Run Forrest Run

First Marathon Of the Year...

2008-06-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

It was disappointing not qualifying for the NYC marathon 2008, but that didn't keep me from entering other races this year. The first of potentially 2 or 3 marathons will take place on November 23, 2008 in the historic city of Philadelphia. This will be the 15th annual Philadelphia Marathon and the one of many for me in my young running career.

Back to Life...back to REality (some kind of a song)

2008-05-11T17:52:00.000-07:00

I'm BBAAcccKKKKKk!

It's been quite the hiatus from this blog, but finally, THE ROCK HAS COME BACK TO BLOGGER.com.... I've always wanted to say that and couldn't resist. Well, I've I'm back to running and reading and looking for a new job, so if you come across anything definiately let me know.

So, what have I've done since my last post:

1. Visited SPAIN
2. [Read] A New Earth : Awakening to Your Life's Purpose
3. Running - Back to Running, for the last time, it is now an integral part of my daily activities
4. Made a list of "
5. [Read] The United States of Europe - a definitely must read, it almost feels as if the Europeans met the framers, took and install OUR constitution and are now becoming the NEW WORLD ORDER - Thanks a bunch George Bush, lets hope McCain doesn't win.
6. Enrolled at the Baruch College - Professional Certification Program, just two more classes to go and I'll have a newly minted Project Management Certification (wooHOOO)

OK, I'll stop here and get back to job hunting.

THANK You, come again !

2008-02-28T18:27:00.000-08:00

WISH ME LUCK!!!

NYRR - Fred Lebow Classic : Race 1

2008-01-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

The first of 9 races to automatically qualify for the New York City Marathon in November was held today. the Fred Lebow classic is a 5 mile run around the inner loop in central park. Sure, 5 miles sounds like a warm up, but boy all runners ran as if their life dependent on it. I must admit, the highlight of the race was the bagel and hot cocoa at the end of the race. Overall great race, great pace, but I'll have to work twice as hard to increase endurance. My results are below:

Next: NYRR Half-Marathon Grand Prix - Manhattan
Date: January 27, 2008 @ 8:30 A.M.
Miles: 13.1
Time(goal): 2:00 hrs

Last Name	First Name	Sex/ Age	Bib	City	Finish Time	Pace/ Mile
DIAZ	JOSE	M28	3005	BROOKLYN	45:56	9:11

NYC 2008

2007-12-27T20:20:00.001-08:00

I am on track to run over 24 miles for this week. Also, I've signed up for the first two qualifying events (I need a total of 9 for 2008) for the new York City marathon-- I AM SO PSYCHED!! stay tune, I'll update my blog with information of each of the races....

BerlinBrooklynDCNYC

2007-11-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

Have you've seen the AT&T commercial about a carrier you can take anywhere, for example Philawarepragueacago. If you haven't, I've added to this post. Well, I took another sabbatical from the blogging world with class, work, life, and no marathon training to occupy my time. Actually, this isn't a legitimate excuse but how can I justify not blogging? I honestly cannot, but I hope that in purchasing the following item N810I will post more often then you probably want me to =)

Now, why to the title of this blog BerlinBrooklynDCNYC that should be easy and I'll give you two hints: Directly linked to my blog (RUN FORREST, Brooklyn Runner) and my addiction to a healthy lifestyle. Give yup? Ok, I'm planning on running 3 MARATHONS and the annual Brooklyn Half -- I mean, I live in Brooklyn so it would be a crime if I didn't. Before calling Bellevue Hospital and expressing your concerns to them, just follow my blog and my training possibly be motivated to run a short race with me. By short, I'm saying a 3 or 5 miler in NYC =)

Road to running: For the next 2 months, starting today, I'll focus on shedding 10 lbs from my 200 lbs frame. Then I'll start my running regiment first week of February.

