Hangin em up!

I am sad to say that after 3 years of Racing for the Troops, I will be hangin em up after this Miami Marathon.

I won’t stop exercising but I will stop fundraising for the troops.

My brother and I will do one last fundraiser for another cause in May and that will be it for now.

What is the reason?  Ironmans take a lot of my time and at this point in my life I am better off devoting my time to other activities.  My girlfriend’s studies being one of them.

I will definitely miss this.  It does make me sad especially since I planned on doing this for another 3 or 4 years.

But $25,000 for these great charities is quite an accomplishment.

I have all of you who have supported me and my brother’s fundraising efforts to thank.

Please always don’t forget that there are those in need.  Whatever you can spare helps these causes tremendously.

A 22 Mile Test

This morning I ran 22 miles in Secaucus.  I wanted to see if I am in closer shape to finishing under 3 hours in the Miami marathon.

It was a cold, but not too cold day.  But the wind would slow me down.  First 5 mile loop was at 37 minutes and 49 seconds.  Second loop was at 38 minutes and 7 seconds.  The third loop was at 40 minutes flat.  During the 4th loop, I turned on music for 4 miles.  I finished that one at 39 minutes and 34 seconds.  For the final 2.19 miles, I finished at 17 minutes and 3 seconds – AC/DC and Kanye West had me moving fast

Total time was 2:52:35 or 7:47 minutes/mile.  I need to finish under 6:52 during the Miami marathon to complete under 3 hours.

It doesn’t look like that will happen.  So we’ll see how close I can get.

It will have to be my hometown Washington DC in March when I hit my target.

Bartending 4 Change Charity Event

For the 3rd year, my brother and I teamed up with our friend’s Salim’s Bartending 4 Change team. This time we supported the Wounded Warrior Project. And this time, we had the event right before Veteran’s Day. We hoped we would get a lot of support and were proud we could all do a little something for this special holiday.

Although many of our friends couldn’t make it, probably because of the rain and traffic, we were so grateful that Salim was able to get the word out to his big network.

I collected donations at the door and waited for my brother and mom to bring their guests. Salim and his bartending crew had the toughest job which was taking care of the drinks and entrees. We ended up having a great turn-out.

After giving my speech and giving away great raffle prizes, I was able to converse with my mom and brother’s party. One of my friends I knew from elementary school surprised me when he showed up. It was good to see my buddy Jimmy again.

We had a great time supporting a wonderful cause. Although we don’t have a final fundraising total, it looks like we raised over $600 which is our best night ever.

I am thinking our goal of $6,000 for this charity is within reach now.

2011 NYC marathon

First, I want to thank my family and friends who came from Connecticut and Virginia to watch me race and spend time in NY. We had a great weekend.

It was very difficult to qualify for this race. I ran my fastest half-marathon at 1:22:45 to get in. I only qualified by 15 seconds. Knowing all of that I was very happy to be a part of a great event. Especially since I now know that the qualifying times have been pushed down to make it harder to get in.

So let’s get started. I woke up at 4:15AM because I had to catch the 5:30AM ferry. By the time I rode the ferry, took the bus to Fort Wadsworth and walked to my green village, it was still only 7AM. I took a quick nap on the grass and then woke up only to realize I missed my wave entrance. There was one entrance blocked, but not manned so I hopped over and waited for the 9:45AM start.

Start to Mile 2 – Staten Island

I began racing at 9:45 with Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York in the background. I took off in front of the Verrazano Bridge – such an exciting start and the temperature was perfect. But to start, I kept my gloves on. The Verrazano bridge was steep, but I couldn’t feel the climb because my legs were fresh and I had the adrenaline going. We descended on the Verrazano and into Brooklyn. As I descended I past a man with an Ironman costume. I told him, “Time to blast off, Ironman”.

