As mentioned, I'm going to list my training, and give more running to running accounts of my training. And I can finally say my goal again, "I want to make the Olympic Trials Marathon this January." I have pushed back my qualifier attempt, given the broken femur, torn hip flexor, and torn glute... but if at first you don't succeed, try, try, again. So, I'll shoot for a qualifier this November or December as I will take the half marathon qualifying route. To which, that is a sub 65 half marathon. A harder qualifier than the marathon itself, at a respectable 4.58 mile pace or faster for 13.1 miles. 'Juicy.'
Help an orphan squirrel-
www.youtube.com/user/mktb000?v=f1ImydMx6VI&feature=pyv&ad=7828583892&kw=squirrel
To build up confidence, and what I'm famous for, 400m repeats.
3 weeks ago, as of tomorrow, I will have done the following the last handful of 400m workouts in this repetition - 16- Then went to altitude- 18- 16- 22- 27- 30... And today was 34. Problem with today's workout, a respectable storm was coming through, and I postponed the workout. As it was a last minute decision in the process of finishing up a warm-up. Rarely, will I cancel a workout snow, rain, ice, or whatever, but today, with the hail that came down 10 minutes later, I decided, "For once Clay, you weren't 'completely' retarded."
2 minutes later, "Nevermind, scratch that," I was already in a pissed off mood. My thoughts, "Mother nature can go kill herself before she wins this battle."
As I procrastinated with the 400m workout, it was already dusk. Another issue, a rather large storm cloud was approaching. I thought, it doesn't look 'that' bad. I mean, the hail was already done... And it probably didn't help that I was jamming to this as the apocalypse of storm clouds approached- www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtlw9eVMypo
As the warm-up is finished, I find myself brushing my right foot across the gravel/dirt track, "smoothing" it out. Problem is, I estimated doing this for a solid 5 minutes. To tell you the truth, there was nothing wrong with it, as I kept sliding my foot from side to side on the ground, scattering now non-existent gravel across the underlying dirt. At times, I can be a 'bit' OCD, to such a degree, people notice... Usually not... "Usually." At times, "Clay, if you touch your shoe laces one more time... ONE MORE TIME, I SWEAR... I SWEAR!!!"
Typically, I do have it under control, but sometimes, eerrrr, "I HAVE to fix that, I HAVE to touch that." The only time it affects my daily life is when I'm taking notes in class. As I will repeatedly write over everything I've written down, over and over and over again til the point it looks ridiculously bolded, inky, and of course, 'cool'. - 20 minutes later - Class ends, and I'll have little to nothing of what the teacher said, as I could only focus on re-writing over a paragraph I had, 'lucky me,' it included my thoughts making a time machine. Personal thoughts on the issue, "Money."
I throw down a few light strides. I throw off my black nike pants, a grey rain jacket, change into my workout socks, "Yes," there is such a thing, and of course, throw on bright green racing flats. As a few drops are shed from the sky, a dark loom in the air, let's get'it down.
As I churn the first few repeats, I feel rusty. Beginning to wonder if my 7.5 mile tempo I did was still in the legs, "Aaaaaaannnnndddd, it was." As is human nature, the brain, and I believe it's the left side, is the side that produces negative thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Crazy as it goes, being self conscious of the long workout, annoyed by being tired.... My thoughts, "Will you shut the hell up! I'm in charge." Beginning to get more "Errrr" from the weather, and the already tired legs, I will NOT be denied this workout. I will NOT.
By repeat #5 it starts raining, actually, that's an understatement, it POURS. Repeat after repeat and 10 into the count of 34, wind picks up, lightning streaks across the sky from all directions. "Bring it on, Bitch!"
Even more pissed off, as if, mother nature was to have some say in my workout, I continue forth. As I paced back in forth, 60-70 seconds between reps, a walk-joggish rest in-between, wind blasting heaving rains in my face... Again, and again, and again... This would not lead to me being a happy camper, by any means.
By the the 16th repeat, the track is completely saturated, the inside of the track containing a puddle all around the 400 meter gravel oval. And yet, I still would NOT be denied this.
Perseverance, well if that's what you want to call it, but it's more than that. It's some kid that makes out a false enemy and thinks mother nature is some symbolic being trying to piss him off, and boy... I still believe it.
I know what you're thinking reading this, what is wrong with this kid?! I assure you, that question has been asked many times, each time, nothing more than a baffled response of, "I don't know..." and look of confusion is put forth.
Repeat after repeat, feet striking the ground, crunching of the gravel, water splashing, gravel gathering places only the imagination can think of, I continued forth.
By repeat 27, cold and the continued blasting of heavy rain into my face, to which, only led to me making sure I was to win this battle. And I swear to God, I will kill mother nature. My current thoughts can be expressed in this song- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kJMH916DS4
By repeat 34, the last and final repeat, a slight chill in the air, and what do you know, the bitch, known as mother nature, stops the pouring, no wind, no nothing. As I roll off the final repeat, "FINALLY!" My favorite part in running, the cool-down. I can listen to some music, and gather my thoughts. As I grab my bag, and trot to the bleachers to change from soaked racing flats into soaked trainers, I did not care. I get to enjoy the cool-down, that's all I cared about momentarily.
I kid you not, and I couldn't make this up if I tried. It starts to rain... that's an understatement... a torrential downpour is cast forth, as some sort of sick joke. "Well, so much for listening to some jams to enhance my buzz from the workout. Lightning being cast forth, rain slapping my face, I did not care anymore. Tired of being soaked, cold, and yes, the continuing of rain slapping me in the face for the whole 2 hour workout. I decided... to cut the cool-down short. I proceeded to trot 10 minutes, and call it a day. I immediately proceed to trot over to my car, Shout out to the sky, "TAKE THAT BITCH!" And gladly went home, and wrote in my journal, Clay - 1 vs. Mother Nature - 0.
By the way, I don't have a journal. I'm not 'that' nerdy. Close though!
To the people that want an update on training, here is the last 8 days, and "Yes," the volume and miles of runs and workouts is growing fast.
July 6th-
25 min. warmup- 30x400m, gravel/dirt track- 30 minute cool-down
20 minute bike later
July 7th-
70 minute run
25 minute run later
July 8th-
35 minute run
80 minute run later
July 9th- My EASY day-
35 minutes easy
25 minutes easy later
July 10th-
3 mile warmup- 12k tempo, that raised 1000 feet first half (Dear God, that was tough)- 10 minute cool-down
50 minute run later
July 11th-
70 minute run
22 minute run later, followed immediately by 16 minute bike spin
-Sore as a mug-
July 12th-
80 minutes/strides
20 minute run later
July 13th-
3 mile run
20 minute warmup- 34x400m in torrential downpour on gravel/dirt track-10 minute cooldown. (Pushing bike off till tomorrow, and 'light drills', SECRET drills)
Run range from 6000-7300 feet for these 8 days of running/training. Also, typically on rolling hills, excluding 400m repeat days.
I may take a down week for 400ms next week (maybe 26?), then do 40 the next week. I might race a mile road race, and/or 3k road race that occur on the week days next week... I'll keep you informed!
-clay j. mayes the 3rd
Also- www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGhZHlpSE6k
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Despite your efforts... You have succeeded!
Alright, I've been a little out of the loop in keeping up with 'The Blog', but I'll try to keep it more informative, as I believe all injuries are now under control.
First-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9zqIUZ2-hs&feature=related
Update:
Just over a handful of weeks ago, I took a couple weeks off due to a chronic achilles problem. The source of injury? Taking all the time off for my femur. My thoughts, "Are you F'ing kidding me". No lie, I've been mentally burnt, dealing with my torn hip flexor, cracked femur, torn glute, and now achilles issues. If one's will power isn't tested here, I don't know when it is.
As I find myself talking to, yet another doctor, and me giving him the spill. He agreed on the injury flaring up from tendons being weakened from the time off, and the fact of it slowly warming up as the weeks passed by getting back into running.
I ran on a vertical break in my femur, to which, was roughly several inches to a foot long in the break... for six weeks. "Ya, ya"... It was painful and borderline rough. It was do-able though. This achilles thing, not so. The pain was too much, as I do have a high pain tolerance, but "Enough is enough" was my current mentality. So, I pretty much said, "Fuck you Achilles" and stabbed that bastard with a much feared and NEVER prescribe cortisone shot to that area, "A last resort, if you will". And btw, I apologize for the language, I used it for 'emphasis', as my old Canadian friend used to say when I'd give him flack for cussing.
The achilles problem did NOT go away with that cortisone shot. It did allow me to FINALLY walk around without hobbling in pain... As I previously could not walk around without shoes on, half the time having to have a boot on, in order, to lessen the pain. So, I did the smart thing. I took advantage of this, and began strengthening drills and rehab, and yes, was able to easy-run-it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU0AK5AJiGI "A new you"
6 weeks later, in full swing, and back up to par. Far from the task at hand, but rolling, to the extent, "Hey, this is Clay's ego... Ya, I'm faster than you." As I say this to a random 80 year woman in Wal-Mart.... Just had to let her know! Kidding... mostly..
I will NOW start posting my running/training here, as promised a long time ago. Although, I won't go into the same depth with stories, I will make an effort to do so, 'here and there'... with requests from others.
Here has been the past 9 days of training:
June 15th-
20 minute warmup- 16x400m (hot as a mug) on a turf field- 14 minute cooldown.
2nd run- 15 minutes and SECRET DRILLS.
June 16th-
35 minute run.
2nd run- 60 minutes
June 17th-
4 mile run-
2nd run- 18 minute warmup- 1200m tempo pace, 2 minute jog- 12 x 60 seconds (fast)- 70 second jog in-between- 2 mile cooldown and SECRET DRILLS
June 18th-
30 minute run.
