The Running Brothers Week #2 Fail

Nov 282011
 

When we started training for the 2012 L.A. Marathon, I planned on doing everything Hal Higdon’s 18-Week Marathon Training Program exactly as it was prescribed.  In week #2, I failed miserably.

This week I did no running of any kind . . . except in my weekly Sunday soccer game.  It’s dissappointing to say the least, but I do have my fair share of excuses.  My businesses have kept me extremely busy the past couple of weeks and it was Thanksgiving and we had a lot of different family activities to perform. 

I’m not proud of myself, but I can feel ok with myself not having trained last week.  This week I have a lot of work today, but hopefully I can get way ahead.  Today, I’m going to work my butt of so I can be sure to resume my training for week #3.

This weeks schedule as prescribed by Hal Higdon:

  • Tuesday – 3 miles
  • Wednesday – 5 miles
  • Thursday – 3 miles
  • Saturday – 6 miles

 

The Los Angeles Galaxy are the 2011 MLS Cup Champions . . . And The Running Brothers Were There to See It

Nov 242011
 

The Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Houston Dynamo 1-0 in front of a sellout crowd at the Home Depot Center in Carson City, CA on Sunday, November 20, 2011.  Landon Donovan scored the winning goal on an assist from Robbie Keane and David Beckham. 

When David Beckham was signed by the Galaxy five years ago, I could not have been happier.  I have played soccer for over 25 years and even coached High School Soccer for seven years.  Needless to say, I love the game of soccer, but soccer has always been a secondary sport in the United States and I hoped Beckham would change that. 

The Running Brothers at the 2011 MLS Cup

My brother bought us season tickets with the Los Angeles Galaxy the first year Beckham signed with the team and we have been watching Galaxy games ever since. 

The atmosphere on Sunday was amazing and watching our home team take home the MLS Cup was an amazing experience . . . something I will always remember. 

And the greatest part was being there with my brother. 

Thank you Rocky for your amazing birthday gift five years ago.  I can’t tell you how great a gift it was.  And thank you for having the forsight to purchase the tickets in advance for the MLS Cup.  You’re an amazing brother, an outstanding person and a true friend.

The 5th Annual Richard McKinnon Golf Tournament

May 242011
 

The Running Brothers, our Dad, Larry and our cousin, Beau all participated in a golf tournament this past Sunday.  I had not been golfing since December and I know that my brother has not been playing much either since he has been too busy with work.  However, I knew that I would not have to be performing at my best for this golf tournament as many of the people who were entered had no idea how to play golf.

We made our way slowly around the golf course and on the first par 3, on a 180 yard hole, I pulled out my 6 iron and “stroked” a beautiful shot that hit the green and rolled up towards the pin.  The ball landed on the green and slowly rolled towards the hole.  I raised my hands in the air anticipating the ball dropping into the hole for my very first hole in one.  But, the ball didn’t drop.  We drove up to the green and saw that somehow the ball had rolled directly behind the hole by about two inches.  How it didn’t drop, I had no idea.

We skipped a few holes, in order to pass some of the beginning golfers and made up for those few missed holes by playing some holes twice.  Once we passed those golfers, it was smooth sailing for us.  On another 180 yard par 3 on the back nine, I stuck a 5 iron to 14 feet 10 inches which was good enough to win one of the closest to the pin prizes, a free round of golf for me and a friend at El Prado golf course.

On the 17th hole, a straight par 5, my brother and I narrowly missed hitting the green in two and after missing our short eagle chips, settled for birdies.  When the round was over, I had shot an 81, while Rocky shot an 88.  Both great scores for us.  When all was said and done, I had the second best score of the tournament, losing by one stroke to the first place guy.  All in all, we had a great time golfing and were happy to get out and play some golf with family and friends.

After our round of golf, we played a soccer game, too.  We ended up winning 4 to 1.  It was an easy game and an easy victory.

Our Mystery Challenge had to be postponed in order to enter the tournament.  Expect an update on the date to our next Mystery Challenge.

How Much Do You Run in a Soccer Game?

Dec 162010
 

ZebI have an indoor soccer game tomorrow night and so it got me to thinking . . . how much exercise do I really get in a soccer game.

According to an article on active.com, during a professional soccer game, the average player runs 6 miles during a 90 minute game.  Which equates to a pace of 4 miles per hour, or 15 minute miles.

However, one interesting component of soccer is that the heart rate of the player is exceptionally high throughout the entire match due to the quick movements and change of pace that soccer entails, making it a great workout.  My game tomorrow night is only 40 minutes, because it is indoor.  But, chances are that game will net about 2 miles worth of running.