Hanson Brooks Blogs
ING NYC Marathon - In my mind
November 18, 2009
November 1st,
2009 – New York City
10:56am – All I can hear is my steady breathing and Pat
Tarpy’s footsteps. Its quiet up here, almost eerie. *beep* I hit the split on my watch at the 15 mile mark; 5:11, slow,
but not bad considering we’re heading up the Queensboro Bridge. I can feel a
strong crosswind pushing us from right to left. I’m not looking forward to this
inevitable headwind… more »
Duel in Detroit
November 5, 2009
My race with Nick Stanko in the Detroit marathon will obviously never be famous like Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley in Boston, but on a smaller scale it gave me a little taste of what it would be like. Even though I didn't win and it wasn't one the of major marathons I had a great experience. I still had pace vehicals leading the way through the city, good size crowds coming… more »
The true measure of a truly great man
November 4, 2009
I must have mistaken another
sign for the last mile marker. No way,
that was a 5:05 on the fifth mile. Wait! Was that last mile a 4:59!?!
We STILL are only six miles into a recovery twelve miler. Is this
how the group got so good? Can I hack it here on a daily basis if this is
a “recovery” day pace? I have to surge right now or I am… more »
If at First You Don’t Succeed
October 24, 2009
Since I began running in college I have always been intrigued by the marathon. I quickly gravitated to the longer events because I enjoyed the tempo runs, long runs, and longer repeats. Since I had never run before college I tried a few different events during the indoor track season. Believe me, my 400 and 800 are pathetic. I love watching the sprinters but I knew a long time ago that those… more »
One Month til New York
October 2, 2009
Only one month
to go til the big day. My emotions are spinning around crazily, one moment I’m
excited, then nervous, then eager, then exhausted, then about 10 other random
feelings. I can’t wait until race day, I want to get it over with, I have been
putting a lot of pressure on myself which is making this a Do or Die type race.
The good news is that my training has… more »
Ready means ready!
September 26, 2009
Momentum is great to have on your side going into a marathon. Here we stand two weeks out from Chicago and not a hitch has come in our way of training. The segment started out after our 4th of July downtime ended and has just clicked for all three of us. Melissa is on fire right now; Carol is looking incredibly strong. As for me, I have been in this perfect bubble… more »
Sweet Illusions
September 11, 2009
It was an Etrvsco Unico soccer ball, the official ball from the 1990 World Cup in Italy. I opened up the blue cardboard box and there it laid deflated and dead, waiting for life to be breathed into it. For an 8 year old soccer fan, it was perfect, so perfect you wanted to fill it up and put it in a glass case so it would never be touched by human… more »
Excited about 2 mile run tomorrow!
August 30, 2009
My left hip continues to progress ahead of schedule. It started with 1x800m on the treadmill on Thursday. This morning I got up to 2x1200m. Tomorrow's plan is 2x1mile. All this is at 8:30/mile pace on a treadmill. I've been riding my bike like a crazy man and went swimming the other day for the first time since my surgery. Today, my hip felt so good that at times I forgot that… more »
One week deep
August 22, 2009
I am now one week post-op and things continue to progress well ahead of schedule. I am completely off crutches now and walking without a limp. I didn't have any bruising until yesterday. It seems that bleeding from my femoral head had finally sifted it's way thru the muscles and skin so that now I have a yellowish hue to some skin just adjacent to my portals. I've been commuting back and… more »
First ride in the baby jogger
August 19, 2009
I took Elizabeth out for her first baby jogger run yesterday! She didn't seem to mind the ride. However, it took me awhile to find a comfortable push position. I think I have a decent method down now. I'm glad it's not my only option but it will do for some second runs. more »
Post-op day 4 plus surgery photos!!!
August 18, 2009
So far so good. I've been pleasantly suprised at my lack of pain after my surgery on Friday. I keep waiting for the bomb to drop, but it seems like each day my hip feels stronger with less pain and better motion. Most rehab protocols call for 2-3 weeks of crutch use, but I feel like I'm going to be pushing it to get to 1 week.
I'm very optimistic regarding my… more »
It is a new day!
August 15, 2009
My hip has been hurting since the 2008 Detroit Free Press Marathon. I didn't feel anything there, but once I resumed training after the race, I felt a deep pain coming from my left hip joint.
I wrote it off as just a consequence of getting older and all the running miles building up. It has turned out to be something much bigger than I ever anticipated. I am restarting this blog… more »
And So It Begins
August 3, 2009
Today, I start my training for the New York Marathon. Rather
I should say continue my training since I’ve been aiming to run this race for
about a year now. But today I end my weeklong break, a much-needed break, from
running myself into the ground. And now I get to start it all over again.
