Merry Xmas (AKA How I'm trying to make the most this day)

Today I tried to make the most out of this Christmas day. All of my plans of a normal Christmas flew out the window when my brother called me Thursday night. On the night of December 23rd my dad had a heart attack. Thank god for a quick ambulance and the fact that my family lives two blocks away from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. I spent the entire Chirtmas Eve, with 45 minutes of sleep under my belt, in the waiting room as my father went under triple bypass surgery.
My dad is fine now.  Today I've spent the day with my mom keeping her calm by seeing Sherlock Holmes and going out with her as my dad slept. Tomorrow I'll have a chance to run on the treadmill then have lunch with my grandparents. I'm really looking forward to a run to relive some stress.
I spent a lot of time contemplating whether I should write a blog or not about it. I've been witting some cryptic updates on twitter that only my family and close friends knew what was going on. I need chance to thank the doctors and nurses my dad is in the care of. I also needed to vent. This has been a very scary time for my dad and all of my family. Scarier then anything I've been through or seen my dad go through. As you readers know my Dad is a cancer survivor. That was a tough time seeing him sick all the time. I'm sure anyone that has seen a loved one covered in tubes and monitors all over knows how I feel.
All I need are prayers for a good and quick recovery for my dad. Without going into all the gory details my dad is fine and outlook is looking good so far. I saw him tonight and he looks a lot better then he did two days ago. His doctors have been telling my family good things and everything is going as hoped. This has been a scary ordeal for myself and my entire family. I'm so glad everyone in my life has been very supportive and able to lend a ear when I needed to talk. I really appreciate the personal sacrifices the staff at Lutheran General Hospital for taking such good care of my father on this holiday.
The best gift I received today is that my Dad is still alive. I love you all and Merry Christmas. Go hug the ones that you love.

Half Marathon Turkey Trot This Saturday Goble Goble

This Saturday I'm running the Schaumburg Half Marathon Turkey Trot. It should be allot of fun. It's at Busse Woods so the course should hold no surprises unless an elk attacks us, but I doubt that. I'm hoping for warm dry weather. I just picked up my race packet from Dick Pond Athletics. All you get is a bib and a cotton shirt. I've been spoiled by my last few racers with Tech wicking ware shirts. But for $55 I get a race photo and medal too. I think $55 is a good price for all that.

I've been nursing a leg injury so I'm not going all out on this one. I'm hoping to run in a big sea of purple and green Team in Training friends. After all Busse is the North's Team training ground.

Afterwards I'm going to breakfast at the Rose Garden Cafe. Please call my cell phone or send me a message one way or another if you want in. Assuming the race starts on time at 8:20 I think I'll be at the table around 10am to 10:30 am. I'm parking at Rose Garden and Walking to the start. The start of the race is near the 3 mile marker.
Hope to see you there... ROCK ON MY FRIENDS \m/

Blogging from my phone on the lakefront

It's 7am and today I'm at Wilson ave beach for the Team in training 20-16-10 miler. Since Im in my car, listening to my iPod, waiting for everyone to get here I wanted to try to blog from my phone.

Here are some random thoughts...
1) Good luck to all my friends riding / racing El Tour de Tucson today.
2) I'm looking forward to getting in some long runs for my training for RNR Mardi Gras. I haven't had a good LONG run since training for the I'LL marathon eairler this year.
3) Since I'm coaching for TNT summer season I'll have to do my long runs Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. If any one needs a running partner hit me up.
4) That all being said, I hope it stays warm this winter. I hate when my water and gu's freeze on me.
5) Anyone up for breakfast after the Schaumburg Half Marathon Turkey Trot? Lots of TNT north alumni will be there.
6) Yep...the sunrise sure is beautiful...sorry really random thought as I stare at the lake front.

People are finally showing up...later my friends...rock on.

Who want to go to breakfast after the Schumburg Turkey Trot?

If your'e running the Schaumburg Turkey Trot a bunch of us are going to breakfast at the Rose Garden after the race. If you're interested contact me via phone, e-mail, or facebook before the race. I want to get a count for a table.

My game plan for 2010

Tonight I finally received my 2009 Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge Shirt. About friggin time. Its a nice blue long sleeve tech shirt. It has the total miles from each race listed I did that weekend. Which I guess is reason why I'm blogging tonight. Well, not the real reason but it makes a nice segway for what I'm about to talk about.

In 2009 I ran the Illinois Marathon; raced the Harbor Lights Sprint Triathlon, coached the Chicago Rock and Roll Half Marathon; Raced the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge; rode the Apple Cider Century Ride; and coached mile 5 of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon . Let;s not forget that I'm running the Schaumburg half marathon Turkey Trot at the end of the month. It's been a great year. I've enjoyed allot of memories with friends and new friends alike.

So how do I top all of this for 2010? I've asked myself the same question this past week. If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook you know I've been  struggling with the idea to sign up for a Ironman. After consulting with friends and Team in Training Triathlon Coaches I've decided to wait for 2011 to do the the Madision, WI Ironman.

