So last year it was freezing cold… and this year the weather forecast was rain. Luckily, rain equated to a light sprinkle during the start of the race. Didn’t make the gym photo this year, as I couldn’t find the folks from the gym :-( Kinda sad since I’ve now done it each year with the gym. I did see a few folks, but not the whole crew.

But, I had a new running partner for this year… I managed to convince Jen from the Renegades to join me! Yay! And she was brave enough to do the 10K. Neither of us have done much running recently. So needless to say, rather than “run” we ended up doing more of a jog, walk, jog, walk, walk some more, etc…

• 2011 Finish: 1:20:32   Pace: 12:58
• 2010 Finish: 1:04:46   Pace: 10:26
• 2009 Finish: 1:11:23   Pace: 11:30
• 2008 Finish: 1:08:58   Pace: 11:06

Ben and Jen after the race!

Here is a little better pic from the CrossFit Santa Clara site:

And by cave… i mean caveman, aka Paleo.

With trying to get back on track with my fitness, in spite of the up coming holiday’s, I’ve decided to give Paleo another shot. So on Nov 1st with the start of the new work week, I started back on paleo… at least trying to. And of course, there were some pot holes through out the week but over all it wasn’t too too bad. I do plan on keeping a more detailed log going forward, but for now, here is a basic recap:

• + Lunch at the office often was variations on fajita salads (chicken, steak, or pork).
• + Dinner was usually grilled chicken and side of green (salad or sauteed).
• +/- Breakfast was usually an omelet (although I did have cheese).
• + Did NOT order pizza.
• - Continued having my morning americano w/ splenda and half&half .
• - Had a Java Monster drink in the afternoon several days.
• - Broke down and had pancakes Sun morning, and a Pumpkin Latte.
• - Had a few beers over the weekend.

Overall, its a lot better than what I have been eating… which included lots of pizza :-(

I did also get Robb Wolf’s book “The Paleo Solution” and started reading through it. I like it a lot more than some of the other diet books I’ve read, its a much more casual tone and easy to read. I need to start reading his site more and subscribe to the pod casts. I did skip to the sample meal plan at the end of the book and have a look… will definitely need to try out some of the recipes.

So this weekend was the NorCal Tough Mudder challenge and a ton of us (30 some I think) from CFSC/CFMV went up to compete as a team. And it was quite the challenge and a great time. Myself and Joan finished the course in 3:45, and I’m happy to say that I made it through all the obstacles! Including making over the Dragon Wheels and up the Berlin Wall in one go!

Even though the obstacles where a challenge most of the time, over I feel like it wasn’t that bad due the pace we took and I feel like I could have pushed harder. However, as the Tough Mudder pledge says “I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time”… I know this was a big challenge for Joan and I stuck with her through it… even when she was cursing me out during our swim through the icey cold pond at the top of the mountain. That is a moment I will not forget ;-P

One of the best things about the event was the camaraderie of everyone. Everyone was helping everyone get over the 8ft high Kentucky Derby obstacle. And we even teamed up with another gal (Victoria) who was doing the event solo… props to her! And congrats her and Joan on finishing the course!! We are tough enough!!!

Several folks are thinking of going to one of the other Tough Mudder events, either SoCal or Austin… I’m considering joining them for one, as I would like to give it another go.

The Course

Boa Constrictor

Post finish beer (Joan and I)