Off To Chicago Marathon, You Stalkers!

Hey guys, it’s almost time. After over 700 miles of training, countless hours of yoga & weightlifting, it’s time to #OwnChicago!

This week saw just a few more training runs. They looked something like this:

The only explanation I can give for this is we have taper madness.

It was nice to have shorter runs this taper week leading up to the race.

Yellow + Blue = Green. No, I didn’t plan this, I dress in the dark, it was coincidence.

I still can’t believe it’s here. It’s been so many months of running many many miles at ungawdly hours. I mean, just look at this daily alarm setting:

I died a little each night when I turned this alarm setting on.

I’m happy to report though, that we ran EVERY SINGLE TRAINING RUN. We didn’t skip a single one. No, they weren’t all pretty, but at least we were out there.

I still can’t believe the final run came and ended…

Done before the sun, but it’s all good, we glow anyhow.

Now it’s here. Time to run 26.2 miles. Going to let me sink that in for a while.

In the mean time, feel free to stalk me:

I’ll be Instagramming hard in Chicago: @piratebobcat

I’ll bet Tweeting too: @piratebobcat

You can track me TWO ways during the race (My bib number is 2411):

1. Download the Chicago Marathon App
2. Get updates with MY RUNNER TRACKING

That is all. See you on the other side.

-Scott

Running Dawgs, Party Animal & Humid Tacos!

Sup beaches? Sorry I’ve been blog radio silent, but it’s been a crazy couple weeks with school starting, marathon training, work working, soccer coaching, etc. etc. etc.

In the words of Inigo Montoya, “Let me ‘splain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up…………with Instagram pics1″

Last week’s runs were ‘zing! We had a little “not 1 million degrees” front come through. It was a JOY to get a break from the humidity.

A dude, A dog, A runbud, A 100 mile world record holder.

Speak for your self, Sign.

These fake flowers are BEEutiful.

Buuut then the heat and humidity came back. Ah well, it was nice to have a little break to get some of the confidence back. The oppressive heat has been slowing me down, so it was nice to know I’ve still got it in me – just need cooler temps to unleash the beast!

Humid again, but hey, free tacos!!

I do got some aches and pains and tiredness, but can’t complain too much. That would be bogus. Closing in on 400 miles in this training plan, and feelin fine!

No animals….Not even party ones?!?

In the end, all that matters is that you have fun with it! And I’ve been having a blast with this training! I’ve hit every single planned mile and have got to run with some GREAT people.

In the words of Crawl, “Puffy cheeks.”

Right now we’re in the middle of our highest mileage week yet: 5, 12, 8, 5, 5, 20 = 55 totes. Stuff just got real. But we got this thang! Let’s do this, legs!

How bout you? Catch my two movie references? Did I miss any caption opportunities? Do you have any questions?

-Scott

Running in “Da Hood”, Becoming Fashion/Yoga Expert & Free Lululemon Gear!!!

I’ve been cray cray bizzay. Let’s catch up, shall we?

Chicago Marathon training has kicked in and I’m pretty excited about it. For this, I’m going to continue to do my long runs whenever I can with WRRC. Solid folks.

Last week’s subtle group.

It’s summer now, and that means they do a lil’ thang called “Run My Hood”. Basically, each week we meet at the house of a different runner and run their favorite neighborhood course. It’s pretty cool. I’ve often thought on my own neighborhood runs how I’d like to show other people “my route”.

Anyway, the best part of the run is the after-run. Hey hey, pool part-ay today-hey!

Lounge.

Chill.

Fresh.  BTW, Snapchat – @piratebobcat – hit me up, fool!

As always, I like to incorporate cross training into my…well, uh, training. The trails are all flooded in North Texas, so that’s a no-go. But it can’t rain in yoga class (well, except maybe rain sweat).

My elf friend and I finally mastered “Partner Chair Pose”.

And I gots to give a big shout out to Lululemon. At yoga practice the other day, the employees called me up to the front. They said they wanted to thank me for being a regular yogi, “Go pick out any yoga mat…it’s yours!” I was so surprised and honored…and PUMPED!

The mat my foot finally chose.

It was so cool of them to do that. And I gotta say, this mat is like night and day compared to my old one…or is it like day and night, IDK. What I do know is the quality of this mat is top notch. No slipping when I sweat, good padding, solid construction – just incredible.

And bonus, my looooooong time friend (you can see her in a couple group run pics above) has been at these yoga seshes because the studio she goes to and teaches at is putting on the classes!

Meet Virginia. She never compromises. Loves babies and surprises. Wears high heels when she exercises. Ain’t it beautiful?