So this is my plan 2010. I'm assuming nothing earth shattering happens in my life.
2010 will be themed OMG...My Last Year in my Twenties. Or something catchy like that. I'm up for suggestions.

Anywho...


February 28 (The Day after I turn 29) - I'll be running my seventh marathon in the Rock And Roll Mardi Gras Marathon. Louisiana will be my sixth state I've run a marathon in.


Early June - I plan to race the Olympic Distance Elkhart Triathlon. My goal is to beat my 2007 Chicago Olympic Triathlon time.My 2009 time was slower because I ran out of gas on the run.


July 31 - I'll be racing the Whrirlpool 70.3 Ironman in Benton Harbor, MI. After doing the Triple I'm ready for a Half Ironman! My goal will be to finish all 70.3 miles strong. More info later on this.


September 12 - Volunteer for Ford Ironman in Madision, WI. This way I'll learn some new tricks and register for the 2011 race.


Mid November - Race in El Tour De Tuscon. My goal will be to finish under 6 hours and get the gold medal. After July 31 I'll be focusing on everything to get to that finish line under 6.

Of course some sprint triathlons, a 8K race here and there, and a few bike rides will slip in the cracks. The above are my major events planned.

As I said before I'm going to sign up for the 2011 WI Ironman this September in person. By doing it this way I'll save a few dollars. According to Bill Snyder, the Team In Training head triathlon coach, my schedule and all athletic events will be planned around my training for the Ironman. That's something I'll worry about next December. 2011 is tentatively themed "Crap I'm 30...Now What?"

My question for every now is...Who's going to be partying with me in Mardi Gras this February? FYI, I'm brining lots of purple and green beads to the race!

ALL TNT 09 Fall People. I making a DVD. I Need Your Photos from Your Race!

To Team In Training 2009 Marathon Fall Participants from Illinois,
I'm going to make a DVD of the 2009 Fall Marathon Season. 
If you have any photos of you, your friends, your coaches, your patient honorees from training or your events (Chicago Marathon, Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon, Nike Full / Half Marathon) please e-mail them to me at bobby.dobroski@gmail.com or upload them to my flicker group at http://www.flickr.com/groups/tntilfall09marathon/. 
This DVD will be for sale and all profits will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The DVD will be professionally duplicated so this will be a great keep sake. Please get the photos to me no later then November 5th.
I will have details for ordering once I'm done making the DVD.

Finally a video from the 2009 Chicago Tri Triple Challenge

I finally had a little time and I put together a little video of my experience in the 2009 Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge. Take a look and enjoy.

Good Luck Video to Team in Training Participants in the 2009 Chicago Marathon

Here is s a message from Coach Marianne, Mentor Barb, & myself to the Team in Training participants that will be in the
2009 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Looking forward to Appple Cider Century on Sunday

This Sunday I'll be rinding 100 miles on my bike in 3 Oaks, Michigan for the Apple Cider Century (www.applecidercentury.com/). This will be my second century bike ride. I'm a little nervous beacuse I haven't been training for a centuery ride this swason. But with Chicago Triple Challenge under my belt and a few long rides this season I know I'll finish. I just won't be looking for a PR. After this I don't know what race I'll be in. I'm thinking about the Chicago Go Urban Race or the Schaumburg Half Marathon Turkey Trot.

Team in Training needs people to man Water Stations for the 20 miler!

We need help one last time this season for our biggest and longest training yet. If you're not training right now come on out and support your fellow TEAM mates. If you are training, wouldn't you love to have your family and friends out there supporting you? Do you know any kids who need community service hours? We need help to support our Team in Training Athletes training for the Chicago and Nike Marathons! Helping them helps to save lives as they are raising funds to find a cure! We are looking for volunteers to man our waterstops for our longest trainings of the fall marathon season, not only to pass out water and gatorade but to cheer our participants on and make these trainings extra fun and special and to show everyone on these paths training that day that TEAM in TRAINING Rocks! When and Where: Saturday, September 19 Chicago Lakefront Specific waterstops will be assigned when you sign up! Who: Anyone who would like to come out and support the TEAM! *We will sign letters for anyone who uses this opportunity to get community for service hours. *If you are training these days this is a great way for your friends and family to show their support for YOU! Time: Training starts at 7:00 am. Not everyone will have to begin at 7:00 am and no one will have to stay the entire training unless they want to. Shifts will be assigned when you sign up. What do volunteers have to bring and what do they have to do? We will provide coolers with water and gatorade, cups and sports nutrition (power gels and bars). We will also provide directions to water stop locations. Volunteers need to bring their enthusiasm and support and anything else they would like to bring to support our athletes (snacks, fruit, signs, cowbells). They will pass out water and gatorade to our athletes and cheer them on. They can set up whatever kind of fun cheer station they want! Interested? Contact Marie Jarrell at 708-359-1989 or mysunbow@yahoo.com to sign up or to ask questions.

Overall Triple Challenge Results

The overall results for the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge are finally posted.

