tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-111506573759611032024-03-18T20:54:09.255-07:00I Am Endorphin Dude, See Me Run!On April Fool's Day I thought I was having a heart attack. No joke. I knew I had to make some changes in my life, so I took my dog for a walk around the block. That short walk turned into two blocks, then three, and before I knew it, I was walking 4-5 miles. This lead to a jog, and then a run. That run ultimately lead to a marathon. Bottom line, I got healthy and took control of my life. This blog chronicles my journey. When I run, I feel like a super hero. I AM ENDORPHIN DUDE, SEE ME RUN!Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.comBlogger267125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-36418713737341179802013-06-16T22:17:00.000-07:002013-06-25T19:17:29.271-07:00San Francisco Marathon: #100Jimminy Cricket once said, "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you." I like to think that a whole lot of hard work and determination helps too. Life time marathon #100 done. And you know what? I PR'ed by 4 minutes! Right now I am on cloud 9, 10, 11, 12, 100. I LOVE YOU SAN FRANCISCO!!!!!<br />
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Unless you've been living in a cave somewhere in the Appalachian Mountains, you probably know my story. In a pistachio nut shell, I am the insulin dependent couch potato turned Marathon Caped Crusader. Four years ago, I thought I was having a heart attack, so I took my dog for walk around the block. That block turned into two the following day, then three, and before I knew it, I was taking long urban hikes all over San Francisco.<br />
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Fast forward a few months. I had lost quite a bit of weight and was feeling great about myself. When a friend informed me that he was running the San Francisco Marathon, I said, "sure, I'll come cheer you on. How many miles is a marathon? 10?" I knew nothing about running! I thought that a 10k had something to do with 401k tax forms! Nonetheless, I went to that finish line and cheered him on. As I waited for him, I felt the second hand runner's high from every runner coming through that finish chute. I knew at that moment that this was what I wanted to do. Of course, it was only fitting that I chose The 2010 San Francisco Marathon to be my inaugural 26.2 mile foot race.<br />
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I trained for next 12 months for this marathon. I came into that race with about 20 half marathons under my 32 inch waist belt. All I wanted was to run one marathon so that I could tell the world that I did it. This was supposed to have been a one and done bucket list item, but when I crossed that finish line, the endorphins pumped so hard through both my ventricles that I thought my heart would explode. The pain in my legs didn't seem to matter. All I knew was that I wanted more. After I received my medal, I said to myself that I would run two more marathons so that I could qualify for the exclusive Marathon Maniacs club. I thought it would be cool to wear the yellow singlet like the varsity lettermen jacket that I could never have in high school. One month later, I ran the Extraterrestrial Highway Marathon and then a few weeks after, I earned my spot in the Insane Asylum by running the Santa Rosa Marathon, my third marathon in 90 days.What went from one and done bucket list item turned to three and done. Well, not really.<br />
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I went on to run marathon after marathon after marathon. I threw some ultras in there along with a bunch of half marathons. Every weekend I ran, and then I ran some more. The endorphins took over and I just couldn't stop. The stars all lined up perfectly for me to hit my 100th here. It is no secret that I love the San Francisco Marathon, and to be able to hit this milestone at the place that started it all is monumental. When I crossed that finish line, I really felt like my heart was going to explode. It was like the first time all over again.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Never in 26.2 million years did I think that I would ever reach my 100th marathon three short years later. Along the way, I earned Titanium status by nailing 52 marathons in 52 weeks, knocked out not one but two 100 mile endurance races, completed over 110 half marathons, and found complete peace with myself. I truly like the person I have become. A healthy dude is a happy dude. Life is good.</span></div>
Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-34937232035498642692013-06-15T19:26:00.000-07:002013-06-25T19:29:46.334-07:00Trailquake 5kTrailquake My Heart! Got a good 5k in the day before The San Francisco Marathon. These legs are all warmed up for #100!!! (No medal for the Chiweenie. The lazy butt hung out with one of the volunteers rather than running this one with me).<br />
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-82471027634509526162013-06-09T19:34:00.000-07:002013-06-25T19:35:37.978-07:00Twin Peaks Loop 4 MileMy 4 mile training run for today was a 4 mile race with my local running club, Dolphin South End Runners. This was an uphill climb and then a descent. I ran this one at a 10:11 pace (Ignore the pace on the Garmin. That pace was recorded at the very moment that I snapped this photo and not the overall average.) I'm feeling great. St. George training is coming along very smoothly!<br />
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-76026607967769612072013-06-03T19:38:00.000-07:002013-06-25T19:39:27.842-07:00Crissy Field 5kOn the training schedule today: 3 mile jog. Got in my 33 minute self-timed Crissy Field 5k. Feeling good!<br />
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-45949646035856535732013-06-02T19:47:00.000-07:002013-06-25T19:48:51.002-07:00DSE 6 Hour Distance ClassicAnd there it is: life time marathon #99!!! You know where #100 will be? San Francisco Baby!!! Who's going to party with Endorphin Dude on The Golden Gate Bridge?!?!?<br />
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And you know what the best part is? Endorphin Dude DID NOT GET CHICKED!!! Yup, the results are in and The UNPRECEDENTED has happened! </div>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-74948097294860544122012-12-13T20:32:00.000-08:002013-02-03T10:25:48.483-08:00Crazy 8, Day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Guess who I bumped into on my final day of the Crazy 8? Well, since I posted the photo right before the question, it's not that difficult to figure out. What a great way to end my week, sharing some miles with the new Guinness World Record Holder for the most marathons/ultras completed in one calendar year. I believe this race was Yolanda's 109th for the year, which breaks her 106 total for 2010. What's awesome is that she's not stopping! The Walking Diva has her eyes set on 120 for 2012. Congratulations Yolanda!<br />
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I'm glad to get this Crazy 8 series over. With the pain in foot and a repetitive course, it got a little painful out there, but physically and mentally. I managed to cram in 8 races in 5 days in order to get all my bling: one marathon, four half marathons, and three 5ks. Now I have all eight pool ball medals. Woo Hoo!<br />
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I'm glad I got out here this week and got. I need all the miles I can get between now and New Year's One Day if I want to with most race miles of the year. The 87.9 miles here at Crazy 8 will definitely keep me in the lead, but I cannot rest of my laurels. The competition is fierce. Last year I lost by 2 little miles, and I won't let that happen again. So as I say good bye to the Crazy 8 and head on down south to The Winter Seven, I'd like to take a look back on this tough week. Rather than showing my pain, I will highlight the good times!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Big congrats to Amy Ellingson for completing the most miles to date! This young lady took control of her life and lost a huge chunk of weight. Keep up the good work Amy. I hope to be there at your first half marathon!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I had a great time hanging out with Teresa.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK05xBNtYd_ADjCkElmDc7VYeNEYOcCIyAT1E4SpKVAMyIz2Tz4I5J4eCTdz6q2zLkpLyzGUfmNn5dk2DlOMg09iH9r58Shhffmn4xGhLCixKK8rzE8ZpXDYbDQBmiUfYarcwaJ23k2Q/s1600/Picture+212.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK05xBNtYd_ADjCkElmDc7VYeNEYOcCIyAT1E4SpKVAMyIz2Tz4I5J4eCTdz6q2zLkpLyzGUfmNn5dk2DlOMg09iH9r58Shhffmn4xGhLCixKK8rzE8ZpXDYbDQBmiUfYarcwaJ23k2Q/s400/Picture+212.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I wish I could bring Chewbacca to all my races. Love seeing this Chiweenie at the finish line!</span></td></tr>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-20698543416471617882012-12-12T21:47:00.000-08:002013-02-02T22:52:04.941-08:00Crazy 8, Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yay! Day four of the Crazy Eights is done. Another half marathon and 5k in the books! I picked up my pool ball medal and jumped back on the course to complete my 12-12-12 FAB Virtual Racing 1.2 Miler. This is the fourth day on this course. I'm getting really bored.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Hi all. Chewbacca here. Just hacked into Endorphin Dude's iPhone. Dang, my legs are beat. Just completed the 12-12-12 FAB Virtual Racing 1.2 Miler with The Dude. Wish he had just stuck me in the pooch pouch!</span></span></span></td></tr>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-1276079275618012982012-12-11T21:06:00.000-08:002013-02-02T21:12:11.606-08:00Crazy 8, Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah Baby.</td></tr>
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This photo was actually taken yesterday at the start. This was when I was happy and rock solid. Then again, I'm always happy and rock solid at mile zero! Everything unraveled after the halfway mark. Hey, I got it done yesterday and today is a new day, and a good day it was! I walked a half marathon and felt great. It's nice to finish a race with others still around! I threw in an additional 5k for extra bling. Yeah, I'm a bling whore what can I say.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What a novel idea! Pool balls as bling for the Crazy 8!</span></span></td></tr>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-13532166928934091142012-12-10T21:10:00.000-08:002013-02-02T18:01:10.478-08:00Crazy 8, Day 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, this text message exchange just about sums it up.</td></tr>
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Halfway through my marathon, that little jab in my foot turned into a Bedrock sized JAB-BA DABBA DOO! Oh boy, did that jab dabba dabba hurt. Yes, out of nowhere, I threw in a Flintstone analogy into my race report. I am sitting here reading that opening line over and over again and am not really sure if it's a hit or a miss. However, because my legs and brain are so fried, I'm just going to go with it.<br />
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Because this course was 13.1 miles out and back, I couldn't drop! I had to get to that finish line in order to go home! By mile 20, I knew I was toast, but I kept plugging along. The worst part was I kept my ride waiting. If I had driven myself, then I would have just had my little meltdown and kept going. However, I kept Ace out there waiting for me until way after sun down. I finally crossed the finish line way after 5pm, and Ace and Chewbacca were there cheering me on. I felt so bad. Ace was such a good sport about it. I told him no more marathons for the rest of the week for me. 13.1 will suit me just fine.Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-91766099224617909952012-12-09T23:30:00.000-08:002013-02-02T18:00:26.367-08:00Crazy 8, Day 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chiweenie Meets The Manimal.</td></tr>