Yippy!
My training over the past few months has been something that
I have needed… more »
Anything, Anything (I’ll give you)
July 29, 2009
Oh, gee, what is it tonight? At least just tell me what the hell is wrong, Do you want to eat, do you want to sleep, do you want to drown? Just settle down, settle down, settle down...
Right about now I’m pretty much in
the heart of my marathon build up for the World Championships. The segment
started with a few ‘self-esteem’ workouts and a nice and steady increase in
mileage.… more »
Attitudes and platitudes
July 22, 2009
Attitude is contagious. It spreads to your performance as well as to others around you, so you
have to be careful with whom you surround yourself. My college coach used to tell us
religiously, “whatever you surround yourself with, you will become.” It is ultimately true. If you look at groups who spend a lot of time
together, they assimilate to one another and take on the group’s identity and
personality as… more »
Elizabeth Brooke McMahan
July 22, 2009
Since my last blog I’ve had a few changes in my life. I had a baby in May. Elizabeth Brooke McMahan came on May 4th weighing in at 7 lbs and 20 inches. She’s a complete joy. I’m watching her sleep as I type this. Her legs are in my sleep position and her arms are in her Dad’s sleep position. It’s been fun “seeing” ourselves in her.
I’m back into running… more »
Biking vs. Running
July 17, 2009
I've been watching the Tour De France every day on Versus as have many of my current and ex-teammates. The Tour has been an interest of mine for a few years now, ever since Miguel Indurain impressed me with his ability to push a 60 tooth chainring when most guys were using 52-56 teeth on the front. Although they're both long distance races, riding the Tour, and running a marathon are quite… more »
When inspiration meets realism
July 7, 2009
When I
went back home to Schaumburg after the Boston Marathon this year, I had one
person I had to see right away. At 3:00
on the first afternoon I was home, I drove over to the high school to watch the
track team run their last workout before the conference meet and to gain
insight from the man I would credit with transitioning me from wrestler to runner,
my high school… more »
Brooks ID Camp
June 22, 2009
This past weekend, I had an excellent
opportunity to participate in the inaugural Brooks ID Camp. This
camp was unlike any other that I have ever attended. The camp took
place at a mountain resort just outside Seattle, next to Mt.
Rainier. While there were certainly some elite athletes in
attendance, that wasn't the purpose. Instead, Brooks pooled
together 65 people in the running community that 'inspire daily”.
These people included athletes,… more »
That Ship has Sailed?
April 30, 2009
More and
more as I look at results from track races out in California and Oregon that I
used to go to every year, I am amazed at the results and the performances that
Americans are throwing down. A lot of times I wish I was one of them, but
currently, even at the ripe age of 25, I feel that I have lost too much of my
leg speed. I guess… more »
2009 is already better
April 27, 2009
I have to start out by thanking everybody for the immense amount of support I have gotten leading into and since the Boston Marathon. I have been very fortunate to have a great support base coming from my family, my college teammates, my high school teammates, and even some old teachers (their memories must not be strong enough to remember me well). People say it a lot, but I mean it: I… more »
Downtime
April 11, 2009
Well tomorrow will be the end of my downtime, and my first run in the last two weeks. A lot of people have a hard time taking time off from running, but I really think allowing your body to rest after a hard segment is just as important as training in the long run. It was nice to have a break after the last segment to think about the positives and negatives… more »
Hansons at Boston
April 11, 2009
It's always exciting when we have a large group of guys getting ready for a marathon. It seems like we have the best performances when everyone gets ready for the same race. I'm not taking part this time but it always gives me confidence when the guys I run with every day do well. From what I've seen there are going to be at least a couple on them with break through… more »
Spring in Chicago
April 2, 2009
This past weekend a few of my teammates and I took a road
trip out to Chicago to run the Shamrock Shuffle 8k. The race, despite the rather
winter-like conditions, drew out over 13,000 runners! Quite a big race in my
opinion, especially considering that it was 33 degrees, Snowing and had gusts
of winds blowing between the buildings in the downtown area. See some pics
before for details.
Personally I had… more »
It's called Project Mayhem.
February 25, 2009
I had a great blog all written up, it talked about training,
racing, and Michigan winter. There was a little part about sunsets and maybe a
mention of the short story, “How the Water Feels to the Fishes”. It was
entertaining, emotional and had just the right amount of humor.
The whole thing was great but I’m sorry to say it is gone.