2nd run- 60 minute run (turf field)
June 19th-
11 mile progression, first day at altitude. At 6000 feet and got down to 5.30 last mile. Comfortable. Annnnnnd.....
2nd run of the day, 32 minutes. Meditated for 30 minutes later.
June 20th-
18 minute warmup- 18x400m on a secluded dirt track at 6500 feet... "No problem", but with the wind of 20 mph I was on suicide watch by repeat number 4. 18 minute cooldown. SECRET DRILLS.
No second run... Decided to knit.
June 21st-
9 mile run, 7000 feet and 'then some', "Chilled".
2nd run- 50 minutes
June 22nd-
65 minute trail run over hills
2nd run- 30 minutes
June 23rd-
20 min. warmup- 16x400m at dirt track, nice weather, aside from altitude. 18 min. cooldown.
2nd run- 30 minutes, 15 min. fast spin on stationary bike, and SECRET DRILLS.
IF YOU BLOODSUCKERS WANT MORE, "Fine". I'll share a SHORT story, as I try to bring consistency back to Le Blog. In every athletes life, they have their DEFINING moments.
I have a few... And I will share one.
Roughly a year or so into the sport, I called up an elite master's runner and asked if I could go on a run with him. The guy being 46, and recently running a 16.06 5k to his name in a road race. I, on the otherhand, a puny 8th grader, weighing in at mega 90 pounds, and my current 5k pr at the time being 17.17.
His name being, Pete, an elite master's running in the Tulsa community, and ironically living in the same town as me. The small town of Claremore, just 15,000 or so inhabitants at the time, by no means a running community, yet producing one of the nations best masters runners, and as for me, "An aspiring runner."
Pete would always give me a few pointers, road race to road race, and now, "Taking me under his wing." As I would be hard on myself, by 'this and that' performance, he would keep my head straight. As I would learn the importance of taking a step back, learning there is a mentality to the sport. I would say this is hard to explain, but I learned an 'intuition' in the sport of running.
As I called Pete up, he told me, "Ya, come on out! We'll do an 11 miler. I got a route." As I met with Pete the next day, we talked and stretched, and then proceeded onward to the run. The thing is, Pete did NOT hold back when I ran with him. Whether joining him for a long run, or workout, he ran true to what he originally planned on running. He was NOT workout warrior by any means, but rather, very meticulous in his training. Thriving off quality miles on his important days, and so forth. And lucky me, today was one of those 'quality' days for Pete. As we set forth, the pace attainable, the weather pleasant, only to have a slightly chill to it, but pleasant none-the-less.
We clicked off a couple miles, and so forth, as the pace continued to build, and so did my effort that was being put forth. "Luckily", Pete picked the freaking most hilly route Claremore had to offer. Did I tell you, Pete liked hills?"
As we turned around at 5.5 miles, and into the a strong headwind, "Luckily", the wind was actually to our back the first 5.5 miles... Again, "Luckily." As my little hard headed self continued forward, I did what I could to zone out from the pain. Pete, un-phased, which is quite standard.
As for me, well, I began to enter a world of hurt. Being a test of will, or the God's of bad weather, but at 7.5 miles or so into the run, the weirdest weather began to stir up, as we ran along. With winds picking up more fiercely, and I kid you not, with a quick flash, it began to pour snow pallets. Not the soft, 'fun' kind of snow, the kind that hurt. Pete clicking along, still un-phased. Me... Well, I had one and one thought only, "Where the HELL is oncoming traffic?!" I kept looking for cars, ANY CARS! And wanted to end it, as my pride wouldn't allow me to say anything about the hastened pace, or less than ideal weather. "Unluckily," not ONE car drove by.
And "Yes", I was being serious about looking for oncoming traffic.
Pete looks over, seeing me red faced, cold from the drastically weather change, most likely drooling on myself... "Hey, tuck in behind me." As Pete MAKES sure I tuck in, rather than let my ego completely kill myself. I'm able to hold on as the run progresses, hill after hill, a random snow storm, some strong winds, and a 'brisk' running pace, the run finally comes to an end, "THANK GOD!"
I try to play it cool, "Ya, that was a good run!" *short pause* Although, I couldn't help, but spit out, "But that last hill KILLED me."
Pete, plain faced, looks over at me, "What hill?"
I clearly try to explain, "That hill..." Pointing off in its direction.
Pete pipes up, "I didn't notice that hill or any other hills for that matter."
Me: :|
After being in a state of confusion, Pete finally tells me, "Look, it may be windy, hilly, or whatever. You can't worry about how bad some factor is. You have to face it, and conquer it without thinking twice about it."
I learned to hold this advice close to me for years.
To the point, my junior year at OU, I would routinely say on runs when someone complained about the wind or hills, "What hill?", "What wind?" As they would be thrown off, and sincerely try to explain which hill, or convince me, "It was windy." After a while, they finally caught on. To the point, they pulled the same junk on me, routinely. Ha, that being said, running... It's a mentality. That's it in short.
p.s. If you want to tick someone off, say stuff like this on a run... Serious.
Spark notes: Pete holds 49 age group and single age records for the state of Oklahoma, to which, Oklahoma is known famously for many of its great masters runners it's produced. Pete being one of the best, as he's still going strong, and to what I believe, will run a 16.3x before this years end, perhaps faster. I wouldn't be surprised in the least bit.
What's ironic, is this past year and a half, both Pete and I obtained long lay-off injuries. Although, at times, it didn't look so great for a comeback, we both have made our way back into the mix.
As for me, I hope to FINALLY make a comeback this Sunday in a very respectable field, and if not so, then the next race, if not then... Then the next race... As I will continue to put forth whatever effort is needed to succeed, as I've learned from Pete, "It's a mentality, it's a lifestyle."
...Although, this Sunday I am racing at 6000 feet, and have by no means, had enough time to adapt to it, but I'm sure you'd know what Pete would say,
"What altitude?"
Exactly.
-clay j. mayes the 3rd
And- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSK1D3bZhRs&feature=related
First-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9zqIUZ2-hs&feature=related
Update:
Just over a handful of weeks ago, I took a couple weeks off due to a chronic achilles problem. The source of injury? Taking all the time off for my femur. My thoughts, "Are you F'ing kidding me". No lie, I've been mentally burnt, dealing with my torn hip flexor, cracked femur, torn glute, and now achilles issues. If one's will power isn't tested here, I don't know when it is.
As I find myself talking to, yet another doctor, and me giving him the spill. He agreed on the injury flaring up from tendons being weakened from the time off, and the fact of it slowly warming up as the weeks passed by getting back into running.
I ran on a vertical break in my femur, to which, was roughly several inches to a foot long in the break... for six weeks. "Ya, ya"... It was painful and borderline rough. It was do-able though. This achilles thing, not so. The pain was too much, as I do have a high pain tolerance, but "Enough is enough" was my current mentality. So, I pretty much said, "Fuck you Achilles" and stabbed that bastard with a much feared and NEVER prescribe cortisone shot to that area, "A last resort, if you will". And btw, I apologize for the language, I used it for 'emphasis', as my old Canadian friend used to say when I'd give him flack for cussing.
The achilles problem did NOT go away with that cortisone shot. It did allow me to FINALLY walk around without hobbling in pain... As I previously could not walk around without shoes on, half the time having to have a boot on, in order, to lessen the pain. So, I did the smart thing. I took advantage of this, and began strengthening drills and rehab, and yes, was able to easy-run-it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU0AK5AJiGI "A new you"
6 weeks later, in full swing, and back up to par. Far from the task at hand, but rolling, to the extent, "Hey, this is Clay's ego... Ya, I'm faster than you." As I say this to a random 80 year woman in Wal-Mart.... Just had to let her know! Kidding... mostly..
I will NOW start posting my running/training here, as promised a long time ago. Although, I won't go into the same depth with stories, I will make an effort to do so, 'here and there'... with requests from others.
Here has been the past 9 days of training:
June 15th-
20 minute warmup- 16x400m (hot as a mug) on a turf field- 14 minute cooldown.
2nd run- 15 minutes and SECRET DRILLS.
June 16th-
35 minute run.
2nd run- 60 minutes
June 17th-
4 mile run-
2nd run- 18 minute warmup- 1200m tempo pace, 2 minute jog- 12 x 60 seconds (fast)- 70 second jog in-between- 2 mile cooldown and SECRET DRILLS
June 18th-
30 minute run.
2nd run- 60 minute run (turf field)
June 19th-
11 mile progression, first day at altitude. At 6000 feet and got down to 5.30 last mile. Comfortable. Annnnnnd.....
2nd run of the day, 32 minutes. Meditated for 30 minutes later.
June 20th-
18 minute warmup- 18x400m on a secluded dirt track at 6500 feet... "No problem", but with the wind of 20 mph I was on suicide watch by repeat number 4. 18 minute cooldown. SECRET DRILLS.
No second run... Decided to knit.
June 21st-
9 mile run, 7000 feet and 'then some', "Chilled".
2nd run- 50 minutes
June 22nd-
65 minute trail run over hills
2nd run- 30 minutes
June 23rd-
20 min. warmup- 16x400m at dirt track, nice weather, aside from altitude. 18 min. cooldown.
2nd run- 30 minutes, 15 min. fast spin on stationary bike, and SECRET DRILLS.
IF YOU BLOODSUCKERS WANT MORE, "Fine". I'll share a SHORT story, as I try to bring consistency back to Le Blog. In every athletes life, they have their DEFINING moments.
I have a few... And I will share one.
