18 Miles!! WooHoo - I’m happy to report that the old man’s legs lasted 18 miles Saturday. Although 18 miles is a very long way its still not 26.2; I don’t think I could have made 26 miles. I was pretty fatigued the last 2 miles; it was starting to get very hot and humid. This track had some significant hills so that added to the challenge. This coming week will be a recovery week with a 12 mile run on Saturday. Its hard to believe the summer is pretty much over – time flies when you are not having fun :>)
I’ve never had any problems with cars or dogs while running until last week. Normally it’s still dark during the beginning of my early morning runs. One day last week, I was running against traffic in my normally quiet neighborhood and saw a car coming towards me. I ensured that I stayed in the “gutter” area and kept my eyes on the approaching vehicle. Right before the car reached me, a dog came running at me from my blind side with a vicious bark and startled me so much that I came very close to jumping right in front of the approaching car. If I die tragically that is not the way I want to go. Dying while exercising just causes too many people to say “I told you exercising was not good for you”
Like most sporting activities there are a million products out there making guarantees of better performance. Nutrition is one area allot of companies target runners. In addition to Gatorade and Power Bars everything from Sport Beans to liquid carbs is marketed to runners. Recently, in addition to the sport beans, liquid carbs, and power bars (yea, I’m a sucker for anything that promises to make running easier), I’ve been trying a new product called “Joint Juice”. Supposedly it helps keep your joints “lubed” while running. It tastes a little like WD40 so maybe it really does work.
I had another good week as far as donations go; several who told me early on they’d be making a donation came through; just like the miles the donations are beginning to “pile up” – so thank you. I now have over 48 individuals who’ve made donations from as far away as Hawaii and even Iraq. It feels good knowing all of you are behind me; you really provide allot of motivation. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is for me to get out of bed at 5am each morning and begin pounding out the miles in the dark. To keep from rolling over and hitting the snooze button I imagine I have 48 people reminding me to get up and get with it.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Week 14 Training Summary
Marathon training week 14 is "in the books" - it was a pretty boring week actually. A "down" week as far as the long mileage; only had to run 10 miles this past Saturday. I'm still maintaining about an 11 minute per mile pace so I won't be breaking any speed records. The heat is back to the "normal" range of 90-95 so it'll be big relief from the triple digit heat wave we had last week. I did surpass 200 total training miles so I'm psyched about that. I can remember back in weeks 1-4 when I think I ran 26 miles total; so the mileage is piling up and I'll probably put in another 175 miles before the marathon.
I'm told I should buy a new pair of running shoes before the marathon; they tell me that running shoes go "dead" after 500 miles. I'm used to wearing the same pair of shoes (and underwear, t-shirts, socks, etc) for 4-6 years or more so giving up a pair of shoes after 4 months sounds crazy; I still have T-shirts from my military training days dating back to 1984! I never thought I'd be measuring how long to keep my shoes based on mileage.
This coming weekend is a BIG test - 18 miles. Our group is going over to St Louis to run the 18 miles in Forest Park with the S t Louis Missouri Chapter of Team and Training. I'm already thinking ahead and will be buying 2 large bags of ice in preparation for the dreaded ice bath after the run.
I haven't quite reached all the fund raising goals I've set but I'm confident that will take care of itself; so many of you have been more than generous. I've received donations from people I have not even met so I know the cause means allot to allot of people. I talk allot about my training progress because I want everyone to know I want to finish this race for you and everyone else that cares about this important cause. I've promised allot of people a picture of me crossing the finish line so I feel the pressure to keep going.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
I'm told I should buy a new pair of running shoes before the marathon; they tell me that running shoes go "dead" after 500 miles. I'm used to wearing the same pair of shoes (and underwear, t-shirts, socks, etc) for 4-6 years or more so giving up a pair of shoes after 4 months sounds crazy; I still have T-shirts from my military training days dating back to 1984! I never thought I'd be measuring how long to keep my shoes based on mileage.
This coming weekend is a BIG test - 18 miles. Our group is going over to St Louis to run the 18 miles in Forest Park with the S t Louis Missouri Chapter of Team and Training. I'm already thinking ahead and will be buying 2 large bags of ice in preparation for the dreaded ice bath after the run.
I haven't quite reached all the fund raising goals I've set but I'm confident that will take care of itself; so many of you have been more than generous. I've received donations from people I have not even met so I know the cause means allot to allot of people. I talk allot about my training progress because I want everyone to know I want to finish this race for you and everyone else that cares about this important cause. I've promised allot of people a picture of me crossing the finish line so I feel the pressure to keep going.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Week 13 Training Summary
Well the heat is still on - how hot was it you ask?
So hot today, I was sweating like a poodle at Michael Vick’s place.