Sometime between writing the perfect closing line and 1am,… more »
Unthinkable
February 25, 2009
I'm among the six of us hanson guys who are training for Boston. It's exciting, because I feel pretty good right now, but it's also intimidating because I've never put together a solid marathon. I saw this video today on line and it encouraged me. This is a guy with no limits! When I watched this video it gave me peace about Boston and inspiriation to train the best that I can… more »
Last few months
February 25, 2009
Well I'm back from Japan and training in Michigan again. We have had some great training during the last several months. After Houston we went down to Florida for a week. This was a nice mental break from the the winter mix in Michigan, and it was a chance for us to really see where our fitness levels were. Florida really helped our confidence because once we got some clear footing and… more »
Five reasons why Ravishing Rick Rude was the GREATEST wrestler of all time.
February 23, 2009
We have debates about many things on runs. Topics range from greatest lead singer of Van Halen(David Lee Roth, of course), to the greatest place to train for a marathon(Rochester Hills, MI, of course). One of the most common subjects (between Kyle, Morgan, and I, at least) is the greatest WWF (sorry World Wildlife Fund, I won't punch a koala in the face today) wrestler of all time. My far and away… more »
Childhood dreams merge with real life
February 22, 2009
Ever since I was a little kid, I've been obsessed with the desert. I remember watching the Roadrunner and Coyote cartoons and asking my dad if that was a real place when the Coyote fell off of a mountain bluff (presumably in Sedona). Last year was the first time I actually went to the desert. After Boston, I got ahold of some friends that live in Phoenix and we agreed that it… more »
Look at all these blogs
February 22, 2009
It looks like everyone put off their blogs to the last minute just like myself. I may be the last one entering though. I did think of this blog the other day on the run with Morgan but haven't gotten a chance to type it up till now. Morgan and I were running along around some snow covered roads of Rochester, and some cars were coming by and Morgan brought up a… more »
Going Green at Hanson's Running Shop
February 22, 2009
Recently, my wife and I went green and
purchased a couple of those hoity toity grocery bags, you know the
ones that you can reuse if you remember to bring them back the next
time you go. I know I must do better to help out mother nature, but
how you might ask?
I have decided to take my greenness to
Hanson's Running Shop. We have a store meeting this Thursday and… more »
Jacksonville 15k
February 22, 2009
The next race on my schedule along with a few other Hanson athletes is going to be the US 15k championships in Jacksonville. Training has been going better than it has in years for me. Kevin, Keith, and myself thought it would be a good idea to take a small break from marathoning and do a speed segment. I've hardly even touched the track since finishing 8th in the 2004 Olympic trials… more »
Back to Blogging...
February 22, 2009
After taking nearly a year off from the old blog, and two weeks into our marathon-specific training for Boston, it's time to get back on here and give an update from the winter wonderland we train in. Actually I take that back, luckily we just got back from a week down in Florida to kick off our marathon training, so we haven't had to endure quite as much of the frigid temperatures… more »
Ome - Japan
February 20, 2009
Well, it seems to be about time for my annual Blog Post. I got back from my first Trip Overseas just a few days ago and it was awesome. Thanks to the Amazing people at the BAA for sending out to represent them at the Ome 30k in Japan this past weekend! If it weren't for them I would not have had such a great first international race experience. The Ome 30k… more »
Daily Grinders
February 19, 2009
As time progresses, I’m getting slower and slower. I knew this would happen and I’m embracing it. Sure I miss my teammates. I meet them every morning, only to see their backs and hear distant laughs within a mile. There are days when I run almost every step alone. Then there are other days when I get to run with the daily grinders. They are the runners I’ve known for years. Rochester,… more »
Running Confidence
February 18, 2009
Running confidence is a tricky thing. For some, a single workout can tear it apart, yet they require multiple workouts to build it up. Some will look for an outside source, be it a coach or confidant, to erect the tenuous pillars upon which this trait lies. Others will look inside and set their own standards and measures upon which they determine their level of running confidence. Perhaps, I should pause and… more »
4 weeks in
January 21, 2009
Missing time running was a drag, but it really makes me appreciate being able to get outside and back to an activity I enjoy. I'm 4 weeks into being back running and I have to say it has gone better than I could have hoped. My mileage has steadily progressed and my body seems to be adapting quite well. It's always tricky coming back, not knowing if another aspect of your body… more »
Houston
January 12, 2009
I’m psyched to be leaving on Tuesday and heading to Houston. Nine of the men, and Des and I will be heading down south for the Houston half marathon. The field looks incredible and the weather should be great so get ready to see some fast times. After the amount of snow we have had this year I am ready to see some sunshine and have clear footing on our runs. I’ve… more »
Houston Half
January 10, 2009
The Hansons are sending a large crew this weekend to run the USATF half marathon champs in Houston. We've had a lot of guys training well so hopefully we can put it together on race day. As ususal it's going to be a stacked field. I'm sure it's going to take a sub 64:00 to get in the top 10 assuming the weather will be good. It will feel good just to… more »
Short and short
January 5, 2009
Just a couple of things to talk about so this will be short. 2008 was a great year for me. Lots of PR’s, made another world team, and wore a smile through it all - just an all-around great year. There’s nothing better than leaving frustrations behind, you know, when everything comes together. I feel like 2008 was that for me. Three years of training with the Hansons’ came full circle.
