A Music Revolution

I downloaded iTunes in the first 24 hours ir was available for Windows.  (iTunes originally came out only for Mac, and in those days no one owned a Mac.  There was no iPhone.)  I fiddled with it some, ended up spending the entire night playing, downloading, etc.  My wife thought I was insane.  I told her -- the music world has changed forever.  Record stores are extinct (one of the biggest in the world was around the corner), and albums are history too.  And oh, Apple will rule the music business.  She laughed.  I was 100% right.

My next reaction was to buy a bunch of Apple stock.  My friends talked me out of it -- it was expensive and the success of iTunes was already factored into the stock price.  Besides...its Apple.  Um, ok, right, so I passed.  The stock is only up about twenty times since then.  100% wrong.

I have been trying to get music and running right since the beginning.  Headphones -- I have tried them all.  Seriously, I bet I have 20 pair.  I owned, as a kid, one of the very first Walkman stereos (a cassette tape model, with foam covered headphones and before the yellow rubberized case, 1980 maybe?).

My first Walkman circa 1980?

So, with that backdrop...I present the next revolution...bluetooth headphones.  In essence, athletic headphones with a tiny bluetooth receiver in them so no wires to the iPod.  Is that a big deal?  I think so.  The wires bounce and tend to pull out the headphones.  (My Sennheiser sport headphones have the single worst cord design I have used -- a microphone right in the middle that bounces and both distracts and pulls out the headphones in ear.)   For my runs, I assiduously plan the location of my iPod, the wires, where they go, etc., and the armband, Spibelt, pocket whatever, where the iPod will be stashed.

For Christmas, Mrs. Wolve gave me a new iPod Nano.  Eh, don't need it, but thanks, probably return it.  Keepin mind I just returned and got a new pair of Westone headphones (under warranty yeah!) which died because of sweat. But then I saw a post about these bluetooth ones, designed for sports and  sweatproof ...Jaybird Bluebird X.  What if...I used the headphones, bluetoothed to iPhone...yeah!  I bought the headphones (pricey at $169, but I had discounts from Best Buy to use, so not insane).

First run, with the iPhone, was a revelation!  Not having wires dangle was just, like magic.  They sounded great and it was literally like music just appeared in your ears.  It is disorienting really, not having a wire dangling, because I expect it.  Its just wierd, but awesome.

The next problem was the iPhone.  Its too heavy to stash in a pocket and slung around as I ran.  And then I remembered..the new Nano has bluetooth!  Awesome ...it will fit into the tiny little pocket inside most of my running shorts. (For whatever reason, most mens shorts have like a 2 inch elastic pocket sewn into the waist that is good for nothing except holding a nano.  Maybe a key, but not money, trust  me.

And so I configured the nano, the headphones paired, etc.,.. and ...Game Over.  This is it.  The nano is undetectable.  The sound is incredible.  The lack of wires is indescribable.  This is it, the ultimate running music set up.  I cannot describe enough how crazy good the sound is and the lack of wires makes it just like it is coming from inside your head.

Is it perfect? Eh., pretty close.  As the name implies the Jaybirds, are bud style which have to lodge in your ear canal to stay put.  When they do, the sound is incredible.  If they slide out the sound is only just good, and it feels like they are about to fall out as I ran.  Invariably, I can't get the right size tip and the holder to make a perfect fit.  Soon, though, someone will take the Yurbud idea (a rubbery thingee that molds to your ear and make them bluetooth and sweatproof...and bang.

I called the iTunes revolution.  The next one is bluetooth headphones.

Garmy is Dead, Sad Panda

Well, my long love/hate affair with my beloved/despised Garmin 410 is coming to an end.

The battery is just giving out, and unreliable, and can't hold a charge.  The last two times I have gone to use it, I charged it in the morning, and by the time I pulled it out of my bag at the gym, it was dead.  The GPS is off and it is just not holding the charge.  I noticed it about 6 months ago, but was very particular about keeping charged, etc.  Now, I can;t deny it -- it is time to move on.  And I think I need a new ANT stick for my compute (my other one, the outer case is cracked and wont stay on the USB stick and it is just a matter of time before it is damaged).  And I think I need a new HR strap alos.  My existing one is stretched, and just doesn't really work right anymore (maybe that is the 410 battery fault?).  But all in all, the set is over two years old, and shows its age.

That then leads me to...whats next?  I could send back to Garmin for a $90 repair.  But I also need a new USB stick, which is around $30, and a heart rate monitor is around $50.  A whole new 410 kit is around $140, so that doesn't make sense.

So, I can do one of several things.

