Last week I was running on the beach with M.r Burke I congratulated him on his win at the Operation Jack Marathon and he was thankful for my support. After the run I came home and in the driveway the local paper sitting their and who's face is staring at me?
Freak'n Christian lol. But discerning eye's can find yours truly lurking in the background.
Also in my Driveway was the other weekly paper the "Easy reader." A quick scan through the pages and I found Mr. Burke and once again my dumb ass clapping in the background.
It got me thinking, maybe it was time to digest everything happed in 2010, I found it all a little hard to digest so here I am spewing out the year that was.
Bourbon Feet
a
Year in Review
2010
I have always lived a pretty stupid life by this year takes the cake for ridiculous.
It started out as an experiment. Lets go the whole year without shoe's and see what happens. It became a lifestyle but not quite a moniker. You can call me barefoot Pat if you like but it aint who I am. Early in the year it was a struggle to figure out I really was.
If you don't try different things how gonna find out what makes you happy.
I was confused. Do I take my first step with right foot or the left? A world possibility awaited. Time to figure out who am I? and where do I go from here?
While in the bowels of a T-rex (the one from Pee Wee big adventure) in Cabzan. I came across a painting of what appeared to be Barefoot Ken Bob. Barefoot at the time I think it was a sign that I was on the right track.
Maybe I should go back to professional disc golf?
I thought about trying my luck out as a Power Walker but that's way to much gear for me.
My buddy Jon (the dude I was best man for) took me out diving in the frigid, bone chilling water of the Pacific for my Birthday. I'm practically cold blooded and not very buoyant. I enjoy diving but it's kind a hassle and it's hard to feel the suns rays when your 80 feet under water.
Time to get my ass back on beach and start spinning my legs in the sunshine.
I'm a runner, a Hobo with no need for a train, time
to see where my legs would take me
I was confused. Do I take my first step with right foot or the left? A world possibility awaited. Time to figure out who am I? and where do I go from here?
Exploration
The path was dangerous, full of obstacles and threats. Must avoid being being swallowed up by it all
Maybe I was scuba diver not a runner?
This pic was taken in Mexico, this wasn't real diving it was more like the Submarine ride at Disneyland, I'm only about 10 feet below the surface and the ground in another 10 feet below me.
Back In Southern Ca Diving near Catalina.
My buddy Jon (the dude I was best man for) took me out diving in the frigid, bone chilling water of the Pacific for my Birthday. I'm practically cold blooded and not very buoyant. I enjoy diving but it's kind a hassle and it's hard to feel the suns rays when your 80 feet under water.
Time to get my ass back on beach and start spinning my legs in the sunshine.
I'm a runner, a Hobo with no need for a train, time
to see where my legs would take me
January
(how the hell as I supposed to remeber that far back half the time I don't even know what day of the week it is)
I was coming off a hip injury that made mundane tasks like driving a excrutiatingly painful. I had been doing a series of exercises every day to streghten the muscles around my sciatic nerve they were paying off and I was learning how to be a runner again
February
A little tipsy before 10 a.m. after 2 races and 5 beers.
Hey look at me at meI'm running a race again. The Redondo beach Super bowl 5k and 10k back to back with beers in between and my first time racing in Fivefingers. I was out of shape but had a good day.
Strolling
A coupe weeks later I coasted through my first Ultra of the year, also in five fingers a real mellow 50k at the Orange Curtain I wasn't out to prove anything and coasted to an easy sub 4 hour finish.
March
I think I was out sorts to start the month.
I know at some point I cruised out to AZ for a 3 days, 5 trail runs, 3 rounds of Disc Golf and 4 games of Spring training baseball. Basically I went from stadium to disc golf course and in between and when I saw a spot that looked like a fun place to explore I'd go frolic up some rocks. (yep I'm man enough to use the word frolic an not feel insecure)
The body started to find a groove near the end of the month.
April
For the first time I felt like a runner again
the feet were a little soggy , the Kso treks
don't breathe as well as I would like and it felt like my feet had been soaking in water for the last 8 hours.
