Running Team

Run to Stop Hunger 5k

JustinTorrellas — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:10:48 -0800

We came. We saw. We ran really fast.

A 30 min bike ride into downtown Santa Rosa, and we're changing from lycra super-hero suits into our running gear and pinning on numbers. As Kevin, Bradley and I warmed up, Chris and Charity acted as our awesome cheering section, motivators, jacket collectors, and general support crew. Oh yeah, and they were handing out flyers for our upcoming Save-A-Turkey Trot. Chris while wearing the OA banana suit, which people seemed to enjoy. A man told him "I can't come since I'll be eating a turkey on Thanksgiving...", to which our tactful fruit-man replies "oh don't worry, I'm not a judgmental banana." Classy.

We toe the line with 177 others, and only 5,000 meters to the finish. 3.1 miles is nothing to scoff at, it can be very intense, but the 3 of us are decidedly better suited for the longer distances. Never the less, it was on like autobahn. Usually someone shoots off the line at an insane pace they can't hold, but this one started nice and steady. This made me a little impatient, and after only a minute or two I quickly assessed the other runners and how I was feeling, and decided to attack as we turned right onto the greenway path. I didn't quite give it the full stick, but I opened up my stride, making sure to run quick and smooth. Just floating.

I waited until mile 2 to take a peek behind me, and all I could see was clear pavement. I stuck it in cruise control and let the lead bike bring me in. Winning felt great, as I've had this incredible streak of getting 2nd, 3rd, or 4th at nearly every running race I enter. But the best was peering down the road, and seeing the distinct running style of Bradley coming in to claim 2nd! And just behind him, Kevin finished off his run with an awesome 5th place despite some late race cramps.

At this point the announcer who noted we are usually more likely to be found racing our bikes, says "Clearly GOING VEGAN makes you GO FASTER!". For me it's not about getting recognition, winning, or even placing well. It's all about enjoying ourselves, being happy, healthy, and giving our best. But, I really do think performances like this really help our cause, give us a strong voice, and help lend credibility to the vegan movement. All we want to do is show people that there is nothing to fear if they give up or reduce their consumption of animal products. Hopefully we did a little of that today, and it's a message I'm willing to run mile after mile for.

Special thanks to Charity, Chris, Dan and Zoe Hopley for the race day encouragement, and to Charity, Kevin, and Bradley for helping me carry my stuff home.

Thanks for reading!

-Justin

Running Team

The Next 14 weeks

BenjaminPalmer — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:59:34 -0800

So last night I stayed up late and completed my training plan leading up the marathon. Here are my goals for the next 14 weeks.

Primary Goal: Boston Qual (3:10)
Goal Time: 3:00
Goal Pace: 6:50/M

Secondary Goals:
-build base cycling fitness in prep. for
Spring Collegiate cycling season
-improve swimming efficiency (total immersion)
-maintain / build muscle mass (strength training)

I'm a very visual person so seeing a plan physically written on a calendar helps alot. I attached the excel document so please feel free and let me know what you think/critique and If I should change anything to help me reach my goals!

Running Team

1st, 2nd, and 5th

BradleySaul — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:58:20 -0800

The boys from the OrganicAthlete training center took 1st, 2nd, and 5th at Sunday's Run for the Hungry 5k in Santa Rosa, CA. Watch the race report.

Staff

Marathon Training

BradleySaul — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:29:53 -0800

Gordo Bryne has a good post on marathon training.

He writes: "One of the interesting aspects about watching the US Election was that it reminded me that Americans are aspirational in their politics...In many ways, I see similar psychological attitudes towards endurance training. Athletes wanting to learn everything possible about elite and high-end run training -- many years before these techniques are appropriate for them."

Running Team

Bay area runners, join us this Sunday for a 5k

JustinTorrellas — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:43:20 -0800

Check out the info here: http://www.empirerunners.org/hungerrun/08rtshform.pdf
who's coming? I'm in for the 5k

Running Team

The Race to Stop Hunger 5k/10k

JustinTorrellas — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:41:53 -0800

Start: 11/09/2008 - 09:00

End: 11/09/2008 - 10:00

http://www.empirerunners.org/hungerrun/08rtshform.pdf

Sonoma County Chapter

A vegan diet.......