Other than that it’s been sweaty doggy walks. And seeing as I’m an fashion expert, I made a quick tutorial on how to look good as you walk the hound.

Of course there’s lots of other stuff goings on, but I’ll save it for the next post…I don’t want to tire your pretty little heads too much today. Have a great weekend, hombres y mujeres!

How bout you? Ever get to run someone else’s “hood”? Ever been rewarded by a business you regular (other than the corner pub)? Ever Meet Virginia?

-Scott

PS – Best of luck to everyone running Grandma Marathon this weekend! I have a few Dallas friends there – Look for them – They’ll probably be in tops with “WRRC” on the front and “Run Free” on the back. Slap em on the backside for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Running Around Floods, The Devil’s Food & Attacked by Snapping Turtle!!!

No matter where you live, you’ve probably seen on the news all the crazy weather we’ve been getting in Texas. Torrential downpours, flooding, tornadoes, etc. It’s been a wild spring. But we did have one day this week where Mr. Sun peeked in on us.

The strange ball of light so confused me on my run.

Other than that it’s been a whet whone. Luckily we were able to race over the Memorial Day Weekend. And then it did storm the rest of the weekend. However my run bud and I were able to get in a nice relaxing 9 miler around White Rock Lake. I’ve never seen the water that high. Check out this shot from the normally dry spillway…

Usually all you see is concrete. It sounded like Viagra Falls!

One of the side effects of the high waters around town is that the critters are getting very cornfuzed. I’ve seen so many poor little ducks, gooses, turtles, froggies & snakes on the roads and trails.

And, funny story, was driving back from yoga and saw a big turtle in the middle of the road – some of us stopped our cars to help it. We quickly found out that it was a cranky SNAPPING turtle. It took some doing, but we finally got it back to the grass.

PS. I have now watched several YouTube videos on the safe way to pick up a snapping turtle. Note – It’s not easy because besides the biting mouth, they also have claws…and they can JUMP!

From the internet. This is what he looked like.

Anyway, after the 9 miler, we needed breakfast tacos, natch.

The devil made me do it.

So there it is…still getting my runs in, just having to dodge raindrops, high waters & critters.

How bout you? Staying dry out there? Ever had a run in with a snapping turtle? Having a good week???

-Scott

Rock the Block 10k Recap – Running in Soup & Winning Medals!

I did just run the Rock the Block 10k over the Memorial Day weekend. It was a tough day, but good news is that I was still able to manage my way to a medal!

I wish in college I had learned how to make a proper collage.

As I mentioned in my preview, I was not looking forward to running this race course. I’d run it before and wasn’t a huge fan. Well, be careful what you wish for. Due to all the crazy stormy floody weather we’ve been having in Texas, the course was part underwater. But rather than cancel, the organizers scrambled to get a new certified course.

Look closely folks, the 10k is a two lap course.

First off, kudos to the race for not cancelling, and finding an alternate route. But unfortunately the new route was a 5k distance that we had to run twice. There’s nothing more demoralizing than crossing the finish line and realizing you’re only halfway done. And on the 2nd lap of the race, we hit all the people still trying to finish the 5k. That meant a lot of weaving and missing out on tangents. Throw in a few hills and 180 degree turns, and it was a bit challenging.

Before the race with two normal sized friends and a miniature sized one.

The weather was also a factor. 97% humidity. Ugh. It was like running through pea green soup. Legs felt heavy and when the breeze was at our backs, it was hard to breathe. I saw one guy puking about a mile in. And through a middle section of the race it started to rain on us which made the roads a bit slick.

That all said, I was able to push through and finish 3rd in my age group and 14th overall!

Official stats.

I was hoping to break my PR of 46:00 that I set one year ago, but it wasn’t meant to be. I finished in 46:32, or 7:29 per mile. And I was proud of myself for actually rocking a negative split (I lost those stats doe).

I’ll get you next time, two guys I don’t know!

Not only that, but my peeps from WRRC and TNSR also received age group awards!

Bringing home da bling.

So despite the tough conditions, we had a great time. And they raised a lot of fundage for a good cause.

And best of all, we all went for breakfast tacos after the race!

Racing, medals & tacos…I’ll take it anytime!

How bout you? Race this weekend? Your tips for humidity running? It’s been so long, can anyone tell me what the sun looks like?

-Scott

Hello Spring & Egg Hunt Run!

Don’t call me French Scott…call me Freedom Scott. Our dog is so Che in this pic.

So yes, when I turned over the April page of our #flalendar (Flula + Calendar), I saw an opportunity to do a recreation. Such is life.

