Running in the Rain

Today was a much different run than most of my other ones. We had a cold front moving through this afternoon and with it came a good amount of rain. It started raining about 2 and is still raining as I write this about 7. After yesterdays good run I was looking forward to another good one but the rain made me hesitant. I checked the radar and besides a little more intense rain on the way it didn’t look like there was any lightning to go with it.

As I was debating whether to run or not it seemed there was some divine intervention. The power went out just about right after I clicked off the radar page. Well I’m not one to mess with signs from above so I pulled on the shoes, got stretched out and was out the door.

It seemed I had misjudged how hard it was raining because it was definitely raining harder than I thought it was. It was at just the right temperature though and it felt really good. I had no problem with energy today, possibly because I spent most of my day in the office so that didn’t use up much energy.

It took about a mile and I was drenched. It felt like I had about 2 pounds of water soaked into my clothes. The run was feeling good though and I wasn’t thirsty at all with the continuous supply of water coming down on me, I mean who needs a fuel belt when Mother Nature is doing the trick? So when I hit the point where I have to decide to either turn for my shorter route or keep going for the long one I made the choice to go long.

I’m sure the people in the cars that were passing me thought I was just all kind of crazy. I got a reflection of myself in a parked car’s window and I kind of thought I was crazy too, I was just dripping. When I got to my half way point the 2 pounds of water I had in my clothes felt more like 5 pounds. There is a problem with having mesh on the top of your shoes, when it’s raining it goes straight to the socks. The feet were really feeling heavy by this point.

Even with all that it still felt so good to be out there running and the rain just made it better and more satisfying. The run itself was pretty uneventful for the most part but it was a really good one. When I finished and got under the cover of the roof I just had to laugh when I had to actually ring out my shirt before I dared step into my apartment not wanting to get the carpet wet.

I hadn’t run in the rain in a long time and I forgot how much fun and refreshing it is. I can guarantee that the next time it’s raining I will be out there running if I can. If there are any runners or aspiring runners out there I recommend giving a run in the rain a shot. It can be very fun and is actually kind of liberating in a way.

The Daily Run

Distance: 3.8 miles

Weather: 69 degrees, a nice rain that got me soaked but felt good

Notes of interest: This month has been the most distance I’ve run since I started tracking my runs

A great run on a stressful day

Today was one of those days where I really wasn’t sure I wanted to run. I had to stay at work longer than planned and it wasn’t the easiest day I’ve ever had so when I got home I just wanted to sit on the couch and relax. I did that for about an hour and got a little bit of rest in and at about 5:30 I decided I would regret not going for a run over the enjoyment of just resting and not doing anything athletic.

So I made a compromise with myself. I decided to run my shorter 2.8 mile route and I had managed to wait till the sun was going down so I didn’t have to worry about the heat as much. So without any more ceremony needed I put on my running clothes, got stretched out, and was out the door.

After about 5 steps I was happy I was out there. First of all because it was a great day as it transitioned into evening and secondly I started to feel the stress of the day slide off me. It started out as very much a put one foot in front of the other kind of run. Those kinds of runs are good sometimes though I think because it’s a true challenge to yourself.

By the time I had gotten about half a mile down the road I came to the realization that this was actually feeling like a really good run. Usually after several days of back to back running my body doesn’t want to fire like it does when I’m fresh. Today was an exception to that though.

Once I got to my turn around point I turned up my pace since I was running the shorter route and it seemed like I had plenty to store. This was quickly becoming one of those runs that makes me happy that I’m a runner. The stress from my day was virtually gone now and I could just go out there and finish my run using up all my energy reserves and really hustling out the end.

When I finished up the run I felt good and was very happy that I had talked myself into running. It’s a hard thing to completely explain but I know that the stress of the day combined with my lack of wanting to run at first made it even better. Now I’m ready for my run tomorrow with renewed motivation.

The Daily Run
Distance: 2.8 miles
Weather: 73 degrees, sunny with a somewhat strong breeze
Notes of interest: I ran later than normal which was a nice change of pace

The Joy of Running for Me

I thought before I really got deep into this blog I should talk about what my motivations to run are. My motivations for running might help to explain why I do it and why I feel the way I do about it. I know I can get fairly passionate about running so maybe explaining myself a little will help to understand how it can get such a strong feeling out of me.