BenjaminPalmer — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 20:00:31 -0700

not only lowers my cholesterol but also the earth's gravitational pull, allowing me to levitate rather than run 10K's :)

Running Team

The Fig Life

BradleySaul — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:15:28 -0700

Friday afternoon I packed up the Burley and threw a leg over the saddle with a run on my mind. I'd been training for the following day's half marathon for a few weeks. As I pedaled north, thinking of the fig trees I was going to stop by, I had an idea: could I fuel this entire trip by fruit I forage along the way? I had brought some fruit with me, as I knew the fig crop was coming to an end.

It wouldn't be the first time I had fueled a ride or even a number of meals with foraged fruit, but I don't think I've ever powered an overnight with a race and 100k bike ride just on figs.

Before picking up my race packet, I stopped by one of my favorite green fig trees. Dinner. I pedaled down to the race hotel, picked up my packet, and pedaled back for more figs. There was still enough figs on the tree to start putting some in a bag rather than my belly, which was getting full.

The next tree was nirvana (see picture of all the figs on the ground). Why people buy figs at a store I will never understand. There thousands of abandoned fig trees all over California. Most of the fruit never gets picked. I picked about 10 pounds worth in 15 minutes.

I pedalled onwards towards Lake Sonoma, the sun setting beyond the Dry Creek Valley. I stopped at 2 more fig trees. The pickings were slim. I considered camping underneath one of them, but it was just beside the road and thought the better of it.

I camped at Warm Springs Dam Friday night where the race finished the next day. I awoke dark and early to catch a bus to the race start. It's cold that early in the morning!

I saw Andy at the start. He looked good in the OA singlet. That was two of wearing a Go Vegan message. The race started.

My goal was to run somewhere between 1:35 and 1:40. I ran without a watch, so I had no idea how fast I was going. I settled in with Suzy, a runner from Phoenix, who was setting a steady, good pace. I suffered from mile 5 to 7 but focused on my breathing to make it through a rough patch. At mile 10, I gave a kick, which lasted to mile 12. I then faded, Suzy and a couple of others caught and passed me.

I finished in 1 hour 26 minutes in 13th overall. I was stoked. Andy came in not too long after in 1 hour 40 minutes. I had to get home to go to Justin Lucke's wedding, so I didn't hang out for too long after the event. We had one other OA member, Diana, who was running too. I did not get to meet her.

I rode home, stopping to eat some figs a couple of times and thinking about how liberating and fun fruit foraging is. My how nature provides.

Running Team

lolz

BenjaminPalmer — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:41:20 -0700

Last saturday was the cross country conference meet. I kept on joking to my teamates about bringing a durian to the conference banquet dinner......

Running Team

My first half marathon

BradleySaul — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:47:19 -0700

I'm heading up to Healdsburg today (~20 mile bike ride) for my first half marathon tomorrow morning. It'll be fun. I'm going to camp out tonight, then race first thing in the morning, then ride home. There will be 3 OA members out there. I'll post a report when I get home!

Running Team

A Momentous Occasion

BradleySaul — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:23:11 -0700

Zirin reminded me of important event that happened on this date 40 years ago. Fists for freedom.

Kenneth Williams called me today, and I'm thinking biceps for freedom. The dude is going to champ Natural Olympia, November 8th in San Francisco. Is anyone going to watch with me?

I add a good run today. Damn it's beautiful here in the Fall light. I'm looking forward to the half marathon next weekend.

Pro-Activist Team

Whew!

BenjaminPalmer — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:26:28 -0700

Tomorrow is a school holiday so instead of doing homework I ran ALL over Austin posting flyers/pamphlets for OA austin/talking up possible sponsers. Looks like we might get some pretty rad local businesses to lend a hand or discounts for members etc, although nothing official yet.

During my trot around town I stopped by the best juice/smoothie bar in Austin- the Daily Juice to hang up flyers and was planning on getting a depth charge (young coconut water + greens juice) and then noticed that they had some house-made raw chocolate cups (think reeses but with pecan or hemp filling) and some were called "durian dream"..needless to say I got one. It was pretty tasty and the filling was like durian mixed with pecan butter I think, although personally I'd rather just eat durian straight up and relish its uniqueness than mixed with anything, even in smoothie form.