Gym workout (Mondays, Wednesday, Saturdays)
Chest
3 of 12 @ 130 lbs - bench press
3 of 15 @ 120 lbs - decline press
3 of 12 @ 70 lbs - Incline bench
4 of 10 @ 140 lbs - butterflies

Back
3 of 12 @ 120 lbs - Pull-downs
3 of 10 @ 45 lbs - One are rows

Abs
Oblique crunches (100)| Bell Crunches (100) | Leg raises (100) | Crunches (200)

Treadmill
Fit Test - Hills (incline of 8) @ 5.5 speed for 5 Minutes
Speed Burst - Flat @ 5.8 speed for 10 minutes

Gym workout (Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursday)
Deltoids
3 of 10 @ 100 lbs - Shrugs
2 of 12 @ 105 lbs - Shoulder lifts

Lower Body

2 of 15 @ 80 lbs - Leg Raises
3 of 10 @ 70 lbs - Hamstrings
2 of 8 @ 125 lbs - Squats
2 of 10 @ 95 lbs - Lunges

Abs + Treadmill - see above

Next Stop: WHOLE FOODS
Because what would all this hard work be w/o any FOOD.

My Review of GEL-Nimbus VIII (White)

2007-08-02T07:45:00.001-07:00

Originally submitted at Onlineshoes.com

Seek an agile stride with the GEL-Nimbus VIII running shoe from ASICS. Increasing the efficiency of heel to toe transition is the Space Trusstic System. The ComfortDry insole creates a dry and healthy interior environment. The Solyte 45 material from midfoot to heel absorbs shock, cushions, and ...

Best running shoes I've purchased!!

By Brooklyn Runner from New York on 8/2/2007

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels true to width

Pros: Breathable, Good Traction, Comfortable, Lightweight

Best Uses: Wet Conditions, Pavement

Describe Yourself: Active & Fit

Incredibleshoes

(legalese)

I'm a Marathoner

2007-06-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

As the title states, I am now an official MARATHONER its unbelievable to me that less than 6 months ago I had to cough and puff to run 3 miles, now I can say I've completed 26.2 MILES....

The feeling is unexplainable..the run was picturesque..the pain...PAIN? WHAT PAIN? if you consider a few blisters and a sour should pain, then sure, but remember 26.2 MILES!!!!!!

I honestly couldn't have done it without your support, I was able to raise over $4,500 again, ALL THANKS TO YOU ALL

Pictures in no particular order - check Pictures

met fundraising goal -- check

ran 26.2 miles - breeze

San Diego - incredible

Running for a cause -- PRICELESS

Race Details

Click on this link to review my race results: Rock and Roll Marathon

If you can't view the above, click here and enter the following

Results by year: 2007

Searchable results

Jose (first name)
Diaz (last name)
6885 (BIB number)

Almost there

2007-05-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

"...focus on what you can control." these words were probably what stood out @ our TNT send-off the most. Indeed, at this point with less than a week to go, all I can do is focus on what i can control.

By control I mean light running ( 5 miles, 4 times a week), carb -rich diet, tons of water, and the proper gear for running...If that doesn't get you PUMPED, dunno what would...

so, with roughly a week 'til we conquer San Diego what have i overcome? Oh, nothing really, no, really....

1. Ran about 17 - 18 miles around the outter rim of manhattan island . starting on west 90th, down to south street seaport, then up on the west side back to THE PARK ...let me tell you, by the time i reached 62/4th (on the west side) i as if the world was coming to an end..

for an encore...

2. well, how do you top 18 miles? you run 20 miles...only fair =) better yet, how about running 20 miles on rock surface (trails) boy, let me tell you how much fun that was....nothign beats running 4 hours 20 minutes...wooHOOOO

w/ that being said, off to Niketown to get some glasses, shorts, sox

Wish me luck!

