30 STRAIGHT WEEKS!

It was a hard week that required me to pack up the Wii Fit and bring it on vacation ... buy I made it!

- Posted From My iPhone

CRAZY STEPH TEARS UP SAN FRAN!

Results from San Francisco Marathon held earlier today:


Way to go, Crazy Steph! ...

but weren't you supposed to be pacing??

- Posted From My iPhone


ADDENDUM: There may have been a timing issue. The marathon's website says results will be posted on July 26th (yesterday), but I still don't see them. A great run nonetheless.

AROUND THE LAKE MARATHON

PHOTO: Instead of getting my name printed on my bib, I decided to have "NOT RYAN HALL" printed on it. On multiple loop courses like this one, people always mistake me for Ryan Hall, America's premiere marathoner. It's probably because every time I approach the finish line, I'm just in front of the leaders. Everyone thinks I'm leading, when, in reality, I'm just about to get lapped!

Well, it's 10AM Saturday morning. I finished my fifth marathon about nine and a half hours ago. I didn't set a blazing pace, but I did manage to set a PR. My left knee and hip bore the brunt of the pounding from the asphalt and concrete. By the end of the fourth (of eight) lap. I wasn't sure I'd be able to finish, let alone finish well. As time wore on, my math grew fuzzy, but it looked like if I could keep my pace, I would probably beat my PR and, possibly, break 5:30.

After five laps, it looked like I was losing significant ground on my time, but by the end of the sixth lap, things looked a little more promising.

Pushing the pain out of my mind, I had a good seventh lap. At that point, I knew, barring a major problem, I'd beat my PR and, if I maintained my pace, I'd probably break 5:30.

On the eighth lap, I had a lot of muscle cramps in my legs. If I pushed hard and stretched out my stride, somehow I felt better. As I approached the start/finish line for the last time, I could barely make out the time ... low 5:17. I bolted on in for a high 5:17 finish. I'm calling it 5:17:59, but it should be a little lower than that.


- Posted From My iPhone

UH-OH! FLOODING IN THE WAKEFIELD AREA!

Luckily, the race is around a lake, so there's a place for all the water to go!

- Posted From My iPhone

29 WEEKS

It's been 29 weeks since my Wii Fit journey began. This has been a light workout week for several reasons: 1. I'm on vacation, 2. I'm trying to allow my toes to recover a bit, and 3. my next marathon begins at 8 p.m. tomorrow night.

Oh well. At least I took the effort to buy a new TV, pack up the Nintendo Wii, Wii Fit board, and Wii Fit game, haul everything 700 miles, set everything up, and use it at least a little every day.

I'll probably do a very light workout tomorrow morning (pre-race) and Saturday afternoon (post-race), then do a brief early-morning workout on Sunday before heading back to Virginia.


-- Post From My iPhone

STEROIDS - A MAN'S GOTTA DO WHAT A MAN'S GOTTA DO!

My most favorite course in both pharmacy school and medical school was biochemistry. I've been channeling this interest into studying why our performance declines with age, especially in males.

As we men hit our forties, several changes begin to occur. Hormonal changes are blamed for many of the maladies affecting middle-aged women. I don't think we hear nearly as much about the changes occurring in males.

Middle-aged males typically experience a decline in free testosterone, the active form of the hormone. Several things can cause this: a primary failure of testes, a pituitary problem, or a hypothalmic problem. Let's discuss how the system should work: the hypothalamus, sensing a fall in testosterone levels, releases a hormone called LHRH (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone). This LHRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release LH (luteinizing hormone). The LH then stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. A disorder anywhere in this pathway could lead to suboptimal testosterone levels.




Figure 1: notice the "A" ring (lower leftmost ring). A single double bond within the ring and a double-bonded oxygen attached to it.



So, do most middle-aged men have a hypothalmic, pituitary, or testicular problem leading to low testosterone? Probably not. I suspect most men are producing enough testosterone. Then what's happening? Estrogens.



Figure 2: Estradiol has been formed by "aromatizing" the A-ring. Note the hydroxy groups in red. Two -OH groups in the molecule make it a "di-ol", in this case, Estradiol.