Roughly a year or so into the sport, I called up an elite master's runner and asked if I could go on a run with him. The guy being 46, and recently running a 16.06 5k to his name in a road race. I, on the otherhand, a puny 8th grader, weighing in at mega 90 pounds, and my current 5k pr at the time being 17.17.
His name being, Pete, an elite master's running in the Tulsa community, and ironically living in the same town as me. The small town of Claremore, just 15,000 or so inhabitants at the time, by no means a running community, yet producing one of the nations best masters runners, and as for me, "An aspiring runner."
Pete would always give me a few pointers, road race to road race, and now, "Taking me under his wing." As I would be hard on myself, by 'this and that' performance, he would keep my head straight. As I would learn the importance of taking a step back, learning there is a mentality to the sport. I would say this is hard to explain, but I learned an 'intuition' in the sport of running.
As I called Pete up, he told me, "Ya, come on out! We'll do an 11 miler. I got a route." As I met with Pete the next day, we talked and stretched, and then proceeded onward to the run. The thing is, Pete did NOT hold back when I ran with him. Whether joining him for a long run, or workout, he ran true to what he originally planned on running. He was NOT workout warrior by any means, but rather, very meticulous in his training. Thriving off quality miles on his important days, and so forth. And lucky me, today was one of those 'quality' days for Pete. As we set forth, the pace attainable, the weather pleasant, only to have a slightly chill to it, but pleasant none-the-less.
We clicked off a couple miles, and so forth, as the pace continued to build, and so did my effort that was being put forth. "Luckily", Pete picked the freaking most hilly route Claremore had to offer. Did I tell you, Pete liked hills?"
As we turned around at 5.5 miles, and into the a strong headwind, "Luckily", the wind was actually to our back the first 5.5 miles... Again, "Luckily." As my little hard headed self continued forward, I did what I could to zone out from the pain. Pete, un-phased, which is quite standard.
As for me, well, I began to enter a world of hurt. Being a test of will, or the God's of bad weather, but at 7.5 miles or so into the run, the weirdest weather began to stir up, as we ran along. With winds picking up more fiercely, and I kid you not, with a quick flash, it began to pour snow pallets. Not the soft, 'fun' kind of snow, the kind that hurt. Pete clicking along, still un-phased. Me... Well, I had one and one thought only, "Where the HELL is oncoming traffic?!" I kept looking for cars, ANY CARS! And wanted to end it, as my pride wouldn't allow me to say anything about the hastened pace, or less than ideal weather. "Unluckily," not ONE car drove by.
And "Yes", I was being serious about looking for oncoming traffic.
Pete looks over, seeing me red faced, cold from the drastically weather change, most likely drooling on myself... "Hey, tuck in behind me." As Pete MAKES sure I tuck in, rather than let my ego completely kill myself. I'm able to hold on as the run progresses, hill after hill, a random snow storm, some strong winds, and a 'brisk' running pace, the run finally comes to an end, "THANK GOD!"
I try to play it cool, "Ya, that was a good run!" *short pause* Although, I couldn't help, but spit out, "But that last hill KILLED me."
Pete, plain faced, looks over at me, "What hill?"
I clearly try to explain, "That hill..." Pointing off in its direction.
Pete pipes up, "I didn't notice that hill or any other hills for that matter."
Me: :|
After being in a state of confusion, Pete finally tells me, "Look, it may be windy, hilly, or whatever. You can't worry about how bad some factor is. You have to face it, and conquer it without thinking twice about it."
I learned to hold this advice close to me for years.
To the point, my junior year at OU, I would routinely say on runs when someone complained about the wind or hills, "What hill?", "What wind?" As they would be thrown off, and sincerely try to explain which hill, or convince me, "It was windy." After a while, they finally caught on. To the point, they pulled the same junk on me, routinely. Ha, that being said, running... It's a mentality. That's it in short.
p.s. If you want to tick someone off, say stuff like this on a run... Serious.
Spark notes: Pete holds 49 age group and single age records for the state of Oklahoma, to which, Oklahoma is known famously for many of its great masters runners it's produced. Pete being one of the best, as he's still going strong, and to what I believe, will run a 16.3x before this years end, perhaps faster. I wouldn't be surprised in the least bit.
What's ironic, is this past year and a half, both Pete and I obtained long lay-off injuries. Although, at times, it didn't look so great for a comeback, we both have made our way back into the mix.
As for me, I hope to FINALLY make a comeback this Sunday in a very respectable field, and if not so, then the next race, if not then... Then the next race... As I will continue to put forth whatever effort is needed to succeed, as I've learned from Pete, "It's a mentality, it's a lifestyle."
...Although, this Sunday I am racing at 6000 feet, and have by no means, had enough time to adapt to it, but I'm sure you'd know what Pete would say,
"What altitude?"
Exactly.
-clay j. mayes the 3rd
And- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSK1D3bZhRs&feature=related
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Everybody has a Story, Round 3
First things first- Ducks are kind of cool... Evidence- http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/duck_gets_piece_of_bread_dances_with_glee
Before I dip into the post, I will post training and "EVERYTHING" in my next post. Which will be within the next week.
This will be the 3rd edition of, "Everybody has a Story", to view the first two click just below. As this will be the third edition of, "Everybody has a Story". Which the first edition of this story can be found here: www.miletomile.blogspot.com/2010/07/everyone-has-story.html and the 2nd edition/story of Schwabby can be found here- http://miletomile.blogspot.com/2010/08/watch-it-purple_15.html .
As my first story dealt with a guy who has LITERALLY saved his own life, and the following story deals with a local blue collar runner, now collegiate All-American, this current story deals with a fellow by the name, "Richard."
Referred to in many 'friendly' names, the reason being, Richard is bit thicker than the typical runner. Is he fat? "No". If he fat to a runnner's eyes, our eyes? "NO. DOUBT." Name's one might call Richard at any given moment, "Tubby/tubs, Lard/Lardo, Fatty/Fatso, Bitch Tits (My favorite... in case you were wondering), and an all to popular phrase used, "Hey Richard did you run today?" And before he is allowed to respond, "Oh, ya, you definitely have! To the fridge and back! ... a few times!" Unphased as always, Richard is clearly used to this banter from everyone, including me, in a moppy-like voice, "Clay, you would get along with my dad, he makes fun of me too."
^ Upon reading that last bit, did you just say, "AWWW" outloud? I bet you did.''
Richard is a relatively smart kid. As he is majoring in engineering... And contiuously on top of his studies, becoming a club member at OU's library, referred lovingly as, "Sweetheart", by the 75 year old librarian who runs the place, known as, "Miss Georgina". To Richard, "Miss Georgousina"... I don't know about you, but I can't even pronounce that. I think it's a play on words, or "something". Up on his studies, yet, witty to insults, Richard is different from the norm. As this interview is taking place, I can't help but ask the standard questons, "So, Richard, what's interesting about you?" He takes a moment, looks around. A peanut jar lays on the ground (opened), clothes scattered, food wrapers left and right, the carpet has not been vacuumed and by the looks of it, never has been, but what appears to be important, the TV on top of the desk, controller in hand, the game known as, "COD" on... Richard non-chalantly looks over and responds, "I like to live in a clutter."
If you're a gaming nerd, and were wondering, Richard is about as good as this guy- http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/i_suck_at_modern_warfare_2__a_modern_warfare_2_fail_montage
To clarify, Richard has BY NO MEANS saved his life (HELL, he could barely fight his way out of a wet paper bag), is NO collegiate All-American (he is just a freshman, one day), but personally, is just an off-beat kid if one were to take the time to get to know him. As you read this, you may begin to wonder if I 'hate' this kid, as I borderline tear him apart, or I'm going somewhere with this post. I assure you, it's the latter of the two... Well, 'Probably'.
In case you're still left wondering, ay interest for writing this piece on Richard lies within two different aspects... One being, 'The Mile.'
-----------------------------------------------------------------
THE MILE
On a saturday afternoon, like any other, today Richard was running a mile for 'kicks' in the recreational indoor track, located in the "Huff". Lightly warming up, sporting an U.S.A. jersey (Ironic seeing how he's fluent in Spanish), he lined up. The Huff track is NOT fast by any means. 6 laps to a mile, sure one could say it was oversized, but it surely was not shaped like an ordinary track. as there are 3 soft 90 degree turns, and the 4 turn, being, to what I think 120 degees, and the only turn not energy consuming to go around... This was the track today. It is, what it is.
Stats: Richard's current Mile PR: 4.09. To which, is perhaps on the fastest track in the nation up at Washington.Keep in mind, 40 seconds flat for each lap is 4.00 mile pace on this 6 lap track.
As I held the timer, "On your mark... Set... GO!" Out relatively quick, a smooth stride as he darted past the first turn, going around, to what I call, "Amatuers"... He was 'moving'. At ease, and effortlessly looking, I simply thought, "Well, damn."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The other aspect, to why I wrote this piece on Richard is simple. We have coinciding ideals and philosophies in terms of running, A LOT alike. As he understands my logic, "Anyone can be a good runner, anyone can be a great runner. I mean, if you got the balls." As he mentioned in my interview with him (And women, in case you're left wondering, it's all about 'tenacity' for you).
Personally, he does the EXACT same thing I do in training. I do not mean the exact same miles, I do not mean drink as much chocolate milk as I do (not possible, btw). I do, however, mean he FULLY believes in what he does, and will proceed to do whatever to get to the next level in his running career. He will take no short cuts. For me, I've went on my crazy spurts, more so for experimentation, of 160 miles per week to test my limits, to which, find what my body best responds to. As I believe to know myself better than anyone else, I know what it takes to get to the next level (check other blog posts to get a more in-depth view).
