All of us went to bed a little later than we probably should have, but by no means late. The day, or night depending on how you look at it, started off with a bang. Literally. Before anyone’s alarm clocks went off long, loud, rumbling thunder woke everyone at roughly 4:00 am. Everyone managed another 30 minutes of sleep before we had to eat and get ready.
I wolfed down a breakfast of oatmeal and a banana and chugged water like a camel. Dan had some coffee and toast. Joey, Dan’s cousin, had the same. Before I knew it, we were off. Mary decided to come with us to cheer us on. The weather was far from ideal. Pouring rain, lightning and thunder. The only bright spot was the temperature, 65 degrees.
I directed us to downtown where we hit the wall of traffic. I did not expect it to be this bad, but with some creative driving Dan weaved his way into one of the last spots on a lot. It worked out well parking where we did. It was not terribly far, but the rain made it feel far enough. After paying the meter, Dan, his cousin Joey, his friend Eric, Mary and I walked down to Paul Brown Stadium for a bathroom break and some shelter.
The Stadium was packed, shoulder to shoulder, with people. The line for the bathroom was insane. It wound in directions I did not think were possible. I am pretty sure the line wrapped over the ceiling and into the women’s room. Dan, Joey and I had go to the bathroom pretty badly so we decided to fight the elements. Through the lightning flashes and rain we made our way to the never-ending line of port-o-potties. Each of us chose a line and shuffled our way closer. I finished first and both Dan and Joey were still in line. Joey asked if I would go back to where Mary and Erik were in the Stadium and grab his beans (the equivalent of Gu). I took the opportunity to grab Eric and Mary. I swam through the crowd like a salmon heading upstream. After directing Mary and Eric to the port-o-potties, we had just enough time to line up for the race. I gave Mary a kiss and last minute directions to where to met us and then we were off to the pack. It was announced over 26,000 people signed up for the event. An impressive number if anyone asked me. The microphone was muffled by the rain and squealed from time to time. Appropriate in keeping with the theme of the Flying Pig marathon.
Dan and Eric moved more fluidly through the crowd and the group was broken up. I was left with Eric who was running the half marathon. The gun went off and anti-climatically nothing happened. It took seven minutes to make it to the starting line. Even then the pace was slow going. There was a lot of weaving through the crowds. Up on the pavement, on the median. As I leap frogged a slower runners, I tried to get my pace. After a mile Eric moved on to a quicker pace. I decided to hold back a little and conserve some energy for the long haul. I was wary about burning out too soon. About mile two, I passed Joey who was waiting in line at a bathroom on the course. The bridge was not as bad as people have said and I was glad I trained on steep hills. The run through downtown was quick. I thought Mary would be waiting on that stretch. I looked right and left, not knowing what side of the street she would be on, continually searching for the hideous green umbrella I lent her. The umbrella was a shade of mold green and made of wood, truly a relic. I looked to no avail and soldiered on through the rain.
About mile five I felt it. I convinced myself up until this point that I could make it, but like Joey I had to go. I knew I would not be able to hold it in forever and decided to stop to go to the bathroom. In retrospect I should have used nature as my restroom, but I was decent and waited in line at a set of five port-o-potties. It took about 2-3 minutes before I was running again, but felt like an eternity as I watched people zoom by. I was glad that I went as that would have been inevitable. I saw at least two dozen people using trees, shrubs, garbage cans and even slower runners as make-shift bathrooms. I supposed running a PR is more important than dignity.
The next challenge was the road to Eden Park. It was a 4 mile uphill run. On the incline was a great surprise. I hear my name being called and look over to see Mary jogging next to me. That was where she set up camp! She ran with me for about 10 seconds before her phone dropped out of her pocket and she had to stop. I worried about the phone on and off throughout the race, but it was ok. Mary running next to me was a great motivator. The hill still had 2 miles left, but I was well on my way, moving at a steady pace. About 6 miles in I started my first Gu. I used a trick Dan told me: open it and take a little, then find a point somewhere in the distance and have a little more. I would be lying if I told you the I did this for 2 miles before I was finished. At mile 8, I ran into Joey. He must have passed me when I was in the bathroom. I ran with him for about a quarter mile before I continued on at my pace. I wished him well and went on my way. At mile 9 the marathon split between the half and the full. It split at a church at the top of a hill. It was a very scenic place to split. The sane and the insane.
