Your best just got better

Debrief: City of Angels Half Marathon (2 December 2007)

The difference between "early bird" registration and "day before" registration was $20. As I paid my entry fee, I noticed the beneficiary of the proceeds of the event. I smiled, and gladly handed over the entry fees:

This philanthropic community event is proudly organized by Grove of Hope a 501(C)(3), nonprofit organization.  The net proceeds raised from the 2007 City of Angels Half Marathon will be distributed in support of science education programs that promote science education for children in the USA and abroad.

According to their website:

Grove of Hope is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to providing science education to children around the world.

In celebration of the International Year of Planet Earth, Grove of Hope has assembled a team of dynamic scientists experienced in educational outreach to conduct science         workshops in Africa from November 7th – 12th.

So, what follows is a "race report" as I ran in the 13.1 mile event yesterday...
 

City of Angels, Los Angeles Half Marathon: A Success

I'm just ending a GREAT Sunday here on the west coast. I'll write up a longer story tomorrow, outlining some of my observations/thoughts during the race today.

I know I set a new Personal Record for the 1/2 marathon distance. (I came in somewhere under 1 hour 33 minutes...results posted later tonight here.)

Thanks coach (what would we do without mentors?)

I met my running coach back in 1996. In fact, we've known each other since then, but I just started running under his tutelage this year! So, in preparing for my race this weekend, I mailed him this question:

I'm planning to race on Sunday [Ventura-14th Annual Salmon Run], will you be there? I'd love to hear your "race-day" strategy for the 5K distance. I've just gone out there in the past, and done it without a lot of coaching/advice!

His response surprised me - though I know it should not have. Here's a guy who is dedicated to making his best...better! Check out what he wrote me today...

My only take on racing is if you race, you race. It's not a workout, you compete. Now, on the other hand, since it's not THE race we're preparing for, we do run "thru" it to the extent that we don't taper, but day of, it's game on. Get a good warm-up. I'll see you there.

My own best just got better!

Last week, I called one of my running coaches (thanks Dan!) for some advice on running my first 1/2 marathon since last May. (I had a terrible running portion of a 1/2 Ironman last spring, and am starting up my training methodology and program for a "do-over" at the Wildflower Triathlon, May '08.)

We talked about pacing, relaxation and focus...and that conversation paid off! Click on the picture below to see my "best pacing ever!"

Brand building / brand awareness...

As a new business "owner," I now have my eye out and attention focused on branding, brand awareness, innovation and creativity.

Last month, the London Design Festival brought people together to look at branding and design and how that's affecting investments of time, energy, focus and resources.

Here's an interview (worth a look) with the design director from Alfa Romeo...Frank Stephenson.

Men's Health - Urbanathlon and Festival

Link: Urbanathlon and Festival.

 

2006 VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
Watch highlight footage from last year’s Men’s Health Urbanathlon™ & Festival in New York City.

So, my friend Holly calls me today, just as I'm DEEP in some "white-boarding" of ideas for the upcoming book we're writing, and says, "Have you heard of Urbanathlon?

Ok, if there is EVER a reason to perform at your best, on and off the field, in and out of the office, in a group or individual setting, here seems to be one! I know this kind of event is not for everyone, but for anyone who this IS for, I look forward to seeing you in NY in 2008.

"Jason," she said, "will you be there?"

Santa Barbara Triathlon - a new PR!

A "PR" (Personal Record) is something we talk about often in Triathlon. It doesn't come every race, so when it shows up, we get kinda excited! Well, last month at the Santa Barbara Long Course triathlon, I finished the race sub-3:40 (ok, just barely!).

Here were the official times:
2007
Finish Time 3:39:26      
1 mile SWIM 33:31
34 mile BIKE 1:38:16
10 mile RUN 1:22:54

I know, I know... you're wondering: "Jason, how come your swim time is so slow?" Well, in my personal/professional life I equate it to the person who still types with two fingers. Yes, they get through their e-mail but it takes a little longer. With just a little time practicing, and a few more lessons under the belt, I'd probably be able to swim a minute or two faster...

And, as many of the people I work with say, "I have to make choices about where to spend my time."

Continue reading for the race times I've finished with for this race over the past few years...

My first 1st in a triathlon!

Back in July (on the 28th in fact) I brought home a first place medal from the Admiral's Cup Triathlon. Overall, I placed 10th; in my age group, I came in first place!

I started training for and competing in triathlon 7 years ago, and it was quite special to "hit that mark" on one Saturday in July. I was surprised, I admit, that I came in first; this has been a tough year for training as we're starting up our new business, and I'm traveling a bit more sporadically than ever before.

Regardless, on that Saturday I had a great race. Not only was the day PERFECT (see the other picture below), the race course and organization was well put-together. This is a race I've done before, though I'd never placed this high in the rankings.

People making do with "what they have"

In a triathlon yesterday here in CA, I got to meet some of the guys from the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

They were there competing, alongside the rest of us. Here's a picture I took of one of the guys heading out after swimming and biking...

27 out of 439 athletes in today's race!

Well, it's done...competition for the week is over, now it's time for rest, relaxation and post-race stories.

Here is a brief synopsis of the morning's events. All in all, I had a great day, a great visit to New York, and one of my best races ever! It all started last November, when my friend and training partner James Ellengold said, "Hey, why don't you sign up for the NYC Triathlon?" From there, plans went into motion, and everything came together for today.