Running with "The Rocket" Rick Rodriguez

Training Runs/Thoughts

I've been completing a series of training runs this past week in preparation for Sunday's San Francisco Half Marathon.  Mostly 5 milers, out to Bollinger Canyon Road, and back via Rassani.  I feel good about the upcoming run, and though I've completed about 25 half marathons; I never am fully comfortable that the run will be easy.  The perfect race depends on many factors: weather, injuries, rest, eating right, and running intelligently.

I've been cross training, too.  I hit the bike a couple of times a week, and this seems to help me build my wind for my running.  I lifted some weights this week.  This seemed to be of immediate benefit as I could feel the difference in my running legs the next day.

San Francisco Half-Marathon set for August 3, 2008

Much of our focus (Donna & me) lately has been geared to the upcoming SF Half Marathon this August.  This past week I ran or crossed trained nearly every day.  In fact, yesterday's 6 miler was about the best run I've had in awhile.  Though short in duration, I grabbed a hold of that runner's high, and though it slipped away for a bit mid-run, I was able to recapture it towards the end and finish extremely strong. 

On Wednesday July 10, I went for a run around the Lafayette Reservoir from Clubsport, a health club adjacent to the Reservoir, and though I struggled; I had a good workout.  The run is about 4 to 5 miles, and though it has steep inclines; they are relatively short in duration, while yet another factor this day was the 100+ degree temperature.  It was extremely hot, and I was forced to Fartlek in order to not over heat, or wear myself completely out.  And though the experience was well below pleasant, I reasoned I was toughening my running ability by taking on the heat.  Once I returned to the club, the sweat pouring profusely from my brow, I rested in a chair at the club, and even after a long rest, I was soaked in my perspiration.  I guess the heat really brings it out of me!

Independence Day Run San Ramon, California 2008

Donna and I entered this run at the last moment.  And though I was anticipating a good run, I struggled mightily to catch my wind from 2.5 to 5 miles.  Perhaps, I started too quickly and this proved to be my downfall.  I seemed to take off at a good pace, but even with ideal conditions, slightly overcast, I out ran my current training pace (8:00 mpm) and blew it out of the gate.  Credit to me for recapturing my wind around 5 miles and steadily pacing myself in, but by then it was too late to establish a new PR for 2008.  I finished in 50:13.  This was slower than my Devil Mountain Run 10k last month, but not by much.

Donna experienced similar struggles, too.  She wasn't feeling peak form, yet she still finished at 55:38 good for 67th (160) woman overall and 16th in her division.  I noticed when she was coming in her paced quickened, and she strode in with lots of energy.  I continue to be proud of her and the running efforts she puts forth.  Plus it's great to spend time together doing something we enjoy.

The Loop Results

The Loop proved formidable only in time consumed.  It took a couple of hours, but we (Donna & me) finished it off with little fanfare.  Donna was bothered with a sore hip, but ice works wonders. She was back out on the streets Sunday morning with Lisa, aka Diva, Perez for another quick 5 miler!  The aftermath soreness has lingered into today; however, that didn't stop me from hitting the gym for an hour bike ride. The cross training is helping build my wind, and I found on Saturday's run to be much more efficient.  In other words, I was less taxed and in periods of running; I felt like running forever.  The Loop is 12+ miles so it's going to help as we prepare for the San Francisco Half Marathon on August 3, 2008.

The Loop

We call this run the loop because it loops through San Ramon and back to our house in Danville.  We leave our house, run down to Tassajara Ranch Road to Crow Canyon Road.  Crow Canyon Road is winding curvature of hills that ascends from our house to the 680 Freeway.  It's about 4 miles to the Iron Horse trail, a flat walking trail that skirts several Danville neighborhoods.  The trail is about 3 miles to Sycamore Valley Road from Crow Canon Road.  Once we hit Sycamore, we head East about 4 + miles back to our home and up Rassani to our house.  The Sycamore Valley Road segment turns into Camino Tassajara.  The segment appears as flat as any 4 mile run might be; however, there is a subtle rise in elevation that will make any runner work toward the conclusion.  The run is about 11 to 12 miles; it includes hills, flat, and elevated sections.  Along the way, stop at the Tennis Courts at Greenbrook, and drink from the water fountain near mile 8, or at Golden View Elementary School at mile 2.  I suggest carrying water. 

You'll see plenty of other runners along the way; pass through some busy intersections, and mostly run on cement sidewalks.  Occasionally, you'll encounter a cluster of cycling teams, but mostly you'll see early morning runners, joggers, and exercise buffs.

We''ll run The Loop on June 29, 2008!  See you there!