I made a blog dedicate to my Ironman training.
Louis's TNT Ironman Training
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
What is wrong with 9/11????
I got an update from Dorian today:
"I wanted to give everyone an update on Tyler. The cat scan did reveal swelling in his brain so a spinal tap was done today. The swelling can be indicative of viral spinal meningitis or a brain tumor. If this is a brain tumor, Tyler will need a bone marrow transplant. Please send him all your best thoughts and prayers. We need this to be meningitis. Bryan, please feel free to spread this message to the team. We need all the hope everyone can send us.
Dorian"
This is not the news I am hoping for especially on 9/11. I am praying this to be meningitis because a brain tumor is just bad news. I registered in the bone marrow registry and I know it's not easy to find a match. I hope the little kid is ok.
Louis
"I wanted to give everyone an update on Tyler. The cat scan did reveal swelling in his brain so a spinal tap was done today. The swelling can be indicative of viral spinal meningitis or a brain tumor. If this is a brain tumor, Tyler will need a bone marrow transplant. Please send him all your best thoughts and prayers. We need this to be meningitis. Bryan, please feel free to spread this message to the team. We need all the hope everyone can send us.
Dorian"
This is not the news I am hoping for especially on 9/11. I am praying this to be meningitis because a brain tumor is just bad news. I registered in the bone marrow registry and I know it's not easy to find a match. I hope the little kid is ok.
Louis
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Prayers for Tyler
I got an email today from my teammate Miss Dori today that Tyler may have a brain or spinal cord tumor.
"Hey backbone! Your prayers and good thoughts seem to have worked for Stephanie's dad. Can I ask you to do the same for Tyler. He has been feeling dizzy for a few days and his dad took him to the doctor yesterday. The doctor thought it might be an inner ear infection but the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a brain or spinal cord tumor. He had a cat scan yesterday and his parents were called today and told to bring him back in for another cat scan because the one he had yesterday showed some abnormalities. Please hold Tyler in your thoughts and prayers! We hope that this is just an ear infection. This little boy deserves a break. Thanks so much.
"Hey backbone! Your prayers and good thoughts seem to have worked for Stephanie's dad. Can I ask you to do the same for Tyler. He has been feeling dizzy for a few days and his dad took him to the doctor yesterday. The doctor thought it might be an inner ear infection but the symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a brain or spinal cord tumor. He had a cat scan yesterday and his parents were called today and told to bring him back in for another cat scan because the one he had yesterday showed some abnormalities. Please hold Tyler in your thoughts and prayers! We hope that this is just an ear infection. This little boy deserves a break. Thanks so much.
Dorian"
I question why a 6 years old kid has to go thru all these drama. I am hoping this is just an inner ear infection and nothing else.
I question why a 6 years old kid has to go thru all these drama. I am hoping this is just an inner ear infection and nothing else.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
The Nike Human Race 10K [2 of 3]
Nike Human Race is my second running events within 26 hours. I wanted to do well on the Baldy Run so my plan is to just chill with Nike. There are many 10k I can do in a year but there is only one Mt Baldy Trail Race!
I got to the LA Colliseum around 6pm. I know it's 2 hours early but I wanted to get there early so I don't have to deal with the traffic!!! I parked my car and I saw this couple putting the timing chip on their shoe and I saw to myself where are their common sense? Out of all places they choice to hide next to their car on an open parking space. I think they do not realize that any drivers can just pull up to that space and hit them.
People with no common sense
After I finish my Togo sandwish I started to head in to the runner's area. It's good to see that finally the organizer know what people actually eat. My coaches always tell me don't eat something you don't usually eat before/during a race. I always said to myself, do I eat more luna bars or do I eat more hot dogs? Too bad I ate my Togo, otherwise I will get a hot dog and a coke.
Nike knows what people actually eat (See, this is why I tell my mentee to bring money with them on a race)
I moved on to the staging area. For a second I want to call up my many friends that are running this race, but I gave up because I figure it's impossible to find them. What am I going to tell them? Hey Eric where are you? I am the guy in red? (For those of you who don't know, Nike printed the BIB on their shirt so you have to wear this red shirt)
A sea of people with Red Shirts... including me
Eventhough this is only a 10K I do all the warmup as if I am doing a marathon. I ran, stretch, ran, go to the porta potty, ran, eat, drink, and stretch some more. While I was doing my warmup I actually bumped into my teammates Janet and Terry. I wished them good luck and continue my thing.
There was this offical warmup before the race. I thought it was kind of silly because they just blasted music and have people move their hands and jump around. I actually feel stupid doing that because I don't think that will help a person warm up at all. Fun factor 5, warmup factor -1.
The gun finally started and I start running. It's nice to run at night because it's not that hot. I light jog the first 3 miles because I don't want to be too tired for Mt Baldy. After mile 3 I am all warm up and I want to go fast. I passed a lot of people and I finished in 1:01:16.
I was sad that I did not stay for the Kanye West Concert because I needed rest for Mt Baldy.
People waiting for Kanye West Concert after the run
As I was walking back to my car I see a line of people waiting for something. I ask one of the guy and he said the line is for bag check pick up. I am glad that I did not check in my stuff and continue to my car.
Seriously, there were like 200-300 people waiting in line for bag check pick up
I got hungry on the way home so I went to eat ramen. Carbo loading for Baldy you know =)
You can see I run faster in the second half (This is called negative split) =P
I got to the LA Colliseum around 6pm. I know it's 2 hours early but I wanted to get there early so I don't have to deal with the traffic!!! I parked my car and I saw this couple putting the timing chip on their shoe and I saw to myself where are their common sense? Out of all places they choice to hide next to their car on an open parking space. I think they do not realize that any drivers can just pull up to that space and hit them.
People with no common senseAfter I finish my Togo sandwish I started to head in to the runner's area. It's good to see that finally the organizer know what people actually eat. My coaches always tell me don't eat something you don't usually eat before/during a race. I always said to myself, do I eat more luna bars or do I eat more hot dogs? Too bad I ate my Togo, otherwise I will get a hot dog and a coke.
Nike knows what people actually eat (See, this is why I tell my mentee to bring money with them on a race)I moved on to the staging area. For a second I want to call up my many friends that are running this race, but I gave up because I figure it's impossible to find them. What am I going to tell them? Hey Eric where are you? I am the guy in red? (For those of you who don't know, Nike printed the BIB on their shirt so you have to wear this red shirt)
A sea of people with Red Shirts... including meEventhough this is only a 10K I do all the warmup as if I am doing a marathon. I ran, stretch, ran, go to the porta potty, ran, eat, drink, and stretch some more. While I was doing my warmup I actually bumped into my teammates Janet and Terry. I wished them good luck and continue my thing.
There was this offical warmup before the race. I thought it was kind of silly because they just blasted music and have people move their hands and jump around. I actually feel stupid doing that because I don't think that will help a person warm up at all. Fun factor 5, warmup factor -1.
The gun finally started and I start running. It's nice to run at night because it's not that hot. I light jog the first 3 miles because I don't want to be too tired for Mt Baldy. After mile 3 I am all warm up and I want to go fast. I passed a lot of people and I finished in 1:01:16.
I was sad that I did not stay for the Kanye West Concert because I needed rest for Mt Baldy.
People waiting for Kanye West Concert after the runAs I was walking back to my car I see a line of people waiting for something. I ask one of the guy and he said the line is for bag check pick up. I am glad that I did not check in my stuff and continue to my car.
Seriously, there were like 200-300 people waiting in line for bag check pick upI got hungry on the way home so I went to eat ramen. Carbo loading for Baldy you know =)
You can see I run faster in the second half (This is called negative split) =PDisneyland Half Marathon [1 of 3]
I have 3 events this weekend. Disneyland Half Marathon (Sunday Morning), The Nike Human Race 10K (Sunday Night), and Mt Baldy Run to the top (Monday Morning).
Let me first talk about Disney. I got there so early it's not even funny. Initally I was planning to be there around 4am in the morning to give myself around 2 hours to warm up...etc. But surprisingly there were no traffic at all and I got there at 3am in the morning!!! With nothing to do I just walk around, take pictures, and take to people around me. I found out that if you do both the Disneyworld marathon and Disneyland half marathon, you will get an extra medal. I am like... hmm... someone was very smart to come up with all these extra medals because I am a sucker for them. Well I'll do it one year. One thing I notice before the race is that my stomach doesn't feel that good but I can't do anything about it. I hope I am ok.
