Days 24 - 35 Holiday

I'm back!!!!  To start, I would like to state the following:
1. Costa Rica is "the bee's knees", no doubt;
2. Running on the beach is good for the soul; and
3. Christmas rocks!


I'm back in the states and coming off a whirlwind holiday that began in Costa Rica on the 16th of December and ended on December 26 following a marathon Christmas tour through central Pennsylvania.  Good to be home but missing the sunshine, fo' sho'.

Love me some sugar.....Playa Pan De Azucar, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a beautiful country inhabited by some of the kindest people I've had the pleasure of meeting in my life.  The country's motto or national expression is "pura vida".  Literally translated it means "pure life"; however the functional translation is more like "this is living" or "full of life" and this country is definitely full of life.  

Feliz Navidad!

My wife and I filled our honeymoon/vacation with a lot of sweet activities and a heavy dose of "beach time".  We stayed at the Sugar Beach Hotel in the Guanacaste, Costa Rica.  This secluded enclave away from the "Gringo Trail" gave us the ability to melt into Costa Rica and enjoy the country in a more natural and authentic way.  The beach itself is beautiful with a consistent 5 to 6 foot break and on big swell days, waves up to 10 to 15 feet (the size on the final day).  I hit the boogy board up a good bit; never got the surf lessons in but I didn't really care.  The boogy board gave me the ability to enjoy the awesome power of the ocean on a daily basis for many fun-filled hours.

Riding a big dog on the final day (middle of wave).

While Sugar Beach was our home base in Costa Rica, we also got out and about exploring everything this central American paradise has to offer.  We hit the zip-lines of the Congo Trail with our driver and guide, Martin'.  The drive was literally over the river (creeks) and through the woods.  While most of the roads were paved on our way to the coast, upon arrival we received a heavy dose of dirt roads and "barely there" roads.  After arriving at Congo, we put on our harnesses and hit the trees.  The longest zip line was 9 and 1/2 football fields long providing plenty of speed and a sweet view of this arid jungle.  What a ride!!!

Superman ride!

Love it!

We also worked in more casual rides as well.  My wife and I took a sunset / snorkel tour one day on a 45-foot catamaran.  It was a really wild time.  We were 1 of 2 couples on this huge boat and pretty much had it all to ourselves.  Upon heading out to the open water we passed another, similar boat stockpiled with 30 or more people and we just smiled.  

Winning

As we rolled out to our snorkeling location I was sitting in the netting on the front of the boat and noticed what looked to be a hand waving at us.  Intrigued, I moved forward and realized the person wasn't waving to say "Hi", but was waving for help.  Years of life-guarding kicked in and I alerted the Captain.  We made our way to the stranded SUP boarder and pulled her in, moments later we rescued a second boarder (brother of the first).  Wild! We were all very glad to have been at the right place at the right time to save these two kids.  Needless to say they were very thankful and we contacted their resort to come pick them up.

The two kids we rescued discussing how they got into trouble.

After the rescue, we dropped anchor and started our wild snorkel adventure.  Our guide, Emilio, was very experienced (13 years) and fearless.  He led us through the reef and provided a truly "hands-on" experience.    By "hands-on", I mean he basically caught the fish and brought them to us.  Crazy!  From the porcupine fish to puffer fish to even a 2 foot octopus (very unhappy evidenced by the number of time he blew ink all over us). Each of us got the chance to touch each of these awesome marine creatures.  Emilio was sure to treat them with great care and always released them where he picked them up.  As a huge starfish was handed to me, I explored its gritty texture and vivrant colors, then dove back to the bottom placing it gently on the sea floor.  Emilio smiled at me upon surfacing and gave me a big thumb's up!  Rad experience.  This adventure was a real blast and reminded me of why I love swimming and the ocean so much.

Recalling the days adventures...

Each day of our journey was awe-inspiring and really recharged our batteries.  From the fresh, juicy fruit served each day at breakfast to the picturesque beaches and sunsets, my wife and I really fell in love with this country.  The staff on a daily basis were helpful and during our many drives to other beach locales (Playa Conchal - amazing seashell beach to Playa Grande - real surfers beach) the locals that we met were extremely friendly and just plain happy.  Really, when you live somewhere this beautiful it must be really easy to see the beauty in life on a daily basis.