May
Surprisingly I think it's still the fastest time anyone has ever run in Vibrams
Totally unexpected I ran with positive attitude and a smile. The race came to me very easily which is not usually the case. A few months earlier I had purchased the Domain name, pause.... Take a Guess.... Bourbonfeet.com. I figured maybe now was the time to do something with it. I think spent like $1.77 from Godaddy.com for the first year. I couldn't let that money go to waste.
Thus the world began to get polluted with the nonsensical blabbering of some dude who got lucky at a race. Well at least the trash I create is digital.
Strange oppertunities started to present themselves. Companies I'd never heard of offered me product and even my elementary school principle wrote me a letter.
Mr. Rugg is a Hero of mine and gotta be pushing 90
I was getting pretty high on my horse (Legal Disclaimer: I don't ride horses. Nor do I get high.) I was pushing my body pretty hard in training For San Diego. Wednesday of my last heavy mileage week about 15 miles into a planned 25 mile barefoot run on the beach my good leg totally crapped out on me. I limped to phone for a ride home but couldnt get a hold of anyone. I was in a lot of pain both walking and running. I decided to run back to my car about 5 miles Increasing the pain but shortening the time I would have to endure it. (pretty smart huh? what a dumb ass!)
I'd been training too hard without a rest. I was bummed because 3 days later was the Manhattan Beach 5k on the sand
In a strange twist of fate I was approached by a sports agent, who throws me bone every once in awhile.
And no it is not Scott boris
Eventually I even had to have some head shots taken (what a douche bag I have become, lol)
June
Dr. Dan and I, he makes me look like I'm 7ft tall. (that little dude ran a great race, way to go Dan)
The San Diego 100 came 2 weeks to late for me. My body had bonked I wasn't at full strength but decided to give it a go anyway. The hotel was reserved my entry was already payed for and my family was looking forward to the vacation. By mile 25 my body felt worse than it ever had in race. I have no doubt that I was mentally strong enough to finish, but by mile 37 for once in my life I made a wise rational decision and pulled myself out of the race. I had nothing to prove and nothing to gain by continuing to injure my body. I shall live to fight another day.
Out of the blue I got a chance to start running for team Jamba Juice and on Fathers day I participated in the Culver City 5k (they had a 10k as well but I was too gimpy) Although I finished in 4th place I ran well and was pleased with time 16:05. I never was a short distance runner and this was a nice change of pace.
I had so much fun in the 5k I searched online for whatever race I could find for the following weekend. I entered the Stand 4 Hope 5k at the Rose bowl and this time I took the win.
Sometime in the middle of June I received my first pair of Luna Sandals. Earlier in the year I had made my own Huaraches which were okay but the Luna's blew them out of the water. I didn't start running in them right away but thought they were pretty cool.
July
July 4th, my favorite day of the year to live at the beach. For the 3rd year in a row I competed in the Hermosa Beach Ironman (run a mile, paddle a mile, drink a six pack). The year before I had finished 2nd and I had higher aspirations this time around. I came out strong first one done with run and into the water, my paddling was decent for me but sucked compared to yoked out surfers who's domain I was entering. My lead of just seconds turned into a defficeit of minutes. By the time I got to my beers the eventual winner was almost done with his 6th. I drank like a fish and remarkably finished my 6 pack in 2 minutes and 32 seconds (about 1 minute faster than what I thought a perfect time would be). It put me back in contention. I was proud of my effort I gave it my best but the competition was better at paddling which is the most important part of the event and I finished in 4th place. Bummed on the results (for about 2 seconds) I had just finished a six a pack of beer there were girls in bikini's everywhere and was the freaking 4th of July and I quickly became very happy.
How could I be upset when the world is full of so much beauty?