I went with the other crazies to the right. I wish I had more details, but the next few miles were a blur. My dad gave me a piece of advice to use while running. He said to pretend you are building a house from the foundation up and spare no details. The miles would melt away he said. So, I decided to try it. I had to decide where to build the house first and decided to build it on the beach. But how do you build a foundation into the sand. It would get washed away. My beach house never was more than a hole in the ground; I revisited the home many time, never getting farther than a hole.
I finally made it to the half way mark and other than a mat to record my time, there was not much there. I made the mistake of thinking “If I ran the half-marathon I would be done and feeling awesome.” Cause I did, I felt great, 13.1 miles would have been nothing. It is scary to say that. Granted I was pushing myself, but I would have finished in just over 2 hours. I was half way there and kept my head down running through the rain. I was working on my second Gu which ate away some time. By this time my feet started to feel the wet, friction of running in the rain. It was a weird feeling and I could only hope the blisters wouldn’t be too bad. Actually I hoped my skin wouldn’t slough off my feet. Another Dan trick which he learned from an ultra-marathoner was whenever there was a pain, isolate the pain, why it hurt and put the pain in a little box in the back of your mind. In 30 minutes, ask yourself if the pain still hurts. Strangely enough, the trick works… almost too well.
At 15 miles, I saw the beginning of the loop. At this point of the course, you run in a big loop and at mile 17 you can see mile 15. I started to feel a little fatigued at this point, but not too bad. I started to feel like I had to use the restroom again, but asked myself if I really had to go. The answer was always no although I would wrestle with the thought at each port-o-potty for the next 9 miles. I also started to walk while I was drinking water. A slight reprieve from running was needed. At mile 18, I started to ask myself if I really needed to stop or wanted to stop. I wanted to stop and walk, very badly, but kept moving. Not sure if my pace was slower or not, but I felt like I was moving slower. I was working though my third Gu when I passed a Gu station and grabbed another one for the late miles. Later I grabbed another Gu, but did not use it.
As I was rounding a corner at mile 19, I heard someone yell, “Go number 4292!” I had to look down and saw they were cheering for me, my confusion and subsequent smile made the guy laugh. And rightfully so. The next mile was on a highway and felt very lonely, cars were going by, honking, and there were some tents set up, but for whatever reason, the road felt lonely and winding. Then I hit the wall…
It was about mile 20. Somewhere on the highway, I could not run and had to start walking. I am not sure if I actually had to or wanted to, but I did. In retrospect I probably wanted to more than had to. For the next two miles I ran as long as I could, then walked slowly, then walked fast, then ran some more. I would build up my walking pace until I was running again. I was not alone in the method. Many people around me adopted the same strategy. We were unified in our goal, but too fatigued to feel any camaraderie. We all moved along like iron legged zombies. Not very threatening, but the glazed eyes and smell said stay away. I worked on my forth Gu through the sluggish pace.
Somewhere around mile 23 I found my pace again. I got my wind back and ran about a mile before the legs started to rebel. Back to the walk / run tempo. I could not tell you if I was running faster when I started running or if my walking was shorter than I thought, but in the end, my pace was not too much different than the beginning. There were some people down this stretch, but not many. Volunteers dispensing water, some music, some high fives.
Mile 25 there was some more life in the crowds. A local rock station had music set up, a apartment had rock music blaring, some high school girls had a running inspired chant. I was mentally and physically exhausted, but at mile 25 I made a decision to run the last 1.2 miles. I did not care how tired I felt, I knew I had a little left and could push through it. I moved a little fast and eventually my gait could only be described as a run, a sloppy run, but a run. I ran on and the crowds started to increase. Then the cheers started. There were only a handful of people on the course at this point and it was like they were cheering for me. Apparently in that last stretch Mary was there, cheering for me and we made eye contact. But with all the people and lack of glycogen, I did not register seeing her. At mile 26.1 as I was approaching the “Finish Swine” I made a last minute decision, driven by testosterone I decided I had to beat the person in front of me. I increased my speed and slightly edged her out by 10 yards.
