- Weather looks good - 40->60 partly cloudy
- Need to buy GUs and Bananas. I think I will take one GU/banana every 3 miles - That's6 GUs and 2 bananas
- Need to tell Sheri where to meet me with GU
- Need to coordinate logistics with Dalton - should pre-buy train tickets
- Shoes are ready
- Write Socks are ready
- Shorts are ready
- Will wear ball cap and sun glasses
- Bought technical shirt at Lukes
- GPS is set and charging
- Not going to bring iPhone
Monday, November 29
Sunday, November 28
Darn Hip
I am worried about my left hip. It has been hurting a little during runs for the last two weeks. I ran the Turkey Trot (8 miles) on Thursday and it flamed up a bit. I did three miles this morning and it was still there. The pain is not unbearable and is not affecting my form, but I am worried that late in the marathon it is going to become a problem.
I have decided to take it easy until the race and not run at all this week. I would rather do some short runs to stay sharp, but I think it is more important to get this hip thing cleared up.
*fingers crossed*
I have decided to take it easy until the race and not run at all this week. I would rather do some short runs to stay sharp, but I think it is more important to get this hip thing cleared up.
*fingers crossed*
Sunday, November 21
2 Weeks Out
I am getting psyched for the Marathon. This time, two weeks from now, we will know if all the preparation was worth it. I feel really great. Muscles are loose and I did a nice 10 miles with 4 at < MP today. I have almost no sense of pain or tightness. I will continue to taper for the next two weeks. Over the next two weeks, I will make sure I am eating and sleeping well and keeping stress down.
It feels like the only variable right now is weather. It was mid 70s this morning, but 30s on Friday. You never know in Dallas. I figure that as long as it is not rainy or too windy I can deal with any temp between 35 and 65 without a material difference in pace. I will just need to drink alot more if it is hotter.
I will do another Taper post next Sunday.
It feels like the only variable right now is weather. It was mid 70s this morning, but 30s on Friday. You never know in Dallas. I figure that as long as it is not rainy or too windy I can deal with any temp between 35 and 65 without a material difference in pace. I will just need to drink alot more if it is hotter.
I will do another Taper post next Sunday.
Thursday, November 18
Sailing Before + After...
Dad sent me this pic of me sailing before I lost weight...
I REALLY Don't want to go back there.
I REALLY Don't want to go back there.
Wednesday, November 17
Tuesday, November 16
Day: 437, P90X Chest and Back
 Workout | P90X Chest and Back Status: Completed Smoke out |
OMG - this was a total smoke out today. I have not been doing upper body because I have been focusing on running. The push ups and pulls ups totally ate my lunch. After the marathon I am doing a new P90X round to bring my upper body back into alignment.
Friday, November 12
Warning Signs @ 6:30 Pace
Last weekend at The Half and this morning, my left calf started "tweaking" when I got down in the mid 6 min pace. Dalton and I were pushing 6:30s for a while this morning and then I started to "tweak" in my right calf. I stopped for a minute and stretched and we were able to keep going at a strong 7:15 pace.
What I am finding is that my body (and calf) are happy above 7 min, but when I get into the 6 min range, I risk pulling/tearing. Dalton thinks that is my body saying "hey dude, you are not a 6:30 pacer yet, time to slow down." She also says that over time, these micro injuries are just the body's way of building to that next level.
That is music to my ears, because I want to be running mid 6 pace comfortably and injury free next year. For the next three weeks going into the Marathon, I am gonna keep it over 7 min pace and not test it. After the Marathon, I am going to start doing much more speed work and see if I can build out those mid 6 min muscles over the following 4 months leading up to Austin. I have a feeling that the SMU track and I will become close frenimies.
This will be an interesting next saga in my running journey and should teach me a ton about "grabbing that next gear."
What I am finding is that my body (and calf) are happy above 7 min, but when I get into the 6 min range, I risk pulling/tearing. Dalton thinks that is my body saying "hey dude, you are not a 6:30 pacer yet, time to slow down." She also says that over time, these micro injuries are just the body's way of building to that next level.
That is music to my ears, because I want to be running mid 6 pace comfortably and injury free next year. For the next three weeks going into the Marathon, I am gonna keep it over 7 min pace and not test it. After the Marathon, I am going to start doing much more speed work and see if I can build out those mid 6 min muscles over the following 4 months leading up to Austin. I have a feeling that the SMU track and I will become close frenimies.
This will be an interesting next saga in my running journey and should teach me a ton about "grabbing that next gear."
Wednesday, November 10
Proposed Map for new WW Marathon Course
I think I am going to like this course. I love the final down swiss and first. That is very flat. The Dolly Partons are late in the run, Not sure if that is good or not. I like that we will be with the 1/2 runners longer. I am hoping to pace the first 9 with Blake.