Ha, anyway, it’s Sprung around North Texas. That means high winds & humidity, warmer weather, and occasional storms. It’s made my runs interesting. I’m not quite acclimatized yet. Buuut it does feel good to get some sun on our skin.

The girl catchin some rays.

The boy runnin with bulls. His idea. He’s learned well.

Even though it was windy and warm, I still had fun running with friends this week at an unofficial egg hunt run.

First we ran.

Here we come, into the Gale force winds!

And then we looked for eggs.

My pals getting a tricky one.

I don’t know who had more fun – kids or non-kids (the eggs had prizes inside for all ages)

After the fun was dun, it was time for more fun. We went down the street for some nibbles and bevvies (see, I’m so European).

Throwin shade…because we’re young and hip.

On the patio, doe.

And since my French Freedom look went over so well, I decided to keep it going.

I’m so intellectual that I have light coming out of my ears. Photobomb courtesy of run bud Katie.

Good times for all! I’ve got some more fun runs planned for the weekend. Onward and upward, kids!

How bout you? Springing yet? Any Easter runs planned? Any ideas for more fun photos you want to see?

-Scott

My Last Race Ever!!!*

Yup, it’s true. This weekend is my I’ll be running my last.race.evah.*

*In my current age group.

Yup, I have a birthday coming up, which is going to catapult me into a brand spankin new age group. So this weekend’s race will be my last in the 35-39 division. Hopefully I can go out with a bang!

Sadly tho, I won’t be running any of the St. Patrick’s Day themed races in Dallas. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some St. Patty’s Day fun, but me no likey the huge crowds at those races.

I’d be a giant in leprechaun village.

Instead I’m running the Chain Reaction 5k.

I chose this race for a few reasons: 1. I live nearby. 2. Registration was affordable. 3. All proceeds go to a good charity. 4. A couple times per week I run the trails this race is utilizing, so I’m familiar. 5. It looks to be a small race.**

**With small races, odds go up of placing…even in my super competitive current age group!

That all said, even though I run in this park all the time, I’m not sure how they’re going to host a 5k there. I know for a fact that the main trail is only about 1 mile around. I reached out to them for the course map, which they very kindly sent me. But to be honest, the map cornfuses me.

I can’t make heads or tails of this route.

They say it’s a two lap race, but I don’t get which directions it goes. And also, the map clearly shows that we go off pavement to dirt mud trails for a section. That’s not good because it’s been raining non-stop here in North Texas.

This is what I kept telling myself all week.

I again reached out to the race folks, who assured me the race is all on pavement. If that’s the case, then the map is wrong, so I’m even more cornfused.

Anyways, I’m probably over-thinking it. I need to just go to the race and have fun trying to run fast. But what would runners do if we weren’t obsessing over running details. Am I right?

And those who know me know I also obsess over tacos. So now I’m off for some pre-race veggie ones!

This will help me run fast, right?

Stay tuned for the recap where all the mysteries will be solved!

How bout you? Can you figure out that course map? Are you celebrating St. Pat’s? Do you have a prediction for my performance?

-Scott

Will Run 4 Tacos

If you’ve been following my blog for any amount of time, then you know that I have a slight taco obsession.

These ain’t yo mama’s tacos.

I like how they can taste so sinful, but be somewhat healthy* – lots of veggies and lean proteins.

*If you make smart menu choices.

By buddy and I about to fill our pie taco holes.

When I was training for the Dopey Challenge last year, tacos were often my reward for my back to back to back long runs.

On da left – Migas. On da right – Avocado.

A popular place around North Texas to run is called White Rock Lake.  You can get many miles in there.

9 miles around with plenty of connecting trails to add more mileage.

The best part though, is that around the lake are several taco joints!  Perfect for recovery treat right after a long run.

Marathon fuel.

Since I have experience with running on tacos, here’s my tips for the taco ordering.

Hey look, more tacos!

#1 – Avoid flour tortillas.  They ain’t good for you.  The white flour is bad for you.  The trans fats are bad for you.  I always ask for soft corn tortillas – which aren’t necessarily the best thing for you either, but it’s the better option.  Or you could always just eat the innards with a spork…like I’ve been known to do…

Rudy Rudy Rudy…

#2 – I don’t generally eat meaty things.  I pretty much stick to eggs and fish.  Luckily a lot of places offer breakfast tacos (served all day if you’re extra lucky – just ask).  And if you’re super duper lucky, fish tacos!

Mahi Mahi is goody goody.

