New Year, New Me?

So much like my recent track record of consistently posting new blog entries, the same could be said for my recent running activity. I think much of that has to do with the fact of being really content with my accomplishment (as much as that makes me sound really superficial haha) but it really seemed that way. Fortunately there's a new year on the horizon (at the time of this blog post about 32 hours away) and I already have some big ambitions for this year.

I think this is what this year is going to be about. I want to push myself to limits that I never knew I could go. Yeah so I apologize for nothing earth shattering or highly intellectual, nah this year is just pretty much show up and show out. Hopefully some of you guys who read this will start to do something new to improve yourself or something that you enjoy.

Happy Running in 2014

2:05:47

Well first of all I'd like to apologize for being awfully late with this post. With that said, onward and upward! 

So Thanksgiving was a pretty eventful day to say the least, ran my first half marathon and quite honestly...it wasn't that bad. 

I suppose I had built up this event like it was the Ironman Triathlon (the one held in Hawaii every year) but quite frankly I was able to cope with everything, including the cold temperatures pretty admirably I must say. All that hard work and training had definitely paid off, but what really put me over the top, was the sense of excitement and anticipation that I had leading up to the start. There were so many times I just wanted to explode my pace, but I knew I'd need to conserve energy towards the finish and thankfully I did because they had some massive hills to climb (which really pissed me off and annoyed me to no end haha). If there's one piece of advice I would give to someone whose training for a race of any sort, is to run on trails or courses that feature lots of hills or some hills. Hill work is extremely beneficial, because well for one it makes your legs stronger...and well shit that's pretty much all I got, but trust me when I say that hill work can make a big difference between an easy race and a very hard race.

So I officially timed in at 2:05:47, which is much much quicker than even I imagined, but as a few days passed I sat back and really thought about it, and I didn't feel that sense of satisfaction that I expected from this whole experience. Perhaps it's because I felt like I could have ran harder, or maybe I need to run longer races exclusively (marathons, 50k, etc.). Either way I plan to find the answer to that question, by running in a few half marathons and then setting myself up for a big marathon challenge. 

Well thanks again for reading, happy running.

Pregame

Well I have to admit, as I sit here with less than 10 hours away from probably the most physical challenge I've ever taken up, that I'm pretty gat damn nervous. Well actually it's a combination of two things: anticipation and nervousness.

On one hand I'm nervous as hell, and you may wonder why, but I don't want to run at a snails pace and feel satisfied with just finishing (nothing wrong with that, I have just have a different mentality I suppose)...f*** that I want to compete and try as much as I can. Now I know that I'm probably not going win place finishers medals (we do get participant medals though!), and quite frankly that's okay, but I just like to push myself as far as I can go and if I feel like I don't do that then this will be a failure.

Now on the other hand, I know I busted my ass in training and did just about as much as I could to get used to running in very cold temperatures (nothing is worse than the 2011 Cotton Patch Run at Boys Ranch with -17 degree wind chill and 40 mph winds we all endured) and so I think that physically I'm ready for tomorrow and that once I get to the starting line that I can start to mentally prepare myself and get crunk. I'm also excited to finally have a personal cheering section because my girlfriend, Jessica, is going to be there, which is also the first time I haven't had a complete stranger tell me to "keep running" or "you got this". So there's that added bit of motivation to kick some asphalt tomorrow (lame pun I know)

In any case back to the song, conveniently placed above, is one that I usually listen to while running that soothes me and causes me to calm my nerves, so this is a bit of a microcosm of what's going on with me on the even of the my first half marathon.

Thanks for reading!

What's on My Playlist for Thursday

So in my previous post I mentioned something about sharing what I've been listening to in order to get ready for the Atlanta Half Marathon and well this song perfectly summarizes the vibe I've been going for.

When I hear this song, I think back to my favorite scene in Forrest Gump when he's running across America, and well even if it is on much smaller scale, I imagine myself in that exact scenario. This song is probably the last song I listen to as I cross the finish line this Thursday (which quite honestly I'm pretty scared shitless of)

Here are a few more tunes that have been on repeat lately as well. (also links provided for listening pleasure)

Deftones - Sextape
http://youtu.be/f0pdwd0miqs

Failure - Another Space Song
http://youtu.be/alNQ84K3y5Y

The Chain Gang of 1974 - Undercover
http://youtu.be/vfMTA7rbxro

Toro y Moi - Never Matter
http://youtu.be/xV48pF4r5m8

A Tribe Called Quest - Award Tour
http://youtu.be/P800UWoE9xs

Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Take You There
http://youtu.be/y1joT0YnnsI

Iron Maiden - The Trooper
http://youtu.be/4uq6Ax-zzkQ

Almost Game Time

So today is a joyous day for me, yes for those that know me, today happens to be my birthday, but I'm actually referring today being less than 2 weeks away from my first half marathon. Although I'll be honest, I'm a little afraid about it but at the same time I've been trying to bust ass in preparation for it.