Well, Richard is the same way, as he may get critiques from a guy here and there, sometimes a bit too often. The kid will continue to stand firm and do what he believes will help him. Perhaps, it's an extra set of abs, perhaps it's light lifting, perhaps is some GNC powder that will 'supposedly' lean his realtively soft runner psyquie up... I fail to notice a difference, Richard... *shifty eyes*.
Perhaps by fate, as this young 8th grader would have it, he encountered an small illness. As he missed a couple football practices, because of this, and the failure of the desk clerk to forward the messages to the football coaches... "Little Chunkster", A.K.A., Ricardo would be benched. As a game passed, and another, and the failure of his hard work to earn his spot back, he quit. No easy task, as his dad, like any other Texan, proceeded to disown Richard for being fat.... Oh... I mean... "For quitting football", ya.. that.
Determined to succeed, Richard ran. Routinely heading out the door, turning up his ipod, and running to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBjEcAPybsE&feature=related and with the sincere thoughts of viewing running now as, "This just may be my thing", running day after day, week after week, losing a pound here, losing a pound there, mile after mile, he ran.
One year later, and to everyone's surprise, "Richard, did you have gastric bi-pass surgery?"--- "Oh... you did not... And you say I'm a jackass for saying that..."
"And now you want my chocolate bar..."
"I don't even have chocolate, Richard!"
" 'Find some', you say..."
"The fat kid inside of you wants chocolate?... Okay, that was weird, but whatever..."
Competing on the next level, especially at this level, is no easy task. The same intensity, day after day, mile after a mile, can wear on a guy. Yet, this kid will stay up on all the little things he believes in, a remedy or two that I will question, yet, think... "Not a bad idea... NOT A BAD IDEA AT ALL!" To give due credit, the kid has exceeded expectations, yet feels he's on a curve. Always trying to make up a gap, and catch the next person ahead of him, I can not help but blurt out when he told me this, "MEEE TOOOO!!!!!!"
Growing up, a relatively chunky 8th grader, who weighed the same as he does now... Did I tell you he was a foot shorter than he is now? Well, that was Richard as an 8th grader. My first thoughts to seeing an 8th grade picture of him, "WHO IS THAT KID, AND WHY DID HE EAT YOU?!"
Richard, as a means to get in shape for football, participated in cross country in 8th grade and proceeded to use the training involved as condtioning for football. Although, an unheard of thing for football players, this kid did what he believed would help him advance as a football player. As his mindset continues to hold true to this very day.
In case you've seen this video, and contrary to popular belief, this is NOT Richard- (only first 30 seconds need to viewed to get the 'point'.)
http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/you_do_not_get_between_this_man_and_his_cheeseburger
--------
As 1/3 of the lap, is unseen being blocked by rather large wall, I stayed glued to my watch awaiting from him to dart around the turn... 30... 31... 32... 33... 34... and there was Richard... 38... 39... 40... "You're 39 high for that lap!"
So much for running a 4.20 paced mile, as was the original plan.
I began to speculate, "How long will this last?" This track blows, let's be honest. And by no means, am I a pessimist. As he continue to glide forth, crew cut, black spandex and all, 76...77... 78... 79... 80... "You're 80 flat at two laps!.... 4.00 mile pace!"
My thoughts, "He's going for it now... HELL... who wouldn't?!"
Beginning to show 'some' signs, He cruised by the 3rd lap, in which, posting a 2.03 (1/2 mile marker). My thoughts, "That son of a bit... 'gun' is still hanging on!"
My thoughts, "GO FOR THE HUFF INDOOR TRACK RECORD!!!" To tell you the truth, I highly doubt anyone's ran 4.30 on it, nor tried to even with the capability to do so.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
As the new and improved Richard entering 9th grade, and now placing top 3 in most of the freshman races he entered, as Texas is notoriously competitive in just about everything. One could certainly say, "Not bad... Not half bad at all for a year of training!"
As the stage had been set, Richard set out year after year of his high school career to become, "A runner." And it doesn't take a very knowledgeable person that knows Richard, to know, if he's going to do something, "Damn, he's going to do it right!" By senior year, and an all-around recruitable athlete, having grades, a studly 4.12 mile to his name, and some other b.s. that includes those pricks of the high school, A.K.A. student council... I mean... The students who help serve our high school...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As people were walking, and trotting along on the track, others gathering along the railing that withheld the track... people were gaining notice. As the basketball courts located down below, and it's inhabitants, known as baller's, stopped their pick-up games, and looked upward, onto the indoor track. As this kid was balls to the wall, and well, 'GOING FOR IT!" I figured it was only a matter of time before people started chanting his name. To my surprise, I was the only one.
As he swung by the 4 lap, and STILL maintaining pace, this was a moment. As we all like watching the feel good movies, when the dork get's the girl, when the sucky team finds a way to win against the best team in the league, when the evil axis of power is taken down by an unlikely foe... We all KNOW. We know that the dork, although good intention as he is NEVER gets the girl (Seriously, do you think this guy got his girl back? http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/if_she_doesnt_take_him_back_after_this ... EXACTLY) . And we know, once a sucky team, always a sucky team, evil axis... smeathil axis, it better be a damn good super hero or it ain't going to happen.... BUT for this instance in time, this was one of the 'moments' that defied the norm, as the kid from Texas was on a quest....
5 laps- And STILL on good pace, "RUN RUN RUN!!!"
Now becoming bit lactic, tying up, as Richard pushed forward. Not faultering in the quest at at hand, Richard would not be denied at a chance at GLORY.
Swing down the back stretch, I watched him disappear behind the wall... waiting... and waiting for him to appear for the final 50 meters where I could see him.... 4.00... 4.01... 4.02... 4.03... And like that, swinging around the turn... stride by stride.. he was closing... 4.08... 4.09... 4.10... 4.11... 4.12... YOU RAN 4.12!!! As I screamed HUFF MILE RECORD! People were not only celebrating around me, people were popping champagne! Crowd erupting, it was unreal.
OKAY... Okay, it didn't go quite like that. I was yelling like an idiot though!... And Ricardo did run 4.12 on a very mediocre track... alone. Legitimately, "Impressive" to say the least.
Afterwards, and Richard proclaiming, "I will never do that again, for 'obvious' reasons."
And so have it... a new Mile record at the Huff.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Odd as you may think, I know what you're thinking, Richard does have a dog... thing's just like him about food... - http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/dog_does_crazy_food_dance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the interview is coming to a close, I proceed to ask Richard my last question, being primarily an important one, "Richard, what's your stance on...." Interrupted by Richard, with him raising his voice....
"Oh, what is my position on the role of government in supporting innovation in the field of biotechnology you ask?"
I begin to mutter out, "Well, actually..." Interrupted again.... by none other than Richard...
Without hesitation Richard spouts, "Recent research has shown that empirical evidence for globalization of corporate innovation is very limited and as a corollary the market for technologies is shrinking. As a world leader, it's important for America to provide systematic research grants for our scientists. I believe strongly there will always be a need for us to have a well articulated innovation policy with emphasis on human resource development. BOOM and Thank you!"
As he sit there, non-chalantly smiling back, with a perceived confident demeanor...
My left eyebrow raised, straight lipped, look of bafflement... as a long pause of seconds, turns into a few minutes of erie quiteness... Alls I can say is, "Well, actually Richard... NEVERMIND... I think that pretty much wraps up my interview... I have enough.
-clay j. mayes 3rd
Before I dip into the post, I will post training and "EVERYTHING" in my next post. Which will be within the next week.
This will be the 3rd edition of, "Everybody has a Story", to view the first two click just below. As this will be the third edition of, "Everybody has a Story". Which the first edition of this story can be found here: www.miletomile.blogspot.com/2010/07/everyone-has-story.html and the 2nd edition/story of Schwabby can be found here- http://miletomile.blogspot.com/2010/08/watch-it-purple_15.html .
As my first story dealt with a guy who has LITERALLY saved his own life, and the following story deals with a local blue collar runner, now collegiate All-American, this current story deals with a fellow by the name, "Richard."
Referred to in many 'friendly' names, the reason being, Richard is bit thicker than the typical runner. Is he fat? "No". If he fat to a runnner's eyes, our eyes? "NO. DOUBT." Name's one might call Richard at any given moment, "Tubby/tubs, Lard/Lardo, Fatty/Fatso, Bitch Tits (My favorite... in case you were wondering), and an all to popular phrase used, "Hey Richard did you run today?" And before he is allowed to respond, "Oh, ya, you definitely have! To the fridge and back! ... a few times!" Unphased as always, Richard is clearly used to this banter from everyone, including me, in a moppy-like voice, "Clay, you would get along with my dad, he makes fun of me too."
^ Upon reading that last bit, did you just say, "AWWW" outloud? I bet you did.''
Richard is a relatively smart kid. As he is majoring in engineering... And contiuously on top of his studies, becoming a club member at OU's library, referred lovingly as, "Sweetheart", by the 75 year old librarian who runs the place, known as, "Miss Georgina". To Richard, "Miss Georgousina"... I don't know about you, but I can't even pronounce that. I think it's a play on words, or "something". Up on his studies, yet, witty to insults, Richard is different from the norm. As this interview is taking place, I can't help but ask the standard questons, "So, Richard, what's interesting about you?" He takes a moment, looks around. A peanut jar lays on the ground (opened), clothes scattered, food wrapers left and right, the carpet has not been vacuumed and by the looks of it, never has been, but what appears to be important, the TV on top of the desk, controller in hand, the game known as, "COD" on... Richard non-chalantly looks over and responds, "I like to live in a clutter."
