It needs more salt

So I've been thinking. This blog needs some spicing up (no no, I don't mean raunchy stuff). I've decided to start doing reviews on things I'm using/playing at the moment. First on the list, my new performance training shoes, the Asics DS Trainers 14. After that I'll do a review on Batman: Arkham Asylum (I even beat it!), then a first impressions review of Scribblenauts, which I've been eagerly anticipating since E3. Stay tuned!

(Keep an eye on my twitter feed if you're interested in getting into the cavernous abyss that is my mind. All in 140 characters or less, mind you.)

WTF jerks!

So my car was broken into today (7/28) as it sat in a downtown parking garage. No broken windows. No sign of a break in aside from the plastic window guard that was pried upward and some scrapes around the trim. I didn't even notice until I sat down and saw my stuff was sitting in my front passenger seat. I figured the jerks who did it managed to sneak a wire in there to unlock the doors. They took my ipod video, ipod dock, radar detector, a couple of sunglasses, and some loose change. I guess I'm lucky I didn't have one of my laptops in there. I'm also glad they didn't take my garage door opener. A lady had also reported that her car was broken into and had her radio stolen. Apparently, she owns the same make and model of car as me. Jerks.

Our Friend Dan (One of my favorite conversations of 2006)

Jackie Chang says: lunch at 11.30 or 12?
Phi Nguyen says: i'm only going if everyone else is
John Malone says: i'm good for whenever
Jackie Chang says: i'll go whenever as well
Phi Nguyen says: I suppose it's up to our friend Dan
Phi Nguyen says: who rules with a sceptor and an iron hand
John Malone says: plays the spoons in a 5-man band
Phi Nguyen says: headbutts his enemies like Zidane
Jackie Chang says: hahahaha
John Malone says: traveled to the 20's to play kick-the-can
Jackie Chang says: saves kittens out of trees when he can
Dan Fields says: hahaha
Jackie Chang says: hahahah
Phi Nguyen says: hahhahahhahaa, aweosme
Dan Fields says: you guys know me so well
Phi Nguyen says: eat's pb and j but never sans the jam
Jackie Chang says: was the first to put a disco ball in the back of his van
Phi Nguyen says: hahah
Dan Fields says: hahahaha
Phi Nguyen says: is the Prince of Persia, but never been to Iran
Jackie Chang says: who always refers to the ladies as "Ma'am"
John Malone says: he hates the Spam but is still a black ham
Jackie Chang says: who always has time to play with his friend PAN
Phi Nguyen says: for my wedding, he bought me a sham
Jackie Chang says: always closes doors with a mighty slam
Phi Nguyen says: hahaha
Phi Nguyen says: he loves boisenberry, not a fan of the cran
Dan Fields says: I'm so cool
Dan Fields says: HAHAHAHAH
John Malone says: hahaha
John Malone says: likes to fly helos by the side of a dam
Phi Nguyen says: hahaha
Jackie Chang says: hahahaha
Phi Nguyen says: in his gyros he prefers his lamb
Jackie Chang says: shares his name with a fictional Lieutenant who served in 'Nam
John Malone says: before some Greenghetti he sprays pans with the Pam
Phi Nguyen says: hahah
Dan Fields says: Shops at Pier One where I can buy some rattan
Phi Nguyen says: to the little kids he yells "Beat it!" and "Scram!!"
Dan Fields says: hahahah
Phi Nguyen says: loves his cajun food like that of Zataran
John Malone says: thought i beat him at C&C but it was just a scam
Phi Nguyen says: hahhahaha
Phi Nguyen says: he's no sissy boy, he's a real man's man
John Malone says: if he lived in africa, he'd be chief of the gourd clan
Phi Nguyen says: once called the Wambulance for me during a LAN
Dan Fields says: hahahahhaa
Phi Nguyen says: hahah
John Malone says: a fan of the Tres Leches and maybe the flan
Jackie Chang says: lassoed the sun from the sky because he wanted to wokr on his tan
John Malone says: hahaha