Estradiol, a potent estrogen produced by our bodies, is a metabolite of testosterone. An enzyme called "aromatase" is necessary for this conversion and it becomes more active in older males.

Women can have mood changes and other problems with hormonal changes ... why don't men? Well, probably because they do experience these things ... changes in mood, such as depression, changes in sexual performance (ever hear of Viagra?), and changes in our bodies, such as muscle atrophy and fat deposition.

So, the answer is testosterone supplementation, right? Well, my experience has been that things are rarely that simple in biochemistry. Adding more testosterone to the mix may actually worsen the problem. How? Read on!

My high school chemistry teacher, Mr. Brandt, would be so proud of me! I actually paid attention in his class and remember something he taught me about thirty years ago. A French chemist, Henry Louis Le Chatelier, described a principle that bears his name. Le Chatelier's Principle, simply stated, says "If you place a stress on a chemical system at equilibrium, the system will shift to try to minimize the effect of that stress". So, if you add more testosterone to the system, the aromatase enzyme will work to convert even more testosterone to estradiol. Bummer.

Hold on ... it gets worse. It turns out that estradiol stimulates the production of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), a protein that binds free testosterone, making it unable to bind to testosterone receptor sites. If testosterone can't bind to its receptors, it's inactive. The net effect of testosterone supplementation may be increased estradiol (bad), increased SHBG (bad), and no significant increase (and possibly a decrease) in free testosterone (bad).

Is there any hope? Are we men destined to become hormonal cripples? The answers are "yes" and "no", respectively. A drug already exists that may be the answer. Breast cancer research has led to the development of a drug called "anastrozole" (brand name: Arimidex). It turns out that anastrozole is a potent inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme. It blocks the production of estrogen. Certain forms of breast cancer are responsive to estrogen and their growth can be inhibited by lower estrogen levels.

Oh, I almost forgot! Good luck finding a doctor who will prescribe a breast cancer drug to middle-aged man that he, incorrectly, views as "normal". I'll throw you a bone, though ... google the word "chrysin" and see what you can find. Anastrozole has a more rapid onset and is more powerful, but chrysin is more readily available. Since chrysin by itself is poorly absorbed, you'll have to wade through the reports that it is ineffective. By itself, it very well may be ineffective. Look into novel formulations that claim to improve absorption and document in vivo efficacy.

MY VACATION STARTS ... TOMORROW!

Tomorrow, I'll drive to Rhode island to visit inlaws and to prepare for next Friday's Around The Lake Marathon in Wakefield, MA.

I'll probably slack off on my training a bit and enjoy the beach. I might even bring my surfboard and catch a few waves. Don't worry! I'll be bringing my Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit along to keep my streak alive ...

Since I don't want to monopolize the in-laws' TVs, I bought a cheapo portable TV to use while I'm there. It has jacks for my wireless Sennheiser headphones to plug into so I won't disturb anyone.

LOOK WHAT I GOT IN THE MAIL!

NOTE: Both videos are the same. The top one was loaded directly into Blogger, the bottom is embedded through YouTube. Which looks better?

28 WIIKS!

28 weeks of Wii Fit without missing a day! I'd be impressed too if it didn't seem so easy. I'll be visiting the in-laws for a few days next week. Does that mean my streak will finally come to an end? Nope. My Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit will take a roadtrip!


-- Posted From My iPhone

PRODUCT REVIEW: FUEL BELT HELIUM

I won't be using my new Fuel Belt on any more trail marathons. In hindsight, the Fuel Belt worked as well as could be expected. Four 4-ounce bottles may sound like a lot, but in reality, it wasn't nearly enough for the Dances With Dirt trail marathon.

For a trail 10K or half marathon, the 16-ounce capacity is probably enough. A marathon? I'll never try THAT again. Rick from MI had a large backpack-style hydration pack made by Nathan. The capacity was 70-80 ounces, if I recall correctly. THAT'S the way to go! I might have to refill it once and still supplement my intake at the aid stations, but I know I would have consumed a lot more water with it.