When it's finally time to go to the starting line, I bumped into a few SGV TNT Mentors. Since we are all in different corrals we quickly got seperated.
Me and other SGV Mentors
After more waiting the race finally started. We started from downtown Disney and we run outside of the street for a while. We then go into California Adventure. Right about that time Disney Characters start showing up. I started talking pictures with them, then I bump into Rosemary and Jeff (both TNT teammates). The 3 of us ran for a while, by that time we left California Adventure and started running in Disneyland. We separated soon after because I wanted to take a picture with Pinocchio so I told them to go ahead. I ran for a bit more and I saw all the Disney Princesses on the boat. I thought to myself, "So much for taking a picture with Snow White". After a bit of running around I exited Disneyland and start running on the street. By mile 6 I saw my friend Alice and I took a picture of her.
me inside Disneyland
By mile 8 my stomach is really acting up. I feel pain so I slow down. I tried to go to the restroom but I cannot go. I passed the Honda center and Angel Stadium but my stomach still hurt. Right before mile 10 I finally find a porta potty and I was able to go. I am so glad that there were no lines. As soon as I came out, I went back in again. Let's just say once again that I am glad there is no line. If there is a line, I wouldn't know what to say.
So after I don't know how long, I finally come out and started walking. I didn't want to start running right away because I want to warm up for a little bit and see how I feel. After 1 mile I dived in to another porta potty. By then I don't care about my time, I don't care about the medal, and I don't care about taking pictures with Snow White. All I care is to finish and go home.
Picture of me and lulu at mile 12 something??
After a long struggle I was finally near the finish line. I saw a TNT girl walking so I tap her shoulder and ask her to run me with (just like my guardian angel did to me in AFC). We finished the marathon with chipmunks at the finish line. I think that was awesome!
After talking pictures with this guy that I met on the HK running forum, I head home to prepare my second race. More to follow after Nike
Let me first talk about Disney. I got there so early it's not even funny. Initally I was planning to be there around 4am in the morning to give myself around 2 hours to warm up...etc. But surprisingly there were no traffic at all and I got there at 3am in the morning!!! With nothing to do I just walk around, take pictures, and take to people around me. I found out that if you do both the Disneyworld marathon and Disneyland half marathon, you will get an extra medal. I am like... hmm... someone was very smart to come up with all these extra medals because I am a sucker for them. Well I'll do it one year. One thing I notice before the race is that my stomach doesn't feel that good but I can't do anything about it. I hope I am ok.
When it's finally time to go to the starting line, I bumped into a few SGV TNT Mentors. Since we are all in different corrals we quickly got seperated.
Me and other SGV MentorsAfter more waiting the race finally started. We started from downtown Disney and we run outside of the street for a while. We then go into California Adventure. Right about that time Disney Characters start showing up. I started talking pictures with them, then I bump into Rosemary and Jeff (both TNT teammates). The 3 of us ran for a while, by that time we left California Adventure and started running in Disneyland. We separated soon after because I wanted to take a picture with Pinocchio so I told them to go ahead. I ran for a bit more and I saw all the Disney Princesses on the boat. I thought to myself, "So much for taking a picture with Snow White". After a bit of running around I exited Disneyland and start running on the street. By mile 6 I saw my friend Alice and I took a picture of her.
me inside DisneylandBy mile 8 my stomach is really acting up. I feel pain so I slow down. I tried to go to the restroom but I cannot go. I passed the Honda center and Angel Stadium but my stomach still hurt. Right before mile 10 I finally find a porta potty and I was able to go. I am so glad that there were no lines. As soon as I came out, I went back in again. Let's just say once again that I am glad there is no line. If there is a line, I wouldn't know what to say.
So after I don't know how long, I finally come out and started walking. I didn't want to start running right away because I want to warm up for a little bit and see how I feel. After 1 mile I dived in to another porta potty. By then I don't care about my time, I don't care about the medal, and I don't care about taking pictures with Snow White. All I care is to finish and go home.
Picture of me and lulu at mile 12 something??After a long struggle I was finally near the finish line. I saw a TNT girl walking so I tap her shoulder and ask her to run me with (just like my guardian angel did to me in AFC). We finished the marathon with chipmunks at the finish line. I think that was awesome!
After talking pictures with this guy that I met on the HK running forum, I head home to prepare my second race. More to follow after Nike
Monday, August 18, 2008
AFC Race Review
I am very happy to tell you that I finished the triple crown series and I found my TNT Guardian Angel during this race.
Begin part of my tradition I always try to eat a bowl of Katsu Don (Japanese Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl) before a big race (half/full marathon). Since the first place I go to was closed and the Katsu Don of this second place doesn't taste that good, I felt something bad may happen.
Katsu Donat Kouraku
I started packing on Friday night and I stayed up late. I woke up early Sat morning to train with Team In Training. I stayed for the whole thing because I figured I have enough time to get down to San Diego. After the last person come in I started driving down to San Diego. The moment I got to the freeway I started to feel very sleepy. It wasn't fun at all!!! I thought I can get down to San Diego around 3:30 but I didn't get to the Expo until around 4:40pm.
After having a tasty dinner I went back to the hotel to prepare. I lay everything out on my bed so I know I don't miss anything. Since I am a backpacker, I am pretty good at bringing everything I need. If this is your first marathon, consider coming up with a check list.
Do everything you can such as pinning your BIB to your jersey
I set 4 alarms at 3:30 am and I check out the hotel around 4:15 am. I got to the parking lot at maybe around 5:00 am. I recheck everything (because I can't go back to my car) and I hoop on the bus at maybe 5:15 am
While we were near the start point I can see the pacific ocean from the bus while the full moon was still out. The moon reflection from the ocean is just awesome. That scene itself worth all the trouble.
So I got out of the bus and my first business is to go to the porta-potty as I don't want to get into the porta traffic jam later. After I went to the porta-potty I sit aside to finish my breakfast and put on my sunscreen. Bring a headlamp definitely help... you can find your stuff and you know what you are touching in the porta-potty because it can be very dark inside! I stronger recommend people to bring a cheap headlamp with them and put it in their bag check in.
looking at San Diego Bay from the Cabrillo National Monument (Starting Point)
By now the sun has came up a little bit so I walked around and do some sightseeing. The good thing about being at the start line early is that you have enough time where you can walk around and do stuff. Some people just sit there waiting for the race to start... why not take the advantage and walk around as a warm up.
After I finish my walk I start to jog just a little bit and then I started stretching. By now there are @#$#$ number of people near the starting line and I decided to go pee once again.
@#$# number of people near the starting line, click to enlarge
Luckly there are lot of porta-potty for the us so the wait line isn't that long. In LA marathon we have 30,000 people and we have like... 30 restroom? In AFC I waited maybe 5 minutes. In LA I waited for 45 minutes (end up not having time to warm up and injured myself... I think because of that). Anyway, enough with the potty thing. With 15 minutes to go I start my warm up run and do more stretching. Then I make my way to the starting line.
I know my teammate Emil and Partick are running this race but I couldn't find them so I started the race by myself. Emil caught me from behind after like 2 miles. We just said hi and bye because he is trying to finish the half in under 2 hours. I continue and talk to some TNT people when I bump into them. Early in the race I know I am sweating a lot so drink extra water. I however did not take enough salt. I was going strong until I hike mile 6 something. I took a short walk break to refill water and eat a some luna blocks. I continue the race and I was feeling slow. I started to do run/walk ratio and the walk really cool me down.
I was getting tired by mile 9. I think it's a combination of the heat and food intake. I usually eat a lot more on my other half marathon but today I wasn't eating that much. I think that has something to do with myself being tired... plus it was hot. So at mile 9 I started to pick people to keep pace. at around mile 10 I notice this girl was running next to me and I didn't pay much attention. I continue to run and I bumped into the mile 10 water station plus freshly grilled hamburger... and did I mention it was free!
I am going to do AFC next year just for the hamburger!!!
