GRANDMAAAA!!!!!!!!!!
A little more background on the run - There were water stations every
other mile, starting at mile 3, up to mile 19. From then on, there
would be water at every mile. Since my goal was to eat every 4 miles,
and I need to drink water with the Gu, I opted to wait until mile 5 to
get my first Gu. That was fine, given how much I had to begin with! I
kept that in the back of my mind though as I ticked off the miles, even
though I was a mile off of my plan.
So now we're past the half-way point. I'm thinking about all the training I've gone through to get to this point - all the hopes and dreams I had of possibly getting that elusive 4:00 Finish time, but I was beginning to drag. I kept thinking about ways I could improve my efficiency, or if I was getting enough to eat/drink. My HR just wouldn't drop down.
Erin really started working on me around mile 15. We exited the water zone, and our pace maker was WAY ahead of us - I SWEAR he sprinted through the zone. I think I made a crucial mistake at this point. He was maybe 100 yards ahead, and instead of working off that 100 yards over the next mile or so, I felt like I needed to get to him sooner - just to mentally stay in the game. I really picked it up, and I realized how much my legs were not in the race anymore. I caught him within a quarter mile, but my HR spiked in the mid to upper 180's to catch him. Erin (the smart one) who then gradually caught up to me, made me realize that it was pretty silly to do that. While I agreed, and wasn't about to admit to someone who was barely breaking a sweat that she was right! :) , I was back in my pace group and focused at the task at hand.
Unfortunately, this is where the bad times began...
16.2 Miles - Third Checkpoint - Time: 2:29:13 - A.P.O.S.: 9:20/mile
We watch the pace group slowly pull away just before this checkpoint. I simply can't, in good conscious anyway, hold the pace any longer. My HR is averaging about 182 at this point, and we're going through some rolling hills. I know that Erin is itching to go, trying desperately to push me along, but it's of no use. She's seeing her window of breaking 4 hours slipping away, and while still technically achievable for me to do the remaining 10 miles in under 1:30, I really have little choice to make. We had set out to run this race together, and while Erin would have stayed with me if I asked her to, I, *tear*, cut the cord and sent her on her way. At mile 17, on the dot, I...was...on...my...own... *more tears*.
Okay, it really wasn't that dramatic, but one sweaty, difficultly timed, running kiss later, she was off. She knew what she had to do to break 4 hours, and I had no doubt that she'd get it. I later found that she blew by the pace group that we'd been following for so long, and just knowing that made myself feel better about the race.
It should be noted that at mile 17 - in the water station, I walked for the first time in the race. I thought it would be easier to eat my Gu and drink while walking, and sure enough, I was right. I never wanted to rule out walking through aid stations - certainly to minimize it, but I thought it would be a bit later when I'd hit the first one. Oh well - the pain was beginning to set in. I tried to find pace groups (err, unofficial clusters of people running together) to try to stay with. Some I could hold, but I'd usually end up loosing them for a moment or 2 - then finding another group that was a few paces behind them that I'd tag onto. This went on for some while.
19.3 Miles - Fourth Checkpoint - Time: 2:59:12 - A.P.O.S.: 9:41/mile
Erin @ 19.3 Miles - Time: 2:56:37 - A.P.O.S.: 8:51/mile
Clearly, I began to slow down a bit. The "Wall" was fast approaching. It sort of straddled either side of mile 20 - the second half of 19 and, well, almost all of 20. I had to walk a little bit. My HR was resting in the 180s, and I just needed a moment to get a drink, eat some oranges and cool down. My hat that I was wearing was tucked into my waist band - too hot to wear. People had sprinklers set up in their yard, and I took the opportunity to run through them. I knew that I could conceivably SPEED UP and break 4 hours, but I officially let that one sail.
This was by far, the most difficult stretch of the race - I had finally hit the "wall". This was all about getting one foot in front of the other - feed off of others energy where I could. I was a little disheartened when I saw that the 4:15 pace group had caught up to me (sooner than I thought possible), but I later learned that their pacer was on a 4:07 pace - wish I knew that then!