As far as comfort goes, the Fuel Belt performed well. I hardly knew it was there and only had to tighten once, in the waning miles of the marathon.

The tops of the water bottles had two detents on them, allowing them to permit partial or full flow through the cap. I found I would forget this feature and struggle to get fluid through the partially-opened cap or I wouldn't get the cap completely closed and I'd be reminded by water splashing everywhere.

The bottleholders on the belt held the bottles snuggly ... If you placed them in properly, which is nearly impossible to do one-handed. The bottles could easily fall through holders if not placed properly. Also, when I tripped over a large tree root and fell late in the race, the bottles went everywhere.

So, for trail 10Ks and half-marathons held on days without a lot of heat, the Fuel Belt 4x4-oz. Helium model will likely perform well. On a trail marathon, there's just not enough water for me to recommend it.

-- Posted From My iPhone

ANOTHER BLAST FROM THE PAST

I found this photo a few minutes ago. I think it was taken during my junior year at Forest Park High School, which would mean it was probably taken late summer/early fall 1979 ... thirty years ago! YIKES!

-- Posted From My iPhone

I'M COMMITTED (OR "I SHOULD BE COMMITTED!")

"Committed" ... one little word, multiple meanings.



I signed up for the New Hampshire Marathon on October 3rd. I've paid my money. I'm committed.



I signed up for the Maine Marathon on October 4th ... the very next day. I've paid my money. I'm committed.



My first double. I probably SHOULD be committed.



-- Posted From My iPhone

PREPARING FOR MY FIRST DOUBLE

PHOTO: Me and my workout buddy.
I'm planning on running the New Hampshire Marathon on October 3rd and the Maine Marathon on October 4th. So, instead of taking it easy the day after a marathon, I worked out for three hours, my usual daily maximum (that's the most Wii Fit will give you credit for). I'm mild-to-moderately stiif and sore, but the workout went well. In fact, once I got moving, the stiffness and soreness abated.

HURRAY! I'M LOSING MY FIRST TOENAILS!

Some people think you're not a real trail runner until you lose your first toenail ... looks like I'll be a real trail runner real soon!

MISCELLANEOUS WHININGS OF A TRAIL MARATHON CRYBABY

First, I believe in the "trickle down" theory. If there are not enough medals, they should go to the longer-distance runners first. The 50 milers first, then the 50Kers, then the marathoners, then the half-marathoners. At Dances With Dirt, the 50 milers and 50Kers had their own medal. Us marathoners shared medals with half-marathoners. From what I heard, there were many half-marathoners who registered the morning of. If the marathoners only get an hour head start on the half-marathoners, guess who's gonna finish first, gobbling up all the medals? So, the half-marathoners walked away with all the medals (there weren't even enough for them!). They said they'll mail us one, but that's kinda anticlimactic. Another way to do it: "Did you pre-register? No? Oh, then we'll mail you your medal.".

Second, the course needed better signage. The trail ribbons were well-done, but some of the turns were confusing, leading people to run further than they intended. A few numbered signs could have cut down on the confusion.

On the plus side, there were ample ribbons, if you could decipher the turns properly. And the race shirt was FABULOUS!

CRAZY STEPH: THE MAD CHICK OF WISCONSIN

Well, she did it. She won the Dances With Dirt Marathon in Baraboo, WI. just so she didn't make everyone look bad, she ran about 29 miles before finishing in 5 hours. She still beat me by 54 minutes and I only ran 26.2 miles.

This was a very brutal course. I think what helped me the most were these things: 1. There were places on the course where it was impossible to run, like a very long, irregular "staircase" of rocks (this favored the slower runners like me), 2. The course could have been marked more clearly (many runners I beat probably got lost), and 3. I ran with the guy who placed the markers for much of the course, so I KNEW we were going the right way. The trouble is he's a much better runner than me ... I felt like I had a tiger by the tail and I didn't dare let go!

By the way, I finished third in my age group.