Time for a vacation in the desert. off to go pace Badwater for the 2nd year in row. I love the desert and I love being a part of this race. My buddy Dan had doubled Badwater the last few years. I had planned on doing most of my pacing in my vibrams
but the heat transfer was way to intense on the burning asphalt and they started to melt. Lucky for me I packed my Luna's as a novelty, thinking that maybe I would run a mile or 2 in them. Well over 40 miles of running later I was in love with my new sandals realizing they were the absolute perfect footwear for the desert and my new running shoe of choice. I had to get back to work (I totally regret it) while Dan went on to run the course 6 times consecutively over 880 miles.
San Francisco Marathon (can't you see the big bridge I'm running on?)
The month wasn't over and I had one last fun run to do. My training wasn't that focused for this event. I knew I would do well but I was just out for a good time and sometimes that's all you need to be successful. My sister decided to join me on the road trip and we had blast I think I played 6 different disc golf courses and ran a marathon over a 4 day stretch. I finished the race in 18th place 2nd in my age division with a time of 2:44, nothing to brag about but I was content. Honestly I was way my more stoked on all the Disc golf I got play and the quality time I got to spend with my sister.
August
(Man this post is getting long, perhaps I should have started it last year)
Mt Disappointment 50K
I am not a trail runner but sometimes I like to pretend that I am. I had Missed out on Mt. D in 2009 and was not going to miss it this year. I signed up the first day not even knowing if was going to be a 50k or a 50 mile race I was game for either, it turned out to be a 50k (my body was happy with that). I wanted to race in my Luna's but was not confident enough yet to commit to open toes on a technical trail so I raced in my Kso treks. I was running a good race grinding through the miles in 4th or 5th place when I began to pick off the leaders Realizing I had a chance at the win my body found an extra gear during the final climb straight up the mountain to the finish line and in the final mile errupted into a sprint when I saw the leader. He didn't see me coming until it was too late, I took lead during the last 1/4 mile and won the race. I'm getting a chill just thinking about it. It was a real surreal experience fight or flight had kicked in and I was running way faster than my body should not have capable of.
Sátiro (gravity I defy you)
play at the O.C. Fair (yep I am that cool) but sure why not get a little run in the next morning. Fueled by deep fried crap and a lack of sleep I laced up my Luna's and ran in the Hills are alive 10k in Rolling hills. To my surprise the course was mostly on horse trails not asphalt. The race director looked at me funny when he saw my sandals. I took that as a challenge and in an act of arrogance and determination I told him I was gonna win! And I made good on my proclamation.
(that race director has since become my manager)
It was here that I was first approached by a blog reader that I never met before, the dude was nice and very complementary. It made me feel good but I was also a bit creped out. (This is how I imagine most women feel when they first meet me.)
It was off to San Diego the next morning to compete in my first 1/2 marathon ever. There was a purse to be won which brought out some elite runners. I was hoping to finish in sub 1:15 (which I had done in training) but my legs were tired from the day before. and I finished 1:15:38 although my 10k split was 34:23. I wasn't even close to being in contention but I did get 2nd in my age group and a lot of bewildered looks from sidelines when people saw what I was running in.
By this time Me a Layona had been getting pretty serious and the sadist that she is got a make over to reflect her true personality.
I was getting way too pretty it was time to grow a beard and get dirty.
Still running for team Jamba I entered the L.A. Mud Run. It was a horribly run event that cost too much money and was grossly understaffed. I was running for free and also got VIP treatment afterwards (Free Beer) So I really shouldn't be complaining but I felt bad for the poor bastards that paid to participate. Anyway I gave it a good go, ran my ass off but finished second. Some other dude was a bit faster that day, oh well cheers to him.
September
My manager was directing another race, this time in San Pedro across the Vincent Thomas bridge and back. He got me a decent sponsor who through down a bit a cash and some bonus money if I could win. I focused my training on going fast and arrived with a healthy body and a good attitude. The race was a little over 5 miles and I was neck and neck for the lead through mile 4 at that point my rival had a gear I did not have. Once again I ran strong but finished second. I was still happy with my performance but definitely not satisfied with the results.
The Hermosa 24
Minutes after the race ended I booked it to the beach to watch my buddy Mr Burke finish 24 hour run to raise money for his daughters school. He set the world record for most miles ran on sand over 24 hours. I was proud of the dude. Next year this will be a full fledged race and I'm gonna do my best to shatter his record.