After I finished I was wiped out. I staggered to get my medal and space blanket. I was looking for Mary and Dan, but did not see them. I drank two cups of Gatorade and some water. Then went to the bathroom. I was starting to really feel the effects of putting my body through 26.2 miles. I was chilling down fast. I walked to the Recovery area and ate a banana grabbed a bottle of water and a bagel. I was sick to my stomach but knew I had to eat. I hear d my name called from around the fence. It was Dan and Mary! I waved with my bagel and staggered out of the recovery area. I grabbed a Gogurt on my way out. Apparently Mary went to see me, but the crowds were such that we missed each other. I found Dan. Almost immediately, I had my feet elevated on a pole. A little kid was waddling over to me and gave me two high fives.
Mary made her way back through the crowds to find me on the floor. Dan made me drink the whole bottle of water before giving me back my bagel which somehow found its way into his pocket. He was dressed and well recovered as he finished an hour before me. I was not completely coherent and walking was a challenge. But I finished.
Final time: 4 hours 16 minutes 05 seconds.
Thank you for everyone who offered support, encouragement and advice through my training and marathon. I truly could not have done it without you.
May 4, 2010
April 12, 2010
18.5
I will spare you the details if you do not wish to read the through the blog. I ran 18.5 miles this past Saturday.
The run started the night before... I know this sounds nuts, but I had to get into my frame of mind early. I ate a hearty pasta fueled dinner and then went to bed. The next day I woke up a little later than I wanted to, but overall well rested. I checked the weather and that is when I really woke up. The temperature was 36. I think not. I was prepared to run for over 3 hours, but I was not going to start in a parka. The plan was to meet a co-worker at Ault Park at 8. Carrie has already run 2 marathons and many halves. She is signed up for the Flying Pig half marathon. She was joining me for the first half of my run. Upon seeing the weather, I abruptly texted her to reschedule for 9 am when it would warm up to 42. It actually worked out well because it gave me a chance to further digest my gargantuan bowl of oatmeal.
We met atop Ault Park at 9 and we were soon off. There was one small matter to take care of - I was well hydrated prior to the run. Too well hydrated. Lucky me, the bathrooms were all closed for the season. Luckier me, I am a dude and the world is one big potential restroom. I hide behind some shrubs and then I was truly ready to go.
The thing about Ault Park is that it is a truly pretty park and overlooks a lot of Ohio. That is great for short runs and jogs, but what runs down, must run up back. The first two miles were a nice downhill stroll at a good pace. Not at all a prelude for the tortuous hills we were facing. It was almost ominous how comfortable a downhill run it was. After we decided to turn around and make our way back up, the steep hills caught us. Pace slowed, breath heavier, talking less. We made it up the super steep hill which felt longer than it looked. I would like to tell you that was it, but the gradient was a precursor to a longer, less steep, but equally challenging hill. We did make it back up and once again we were atop Ault Park with about 3.5-4 miles under our belt.
There are two roads that lead to Ault Park. That was one. Next we decided to try the other. Again, a nice steady downhill that was like a breath of fresh air. About half way down we found an off road trail and decided it would be fun to go on an adventure. The trail was gravel for about 1/2 mile and dirt for another 1/4 mile. Half way down the trail we heard a voice yelling from up ahead. A woman called out a name. The stranger was looking for her black and gray dog. The search and rescue was on. We called out too as we ran the opposite direction from the woman. From above the trail we heard a man's voice yell if someone has lost a dog. He found the black and gray dog and the dog was united with its owner. As we finished the trail, which included jumping a felled tree, we saw a car with no less than 7 medium sized barking dogs. Carrie and I hoped the woman was not hording dogs or something.
We forged on and Carrie in exclamation figured out where we were. A street I never heard of, in a town that I vaguely recall hearing about. Moreover she knew where to go. We jogged along, talking, logging miles and before we knew it, I kind of knew where we were too. I had no idea how to get back but I knew where we were. We ran through Hyde Park which incidentally is not a park by any stretch of the imagination. We ran until about 9 miles and decided to turn around. We made our way back to the park. The park was not as close as we initially thought and it took 3 miles to get back to the cars. The last mile or so was a grueling hill. It was long, deceitfully winding and never ending. When we came to the stop sign it ended. When we reached the cars, we were at 12 miles. Two mile further than Carrie thought she would run. I was just getting started. We high fived and departed ways. Carrie in a car and me on foot.