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If you saw this guy on the side walk, would you let your little dog come up and sniff him? Chewbacca was curious. She thought there was a punk poodle on his face. I had to let the little one approach Mr. Fuschia Beard to see what's up. He picked her up and they instantly bonded. Well, sort of. After Chewbacca realized that there was no poodle in that beard, she got a little antsy. Good thing she didn't pee on him. Chewbacca, meet The Manimal. Yes, I know the guy with the I'm-Coming-Up-So-You-Better-Get-This-Party-Started facial hair. <br />
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Wayne Sherman is a fellow Marathon Maniac who came out all the way from the other side of the country to run the Crazy 8 series. I met Wayne last year during my Titanium quest and we quickly became friends. What I will always remember about this guy is that he called me the day of my 52nd marathon of that quest to make sure that I didn't miss my flight. Mind you, he did this during his marathon. It was great to see Mr. Sherman out there on the course and knowing that he was going to be there all week. I only did the half marathon today, and I don't plan to limit the marathons for the rest of the year. There is this nagging pain in my foot that's bothering me. This is only day two of my 16 races in 13 consecutive days quest, so I took it easy. I only have a few marathons scheduled in the next 12 days, but we'll see how this foot holds up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hooters dixie cups at the aid station!</td></tr>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-60681600800908976092012-12-09T23:14:00.000-08:002013-01-25T13:14:49.979-08:00Golden Gate Park 10k<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Got up at the crack of dawn to run the Golden Gate Park 10k. After I finished, I zoomed off to Sacramento to run the first race of The Crazy Eights. The next two weeks is going to be absolutely nuts. I will be running five of the Crazy Eights and then off to Southern California for The Winter 7. Oh boy!<br />
<br />Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-51857912634516116492012-12-08T21:02:00.000-08:002013-01-25T12:46:31.132-08:00Summit Rock Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've become quite obsessed with time, and by that, I don't necessarily mean personal records. Without a doubt, it is my goal with every race to do the best that I can and improve. There is another element of time that has consumed me, and that is finishing within the cut off. Many races offer an early start option, and while I think this is great for hikers and slower runners, I want to be able to complete a race with everyone else. I have taken the early start many times, but now that I have reached this new level of fitness and endurance, I want to challenge myself further.</div>
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I showed up to Summit Rock with a lot of nerves. I don't love this course. The last time I ran this technical trail, I picked up an injury in my left foot. I kept thinking in the back of my mind that if I took the early start, I could just walk most of the way to avoid any possible injuries or grief. That, however, would defeat the purpose of this challenge. I stayed far away from the early start line to avoid any temptation of jumping in. I wanted to conquer Summit Rock under four hours, and with my Mafates strapped on my feet, I kept telling myself that I had a legitimate shot at this. How hard could it be? All it is up one big uphill and then down I go, right?<br />
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With my bright yellow Hokas on my feet, I power hiked up the hills, ran the flats, and sprinted my way down. I kept focus and 3 hours and 21 minutes later, I crossed that finish line. I am happy to announce that I earned a new course record at Summit Rock! The first time I ran these trails, I limped in at about 4:15. Woo Hoo!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69xvThzxf8-8gsmql0JbVCMFDkd4XgvdGmEe0FFNHp0wC9iI5XzTESBsU98DYNqyCvM5XPdBs8cYsDmLV1AnrYUbzN4LtvRmjve_yk40rP8ha5cW4USYs6034bu3OdHNzjgFNAX-1mA/s1600/Picture+189.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69xvThzxf8-8gsmql0JbVCMFDkd4XgvdGmEe0FFNHp0wC9iI5XzTESBsU98DYNqyCvM5XPdBs8cYsDmLV1AnrYUbzN4LtvRmjve_yk40rP8ha5cW4USYs6034bu3OdHNzjgFNAX-1mA/s640/Picture+189.png" style="cursor: move;" width="428" /></a><br />
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I have graduated from the early start! The goal now is to get even fitter and faster so that I could get an age award! Ok, maybe that's wishful thinking, but as long as I have that goal in my head, I will keep working hard. Who knows, I may place in the top three Rocky Ridge next year. Hmm.<br />
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Love my Brazen Family!</div>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-26996401322785805082012-12-02T22:00:00.000-08:002013-01-25T02:34:40.342-08:00California International Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
CIM = California International Monsoon. Yes, that is exactly what it was like out there today. Mother Nature sent us the memo early on, so we all knew it was going to be cold and wet. Yet, we maniacal marathoners braved the harsh weather and ran 26.2 miles. Some may say this is dedication while others call it insanity. I like to think it's a little bit of both.</div>
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I have to admit, I was a bit annoyed by Mother Nature for choosing this day to water the plants. CIM was supposed to have been my PR race. Months ago, when BEAST MODE shifted into high gear, I set my sight on this race as being my first sub-5 marathon. I made that bold announcement right after The Giant Half Marathon when I nailed my 2:14 half marathon finish. Mind you, I had not seen finish times like that in over three years, so that really boosted my confidence. A few weeks later, I got that sub-5 marathon at the Two Cities Marathon in Fresno, clocking in an astounding 4:56 finish. I readjusted my goals to hit another PR at Santa Barbara the following weekend and then again at CIM a month later.<br />
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Being on that PR high got me cocky, and I went out way too fast at Santa Barbara. I did manage to squeak by with a 5:14 finish, which is my second best marathon time. I felt great about this, but I really wanted that sub-5 repeat. Hence, I put a lot of pressure on myself to do it again at CIM. There's actually more to it. You see, this is my first CIM. I have skipped this race for the past three years because I was never able to make the six hour cut off. Things are obviously different now. I fitter and faster now, and this was my year to shine at CIM.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWH3uPsAPxO5O7iaDDFAbD9FS0BXMuzlrcadSJ_RIHfn_eSsL8A2Q6hk_dEZ_L1f05ArRl5iovMUyg8OgYQVRcPNDgsHTMjVLBH_dXrou6BQ3mO9jjG3gfqZx8ODy5h2GTSCxIHjgGg/s1600/Picture+177.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWH3uPsAPxO5O7iaDDFAbD9FS0BXMuzlrcadSJ_RIHfn_eSsL8A2Q6hk_dEZ_L1f05ArRl5iovMUyg8OgYQVRcPNDgsHTMjVLBH_dXrou6BQ3mO9jjG3gfqZx8ODy5h2GTSCxIHjgGg/s400/Picture+177.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the down pour, Mother Nature!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With all that said, in hind sight, it doesn't surprise me at all that I did not PR at CIM. I had put so much pressure on myself that my mind pretty much imploded half way through the race. I lost my PR at mile 16 and for two miles, I pretty much gave up. Fortunately, a fellow Brazen runner caught up to me and lifted my spirits. He knew I was struggling, so he encouraged me to run with him. I still struggled, but this runner gave me enough of a boost to get my mojo back. He stayed with me to the end, and we crossed that finish line together. Even though I did not get that PR, I am proud to say that I earned my third best marathon finish time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgflGH8VoOcx-KaCZbWeKuyLyFcQwlIUbJ9XJjpkptjvLglgPcn-61N_pRvnPL8wNWFMlC5TvRbU9tiH0Kh7oAlfi61kp6PurvS1LIJ8CFNh1LqpJXoX0ySo1bQ5z2QdZ8X5Hu_F0eQ/s1600/Picture+179.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgflGH8VoOcx-KaCZbWeKuyLyFcQwlIUbJ9XJjpkptjvLglgPcn-61N_pRvnPL8wNWFMlC5TvRbU9tiH0Kh7oAlfi61kp6PurvS1LIJ8CFNh1LqpJXoX0ySo1bQ5z2QdZ8X5Hu_F0eQ/s400/Picture+179.png" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank You Stephen! You saved me!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3yIhECoCMtiPawM7FmDMm44iT2j5pr1xxlLVjFZwpOvBg7FpHSh7yA27HgJ1IJd4Bc_aWMRw7yOChK21toMbVf28uEN_lPdutU-lvtJGOG0aw9OyZetXM_3_Fdbor697x1uT59cLQw/s1600/Picture+180.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3yIhECoCMtiPawM7FmDMm44iT2j5pr1xxlLVjFZwpOvBg7FpHSh7yA27HgJ1IJd4Bc_aWMRw7yOChK21toMbVf28uEN_lPdutU-lvtJGOG0aw9OyZetXM_3_Fdbor697x1uT59cLQw/s400/Picture+180.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lens on my iPhone camera was all fogged up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I could have completely given up and walked to the finish line and still made the cut off. Instead, I kept pushing for the best finish time I could. Am I bummed that I didn't PR? Of course. Am I going to let it bother me? No. I did the best I could and for that I am very happy. When I crossed the finish line, all my running friends cheered me on. Any negative feelings of not PRing went away.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_469qeznIyEag2uFTU2kzriTQD20bjrBEj6u_dcm4SmWZmvw2mSe1pIGRcdrAKjDNHNhiNeIx3z09AKWlv7OMwKBQ2yfhyBVbJAHmaxGbOdrNOn7bJ8xH-2wLVyJsVoED7lw_otxRgw/s1600/Picture+178.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_469qeznIyEag2uFTU2kzriTQD20bjrBEj6u_dcm4SmWZmvw2mSe1pIGRcdrAKjDNHNhiNeIx3z09AKWlv7OMwKBQ2yfhyBVbJAHmaxGbOdrNOn7bJ8xH-2wLVyJsVoED7lw_otxRgw/s400/Picture+178.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woo Hoo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In closing, I'd like to share a funny little story. I can laugh
about this now, but at the time it was pretty traumatic. A few miles into the race, there was major flood on the
course. While some runners tried to go around it, I ran through it.
Well, I slipped and face planted into that pond! I looked like seal in
an inflatable kiddie pool trying to escape. After flopping around for a
few seconds, I was able to get up. And yes, I swallowed some muddy
water. Yuck. In no way am I saying that this fall affected my overall performance. I will say, however, that it probably does explain why I threw up after the race!Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-20768909962397296212012-11-25T14:03:00.000-08:002012-11-28T05:38:31.793-08:00Run Turkey Run Half Marathon, Day 3This is how day 3 of the Run Turkey Run Half Marathon started for me. Hee hee. I love that <span class="userContent">Darla Given of </span><span class="userContent">KXTV came out to Tracy's Racing. So random!</span><br />