Mile 2 to 13 – Brooklyn

A lot of people in the streets. I ran on the right side because we had to separate when we ran through Brooklyn. I told my mom and girlfriend to meet me on the right side at mile 5 near the hotel. All along I was giving high-fives to everyone-almost everybody especially the kids. I may have been burning myself out. But I was excited. Then I saw my mom and girlfriend and surprisingly my cousins and aunt, who came down from Connecticut instead of waiting at mile 19. My cousin was 2 yards into the street and gave me a big high 5. I didn’t see my coach after but he did see me.

Everyone was yelling at me, ‘Peruvian Power’ because that’s what I had on my shirt. Such an exciting run through Brooklyn. And my pace was pretty quick too. Sub 7 minutes for the most part.

Mile 13 to 16 – Queens

Throughout Brooklyn and into Queens I was raising my arm up getting everyone to cheer. I may have started too quick because my pace started to drop from 6:40 cumulative average to 7. And then I had to run up the Queensboro bridge. My pace really started to slip as my average dipped to 7:10. When I came down Queensboro bridge, I was done. I sweated alot and didn’t drink enough. Sometimes I would reach for gatorade, but only drank water and I only drank at every 4 miles instead of 2 like I used to. I didn’t consume alot of energy gels either. Also my right hip (always the right side) started to bother me a little and so I had trouble accelerating. The tightness would not allow me to push hard.

Mile 16 to 20 – Manhattan

But still after climbing and descending a quiet Queensboro bridge, I can hear the rumbling and then I was on the wide street of 1st avenue in Manhattan. Even though my pace was really slow, I was excited to hear all of that crowd noise. I was also close to a near accident. A lady in her wheelchair tried to cross the very wide 1st avenue street and a runner almost took her out. But otherwise the streets were clear and filled with different bands, from Rock to Rap. I started to give my Jersey fist pump or at least I tried

Mile 20 to 21 – Boogie Down Bronx

I waved at the cheerleaders to scream. Even though my right hamstring, started to tighten, I knew I was almost there. The bridges coming in and out of the Bronx were tough especially after 21 miles. But I should be good to finish.

Mile 21 to Finish – Manhattan

A great finish as we approached Central Park. Just like in mile 19, I saw my family and now my brother, friend Julio and my cousin Silvia who took the train down from Connecticut. With the hamstring and hip problems, I was worried if I would have knee issues. But I never did, thanks to the orthotics. Going much slower now at 9 minutes per mile, I tried to push but was running almost on empty. For the last half-mile I tried to pick it up. I tried to push myself to catch the guy running with a big sombrero. And finally I finished at 3:23:02 pace of 7:45/mile.

First half-marathon was at 1:33:57 and 2nd half-marathon was at 1:49:05 with paces of 7:10 and 8:19 respectively.

Although I tried some new things with training: Insanity workout and drink every 4 instead of 2 miles, I learned to throw that out, because it hurt instead of helped. Knowing this, along with more training, I am already pumped about the last fast marathon in Miami in 12 weeks.

A Nasty Fall

This morning I was running my usual 4 mile loop in Rutherford. During the fall and winter, I have to run in the dark. Sometimes I can see and sometimes I can’t. Sometimes the ground is slippery in the winter as well. But if I slip, I usual catch myself before falling.

But this morning, that didn’t happen. There are cement blocks on the sidewalk that are not flush. I try to run on the street since asphalt is softer. But when there is traffic I move to the sidewalk.

After climbing a tough hill and 2 miles into my run, I start to pick up the pace as there is a slight decent. But I tripped over one of the cement blocks on the sidewalk. I brace myself with my hands. But I also landed on my left shoulder, elbow and both knees. I didn’t want to look at my knees because they probably didn’t look good. I was in a little bit of shock, but thought, nothing broken, can I run again?

I lay on the ground for a little bit just to relax. I got up and started walking. After making a left turn, I jogged slowly. After a ½ mile, I picked up the pace. And then after another ½ mile, I ran at regular speed. But for only a short time. I jog slowly back home. There was someone who looked at me strangely for a second. I’ll explain in a bit.

I wanted to wait for my girlfriend to leave the house. But I had to try and change quickly to go to the post office to pick up an important package from the Wounded Warrior Project organization.

