Fundraising status

Thanks to every one who has donated to LLS so generously, we have reached close to 30% of our fund raising target. Through emails and phone calls, I have received heart warming and inspirational comments to keep me focussed on the training and on the fundraising. Your support keeps me going mile after mile. During training days, if I feel that the laziness is creeping in ever so slightly, I remind myself of your kind support and that gets my lazy bum out on the road again.
We still have a long way to go. If you have thought about contributing to a good cause (and getting a tax deduction :-)), this is the best time and do not delay it any further. Pl. click here and press the "Donate Now" button. I thank in advance for all your generous contribution.

Peace,
Sai

Week 6: Good, Bad, the Ugly .. ..and Good again

'Twas the best of the weeks and it was the worst of the weeks.. Had a great start. This week, I started with the weights. Having a good core is key for good stride, rhythm and stamina while running. With the kind of shape I am in, I wont recognize a core if it falls right on my lap! Over the next couple of months, I am planning to change all of that (Yeah right.. I will be the governator). Ok.. so, started well.. that is the Good..

There is a bug going around at workplace and at home. I caught it and by Tuesday I was walking like a zombie.. red eyes, uncouth hair and the works.. Initially I thought it was the pollen allergy. So took a couple of anti-histamine and thought that would subside the allergic reaction. It did not help. That was the bad.

By Wednesday, I was in the same shape as I was in week1. So, called a day off, stayed home and got some shut eye (with claritin, paracetamol, delsym, nyqil cocktails). And in all of this, I missed 2 days of workout. These were supposed to be the buddy run (4 miles) and crosstraining days. That was the ugly.

Thankfully the rest and the pills worked and when I woke up, I felt sweated out and better. I pushed my luck and showed up at the tracks on Thursday. The energy of the crowd masked any of the discomfort from my illness. The tracks went very well (and hurray, someone discovered the light switch, this time we really had the lights ON!). That is the good again part !

This week is an on-your-own run week. On Saturday, I just completed 6 miles circuit around the Evergreen neighbourhood. If you were in that area and you saw a pear shaped guy running the high slopes of Evergreen, that is 'yours truly' ;-)

Next week, I am hoping for a better continuity at cross training. Next saturday, we have a 10 miles run.. Gearing up for that.

Have fun,
Sai

Week 5: Summary

This is more detail than you are interested. So, I am blogging just for my record.

• I have lost 4 pounds from the start of my training. I have not set a goal nor am I interested in pursuing any weight loss program. All I want is a healthy mind in a healthy body. Rest are all details
• When I am running, my heart rate used to stabilize around 170 beats/min. This is really high. That was because I never had done any cardio workouts for a long time. After 3 weeks into regular training, I noticed that it is getting stabilized at 157-159 beats/min. Starting this week, I am planning to incorporate more X-training/non-impacting cardio workouts. That should help me pull down the equilibrium heart rate even down. This is very important because lower this stabilized rate, longer I can run without getting tired.
• Training for a running event is more about general fitness and less about running per se (2 days of running out and 4 days of cross training and core workouts). I would not have known this on my own. This is where most of the on-your-own tryouts fail. When I prepped (bootless attempt) for Big sur marathon, I tried running all 5 days and by the 2nd week got all kinds of pains and dropped out.
  
• In the coming weeks, I have to focus on weights training. My aim is to get through the push ups without wussing out (like I did last Tuesday ;-))

Peace
sai

Fundraising: 1/4th done, 3/4th to go

I am really moved and humbled by all the support I am getting from my friends, colleagues and family. Thanks to your generous contributions, so far we have raised $1,100 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We have ways to go and I will be following up with you, gently reminding you, nudging you, nagging you, begging you and threatening you in the following weeks :-) But those who have contributed so generously, I thank you. Your support will keep me motivated in getting my lazy bum out and run.

