Go, you chicken fat, go away!

Arizona Road Racer's Open Mile September 21, 2010

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Location:

Mesa,AZ,USA

Member Since:

May 12, 2008

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

I started running again in 2007 after 14 years of not running.

Mile - 4:59 (high school 1992), 5:57 (9/21/2010 ARR Open Mile)

2 mile - 11:10 (high school 1992)

5k - 21:54 (11/18/2010 Tempe Road Runners 5k)

10k - 48:29 (5/9/2009 Race for Hospice)

Unofficial 10k - 47:11 (1/27/2011 Red Mountain Park)

1/2 marathon - 1:49:00 (4/4/2009 Havasu Half)

Marathon - 4:33:09 (11/21/2009 Mesquite Marathon)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Run a half marathon in under two hours.

Run a marathon in close to 4 hours.

Long-Term Running Goals:

Stay healthy long enough to live through the millenium.

Personal:

I am married and have six kids. 

Blog title explanation

Bloggers I've met in real life: 1MileToGo, Aaron Kennard, Andrea North, Arizona Desert Monsoon, auntieem, Bec, Ben, Benjamin, Bonnie, Camille, Cari, Collin Anderson, David Holt, DooneEight Kid Mom, Erico, Flatlander, Gary, Jake Krong, JamesW, Jose, Josse, Julieesplin, JunKelli, Kerri, KP, Kyle Dion, Lightitup, Little Bad Legs, Lybi, Marthon Dreamer, M, Mary Ann Schauerhamer, Misty, Nan, Peds Endo Doc, Rachelle, RADRhett, Riley Cook, Rossy, runningafterbabies, Sasha, Scott Hughes, Scott (Kelli's husband), Scott Wesemann, Slow Joe, Spencer Simpson, Stephen, Steve Piccolo, Susie, The Rookie, Toby, Tracy, Twinkies, TylerS, Walter

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Mizuno Wave Inspire 7 Lifetime Miles: 803.99
Asics Gel 3030 Lifetime Miles: 204.85
Saucony Hurricane 13 Lifetime Miles: 149.22
Asics Gel DS Trainer 17 Lifetime Miles: 87.49
Mizuno Wave Inspire 9 Lifetime Miles: 800.59
Brooks Ravenna 4 Lifetime Miles: 88.83
Mizuno X10 Trail Lifetime Miles: 180.06
Mizuno Wave Inspire 10 Lifetime Miles: 802.77
Asics Gel Kayano 21 Lifetime Miles: 56.47
Mizuno Wave Inspire 11 (blue) Lifetime Miles: 800.75
New Balance 1260v5 Lifetime Miles: 9.19
Reebok Floatride Lifetime Miles: 8.23
Race: Arizona Road Racer's Open Mile September 21, 2010 (1 Miles) 00:05:57, Place overall: 11
Total Distance
2.84

A new post high school PR!  I'm pretty excited even though I feel like I've been put on one of those conveyor belts in the cartoons where the giant glove punches you, then you get chopped up into a dozen pieces, then the iron roller with the spikes flattens out and pulverizes what's left of you.

All day I've been thinking about how I opened my big mouth and told everyone I was shooting for a sub 6.  I've been thinking about what excuses I could give for not making it; too hot, too windy, not enough mileage lately, not enough speed work, Garmin's not calibrated correctly.  But on the other hand I really felt like it was in me.  So I decided to go with MichelleL's advice and just take off like a rabbit.

The way this race works is they line everybody up on the Scottsdale Community College track.  You run a little over four times around to get your mile in.  Ten minutes after the last person comes in, you run another one.  I brought my son with me.  He's in cross country but due to reasons we don't quite understand, he's not eligible to run.  Anyway, he wanted to do it, and I wanted to see what he could do.