On… more »
can I be a 2009 comeback queen?
December 29, 2008
Unfortunately, I haven’t run the last four months. I irritated a sesamoid bone in the ball of my foot, which wreaked havoc on my tendons, and essentially prevented me from putting the necessary force on my foot required for running. My trusty and much appreciated podiatrist explained that it is a fairly uncommon injury, but one that has the potential to linger. Linger, it did. But, I received the green light to… more »
Good Riddance 2008! Here's to a better 2009.
December 27, 2008
It is no secret that 2008 was a pretty rough year
for me. January started off as a good training month. I ran the Disney World
Half-Marathon and ran a (albeit not stellar) PR. February started fantastic and
I set my goal for Boston at 2:15. With the training we did in Florida and with
how my fitness was looking at the end of last year, this seemed realistic.
Enter the impact… more »
Animal Style
October 11, 2008
On the way down the hill to meet the team the other morning, Clint came up with a great point that I decided to write about this time around. His opinion was that runners are like cats or dogs. The more I thought about it, the more I agreed with him, and I have come to the conclusion that most runners could be defined by a ratio of cat-ness to dog-ness. If… more »
My Sister-In-Law Sara is running a women's only marathon
September 13, 2008
So in San Francisco on October 19, my sister-in-law Sara is running the Nike Women's Marathon. It's her second marathon, but the special thing about this one is that she's doing it with Team In Training. Her inspiration is that her cousin Mike Schierenbeck was diagnosed and is being treated for a rare form of leukemia. She's been training hard, and she's almost reached her fundraising goal. I'm putting this online to… more »
Fall training continues with a stop in Brazil.
September 8, 2008
With the 20k champs behind me, I’m looking ahead to the rest of my fall training. I’ll be racing two more high profile events. The first is the US 8k national champs in two weeks. In the past, shorter distances like this haven’t been my strength. However the course has some hills so it should help me perform well against some quicker ladies. The second race is the World Half Marathon champs… more »
crapshoot
August 21, 2008
My running the past few weeks was more enjoyable, more impassioned, more free-flowing than it had been in a long time. I can’t exactly explain why and even less so put it eloquently into words, but there was deep bliss involved with it that was separate from any goals or ambitions I may have. I woke up each morning not just looking forward to the run, but craving it. I would have… more »
The consumer (shoppers addict?) mindset
August 15, 2008
My wife and I just got new cell phones. They're sweet. I hated my old phone, and I decided to sell it on ebay. After doing some research to find out what kind of price point I should put it at, when to list it, how long the auction should last, etc. etc. I put it up for $19.99 as a starting bid with a "buy it now" option for $29.99. It… more »
downtime blizzards and 20k goals
August 7, 2008
It’s hard writing about running when you’re on downtime. I like to use downtime for non-running thoughts and activities. Recent thoughts; biodiesel fuel, geometry and getting another degree. Recent activities; eating Girl Scout Cookie Blizzards, training Ozzie to stop chewing electrical cords and installing new door handles and hinges on our interior doors. Nothing very exciting is going on at the moment. School starts in 2 weeks for private schools and 4… more »
Saving Lives
July 28, 2008
So it's been a tough time for me lately, working hard to get back into shape after a long layoff. I'm finally moving my mileage up and should be in the 90's or more very soon. I'm pretty darn happy that things are finally coming around. When Rachel doesn't have us going out of town visiting friends, I'm finally able to run with the team again every day. It's like the dawn… more »
Track and Field Excitement
July 8, 2008
There was so much excitement going on the last few weeks that I put off writing this until now. I've been watching the Olympic Track and Field trials for quite a few years, but the thrill this year was on a whole new level. That was due in part to the excellent post race coverage and background stories on numerous websites like Flotrack. Although, it was mostly because I actually got to… more »
Running Hurt
June 24, 2008
It really sucks trying to run through an injury, especially one thats not even that serious its just one that limits you from training and running at your full potential. I have been battling this groin/hip adductor issue for some time now and just recently has it really flared up. I would say it would started back around last November when I ran the Chiba Ekiden Relay but even then it was… more »
June Bugs
June 6, 2008
Another day, more rain, and the humidity rises. It’s officially wet season here in MI. The trails are muddy and the mosquitoes are getting more annoying everyday. Running feels like a chore on these sticky days. I’m exhausted, thirsty and muddy at the end of nearly every run. But it’s the Midwest and by next week we’ll have a different “season”.