I have been able to steadily increase my speed and distance despite a hamstring that keeps bothering me. In fact since I bought my new pair of shoes (which is actually a half size shorter than what I normally wear) it forced me to alter my running form. Instead of running on my forefoot, I began running on my heels and although it feels a bit odd I'm actually able to run at a brisk pace at longer distances. Although running longer distances isn't easy to get used to when you've been running 3-6 miles.

It's not easy running longer distances, mainly for me because it can be tough to maintain that focus but I like to think of long distance runs as a road trip. Weird I know, but for whatever reason it helps me maintain my focus and think towards the end of the run, like the destination of a trip. Plus I just really enjoy road trips, because it allows me to think about life and lots of other subjects, a really good time to contemplate.

Well happy running guys. I'll be posting my half marathon playlist soon as well.

Quick Half-Marathon Update

So I'm really trying to kick into high gear with my half training and...yeah shit is pretty tough.

So well I'll try to finish up these other two blog posts, and keep you guys up to date.

Thanks for reading.

It's a Love Thing...

Well sorry for being tardy with these latest blog posts, and I said I would update you guys as to how I did at my first race in awhile. It went pretty well, ran around a 56:35 in the Cartersville 10k, which I'm actually pretty happy with and with this result I felt confident enough to enter the Atlanta Half Marathon next month, so training has began with that and hopefully that goes well.

So as those of you, whom have kindly read my first three blog posts may know I really enjoy running...okay okay really really enjoy it, but I digress. Honestly I feel like the reason that most people I've talked to that hated running, don't like it for the simple facts: that well they make it seem harder than it is to do.

Running doesn't have to be a 9 mile run nor does it have to be 10 wind sprints. Running is just putting your two feet in front of one another at a slow or fast pace. Either way it honestly doesn't matter how you go about it, it's all the same. People have a myriad of reasons why they do it, some people do it because it's an easy way to stay in shape, others (like myself) do it because it's a nice escape from reality of sorts, etc. (you get the point...well hopefully) However,  the level of commitment also says a lot about how much they actually enjoy running...well no shit Sherlock, but my philosophy is...well for most anything any hobby or activity is that you should have a passion... a love for whatever it is that you're doing otherwise you probably shouldn't be doing it...at least in my opinion.

So hopefully you guys will find that activity that is beneficial to you in some sort of way, whether it benefit you physically or mentally. Painting, cycling, music, etc. having that type of outlet can only help you in my opinion. Until next time...The Whispers will hopefully help drive that point home about loving what you do.

Well anyhow, once again I'd like to apologize for being so late with this post. I'll be sure to try to stay much more active with updates on training as well as more of my total philosophy on running.

Guess Who's Back

So today is my first race in some time...needless to say I'm a little nervous and maybe more so than any other event in the past. After having a hamstring pull and not being able to train like I wanted, I'm afraid I may re-injure myself and not do as well I would hope. However, there are some definite positives to race day.

Race days for me are what it's all about, all the hard work in training all comes down to this. It's kinda like football for me, I hated practice with a passion, but I loved the games. However, I don't hate training, it's just that I love the races so much. Now you may ask why and I'll tell you. There have been times in the past when I was going through some pretty tough times and sometimes you can't run away from certain types of problems. I remember when I ran the Run for the Arts back in 2012 (which I believe was my 3rd race ever at the time), I can't remember what exactly was going on but I was preoccupied mentally before the race but once I started all I did was focus on the task at hand and that's kinda what got me addicted. Those 30 minutes to an hour where you clear your mind and just compete with other people, it's truly a blast. Now don't get me wrong depending on a course, shit can be made to be very difficult if you don't know how to pace yourself and whatnot but either way it's still fun to be around a group of like minded people that enjoy running as much as you do.

So with that said, I'm mentally starting to prepare myself to run this race, which I don't remember the name of at the time but yeah. Hopefully things go well and I'm satisfied with my result. Thanks for reading, talk to you soon.