I'd had some pain in the top of my foot on monday and tuesday's cross country practice but it was manageable, then yesterday walked downstiars to go to practice and the pain was like 5x worse and was pretty sure that mornings mile repeats wasn't what I needed. Went to the trainer and he thinks I have some tendonitis on the top of my foot and I'm gonna cross train until sunday and go for a run then and see how it feels...hopefully it heals up..conference meet is next saturady....

I hoping to watch some of the Ironman this sunday but I've got oodles of schoolwork, maybe it will be motivating.....to study strategic communication planning???

Running Team

Running is a Crucible for Mindfulness

BradleySaul — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:53:29 -0700

I set a personal best today: 39:10 for 10k. I had to dig deep. As I've been reading Handbook for Humans by Jim Sloman, it occurred to me that running can be crucible for mindfulness. It is an opportunity to sit with the mind. At three miles into today's race, pain howled through my mind. I tried to sit with it, be at peace with the suffering. But judgements kept coming. "This hurts." "Why didn't I stay with that guy?" "Is someone going to catch me?" Even, "I'm doing well." It's all just clutter in the mindspace.

The searing in the lungs and the legs became my mantra bringing me back to the Now and Here. That's where all performance happens anyway.

Here. Now.

The Save a Turkey Trot is there then. People are stoked about it.

Staff

Upcoming indoor track season

JuergenBruynooghe — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:46:04 -0700

These days I've been working hard to get ready for the upcoming indoor season in Belgium. I haven't made up my mind yet whether I'll run only 60m events, or whether I'll do the 200m event too. At this moment, the most important day of the indoor season will be January 4th, when the Provincial Championships take place in Ghent. I'll do a couple more meetings, which take place in Ghent, as we only have one indoor hall.

Training is going very well so far, I've done much more work outs than I usually do, but here in Sebastopol I have the opportunity to train hard. Almost every day you can find me in the morning on the Analy High School track and 4 or 5 days a week I can be found in Coaches Corner for some power training.

From time to time I do some other thinhs too, peer pressure here at the OATC. Yesterday I had rest on my schedule, but nevertheless I wanted to experience the Hill Climb Challenge. I hadn't been on a bike since the Portland Tour d'Organics (except for the ride to Graton Day and back), and I didn't know what to expect: I don't know many roads around Sebastopol and I definitely had no idea what hill was waiting for me. I started after Jane and Bradley, and although I didn't get caught by the riders who started behind me, I really felt terrible on that hill. Nevertheless, I was glad that I had done it and the smile I had lost during the climb came back afterwards. :)

Running Team

Pills, Potions, and Powders No More

BradleySaul — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:21:19 -0700

In an article in last weeks' New York Times, Gina Kolata discusses the idea that athletes need special protein and carohydrate mixtures for optimal recovery. If you've been in endurance sports long, you've heard of the magic 4:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. It's true one needs carbohydrates and protein, but "as so often happens in sports, those grains of truth have been expanded into dictums and have formed the basis for an industry in 'recovery' products."

The bottom line of the article is that recovery products are not, as the marketing would have us believe, essential for performance. Furthermore, the article quotes Dr. Michael Rennie, a physiologist at the University of Nottingham, as saying at that 10 to 15 grams of protein per day is adequate for any adults. Bullocks, most people would say. It's true, though. As you eat enough calories from whole, plant foods, protein is a non-issue.

The article did use eggs and chicken as example of where to get that protein, which was too bad. Plants have protein too, along with carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytonutrients, and essential fats. Animal products are seriously lacking in those areas.

Staff

Doping....

BenjaminPalmer — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:06:08 -0700

After stumbling upon this

http://t-shirts.cafepress.com/mens-clothing/design/14802668

my roommate made this and thought I'd share

Austin Chapter

Why do you eat meat?

BradleySaul — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:41:06 -0700

I remember the last hot dog I ate. I barfed afterwards.

Having been vegan now for going on 6 years, I sometimes wonder why it took me so long to give up eating dead animal flesh. I know why. Meat embodies the values of the consumer culture I grew up in. As much I like to think I'm a nonconformist and free thinker, when it came to meat, I was with the in crowd.

Through college, I had "vegetarian tendencies." I liked the idea of being of vegetarian, but I also wanted to be an elite athlete. How could I get my protein? I bought the myth that meat and protein meant strength and power. It's those values that made the hunk of cooked cow muscle at the end of my fork palatable for me. New research confirms this theory.