I ate a gu and continued on. The next two miles were not bad. I jogged along tired legs and all. I ran back to the trail and decided to jog down to the end and then back. I was fine until mile 15 and then it started. My legs started to get a tried fast. I walked a little. I made it back to the trail and jogged and walked. I was dreading the inevitable. When I finally reached the end of the trail, there was that big hill. Mocking me the entire way back up with its turns and steepness. I slowly made it back up and was at 16 miles or so. My goal was 18-20 and I knew I had to log the miles.
I decided to jog around the top of Ault Park. Ault Park itself has some slight ups and downs, but nothing like the hills sloping from either side. The downhills were not bad and I could even jog on them. The uphills I walked and jogged. Then mile 17 came along and something happened. My legs came back and I was able to regain my pace and finish 18.5 miles strong, relatively speaking.
I drove back home exhausted but content with my run. I was sore the entire ride back and most of the rest of the day. That night was rather restless due to the soreness. However, the next day was not too bad. I was even able to log a 3.5 mile run/walk with Ann. I am confident that I will finish the marathon. Not sure what my pace will be or my final time, but I know I can finish. Best estimates are 4 to 4 and half hours. But we will see. I know there are steep uphills early, but I think the marathon is downhill for the rest. Here's hoping.
By the way, the 18.5 miles took me 3 hours and 20 minutes.
The run started the night before... I know this sounds nuts, but I had to get into my frame of mind early. I ate a hearty pasta fueled dinner and then went to bed. The next day I woke up a little later than I wanted to, but overall well rested. I checked the weather and that is when I really woke up. The temperature was 36. I think not. I was prepared to run for over 3 hours, but I was not going to start in a parka. The plan was to meet a co-worker at Ault Park at 8. Carrie has already run 2 marathons and many halves. She is signed up for the Flying Pig half marathon. She was joining me for the first half of my run. Upon seeing the weather, I abruptly texted her to reschedule for 9 am when it would warm up to 42. It actually worked out well because it gave me a chance to further digest my gargantuan bowl of oatmeal.
We met atop Ault Park at 9 and we were soon off. There was one small matter to take care of - I was well hydrated prior to the run. Too well hydrated. Lucky me, the bathrooms were all closed for the season. Luckier me, I am a dude and the world is one big potential restroom. I hide behind some shrubs and then I was truly ready to go.
The thing about Ault Park is that it is a truly pretty park and overlooks a lot of Ohio. That is great for short runs and jogs, but what runs down, must run up back. The first two miles were a nice downhill stroll at a good pace. Not at all a prelude for the tortuous hills we were facing. It was almost ominous how comfortable a downhill run it was. After we decided to turn around and make our way back up, the steep hills caught us. Pace slowed, breath heavier, talking less. We made it up the super steep hill which felt longer than it looked. I would like to tell you that was it, but the gradient was a precursor to a longer, less steep, but equally challenging hill. We did make it back up and once again we were atop Ault Park with about 3.5-4 miles under our belt.
There are two roads that lead to Ault Park. That was one. Next we decided to try the other. Again, a nice steady downhill that was like a breath of fresh air. About half way down we found an off road trail and decided it would be fun to go on an adventure. The trail was gravel for about 1/2 mile and dirt for another 1/4 mile. Half way down the trail we heard a voice yelling from up ahead. A woman called out a name. The stranger was looking for her black and gray dog. The search and rescue was on. We called out too as we ran the opposite direction from the woman. From above the trail we heard a man's voice yell if someone has lost a dog. He found the black and gray dog and the dog was united with its owner. As we finished the trail, which included jumping a felled tree, we saw a car with no less than 7 medium sized barking dogs. Carrie and I hoped the woman was not hording dogs or something.