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You figure by now I'd be used to these insane racing weekends. I've done far more extreme things than 55.5 miles in four days. The truth of the matter is that is doesn't get any easier the more you do them. It does give me comfort knowing that I've done these distances before back to back to back to back, so I know what I need to do to get the job done. Still, it's not easy. My body was pretty much shot from yesterday's marathon distance. I went into today's race still on adrenaline and actually considered upgrading to 26.2, but I realized that with CIM right around the corner, I did not want to risk anything. Smart move on part. Today was a slow as molasses half marathon day. My body pretty much said "NO MORE!" by mile 9, but I kept chugging along until I reached the finish line.<br />
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55.5 miles in four days. Yay! I can go home and take a bubble bath now. I'm so ready for CIM!Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-73965729571888665572012-11-24T23:48:00.000-08:002012-11-27T13:32:49.464-08:00Run Turkey Run Half Marathon, Day 2I really didn't have too much time to bask in the glory of my <a href="http://www.endorphindude.com/2012/11/quarry-turkey-half-marathon.html">Quarry Turkey</a> PR, as I had to jump in the car and drive 120 miles to the next half marathon! By the end of this weekend, I will have completed 55.5 miles, and Run Turkey Run Day 2 will undoubtedly be the toughest of the five races. To psyche myself out, I kept saying over and over again in my head that this is like a 12 hour race with a big break in the middle. I can certainly get a marathon distance in 12 hours with a nice 3 hour rest in the middle, right? What I didn't account for was daylight savings time and the fact that the park where the race was held would close at sun down.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very scenic by day, but when the sun went away, The Headless Horse Man lurked.</td></tr>
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<div>
Jennifer Walker and I arrived at the start line a little after 3pm. The two of us knew that we only had a four hour window to get this done so we booked it. We kept telling ourselves that all we had to do was go 6.55 miles out and back. We kept a solid power walk pace up to about mile 7 before Mother Nature dimmed the lights. As it got darker and we got slower, we both knew that we had to split up. With the park closing their gates at sun down, there was no way we would be able to make it back to the car at the rate we were going. We figured if I ran the final 10k, I could get there before the gate locked us in. </div>
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It not only got darker, but it also got colder. I ran like my life depended it on. I kept a solid speedy pace, which quite frankly shocked me, as I had just run a 2:06 half marathon a few hours before. The adrenaline kept me going. Well, that and the fact that in my mind the Headless Horse Man was chasing me! At about mile 11, I received a call from race director Tracy letting me know that my time was running out. It felt like that scene from the movie Krull when the Widow of the Web gives Ynir the sand from the enchanted hourglass, and he only had minutes to escape the Crystal Spider. (WHOA, did I just completely geek out there? Yeah, Krull was one of my favorite films as a kid.) I thanked Tracy for her warning and I continued to run. </div>
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When I finally hit mile 13.1 and turned into the parking lot, I saw a vehicle with it's lights on waiting for me. At first I thought it was the park ranger, but upon closer inspection, I realized it was fellow runner Chris Wallen, who also took the late start and was waiting for me. Chris let me know that he talked the park ranger in keeping the gates open until I was done. I thanked him for saving our butts! It felt great knowing that I ran strong and got the job done. I congratulated Chris and then moved the car outside of the park to wait for Jennifer to finish her race.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for saving our butts, Chris!</td></tr>
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42.4 miles in three days completed! I only have one half marathon left and I complete my 55.5 mile Thanksgiving weekend. Jennifer and I were absolutely beat when we made it back to the Doggie Nanny's place. We took our finish line photo and then passed out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one more and we're done!</td></tr>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-49667011467191886482012-11-24T11:54:00.000-08:002012-11-27T10:39:14.610-08:00Quarry Turkey Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Depending on the day, a "PR" can mean just about anything. Last weekend at the </span><a href="http://www.endorphindude.com/2012/11/davis-turkey-trot-half-marathon.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Davis Turkey Trot</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, that PR was "pouring rain." On Thanksgiving Day at </span><a href="http://www.endorphindude.com/2012/11/nitro-turkey-5k.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nitro Turkey</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, I went into "pilgrim rage" mode with my scarlet letter Brazen gown. Yesterday at Tracy's Racing's </span><a href="http://www.endorphindude.com/2012/11/run-turkey-run-half-marathon-day-one.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Run Turkey Run</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, I had a "party run." Peeps of the Endorphin Empire, I am ecstatic to announce that today I earned the true PR: PERSONAL RECORD baby!!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdGPH2-HJJyvh7CwczwnR35Gg8XYMMq2qJ-WUuMxKAXdDiKkEqxv4nactUv0FvA9Ar1TCsTi1pwPxcKDA4FibaieGFkI0UCKQkxrPC62CfvVfoVGVe6qMG-67EyETa1KywciadQmPFg/s1600/Quarry27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdGPH2-HJJyvh7CwczwnR35Gg8XYMMq2qJ-WUuMxKAXdDiKkEqxv4nactUv0FvA9Ar1TCsTi1pwPxcKDA4FibaieGFkI0UCKQkxrPC62CfvVfoVGVe6qMG-67EyETa1KywciadQmPFg/s400/Quarry27.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woo Hoo!!</td></tr>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was a man on mission at the Quarry Turkey Half Marathon. I came into this race determined to get that PR. I showed up incognito once again: no cape, no headband, now fanfare. It was important for me to bring my best for three reasons. First of all, CIM is right around the corner, and I want more than anything to come into that race with a personal record under my fuel belt. Secondly, I wanted to show my Brazen Family that I am capable of running a good race. Finally, and most importantly, I needed that PR to validate my dedication and hard work this year. I got all those things and so much more.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What most people don't realize is that I was a runner before I had to slow down. When I pursued my 52 marathons in 52 weeks Titanium Quest, injuries hit me left and right. I had to slow my pace down to what another walker in the marathon community referred to as a "Costco stroll pace". This quest burnt me out physically and pretty much killed me mentally three quarters of the way into the goal. Nonetheless, I kept plugging along at my turtle on crutches pace at the back of the pack. When I hit my Titanium goal, my mind and body pretty much spiraled back onto that couch. I never wanted to run ever again, and the scariest part was that I was still eating large quantities of food as if I was still doing a marathon every weekend. I put on a lot of weight and I knew I had hit rock bottom at </span><a href="http://www.endorphindude.com/2012/02/surf-city-2012.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Surf City</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> when I painfully dragged my way through a 3:46 half marathon. After that race, I told myself that I needed a reboot.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Truth be told, I really didn't think I would be able to run ever again. I kept telling myself that I was fine in the back of the pack, hanging out at aid stations and stuffing my face with junk food. I was ok with that Costco pace, stopping to take pictures at every kilometer. I had no problems being dead last crossing the finish line and then zooming off to In-N-Out Burger for two 3x3 animal style meals complete with animal style fries. The sad thing is that my power walk pace from the parking lot to the In-N-Out front door was often faster than my pace on the course! As difficult as it was, I knew I had to start all over again. When I returned from Surf City, I went back to the basics and took Chewbacca for a walk around the block. This is what I did three and a half years ago, and it is how I got healthy. For the next few weeks, I increased the distance and intensity of the walk. I then started to jog again. I quickly felt better and before I knew it, I was running again.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb1c6p7WzV4VcElgkc1uEHY8Pkukg4NVB3W6kL6FYVvPqMHaHgXVNcSx29H6-2fCwTpJLGJEXRb41Ns6WoLHqX1uswxXOgyOnyw4EezCU4JM1VJCubnAc7XtJ7dZdNrd_eBVYenO6jA/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb1c6p7WzV4VcElgkc1uEHY8Pkukg4NVB3W6kL6FYVvPqMHaHgXVNcSx29H6-2fCwTpJLGJEXRb41Ns6WoLHqX1uswxXOgyOnyw4EezCU4JM1VJCubnAc7XtJ7dZdNrd_eBVYenO6jA/s400/Picture+4.png" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">On April 9th, my Titanium Brothers, Jonesy and Pete, flipped the switch on me. I had lost 8 pounds since Surf City, but it was on this day that BEAST MODE kicked in. Since then, I have dropped another 32 pounds, PR'ed at the half marathon distance twice, earned my first sub-5 marathon finish, and legitimately nailed that elusive 100 miler. Along the way, I completely changed my nutrition by becoming vegetarian, added cross training to my workout routine, and uncovered that confidence that got buried deep in my soul. The beast has now been unleashed and I am unstoppable. I am very proud to earn that PR on my home turf. Having my Brazen Family cheer me on was icing on this GU cake. (Special thanks to Allen Lucas, Chris Jones, Peter Beck, Ryan Baird, Bernadette Dayrit, and Patrick Mckenna for the photos!)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzKpS8lws1yiNImRDYa0lFmfLjlpSBuICoVPEOucjiHUC5AZQZC7524KZ1cUlHO6E6BiqdytxHkiQPfkNOUetNlzToadpql6EtEXut5d9I2XfKT6pGexQhFsHrx3l7jNPItIwLiv-CQ/s1600/Quarry06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSzKpS8lws1yiNImRDYa0lFmfLjlpSBuICoVPEOucjiHUC5AZQZC7524KZ1cUlHO6E6BiqdytxHkiQPfkNOUetNlzToadpql6EtEXut5d9I2XfKT6pGexQhFsHrx3l7jNPItIwLiv-CQ/s400/Quarry06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Even before I started, the fight broke out. So I didn't show up in my Brazen scarlet letters, so what! This chick accused me of giving GU to her husband! I am a good pilgrim!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDCLa5SflgA1KN1qDuQhrOnoQozFXGtydc_JpQtBzcXOt8NF6zSXK3hJoI2Rpudd3dc6ZNZ86RePxPwCWutJT3kTojXJr76oxAwnf6JfCksorHlK1BFJ0hRcpsWUxG4uM99eBvo08JQ/s1600/Quarry07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSDCLa5SflgA1KN1qDuQhrOnoQozFXGtydc_JpQtBzcXOt8NF6zSXK3hJoI2Rpudd3dc6ZNZ86RePxPwCWutJT3kTojXJr76oxAwnf6JfCksorHlK1BFJ0hRcpsWUxG4uM99eBvo08JQ/s400/Quarry07.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there's my illegitamate GU child.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj572ZgoMCRlBTKpBaZw0uESXLOioXzd0LNRWDAoROIOh3DEKI5tUID0JuCcwRPexh_R_x79EBv7GeKS8pe0Sz9R2Ma1pj1hTjs04wuCo7JYaB4cX52eGFPiksNZS6SVPm2hWVfYY74yg/s1600/Quarry08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj572ZgoMCRlBTKpBaZw0uESXLOioXzd0LNRWDAoROIOh3DEKI5tUID0JuCcwRPexh_R_x79EBv7GeKS8pe0Sz9R2Ma1pj1hTjs04wuCo7JYaB4cX52eGFPiksNZS6SVPm2hWVfYY74yg/s400/Quarry08.