23.1 Miles - Fifth Checkpoint - Time: 3:37:43 - A.P.O.S.: 10:09/mile
Erin @ 23.1 Miles - Time: 3:27:48 - A.P.O.S.: 8:13/mile
Well, leading up to the 23rd mile, my pace did speed up. Contrary to what is shown above, most of that slowdown came from the mile 20 "wall". The stretch was mostly flat, but did have one "big" hill at the end. Once we made it over that hill though, there was a downhill stretch that lasted the better part of a mile. What a relief! I began to believe that I was going to finish just over 4 hours and feel good about everything. It's amazing how much your emotions can swing just from the direction of the pavement! My HR "dropped" into the upper 160's, and I began to talk to others around me. I had clearly found "my group" by this point. Mostly guys - middle aged or otherwise - recreational runners that were hoping for 4 hours, but made peace with it at this point. Runners still serious enough to pass up the free beer bongs being offered to runners, but not above talking, joking and offering encouragement. I met up with a guy who was in his 60's doing his 38th marathon, and he proved to be fairly inspirational as the race drug on.
We were now into downtown Duluth, and the spectators, music, and atmosphere was a lot of fun - a big boost to my confidence, for sure!
25.0 Miles - Sixth (and Final) Checkpoint - Time: 3:56:25 - A.P.O.S.: 9:51/mile
Erin @ 25 Miles - Time: 3:43:13 - A.P.O.S.: 8:07/mile
I did walk through an aid station or 2, so my times at this point were not great. However, I really didn't have anything to race for that this point. 4 hours was clearly out, and as long as I beat 4:22 (which would be 10 minute miles), I knew I'd feel like this was a success. In the back of my mind, I had the number 4:09 sitting there. 4:09 represented a roughly 9:30 pace. If I could slip in under that, I'd feel like this was a success (oh, the things you tell yourself to get through the race). After walking through the aid station at mile 25, I picked up the pace. I knew what I had to go for, and I knew of only one hill in my way. I booked it up, but slowed at the top. Enter, the old man I met earlier - he comes tearing by me! No way was this dude besting me at the end - I'm young and invincible! I really pick up the pace and catch him within a 100 yards. I ask him about the finish line (that I can't see yet) and I take off. It was a very difficult stretch, but oh so worth the finish.
26.2 Miles - Official Chip Time: 4:08:01 - Ave Time Overall: 9:28/mile
For Erin - Official Chip Time: 3:52:57 - Ave Time Overall: 8:54/mile
Immediately after finishing, I grabbed my metal, a t-shirt, a bottle of water, and I started looking for Erin. I felt a HUGE rush of endorphins, and it was impossible to do anything but smile. What a feeling. Aside from the fact that I could hardly walk, I felt fine! Speaking of walking, while standing around, I felt something in my shoe - it was my "index toe" on my right foot. I felt the nail... just, sort of "bend" up in my shoe. Not cool. I didn't want it tear off while I was standing there, so I asked a medical guy nearby to help me to the curb. Well, he got me a race blanket, put me in a wheelchair and took me to the medical tent. Overkill, maybe... I had a doc help me get my shoe off and examine it - it was fine - just runners toe. I can post a picture later if there's any interest!
The only bad part about the medical tent is that they kick you out of the runners area when you're done. Because of that, I didn't get any snacks or anything. It's alright though, I eventually got it taken care of back at the car (right as the rain moved in).
In The End:
I had text messages going out to a bunch of people as the race went on, including Erin's parents. We eventually caught up with them at Starbucks, found the Ellie-Meister (she was more excited to see our shinny metals than us), and we were off on the long trip back to Kansas (err, Iowa for the night). I could hardly move by the time we got there, but we had an AWESOME dinner, including several pints of beer, and slept very hard that night. I received lots of congratulatory texts, and decided that I was pretty happy with my time, and that this would likely be the last marathon I ever do! I think half's will be my upper limit from here on out.
Stay tuned for my "reflections" post.
