Final prep before Going Commando.

Just shaved, picked up some protection and something for a little refreshment.  I want to have some 5 o'clock shadow tomorrow when photographing Team Ortho's Go Commando! Adventure 5K tomorrow.  Also, judging from my friends that were out there setting things up today sunscreen is a must.  And we all know that proper hydration is the key to good performance, so I am the proud owner of a  2 liter camel back now. (that will need to be filled a couple of times tomorrow)  My camera batteries are charging and soon I will be off to bed so the 4AM revelry tomorrow will seem more "normal".

I will probably have a race report and photos (none of myself since I am the photographer for most of the day) coming in the following days.  Also be sure to check out the Go Commando FB page HERE as photos are sure to be posted there as well.

Lights Out!

Go Commando! - Pre-race pomp

Not often do I get this excited about a week before a race, but this race is different.  This year I will be volunteering as a photographer and then running.  (made possible by a volunteer wave at the end to let those who sacrificed prime running time to do the dirty work)  This race is Team Ortho's Go Commando (note the links are separate sites).  At the ass crack of dawn, I will be loaded onto a volunteer bus and shipped off to the race site where packets, gear (hat and t-shirt) and goodies (face paint) will be doled out to this years participants before a 5k jaunt through obstacles ensues.  My challenge is to photograph for 12 hrs and then run.

Now, you might be saying, "how hard could it be?"  To which my response is, "how many good race photos have you had take of you?"  Then again, I am not your average photographer.  Most race photogs that I have passed are silent sentinel poised with camera at the ready to collect a pay check.  I will be doing this as a volunteer, why, because I love this sport.  This is a race where the kid in you gets to hijack your adult hobby.  Climb over that wall, sure it was put there for that purpose.  Those cones lead me through that pond; yep, you bet.  Wait are things burning in the path; um yeah, might want to run quickly through that because singed leg hair smells.  Hell one of the obstacles is even reminiscent of a slip and slide.  If you find a way to run this race and not get caked in mud, you should be made to do it over again, so you can get it right.

To those who might actually be reading this and running this event: smile at the big goon with the camera!

Otherwise, what could a photographer do to make you smile while on the course?  Suggestions are welcome and would be mandatory if I could figure out how to do that.

Happy trails!

Catching the running bug.

I have heard this phrase a few times now and would like to list its effects.

• Possible rapid weight loss
• Often accompanied by blogging
• Likely contagious to close friends and family
• Increased sales of ice packs and spandex
• Redefining of what one will or won't do (I remember telling a friend once that they would never see me run 5 miles for "fun".  My 25k last year was a blast.)
• Desire to travel to see more places on foot.

This is not a completed list but just a random morning musing.  If you can think of more, post them in the comments.

The brick

So, in my life I have experienced many bricks, I have lifted brick to help with masonry (well block technically, but in practice just large bricks).  I have shit a brick (cafeteria food in high school can be brutal).  I have dove for a brick in lifeguard training.  Shot a brick (free throws are hard). I have used a brick as a mascot (high school track). I have even had a brick smashed on my chest while laying on a bed of nails (physics demonstration).  But, today, I experienced a new type of brick.  A nice little bike followed by a nice little run... well depending on what you consider little.  Tonight I did a nice little 10 mile ride followed by a 3 mile run.

My ten mile ride went smoothly.  I grabbed my bike after getting home from work and rolled down the road at a moderate pace.  I was able to maintain a moderate pace of 16 mph, so the bike went quickly (about 40 minutes).  Then with a quick change of shorts (needed a different pair of compression shorts since my bike shorts don't quite agree with running),  I was back out the door before my roommates even realized that I had left. 

I quickly realized why these workouts are called bricks.  My legs still wanted to use the cycling muscles even when I wanted to be using the running muscles that I have been abusing training.  My feet felt sluggish and my legs were heavy.  I did notice that I was not over striding and was getting a nice mid-foot strike (didn't realize that this might help my form).  One of my roommates said he saw me on the way to get his dinner and said it looked like I was able to maintain a steady clip, but my legs still felt like rubber for the first mile.  I got back in about half and hour.

All in all, I think that my first Du is going to be interesting.  I still need to about double the bike distance and throw in another run before hand of 5k.  I am still looking for pointers on how to train and etiquette during a Du.  I know runners have their code and I am assuming that it still holds during the run part, but the biking etiquette (other than the basics) is still a mystery.  Any suggestions on where to look aside from the good ol' Google?

Random:
Congrats to my fiance (hint: she is the most frequent commenter) who placed second in her age group at the ALARC Legends 10k this last Saturday in Deephaven, MN. 

Also Congrats to Steve in a Speedo for being a new father of a new little boy.  For full report go HERE

Well that is all for now folks.  Happy Monday!

Cooling off

Well after an impromptu 15 mile bike ride Tuesday evening combing the neighborhood for my roommate's dog in 80+ degree heat (better than the 103 it reached earlier though), I never did post like I wanted to.  BUT luckily today after checking in on some blogs that I follow mentioning pets, I was inspired to make a quick post.  It took me a little less than an hour, so I must have been keeping a decent pace.


Random thing:
Monday - I went to Chateau St. Croix Winery with the future Wifey for engagement photos.  You can read all about that HERE.


Well, I said it would be short, so good night everybody (or morning/afternoon/evening whenever you are reading this)

How do you Du?

Well, I have went off the deep end in endurance athletics.  I have run 1 mile, 4k, 5k, an adventure 5k, 4 miles, 10k, 12k, 1/2 marathons, a Ragnar Relay and a 25k.  This evening I signed up for my first full Du, the Minneapolis Duathlon.

That being said. HELP.  I have ridden a bike.  Hell, I own a very nice bike (as well as proper safety gear).

My Trek 1000 SL

I need effective training programs or advice to make sure my first Du is a good experience.  Luckily, I used incentives give out by Team Ortho to their volunteers to register. 

Looking to keep this one short:

Have you ever signed up for a race on a whim?

How did it turn out for you?

Spectator Sunday

Today was not my day to run.  It was my day to be the support, yell like crazy and take awesome photos.  Here are a selection of photos I took for Future Wifey at the Stillwater 5k,10k, 1/2, 20 Mile and Full Marathon. (5 races one, finish line, and beer next to the finish line.)

I saw her as I was making my way to the guard rail that would be my perch for the start of the race.

The start of the 20 mile, 1/2 and full marathon ( Future Wifey was dropped off at the 5 and 10 k start area.)

Sometimes signs should be covered for race day. This one is for you SUAR!

The beginning of the end.

The end of the end.  Her new PR for the 10 k now stands at 50 minutes 7 seconds.

It isn't a finisher's medal, but it will still make you smile.

Future Wifey posing in front of the historic Stillwater lift bridge and the flooded river walk.

Well that is it.  This is what I spent my morning doing, and I wouldn't change it for any reason.  Hope you all enjoyed the photos.