Have you ever heard someone say, "I like the taste of meat"? The satisfaction may have less to do with what their taste buds tell them, and more to do with what the food symbolizes. According to researchers Michael W. Allen (University of Sydney), Richa Gupta (University of Nashville), and Arnaud Monnier (National Engineer School for Food Industries and Management, France), found that the symbolic meanings of food and beverage can influence a person's taste based on their social values.

Fortunately, I gave up eating meat and dairy. I feel better for it. And I have strength and power without it. In fact, I'm probably more better to preserve my lean muscle by eating my fruits and vegetables, according to (would you believe it?) the USDA.

Triathlon Team

Run Like Hell half Marathon, 10k, 5k

JimStuck — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:53:26 -0700

Start: 10/19/2008 - 07:30

End: 10/19/2008 - 10:30

The Portland chapter is picking the Run Like Hell half marathon as our first fitness challenge event. Seasoned runners and those new to running are encouraged to join us in training for the half marathon, 5k or 10k.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT:
Come celebrate the 6th running of the Run Like Hell Half Marathon 10K and 5K.
This event has become a Portland tradition with participants dressing up in great costumes for both events. The half marathon is a great run through the Pearl District, along Front Ave, and along Barbur and Terwilliger Blvd where participants enjoy the brilliant colors of the changing leaves as well as beautiful views of downtown, Mt. Hood and more!

Not feeling up to a Half Marathon? Bring the whole family and run or walk the fast and fun 5K or the newly added 10k event. Both are easy courses that are great for all ages and abilities. Come dressed in costume for these, there will be a costume contest after the race!

ABOUT P:EAR:
p:ear builds positive relationships with homeless and transitional youth through education, art and recreation to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier lives.

AFTER RACE PARTY:
After the races, enjoy live music from the Freak Mountain Ramblers, food from Buffalo Wild Wings, and beer from Redhook in Portland's living room (Pioneer Sq.) There is also a costume contest for all those who dress up!

LOCATION:
The race starts and finishes on Taylor at 4th ave. near Pioneer Square.

START TIMES:
Half Marathon starts at 7:30am
if you cannot keep a 15 minute per mile pace, please do not enter the half marathon, enter the 5k instead

5k starts at 8:30am

Kids Race 9:45am
This time is approximate, it is based on the other two adult events being mostly finished in order for everyone to be safe. We actually will not know ourselves until right before it is time to do the kids event so please listen for these announcements.

Day of race registration at 6:30am

IN STORE PACKET PICKUP:
Saturday Oct. 18th
Fit Right NW 1207 NW 23rd
10:00am to 3:00pm
* participants can use the parking garage on Northrup on the West side of 23rd

PLEASE HELP US HELP YOUR RACE DAY GO MUCH SMOOTHER
BY ATTENDING PACKET PICKUP ON SATURDAY.

EVENT RESULTS / CHIP RETURN:
This event is championchip timed. please see results / timing for important information regarding chips.

Running Team

Track & Field!

BradleySaul — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:33:27 -0700

Justin and I skipped the Tuesday Night Criterium to race at the Empire Runner's Summer Track series instead. This was my first track and field event ever. In hopes of doing well at a few duathlons later this year, I'm trying to step up my running game.

The first event was the mile - 4 laps of the track. Justin blazed to something just over 5 minutes. I cruised to just under 6 minutes. After watching the 100 meters and wondering "how do they go that fast?" (even the little kids), Justin then decided to break himself by running in the 800 and 400 meters.

In the 800, Justin was 3rd from last after 20 meters, but he ran steady. As the others faded on the second lap, Justin charged and finished 3rd with a solid 2:10. The 400 looked like it hurt like hell.

The last race we did was the 3000 meters or 7.5 laps of the track. All the fast guys were in this one too. After the gun fired, I quickly found my pace behind a couple of the Empire Runner club members. They were running steady and smooth, and it help to be behind them in the headwind section. Justin was just in front of us, and pack of fast guys were in front of him. For 3 laps, that's the way it stayed with Justin slowly coming back to us and the pack creeping away.

On the 4th lap, we caught Justin. I was feeling strong, but the lactate was starting to accumulate even in my arms. With 2 laps to remaining, I started to lose contact with the Empire runners. Coming down the straight with one lap remaining, the leader passed me. Then on the back straight Justin accelerated just enough to gap me off. The pain was incredible, but I ran strong to finish in around 10:45 or 10:50.