Take a look at my results:

• Clock Times: 5:11:33
• Overall Place - 45/89
• Gender Place - 39/71
• Super - 00:42:31
• Sprint - 01:26:49
• International - 3:02:13

I'm happy with those.

Life after the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge.

I completed the Chicago Triple Challenge. 68 miles of swimming, cycling, and running in one weekend. Anyway here is the breakdown of all three races.

Super Sprint Wave #18 starting at 8:20 AM
375 M Swim, 10 K Bike, 2.5 K Run

• Bib # 11767
• Clock Time: 00:42:31
• Overall Place: 63 / 707
• Gender Place: 59 / 324
• Division Place: 17 / 76
• Swim: 00:08:45
• Bike: 00:20:29
• Run: 00:13:15
• Swim rank: 165
• Bike rank: 57
• Mph: 18.1
• Run rank: 51
• Pace: 00:08:33

In short I felt great and rocked it out. It was soo short it was too easy. Another Triple challenger told me in conversation that the bike part was hard because it had three loops and you lost so much time turning around. I kind of agree with that. The water was a little cold but it was so short it didn’t matter. Water temp was like 63 degrees.

Sprint Distance - Wave #1 starting at 6:00 AM
.75 K Swim, 22 K Bike, 5 K Run

• Bib #: 304
• Clock Time: 01:26:49
• Overall Place: 154 / 2304
• Gender Place: 129 / 1248
• Division Place: 24 / 204
• Swim: 00:16:51
• Trans1: 00:03:40
• Bike: 00:39:34
• Trans2: 00:02:30
• Run: 00:24:13
• Swim rank: 235
• Bike rank: 119
• Mph: 20.7
• Run rank: 321
• Pace: 00:07:48

This portion was probably my best sprint triathlon ever. I felt so good after the sprint. I thought I would PR the international too. The water was warmer then the air. I had so much adrenaline pumping I didn’t care. As for the pace I didn’t feel I was going all out. I found out I was wrong during the run portion of the International. One of my favorite parts was when I came out of the swim I took off my swim cap and I saw my Dad cheering for me. For those of you who don’t know my Dad is my inspiration and one of the reasons I keep pushing myself to raise money for cancer and my body to new limits.

International Distance: Wave 45 starting at 9:12 AM
1.5 K Swim, 40 K Bike, 10 K Run

• Bib #: 7350
• Clock Time: 03:02:13
• Overall Place: 2144 / 4243
• Gender Place: 1760 / 2951
• Division Place: 328 / 543
• Swim: 00:31:10
• Trans1: 00:03:22
• Bike: 01:19:02
• Trans2: 00:02:21
• Run: 01:06:18
• Swimrank: 1123
• Bikerank: 1641
• Mph: 19.2
• Runrank: 3476
• Pace: 00:10:41

Looking back at my times in the Chicago Triathlon 2007 (My first triathlon ever and international distance too) I improved upon everything but the run. The run was my down fall. My swim, transitions, and bike times all improved. You could tell I ran out of steam when I went from an 8-9 minute pace (looking at all my triathlons) to a 10:41 pace. During the run I had to power walk miles 2 and 3 and do intervals for the last half. I was so hungry at that point. Maybe if I ate another Gu or had peanut butter sandwich at transition things would have been different. I was planning on doing 5:1 run/walk intervals but my body told me I had to slow down.

All in all I was happy with my times. I expected myself to finish the sprint distance around 1:30:00 hours and the international in 3:00:00 hours. I did three triathlons in one weekend, something I’ve never done in my life. I’m extremely proud of myself and that fact. All I can do is learn and aim higher. Next year I have my eyes sighted on competing in a half Iron Man. Time, life, and god willing.

It was great seeing so many friends, family and teammates from Team in Training along the way. My mom saw me finish the International race. Some of my marathon participants cheered me on. I raced along my triathlon coaches Brian and Bill. The marathon coaches body marked me and cheered me along the way. It was such a great experience. Plus since I had green hair with a purple mohawk a lot people said they loved the hair. On top of that everyone was able to see me coming a mile a away because of the hair.

The times don’t really matter either. The most important thing is that I raised over $1,200 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. That money is now being used to help find cures for cancers. Hopefully some day the children suffering from a blood cancer today can compete in a triathlon in the future.

Be on the look out for my You Tube Videos about my Triple Challenge Experience.

Here is a link on Facebook with all the pictures I took over the weekend. More will be added as friends send pictures to me.

Here is one about all the pre race stuff:

P.S. you can still make a donation and help me reach my fundraising goal of $2,000 but donating at http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chitri09/rdobroski

GO TEAM!

Results from Chicago Triathlon Super Sprint

The water was a bit cold for my taste, but running and the bike conditions were perfect.
Here are my results for the Super Sprint.

• My clock time was 00:42:31
• Overall I came in 63 out of 707 Finishers (8.9%).
• 59 out of 324 Male Finishers (18.2%).
• Out of the 20-29 Age Division 17 out of 138 (12.3%).