If you're a gaming nerd, and were wondering, Richard is about as good as this guy- http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/i_suck_at_modern_warfare_2__a_modern_warfare_2_fail_montage
To clarify, Richard has BY NO MEANS saved his life (HELL, he could barely fight his way out of a wet paper bag), is NO collegiate All-American (he is just a freshman, one day), but personally, is just an off-beat kid if one were to take the time to get to know him. As you read this, you may begin to wonder if I 'hate' this kid, as I borderline tear him apart, or I'm going somewhere with this post. I assure you, it's the latter of the two... Well, 'Probably'.
In case you're still left wondering, ay interest for writing this piece on Richard lies within two different aspects... One being, 'The Mile.'
-----------------------------------------------------------------
THE MILE
On a saturday afternoon, like any other, today Richard was running a mile for 'kicks' in the recreational indoor track, located in the "Huff". Lightly warming up, sporting an U.S.A. jersey (Ironic seeing how he's fluent in Spanish), he lined up. The Huff track is NOT fast by any means. 6 laps to a mile, sure one could say it was oversized, but it surely was not shaped like an ordinary track. as there are 3 soft 90 degree turns, and the 4 turn, being, to what I think 120 degees, and the only turn not energy consuming to go around... This was the track today. It is, what it is.
Stats: Richard's current Mile PR: 4.09. To which, is perhaps on the fastest track in the nation up at Washington.Keep in mind, 40 seconds flat for each lap is 4.00 mile pace on this 6 lap track.
As I held the timer, "On your mark... Set... GO!" Out relatively quick, a smooth stride as he darted past the first turn, going around, to what I call, "Amatuers"... He was 'moving'. At ease, and effortlessly looking, I simply thought, "Well, damn."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The other aspect, to why I wrote this piece on Richard is simple. We have coinciding ideals and philosophies in terms of running, A LOT alike. As he understands my logic, "Anyone can be a good runner, anyone can be a great runner. I mean, if you got the balls." As he mentioned in my interview with him (And women, in case you're left wondering, it's all about 'tenacity' for you).
Personally, he does the EXACT same thing I do in training. I do not mean the exact same miles, I do not mean drink as much chocolate milk as I do (not possible, btw). I do, however, mean he FULLY believes in what he does, and will proceed to do whatever to get to the next level in his running career. He will take no short cuts. For me, I've went on my crazy spurts, more so for experimentation, of 160 miles per week to test my limits, to which, find what my body best responds to. As I believe to know myself better than anyone else, I know what it takes to get to the next level (check other blog posts to get a more in-depth view).
Well, Richard is the same way, as he may get critiques from a guy here and there, sometimes a bit too often. The kid will continue to stand firm and do what he believes will help him. Perhaps, it's an extra set of abs, perhaps it's light lifting, perhaps is some GNC powder that will 'supposedly' lean his realtively soft runner psyquie up... I fail to notice a difference, Richard... *shifty eyes*.
Perhaps by fate, as this young 8th grader would have it, he encountered an small illness. As he missed a couple football practices, because of this, and the failure of the desk clerk to forward the messages to the football coaches... "Little Chunkster", A.K.A., Ricardo would be benched. As a game passed, and another, and the failure of his hard work to earn his spot back, he quit. No easy task, as his dad, like any other Texan, proceeded to disown Richard for being fat.... Oh... I mean... "For quitting football", ya.. that.
Determined to succeed, Richard ran. Routinely heading out the door, turning up his ipod, and running to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBjEcAPybsE&feature=related and with the sincere thoughts of viewing running now as, "This just may be my thing", running day after day, week after week, losing a pound here, losing a pound there, mile after mile, he ran.
One year later, and to everyone's surprise, "Richard, did you have gastric bi-pass surgery?"--- "Oh... you did not... And you say I'm a jackass for saying that..."
"And now you want my chocolate bar..."
"I don't even have chocolate, Richard!"
" 'Find some', you say..."
"The fat kid inside of you wants chocolate?... Okay, that was weird, but whatever..."
Competing on the next level, especially at this level, is no easy task. The same intensity, day after day, mile after a mile, can wear on a guy. Yet, this kid will stay up on all the little things he believes in, a remedy or two that I will question, yet, think... "Not a bad idea... NOT A BAD IDEA AT ALL!" To give due credit, the kid has exceeded expectations, yet feels he's on a curve. Always trying to make up a gap, and catch the next person ahead of him, I can not help but blurt out when he told me this, "MEEE TOOOO!!!!!!"
Growing up, a relatively chunky 8th grader, who weighed the same as he does now... Did I tell you he was a foot shorter than he is now? Well, that was Richard as an 8th grader. My first thoughts to seeing an 8th grade picture of him, "WHO IS THAT KID, AND WHY DID HE EAT YOU?!"
Richard, as a means to get in shape for football, participated in cross country in 8th grade and proceeded to use the training involved as condtioning for football. Although, an unheard of thing for football players, this kid did what he believed would help him advance as a football player. As his mindset continues to hold true to this very day.
In case you've seen this video, and contrary to popular belief, this is NOT Richard- (only first 30 seconds need to viewed to get the 'point'.)
http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/you_do_not_get_between_this_man_and_his_cheeseburger
--------
As 1/3 of the lap, is unseen being blocked by rather large wall, I stayed glued to my watch awaiting from him to dart around the turn... 30... 31... 32... 33... 34... and there was Richard... 38... 39... 40... "You're 39 high for that lap!"
So much for running a 4.20 paced mile, as was the original plan.
I began to speculate, "How long will this last?" This track blows, let's be honest. And by no means, am I a pessimist. As he continue to glide forth, crew cut, black spandex and all, 76...77... 78... 79... 80... "You're 80 flat at two laps!.... 4.00 mile pace!"
My thoughts, "He's going for it now... HELL... who wouldn't?!"
Beginning to show 'some' signs, He cruised by the 3rd lap, in which, posting a 2.03 (1/2 mile marker). My thoughts, "That son of a bit... 'gun' is still hanging on!"
My thoughts, "GO FOR THE HUFF INDOOR TRACK RECORD!!!" To tell you the truth, I highly doubt anyone's ran 4.30 on it, nor tried to even with the capability to do so.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
As the new and improved Richard entering 9th grade, and now placing top 3 in most of the freshman races he entered, as Texas is notoriously competitive in just about everything. One could certainly say, "Not bad... Not half bad at all for a year of training!"
As the stage had been set, Richard set out year after year of his high school career to become, "A runner." And it doesn't take a very knowledgeable person that knows Richard, to know, if he's going to do something, "Damn, he's going to do it right!" By senior year, and an all-around recruitable athlete, having grades, a studly 4.12 mile to his name, and some other b.s. that includes those pricks of the high school, A.K.A. student council... I mean... The students who help serve our high school...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
As people were walking, and trotting along on the track, others gathering along the railing that withheld the track... people were gaining notice. As the basketball courts located down below, and it's inhabitants, known as baller's, stopped their pick-up games, and looked upward, onto the indoor track. As this kid was balls to the wall, and well, 'GOING FOR IT!" I figured it was only a matter of time before people started chanting his name. To my surprise, I was the only one.
As he swung by the 4 lap, and STILL maintaining pace, this was a moment. As we all like watching the feel good movies, when the dork get's the girl, when the sucky team finds a way to win against the best team in the league, when the evil axis of power is taken down by an unlikely foe... We all KNOW. We know that the dork, although good intention as he is NEVER gets the girl (Seriously, do you think this guy got his girl back? http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/if_she_doesnt_take_him_back_after_this ... EXACTLY) . And we know, once a sucky team, always a sucky team, evil axis... smeathil axis, it better be a damn good super hero or it ain't going to happen.... BUT for this instance in time, this was one of the 'moments' that defied the norm, as the kid from Texas was on a quest....
5 laps- And STILL on good pace, "RUN RUN RUN!!!"
Now becoming bit lactic, tying up, as Richard pushed forward. Not faultering in the quest at at hand, Richard would not be denied at a chance at GLORY.
Swing down the back stretch, I watched him disappear behind the wall... waiting... and waiting for him to appear for the final 50 meters where I could see him.... 4.00... 4.01... 4.02... 4.03... And like that, swinging around the turn... stride by stride.. he was closing... 4.08... 4.09... 4.10... 4.11... 4.12... YOU RAN 4.12!!! As I screamed HUFF MILE RECORD! People were not only celebrating around me, people were popping champagne! Crowd erupting, it was unreal.
OKAY... Okay, it didn't go quite like that. I was yelling like an idiot though!... And Ricardo did run 4.12 on a very mediocre track... alone. Legitimately, "Impressive" to say the least.
Afterwards, and Richard proclaiming, "I will never do that again, for 'obvious' reasons."
And so have it... a new Mile record at the Huff.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Odd as you may think, I know what you're thinking, Richard does have a dog... thing's just like him about food... - http://www.thatvideosite.com/video/dog_does_crazy_food_dance
------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the interview is coming to a close, I proceed to ask Richard my last question, being primarily an important one, "Richard, what's your stance on...." Interrupted by Richard, with him raising his voice....
"Oh, what is my position on the role of government in supporting innovation in the field of biotechnology you ask?"
I begin to mutter out, "Well, actually..." Interrupted again.... by none other than Richard...
Without hesitation Richard spouts, "Recent research has shown that empirical evidence for globalization of corporate innovation is very limited and as a corollary the market for technologies is shrinking. As a world leader, it's important for America to provide systematic research grants for our scientists. I believe strongly there will always be a need for us to have a well articulated innovation policy with emphasis on human resource development. BOOM and Thank you!"
As he sit there, non-chalantly smiling back, with a perceived confident demeanor...
My left eyebrow raised, straight lipped, look of bafflement... as a long pause of seconds, turns into a few minutes of erie quiteness... Alls I can say is, "Well, actually Richard... NEVERMIND... I think that pretty much wraps up my interview... I have enough.