Morning..Monday

2007-05-07T04:44:00.000-07:00

So, I froze my membership at NYSC (new york sports clubs for non-NY'ers) what exactly does this mean? look at the math below

1. Passport Premium membership ($86 monthly -- $1,032 yearly)

2. Account freeze - $15 ( $180)

Yup, that is amounts to a huge savigns --Like i said, you do the math!

Anyway, so what will I do to maintain this running craze? well, NYC does have tons of pavement, so i am now running the the AM...below is what i did today, boy nothing beats running under the J line...wooHOO......

Monday, May 7 Run

Bushwick 101

Yup, this can only mean one thing..I'll need brand new Asics soon!! donations are accepted.. =)

Friday Run in the City

2007-05-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

So, i was feeling a bit Crazy (yup, just a tad that is) this past Friday and decided to Run from work - Home. So, you don't believe me yet? take a look at the map below:

Running from Work To Home

You don't think I'm crazy yet? wanna ask how I felt afterwards?

Until next time my bloggers...

Brooklyn Runner Returns

2007-04-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well, you'll didn't think I would disappear from the face of the earth with less than 2 months to go before the Marathon? In fact, my training has reach new heights, see the list below as evidence (just incase you don't believe me..tisk tisk )

1. Training 6 days out of the week
2. Ran my first Half Marathon
3. Complete my first 17 mile run ..and lived to tell about it!!!!
4. Strict dieting
5. oh, ran from home to delancy (yes, across the williamsburg bridge)

all of the above while still attempting to manage 8 new accounts for work --> yeah, i'm surprise my sanity is still in sync; oh i've gotten a few grey hair --damn age is really catching up with me.

Anway i just wanted to chat a bit about my half-marathon and running in my own backyard (bushwick) no no, there were no bullets or raw food thrown at me, in fact everyone was quite pleasant. Ok, you might be asking yourself what possess me to run in such a "dangerous neighborhod"? well, like Forrest Gump I just kept on running, and running, and running. "Mama always told me to run, so i ran" LoL..i love this movie. Anyway, my intentions were to jog to the gym and back home---little did i know i was going to run to manhattan =) so, as i ran towards the gym i felt extremely good and thought "maybe i can make it to williamsburg and back" hence i continue to run, crossed the bridge and back, then decided to hop on the L train-8 mileslater-- @ montrose avenue in Brooklyn (too hot!!) check out the map below:

Brooklyn Runner crosses Bridge =)

As for the half marathon, I would be lying if i didn't say I wasn't scared-->look at my picture. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I made it out to be, plus it was so rewarding at the end with all that food =) (see the pictures) however, there is one thing i do regret and that is not having enough jelly beans to re-energize my body for the last 4 miles of the race...I believe this was the turning point in this whole running craze I'm in...check out my stats for the run and pictures below:

New York Road Runners
1. NYRR
2. Enter L/F name: Diaz, Jose

Pictures [thanks to carol ;o) ]
1. Picasa Photos

don't forget, its not too late to donate: DONATE NOW

Back to Running..only 2 months to go...

2007-04-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Good EVENING San Diego, I'm Ron Burgundy...this movie just cracks me up! definately see it, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy with that being said, since i'm running in san diego and this movie takes place in <> SAN DIEGO--coincidence, I THINK NOT! anywho, i've decided to grow the Ron Burgundy Mustache!!! mind you, i've never grown a full blown mustache this should e odd, I'm Ron BURGUNDY? If you don't know Burgundy, check out his mustache -->

On a sadder note, I ran today for the first time in over a week sniff::sniff
You see, apparently my right snee swelled up, so I visited the doc and he recommended 3 months of physical therapy and wearing this gigantic, robot like brace on my knee see below. So, from now on whenever i run i have to wwear this thing..wOOHOO...

Now on the brighter news...today was the first day of hill training. Basically we run up the east side hill (Central park boat house up to 76 street) to build endurance ---> did it 8 times, YES!!!!!! feel like new =)

Well, thats all she wrote i'm extremely tired and its 1:06 a.m.