I have two main motivations that are in a close tie for supremacy. My first motivator is the fitness value of running. Getting myself in shape was the initial reason that I started running and it has definitely paid dividends in that department. The person that I was 5 and a half years ago looks nothing like the person I am now. I’m very proud of the affect it has had on my body. It’s pretty fun to go back home after being away for a while and not having people even recognize you because of how much better shape you are in.

The second motivation I have to run is the feeling that it gives me. I didn’t really get that feeling when I first started to run but the more and more I did it and the more I pushed myself the more satisfying it became. It’s actually a kind of addictive feeling that if I take a few days off I really just want to get back out there and run. It’s not always the same feeling every time either, it definitely depends on the length and quality of the run.

The satisfaction I get from running is actually a kind of a complicated feeling for me. A lot of it comes from the satisfaction of giving it my all and pushing myself. That’s what makes the longer runs the more satisfying ones. There is also the feeling of just being out and enjoying a nice day, kind of like the feeling of relaxing on a beach. I also get satisfaction out of the fact that I’m committed enough to it to go out their day after day no matter how I feel that day.

I don’t know if all that really explains anything to whoever might be reading this. Hopefully it gives you a little insight into why I run. It’s really one of those things that you have to experience to understand. I know a lot of the runners that share a very similar opinion so I know I’m not crazy. Either that or we all are, that’s an option too.

I hope this finds everyone well and look back here tomorrow for something new.

The Daily Run

Distance: 3.8 miles

Weather: 76 degrees, nice sunny day with very light breeze

Notes of interest: Another great day for a run hopefully these kinds of days stick around

It's Gotta be the Shoes

I first started seriously running in the summer of 2003 when I was preparing for my first year of cross country my senior year of high school. One of the first purchases I made in preparation for running was shoes. Now I had no clue what made a good running shoe so I just kind of went into one of the local sporting good stores and let the salesman guide me, normally not smart I know.

This particular salesman seemed to know what he was talking about though because instead of guiding me to the Nike rack he led me to the Asics. Now at the time I had never heard of the brand but I figured I would give them a try. I wasn’t looking to spend a whole lot of money so I went for a lower priced Asics in the form of the GT-2120. I tried it on and it seemed like a good shoe that fit well so after comparing it with several other shoes that was the one I picked.

My GT-2120s treated me very well over the season and they were the shoe I used for both practice and competition so they got a good beating. By the end of the season I was having some pain in my knees but I think that had a whole lot more to do with the terrain I was running on and the fact that this was my first time running this much in my whole life.

Over that season I found that I really enjoyed running and the good feeling I got both mentally and physically, that feeling is subject of another posting I think. So I decided that I wanted to keep doing this but by then the 2120s were pretty much shot so I needed something new. I went back to the store I got the 2120s at and the salesman presented me with the Asics Gel Kayano 10. The Gel Kayano was the best shoe that Asics made at the time and that scared me a bit, the second I put the shoe on my foot though all that fear was gone. The support was great and the cushioning just wrapped the foot so well that I didn’t think there could be anything better for seriously getting into running.

The second thing that convinced me it was the shoe for me was when I took them off. My foot actually seemed like it was begging me to put them back on, that’s how good they felt. I didn’t need any more convincing and I bought the shoes without even trying anything else.

The Kayano 10s treated me great and got me through many miles. I went on to buy the Gel Kayano 11 when it came out the next year and was once again not disappointed. The greatest thing was the life I was getting out of the shoes. It seemed no matter how much I ran they just didn’t’ wear down. I felt like I was really getting my money’s worth.

When the summer of 2007 came around the Kayano 11s were finally starting to give in so I figured it was time for some new treads on my feet. This time I took a lot of thought and did a lot of research on what shoe I should get. I went to a well known running store in Miami armed with a good amount of knowledge ready to really find a great shoe to support my running habit. I had 3 shoes I wanted to try, the Mizuno Wave Nirvana, the Brooks Trance, and of course the newest Asics Gel Kayano, the 13th edition.

I gave all 3 shoes a try and a little practice run around the store and the winner became clear. The Gel Kayano 13 was the shoe for me. I think I knew it was when I walked in the store I just wanted to give something new a chance. So I laid down the $135 dollars and left the store with a smile on my face and a pair of brand new Asics.