Sunsets like this every day....so beautiful.

So you might be wondering with all these activities and beauty, did I keep up with my running.....?  Well, of course I did.  Everyday, I hit the beach or back roads for a couple miles.  The one thing that each run had in common, other than the endless beauty that surrounded me, was the fact that it was H-O-T.  I can sweat with the best of them and I ended each run completely drenched.  In addition, these dirt roads that I ran on were like a roller coaster with close to 45 degree inclines that tested my pain thresholds on a daily basis.  So mission accomplished on the running project or as I have lovingly started to refer to it, "The Forrest Gump Project" (beard included). 

One view encountered during my daily runs...words just don't do it justice.

I kept the project going through our Pennsylvania holiday tour.  The move to running longer distances (I alternated 2 and 3 mile runs while on vacation) and the cooler temperatures were a welcomed change during the holidays.  I love how Christmas brings all our family and friends together, albeit for a short time.  A great time of year to reflect on all of 2011's blessings and accomplishments, as well as look forward to another awesome year in 2012. 

Wiest side of the family on Christmas Eve.

Christmas day with Mom & Dad

Prime Rib & twice-baked potatoes at the Gross's Christmas Night

All in all, I've had a great time this past week and a half.  Memories that will last a lifetime and then some.  I hope each of you had a wonderful holiday season.  Now back to work both literally and figuratively. 

Stats below:

Costa Rica Runs

Day 24 (12/16/11) - 2 miles in 19:13 (9:35 avg.)

Day 25 (12/17/11) - 3 miles in 30:10 (10:01 avg.)

Day 26 (12/18/11) - 2.55 miles in 25.05 (9:49 avg.)

Day 27 (12/19/11) - 3.13 miles in 32:00 (10:13 avg.)

Day 28 (12/20/11) - 2.01 miles in 17:31 (8:41 avg.)

Day 29 (12/21/11) - 3 miles in 30:28 (10:08 avg.)

Day 30 (12/22/11) - 2 miles in 18:53 (9:25 avg.)

Day 31 (12/23/11) - 3 miles in 26.44 (8:53 avg.)

Back in the States Runs

Day 32 (12/24/11) - 5.01 miles in 42:21 (8:26 avg.)

Day 33 (12/25/11) - 5 miles in 43:15 (8:38 avg.)

Day 34 (12/26/11) - 2 miles in 16:01 (Mile 1 - 7:44 / Mile 2 - 8:17)

Day 35 (12/27/11) - 3 miles in 24:56 (Mile 1 - 7:47 / Mile 2 - 8:45 / Mile 3 - 8:24)

December Run Totals

Until tomorrow, 


Justin

Day 23 - Peace Out

Hard to really concentrate because tomorrow at this time I'll be on a beach in Costa Rica.  I am going to keep this thing moving right along, the only difference is that instead of the politically charged streets of DC, I'll be on the sun-soaked shores of Costa Rica.

Yep, that's where....seriously.

So not to belabor the point, but I'm spent and want to take a moment to relax prior to the trip.  I won't  be posting at all, but I'll be logging miles.  I'll catch you up with the project and other needless drivel about paradise upon my return.  Peace out.

Stats below.

Distance: 3.26
Time: 27.24
Pace: 8:23
Calories: 503

Until next week,

Justin

Day 22 - Punching Cars

One thing I've come to understand about running in the city is that you must always be aware of your surroundings. Even when you have the white "Walk" sign some people will run right through it.  People get crazy stupid sometimes.

Walk?

According to DC law, pedestrians have the right of way “within any marked crosswalk or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection (un-signalized crosswalk) .”  However, you wouldn't know it by the amount of people that completely disregard the law.   It may also be complete ignorance, but I prefer to give DC the benefit of doubt.  (Dumb)


Tonight, while crossing within the east cross walk at Ward Circle Park on Nebraska Ave this dude comes flying through it.  He slowed up after the majority of his car was already past me. (hey way to go Captain Reaction)  As you could imagine, I was slightly pissed off at this guy so I let him know he broke the law.....by punching the trunk of his car.  Now, I know what you're thinking, "you're an adult, why punch the car, just be thankful it didn't hit you".  Oh, I'm thankful....thankful he slowed down a little so I could beat on his trunk.


