New Schwag

Get ready for trip back to circa 1988 - during a decade when Ferris had his day off, Molly was queen and pegging your jeans was it.   I bought some Oakley Frogskins the other day...white ones, bright white.  Ugly as shit, but for some reason, very, very, cool.

and you know what I am going to say next - I bought them so I could wear them at night.

For those of you in the know the Oakley Frogskin looks a lot like the Ray Ban "Wayfarers."    Now, if you were cooler than cool in the 80s, then your sunglasses of choice was this style of shades.  Why?  Tom cruise had them in Risky Business, Judd Nelson (the ultimate 80s bad-ass) had 'em in the Breakfast Club.  Heck, Don Johnson even wore them out in public.

Now, I guess I'm not sure what is next...maybe a Swatch Watch?

Crash Sends...

Ahhhh....Paradise.

*** START NOTIFICATION ***

An advisory is issued when conditions impact our lives but are not a direct threat to life and property but ignoring them could have severe consequences.

Effected beaches:

Description: Periods of heavy rain lead to increased runoff into pools of water. Brown water advisories are issued to remind the public to avoid dirty water as they may be contaminated.


Dispatcher Comment: A Brown Water Advisory has been issued for the State of Hawaii. Heavy rains are expected today and tonight, especially for Oahu. The public is advised to stay out of flood waters (brown water)that may contain pollutants from overflowing cesspools, sewer manholes, animal wastes, dead animals, pesticides, chemicals, and associated flood debris. The public should also stay out of coastal waters impacted by storm water runoff near stream mouths and drainage ditches. If the coastal water is brown, stay out.

Instruction: Always heed warning signs posted regarding water quality.



Expiration: This event is set to expire at 12/16/2008 11:37:18 AM. If conditions change before expiration or the event needs to be extended, an update or cancelation will be issued from Hawaii Beach Safety Website.


For more information: Browse to http://emdweb.doh.hawaii.gov/CleanWaterBranch/CurrentWarnings/default.aspx

*** END NOTIFICATION ***

Running: Kailua, Hawaii

Trail: Maunawili

Round Trip: About 20 miles

Getting There: Assuming a launch point from downtown Honolulu, take the Pali Highway over to the windward side. When you exit the tunnel on the Kailua side, proceed for about a mile. Just before a sharp bend in the highway, pull into a parking area on the right. Find a stall and park there. If you are taking the city bus, hop aboard a 56 or 57. Exit at the stop at Kamehameha Highway and Pali Highway. This is the first the stop the bus will make after going through the tunnel. Walk a mile back up Pali Highway to the parking area.

Trailhead Location: There are three clear-cut entry/exit points. Two are in the vicinity of the Pali Lookout, one is in Waimanalo. There are several lower ridge routes which have been used to connect with the trail, but they tend to be more obscure.

North (Kailua) entry:The official trailhead is near the hairpin turn off Pali Hwy (on the Kailua side) at the scenic lookout parking lot. The unofficial connector trail junctions with the Old Pali Road (beyond a rock restraining fence) and with Maunawili Trail about 0.5-mile from the official trailhead.

South (Waimanalo) entry:Along Waikupanaha St, just after Mahiku Pl, on the right side.

Description: Pick up the trail at the upper end of the parking lot. It climbs initially to gain elevation. You will arrive at a signed junction. Bear left on the MDT. The trail heading up to the right goes to the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. For the most part after this, the path contours along the base of the Ko'olau Mountain Range toward Waimanalo. There is no huge elevation gains or losses. As a result, the trail is a favorite for mountain bikers and runners as well as hikers.You'll pass a watertank along the trail. You'll also enjoy panoramic vistas of Maunawili Valley and the summit of the Ko'olau Range. The pointed peaks you see to your left are Mount Olomana. Plan to cross several rocky streams. During rainy weather, water will flow down these streams and waterfalls will cascade down the steep slopes of the windward pali (cliffs). Magnificent.

Guidebook:
The Hikers Guide to O'ahu, Stuart Ball
Danger: Low Skill: Novice/Int

Crash sends...

New Gadgets

I ran out to the local bike store yesterday and purchased a set of lights for my bike. Now they are supposed to last around 60 hours on a set of AAA batteries. I haven't tested them out yet and I'll be sure to get back on here and let you know how it works out.

So why did I go out ant buy the latest "thing" for my bike - when I haven't really been that into riding in the past year? I'm back into it and plan on commuting to work at least twice a week. The bonus...from my home to office is only about 10 miles.

On another note I have been back in the gym and have started a dedicated running program. Or as much as I can on a mending ankle.

I surfed Fours this past weekend - it was the first time I've been on my board in about a year. So for the past few days my back and shoulders have been sore as all get out. But I loved every minute of it and all of the aches and pains have been worth it. I plan on getting in another session this coming weekend but, I haven't decided on the location yet. Any suggestions?

Today's Workout:

Run

4.5 mi @ 8:30 pace

Strength

3x21,15,9 push jerk

2x max set of pull ups

21,15,9 kettle bell swings

core

Time

I know it has been almost two months since my last post. I'm lame for it. Let's just say that this year has been pretty much a wash for both the racing and blogging world.

And maybe that is the problem - I have not raced once this year...and have had no goals.

So what do I do now? What is my next step? My ankle is still to messed up to seriously train for the Honolulu Marathon and the race season here in Hawaii doesn't really start until March. Do I just keep slogging through the days trying to find time to get a run or a swim in?

My answer for right now is yes.

Today's Workout:

Run - 4 Mi @ 8:30 pace

Strength - Back Squat 5x5, Core.

Vacation Time

I know I just got back and was making a valiant comeback but I will be taking another blogging break...maybe.  The Dragon and I are going on a holiday to this place and we are excited.   I'll get out some updates if I can but no promises.

Crash sends....

The Return

Ok, So I'm back...now what?

I had no real expectations of coming back from Iraq in shape - but I tried and I'm not horribly out of shape and, in all actuality I am probably stronger now. My endurance on the other hand...has suffered. I guess I am back to the base phase - once again...another 8 weeks of slogging it out in a vain attempt to regain my fitness.

I go back through all of those article clippings I have saved and my note books on various workouts: tempo, intervals, long and easy runs and try to put this all together. I think that this may be my favorite part of training, figuring out how I am going to take on the problem of getting back into race shape (only to leave in what looks like another 7 months). Speed, distance, strength training, nutrition. Throw it all on some paper or a note book and call it a plan right?

And while I'm getting back at it I will be nursing a sore ankle. I sprained it pretty bad about 8 weeks ago at it still hasn't completely healed.

Since I'm back, the so now what is that I'm going to get out there and start.

Today's Workout:
6x800 meters at 10k pace; recover after each repeat for half of the interval time.
"Fran"
Three rounds, 21-15- and 9 reps, for time of:
95 pound Thruster
Pull-ups