When I got into the house, I can see dry blood from my knees all the way down to my shoes. If my girlfriend saw this, she would scream. When I entered the bathroom, I entered with my back turned to her so she couldn’t see the blood.
Finally, I was able to take a shower and wipe the blood off.

It is finally time to get one of those belts that have a flash light attached. Thankfully, no major harm done. I just need to survive training for the next 11 days for the NYC marathon and 3 months for the Miami marathon.☺

A 10 Mile Test

This past Saturday I ran the last 10 miles of the NYC marathon. This wasn’t a race it was a training run. We began at 8AM and were divided into groups. I was in the first group 7 to 7:30/mile pace. It was only 4 of us. The groups would go all the way back to 12 min/mile groups.

This course was not supported meaning there were not any aid stations until you get to the finish line. Also, the streets were not closed so we had to watch for traffic.

So it was a staggered start so my group began first. Much to my surprise there was a 51 year old man as our pacer. I want to be like him one day. That old and still in great shape.

We started at 6:50/mile pace for a couple of miles and then slowly reduced the pace until we got to 7/mile pace. The pacer and one of the runners were talking a lot. But I guess if you can why not. I prefer to save my energy.

After about 7 miles one of the runners began to break away. I was comfortable but too comfortable. I had him in my sights after 8 miles and decided to get the most from this run as I could. I slowly caught up to him at mile 9.5 and I said don’t let me hold you up. He said, 6:30 pace is fine for me. I was more gassed than him but we both finished side by side.

Because the other runner was yapping he was really gassed at the end, but ran a good pace for someone in their 40’s. Again, I hope I can run as well as he does at that age.

From 2′s to 4′s

After speaking with my coach, he says that I am very conservative on my hydration plan during long runs. He says he drinks every 5 miles during a marathon. So I decided to go from 2 to 4 miles. This will save minutes in my marathon finish time.

I used to drink after 45 minutes of running or about 6 miles. But after 20 mile training runs. I hit the wall a couple of times. I hit the wall in the Miami Marathon as well. What happens is your heart is not beating as fast but you can barely move your body. So that’s why I have been drinking every 2 miles on my outside runs (on the treadmill every 1 mile).

I have already changed my hydration plan during my long training runs. For example, 10 days ago, I ran in Secaucus. I created a 5 mile loop (kind of a loop – I see the same streets on occasion). I drank every 3 miles and after 17 miles of running, I didn’t feel dehydrated. I think part of it is because it is getting cooler out so I don’t need to drink as much.

I am hoping this will help me reach my sub 3 marathon goal.

The Pursuit of the 3 Hour Marathon

It is that time of year again.  But this time, will be the last that I go hard.  I have 2 marathons coming up in New York and Miami.  But the big one will be in Miami.

To make my training more effective I have done 2 things.  First, I bought the Garmin watch.  This watch is for triathlons.  I get information from my open water swims, my bike rides (in and outdoors) and runs (in and outdoors).  I have already tried it on my outdoor runs and I love it.  I get my heart rate, speed, distance and time all in 1 screen on the watch.  I can also plug my watch in my computer and check the results after my workouts.  It will be interesting to see how I will progress.

The second and probably most important thing that I bought are coaching lessons.  I will work with my coach anywhere from 2 to 5 times per month.  I would love to work more but he works in New York and I live in Jersey.  His training sessions are offered to his group 3 times a week so I have options.  I can also view on his website to see what he has in store.  I already have taken his advice and move my long runs to Saturdays instead of Sundays so my legs are fresh which means I can really test and see how fast I am.

I guess the other thing to mention is I just bought this video called ‘Insanity’.  Although weight loss won’t be a problem for me, I do want to build a strong core.  And weights and ab work has not been doing it for me at the gym.  Shaun T has designed these high energy workouts which really seem to challenge the core.  Although I probably shouldn’t do these workouts 6 days a week, I will shoot for 3 days a week.  My girlfriend is also looking forward to getting the shirt that says, “I EARNED IT”

For years, I have aimed for a 3 hour marathon, but now I think I have the tools and resources to get me there.  Looking forward to a great 20 weeks of training.