We forged on and Carrie in exclamation figured out where we were. A street I never heard of, in a town that I vaguely recall hearing about. Moreover she knew where to go. We jogged along, talking, logging miles and before we knew it, I kind of knew where we were too. I had no idea how to get back but I knew where we were. We ran through Hyde Park which incidentally is not a park by any stretch of the imagination. We ran until about 9 miles and decided to turn around. We made our way back to the park. The park was not as close as we initially thought and it took 3 miles to get back to the cars. The last mile or so was a grueling hill. It was long, deceitfully winding and never ending. When we came to the stop sign it ended. When we reached the cars, we were at 12 miles. Two mile further than Carrie thought she would run. I was just getting started. We high fived and departed ways. Carrie in a car and me on foot.
I ate a gu and continued on. The next two miles were not bad. I jogged along tired legs and all. I ran back to the trail and decided to jog down to the end and then back. I was fine until mile 15 and then it started. My legs started to get a tried fast. I walked a little. I made it back to the trail and jogged and walked. I was dreading the inevitable. When I finally reached the end of the trail, there was that big hill. Mocking me the entire way back up with its turns and steepness. I slowly made it back up and was at 16 miles or so. My goal was 18-20 and I knew I had to log the miles.
I decided to jog around the top of Ault Park. Ault Park itself has some slight ups and downs, but nothing like the hills sloping from either side. The downhills were not bad and I could even jog on them. The uphills I walked and jogged. Then mile 17 came along and something happened. My legs came back and I was able to regain my pace and finish 18.5 miles strong, relatively speaking.
I drove back home exhausted but content with my run. I was sore the entire ride back and most of the rest of the day. That night was rather restless due to the soreness. However, the next day was not too bad. I was even able to log a 3.5 mile run/walk with Ann. I am confident that I will finish the marathon. Not sure what my pace will be or my final time, but I know I can finish. Best estimates are 4 to 4 and half hours. But we will see. I know there are steep uphills early, but I think the marathon is downhill for the rest. Here's hoping.
By the way, the 18.5 miles took me 3 hours and 20 minutes.
April 4, 2010
The Away Runs / Other Activities
The past few days have made for interesting / different workouts. I have been away from home for three days the past week on a business trip. This makes running very difficult. On Tuesday, I was still sore from the Mini Heart marathon, but I sucked it up and hopped on the treadmill for 25 minutes and then the ellipticle for a little. The fitness room also had 10 pound weights that I used to do a quick weight workout. The workout helped a little, but everything was compounded by walking in some manufacturing plants for hours at time. I was able to do my job, but with some soreness and discomfort. Wednesday was a little tougher. The hotel I was at had a gym with three pieces of equipment: a treadmill, a bike and an ellipticle. I thought the equipment would work well, all the machines had fans built in. There were also 3 medicine balls. However, the treadmill would stick when I was running, the ellipticle was broken and the stationary bike was permanently stuck on pause. Awesome! So, I did what I could with what I had. Tossed the medicine ball around and then hit the hot tub. Good workout or great workout?
Friday Mary and I drove up to Toledo for the weekend where I did get an hour and 20 minute run in. The Sunday I ran about 4 more miles. Nothing impressive to speak of, but it is better than nothing. The marathon is right around the corner and I will have to put in a long run next weekend whether I want to or not. After that it will be shorter and shorter runs until the big day.
Friday Mary and I drove up to Toledo for the weekend where I did get an hour and 20 minute run in. The Sunday I ran about 4 more miles. Nothing impressive to speak of, but it is better than nothing. The marathon is right around the corner and I will have to put in a long run next weekend whether I want to or not. After that it will be shorter and shorter runs until the big day.
March 28, 2010
Mini Heart
I have been to a few races in the past, but there were some distinct differences between them and the Mini Heart. First, I was running alone. On the surface this might not seem like a big deal, after all there were thousands of people with me. But all other races I had someone there to push me or talk to. It just made the previous races seem easier. Second, this race was the longest racing distance I have run, a 15 K. Along those same lines this is was the first race that I have ever run that was really two races, the 15 K followed by a 5K. I will get to the set up a little later. Third, the hills! I have run on some hills and have run using incline function on the treadmill. All that training was nothing compared to actually running hills during a race. The uphills are tough. And the downhills are a breath of fresh air. Lastly, I have been training. All the previous races I have run, I never had marathon training under my belt.