As for the run, I made it through without any further incidents.  My left calf really started tensing up around mile 5 but hung on for 6 miles total tonight.  Doubt is beginning to creep in about how much longer the streak will last.  I definitely fear injury but dammit I'm totally bought in on this thing.  So conflicted.....Stay tuned.....


Stats below:


Distance: 6.04
Time: 53:22
Pace: 8:50
Calories 931

Until tomorrow,


Justin

Day 21 - Disgruntled

My left calf muscle is a ball of tightness, no joke.  All day long its been in a quasi-state of cramping.  Scary stuff. I tore my right calf muscle about 4 years ago playing soccer and it was not so cool.  I've never been shot by a gun but I imagine its feel similar to your calf muscle blowing up.

My right calf in 2008.  Boom goes the dynamite!

I was able to loosen it up a little bit today through massage and stretching.  When I arrived home after a spectacularly horrible commute, I pretty much walked directly into our home, got my gear and bounced.  I plugged 5 miles into the phone and set off.  A mile into the run I could tell that I just didn't have it in me to put 5 solid miles together and quickly adjusted my plan down to 2 miles.  In this case... I listened to my body and shortened the run.

Hoping to feel better tomorrow after a night of heat and rest.  Maybe get 5 or 6 miles in tomorrow night. Gotta keep pushing forward.

Stats below:

Distance: 2.01
Time: 16:40
Pace 8:20
Calories: 310

Until tomorrow,

Justin

Day 20 - Late Night Run

What a way to start my final week of work before leaving on vacation.  I had a business dinner tonight with our Internal Audit group at a great restaurant in Reston Town Center named PassionFish.  There's a great ambiance within PassionFish from the see-through wine cooler to the classic hanging chandeliers.  The restaurant has a multi-level setting which gives a "Boardwalk Empire" type feel to the this establishment.  I had two of the sushi rolls for dinner, the "Rock n' Roll and the Captain Crunch Roll".  Each were fine in their own right; however, I found them to be a tad more about the presentation rather than the actual taste.  They paled in comparison to my favorite sushi restaurant in D.C., Murasaki.

Captain Crunch Roll

I arrived home around 9 p.m. with a full belly, but a desire to get on the road for my run.  It was a short run considering the time of day and the need to hit the hay at a decent time with a full schedule tomorrow.  I hope everyone had a productive Monday!

Stats below:

Distance: 2 miles
Time: 16:33
Pace: 8:15
Calories: 309

Until tomorrow,

Justin

Day 19 - Crescent Runs

Oh Sunday, I love you and hate you equally.  You are delightful in the morning and create a slight amount of agony as the day progresses.  First thing this morning I hit up Starbucks and headed right back to the couch to catch up on yesterday's college football and basketball scores while enjoying some time with my wife planning out the day.

And what a great day it was.   First, we hit up the spa and then got some lunch.  After that, I hit the telly for a little bit and took in some NFL football.  At around 2 it was time to hit the road for today's run.  I plugged my 10-mile goal into my I-phone with a great amount of trepidation.  My ankles were more than a little sore and my legs were aching so I thought 10 might be a stretch.  In addition to  my 10 mile goal, I wanted to stay pretty steady on this run and try to keep a consistent pace.

The first 5 miles were nothing to write home about.  Around Mile 5 I ran into a couple running and they were so gifted that they could hold a conversation and keep a pretty quick pace.  I don't know what they were talking about but I could hear it above my tunes so I had to pick it up and put some space between myself and the "Talkers".  I got going and had a great last half of the run.

When I got done with my 10-miles I was severely parched and hit CVS up for one of those electrolyte drinks.  I don't know if they work but man, they're good.  My great run today was followed by an even better dinner with the family.  The dinner was so much fun that I completely forgot that tomorrow was Monday.

Until tomorrow, Justin.