So hot, doctors are implanting icemakers in addition to pacemakers.
It was so hot, the astronauts were drinking frozen margaritas.
OK, I'm not much of a comedian - I'll stick to running. I was able to complete my long run this past weekend in spite of the heat. This past Sunday our group ran 15 miles (actually 14.45 but I like to round up). It was a grueling run in the early morning heat. I did the "ice bath" routine when I arrived home and I think the whole neighborhood heard me howling as I lowered my body into the ice filled bath tub. I have noticed that I'm now able to recover quicker and can actually walk pain free the next day
I must admit that the training has been a real grind lately and even though I know I'll complete what I started I start to question why I'm doing this and whether its really worth the time and effort. Right when I'm feeling sorry for myself and think about how many more miles I have to run to get ready for this race I get another "reason" to keep going.
Last night a neighbor dropped off a donation check accompanied by the obituary of her 52-year old friend from her church who had just died last week of leukemia. She asked that I add her name to the back of my race jersey. Wow, how much more motivation do I need. I'm raising money for an important cause that has or will touch many lives; knowing that "keeps me runnin".
The heat index should ease up a little starting this weekend. This week is 28 miles of training with the next big test - a 18 mile "group" run on August 25th.
Thanks to all of you who made a donation this past week. The next time I'm feeling "down" I'll crank up my IPOD with the Doobie Bother's song "You keep me runnin" because it is all of "you" that keep me running - Thanks Again!!
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
So hot today, I was sweating like a poodle at Michael Vick’s place.
So hot, doctors are implanting icemakers in addition to pacemakers.
It was so hot, the astronauts were drinking frozen margaritas.
OK, I'm not much of a comedian - I'll stick to running. I was able to complete my long run this past weekend in spite of the heat. This past Sunday our group ran 15 miles (actually 14.45 but I like to round up). It was a grueling run in the early morning heat. I did the "ice bath" routine when I arrived home and I think the whole neighborhood heard me howling as I lowered my body into the ice filled bath tub. I have noticed that I'm now able to recover quicker and can actually walk pain free the next day
I must admit that the training has been a real grind lately and even though I know I'll complete what I started I start to question why I'm doing this and whether its really worth the time and effort. Right when I'm feeling sorry for myself and think about how many more miles I have to run to get ready for this race I get another "reason" to keep going.
Last night a neighbor dropped off a donation check accompanied by the obituary of her 52-year old friend from her church who had just died last week of leukemia. She asked that I add her name to the back of my race jersey. Wow, how much more motivation do I need. I'm raising money for an important cause that has or will touch many lives; knowing that "keeps me runnin".
The heat index should ease up a little starting this weekend. This week is 28 miles of training with the next big test - a 18 mile "group" run on August 25th.
Thanks to all of you who made a donation this past week. The next time I'm feeling "down" I'll crank up my IPOD with the Doobie Bother's song "You keep me runnin" because it is all of "you" that keep me running - Thanks Again!!
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Week 12 Training Summary
Whew! The heat index has really been "up there" this week - around 95 -100. Fortunately my "long run" this past Saturday was only 9 miles; I can't believe I'm saying "only nine miles"- that is still a long way. When its gets that hot, sweating is a real problem; It's a constant flow down your face and and in your eyes and once your shirt gets soaked it feels like your a carrying extra weight.
OK, here's funny and embarrassing "newbie runner" story. There are several products on the market to assist runners: sore muscle balm, anti-blister cream, anti-chaffing ointment, etc. Before my last long run I wanted to apply some anti-chaffing ointment to prevent skin irritation during the long distance we were going to run. I mistakenly asked my running coach if she had any Bio Freeze (similar to Icy Hot or Tiger Balm). What I should have asked her for was Body Glide ( a vasoline-like anti-chaffing ointment). Believing that I had the BodyGlide ointment I proceeded to apply it all over my chest and on my inner thighs. After about 2 minutes I felt a real strange "hot" sensation. It finally dawned on me that I used the wrong ointment for the wrong reason and on the wrong places. Fortunately, the "heat" wore off after about 20 minutes and I was able to finish the run.
I completed my annual physical this week and it looks like I'll live another year :>) When the nurse took my pulse she said it was really low - a reading of 52. Then she asked "are you a runner?" - pride fully I said "yes I am!" Apparently runners normally have a very low pulse due to the fact that there hearts are able to operate more efficiently and do not require as many beats per minute to supply blood to their body. When she did the EKG she told me it would give a warning that my heart beat is too low but that for runners that's a good thing. She said some runners have a pulse close to 35 which would be a red flag in normal folks who do not exercise. So I was happy that all of this pain and suffering has at least led to a healthy heart. My blood pressure was very low too.