The forecast called for rain and 45 degrees for the entire race. Luckily the rain held off for the most part with some drizzles here and there. The precipitation ended up being more of an inconvenience than anything. The 15 K started under cloudy skies and cold weather. I arrived an hour early and was all set to get going. Prior to arriving, about two hours before the race, I ate a runners breakfast of oatmeal, honey, brown sugar and a banana. Like I said, I was all set. I started my warm-up. I never understood running before a race, but I get it now. You really do loosen up and it helps a lot in the long run, especially on cold days. I ran for 15 minutes or so at a nice slow pace and then stretched out. I visited the bathroom before the race to get the pre-race "jitters" out. Then I made my way to the starting line. There was a lot of people and once the cannon went off, it took over 4 minutes before I passed the start line. I forgot how long it can take to get your pace set. Once I did have my pace, I held steady for pretty much the entire race. I felt good running too; always a good thing.
The 15 K time broke down as follows:
5 K split 28:06
10 K split: 55:15
15 K event: 1:21:09
Pace 8:44
Division Place (M 25-29): 141
When I finished the 15 K, I had a little over one hour before the 5 K started. This was a little bit of an issue. That is a long time on a cold day. I grabbed some water and used my Gu (energy gel). I went over to my car and dropped off my first medal. Then I started up again. I jogged for about 10-15 minutes and then stretched again. I still had some time left so I jogged some more and stretched some more. Once again, I used the bathroom and then lined up. I was much closer to the front of the pack this time. It only took about 30 seconds to start the race from when the starting gun went off. I started off strong with a sub 8 minute mile pace. That paced slowed as the race went on. I believe too much time lapsed between races and I was feeling a little fatigued, even after the Gu. Still I pushed on and despite a stitch in my side half way through I ran the entire race. Not only that my pace was quicker than 15 K.
5K Event 26:02
Pace 8:24
Division Place (M 25-29): 40
All and all, it was a good run. I made my goals for the race. Moving forward, next weekend I will run my long run (18-20 miles) then start to ease up. I must say, I am ready for the marathon to get here.
The forecast called for rain and 45 degrees for the entire race. Luckily the rain held off for the most part with some drizzles here and there. The precipitation ended up being more of an inconvenience than anything. The 15 K started under cloudy skies and cold weather. I arrived an hour early and was all set to get going. Prior to arriving, about two hours before the race, I ate a runners breakfast of oatmeal, honey, brown sugar and a banana. Like I said, I was all set. I started my warm-up. I never understood running before a race, but I get it now. You really do loosen up and it helps a lot in the long run, especially on cold days. I ran for 15 minutes or so at a nice slow pace and then stretched out. I visited the bathroom before the race to get the pre-race "jitters" out. Then I made my way to the starting line. There was a lot of people and once the cannon went off, it took over 4 minutes before I passed the start line. I forgot how long it can take to get your pace set. Once I did have my pace, I held steady for pretty much the entire race. I felt good running too; always a good thing.
The 15 K time broke down as follows:
5 K split 28:06
10 K split: 55:15
15 K event: 1:21:09
Pace 8:44
Division Place (M 25-29): 141
When I finished the 15 K, I had a little over one hour before the 5 K started. This was a little bit of an issue. That is a long time on a cold day. I grabbed some water and used my Gu (energy gel). I went over to my car and dropped off my first medal. Then I started up again. I jogged for about 10-15 minutes and then stretched again. I still had some time left so I jogged some more and stretched some more. Once again, I used the bathroom and then lined up. I was much closer to the front of the pack this time. It only took about 30 seconds to start the race from when the starting gun went off. I started off strong with a sub 8 minute mile pace. That paced slowed as the race went on. I believe too much time lapsed between races and I was feeling a little fatigued, even after the Gu. Still I pushed on and despite a stitch in my side half way through I ran the entire race. Not only that my pace was quicker than 15 K.
5K Event 26:02
Pace 8:24
Division Place (M 25-29): 40
All and all, it was a good run. I made my goals for the race. Moving forward, next weekend I will run my long run (18-20 miles) then start to ease up. I must say, I am ready for the marathon to get here.