-- Posted From My iPhone

DANCES WITH DIRT PRE-RACE UPDATE

I made it to Baraboo around 7:30 pm. The flight into Madison, WI was delayed around an hour or so. I rented a Dodge Dakota pickup truck from Enterprise. Upon arriving in Baraboo, I checked into the Thunderbird Motor Inn. I was concerned about what I'd find when I opened the room door, but it was actually quite nice inside. I drove out to the start/finish line and picked up my race packet. The race shirt is beautiful ... the nicest I've ever recieved! I had dinner at the Log Cabin Restaurant in Baraboo. I had a fabulous meal there ... chicken/mushroom entree, bread basket, wonderful garlic pasta side dish, mashed potatoes, and, for dessert, banana cream pie. I was starving! I even got a side of the pasta to go and ate it in my room! Five star!

You can see a map of where I am by following this link:

http://scribular.com/journey/dnqck2gd328


-- Posted From My iPhone

TRIP TO BARABOO, WI

You can check out the progress of my trip to Baraboo, WI for the Dances With Dirt Marathon on JourneyCast.

WEATHER FORECAST: BARABOO, WI

-- Posted From My iPhone

MY RACE TAT

Featuring "The Dances With Dirt Dude".

-- Posted From My iPhone

27 WEEKS OF WII FIT/WII FAT

I took it very easy this week. My left knee tendinitis (Nintendonitis) is doing better. With the Dances With Dirt Trail Marathon in Baraboo, Wisconsin starting in 48 hours from now, I'm not inclined to do anything to inflame it.

Thankful, the toughest leg of the race is first, so if I make it through the first, the rest should be easier. I suspect I'll walk a lot that first leg to protect my knee.



-- Posted From My iPhone

TODAY'S WORKOUT

Walking all over Busch Gardens Williamsburg!

MOBILE RACE COMMAND CENTER

If a race isn't too far away, I'll often take my Element, my home-away-from-home. This weekend's race in Wisconsin is too far, over 1600 miles roundtrip according to Google Maps. I've installed a Mac Mini in my car to keep me entertained on the road. I can play tunes while driving and watch movies and TV shows when parked. If I looked tired at Hatfield-McCoy, part of the reason was I stayed up too late watching the season premiere of Weeds!

To install the Mac Mini, the first problem I needed to solve was "Where will all mount all this stuff?". The Honda Element doesn't really have a good hiding space for all the hardware I needed. The Element SC, however, has a HUGE center console and it looked big enough for my purposes. There's a company in Michigan that modifies Element SCs to make them suitable for handicapped drivers. They rip out the consoles and sell them on eBay. I think I had to pay around $500 for mine (that's including the handbrake, as the standard one won't work).

PHOTO 1: How the console looked when it arrived

PHOTO 2: Holy cow! It fits!

PHOTO 3: Carnetix P1900V/P5V PSU ... puts the Mini to sleep when ignition is off, wakes it up when it's on.

PHOTO 4: Carnetix Mac Kit requires you to wire it to the Mini's on/off switch internally. It replaces the Mini's cord and power supply brick.

PHOTO 5: Carnetix PSU installed under passenger's seat. I don't like things like this installed on the floor, but I didn't have much choice and it's been no problem ... yet.

PHOTO 6: Installing the new handbrake. I had to remove the driver's seat. Bummer.

PHOTO 7: Handbrake installed, head unit out, and console dry-fitted.

PHOTO 8: Apple Dock painted and installed. Griffin PowerMate installed.

PHOTO 9: Touchscreen installed. OSX Combined Update being installed.

PHOTO 10: The head unit and Mac Mini in place. There's a pocket beside the Mac Mini with a 4-port USB hub in it. I had a local car stereo installer fabricate some of the special parts. He did a nice job.

PHOTO 11: I have an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and Mighty Mouse for use when I'm not in motion.

PHOTO 12: I fabricated a platform that can be installed when I remove the rear seats. I place a Cabelas camp mattress on it, making it shockingly comfortable to sleep on.

PHOTO 13: A view of the platform from the side door looking back. The black fabric is a cabana specifically made for the Element that I purchased from Honda.

