*-)- welcome aboard *-)-
just me. my current interests and stories for the interwebs.
Adelle and I decided to keep it fancy but simple. She knew that I loved ramen so we headed down to Little Italy to enjoy Underbelly. While there, I decided that we could make a quick Tastemade video. It's the first of many and we're just learning the trade. Check it out!
It's exciting when San Diego makes it into the top ten of anything and this time my beautiful home town squeaked into the top ten best coffee cities in America. This of course comes without surprise that the Travel and Leisure article mentions Bird Rock Coffee Roasters.
While you're here, I also wanted to add Dark Horse Coffee Roasters to the mix. Just a few days ago, I was able to take a trip down to Daniel's lovely shop where he was roasting on site. Let me tell you, the smell was intoxicating! I ordered a satisfying cold brew which was steeped 24 hours in a Toddy. If I didn't come off a mile walk, I would have easily gone for a hot cup where they use a Bee House Coffee Drip for their pour overs. Come check it out and grab a cup!
I'm been stuck running on treadmills for the last couple of weeks but fortunately, I was able to get out there and do a lap around Miramar Lake. I donned my SunRype running shorts for the first time and they felt awesome! I should have taken a picture. After recording an 8" mile for the first one of five, my neck cramped up??? Yah, it's a first and I still feel a slight strain on it. Hopefully it gets better but it must be associated with all the time commuting and / or flying back and forth huh? I'll admit my posture isn't the best when stuck in a middle seat of a Delta 757 or the jumpseat with your legs dangling.
It was a hot day to run being that I chose to start at noon but it was good times being out in the sun. It's less than a month till the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon so it's time to up my game! Excluding all the flying I'll be doing the next few weeks, hopefully I'll have the energy to squeeze in some long treadmills sessions. Oh the glamorous life of a pilot. :/
"How did you become a pilot? Did you become an airline pilot via the military?" These are two of the most asked questions that I get when among friends or at the airport in uniform. Since @TimChoi89 asked them a while back via a comment on "4 on, two off, 4 on – part 2 / my printed schedule after the fact" and my response wasn't posted (error maybe or private, bugs, lost on the internet...) I decided that I'd answer them with a brand new post. It's Friday, the 13th and raining so why not.
The second question is easy; no, I did not have a military background. I did originally look at the Navy after graduating UCSD but flight slots were too few and in demand making my chances slim to none. I also wear some thick eye glasses so that was another obstacle in and of itself. I can't say that I looked into the other military branches as I grew up in San Diego. My father and uncles too were all in the U.S. Navy so yes, I was blinded and partial in my decision. It's Top Gun U.S.A.! That leads me to the first question which is a lot more complicated.
I started flying as a hobby after I graduated college in '03. It was also a time in my life where I was started to feel compelled to "do something else." I started taking lessons and thought that I was going to make it a side project, maybe instruct or fly people around for fun. I started receiving AOPA Flight Training Magazine and in it had ads scattered throughout boasting various flight schools and programs that could lead one to a commercial airline job. I thought to myself, "Why not?" I read about a few schools at the same time deciding if I really wanted to do a post-bac and go to med school. I ended up choosing an advanced ab-initio program which gave me a jet type rating along with whoever else I needed to get hired. The program was launched and closely associated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and called CAPT (Commercial Airline Pilot Training). Unfortunately, while the program and its vision remained idealistic, fuel costs and enrollment coupled with a downward spiraling economy led the university to sell it off to the private corporation, FTSI, which has since then closed its doors. (Phases out / FTSI New Release) I was in the middle of the program when they accounted its transition but they promised to make good on their word and see us to the end.
I graduated in May of 2006 after 16 months of training and was offered a job with Focus Airlines. They operated as an ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, insurance) 747 cargo carrier and their contract with CAPT was extensive; totaling a five year commitment, the first year one would serve as a "cadet" placed in the office helping with various tasks from scheduling, hotel reservations, tech publications, IT, etc. basically an intern type year learning the ins and out. The second year would entail upgrading to the second officer / flight engineer position on a classic 747 followed by three years as a first officer. Unfortunately, this program ended when the first couple of CAPT cadets were not allowed to upgrade to first officers alongside the face that Focus Airlines never had a program in place. Coincidentally, Atlantic Southeast Airlines (now officially called ExpressJet) was in the beginning stages of a hiring spree and our amazing director helped us get an interview. I scored my first flying job and the rest is history. Knowing and keeping ties along with timing is key in this industry and it panned out.
It's funny how people end up visiting my site. Mr. Tim ended up here,"...by searching "the verge vs. gdgt" then I stumbled upon your twitpic and saw that you're a pilot + tech enthusiast..." Thanks for stopping by Tim and keep the questions coming.
