Sunday, November 30, 2008

this week

Well this week was pretty much a washout for challenge training. Only got in about 6 miles for the week!! Wed. night led to much drinking of the Jack which led to much hanging over on thursday and friday. Too much bad food and lack of hydration have led to a groggy and bloated Bradley. Tonight is the last of the bad blood and tomorrow morning starts the final push into the challenge. Water intake will be on the rise, Azteca mexican food will show a sharp decline in frequency, and workouts will remain steady with 2-3 intense rounds left. There's no doubt that the 19th will be a challenge... actually at this point I'm more concerned about making it to the 20th. I'll keep updating through the week as I'm working towards 15-16 mile run coming this Saturday while the wife is shopping in Chicago! Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Galesburg Turkey Trot


Me and Shannan decided to run in the 33rd Annual Galesburg Turkey Trot that took place around Lake Story. It was a 5k race and quite likely my last of the year since I'll be saving myself for the challenge. I've been doing some speed and stride work and haven't tried for a 5k time in a few months. My previous best was 22:30 at St. Ambrose. This morning I beat that by 40 seconds coming in at 21:50. The course wound along a bikepath that circles the lake and was fairly scenic for a late fall morning. Temps were around 30 and there was a little more breeze than I cared for but what are you gonna do? For this race I decided to go out fast and see how long I could hold it together. To my surprise my first mile split was 6:18! Mile two and three were a more consistent 7:45 as my legs grew heavy and my lungs began bleeding (at least in my mind). I managed second place in my age group and 21st overall. This large jump in time gives me hope of running respectable times in the 19's by next summer. Until then it'll be long and slow as the focus. Shannan also managed to pull out a third place finish (I think she was glad she decided to go) but unfortunately none of us won the prized frozen turkey, maybe next year.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

First real WOD

This whole challenge thing is really going to stress my body so I finally started crossfit training today to help me cope. I know of some people who don't run more than 12-15 miles at one time and yet they can complete a 100 mile trail race based on the fact that they train with crossfit. I completed my homemade pullup bar, which will be a huge asset to my training .

This was today's WOD:
3 rounds for time of -
- 400 meter run (elliptical)
- 21 kettlebell swings 25lbs
- 12 jumping pullups

my time was 10min

I love the idea of crossfit, combining endurance, strength, and agility while working muscles you wouldn't normally work in a regular gym environment. Just one more step towards completing my year end goal. If you'd like to learn more about crossfit check out www.crossfit.com

I think Kyson likes my new jacket!

Kettle bell swings (with dumbbell)

check out the brand new pullup bar! nothing like iron pipe and 2x4's!

Birthday challenge agenda


They don't call it birthday easy so here's how the day's going down on December 19th...it's a friday so mark your calenders!
-27 mile run
-27 mile bike
-listen to 27 kiss songs (for Ken)
-270 pushups
-27 hangboard pullups
-drink 1 small bottle of Paddy (from Amber, hopefully she gives it to me)
-have 27 plus friends at the post party at Woo Dogs in Orion


This must be done within a 24 hour period to be a complete success. This year the challenge is dedicated to my late Uncle Ken Patch who never saw his 27th birthday. He was one to always live life to it's full potential and should be a reminder to the rest of us to do the same. The run will be last on the agenda probably starting around 1-2 in the afternoon. I am looking for participants especially for the run part, whether you can run 1 mile or 5 my goal is to have at least one person with me at all times. Party will start around 7pm and last till I pass out from alcohol or exhaustion. Good times to be had by all.