P.S. I'll let Rakim do the work for me, but...Guess Who's Back

Atlanta Track Club
West Texas Running Club
Active

The Gift of Running

Just wanted to start off this post by saying thanks to everyone that read my first post and also provided some feedback, it was greatly appreciated. Well with that said, on to my next entry. (also want to apologize for taking so gat dayum long on this post)...(also I hope to have a post ready before my race on Saturday)

This time off from running, has been pretty frustrating to say the least and with the Atlanta Half Marathon coming up in 2 months, it sucks that injury had set me back in my training, but nonetheless wasn't much else I could do. Anyhow, while the non-running has been a pain in the ass to say the least, it has given me an opportunity to reflect on running and how much I take it for granted sometimes. Now I know it probably seems a bit weird how I just said that, but you have to understand that running has given a lot to me. Has running provided me with a new career, a booming career, and international acclaim? Hell no, but when I say that it's provided me with so much, I mean the energy, the confidence, pretty much a new lease on life. It's given me something to strive for and something that I'm very passionate about, probably more than anything. Running is the outlet that allows me to be alone with my thoughts, to process all things in my life and to act as a pressure valve for my stress. Well sorry to blabber on and on...and on...and on, but I think you get the point. Either way, to sum it up, running has been a Godsend plain and simple.

Now I realize that there are lots of people out there that hate running, and I can understand that. It's not for everyone, some people just don't find it that appealing and maybe some people just find it too intense? I can speak for everyone, but I mean I can empathize. Either way it's not for everyone and that's okay...although some people that have dealt with me in the past when discussing running probably think I'm some asshole that takes it too seriously like I'm a paid professional...and yes for whatever reason I do and I probably know the answer why I am that way, but now is not the time for that discussion...but I digress I do have a tendency to be over the top about it and I apologize to those people. It's not the end all be all and if someone reading this decides to dedicates themselves to running then fantastic, or if they say this guys a moron, running is for lame-o's well that's okay too, but homeboy I sure hope your doing something to better yourself and not just being a hater because of your own indiscretions. I mean personally, I think all people should have one type of physical activity that they partake in on a regular basis. It's not just for self improvement, but also to keep yourself from eating all damn day (I know I do that a lot, bored eating that is)

Either way, I would like to challenge the people that read this post to find something that allows you find that that...that shit that I found from running. It's been proven that running and other physical activities have many benefits (http://www.active.com/running/Articles/6-Benefits-of-Running) and who doesn't want to better themselves, ain't nothin wrong with that. Whether it's walking, cycling, swimming, etc. with cool Fall weather upon, summer heat is no longer an excuse. Try it out and if one doesn't tickle your fancy then try another and another until you find that one that makes you say aaaaahhhhh yeeeeeahhh, you know what I'm talking about.

Active
Atlanta Track Club
West Texas Running Club

A New Attitude

Starting a blog that follows my running exploits has been on my to do list for a hot minute to say the least. Well ironically enough I begin this excursion during the most non productive running period I've had in some time, but nonetheless there's never a bad time to start, amirite? With that said, let me give some brief information about myself.

My name is Fernando Rivas and I am a fat ass. I don't mean to be so blunt, but honestly it's the truth (I also would like to apologize up front for the foul language that may occur in the future) However, I used to be an even bigger lard ass a few years ago and because of my unhealthy ways I had an embarrassing situation that made me realize that I needed to change something, thus leading me to start running again. Running to me had always been a safe haven of sorts, it provided me the high I needed, the time to be alone with my thoughts, and provided the greatest outlet for all the trials and tribulations in my life. However, for whatever I reason I'd gotten away because of the usual numbskull shit that college students do but unfortunately as I got further and further away from running I just became a giant schlub (which I still am, thus the title of the blog but anyhow...) I drank all the time (which I do still occasionally get drunk), ate lots of fast food (which I still struggle with), and smoked Black and Mild cigars (which were smooth as eggs).

Well unfortunately, this lead to that faithful day back in 2010 when I had to be taken to the emergency room by my cousin, Sebastian, and subsequently endured an embarrassing fiasco, not from service of hospital attendants but from the fact that I had allowed myself to get to such a poor state. Needless to say, long story short I needed to start running again and honestly I had no clue how terrible of shape I had gotten. Well as the cliche goes, with hard work, perseverance, and forcing myself to run when I didn't want to or didn't feel good or the weather sucked, there I was chipping away. I started out close 290 lbs and recently got down around 238 (Well unfortunately a recent trip back to Texas and mom's home cooking made me gain some back, but anyhow). Well after awhile I started to wonder about running races for fun and entered my first race, a breast cancer awareness 5k (well you know the one) and it's been on since then.

So I started to run races for the hell of it, and then I started to become a little more competitive and started to really push myself to get better and improve, and now here I am a few years later in Atlanta, Georgia sitting on my ass because of a damn pulled hamstring (now also a bruised quad). Well guess there's no better time to start a blog not necessarily documenting my running exploits, but more importantly trying offer advice and encouragement to other folks with honesty and wit. So hopefully you guys will allow me to humor, entertain, and educate you on the trials and tribulations of being a schlub runner.

Fernando

Atlanta Track Club

West Texas Running Club