Option One: re-up for the love/hate relationship with a new 410.  I just don't know if I can do this again.  Before the 410, I had a 405, so I have been dealing with the touch bezel for years.  And I just can't get excited about buying a new 410, as much as I try to rationalize it.  There are times in any relationship when it is time to just move on, and I think I am at that point with the whole touch bezel experience.

Option Two: a Garmin 210.  Buttons! Functionality!  Not too fancy.  But... the kit with a new HRM costs $250, even on eBay.  Note to Garmin: notice that the less functional, simpler, originally cheaper 210 is now more expensive than the 410?  Why do you think?  Hint: it rhymes with "Much Pezel".  Anyways, I am leaning this way, but I feel like I am paying top dollar for old technology that is bound to be replaced soon.

Option Three:  Some other Garmin device like 610 or 910.  In my opinion (and based on what I have heard and read) my fear is that the 610 is another example of making things too fancy by introducing a touch screen.  Again, why is Garmin so anti-button?  Did little buttons that always work and don't have a mind of their own do something to someone at Garmin?  I wish they would make a 410 with no touch bezel and just buttons.  I'd buy it.  And its expensive too, like $350+.  I would have to really like it to spend that.

Option Four:  Something radically new.  There is a lot of interest in this space given the dearth of options. I am sort of a gadget nut, and so I saw this from former Nokia engineers in Denmark on Kickstarter, the Leikr.  A picture:

I originally saw it when one could be had for $149; now it is up to $299.  And I am a little leery of buying something that I really have no idea how well it will work.  It sure looks cool, though.  Maybe at $149, but at $300, am I really ready to spend that and trust it will work and actually be as cool as it looks?  I don't know. (Just found a DC Rainmaker preview.)  But it won't ship until June/July, so it is kind of out anyways -- I am not waiting six months for my data!

And here is another potential newbie, the Bia.  And a pic.  

But that watch has a separate GPS tracking device trhat is not on the watch itself -- its like a iPod you have to also carry.  That just looks like it won't be a good thing for me -- I have issues carrying my iPod, why do I want to worry about a GPS unit too?  And it also won't ship until June.  But I really, really, hope they make it and it is a viable project.

Sighs.  So I really don't know.

The House Cat and a Race Report

As I recall this, in the early 1990s, the Michigan football team played Iowa, at Iowa, and a sophomore running back named Jesse Johnson had a career day.  In fact, his performance was a total surprise for that player, in that he was not a starter or a star, was a freshman or sophomore, and set a  record, with something like 160 yards.  He never had another memorable game after that one (I think he went pro and relatively undistinguished career).  In the locker room, reporters learned his nickname was the "House Cat".  Reporters asked him how he got the name, and he rather bravely mentioned...I am as big as House but I move like a cat, with cat like reflexes!.  The seniors then said, no, come on, Jesse, tell the truth...and he sheepishly admitted that he didn't work out over the summer and came to school in the fall overweight and out of shape.  The seniors told him that he had turned into a House Cat -- eating and laying around on the couch all summer.

Well, I started off 2013 with a race, the Joe Kleinerman 10K in Central Park.  I am not in very good shape, running wise, or physically.  I have had several injury issues and added some weight since last summer when I ran a 48:40 10k in Central Park (albeit in the opposite direction). I really had few expectations for this run, and wanted to do it, just to get back out there and do a race, any race.  I thought maybe a 54:00 time with 9 minute miles?  And then I remembered a 10k is 6.2 miles, so I thought, ok, maybe under 55:00?  And Central Park is hilly.  But really I just wanted to have a decent race.

To cut to the chase, I ended up 53:08, average pace of 8:40/mile.  Not bad, all things considered.  Yes, I stopped and walked a couple times (at top of Harlem Hill; at the hill in 90s on West Side).  But came home pretty strong and felt, eh, ok.  Not good, not strong, not like I was killing it, just ok.  But I will take it given my relative lack of running and physical condition.  I looked back and in 2009 at this race, I ran a 43:36 10k in this same race.  But that was ages ago, and right after my marathon so I was in peak condition and weight. I always say, don't say "I used to..."  say "I can..."  I was happy to run my 53:08 on Saturday.

My next true goal race is the Marine Corps 17.75k (11.2 miles) on March 23.  I kinda sortof will be training for it, hoping to set myself up for a decent longish run.  That's the next goal, and it felt good to just be out there doing it this week.  My first race in nearly a year, and not a terrible one either, so all things considered, a good day.

But, I couldn't help think about the House Cat.  I had sorta of let myself become the House Cat. I felt as big as a House lumbering around out there, but wanted to think I was quick as a Cat.  The truth is what the seniors told Jesse Johnson, I had just let myself go a little.