Phi Nguyen says: hahahha
John Malone says: with biceps and bulges like the 10 mill dollar man
Dan Fields says: Going to retire in Austrailia with a wallabye and a ram
Phi Nguyen says: ahhahahhahaha
Jackie Chang says: hahahahahah
Dan Fields says: hahahahh
John Malone says: rides with Chuck Norris in a catamaran
Dan Fields says: hahahaha
Jackie Chang says: fish don't come ashore b/c he drew a line in the sand
John Malone says: hahaha
Jackie Chang says: hahahahahah
Phi Nguyen says: once played the role of Frodo, not that fat hobbits Sam
Phi Nguyen says: ahahahhahahahhahahahhaha
John Malone says: can call for free on his long distance plan
Phi Nguyen says: hhahahahahahaaha
Jackie Chang says: hhahahaha
Jackie Chang says: asked Chuck Norris why he's so cool and Chuck said "its b/c of you Dan"
John Malone says: hahaha
Dan Fields says: Keeps only one shoe in a pair because two are too bland
Dan Fields says: hahahah
Jackie Chang says: hhahahaha
Phi Nguyen says: hahhahaahha
Phi Nguyen says: blows his nose with the gust of a million fans
Jackie Chang says: hahahahaha
Dan Fields says: awesome
John Malone says: killed a grizzley before he learned how to stand
Jackie Chang says: hahahahahahhaahhaagaghahahah
Phi Nguyen says: plays killer bass while pal john rips the drum in his band
Phi Nguyen says: hahhahaaha
John Malone says: haha thanks
Dan Fields says: Steals PAN's g36E whenever I can
Phi Nguyen says: hahha
Jackie Chang says: hahahahahaha
Phi Nguyen says: he stares the pearls out of oysters, out-muscles the clams
John Malone says: able to shoot acid from his pituitary gland
Phi Nguyen says: HAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHHA
Jackie Chang says: haahahhahahahahahahahahah!!!!!!
Phi Nguyen says: God said let there be ocean, Dan said "No, let there be land!"
John Malone says: hahaha
Jackie Chang says: LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
Dan Fields says: yhahahahaah
Phi Nguyen says: can make OR gates in his sleep, but his favorite is AND
John Malone says: hahahaha
John Malone says: opened a lemonade stand and made a grand
Phi Nguyen says: hahaa
Phi Nguyen says: tells the Godfather what to do, he's number one in the fam
Dan Fields says: Killed a killer whales with only his teeth and some Cayan.
Phi Nguyen says: hahhahah
John Malone says: hahaha
Phi Nguyen says: scoffs at domestic brands, only consumes thing made in Japan
John Malone says: climbed mount everest with only one hand
Jackie Chang says: friends with Borat, has a 4 wives in Kazhiskstan
John Malone says: hahahah
Dan Fields says: AWEOSME!
Phi Nguyen says: HHAHHAHAA
Dan Fields says: Makes a good quiche and nobody question's he's a man.
Dan Fields says: you can't follow up jackies
John Malone says: with electricity on your knees and fire in your hand
Phi Nguyen says: let's all celebrate our friend named Dan

Well Said Tim

Tim Keown wrote a very good article about Kobe. See it here.

(Thanks for the link, Sheila!)

Finally!

The Rockets finally got out of the first round last night. It was pointed out to me that the last time this happened, I was merely 16. I've been bleeding Rocket red for so long, I think I'll go ahead and relish this moment a bit longer. Let's go Rockets!!

The 2009 Texas Independence Relay (March 6th-8th)

I admit, in the months leading up to this year's TIR, I found my excitement waning for the run. I had a busy first few months of running and I didn't allow myself to look beyond the events I had lined up ahead of the relay. Also, the fact that we again struggled to put together a full team roster took away some of the enthusiasm. I was starting to think that we'd have to do the relay with as little as 6 runners, and I was not thrilled about having to run so many legs. Fortunately, our efforts to get the word out finally piqued some interest and we managed to bring together a team of 11 runners and 7 supporters.