I was doing good on time and I was hungry... so I ate one piece (1/4) and move on. Guess what, I don't know if is the hamburger or the luna block, I got my second wind and start running like crazy. That eventually die down and I was doing the run walk thing again. I wish I had more hamburgers!!!
So now I was at mile 11 something and there is nothing but uphill. I took a quick look at the uphill and I decided to use my hiker's walk. I combined power walking with a kind of steps that mountaineers use to travel steep snow mountain to get the speed of power walking while and being as efficient as I can going up hill. This works like magic. I am much faster than all walkers and I would say I am almost as fast as some people running.
When I got up to the big hill on the sixth ave I realized that it was the same place that I started the San Diego Rock N Roll marathon back in June 1. I was amazed!!! By now I was ready to run toward the finish. I thought to myself... good job on the uphill. However, when I started to run my leg start to cramp up. I know right away that I sweat too much salt. I didn't want to stop and stretch so I continue to push forward. At this point I am just taking my time. After a while I walked into to a church and I took the following picture. Right after that I feel a little dizzy. I saw a few people black out during the run and I don't want to be one of them. I took a moment to recollect myself and I was ok.
The Church looking building
At I walk toward the finish line someone tab me on the shoulder. It was a girl and she encourage me by asking me if I want to run with her. I was like sure and I started running with her. I am feeling better at this point and we both see the finish line. I asked her if she want to sprint to the finish line and she asked me to go ahead. I finished the race at a bit before her and I gave her a high five at the finish line.
Before I go on I want to say thank you to this girl. This girl encourage me to finish and I didn't even say thank you. I even left her for a spirit finish when she was the one who invited me to run with her. I couldn't even try to look her up on the result because I didn't get her name and I didn't look at her BIB number. It's weird how I was taking a picture of this church and then this girl appear. I am going to name her as my guardian angel.
Well after I high-five my guardian angel I left right away to look for the triple crown tent. After a long time I finally found it and I waited for my medal. I wasn't that excited when I got the medal, I am just glad to get it over with.
I was disappointed because I didn't bump into Patrick and Emil after the race (After I got home I realized Emil did make it under 2 hours and Patrick was only like 1 minute behind me after I finish. Patrick is faster but he started later than me. I am happy for them both)
I actually walked around the finish area this time (first time ever) and got some goodies. I think went to the Island Hamburger at Carlsbad just because the burger I had during the race was so good. I was so sleepy (not tired) I fell asleep while I was waiting for my food. The waitress got freak out a little bit because she thought I was sick. I told her I was just sleepy.
I knew I am going to fall asleep again so I park at the rest area to sleep. Not wanting others to steal stuff from me I only open my window half way and crack the other 3. I was getting hot and I popped open my instant icepack (something I always carry in my check bag to ice my knee... or other people's knee). The icepack make a big difference and I fell asleep.
I got up I don't know when, and I start driving again. Soon I realized I was still sleepy but I made it home ok.
It's was an interesting weekend. I think I am too goal driven this time. I consider myself lucky for not getting into any car accident. I'll definitely try to run this race next year. It's a beautiful race and I want to beat my time next year. Plus I want to see if I will bump into my guardian angel again.
My medals: Carlsbad, La Jolla, AFC, and the Triple Crown
Begin part of my tradition I always try to eat a bowl of Katsu Don (Japanese Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl) before a big race (half/full marathon). Since the first place I go to was closed and the Katsu Don of this second place doesn't taste that good, I felt something bad may happen.
Katsu Donat KourakuAfter having a tasty dinner I went back to the hotel to prepare. I lay everything out on my bed so I know I don't miss anything. Since I am a backpacker, I am pretty good at bringing everything I need. If this is your first marathon, consider coming up with a check list.
Do everything you can such as pinning your BIB to your jerseyI set 4 alarms at 3:30 am and I check out the hotel around 4:15 am. I got to the parking lot at maybe around 5:00 am. I recheck everything (because I can't go back to my car) and I hoop on the bus at maybe 5:15 am
While we were near the start point I can see the pacific ocean from the bus while the full moon was still out. The moon reflection from the ocean is just awesome. That scene itself worth all the trouble.
So I got out of the bus and my first business is to go to the porta-potty as I don't want to get into the porta traffic jam later. After I went to the porta-potty I sit aside to finish my breakfast and put on my sunscreen. Bring a headlamp definitely help... you can find your stuff and you know what you are touching in the porta-potty because it can be very dark inside! I stronger recommend people to bring a cheap headlamp with them and put it in their bag check in.
looking at San Diego Bay from the Cabrillo National Monument (Starting Point)By now the sun has came up a little bit so I walked around and do some sightseeing. The good thing about being at the start line early is that you have enough time where you can walk around and do stuff. Some people just sit there waiting for the race to start... why not take the advantage and walk around as a warm up.
After I finish my walk I start to jog just a little bit and then I started stretching. By now there are @#$#$ number of people near the starting line and I decided to go pee once again.
@#$# number of people near the starting line, click to enlargeLuckly there are lot of porta-potty for the us so the wait line isn't that long. In LA marathon we have 30,000 people and we have like... 30 restroom? In AFC I waited maybe 5 minutes. In LA I waited for 45 minutes (end up not having time to warm up and injured myself... I think because of that). Anyway, enough with the potty thing. With 15 minutes to go I start my warm up run and do more stretching. Then I make my way to the starting line.
I know my teammate Emil and Partick are running this race but I couldn't find them so I started the race by myself. Emil caught me from behind after like 2 miles. We just said hi and bye because he is trying to finish the half in under 2 hours. I continue and talk to some TNT people when I bump into them. Early in the race I know I am sweating a lot so drink extra water. I however did not take enough salt. I was going strong until I hike mile 6 something. I took a short walk break to refill water and eat a some luna blocks. I continue the race and I was feeling slow. I started to do run/walk ratio and the walk really cool me down.
I was getting tired by mile 9. I think it's a combination of the heat and food intake. I usually eat a lot more on my other half marathon but today I wasn't eating that much. I think that has something to do with myself being tired... plus it was hot. So at mile 9 I started to pick people to keep pace. at around mile 10 I notice this girl was running next to me and I didn't pay much attention. I continue to run and I bumped into the mile 10 water station plus freshly grilled hamburger... and did I mention it was free!
I am going to do AFC next year just for the hamburger!!!I was doing good on time and I was hungry... so I ate one piece (1/4) and move on. Guess what, I don't know if is the hamburger or the luna block, I got my second wind and start running like crazy. That eventually die down and I was doing the run walk thing again. I wish I had more hamburgers!!!
So now I was at mile 11 something and there is nothing but uphill. I took a quick look at the uphill and I decided to use my hiker's walk. I combined power walking with a kind of steps that mountaineers use to travel steep snow mountain to get the speed of power walking while and being as efficient as I can going up hill. This works like magic. I am much faster than all walkers and I would say I am almost as fast as some people running.
When I got up to the big hill on the sixth ave I realized that it was the same place that I started the San Diego Rock N Roll marathon back in June 1. I was amazed!!! By now I was ready to run toward the finish. I thought to myself... good job on the uphill. However, when I started to run my leg start to cramp up. I know right away that I sweat too much salt. I didn't want to stop and stretch so I continue to push forward. At this point I am just taking my time. After a while I walked into to a church and I took the following picture. Right after that I feel a little dizzy. I saw a few people black out during the run and I don't want to be one of them. I took a moment to recollect myself and I was ok.
The Church looking buildingAt I walk toward the finish line someone tab me on the shoulder. It was a girl and she encourage me by asking me if I want to run with her. I was like sure and I started running with her. I am feeling better at this point and we both see the finish line. I asked her if she want to sprint to the finish line and she asked me to go ahead. I finished the race at a bit before her and I gave her a high five at the finish line.
Before I go on I want to say thank you to this girl. This girl encourage me to finish and I didn't even say thank you. I even left her for a spirit finish when she was the one who invited me to run with her. I couldn't even try to look her up on the result because I didn't get her name and I didn't look at her BIB number. It's weird how I was taking a picture of this church and then this girl appear. I am going to name her as my guardian angel.
Well after I high-five my guardian angel I left right away to look for the triple crown tent. After a long time I finally found it and I waited for my medal. I wasn't that excited when I got the medal, I am just glad to get it over with.