This week is 30 miles of training with the next big test - a 15 mile "group" run on Sunday August 12th. The heat is making even the short runs a tough task but when I fell like quitting I begin to think about how tough the kids who are hospitalized with these potentially deadly cancers must have it; the pain and suffering I'm experiencing is nothing compared to that.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
OK, here's funny and embarrassing "newbie runner" story. There are several products on the market to assist runners: sore muscle balm, anti-blister cream, anti-chaffing ointment, etc. Before my last long run I wanted to apply some anti-chaffing ointment to prevent skin irritation during the long distance we were going to run. I mistakenly asked my running coach if she had any Bio Freeze (similar to Icy Hot or Tiger Balm). What I should have asked her for was Body Glide ( a vasoline-like anti-chaffing ointment). Believing that I had the BodyGlide ointment I proceeded to apply it all over my chest and on my inner thighs. After about 2 minutes I felt a real strange "hot" sensation. It finally dawned on me that I used the wrong ointment for the wrong reason and on the wrong places. Fortunately, the "heat" wore off after about 20 minutes and I was able to finish the run.
I completed my annual physical this week and it looks like I'll live another year :>) When the nurse took my pulse she said it was really low - a reading of 52. Then she asked "are you a runner?" - pride fully I said "yes I am!" Apparently runners normally have a very low pulse due to the fact that there hearts are able to operate more efficiently and do not require as many beats per minute to supply blood to their body. When she did the EKG she told me it would give a warning that my heart beat is too low but that for runners that's a good thing. She said some runners have a pulse close to 35 which would be a red flag in normal folks who do not exercise. So I was happy that all of this pain and suffering has at least led to a healthy heart. My blood pressure was very low too.
This week is 30 miles of training with the next big test - a 15 mile "group" run on Sunday August 12th. The heat is making even the short runs a tough task but when I fell like quitting I begin to think about how tough the kids who are hospitalized with these potentially deadly cancers must have it; the pain and suffering I'm experiencing is nothing compared to that.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Week 11 Training Update
Well, I'm halfway through the marathon training program and am still on track to be ready for the race on October 7th. I'm a little sore today after the 13 mile run yesterday. It only took 2 hours and 30 minutes :>) Most elite runners would finish 26 miles in that time. It was very humid but the temperature wasn't too bad - around 80-85. I didn't really struggle until after 11 miles - the last 2 miles were a moderate uphill climb.
When I finished I knew right away there was no way I could do 13 more miles so I know I still have a long way to get into "26 mile" shape. Its a good thing I still have 2 more months to train. It was good feeling though knowing that I'm now a "half marathoner" - There were allot of folks out on the trail training for this marathon - thousands of runners from the St Louis will run in the Chicago marathon. The race has been sold out since last April - so yes, there are plenty (at least 40,000) of "crazy" people out there doing what I'm doing :>)
When I got home I filled up the tub with cold water and emptied our freezer's ice compartment into the tub. They say that an ice bath on the legs right after a long run will help eliminate the tightness and soreness. What's it like you ask? - think of the feeling you get when you lower yourself into a hot tub; once you are in it feels pretty good. Well this is the exact opposite of that feeling. It more walking on a frozen lake and then falling through and gasping for breath. There was never a time that it felt good until I got out. I will say however that my legs recovered pretty well. The only thing still ailing a little are my knees.
This week is another 22 miles of training with the next big test - a 15 mile "group" run on August 12th. Every 2 weeks the long run mileage jumps 2 miles until we culminate with a 20 mile run about 3 weeks before race day. In the next 6 weeks we have scheduled long runs of 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, miles. The weekday runs are usually 3 - 5 miles. I've completed about 137 training miles with no major ailments other than minor aches and pains and some "mental" fatigue - I've been tempted many times to hit the snooze button and blow off the weekday running but so far I've been able to stick with it. By the time the training is complete I will have run close to 400 miles. The weekend "long" runs are what really get you prepared physically and mentally for the marathon - you can't miss those or you will not be able to complete the 26 miles.
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
When I finished I knew right away there was no way I could do 13 more miles so I know I still have a long way to get into "26 mile" shape. Its a good thing I still have 2 more months to train. It was good feeling though knowing that I'm now a "half marathoner" - There were allot of folks out on the trail training for this marathon - thousands of runners from the St Louis will run in the Chicago marathon. The race has been sold out since last April - so yes, there are plenty (at least 40,000) of "crazy" people out there doing what I'm doing :>)
When I got home I filled up the tub with cold water and emptied our freezer's ice compartment into the tub. They say that an ice bath on the legs right after a long run will help eliminate the tightness and soreness. What's it like you ask? - think of the feeling you get when you lower yourself into a hot tub; once you are in it feels pretty good. Well this is the exact opposite of that feeling. It more walking on a frozen lake and then falling through and gasping for breath. There was never a time that it felt good until I got out. I will say however that my legs recovered pretty well. The only thing still ailing a little are my knees.