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, I am not corrupting these children!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eT9WFGQmfTNm6WvMrPYimAlQunyMABdkE7Lw3XrAibTtC7YEBFHyWqce2h2S995PbM3Yz6b_ow20Ogh2ZspSPw4NDM0Yk1L_3L77iAiMgW8zMbnqEz0rgVi5TSDJ2noasdOAWO3g3w/s1600/Quarry09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4eT9WFGQmfTNm6WvMrPYimAlQunyMABdkE7Lw3XrAibTtC7YEBFHyWqce2h2S995PbM3Yz6b_ow20Ogh2ZspSPw4NDM0Yk1L_3L77iAiMgW8zMbnqEz0rgVi5TSDJ2noasdOAWO3g3w/s400/Quarry09.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda is my aesthetician.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuQ8SzJpqVVPveU64EufDDOJ32RUY1cyMZm-3sDQ7BWbsNfi-aORKIJblFhTCwDGAtYQ2O2BlNpUktCjEfmlJEhIa6UNbCPu_bMaqInq-twyq070dybNmHCJmqZMMi6JTa54TW03Rsg/s1600/Quarry10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuQ8SzJpqVVPveU64EufDDOJ32RUY1cyMZm-3sDQ7BWbsNfi-aORKIJblFhTCwDGAtYQ2O2BlNpUktCjEfmlJEhIa6UNbCPu_bMaqInq-twyq070dybNmHCJmqZMMi6JTa54TW03Rsg/s320/Quarry10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I know so many Dianes! There's Diane Lucas, Diane Adele, Diana Saur, my sister Diane, and Dianne Chan! This is Dianne Chan. I like saying "Dianne Chan." It's like poetry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHtBe_ik_T8uOUnRQWX4Xe8NLPOQF2xy6xZxAJssFndvdFvsRKRx17bJ0d1O59BD9LdlEGW2iBk9wJbStaHfl2mXwcIVzuuJpjNTvED-RWFJEsVPfGSlD_xBxsmFJa5CI4QMeDXm-Jg/s1600/Quarry11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHtBe_ik_T8uOUnRQWX4Xe8NLPOQF2xy6xZxAJssFndvdFvsRKRx17bJ0d1O59BD9LdlEGW2iBk9wJbStaHfl2mXwcIVzuuJpjNTvED-RWFJEsVPfGSlD_xBxsmFJa5CI4QMeDXm-Jg/s400/Quarry11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">I saw the paparazzi and smiled. Many runners told me I looked possessed out there. I really really really wanted that PR! I was focused!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK_p0mrM0MGiYYjJQpZYmBjr1vdUZXNfGiJANk0PltN0LaTrQKWnh2nLLODPc3gxQNtsGcmv2F4XrecPBVbEYs3bqdH76QQ0Xg_xxdxeKwYH5upetHAeugG6DS7O26cT8-4rMDcIUcQ/s1600/Quarry12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheK_p0mrM0MGiYYjJQpZYmBjr1vdUZXNfGiJANk0PltN0LaTrQKWnh2nLLODPc3gxQNtsGcmv2F4XrecPBVbEYs3bqdH76QQ0Xg_xxdxeKwYH5upetHAeugG6DS7O26cT8-4rMDcIUcQ/s400/Quarry12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I only had seconds on the clock! I had to book it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRWxFo2FuwPLZVX83eomVU5_OQ3q2dKns8itZFFhuAnPvBgiFwy4f39EhrXzr_0kTcgghpQ7OzWEKcpNiMZdaVKbMFcq_661rzZoaZ6DFl6o9l6oZzDQ5LbHv_qFS5t5fF8WwUF2ygA/s1600/Quarry13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRWxFo2FuwPLZVX83eomVU5_OQ3q2dKns8itZFFhuAnPvBgiFwy4f39EhrXzr_0kTcgghpQ7OzWEKcpNiMZdaVKbMFcq_661rzZoaZ6DFl6o9l6oZzDQ5LbHv_qFS5t5fF8WwUF2ygA/s400/Quarry13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woo Hoo! 2:06:21 baby! PR!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwuN6pFk8LthzxjrhU1M7u3qyyB2OveRhWIYQmnhZYiQWA5_ep2HQxuKcjyx1cARopG6WyXHHPUKaMXxt4tw3YjtRU5zp_O5RxKN-COfT34P6ZwF2KVwp9DlUAelQISRAaYEeBdScKA/s1600/Quarry14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAwuN6pFk8LthzxjrhU1M7u3qyyB2OveRhWIYQmnhZYiQWA5_ep2HQxuKcjyx1cARopG6WyXHHPUKaMXxt4tw3YjtRU5zp_O5RxKN-COfT34P6ZwF2KVwp9DlUAelQISRAaYEeBdScKA/s400/Quarry14.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocco impresses me so much. This guy helped me get to my PR! Thanks Rocco!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTabV5MGYllQpreW-q19rZIK7j7H-IMsxVg1t3czm4uXcAcM_j49t_URtovrFvyZY7Wv7J0kDW6UGOL44Xyb0y6pys6kJgCygdDOk3NvhGQZxMHR4rD2a58AqWEUy_O_yBaQkG6XwV7Q/s1600/Quarry15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTabV5MGYllQpreW-q19rZIK7j7H-IMsxVg1t3czm4uXcAcM_j49t_URtovrFvyZY7Wv7J0kDW6UGOL44Xyb0y6pys6kJgCygdDOk3NvhGQZxMHR4rD2a58AqWEUy_O_yBaQkG6XwV7Q/s400/Quarry15.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Jonesy: "If I can position my sweaty butt just right, I might be able to shart on Tony." Yes, he really said that.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir92xcP8m61XwCuMxWbJ_-Tm3Xy5qNxw5bmeQQ78vuRedUL5nqmhyphenhyphenV7scerG8RPuLVBA_oOt6D8JG4Vy7sxIlkQQ7BCN5vq5f1kFoFnlXQod95Pm16EbizUj8enqRyaYJ61F6JRt9f1g/s1600/Quarry16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir92xcP8m61XwCuMxWbJ_-Tm3Xy5qNxw5bmeQQ78vuRedUL5nqmhyphenhyphenV7scerG8RPuLVBA_oOt6D8JG4Vy7sxIlkQQ7BCN5vq5f1kFoFnlXQod95Pm16EbizUj8enqRyaYJ61F6JRt9f1g/s400/Quarry16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilgrim Rage! No, personal record! PR!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBznmT7HO4i0q6E5BRZx8oHyefM2RjqjdLbu96oulv7yIbf3XSmHArHegh0YIUYPt0sCHTDs8Cg-bR4aRKg24oxs_vpxGGrWVfevtJevIPtNXV6EUAwTQD-OtCEx887wXiTsSNzTXqQ/s1600/Quarry17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBznmT7HO4i0q6E5BRZx8oHyefM2RjqjdLbu96oulv7yIbf3XSmHArHegh0YIUYPt0sCHTDs8Cg-bR4aRKg24oxs_vpxGGrWVfevtJevIPtNXV6EUAwTQD-OtCEx887wXiTsSNzTXqQ/s400/Quarry17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bunch of bling whores!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07bqJzyzUNwWyQG__ZcvAyaMIjexcYYi-e5OmKSMLnZcNbKCnQKLcO5dIjTS9y8K1BSIHdtpdU1k8hLZwvDsilWXM0dOOBMKSr5hfyZ12cEHGbepGWnOhiXIQJP0JqzgqnrbxSg6tRw/s1600/Quarry18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07bqJzyzUNwWyQG__ZcvAyaMIjexcYYi-e5OmKSMLnZcNbKCnQKLcO5dIjTS9y8K1BSIHdtpdU1k8hLZwvDsilWXM0dOOBMKSr5hfyZ12cEHGbepGWnOhiXIQJP0JqzgqnrbxSg6tRw/s400/Quarry18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's GU child's biological father Ryan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2awFNKTNWYYqdAMuFZUDXgKsT7p1Lei2z8ruX72eoJgBXM7o9LSUARkvxks0YUbjJUaFWjfKoMlcOmDOEX5CBuPx237AIrvcXiqbwL1HFfcEvqaLXcCR4eUPyq1v9D5h2koUEQPGXA/s1600/Quarry19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2awFNKTNWYYqdAMuFZUDXgKsT7p1Lei2z8ruX72eoJgBXM7o9LSUARkvxks0YUbjJUaFWjfKoMlcOmDOEX5CBuPx237AIrvcXiqbwL1HFfcEvqaLXcCR4eUPyq1v9D5h2koUEQPGXA/s400/Quarry19.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernadette got to hang out with Chewbacca!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrBwiyPbGpRKFtzVo9VD0D-XAILN_Uxdl6gB04_R4KTAwIjxIGvTUaP4tPLmQmQndd5HUFPMkgRwGYu2WlKJc6cDEC_TikLLzW5VWzM7bih3MY-oV96MDud4g8vDS4lP_vf16j8Sv9w/s1600/Quarry20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrBwiyPbGpRKFtzVo9VD0D-XAILN_Uxdl6gB04_R4KTAwIjxIGvTUaP4tPLmQmQndd5HUFPMkgRwGYu2WlKJc6cDEC_TikLLzW5VWzM7bih3MY-oV96MDud4g8vDS4lP_vf16j8Sv9w/s400/Quarry20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my chiweenie. This is the dog that got me off the couch. I heart Chewbacca!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTNHHQCPMP1jhAUGeXZfyJczs0Cjpqz2zHUHUiFOgFM0aiI9j5_Qu_Nja1EFz67SizhdRrl8JeaWG0txK7jcytksjXGdYkTxC779LU6AFwne0SCofAnwycMd4vBO1r-Yes4JiD1RyMQ/s1600/Quarry21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTNHHQCPMP1jhAUGeXZfyJczs0Cjpqz2zHUHUiFOgFM0aiI9j5_Qu_Nja1EFz67SizhdRrl8JeaWG0txK7jcytksjXGdYkTxC779LU6AFwne0SCofAnwycMd4vBO1r-Yes4JiD1RyMQ/s400/Quarry21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very happy peeps! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KybYQJOQeXBsbqDOvFgClVl6qsSDtnOXftTMDFkJ293Z2oSQciHPvPwnVVLP37YyshG_tUdr9sMCx5oZWS7k2fH84iP-mXrMW03kP_cMUGIwIc51rnjQ1scfXZXp6VGcJqaHcy0EPA/s1600/Quarry22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KybYQJOQeXBsbqDOvFgClVl6qsSDtnOXftTMDFkJ293Z2oSQciHPvPwnVVLP37YyshG_tUdr9sMCx5oZWS7k2fH84iP-mXrMW03kP_cMUGIwIc51rnjQ1scfXZXp6VGcJqaHcy0EPA/s400/Quarry22.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leila got to hang out with Chewbacca too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5tNd6MbkOzfjj9voxK1RhteJfKKzVVqr4jRLghrhieXgWc0lRNNhNzfeDKQkL3ubOus3T3OA7wKtkP2iw-4yr-n53XGgrLQz-kKR1d0L6nW-D0lReiZ80krSfgv_PfyzD91_k6P4hw/s1600/Quarry23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5tNd6MbkOzfjj9voxK1RhteJfKKzVVqr4jRLghrhieXgWc0lRNNhNzfeDKQkL3ubOus3T3OA7wKtkP2iw-4yr-n53XGgrLQz-kKR1d0L6nW-D0lReiZ80krSfgv_PfyzD91_k6P4hw/s400/Quarry23.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Doggie Nanny!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVFPbF-ZRkI89I6DZ1DGEzUPuNlNYyI_UlL52lqolKI8480IFiKl3xQiHfipKC4MiopBBQRGvoZPjjZio48cRs7DD1TIJo95q6GSkTAtAnTMP0Sj8tk-1Ar0MK6b3WVc_BgyS6vt8yQ/s1600/Quarry24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVFPbF-ZRkI89I6DZ1DGEzUPuNlNYyI_UlL52lqolKI8480IFiKl3xQiHfipKC4MiopBBQRGvoZPjjZio48cRs7DD1TIJo95q6GSkTAtAnTMP0Sj8tk-1Ar0MK6b3WVc_BgyS6vt8yQ/s400/Quarry24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo bombed by a chiweenie!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoY1jVJjMbNyHmRXK4_B6A2Gt4qEreqf2kBJ4D-pcdmvI1aL5E8S9xZw9YDIOKP3XNo0kWVWAfQrp3Np7RFEVuc1oaNQUr1kqqoBDldQy56NKtNnt9jBhV3N8N2QNZuVjYzEcXt3XKg/s1600/Quarry25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoY1jVJjMbNyHmRXK4_B6A2Gt4qEreqf2kBJ4D-pcdmvI1aL5E8S9xZw9YDIOKP3XNo0kWVWAfQrp3Np7RFEVuc1oaNQUr1kqqoBDldQy56NKtNnt9jBhV3N8N2QNZuVjYzEcXt3XKg/s400/Quarry25.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We really should have our own reality show. "E-Dude & Jonesy Run A Marathon."</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvMHK8JJVf8V8G9052SisPRglU5fAtEyhI8WdZgI-4p5t3zwauWrN7E2E0ioiUuJ-wUW_ZANzt97AAQKf02svOwFlWC5YYU3Hm_vI5_rijlL2bHE0b3s7Tdq8wa3bz7YCSVDiubtXjQ/s1600/Quarry26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvMHK8JJVf8V8G9052SisPRglU5fAtEyhI8WdZgI-4p5t3zwauWrN7E2E0ioiUuJ-wUW_ZANzt97AAQKf02svOwFlWC5YYU3Hm_vI5_rijlL2bHE0b3s7Tdq8wa3bz7YCSVDiubtXjQ/s400/Quarry26.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah Turkey!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wasn't exactly incognito about my accomplishment. Everyone there knew. I can now add another half marathon PR to the trophy case! The proof is in the It's It, folks. I am once again a runner, and my results clearly show it:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />3:46:02 - Surf City (2/6/12)<br />3:15:28 - Hellyer (2/18/12)<br />2:53:09 - Oakland (3/25/12)<br />2:41:31 - US Half (4/8/12)<br />2:33:23 - Pleasanton (4/29/12)<br />2:14:49 - Giant Race (9/16/12)<br />2:07:04 - Oktoberun (10/13/12)<br />2:06:21 - Quarry Turkey (11/25/12)<br /><br />I have not only returned to pre-Titanium form, but I am better than ever. Flip the switch to BEAST MODE, peeps, and you too will see results.</span></span>Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-28523546401986042402012-11-23T23:45:00.000-08:002012-11-27T14:03:02.332-08:00Run Turkey Run Half Marathon, Day 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEMBXQ_LO__lGS52GkpTtf-fl3GLCFxZ9HGtfrlnvQPFwseLALe4R2WbpL7HnTUOUerFNonxKhYDK4pA6D6oQNKpu60i5_PdsoEGLIb6k8bB_VetKux8jvfDT1jcY0uRlm-DJ-Is1fw/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEMBXQ_LO__lGS52GkpTtf-fl3GLCFxZ9HGtfrlnvQPFwseLALe4R2WbpL7HnTUOUerFNonxKhYDK4pA6D6oQNKpu60i5_PdsoEGLIb6k8bB_VetKux8jvfDT1jcY0uRlm-DJ-Is1fw/s1600/Picture+7.png" /></a></div>
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Today is the first day of the Run Turkey Run series, put on by Tracy's Racing. I wasn't planning to run this series, as it is one week before CIM, but Tracy dangled the carrot in front of me. Seriously, show me some bling and I'll run your race. I'm that easy. Since this was going to be the first half marathon of this 52.4 mile weekend, I thought I'd take it at a leisurely pace so that I could save my energy for the Brazen Quarry Turkey Half the next day. For this reason, I took Chewbacca along.<br />