I was disappointed because I didn't bump into Patrick and Emil after the race (After I got home I realized Emil did make it under 2 hours and Patrick was only like 1 minute behind me after I finish. Patrick is faster but he started later than me. I am happy for them both)
I actually walked around the finish area this time (first time ever) and got some goodies. I think went to the Island Hamburger at Carlsbad just because the burger I had during the race was so good. I was so sleepy (not tired) I fell asleep while I was waiting for my food. The waitress got freak out a little bit because she thought I was sick. I told her I was just sleepy.
I knew I am going to fall asleep again so I park at the rest area to sleep. Not wanting others to steal stuff from me I only open my window half way and crack the other 3. I was getting hot and I popped open my instant icepack (something I always carry in my check bag to ice my knee... or other people's knee). The icepack make a big difference and I fell asleep.
I got up I don't know when, and I start driving again. Soon I realized I was still sleepy but I made it home ok.
It's was an interesting weekend. I think I am too goal driven this time. I consider myself lucky for not getting into any car accident. I'll definitely try to run this race next year. It's a beautiful race and I want to beat my time next year. Plus I want to see if I will bump into my guardian angel again.
My medals: Carlsbad, La Jolla, AFC, and the Triple Crown Sunday, August 17, 2008
America's Finest City Half Marathon (Last of Triple Crown)
I ran my 4th Half Marathons this year and I want to share what I learn to my teammates. Here are a few key points that I want to mention.
1. Make sure you have enough sleep. Since I still have jet lag from Hong Kong I was having a tough time driving down to San Diego. If I wasn't going for the triple crown, I will probably just park aside and sleep.
2. Make sure you get yourself enough time to pick up your BIB. I am usually very good at doing that (I took a day off to pick up my BIB for LA marathon on Fri). But this time I left LA around 1:20pm. With 2 hours to San Diego I should be there by 3:30pm. Wrong... I didn't get there til 4:30pm. I was stressing out and I was lucky to pick up my BIB before 5:00pm
3. I did the right thing but having a simple Sat. I checked into the hotel, got dinner/breakfast, got water in a supermarket, then went back to the hotel to prepare.
4. Lay everything out. Check, re-check, and double check
5. If you are checking out the hotel on the day of your race. Pack everything the night before so you are ready to check out before you head out to the race in the morning. I know sometime I will have enough time to come back for a shower, but why bother. If you are late in the race and you are hurt... this will only add more stress unless you are willing to pay for another day.
6. Get there early! I got to the parking lot early to take the shuttle to the starting point. lot of parking, lot of time for me to make last minute adjustment, no waiting at the bus, no waiting at the restroom.
7. Warm Up before the race. I don't care how slow you are 'planning' to run. When the gun goes off, you are going to run like a horse. If you do your warmup, you are less likely to get injuries. I didn't warm up in LA (because I was waiting for the restroom... remember point #6) and I got hurt... big time!
8. Easy on the downhill. People try to go faster on downhill. For me, I just keep the same pace so I don't hurt myself.
9. Listen to your body, feel your sweat. AFC wasn't that hot but it was very humid. When I put my hand on my back it was soak. I know I sweat a lot so I drink more water... but... at I find out later, I didn't take enough salt.
10. When you don't listen to your body, you pay for it later. When I was at around 12.5-6, my legs started to cramp, so I needed to slow down and take it easy. Remember I said I sweat a lot... well I drink enough but I didn't have enough salt on my body.
11. When you don't feel well. Stop and Rest. Well for some reason I was feeling a bit dizzy when I was at 12.8. I slow down and take a break. I saw a few people pass out along the way and I don't want to be one of them... well at least not in my TNT jersey. It's a disgrace to my coach.
My time: I was expecting to go under 2:20 but oh well
1. Make sure you have enough sleep. Since I still have jet lag from Hong Kong I was having a tough time driving down to San Diego. If I wasn't going for the triple crown, I will probably just park aside and sleep.
2. Make sure you get yourself enough time to pick up your BIB. I am usually very good at doing that (I took a day off to pick up my BIB for LA marathon on Fri). But this time I left LA around 1:20pm. With 2 hours to San Diego I should be there by 3:30pm. Wrong... I didn't get there til 4:30pm. I was stressing out and I was lucky to pick up my BIB before 5:00pm
3. I did the right thing but having a simple Sat. I checked into the hotel, got dinner/breakfast, got water in a supermarket, then went back to the hotel to prepare.
4. Lay everything out. Check, re-check, and double check
5. If you are checking out the hotel on the day of your race. Pack everything the night before so you are ready to check out before you head out to the race in the morning. I know sometime I will have enough time to come back for a shower, but why bother. If you are late in the race and you are hurt... this will only add more stress unless you are willing to pay for another day.
6. Get there early! I got to the parking lot early to take the shuttle to the starting point. lot of parking, lot of time for me to make last minute adjustment, no waiting at the bus, no waiting at the restroom.
7. Warm Up before the race. I don't care how slow you are 'planning' to run. When the gun goes off, you are going to run like a horse. If you do your warmup, you are less likely to get injuries. I didn't warm up in LA (because I was waiting for the restroom... remember point #6) and I got hurt... big time!
8. Easy on the downhill. People try to go faster on downhill. For me, I just keep the same pace so I don't hurt myself.
9. Listen to your body, feel your sweat. AFC wasn't that hot but it was very humid. When I put my hand on my back it was soak. I know I sweat a lot so I drink more water... but... at I find out later, I didn't take enough salt.
10. When you don't listen to your body, you pay for it later. When I was at around 12.5-6, my legs started to cramp, so I needed to slow down and take it easy. Remember I said I sweat a lot... well I drink enough but I didn't have enough salt on my body.
11. When you don't feel well. Stop and Rest. Well for some reason I was feeling a bit dizzy when I was at 12.8. I slow down and take a break. I saw a few people pass out along the way and I don't want to be one of them... well at least not in my TNT jersey. It's a disgrace to my coach.
My time: I was expecting to go under 2:20 but oh well
| Overall Place | Sex Place | Div Place | First Name | Last Name | Sex | Age | City | State | Time | Pace | Bib | Gun Time | 10K Split | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4724 | 2590 | 440 | Louis | Kwan | M | 30 | Monterey Park | CA | 02:27:29 | 11:15 | 1004 | 02:29:37 | 01:03:43 |
Saturday, June 7, 2008
I finished my first ever Mt Wilson Trail Race and loving it!!!
I am so happy today because I completed the Mt Wilson trail race and I did a lot better than I thought. For those of you who don't know where Mt Wilson is... Mt Wilson is the mountain north of Pasadena where all those antennas stick out. Mt Wilson is the first 'big' mountain I ever hike. It is 15 miles round trip with 4500ft of gain. I guess I consider a hike 'big' if it has over 4000ft of gain.
So for the last few years I am constantly amazed by how people run up on the Mt Wilson Trail. I think the trail is very steep and I don't know how people do it. I have a lot of respect for those people because I can only dream doing something like that.
Fast forward a few years. I graduated from the Wilderness Travel Course and I am now a Sierra Club rated leader. Yet the thought of running the Mt Wilson Trail is still too insane for me. All these uphill... how can people do it???
Well things started to change in Sept 2007 as I joined Team In Training. I started training for the Los Angeles Marathon and I started running on the trail. I was like... wow... I can actually run on the trail. I do think that running downhill is bad for you but I like the thrill of running on trail.
So few months ago I registered for the 100th Anniversary of the Mt Wilson Trail Race. The current version of the trail race doesn't actually go all the way to the top. The exact course has changed over the years due to trail damage caused by erosion, earthquakes and fire. But the current trail is approximately 8.6 miles in length and has an elevation gain over 2100 feet with the turn around point at Orchard Camp.
I started training for this race soon after I finished the LA Marathon. I ran sections of the trail and my body was holding up... well sort of. Since I hiked the trail numerous time I have a very good sense of where I can run and where I should just hike. I am nervous, excited, and ready. I don't really care about my marathon time but I really want to do well on this race.
Then the Sierra Madre Fire came. Our Sierra Madre was burning!!! When I found out the Wilson Trail was burned I was devastated. Luckly the fire was under control after a few days.