This week is another 22 miles of training with the next big test - a 15 mile "group" run on August 12th. Every 2 weeks the long run mileage jumps 2 miles until we culminate with a 20 mile run about 3 weeks before race day. In the next 6 weeks we have scheduled long runs of 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, miles. The weekday runs are usually 3 - 5 miles. I've completed about 137 training miles with no major ailments other than minor aches and pains and some "mental" fatigue - I've been tempted many times to hit the snooze button and blow off the weekday running but so far I've been able to stick with it. By the time the training is complete I will have run close to 400 miles. The weekend "long" runs are what really get you prepared physically and mentally for the marathon - you can't miss those or you will not be able to complete the 26 miles.
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Week 10 Training Update
Well I made it back from a one week vacation but now I need time to recover :>) I ran 11 miles the morning we left for vacation in Tennessee; that was a new personal best for me. It was a tough run with too many hills for my taste but I made it. I always run with my IPOD shuffle to help keep my mind off of the "pain and suffering"; I even added some new songs this time. However, after about 2 blocks the battery went dead and the next 11 miles was "music free". It was a tough run with no entertainment along the way.
After some recovery time following the 11 mile run we drove 6 hours to Crossville Tennessee for a week of vacation at Fairfield Glade - a Timeshare golf resort. We played 36 holes on Sunday, 27 holes on Monday, 27 holes on Tuesday, 18 holes on Wednesday, 18 holes on Thursday, and 9 holes on Friday. I also ran 3 miles on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and 8 miles this past Saturday. Needless to say I was pretty "whipped" at the end of the week.
Too bad there's not a "golf" marathon event ; I think I'd be ready to compete in that event. I figured out that 26 miles of golf would equal about 135 holes or 7.5 18-hole rounds; since it takes about 4 hours to complete a round of golf it would take about 30 hours to complete; it would be fun trying..........
This week is 26 miles of training with another big test for me - a 13 mile "group" run on Saturday. I've completed about 115 training miles and so far no major ailments other than "mental" fatigue. I have noticed that I really have not lost any weight during the last 10 weeks; I think its because I'm hungry all the the time and allot of the protein needed is also high in calories. I run with a heart rate monitor and have noticed that my resting heart rate has decreased and my "running" heart rate has also declined; I'm told this indicates a "healthier" heart so even though I'm not "thinner" my heart is getting in shape.
I run on a bike path and its really hard watching all these bicyclists zoom by me while I'm chugging along. A little voice keeps whispering to me that I could go allot further and faster on a bike........maybe I'll try a Triathlon next since I'm a former competitive swimmer and can ride a bike....
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
After some recovery time following the 11 mile run we drove 6 hours to Crossville Tennessee for a week of vacation at Fairfield Glade - a Timeshare golf resort. We played 36 holes on Sunday, 27 holes on Monday, 27 holes on Tuesday, 18 holes on Wednesday, 18 holes on Thursday, and 9 holes on Friday. I also ran 3 miles on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and 8 miles this past Saturday. Needless to say I was pretty "whipped" at the end of the week.
Too bad there's not a "golf" marathon event ; I think I'd be ready to compete in that event. I figured out that 26 miles of golf would equal about 135 holes or 7.5 18-hole rounds; since it takes about 4 hours to complete a round of golf it would take about 30 hours to complete; it would be fun trying..........
This week is 26 miles of training with another big test for me - a 13 mile "group" run on Saturday. I've completed about 115 training miles and so far no major ailments other than "mental" fatigue. I have noticed that I really have not lost any weight during the last 10 weeks; I think its because I'm hungry all the the time and allot of the protein needed is also high in calories. I run with a heart rate monitor and have noticed that my resting heart rate has decreased and my "running" heart rate has also declined; I'm told this indicates a "healthier" heart so even though I'm not "thinner" my heart is getting in shape.
I run on a bike path and its really hard watching all these bicyclists zoom by me while I'm chugging along. A little voice keeps whispering to me that I could go allot further and faster on a bike........maybe I'll try a Triathlon next since I'm a former competitive swimmer and can ride a bike....
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Week 7 Training Update
This was a another productive week for my marathon training; I ran 8 miles on Saturday with my 10 year old grandson caddying the water bottles on a bike trail; he rode out and dropped off a bottle of water at each mile marker. It was fun since he was with me on my very first day of training and saw I could barely run 1/2 mile. When we were done this time he said "grandpa you ran far" - that put a smile on my face.