Unfortunately we had to endure a track 10k during this wet… more »
Boring Television
May 31, 2008
Usually I don't watch much tv. I'd typically rather read a book or something. But (from reading newspapers) I've been keeping up on politics. So today I got home from my run just as my wife was getting home - congratulations to her by the way, she just ran her first race, the 5k Race For The Cure in downtown Detroit. She captained a Starbucks team (she's a shift manager at a… more »
Grandmas Half Marathon
May 31, 2008
My next major race in going to be the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth MN. This is a race I've always wanted to compete in because I would watch it back in high school. Last year was the first time I ran it and was able to win - I'm hoping to have a repeat performance. As a tune up I'm stepping on the track for a 5k next weekend. It… more »
Speeding things up a bit
May 28, 2008
Since Boston ended, I knew that a "speed segment" would come to follow it. I knew that I would need to work on getting more comfortable in faster paces before I try to run those faster paces in a marathon. Now, although I am not shooting to qualify for the trials 10,000 or anything on the track, I need to get some sharper tools in my box again. Heck, a lot of… more »
Lemony Snipets
May 23, 2008
Yesterday’s Run:
16 miles
Entertainment: getting George Michael’s song, “Faith†stuck in my head and trying to remember more than 4 lines from it.
QuiP: One & done.
Women’s Marathon Olympic Trials:
Very cool experience…not pleased with my performance.
QuiP: I was praying a lot for humility (true statement), that wasn’t what I had in mind (true statement).
Follow-up to quip:… more »
16 miles
Entertainment: getting George Michael’s song, “Faith†stuck in my head and trying to remember more than 4 lines from it.
QuiP: One & done.
Women’s Marathon Olympic Trials:
Very cool experience…not pleased with my performance.
QuiP: I was praying a lot for humility (true statement), that wasn’t what I had in mind (true statement).
Follow-up to quip:… more »
New Video
May 23, 2008
I've decided to show a video of a little house tour that was conducted. This is Mike Reneau working on the camera the camera shots you see directed by Luke Humphrey.
It was a young Bill Cowher for last months mustache. With the Penguins in the playoff there are some awesome playoff beards out there right now, but in an effort to jinx them I… more »
It was a young Bill Cowher for last months mustache. With the Penguins in the playoff there are some awesome playoff beards out there right now, but in an effort to jinx them I… more »
Back in Michigan
May 12, 2008
Well, we are back in Michigan, the snow is gone, and the women’s marathon trials are now in the past. It’s almost a weird feeling because for so long the only thing anyone talked about was the trials. We took two weeks off after the race and then started up again last Monday. Now we are going to switch gears a bit and move on to some shorter distances for the spring… more »
Nabbing 8th feels great
May 7, 2008
Three outstanding runners made the team, two of which have heartbreaking stories from the 2004 Trials, placing 4th and 5th….alternates for the last Olympic team. It’s really the American dream, heartache in 2004 followed by 4 years of hard work, determination and sacrifice in addition to executing their race plan to finally make the team. For myself, I ran a near perfect race and could not be much happier. As some of… more »
Sator Arepo Tenet Opera Rotas
May 4, 2008
Sator Arepo Tenet Opera RotasIt’s been about two weeks since the trials race and I’ve had a good amount of time to reflect on the race now. I’ve also been able to catch up on all the amazing stories and events that took place within the race, and read all kinds of warm and fuzzy recaps of the day. Lets be honest though, it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies out there, here… more »
London Marathon
April 30, 2008
Well, it didn't go as well as I hoped. I think my offical time was 2:18:49. I probably got a little carried away in all the excitement of the race and ran some miles to fast. All the elite runners there were so fast I felt like trying to break 2:14 shouldn't be that bad. I should have reminded myself 2:14 is still a fast time. My first few miles were all… more »
Recapping and looking ahead
April 27, 2008
I'm sure by now that everyone has seen how I finished at Boston, so I'm just going to give a real short recap. My stomach was giving me trouble that morning, but nothing too serious. I wasn't throwing up or anything. I was actually bound more than anything. The gun went off and I got settled into where I thought I should be in the race. After the first 2 fluid stations,… more »
Nothing really insightfull
April 21, 2008
I always feel bad every month as I begin to write a blog because I read all the other blogs and there is normally something insightful or something about running. Then some one clicks on the blog section of the website where my blog happens to be at the top and start reading useless ramblings and find a picture of a mustache at the end. This month is no exception,… more »
The Taper
April 19, 2008
As I write, I'm sitting in the lobby of the Sheraton Boston, where we are staying for the Women's Olympic Marathon Trials. It is the day before the race and I am trying to casually think about the race, while containing my nerves, excitement, and energy, as I'm sure I'll need all I can sequester for tomorrow.