In fact one of my friends mentioned that if I did not complete the marathon, I have to repay double what he contributed. Now, that's a wager that will keep me focused :-)

The fund raising page is alive, up n running at http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/rnrseatl09/sgopalakrishnan

Peace out,
sai.

Week5: 8 mile run!

The TNTers met at Almaden Lake Park in San jose. There were several options depending upon the program we are training for. We can do 4 miles/6 miles or 8 miles run. Since I was prepping myself mentally for a 8 miles run this week, I went all the way. It is a circuit with 4 miles end to end. There were mile markers every mile and a lot of mentally motivating chalk-marks on the way. So, it did not really feel like 8 miles. Every 2 miles there was a water stop (water + some electrolyte crap). At 4 mile marker, there were Cliff gel packets. I liked it better than the Power gel. I finished the 8 miles in 1:40 minutes (12 min mile). I don't think I will be able to improve the time a lot. But with more core workouts (without cheating) and stretches, I can improve the comfort level post run. And that's all I care about.

When I first read the schedule, I thought this was nuts. 3 weeks into formal training, and they want us to run 8 miles! Now, I trust those guys know what they are doing. In 2 weeks from now, we are doing 10 miles run in Coyote Creek. That's the next milestone!

Peace,
sai.

Week5: Coach's workout

The first 2 sessions at the Los Gatos High school tracks were a breeze. The coaches showed us some stretches and the runs in the tracks were not continuous as well. So, I was expecting similar easy workout this Thursday. Boy, was I in for a rude awakening ! The workout started with 2 rounds warm up and stretches (So far ok.. no complaints). The the coach said we are going for a 6 min run (2 to 2.5 rounds around the track depending upon your speed) followed by core strengthening workout. Earlier it used to be 6 min run followed by "loosening up". This time it was core bootcamp. 6 min run/coreworkout repeated 5 times. It got excruciating by the 2nd rep for me. So, I cheated in all possible manner on the core workout (I did my pushups with knees on the grass tee hee :-)).

Also because of the breaks in rhythm, I did not run as smoothly as I did my Tuesday run. This may also got to do with the food. On Tuesday, I had a good foot long sub sandwich 3-4 hours before the run. On Thursday I had fatty food (mattar paneer) for lunch. I have to some trial and error to find out. It is hurting till Friday.. Hope my sat run doesnt get affected due to this!

Sai.

Week5: OYO runs

On Monday, I just limited myself to simple indoor cross training. On Tuesday, I did a 4 mile circuit in my neighborhood. Because of the slopes, this run used to hurt my back and I never liked the timing in these runs. But training here helps my regular Saturday runs. Most of the Saturday runs happen in relatively flat conditions. I also changed my posture a bit with some help from my coach. So, this Tuesday I ran without any complaints. The stretches help phenomenally. So far, no injuries and no pains and that's what I want to report after the d-day as well :-)

Peace,
sai.

Week4: Saturday run

I thought of joining the run at Rancho San Antonio County Park. The run was at 7AM. I must have reset my alarm. I woke up at 6:45AM. Cussed myself and went to catch the next boat - the 8AM run at River mark plaza. About half the run was on paved roads and the scenery wasn't quite as good as the one @ Rancho. But a mile is still a mile. We started from the police station @ RiverMark plaza through Agnew, Lafayette and Hope hit Lick Mill and ran till tasman. Following that, the stretch on the Guadalupe creek trail was easy on the legs. We finished the loop back at the police station and bid farewell. This was an OYO (on-your-own) run. So, no water station. But the mentor (Chris) brought some water and Gatorade at the loop end. We thanked him profusely and gulp-gulped the H2O. Reached home in time for breakfast.

I have to cover 8 miles in the next week long run :-)
sai.