Stats below:

Distance: 10 miles
Time: 1:27:12
Pace: 8:42 per mile
Calories: 1,542

SPLITS:

MILE      TIME      AVG. PACE

1              8:06        8'06"/mi

2              16:38     8'32"/mi

3              25:32     8'54"/mi

4              34:26     8'54"/mi

5              43:04     8'38"/mi

6              51:37     8'33"/mi

7              1:00:44  9'07"/mi

8              1:09:31  8'47"/mi

9              1:18:32  9'01"/mi

10           1:27:08  8'36"/mi

Day 18 - Easy Stuff

Sometimes the easy stuff in life is hard and conversely, the harder things to do actually are easy.  Take for instance sleeping in on the weekend, it should be pretty easy, right?  Not so much.  I was pretty early to rise today, but it's not all bad, at least I got to catch some SportsCenter action.

Next, shopping, not an easy thing to do for some of us guys; however today, not so bad.  My wife and I breezed through some Georgetown shops, picking up Christmas presents and taking in the holiday buzz along M Street.

Looking south onto the Intersection of Wisconsin & M

After taking in some of the sights and sounds of the season, it was time to make our way to the hospital to meet our close friend's newborn baby girl, Rose.  Here in lies another example how things that should be easy, like a holding a baby, are not easy.  I, for some reason, have always had a fear of holding babies.  I tend to not do it until they're a little larger.  They just look so delicate and I don't want to be responsible for something so precious with my goofy arms.  However, today, Rose looked so sweet I couldn't just say no.  So with some good coaching from everyone I held little baby Rose.  It was really cool.  I was a little tense at first but a pretty amazing experience all in all.  She is so very precious, Jer and  Sal!  Congrats!

I look like "Dumb Donald" from Fat Albert.....she's a perfect  little bundle!

After our visit, we headed to pick up some lunch.  We hit one of my wife's favorite burger joints just off the SW corner of Connecticut, Shake Shack.  The Shack originated in NYC and we will be eternally thankful for it entry into D.C.  You know how I tell if a burger is great?  A great burger to me is juicy, almost greasy, has tomato and lettuce along with the old reliable, cheese.  This place supplies each in just the right amounts.  The single is a little small but full of taste.  One word sums it up.....

YUM!

On to today's run, a 4 miler.  My run was a tale of two miles.  My first two miles felt great and smooth, clocking in at 16:06.  The last two miles hurt, with a total time of 16:43.  I did take on a hillier section during the second half of the run, but I definitely felt a distinct difference between the halves, fo' sho'.  It felt like I was pushing on the second half a bit just to keep the run on the up and up.  Always trying to improve a bit.  I'll keep it going tomorrow, maybe a long one, if the joints are up to it.

Stats below:

Distance: 4.01 miles

Time: 32:49

Pace: 8:11

Calories: 618

Until tomorrow...oh wait it is tomorrow.   

Justin

Day 17 - Tired

Do you remember years ago when you got home on a Friday night and you were bursting with energy?  Ready to hit the bar, party, whatever and let the night take you where it may.  If you can remember those days....can you also remember where the hell we got all that energy from?

I get home on a Friday night now and I am completely exhausted.  Home around 7 and meandered around the house looking for anything to delay tonight's run.  First, I watered our soon to be dead Christmas tree, then I hung some wrinkled t-shirts, and finally, I finished a couple of day-long soaked dishes.  After dispensing of every last inane task, I begrudgingly hit the road.

The run was okay, in all honesty it was the last thing I wanted to do; but I got through it.  At the end of the day I was definitely happy to have gotten my run in; however I think I'm going to have a lot of Fridays where I'll struggle with going for a run.  I guess, in an effort to put a more positive vibe on it, I can at least say I ended the work week on a strong note.

Thank goodness for the weekend!

Stats below:

Distance: 3.01 miles
Time: 25:02
Pace: 8:18
Calories: 464

Until tomorrow,

Justin

Day 16 - Keepin' it Real

So I got a text message today at work from a good friend back in Pennsylvania.  He wrote, "Only 1 mile....c'mon man".  Loved the comment for a multitude of reasons:

1) I was thinking the same thing last night;
2) People are reading about this wild journey;
3) True friends keep it real with you no matter what.

So in honor of you, Muzz, I hit the road tonight on a mission to bring the noise.

On a side note, I'm writing to you tonight on my computer.  It was resurrected from the depths of hard drive hell and I couldn't be happier to have it back home.  Big ups to the Computer Clinic Center a half block away on Wisconsin for working a miracle albeit for a price.