Another item that keeps me going while running is the IPOD shuffle. I've tried to load some running related tunes like "The Long and Winding road" , "Running on Empty", "You Keep me Running", "On the Road Again"; during my last mile the Beatles tune "I'm a loser" came on - Maybe I'll replace that one with Queen's "We are the champions".
This coming Saturday July 14th at 6am I'll be running an 11 mile run with our Team and Training group. Later that day I'll be driving 6 hours down to Tennessee for a weeks vacation - lots of golf........
This week is another 22 miles of training with an 11 mile run on Saturday. Two weeks from now will be another big test - 13 miles. I've completed about 80 training miles so far. I think by the time the actual race comes about I will have run close to 300 miles.
I'm looking forward to a little R&R down in Tennessee next week and plan to lose allot of golf balls while I'm at it.
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Another item that keeps me going while running is the IPOD shuffle. I've tried to load some running related tunes like "The Long and Winding road" , "Running on Empty", "You Keep me Running", "On the Road Again"; during my last mile the Beatles tune "I'm a loser" came on - Maybe I'll replace that one with Queen's "We are the champions".
This coming Saturday July 14th at 6am I'll be running an 11 mile run with our Team and Training group. Later that day I'll be driving 6 hours down to Tennessee for a weeks vacation - lots of golf........
This week is another 22 miles of training with an 11 mile run on Saturday. Two weeks from now will be another big test - 13 miles. I've completed about 80 training miles so far. I think by the time the actual race comes about I will have run close to 300 miles.
I'm looking forward to a little R&R down in Tennessee next week and plan to lose allot of golf balls while I'm at it.
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Week 6 Training Update
This was a productive week for for my marathon training; I visited a chiropractor last week to see if he could do something about my sore calf muscle. I'm happy to report he was able to get to the root of the problem and I was able to continue running the very next day. This was my first visit to a chiropractor and I was more than happy with the results.
I passed another personal milestone by running 9 miles on Sunday July 1st. The weather was somewhat mild so heat exhaustion was not a factor. I was pretty much "spent" and couldn't have gone much further. It was a good feeling of accomplishment though; I'm still pretty much amazed that I could do it.
Later on that same Sunday my family and I went to the studio of KMOX in St Louis to do a live interview segment on their Health and Fitness show. In the studio with me was my Team in Training coach; my daughter Cara was on the phone from Texas. The interview focused on the organization of Team and Training, how I've been progressing in the training, and Cara's history with Team in Training. It was a fun interview and we were able to get the word out on the Team in Training organization and how they are doing tremendous work for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Since I started training I've reduced the amount of golf I normally played. In the past I used to play 3-4 times per week, now I'm usually only playing in my Wednesday night league and believe it or not I'm actually playing better. I think its because I'm normally so exhausted from running I don't swing as hard :>) The last 3 weeks I've shot a 40, 40 and 42 for nine holes; that's really good for me.
Here's my report for the 9 miles I ran this past Sunday; It took about one hour and forty minutes and I averaged about 11 minutes per mile. Not too bad for someone who just 6 weeks ago couldn't run more than 200 yards without stopping. Aside from some soreness and stiffness I'm not feeling too bad the day after.
This week is another 20 miles of training with an 8 mile run on Saturday. Two weeks from now will be another big test - 11 miles.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
I passed another personal milestone by running 9 miles on Sunday July 1st. The weather was somewhat mild so heat exhaustion was not a factor. I was pretty much "spent" and couldn't have gone much further. It was a good feeling of accomplishment though; I'm still pretty much amazed that I could do it.
Later on that same Sunday my family and I went to the studio of KMOX in St Louis to do a live interview segment on their Health and Fitness show. In the studio with me was my Team in Training coach; my daughter Cara was on the phone from Texas. The interview focused on the organization of Team and Training, how I've been progressing in the training, and Cara's history with Team in Training. It was a fun interview and we were able to get the word out on the Team in Training organization and how they are doing tremendous work for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Since I started training I've reduced the amount of golf I normally played. In the past I used to play 3-4 times per week, now I'm usually only playing in my Wednesday night league and believe it or not I'm actually playing better. I think its because I'm normally so exhausted from running I don't swing as hard :>) The last 3 weeks I've shot a 40, 40 and 42 for nine holes; that's really good for me.
Here's my report for the 9 miles I ran this past Sunday; It took about one hour and forty minutes and I averaged about 11 minutes per mile. Not too bad for someone who just 6 weeks ago couldn't run more than 200 yards without stopping. Aside from some soreness and stiffness I'm not feeling too bad the day after.