I could totally crush these guys (well maybe.)
Over the year my diet had been transforming. I was never a huge meat eater but by now I was eating meat less than once a week. I was still eating plenty of cheese and butter but by October I had gone Vegan with my Diet.
October
Manhattan Beach 10k
Most people would say this is horrible picture of me. I absolutely love it! I did not dog it through the finish line I accelerated. The race was over and I was still powering through not ready stop firing on all cylinders I could have gone straight through brick wall If I had to. I finished first in my hometown race against a field of over 3,500. 2nd place was nowhere to be seen I had set a new P.R. 32.47 in my Luna Sandal's. This is by far the most special win for me and I look forward to wearing the #1 bib next year.
From the Last time I ran LB in 2006 I was a little to perky
My manager had got be free entry into the Long Beach Marathon
The win at th MB 10k however came at a cost I had pushed my body passed in boundaries. My body was busted and I had to withdraw F**K.
(sorry about the language kids)
The next week I was scheduled to run in the 100mile Endurance Challenge to raise money for the PLEASE CLICK LINK 100 MILE CLUB TO FIND OUT MORE. Barefoot Ted had even offered to come down from Seattle and pace for me. I tried just about everything to get my body together but it was not in the cards, I could even run a 1/4 mile and the race was 400 times that length. I felt like I needed to go out to the starting line and cheer on the the other competitors. I was a mix of emotions that morning I was excited about the race but was killing me inside to not be participating in it. I still plan on running the entire course by myself when my body is ready but as of now I am still not there.
My mood sparked up when I got my picture taken with Ms Corona.
(she totally grabbed my butt)
I'm not quite sure what year she was Ms. Corona? But who could resist such beauty and a tiara, I felt like a prince. (and I feel like an idiot typing this crap)
For the month of October I became a cyclist. I had to get some exercise to maintain my sanity and over a 5 week period stretching into November I peddled over 1,000 combined on the recumbent bike and my strand cruiser
November
Although I was not happy with my prognosis I had come to grips with being a certified gimp. My ass was getting sore from the bike. I kept going to the beach riding along the strand and almost everyday for month I saw the dolphins swimming and witnessed a beautiful sunset it was worth the pain. It may suck to be injured but it sure is great to be alive. :)
December
My report card for the year
Note:
I would never give myself an A in anything because I sure as hell am far from perfect and know I can always get better at anything and everything I do. I got mostly A's in college (even in English HA HA) and I resent every teacher that gave me one. I'm good at finding flaws in systems, rather than trying to learn the subject matter and get the hamsters spinning in my brain I'd sit quietly in the front row and kiss the teachers ass when the needed it. I learned little, did all my homework and the grades came easy for me. There's always room for improvement and handing out A's or A+'s is ridiculous
Running
D
I came into the year calling myself a distance runner. I hardly did any long runs this year. I ended up running barely over 2,500 miles for the year. I honestly feel that if Ididn't run a single race I would have easily supassed 4,000. Of my miles run over 2,000 of them were barefoot and the others in Vibrams or Luna sandal's
Racing
B
Personal pycho analisis on myself. Why do I give myself a better grade for racing after I just claimed it kept me from achieving the distances I wanted to run? Answer: I think the ego is trying to salvage something out of my mistakes. I don't take my win wins for granted and I am proud of my efforts, rarely was I the best runner yet many times I came out ahead. I won 6 out of my last 11 races with 2 second place finishes and distances ranging from the 5k to the 50k.
Nutrition
B
I'm pretty happy with where this is heading. I'm eating healthier foods with fresh ingredients and trying to cook almost all my meals.
Love
D
There were some shining moment that I will never forget but definitely not enough. I'll grade myself extra harsh on this matter because I am optimistic about the future. As for Layona we have an open relationship anyone who comes over is encouraged to roll of the floor with her and I have my eye on her replacement.