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For those who are new to the Endorphin Empire, Chewbacca is my dog. As you can see in the photo above, she is tiny. This dog can really only handle a 10k tops, so I brought her doggie back pack along so she could rest in it when needed. You will also notice from the photo that I am a wearing a fuzzy hat. That hat has Chewbacca's (the wookie, not my dog) face on it. I ran with my dog Chewbacca while wearing my Chewbacca hat. It just felt right.<br />
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This race took place at American River Parkway in Carmichael, CA (near Sacramento). The course is 6.55 miles out on a bike path and 6.55 miles back. It is a straight forward course, and it was fun to see the runners turn around and pass us. I walked the whole way with Chewbacca and my half marathon partner in crime for the day, Jennifer Walker. We took lots of photos and poop breaks. Well, the dog pooped, not us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JuhRwoeYbryz4pWlv7GdNj_MYVVj-yej3WMSXWAcpY1ivCrZQRtBe7M52MwbjHkrFUGJ_m2EUpdwqyZbCg3LiTjlqLI2OVKaOWNm-6kSpjKd1rJMGm9Tu2pbeTCqXkFGFS9Egk3a-w/s1600/Picture+9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JuhRwoeYbryz4pWlv7GdNj_MYVVj-yej3WMSXWAcpY1ivCrZQRtBe7M52MwbjHkrFUGJ_m2EUpdwqyZbCg3LiTjlqLI2OVKaOWNm-6kSpjKd1rJMGm9Tu2pbeTCqXkFGFS9Egk3a-w/s400/Picture+9.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-race group shot!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbzJPUoCJSEVXMg4_6GltXLjlvK7slQmnUenfuxGJaSmnZ0SdDip-iJzNhdjuaZBMHVNeDUrRlQz2Tz3Qau7DxxMIh5ZQE17UQlJiUE8lH6ko4oJ3D7HfZ7DW6KGeiHgUfrz8KT6x7A/s1600/IMG_6656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbzJPUoCJSEVXMg4_6GltXLjlvK7slQmnUenfuxGJaSmnZ0SdDip-iJzNhdjuaZBMHVNeDUrRlQz2Tz3Qau7DxxMIh5ZQE17UQlJiUE8lH6ko4oJ3D7HfZ7DW6KGeiHgUfrz8KT6x7A/s400/IMG_6656.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I knew Brian Marks was going to be there, but Jay Petit showed up out of the blue!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4jONMbxuHChrDtevOmUagQLBFyD7DLQG1hyphenhyphenSSlAQTsq2-Gvczz8MHDvBbnn5qr8fKmxD8TyCdGph7BoDHL2zsvLxCgRI6-5J1WU5-R33BQJcWYvqWZmqoETYmpdIB09iFO8ylj_Ndw/s1600/IMG_6653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4jONMbxuHChrDtevOmUagQLBFyD7DLQG1hyphenhyphenSSlAQTsq2-Gvczz8MHDvBbnn5qr8fKmxD8TyCdGph7BoDHL2zsvLxCgRI6-5J1WU5-R33BQJcWYvqWZmqoETYmpdIB09iFO8ylj_Ndw/s400/IMG_6653.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">This woman saved me at The Lake Tahoe Marathon back in 2010. Thanks again Diane! I know that was forever ago, but I will never forget what you did for me that day when I was down and out and sick to my stomach at mile 18!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkq1dKsZhqHbwV3sqDMXhoEFyQBC6e4JcTtgfriqSxOCn1liBd4abtfVFkgqL3sKKBf24_ACJtpmZV2H0X7ur8597epyAyawghMyFan-ihc1pOWPEdv9HvAf8hincEa7oHi8jvPHR-A/s1600/IMG_6664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkq1dKsZhqHbwV3sqDMXhoEFyQBC6e4JcTtgfriqSxOCn1liBd4abtfVFkgqL3sKKBf24_ACJtpmZV2H0X7ur8597epyAyawghMyFan-ihc1pOWPEdv9HvAf8hincEa7oHi8jvPHR-A/s400/IMG_6664.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">How random is this? It's a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge. I wanted to go off course and run across it just so that I could get that San Francisco Marathon feel!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFfi4_s4b6DxAZveD-lnM7ZaseCuuwlH98H2Ye7SO9JTADBtPa76B3Zr3DSWE9WJ37TH_SqhXqf8Rrv5Mc0K1RZxfvO-irE0c9zLxXv_GO3OS2oWzEwJE91TL5R8m2b93o78AwHefiA/s1600/IMG_6669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFfi4_s4b6DxAZveD-lnM7ZaseCuuwlH98H2Ye7SO9JTADBtPa76B3Zr3DSWE9WJ37TH_SqhXqf8Rrv5Mc0K1RZxfvO-irE0c9zLxXv_GO3OS2oWzEwJE91TL5R8m2b93o78AwHefiA/s400/IMG_6669.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aid station drama. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Chiweenie, White Guy With Stick.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6ftjh7WaELAL2ZcJodLkOkI91OBmPiKvNy-YBl8AdP4Hc7a34YUraDPLz6IHvnfdffa-h7cwiQenv1O808CFd4d3XWbyTrb7CemchnotFBClGLpgptRnX7v4dL0W0_HyStd-vof_UA/s1600/IMG_6674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy6ftjh7WaELAL2ZcJodLkOkI91OBmPiKvNy-YBl8AdP4Hc7a34YUraDPLz6IHvnfdffa-h7cwiQenv1O808CFd4d3XWbyTrb7CemchnotFBClGLpgptRnX7v4dL0W0_HyStd-vof_UA/s400/IMG_6674.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, that's Chewbacca hoodie. </td></tr>
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It took the three of us a long time to get to that finish line, but that's ok. The true test will come tomorrow when we string together two half marathons in two different cities, 120 miles apart. To make it more interesting, I'll be gunning for the PR. Stay tuned.<br />
<br />Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-10358534091623867332012-11-22T11:51:00.000-08:002012-11-26T17:26:01.585-08:00Nitro Turkey 5k<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the modern day marathon version of Nathaniel Hawthorne's literary classic <i>The Scarlet Letter</i>, Endorphin Dude and his out of wedlock GU child are considered the outcasts of the running community. These two are only allowed to participate in races only if the marathon caped crusader wears the scartlet letters BRAZEN on his chest. In this puritanical society, decor and good manners are a requirement, and Endorphin Dude has consistently crossed the line by shamelessly frolicking with the runners of Brazen Racing. This is the price E-Dude and his innocent energy gel offspring must to pay in order to run the Nitro Turkey 5k.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77flbW5OUx2-BuUgObNSr5Cge8dmkNkrg-392QzwfJEyjAHs8qu6MIEfwnr1d3luAlga2M4-_E1i0L4rUsw-UeQyDmOqS68rBF3FLICuW8dj7j82qfPGH6fltHTcKZeWU8XqRSGGEkw/s1600/Picture+15.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi77flbW5OUx2-BuUgObNSr5Cge8dmkNkrg-392QzwfJEyjAHs8qu6MIEfwnr1d3luAlga2M4-_E1i0L4rUsw-UeQyDmOqS68rBF3FLICuW8dj7j82qfPGH6fltHTcKZeWU8XqRSGGEkw/s1600/Picture+15.png" /></a></div>
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Yes, it is only a 5k, but because it is Brazen's Nitro Turkey, you know it will be epic! Being the law abiding citizen that I am, I adhered to the rules and regulations. I channeled Hester Prynne and shamefully displayed my sins on my chest. I don't think anyone truly recognized me in my very incognito pilgrim dress, so this gave me the opportunity to run hard (or as hard as I could in that get up).<br />
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This course was slightly long, measuring in at about 3.35 miles, so I don't feel too bad for not earning that 5k PR. I am very happy to announce that I finished this Turkey Trot in 30:32, placing 89th overall in a field of 543, and 10th out of 27 in my age division. I seriously deserve another prize for running in that fashion faux pas!<br />
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There are many races to choose from, but I will always pick Brazen. These people are no longer just runners I hang out with, they have become my friends and family. Things have gotten a little rocky over the years in my family, so we don't really get together for the holidays. I am very thankful for Brazen because this racing company has welcomed and accepted me, even after the puritanical society shunned me! On that note, your scarlet lettered caped crusader was caught on film committing every sin imaginable. Looks like more letters will be added to the pilgrim dress for the next race!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFPOt1zX8O-3EjCfy9-uxVx-BS3UNb4ltCz4h0R5wuAlqRxNY2d0GWTPwf-xdZGPVCYrZd0TXH0ZYkrlChV27UIynzpdp068ruzo4UU1WT0tmixAq-_ENbASpWlUB_A-Kvr-ZaTBTAQ/s1600/Pilgrim01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFPOt1zX8O-3EjCfy9-uxVx-BS3UNb4ltCz4h0R5wuAlqRxNY2d0GWTPwf-xdZGPVCYrZd0TXH0ZYkrlChV27UIynzpdp068ruzo4UU1WT0tmixAq-_ENbASpWlUB_A-Kvr-ZaTBTAQ/s400/Pilgrim01.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another scarlet letter for offering alcohol to a child!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PtAdPqqfygQxdyWn_LhRCFMkcQXO8Esuasqv8GoqGhWl7BPSgHPyhHABGs8vS5h4gXDY8oW0fcgBQMouy0gA42kFovG_f4K2sQFdRco_iOt6-n7w3pU6nRrl11Hvg5fu0K3T9swKdA/s1600/Pilgrim02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PtAdPqqfygQxdyWn_LhRCFMkcQXO8Esuasqv8GoqGhWl7BPSgHPyhHABGs8vS5h4gXDY8oW0fcgBQMouy0gA42kFovG_f4K2sQFdRco_iOt6-n7w3pU6nRrl11Hvg5fu0K3T9swKdA/s400/Pilgrim02.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet letter for flirting with a hot blond!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv8YBtiI90lYg0DA2NB7UNE53GcawNotIfDQ4plWld3o3zMsnk3OSzsmDUOTj_1Km9OupqOP3OLAXpmHfoK0DGCYHJ-rMLIIrotT73hbkAQLBbH0ECfvN5h-9fxvPZLrnK_aSkxsXwQ/s1600/Pilgrim03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv8YBtiI90lYg0DA2NB7UNE53GcawNotIfDQ4plWld3o3zMsnk3OSzsmDUOTj_1Km9OupqOP3OLAXpmHfoK0DGCYHJ-rMLIIrotT73hbkAQLBbH0ECfvN5h-9fxvPZLrnK_aSkxsXwQ/s400/Pilgrim03.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Scarlet letter for trying to sneak a peek at Dave Pearson's Lagoon Valley! That blond pilgrim is no other than my ugly sidekick. She's a bigger hussy, but she never gets caught, hence no scarlet letter on her chest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVDoQxbA1jTymjAjsPNu6Kqi8AO-WjTwLvyBl6JKVvM-9-LO5SHEwaJky-dtRVmuxml6zTThNV5t2abXtS9ykA0p2I4d7ayKVc5_8RmGFvFWUuXV9kJuH7Bi5rSY4iodGumlTKjgMeg/s1600/Pilgrim04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVDoQxbA1jTymjAjsPNu6Kqi8AO-WjTwLvyBl6JKVvM-9-LO5SHEwaJky-dtRVmuxml6zTThNV5t2abXtS9ykA0p2I4d7ayKVc5_8RmGFvFWUuXV9kJuH7Bi5rSY4iodGumlTKjgMeg/s400/Pilgrim04.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet letter for spilling wine on the table! That's alcohol abuse!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91Mx9G6O-puNQFDghik7QCPGF_rU15_Et4LPyegIPXOUp9y0KnQ-d1rp547S2gg60IKnZTOsXx0jTCxke_-P-WuRbIxecyMfvbxvFrdZovwVjAIxnhoqSyu2PNE0D3Vif6WUktcUMew/s1600/Pilgrim05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91Mx9G6O-puNQFDghik7QCPGF_rU15_Et4LPyegIPXOUp9y0KnQ-d1rp547S2gg60IKnZTOsXx0jTCxke_-P-WuRbIxecyMfvbxvFrdZovwVjAIxnhoqSyu2PNE0D3Vif6WUktcUMew/s400/Pilgrim05.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet letter for trying to bite the bacon off another pilgrim!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkHcE1ZPOewh8kJkCkOHc-SFhIdhmThVROoyqG5pcGm9iKh38XAzykt9ZwuM7MAzqgVRf_TMQTwE0Sbx0y6g4pKvzd2F5y45ukrBQPoZUiL7tOcoTAHLsfWDBjj03SJ8AGKs8MsMh8A/s1600/Pilgrim06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvkHcE1ZPOewh8kJkCkOHc-SFhIdhmThVROoyqG5pcGm9iKh38XAzykt9ZwuM7MAzqgVRf_TMQTwE0Sbx0y6g4pKvzd2F5y45ukrBQPoZUiL7tOcoTAHLsfWDBjj03SJ8AGKs8MsMh8A/s400/Pilgrim06.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet letter for showing too much skin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucAIeBciQFbPlCORGnApv4XzfqFmcxC4NMd2z2JTU4WijxxU9FGxZDaqtrxTCXS1aTyvDH3ozdp0antf_ECUZOidfviipQsZbOxwlia9oKJUWgDuSrNGOsCfEVH1M5vOrtcZhJYl0xA/s1600/Pilgrim07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucAIeBciQFbPlCORGnApv4XzfqFmcxC4NMd2z2JTU4WijxxU9FGxZDaqtrxTCXS1aTyvDH3ozdp0antf_ECUZOidfviipQsZbOxwlia9oKJUWgDuSrNGOsCfEVH1M5vOrtcZhJYl0xA/s400/Pilgrim07.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet letter for corrupting this innocent boy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfBf_dGTJZLDqGBZqgcH4z-OlwgjhGiqPtcKKQ3OvIq_3AgWrVqYYnJdRwRLZFm2QPBwMiWp0d-Nuuh5ywHoSsEjN9DH8Hj0ZCdZh66EsVClZu-_Mz1k8FOIRhTFxCYaoo6lVdLPbjw/s1600/Pilgrim08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfBf_dGTJZLDqGBZqgcH4z-OlwgjhGiqPtcKKQ3OvIq_3AgWrVqYYnJdRwRLZFm2QPBwMiWp0d-Nuuh5ywHoSsEjN9DH8Hj0ZCdZh66EsVClZu-_Mz1k8FOIRhTFxCYaoo6lVdLPbjw/s400/Pilgrim08.