Posts
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The Journey Continues...Next up Marrakech Marathon, Morroco
2 comments Posted by Rahul Verma at 9:08 PMClose to 4 months are left for the next marathon, in Marrakech, Morroco . Running in Appleton last weekend was an eye-opener, I realized we'll have to work hard to get back in good shape to complete the run. This week I put in around 40 miles of running and resumed strength training. The aim is to build a good tempo run tolerance of approximately 14 miles. I intend to run a warm-up run of around 2 miles at 9 minutes a mile pace, followed by alternating a mile each, at 8 minute/mile, and 8.45 minute/mile pace. The long runs will be over the weekends gradually increasing the distances to around 22 miles. This time around I plan to train at least 4 times a week.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Consequences of easing off on my training schedule, was quite evident when I ran yesterday. Although I was able to finish faster then last year by around 4 minutes, I expected better . I felt more fatigued, couldn't maintain my posture through the race. The race was well organized, well supported, through out the course by spectators, and water stations. The course was mo
stly flat, running through some neighborhoods, and then ending at the scenic Riverside Park Neenah. I was a little disappointed at my performance, however, the constellation was 2 of my friends joined me to run a Half Marathon for their first time. Ravi and Mohit ran a very good race. Of course, I was convincingly beaten by Sara from my office. Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Gadgets I use while running: To make it more interesting
4 comments Posted by Rahul Verma at 9:55 PM
Garmin 305 Forerunner : This device changed the way I approached outdoor running. I have run in different parts of the world wearing this and found it to be extremely reliable . Until one is a very seasoned runner it is very difficult to judge the pace you are running at. This is where Garmin 305 steps in. With the help of overhead satellites I know exactly at what pace I am running at, and the exact distance covered. There are some navigation features too, in case you lose your way back home. This information is particularly helpful for planning training runs and in actual races. I should also mention that the data that is acquired during running can be downloaded to Motion Based where very advanced analysis of the completeted run can be performed.
Nike PLUS, Nano iPod : Well on long runs you need company, I listen to Music, Podcasts in educational topics and lately a new passion attempting to learn French. Presently I am probably at Preschool level. Wearing Nike plus shoes a small sensor sends information to the iPod, you can keep a log of the distance covered. I get this information on Garmin 305 as well. Post run the information can be downloaded to nikeplus website, where as a member of the biggest Running club in the world I have been able to compete in different challenges.
Oakley Thump Pro Sunglasses: My latest acquisition, shades with a MP 3 player. No more nuisance of hanging wires.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Running slows the aging clock, Stanford researchers find
1 comments Posted by Rahul Verma at 9:08 AMIf you want to stay young, get into your sneakers and hit the road..
New research suggests regular running delays the effects of aging, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine.
Researchers followed 500 older runners for more than two decades. What they found was that elderly joggers have fewer disabilities, remained fit for longer than non-runners and are half as likely to die early deaths.
The new findings are published in the recent issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine click here for complete article
Monday, July 14, 2008
29th June, 2008 : Finish Time 4:31 hrs
Woke up early, infact did'nt sleep as well as I had hoped for. Breakfast was served at 5.00 am. Took a mini bus from the hotel to Attero De Flamengo. It was still dark, the excitement in air could be felt. Looking around I could see many runners from 
around the world. Attero De Flamengo would also be the finish line, for later in the day. We boarded a bus to take us to the start line. As the bus sped through the city, the sunrise over the Guanabara Bay was a sight to remember. There was a police escort provided for the transport buses. It took some time to reach the start line at the Macumba Beach. I estimate t
here were 1500 to 2000 runners. The Sun was still coming up, could see many wind surfers practicing their skills. Fortunately the temperature was quite pleasant probably around 55 degrees F .
The start was at 8:00 am, I quickly settled into the race with easy pace. The initial 12-13 miles are flat, with sun directly in front, sun glasses are a must. I was also breaking in my new shoes, and quite early in the race realised that this won't be the day to get my personal best run. Contrary to my experience in Paris Marathon the spectator support was almost absent. Water stations seemed well manned approx. 3 km apart. Water is served in small sealed cups.
