Slow Down!
I need time to stop for, you know, a week so that I can sleep and recharge my sanity cells. How do I do this? How do I keep on keepin' on, as Chuck would say?
Saturday morning, I awoke at 5:30 AM and ran seven miles. Why so early? I had to return to shower and pack and eat breakfast in time to get out the door at 7:30, cruising Sparkle Motion down to UC San Diego for Regionals. I dropped Trina off at the fields and raced back on the highway and to the Roadrunner Sports San Diego store (right across the street from REI---they know my weakness!). I spent the rest of the day, until midnight, coaching, driving, eating, and trying to get to sleep amidst drunken frisboleras. Sunday likewise started early and involved coaching, much cheering, and a long, exhausted return trip to Claremont. I ran an easy four or five miles to unwind, and ate dinner and watched Iron Chef America with Trina before heading to bed.
Allow me to extrapolate on a few items.
Kenny at RRS informed me that my Asics GT-2100 is a mid-mileage shoe and that it was no wonder I was experiencing foot pain through marathon training. I dropped a pretty penny to upgrade to the stable, high mileage Asics Gel-Kayano XII and SuperFeet. Regardless, I could not be happier: these shoes are amazing. The new sole material, Solyte, gives amazing support for the low weight and my foot pain has all but disappeared. They performed beautifully during my 14-miler today.
Having lacked any reasonable time for my long run on Sunday, I had to postpone the mileage-limit-breaking 14-miler to today. Let me tell you, there is a significant difference between running on a relaxed Sunday afternoon or morning and heading out after a Monday at work for an evening run. My energy level was noticeably low and I hit two goos over the course. (Clif Shox Razz Sorbet and Gu Banana Blitz are great, Powerbar Tangerine Gel is not.) Unfortunately, I stress-ate throughout my work day, despite the huge lunch Brian and I enjoyed, and had to make a pit stop at Round Table Pizza around the halfway mark. Despite the discomfort through which I suffered, and my walking and bathroom breaks, I kept my pace below 8 minutes per mile. This run was certainly the most physically and mentally stressful I have done.
The Greenshirts played wonderfully this weekend and I think we can all be happy with the season's completion. We beat Caltech, USC, and Arizona and lost to UCSD and Colorado. Both of our losses were hotly contested, no matter the scores, and there was no game with which I was dissatisfied. Our last game of the weekend, against Colorado, was particularly satisfying---we ran 3-0 to start the game and rattled them into a timeout and reassessment of our capabilities. Once they took the game more seriously, they pulled away but could not contain us consistently. Our five seniors clocked a slew of play time and seemed to finish happily despite the emotional significance of the game. I am so proud (and relieved) to have finished the season as we did.
I could not be prouder of the Braineaters---the team accomplished and progressed an amazing amount. On Saturday, the boys lost only one game, to Colorado State, leaving them in contention for the Nationals bid but on a difficult road. Sunday opened with a tough loss to UC San Diego but continued with a handy defeat of Arizona and blowout rematch against Colorado State. The Brains opened the game 6-0 with back to back Callahan goals by Alex and Joaquin. I know: HOLY CRAP. These wins put the Brains right where they wanted to be, in the game to go, for the third spot to College Nationals, against the hated Black Tide, UCSB. I could explain, or excuse, but suffice to say the Braineaters suffered a heartbreaking loss to a team that, in those two hours, was simply better. I believe, and hope they feel the same, that the Braineaters are left with no reason to be disappointed or ashamed---never have I seen our team play better. Congrats, guys.
I never even touched upon the insane work day preceding Projects Day 2006, one of the most important days of the year for Harvey Mudd College. Top Five, for sure. Nothing else stops either, be it Sandblast or Seattle planning or LAOUT work. Will I have time to write tomorrow? Unlikely! Back soon, true believers.