D
Running Total:
June: 48.21
2012: 303.07
Friday, July 6, 2012
THE BIG DAY (CAPITAL LETTERS) Part 1 - 6/16/12
I can't believe it - the Marathon is freakin' here!!!! As I left off in the last post - we both woke up energized and very excited. The weather was shaping up to be nice (though maybe a little warm) after a threat of storms the night before (that would move in as we finished the race, thankfully). We were at the starting line... with almost 8,000 of our new best friends. I ate 4 Gu packs over the hour leading up to the start - thinking I would get a nice base going and some caffenne to boot. Not sure if it worked, but it was worth a shot. We had our "sweat-bags" full of post-race supplies (including Erin's phone), so we snapped an "insurance photo" before the race for good measure:
They had a medical tent with sunblock and Bengay. Yeah, I rubbed them both on. Combine that with my lack of deodorant, and I was the best smelling and sexiest Beast on the course! The crowd was electric! The Star Spangled Banner was accompanied by the flyover of a couple of jets (which was awesome), and we took our spots in the 4 hour pace group. There was no turning back.
Pacing: Well, I just looked back at all of my entries, and despite talking about pacing a lot, I it looks like I never laid out my goals. Everything sort of changed after the leg injury(ies), but it went something like this:
Worst Case: "Finish - under 5 hours, hopefully (baring a huge injury)
Good Case: Finish in 4:30
Great Case: Finish in 4:15
Best Case: Finish in 4:00 or better
Before the injuries set in, you could have sold me on 3:54-3:50 as best case (better than 9:00 mile average), but I put that one to bed. Aside from that, my goal was to eat a Gu every 4 miles and hit water and Powerade as I could. I had a big pocked on the backside of my shorts that I would keep stocked. Yes, I was in nothing but shorts, shirt, a chest strap, and a diaper full of Gu packs - I was dead sexy indeed!!!
Without further flub-bubbery, the race!
*Note - I'll throw out my stats at every official check point. My A.S.O.P (Average Pace over Stretch) will give you my pacing for that particular stretch of run since the previous checkpoint - NOT overall. This gives a better play-by-play.
START: Watch Time: 0:00 (Gun time - Roughly 3:35)
I won't focus on the gun time any more than that right there, but it's important to remember that Boston Marathon qualifying (and official times in general) are based on gun times. Since that really didn't bother me, ehhh...
My Heart rate was 140 before the race started. I was pretty excited. Therefore, it was no surprise that after the first mile (at 8:55 pace), my HR was close to 168. This would not do for 26.2 miles, but it was flat and I chalked it up to being nervous. Surely, the pace group would slow up a smidgen an my HR would drop down to the 150's. Ha.
Mile 2: 8:55 pace - 170 HR
Mile 3: 8:55 pace - 172 HR
Mile 4: 8:59 pace - 172 HR
You get the idea, it was getting a little upsetting. I felt fine, but I knew I'd pay for this before the race was over.
10K - First Checkpoint - Time: 56:02 - *A.P.O.S.: 9:02/mile
This was a fun reflection point for me. Back in 2008, when my left foot was toast and I could hardly run (and weighed about 195 lbs), I ran a 10K in Wichita. It was only a 10K, and it took me just over 56 minutes to do. I had to walk some, just due to the sheer pain in my foot. It was a very rough time - funny now that my leisurely paced 10K on the front end of a marathon is now 56 minutes. I felt like, if anything, I'd accomplished something today - just from that. Now, I've run 10K's faster (my record being just over 45 minutes in 2009), but it was a special thought.
Our pace leader was the model of perfection and pacing. He tried to keep the group energized and excited, which was a nice distraction. I just felt like I had a hard time keeping up - always felt like I was running to catch him. He was consistent - same pace up hill and down. That was a little rough for me, but like a trooper, I kept at it. My HR had not declined. I had already hit 180 on a few of the hills and was constantly holding in the low 170's. Nerves? Who knows... Was I slowly digging my own "marathon grave", or would I get this figured out? In spite of myself and my HR, we kept on.
