Happy New Year everyone!
I'm preparing for the move down to Arizona on the 2nd of January. Lots to pack up, lots of loose ends to tie-up.
The new year will have many, many more blog entries, and with far too much time on my hands in Scottsdale I'll try to put together some especially interesting ones. For this week though, I'm only going to recap my favourite five entries of 2011. In no particular order, here they are:
Five kay, okay?
I wrote this entry because at the time I was very much enjoying a certain book by a certain author and wanted to borrow his style. This entry is my idea of stream of consciousness, and it is nearly word-for-word the thoughts that were running through my head during the race.
Haters
Don't hate the player, hate the game.
Accountability Epidemic
The obesity "epidemic" could be solved if people changed the way they think. But they don't, and they won't, and obesity rates rise.
A Review of the Current Trends in the Modern Elite Athlete Diet.
Athletes are slightly obsessive. If you tell them that they'll have better results by doing this or that, they'll probably do it. Myself, I don't ingest much dairy, because some dairy products make me bloated and fart. I've tried gluten-free and didn't feel better, or even good; I felt worse. The paleo-diet is too stupid for me to even consider. The fake dairy study that I mentioned in this entry was only a slight exaggeration of so many studies for exercise nutrion. Most studies want to find a certain result, and if they can produce it, despite using a protocol that is awfully flawed, they will publish it. Inevitably, people will trust such studies. Hence the paleo-diet.
Bad news for you, fish
If you've never read The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, go find a used bookstore and buy it and read it. It's one of my favourite books. That one simple line, "Bad news for you, fish," means a lot to me. It's also really funny that the old man is shit-talking a fish.
And here's two videos from 2011 that I enjoy:
December 30, 2011
December 13, 2011
From Fall to Fall.
Last season went well, but this season needs to be better. What have I changed this fall compared to last fall?
I feel that last season was the first that I really put in solid mileage training in the fall. I had (only) a couple weeks that grazed the 100 mile mark, and in general my volume was consistently higher than previous years. Last fall I invested in a Garmin (after a failed attempt at using the Nike Sportband...), and I found my "accountability" on runs went up. A lot. Sad to say, but in the beginning half of last fall my aim was to get my longer runs down to 4min/km average; however I did progress to closer to 3:40min/km (aka. 6min/mile pace) towards the end of 2010. My tempo workouts were for that time very good. When I finally stepped on the track in the new year, my 5km workouts were significantly better than the previous year due to my improved aerobic fitness.
This fall I've tried to push my limits slightly in the mileage. I've already had multiple 100+ miles weeks, and will try to put in one or two more before the end of 2011. In my day-to-day training, there's generally a longer run/workout and a shorter run. When I looked at my training logs for areas that could be improved, one glaringly obvious spot was the pace of my shorter runs; while my longer runs are consistently around 3:40min/km pace, my shorter runs are quite slow. That's something I would attribute partly to my fitness; in the past, if I were to push both runs in the day my body would likely fall to pieces. For my harder training weeks I now keep both my longer and shorter runs honest, and the result has been much improved aerobic ability. I've also added five minutes in length to each of my runs in the cycle, which was what allowed me to reach 118 miles at the end of my last volume week. Two major changes this fall: increased pace and added length. Added to more and better quality running, I've been doing a greater amount of core exercises during the week; something I tend to neglect.
Alongside training, I've been giving extra focus to the time spent not training: my recovery. I try to devote at least a bit of time every day to stretching, rolling (on a roller or with the stick), or other self-treatment techniques. The extra time spent on self-treatment, though a very minimal part of my day, keeps my body in good working order from run to run. For the first time ever I've been getting weekly massage, and it's made a noticeable difference in my recovery throughout a training cycle. Lastly, my diet is better. That's not to say it was bad before, but it's better now; I'm not as frugal with the groceries I buy this season. I ask myself, "what do I need to perform at my best?", and I buy that. It's simple: you wouldn't put "regular gas" into a Ferrari, would you?
And lastly lastly, I'm not working. Not that my job at the running store was tough, but it often prevented me from napping after hard workouts, or doing self-treatment between runs. By recovering better, I train harder.
It's these little details that separate running well from running great, and if I don't do them there's always another guy out there who will.
I feel that last season was the first that I really put in solid mileage training in the fall. I had (only) a couple weeks that grazed the 100 mile mark, and in general my volume was consistently higher than previous years. Last fall I invested in a Garmin (after a failed attempt at using the Nike Sportband...), and I found my "accountability" on runs went up. A lot. Sad to say, but in the beginning half of last fall my aim was to get my longer runs down to 4min/km average; however I did progress to closer to 3:40min/km (aka. 6min/mile pace) towards the end of 2010. My tempo workouts were for that time very good. When I finally stepped on the track in the new year, my 5km workouts were significantly better than the previous year due to my improved aerobic fitness.