This was the break down of the miles

• a 375 meter (.25 mile) swim in Lake Michigan parallel to the beach
• a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) bike
• a 2.5 kilometer (1.55 mile) run

Not to shabby huh? Time for a nap.

Race Day Weekend for the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge. Wish Me Luck!

It's less than 24 hours until I race in the Chicago Triathlon Super Sprint and less the 48 hours until the sprint and international triathlon races.

I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone that donated to my fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The money is being used to help fund ways to cure blood cancer & support families being affected.

Everyone that donated was able to vote on the color for my hair on race day.

The winner was…

Green with a Purple Mohawk. Watch the YouTube Video to watch the process. I’ll reply back on Tuesday with the breakdown of the votes.

Like any big race I’m a little nervous but very excited too. I had the whole week off from work so I’m rested and ready to go!

When I go to the expo this afternoon I’m on a mission to pick up Yankz shoe laces for my second pair of running shoes, 10 strawberry Gus & a Hydraform Handheld water bottle from Aphipod. I want to make sure I have two of everything so I don’t have to go back to transition after I finish the sprint race on Sunday. I’m going to have the people at the Team in Training Tent hold my second wet suit, goggles and a peanut butter & jelly sandwich to refuel on.

Tonight I’m going to find a nice place to have dinner. I’m in the mood for Chinese. Tomorrow night I’ll go to the Team in Training Pasta Party at the Hilton. I love cheering on the participants as they walk down the red carpet. On Saturday, I’ll be making a guest video blog on my friend’s, Mara, food blog at www.imadedinner.com.

You can watch the Triathlon online this Sunday at Slowtwich.com

I’ll be making Twitter updates as much as I can to chronicle the journey this weekend. When I get to the expo I’ll tell everyone my bib numbers. According to all the official email I’ve been receiving I’ll have three bib numbers.

Wish me Luck, Rock on My Friends & GO TEAM!

Team in Training needs people to man Water Stations

Are you training for Nike or the Chicago Full and have friends and family that would love to support you and TNT?

Do you know any kids who need community service hours?

Are you completing RNR or taking this season off and looking for a way to stay involved with your TEAM mates?

Did you complete the 10 or 16 miler last weekend and REALLY appreciate that great support you had at the waterstops?

We are looking for volunteers to man our waterstops for our next two long trainings of the fall marathon season, not only to pass out water and gatorade but to cheer our participants on and make these trainings extra fun and special and to show everyone on these paths training that day that TEAM in TRAININGRocks!

When and Where: Saturday, September 5 Chicago Lakefront

Saturday, September 19 Chicago Lakefront

Specific waterstops will be assigned when you sign up!

Who: Anyone who would like to come out and support the TEAM!

*We will sign letters for anyone who uses this opportunity to get

community for service hours.

*If you are training these days this is a great way for your friends and

family to show their support for YOU!

Time: Training starts at 7:00 am on each of these days. Not everyone will

have to begin at 7:00 am and no one will have to stay the entire

training unless they want to. Shifts will be assigned when you sign

up.

What do volunteers have to bring and what do they have to do?

We will provide coolers with water and gatorade, cups and sports nutrition (power gels and bars). We will also provide directions to water stop locations.

Volunteers need to bring their enthusiasm and support and anything else they would like to bring to support our athletes (snacks, fruit, signs, cowbells). They will pass out water and gatorade to our athletes and cheer them on. They can set up whatever kind of fun cheer station they want!

Interested?

Contact Marie Jarrell at 708-359-1989 or mysunbow@yahoo.com to sign up or to ask questions.

Anybody need a...Look on eBay!

T minus 5 days until the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge.

I have the next 5 days off from work. To keep myself busy I decided to do some spring cleaning and get rid of some items just lying around my house on eBay.

Anybody need ...

• RavX Carbon Water Bottle Cages?
• Cage 1
• Cage 2
• Selle Royal Freeway Gel Men Black Bike Saddle
• Canon DC20 DVD Camcorder

The above auctions ends August 31, 2009

I have 2 items whose Auctions End Today !

• Intel Desktop Mother Board
• Shimano SPD Pedals

Harbor Lights Triathlon Results

So today I raced in the Harbor Lights Sprint Triathlon. Here are my results:

• Overall place: 135 out of 810 (Top 17%)
• Division place: 20 out of 82 (Top 25%)
• Gender place: 114 out of 516 (Top 25%)
• Time: 1:22:54 ( I was shooting for anything under 1:30)
• Swim: 9:40
• Trans 1: 3:21
• Bike: 36:21
• Trans 2: 1:17
• Run: 32:17

The race was well run and the weather was cool. For some reason the race cheeped out on finisher medals. I expect a medal after paying a $75 race entry. That is my only complaint. Otherwise it was a good race.

My thoughts on my results:

The water was cold. The starting temp was 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus this was my first open water training of the year. I really tired focusing on my form. At the end my goggles filled up with water. Could I of done better? I don’t know.