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarlet letter for gettin' jiggy with it with the preacher's daughter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmHaWkyKpXqFApFGOjlqJcodW0bBQUieVmGraWunI1dXQ12udINyauWt3UmdcLk5-AI5kY7qykORbjaa93HT0o6nsnP36fFRR39gGFx4__4xViOCyZa8vB_yCkDoHzqLn6t7audHixA/s1600/Pilgrim09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmHaWkyKpXqFApFGOjlqJcodW0bBQUieVmGraWunI1dXQ12udINyauWt3UmdcLk5-AI5kY7qykORbjaa93HT0o6nsnP36fFRR39gGFx4__4xViOCyZa8vB_yCkDoHzqLn6t7audHixA/s400/Pilgrim09.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Scarlet letter for public urination! By the way, that preacher's daughter's chef husband didn't like that the I was dancing with his wife, so he tried to cut off my cranberries! Luckily, I got away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0eUtN6cugwCopjoPmQoIwTyA-fKxSNu09JFFFpSlGFoUkQ173VcefbR0bRb9J3w_NE3D0mc8htcTup5LePjl_coo_Eh8ag9uQpzuo-MzmjpC794AXo9mMRqF7h-TEmoCOAF3cLwqsg/s1600/Pilgrim10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0eUtN6cugwCopjoPmQoIwTyA-fKxSNu09JFFFpSlGFoUkQ173VcefbR0bRb9J3w_NE3D0mc8htcTup5LePjl_coo_Eh8ag9uQpzuo-MzmjpC794AXo9mMRqF7h-TEmoCOAF3cLwqsg/s400/Pilgrim10.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">And the biggest scarlet letter of them all for the biggest sin: trying to bribe the race director with a hot leg in order to get more bling!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-14041700761200286562012-11-18T21:42:00.002-08:002012-11-18T21:54:22.272-08:00Men's Health Urbanathlon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNnNEP2W86skuhx-cvzImdTd5c9Se-4ct_51KzxCwqXs4_vePGHgvfqPS2CH5WQo_7uJ7rITYBzS621zpV1Jk_a5-7oYB8HPeGURmRRfQ-7KSCQlcjp5AHczM2dE9qDHPi1XCQx0Dbg/s1600/IMG_6534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNnNEP2W86skuhx-cvzImdTd5c9Se-4ct_51KzxCwqXs4_vePGHgvfqPS2CH5WQo_7uJ7rITYBzS621zpV1Jk_a5-7oYB8HPeGURmRRfQ-7KSCQlcjp5AHczM2dE9qDHPi1XCQx0Dbg/s400/IMG_6534.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I survived the Urbanathlon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I survived the Men's Health Urbanathlon! If you've been following the Endorphin saga, you will know that this event has been the source of all my anxiety. My legs are trained to run long distances. Give me a marathon, 50k, or a 100 miler and I can get the job done. Yeah, I'll whine about my blisters at mile 80 and have that occasional melt down when I hit the wall, but for the most part, I don't stress out about running. The Urbanathlon is a completely different animal. This race may only be 10 miles, but the obstacle courses that the folks at Men's Health throw at you is quite daunting. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Check it out:</span></span><br />
<ol type="1">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kumho Tire Stutter Step and Plastic Barricade Combo</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Plastic Barricades and Police Barricade Combo</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Subaru Crawl, Marine Hurdles and Police Barricade Combo</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">AT&T Park Stair Climb</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Monkey Bars and Parallel Bars Combo</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cargo Net and Traffic Cones with Poles Combo</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Traffic Jam – NEW IN 2012</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Over, Under, Through – NEW IN 2012</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Tissot 40 Yard Dash – NEW IN 2012</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taxis & Buses to Chain Link Crawl to Wall Finish</span></li>
</ol>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I showed up at the start line this morning, it felt like junior high school gym class all over again. I'm used to seeing people of all different shapes and sizes at marathons, but at the Urbanathlon, it seemed like there were only fit young dudes. All that ran through my head was being picked last, just like it was back in junior high school. I had to get out of this mind set fast and focus on my own race. Once I started running, my nerves calmed down. I faced every obstacle course head on and gave it everything I got. The ones that required upper body strength, I struggled with, but I kept trying until I got it. The wall climbs were the only ones I needed a little help with. Here is a photographic summary of my Urbanathlon experience:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbwGivBeSvDCV-yeiEpVu_HuqAuDgGOgPfSqf_VdiFNo-UFaURPeQOVeosu0DZBSijjYbWqk2Jgku8s85TrGGTYHAPqnwD2v5VSqHV9g4M7oRb05wx1LbrKfArkQKhfrvEXAXRNZ0GQ/s1600/IMG_6489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbwGivBeSvDCV-yeiEpVu_HuqAuDgGOgPfSqf_VdiFNo-UFaURPeQOVeosu0DZBSijjYbWqk2Jgku8s85TrGGTYHAPqnwD2v5VSqHV9g4M7oRb05wx1LbrKfArkQKhfrvEXAXRNZ0GQ/s400/IMG_6489.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta love those San Francisco hills. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQYYwfbwb2FPkYkQKOpSJsS6W-cY-MIRsa28YLq32nwJIiYvPuXb25ygrZ4OO98x4UTend7inWwlFkdheVkxxKil-qcG_SPrLxOi4zMnRKqM9M7sSkN990j7IdvSSK2uJ7OCVoslwUA/s1600/IMG_6492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQYYwfbwb2FPkYkQKOpSJsS6W-cY-MIRsa28YLq32nwJIiYvPuXb25ygrZ4OO98x4UTend7inWwlFkdheVkxxKil-qcG_SPrLxOi4zMnRKqM9M7sSkN990j7IdvSSK2uJ7OCVoslwUA/s400/IMG_6492.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What goes up must come down! Gotta love gravity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9ug74U3ejfqOwp41T5CD0Fzyd1yWxAGb4cpF0zdNXIrOZxq1p0SpdDOgrDLfpEyAJ2nhACL4_0FQ6ylAZyMoBCg7afnTYEKPCcQNlpgOKtcIXaT1GrIGZQVNgnCBweTq-ie_OwxRYQ/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9ug74U3ejfqOwp41T5CD0Fzyd1yWxAGb4cpF0zdNXIrOZxq1p0SpdDOgrDLfpEyAJ2nhACL4_0FQ6ylAZyMoBCg7afnTYEKPCcQNlpgOKtcIXaT1GrIGZQVNgnCBweTq-ie_OwxRYQ/s400/IMG_6497.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great seeing Tuan out there. This guy really calmed my nerves a few days before the race.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-67h1Mq1nTGRNCCV4RIM-ac__zw9mJHvt57A3C6oJtulITLx9g-DCeXO7Q3DYptlm1Hy4SAF_mHkX0sNNvppTm3OBzOrpFBTkAuGAR1nJbbtajVfYWM39inBf-BKQt2-0I8GDuH_3pw/s1600/IMG_6498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-67h1Mq1nTGRNCCV4RIM-ac__zw9mJHvt57A3C6oJtulITLx9g-DCeXO7Q3DYptlm1Hy4SAF_mHkX0sNNvppTm3OBzOrpFBTkAuGAR1nJbbtajVfYWM39inBf-BKQt2-0I8GDuH_3pw/s400/IMG_6498.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yikes! Monkey bars!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj5d3_wOf2Rm7TnTSjC7ciG8Gt2fqcug1wRAsOJIpQYOtQXR8ASiZzdWoAOqAJeWu-kij5vA18K1VoBTRFTcqfo_c6tPtxWU8KybwoSVH6WfL1xJ2NTTOBS-aSxXtpQBEqW03TpMutw/s1600/IMG_6501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIj5d3_wOf2Rm7TnTSjC7ciG8Gt2fqcug1wRAsOJIpQYOtQXR8ASiZzdWoAOqAJeWu-kij5vA18K1VoBTRFTcqfo_c6tPtxWU8KybwoSVH6WfL1xJ2NTTOBS-aSxXtpQBEqW03TpMutw/s400/IMG_6501.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you know the paparazzi is there, make it look good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljJTgK4yuIFY_RqYJIsanYj1d4d55BNW2XwxxUJXSYJl6Q9Xt2TSl5WdVzZ8QFnPLyDZsyVH0BtTu1dTBMX04ylgIRU6XXQSF41gSn8qAufi8PiaAE1wWlMf6akjSyLgDfQEp6yShOA/s1600/IMG_6502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhljJTgK4yuIFY_RqYJIsanYj1d4d55BNW2XwxxUJXSYJl6Q9Xt2TSl5WdVzZ8QFnPLyDZsyVH0BtTu1dTBMX04ylgIRU6XXQSF41gSn8qAufi8PiaAE1wWlMf6akjSyLgDfQEp6yShOA/s400/IMG_6502.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had no problems with the AT&T Park stair climb.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhii4P5k8mvqmwq2YZjZW2Kv2zU1GjCAe4nmGtcdGoOmHrwkO6z7iLwDBDLzQPaFur9z8hX2MruunrT47QG8D2zp6ZsehVjoalaD4ZGZttx78HDVB9zsmMUWYOEkXdKFuq1DbKaDPILlQ/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhii4P5k8mvqmwq2YZjZW2Kv2zU1GjCAe4nmGtcdGoOmHrwkO6z7iLwDBDLzQPaFur9z8hX2MruunrT47QG8D2zp6ZsehVjoalaD4ZGZttx78HDVB9zsmMUWYOEkXdKFuq1DbKaDPILlQ/s400/IMG_6508.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, I had to have a little help with these. Ugh.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIlhyax0M1GMPdPAMJZMJNTDHcuHgSMHVSCYdRn_qikDBoA0CJrqgIN0U2nICOO8kswWShhl7GdBdgnQHtQF9DUOCX6dvjH6vu_Danlx5ozj0kxl25TsvvYCCwIHIo-3jqqh7JWMqRQ/s1600/IMG_6509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIlhyax0M1GMPdPAMJZMJNTDHcuHgSMHVSCYdRn_qikDBoA0CJrqgIN0U2nICOO8kswWShhl7GdBdgnQHtQF9DUOCX6dvjH6vu_Danlx5ozj0kxl25TsvvYCCwIHIo-3jqqh7JWMqRQ/s400/IMG_6509.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My technique here was to roll underneath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1BhnttZ9ghEtKVqMFRc2uxT5hl2qjhmbpyisBB3s4XLiBNIF_oZoKmgcL_j_9k0ej_1lEzV-FJfd1PgKXwDglmKUa3E_342xDnhm_qsUEu5skCOKoq-G-uB0EjMAdZC0mG4Sd6PZGA/s1600/IMG_6512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD1BhnttZ9ghEtKVqMFRc2uxT5hl2qjhmbpyisBB3s4XLiBNIF_oZoKmgcL_j_9k0ej_1lEzV-FJfd1PgKXwDglmKUa3E_342xDnhm_qsUEu5skCOKoq-G-uB0EjMAdZC0mG4Sd6PZGA/s400/IMG_6512.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too bad there was no mud. It would have been easier on the knees!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsSBhjeRl-_q2VR7T12Fea9o94LMn9i7JXHhFcPjHX4LtxsBuvEGnq6EY6HTYYcPNQPI0ZfP4y8N7lqDekD0T0cmriBXggVTv8rJimj3iPBucEO_y6ZMzwCC183aHhDR6QGboy5Jzjw/s1600/IMG_6513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivsSBhjeRl-_q2VR7T12Fea9o94LMn9i7JXHhFcPjHX4LtxsBuvEGnq6EY6HTYYcPNQPI0ZfP4y8N7lqDekD0T0cmriBXggVTv8rJimj3iPBucEO_y6ZMzwCC183aHhDR6QGboy5Jzjw/s400/IMG_6513.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um, really? More walls to climb?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-uYsKlhQoJvV-amJZErttQpfaGKd3agIls2oCvCXUNG5-8VfcSPGsgAXvMyRb-4fL2GY9XRUrIQKDyILLo0xpWkUVTmbPSlQuTvQKDbUiwyz5rSTLTDEmTYTPG9db4aOYf-d8URq-Q/s1600/IMG_6516B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-uYsKlhQoJvV-amJZErttQpfaGKd3agIls2oCvCXUNG5-8VfcSPGsgAXvMyRb-4fL2GY9XRUrIQKDyILLo0xpWkUVTmbPSlQuTvQKDbUiwyz5rSTLTDEmTYTPG9db4aOYf-d8URq-Q/s400/IMG_6516B.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mud!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe4gPl-dyCL25mwLqcs6wEZJflQz89BoOi1hqyzItYi5oiEIt8Bl73wlct_dNlD314bhgJB7mf1TQzGx-kUT2C2khdb_COwA3sf_9JXn5c0PgKcCE6yjAELcJ5HaBalIPE8o0kO2TCg/s1600/IMG_6523B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMe4gPl-dyCL25mwLqcs6wEZJflQz89BoOi1hqyzItYi5oiEIt8Bl73wlct_dNlD314bhgJB7mf1TQzGx-kUT2C2khdb_COwA3sf_9JXn5c0PgKcCE6yjAELcJ5HaBalIPE8o0kO2TCg/s400/IMG_6523B.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">After I crossed that finish line, I got my photo taken with Access Hollywood's Billy Bush, who was the M.C. for this event. Behind us is the 8 foot wall that we had to climb to get to the finish line. I had a little help getting over that wall. Next year when I return to the Urbanathlon, I will be able to do it on my own!</td></tr>