Again, don't forget to donate!!!!!

Back to Basics

2007-03-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

It certaintly has been a while since my last entry, doesn't mean I'm slacking with training, work, or life...but its quite the opposite, just means I'Ve BENN SO DAMN BUSY KEEPING UP WITH MY TRAINING SCHEDULE. Think about it, in the month of March I've had to run

: 13 miles, one saturday
: 8 miles, the following sunday
: sprint..sprint...sprint until my legs, back, and shoulders quit (trust me, this never happened =) ) 'CAUSE I AM WILLIAM WALLACE for those who watch sportscenter know exactly the accent I am shooting for.

On top of my MIA status, I've had to up the antics in fundraising as recommitment is around the corner (March 28th to be exact) What is recommitment you may ask, simply a reassurance to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Team in Training) that I am still nutty enough to continue training for another 3 months and nutty enough to run the 26.2 miles (a FULL MARATHON). In addition to the physical commitment, which believe me is the easier part, I have to continue fundraising as my goal is that of $4000 (by May 16th may I add). So far, I've gotten great support from friends and family members (to those who have not donated, don't feel so guilty, there is still time).

Keep in mind, I will attempt to set-up a couple of fun events (wine tasting, food, etc..) to help reach my fundraising goal, hope you all could make it.

GO Marist

Still Going...

2007-03-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Its been a couple of weeks since I've posted something, but believe me training is still on going and believe me, it'll continue going until, well, right before the marathon: as in Home Alone

Where do I begin, with so much to say:
1. Fundraising has been challenging and fun, yes @ the same time. I've raised roughly $450, just $3,550 shy of my goal of $4,000 --again, see the picture to your right!

2. New schedule for the month of March has been released, i'm considering posting it on this blog but really don't want to frighten my loyal readers...well, or at least I'll debate about it on the way home, again, Home Alone (but look at the new picture..LOVE MY MAC!

3. Ran 9 miles this past weekend Saturday, yes, what better way to kick-off your birthday weekend with a 9 mile run in Central Park (hey, i shouldn't really complain, considering the WEATHER WAS GORGEOUS and i just ran 9 MILES and needed no ice afterwards, yes quite the accomplishment (stay tune, this coming weekend 3/10 i'm set to run 11 MILES! maybe then i'll need the ice)

4. Tuesday, I returned to my least favorite NYSC
class, KICKBOXINg, boy one sore wrist and sore back later I was @ Duane Reade buying pain killers...wooHOO..nothing will prevent me from completing this race....

5. So, back to Wednesday..ticky ticky ticky..please don't ask what Ramon (the Team in Training) head coach means by it..but if you care to know, its some kind of running technique (ask and i should demonstrate!)

Now, we are approaching our 1 month (celebration!!!!) not really, only means the work will get harder..thats all. Now, the question is am I up for the Challenege, --ABSOLUTELY

On that note, its not too late to donate, visit:

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnyc/tntnycJDiaz1

tell your friends, relatives, neighbors, gardner, everyone..

New York Road Runners + Team in Training

2007-02-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

I was up at 6:oo on morning of February 24th to get ready for an 8:00 race in Central Park. I ran in the Al Gordon Snowflake Race, a 4 mile run sponsored by the New York Road Runner Club (Which I am a MEMBER and would strongerly suggest to the natives to join).

I felt good in the morning even though I didn't sleep until 1 a.m.!!! I honestly think I'm suffering from INSOMNIA So I woke, changed, and prepared some coffee (can't leave the home w/o the cup of JOE) off I went to the L train, luckily for me the L was running at its normal schedule-- WOOhOOOOO! Those who live on the L line can relate with my enthusiasm

Ok, back to the race. It was cold out. At the start of the race it was 20 degrees and with a wind chill that made it feel like -5 degrees. Running in cold weather is all about layers, so I made sure I wore many layers, YES that even means my UnderArmor Tights--BELIEVE ME, these are the warmest things ever greated--TAKE THAT NIKE! (note to self, buy some UnderArmor stock)

My goal? good quesiton, I didn't set a goal because of the chilling weather. However, I usually run the 6 mile loop in central park in 60 minutes (10 minutes a mile), 55 minutes at best. But I then realized I have a bigger mission--San Diego Marathon. I decided to start slow, apply the techniques learned at team in training (loosen your wrist, 90 degree angle)--too much coordination; nonetheless I finished the first mile just under 10 minutes. After I felt good!