There are a lot of hard things about marathon training, but… more »
There are a lot of hard things about marathon training, but… more »
Olympic Trials
April 18, 2008
My teammates and I just spent the last ten days in Florida. It was a nice change from the Michigan weather we had been running in the last few months. I think we are pretty much ready for any type or weather that can come our way on Sunday. It was nice to get some good footing in and I think that helped our conifidence. We just got to our hotel in… more »
London Marathon, highs and lows...
April 16, 2008
Well I recently got back to the states from my trip to London for the London Marathon. For those of you who hadn't heard, it was a terrible day for me as I dropped out just before 23 miles. I won't go into too much detail I'll just say it was a very bad day for me, I did all I could and in the end I just didn't have it and… more »
Go time
April 7, 2008
A day shy of two weeks until the big day. The weather here in MI has taken a nice turn toward Spring. Just in time for us to head to FL for some heat acclimation. We'll be down there for 10 days before traveling to Boston. We have a nice house all to ourselves while our two men and coaches share another house. One long run left and one workout left. The… more »
Last Steps to Boston
April 3, 2008
Just about 2 weeks left until the big race. I am so relieved that I am finally rounding into shape. It has been quite a winter and it looks like we have seen the last of it out here in Michigan. In 1 week Pat Rizzo, myself, and the womens team will be heading to Florida for a week before heading up to Boston. Florida will be a much needed 'vacation' where… more »
video games
March 31, 2008
When I was in college, I was addicted to the N64. When I go back to MN, I still get together with friends and play PS2. I told some folks I work with that I don't play video games anymore because I would get too sucked in and would waste too much time and not get stuff done that I should be getting done. Even my wife has been playing video games… more »
Buck Naked!
March 26, 2008
A couple of weeks ago, I learned some disturbing information about one of my teammates, well....actually two. It seems that Michael William Reneau commonly practices nude massage. I have nothing against getting a massage in the nude, but I do have a problem with getting it from one of our dude teammates!!!
Apparently he disposes of his clothes and hikes his little Ewokian body onto the massage table, leaving… more »
Apparently he disposes of his clothes and hikes his little Ewokian body onto the massage table, leaving… more »
The long and winding road...to recovery.
March 26, 2008
I want to start out by expressing that Yolanda is full of crap. Winter is FAR from over here in Michigan. Sure, we've gotten a whole 2 days of sunlight since November, but that doesn't make it spring. There is still snow in the forecast and last I checked, we haven't had a morning run over 32 since some time around men's trials. It's probably going to be this way until after… more »
London Marathon
March 24, 2008
Only two weeks and six days to go. I've now had 7 consecutive weeks of mileage over 120 a week. I've been handeling the training for this marathon better than usual and my milege has been a little higher. Hopefully that translates to a faster time. Last week I was able to test my fitness a little. We got out of the cold weather and went to Virginia beach for the half… more »
Pittsburgh Sports
March 21, 2008
Last month's Mustache belonged to none other then Doug Drabek 1990 Cy Young Award winner. I only saw a couple games at Three Rivers Stadium when Doug Drabek pitched but I knew then that it was a great mustache.
There are always those things that you don't forget especially in sports. Some memorable things for me seeing the Penguins in a Stanley Cup game versus the North Stars, sadly… more »
There are always those things that you don't forget especially in sports. Some memorable things for me seeing the Penguins in a Stanley Cup game versus the North Stars, sadly… more »
Spring Has Sprung...?
March 21, 2008
The first official day of spring was yesterday. In southeastern Michigan, we tipped the mercury over the freezing point, so it seemed appropriate. The mornings have still been cool (low 20’s for morning runs), but it has been sneaking up to the mid & upper-30’s in the afternoon, which, if the sun is shining, feels nothing short of glorious.