The computer work was reminiscent of Miracle Max !
Princess Bride (1987)

Tonight's run was a 6 miler on this super cool evening.  Not to get gross, but I am always amazed at how much I sweat even in the coldest of environments.  On to the run, stats below:

Distance:  6 miles

Time: 51:24

Pace: 8:33 per mile

Calories: 926 calories

Until tomorrow folks,

Justin

Day 15 - Grab Your Ark

Wow....cats and dogs out there tonight.  I wonderfully spoke of running in the rain last night while I had no such illusions tonight.  I actually saw green lightening tonight on the oh so fun ride home.  Crazy.

Upon reaching the home base, I hit the gym for a quick mile.  Treadmills are nice to have available for these types of biblical rain storms; however that doesn't change the fact that they suck.  I never had a hamster but those wheels have to be some sort of animal cruelty based on my treadmill experiences.  

Stats (or lack thereof) below:

Distance: 1.01 Mile

Time: 7:45

Calories: 155

Until tomorrow.....Justin

Day 14 - Rainy Days

As I prepared to leave for work this morning I took a peak out the window and noticed that the roads were wet.  Rain is a game-changer.  It makes the commute a little slower and the day feel a little longer; however, rain isn't all bad.  Rain allows the plants to grow, the rivers to flow, and helps clean these dirty city streets.

On any other day the rain would have been the straw that broke the camel's back.  It would have given me  all I needed to rationalize coming home and planting myself firmly in the couch.  Not to mention that while I feel good, per yesterday's post, my muscles are definitely fatigued.  Rain + fatigue = a great excuse to not run today.

Although today was no ordinary rainy day, it was to be my 14th consecutive day of running.  Most likely a minor feat for a true runner but for this regular guy it's a pretty big deal.  So I came home and hit the road again albeit on my own two feet.

As I made my way down Albemarle en route to my usual 5 mile loop the rain picked up from a drizzle to a more steady downpour.  It's funny how the very rain that any other day would have kept me from running actually pushed me on today through the physical fatigue.  The rain washed away all the worries and stressors that come with a 21st century life and rejuvenated me.  I don't think I've ever been truly thankful for a rainy day, not so today, I am thankful for today's rain.  This rainy day was everything I needed to get me through Day 14.

Stats below:

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 44:00
Pace: 8:47 per mile
Calories: 771

Week 2 Total Miles - 55.59 miles or just about 4 miles a day.

Mile 1 - 8:10 / Mile 2 - 8:45 / Mile 3 - 9:58 / Mile 4 - 9:23 / Mile 5 - 8:43

Until tomorrow,

Justin

Day 13 - Magic Mile

My lucky #13 run came and went without much fan fare; much like the day.  Nothing entirely goes exactly the way you think on any given day so in that sense the day was pretty normal.  As I move forward with the running every day thing I know I'll have aches and pains along the way but so far so good.  I've actually been feeling pretty great all things considered.

Beautiful start to the day

 I tried to sprint out tonight's run but I could just not get my self up to top speed.   I did a quick loop through the neighborhood ending right back in front of our building.  I forgot a couple of things shopping yesterday, so I made a quick stop at Ace Hardware and Whole Foods.  On tonight's menu, cheeseburgers and Christmas decorations.

Stats below:

Distance: 1 mile
Time: 7:49
Calories: 155

Until tomorrow,

Justin

Day 12 - Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

My wife and I started this lovely little Sunday off with some breakfast at the Capital City Diner.  I indulged in the country fried steak, home fries and bagels.  Some heavy fare so early in the day, but I was hopeful it wouldn't put me in the proverbial "food coma".

Next on the list was the search for the elusive Christmas tree.  We made one stop at a local church but their prices were a little on the high side and they didn't have any of the other gadgets we needed to set it up.  We also should have known the trees would be expensive at the church as they came the whole way down from heaven...

Next stop, good ol' Whole Foods.  It was a solid choice.  They've been on sale there since the weekend after Thanksgiving and came complete with all the bells and whistles.  It didn't take us very long to find the right tree and before you know it, we're heading back to the homestead to set it up.