The 2nd half of the run proved to be tougher, involved 2 hills and running through a tunnel between approx. 13th and 21st miles. This segment is probably the reason for the Rio Marathon billed "the most beautiful circuit you'll ever run". It certainly lives up to its reputation. The course followed along the coast, with big waves, beaches.... the famous sights like Christ Redeemer, Sugar Loaf. The view of Sao Conrado Beach was amazing
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Running down hill into the Ipanema was a welcome sight, but by now I was battling left foot pain. I hit the"WALL" . My half marathon split time was approx. 2hrs, the chance of a negative 2nd half split was not even a consideration. The temperature by now was approx. 75 degrees. It was quite crowded along the Ipanema and Copacabana beach. Most of the crowd was out for the Sunday Beach Sun, quite oblivious of the ongoing race. I was thrilled to cross the finish line. The setting beside the Sugar Loaf Mountain was incredible.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
rary was to go onto Miami then an overnight flight into Rio. Chicago apparently earlier in the day experienced some bad weather which delayed my flight to Miami. It was almost certain that I would have missed the flight to Rio. I was fortunately able to convince the American Airlines agent to get me an alternative ticket. The new itinerary 
was now on United Airlines, a direct flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil and then onto Rio. The flight was pleasant, a long 12hrs plus flight. Sao Paulo from air seemed like a bustling city, no doubt it is the largest city in Brazil with an estimated population of more than 10 million. After a brief stop over and change of planes in around 35 minutes arri
ved into Rio. Immigration clearance was a breeze no questions asked., but a bigger problem lay ahead. My baggage had not arrived. I was not entirely surprised as there had been some changes to my itinerary. I was upset as my running shoes/socks were in the checked in baggage, but felt assured that that I had 72 hours before the run and hopefully the baggage would arrive in the next flight. Manu the guide I had hired was at the airport to get me to the hotel Mar Palace where I was staying. Appa
rently a " cold front" had been moving through Rio, Manu informed me that it had been unusually cold. I was happy, hoping if only this weather pattern could hold onto for the next 3 days. Driving into the city Manu talked about Rio. It seemed like a well planned city, much better than I had expected. Checking into the hotel was easy. I then accompanied Manu for lunch in the Copacabana Fort which houses an artillery museum. I was introduced to Brazilian Coffee, served in very small cups. Then walked along the Copacabana beach, the pavements have been paved with black and cream swirl pattern mosaics.
27 th June : A busy day, went to down town, picked up running chip from the expo. The venue was odd inside a sub way station " Carioca". This subway station is huge even houses a small university. There were special arrangements for foreign runners, however there was some difficulty in locating my name on the lists of participants. This seemed like a common problem. Many non Portuguese speaking runners had found it very hard to register on the official marathon site. Mean while I got the news from United Airlines
that my baggage had not arrived. I was beginning to get nervous. The rest of the day was spent visiting the Catholic Metropolitan Church in down town. Then took a tram ride onto the hills of Santa Teresa. Lunch was at a local eatery Bar De Minero. Later in the day visited the famous Sugar loaf mountain. The views of Rio at sunset were just breathtaking. Also saw Sambodrome where the famous Rio Carnival is held.28th June : Visited the giant statue of Jesus , known as Christ the Redeemer atop C
orcavado mountain, which has recently been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.A big problem was however looming, my baggage again had not arrived. I had no choice but to look for a new pair of shoes as the Marathon was less than 24 hrs. away. Manu my guide took me to " Fast Runner" a specialized shoe store in Ipanema. By evening I had made 3 trips to this store trying the right shoe for the big run next day. I admire the patience the shoe store showed, in fact opened the store late in the night when I called about my concern wanting to change my shoes for the third ti
me in a day. I was upset for not heeding to the well established rules of running, to carry your running gear in the carry on baggage. Nike shoes cost dearly in Brazil, more then double the cost in US. I was getting skeptical on my chances to complete the run the next day in brand new shoes. I had hoped to take it easy prior to the big run, but it got more hectic as the day went by. The pasta dinner was organized at the hotel. Tried settling to sleep by 10 pm...but sleep eluded me, , I was just too nervous about my prospects of successfully completing the run the next day.