Anyhow, congratulations Chris…I knew you would make it.

Eric Bergman

This entire reply is below, but WAY too long. Here are my bullet points:
- I didn’t like the side-sloped portions of the San Diego course.
- I was an idiot and got there late, because of that I was at the back of the pack.
- There is PLENTY to like in San Diego, and the Rock & Roll Marathon was run by a class organization who did a great job (as I stated in my original post). I didn’t like several sections of the course.
- I do not like being behind walkers, and will try not to be back there again.
- I was a little too critical of TNT in my first post, but am wary of any group that becomes an overwhelming majority.
- TNT seems like a fine organization and admirably donates to charity, I prefer donating to The V Foundation as 100% of donations go directly to cancer research. I did not see the same statistics on TNT’s site, but I may be wrong.

My post was in no way about making excuses or just to complain, I was just giving an honest view from my perspective. My failure to plan well is my own fault; I was at the back of the pack because I didn’t get there early enough - totally my fault. Obviously 20,000 people managed to get there before me so it couldn’t have been that difficult to get there on time… and I didn’t. This was the first time I’ve ever run from the absolute back of the pack, and it was an unpleasant experience - that’s the point I was making with my post. I’ve never been mixed in with the walkers during a race, and when there are so many of them walking 4-5 wide it is no fun for anyone (except them). They absolutely have a right to be there, they have the right to amass in any formation they choose - they paid their entry fee and have the same rights as anyone else. Anyone who wants to enjoy *running* the race will not enjoy being behind them… lesson learned. I also think that because there was no half marathon, a lot of people opted to go for the whole 26.2 and were conservatively pacing themselves at the back of the pack. Kudos to them for making the leap!
I do not have ANYTHING against TNT in particular, and I can see how my post missed that point (even though I stated “I’m all for TNT” empowering people…). Actually, as a race director myself I had TNT at my races in ‘07 and they were great folks across the board that I enjoyed dealing with. TNT has seen exponential growth in the last few years, from a handful of purple shirts at most tris to an overwhelming presence at San Diego Rock & Roll Marathon. My point is simple; when a single group becomes a majority then they will invariably use that leverage to benefit their own interests - that is human nature. I truly and sincerely hope that TNT remains true to its mission regardless of their size and clout.

Good Luck. Remember to hydrate this time!

“You should not confuse your career with your life.”

Thank goodness I have time to wait for your help on our next project.

What are you down to? I’m back up to 310 again…ugh…

eric

Actually, I’m NOT blaming my wife. I’m blaming it on my kid. Its ALL HER FAULT. No, actually, it just made for a very interesting start to my first race. And the only reason you can’t do the run is because you decided to stay in Washington. If you were out here, you’d be running with me.

That’s what I call progress!!!

On another note, I’ve begun to motivate co-workers out here in AZ to trail for a marathon… I’ll keep you posted on that! I’m just getting back into shape for the San Diego Marathon on June 1!

Whoa! We ALL have these days! When it is me, I go here:

http://www.simpletruths.com/dash/index.html

Taking care of ourself and our spirit is JUST as important as exercise, sleep and eating well. So today, find a place, (bathroom, who cares!), and take a few deep breaths. Try and center yourself and carry that throughout the rest of the day.

Call me if you like!

You are great, cool, fun, terrific, and awesome! Being here is a gift!

Be well,
Jamie

I didn’t realize you’d posted, or I wouldn’t have trounced you with my non-event post I just put up.

As for sit-ups/push-up/dips. See, in my mind, I wouldn’t even bother doing that stuff, yet. Its not that much a part of me. I just don’t think about it. I’m surprised you’re finding time to workout after 10 hour days hoofing it in the snow, anyway.

Will we see you on TV?

I love the fact that he LOVES his chocolate chip cookies too!

Keep up the good work!

Grigs

I wish we had pictures already, especially since I need one for your bio page. I’m also seriously glad that this isn’t 9 months to Marathon.