That was certainly a personal best for me. According the McMillan running calculator, this is equivalent to a sub-19 minute 5k. This is good. I'd like to be running 17-17:30 5Ks by October. I'm also running in the Healdsburg Half Marathon. It'd be nice to comfortably go under 1:30.

Running Team

Train for a Half Marathon or Triathlon with OrganicAthlete

BradleySaul — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:34:12 -0700

OrganicAthlete invites you to experience the possibility of health without suffering, of life with compassion, of performance without compromise, of sports with purpose. OrganicAthlete is forming training groups these upcoming events this Fall in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Wine Country Half Marathon (Saturday, October 25th) http://www.runhealdsburg.com/
Join OrganicAthlete in running 13.1 miles through beautiful Sonoma County. Whether it's your first half marathon or you are a distance running veteran, you'll have a great time running this race with OrganicAthlete. OrganicAthlete will help you prepare to run with a group training plan and regular group runs. Contact sonoma@organicathlete.org for more information about joining our Healdsburg Half Marathon team.

The San Francisco Triathlon (Saturday, November 8th or Sunday, November 9th)
http://www.tricalifornia.com/index.cfm/SF2008-main.htm
Olympic Distance (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run)
Sprint Distance (.5k swim, 20k bike, 5k run)
Join fellow OrganicAthlete members in this triathlon on Treasure Island. Let's get out there en masse! These are distances that anyone can complete. Be a part of the OrganicAthlete team. Contact bradley@organicathlete.org for more information about joining the our San Francisco Triathlon team.

Running Team

Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon

BradleySaul — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:30:03 -0700

Start: 10/25/2008 - 22:16

Join OrganicAthlete in running 13.1 miles through beautiful Sonoma County. Whether it's your first half marathon or you are a distance running veteran, you'll have a great time running this race with OrganicAthlete.

OrganicAthlete will help you prepare to run with a group training plan and regular group runs. Contact sonoma@organicathlete.org for more information about joining our Healdsburg Half Marathon team.

Running Team

The Saint 30K Trail Race

BenjaminPalmer — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:29:29 -0700

* week late...but better late than never!**

Last Sunday was the last of the summer 30K trail series that I signed up for and it was the best one yet..and with best pictures!

First off my parents were in town so got to hang out with them the day before and got a good picture of me and papa palmer both looking very aloof before the race.

My plan for this race was to pace behind local pro triathlete Andrea Fisher who had been finishing around 20th for the past two but after shadowing her for the first 1/2 of the first lap or so decided that I had it in me to pick up the pace this was my race and not hers (she was probably just using it as a nice training run)

I was feeling really strong for the rest of the run, it wasn't very sunny but it sure was humid but somehow that didn't bother me very much. I was trying out a new gel flask that is soft instead of hard and was digging it until I yanked too hard on it and lost the mouth control. As I crossed by the crowd on my way to the final 10K lap I tossed the still 1/3 full container to my dad and trekked on. I was still feeling strong until around the 2:15 mark when a 51 year old marathon pacer and some other guy that I had passed a while ago started catching up with me, they slowly caught up and we ran together for a bit before the two of them kicked it up a notch for the last three minutes or so and unfortunatly I just didn't have it in me.

In the end finished with in 2:31, placing 19th/137...which is quite an improvment of the other two placings (37th for the 1st..and an unoffical 31st for the 2nd)

While the rest of the summer is focused on tri's (sprint tri this sunday!!) hopefully i can get a few good trail runs in because I really enjoyed it and look forward to the series next summer.

Running Team

Back in the Saddle

BradleySaul — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:36:19 -0700

I'm starting to ride and run again.

Cycling Team

Acclimated

BenjaminPalmer — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:32:04 -0700

Perhaps its because of the "offical" summer solstice but I finally feel like I'm finally fully acclimated to the Austin summer weather. It felt AWESOME today to get out and run for two hours including mile intervals and hill repeats at noon in 100 degree's and be LOVING the heat!

Triathlon Team

Train for a Better World Speaking Series: Whole Food Sports Nutrition

BradleySaul — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:29:41 -0700

Start: 08/07/2008 - 19:00

End: 08/07/2008 - 21:30

Tired of pills, potions, and powders? Don't be because you don't need them. This 1 hour seminar will cover how to all the fuel and nutrition you need to thrive from whole foods.