Looking for a race is pretty easy when you have a great site like active.com to guide you. Luckily, I found out that the city of Encinitas was holding their inaugural Cardiff Kook 10 on Superbowl Sunday. After last week's 5K Trail Run, a quick 3.5 miles on a hotel treadmill and the 10K at Miramar Lake on Friday, I was thinking that I could "easily" come in under 60 minutes. Logging into my Garmin Connect and pulling up my Cow Harbor Results, I set my goal at 55 minutes or if anything, beat my previous 10K record of 57:27.2. In all seriousness, being an official 2012 2XU Brand Ambassador, all my races this year have to be PRs! That's qualifies as SWAG right?!
It was a beautiful but chilly morning clocking in at 52F. My breakfast consisted of Starbucks Perfect Oatmeal, a banana, a can of FRS and coffee. My stomach was feeling okay but right before the race, it started to grumble a bit. I arrived almost 30 minutes prior to the chip pickup, but the volunteers were early and ready to hand them out. I pick up my Gemini timing chip, which I guess almost makes for zero waste but it wasn't my favorite.
I set out immediately at a great pace with everyone leaving me in the dust, but I knew that I was doing it right. I clocked in at 8:52 for the first mile then a 9:02 for the second mile feeling great. Approaching the turn around point, the course itself got a little narrow and almost led to a speed walk so I took a picture of the great view! I still was able to clock 8:38 for mile three but I'll admit that it was a little downhill. Running along the PCH with waves breaking and the sun shinning...you couldn't ask for a better scenic route.
The way back would prove to be a little much at the past where the next two miles clocked in at 10 minutes a piece but I was still on pace. I would have to sprint the last mile but I felt like I was up for it. Unfortunately, I only had .2 in me and finished at an official tag time of 56:52.2. I was happy to make it a PR, but I have a lot of work ahead of me.
One of my friends, Brooks Butler, told me about doing some Tabata Intervals specifically "15:00 min warm up. 20 sec on. 10 sec off running for 10:00. As fast as you can set treadmill. Then 5:00 cool down." I have yet to do some crossfit this week and looks like I'll be out a whole week due to the yearly pilot tests and ground school that lie ahead but I can't wait for that next race!
The medals between the 5K and 10K weren't differentiated and but all in all, for a first time event, the turn out was high, the costumes awesome, the weather amazing and it made for a perfect start to Superbowl Sunday.
Here's one of the best costumes of the races and yes, he ran the 10K helmet and all!
Getting back into the groove always proves to be difficult but this time, I'm really setting my sights on something big...something REALLY big. I'm talking about the Oceanside Half Ironman at the end of March 2012. Granted, I'm coming up with a workout regiment and can't wait to join up with the San Diego Tri-Club, but my schedule has already taken a turn for October making it difficult to partake in any of the activities. Here are two runs from this week. I'm still sore in my calves as well as my left foot from when I sanded / buffed over it so we'll see in the coming month if and when I can actually work things out. More or less, I think I'll be able to do my biking and running at the overnights while I'm out and the swimming, I'll have to do when I'm in town at the local 24 Hour Fitness or maybe join up with the YMCA. Does anyone know what kind of skill set you need to have in order to join a Masters' swim course? On a scale from one to ten, I give myself a six in swimming competency. I need to work on my form and breathing. (I guess that's an understatement). I also have a picture of me breaking my 60 minute 10-K barrier at the 2011 Cow Harbor Race!
Monday's Run
I really thought that 2011 would be the break out year for me after my first Sprint Tri, but seeing where I was going in my lack of motivation and training, I ended up sticking to the sprint distance instead of racing the Olympic. My biggest hurdle is yes, still the swim portion, and I thought that the bike and the run would be easy...I was wrong. I'm also just going to keep this a "short" race report. Pre Race: Leading up the race, I wasn't able to get any swim lessons in and before the Wednesday prior, the last time I went for a good swim was about a year ago during the last Sprint Tri. I felt good in the pool at 24 Hr Fitness and actually even "trained" a bit in breathing every three strokes technique. I was loose and pretty confident. I was running here and there but a 5K to me is just not that daunting to where I felt the need to train. I also had a good 25 mile bike ride the Labor Day Monday before w/ my Uncle Romy and once again, I was glad to have my legs still with me. I only completed one training brick and that was all indoors at a hotel gym so no, nothing indicative of road conditions. The expo was about 20% the size of last years which was disappointing and the vendors had little of whatever inventory to sell. From what I was over hearing, the prices were just too high for this race so many didn't care to participate. Shame on Competitor because I was really looking forward to it. I did happen to find another good tri top and short from Zoot replacing my 2XU stuff from last year. I spoke to Stephen from One Tri in Orange County, CA and he was awesome. Full of information and knowledge, he was fun to talk to. What ended up in the swag bag was a lot less than last year's goodies. =(
I prepared well the night before by laying everything out but unfortunately, contracted the pre-race jitters resulting in 55 mins of REM sleep.