Bank Account
C
It doesn't cost me much to live. I have never been in debt and do not live from paycheck to pay check. My bank account dropped a little over the year, which I don't really have a problem with. I can be smarter with my money and by less crap.
Career
B
I never wished to follow a career path instead I prefer to live from day to day and sieze oppertunitity as it presents itself. It's what's best for me and I don't wish my life upon anyone but I dig it. If you are able to grasp any knowledge from my trials and tribulations I comend you. I'm going to continue to do what I do. Bumps in the road are fun if you look life as a thrill ride and take it all in with a smile.
Blog
C
I've had some fun writing this blog and it please me when I'm done with a post At times it feels like homework and I'm highly skilled procrastinator. My grammar is atrocious (like I really have to tell you). Over 25,000 people have visited since May. I'm a total novice at this and plan to get better. If you like what I have to say, feel free to say hi. All kind words, constructive criticisms and creative insults make me happy.
Family me to them
C
I love my family more than anything. Watching my nephews grow up is really special to me. I spend a lot of time with and I take it for granted more than I should. I need to cherish every moment. They only have one childhood. At moment life could take me in different direction where I can't be with them.
Family them to me
A
I said I wouldn't give myself an A but for this is a grade for how my family has treated me. They are always their when I need them. Through good times and bad they always have my back. Were not really one of those touchy feely families but there is a lot of love shared between us. Thank you for being so supportive in the stupid things I put myself through.
Thank you to everyone who has visited this site over the last year!
The world is what you make of it. It's beauty surrounds us at all times. We are all on this rock together.
Cheers to a Kick Ass 2011
A coupe weeks later I coasted through my first Ultra of the year, also in five fingers a real mellow 50k at the Orange Curtain I wasn't out to prove anything and coasted to an easy sub 4 hour finish.
March
I think I was out sorts to start the month.
The body started to find a groove near the end of the month.
April
For the first time I felt like a runner again
Got into the Guiness book of world records for most people wearing a blanket at the same time
I imagine it reads "Patrick Sweeney and 43,000 of his minions set world record. Pat did not make them drink the kool aid, but some wanted to after an Angels loss."
I got a job with the government canvassing the neighborhood in my treks. I even got a promotion on my very first day of work. Strange that when my schedule starts to get busy my training increases. Every spare minute I had I was running.
At Leona Badwater Dan in front and my Sports Med Dr. Dan behind me.
Running wise the miles were starting to stack up. I had spent zero time on the trails. I was signed up for the San Diego100 miler in June. I had planned on running in Vibrams and needed to see if I stood a chance . At the last second I got into the Leona Divide 50 miler figuring that if I had trouble running a measly 50 I shouldn't attempt a 100. I decided not to race it but to go out casually with my buddy Dan Westergaard (the onlly man ever to Sextuple Badwater and really cool guy) I was there to listen to my body. We ran together for the first 42 miles, and I felt great. Realizing my training on the beach had made my legs stronger than ever I took off up the final climb and finished the race with plenty of juice left in the tank.
The work shoes were good enough
don't breathe as well as I would like and it felt like my feet had been soaking in water for the last 8 hours.May
Podium at P.V.
The start of somthing good. In a an effort to relax from my training for the San Diego 100 miler. I entered the Palos Verdes Marathon. I figured if the stars would allign I could run a 2:45. Well it turns out they did ,and also rockets must of been firing out my ass because i won the damn thing with a time of 2:37 by a margin of over 11 minutes.Surprisingly I think it's still the fastest time anyone has ever run in Vibrams
Totally unexpected I ran with positive attitude and a smile. The race came to me very easily which is not usually the case. A few months earlier I had purchased the Domain name, pause.... Take a Guess.... Bourbonfeet.com. I figured maybe now was the time to do something with it. I think spent like $1.77 from Godaddy.com for the first year. I couldn't let that money go to waste.
Thus the world began to get polluted with the nonsensical blabbering of some dude who got lucky at a race. Well at least the trash I create is digital.
Strange oppertunities started to present themselves. Companies I'd never heard of offered me product and even my elementary school principle wrote me a letter.