Cycling Team

Train for a Better World Speaking Series: The Protein Myth

BradleySaul — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:23:35 -0700

Start: 07/24/2008 - 19:00

End: 07/24/2008 - 21:30

So where do you get protein? In this talk, we'll uncover how politics, money, and misinformation have misled the American public on the importance of protein in one's diet. It's not as important as you might think!

Meet at the West County Revolution Bike Shop at 7pm for this informative talk.

6731 Sebastopol Ave STE 130
Sebastopol, CA 95472

Cycling Team

Train for a Better World Speaking Series: Plant-based Nutrition for Athletes

BradleySaul — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:16:35 -0700

Start: 07/10/2008 - 19:00

End: 07/10/2008 - 20:30

Think vegans are just scrawny, pasty people who don't get enough protein. Think again! Learn why a whole foods, plant-based diet is not only possible, but optimal for health and athletic performance. Discover why many of the best athletes in the world consume a plant-based diet without animal products.

Meet at the West County Revolution Bike Shop at 7pm for this informative talk.

6731 Sebastopol Ave STE 130
Sebastopol, CA 95472

Cycling Team

The Loop 30K Trail Race

BenjaminPalmer — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:02:35 -0700

* yea I know posted a week late but meh*

I now have a new watch with 3 independent alarms on it so I should totally be covered now for waking up for races haha. Officially I got 88th but un-offically (and in my heart) I got 32nd. For the last 30K of the series on the 29th I'm shooting for around 20th but we'll see if anything wacky happens again!

Running Team

Fitch Mountain Footrace

BrettDollar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:41:56 -0700

Justin, Bradley, Charity and I spent Sunday morning at the Fitch Mountain Footrace 10k. Justin crushed lots of people to win his age group and take 4th place overall. I ran slowly and placed 2nd in my age group. Not a bad day. Check out the video...

Sonoma County Chapter

Fitch Mountain Footrace

BradleySaul — Tue, 20 May 2008 14:18:20 -0700

Start: 06/08/2008 - 08:00

End: 06/08/2008 - 09:00

Sonoma County Chapter

The Maze 30K Trail Race

BenjaminPalmer — Sun, 04 May 2008 15:36:49 -0700

First race of the summer, first race report vlog, good stuff.

I know that before a race the general rule is to "play it safe" and not eat anything different, but there was a raw potluck last night and I just couldn't help myself..someone brought a fresh durian custard, (and I was just talking about how I had never had durian) and it OM NOMNOMNONOMNOM

While I'm in India I won't be able to bike or swim but I should be able to run a bit so well see what sorta shape I'm after I get back.

Running Team

What moment? This moment

BradleySaul — Sun, 04 May 2008 11:46:36 -0700

Charity asked me last night, "what do you notice when you first wake up in that moment when you first come to consciousness?" I woke up this morning trying to get back to unconsciousness. Tired, hungry, and sore after yesterday's Grasshopper, I had an idea that I would do a long run as the final preparation for the Auburn duathlon in two weeks time. As I rolled out of bed, I wondered if that was the best idea.

I squeezed a glass of fresh orange juice, then I mapped out an 18k route along the ridge with some of my favorite roads: Burnside and Gold Ridge. You can see the entire valley from the top of Gold Ridge. It's stunning. "Ok, I can do this," I told myself. "I just need to do the distance; don't worry about going fast"

I can see why people like Dean Karzas love running and can do it for mile after mile after mile. When you get into the zone of being in the moment with your breathing, your stride, and the beauty of it all, that's good stuff. I had that going for most of my run.

By the time I hit the bottom of Mill Station, my legs weren't liking the downhills so much anymore, and I was contemplating if an extra glass of OJ would've been good. I made it through Ragle Park with some presence left, but for the last two miles I just wanted to get home. This is when your practice gets tested. Can you keep focused on form and breathing when your legs ache and all you really want to do is stop? Good stuff. I look foward to seeing how my form turns out in a couple of weeks.