The Next Charity, Wounded Warrior Project

After almost 3 years of fundraising for 3 different charities, my team and I have done pretty well so far.  Over $23,000 has been raised for these charities.  A big THANKS goes to my brother, Eddie who has organized fundraisers that have brought in thousands of dollars.

But our work is still not done.  There are still a lot of soldiers who need our help.

And so I am proud to announce that our next charity will be the Wounded Warrior Project.  Our goal is $6,000 by October 2012 which will be the month of either the Ironman World Championship or the Beach 2 Battleship Ironman.

The Wounded Warrior Project provide many types of assistance for our troops.  The have programs for the MIND, BODY, ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT and ENGAGMENT.

For the MIND, the have programs such as Project Odyssey.  Project Odyssey gives soldiers an opportunity to overcome combat stress through outdoor retreats where troops can connect with nature, peers, Project Odyssey staff and trained counselors.  Activities include horseback riding, canoeing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing and skiing.

For the BODY, WWP has its ‘Soldier Ride’.  With this bike ride, troops can ‘reclaim their confidence and strength’.  WWP has these rides all over the country like Boston, Seattle and Nashville.

For ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT, 1 program is called the Transition Training Academy.  Through this schooling, warriors can explore a career in the IT field.  Classes are given in the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, Camp Pendleton in CA, Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Fort Bragg in NC and Fort Carson in CO.

For ENGAGEMENT, warriors who have recovered have the opportunity to tell their story.  These vets will get a training course on oral presentation.  This ‘training provides important life skills that help warriors succeed socially, at their workplaces, and as community leaders.’

With programs like these, it was an easy selection.  And so we look forward to the next 14 months of fundraising.

2011 Ironman Lake Placid report

First, I want to thank my mom and girlfriend for making the long trip up north with me to watch the race.

Ok, we were all lucky.  With the heat wave all week, the temperature dropped on Sunday.  Sunday’s high was 75 degrees.

The Swim Leg

So the wetsuit was optional, but since I am a slow swimmer, I decided to wear one for the 7AM start.  This would be a mass start which is a first for me.  This year I was happy before the start.  I had a big smile on my face as I entered the water.  Some athletes waited on the beach and me and others kept ourselves up in deep water.

Finally, the gun went off and it was chaos.  Arms and legs were all over the place.  I tried to hold my ground even though my arm would get tangled with other arms.  I could see feet in front of me, so sometimes I had to slow down or else I would get kicked in the face.  I could not go around because there were too many people.  2300+ started at the same time.

After 20 minutes, the traffic cleared.  I focused on long strong strokes.  I would zig zag a little bit as I tried to stay outside.  After 45 minutes of swimming, I had to pee, but I had a long way to go.

I approached the finish, but this was just the 1st lap finish.  At 52 minutes and change, I had to get in the water again.  I was really disappointed with this split so I tried to make up sometime.

I had a pretty good rhythm going and was just thinking about finishing so I can use the bathroom.

I finished the swim at 1:26:42 which was 5 minutes better than last year.  The wetsuit helped, but I also think my tempo trainer helped me with developing a longer swim stroke.

So I got into the transition area.  I was a little disappointed with myself.  I remembered my gatorade bottles, but I forgot my food for the long bike ride: bagles, clif bars and beef jerky.  But I bought some stuff at the convenience store so this wasn’t a big deal.

The Bike Leg

As mentioned, I practiced in Bear Mountain many times so I felt I was ready for this.  This would also be a 2 loop course with plenty of hills.

I began with a little bit of a climb and then it was a long steep descent.  I was going so fast my bike was shaking as I would go over some uneven street terrain.  I would catch wind and that shook my bike as well.  I was scared.

But finally it was over and for about 10 to 15 miles it was just flat with some rolling hills.

I drank a lot but I probably didn’t need to.  It was not that hot and I wasn’t sweating alot.