So a few days after the Mt Wilson Trail Race Committee rescheduled the race to June 7, 2008... 6 days after my San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon *_* I wasn't too thrill because I wanted more time to recover from Rock N Roll. But hey... at least the race didn't get cancel!!!
Wanting to recover for the trail race. I did everything I can think of. I started off by drinking the muscle recovery stuff that big time hiker likes Mars Bonfire uses after my marathon. I then went on a 2 hours massage on monday... which is very painful. I told her I just finished a marathon and I have another race this sat. I told her the massage doesn't have to be comfortable, it just has to work!
Game Day
I started out running and my legs started to get tight so I started to hike. I got to 1st water and took pictures with Sarah.
So for the last few years I am constantly amazed by how people run up on the Mt Wilson Trail. I think the trail is very steep and I don't know how people do it. I have a lot of respect for those people because I can only dream doing something like that.
Fast forward a few years. I graduated from the Wilderness Travel Course and I am now a Sierra Club rated leader. Yet the thought of running the Mt Wilson Trail is still too insane for me. All these uphill... how can people do it???
Well things started to change in Sept 2007 as I joined Team In Training. I started training for the Los Angeles Marathon and I started running on the trail. I was like... wow... I can actually run on the trail. I do think that running downhill is bad for you but I like the thrill of running on trail.
So few months ago I registered for the 100th Anniversary of the Mt Wilson Trail Race. The current version of the trail race doesn't actually go all the way to the top. The exact course has changed over the years due to trail damage caused by erosion, earthquakes and fire. But the current trail is approximately 8.6 miles in length and has an elevation gain over 2100 feet with the turn around point at Orchard Camp.
I started training for this race soon after I finished the LA Marathon. I ran sections of the trail and my body was holding up... well sort of. Since I hiked the trail numerous time I have a very good sense of where I can run and where I should just hike. I am nervous, excited, and ready. I don't really care about my marathon time but I really want to do well on this race.
Then the Sierra Madre Fire came. Our Sierra Madre was burning!!! When I found out the Wilson Trail was burned I was devastated. Luckly the fire was under control after a few days.
So a few days after the Mt Wilson Trail Race Committee rescheduled the race to June 7, 2008... 6 days after my San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon *_* I wasn't too thrill because I wanted more time to recover from Rock N Roll. But hey... at least the race didn't get cancel!!!Wanting to recover for the trail race. I did everything I can think of. I started off by drinking the muscle recovery stuff that big time hiker likes Mars Bonfire uses after my marathon. I then went on a 2 hours massage on monday... which is very painful. I told her I just finished a marathon and I have another race this sat. I told her the massage doesn't have to be comfortable, it just has to work!
Game Day
I started out running and my legs started to get tight so I started to hike. I got to 1st water and took pictures with Sarah.
I then continue up to Orchard Camp and I got there 1 hr 16 mins into the race. I was surprised with my progress. I took some pictures and I started to run downhill. I was running at a very good pace until I hit the 1st water again. I guess by then my leg are getting tired. I slow down because I know if I don't slow down I may push myself too hard and fall off the cliff. My left foot also started to bother so I just go very slow. I made it down to the trail, walk the uphill on the street and then started the final descent. I was kind of tired but I was abled to pick up my pace. I spirit the last 200 feets or so and got a good finish.
After Thoughts
Well I am happy that I did well. I think I own this to my hiking friends and Team In Training. Without them I wouldn't be able to do what I did today. Well I have been running for cancer so today I ran for my hiking friends. I could of do a lot better but I am just glad to finish... espeically since I finished a marathon 6 days ago and that this is my first time. I'll try to cut at least 10 minutes next time. We'll see what happen.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Lisa Carlton's Story
This is the story of the woman who I ran for. I am giving her family my medal to let them know that they didn't fight the disease alone. We all fought for her and we will continue to do so until we find the cure.
Lisa has 3 children
Daughter Katie is graduating from high school this june
Daughter Kalie just turned 11
and Son Joshua just turned 4.
Here is Joshua's story
My Story is very simple. I have cancer. Same as many other people in this world. At first it seems a little unfair. You shouldn't have to be sick the same time you kid is. Of course, Joshua is my hero. I look up to him every day and know that if he has the strength to get through chemo, then so can I. I think he was lucky though, he didn't know to be afraid.
Ok, I hope I am doing this right. Hi everyone. I finally made it home last week. I feel like I have been gone for months. Looking back I'd have to say it started in October when we moved into the conference room. There were several days where I had severe itching on my hands and feet. So bad I had to take benadryl for days. Then my neck swelled, as everyone remembers. Remember that funny doctor? His office called today and left a message wondering when I would like to schedule my surgery to remove the lymph node in my neck!! We already talked to his office in December and let him know I was in the hospital to have surgery. Nice to know he has been paying attention. My official diagnosis was given to us the end of last week. I have Non- Hodgkins High grade Large B cell Lymphoma. I have another meeting with my oncologist tomorrow to discuss the treatment. It will need to be aggressive, like the cancer. They talk about it going into the brain, so they want to put chemo in my spinal column. Lot's to talk about. I only have 1 goal and that is to stay alive for my children. It makes sense that this is an aggressive form of cancer because it seems like it came out of nowhere and moved so quickly. I am trying to be real and open with my daughters. I have every intention of living through this, but they know better than anyone that there are no guarantees. If they can lose their father, they can lose their mother, too. I will take every edge that I have. Eating all healthy foods, using a medical hypnotist, and praying every day for God to carry me through this. I am truly blessed to have the love and support of so many wonderful friends and a beautiful and devoted family. This sucks, but is the way life is. Complaining won't get me anywhere, but fighting hard will..
Ok, I hope I am doing this right. Hi everyone. I finally made it home last week. I feel like I have been gone for months. Looking back I'd have to say it started in October when we moved into the conference room. There were several days where I had severe itching on my hands and feet. So bad I had to take benadryl for days. Then my neck swelled, as everyone remembers. Remember that funny doctor? His office called today and left a message wondering when I would like to schedule my surgery to remove the lymph node in my neck!! We already talked to his office in December and let him know I was in the hospital to have surgery. Nice to know he has been paying attention. My official diagnosis was given to us the end of last week. I have Non- Hodgkins High grade Large B cell Lymphoma. I have another meeting with my oncologist tomorrow to discuss the treatment. It will need to be aggressive, like the cancer. They talk about it going into the brain, so they want to put chemo in my spinal column. Lot's to talk about. I only have 1 goal and that is to stay alive for my children. It makes sense that this is an aggressive form of cancer because it seems like it came out of nowhere and moved so quickly. I am trying to be real and open with my daughters. I have every intention of living through this, but they know better than anyone that there are no guarantees. If they can lose their father, they can lose their mother, too. I will take every edge that I have. Eating all healthy foods, using a medical hypnotist, and praying every day for God to carry me through this. I am truly blessed to have the love and support of so many wonderful friends and a beautiful and devoted family. This sucks, but is the way life is. Complaining won't get me anywhere, but fighting hard will..
Lisa has 3 children
Daughter Katie is graduating from high school this june
Daughter Kalie just turned 11
and Son Joshua just turned 4.
Here is Joshua's story
Joshua has a condition called X-linked Hyper Igm. Basically, he is missing 2 of the 3 components of his immune system.
When he was 6 months old Lisa took him to the doctor because she felt he looked pale and just wasn’t ‘right’. The doctor told her to take him straight to the hospital that moment. He had pneumonia and had to be intubated and put on a respirator. He was diagnosed soon after that.
The best treatment for this condition is a bone marrow transplant, and he was put on a list. He was matched with a donor of umbilical cord blood. He had to have extensive chemotherapy to kill what little immune system he had so it would not fight the new bone marrow. This was when he was one year old.
He spent several months in the hospital, in isolation. The doctors were giving him huge amounts of steroids to help his lungs heal from the pneumonia, but the steroids were also suppressing his new immune system and preventing it from ‘grafting’.
When he finally came home he was on oxygen 24/7 and was taking 12 different medications, some up to 5 times a day, plus 3 breathing treatments a day. He could not go outside, they could not have anybody at the house, no immunizations, and they wore (and still wear) a mask if anybody even thinks they are coming down with a cold. They can’t even open the windows because the wind may blow in germs. He could not eat anything fresh; only processed food because of the risk of bacteria.