This week is another 20 miles of training with an 8 mile run on Saturday. Two weeks from now will be another big test - 11 miles.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Week 5 Training Update
The 5th week (of 20) of training for my Chicago marathon was a big disappointment for me. After a 6.5 mile run last Saturday I developed a sore calf muscle and had to lay off the running for the past 7 days; today it finally feels well enough to run again. I plan to resume my training schedule tomorrow. This Sunday a local St Louis radio station is featuring me and my daughter on their weekly health and fitness show. They will interview us on how we got involved with Team and Training and how the training has been going. Hopefully we can recruit some more "volunteers" to run the marathon.
Knowing that you all are supporting me is what keeps me getting out of bed each morning; this will definitely be one of the biggest challenges I've ever undertaken. I've learned a whole lot more about Leukemia and Lymphoma and how devastating these diseases are; its obvious that most of us take our health for granted and life's lottery sometimes strikes those who do not deserve it. Knowing that the money raised will help continue the search for a cure that will help keep young kids from an early death is also a big motivator for me.
I want to thank those of you who already donated to this worthy cause. If you'd like to make a donation and keep up with my progress please visit my web site - http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun. I have a long way to go to meet my fund raising goal but just like the running its one day at a time
Knowing that you all are supporting me is what keeps me getting out of bed each morning; this will definitely be one of the biggest challenges I've ever undertaken. I've learned a whole lot more about Leukemia and Lymphoma and how devastating these diseases are; its obvious that most of us take our health for granted and life's lottery sometimes strikes those who do not deserve it. Knowing that the money raised will help continue the search for a cure that will help keep young kids from an early death is also a big motivator for me.
I want to thank those of you who already donated to this worthy cause. If you'd like to make a donation and keep up with my progress please visit my web site - http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun. I have a long way to go to meet my fund raising goal but just like the running its one day at a time
Week 4 Training Summary
I've completed the 4th week (of 20) of training for the Chicago marathon and so far have racked up about 35 training miles with the longest being a 6 mile run. My 54 year old body is starting to accept the fact that its going to be punished for a while so the soreness has really subsided.
Tomorrow morning our Team in Training group will be running together for a 6 mile run; next Saturday we'll do a 7 mile run. The mileage continues to increase. The weather is getting hotter so most running occurs in the 5-6am time period. Next week I'm shooting for another 19 miles of training.
For my birthday my wife bought me a runner's GPS - this device records distance, time, pace, heart rate etc. It will also help get you home if you get lost. I must say this little wrist device is a great training aid. Below is a chart of one of my recent workouts from last week; as you can tell I'm definitely not a speed demon.
Right now my plan is to pace myself to run each marathon mile in 11 minutes. If I run each of the 26 miles in 11 minutes I will complete the marathon in 4 hours and 45 minutes; the winner of the race will complete it in 2 hours and 10 minutes so theoretically I could get "lapped". I'm not concerned about the time only crossing the finish line.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
Tomorrow morning our Team in Training group will be running together for a 6 mile run; next Saturday we'll do a 7 mile run. The mileage continues to increase. The weather is getting hotter so most running occurs in the 5-6am time period. Next week I'm shooting for another 19 miles of training.
For my birthday my wife bought me a runner's GPS - this device records distance, time, pace, heart rate etc. It will also help get you home if you get lost. I must say this little wrist device is a great training aid. Below is a chart of one of my recent workouts from last week; as you can tell I'm definitely not a speed demon.
Right now my plan is to pace myself to run each marathon mile in 11 minutes. If I run each of the 26 miles in 11 minutes I will complete the marathon in 4 hours and 45 minutes; the winner of the race will complete it in 2 hours and 10 minutes so theoretically I could get "lapped". I'm not concerned about the time only crossing the finish line.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
Week 3 Training Summary
I've completed the third week of the marathon training and my 54 year old body is still not happy about it; Hey I'm up to 3 full miles now and have almost run 26 miles the last 3 weeks. Too bad I have to run the entire 26 miles in one day. I have a sore left calf muscle that has been nagging me and limiting some of my training. If I can get past that I should be in good shape.