I was getting pretty high on my horse (Legal Disclaimer: I don't ride horses. Nor do I get high.) I was pushing my body pretty hard in training For San Diego. Wednesday of my last heavy mileage week about 15 miles into a planned 25 mile barefoot run on the beach my good leg totally crapped out on me. I limped to phone for a ride home but couldnt get a hold of anyone. I was in a lot of pain both walking and running. I decided to run back to my car about 5 miles Increasing the pain but shortening the time I would have to endure it. (pretty smart huh? what a dumb ass!)
I'd been training too hard without a rest. I was bummed because 3 days later was the Manhattan Beach 5k on the sand
My favorite pic ever taken of me Thanks to John of
I shouldn't have entered but couldn't resist. My body was at about 70% but I figured I could get through a 5k on adrenaline alone. I jumped out to an early lead, was tracked down by some kid but my ego was too large to let a high schooler beat me. The result back to back wins.
In a strange twist of fate I was approached by a sports agent, who throws me bone every once in awhile.
And no it is not Scott boris
June
The San Diego 100 came 2 weeks to late for me. My body had bonked I wasn't at full strength but decided to give it a go anyway. The hotel was reserved my entry was already payed for and my family was looking forward to the vacation. By mile 25 my body felt worse than it ever had in race. I have no doubt that I was mentally strong enough to finish, but by mile 37 for once in my life I made a wise rational decision and pulled myself out of the race. I had nothing to prove and nothing to gain by continuing to injure my body. I shall live to fight another day.
and that I did a couple weeks later (some might say using a cape is cheating, not me)
Sometime in the middle of June I received my first pair of Luna Sandals. Earlier in the year I had made my own Huaraches which were okay but the Luna's blew them out of the water. I didn't start running in them right away but thought they were pretty cool.
July
July 4th, my favorite day of the year to live at the beach. For the 3rd year in a row I competed in the Hermosa Beach Ironman (run a mile, paddle a mile, drink a six pack). The year before I had finished 2nd and I had higher aspirations this time around. I came out strong first one done with run and into the water, my paddling was decent for me but sucked compared to yoked out surfers who's domain I was entering. My lead of just seconds turned into a defficeit of minutes. By the time I got to my beers the eventual winner was almost done with his 6th. I drank like a fish and remarkably finished my 6 pack in 2 minutes and 32 seconds (about 1 minute faster than what I thought a perfect time would be). It put me back in contention. I was proud of my effort I gave it my best but the competition was better at paddling which is the most important part of the event and I finished in 4th place. Bummed on the results (for about 2 seconds) I had just finished a six a pack of beer there were girls in bikini's everywhere and was the freaking 4th of July and I quickly became very happy.
How could I be upset when the world is full of so much beauty?
Time for a vacation in the desert. off to go pace Badwater for the 2nd year in row. I love the desert and I love being a part of this race. My buddy Dan had doubled Badwater the last few years. I had planned on doing most of my pacing in my vibrams
but the heat transfer was way to intense on the burning asphalt and they started to melt. Lucky for me I packed my Luna's as a novelty, thinking that maybe I would run a mile or 2 in them. Well over 40 miles of running later I was in love with my new sandals realizing they were the absolute perfect footwear for the desert and my new running shoe of choice. I had to get back to work (I totally regret it) while Dan went on to run the course 6 times consecutively over 880 miles.
The month wasn't over and I had one last fun run to do. My training wasn't that focused for this event. I knew I would do well but I was just out for a good time and sometimes that's all you need to be successful. My sister decided to join me on the road trip and we had blast I think I played 6 different disc golf courses and ran a marathon over a 4 day stretch. I finished the race in 18th place 2nd in my age division with a time of 2:44, nothing to brag about but I was content. Honestly I was way my more stoked on all the Disc golf I got play and the quality time I got to spend with my sister.