There were several times when Lisa did not know if Joshua would live. Any mistakes they made in his care could have cost him his life. He turned 4 on May 25, one day after Lisa passed away. He will probably always be on oxygen, and his health will never be normal, but his survival is Lisa’s greatest accomplishment.
At the same time Joshua was fighting his battle, Lisa’s ex-husband (father of her 2girls) was dying of kidney cancer. Lisa took him into her home & took care of him. He passed away in her home. So her daughter’s have lost both parents.
Joshua’s father was at Lisa’s side & was a constant support for her.
Lisa’s parents will be taking care of the children.
I am not posting Joshua's pictures but if this will help you understand how cancer sucks, let me know and I will show you.
I asked if there is anything we can do to help Lisa's family with this hard time and I haven't heard anything yet. If you want to help in some way let me know and I will keep you up to date on this. If you want, you can write a card for Lisa's family and I will forward it to her family.
Louis
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Second Marathon: San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon
term to help you understand the blog
TNT: Team In Training
Honored Teammate: Blood Cancer Survivor
Since I got injured during my LA Marathon (knee problem starting mile 7), I did not count that as running the 'marathon' because I was power walking half the time. I figured in order for me to share my marathon experience with you all, it's only fair for me to run another marathon so I registered for San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon
When I ran LA I had the whole 'I Run 4 Food' and 'Part Time Runner Full Time Hiker' theme going
No fun stuff this time, just Lisa
Game Day
I got to the starting line at 5:00 am to give myself plenty of time to stay loose and warm up. I wanted to look for the Team In Training San Gabriel Valley team but that seem to be impossible because there are several thousands runners all with Team In Training jersey. Well I was lucky and bumped into the team. I took pictures with Honored Teammate Virginia and Gordie before I head out to run. Gordie is running and Virginia (You can download her bio here) is cheering
Honored Teammate Virginia and her husband Van
Honored Teammate Gordie
I started the race by myself at around 6:30 am. At around mile 3.5 I bumped into Gordie and his teammates. I joined force with them and continue our journey.
At around mile 9 Gordie's teammates were starting to pull away. I had a lot of strength to go faster but I decided to run with Gordie because I don't like the idea of having a honored teammate running by himself... plus I will only go just a little bit faster if I were to go at my own pace. I figured it's better to run in pair than running by myself.
Both of us are getting tired but we continue to push forward. By mile 17.6 we actually passed the 3 teammates that we were with. I guessed one of them was having issues and needed to slow down. I continue to follow Gordie until mile 21. Coach Karla was there and run with us until mile 22.5. When we were at mile 23 something we saw Coach Katie and Gordie was kind of beat up by the run. I was thinking about running ahead because Gordie was planning to just walk the rest of the way. But then I figured I ran with him for the last 20 miles... why leave him now. So the two of us walk together and we finished the marathon in 6 hours.
Is running a marathon tough?
To a lot of people running the marathon is the toughest physical thing they ever done... especially when Sarah and Elaine said the exact same thing during the last few miles of the LA marathon.
To me, I am happy to say that some of my hikes are tougher than marathon. I think my body is better adopted for these kind of abuse because of my hiking experience. If hiking for 15 miles with 7000ft gain don't help with you endurance, I don't know what will. Trips like Mount Baldy + 3Ts, Iron Mountain, Antimony and Eagle Rest, and Mount Shasta really beat me to the ground. I didn't really struggle during my marathons... but when I was doing Mt Shasta, I was so drained that I was ready to quit. I remember crying at the ridge because I wanted to do it so bad but I just didn't have the strength to do it. Well long story short I pushed forward and got to the peak with my friends because it was too dangerous for me to go back to the campsite by myself.
(left to right)Roberto, Wayne, Katie, and I summited Mount Summit 9 hours after we started (we hiked in sat and started the camp 3am Sunday morning). We didn't get back to the car til 7 pm. It was a 18.5 hours day for me *_*
So what I really learn from this Team In Training Marathon experience?
I learned a lot during the last 9 months. Before Team In Training my knowledge about cancer is very one dimensional. As the season progress my coaches and teammates started to share their stories. I learned that kids can have cancer just like everybody else. I also learned that although we haven't find the cure, but we did developed drugs that battle them. Medical breakthrough like Gleevec gave Virgina the break that she needed. Also emotional stories from Coach Kiley and Team Captain Gail made me realized how lucky I am. I started donate more money to other non-profit organization and I think that's a good thing. I think I donated over $500 this year to various causes.
My Final Thoughts
When I tell people I ran marathons they are very impressed. To me, marathoners are regular people doing what they like. Training with TNT make me realized that a lot of people are doing stuff 100X harder than running a marathon but they didn't deserve the credit that they should receive. What I did was nothing. If you think running a marathon is tough, try Chemo! Look at people around you... cancer survivors, single parent, people with disability, policeman and firefighter... or just normal parent trying to raise their children... those are the people that we should be impressed. Me? I am just a hiker who want to know if hiking is tougher or if running a marathon is tougher. I got my answer and I didn't disappoint my hiking friends. I don't think running the LA Marathon and the San Diego Rock N Roll marathon is an accomplishment, but fund raised $5100 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is an big accomplishment for me. And every single one of you helped me with that accomplishment. Thank you for your support. I am sure Honored Teammate like Virginia and little Tyler are happy with what you did.
This is just a fraction of what I experienced. I tried to write down as much as I can but being a very bad writer doesn't really help. If you want to know about my experience you can always give me a call.
Please read Lisa's story
Louis
TNT: Team In Training
Honored Teammate: Blood Cancer Survivor
Since I got injured during my LA Marathon (knee problem starting mile 7), I did not count that as running the 'marathon' because I was power walking half the time. I figured in order for me to share my marathon experience with you all, it's only fair for me to run another marathon so I registered for San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon
Well My fun run got serious when my teammate told me her coworker Lisa Carlton passed away from Non-Hodgkins disease around May 24. She was 38 with 3 kids. Although I never met Lisa in person but I ran mile 18 for her when I did LA. It was surreal because I just ran for her 3 months ago and she's gone now. I decided to ran San Diego in memory of Lisa Carlton.
When I ran LA I had the whole 'I Run 4 Food' and 'Part Time Runner Full Time Hiker' theme going
No fun stuff this time, just LisaI got to the starting line at 5:00 am to give myself plenty of time to stay loose and warm up. I wanted to look for the Team In Training San Gabriel Valley team but that seem to be impossible because there are several thousands runners all with Team In Training jersey. Well I was lucky and bumped into the team. I took pictures with Honored Teammate Virginia and Gordie before I head out to run. Gordie is running and Virginia (You can download her bio here) is cheering
Honored Teammate Virginia and her husband Van
Honored Teammate GordieI started the race by myself at around 6:30 am. At around mile 3.5 I bumped into Gordie and his teammates. I joined force with them and continue our journey.
At around mile 9 Gordie's teammates were starting to pull away. I had a lot of strength to go faster but I decided to run with Gordie because I don't like the idea of having a honored teammate running by himself... plus I will only go just a little bit faster if I were to go at my own pace. I figured it's better to run in pair than running by myself.
Both of us are getting tired but we continue to push forward. By mile 17.6 we actually passed the 3 teammates that we were with. I guessed one of them was having issues and needed to slow down. I continue to follow Gordie until mile 21. Coach Karla was there and run with us until mile 22.5. When we were at mile 23 something we saw Coach Katie and Gordie was kind of beat up by the run. I was thinking about running ahead because Gordie was planning to just walk the rest of the way. But then I figured I ran with him for the last 20 miles... why leave him now. So the two of us walk together and we finished the marathon in 6 hours.
Is running a marathon tough?
To a lot of people running the marathon is the toughest physical thing they ever done... especially when Sarah and Elaine said the exact same thing during the last few miles of the LA marathon.