I saw some familiar faces and knew there were some fast people there.  Perfect.  That's why I come to these, to race against good competition.  I lined up a row back in lane 3.  That made me have to run in the second lane up until right before the second curve where I saw an opening and took it.  From there on I don't remember passing anyone or being passed.  They called out the first lap as 1:25.   Nice.  I started out hard and then slowed up a hair.  I felt like I could maintain this pace for another 3 laps.  The next lap was 2:55.  Okay.  I'm still under my goal pace.  I'm running strong, but I'm starting to feel it.  The next lap was 4:30.  All I need is another 1:30, and I've already done that twice.  I consciously picked it up.  At this point a guy started coming up on my shoulder.  I thought he would pass me but as we hit the straight away with the wind at our backs I just opened up my stride.  With 200 meters to go I began my kick.  Coming out of the curve I could see the clock and saw that I had about 20 seconds to go.  Maybe allie was right with her 5:55 prediction.  I kept running hard, and I kept seeing seconds tick off it.  Slow down clock!  I might not make it.  I have to not only cross the starting line, but run the little extra because the track is short.  Well, I made it!  5:57!  (Actually Garmin has me at 5:47 because it measured the distance as 1.03 miles.)  However, I'll go with 5:57 (official results) because it's my fault for running in the 2nd lane.

I was pretty excited, but I had to see where AJ was at.  I was surprised that he was kind of far back.  He came in at 7:16.  I know he can run faster than that.  I think his knee was bothering him.  Oh well.  I told him since I made my goal of a sub 6, that I would take the next mile easy.  When we lined up I stood one row back in the first lane.  Nobody came to step in front of me.  This is dumb, I thought.  The guy that started us told us that if we didn't beat our first mile time he would stand us at the 40-yard line and throw javelins at us.  Then he put us to our mark.  All righty then.  I moved up to the front (so unworthy of me.)  Set.  Go.  I took off way slower than the first one.  I made the comment, "Looks like I'll be dodging javelins on the 40."  My second mile was a lazy 6:54.  This time Garmin measured it 1.00 even.  Must be because I had the pole position.  I did lap my son, too.  The funny thing was when he crossed the finish line on his third lap they handed him his popsicle stick with his finish place number on it, so he stopped. 

I know this is the longest entry/mile race report ever, but this is a historic, monumental, breakthrough moment for me.  I would never have thought I would see another mile within the 5's from me.  Especially when I weighed over 250 lbs. three and a half years ago.  Just goes to show what hard work can do for you.  I feel blessed that I am healthy enough to run and that my family supports me.  Sub 5 now?  Well, let's not get too overzealous.

************************************************************************

Day 79 P90X - Plyometrics X - The race was at 6:30pm.  I got home and ate dinner.  Then I did a little blogging, a little facebooking, and generally just procrastinated doing my P90X workout.  I finally started it a little after 11pm.  There's a lot of jumping in Plyometrics X.  Because I was feeling sore from the race, I didn't BRING IT like I usually do.  But I imagine I worked as hard as I did when I first started.

Mizuno Wave Inspire 4 Silver/Old Gold/Phantom Miles: 2.84
Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Smooth on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 01:45:57 from 67.41.235.104

YAY!!! :) :) :) That is sooo AWESOME!!! GOOD JOB, Burt! CONGRATZ on the post HS PR! Bet that felt GOOD! How exciting!

From Smooth on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 01:47:47 from 67.41.235.104

Oh and Kudos to AJ too! You must be so proud of him!

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 02:05:38 from 68.225.214.248

Thanks Smooth. I am proud of him. I've noticed he does a lot better when he has something to help keep him motivated and focused.

From AZDesertmonsoon on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 02:38:29 from 63.224.153.94

Congrats on the PR. Which PR are you going to attack next?

From burp on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 03:16:49 from 151.118.136.52

Nice Burt!!

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 03:44:04 from 68.225.214.248

AZDM and burp - thanks. I don't have any more races lined up except for these monthly events. I want my 10k time to come down. I was primed to do it earlier this year at London's Run, but they messed the course up and sent us the wrong way. But I got to meet Flatlander, Lightitup, and Stephen, so it made it all better.