August
(Man this post is getting long, perhaps I should have started it last year)
I am not a trail runner but sometimes I like to pretend that I am. I had Missed out on Mt. D in 2009 and was not going to miss it this year. I signed up the first day not even knowing if was going to be a 50k or a 50 mile race I was game for either, it turned out to be a 50k (my body was happy with that). I wanted to race in my Luna's but was not confident enough yet to commit to open toes on a technical trail so I raced in my Kso treks. I was running a good race grinding through the miles in 4th or 5th place when I began to pick off the leaders Realizing I had a chance at the win my body found an extra gear during the final climb straight up the mountain to the finish line and in the final mile errupted into a sprint when I saw the leader. He didn't see me coming until it was too late, I took lead during the last 1/4 mile and won the race. I'm getting a chill just thinking about it. It was a real surreal experience fight or flight had kicked in and I was running way faster than my body should not have capable of.
Hills are Alive 10k
The very next Sunday I was signed up for the America's Finest City 1/2 marathon I wanted it to be my first race in Luna Sandal's but I still wasn't 100 % sure how well they would preform. The Wednesday before Badwater Dan told me about 10k by his house on Saturday morning. Hmm... I had plans that Friday to go the O.C. fair and see Weird Al play at the O.C. Fair (yep I am that cool) but sure why not get a little run in the next morning. Fueled by deep fried crap and a lack of sleep I laced up my Luna's and ran in the Hills are alive 10k in Rolling hills. To my surprise the course was mostly on horse trails not asphalt. The race director looked at me funny when he saw my sandals. I took that as a challenge and in an act of arrogance and determination I told him I was gonna win! And I made good on my proclamation.(that race director has since become my manager)
It was here that I was first approached by a blog reader that I never met before, the dude was nice and very complementary. It made me feel good but I was also a bit creped out. (This is how I imagine most women feel when they first meet me.)
September
Minutes after the race ended I booked it to the beach to watch my buddy Mr Burke finish 24 hour run to raise money for his daughters school. He set the world record for most miles ran on sand over 24 hours. I was proud of the dude. Next year this will be a full fledged race and I'm gonna do my best to shatter his record.
Over the year my diet had been transforming. I was never a huge meat eater but by now I was eating meat less than once a week. I was still eating plenty of cheese and butter but by October I had gone Vegan with my Diet.
October
Manhattan Beach 10k
My manager had got be free entry into the Long Beach Marathon
The win at th MB 10k however came at a cost I had pushed my body passed in boundaries. My body was busted and I had to withdraw F**K.
(sorry about the language kids)
Kara (founder of the 100 mile club) and I at the starting line.
(she totally grabbed my butt)
I'm not quite sure what year she was Ms. Corona? But who could resist such beauty and a tiara, I felt like a prince. (and I feel like an idiot typing this crap)
For the month of October I became a cyclist. I had to get some exercise to maintain my sanity and over a 5 week period stretching into November I peddled over 1,000 combined on the recumbent bike and my strand cruiser
November
Although I was not happy with my prognosis I had come to grips with being a certified gimp. My ass was getting sore from the bike. I kept going to the beach riding along the strand and almost everyday for month I saw the dolphins swimming and witnessed a beautiful sunset it was worth the pain. It may suck to be injured but it sure is great to be alive. :)
The month started out kind of Strange one day riding my P.O.S. bike I pushed it past it's limits causing the handlebars to go one way while the front wheel went the other. This did not bod well for me as I went flying, taking a pretty good poke in the ribs and the same time getting a face full of sand. It was sign telling to me to get my ass off the bike and start running.
The next day I was back on the sand reclaiming my beach.
Surprisingly my body was coming together quickly, I didn't feel like I had lost that much strength. Well my desire to run was stronger than my bodies resilience. On about my 10th day in a row of running during a 20+ miler on the beach I strained my Achilles. Maybe a good thing because it made me take a rest (after a few more days of running through the pain) My other injury was still not better either. I wanted to run the Yule tide 5k in Manhattan but my once again I was not ready. I decided no racing till next year. I also planned on very limited running until the body feels right. This is easy for me to tell myself when the weather is crappy outside but the second the sun comes out my plans usually change. (damn you Annu)
Interestingly during my hiatus more and more strange opportunities have presented themselves. I have gained a few more sponsors. I don't have any clue what the next year is bring but I wake up everyday excited about the experiences I shall have.
