim 2000 mts
Afternoon: 6 x 400 - 90 sec 200 mt recovery jog
1.10 - 1.08 - 1.10 - 1.08 - 1.09 - 1.08
3 x 200 - 60 sec 200 mt recovery jog: Total 15km
32 - 33 - 30
8.- Rest
9.- Komazawa Aquathlon (300 swim - 4.3 km run)
Afternoon jog: Total 18km
10.- Rest
11.- Rest
12.- (1600+1000) x 3 - abt. 2.10 min 400 mt recovery jog
5.10 - 3.08 - 5.09 - 3.15 - 5.17 - 3.05
13.- Jog 18 km
14.- Jog 15 km
15.- Rest
16.- 5 km Tempo Run: 17.40 - Total 14 km
17.- Hill workout- bounds / Jog - Total 17 km
18.- Rest
19.- 3 x 1000 - 2 min 400 mt recovery jog
3.06 - 3.07 - 3.06
5 minute break
4 x 400 - 2 min 400 mt recovery jog: Total 17km
1.12 - 1.09 - 1.11 - 1.07
20.- 1500 mt swim
21.- Jog 17 km @ 4.08 pace - Total 18 km
22.- Shibuya Aquathlon (300mt swim - 1500mt run)
23.- Rest due to injury
24.- 7 x 1000 - 90 sec 200 mt recovery jog: Total 17km
3.14 - 3.14 - 3.13 - 3.14 - 3.14 - 3.14 - 3.08
25.- Easy jog 15 km
26.- Rest due to injury
27.- Atomi 5 km time trial: 16.10 PB
28.- Bike 9 km + jog 15 km + bike 11 km
29.- Rest due to injury
30.- Rest due to injury
Total running: 281 km
Total swim: 4,100 meters
Total bike: 29 km
With the aquathlon season over I should be able to put in more running days (18 this month ... very very lame).
I guess that is all for this not so interesting post.
;-)
I did manage to finally get a 5km PB, although not under 16 minutes, a PB is still a PB.
Planning on doing 450 km in October as preparation for Ageo Half Marathon.
Below are this month's numbers.
September
1.- Rest
2.- Track race at Kounosu (1500): 4.13.9
3.- Jog 17 km
4.- Jog 17 km
5.- Jog 18 km
6.- Rest
7.- Morning: Swim 2000 mts
Afternoon: 6 x 400 - 90 sec 200 mt recovery jog
1.10 - 1.08 - 1.10 - 1.08 - 1.09 - 1.08
3 x 200 - 60 sec 200 mt recovery jog: Total 15km
32 - 33 - 30
8.- Rest
9.- Komazawa Aquathlon (300 swim - 4.3 km run)
Afternoon jog: Total 18km
10.- Rest
11.- Rest
12.- (1600+1000) x 3 - abt. 2.10 min 400 mt recovery jog
5.10 - 3.08 - 5.09 - 3.15 - 5.17 - 3.05
13.- Jog 18 km
14.- Jog 15 km
15.- Rest
16.- 5 km Tempo Run: 17.40 - Total 14 km
17.- Hill workout- bounds / Jog - Total 17 km
18.- Rest
19.- 3 x 1000 - 2 min 400 mt recovery jog
3.06 - 3.07 - 3.06
5 minute break
4 x 400 - 2 min 400 mt recovery jog: Total 17km
1.12 - 1.09 - 1.11 - 1.07
20.- 1500 mt swim
21.- Jog 17 km @ 4.08 pace - Total 18 km
22.- Shibuya Aquathlon (300mt swim - 1500mt run)
23.- Rest due to injury
24.- 7 x 1000 - 90 sec 200 mt recovery jog: Total 17km
3.14 - 3.14 - 3.13 - 3.14 - 3.14 - 3.14 - 3.08
25.- Easy jog 15 km
26.- Rest due to injury
27.- Atomi 5 km time trial: 16.10 PB
28.- Bike 9 km + jog 15 km + bike 11 km
29.- Rest due to injury
30.- Rest due to injury
Total running: 281 km
Total swim: 4,100 meters
Total bike: 29 km
With the aquathlon season over I should be able to put in more running days (18 this month ... very very lame).