Right now my plan is to pace myself to run each mile in 11 minutes. If I run each of the 26 miles in 11 minutes I will complete the marathon in 4 hours and 45 minutes; the winner of the race will complete it in 2 hours and 10 minutes so I could get "lapped"
This week consists of another set of 4 2-mile runs with a long run on the weekend. The mileage continues to increase. I don't look forward to the hot weather that will soon be approaching and the 4-5 days of running each week but I know the effort will be gratifying when its over
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Right now my plan is to pace myself to run each mile in 11 minutes. If I run each of the 26 miles in 11 minutes I will complete the marathon in 4 hours and 45 minutes; the winner of the race will complete it in 2 hours and 10 minutes so I could get "lapped"
This week consists of another set of 4 2-mile runs with a long run on the weekend. The mileage continues to increase. I don't look forward to the hot weather that will soon be approaching and the 4-5 days of running each week but I know the effort will be gratifying when its over
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Week 1 Training Summary
I've completed the first week of the marathon training and my 54 year old body is not happy about it; the first week consisted of 4 2-mile runs; working through the soreness is the hardest part. The first day of running I was about ready to die and ended up walking half of the 2 miles. By the 4th day I was actually able to complete the 2 miles without walking but it was still not easy. During the run my mind kept thinking how long 26 miles is. I drive 18 miles to work each day and could not comprehend the effort it would take to run the 18 miles to work; inside my head a small voice could be heard "26.2 miles - are you kidding me". After each run I spent about 45 minutes icing the knees and shins.
On the weekend our Team and Training group, consisting of 10 other runners, met for a "group" run. Its much easier running with a group who are there to encourage you. We also met our "honored teammate" - a Leukemia survivor. Her name is Janet and she is about 45 years old. She's had 2 marrow transplants and was given only a 5% chance to live. She's been cancer free now for 2 years and trying to stay strong for her family; she's a mother of 3. Having her around definitely puts things in perspective and reminded me why the pain and suffering is worth it. She gave everyone a "high 5" as we ran around the 1/2 mile oval track on Saturday morning.
This week consists of another set of 4 2-mile runs. The mileage will begin to increase in the 3rd and 4th week. I don't look forward to the hot weather that will soon be approaching and the 4-5 days of running each week but I know the effort will be gratifying when its over
I want to thank those of you who already donated to this worthy cause.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
On the weekend our Team and Training group, consisting of 10 other runners, met for a "group" run. Its much easier running with a group who are there to encourage you. We also met our "honored teammate" - a Leukemia survivor. Her name is Janet and she is about 45 years old. She's had 2 marrow transplants and was given only a 5% chance to live. She's been cancer free now for 2 years and trying to stay strong for her family; she's a mother of 3. Having her around definitely puts things in perspective and reminded me why the pain and suffering is worth it. She gave everyone a "high 5" as we ran around the 1/2 mile oval track on Saturday morning.
This week consists of another set of 4 2-mile runs. The mileage will begin to increase in the 3rd and 4th week. I don't look forward to the hot weather that will soon be approaching and the 4-5 days of running each week but I know the effort will be gratifying when its over
I want to thank those of you who already donated to this worthy cause.
Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
Local Newpaper article on my Marathon Journey
Up until a few months ago, Ray Baumann of Collinsville wouldn't have exactly considered himself an athlete.
In fact, the 53-year-old admitted that the most strenuous exercise he had done over the last two decades was pretty much limited to playing golf and mowing the lawn.
So when his daughter and son-in-law began training earlier this year to run in the upcoming 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon - raising money for people with blood-related cancers, most would have expected him to remain safely entrenched and cheering from the sidelines. But to everyone's surprise, Baumann decided to drop the television remote, lace up his running shoes and give it a shot
Of course, going from the living room to the track wasn't going to be an overnight change. So he got involved with Team in Training, the fund-raising arm of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Team in Training specializes in turning normal or even out-of-shape individuals into athletes capable of taking on marathons, triathlons and biking events.
"I'm definitely a non-runner," he said. "I pretty much just got off the couch and said, let's see if Team in Training can do it."
In May, Baumann officially began his 20-week journey by making it approximately 200 yards before the exhaustion hit - quite a stretch from his final goal.
But through a change in his nutrition patterns, a lot of "self discipline" and running about five days a week with gradual increases in distance, he is now up to about nine miles.
Since each participant in the marathon is also being asked to raise $3,500 for the society, Baumann is now using his story to show people what they can accomplish if they set their mind towards a specific goal and to bring in funds for a worthy charity.
"It's a win-win situation," he said. "You are pushing yourself to reach a new level you never thought you could, but also raising money for a good cause."
His daughter and son-in-law, Cara and Seth Shiver, who are from the Ft. Worth, Texas area, have been running for about three years and raised more than $10,000 over the course of four marathons.
Baumann is trying to raise that amount for one event.
"Since I will have to put my heart and soul into this effort and it may be the only marathon I run, I'm hoping to raise $10,000," he said. "I want to make this 'pain and suffering' really worth it."
To donate to the cause, individuals or businesses can visit www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun or by e-mailing rbaum0519@aol.com. Everyone who donates will get their name on the back of his T-shirt and a photograph of him crossing the finish line.
The Chicago event will be held on Oct. 7 and is expected to feature approximately 40,000 runners.