Right now my body is hit or miss the other day on the dreadmill out of nowhere I started running and easily ran a sub 4:45 mile in My new Luna Equus sandals. But a few days later the Achilles flared up and is still nagging me.
My report card for the year
Note:
I would never give myself an A in anything because I sure as hell am far from perfect and know I can always get better at anything and everything I do. I got mostly A's in college (even in English HA HA) and I resent every teacher that gave me one. I'm good at finding flaws in systems, rather than trying to learn the subject matter and get the hamsters spinning in my brain I'd sit quietly in the front row and kiss the teachers ass when the needed it. I learned little, did all my homework and the grades came easy for me. There's always room for improvement and handing out A's or A+'s is ridiculous
Running
D
I came into the year calling myself a distance runner. I hardly did any long runs this year. I ended up running barely over 2,500 miles for the year. I honestly feel that if Ididn't run a single race I would have easily supassed 4,000. Of my miles run over 2,000 of them were barefoot and the others in Vibrams or Luna sandal's
Racing
B
Personal pycho analisis on myself. Why do I give myself a better grade for racing after I just claimed it kept me from achieving the distances I wanted to run? Answer: I think the ego is trying to salvage something out of my mistakes. I don't take my win wins for granted and I am proud of my efforts, rarely was I the best runner yet many times I came out ahead. I won 6 out of my last 11 races with 2 second place finishes and distances ranging from the 5k to the 50k.
Nutrition
B
I'm pretty happy with where this is heading. I'm eating healthier foods with fresh ingredients and trying to cook almost all my meals.
Love
D
There were some shining moment that I will never forget but definitely not enough. I'll grade myself extra harsh on this matter because I am optimistic about the future. As for Layona we have an open relationship anyone who comes over is encouraged to roll of the floor with her and I have my eye on her replacement.
Bank Account
C
It doesn't cost me much to live. I have never been in debt and do not live from paycheck to pay check. My bank account dropped a little over the year, which I don't really have a problem with. I can be smarter with my money and by less crap.
Career
B
I never wished to follow a career path instead I prefer to live from day to day and sieze oppertunitity as it presents itself. It's what's best for me and I don't wish my life upon anyone but I dig it. If you are able to grasp any knowledge from my trials and tribulations I comend you. I'm going to continue to do what I do. Bumps in the road are fun if you look life as a thrill ride and take it all in with a smile.
Blog
C
I've had some fun writing this blog and it please me when I'm done with a post At times it feels like homework and I'm highly skilled procrastinator. My grammar is atrocious (like I really have to tell you). Over 25,000 people have visited since May. I'm a total novice at this and plan to get better. If you like what I have to say, feel free to say hi. All kind words, constructive criticisms and creative insults make me happy.
Family me to them
C
I love my family more than anything. Watching my nephews grow up is really special to me. I spend a lot of time with and I take it for granted more than I should. I need to cherish every moment. They only have one childhood. At moment life could take me in different direction where I can't be with them.
Family them to me
A
I said I wouldn't give myself an A but for this is a grade for how my family has treated me. They are always their when I need them. Through good times and bad they always have my back. Were not really one of those touchy feely families but there is a lot of love shared between us. Thank you for being so supportive in the stupid things I put myself through.
Thank you to everyone who has visited this site over the last year!
The world is what you make of it. It's beauty surrounds us at all times. We are all on this rock together.
Cheers to a Kick Ass 2011
I look forward to stalking you in 2011 as well :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
as always, and entertaining read!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to following more in 2011!
AWESOME! I loved reading this, you are very inspiring to me!! I just bought a new pair of Teds laces to replace my leather ones. I also got a pair of Bikilias.. I'll be trying both of them for my marathon.(I'm Nora from the google board)
ReplyDeleteLove it. Always inspiring. Keep blogging due! Ross.
ReplyDelete