Bobm512z's Blog

Entry for November 10, 2008

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:50:52 GMT

A day after, my first marathon

Well it is now Monday and yesterday I ran my first 26.2 mile race. It was everything I expected and more.

The day started off we tan drizzling. I felt I was at a plastic bag convention or a Pink Floyd concert ( I went to a night time day on the green in the rain...but I digress). There was 3000 people signed up for the event I'm not sure of the breakdown but with all races starting at 7am were were all loaded up for the start. It was very quiet not music no speeches then from up ahead we all took time to pause for our national anthem.

I started my watch about 10 sec early by mistake but I crossed the line very quickly gun time as we had ta 4 lane road to ourselves to start. Garry Glitter "Rock and Roll" was the send off music. I had been filling my head with as much AC/DC, Metallica and crazy hard guitar riffs as I could over Saturday hoping to avoid the old cross county team trick o singing Roxanne by the police to mentally slow the other team, Gary did not help.

I realized about mile 5 that I had a rub on my right heel and sure enough by mile 7-8 it was painful. I finally looked at it at the end and yes just another stained sock and shoe I opened up 2 blisters. Its amazing how the body can push past pain when you drive it on.

I started out with the 3:45 pace group but soon after about mile 3 felt it was holding me back. I started to go my pace and found that my 7 mile time was typical of my 6.9 training run which should be about right.

After we split off from the half marathoners the crowds became thin and the wind became an issue. We for the most part until that time had been in local pars winding threw residences. The road we were now on was out to a bunch of new developments with lots of open fields and long roads with no trees except newly planted ones. This was where I started to feel my legs give up on me. It was an odd feeling I kept trying to have my coar muscles pull me along and they did a good job but the burden of lifting my legs became an issue and I realized I had 'BONKED" every effort now was to take in sugar and carbs as much as possible for me to have energy to finish. The rolling hills along the bike trains at the end were also unexpected and though not steep the length of one in particular had caused a few people to walk.

As I came past mile 23 the 3:45 pace leader and group came up on me and I could not push myself to join them. I knew I had only about 3 miles left. I figures maybe 30 min I can say a rosary and get threw this thinking of something else. Steve does it Greg Willits did it, I can do it. Well I got threw it so fast I was done by mile 25 I guess when your body is slowing down your mind can still be quick and sharp. I even tried to slow down but that how it goes. I came into the park park and knew I was getting close seeing some finishers walking around cheering on others. The final turn down the path to the finish and it was all I could do to think push. I could not do it until I passed the 26 mile mark and saw the last few hundred yards to the finish. The crowd cheering and I actually gave it a bit of speed. My body immediately started rebelling causing each stride to feel like I was going to permanently cramp with each step but I did not care I was going to finish looking like a runner not like I did not care enough to do my best. I crossed the lines got my sweatshirt, medal and a water and started walking.

https://www.runraceresults.com/secure/raceresults.cfm?id=rctc2008

Every time I stopped I felt the cramps come on strong. I finally made it to pick up my bag and call my wife and then send out a message.

I still am in a bit of shock that I did it. I had an ice cream and found what had smelled so good was not Mexican food but eggs and sausage. I could not eat like that so I talked to a few others and made my way back home.

I will do this again, it was the first time Fresno had a marathon and my first. I realize now a day later how important strength is to being successful and faster. While I was not tired my legs were and that really had a negative impact on me doing better. I need to do more strength and cross training and nothing like running a marathon can make you appreciate how tough and rewarding it is. I learned first hand the like baseball half the game is 90% mental. I decided to run the whole race I had visions of grandeur for a bit thinking I could do it in 3:30 or that I could shift into a walk/run mode an still do well. But mentally I was tough and was going to stick with my plan. I missed my goal time of 3:45 but was close enough and learned enough to believe I'll hit it next time.

at home after the race, tired & sore, but happy

Entry for October 25, 2008

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 06:16:35 GMT

Crazy times.

I was laid off work because the company closed in the 15th of Oct. The 16th & 17th I was in full chaos mode as I helped to close the site and move what was left to other locations and the server to the home of my boss.

While many may think "Wow why me." I have been mostly at peace even though times could get tight. I have a great deal of faith things will work out and I will end up in the right place.