To me, I am happy to say that some of my hikes are tougher than marathon. I think my body is better adopted for these kind of abuse because of my hiking experience. If hiking for 15 miles with 7000ft gain don't help with you endurance, I don't know what will. Trips like Mount Baldy + 3Ts, Iron Mountain, Antimony and Eagle Rest, and Mount Shasta really beat me to the ground. I didn't really struggle during my marathons... but when I was doing Mt Shasta, I was so drained that I was ready to quit. I remember crying at the ridge because I wanted to do it so bad but I just didn't have the strength to do it. Well long story short I pushed forward and got to the peak with my friends because it was too dangerous for me to go back to the campsite by myself.
(left to right)Roberto, Wayne, Katie, and I summited Mount Summit 9 hours after we started (we hiked in sat and started the camp 3am Sunday morning). We didn't get back to the car til 7 pm. It was a 18.5 hours day for me *_*So what I really learn from this Team In Training Marathon experience?
I learned a lot during the last 9 months. Before Team In Training my knowledge about cancer is very one dimensional. As the season progress my coaches and teammates started to share their stories. I learned that kids can have cancer just like everybody else. I also learned that although we haven't find the cure, but we did developed drugs that battle them. Medical breakthrough like Gleevec gave Virgina the break that she needed. Also emotional stories from Coach Kiley and Team Captain Gail made me realized how lucky I am. I started donate more money to other non-profit organization and I think that's a good thing. I think I donated over $500 this year to various causes.
My Final Thoughts
When I tell people I ran marathons they are very impressed. To me, marathoners are regular people doing what they like. Training with TNT make me realized that a lot of people are doing stuff 100X harder than running a marathon but they didn't deserve the credit that they should receive. What I did was nothing. If you think running a marathon is tough, try Chemo! Look at people around you... cancer survivors, single parent, people with disability, policeman and firefighter... or just normal parent trying to raise their children... those are the people that we should be impressed. Me? I am just a hiker who want to know if hiking is tougher or if running a marathon is tougher. I got my answer and I didn't disappoint my hiking friends. I don't think running the LA Marathon and the San Diego Rock N Roll marathon is an accomplishment, but fund raised $5100 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is an big accomplishment for me. And every single one of you helped me with that accomplishment. Thank you for your support. I am sure Honored Teammate like Virginia and little Tyler are happy with what you did.
This is just a fraction of what I experienced. I tried to write down as much as I can but being a very bad writer doesn't really help. If you want to know about my experience you can always give me a call.
Please read Lisa's story
Louis
Sunday, March 2, 2008
I did it
Finished the Marathon with Elaine and SarahI will tell you guys what happen in detail later. But I just want to let you guys know that my knee sort of gave up at around mile 10 and I basically have to power walk the whole thing. I know something will probably give up, but I didn't see this one coming... this soon. Anyway, I will be ok. Talk to you later
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Rashhh
Rash: an eruption or efflorescence on the skin.
I don't think you guys want to see any pictures, so I am just going to tell you what happen. Two weeks ago I hosted a BBQ because my aunt and my uncle won't be in LA on my Marathon Celeberation BBQ. I made some crab salad and it tastes pretty good. Hours later, I started to develop this rash and I know it's from the crab. I had that crab thing before and I swear I was ok the last time. It's 2 weeks after that and I am still itchy... I should of listen to the Coach... nothing new... =(
I don't think you guys want to see any pictures, so I am just going to tell you what happen. Two weeks ago I hosted a BBQ because my aunt and my uncle won't be in LA on my Marathon Celeberation BBQ. I made some crab salad and it tastes pretty good. Hours later, I started to develop this rash and I know it's from the crab. I had that crab thing before and I swear I was ok the last time. It's 2 weeks after that and I am still itchy... I should of listen to the Coach... nothing new... =(
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Well... this is it! My Last TNT Spring Sat Training
Terrythe Teammate and Nicola the MentorThat it!!! I just finished my last training. Again, I didn't push too hard today because I want to have more time to recover from my injuries. I think I will be ready to go in two weeks but I am a bit concern about a few of my teammates. 1 got sick and 2 got injuries pretty bad. I am hoping that they can recover in time to join the race.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Second to the Last Sat Training
My Honored Teammate Little TylerAfter last week's 18 miles, the team is kicking it today with only 12. My body wasn't feeling it today and my legs were bothering me, so I just took it very slow. We had a little cupcake party after the training and Little Tyler was there to show us support.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Team In Training 18 miles training
I did 16 today because I didn't do my 16 miles training (I was at Carlsbad running the half marathon). So after the training I try my first ice bath with 2 bags of ice (ice bath helps you recover). It's actually not that bad.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Carlsbad Half Marathon
Pasta Party on Sat night. Just look at all these green and purple
Running next to the ocean is so refreshing!
I bumped into Leah parents, so I borrowed their signs. Go Leah and Greg
Pam, Jennifer, and Erin showing off their Medals!
Being Louis, I went to eat Shin Sen Gumi after the raceThis weekend I went down to Carlsbad to run the Carlsbad Half-Marathon along with 8 of my teammates: Jennifer, Pam, Erin, Greg, Leah, Sheri, Emily, and Daisy. This is THE RACE for them because they are not doing a full marathon. I got down to Oceanside/Carlsbad in the early afternoon to do some sightseeing and picked up my BIB (race #6407). I then joined my teammates for the pasta party. I wasn't really full at the pasta party so I got a sandwich after. =P
On game day I got to the starting point ultra early and it was cold, I checked in my bag and did some warm up exercise. I finally get a hold of my teammates and we headed toward the starting line. All my teammates are in high spirit and we yell go team just in time for the race to start.
I walked the first mile with Jennifer, Sheri and Coach Matt. Sheri was having some issue with her MP3 player but I wasn't able to help her out. After mile 1 I said bye to them and I start running. After a while I caught up with Leah and Greg and I took a ton of pictures for them. By then we ran pass 3 bands already. There are a lot of music and a lot of people are cheering. You tend to forget the pain and keep going. And it's just so beautiful running by the ocean!
At mile 4 I saw the San Gabriel Chapter Cheer station. It's nice for them to drive all the way to Carlsbad just to give moral support. I also saw Leah's parent and I told them to expect Greg and Leah in any minute. I continue on and I caught up with Erin. Poor Erin was stuck waiting in line for the restroom *_*
After sometime I spot my Web Captain Holly and I took a picture of her. By then I think we are at around mile 8 or 9. I continue with my journey running at my pace, taking pictures, and cheering for other team in training runners by yelling 'Go Team' (I think this is a San Gabriel Valley thing because others TNT runners look at me kind of funny). So you know, I am just doing my thing and this lady ask me if I want a picture of myself. I told her sure so she took my camera and run ahead of me and snap this picture below. Let's just say that I am glad she gave me back my camera because I won't be able to catch up with her if she take off.
When I reach around 13 or 13.1 mile I start running... fast! I passed a lot of people and I feel very good about it. I heard Pam and others yelling my name but I am too focus to look. I race to the finish line with the time of 2:25:50 (11:08 per mile pace). I think I will run this next year to beat the time. After all my teammates come in, I drove back to LA.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Mount Baldy Snow Hike
crampons: 12 point spikes tie to your boot. model: Katie
unknown skier hiking up with the ski
It's windy and cold at the topI planned this hike a few weeks back because this Sunday is the only week that I can hike Mt Baldy. With the high mileages training coming up (16, 18, and 20 miles), I definitely want to stick with the training schedule and not do anything on Sundays.
So Katie, Roberto and I were at the trail head at 7:00am. After putting on our shell pant, gaiters, crampons, crampons, ice axe...etc. we started heading out at around 7:45am. The first part is on the road and we don't really have to use crampons. Since I don't want to get any injury at all (Coach Matt will kill me), I decide to use my crampons so I don't fall on ice.
What use to be a 4 hours summit took me 5 something hours. It was cold, it was very very windy. And you know what, it's tiring walking on snow with crampons. My initial summit plan was to stand up at the top and take a picture with my Team In Training Jersey. That didn't happen because it's too cold and windy at the top. As I was going up to the summit, Katie was coming down already because she said it's too cold and windy near the top. She stayed up there, took a few pictures and head down. Roberto too was up and down in no time. As I was near the top, it was so windy that I almost got knock over a few times. This other person I met turn back because he doesn't have crampons/ice axe and he was having no luck kicking his own steps because there were just solid ice near the top. I am so glad he made the right decision. Unlike that other guy, I pushed for the summit... just because I can =)
When I got near the top (a few feets away), I shelter myself behind the first stone barrier I can find. I lie behind the barrier so I get less wind exposure. I then dig my crampons on the ice to make sure I have purchase. I was having a hard time setting my axe on the ice but I did it some how.