It stayed straight long enough for a picture within a picture...

Time for some football.  My pickem' tickets and fantasy football teams have been a terrible disappointment this season but I still tune into the games with the crazy hope that I shall prevail.  Alas it was not my day once again on the grid iron.  I chose to let the "food coma" take over and fell into a light nap.

Dreaming of hallways filled with balloons....

After I awoke, it was off for a run.  Nothing special about today's run really; just another jaunt down Nebraska Ave.  Par for the course.

Stats below:

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 25:19
Pace: 8:25 per mile
Calories: 463

Perfect little Sunday.  Until tomorrow,

Justin

Day 11 - Food

I am so hungry right now.  It was just one of those days where I kinda forgot to eat real meals.  I was scheduled to run in the 15K (9 miles) Hot Chocolate race today; however  I didn't.  Don't worry I got my 9 miles in just a little bit later in the day.  I decided to forgo all the race madness and just sleep.  Sleeping in for me is 7:30, but oh it was so nice.  My wife ran in the 5K with some friends from work, some of who also ran the 15K.  So she had plenty of support in my absence and I'm so proud of her fast run today.

However, it's not like I sat around this morning; I had a list.  My wife was throwing a baby shower for a close friend later in the day and being the husband I am,  I had my Love's back, plus her friend is awesome and going to be a great Mom, so it was a "no-brainer" to help out.  I ran a couple of errands for her, mixed with a stop at the computer repair shop for my"on-life support" computer (hopefully, they can save this treasured relic of technology past) and topped it off with my first meal of the day, an old fashioned donut and Venti Soy Misto from Starbucks.  Couple of final touches to the apartment, I believe the term is "staging", and then it was on to my favorite part of to the day.

Hanging with my nephew while his Mom was hitting up the baby shower.  We got to hang at the playground, take a walk to the toy store and end it with some fries & a shake at Z-Burger (2nd meal).   Lots of fun had by the boys today!

Yum!

Upon our return to the apartment, the shower was still in full effect.  Perfect time for a run.  As I hit the road, I wasn't really sure how long I was going to run this evening.  I knew if I felt well enough I was going to have my own little Hot Chocolate race.  I headed northwest on River Road for the first two miles.  As I ran up and down the hilly road, watching car after car pass, some with soon-to-be Christmas trees, some with holiday booty I realized I have a lot of Christmas shopping to do before the big day.

I met up with the Capital Crescent Trail from River. This trail is part of the Rails to Trails conservancy and is widely used throughout D.C. as it runs from Georgetown to Silver Spring.  Over 11 miles of trail and it links with other great trails in D.C., like the Rock Creek Park Trail.

The next stop on the trail was through the heart of Bethesda Avenue (Mile 3.43).  Just above Bethesda the trail turns to gravel.  Great running terrain.  The arrival at the gravel section coincided with some really great Rap on my play list.  Rap + Gravel = Fast Pace.  Best mile of the night on this section of trail (Mile 4 - 7:37).

Bethesda Ave. was hoppin' tonight

Eventually, I had to hop off the trail as it was just getting too dark and a little more dicey.  At the trail's intersection with Connecticut I hooked a right and headed back to the D.C.

As soon as you hop back on the main drag you're dead in the face with a long uphill climb.  Boo!  After that I was feeling it fo' sho' but I knew what goes up, must come down.  Around Mile 7, I think, I was heading back into D.C. and the finish line was close at hand.

 Hoping for a Fenty vs. Gray rematch
with a different ending of course.

Before you know it, I'm back on Nebraska past Wilson High School and finally back into the hood.  Time for some well-deserved dinner.