From ChrisM on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 04:12:27 from 130.88.123.4

Well done Burt! That's awesome

Hope you managed to dodge the javelins

From samanthahoward on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 05:19:11 from 78.32.130.9

take off like bunny rabbit ha ha ha

thats my motto but sometimes i go too fast and pay the price lol

well done bunny burt congrats on a new goal to break just keep at it like a rabbit :))

From seeaprilrun on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 07:36:11 from 68.103.248.145

Yeah Burt! Congratulations and what an awesome breakthrough! I don't think sub-5 is dreaming. You could get there!

From Steve Piccolo on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 08:54:59 from 207.135.129.5

Way to go, Burt! That's a great breakthrough. How about 5:45 next?

From Chad on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 09:05:33 from 204.113.19.55

Go, Burt Go!! That's sweet, and congratulations!! (notice the exclamation points)

From Nevels on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 09:55:13 from 155.74.2.253

solid. congrats.

you've made huge improvements over the last year or two, which is definitely something to be proud of.

sub-6 is a huge mental barrier; now that you're past it, who knows what's possible (and being overzealous is exactly what got me under 5 the first time i did it, so clearly you're next...)

From KP on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 10:01:02 from 65.208.22.25

way to go!!

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 11:25:17 from 68.225.214.248

Chris - No. I took it like a man. But they just bounced right off me.

Sam - I'm a happy bunny.

April - I'll do it if you do.

Steve - Baby steps. I like it.

Chad - doubles. Nice.

Nevels - clearly. ha!

KP - thanks!

From allie on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 11:28:10 from 174.19.51.35

that is awesome, burt! a great reward for all of your hard work.

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 12:08:58 from 206.19.214.144

Oh my gosh, the blog queen just commented on my report! I shouldn't have blurted that out, but I couldn't help it. It is such an honor. Can I say what a big fan I am of you? I mean, two time TOU champion. My pitiful 5:58 mile is not worthy.

From allie on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 12:19:40 from 174.19.51.35

stop that. it is not pitiful; it's awesome. come on now, my comment was serious! you are running really well it's a big post HS PR! be proud of it.

i just can't wait for those 90 day pics! i am totally going to photoshop you into a crib.

From allie on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 12:20:55 from 174.19.51.35

punctuation error police: insert "." after "well"

first warning.

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 12:24:41 from 206.19.214.144

Well, thanks, but I really do think you're the queen. But you're the "cool" queen.

From Nevels on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 12:25:52 from 155.74.2.253

comment police, punctuation police - how's a guy ever gonna write a plethora of poorly written, inappropriate comments?

(and you've got to love the irony behind the fact that the punctuation error police hasn't capitalized anything in quite a while...)

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 12:27:17 from 206.19.214.144

KP is the grammar police.

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 12:28:17 from 206.19.214.144

Right about now new blogger burp is looking at his inbox and saying, "What the @#$%?"

From KP on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 13:10:45 from 65.208.22.25

i'm not gonna lie... when i was running with my buddy, eric, on monday, i said to him that i "know" the girl that just won TOU and she ran like a 2:51. he was quite impressed as he is chasing the big 2:49 this winter. allie is most definitely the queen.

From RAD on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 13:33:16 from 67.172.229.125

Burt I loved reading your report! Those hard, fast miles are just as intense as a full. You did a GREAT job hitting that sub 6, even Mother Nature couldn't have stopped you! :)

I think if we voted for prom king and queen of the blog, I would predict that Allie and Burt would win.

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 13:38:29 from 206.19.214.144

KP - I love bragging to my friends about Nan, allie, and all the other big time names on this blog. RivertonPaul.

RAD - Thanks, but ew. I'm twice her age. That just sounds creepy. Plus her cuteness levels are off the chart. Wouldn't make a good picture.

From SlowJoe on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 14:10:40 from 214.13.130.104

Congrats Burt, that's a really fast mile. Although, if you had pushed people out of the way, like I suggested, it would've been 5:47.