This fall I've tried to push my limits slightly in the mileage. I've already had multiple 100+ miles weeks, and will try to put in one or two more before the end of 2011. In my day-to-day training, there's generally a longer run/workout and a shorter run. When I looked at my training logs for areas that could be improved, one glaringly obvious spot was the pace of my shorter runs; while my longer runs are consistently around 3:40min/km pace, my shorter runs are quite slow. That's something I would attribute partly to my fitness; in the past, if I were to push both runs in the day my body would likely fall to pieces. For my harder training weeks I now keep both my longer and shorter runs honest, and the result has been much improved aerobic ability. I've also added five minutes in length to each of my runs in the cycle, which was what allowed me to reach 118 miles at the end of my last volume week. Two major changes this fall: increased pace and added length. Added to more and better quality running, I've been doing a greater amount of core exercises during the week; something I tend to neglect.
Alongside training, I've been giving extra focus to the time spent not training: my recovery. I try to devote at least a bit of time every day to stretching, rolling (on a roller or with the stick), or other self-treatment techniques. The extra time spent on self-treatment, though a very minimal part of my day, keeps my body in good working order from run to run. For the first time ever I've been getting weekly massage, and it's made a noticeable difference in my recovery throughout a training cycle. Lastly, my diet is better. That's not to say it was bad before, but it's better now; I'm not as frugal with the groceries I buy this season. I ask myself, "what do I need to perform at my best?", and I buy that. It's simple: you wouldn't put "regular gas" into a Ferrari, would you?
And lastly lastly, I'm not working. Not that my job at the running store was tough, but it often prevented me from napping after hard workouts, or doing self-treatment between runs. By recovering better, I train harder.
It's these little details that separate running well from running great, and if I don't do them there's always another guy out there who will.
December 8, 2011
Haters.
Some people have nothing better to do than criticize simply for the sake of criticism. I'm not talking about negative news articles or the hopelessly ignorant providing their opinion. I'm talking about the Haters who knowingly go out of their way to say bad things.
This is exemplified perfectly on the LetsRun.com message boards. If there's a thread even mentioning Galen Rupp, out come the Haters. These are the a-hole armchair athletes who have never done anything noteworthy in their lives, but insist on bringing down the incredible feats of others. Take these threads for example:
I can't help but take some slight offense myself when people senselessly slander the major accomplishments of other runners, because I sympathise with how hard these athletes have worked to attain their success; only to have worthless wieners trash talk on Letsrun.com.
A short time ago I had the idea that maybe the Hating could be quantified using Youtube. Most everyone should be aware by now that Youtube videos can be "liked" or "disliked" as suits the viewer's preference. My theory was that for every video there would always be a set ratio of dislikes:likes or dislikes:views. There has to be a constant, because how can normal people "dislike" a baby panda sneezing?!
Finally this fall, with an abundance of time on my hands, I began compiling a list of stats from popular Youtube videos that have a minimum of 1 million views. My list only consisted of forty videos (it's a small study...), but here's what I found: there are on average 7 dislikes for every 100 likes; and there are a little over 2 dislikes for every 10,000 views (not everyone is inclined to click "like" or "dislike"). What does this all mean? Well, if you have a group of 11 people, one of those people is probably a real dick. Statistics has now proven that.
Some videos, however, do not fit the trend. Justin Bieber's video for "Baby" has more views than any other Youtube video in existence at 671,801,357 views. Despite being the most viewed video ever (which would recommend it to be the most liked video ever), "Baby" has 2 dislikes for every 1 like, and 30 dislikes for every 10,000 views! Justin Bieber is undoubtedly the biggest male pop star in the world right now, but receives an exceptionally large amount of Hating. Bieber's music isn't for me, but the kid is damn good at what he does and I can respect his success; though it's apparent that others can't, as the comment section makes very clear. Pathetic pricks go out of their way to leave comments to the effect that "Justin Bieber is not good" (that's the nicest way to put it anyway...), but clearly he is good, given that the guy's video is the most viewed, and his videos all together have been viewed over 2 billion times (I actually did the math, and that equals his videos being watched approximately 4 times for every second that he's been alive).
So what is the source of Bieber and Rupp's Hater magnetism? I'm saying Success. There are some people out there who can't help but resent the success of others, perhaps because others' success makes Haters feel unsuccessful, or vulnerable, or worthless. Rather than making their own success, Haters try to bring down the successful to their level by belittling. And thanks to the internet, every loser Hater now has an outlet to hate on the winners. How can people hate on a runner setting impressive national records? How can so many people hate the best teen pop star on Earth? How are baby pandas so cute? and yet people still "dislike" them. In the universe's attempt at equilibrium, it would seem that for every great person made, another has been created as a huge douchebag. Looking at this from a "half full" perspective: at least I'll know that I've finally made it in running when I too have people telling me I suck on Letsrun.com.