- Chris

And it may be hard to tell from the photo, but that’s raw flesh there. There’s no skin at all in those patches. The weirdest part was that I didn’t really notice them until the next morning as I sat on the couch and wondered what was causing this dull burn every time I touched the backs of my ankles to the couch fabric. Ouch

You’re right on both counts. Everyone at work has been nothing but supportive. “Do what you gotta do. Work will still be here.”

And, after yesterday’s workout, even though my legs are sore, I still felt better than I had in days. Both mentally and physically.

Hope to see you tomorrow! Hope Jamie didn’t miss me.

Thanks for the clarifications. Its a lot of information to take in, and I find that my notes aren’t always the best.

As for the calories of the fruits, I pulled from a website, and I based them on the size of fruit I usually eat

See you soon!

Chris

Quote: “However, stay away from fats, since fats will inhibit your body’s ability to process the foods and you will lose the benefits of the other foods.”
Fats won’t harm you after a workout, they just slow digestion, slowing the rate at which the carbohydrate and protein can be absorbed by your muscles. You are better off waiting a little while to eat fats so you can deliver nutrients to your muscles quickly after a workout.

Quote: “Also, remember that foods eaten up to about an hour before you work out will also be absorbed this way, since they’re first on tap.”
You got this one a little off here - foods eaten right before a workout will help to balance blood sugar levels during a workout, and will only be used as fuel if you’ve depleted your stored energy (i.e. lunch).

Quote: “A good example is that in terms of calories, 1 large banana (86 calories) = 2 apples (88 calories) = 4 cups of strawberries (90 calories). ”
Almost: Banana = 105 calories, Apple = 80 calories, 4 cups strawberries = 90 calories.

Quote: For instance, items like pretzels may be somewhat low in calorie density, but their nutritional value is also very low.
Nope: Pretzels and most other “dry” carbs like crackers, etc. are actually high in energy density because they weigh hardly anything and have lots of calories for this weight! Example: an apple weighs about 6oz. and has 80 calories. Just 1 oz. of pretzels has 110 calories.

Quote: “Something about the Whey Protein is most easily used by the body, and so is the best choice for this purpose.”
Whey protein is very easy for the body to absorb and assimilate into muscle fibers, tissue, and other important uses for protein. Other proteins are not as easily taken up by the body; this is otherwise known as its “bioavailability.” Eggs are also one of the most bioavailable proteins.

Hope this helps! Night all!

Yeah, sometimes I feel like I’m doing great. Sometimes I feel like I’m doing OK. Sometimes I look and feel like I’ve failed miserably that day, or even that meal, and then just tell myself, ‘I’ll do better next time.’

Just a thought. As things wind up on a lot of the ‘physical’ subjects, would you like me to get a bit more detailed in posting about foods? Just a thought. We might be able to find a way to tackle it on the blog, with me sharing certain things I’ve eaten, or meals prepped at home.

One thing I noticed is that, I’d started to try the eating small 5 or 6 meals a day when I was working out lightly on my own, and it was hard to stick to. Sometimes I just didn’t feel hungry, and it threw the whole schedule out of whack, or I felt like I was over eating.

Now that I’m working out almost daily, tho, I find that I’m more than ready to eat every 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours. At least I’m no longer constantly hungry.

Well, I’ve actually only gotten to that last tier of clothing, though. There are several more to go, and I’m kind looking forward to dusting off several items along the way, including a pair of zebra striped… well, never mind. But I won’t be getting back into those until July, I’m sure.

Ask some of those folks in the hall to stop by the blog and just say “hi”!

I lost 45 lbs in 2002 on weight watchers - there was nothing more satisfying than realizing that by applying a simple set of rules I could take control of my body. Hopefully this month has made that fact reality for you, and you’re on a path to a long and healthy life

Now, if next week we have a gain as well, we have to look at your intake a little closer. But for now keep doing what you’re doing! See you soon. Jamie

Take care Chris,

Eric

See you next week. J

If it was healthy, I could subsist almost entirely on Tostitos.

Keep up the great work, yourself! 25lbs, eh? That’s great! Once we’re both down to size, I’ll have to fly in and get a family picture taken.

And its nice to know that the hunger might go away soon, as well.