18k Hilly
Find more Runs in Sebastopol, California

Sonoma County Chapter

Chilly Chili Run

JustinTorrellas — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:48:53 -0700

Start: 01/01/2009 - 10:00

End: 01/01/2009 - 10:20

Running Team

Chilly Chili Run

JustinTorrellas — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:48:53 -0700

Start: 01/01/2008 - 10:00

End: 01/01/2008 - 10:20

Running Team

Vibram Five Fingers

BradleySaul — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:33:57 -0700

I gave my new Vibram Five Fingers shoes a whirl today.

Running Team

Road, Run, and Mud

BradleySaul — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:04:51 -0700

This was a good day.

Wake up at 6:40am.
Roll out of bed at 7:00am.
Eat a banana or two. Have some orange juice.
Hop on the bike at 7:30.
Do running race at 8:30.
Wait around for silly ribbon for winning my age group.
Ride home.
Have food.
Take nap.
Get back on the mountain bike at 3:30pm.
Go for a 4 hour ride (I'm getting ready for the 16 hour Shannon Ridge Showdown in October).
Go to Slice of Life for dinner.
Come home and watch Rowing Through.

Here's a vid from today:

Cycling Team

Dr. McDonalds' Just GO! 5k & 10k

BradleySaul — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:47:58 -0700

Start: 04/27/2008 - 19:45

Sonoma County Chapter

Go Bananas!

JustinTorrellas — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:29:38 -0700

Well, SOMEBODY had to wear the OA banana suit. Its just been sitting on a shelf too long, and thats a waste of a banana suit if you ask me.

So I made my way downtown, and the parade was in full swing. A few thousand people were out enjoying the day. Should I? Yes. I crash the parade and run straight down the middle of the road. Weaving in and out of floats, marching bands, and other parade-ish things. Honestly, I didn't expect much of a reaction, but people loved it! "Look, its banana man!", "Go Bananas!", "Yay, banana man!". People were cheering- they really loved it! I eventually passed the lead float, and had the road all to my self. There was still another 200 meters or so of people lining the sidewalks in wait. At first they were silent, then let up a huge cheer as I ran past. It was pretty fun!

I didn't realize it until I got home, but I was totally wiped! I think I was booking it at better than 5 min/mile pace- oops- good warm up for the race tomorrow eh?

Cycling Team

HAT run

ScottHodukavich — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:20:13 -0700

Start: 03/29/2008 - 09:00

End: 03/29/2008 - 17:15

50K trail race

Philadelphia Chapter

Upping the Mileage

BradleySaul — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 08:08:52 -0700

Last night I did my longest, most hilly run in a very long time. Perhaps it was too long and hilly for my new shoes - the Newtons. I have to say it was fun though. I enjoyed running over the road I'm accustomed to riding over.

At what felt like a good endurance pace, I ran about 8 minute miles. This is close to my goal for the Auburn Duathlon, which is also very hilly. It's now 4 weeks from the event. I'm going to do one more long run, then try to get my speed up. We'll see how this goes.

Run for this Saturday
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Injuries and Disappointment at Gutbuster1

Kevin Park — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:35:11 -0700

I arrived at the beautiful and historic Royal Roads University early, well slept and carbed up.

Decked out in OA green from head to toe. After a 15 min warmup my persistent old ankle injury was really bothering me and I was noticing a slight twinge of pain going down along the outside of my foot. I had Cara Obee kindly tape it up for a small donation to Doctors Without Borders. It felt quite stable after but I still had
my concerns. Nearly 12k of climbs and descents lay ahead.

The race started and I was in good form. My cardio is stronger than it has ever been. After about 2km I was within the front 15-20 of racers in a field of 150. Still being conservative because of my ankle I could have been further up. Every time we hit a steep climb I could easily pass a few people before the top. Most were walking and I had good power to charge right up past them. The intense jarring on the descents was causing an intolerable amount of pain and discomfort in my foot/ankle. I'll jump ahead to about 4K. My foot was in so much pain I had to walk. I had lost a lot of positions from having to stop but I still wanted to finish the race. I made one last desperate attempt at running but it just wasn't going to happen. The pain was unbearable. I had to drop out of the race. Luckily the course was looping back quite close to the start/finish area and I was able to hop off the trail there rather than having to struggle through several kilometers just to get back.

With my head held low I hobbled back to the start finish area and informed the officials of my DNF.
The 5K(shortcourse) racers were just finishing. As disappointed as I was I knew that I had made the
right choice by deciding not to continue.