Now I approached the big climb.  From mile 30 to 65 it was just a long climb.  It wasn’t grueling like where I train but this slowed me down alot.  I could not hammer through because I still have to climb this hill again and PLUS I have to run a marathon.

So I climbed up to the mid-way point where I could see the big crowds again.  This was very uplifting.

But before I began my descent I had to stop and use the restroom.  This was a big time-killer.

Now I was back on the bike and ready for the 2nd loop.

Again, the long and dangerous descent.  I was holding on for dear life

Then that was over and I was relieved.  But shortly, I had to relieve myself again.  I was hoping I could hold it until transition.

From mile 88 to 112, the finish, was another big climb.  I started to run out of food and my stomach was grumbling.  My feet started to hurt as well to my surprise as this never happened during training.  I will have to get softer shoes next year.

Finally, I saw the mile 100 marker and I decided to stop and relieve myself.  This was also good because I could give my feet a break from the pounding.

The last 12 miles took forever but finally I approached the crowd again.  They were great.  So were the volunteers who had to work many hours but still cheered for us.

Finally, I finished after riding 7 hours and 47 minutes and 26 seconds and saw my mom there waiting.  I had to yell at her since I didn’t tell here what bike jersey I was wearing – poor planning on my part.

I entered transition and was pumped for the run.

The Run Leg

I began the marathon – wait a minute – my right shoe was loose – I had to tighten it again.  Now I begin the marathon with plenty left in my hamstrings and calves.

Coming downhill, I was running 7:20 to 7:30 splits/ mile.  I slowed to just 7:45 splits and kept this up for many miles.  I had just 4 energy gels with me as I planned on grabbing more from the volunteers.  I tried to remember to eat an energy gel every 20 minutes.  I would slow for gatorade at every mile aid station.

From mile 9 to 12 was a big climb.  This slowed my pace, but I was still running pretty well.  I decided no one would pass me.  And no one did until the flat mile 12 to 13.  I heard someone breathe hard and catch me.  Then I would run faster.  He would do it again.  Finally, we were side by side and he asked, “is this your first or 2nd lap?  I answered comfortably, “this is my first”. He said, “OK, I thought you were another runner running a crazy final mile like me”.  I said, “No, I won’t run this fast the 2nd time around”.  And so we ran side by side until he turned right for the finish and I turned left for the 2nd lap.

I missed this crazy guy because I had no one to pace for the tough last 13 miles.

But going down was kind of easy, even though I was pounding on my hips.

Finally, I got to the somewhat flat miles 15 to 21 and my legs were dead.  I tried to run 9:15, 9:30 and even 9:45 splits but my legs could not do it or mentally I couldn’t push myself.  The problem was I pushed too hard on that first 13.  Instead of running 1:47 for the 1st 13, I should have ran 1:50 or so.

I forgot to stay on top of my energy gels too and my stomach was grumbling.  I would only slow for gatorade.  It was sometimes tough to push and keep going again.

I was now running 10 minute splits and it got even worse as I approached the final climb from mile 21 to 25.  But I had plenty of practice on the hills of East Rutherford, NJ so I kept a nice shuffle.

Now I could hear the crowds and music and I started to climb really fast.  I could see my mom, girlfriend and niece waiting for me.  I stretched my hand for a hi-five and these cute girls intercepted and my girlfriend got jealous.  I did hi-five her niece and my mom.

Now I only had 1.2 miles to go and this stretch was flat.  I was going really fast and people loved my shirt and wanted hi-fives too.  It simply said, “I BRING IT”.  There was 1 wise guy who stretch his hand and then took it away right when I was going to slap it.

Now it was just a 1/2 mile left and I was excited.  That final stretch I cannot put the feeling into words.  There are lights out now since it was 8:30PM and the crowd was crazy.  The announcer called my name and where I was from as I approached the finish.

I finally finished and I tugged on my shirt for the camera after running 3 hours and 58 minutes and 50 seconds.

I was happy just to finish with a 13 hour and 35 minute and 7 second final time since this was a brutal course.  Maybe Hawaii next year will be easier