I didn’t realize it was the “official†beginning of… more »
I didn’t realize it was the “official†beginning of… more »
Keyed up
March 6, 2008
I’m nearly 7 weeks into Olympic Trials marathon training with five more to go. Workouts are going great. However, I’m taking recovery days easy, out of necessity. I’ll hit about 115 miles for this week. Hungry? Tired? Sore? Winter blues? YES, all of the above. Spring is around the corner though and soon enough I’ll be running in shorts again!
After the Houston half marathon in January, our… more »
After the Houston half marathon in January, our… more »
3 Months in Michigan
March 1, 2008
(Okay, so these titles are really generic, but a good way to put things into perspective and keep some context and continuity...)
The 29 days of February were all over the place, literally: we started out the month in Seattle, where we spent a great week visiting the good folks at the Brooks corporate headquarters in Bothell and exploring the Pacific Northwest – which even had some snow to… more »
The 29 days of February were all over the place, literally: we started out the month in Seattle, where we spent a great week visiting the good folks at the Brooks corporate headquarters in Bothell and exploring the Pacific Northwest – which even had some snow to… more »
The Anatomy of the Neckbeard
February 27, 2008
Last month I wrote about my favorite piece of running equipment, the runderwear wind briefs. In light of the crappiest Michigan winter of all-time, I am going to spend another month writing about my SECOND favorite piece of running equipment, my wicked awesome neckbeard. Who needs a balaclava when you can grow one of these puppies. Nothing takes the sting out of a 0 degree day like having a dead squirrel around… more »
Winter is still here
February 27, 2008
I am currently 3 months into my first Michigan winter, and it is looking like there is going to be about another month left of ice, snow, and cold. Being from Southern California this weather and training conditions are the complete opposite of what I am used to. Recent events have inspired me to share a few ‘accidents’ that have taken place over this winter. While most of these ‘accidents’ were due… more »
Getting hit by a Jeep
February 25, 2008
Last week was the scariest experience ever for me...and I'm sure it was no better for Nick. Last Monday as we were out for a 14 mile run, Nick and I split off to head down 25 Mile Rd. to add 2 more miles while our roommates had only 12 on the schedule. Of course, this was my idea to take this route. Black ice was covering the road most of the… more »
Cold Weather Training
February 23, 2008
While all my roomates are enjoying there time down in Florida this week, I'm stuck at the house alone in the cold. I've done a lot of training in cold weather so you think it would get easier after awhile. What keeps me going though is remembering some of the performances I've had after training in tough conditions. One particular race the comes to mind is a indoor 3k in Seattle a… more »
Up's and Down's
February 21, 2008
The “Up's†for the month was a long awaited PR (PB for you Canadians) in the 5k at the Husky Invite and a fun trip out in Seattle. The “Down’s†for the month were the following 2 weeks of training here in Michigan and a pretty lackluster performance at USAXC. When things start to get down around here I like to watch this video to cheer myself up.
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Good Footing in Florida
February 20, 2008
All of the women on the Hansons-Brooks team are currently training for the marathon trails in April. This week we headed south to get a reprieve from the winter weather, which, as of late, has not been on short order in southeastern Michigan. Here’s a recap of the trip, thus far.
We woke up around 5:00 am on Sunday to head out for a few miles before our flight,… more »
We woke up around 5:00 am on Sunday to head out for a few miles before our flight,… more »
Winter Training Blues...
February 17, 2008
Well let me start by answering a question I got from my last blog. Jeff Jonaitis asked me about an incident that happened in December, and how it effected my training. My college teammates and I had a reunion back in Danville where we caught up with each other, relived old stories from our "glory days", and basically put ourselves back in college for a night. So anyway, we have one teammate… more »
January Trips
February 10, 2008
I got to spend most of the month of January in some nice warm weather areas. After the Houston half marathon I went to visit my brother in San Diego. It was nice to spend my downtime in some sunny weather. I was only back in Michigan for three days before a group of us took off for a week in Seattle to visit the Brooks location. This was our second week… more »
2nd Month in Michigan
February 9, 2008
I'm a little late posting this -- I should have had it up last week -- but things have seemed a little hectic lately, with several trips and too much work... Everyone had good runs down south in January, although most of us got sick during (me) or right after (everyone else) those trips... fortunately we had downtime to recover.
This "downtime" concept is new to me; normally it… more »
This "downtime" concept is new to me; normally it… more »
Opening Blog
February 7, 2008
Hi, I’m Dot and this is my opening blog on Flotrackr. I am one of five women athletes on the Hansons’-Brooks Saturn Distance Project.