Just after finding this out I participated in the 3rd annual World Wide Festival of Races. I planed on doin each race as a stand alone event. This did not work as planned. I did a 10K during lunch on Firday and a half marathon on Sat wile camping with scouts but sundays 5K feel appart as the stress of the last few days of work set in.

I have been very focused on my marathon on the 9th of November and am planning on doing an ultra in the spring.

I have also been much more focused on Cub Scouts and working with the team at SQPN.com on the secrets of Harry Potter Podcast.

I am now up late watching TLOTR with my son Cody as he expresses more interest in being with me. I have really been pushing him to start the ransition to manhood. It is a ballencing act but even though he still is a boy I see great improvment and am more and more confident he will make a good transistion to Boy Scouts this spring.

Thats it for now.

Entry for October 10, 2008

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:56:53 GMT

Its finally here!

The weekend of the World Wide Festival of Races

am currently in Marathon training and will be running all 3 events.

Friday a 10K at lunch

Saturday a half marathon

Sunday a 5K

This is even more exciting because this weekend I will be camping with the Boy Scouts. Yes that right The half marathon will be run after a night on the ground, or If I'm lucky a night in a hammock.

I have the course all set for Saturday it is just over 6.5 miles of flat straight road from the campground to a set of railroad tracks and back. It runs along lots of fields which are just now finishing there harvests so it should be a great day. If I ran to the local waterway I would get trapped on private roads and fields, so a road race it will be.

Where ever you are running I will be thinking of you. I have Jodi, Nigel, Nick and Dan, Steve and all of your shutouts to keep me company on Saturday. I will be up at 5am to be back about 7am for breakfast. It will be lonely as my son the 'support crew' of late will not have his bike while camping.

As many of you know I am leaving my job on the 15th and this is a great weekend to reflect on my life. I will be thinking of all of you and will toast your run at the end. If its not too much to ask please do the same for me. I may be a BBOR, but this weekend we all run together, we share the planet we share our love of running and we will always be able to share the memories of this weekend. I will have my Sansa and will take some audio from the day. I encourage everyone to get a picture, audio, video, blog or hand drawn stick figures done to share with every one of your race.

Be safe all and have fun. I'll be praying for you.

Bob McWilliams

Entry for September 22, 2008

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:46:45 GMT

18+ miles and still walking.

This weekend I did my longest run ever. it was just shy of 19 miles. I had to be careful with the distance so I plotted it out on Buckeye outdoors trying to keep it under 20. Since I run in big loops it is easy to make runs too long.

The morning started our dark and cold I had my 10 YO son on the run for support he had the gator aid and the cell phone. I had the map in my head and we took off into a dark Saturday about 6:00am. The airport was just coming to life and we saw one of the balloon company trucks just coming into the airport for that days flights. About that time as well the bandage on my right leg was coming off and I could start to feel the pain of my blisters (new shoes just a few days before). So I took off that band aid and he had a drink we went on (paused the stopwatch). WE ran to a part where he had never been at the freeway overpass so I gave him a few moments to ride tot he top and back down (he was on a bike after all, its what kids do). The we hit the bike trail for the long stretch ahead. I took off the other bandage here as it too was coming loose. This is a part of the run I'm familiar with because it is part of my 9 mile loop. the sun at this point was just over the horizon and the blue sky was just impressive. We had some shage formt he berms and the breeze was light. It felt really good. Cody went from complaining of cold hands to having a blast out with dad.

We crossed a major street just after seeing someone pull in a nice size trout from the aqueduct. It is popular with many fishers in the area. We could hear a train coming but it was so far off in the distance that we could barely see it from where we were (we are train nuts). We continued on and on. Crossing the railroad tracks man miles ahead. Here is where the picture is from. Again I paused the watch a moment as Cody had some granola bar (we left before breakfast) and we had a Gator aid stop. We also found a nice rail road spike we tucked into that bag as a souvenir of the run.

A bit further at just past half way we got to the industrial park where ther are a few distribution centers and we cut down that street tot he other aqueduct to head back. This part was a bit un eventful and we made easy work of these miles (well I say that now but it was long and hot). We did see some balloons as were were headed back to the airport but it was hazy that directions and getting later in the day.

laying down after the run

Cody

The power plant in the distance

Cody again
Once reaching our final turn to head home I got a call form my wife, to find out where and how we were. We took one last stop at a local grocery to finish off our gator-aid and push the last 2 miles home. We saw another runner (not Adam) along the cross street with his daughter, I presume on a bike for his support. In the last 2 miles I saw some friends at a local church car wash. I also found a .22 cal short round on the street I picked up. ( I did not want to think of some kid playing with it).