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<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">At the end of the day, I got the job done. I came into this event with a lot of anxiety. Once I let that go, I was able relax and have fun. I've come to realize that the secret of my success is that I am not afraid to look stupid. I am not the strongest, fastest, or most athletic, but I got out there and did it. I looked quite comical today, and I probably made a few people laugh at my physical inability to complete some of these obstacles. That didn't deter me one bit, and I quickly let that junior high school gym mentality go. If I had caved in to my anxieties and not even try, I would have never known if I could make it or not. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">And there you have it. Endorphin Dude completed one of the toughest challenges of his short running career. I'd like to give a special shout out to Jeff Ball of Men's Health for giving me this opportunity. Had he not reached out to me, I never would have done this Urbanathlon. I will definitely return next year, but with a new and improved upper body. I will not let those monkey bars and walls slow me down!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik6_AFXBurJw_zAIaVgc0E852tNhnCsq5isXxBCNPHtFDOIpOPhBYf2LLpHkI0s0cMMKYvsCR0W8sooGcLisLvrm2qsh0FHkP6SuXAnZMjyM9TStkzJyMPHjNC78CsYDqRCnFmAhB9w/s1600/Picture+68.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjik6_AFXBurJw_zAIaVgc0E852tNhnCsq5isXxBCNPHtFDOIpOPhBYf2LLpHkI0s0cMMKYvsCR0W8sooGcLisLvrm2qsh0FHkP6SuXAnZMjyM9TStkzJyMPHjNC78CsYDqRCnFmAhB9w/s640/Picture+68.png" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E-Dude got a finisher's medal and a new cape!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-49312959152741150792012-11-17T19:54:00.004-08:002012-11-19T07:36:42.605-08:00Davis Turkey Trot Half MarathonI was gunning for a huge PR today. In fact, I wanted that sub-2 half marathon really bad. I shattered my three year personal record a few weeks ago at the Oktoberun and I wanted more than anything to do it again. I came into this race confident, knowing that this was a flat as a pancake course at my alma mater, the University of California at Davis. How could I not get a PR? Oh yeah, I forgot about Mother Nature.<br />
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Something must have happened to Mama Earth this morning because she was not in a good mood! I was on pace for that PR all the way up to mile 7, but then Mother Nature cranked up the air conditioner, threw ice cubes at us, and hosed every runner down. For a mile and half, she unleashed a relentless 20 mph head wind that wiped me out. I surrendered from miles 7.5 through 9, taking my run down to a slow shivering walk. One by one, all the pacers passed me. First it was 2:05. Then 2:10. Then 2:15. More pacers passed me, and I mentally lost it. Fortunately, we made a left turn at mile 9.4 where Mother Nature calmed down. I was able to pick up the pace and finish this race in 2:27:08. Not the time I wanted, but I'll take it!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23JE-nUkgeuhU9L9vOahCrrd0kko_cFaKLdiLocW3MNAetFD3l9vKL4dTYzl7HnXbcGbMc8qkJd_WGwVKs0KgvfTF3Vdtjltv1jFOcJZhy1RwygRnCDAO4vKz-eu8CfEuvJnMmCcD7A/s1600/Picture+67.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23JE-nUkgeuhU9L9vOahCrrd0kko_cFaKLdiLocW3MNAetFD3l9vKL4dTYzl7HnXbcGbMc8qkJd_WGwVKs0KgvfTF3Vdtjltv1jFOcJZhy1RwygRnCDAO4vKz-eu8CfEuvJnMmCcD7A/s640/Picture+67.png" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PR!!! And by PR, I mean POUNDING RAIN! No personal records here!</td></tr>
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This experience would have been absolutely miserable if it hadn't been for my running buddies. I remember when I first started running these races, I would show up, run, and go home. I didn't know anybody. These days, I meet up with Half Fanatics, Marathon Maniacs, and other running peeps for various other clubs and organizations. Running for my health has definitely taken the back seat. Now, it is one big social event. Had I run this Turkey Trot three years ago, I probably would have hated every second of it. Fortunately, this time around I have all my friends to keep positive and happy!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-vnC1gVj2zwPSWvRDejevWWpUnEOIavbXbLOqlbVvGYYhoWncwySYIk5KRW27UJ9jn1P6ngrjLhVIO8ACD5I7wO5cSfCnIASEb1hKp2Vzx2z3bJ6rxcW5__WQ0npxY5vnL1voD3UDA/s1600/IMG_6468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-vnC1gVj2zwPSWvRDejevWWpUnEOIavbXbLOqlbVvGYYhoWncwySYIk5KRW27UJ9jn1P6ngrjLhVIO8ACD5I7wO5cSfCnIASEb1hKp2Vzx2z3bJ6rxcW5__WQ0npxY5vnL1voD3UDA/s400/IMG_6468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half Fanatics!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge25dkTTy-5j1NXf_PB5tw5rypl-SL6EkXwx6GsEWJiXtwS0w4O2KBMJ2-EsXnNdz2Fh_5PK1-rN8LH6tRRrZW38C57ZCk5i-OTRwc7XImu0jWu95XE4eUrzKyNGfsJvEberVXcn8-cg/s1600/IMG_6472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge25dkTTy-5j1NXf_PB5tw5rypl-SL6EkXwx6GsEWJiXtwS0w4O2KBMJ2-EsXnNdz2Fh_5PK1-rN8LH6tRRrZW38C57ZCk5i-OTRwc7XImu0jWu95XE4eUrzKyNGfsJvEberVXcn8-cg/s400/IMG_6472.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenni, Christy, & Me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy47aOrrqw4OJOw7tsM3dosUSl7_2sE3YyTUtEShFCkPjY-UjcOQNpSkiErpL6bf45jh2quvvPBidZt3Vc9OWdMk6RRUEbZQVevZUHWQXdOO8dZSyNvHnbc0TC0Zap1JVsirBNl6qT3A/s1600/IMG_6469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy47aOrrqw4OJOw7tsM3dosUSl7_2sE3YyTUtEShFCkPjY-UjcOQNpSkiErpL6bf45jh2quvvPBidZt3Vc9OWdMk6RRUEbZQVevZUHWQXdOO8dZSyNvHnbc0TC0Zap1JVsirBNl6qT3A/s400/IMG_6469.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Brian. I wanted to get a shot with his kid too, but my rain fogged up my lens!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMN6cnBJJdN4Do9MP6VTtGOy030bdfgQ3hH7yTWB5PwwB1TND4wo50moIKa3Lj0w5CltSjlRfCIhSmhvDq-7kl_VOAlmSV33tn4QXNKIXMhzxvJmrEMltHYVrdDWP6rfqbVluzJP_fw/s1600/IMG_6477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMN6cnBJJdN4Do9MP6VTtGOy030bdfgQ3hH7yTWB5PwwB1TND4wo50moIKa3Lj0w5CltSjlRfCIhSmhvDq-7kl_VOAlmSV33tn4QXNKIXMhzxvJmrEMltHYVrdDWP6rfqbVluzJP_fw/s400/IMG_6477.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christine and Sabrina. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LiKQEtEtZfhJVY9BIfWLF6qEWmyqwQH_buDEKV3AeDQ2-ybA1tqzZb43wtCzGVYGe93CkAZpNyM3DdD_LlBeU8mLUK9Ao80acRfQ9IZF9l63MHkIzkSoKtAXgb9vWVCAijox2tG9Sg/s1600/IMG_6476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LiKQEtEtZfhJVY9BIfWLF6qEWmyqwQH_buDEKV3AeDQ2-ybA1tqzZb43wtCzGVYGe93CkAZpNyM3DdD_LlBeU8mLUK9Ao80acRfQ9IZF9l63MHkIzkSoKtAXgb9vWVCAijox2tG9Sg/s400/IMG_6476.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me & Ryiah.</td></tr>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-91008602806631093022012-11-16T19:22:00.002-08:002012-11-16T19:23:35.554-08:00Men's Health Urbanathlon - OH BOY!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuan:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">U trained for Urbanathlon? Spent all day setting up with them n morrow gonna finish up building the obstacles. It's gonna test u physically. I will be volunteering this weekend with them. I will be the obstacle 3 captain. U will see me there Sun.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Me:</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Oh Boy.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Tuan:</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did u see what obstacles u will try? There's the 8ft wall at the ever end. They got the monkey bar obstacle. AT&T Park is up n down the stairs. U gonna dress as Endorphin cape n all. Take ur time thru the upper body obstacles. Feet obstacles u will do fine.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Me:</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Oh geez, 8ft wall.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Tuan:</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>There will be helper at end for wall. But there's the over/under/thru obstacle. Don't be scare, just take ur time doing it. Over the 6 ft wall, under the 1 foot opening, thru the opening wall.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yeah, this is the biggest stress in my life right now. It's two days away and I am mildly freaking out. What the heck did I get into? I'm more freaked out by this race than I was when I almost ran into a cow during the Rocky Ridge Half Marathon. Oh boy!</span></div>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-32663449864728198342012-11-11T09:59:00.000-08:002012-11-28T10:38:41.872-08:00Malibu Half Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7VZl8ID66yhTOQ1YsIQuKjYP2yjoL_Xm0jBGeuORrpq06TGvs1AmlKZBqDGN8kXr6upm_ES02WejxnzVVlP-onT9jWrbDEmwtb1Vb2d_tElJFIiiSQlVVK-WfrgOrAofOreh3YMqLw/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7VZl8ID66yhTOQ1YsIQuKjYP2yjoL_Xm0jBGeuORrpq06TGvs1AmlKZBqDGN8kXr6upm_ES02WejxnzVVlP-onT9jWrbDEmwtb1Vb2d_tElJFIiiSQlVVK-WfrgOrAofOreh3YMqLw/s400/Picture+7.png" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Time to fly!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">70.5 miles in 4 days! Run d'Amore 50k, Santa Barbara Marathon, and Malibu Half done. My legs are cursing me, but I'm loving it! It took me a very long time to get to that finish line because my body was so beat up, but I got there. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Malibu is a great race and I wish I had run this race without having a 57.2 miles on my legs the previous two days. With that said, rather than writing a Malibu Half Marathon race report, I will just post random pics from this epic road trip weekend. Before doing so, I'd like to send a special shout out to Terri and Louie Perez for hosting us this weekend. These people are awesome all around and I have nothing but love for them. Thanks for making our epic road trip epicker, Terri and Louie!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First stop of the epic road trip: Run D'Amore to pace The Jester!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjtIF9joY-3gdUc8C6jyowgvMQCdpvyUi91ZOLvNMs3E2mkKQj65-ARgHuH5w5UeA-HvyoHASRPmTVXlRffOcspdpm8nBMS_XltnAQoJ6RCP3xVGL5AfaVQVxmCyasL3BDAHhXd40uw/s1600/Picture+20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjtIF9joY-3gdUc8C6jyowgvMQCdpvyUi91ZOLvNMs3E2mkKQj65-ARgHuH5w5UeA-HvyoHASRPmTVXlRffOcspdpm8nBMS_XltnAQoJ6RCP3xVGL5AfaVQVxmCyasL3BDAHhXd40uw/s400/Picture+20.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Carbo loading before Santa Barbara.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchuOLhiFpWcZX0cecAUh7Fn4g8tcz8ABAkI4RPSZqVEBdOHhhbLbh2_ASANCW3_iy8iouoLLkDZh0b1hgTb35jqkxWNmDb5hPgV0-pHNTW0briHZp-I9d250Ph_IW-RPpn8dQS8-NNQ/s1600/Picture+23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchuOLhiFpWcZX0cecAUh7Fn4g8tcz8ABAkI4RPSZqVEBdOHhhbLbh2_ASANCW3_iy8iouoLLkDZh0b1hgTb35jqkxWNmDb5hPgV0-pHNTW0briHZp-I9d250Ph_IW-RPpn8dQS8-NNQ/s400/Picture+23.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Nature's Port-o-Potty!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTXcE4lmW2x8JxGvksZ3Tx6B03okzvd8N25Q9QRtLe8NsUG1AxkNCgtZ_t2ikYMYmX7iQhsqBbP94Ud8eVu68Fvk3Eyhco9hVHoO945de31OF3oaYAcfLlw6BbHLEv97nkYS6ITcL-g/s1600/Picture+28.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTXcE4lmW2x8JxGvksZ3Tx6B03okzvd8N25Q9QRtLe8NsUG1AxkNCgtZ_t2ikYMYmX7iQhsqBbP94Ud8eVu68Fvk3Eyhco9hVHoO945de31OF3oaYAcfLlw6BbHLEv97nkYS6ITcL-g/s400/Picture+28.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Finish line shot at Santa Barbara.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nap time before the race.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6qiinSjYqfDvb-4g8y42yPynVfn6VlhvzcJhQCf0wHq0mbtvd9_Pi7N0e2-Sq-XkMouU4evTccGENvSFBhaRLNFbuv-QvZRfm4fOyoycM30NcinLIX-O5_2SIyrw1CdcapNtI33oDw/s1600/Picture+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6qiinSjYqfDvb-4g8y42yPynVfn6VlhvzcJhQCf0wHq0mbtvd9_Pi7N0e2-Sq-XkMouU4evTccGENvSFBhaRLNFbuv-QvZRfm4fOyoycM30NcinLIX-O5_2SIyrw1CdcapNtI33oDw/s400/Picture+4.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Mile 11 donut!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BJaapsJCBqkpIwRbS7lGrToFe-OSK_MdeGE0KLNEC6cXzWgHY0xoLdc_tEHJ2KtvslQYH32Mj0cNWzIKyk4vD1w9PIwV2Upt813TlkTltyxAU6BEphyphenhypheneLhqiiocPa4w0SAsc9t-8CA/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BJaapsJCBqkpIwRbS7lGrToFe-OSK_MdeGE0KLNEC6cXzWgHY0xoLdc_tEHJ2KtvslQYH32Mj0cNWzIKyk4vD1w9PIwV2Upt813TlkTltyxAU6BEphyphenhypheneLhqiiocPa4w0SAsc9t-8CA/s400/Picture+6.