Toughen up

After a long ride on Saturday, I was supposed to run 6 miles, and then wake up and run another 8 on Sunday. Well, 3 miles into the first run, my hip abductors said “fuck you no” and took me down to a slow walk. Of course this happens 3 miles out from the house, while I’m sporting my brand new short-shorts, which I’m still self-conscious about.

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Do Easy Easy

Please avoid the temptation to work a bit harder here and there.  It’s super easy to do and it will not feel like you are working very hard.  If you do  easy workouts easy enough you can do the hard workouts correctly.

—Coach DJ

Why I Race, Part 2

Last Saturday I rode 100 miles in scenic wine country around Carlton. I’m fairly certain we rode by at least 40 or 50 wineries. While I only drank Perpetuem that day, I soaked in the sun and the beautiful views from the top of Bald Peak and the rolling hills of Yamhill and Washington county.

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Why I Race, Part 1

I vaguely recall a time in my life before I raced. Vaguely.

I did a few running races early in the year before the Portland marathon in 2005, those were my first races as an adult. But even earlier then that, I ran Bloomsday in Spokane a few times; the first time was more of a stroll, but the second time I decided I should actually train and try to do well. I was probably 13 years old. I dropped out of school sports early on, so I never raced in track or swimming or anything along those lines that involved actual coaching. I only lined up early in the morning with everyone in town, the only trophy a t-shirt and a finisher’s medal.

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Running Saga Update

In my quest toward ultimate perfection in running form, I have caused yet another injury; my calves have slowly been getting worse and last week I spent pretty much Wednesday through Saturday in my bright orange compression tights with my legs up on ice.

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