I was cold but I decide not to put on more clothes because I know everything I take out from my backpack will just fly away because of the wind. I took 2 pictures, a short video clip, and head back down. I decide not to get to the top top (a few feet away) because I was concern about my safety. I feel like if I move a few steps to the top I will lose my footing. There was no one at the top and I definitely don't want to lose my footing. I kind of regret about not being at the top top because I didn't get to see the other side of the mountain. But then I guess I just want to go down and I just didn't care at the time.
stone barrier during summer time. I only get a fraction of that today because most of the barrier was covered with snow *_*Roberto was waiting for me near the top so we went down together looking for Katie. We didn't see Katie at this section near the top so we assume she went down to the ski hut and wait for us. Roberto and I took a break to have lunch because it was like 2 something and we both were hungry (We usually have lunch at the top but that didn't work out as planned). When we got near Ski Hut I saw this dad with his daughter and her bf struggling to head down. I learned that the dad twisted his ankle and he was basically lamping down the mountain. He asked for some painkiller and I gave it to him. We offer to walk them out but he refused most of our assistant and he just ask us to call his wife telling her he will be late.
A few hours later, we got back to our cars. What we didn't know is we have to sit though traffic from hell for another hour before we get back to the 210 freeway. Apparently all the city people drive up to Mt Baldy area for snow play. Katie made a comment about how city girls look pretty and fashionable on the snow. I think she just wanted that pink jacket (just kidding).
About the Dad and his daughter and her bf: In my personel opinion, this Dad is totally not responsible and put his daughter and her bf in danger. I can go on and on about it. The biggest thing that bother me is that the Dad has crampons/boot but the daughter and bf have tennis shoe on. I figure if you have crampon, then you probably know that hiking on snow with tennis shoe is a very stupid thing to do. Your feet can get very cold and you may have frost bite. So I don't know why on earth he took his daughter and the bf up to Mt Baldy. Don't get me wrong, the 3 of them are in great condition... much better than me, but they are not well equip for snow travel. I think they are very lucky because nothing really bad happen to them. It could of been a lot worst.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Erin almost get hit by a golf ball
Team picture... more people show up this time
Erin is holding the golf ball that almost hit her. The yellow sign say something like there is a risk running next to a golf course... *_*This is the weekend before the Carlsbad Half Marathon and we are doing 8 miles run. Nothing special... until near the end where a golf ball missed Erin's head by a few fts. I ended up picking up the golf ball and give it to Erin. Damn Golfer... practice your swing in a range!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Orange County Half Marathon: My first Half Marathon
I don't know what I am pointing =PToday I completed my first half-marathon (13.1 miles) and I am pretty happy about my time. My chip time is 2:20:26 and that's a 10:43 per mile pace. It's not fast by any standard, but I am training to maintain that pace for 26.2 miles. It was a good decision to run fast today, because rain started to pour down about half an hour after I finish... *_*
chip time: Each runner has a computer chip attach to the shoe. Your personnel start time won't start until you step on the timing mat at the starting line. So if you are way behind the starting line, you don't get time until you cross the starting line.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
New Year Rose Parade Run
The new year run totally amaze me. People are sleeping on the street like in a disaster movie and numerous people run with us for like 10 feets... of course some of them were half drunk 
I seriously didn't see the sign *_*I went running with a tons of Team In Training people today. we start running at 5am from the end of the Rose Parade route all the way back to the starting line. It's 5 miles long and it took me around an hour because I need to wait for some traffic lights and I was waiting for others. After checking out floats, some run back to their cars (another 5 miles) while others take the public transportation back to the car. Since I have a half Marathon on 1/06 and my ankle is bothering me, I took the Metro. Long story short, I had breakfast with the gang, check out the parade, walk from lake to the finish line to get my car. Car was tow and I have no cell phone... and I end up walking back all the way back up to the Lake to get my car back. The kicker is Matt flagged me down on Walnut right when I am about to reach the tow place *_*. Since I have been walking for so long, I just continue walking =P So ya, I covered the most distance today out of everybody!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Happy Holiday
2008 San Gabriel Valley Spring Team In Training (partial)The San Gabriel Valley Team In Training and your humble blogger like to say happy holiday to you all. Please eat, sleep, and eat some more. You can leave the exercise to the team. Some of the team members will start the new year by running the Rose Parade route at 4:30am on new year day. So yes, leave the running to us!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Running on your birthday
Today it's Dorian and Anna birthday, but guess what... they made it to the training. They are the one that are passing birthday cookies.
I ran 12 miles today and I feel fine... til I finish. I don't remember twisting my ankle, but when I stop, it started to hurt... a lot. Just like the good old hiking day, I was pretty much limping the whole day. Lucky, my car is right next to me... instead of 7 miles away =)
I hope my ankle recover in time so that I can do the New Year Rose Parade Run. I have been looking forward to it and I definitely want to do it! We'll see how it goes.
First time icing after the trainingThursday, December 27, 2007
I made my Goal... $5000
This is what I told my coaches, captains, mentors, and my honored teammates:
Hi all, I got some donation the last few days and I was at $4943 today. When I come back from the Hill training and I got another $57! I still need to send in my checks but I unofficially made it! I probably are not as excited as some of you because I am cold and I am hungry (It was raining that night and I went to my training... outdoor!) I just want to share this great news with all of you. There is no need to pad my shoulder because every single one of you made this possible. Without our coaches, the manager, the different captains, mentors, my favorite teammates (all), and our most respected honored teammates, there won't be a team. And if there is no team, somebody like me wouldn't sign up. So Yes, we should each pad our own shoulders. I'll try to see if I can get more donation in, but as much as I want to earn that 6 pair of dress socks and the Tiffany bracelet for my future wife, I don't think I will make $10,000 (unless I start eating Mag and Cheese = Maggot and Cheese) Now I am going to cook that steak, see you all on Sat.
Louis
P.S. My other teammate Dorian made her $5000 mark a few days later
Hi all, I got some donation the last few days and I was at $4943 today. When I come back from the Hill training and I got another $57! I still need to send in my checks but I unofficially made it! I probably are not as excited as some of you because I am cold and I am hungry (It was raining that night and I went to my training... outdoor!) I just want to share this great news with all of you. There is no need to pad my shoulder because every single one of you made this possible. Without our coaches, the manager, the different captains, mentors, my favorite teammates (all), and our most respected honored teammates, there won't be a team. And if there is no team, somebody like me wouldn't sign up. So Yes, we should each pad our own shoulders. I'll try to see if I can get more donation in, but as much as I want to earn that 6 pair of dress socks and the Tiffany bracelet for my future wife, I don't think I will make $10,000 (unless I start eating Mag and Cheese = Maggot and Cheese) Now I am going to cook that steak, see you all on Sat.
Louis
P.S. My other teammate Dorian made her $5000 mark a few days later
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Happy Holiday to my Mountain Friends
For people who knows how to read a USGS topo map, I just want to say Happy Holiday and be safe in the Wilderness. I have been busy kicking cancer's butt. But once I finish the LA Marathon, you'll find me on the trail once again.
I want to have a piece of hiking with me when I run, so I will be wearing my Mountain Heardwear Cap during my trainings and the marathon =)
I want to have a piece of hiking with me when I run, so I will be wearing my Mountain Heardwear Cap during my trainings and the marathon =)
My new Mountain Hardwear Cap: I picked the same color because I know Wayne must of pick that color so that he can hike faster.
Louis a.k.a. Little Wayne
2007/12/23: Unknown location that all of you have been to
SIR Wayne Bannister (2008 HPS Committee: Mountain Records)
2007/07/15: Wayne's HPS List Finisher on top of Smith Mountain
Fail Attempt: I tried the picture with a bagel... it's not the same!
2007/12/22: Team In Training Sat Pratice
Making of the little Wayne picture: Last week I received the cap and I bought the small Pocky all ready to go. But before I knew it my brother ate the Pocky!!! So I have to postpone the picture shot for another week =(
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