Week4: Coach's workout

Today we did timed track at Los Gatos High School. The trainer had the wrong keys to the lights room and so we all ran in the dark. It wasn't that bad. We had 2 laps of warm-up followed by stretches. The main work out was on the tracks with the coach timing our run. It was 1 lap-rest-1lap-rest-2laps-rest repeated twice. When we run the laps, the finishing lap should be faster than the first one. So, controlling the speed in first lap and running slower than what I usually run (it is very hard to do that :-)) is the only way to achieve that goal. But I did not realize how hard it is to control the speed initially and switch on the "Turbo" towards the end. It was a good work out. The timing was "2:57,2:10,5:09 :::: 2:50,2:20,5:20" run. The coach said there will be a marked improvement between this and post training. They keep saying these things to keep you motivated ;-))

BTW, got the group photo clicked during the orientation meeting. Attached for viewing pleasure !

Rgds
sai.

Week4: Bad start

I have skipped my Monday workout (excuse: lot of catchup to do @ work). Tuesday run was not satisfactory. The thing that goes on in one's head can really screw up one's rhythm. There should be a switch to mentally shut up. I ran for a couple of miles but walked the rest. I thought I should just get out rather than skipping it all together.

Sai

Week3: Run at campbell park

We met at Campbell park for the first Saturday run. I did a 4 mile run but unlike near home, at Campbell park it was almost flat. So, I could do the run by 40 mins. In the near term, that is my only goal - to run 10 min miles consistently. We had good cookies and other munches waiting for us at the end of the run. There are around 60 members in our chapter. They all were there at the park on time and we started the run as scheduled. That is pretty amazing. Grace said I have to rest completely on Sunday.. Why Sunday.. I will start resting right away ;-)

Peace,
sai.

Week 3: Coach's work out

We had our first track workout @ Los Gatos High School. Google map completely messed up the directions. I had to resort to the good ole way of asking directions at Chevron. I went in 15 mins late. But since it was the first week, the intro sessions were going on. We did a 6 min run 1 min walk around the track for 2 miles. It was preceded by a good stretching session (almost felt like a workout). After the tracks, Rol, the honoree for this event, shared his experience with Leukemia. It was inspiring to hear Rol and his wife talk about the trying times and how they handled it with grit and humor. Rol was cheering for us when we were in the tracks and he joined us for the Sunday run as well. It puts every thing in perspective.

Rgds
sai

Fund raising page up and running

Call to action: The fund raising page for The Leukemia & Lymphoma society is up and running at
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sj/rnrseatl09/sgopalakrishnan. The re commitment date is Mar 24 2009. We don't have a lot of time. I would appreciate if you take time to visit the site. Thanks in advance for your generous contribution. It is 100% tax deductible. Also, most of your employers would match your contribution. So, even if you donate $25, with employer contribution, it comes to a very generous amount. No amount is small. What do they say about little drops and ocean?

You can check if your employer matches your donation for The Leukemia & Lymphoma society at http://www.matchinggifts.com/lls/

If your employer has a matching contribution, pl. mention in the notes section (or something similar in your employer page) that the sponsor for this fund raising is "Saikrishnan Gopalakrishnan, Team in Training, Runner, Seattle Marathon June 2009".

Thanks in advance,
Sai.

Week 3: Training officially starts this week

Attended the orientation today and got introduced to my coach, mentor and my fellow running mates. We have a shoe and gear clinic on Sunday, core building session at Los Gatos school on Thursday and coach led running session at Campbell park next Saturday. I am hurting in my upper shin from my run on Friday. I will check with the coach tomorrow how to avoid it.

Federer V. Nadal Aus open finals tonight. I want Federer to win. But I think Nadal gets into Federer's head and Nadal contemptuosly dismisses Federer. So, let's see!

Sai.

Week 2: Got the gears

The photo says it all ! With the cap, the neck buff (that can be converted into a balaclava), I look more like a mugger than a runner ;-) With the new gears, I went for a 4 mile circuit close to home. My time sucked. It is no where close to what I get on tread mill. It was close to a fast walk than a run. Hopefully, I improve my time as the program progresses.

Sai.