The Race: Driving down to the start was a breeze without traffic. My wife and I arrived with plenty of time and a good parking spot. I setup my transition area, met some new friends and started to prepare mentally. I was happy to have my family there with me for the start and even have the little one wake up for the event!
I was in the third wave and after some pretty awesome 9/11 ceremonies, off we dove in. I got into the water feeling good but once I started stroking, I found myself exerting too much effort. Either my wetsuit wasn't on all the way or what, but I couldn't get a descent stroke in with the suit forcing my arm ahead of me. Frustrating as it was, I was going nowhere. It's the same Xterra suit I used last year and haven't put it on since and it was rough. Once again, I did a combination of strokes and got out of the water almost 5 minutes later than last year. The transition was a lot faster with getting my wetsuit off and bike equipment on, but I found out that I should actually put on the bicycling gloves on first rather than fidget with them while riding so that slowed my down greatly. I also forgot to turn start my Garmin Edge 500 until .5 into the bike. I didn't train with aero bars so I wasn't going to put them on last-minute and still regret it. Cycling the last-minute updated 2 lap course, was "easy," but I couldn't find a good groove to really start mashing. Transition to the run was easy but even then, I must have started with my left foot because what I had in mind wasn't what my body was doing. Disappointing but it was a great race, I finished, and my wife, mom, sister and niece were there to celebrate the finish with me. I promise to make it worth while for them next year! Thanks for waking up early and coming out!
Conclusion: The theme to this year's sprint tri... Elijah couldn't get his groove back. From a lack in form, cramping and no good motivation, I wasn't prepared. I knew that going into it, but I didn't think I would suffer that horribly. Yes I still came in under my goal of 1:30 but the course was shorter this year. Yes, I'm also one year older, but it was frustrating. I'm definitely going to sign up for the 2012 San Diego Spring Tri Rock, not only because I have a 50% off coupon, but because I know that I'll be in a different mindset and want to perform. I'm still contemplating the 2012 Oceanside Half Ironman which gives me a good 6 months to train, but the only open slots are for those than can fundraise $650. Till then, here's to the Cow Harbor Day 10K Race on Saturday!!!
I might have forgot to mention that the night before, I had an awesome pre-race dinner at The Tractor Room with a Gage Caudell from Range Traveler. He'll tell you how we first met. I just know that I want his Leica M9-P but I'll have to may e just settle for the Sony NEX-7 in November for a fifth of the M9's price!
Here's a "candid" pic that he took on the fly.
And for those that do care, here is my Garmin Edge 500 Data. It's not accurate what so ever but maybe when Garmin releases an update to their 310xt, I'll have some better data.
I've been wanting to do this loop out & back for a while now and I was lucky to be running alongside a Mr. Jack Pham. I started a little too fast (well at least faster than normal = 9:00 pace) and had to take a break at mile 2 but then found the rhythm again and got back to it. My moving average was definitely slower than I would have liked clocking in at 10:36 / mile but I felt good.
Along the way though, the shin splint that I developed on the treadmill the day prior running 3 miles started to tingle and get the best of me. I was also trying to run a little more flatter, which helped out, but ultimately, my legs weren't feeling it. I mentioned to Jack at the end of the run that I felt like the time I finished my first ever 10K / first race without training.
With the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon June 5th just around the corner, I'm starting to get a little scared but I'm starting to definitely pick up the pace. I'm thinking of trying out my older Asics again. I don't remember getting bad shin splints with them as compared to my Lunarglides+ 2s. I can't believe that the Ragnar Relay: So Cal is next weekend either!
I love my family, my extended family, and especially my new niece Joylani Marie! I guess she's about to hit 5 month old on April 4th so she's not that new, but still awesome! All these people are reasons why I commute back to San Diego. The weather is just an added bonus. =) Here's the family enjoying some Crab Hut goodness in Downtown and Joylani happy as always!
They say by the time a kid turns two years old, her photographs have already populated the internet. I'm just adding some reassurance to this statistic. =)
After yesterday's 30 minute run on the treadmill, I felt good for another, longer run. I figured out a good route along the bay and plus, Adelle and I could enjoy some San Diego sun. Running from our apartment and finally getting on the Embarcadero, we set out at a good relaxed pace for 3.1 miles.