I guess that is all for this not so interesting post.
;-)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Shibuya Aquathlon: The end of the curse
On Saturday 22nd I took part in Shibuya Aquathlon. The third part of the Setagaya Aquathlon tournament.
This race took place in the 25 meter pool of the Shibuya sport center near Hatagaya Station. The distance: 300 meter swim + 1500 meter run.
This time I wouldn't let bad luck or bad performance defeat me. I woke up early and arrived 2 hours before my race, giving me enough time to warm up and stretch.
Little did I know that university triathlon teams were also present, spicing up the competition.
The swim part was about to begin. Me and 5 guys lined up in front ready to fight (literally) for the first position. I swam hard for the first 20 meters and when I looked up I realized that I had closed too much and was about to pass by the left side of the first pole (person) when rules say I must pass on the outside (it's a square and we must swim on its perimeter).
I did what I had to do and sumerged under one of the guys popped up headbutting him and with an arm covered another guy. This created a mess in the corner ... in a few seconds I had taken down 3 guys and had only a few bruises on me (man am I bad ... yea right)
Not on purpose of course ... just an accident :)
The first position was mine.
The swim continued and I was literally ranned over by those 3 guys plus 2 others ... the party was over. (not on video unfortunately).
Out of the pool it was time to play my game.
I went pass by 4 guys capturing the 2nd place and was then passed by a guy ending up third in my heat. I was pretty satisfied with the run. The course was 3 laps on a zig zag loop making it very difficult to reach good speed.
I guess the swim could have been better.
I ended up 5th in general.
The first two guys were very fast. Even with an impeccable performance I don't think I would have had a chance to beat them.
I guess there is no way I can win the tournament this year ... next time I guess.
Video links below:
Swim part 1
Swim part 2
Run part 1
Run part 2
(Thank you Shoji-san for the pictures and video and cheering)
In other news
I ended with an inury after I paced a friend for a fast 1000 meters the evening after my race. I don't know how I did it, but after the run my calf felt strange.
I took Sunday off, practiced on Monday and Tuesday and now my calf feels even worst.
Hopefully it feels good enough tomorrow to run the 5km time trial with the Atomi club.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The weather
The weather in this country is terrible ... why? Because there are four seasons.
In Lima it is always fall / spring kind of weather. It never goes below 11 and definitely never goes above 30. However in Tokyo this summer it went over 40 and in winter it can go a couple of degrees below 0. In addition to that we have rain, (non of that in Lima), wind, super humidity and typhoons.
Doing sports under this conditions is a real challenge.
Recently I went through a general body check up to make sure my protein, blood cells, calories, and other data were all in order. Apparently I was taking a little too many naps and that got some people here concerned.
Just like I thought: I had a perfect health. The doctor was really surprised that a person with such perfect data existed still in the world.
Why the naps then? Well it's too hot in June, July, August and September and too cold in November, December, January and February. I guess once I get used to it in some 10 years things will be fine.
Something worth sharing I got from the hospital was the secret to a long life:
Low salt
Omit sugar
No smoking
Good sleep
Low fat
Increase of interests
Fiber
Exercise
In Lima it is always fall / spring kind of weather. It never goes below 11 and definitely never goes above 30. However in Tokyo this summer it went over 40 and in winter it can go a couple of degrees below 0. In addition to that we have rain, (non of that in Lima), wind, super humidity and typhoons.
Doing sports under this conditions is a real challenge.
Recently I went through a general body check up to make sure my protein, blood cells, calories, and other data were all in order. Apparently I was taking a little too many naps and that got some people here concerned.
Just like I thought: I had a perfect health. The doctor was really surprised that a person with such perfect data existed still in the world.
Why the naps then? Well it's too hot in June, July, August and September and too cold in November, December, January and February. I guess once I get used to it in some 10 years things will be fine.
Something worth sharing I got from the hospital was the secret to a long life:
Low salt
Omit sugar
No smoking
Good sleep
Low fat
Increase of interests
Fiber
Exercise
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