Way Too Cool 50km

Saturday the 10^th was a great day for the Way Too Cool 50 km run. The weather was ideal as it was not too hot, nor too cold. It was just right. The trail was dry for this time of year and the footing was good. Before the start, there were many runners milling around in a circus like atmosphere. There were many tents and vendors. Excitement was in the air .The only thing that was missing were the elephants and tigers.

The first part of the run, about 8 miles long, meandered in and around the Knickerbocker-Olmsted loop. I covered that distance in one hour 38 minutes and was met by Secretariat. We then proceeded to the Western states trail and headed toward the intersection cut off used by the Tevis Cup riders while crossing Highway 49. I noticed many young attractive females running this race which was a good thing. A woman with a pony tail ran past us and mentioned that her psychologist told her that a pony tail elicits a prey response in men on the trail. Secretariat told her that I was a psychologist, and I replied “I do not need a ponytail.” We all laughed and continued running especially when I told her that she had a ponytail. She seemed surprised, and realized that she had her hair in a ponytail.

After crossing Highway 49, we ran the river trail, passing Brown’s bar and Maine bar in the process. I used a heart rate monitor to measure anaerobic and aerobic heart beat. The formula 220 – age was the criteria that I used. My heart rate ranged between 88% - 91 or 92% for much of the distance along that part of the trail. When I approached a hill, I made sure to pay attention to my heart rate. I did not want to burn myself out, early on during this run. During this section of the trail, my Achilles- heel was talking to me. Another reason to walk the hills was not to stretch and aggravate my Achilles more than I had to. All in all, despite my discomfort, my energy was good, and I was running well and steady.

I crossed American Canyon Creek and headed towards the Western States trail. My energy level remained good as I did not seem overly tired. Secretariat ran with me, and then got out in front. Periodically, I caught up to him as he was waiting for me. Just prior to the recycling center, I found him sitting at the “monument” resting comfortably. This monument was dedicated to runner Barbara Schooner who was attacked and eaten by a mountain lion years ago. Yea, there were no mountain lions today.

To be continued:

Coronary Bypass Surgery, Health Work Out or Performance Work Out ?

Tomorrow, I plan to run the Jed Smith, 50 km race advertised as the fastest in the West.  My friend Secretariat is going to run with me and keep me company.  He has done that before in this race and other races like the American River 50 and the Way Too Cool 50 km.  It is great being able to run these races with a good friend.

Today is a rest day, as I am not going out for a trail run.  Last Saturday, at the Stinson beach half marathon, I experimented with a Chia bar.  It seemed that my energy was good after consuming that bar.  However, I do not believe that I ran any faster.  Yesterday I purchased Chia seed powder and mixed it in today’s smoothie.  My smoothie consisted of a banana, an orange, an apple, frozen strawberries, ginger, almond milk, yogurt, cayenne pepper, pineapple, and broccoli.  I intend to use the Chia seed powder and Chia bars during tomorrow’s run.  If all goes well, I will hoot and holler.

An article titled “Rowing to the Heart’s Content” appeared in the December 20, 2011 edition of the Wall Street Journal.  In the article, there was a story of a commercial real estate attorney who, at the age of 48, had a nine hour sextuple coronary bypass surgery to install artery opening stents. At the time, James was 5’8” and 182 pounds.  He jogged, rode a stationary bike and lifted weights several times a week.  He was a light drinker, did not smoke, and avoided eating red meat.  Unfortunately, he was the one of the 10% of cardiac patients who is genetically predisposed to heart disease, regardless of lifestyle factors.

Currently, he is working out with an Indo-row machine that has water filled flywheels intended to replicate an on water experience.  This machine also measures miles per hour and calories burned.  He also practices Yin Yoga (a deep stretching, passive yoga) and takes spinning and strength training classes.  In addition, he has adopted a gluten-free diet that, according to him, boosts his energy.  He currently weighs 157 pounds.

According to Dr. Gordon Blackburn, the best activities for post-operative patients are aerobic exercises that utilize the large muscle groups and involve rhythmical repetitive activities.  He recommends cycling, walking, jogging, rowing, an elliptical trainer, or dancing.  The doctor also suggests resistance training with bands and weights to maintain muscle mass. He believes that there is exercise for health and exercise for performance and does not believe in high-end performance for these patients.  He believes that every post cardiac bypass surgery exercise program should be customized.

How would you classify your exercise program? 1.  None at all 2.  High-performance 3.  For health 4.  Somewhat between 1, 2 or 3.  I would currently place myself between 2 and 3.  Do as the Nike commercial “Just do it” or “keep moving.”