Tuesday, November 9
Great post from Blake's "competition" this weekend...
http://motivationmamadrama.blogspot.com/2010/11/131-at-13.html
Monday, November 8
Blake's this I believe paper...
“You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement. “- Steve Prefontaine, College and Olympic runner.
I believe in running. I believe in going the extra mile, literally.
Earlier this summer, I spent most of my days with a pull-up bar and a dumbbell. One early August morning, fifteen pounds lighter, I decided I was ready for a change in routine. I heard that my dad was training for the Boston Marathon. Boston Marathon!? This caught my attention and somewhat puzzled me, because before he hit the P90X workout regimen, exercise was the last priority in his life.
That morning, footsteps crept through my room. I see the rugged beard lean over my face. My dad whispered, “Blake, get up. Let’s go ten miles. I know you haven’t been doing a lot to train for cross country, but this will be good for you.” Ten miles? At my age? This guy is nuts. I took a few seconds to think more about it. What if I could do it? I envisioned myself crossing the ten mile marker. “Sure.”
Within five minutes, the rubber on my shoes was striking the black, cold concrete. Mile 1. This is easy-peasy. Only ten of these, no problem. My dad tells me that we are going all the way downtown. I look at the buildings and sky scrapers. Uh oh. Maybe I am not up for this after all.
The first mile ended with ease. I am slowly getting used to this pattern….Left, right, left, right, left. I was feeling strong, and now I had 2 miles under my belt. My dad and I chat back and forth for a long while. After a minute of the pace slowly accelerating, I ask my dad why we are speeding up. Apparently, marathon pace hurts.
Mile 3. This was the hardest mile yet. After warming up and getting used to the pace, my dad sped up. My chest slowly inflated and deflated, and I could see the condensation appear with every breath I took. My dad assured me that if I was starting to get scared about breathing too hard, it was just my brain telling me to stop, even though my body can do more than my synapses tell my body.
Mile 4. We finally reached a pace where we both could keep a constant rhythm. If my synapses ever told my body to stop, it was then. Why did I keep moving? At that point in the run, I had no idea. We were coming up on Lakewood, and our rhythm ended momentarily for the triumphant swig of water. Almost half way there.
Mile 5. This pace was comforting. My body finally convinced my brain that I could do it. Pain egressed from my core and my legs. My dad explained this phenomenon as a “runner’s high”, or an endorphin rush. The “physician” explained to me that my body released a hormone known as an endorphin throughout my bloodstream. It released pain and is considered a natural anti-depressant. I feel confident as Central Expressway comes into view.
Mile 6. We entered the Katy trail. The endorphins still overpowered any pain that I might have been experiencing. Bridges passed under my feet with ease. How was it that I was not tired? I was probably more tired at the beginning of the run as my dad dragged me out of bed on an early Saturday morning. My feet started to ache, but I kept going, because, well, it was all I could do.
Mile 7. Glimpses of green and silver buildings passed over the trees I ran. I was close, and I knew it. I was also exhausted. Every step came with the thought…How much farther until water? My endorphin rush had left me, and I was running on pure will power. Muscles constricted, muscles contracted. I thought I saw the end of the trail, but soon revealed a long bend in the trail. When is it over?
Mile 8. As I squinted, I finally saw the end of the trail. I can do this! Almost home! When I finally came past the last loop, I kept my eyes forward. I guess this is the key to being successful at anything... Looking forward. Because if you are only looking backwards, you’ll never see how far you could have gone. Possibilities lie in the future and not the past.
Mile 9. The pain rushing in my muscles and lungs was a small pittance compared to the awesome sense of achievement of finally seeing downtown Dallas. My dad told me I had to run into Victory Plaza. (I know why they call it Victory Plaza now.)
Mile ten. When I saw the AT&T sign, I let myself accelerate, until I was running a full on sprint. Stone beneath my feet and pain within my lungs, but I reached it, and I threw my hands in the air celebrating myself.
Why was I so proud of myself? I understood that many people run this distance or farther every day. Why was I proud? In the time I could have spent sleeping, I accomplished something that I never in my dreams believed I could do. I learned that I, Blake, could do anything that I truly work at, be it running or math or basketball or science. You can only achieve while looking forward. I believe in running. I believe that running allows one to test your body to the fullest capacity. I believe that running shows me that determination, hard work, and devotion can all lead toward the highest level of success and achievement. Possibilities… This I believe…
- Blake Bordelon
I believe in running. I believe in going the extra mile, literally.
Earlier this summer, I spent most of my days with a pull-up bar and a dumbbell. One early August morning, fifteen pounds lighter, I decided I was ready for a change in routine. I heard that my dad was training for the Boston Marathon. Boston Marathon!? This caught my attention and somewhat puzzled me, because before he hit the P90X workout regimen, exercise was the last priority in his life.