Although Baumann doesn't personally know anyone affected by one of the blood diseases, he said that team members often get letters from the people they are supporting. Many marathon runners will put the names or pictures of those patients on their clothes during the event.
According to statistics from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, more than 785,000 Americans are living with blood cancers. There were an estimated 54,000 deaths from the diseases in 2006. Since it was started, Team in Training has raised over $750 million.
www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
In fact, the 53-year-old admitted that the most strenuous exercise he had done over the last two decades was pretty much limited to playing golf and mowing the lawn.
So when his daughter and son-in-law began training earlier this year to run in the upcoming 26.2 mile Chicago Marathon - raising money for people with blood-related cancers, most would have expected him to remain safely entrenched and cheering from the sidelines. But to everyone's surprise, Baumann decided to drop the television remote, lace up his running shoes and give it a shot
Of course, going from the living room to the track wasn't going to be an overnight change. So he got involved with Team in Training, the fund-raising arm of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Team in Training specializes in turning normal or even out-of-shape individuals into athletes capable of taking on marathons, triathlons and biking events.
"I'm definitely a non-runner," he said. "I pretty much just got off the couch and said, let's see if Team in Training can do it."
In May, Baumann officially began his 20-week journey by making it approximately 200 yards before the exhaustion hit - quite a stretch from his final goal.
But through a change in his nutrition patterns, a lot of "self discipline" and running about five days a week with gradual increases in distance, he is now up to about nine miles.
Since each participant in the marathon is also being asked to raise $3,500 for the society, Baumann is now using his story to show people what they can accomplish if they set their mind towards a specific goal and to bring in funds for a worthy charity.
"It's a win-win situation," he said. "You are pushing yourself to reach a new level you never thought you could, but also raising money for a good cause."
His daughter and son-in-law, Cara and Seth Shiver, who are from the Ft. Worth, Texas area, have been running for about three years and raised more than $10,000 over the course of four marathons.
Baumann is trying to raise that amount for one event.
"Since I will have to put my heart and soul into this effort and it may be the only marathon I run, I'm hoping to raise $10,000," he said. "I want to make this 'pain and suffering' really worth it."
To donate to the cause, individuals or businesses can visit www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun or by e-mailing rbaum0519@aol.com. Everyone who donates will get their name on the back of his T-shirt and a photograph of him crossing the finish line.
The Chicago event will be held on Oct. 7 and is expected to feature approximately 40,000 runners.
Although Baumann doesn't personally know anyone affected by one of the blood diseases, he said that team members often get letters from the people they are supporting. Many marathon runners will put the names or pictures of those patients on their clothes during the event.
According to statistics from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, more than 785,000 Americans are living with blood cancers. There were an estimated 54,000 deaths from the diseases in 2006. Since it was started, Team in Training has raised over $750 million.
www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun
From Couch Potato to Marathon Man
From Couch Potato to Marathon Man
“The last race I ran was a 10K in 1984, and although the extent of my exercise program for the past 20 years has been playing golf and mowing my yard
“The last race I ran was a 10K in 1984, and although the extent of my exercise program for the past 20 years has been playing golf and mowing my yard
Why a marathon you ask? “My thirty-one year-old daughter joined the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training organization three years ago and has run four marathons, and has raised over $10,000 for cancer research. I have been donating money to her via this organization for the last three years, and it dawned on me that I too could join the Team in Training organization and make a bigger impact by running the marathon with my daughter. It would be a great father/daughter experience.”
Team in Training is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s largest fund raising program that trains individuals to complete a marathon in exchange for achieving a minimum fund raising goal. This structured 20-week marathon training program is designed to turn an out of shape, non-runner into a “marathon man” (or woman). Without this type of training there is no way I could complete this race.
Most of us know someone who has died or is suffering from a blood cancer such as Leukemia, Lymphoma, or Myeloma. An estimated 785,829 Americans are living with blood cancers; every 10 minutes someone dies from a blood cancer – an estimated 54,000 deaths in 2006. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is an organization committed to doing something about it.
Last year, the Team in Training program locally raised over 1.7 million to support research and patient service programs. Team in Training has raised over $750 million for cancer research since its inception.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would run a marathon and at age 53 I may be a little crazy to do something like this; I’ve already invested $125.00 in a pair of running shoes and my “formal” 20 week training begins on May 19th. The Chicago Marathon attracts more than 40,000 runners and is one of the biggest races in the country”.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would run a marathon and at age 53 I may be a little crazy to do something like this; I’ve already invested $125.00 in a pair of running shoes and my “formal” 20 week training begins on May 19th. The Chicago Marathon attracts more than 40,000 runners and is one of the biggest races in the country”.
If you are interested in donating to my journey please send an e-mail at rbaum0519@aol.com or got to http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun . All donations are tax deductible
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