On the bike I felt I was flying. Only problem, I lost my two new water bottles after the turn onto the highway. If the day was hot I would have had a bad ride. But the weather was cool. Maybe next year I’ll think about getting race tires and aero bars.

The run went well. I ran in intervals. 1 Mile run and a 60 second power walk. I thought I was running a 9 minutes/mile pace I was running a little over 8 minutes/mile. I was impressed with myself.

Training & Fundrasing Update

I wanted to give everyone an update on my fundraising efforts the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and training efforts for the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge.

Fundraising Updates

I’ve decided to raise my goal to $2,200 but I’m still stuck at $600. Here are ways you can help me reach my goal to raise $2,00 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:

1. Come to my fundraiser party at Pump It Up Glenview on Sunday August 9^th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
   $15 for kids and $10 for adults. Pizza, Soda and 1.5 hours of bouncing fun!
2. Donate your old cell phones and a company will then recycle them and will make a donation the LLS
3. Donate a $1 and vote on the color of my hair for race day. So far I’m having Purple Hair. Make a donation at http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chitri09/rdobroski to choose your favorite choice.

Training Update:

For the past two weeks I’ve been busy with summer camp and Team in Training Winter Season Recruitment. My trainings in the middle of the week have been suffering.

I’ve also need to buy new running shoes for general use. I’m doing a lot of walking at camp and my shins have been aching. It’s a sign I need to buy new shoes. I’ve barely broken in my last running shoes that I use to workout with.

I’ve have been able to keep up my long distances on the weekends fortunately. This Sunday I will be racing in the Harbor Lights Sprint Distance Triathlon in Waukegan, IL.

• 1/2-mile swim with a beach start and finish in Lake Michigan
• A 13.2-mile bike on a closed and flat course
• A 4-mile run that includes a stretch down beautiful tree-lined Sheridan Road

Wish me luck this Sunday. As a pre race treat I’m eating out at a Pasta joint then seeing Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince this Saturday night. If you want to join me Saturday contact me! I love company.

T-shirt Deadline Extended

Did you want to buy one of my "Your Pace or Mine?" Performace Shirts?

I'm extending the deadline to July 1st. 

It's $30 and all profits go to cancer research.

From Bobby on the Run

 

From Bobby on the Run

Go to http://tinyurl.com/YPOMshirtform/ to download a order form. 

They come in ladies fit pink or mens blue. 

DONT WASTE TIME!!!

I could of used S.A.G. Today

Today I was going to ride on my bike for 50 minutes then go on a 15 minutes run as part of my training for the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge.  I took  my usual route from my house in Buffalo Grove towards Deer Park and Long Grove. Well, at 7.8 miles into it my tire blew.  Which is fine...or so I thought.

My spare tire had the wrong type of valve. I was able to change the tube. When I tried using my compressed air to fill the tube I broke the valve on the tire.  

I realized I forgot my cell phone. So I couldn't call any one.

So I put my bike on my shoulder and started walking home. I saw a Dicks Sporting Goods on Rand Road in Deer Park. They had bike tire tubes!!!! I thought I was saved. But  I only had $5 on me. The tubes were $6.99 a piece. So I continued to walk home. 

My total experience was 2 hours and 25 minutes long

So what did I learn?

• I'm a dumbass for not picking up the right tire tube
• Always bring a cell phone 
• Pack more air canisters or carry a hand pump
• Carry more then $5 on a bike ride

You want to ask me, "Bobby, you  had $5 why not go use a pay phone and call a friend or your parents to pick you up?"

Answer: I am very stubborn and have too much pride. Plus It was a nice day so I didn't want to bother any body. I probobly wouldn't of called any one even if I had my cell phone.

Chaulk this story to one of those training stories to tell people what not to do. 

Tri Training Update

I wanted to write a quick update on my training for the Chicago Triathlong Triple Challge and fundrasing efforts for the Leukeima and Lymphoma Society. 

So far I have raised $579 for the The Leukeima and Lymphoma Society!

People who donate get to vote on the color of my hair on race day. After you donate I will send you a link to vote. Not everyone has voted so far. Right now it looks like I will have purple hair. Make a donation at http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chitri09/rdobroski and get your vote in.

Remember I'm also selling performace dry wicking shirts that say "Your Pace or Mine" for $30. They come in Men loose fit blue or ladies fit pink. The deadline to Order is June 1st. Download a form for the shirts here.

As for training it's going really good. I just did my first Team In Training Tri Team Swim last night in Highland Park. Wednesdays will be my rest day. Tommrow I'm going on a 45 minute bike ride. The short bike rides are killing me. After training for El Tour de Tucson any thing under 20 miles, or one hour, is too short. 

My running is going really well. Since I got a garmin watch it's been telling me I've be running at a 8:00 to 8:30 pace. Some day I hope I can keep that pace up for longer distances and for race day but well see. 