That morning, footsteps crept through my room. I see the rugged beard lean over my face. My dad whispered, “Blake, get up. Let’s go ten miles. I know you haven’t been doing a lot to train for cross country, but this will be good for you.” Ten miles? At my age? This guy is nuts. I took a few seconds to think more about it. What if I could do it? I envisioned myself crossing the ten mile marker. “Sure.”
Within five minutes, the rubber on my shoes was striking the black, cold concrete. Mile 1. This is easy-peasy. Only ten of these, no problem. My dad tells me that we are going all the way downtown. I look at the buildings and sky scrapers. Uh oh. Maybe I am not up for this after all.
The first mile ended with ease. I am slowly getting used to this pattern….Left, right, left, right, left. I was feeling strong, and now I had 2 miles under my belt. My dad and I chat back and forth for a long while. After a minute of the pace slowly accelerating, I ask my dad why we are speeding up. Apparently, marathon pace hurts.
Mile 3. This was the hardest mile yet. After warming up and getting used to the pace, my dad sped up. My chest slowly inflated and deflated, and I could see the condensation appear with every breath I took. My dad assured me that if I was starting to get scared about breathing too hard, it was just my brain telling me to stop, even though my body can do more than my synapses tell my body.
Mile 4. We finally reached a pace where we both could keep a constant rhythm. If my synapses ever told my body to stop, it was then. Why did I keep moving? At that point in the run, I had no idea. We were coming up on Lakewood, and our rhythm ended momentarily for the triumphant swig of water. Almost half way there.
Mile 5. This pace was comforting. My body finally convinced my brain that I could do it. Pain egressed from my core and my legs. My dad explained this phenomenon as a “runner’s high”, or an endorphin rush. The “physician” explained to me that my body released a hormone known as an endorphin throughout my bloodstream. It released pain and is considered a natural anti-depressant. I feel confident as Central Expressway comes into view.
Mile 6. We entered the Katy trail. The endorphins still overpowered any pain that I might have been experiencing. Bridges passed under my feet with ease. How was it that I was not tired? I was probably more tired at the beginning of the run as my dad dragged me out of bed on an early Saturday morning. My feet started to ache, but I kept going, because, well, it was all I could do.
Mile 7. Glimpses of green and silver buildings passed over the trees I ran. I was close, and I knew it. I was also exhausted. Every step came with the thought…How much farther until water? My endorphin rush had left me, and I was running on pure will power. Muscles constricted, muscles contracted. I thought I saw the end of the trail, but soon revealed a long bend in the trail. When is it over?
Mile 8. As I squinted, I finally saw the end of the trail. I can do this! Almost home! When I finally came past the last loop, I kept my eyes forward. I guess this is the key to being successful at anything... Looking forward. Because if you are only looking backwards, you’ll never see how far you could have gone. Possibilities lie in the future and not the past.
Mile 9. The pain rushing in my muscles and lungs was a small pittance compared to the awesome sense of achievement of finally seeing downtown Dallas. My dad told me I had to run into Victory Plaza. (I know why they call it Victory Plaza now.)
Mile ten. When I saw the AT&T sign, I let myself accelerate, until I was running a full on sprint. Stone beneath my feet and pain within my lungs, but I reached it, and I threw my hands in the air celebrating myself.
Why was I so proud of myself? I understood that many people run this distance or farther every day. Why was I proud? In the time I could have spent sleeping, I accomplished something that I never in my dreams believed I could do. I learned that I, Blake, could do anything that I truly work at, be it running or math or basketball or science. You can only achieve while looking forward. I believe in running. I believe that running allows one to test your body to the fullest capacity. I believe that running shows me that determination, hard work, and devotion can all lead toward the highest level of success and achievement. Possibilities… This I believe…
- Blake Bordelon
That's what I have been saying...
At the end of the day, it is calories in vs. calories out. If you eat 2000 and burn 2500 you will loose weight. It doesn't matter what he calories are.
All this fat free, gluten free, high carb, low carb, high fiber, paleo stuff is BS if your goal is to loose weight.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html?hpt=T2
All this fat free, gluten free, high carb, low carb, high fiber, paleo stuff is BS if your goal is to loose weight.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/twinkie.diet.professor/index.html?hpt=T2
Big Weekend for Bordelon's!
I am reflecting on a pretty amazing athletic weekend for my family.
SHERI:
Let's start with Sheri. She walked 60 miles over three days to raise money for Breast Cancer research. That is a really long way to go and she did it without any training. She sure has some serious blisters to show for her effort, but otherwise, she is upbeat and already signed up for next year. Sheri is not the sappy type and does not really show her emotions much, but I could tell that she had a really deep feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction for raising $5000 and completing the walk.