From ChrisM on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 14:57:07 from 86.177.56.78

You also broke the 4:00 barrier

the 4:00 km barrier!

From The Quiet Pirate on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 15:03:50 from 152.26.59.252

Burt- awesome race times! I'm super impressed that you stuck with the p90x and didn't miss a day. This would have been a great excuse.

You're not an excuse kind of guy, though. You're Burt the Bunny!

Job well done!

From RAD on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 15:10:26 from 67.172.229.125

Okay Burt the Bunny - I simply meant that you two are the 'cool kids' that would get the popular vote, not that you have to go steady or anything :)

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 15:35:33 from 206.19.214.144

I swear I had an evil SlowJoe on one shoulder telling me to do it and an angle SlowJoe telling me not to.

Chris - Speak English please.

QP - Not sure how to take that coming from a pirate.

RAD - Thank goodness. She's such drama.

From baldnspicy on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 17:52:21 from 72.77.68.219

Congrats Burt! One day I'll be there too and then we can be friends again.

Oh, and if you want AJ to have some motivation, go to the track when the HS cheerleaders are practicing. He'll kick your PR to the curb! BTW, my son was bummed they weren't there the last time we went. I wonder why...

From Tom on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 18:09:56 from 137.65.56.16

Nice job on the sub-6 Burt! BTW I think you are at least the blog Duke. When you get that sub-5 then you will be the King!

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 18:22:06 from 206.19.214.144

BNS - I don't know. I'm awfully fond of cheerleaders myself.

Tom - thanks for being the voice of reason. Now, who's the court jester?

From MichelleL on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 18:30:26 from 70.58.32.131

You know what's kind of funny is that I was joking about the bust out like a rabbit advice, but that's pretty much right for a mile race. I saw your sub-6:00 on FB and was going to ask if it was downhill. . . You have to go with actual time when racing on the track, if you decide to do loop-de-loos on the track then you just have to work that much harder.

You're doing awesome, Burt. Look how far you have come.

From Scott Ensign on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 18:40:23 from 65.100.218.2

nice job Burt, the combination of running and conditioning really is doing the job. way to go.

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 18:44:04 from 206.19.214.144

Michelle - downhill??? Mean! But I can't stay mad at you :)

Scott - Hopefully my times will continue to drop once I start running more after P90X.

From JD on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 19:02:15 from 209.183.51.46

Congratulations Burt! I'm jealous of your 5:57 (and a solid 5:57 at that). Don't know if I'll ever get there.

From RivertonPaul on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 19:18:57 from 97.163.94.101

I would have given you even bigger congratulations had you actually dodged some javelins.

From Kelli on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 19:44:35 from 71.219.65.246

WOW. You are my HERO. For Real.

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 20:32:02 from 68.225.214.248

JD - Never say never. I guess you actually said ever, so Evermind.

RivertonPaul - I'll try to dodge some javelinas instead.

Kelli - Something about your comment has the Bed Intruder song going through my head now. "Hide yo kids, hide yo wife..."

From Kelli on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 20:42:31 from 71.219.65.246

Oh my, that song cracks me up. I need to go listen to it.

I should have said, "Fo Real"

From runningafterbabies on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 21:05:00 from 67.161.249.168

I'm so stoked for you, Burt! Personally I prefer the 1600 to the mile - just think if you didn't run those extra 9.334 meters you would have broken 5:55 for sure!

From Burt on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 21:32:44 from 68.225.214.248

Melody - On my first lap as I came down the straightaway I saw 1:05 on the clock. Then it took me 20 seconds to get to where they were calling out splits. so when I saw 5:40 on the fourth lap, I thought it was in the bag, but then I had to run those extra 9 meters and almost didn't make it!

From AZDesertmonsoon on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 21:37:45 from 63.224.153.94

If you like Hide Your Kids, Hide Your Wife you will like these.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XEzE3mwPr0&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqSYeRBW8GM&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MZffvS0yDo&feature=player_embedded#!