March 27, 2010
Mini Heart
There has definitely been a lapse in posts, but fear not. It is due to a lack in running, rather I have been very busy. The week after the rainy run, I had an average running. Definitely got out and put some miles under my blistered, calloused feet, but it was nothing special or outstanding. The came Sunday. I saved my long run for Sunday afternoon and was pushing for 10 miles. Time restraints got in the way and I ran for one hour and ten minutes which translated to 8 to 8.5 miles. I purposely cut back my miles because tomorrow I will be participating in the mini heart marathon. By the days end, I will have run a half marathon, but not all at once. And here's why. The race has two components a 15K and a 5K. The former begins at 8 am while the latter starts at 10:30 am. There is an option to run "2beats," that is run both races. At the pace I run, I should finish the 15K in well under one hour and 30 minutes. This would leave a solid hour before the next race begins. Therefore I have a strategy in place. I am going to run the 15K at marathon pace, but I will run the 5K at a fast pace. I am not sure how this will go or how I will feel and things are always subject to change. But that is the plan for right now. Also, the weather tomorrow will be a factor... a cold wet factor. There will be a repeat of the post "rainy run." The forecast is currently calling for rain and high forties. Luckily I know I can run in these conditions. I am not sure how well I will be able to handle the gap in time. I am sure they have something set up but come on. This is not ideal conditions. My main defense is going to be under armor. It should be cold enough that I will not overheat. I will also be wearing shorts as I did the last time I ran in these conditions. I feel by the time the 15K is finished I should be drenched to my soul. Not sure what I am going to do about changing clothes between races or just toughing it out.
Either way, tomorrow I will complete a 20 K.
Either way, tomorrow I will complete a 20 K.
March 13, 2010
Rainy Run
If ever there was a run that needed a montage it was this one. Nothing special or overly exciting happened but it was a solid run, or three if you want to be technical.
First a quick recap of the week. Back earlier last week, on Saturday, I went on a long run. The run was not as good as I hoped. I was shooting for 12 miles, only ran about 9. This was my first run outside in a few weeks and my joints were not feeling great. I was going to make up the miles on Sunday, but went to the zoo instead. I just didnt wake up early enough and the day got away from me.
Monday, I managed to run a mere 2 miles, took off on Tuesday, Wednesday was back at it and ran 4-5 miles. Sometimes it is difficult to judge miles, so I go by minutes. Thursday I wasn't able to wake up in the morning, so that day was a bust. Friday I ran a few miles. It was not the best week, in fact it was a little embarrassing. But today, I was going to make up for it.
It was supposed to be 65 and raining. The weathermen got it half right, it was definitely raining. But the temperature was severely under-reported. It was a chilly 45 degrees. I was determined to go for a run. The first leg of the run I decided it would be a good idea to run with the Scooter, my dog. Scooter was a little anxious and after 15 minutes I brought her back into the house. By this time I am mildly wet. I went back out into the elements and solidered onward. I managed 1 hour and 8 minutes before the wind started to pick up and it was a little much. As a lovely sidenote, a car splashed me but I was so wet already soaked, it didn't matter.
I was tired and drenched when I cam back into the apartment. I ate some lunch, took a nap and even started my taxes. I thought about staying in and finishing the miles tomorrow, but after last weekend, I was compelled to do it. I went back out, back into the rain and the cold and started running. I admit it, the first 30 minutes were miserable. It was so cold and I was so hungry and my legs felt like bricks encased in lead with cement shoes attached. And I was soooo hungry. I felt as if all my energy was zapped out of me by some sort of energy zapping ray gun. Anyway, I was going to call it day, but somehow in my jog back to the house I got a second wind. I decided I can do this, and sure enough I ran an additional 30 minutes at a very decent pace. All in all I ran for 2 hours and 10 minutes. Both times, I end up sopping wet and exhausted, but I did it. A day like this give me hope that I will be able to finish the marathon with my head held high even if it is raining.
First a quick recap of the week. Back earlier last week, on Saturday, I went on a long run. The run was not as good as I hoped. I was shooting for 12 miles, only ran about 9. This was my first run outside in a few weeks and my joints were not feeling great. I was going to make up the miles on Sunday, but went to the zoo instead. I just didnt wake up early enough and the day got away from me.