Sheri at 3-Day:
.JPG)
Closing Ceremonies:
GRANT:
Then there is Grant. He is an amazing Right Guard in football. Every game he leaves nothing on the field and completely annihilates anyone with the ball. He got 6 sacks on Saturday and does an amazing job on heads up tackling. I love watching him Pull on the option. He leaves a path of destruction for the ball carrier to run through.
JAYCE:
Jayce has become a football star too. He is on offense and caught several hard throws and has started running the ball. He is a bit bigger than the other kids and is kind of intimidating coming down the field. He has improved a ton this year and I think he will follow in Grants footsteps in coming years.
Now to the 1/2 Marathon. Blake and I ran the DRC Half this weekend.
MIKE:
This was a tune up race for me as I am finishing up my training for the White Rock Marathon. I planned to run the race in 1:37. That would have been a 7:24 pace (about ten seconds per mile faster than my Marathon Pace). I ran a 7:12 pace and finished in 1:34. I looked back at my 2005 finish time for the same race and I ran a 2:07. So I am five years older and ran 33 minutes faster. That means in 5 more years, I will run a... ;)
Anyhow, the race was a real confidence booster for me and I am feeling confident that if I am injury free, well fueled and the weather is good, I should be able to Boston Qualify on Dec 6. Here are my stats from the run:
Cruising Along:
BLAKE:
Blake was an absolute animal at the race. He has turned into such a spiritual runner. He tells me running is how he is fining out what he is capable of. I printed out a 7:45 pace band for him to track his splits each mile. He said up until mile 9 he was within 10 seconds of the goal pace. That alone shows maturity and poise to be able to nail your goal pace like that. Then he decided he felt good enough to open it up a bit and dropped the hammer. The last four miles were a work of art as he pushed into the 7:40s to finish with an overall of 1:44 (a minute faster than goal pace). The amazing thing is the kid is 13 years old. The end result was a first place and a huge feeling of accomplishment.
Blake with Running Buddies Zack and Paint:
Blake near Finish (serious determination):
Blake getting his 1st place medal (The Stars Dancers were icing on the cake):
SHERI:
Let's start with Sheri. She walked 60 miles over three days to raise money for Breast Cancer research. That is a really long way to go and she did it without any training. She sure has some serious blisters to show for her effort, but otherwise, she is upbeat and already signed up for next year. Sheri is not the sappy type and does not really show her emotions much, but I could tell that she had a really deep feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction for raising $5000 and completing the walk.
Sheri at 3-Day:
.JPG)
Closing Ceremonies:
GRANT:
Then there is Grant. He is an amazing Right Guard in football. Every game he leaves nothing on the field and completely annihilates anyone with the ball. He got 6 sacks on Saturday and does an amazing job on heads up tackling. I love watching him Pull on the option. He leaves a path of destruction for the ball carrier to run through.
JAYCE:
Jayce has become a football star too. He is on offense and caught several hard throws and has started running the ball. He is a bit bigger than the other kids and is kind of intimidating coming down the field. He has improved a ton this year and I think he will follow in Grants footsteps in coming years.
Now to the 1/2 Marathon. Blake and I ran the DRC Half this weekend.
MIKE:
This was a tune up race for me as I am finishing up my training for the White Rock Marathon. I planned to run the race in 1:37. That would have been a 7:24 pace (about ten seconds per mile faster than my Marathon Pace). I ran a 7:12 pace and finished in 1:34. I looked back at my 2005 finish time for the same race and I ran a 2:07. So I am five years older and ran 33 minutes faster. That means in 5 more years, I will run a... ;)
Anyhow, the race was a real confidence booster for me and I am feeling confident that if I am injury free, well fueled and the weather is good, I should be able to Boston Qualify on Dec 6. Here are my stats from the run:
Cruising Along:
BLAKE:
Blake was an absolute animal at the race. He has turned into such a spiritual runner. He tells me running is how he is fining out what he is capable of. I printed out a 7:45 pace band for him to track his splits each mile. He said up until mile 9 he was within 10 seconds of the goal pace. That alone shows maturity and poise to be able to nail your goal pace like that. Then he decided he felt good enough to open it up a bit and dropped the hammer. The last four miles were a work of art as he pushed into the 7:40s to finish with an overall of 1:44 (a minute faster than goal pace). The amazing thing is the kid is 13 years old. The end result was a first place and a huge feeling of accomplishment.
Blake with Running Buddies Zack and Paint:
Blake near Finish (serious determination):
Blake getting his 1st place medal (The Stars Dancers were icing on the cake):
Go Bordelon Family! Go!!!
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