From Kelli on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 21:46:08 from 71.219.65.246

HOW do they make them sound like they are singing? That lady is hilarious.

From KP on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 22:36:08 from 173.24.255.248

lets please remember that the "hide yo kids" guy is from my hometown. goodness gracious. that is all huntsville will be known for now! at least it's funny!

From runningafterbabies on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 at 23:29:08 from 67.161.249.168

Burt - you get xtra points for chesting the line to break six. It must be P90X chest/back, right?

From Colby Park on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 01:00:19 from 214.13.91.217

Hey Burt, nice job on the run. Isn't it awesome to accomplish running goals? I love it!

You asked what was in November. That is when I get to come home to Italy from Afghanistan! I'll be able to see how the altitude and running here will affect how I run at sea level...can't wait!

From Burt on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 12:21:02 from 206.19.214.144

Yes Melody. P90X has moved me up a bra size.

Colby - stay safe my friend. Thanks.

From flatlander on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 17:44:58 from 198.207.244.102

Burt, congratulations, totally awesome that you can do that. You have got some really good speed going right now, I definitely think you should try to keep getting faster.

From Burt on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 18:35:43 from 206.19.214.144

Flat - It would be nice to relive the glory years.

KP - I grew up in Kingman AZ. That's where Timothy McVeigh lived when he bombed the OKC federal building. Guess what we're known for now?

From rAtTLeTrAp on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 18:35:59 from 72.102.238.32

Nice work Burt!

From Burt on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 18:37:54 from 206.19.214.144

Woah Trap. I beat your comment by 16 seconds. How's the foot doing?

From Rossy on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 18:49:35 from 67.59.92.51

5:57, great job Burt!

From rAtTLeTrAp on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 19:08:26 from 72.102.238.32

That's because you are so fast!

The doc confirmed a neuroma today. Cortisone shot coming next week. I think Wes jinxed me when he said he wants to be like mike.

I'm going to try to get some miles in this weekend, 5 days is too long.

From Burt on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 19:16:37 from 206.19.214.144

Thanks Rossy.

Good luck Trap.

From nicole on Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 23:59:57 from 76.22.105.167

YOU DOMINATE!!! 'Nuf said.

From baldnspicy on Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 09:24:40 from 72.77.68.219

Oh sure, blame it on the bald guy, Mike. If I was fast enough to catch you (and I lived near by) I'd come and punch you in the shoulder! haha

From rAtTLeTrAp on Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 14:10:59 from 72.102.238.32

:)

From Burt on Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 14:38:29 from 206.19.214.144

Nicole - are you sad that you're not in Hawaii anymore? :(

BNS - punch him in the foot.

From Lily on Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 16:23:03 from 67.199.181.73

hot discussion this mile you did.....well nice work. I really am impressed with this pace :)

From Burt on Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 17:01:47 from 206.19.214.144

Thanks Lily. You should do one. I predict 5:30.

Kelli - in response to your question - "HOW do they make them sound like they are singing?" It's the same technology used to make it sound like Brittney Spears can carry a tune.

From Kelli on Fri, Sep 24, 2010 at 17:56:18 from 71.219.65.246

Funny.

From Bonnie on Sat, Sep 25, 2010 at 16:16:59 from 64.119.33.134

Great Job Burt!! I am so excited for you!!

We might be coming up your way next weekend for a cross-country race (some ASU friends are running) ... I will let you know.

From Burt on Sat, Sep 25, 2010 at 16:56:13 from 68.225.214.248

That would be so cool Bonnie.

From Seth on Wed, Sep 29, 2010 at 15:29:50 from 199.188.28.8

sorry for the late post. Great job goin sub 6:00! Here's a link to that Running Times article about stride efficiency you had asked about before. Happy reading and keep it up!

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=20271

From Burt on Wed, Sep 29, 2010 at 16:35:40 from 68.225.214.248

Thanks Seth. That was a good article.

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