-clay j. mayes 3rd
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The Mile.
"The Mile"
It has been the talk of track and field since it's beginning. Why? Well, honestly, I'm not sure. Perhaps, due to the simplicity of it, 4 laps around the track, "not too long, not too short," it is THE event. And people love it. Even common folk will implore upon other 'common folk'... "What's your mile time?"
I 'implore' to you, "What's yours?"
"You're not a Miler?"
It doesn't matter, because that's the limitations of what non-runners know. You might as well get used to it.
For me, this event has never been my strong suit. As I was made for the marathon.... 26.2 miles of racing. Did I tell you how lucky I was? "Lucky," my friend... Lucky indeed. Shi... I mean...shoot! (Am I talking to myself again? Outl oud you say? No, I'm not crazy... I'm normal....
....
...
..ish)
As my past trianing, when healthy, was 140+ mile weeks... It was obvious what I was made for. Working the streets.
"Wait, what?!"
But as life would have it, plans change. I got hurt, "cry me a river."
In case you haven't noticed, I'm different. For what that's worth, a good or a bad is besides the point, but rather, I never like to follow the norm, NEVER. I set my own path and make my own decisions. I know the marathon will be my future in running, but during my injury I played with a thought, "The Mile." The question that came about, "How fast could I go with 2 and a half months of cross training, and only 5 ample weeks of running?" That being, a simple race at home, on the indoor OU track. No races to sharpen up, a simple 200 meter, notoriously slow and impossible to run fast on. Why? Because it's green and the turns are really tight... And it's GREEN... Did I mention that?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fge5ufo9CDY Deekie.
11 weeks to the Mile:
CUE MUSIC: Right click, and listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioE_O7Lm0I4
I began lifting, as my weight skyrocketed up to 144 pounds... 'of muslce'. Only 21 pounds above my racing weight when I ran my 5k pr in California. As I documented my comeback... Well, not really. I just have a bunch of yellow post-its, that I wrote stuff on, like, "Today I ate four donuts, two chocolate bars. Oh, and lifted for 20 minutes"--- "Today I watched 3 hours of cartoons and did crunches in-between the commercials," one post-it just had doodles on it, a smudge of what appears to be jelly, and a sketch of a cheetah. I must say, VERY cool.
Oh, and let's not leave out one post-it, to which, I believe I wrote after one of my sugar highs, "I love chick flicks".... KIDDING! Seriously... I'm kidding.
But seriously.
9 Weeks to the Mile:
As I was able to inlcude biking, I did 'stoopid fast' intervals on it, as to ignite the fast twitch fibers. Techno cranked up, pouring sweat, heart pounding upwards to 190+ beats per minute at times (try getting your heart-rate up that high). To explain such a high heartrate on the bike... Either 1.) I'm pushing overly hard or 2.) My heart doesn't beat on pattern, to which explains my abnormalities... probably a mixture of both. You're abnormal!
All and all, this was the plan. As I had the mile in the back of my head, it was drawing closer. As people, teammates, friends, and the random squirrel I'd talk to on campus began to wonder if I was joking or not about racing the mile. No one would know for sure, except me. Little do they know... not even I knew... "know?"
"Wait, what?!"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaPepCVepCg&feature=relmfu All animals like to socialize, proof.
5 Weeks to the Mile:
I would not stop there. Finally okay'd and allowed to run, I was able to do one thing to similate speed work for a mile, Hill repeats. Since there is not the same amount of pounding put forth if done on a treadmill at an incline. Basically, preventing the normal pounding on legs from speedwork... I did this. To add, it was a way to ensure I wouldn't get hurt again, and to be 'oober' careful with my leg.
What, you're not impressed?
Well, go to your local gym and put the treadmill at 12.5 m.p.h.'s. 1.) And foremost, most gym treadmills will only go 10 m.p.h. *clear thoat* And 2.) You will look like an idiot when you do this. 3.) Put the incline at 7.5% as well. And 4.) You will look like a Jackass when you do this. 5.) Do this 10x45 seconds, with a minute rest in-between.
In a nutshell, that's what I did. I not only looked cool, but was cool. As people pointed out, and were most likely saying, "Wow, look at that kid go! He is SO neat!" As girls wanted to date me, and guys wanted to be me. In reality, the onlookers probably thought(s)....
"What the hell is he doing?"
"Is he wearing a fanny pack?"
"Why is he sporting a blue bandana?!"
Okay, First off! I was NOT wearing a fanny pack. It was a "fuel belt."
Btw, I was joking and NOT actually wearing a fuel belt.
But seriously.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCjjf8a1WYY Super Squirrel: Now Super Heroes.
2 1/2 Weeks to the Mile:
As I repeated the hill repeat workouts every 2-3 days, it was not long before I could do some actual speedwork, "200 meter repeats." As they say, "Do work."
Problem: "Blizzard".
No problem: Indoor track.
Problem: Tight turns.
No problem: Sucked it up.
Finished with workout...
Problem: shins and joints hurt from tight turns.
No problem: Shit load of Advil Gel.
Problem: Took too much Advil Gel, going to hurl.
No problem: Handled it like a champ!
I was joking about hurling.
But seriously.
As the joke of racing the mile is becoming more and more uncertain than it was from the start, the race I marked on the calender is drawing closer. That being said, -OU INDOOR MEET - FEBRUARY 19TH-
Some of my teammates are more optimistic than I orginally thought would be. That and I was now a solid 132 pounds to my previous 144... a.k.a. "Chizzled"... Battled, hardened from miles and determination put forth, to achieve the task at hand... Obtaining a DAMN good Mile.
Everyone writes their own future, I just happen to be a more creative writer than your average Joe.
2 1/2 Days till the Mile:
To be written,
As planned...
-clay j. mayes the 3rd
Stats on the OU mosier indoor track, 200 meter, tight turns and the facility record is 4.09.91 - Held by- Jordan Powell - This is a shout out to you, Jordan! Surprisingly, there's been a lot of legit guys 'try' to run fast(er) there, but have NOT been able to do it. Perhaps a bad day, perhaps just a tough place to run fast. Powell is now the man to beat...
"Am I racing it?"
To be continued: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvQkl7qa6RQ
Last, but certainly, not least:
I have a good friend/runner I used to coach who is an up-and-coming runner in college.... To be a 14.10 5k guy and faster before his college career is over. That being said, checkout his blog! -
http://wwwmentallytough.blogspot.com/?spref=fb
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Small World, the Running World
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRBVh8ZPUyg Seriously, who is stupid enough to mess with a squirrel, things are FEARLESS.
Okay, so a lot has happened recently in the past 3 1/2 months.
Let's start from the beginning, October 16th, 2010... After running one race to make some miraculous comeback, and not succeeding, as I couldn't run on pattern or a rhythm that requires good runners, to be, well, "Good". To what I thought, was because I wasn't fully healed from a torn hip flexor I endured last July. Perhaps, the muscles didn't heal properly, and I needed to continue therapy on breaking up scar tissue in the area... like what I was currently doing.
After the race, to which, was perhaps the worst race of my collegiate career... I heard many things. One was, "You just don't look at smooth as you used to". Which stuck out to me, because of how much therapy I was going through trying to break up, to what I thought, was this "scar tissue".
I hear from the grapevine of one more therapy I can try, a PRP injection. Were one's blood is removed from and it is somehow fused. Basically, platelets are separated from the blood that is taken to create a higher concentration of the "good stuff" that's suppose to help the injured area once it's re-injected into the injury...a.k.a.- my injury. End result: Super speed recovery in the damaged area.
To make sure the shot was to be injected properly, an MRI needed to be done, to which, find the exact damage area. Basically, making sure the injection would be properly done. As to how my life goes, I hear these shots are EXTREMELY painful. "Story of my Life".
After the MRI, in which, I went back to my Doc. to talk over the PRP to be injection... I heard different results from what was expected. As he walked in and threw up a scan of my femur. You know what this is, as he pointed to a glowing white ball-like spot on the top of my femur...
"Sadly, ya... The white ball-like spot means there's a break in the bone. Except it's not a typical line break..."
Doc: "You would be right, and it IS a very abnormal break. You may even have to get screws put in if you ever want to run again."
Me: "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
After no running or activity for a month, the doctors at OU took some more scans and believed it would heal on it's own, as "It already shows good bone growth in the current recovery proceess". So, let it be. Day by day, week by week, I let it heal. Later being allowed to do a little running on our underwater tredmill, then later being able to bike in addition.
Background music, please right click and turn up your volume, as this adds character to the story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRzHxR3JCTw
2007 Deseret News 10k road race that features some of the best 19 and under kids in the country. As the race is held, to what it seems, 3 in the morning... Okay, it's more like 4 in the morning, I warm-up, "Excited".
I have always been infamously known for doing road races. Racing half marathons as an 8th grade to doubling, sometimes tripling back to back doing the local 5k road races each weekend on a friday and saturday. Week after week, I NEVER got tired of doing road races, contrary to all the normal critics, and how it would lead to my burn out of running. Till this day, I still have a deep enthusiasm for doing them... Partly do to the relax, yet, competitive nature of road racing, and certainly because of all the people I have met participating in them. Honestly, the local Tulsa road racing community, is a really good group of people. It may sound odd saying that to some, but I learned A LOT from some really good Elite master runner's Tulsa's known for.
As I laced up my flats and did a few shake-out strides, "I was ready". Accompanied by one stellar runner/friend from Oklahoma, we lined up. Being who I am, I can't focus on too many things at once, as my friend was trying to tell me "That kid right there in the blue jersey, Jared Ward, has a great kick", as my friend battled him in the final straight-a-way at a the famous Arcadia 3200m track meet out in Arcadia, California. My response, "Ya ya, I'm not worried"- I would later come to meet these words again... so, let it be...