So after I got home I took a shower (I smelled something fierce, you can tell when you think you stink), and soaked my shoes n cold water to get rid of the blood stains from the run (my blister opened up big time, my family was kind of shocked I ran like that for ~16 miles). I then watched a bit of Star Trek and lay in the hammock for about 30 until I had more work to do.

Oh well, fatherhood and husbandhood is more than a job it is a way of life. I could still walk up and down the stairs all day. It was a real break after last years WWHM I had to take almost 5 days off, and it was only 13-15 miles.

Entry for September 04, 2008

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:08:46 GMT

A good August.

I ran for over 100 miles in the month of August. The first time in my recent running of the last 2 years. If is a great feeling but I have even more scheduled for this month. So nothing like hitting a goal and burying it. Part of the blessing and curse of my recent running has been the RunnersPlus site. It has the ability to do challenges and I have joined a few. I am very competitive, I can be a gracious loser and will always put sportsmanship over winning but I love a challenge and will not hasitate to push just a bit to be a contender over an also ran.

My Son Cody also just got back form an "outdoor ed" trip with Grandma to the redwoods. The camped for a few days and hiked all about ther forests and even rode a train in the redwoods. He is getting big and growing. Still he is my son and I have high expectaions he will not always live up to. It is part of being a perent and a part I will not trade for anything. My love for him is uncondtioanal and I know somehow I'm doing the right thng when he says he hates me. I can not count how many times I said that about my parents whoe even now I will sacrafice my self for becuase the love that we share is so mush stronger than any hate of the moment.

I also took in one of the last home games for our local minor leage base ball team the Ports. As of the time I write this they made the playoffs so With a game tonight we will see how they do.

This week I have off nad I'm dong lots of stuff around the house. Not running as much as I might like. The last few dasy and today are expecing highs about 100. Even in 'dry California" it is very tought to get out for more than sort runs. I think it is a plot from the Bad Girls of Running to put down the Bad Boys. But at the risk of talking smack "We will crush you".

Entry for September 04, 2008

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:39:18 GMT

Catchup day.

Last week I did my first set of speed work in prep for the Fresno Marathon in November. I ran a nice easy pace in 90+ heat to a local track. Then put on my rack spikes from high school and got to it. the first 220 was not too bad but the heat was really getting to me. I also felt the eyes of every kid at football practice and parent on me. "Hey whats that old dude doing out there?" He is making us look bad. (I had arrived as some kids were doing a 100 yard dash and lets just say it left a bit to be desired).

One mom even said I looked good out there after my last 220. Which was about 48Sec. and pittaly slow.

Lesson learned form this just because my track spikes fit they are not ready for regular sprint work. I got a nice blister as a result and feel like e dolt for thinking I could use them. After pole vaulting I hung them up and they are due for the trash. I still have them for who knows what reason. My Soccer cleats tough I still have them as well, anybody up for a game?

Entry for August 18, 2008

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:45:19 GMT

Today the 18th I am now 40.

2 score and some hours ago I greeted the light for the first time. I was born and was very ill so much so I was Baptized in the hospital. The day of 19 Aug 1968 in Mass it was a stormy day. My mother prayed for a sign and asked that if sh could see the sun before the day was out I would make it. God can really humble you in the answer of a prayer I was just turning the corner on health in the evening and the some came out just in time to set.

I now have 3 kids of my own. I need to exercise to stay healthy. I need to wear glasses when I work in front of the computer and things I used to do for fun without thinking about (jumping fences, climbing trees) I now find myself saying "is this setting a good example?"

When I hear the term OMD I don't think of the 80's pop band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark I think of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. I'm still a product of the age I grew up in the 5th grade AC/DC was huge as was Pink Floyds the wall. I still love the music and despite being quite eclectic in taste now. I still go back to Progressive and Hard rock as comfort tunes.