Kick Off and a Bike Ride

I had a really productive weekend:

On Saturday I ran 5.8 miles by my house in Buffalo Grove before I headed over to York High School for the Fall Season Kick Off of Team In Training. We all had a blast. For me I was kicking off two things...

1)The official start of me coaching for the Chicago Marathon, Rock And Roll Chicago Half Marathon, and Nike's Women Half & Full Marathon. I even got to lead the the rally cry for the Marathon Team. I met allot of the participants. I'm really excited for the season.

2) It was the start of my Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge Training. Training for this is going to be tough on me. I have to balance a 11 to 12 hour a day job, fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and marathon coaching.

Speaking of fundraising, it is going really well. Since the release of my You Tube Video last Sunday I have received $353!! Some donations came from people who just saw the video who live in Pittsburgh, Arizona, & California!

Thank you everyone that has donated. As for the color of my hair so far I'm having green hair with a purple stripe down the middle is winning. Remember a $1 donation gets you 1 vote on the color of my hair. You get a thank you e-mail with a link telling you where to vote after I received your donation. ($20 gets you 20 votes)

Please keep passing the link along to everyone (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCDqenRDR6M). Please post it on your blogs, your Facebook profiles, twitter profiles, etc.

As for today, me a Steve B., From The cycle Team, rode 41 miles on the 62"ish" mile course of the Blood, Sweat, & Tears Bike Ride (BST) that's happens on Sunday, June 22. There is a 5 mile Family Fun Course, a 25 mile course, 45 mile course, or 62 miles course. It starts in Highland Park Train Station and is $35 for adults and $10 for people under 16.

If you want to train for the BST Ride, The Team in Training Cycle Program is holding a fundraising program. The goal is $250 per person. For more info e-mail tnt@tntillinois.org.

Did you see my You Tube Video about Fundrasing $2000 for LLS and Team In Training?

I made a little You Tube video about my fundrasing efforts for the Leukima and Lymphoma Society and my training for the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge. 

After you watch my video, donate a $1 and pass the link on to your friends. 

Your Pace or Mine? Performance T-Shirt $30 - All profits go to Cancer Research!

Do you need a work out shirt that will grab everyone's attention? Do you need a shirt that asks the opposite sex "Your pace or mine" while you are out of breath? For $30 you can wear this logo in a Men's Blue loose fit or Pink Women's Fit Performance Technical Shirt from alo.

All profits Go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Download your order form! Order's due by June 1st.

Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20. Every ten minutes, another child or adult is expected to die from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma (www.LLS.org). This summer I’m racing in the Chicago Triathlon       Triple Challenge and raising $2,000 for cancer victims    as member of Team in Training. Make a $1 donation and help victims of cancer!

T-shirts made by the help of Proforma Clothes

What do you think of this T-Shirt?

In the near future I will be selling a performace technical shirt.

Here is the logo:

From Bobby on the Run

People will have the choice of a men's loose fit in navy blue or girl fit in pink.

From Bobby on the Run

From Bobby on the Run

Go to my Survey Monkey link and give me your opinion on my new shirt you could buy and workout with!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fdGx7S4mAUuJEq7_2bypSc7Q_3d_3d

Vote on my hair color for the Chicago Triple Challenge

This August I will be racing the in the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge. That's 68 miles of swimming, biking, and running in one weekend. More importantly, I'm running as a member of Team in Training and raising $2,000 to help victims of Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20. Every ten minutes, another child or adult is expected to die from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma.

I want you to vote on the color of my hair for race day. For every dollar you donate that will count as a vote.

You can donate on my fundraising website at http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/chitri09/rdobroski. 

From Bobby on the Run

Your choices are Green, Purple, Green w/ Purple Mohawk, Purple w/ Green Mohawk.

When you donate leave a comment on which color you want.

Voting ends August 3, 2009! Vote now and Vote often.

Your vote/donation will help support research programs devoted to fighting this disease through the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

Follow me on Twitter for the IL Marathon

This weekend I want to keep a record of my Illinois Marathon Expereince. If you want to follow me go to my Twitter Page at http://twitter.com/sideshowbobby71. 

Twitter should also update my Facebook Page. FYI, Facebook will only let Twitter post so many updates.

Who I'm Running With This Weekend

Even though all my friends and teammates from Team in Training won’t be with me this weekend when I run the Illinois Marathon they will be with me in spirit.

These two photos will be pinned to the back of my Team in Training Jersey this upcoming Saturday

My Teammates from Team in Training.

All the people who I ran, swam, and cycled with.
The people who trained me and the people who I now help train. 

You give me the super human energy & excitment I have every Saturday morning.

My Inspirations

• My Dad – A cancer survivor who worked a full time job while FIGHTING CANCER, so I can stay in college. He is the first person I call when I finsih my races. 
  
• Firiza, Ryan, and Robbie – Cancer Survivors who each have completed a marathon.
  
• Eddie, Keegan, Katie, Paige, Fabian, Emily & Katie – Children who left their families to soon and lost their life to a blood cancer.
  