When we reached our turn around point, we took a quick break, then started our way back. Watching the Garmin, I noticed that Adelle and I ended up running the second half at a slightly slower pace which was a let down, but hey, we have nine weeks right?! I was able to snap this quick pic of Adelle wearing her San Diego Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Long sleeve training tech shirt and the awesome weather that we got to enjoy! Check it! I was also able to take a quick picture of the Petco Park from the new pedestrian bridge that goes from the stadium to the Hilton. Good stuff all around!
Now what stinks is the GPS readings and recordings. Compare the two maps below and you'll notice that the Garmin Edge 500 didn't "find" me right away even though it said that it captured my location and the sporadic mapping through downtown is a little off. More or less, with the data from Google Maps, my Garmin Edge 500 and my Nike+ Pedometer, I ran a solid 10K.
First off, if you don't know what I'm talking about, you can read all about the Ragnar Relay on the official about page. I'm excited to announce that I signed up / volunteered myself to become part of my friend's team and celebrate his 30th birthday with this race! This individual, Jack Pham, also happens to be the person who introduced Adelle to me when he put together an awesome BBQ way back for Memorial Day 2000. He was also my UCSD freshman year roommate's high school classmate. I just can't believe that it's been over 10 years since all this! Back to the race. I will be participating in the Ragnar Relay So Cal edition which will cover ~200 miles from Huntington Beach, CA to Coronado Island, San Diego from April 15th to April 16th and am running as the 4th Runner covering a total of 15.4 miles.
I just came back from the first team meeting, and I'm super excited! There's a lot to prepare for in my journey to running my first marathon (San Diego Rock 'n' Roll on June 5th) and this is just one of the ways that I'm motivating myself.
PICTURE THIS: You and 11 of your buddies running relay style, day and night, in a 200-mile running event through Southern California. Starting south of Los Angeles in beautiful Huntington Beach your team of 12 runners will head south down the pacific coast. Along the way you will pass through Anaheim, Carlsbad, Del Mar and La Jolla. The race (and your stamina) will wrap up near San Diego on beautiful Coronado Island. This race had better make your running calendar; you really won’t want to miss it.
I was thinking of making this an awesome type ride where if you beat me, I have to buy you lunch, but I'm thinking that it might get a bit costly. So instead, I'll buy a round of beers if you come out and ride! My plans for this week are to get re-fitted on my bicycle, and get a quick tuneup (it's been about two years for a professional tune). During the Week 6 ride, I didn't feel that good in terms of positioning on my bike and even had to stop and raise my seat a couple of times. Definitely frustrating. The ride this Saturday is Week 08 of the Spring 2011 San Diego Century Training series sponsored by Trek San Diego and will once again start out at Peet's Coffee in Torrey Highlands. This is a 55 mile ride slated to ride past Top Gun/Mission Valley and include the La Jolla Loop. It's going to be a great morning with temperatures in the low 60s with a slight chance of rain but I'll be crossing my fingers. I'm hoping that the forecast improves but that it doesn't get too hot. Last ride, I ran out of water at 10 miles to go and my Garmin Edge 500 said that it got to around 89.5F!
The full details of the ride can be found here. I'd love to see you out there w/ me and a few of my other friends. And hey, while you are at it, check out my Tour de Cure fundraiser page and support me in my ride. Just head over to http://main.diabetes.org/goto/elijah. Any donation would be awesome!
I started receiving emails about Trek San Diego's weekly rides but it wasn't until today that I was able to finally participate and ride with the gang. This ride was setup as Trek San Diego's Century Training Week 6 // 45 miles. I invited a few people but when it came down to the final start, it was Matt Krawczak and Brian Dudley that showed up. Granted it was an early 7:30AM start but it was all worth it. I went to sleep a late last night clocking in only 5 hours of sleep, which on a scale of 1-10, only ranked about a 6. Maybe it was the anticipation of the ride or maybe the fact that I ate an entire California Burrito at 12:30am which served as my carb loading.
I woke up at 5:30am without an alarm and couldn't get back to sleep so I just gathered my things, drank some juices, ate a Fiber One bar and headed out. I still felt full but excited and when I arrived at the parking lot, it only got more more energized.
Starting out the ride, we kept a casual pace saving the energy for the climbs that were along our route. An easy pace throughout until we got to those hills. If you click on the map below, you'll be able to to go through the entire route along with my speed, elevation, heart rate and cadence charts along with a temperature chart. I'll rate this ride also a 6 out of 10. I haven't ridden in such a long time and I've been only targeting 1-1.5 hrs so this was a challenge. Good company all around made it a great ride followed by some burger goodness at Islands!
There are more rides coming up so check out the schedule and don't forget, this training is all for my goal of riding the Tour de Cure Century this upcoming May 7th. Support me by donating anything from $1.00 to whatever you can to help and find a cure for diabetes. Click here to reach my Tour de Cure page.