#3 – And a lot of these tacos have plenty of veggies involved.  But I always drown mine in salsa regardless – more veggies!

I like my tacos like my women – spicy.

#4 – Enjoy.  It’s a special treat.  It’s a reward.  Savor it.

Veggie on the left – Ahi Tuna on the right.

I apologize in advance for making everyone hungry, as I’m sure I’ll hear about in the comments.  But I couldn’t help it.  I was thinking about this post as I was devouring the tacos in the following photo…

These poor guys weren’t long for this world.

Now, I would like to invite anyone reading this to join me for a run followed by tacos.  Just let me know when you’re coming to town!

Who accepts my invitation?  What’s your reward meal?  Who’s hungry now?

-Scott

PS. Looking back on this post, I think Torchy’s and I have a special relationship.  I’m fine with that.

Respect the Run & Don’t Fight Giraffes

Before I get into it, lemme fill in on last night’s social run.  It was good.  Cool temps and low humidity made it so I could actually breath on my run.  It felt awesome.  I ended up doing about a 7:20 pace for the 3 miles.  Much different than the humid & hot 9 per the 3 miles I ran just two days ago.  Anyway, afterwards we traded running stories and shared a few drinks and snacks like we do each Thursday.

Here’s some of last night’s group, along with our laser eyes.

Now onto today’s post…

The weekend approaches.  While most of our friends are thinking about how to relax this weekend, us runners have a different perspective.  The weekend for us either means a race or some training – usually a long run of the week.

For my Disney Dopey Challenge training, I have an “off” weekend.  Which means no back to back medium and long runs.  Instead I have 9 miles on Saturday and only cross training on Sunday.  The off week is designed to let me recharge a bit in anticipation of next weeks mileage – culminating with a 6 and 16 mile back to back runs.

Who put a cartoon character in charge of a major race?

But as I prepare for tomorrow’s 9 miler, something occurred to me.  I was reading a strong runner’s blog that I follow – BayRunner Jamie, and she had a line in one of her posts about respecting the run.  I started thinking about this, and it’s true.  Here’s what I mean about respecting the run:  That means you do not fear it, nor are you cocky about it, you simply respect it, and in return you should have a better performance.

My sis and I after a recent 1/2 marathon in OBX, NC.

Look at it like this:  My marathoner sis is a real keeper.  And by keeper, I mean Zoo Keeper (you see what I did there?).  She works with animals that could rip her skin off.  Gorillas, elephants, and don’t get me started on giraffes.  They look nice, and most are, but they can fight, and when they do, it looks WEIRD.  Giraffe fights creep me out.  Look it up on youtube sometime.

A pic my sis took recently of one of her giraffes. I don’t like the way it’s eyeballing me…like it wants to fight or something.

Sorry, I got off topic there.  I told you not to get me started on giraffe fighting.  Anyway, here’s what I’m getting at.  If you are around animals, you cannot project fear, or they may bite your knee off.  You also can’t be so cocky that you think you can just walk right up to them and take a selfie, cause they may teeth bite your face’s cheek.  You must respect the animal if you want it to respect you back, and hopefully not swing it’s giant spotted neck in your direction.

So when you wake up for your race or long run this weekend, don’t be afraid of it (the distance, pace, course, hills, etc.)…you got this.  And don’t be so confident that you assume you’ll own it…that’s a recipe for disaster (You could go out too fast, or if you think it’s going to be easy, you may freak out once you hit a difficult patch).  Respect the run and you should be able to handle it better than a fighting giraffe.

So what are you doing this weekend?  Racing?  Long run?  How far?  How do you feel about it going in?  Do you think there should be an organized giraffe fighting league?

Running – It’s All Relatively Relative

Hi there.  So the other day I ran with a small group for my long run of 15 miles.  I was slightly tempted to whine about the distance.  I was also slightly tempted to whine about some of the hills I knew were coming.  But I did not.  Here’s why:

A dude who ran with us just completed a 100 mile race in the Colorado mountains.  Yes, he ran 100 miles at once, and most of it up the side of a Rocky.  In comparison, a few measly hills and less than a quarter of the miles he ran don’t seem so tough now, do they?

I always try to keep that in mind.  There is always someone out there who can run further and faster than you.  So keep your ego in check .

It goes the other way too.  There are always going to be people who can’t run as far or as fast as you…no matter who you are.  But if they put in the work, one day they may be able to.  Just as if keep putting in the work, one day we may be able to do what seems out of reach at the moment.

It’s all a matter of perspective, and it’s all relatively relative.

That said, here’s my question for you, and it’s important…What’s your fave wine?