Running in this race was plain weird, again its my first "competitive" race so not sure what to expect. there were the grunts, more grunts, very short shorts and several men not wearing shirts--PLEASE DON'T ASK who needed music with all this entertainment?

So you are probably wondering how I did, well I finished with a time of 35.23, Good time considering I wasn't pushing myself, again just implementing the teachings of Team in Training

New York Road Runners results: Jose Diaz (Team Leukemia | Brooklyn)
Note: If my information does not pop up, please visit the http://www.NYRR.org
and on the left hand column click on results | enter first and last name: Jose Diaz | year 2007 | I know, there are tons of Jose but only one of them is member of team "Leuk"

After the event, it was off to the free food table: Apple and Bagels + Water = snack of a racer; oh, i then stop @ Starbucks for a Hot Cocoa (yes, with the Whip Cream =) )

Wednesday at The Park

2007-02-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome Back JOSE! You've been missed ...

You're probably wondering what the title of this blog is all about, well luckily for you I'M HERE!

Wednesday in The Park boils down to this: Wednesday as in the day, Park as in Central Park together means a perfect evening with Team In Training which from now on will be known as TNT. So, what did this lovely evening entailed? Running, running, runner's technique, breathing, stretching and yes, more running and oh yeah, in the COLD!

After covering an hour and many miles, the picture to your right displays how I'm feeling at this very moment, but imagine how many people will be aware and will be willing to do something about it? Hopefully MANY

And on that night my friends I am going to soak my feet in salt water and then hit the SACK... stay tuned...

Miles To Date : 30.6

Feeling like a ROCK STAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Week 1...Freezing

2007-02-19T19:26:00.000-08:00

i think i'm officially IN THE CLUB, of blogging that is, so hi! I've bet ya missed me =)

Well, I decided to start a blog in order to track my progress for the ultimate goal of completing the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon on June 3 with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training Not only has this been a personal lifetime goal of mine, but the past few years have provided several "signs" for running it in 2007

My favorite Aunt was diagnose with breast cancer last year and had a dual mastectomy performed in the fall of 2006
Motivated by an adventurous friend, Linette Coste a/k/a Marathon Diva who ran and completed the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon with Team In Training.
Joined NYSC and turned 27, in the words of Kevin (Home Alone) "AHHHHHHHHHHH"

Back to the title of this post, Week 1, if can sum it up in one word-- FREEZING!

2/10 - First Training, meeting at Central Park Bethesda on 72nd street @ 8:30 a.m. (YES, on a SATURDAY MORNING when the temperature was at about 30 degrees YIKES!)
I ran 5.2 miles, sure doesn't sound like much but try doing it under such winterish conditions....

2/12 - First run in my "MARATHON MINDSET" ran the 5.2 loop in Central Park @ 7:30 PM -- EXHAUSTED!

2/13 - Easy day at NYSC on 52nd and Broadway, 45 minutes on the Elliptical machine....

2/17 - Second Saturday of training with the TEAM, one word: HILL HELL (Ok, two words ) ran the length of Central Park 6.0 miles even conquering the steep "Harlem Hills"

As you can see from the above, training for a marathon starts early and requires my commitment and your support.

Please help me advance the Society's mission by making a donation today. Every dollar makes a difference, and there is no donation too small (or too large ;)

http://www.active.com/donate/tntnyc/tntnycJDiaz1