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Website:

• Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children and young adults under the age of 20.
  
• Every 10 minutes, another child or adult is expected to die from leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. (145 people each day, or six people every hour.)
  
• An estimated 138,530 people in the United States was diagnosed with leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma in 2008.
  

Please make a donation to my fundraising page for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Your dollars will go to life saving research that will create new life saving drugs and programs that will help improve the quality of life for cancer victims.  

As Kegan Grant said durring his cancer treatment, "You can be happy or miserable either way the distance is the same." You dam well know, I'll keep a smile on my face every mile durring any race if a little boy facing death and going through hell can keep a smile on. 

OMG, only 6 days until the Illinois Marathon. Time to start packing!!

Six more days until I run my sixth marathon down in Champaign-Urbana. If you’ve been reading my status updates on Twitter and Facebook you know I fell pretty confident in my running. The other day I ran 7 miles along the Chicago Lakefront under an hour. That is even sticking with 5 minute run to 1 minute walk intervals. Training aside, I need to pack for the Illinois Marathon.

Just read the following items I need for race day:

• Running Shoes.  – Goes without saying.
  
• Team in Training Running Jersey – Have to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Have you donated a $1 yet to my fundrasing page?
  
• Running shorts – I’m not running naked in this race.
  
• Sun Glasses – So I don’t squint my eyes. Every little bit of energy counts. I might have to buy a new pair at the expo. 
  
• Team in Training Headsweats Visor – So the sun doesn’t get in my eyes and to support the Team.
  
• Two Pairs of Running socks. - Wearing two socks helps prevents blisters.
  
• Garmin Heart Rate Monitor and Watch – To help me watch my pace and keep track of my 5:1 intervals. I plan on doing a 8:50 to 9:10 minutes per mile pace. 
  
• Body glide. –Helps to prevent chaffing.  Something no runner should ever be without.
  
• Band aids. - To prevent bloody nipples. Yes it has happened to me. The shower after that one fateful training run was quite painful.
  
• Five Strawberry Banna Gu's - For energy replacement.
• Fuel Belt – So I can have water, Gatorade, and my Gu’s when ever I need it.
  
• Sun block – to prevent skin cancer.
  
• Pretzels – I get really hungry after mile 20 and to help replace all the sodium I lose while sweating.
  
• Running pouch – Something To carry my pretzels.
• Race Bib – I’ll pick up at the expo on Friday
  
• Running Chip – I’ll pick up at the expo on Friday. "No Chip, No Time."
  
• Photos of my inspirations – Pretty much my dad, cancer survivors and all the people I train with.
  
• Extra pins – To pin my bib, gu’s and photos  to my jersey
  
• iPod Shuffle and Headphones – That little extra boost in my head.
  

Incase it’s cold on race day

• Throw away shirt
  
• Team in Trainining Head Band
• Running Gloves – Incase it’s cold on race day
  
• Running tights
  
• Underarmor
  
• Plastic Bags - so Snow doesn't get in my shoes like the Shamrock Shuffle last Sunday. 

Why do I need so much stuff you might ask? I’ll be running 26.2 miles. It’s pretty much a 4 to 5 hours for me. I need to be ready for all the contingences. Something that you’ve been training for  4 to 5 months is a big deal. Usually things that are big deals, at least for me, require a little bit of planning and a list so I don’t forget anything before I leave for the race or my house for that matter. Most people don't realize how much thought goes into these endurance races. I just thought I share my list with you. 

 

 

Your Old Cell Phone Can Save Lives!

If you have a old cell phone lying around collecting dust give it to me!

Why, you ask? Your old cell phone can help cancer victims.

There is a company that will take old cell phones and make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Old cell phones and batteries will be recycled.

This is a win-win. You're saving the environment and your saving lives.

Please e-mail me at bobby.dobroski@gmail.com or hunt me down on Facebook. We'll figure out a way to get those old dusty cell phones to me. 

Or you can make a $1 donation using your credit or debit card on my Team in Training Fundrasing Page then pass on the link to your friends & co-workers!

This summer I will be competing in the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge. That's a total of 68 miles of swimming, cycling, and running in one weekend to help victims of blood cancers. Just to break it down:  1.63 miles in the water, 44.67 miles on the bike, and run 10.85 miles!

Shuffling in the Snow

It's been awhile since my last post. I appoligize I'm lazy. So to give you a quick update on evertyhing that's been happening for my training for U of I and Team in Training....

• I bought new shoes...again. I moved to Saucony Hurricanes cause they will give me more support to my feet. Plus I was getting shin splints.
• I recived a Garmin Forerunner for my birthday. I love it. Best tool for a runner. According to it my pace is up!?!?
• For my training for U of I, I only ran up to 18. Life has been getting in the way.
• It's snowing in Chicago and I'm running the Shamrock Shuffle. I thought it was spring.
• Marathon Team has good dedicated people. Can't wait to meet the whole team in May
• I'm offically fundrasing for the Chicago Triathlon Triple Challenge for the LLS.