I still look at myself in the mirror and think, "I'm not too old, I could pass as a young guy". The 40th birthday is supposed to be a big downer, its over the hill its a change to being on the passing out part of life rather than being in the game. I disaggree I am more connected and in the game than ever. I have hundres of vitural firneds via podcasts, socail networking sites and the internet. I run more miles a month now than since I left high school. I serve in church, scouts, thand the community in ways I never dreamed of as a youth.

This 40th birthday is a great day to mark all that I have done and have yet to do. I will celibrate with my family and friends and feel like a 12 year old for as long as I can.

Entry for August 18, 2008

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:26:28 GMT

A retreat and camping trip for great memories.

This weekend we went the first annual (yes we will do it again) Stockton Diocese Catholic Scouting Family Camping Retreat.

The even was a great time to meet some new families and find out a bit how much the scouting and kids clubs help to change lives.

We prayed together ate together and in many ways the most important part we had fun together. We went swimming in the lake, kyacked, played volleyball, had campfires and crazy skits, made SMORE's and ate them with guilt free abandon.

We had our moments on Friday some campers prompted the invitation of the local sheriff out to the site for loud music, yelling, cursing etch at 11pm, 1:30am and 4am. I grew up in a time when campers had an unwritten code of conduct based on being in harmony with nature and those around them. I guess now people have discovered camping but not the manners that go with it.

Sat night the wind was strong but the campground was quite. I have a few images posted and linked here.

Entry for August 18, 2008

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:32:36 GMT

A hell of a way to start the weekend.

I left the office in a hurry Friday night. We were going on the first ever Catholic scout retreat in our Diocese. It was to be a family camping trip at a local lake where we would pray, play and be together. We knew some people and were looking forward to meeting others.

Friday traffic "STUNK" I took the back roads because the freeway was backed up into the next town and at a crawl on the near 25 mile drive. I took along a loaded MP3 player full of running podcasts. I had Nik & Dan, Steve Chopper, Jodi, Nigel and Steve Runner safely melting in my car with me as it was about 95F only to get hotter on the drive home.

I meandered up over the hills and could see after almost 45min Tracy just ahead. I notice coming into town from Coral Hollow a bit more smoke that usual we have a factory but also some other fields they burn, as we also have quite a bit of agriculture.

I pass it off. Soon I am about to round the final turn onto my street when I see a bunch of people standing on the corner. Mostly neighbors and I slow down to make the turn only to now see 2 firetrucks, my wife and kids and the rest of the neighbors hanging out on our drive way watching the park across the street being put out.

I pulled in to a driveway parked the car and just looked.

As the fire is being put out not too much smoke now but some fire still int he tops of the trees.

You can see some smoke and the water being sprayed here.

My wife and daughter having a talk with a fireman as he finishes up.

These were all taken from our driveway. The good news nobody was hurt as a result of the fire (I don't know about the kids who started it once they confessed to their parents).

Thought a good part of the park was burned it was mostly some diseased pine tress shrubs and a bit of grass. One neighbor did loose a tool shed and tools. But that was the extent of the damage.

The Tracy Fire Department is terrific! they were on scene ASAP, friendly and fast. They even offered when done to take some quick photos with some kids. We offered them a few sodas at the end and some took ups up.

A special thanks to a young boy who did the right thing. Ran right home to tell his mom about the fire. Great job!

The usual public service stuff here. Don't leave your kids unsupervised and just assume they are fine. Temptation comes in all sorts of forms. Teach them to respect fire, guns, etc. While they are tools the improper use can lead to great cost to life and property.

Entry for August 06, 2008

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:44:20 GMT

An August update.

This will be a busy month. I will start my marathon training at the end of the month. I have to schedule our Cub Scout year and I'm turning 40.

I also just got back from the densest they noticed a small bump where they did a root canal (it was done due to adult resorption, the process in kids that makes their baby teeth fall out). for now they say "thats interesting we will have to keep an eye on that, your kind of a test case". Lovely but I get to keep the tooth which is good.

The weather has been a bit cool for August so running has been easy and not too hot. I have been taking more days off but really need to kick up the miles. I am looking for 100 miles this month.

There has been a lot going on to raise my ire but I'm not going to rant here I do that enough.

The call to start a podcast is growing again. I have a few ideas and some interest some of it will require a time commitment I'm really unsure of so any comments are welcome.