Sigh... It feels like I might have a stress fracture in my foot or some sort of nasty stuff in my ankle.
It just hasn't healed well enough to take the abuse of a Gutbuster. I'm heading to the emergency for an
X-RAY. I hate hospitals and am not a fan of the standard medical system but I have little choice in
this matter. I have to know what is going on in there and why it isn't healing properly. I'll be back into weekly physiotherapy, acupuncture and spend a little money on proper injury rehabilitation instead of tackling it myself this time. I likely wont be running much until the next Gutbuster which is a over a month away. I *might* do the 5 K if everything checks out okay and I get the go ahead from the experts. If not then I won't be
too upset. Healing is more important than racing. I will likely continue with bike racing and training as I
know that I can do it without much stress to the injured areas. Care will be taken to brace my ankle and not cause it any undue stress.

I'm sorry for a disappointing report. I was hoping to post up about a wonderful race and a top 10
finish. I'm finally starting to have feelings about giving up running for many years. It's sad because
it was my main passion in life for a few years, and I credit running for igniting my passion for fitness, health, and helping my find my way towards veganism and the Organic Athlete Organization.

I've never DNF'd in a run before so this is a very sad day for me. A few tears were shed, both from physical pain and mental disappointment. You guys are so supportive and encouraging that I know I will be able to persevere through this and maybe it will be a good thing for me and help direct my focus more towards improving my cycling abilities.

Peace out

Kev

Running Team

Running Cooked My Legs For Cycling

BradleySaul — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:32:46 -0700

Cycling Team

Getting the Running Legs Back

BradleySaul — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:51:53 -0700

Justin and I went for a hilly run in Seattle today, my first run over 30 minutes in over a year. The downhills destroyed my legs, but it got me looking forward to the Duathlon.

Seattle Run
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AT&T Austin Marathon 2008 Race Report

BenjaminPalmer — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:12:38 -0700

Last month after only getting serious in the fall and doing specific training for about 3 months I competed in my first marathon.

Things started out well and I followed my plan of sticking between the 3:10 and 3:15 pacers and slowly moved into the 3:10 pack after a few miles of warm up. I stayed with them for a bit but then gradually started to shift back and lessen my pace. I was still going pretty strong until about mile 20 (thats the part of the course that I hadn't run in training) and I started to slow down.

I then kept with the 3:15ers for a bit and then they passed me up. The last 5 miles or so were pretty tough for me and my legs felt pretty dead. during the last 1 1/2 the 3:20 pacers passed me, which I was a little disappointed with but unfortunatly didn't have it in me to kick it into a higher gear.

I ended up with a time of 3:22:07, which I would of like to have gotten 3:15 but am still very pleased with for my first marathon. Next one I do, totally plan on getting a Boston qualifying time (3:10) and if its in Austin train on the full course and not just 3/4 of it.

Also my nips are chaffed, first time that has happened during a run!

I got about 4 "Go Vegan!" comments..I was wearing my organic athlete racing singlet..over a long sleeved technical shirt which I wish I hadn't had on because I got a bit too hot. next time just wear a junker sweater that I toss off and then just be in the racing singlet.

other stats for me

29/214 in my age group (20-24 M)

360/5134 Overall

316/3093 Men

62.1% Age Graded Results

"Age-Graded Rankings"

100% = Approximate World-Record Level

Over 90% = World Class

Over 80% = National Class
Over

70% = Regional Class

Over 60% = Local Class

Running Team

AT&T Austin Marathon

BenjaminPalmer — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:52:07 -0700

Start: 02/17/2008 - 16:46

Marathon through downtown Austin, TX

Running Team

Keepin' On

JustinTorrellas — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:00:00 -0800

without a singular good reason, but a combination of small ones, my training became very lax in early december. cold temperatures, snow, ice, women *cough*.... but i did still manage to get out the door from time to time. a little hiking, xc skiing, cycling, and mostly running. i had a bunch of very specific runs to do this month on the running track, but since it has been a sheet of ice, i had to substitute it out for some frolics on the local creek paths. but all in all its been okay.

at this time of year i can afford to be flexible, and let life and love get in the way a bit. but most of all, i've been trying to soak up as much boulder as i can before i move. one way or another i'll be in cali in a matter of weeks.

Running Team