Wish me luck today I'm off in the wintery bliss!!!!!!

A 16 mile run and very cold hands.

It’s 22 degrees outside and sunny, A.K.A a beautiful day for running. I put on my running tights, under armor, filled up my fuel belt with Gatorade and water, 2 vanilla power gels, 2 pairs of gloves, 2 pairs of socks, shoes and headed out the door for Busse Woods.

 t wasn’t as warm as last Sunday when I ran 14 miles, but the path was clear for a good jog. I lost my running watch again some were at my house so I had to estimate my 5 minute run: 1 minute walk ratio. It was a good run. I felt real good throughout the run. I did the whole 7.7 mile course once in each direction. I did one of the small spurs to make up the .6^th of a mile.

 Towards the end my hands were freezing. I was wearing my Asics gloves and then my Sluggo wind blockers but in the end my hands were numb. My hands were so numb I could not turn the key to get into my car for several minutes.  

 Only a few more weeks to the IL Marathon. 18 miles next week!

New Shoes...New Era

I feel every time I put on a brand new pair of running shoes it feels a new era has come. I set aside old goals in place of new ones. Big things happen in my life too.

I’m now an assistant coach for the Team In Training North Marathon Section for the Summer Season. I will be helping participants get to the start line finish and provide them with the tools and the experience to get across the finish line. Participants will be training for the Chicago Marathon, Indi Mini 500, Seattle Rock n’ Roll Marathon, and the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon (My first marathon). I hope I can keep my energy and spirit the entire time and be as much help as I can  to the participants and Coaches Lu and Andy.

Here is the Team picture of us at Kick Off.

On a side note I ran my 12 miles on a Tread Mill at Ballys in Deerfield. This is preparation for the Illinois Marathon I’m running on April 11. It was a good run but very boring. I can’t wait until the snow melts and the sidewalks are clear. I thought I was going to have a bad run because I had back problems and had a head cold all week. Oh well like I said new shoes are now on me. All my past challenges are in the past and the new ones await for me.  

There is still plenty of time to start training with the Team. Learn how to run with a cause at www.TeamInTraining.org/

Last Vision Quest Coaching Session For Now... Time for the marathon!

Yesterday I participated in my last Vision Quest Coaching session for the winter. In December my threshold wattage was gauged at 263 watts. Yesterday I  was gaged at 277 watts. I'm very proud of myself that I improved. I want to do Vision Quest again when I start training for my triathlons this summer. Hopefully I'll be able to do El Tour de Tucson again this year and finish under 6 hours. I'll be shooting for under 5 hours but if I'm under 6 hours I would be happy.

If you don't know already I'm running the Illinois Marathon on April 11. Last week I had a 10 mile run. It was so cold outside I ran at the Indoor Bally's track in Morton Grove.  A lap is a sixth of a mile at Bally's in Morton Grove. Yep that means I ran around the track 60 times! Thank goodness I had my iPod to keep me sain.

I took training easy this week in prep for my VQ test. Today I'm going to hit the tread mill for a nice easy run this do some speed work out this week. I'll go out for a 10 to 12 mile run next Saturday. 

My schedule for the Illinois Marathon 2009

I went to Runner's World Magazine's website and used their Smart Coach application to create a running plan for the upcoming 2009 Illinois Marathon. 

I gave the Smart Coach application the following parameters:

Your current race time is: 4:00:00 for a Marathon

Your distance training goal is: Marathon
You currently train: 16-20 miles/week
How hard you want to train: Hard
Your long-run day: Saturday
Your training program Starts: Monday, 12/29/2008 and Ends: Sunday, 4/12/2009
Length of your training schedule: 15 weeks

Here is a link to my Illinois Marathon running schedule. Something that is different that I'm not used to...It has me doing two 20 mile runs. I might have to modify it alittle when the time comes. It looks like I'll be do alot more runs along the lake front this season. I hope it stays warm. 

Again my goal is to beat my 2006 Chicago Marathon Time. I want to get under 4 hours. 

It's Offical, I'm Running the Illinois Marathon April 11th!

It is official! Yesterday I signed up for the Illinois Marathon. This will be my 6^th overall marathon. The Illinois Marathon takes place in Champaign-Urbana on April 11^th. The finish line is inside the University of Illinois football field. It should be really fun race.

It’s a flat course so my goal is to beat my personal record of 3 hours 58 minutes. I received that time in the Chicago Marathon in 2006. Chicago was my second marathon and my first Team in Training Event. This race is preparation for Whirlpool Steelhead Half Iron Man that happens August 1^st. I will be fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with Team in Training when I start training for Steelhead. I give you updates when I start.

I have not picked a particular training plan yet for the Illinois Marathon but I know I want to focus on my speed work. Saturday morning I ran 7 miles on the icy trails of Busse Woods. I did not go too fast because I took it easy the week before.

If any one wants to join for the Illinois Marathon sign up before Jan 31^st so you can save some money on the entry fee. We’ll have a good time running the race then have some good beer soon after.