Monday, I managed to run a mere 2 miles, took off on Tuesday, Wednesday was back at it and ran 4-5 miles. Sometimes it is difficult to judge miles, so I go by minutes. Thursday I wasn't able to wake up in the morning, so that day was a bust. Friday I ran a few miles. It was not the best week, in fact it was a little embarrassing. But today, I was going to make up for it.
It was supposed to be 65 and raining. The weathermen got it half right, it was definitely raining. But the temperature was severely under-reported. It was a chilly 45 degrees. I was determined to go for a run. The first leg of the run I decided it would be a good idea to run with the Scooter, my dog. Scooter was a little anxious and after 15 minutes I brought her back into the house. By this time I am mildly wet. I went back out into the elements and solidered onward. I managed 1 hour and 8 minutes before the wind started to pick up and it was a little much. As a lovely sidenote, a car splashed me but I was so wet already soaked, it didn't matter.
I was tired and drenched when I cam back into the apartment. I ate some lunch, took a nap and even started my taxes. I thought about staying in and finishing the miles tomorrow, but after last weekend, I was compelled to do it. I went back out, back into the rain and the cold and started running. I admit it, the first 30 minutes were miserable. It was so cold and I was so hungry and my legs felt like bricks encased in lead with cement shoes attached. And I was soooo hungry. I felt as if all my energy was zapped out of me by some sort of energy zapping ray gun. Anyway, I was going to call it day, but somehow in my jog back to the house I got a second wind. I decided I can do this, and sure enough I ran an additional 30 minutes at a very decent pace. All in all I ran for 2 hours and 10 minutes. Both times, I end up sopping wet and exhausted, but I did it. A day like this give me hope that I will be able to finish the marathon with my head held high even if it is raining.
March 6, 2010
Still Running
I realize a rather long length of time has lapsed since my last post, but I assure you all that I am still running. At first I felt this past week was a bust, I had meetings all week and that meant crazy hours and wayyyyyy too much free food. I came home everyday feeling mentally exhausted and physically bloated. Needless to say, the first few days were an adjustment period. I managed to run 4.5 miles on Wednesday, 2 miles Thursday morning, and interval training 4.5 miles Friday. All in all, I would say that is a good week and today (Saturday) the time as come for a long run.
Today I am looking to run 16 miles with only stopping once. I say once so that I can grab a drink of water out of my car half way through. I am also going to try to break the run into 4 parts. I want to get into the habit of not facing the race as a full 26 miles but rather in 3-4 mile sections. Today will be a good opportunity to test that to see how well it works. Four miles seems like a reasonable time frame. From what I have been reading (on Runners World) that is the way to go.
There is a park close by. I don't think I can run there, which would be awesome but it is close. I think the sidewalk disappears for about a mile and while I would rather run, I would much rather live. Anyway, the park has a half mile loop. I use my abacus to find out that would mean I would run around 32 times. Not the most exciting run, but it will work. Also, it is someplace different.
As a side note, I might be signing up for a mini-marathon at the end of March. It would be a 15K run (9.3 miles). Nothing I can't handle and from what I have been reading (Runners World) running a shorter race before the marathon is a good idea. It supposedly gets the jitters out. So we'll see.
Today I am looking to run 16 miles with only stopping once. I say once so that I can grab a drink of water out of my car half way through. I am also going to try to break the run into 4 parts. I want to get into the habit of not facing the race as a full 26 miles but rather in 3-4 mile sections. Today will be a good opportunity to test that to see how well it works. Four miles seems like a reasonable time frame. From what I have been reading (on Runners World) that is the way to go.
There is a park close by. I don't think I can run there, which would be awesome but it is close. I think the sidewalk disappears for about a mile and while I would rather run, I would much rather live. Anyway, the park has a half mile loop. I use my abacus to find out that would mean I would run around 32 times. Not the most exciting run, but it will work. Also, it is someplace different.
As a side note, I might be signing up for a mini-marathon at the end of March. It would be a 15K run (9.3 miles). Nothing I can't handle and from what I have been reading (Runners World) running a shorter race before the marathon is a good idea. It supposedly gets the jitters out. So we'll see.
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