I still run in those Kayano 13s and have now logged 264.4 miles on them after this afternoon’s run. That comes out to a cost of 51 cents a mile, a pretty impressive number I think. The whole time I have owned them I have not had a single injury and the shoes still look and feel great. I have no plans of getting a new pair any time soon and when that time comes I don’t know if I will even bother shopping around I might just go up to the counter and say “Gel Kayano’s in a size 12 please.” So for all of you out there swearing by your Nike and Adidas I think you should look behind the big name brands and try out an Asics. It can’t hurt to try and you might find you have a new favorite shoe.

The Daily Run
Distance: 3.8 miles
Weather: 73 degrees, sunny with a light breeze, man I love living in Florida
Notes of interest: A fairly normal run today, just a great day to be out there running

Reintroductions are in order

After over a year away I have made my return and thought I would try and give this a shot again. Life has kept me pretty busy for the past year which is part of the reason I haven’t been keeping this up. I’m going to try and get things up and running again now though. My biggest problem has been where to start though.

I suppose I should just reintroduce myself. I’m a 22 year old guy who now lives in St Petersburg, Florida. I’m a sports fan and also a runner. I don’t know much about hockey but other than that I have a fairly good knowledge about all the other major sports. I’m especially passionate about baseball and soccer.

In addition to sports I have a great passion in running. I try to run as much as I can. If I could run daily I would do it but sometimes my schedule doesn’t allow for that and I need rest days every once in a while.

Running and sports will be the main basis of my blog with the occasional random tangent into other topics. I’m going to try and emphasize the running more than anything. I’m using this blog also as a motivational tool for my running thinking that talking about it will motivate me to go out and do it more often. Basically I just hope to write something that’s interesting and people want to read. I appreciate feedback of any kind.

I hope to get a posting up each day but their will likely be days that I don’t get one up for a number of reasons, most likely work. At the bottom of each post I will add a little thing about my running for the day. If there is no running then I will provide an excuse to make myself accountable. For the sake of not boring anyone to death on the first post back I will wrap things up. I hope you enjoy my little corner of the internet and look forward to any sort of comments anyone might have.

The Daily Run

Distance: 2.8 miles

Weather: 70 degrees, nice and sunny

Notes of interest: managed to break off the cord of my headphones clean off, so the cost of the run was one pair of cheap headphones.

Day 30: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

The entire schedule of when team recaps will be.

Team: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

2007 Regular Season Record: 66-96

Cost per Win: $24,123,500 / 66 = $365,507 per win

2007 Season Recap: Tampa Bay has had a team since 1998 and haven’t really had any success in that period. In all but one of those seasons they have finished in last place in the AL East and they finished second to last the other year. Their best record in their 10 year history was 70-91 in 2004. In 2007 they finished with 66 wins and showed some progress on offense, it was more the pitching that held them back. They ranked 8th in the AL in both team batting average and runs scored with a .268 average and 782 runs scored. Pitching however ranked last in the AL in every major statistical pitching category including a 5.53 ERA as a staff.

One of the biggest standouts for the Devil Rays in 2007 was Carlos Pena. Pena led the team with 46 home runs, 121 RBIs, and 99 runs. This was Pena’s first year with the Devil Rays and also his best of his 7 year career. Pena’s performance earned him the award for AL Comeback Player of the Year and he also gained attention for the MVP award. Another player that had a great season for the Devil Rays was Carl Crawford who achieved a .315 batting average to lead the team and also he added 93 runs and 80 RBIs to make the offense very productive. Other strong contributors on offense were B.J. Upton, Akinori Iwamura, and Ty Wigginton.

The Devil Rays had 2 really good starting ptichers in 2007 but after those 2 guys things fell off suddenly. One of the good pitchers was Scott Kazmir who recorded a 13-9 record and a 3.48 ERA. Their 2nd good starter was James Shields who had a record of 12-8 in 2007 with a 3.85 ERA. A third thing the Devil Rays had was a solid closer in Al Reyes. He finished the season with 26 saves and only 4 blown saves. The majority of the rest of the bullpen didn’t fair nearly as well, 8 of their relievers who threw in more than 23 innings had an ERA over 7 which will easily make a good offensive performance be in vain no matter how many runs are scored.