It has been nearly 3 years since I moved here to Rochester, MI to join the team, and it has been one of my best decisions. However, you may not have agreed with me this morning, based on the weather we had during our… more »
It has been nearly 3 years since I moved here to Rochester, MI to join the team, and it has been one of my best decisions. However, you may not have agreed with me this morning, based on the weather we had during our… more »
finally on the right road to recovery
January 30, 2008
Boy did I ever have an eventful week. So I've been dealing with this injury since August, and we've been chasing pain all over around my core, glutes, quads, adductors, etc. and all the treatments seemed to kind of get things better, but it never got back to 100%. So I was making a trip to MN to visit family for a week, and thought I'd get a prescription for physical therapy… more »
On the comeback trail...
January 27, 2008
Since this is my first flotrack blog I will give a brief introduction of myself. I'm one of the "old men" on the Brooks-Hanson's team. I've been with the program for five years now, with a focus on the marathon.
Currently I am on the comeback trail from an injury setback I had in December. I ended up having to take about 3 weeks off due to a… more »
Currently I am on the comeback trail from an injury setback I had in December. I ended up having to take about 3 weeks off due to a… more »
Meeting my hero
January 26, 2008
This month a few of us went to Orlando for the Disney Half-marathon. While there, I got wind that Jim Ryun, my all-time hero of running, was going to be speaking right after us at the expo. Obviously, I decided to stay around and listen in hopes of affirming that he is all of the awesomeness that I've always perceived him to be. He was! Afterward, I stayed and got his autograph… more »
Disney Half Marathon
January 24, 2008
My latest race was the Disney Half Marathon a couple weeks ago. It was my first race back since the Olympic Trials and probably my last race before the London Marathon. It would have been nice to run fast to get my confidence up but I did get a lot of positives out of the race even though my time wasn't what I wanted. Before the race Kevin wanted me to run… more »
Cheese Balls...more like Freeze Balls!
January 22, 2008
As Mother Nature strengthens her grip on the winter weather, she can also use that winter chill to strengthen her grip on a man's nether regions. It only takes one time to learn that it is very, very unpelesant to freeze junior. Ryan Sheehan can attest as he made this mistake just last Sunday on a run where it was -13 wind chill. He was quoted as saying "I thought that I… more »
New Faces in New Places
January 21, 2008
Now that we are posting our blogs on Flotrackr, I will be writing to a bigger audience then just my mom, girlfriend, and teammates. On our blogs on the Brooks website they would normally just be smack talk between teammates in blog form. For example one month was how I would dominate Kyle O'Brien at the classic American Gladiators, this was before the new show had come on (but I would still… more »
Running Down a Dream
January 21, 2008
Last weekend I had the opportunity to participate in the PF Chang’s Rock and Roll Arizona Marathon’s “Running Down a Dream†program as a pacer. The program offered support to 39 women making their final bid for an Olympic Trials qualifying time. As pacers, Luke Humphrey, Mike Morgan, Pat Moulton, and myself, were asked to run even 6:20 pace through 22 miles. Should be easy enough, right? That’s what we thought, until… more »
Goals
January 18, 2008
With our blogs recently changing location, I should probably introduce myself, but rather I think I’ll let my monthly blogs-for better or worse-slowly paint a Monet of myself.
Running-wise, the next thing up is the Women’s Marathon Olympic Trials in April, which specific training for will begin this upcoming week. Since I qualified for the Trials, I’ve thought a lot about my goals for that particular race, but… more »
Running-wise, the next thing up is the Women’s Marathon Olympic Trials in April, which specific training for will begin this upcoming week. Since I qualified for the Trials, I’ve thought a lot about my goals for that particular race, but… more »
One Month in Michigan
January 17, 2008
This is my first time ever blogging, so please bear with me. I have been dubbed the "Grandma" of the group due to my advanced age, but I'm doing my best to keep up with my speedy teammates, in many more ways than just running, since coming on board last month.
I grew up in west Michigan, but I've lived in milder climes for most of the past 20… more »
I grew up in west Michigan, but I've lived in milder climes for most of the past 20… more »
Hansons Blog
January 11, 2008
Well, it looks like we are going to be posting our blogs here on Flotrackr now. Its kinda intimidating knowing that so many people are going to be reading this. Anyways. This is a pretty lonely weekend her for me in Michigan. Most of my teammates are gone this weekend at various races across the US.
We have a few new additions to the team who are running… more »
We have a few new additions to the team who are running… more »