Mid-December- As I yelled to our trainer "CRANK UP SPEED!" Gliding along on OU's underwater treadmill, come to find out that thing couldn't go any faster, as our trainer said, "HA, you maxed out the speed." As one could hear the loud humming created from the "power" being put forth by my new favortie cross training activity... "Underwater Tredmill Running". As I said back, "That's fine... put the jet resistance at 100% then!"
Our trainer laughed, "Alright... We'll see if you can handle it."
As I grew solemn with words, gliding along, already thinking, "Shi.... I mean, 'fiddle-sticks'...this is too much..."
Our trainer, "Ha, a little too much for you... You're not saying much."
Me: "What are you talking about, I feel GREAT! This is perfect... PERFECT!", as I said that with a fake smile. My thoughts as he left the room, in which, he thought I was good to go for the next 59 minutes... "I'm going to drown. To add, and sadly, this thing is like a coffin... made of water... great... PERFECT!!!"
As my heart pounded, a few beads of sweat forming on my forehead, I stayed focused on the task at hand... Not to die from drowing, literally. The jets pushing me close to the back-end of the box-like structure of water that withheld the tredmill... I continue to hammer, as my ego would fail to admit I was wrong in telling our trainer, "Crank up the jets all the way, Homie G-Dawg." Did I tell you I have a weird sense of humor? Because... I don't...
AGAIN: Who is dumb enough to mess with squirrels... watch out, or they'll come for you NEXT! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juNfEuqdWig&feature=fvw
Gun goes off, and I settle in a very brisk pace at the Deseret News 10k.
A small pack of 5 guys forms, and to what I believe to contain this, 'Jared Ward'. My reasoning as to why I thought this, was well... after hearing for 2 straight miles the words and shouts, "Go Jared!", "You can do it, Jared!", "Jared, will you marry me!?'... Common sense kicked in... "This was Jared". So be it.
We come across 2 miles in 9.18, as it was the fast downhill segment of the course, but let's not forget, still 'pretty' fast regardless. I knew it then, you know it now... the WALL was coming..... So, be it...
Last Saturday in December- As a friend of mine, just coming off injury himself is riding the stationary bike right beside me, pipes up, being a previous "deec cyclist" himself, "Hey Clay, your RPM's/speed is ridiculously high (140/30 m.p.h. or so at the at moment), you need more resistance... just sayin... Buddy'".
After looking over and examining the situation as a whole, me being the smart guy I am. Well, mostly the sarcastic prick I can be at times, and factoring in how well I adapted to being a decent cyclist from all the cross training I had been currently doing, "Hey... man, first thing, I'm at Level 5 resistence..." Him, "Oh..." and before he could say anything else, as he clicked along at a weak 105 RPM's at the time, I chirped back, "Nice work, I mean, you being on Level 1 resistance and all... Buddy"
*A several second pause*
Him: "Dude, you've gotten pretty damn good at this biking thing."
4 miles in, and the group now down to just two, and having trouble shaking, "You know who". As I heard from the first time on the course... "GO CLAY!!!" from a friend... 'a girl'.... Hmmm... I wonder if she reads my blog...
BUT ANYWAYS... Inspired, I proceeded to throw in a surge soon after, and to be honest, not the smartest thing... considering we are now done with the downhill portions of the course, and the race is held at 5000 feet altitude, CLASSIC move by my part. CLASSIC!!!
Starting the second week of January I am now able to do the stair climber at my local gym. To which, is basically running up hill... CONSTANTLY. After not too much practice at all, pouring sweat as my white-T is soaked, techno music coursing through my veins, I recorded the highest score in my gym... "Yes, there is such a thing..." That baby goes up to 28 levels. Crazy to have all those levels, right?!
TWO DAYS LATER: I am scheduled to go take scans and find out once and for all if my femur is healed. As I lay on a narrow bed-like structure, it proceeds to hum at an unnatural speed of 0.5 miles per hour. As I go into a tunnel like structure that I am TOTALLY encompased in.... FOR 30 MINUTES *clear throat* Did I tell you I'm ridiculously claustrophobic? So bad, I would take out in 60 flat in high school races in the mile (occasionally the 2 mile if I had the Gonads that day), not to get out, nor was I practicing stupid running tactics of a typical high school runner... "No." Because I couldn't stand other runners being beside me, boxing me in. Simply because, I freak out being so claustrobic... "and all". *Clear throat* Did I tell you I'm weird? Because... I'm not...
As I lay in the lobby after the scans, knocked out and sleeping, for what I was later told by my lovely friends that came with me, for a 'solid' 90 minutes (I was traumatized and all from being stuffed in that devil like structure)... The radiologists, is that what they're called? Well, NOW they are, comes into the lobby, "Mr. Mayes here are your scans". As I am handed my scans half-asleep, "Finally", the answer lies within these pictures... to bad I can't tell what any of them mean.
ONE WEEK LATER... Ya, "That long", I meet with my Athletic Doctor, as he reviews the scans. To what seems like an hour pause... "Clay, you made a full recovery. Your femur is fully healed, to the point, there's extra bone growth around it than originally."
As I hear those words, I held back a big smile... "Ah heck, I smiled." haha.
"That's awesome!"
As I look around for the 5 mile mark, it is no where to be seen... "Where is it?!" I check my watch, and figure out, I must have missed it. As, to what I think, I'm roughly 5 and a half miles in... I hit it. What is it, it being, THE WALL. Currently, several seconds ahead of "Mr." Ward, I gut it out the best I could. As my breathing thickens, to a point, I feel like I'm going to hyperventalate, my thoughts, "God bless altitude..."... What do you mean that couldn't have been my thoughts? Well... "It was..."
I continue forth, as the race is drawing to a close with each stride.
As the last straight-a-way comes about, and ya, "Here he comes", Ward has pulled up beside me, and to what I later learn, it being his coach, yells out, "Go now!"
Honestly, there was NO chance. As I pushed forth with everything I had, I could not outkick him... nor had a living chance. I mean, it's not like someone warned me he had a kick...
One week into it, I am now running again. I'm just a tad overweight (half-joke), as I am clicking off a handful of miles these past several days. My form is smooth again, and it just feels good to run again.
Although.... Indoor season is not over... and something tells me the mile would be an interesting go...
As the race is over, I talk to the famous Jared Ward. "Hey man, when are you racing again?"
Him, "It'll be a few years."
Me: What!? We have to race again, haha (I was 'half'-serious, I mean... who wants to end on that note)
Him: "I will be going to BYU when I get back from my mission, and then, and certainly then... we can race."
So, I waited...
As the years went by, 3 and a half to be exact, and lost hope of ever having a rematch and currently on crutches, as this was a few months ago. A teammate of mine says to me, well, before I tell you what he says, 'BACKSTORY". My teammate also ran in that race, not the one that went with me, and yes, I know what you're thinking, "Small world", Oh, I know! As he knows of the rivalry and my hope of getting a rematch verse Ward... and my teammate says out of the complete blue, "CLAY... he's back!..."
My head turned, as to say, "Well, go on... say it..."
As my teammate said, "Jared Ward ran some cross races for BYU this year.. he's back. You need to get back into it..."
A new motivation is put forth and to what inspired me to cross train as hard as I did, I look forward to a rematch. I'm not quite like the runner I was, but 2012, Payton Jordan Invite. Pal Alto, California... 5000m or 10000m, your choice Ward... We're racing.
A big point to this post is to prove how small the running world truly is. It's always interesting to find out how you know some people, or how you meet again one day. I could go on and on detailing different stories, but to prove a point... I would like someone to forward this blog post to Jared... and if possible, Jared email me at mud.mayes@gmail.com (or Facebook works)... Best of luck with your training to come, sincerely.
I would also like to say, I have a big-time crush on Angela Bizzari. So, if anyone is so kind to talk me up to her... Do so.... I'm a great guy!... *clear throat* joking... but seriously my email is above ;)
Hope no one takes this out of context, Jared... I think you're the man.
Last thing- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_sfnQDr1-o
-clay j mayes the 3rd
Okay, so a lot has happened recently in the past 3 1/2 months.
Let's start from the beginning, October 16th, 2010... After running one race to make some miraculous comeback, and not succeeding, as I couldn't run on pattern or a rhythm that requires good runners, to be, well, "Good". To what I thought, was because I wasn't fully healed from a torn hip flexor I endured last July. Perhaps, the muscles didn't heal properly, and I needed to continue therapy on breaking up scar tissue in the area... like what I was currently doing.
After the race, to which, was perhaps the worst race of my collegiate career... I heard many things. One was, "You just don't look at smooth as you used to". Which stuck out to me, because of how much therapy I was going through trying to break up, to what I thought, was this "scar tissue".
I hear from the grapevine of one more therapy I can try, a PRP injection. Were one's blood is removed from and it is somehow fused. Basically, platelets are separated from the blood that is taken to create a higher concentration of the "good stuff" that's suppose to help the injured area once it's re-injected into the injury...a.k.a.- my injury. End result: Super speed recovery in the damaged area.
To make sure the shot was to be injected properly, an MRI needed to be done, to which, find the exact damage area. Basically, making sure the injection would be properly done. As to how my life goes, I hear these shots are EXTREMELY painful. "Story of my Life".
After the MRI, in which, I went back to my Doc. to talk over the PRP to be injection... I heard different results from what was expected. As he walked in and threw up a scan of my femur. You know what this is, as he pointed to a glowing white ball-like spot on the top of my femur...
"Sadly, ya... The white ball-like spot means there's a break in the bone. Except it's not a typical line break..."