On a separate note, I have been absent awhile simply because the Newtown tragedy affected me deeply.  It is simply incomprehensible, and heartbreaking.  And, as the daughter of a 5 year old, I can't even imagine the pain.  I was actually watching in my daughter's Christmas pageant (she was an angel) at the same time as the shooting.  I just cannot fathom it all.   My thoughts, prayers, and best wishes to everyone affected.  I just couldn't write about running for awhile.

I choose otherwise

“But until a person can say deeply and honestly, "I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday," that person cannot say, "I choose otherwise.”
― Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change     

Well, it is holiday time.  After a long break injury induced, but inertia prolonged, I went for a first run yesterday.  For constant runners, they may not have that fear of starting back up again.  For me I know it is harder, and well, a choice I have to make.  I was sitting on my couch, watching a bad Jets game and I thought, you know, there are a thousand excuses for me not to run right now.  It was cold, misty, and when you haven't run in a while, why start now?

Short answer: because I am not going to get back into with a magic thunderbolt.  I am not going to wake up one morning, thinner, back at race weight, race condition, ready to go.  That is the product of a lot of work.  And no time like the present to get there.  As I have previously said, I miss that feeling.  It is power, confidence, something, to know that I can  jump out of bed, knock out 6 or 9 miles at a good pace, and feel...good.  I miss that.

This fall has been a real struggle.  Work has been all consuming.  And stressful.  The weather has not cooperated.  But Saturday, as I woke up, I looked out my window and saw someone jogging by.  I didn't feel so good, and certainly was not in any place to go running.  And when I saw the guy go flying by, I thought, wow I wish that was me.  And it dawned on me that the reason it wasn't me was because I wasn't trying to be that guy.  It is all about choices, and I have been making different choices.

So I resolved to go run on Sunday, no excuses, and no expectations.  Just do it.  My Garmin was dead.  My iPod was dead.  It was a rainy day.  It was cold.  I knew it was going to suck.  But really, why not?  Choices, make them.

Mark Texiera, I feel your pain

Mark Texiera is the starting first baseman for the New York Yankees, with a $22.5 million dolllar annual salary.  I like Mark Texiera, he is a big reason my Texas Rangers are doing so well.  About two weeks ago,on a routine swing and trip around the bases, he hobbled home and was diagnosed with a "calf strain."   He hasn't played in 3 weeks, during which the Yankees have completely tanked (which is A-Ok with me, being a Texas Rangers fan.)

I was watching when the injury happened, and I thought ...oh come on!.  A calf strain?  Really? That keeps a 22 million dollar man out of a playoff chase?  A calf injury? From just swinging the bat? Its not like he ran into a wall or a collision at home plate ... he was swinging the bat!

Well, what a difference a couple of weeks makes.  My calf injury is basically the same as his: a Grade II strain. And there is nothing wussy about it.  It affects the ability to flex the foot and plant and drive.  Thus no running or acclereation, much less lateral speed.  Of course, I assume Mark Texiera is spending all day every day rehabbing, and when he isn't doing that, he is lifting weights or swimming or something to keep up his fitness.  He doesn't work in an office -- its his job to stay healthy and be an athlete.  And its taken him 2 weeks to come back in a critical point in his team's season.

And so last weekend Texiera rejoined the Yankees in a critical game.  He estimated (somewhat playfully I suspect) that his calf was at 87.3%.  On the last play of the game, Yanks down 5-4, runners on first and third, one out,...Texiera comes up.  A hit or fly-ball means a tie game.  The one thing he cannot do is hit into a double play.

So what does he do?  Groundball..oh no!...not a double play ball!  The other team turns one, and throws to first for the second out.  Texiera hustles as fast as he can, slides into first base to beat the throw (which is a proven bad idea),  because he said he couldn't lunge with his calf...and he is called out.  Game over!  Yankees lose a critical game.  And it gets worse...Texiera re-injured the calf muscle and may be done for the season!  Yikes.  So he couldn't run as fast because of his calf and hit into a double play costing his team.  Then, he re-injured himself to boot.  That is just terrible.

Mark Texiera... I feel for you.

So, as the saying goes, Judge not lest ye be judged.  Or until you have walked in his shoes for a mile.  Or something like that.  And don't come back too early. 

Fall is here with New Challenges

Ok, I have been gone for awhile.  It has been a busy summer with a lot going on, and not much running, as I will explain.

After my last run (Fathers Day) , I went on a business trip and had a series of great runs: even did some voluntary speed work.  That weekend though (before July 4), I started feeling bad.  I practically never get sick.  So, I trudged through it but felt different, in a way.   Then I ended up in bed, fever, but also a crazy bad cough.  I went to the doctor, who said nothing major, perhaps a cold, monitor it to make sure it isn't pneumonia. I was having trouble taking a really deep breath, and a cough.  And, doc said DON'T RUN for at least 2 weeks.