Just an additional note is that this off-season the team in Tampa Bay has undergone a name change. They are now called the Tampa Bay Rays instead of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The minor name change means a change to the logo, colors, and uniform. I don’t think the change was all that necessary but their front office staff apparently thought it would be beneficial to the team.

Key Free Agents: C Raul Casanova, C Josh Paul, 3 RPs; The Rays don’t really have free agent issues this off-season. They lose 2 catchers and 3 relief pitchers but none of them contributed all that much to the team in 2007 so they won’t be missed that much. Relief pitcher Troy Percival signed a 2 year contract and outfielder Cliff Floyd signed a 1 year contract. In addition the option on closer Al Reyes was exercised so he is with the team for another year.

Offseason Needs: The Rays main problem is in the bullpen where they need to pick up a couple more consistent arms to patch the hole they had in 2007. They also could use a catcher and a utility infielder to add some depth if any injuries occur during the season.

Prediction for the 2008 season: I actually like the Rays going into 2008. They do however play in a tough division and I don’t think they have the talent or salary to compete with the Yankees, Red Sox, or Blue Jays. They might be able to put some pressure on the Orioles for the 4th place spot. They do have to do something to improve their bullpen but the addition of Percival is a great step in that direction and I don’t think the guys that they have in the bullpen now can perform that bad 2 years in a row. I definitely think the Rays will at least improve their record in 2008 and will probably set the team record for wins, meaning they will win more than 70 games.

Day 29: Pittsburgh Pirates

The entire schedule of when team recaps will be.

Team: Pittsburgh Pirates

2007 Regular Season Record: 68-94

Cost per Win: $38,537,833 / 68 = $566,732 per win

2007 Season Recap: The Pirates last reached the playoffs in 1992 and that was also the last season that they achieved a winning record. This streak was in no way reversed in 2007. The Pirates finished the season with 68 wins and ended up in last place in the NL Central and 17 games back of the Cubs. They weren’t particularly strong in terms of either offense or pitching. As a team they ranked 10th in batting average in the NL and 12th in runs. The pitching statistics weren’t any better since the staff earned a 4.93 ERA which ranked 14th in the NL and 13th or worst in every other statistical pitching category.

The Pirates got some good individual performances on offense. Their team leader in terms of batting average was Freddy Sanchez with a .304 average, Sanchez also had 77 runs scored and had 81 RBIs which both ranked in the top 3 for the team. The Pirates also got good numbers out of Jack Wilson who hit for a .296 average, scored 67 runs, and had 56 RBIs. Another player who had noteworthy stats was Josh Phelps who was acquired in June from the Yankees. While with the Pirates he hit for a .351 batting average and had 5 home runs and 19 RBIs in 77 at bats.

The Pirates starting pitchers actually ended up with fairly good numbers considering the overall record and the amount of runs that were scored for them. The team leader for wins was Tom Gorzelanny with a 14-10 record and a 3.88 ERA. The other 2 pitchers with more than 29 starts had 10-15 and 9-12 records. The Pirates leader in saves was Matt Capps who finished with 18 saves and a 2.28 ERA.

Key Free Agents: SS Cesar Izturis, 1B Josh Phelps, SP Tony Armas, RP Shawn Chacon, 3B Matt Kata, 3B Jose Castillo; The Pirates are losing a lot of guys. It’s interesting that they released Phelps after he played well for them in his short time with the team but that most likely has everything to do with the fact that the Pirates have a lot of depth at first base already and didn’t have a need for him.

Offseason Needs: The Pirates have some depth issues with their free agent losses. Currently on their depth chart 2nd year player Josh Wilson is listed as the back-up at 2nd, shortstop, and 3rd base which will not work out to well when they need to rest some guys. So increasing infield depth should be high on the list of priorities. After that the Pirates could also address some of their pitching problems primarily in the bullpen. Any major improvements will require some big spending just like many other teams near the bottom of the standing in 2007. I don’t see the Pirates doing that kind of spending this off-season and the talent really isn’t available in free agency to improve the team to much at this point.

Prediction for the 2008 season: I don’t see a lot changing for the Pirates in 2008. They just haven’t made a lot of improvements so far this off-season but they have developed some youth so they might be able to improve some. The Astros and Reds both look weak so the Pirates could very easily move themselves up to 4th in the division if things go their way. There is certainly some talent there but also several questions marks around the team as to how some key parts will perform.