PRODUCT REVIEW: JOURNEYCAST FOR THE IPHONE 3G & 3G-S

The patellar tendinitis, AKA Nintendonitis, in my left knee has flared up once again, so I did a light workout yesterday. Today, I wanted to calibrate my iPhone 3G-S's Nike+iPod app at the local high school track, but I couldn't get it to recognize the new sensor I purchased. It turns out, you have to go to the iPhone's main settings app to sync a new sensor ... I forgot about this, I guess, until later.

Since I couldn't get it to work, I decided to try out an app I purchased today called "JourneyCast". It will automatically upload your GPS coordinates to special servers. Or, if you choose, you can upload your location manually with a touch of a button. You can add a note to the waypoint if you add it manually. If you don't have an internet connection, the app with log your points and upload them when you do get a connection. The program gives you a secret weblink where you can view your journey on a map, satellite image, or a hybrid. You can email the link to your friends and they can follow along. Cool!

After trying it out on the quarter-mile track, I'm impressed with it's accuracy. All the data points were on or abutting the track. According to the waypoints, it took me 15 minutes to complete a mile ... not bad considering I stopped three times each lap to stretch my left knee for 20 seconds. I also tracked my journey from the track to my home (about a 10 mile trek) and all those data points were on the roads I traveled. When I zoomed in on the satellite view, my final waypoint was in my driveway, right where I parked ... awesome!

TRAIL SHOPPING, PART IV

When I was in Cincinnati, OH two weeks ago, I stopped by the Apple Store in Kenwood Towne Centre. You can tell it's a swanky mall because "Town" and "Center" don't typically end with the letter "e" ... at least not in the U.S.! I decided to retire my old first generation iPhone and get a new iPhone 3G-S. It has Nike+iPod capability built-in. So ... I "had" to purchase a sensor for my new Nike Air Pegasus. Oops! I meant to ay my new Salomon XT Wings! I guess I'll glue it into the lace pocket with rubber cement or something.

Now, I'll have a clue how far I've travelled on Saturday! I don't have one of them high-falutin' Garmin GPS/HR watches ... at least not yet!

TRAIL SHOPPING, PART III

A friend of mine told me to get some shoes specific for a trail race. Since he's completed over 250 marathons (and 50 States twice!), I gave his advice the attention it was due. I purchased the Salomon XT Wings in size 12. Normally, I wear size 11, but this shoe seems to run a little small and the 11s were tight on my toes.

The Kevlar lacing system is awesome! One quick pull and it's laced tight. There's even a pocket to tuck the excess lacing into. The uppers are a breathable mesh and I think it'll wick well.

TRAIL SHOPPING, PART II

Since watering holes will likely be scarce as well, I purchased a Fuel Belt ... the Helium model in Hibiscus Pink, or, as I prefer, Flying Pig Pink! It has four four-ounces bottles and a zip-up pouch just small enough to ensure an iPhone won't fit in it.

To fill the bottles, I'll use nuun tablets. I'll probably dissolve them in water.

TRAIL SHOPPING, PART I

Trail races typically have a much smaller support network when compared with their road brethren. In my only trail half-marathon, the aid stations were few and far between. While there's a men's restroom practically behind every tree, women's facilities are nearly impossible to find. Thanks for that Y-chromosome, Dad!

So... I decided to stock up on some treats for the race. I purchased some packets of GU Energy Gel in various flavors... Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Outrage, and Orange Burst. I picked Orange Burst because the packaging coordinates with my car. Good call!

I also picked up a pack of Carb Boom because I know Crazy Steph won't use anything else! I had to drive all over Roanoke to find it! OK, the truth is she HATES Carb Boom and the one in the photo was a leftover from the Hatfield-McCoy Marathon.

SIX MONTHS!

Twenty-six weeks! That's almost half a year!


-- Posted From My iPhone

THIS IS GONNA HURT!

Well, I'm off to my biggest challenge yet, the Dances With Dirt Marathon, thanks to the coaxing of Steph, who will, from this point on, be known as "Crazy Steph". This trail marathon looks like a scary roller coaster ... high peaks and steep inclines.

Baraboo, WI ... here I come!