Runners:
-Ashley
-Bob
-Peter
-Long
-Phi
-Huyen (new)
-Shaundae (new)
-Heather (new)
-Johnny (new)
-Julio (new)
-Sheila (new)

Support Team:
-Thuy
-Tina (new)
-Andre (new)
-Charlie (new)
-Zhahan (new)
-Dan (new)
-Jess (new)

As you can see we had a lot of new faces this year. As the team started to become more concrete, I found my enthusiasm spiking again. In the last month, we worked out much of the planning and logistics of the race. We learned a lot from our previous experience and worked hard at refining our plans. We wanted to make sure we maximized the amount of sleep for each runner. I think we did a good job at this, however, I knew Julio and I were going to be getting the short end of the stick. The way the leg assignments had sorted out, it would be a miracle if either Julio or I got more than 2 hours of sleep during the race. I was very nervous about this, but I looked forward to the challenge.

The first night, we stayed at this budget motel about 40 minutes from Gonzales. It was certainly no Olle Hotel (the fantastic Bed and Breakfast we stayed last year). We felt this was a suitable location for our first night, since we weren't going to be there very long and it was a short drive into Gonzales. We got up around 4:30 that morning and were on the road before 5:30. Our start time was at 7:00 am so we had an hour and a half to drive there and get ready. We got in with no problem and had plenty of time to get our bibs and swag bags. At about 5 minutes till 7, we walked to the starting line. Our team was announced on the loud speaker and my wife fired the historic cannon to officially start our race.

After finishing the prologue leg (1.15 miles) as a team, my brother Long headed off on leg 1 (4.26 miles). We wished him well and headed to our two 12 passenger vans to meet him at the first exchange. We got to the exchange point shortly thereafter and kept our eyes on the path that lead up to it. He finished well and passed the running bracelet to Julio, who sped through leg 2 (4.85 miles). Now it was my turn on leg 3 (8.78 miles). It was ranked as the most difficult leg due to terrain, distance, and elevation. Despite that, I had a lot of confidence I could do it at a very strong pace. Boy did I underestimate it. The terrain was a lot tougher than I had expected. It was mostly large rocks and loose gravel down this narrow and winding farm road. I knew it would be hilly, but the combination of loose gravel and big elevation changes took its toll. The wind was also gusting so I was caked in dirt. The views of the rolling countryside were really impressive though and I'm glad I took that leg.

My second run wasn't going to be until the night time so I had hours to hang out. I tried my best to catch some sleep, but the task proved nearly impossible. It was great seeing many of the small towns and exchanges I had missed the previous year though and the team did great running throughout the day. By the time my turn was up again, I had started getting nervous about the long night I had ahead of me. Leg 19 (5.5 miles) was mine. That would have been no problem, but I also had leg 27 (6.51 miles) soon after that. At the exchange for leg 23, we had a support team swap. I was so happy to see my good friends Dan and Jess there. At this point, my body was spent. I was exhausted. The long night was wearing on me and it was great to see them out there in the wee hours of the night. They injected some fresh energy into the team and carried us through the night. With the teams encouragement, I managed to soldier through my third leg that took us back to Katy. I was so close to home, I could smell it. We were using our house as the resting stop over the night for the runners and supporters. Julio and I were the last ones to get there and we would only have a couple of hours to clean up and rest before we had to head out again. After Julio finished leg 28 (3.6 miles), we had a van exchange and headed back to HQ (our house). As soon as I got through the door, I tip-toed to the kitchen, scarfed down two slices of cold pizza and went to my room. It was around 7:30 am and it was great to finally shower and sleep! It wasn't long before Andre woke me up to tell me we had to head out. I was still completely burnt out, but at least I was clean. My fourth and final leg was leg 40 (5.32 miles), the last leg of the race. I had some time before then, but again couldn't get any additional sleep. My body didn't feel at all rested, but I still had enjoyed hanging out with the rest of the team. As we made our way to the last exchange, I started trying to get amped for the last leg. My body was tired, but at least I wasn't fighting off an injury like I was the previous year. My muscles weren't very sore, despite already running 22 miles. The biggest obstacle was overcoming the lack of sleep. You know that feeling of exhaustion where your body feels totally achy. That's pretty much how I felt. But with the team behind me, I had to put in a strong performance. That last leg turned out to be my fastest of the weekend. Thanks team!

I have to say, everyone did an outstanding job running, supporting, and planning. An event like this is a logistical nightmare. Fortunately, my wife loves this sort of challenge so she was a big reason why we could be as organized as we were (I love you!). Thank you all for making it such a memorable experience!!!