This is exemplified perfectly on the LetsRun.com message boards. If there's a thread even mentioning Galen Rupp, out come the Haters. These are the a-hole armchair athletes who have never done anything noteworthy in their lives, but insist on bringing down the incredible feats of others. Take these threads for example:
- "Dear Galen Rupp: Time to Move up to the Marathon" (after Rupp finished 7th in the world! at the World Champs 10km this summer, and went on to break the American 10km record)
- "Galen Rupp's 10000m is Not Superior To Chris Solinsky's" (after Rupp surpassed the previous American 10km record, formerly held by Solinsky, by 11 seconds)
- "Was Jenny (Barringer)Simpson's NB signing a bigger joke than LeBron's Decision?" (a thread started by "barringerh8r")
- "Chris Solinsky is Soft" (Solinsky recently held the American 10km record, was the first non-African born runner to break 27 minutes in the 10km, and has run sub-13 minutes in the 5km).
I can't help but take some slight offense myself when people senselessly slander the major accomplishments of other runners, because I sympathise with how hard these athletes have worked to attain their success; only to have worthless wieners trash talk on Letsrun.com.
A short time ago I had the idea that maybe the Hating could be quantified using Youtube. Most everyone should be aware by now that Youtube videos can be "liked" or "disliked" as suits the viewer's preference. My theory was that for every video there would always be a set ratio of dislikes:likes or dislikes:views. There has to be a constant, because how can normal people "dislike" a baby panda sneezing?!
Finally this fall, with an abundance of time on my hands, I began compiling a list of stats from popular Youtube videos that have a minimum of 1 million views. My list only consisted of forty videos (it's a small study...), but here's what I found: there are on average 7 dislikes for every 100 likes; and there are a little over 2 dislikes for every 10,000 views (not everyone is inclined to click "like" or "dislike"). What does this all mean? Well, if you have a group of 11 people, one of those people is probably a real dick. Statistics has now proven that.
Some videos, however, do not fit the trend. Justin Bieber's video for "Baby" has more views than any other Youtube video in existence at 671,801,357 views. Despite being the most viewed video ever (which would recommend it to be the most liked video ever), "Baby" has 2 dislikes for every 1 like, and 30 dislikes for every 10,000 views! Justin Bieber is undoubtedly the biggest male pop star in the world right now, but receives an exceptionally large amount of Hating. Bieber's music isn't for me, but the kid is damn good at what he does and I can respect his success; though it's apparent that others can't, as the comment section makes very clear. Pathetic pricks go out of their way to leave comments to the effect that "Justin Bieber is not good" (that's the nicest way to put it anyway...), but clearly he is good, given that the guy's video is the most viewed, and his videos all together have been viewed over 2 billion times (I actually did the math, and that equals his videos being watched approximately 4 times for every second that he's been alive).
So what is the source of Bieber and Rupp's Hater magnetism? I'm saying Success. There are some people out there who can't help but resent the success of others, perhaps because others' success makes Haters feel unsuccessful, or vulnerable, or worthless. Rather than making their own success, Haters try to bring down the successful to their level by belittling. And thanks to the internet, every loser Hater now has an outlet to hate on the winners. How can people hate on a runner setting impressive national records? How can so many people hate the best teen pop star on Earth? How are baby pandas so cute? and yet people still "dislike" them. In the universe's attempt at equilibrium, it would seem that for every great person made, another has been created as a huge douchebag. Looking at this from a "half full" perspective: at least I'll know that I've finally made it in running when I too have people telling me I suck on Letsrun.com.
December 3, 2011
This is a bad blog entry.
UPDATE: I said I would post the final score from this week so here it is, hot off the Garmin: 118.9 miles (191.36 kilometres).
These hard training weeks fly by. I can't believe it's already the weekend again, and another training week almost finished.
Last week I set a personal best for most mileage in a week, but after tomorrow morning's long run I'll have smashed last week's best. I'll update this entry when I know the final number, but for now I'll just say that it's going to be over one hundred. I'm tired, but my body is still feeling good without any aches or pains.
Sorry, but I don't have much else to say this week. This week's blog entry sucks, I know, but next week's will be worth the read. In case I've been a little too reserved in my opinions lately... my next entry is going to be a rant that is a long time coming.
I went to an Andrew W.K. concert last week. That guy is the best.
He once broke his leg doing a jump on stage during a show. He then completed the rest of the tour in a wheelchair.
These hard training weeks fly by. I can't believe it's already the weekend again, and another training week almost finished.
Last week I set a personal best for most mileage in a week, but after tomorrow morning's long run I'll have smashed last week's best. I'll update this entry when I know the final number, but for now I'll just say that it's going to be over one hundred. I'm tired, but my body is still feeling good without any aches or pains.
Sorry, but I don't have much else to say this week. This week's blog entry sucks, I know, but next week's will be worth the read. In case I've been a little too reserved in my opinions lately... my next entry is going to be a rant that is a long time coming.
I went to an Andrew W.K. concert last week. That guy is the best.
He once broke his leg doing a jump on stage during a show. He then completed the rest of the tour in a wheelchair.
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