Stats below:

Distance: 9.02 miles

Time: 1:18:38

Pace: 8:42 per mile

Calories: 1,391

Mile 1 - 8:19 / Mile 2 - 8:43 / Mile 3 - 8:31 / Mile 4 - 7:47 / Mile 5 - 8:50 / Mile 6 - 9:51 / Mile 7 - 8:15 / Mile 8 - 9:46 / Mile 9 - 9:02

Play list for tonight's run:

1. Windows Are Rolled Down - Amos Lee (Best new song for 2011)
2. Thickfreakness - The Black Keys
3. All of the Lights - Kanye West
4. Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers
5. Andy, You're a Star - The Killers
6. Trani - Kings of Leon (Early Kings but also the best)
7. McFearless -  Kings of Leon  (Love the guitar riff)
8. She Will - Lil Wayne w/ Drake
9. Start It Up - Lloyd Banks, Kanye West, Fabolous, Swizz Beatz  (That's my jam)
10. Dashboard - Modest Mouse
11. Little Lion Man - Mumford & Sons
12. Things Done Changed - The Notorious B.I.G
13. Go - Pearl Jam
14. Whipping - Pearl Jam (Yep)
15. Wake Up - Rage Against the Machine (Old School jam)
16. Know Your Enemy - Rage Against the Machine
17. 9 Piece - Rick Ross w/ Lil Wayne  (Gotta love that Maybach Music)
18. One More Cup of Coffee - The White Stripes
19. Izzo (H.O.V.A) - Jay-Z

Until tomorrow,  Justin.

Day 10 - Cleaning Crew

Friday, Friday, so good to see you.  In the spirit of enjoying my Friday, I'm gonna make this short and sweet.  Gotta a long run tomorrow and I want to maximize my, however brief, Friday night.

Short two-miler tonight.  The funny thing about Friday runs are the boat load of college kids you see along the way all spiffed up for the big party or the club.  One consistency between these young adults is their propensity to wear entirely to much perfume and cologne.  It's like running through a damn fumigation tent.  Oh to be young, dumb, and have no sense of smell.

These kids are almost as dumb as Janney's idea to keep the lights on all night,  every night

Have a great night everyone!

Stats below:

Distance: 2 miles
Time: 16:55
Pace: 8:26 per mile
Calories: 309

Until tomorrow,

Justin

Day 9 - Racing Strangers

I'll be honest....I struggled with running tonight.  The entire way home I thought about how great it would be to put some comfy sweats on and just swan dive into the couch; but when I got home I went right for the running shoes, grabbed my gear and hit the road.  No hesitation, no thought, just did it.

As soon as I started running, I knew I made the right choice.  The first night of December was cool and crisp, great running weather.  5 mile loop tonight down through American University via Nebraska, back to Mass. Ave, head left on Wisconsin.

Tis the Season on Mass Ave.

The best part of tonight's run was my race with a stranger.  As I hit about the 3.50 mile mark, I noticed a guy on the other side of the street pass me and my competitive fires were lit.  There was no way this guy, in his running short shorts, was going to pass me out.  No way, not on my watch.

I set my sights on Mr. Stranger and began to reel him like one of my friends fishing on the Susquehanna.    It took me about a half a mile to pull even.  I don't know if he saw me pull even or not, I would like to think he was racing too.  I kicked it in that final mile and took him out.  It was so much fun, miss those head-to-head match ups and the adrenalin that comes with it.

So some minor IPhone malfunctions tonight.  It informed me that I had completed my 5 mile run in 42:14 and then completely froze on me.  (much like my computer which decided to die on me, many thanks to my wife for allowing me to use her computer for tonight's blog).  When it finally unfroze the phone told me that I had only run 4.94 miles.  Damn you technology!

Tonight's (under dispute) stats:

Distance: 4.94 Miles
Time: 41:41
Pace: 8:25 per mile
Calories: 762

Until tomorrow,

Justin

Day 8 - Sprint to Rest

I used to love sprint races, the 100 yard dash at Field Day or the 100 yard butterfly in swimming, the shorter the better.  Now a sprint to me is a mile long run.  I think it's true that the older we get the more our endurance improves, but in order to gain that ability our bodies sacrifice the fast twitch muscles that give us the burst of speed needed for a sprint.

If I'm going to run everyday, I'm going to need these days to not only rest but also increase my speed in the longer distances.  It's also great for the psyche to know that today was a quick workout and I would have a little more free time this evening.

I used my extra time tonight to make a stop at the Container Store downstairs with my wife.  She was in need of Christmas wrapping paper and I was in need of those door mats that block the air from exiting out the bottom of the door.  There is definitely a name for it, but it escapes me right now.  After that I made a solo trip across the street to Whole Foods for a couple of dinner items.  It is so great to walk by the Christmas trees and take in their piny goodness.  All I hear in my head is Perry Como's rendition of "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas".