Doc: "You would be right, and it IS a very abnormal break. You may even have to get screws put in if you ever want to run again."
Me: "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
After no running or activity for a month, the doctors at OU took some more scans and believed it would heal on it's own, as "It already shows good bone growth in the current recovery proceess". So, let it be. Day by day, week by week, I let it heal. Later being allowed to do a little running on our underwater tredmill, then later being able to bike in addition.
Background music, please right click and turn up your volume, as this adds character to the story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRzHxR3JCTw
2007 Deseret News 10k road race that features some of the best 19 and under kids in the country. As the race is held, to what it seems, 3 in the morning... Okay, it's more like 4 in the morning, I warm-up, "Excited".
I have always been infamously known for doing road races. Racing half marathons as an 8th grade to doubling, sometimes tripling back to back doing the local 5k road races each weekend on a friday and saturday. Week after week, I NEVER got tired of doing road races, contrary to all the normal critics, and how it would lead to my burn out of running. Till this day, I still have a deep enthusiasm for doing them... Partly do to the relax, yet, competitive nature of road racing, and certainly because of all the people I have met participating in them. Honestly, the local Tulsa road racing community, is a really good group of people. It may sound odd saying that to some, but I learned A LOT from some really good Elite master runner's Tulsa's known for.
As I laced up my flats and did a few shake-out strides, "I was ready". Accompanied by one stellar runner/friend from Oklahoma, we lined up. Being who I am, I can't focus on too many things at once, as my friend was trying to tell me "That kid right there in the blue jersey, Jared Ward, has a great kick", as my friend battled him in the final straight-a-way at a the famous Arcadia 3200m track meet out in Arcadia, California. My response, "Ya ya, I'm not worried"- I would later come to meet these words again... so, let it be...
Mid-December- As I yelled to our trainer "CRANK UP SPEED!" Gliding along on OU's underwater treadmill, come to find out that thing couldn't go any faster, as our trainer said, "HA, you maxed out the speed." As one could hear the loud humming created from the "power" being put forth by my new favortie cross training activity... "Underwater Tredmill Running". As I said back, "That's fine... put the jet resistance at 100% then!"
Our trainer laughed, "Alright... We'll see if you can handle it."
As I grew solemn with words, gliding along, already thinking, "Shi.... I mean, 'fiddle-sticks'...this is too much..."
Our trainer, "Ha, a little too much for you... You're not saying much."
Me: "What are you talking about, I feel GREAT! This is perfect... PERFECT!", as I said that with a fake smile. My thoughts as he left the room, in which, he thought I was good to go for the next 59 minutes... "I'm going to drown. To add, and sadly, this thing is like a coffin... made of water... great... PERFECT!!!"
As my heart pounded, a few beads of sweat forming on my forehead, I stayed focused on the task at hand... Not to die from drowing, literally. The jets pushing me close to the back-end of the box-like structure of water that withheld the tredmill... I continue to hammer, as my ego would fail to admit I was wrong in telling our trainer, "Crank up the jets all the way, Homie G-Dawg." Did I tell you I have a weird sense of humor? Because... I don't...
AGAIN: Who is dumb enough to mess with squirrels... watch out, or they'll come for you NEXT! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juNfEuqdWig&feature=fvw
Gun goes off, and I settle in a very brisk pace at the Deseret News 10k.
A small pack of 5 guys forms, and to what I believe to contain this, 'Jared Ward'. My reasoning as to why I thought this, was well... after hearing for 2 straight miles the words and shouts, "Go Jared!", "You can do it, Jared!", "Jared, will you marry me!?'... Common sense kicked in... "This was Jared". So be it.
We come across 2 miles in 9.18, as it was the fast downhill segment of the course, but let's not forget, still 'pretty' fast regardless. I knew it then, you know it now... the WALL was coming..... So, be it...
Last Saturday in December- As a friend of mine, just coming off injury himself is riding the stationary bike right beside me, pipes up, being a previous "deec cyclist" himself, "Hey Clay, your RPM's/speed is ridiculously high (140/30 m.p.h. or so at the at moment), you need more resistance... just sayin... Buddy'".
After looking over and examining the situation as a whole, me being the smart guy I am. Well, mostly the sarcastic prick I can be at times, and factoring in how well I adapted to being a decent cyclist from all the cross training I had been currently doing, "Hey... man, first thing, I'm at Level 5 resistence..." Him, "Oh..." and before he could say anything else, as he clicked along at a weak 105 RPM's at the time, I chirped back, "Nice work, I mean, you being on Level 1 resistance and all... Buddy"
*A several second pause*
Him: "Dude, you've gotten pretty damn good at this biking thing."
4 miles in, and the group now down to just two, and having trouble shaking, "You know who". As I heard from the first time on the course... "GO CLAY!!!" from a friend... 'a girl'.... Hmmm... I wonder if she reads my blog...
BUT ANYWAYS... Inspired, I proceeded to throw in a surge soon after, and to be honest, not the smartest thing... considering we are now done with the downhill portions of the course, and the race is held at 5000 feet altitude, CLASSIC move by my part. CLASSIC!!!
Starting the second week of January I am now able to do the stair climber at my local gym. To which, is basically running up hill... CONSTANTLY. After not too much practice at all, pouring sweat as my white-T is soaked, techno music coursing through my veins, I recorded the highest score in my gym... "Yes, there is such a thing..." That baby goes up to 28 levels. Crazy to have all those levels, right?!
TWO DAYS LATER: I am scheduled to go take scans and find out once and for all if my femur is healed. As I lay on a narrow bed-like structure, it proceeds to hum at an unnatural speed of 0.5 miles per hour. As I go into a tunnel like structure that I am TOTALLY encompased in.... FOR 30 MINUTES *clear throat* Did I tell you I'm ridiculously claustrophobic? So bad, I would take out in 60 flat in high school races in the mile (occasionally the 2 mile if I had the Gonads that day), not to get out, nor was I practicing stupid running tactics of a typical high school runner... "No." Because I couldn't stand other runners being beside me, boxing me in. Simply because, I freak out being so claustrobic... "and all". *Clear throat* Did I tell you I'm weird? Because... I'm not...
As I lay in the lobby after the scans, knocked out and sleeping, for what I was later told by my lovely friends that came with me, for a 'solid' 90 minutes (I was traumatized and all from being stuffed in that devil like structure)... The radiologists, is that what they're called? Well, NOW they are, comes into the lobby, "Mr. Mayes here are your scans". As I am handed my scans half-asleep, "Finally", the answer lies within these pictures... to bad I can't tell what any of them mean.
ONE WEEK LATER... Ya, "That long", I meet with my Athletic Doctor, as he reviews the scans. To what seems like an hour pause... "Clay, you made a full recovery. Your femur is fully healed, to the point, there's extra bone growth around it than originally."
As I hear those words, I held back a big smile... "Ah heck, I smiled." haha.
"That's awesome!"
As I look around for the 5 mile mark, it is no where to be seen... "Where is it?!" I check my watch, and figure out, I must have missed it. As, to what I think, I'm roughly 5 and a half miles in... I hit it. What is it, it being, THE WALL. Currently, several seconds ahead of "Mr." Ward, I gut it out the best I could. As my breathing thickens, to a point, I feel like I'm going to hyperventalate, my thoughts, "God bless altitude..."... What do you mean that couldn't have been my thoughts? Well... "It was..."
I continue forth, as the race is drawing to a close with each stride.
As the last straight-a-way comes about, and ya, "Here he comes", Ward has pulled up beside me, and to what I later learn, it being his coach, yells out, "Go now!"
Honestly, there was NO chance. As I pushed forth with everything I had, I could not outkick him... nor had a living chance. I mean, it's not like someone warned me he had a kick...
One week into it, I am now running again. I'm just a tad overweight (half-joke), as I am clicking off a handful of miles these past several days. My form is smooth again, and it just feels good to run again.
Although.... Indoor season is not over... and something tells me the mile would be an interesting go...
As the race is over, I talk to the famous Jared Ward. "Hey man, when are you racing again?"
Him, "It'll be a few years."
Me: What!? We have to race again, haha (I was 'half'-serious, I mean... who wants to end on that note)
Him: "I will be going to BYU when I get back from my mission, and then, and certainly then... we can race."
So, I waited...
As the years went by, 3 and a half to be exact, and lost hope of ever having a rematch and currently on crutches, as this was a few months ago. A teammate of mine says to me, well, before I tell you what he says, 'BACKSTORY". My teammate also ran in that race, not the one that went with me, and yes, I know what you're thinking, "Small world", Oh, I know! As he knows of the rivalry and my hope of getting a rematch verse Ward... and my teammate says out of the complete blue, "CLAY... he's back!..."
My head turned, as to say, "Well, go on... say it..."
As my teammate said, "Jared Ward ran some cross races for BYU this year.. he's back. You need to get back into it..."
A new motivation is put forth and to what inspired me to cross train as hard as I did, I look forward to a rematch. I'm not quite like the runner I was, but 2012, Payton Jordan Invite. Pal Alto, California... 5000m or 10000m, your choice Ward... We're racing.
A big point to this post is to prove how small the running world truly is. It's always interesting to find out how you know some people, or how you meet again one day. I could go on and on detailing different stories, but to prove a point... I would like someone to forward this blog post to Jared... and if possible, Jared email me at mud.mayes@gmail.com (or Facebook works)... Best of luck with your training to come, sincerely.
I would also like to say, I have a big-time crush on Angela Bizzari. So, if anyone is so kind to talk me up to her... Do so.... I'm a great guy!... *clear throat* joking... but seriously my email is above ;)
Hope no one takes this out of context, Jared... I think you're the man.
Last thing- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_sfnQDr1-o
-clay j mayes the 3rd
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