Week 2: More indoor workouts

Went with the advise from the coach and restricted myself to 3 days of indoor ellipse train outs. This week I went for 60 min workouts to the numbers from "Forrest Gump", "Eric Clapton", "Harry Belafonte" and "ABBA Gold". My most favorite is "Forrest Gump". But the thing I like about "ABBA Gold" is that it runs for 77 minutes. 77 minutes of pure unadulterated mind numbingly stupid Pop. That lets me run uninterruptedly for 60 mins.

Am still waiting for my gear from REI. I chose the ship to store option. Why is it taking so long to ship to their own store. Don't they have these gears in the shop itself?

Ponderingly,
sai.

Week1: Mild workout

During my recuperation, I just did some very mild workout indoors on my Ellipse. Also, I did some research on the gears required for outdoor running in cold weather. The gear list includes wicking layer, a running jacket, a neck buff, thinsulate cap, wicking gloves, running socks and even wicking briefs! Ordered them online on REI. Will post the photos when they arrive.

BTW, Wedding anniversary #5 :-)
Sai.

Week1: Got inspired... and Got Sick!

After the initial information session, I got totally inspired. The training coaches advised me to do some regular warm-up exercises (ellipse, treadmill and some indoor activities) until end of January. The first boot camp starts only in the first week of February.

So, what did I do? I came home, wore my cotton T-shirt, track suits, my old sneakers and headed out. It was 32 deg outside (Yes, you polar bears from elsewhere, the denizens of the SF Bay area are delicate). I did not wear any head/ear protection. I caught some bug and had a severe strep throat. I did not bother to give any fight. I just went with the flow and let it run its course. The antibiotics for my tonsils flare-up wore me out.

It did not quite start well.. Hopefully, it gets better from here!
sai.

My feeble attempt at making a difference

May be I got carried away by all the messages of 'Hope', 'Change' and 'Yes we can'; may be I got so tired of the mundane routines in my life; may be I was trying to fill the time I used to spend at MBA; or may be I was actually trying to do something meaningful. I don't know which one it is. But the reality is that I found myself sitting at one of the information sessions hosted by Team in Training (TNT).

When I went in, my goal was purely a self-centered one - to run a marathon and checklist one of the items in my 'Bucket list'. I tried once on my own but given my proclivity towards procrastination and given the demands at work and at personal life (ahem!, here comes the excuse), I did not have any motivation to stick to the rigors of training. So, following the advice from one of my colleagues, I decided to go through a systematic training program and get this checklist done with. I did not know what TNT was. I got that info and much more in the information session.

The TNT program is the world's largest and most comprehensive endurance training program. More than 5% of all people who run a marathon do it through TNT. One of their goals is to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles. But I came to know in the information session that it was only one of their goals and that their mission was larger than such mundane things as helping people to cross the finish line (which indeed is still a big deal for me!).

In 1988 Bruce Cleland's 2-year old daughter, Georgia, had leukemia. He organized a team that raised $320, 000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), while training to run the NYC Marathon and TNT was born. Today, Georgia is a healthy and happy young woman and TNT prepares people all across the country (even complete novices such as yours truly) to run or walk marathons, cycle 100-mile bike rides and compete in triathlons. I chose to do the Seattle full marathon in June 2009.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The society is one of the leading voluntary healthcare agencies, with ~75% of expenditures going to support the mission. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $600 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. An LLS-funded researcher developed Gleevec, a pill for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Now, 95 percent of newly diagnosed, chronic-phase CML patients survive more than five years with a good quality oif life. LLS also offers support groups, financial aid, co-pay assistance, information and advocacy programs for patients and their families.

After hearing from one of the honorees (a survivor of leukemia), I decided to make myself part of this program and raise $4,000 for the cause. I wanted to do one 'meaningful' deed before Shivani gets to 1. And here's my feeble attempt at it. I trust the coaches in TNT know what they are talking about. I trust their experience in crossing the marathon line. More importantly, I trust my friends to help me cross the fundraising goal for LLS.

Peace out,
Sai.