Austin Half Marathon February 15, 2009

I'm back from a nice weekend in Austin. I had a (surprisingly) solid run on the hillier, but very fun course. I was actually expecting to finish in around 1:55 but ended up beating my previous half PR (set a few months ago in San Antonio) by a whopping two seconds! Not too shabby considering the challenging course. Here's the breakdown:

Official Chip Time: 1:49:12
Average Pace: 8:20 min/mile

(Garmin data coming soon!)

The best part is, I feel I had speed to spare! I laid off the pace in the last mile when I felt my calves getting a little tight. I was worried I'd cramp before the end so I slowed down about 45-60 seconds off my min/mile pace. Now that's out of the way, I can really focus my excitement on the upcoming TIR. It'll be the perfect way to cap off the cool weather running season. I can't believe it's already been a year!

A big congratulations to my brother-in-law Richard who completed his first half marathon. Very well done, man!

And of course, a very special thank you to my wife who is always cheering me on from the sidelines. You are my inspiration. I love you sweetheart.

Happy running everyone.

Chevron Houston Marathon 2009

As I crossed the starting gate, I pressed the start button on my watch and said to myself "Here we go again..."

4 hours 19 minutes and 52 seconds later. I crossed the finish line...happy. Not because I was finished. And not because I had a new best marathon time, but because I was happy about the road I had just traveled. I was happy. I had found the pure joy and love that I thought I had lost for the sport. This isn't to say I didn't struggle at times during the run. I had moments where the fatigue and strain started to weigh heavily on me, but each and every time I would say aloud to myself "enjoy this." I would then close my eyes and smile. I would look around at the crowd. I would tune into the anonymous cheers. I would give appreciation to the supporters who pronounced my name correctly. I was equally thankful for the supporters who didn't. I slowed down and in some cases traveled back against the flow of runners to say hi to a familiar face.

And so as ran, hobbling on stiff legs, for that last mile, I remembered why I did this.

p.s. A very special THANK YOU to my wife and all my loved ones who supported me.

A Running Epiphany

A few weeks ago I was bogged down in a real running rut. I was in the thick of the heavy part of my training schedule and I was beginning to dread each long run. All of the sudden, I couldn't stay motivated. I was more excited about finishing the run than about doing the run. Thoughts swirled in my head about laying off the marathons indefinitely after this season. The idea excited me. No more extended training sessions. No waking up before the sun just to have enough time to run. The idea become the light at the end of the tunnel that I thought would motivate me through my current training. The boost was short-lived. Just days later, I was back in my rut. I simply couldn't think my way out of it. I was starting to question whether or not my love of the sport was waning. The questions weighed heavily on my mind. Was it time to hang up the running shoes? Was it time to move on?

A week later I was in the middle of a long training run when I ran into a familiar running friend on the trail. We exchanged casual pleasantries and talked about each others' training. It was then that he gave me the simplest of advice that triggered something for me. He said "if you're enjoying it, you'll run at your best." Suddenly, I realized what I had been doing wrong. I had started to become too concerned with the my mileage, my splits, my average pace, my times etc. Running started to become too much about the numbers for me. It was all about quantitative improvement. Constant competition. It had become a chore. A part of me felt as though I had to constantly improve or I was a failure. I had loss sight of what attracted me to the sport in the first place. The beauty of running is unequivocally the journey. It's about the run itself. I remembered back on my very first running event. It was a half marathon. I hadn't yet built any expectations for time or pace. I was just soaking in the moment. I remember the beautiful sky as the sun broke above the horizon. I remember the herd of runners all around me. I remember the incredible vibe. It was all so magical. I realized that it was what I was now missing. So I started to remind myself of these things and all of the sudden I felt rejuvenated again.

I'm happy to say that it couldn't have come at a better time. Tomorrow morning, I'll be running my eighth running event, my second full marathon. Last year ended a little on a bitter note because I struggled mightily after mile 20 with leg cramps and an injury. For the last year, I was set on redeeming myself from that performance. Now I'm only concerned about enjoying the journey.

Run happy, my friends. Run happy.