Wednesday, July 28, 2010

GFR

P1010019

What is GFR? Here's a hint, it's not Good Foot Refreshment! This was some very cold water off of Mackinaw Island and it was refreshing, but the GFR I'm talking about is called Good Form Running. I suppose it could also stand for Good Free Running-advice, because that's what it ended up being.

This summer is coming dangerously close to the end and I'm slightly embarrassed how few places I frequent. There's the gym, I know I'm hanging out there much too often because the instructors are getting dangerously close to knowing me by name and though not quite at that point yet, they are learning it's fun to give me a tough time and that's dangerous (for me). Next, is the dive shop. There, they definitely know my name and I swear they make the cha-ching sound when I walk through the door. There's the trail I've been getting ready for my 5K on. We are not on speaking terms yet, but that my have to do with I usually give it the finger as I drive off frustrated. Lastly, is my new hang out, Gazelle Sports.

Gazelle Sports puts on a free clinic called Good Form Running (GFR) that I decided to check out tonight. Make no mistake about it, I've already decided a marathon runner I am not, but I am curious to know how I should be running to prevent injuries and overall what form I should have. You know, if you can't be good, at least look good that's my motto. They started out by having us run our normal pace a short distance. Then it got a little weird and they asked us to do the same thing but this time barefoot. This is the point that little voice and says "This is why it's free, they are going to steal your shoes!"

In the end, they didn't steal my shoes, maybe some dignity, but that's it. What they ended up doing is video taping our runs. Then they brought us inside to explain what Good Form Running is. After a brief explanation of the concepts, then it was analysis of our form in painstakingly slow-motion, high definition quality making sure to point out every instance of how we broke any of the rules of Good Form Running. (As a note to anybody who reads this, this might be a slight exaggeration, not to scare you off. I may have added a little extra drama)

The most interesting thing is after getting critiqued then the video started of us running barefoot and magically most of the flaws were gone. Does this mean throw out all your shoes, revolt, resort to ape like behavior? Probably not. Though, admit it, throwing your own poop would be fun! Did I just say that? Ahhh, who reads this anyway? But it's interesting how shoes have changed our natural running style, not for the better, but actually for the worse. I admit it, I like being shocked and I for one never gave much thought to how shoes over the years have added this huge padded heel. Anyway, the concepts are very interesting and definitely worth checking out if you have any interest in running.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Air Show 2010

F-4F-22

It wouldn't be the 4th, without attending the Battle Creek Air Show with our VIP tickets. At least, that seems to be the tradition anyway. I know it's going to be difficult go back to general public admission after getting spoiled with the VIP tickets. When the temps are in the high 80's, blazing sun, it's nice to be able to stretch out, grab a free cold drink whenever you feel like it, and not have sweaty rednecks spilling beer on you. Though, I did seem to gain a special friend who found it necessary to chat with me the whole time I took pictures. Never in the down time between acts or during the acts I didn't care about, only the performances I wanted to take pictures of. Helpful!

This year was different from years past, a true headlining group wasn't booked for the air show. Instead, the showcase performance was a single plane, the F-22 Raptor. Overall, I do like watching the precision of multiple planes flying in formation, so this year was a bit of a let down. The Raptor is a very cool aircraft, it's not to say it's performance was lacking, it just didn't seem as exciting. Though in terms of awesomeness, the single F-22 could probably take on every other military plane at the air show, plus the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angles at the same time and shoot them all down. So, I wouldn't say I enjoyed the prior air shows better out of fear of what it could do to me.

I did get to see two other aircraft I hadn't seen before too, the Harrier and the F-4 Phantom. The Harrier was Becca's favorite. I can see why, a plane that can take off and hover like a helicopter is unique. I couldn't help tease her about it though, for much of it's performance all it did was stand still, which isn't much different than if was just parked on the ground!

They also had rides in a B-25 WWII medium bomber for $400. Even though it would be once in a lifetime type of experience, if I'm going to spend $400 for a plane ride, it better be taking me someplace tropical! Though, I suppose a Raptor ride, I could be talked into paying $400 and landing at the same airport I took off from.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Run Like the Wind, On A Calm Day

Be Swift

The health kick has started again. It started with The Quest to Find Abs back in Nov. 2008. The Abs never did get found, but I did get in pretty good shape for my trip, which was the real goal. The problem after the trip, most motivation was gone and with summer just around the corner, the thought of being active outside resulted in very few gym visits. Which only lead to the snowball affect, who says it doesn't snow in summer? Not all progress was lost, but it sure felt like it.

It has taken close to three months to undo the eight slacker months. This time around, it's been disheartening and slightly depressing because the scale hasn't cooperated or at least it's been very slow going. Which is somewhat humorous because in this second health kick, I'm actually paying attention to diet. One would think with being more health conscious with diet, this second time around things would have been easier. Not so. I'm also kicking myself for not taking body measurements before, mainly for my own curiosity. But it's easy to see progress with weights using my workout app for my phone. Though, I have to admit, the best source of motivation has come from two out of the blue compliments by people asking if I've been working out. I didn't even have to pay them, or drop any hints!

So, that's the back story, now to the actual goal. I think most people have finishing a marathon on their Bucket List. I'm no different. But unlike most with that dream, getting up off the couch and running a marathon is unrealistic, I know it. Lets face it, 26.2 miles is #$^@'ing crazy! Even though, I think it would be awesome to say I finished a marathon, that as a goal isn't even on the horizon. Hell, it might be a different planet even. If it's one thing I've learned in life is set small goals that put you towards your dream, not your dream as the goal.

My plan is simple, run a 5K, 10K, a half-marathon, then maybe a full marathon. It's great to say that, but then the next step (besides doing it) is committing to it, so I'm officially entered in my first 5K EVER, the St. Metro Cruise 5K! It's about two months away, so it gives me plenty of time to get some training in. Looking at some of the times posted from last year, I think the only chance I'd have at placing in the top three for my age group would be running with a baseball bat and going all Tonya Harding on people, so I won't be doing that. A goal of just finishing seems too easy on this one, so my personal goal is finishing with a time around 25 minutes. If I can do that, I'll be pretty damn happy.

You know me, if I'm doing something new, there's almost always a tech thing involved. I've got a phone app that tracks my progress, if you want to follow me without breaking a sweat, you can do so HERE.

C'mon wind!