About a week later, on vacation in Florida, feeling fine, I went running.  I felt dizzy, short of breath, and my ears would not pop (very strange).  Went to local clinic (before my flight home, I wanted to make sure ears OK), and doc diagnosis: COPD , like asthma, with a smokers cough. Um, no, I don't  think so, given I have never had asthma or smoked, and just two weeks earlier had run 12 miles. The Doc gave me an inhaler (which was a revelation!), some antibiotics, super duper powered cough syrup and said DON'T RUN for at least three more weeks.

About a week later, back at home, feeling fine, I went running.  It was a terrible run, felt like I couldn't breathe and legs felt like cement.  (Sensing a pattern?)  Back to the doctor, who then had chest X Rays done: diagnosis, viral pneumonia.  And DON'T RUN.

Viral pneumonia (also known as walking pneumonia) can be scary, but mine wasn't -- I just couldn't take a really deep breath.  Looking up the symptoms on the Internet, yep, that's it.

So, I listened and waited, this time for real.  I needed to start to train for the NY marathon in November, but I figured I could do it with 12 perfect weeks of training, rather than 16 weeks, and just be real about goals and results.  And I did wait to begin the path and training, with NY Marathon looming like a giant colossus on November 4.

On final vacation of the year in Colorado, had some really great runs.  First real runs of the summer.  The altitude is a butt kicker, but just what I needed to bring back that great running feeling and desire to do it.  I had my training plan set and I was ready to totally suck it up and kick it.

Until Monday, Labor Day.  I had run 12 miles two days earlier (in 90 degree heat and high humidity!) and wanted to run 5.5 hilly miles on Labor day.  In the middle of mile 2, just running along, I suddenly felt a "POP" in my left calf, and I stumbled.  Like oh sh-t, that really hurts! What was that???  I stretched some, tried to run walk/home, hoped it was a cramp and started to worry.

The calf is injured: a Grade II calf strain.  have a large bruise on back of calf, running down in Achilles area.  It hurts to walk on, let alone run.  NY M is out.  Heck, I have to walk first.  Right now I can hobble around, with a slight limp, but realistically I can't push off at all on my foot.  Trying to roll up on top ball of foot hurts, and if I tried to stand on tippy toes, it would produce incredible pain.

This is a humbling injury.  It isn't at all interesting or a battle scar. It hurts to walk, and I know my back is hurting because I have been limping.  It blew up my NY Marathon plans, but that's OK, really (more on that later).  While the calf has gone from "How am I going to get to work or walk?" to "When am I going to walk normally?" it still hurts whenever I move (the bruise has subsided).  This is unlike any injury I have ever had before -- sore joints, muscles, etc., are all just aches and soreness.  This is like a real injury. 

So anyways, that's where I have been.  Other than that, summer went by quickly! And can't wait for fall to begin for real, even if Michigan got creamed by the Tide.

Father's Day 12 miler

As part of my Father's Day, I got a free morning pass to run long.  It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed getting out.  This time, though, rather than turn around at 4.5 miles, I decided to stretch out further, and ended up turning around at 6 miles (after some wandering and getting slightly lost because the trail ended at 5.5 miles).    I had been reading a lot from McMillan and his training paces, and desired to keep my training pace in accord with his suggested pace of Marathon pace +45.  For me, that would be approximately 8:45 miles.  It didn't turn out that way.  I ended up way too fast -- averaging 8:20.  I was monitoring my pace and consciously trying to slow down, but just sort of went with that comfortable long run groove.  Took about 12 oz of water in my Loksaks and 2 Gu chocolate gels. (ate one around mile 5.) I even managed to negative split the run thanks to a 7:50 mile 11.

Garmy worked great for this run, by the way, and I take back all the bad things I said about him.  I couldn't really get good meaningful heart rate data because my HR monitor was giving me crazy numbers -- as in north of 200 bpm for long stretches.  One thing I have learned is that I have to wash my heart rate strap to get good data.  I don't know why an unwashed strap affects the measurements, but it really does; maybe washing flushes salts and grime out of the sensors that interfere with the electrical readings.   

And then back home to a very nice and relaxing Father's Day.  We are still in school, and my older daughter has a big test today (Monday) so we spent the bulk of the afternoon and evening working on her test.  And then she is off to camp in six days.  Wow, the "summer" goes quickly.

I had planned on running the Fairfield Half Marathon on Sunday June 24 (signed up and paid even!), but I have been pressed into kid watching duty while my better half does camp drop off.  Alas, it is not the first time family obligations have gotten in the way of racing, and that is the breaks.