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Maybe that donut wasn't such a good idea afterall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQu_YAAnXbbgMycC-_krHQudyEEoXV7_RgGO8RfAzDnUCV6bSUBmi_LPbQy57M9hlBzNPhTXO8XQnnRvoJqWK7txTX4FuP0MDzweqHqkUQIlKfo5cXJbSTNtvZrQrn7u80UFywTDxfg/s1600/Picture+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQu_YAAnXbbgMycC-_krHQudyEEoXV7_RgGO8RfAzDnUCV6bSUBmi_LPbQy57M9hlBzNPhTXO8XQnnRvoJqWK7txTX4FuP0MDzweqHqkUQIlKfo5cXJbSTNtvZrQrn7u80UFywTDxfg/s400/Picture+11.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Winners!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVr7xNte2sGwd-mHkZzkOf_JP-9-1UXlIph5iMIIBzcsyQVC3wdloIT_R29oQ2Gun_05c_YszHgzEd7khrTchMWwiRRuSus2d2McVRwqG8S_nuc1oT2D1yULHIPloBLD37MMMMqz9gw/s1600/Picture+26.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVr7xNte2sGwd-mHkZzkOf_JP-9-1UXlIph5iMIIBzcsyQVC3wdloIT_R29oQ2Gun_05c_YszHgzEd7khrTchMWwiRRuSus2d2McVRwqG8S_nuc1oT2D1yULHIPloBLD37MMMMqz9gw/s400/Picture+26.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">Post race nourishment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDCXZ_-HcjPTC7Z7eQUDntoLQOkKigbYzIJx3gndlzU52vvA-T8LzNoypppIc3WQgmg98dtSJmL0BwWOhqnHuVPofYuk3RXoR0dXuaHz0WhiDIvRlBBYv-4jKNezA433Ig1TQ0aVvCg/s1600/Picture+30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDCXZ_-HcjPTC7Z7eQUDntoLQOkKigbYzIJx3gndlzU52vvA-T8LzNoypppIc3WQgmg98dtSJmL0BwWOhqnHuVPofYuk3RXoR0dXuaHz0WhiDIvRlBBYv-4jKNezA433Ig1TQ0aVvCg/s400/Picture+30.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The epic road trip Go Shiggy Go.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"></span></span></span>Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-87108890605280168622012-11-10T20:38:00.000-08:002012-11-28T09:14:58.610-08:00Santa Barbara Marathon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Two months ago, I DNF'ed for the second straight year at the Diablo Marathon. I'm not sure what it is about that mountain but I keep faltering there. That DNF bothered the devil out of me, so the next day I went out strong at the Giant Half Marathon. To my shock, I ran a 2:14 half, my second best half marathon time ever. Mind you, the last time I ran a sub-2:15 was three years ago! That race brought me a lot of confidence, and I made the bold statement that I was going gun for my first sub-5 marathon finish at CIM in December. My results kept getting better so I moved that goal up one month to Santa Barbara. When I PR'ed at the Oktoberun Half Marathon with a 2:07 finish, I moved that goal up another week. Sure enough, I earned my 4:56 marathon finish at the Two Cities Marathon!</div>
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I am now way ahead of schedule, but I will not rest on my laurels! I nailed my sub-5 marathon, and I wanted more! I came into Santa Barbara with every intention of PR-ing, but alas, my legs lost steam on the deceptively hilly course. I did finish this race in 5:14, which is my second best marathon time ever.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLBVeUjwL9ifkzpjI_zccg6S-UhFnho-ERwQkHoVt5O6FneOlwXSMlIZk6zFw2_OYnfQOpLoBb1LKGGzvTmleisEA3MwHnpBC9_G9ZIa_aNTwZiq3blsRONsJ_C8zPlaW7Z-a1x7qpg/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLBVeUjwL9ifkzpjI_zccg6S-UhFnho-ERwQkHoVt5O6FneOlwXSMlIZk6zFw2_OYnfQOpLoBb1LKGGzvTmleisEA3MwHnpBC9_G9ZIa_aNTwZiq3blsRONsJ_C8zPlaW7Z-a1x7qpg/s400/IMG_6363.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woo Hoo!</td></tr>
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It gives me great pleasure to say that I have completed 80 life time marathons/ultras since
July 2010. The top four best finish times have come in the past 6 months. I
must be doing something right!<br />
<ol>
<li>4:56 - Two Cities Marathon (11/04/12)</li>
<li>5:14 - Santa Barbara Marathon (11/11/12) </li>
<li>5:29 - San Francisco Marathon (07/29/12)</li>
<li>5:47 - Tacoma City Marathon (05/06/12) </li>
<li>5:52 - Silicon Valley Marathon (0/31/10)</li>
<li>5:56 - Surf City Marathon (02/06/11) </li>
<li>6:00 - Long Beach Marathon (10/17/10)</li>
<li>6:01 - Utah Valley Marathon (06/09/12)</li>
<li>6:11 - San Francisco Marathon (07/29/10)</li>
<li>6:28 - Two Cities Marathon (11/07/10)</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdig3feRWTtzbs85DjnCrQp9WlHdQ_LIO82szPAIoIrD6ykZcfdNI9LS8nEmeNCObUUbYppS5Butz9IMecNNxhXUL96SG-2VWiFhFz2tLCrqoBV7T4oxtduB3SM6QcZo77vJmjM8tGQ/s1600/Picture+15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdig3feRWTtzbs85DjnCrQp9WlHdQ_LIO82szPAIoIrD6ykZcfdNI9LS8nEmeNCObUUbYppS5Butz9IMecNNxhXUL96SG-2VWiFhFz2tLCrqoBV7T4oxtduB3SM6QcZo77vJmjM8tGQ/s400/Picture+15.png" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maniacs at the start line.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf08hcT21tE66ajhRj9ihbA7AbrYUkBp_HkDbvdd9w8wPeqxjW9ppweFCl-DIu3rZCRoGkNfT0rFExe2Eha1TGwZEDO-SRwt42Ny_WssdEOjBQHwkkRzWl_m0Ma3QwdoJMzu_YF4fAQ/s1600/Picture+16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDf08hcT21tE66ajhRj9ihbA7AbrYUkBp_HkDbvdd9w8wPeqxjW9ppweFCl-DIu3rZCRoGkNfT0rFExe2Eha1TGwZEDO-SRwt42Ny_WssdEOjBQHwkkRzWl_m0Ma3QwdoJMzu_YF4fAQ/s400/Picture+16.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Maniacs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi7-dkMKBgeZAi0ReuYFjEuZr0G6HyMcRJnoMYnelCDtIcKXdSd3ie2iw7BXs7YhdshsU1LRpUy-lFNG0XOgO2L49IPdTLSgR3VtFORLcoknDpfgLYjX_BYACJciNlDRqwQA2n_5pXA/s1600/Picture+17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi7-dkMKBgeZAi0ReuYFjEuZr0G6HyMcRJnoMYnelCDtIcKXdSd3ie2iw7BXs7YhdshsU1LRpUy-lFNG0XOgO2L49IPdTLSgR3VtFORLcoknDpfgLYjX_BYACJciNlDRqwQA2n_5pXA/s400/Picture+17.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woo Hoo! Finish line shot! Congratulations to Chris and Chris on their PRs!</td></tr>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-14924776269465212172012-11-08T23:11:00.000-08:002012-11-28T07:39:55.349-08:00Run D'Amore 50kRun D'Amore is the glorified fat ass spinoff of Run-de-Vous. For those who don't know what a "fat ass" race is, Wikipedia defines it as "a series of low key runs that are
frequented by experienced runners & walkers and characterised by the
phrase 'No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps'". After the success of Run-de-Vous, the race director decided to put on this race for all those who wanted to come back. <div>
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I had reservations about returning, as my Run-de-Vous belt buckle experience was life changing, and I really wasn't ready for round two. It was too soon. I still wanted to bask in the glory of my huge 100 mile accomplishment. Besides, I was already committed to the Santa Barbara/Malibu double weekend, so the point was moot. Fortunately, there were some rule changes and an early start option, so I found a way to fit this race into my schedule. I managed to squeeze a 50k into my jam packed weekend by taking the Thursday early start.<div>
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My concern about Run D'Amore was that it turned into what appeared to be a 4-day progressive staged race with the benefit of the time clock stopping on Thursday and Friday nights. This would mean that a runner could conceivably complete 25 miles a day, crawl into their comfortable bed and sleep for eight hours, return the following day to complete another 25 miles and then repeat this two more times. That runner would in essence complete 100 miles in 24 hours, which seems very unfair to me. I believe that one <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">needs to experience the sleep deprivation, exhaustion, delirium, and pain to truly understand and appreciate how difficult it is. 100 miles is 100 miles, and I applaud everyone who completes it regardless of time. There is no such thing as a belt buckle being worth the weight of tin. However, when you challenge yourself and do it straight through in the allotted time limit without the benefit of a stop clock, you will limp away knowing that you truly challenged yourself. I voiced my concerns to the race director, and he adjusted the rules to reflect the stop clock issues. Like I said, 100 miles is 100 miles, and kudos to all who duked it out!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpen2RNadgEt-pE3MQjrKakQqnV8HID7O_a5XS49odODUbfBji5FYcU65MbE0PsQBZKG9KybJQUs-a8D68t5O7PKQ2TmNeVhwF1RaTToi8e1XKZgYTXwdri9ys2n68JteL26pVRIyKA/s1600/IMG_6317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpen2RNadgEt-pE3MQjrKakQqnV8HID7O_a5XS49odODUbfBji5FYcU65MbE0PsQBZKG9KybJQUs-a8D68t5O7PKQ2TmNeVhwF1RaTToi8e1XKZgYTXwdri9ys2n68JteL26pVRIyKA/s400/IMG_6317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I got my 50k done in about 9 hours. I wanted run the whole thing, but I figured with Santa Barbara and Malibu right around the corner, I'd take it easy. It got really cold and wet out there by the time I left, so I was glad to be done. Congratulations all who completed Run D'Amore in the harsh weather!</span></div>
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Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11150657375961103.post-39842510442011103452012-11-07T07:12:00.000-08:002012-11-09T09:14:53.273-08:00Men's Health Urbanathlon UpdateHere's an update on my Urbanathlon training:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ub7EBAodI_S12yDGbnuAHLr1MvExkHsjSJnvzPVFspvSWp3eKxusbc1xJaqPT0RQ_ZCAksyelf3THbmWrd8njhbUsa9iNAELmAk_V-4M8SzUP6Ulso635LT2OAjTkOZS7m4ChAY-OA/s1600/Picture+37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ub7EBAodI_S12yDGbnuAHLr1MvExkHsjSJnvzPVFspvSWp3eKxusbc1xJaqPT0RQ_ZCAksyelf3THbmWrd8njhbUsa9iNAELmAk_V-4M8SzUP6Ulso635LT2OAjTkOZS7m4ChAY-OA/s400/Picture+37.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is an old photo, but you get the gist of what I am doing. It's hard taking a photo of yourself with an iPhone while doing push ups! As I noted in my previous blog, the only way I can get through this Urbanathlon is by pumping up my upper body. I don't think I'll be getting that Arnold Schwarzenegger's Mr. Universe physique by the time of this event, but any strength I build up between now and then will be good. I just need to make it through those monkey bars!</div>
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I've been doing some online research on the art and science of the pushup. It seems the best way to get into top shape is via boot camp, military style. My buddy Jonesy is in the army and he showed me some basic boot camp exercises. I credit Jonesy for turning my running around, so I value everything he says, even when it's harsh. This guy doesn't sugar coat, and he flat out told me that I had no upper body strength. He told me a 12 year old girl can do a better push up than I can! As much as that stung, I took it to hear.<br />
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I found some great YouTube videos to get me moving along. I know a lot of readers out there probably do not know how do a proper push, so I hope this helps. I was doing these all wrongs before Drill Sergeant Jonesy showed me otherwise. These videos helped me improve my form.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aBTUaQy-toE" width="420"></iframe>
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This Urbanathlon is good for me because it forces me to work out my weak upper body. It took me a few years to master the art and science of running marathons. I know that with training and discipline, I will reach the point where I can pass a military physical fitness test. It won't happen in time for next weekend's Urbanathlon, but eventually I will get to that point. Damn those monkey bars!</div>
Tony Nguyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16173474440468455702noreply@blogger.com1