Great time of year and a great mile tonight.  I utilized our building's great gym and the treadmill for tonight's run.  For short runs or terrible weather, it's great to have a gym downstairs that can help you get the job done. 

Stats, however brief, below:

Distance: 1 Mile
Time: 7:34
Calories: 155

Until tomorrow,

Justin

Day 7 - A Week in the Life

Holla, 7 days in a row!  I know, I know, it's really not anything special but whatever I'm putting in work.  Speaking of work, what a long day.  You really have to love the 6:00 p.m. conference call that is scheduled for perhaps 20-30 minutes and ends over an hour later.  Needless to say that tonight's run got a late start.

The air was cold and damp tonight with wet leaves everywhere.  Wet leaves are dangerous, I don't quite understand why they are so slippy; however at times it feels like you're on ice.  One thing I love about running, no matter what type of day you're having, it all fades after logging some miles pounding the pavement.

View from behind the National Cathedral on 34th

The mind and body are totally bought in on this project.  On the downhills I feel it in my quads fo' sho' and on the uphills I feel it all over but I had a great run tonight.  I can't say I feel the same way about my IPhone's random play list tonight.  The list started out (appropriately) with a live version of Pearl Jam's "Go", perfect.  Followed by Bob Marley's "Real Situation", Eminem's "As The World Turns" and Amos Lee's "Cup of Sorrow", all great tunes in their own right.  Then my play list and run hit the breaks with Crosby, Stills, and Nash's "Delta", what a shitty song to run to, crushed me.  I blame that song for my slowest mile tonight (Mile 3 -10:03).  Moving out of that funk took a minute with Mumford & Sons's "Roll Away Your Stone" and the Jerry Garcia Band's "That's What Love Will Make You Do".  I'm trying to run here IPhone, pick it up, I said to myself as I rolled down Massachusetts Ave.  Finishing up the final couple miles was Amos Lee's "El Camino", Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds"  (love it!), and the Beastie Boy's "Gratitude". 

Boom! 5 miles, check the stats below:

Miles: 5
Time: 43:25
Pace: 8:41 per mile
Calories: 771

Breakdown:
Mile 1: 8:13 / Mile 2: 8:31 / Mile 3: 10:03 / Mile 4: 9:00 / Mile 5: 7:42 

Bringing it home strong, yo!

Home, Sweet, Home

Until tomorrow....Justin

Day 6 - Short and Sweet

John Phillips, of the Mamas and Papas, wrote "Monday, Monday, can't trust that day".  With all due respect to Mr. Phillips, if John would had laid off his narcotic stew, he would have known that you can always trust Monday to be, well, Monday.

Papas and Mamas

Monday always hurts both mentally and physically.  I don't know a lot of people who wake on Monday morning and actually wonder if it'll be a good day.  If you do love Monday, you're one sick son of a bitch.  If you have any sense at all, you resign yourself to the fact that every Monday will be painfully unpleasant.

With all that said, my Monday wasn't that bad.  Now I did wake up and fully expect the worst.  My body was definitely aching after the last 5 days of running.  (Note to self....WEAK)  As I walked out the door I realized that my calendar was relatively clear due to a number of co-workers extending their weekend into Monday.  Even with this positive tid-bit, I still didn't feel that great about it; however as the hours passed into the afternoon I found myself saying, "not so bad for a Monday".

Hold that previous thought, what can screw up any day......I'll give you a guess, it starts with "traf" and ends in "fic", yep, "traffic".  Sitting in DC belt way traffic can be maddening and can even ruin your Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  In sum, Monday equals unpleasant.

Today's run wasn't much different than my Monday.  I ran 2 miles, backing down for a bit from the previous two days (5.5 x 2).  My day 6 cumulative total is 24.63 miles with one day remaining in my first full week of running every day.  I took out the first mile hard or I should say as hard as possible without feeling like my leg muscles were going to bust through my skin.  The second mile I backed down and loosened up.

Todays stats:

Miles: 2
Time: 17:18
Pace: 8:38 (8:01 Mile 1 / 9:17 Mile 2)
Calories: 309

Until tomorrow....Justin