I could tell that Erin was hardly sweating, but I was doing enough for both of us, so it was okay. The temps were in the low to mid 70's by this point, but we saw clouds in the distance, and we were getting really nice tailwind breezes off the lake (cold!) which helped mentally as much as anything. I was hopeful that the coulds would bring cool weather and maybe some rain! (No storms, please!).
13.1 Miles - Second Checkpoint - Time: 2:00:20 - A.P.O.S.: 9:18/mile
I was actually a little shocked - our pace guy slipped up by 20 seconds! Actually, just the opposite - I was very impressed that we were holding so consistent in our pacing. By this point, my HR was approaching the mid to upper 170's per mile, so I had a feeling that everything was starting to catch up with me. I didn't feel like I had overexerted myself to that point, but I noticed that getting that extra kick to hold the pace up a hill was tough. I think Erin began to notice it too. It wasn't that I was slowing down or anything, just that I was concentrating a lot more and wasn't as talkative. Maybe the point I knew it was getting difficult was in the "water zones". Either our pace leader liked to sprint through them, or it was really just a bigger effort to catch up to him right after we made it though. I didn't stop in these zones, but I did slow to get water, eat a Gu, and drink. I think around mile 13, I knew I was in for a LONG day...
Part II? Stick around...
 |
| I am ALL that is MAN!!! |
Pacing: Well, I just looked back at all of my entries, and despite talking about pacing a lot, I it looks like I never laid out my goals. Everything sort of changed after the leg injury(ies), but it went something like this:
Worst Case: "Finish - under 5 hours, hopefully (baring a huge injury)
Good Case: Finish in 4:30
Great Case: Finish in 4:15
Best Case: Finish in 4:00 or better
Before the injuries set in, you could have sold me on 3:54-3:50 as best case (better than 9:00 mile average), but I put that one to bed. Aside from that, my goal was to eat a Gu every 4 miles and hit water and Powerade as I could. I had a big pocked on the backside of my shorts that I would keep stocked. Yes, I was in nothing but shorts, shirt, a chest strap, and a diaper full of Gu packs - I was dead sexy indeed!!!
Without further flub-bubbery, the race!
*Note - I'll throw out my stats at every official check point. My A.S.O.P (Average Pace over Stretch) will give you my pacing for that particular stretch of run since the previous checkpoint - NOT overall. This gives a better play-by-play.
START: Watch Time: 0:00 (Gun time - Roughly 3:35)
I won't focus on the gun time any more than that right there, but it's important to remember that Boston Marathon qualifying (and official times in general) are based on gun times. Since that really didn't bother me, ehhh...
My Heart rate was 140 before the race started. I was pretty excited. Therefore, it was no surprise that after the first mile (at 8:55 pace), my HR was close to 168. This would not do for 26.2 miles, but it was flat and I chalked it up to being nervous. Surely, the pace group would slow up a smidgen an my HR would drop down to the 150's. Ha.
Mile 2: 8:55 pace - 170 HR
Mile 3: 8:55 pace - 172 HR
Mile 4: 8:59 pace - 172 HR
You get the idea, it was getting a little upsetting. I felt fine, but I knew I'd pay for this before the race was over.
10K - First Checkpoint - Time: 56:02 - *A.P.O.S.: 9:02/mile
This was a fun reflection point for me. Back in 2008, when my left foot was toast and I could hardly run (and weighed about 195 lbs), I ran a 10K in Wichita. It was only a 10K, and it took me just over 56 minutes to do. I had to walk some, just due to the sheer pain in my foot. It was a very rough time - funny now that my leisurely paced 10K on the front end of a marathon is now 56 minutes. I felt like, if anything, I'd accomplished something today - just from that. Now, I've run 10K's faster (my record being just over 45 minutes in 2009), but it was a special thought.
Our pace leader was the model of perfection and pacing. He tried to keep the group energized and excited, which was a nice distraction. I just felt like I had a hard time keeping up - always felt like I was running to catch him. He was consistent - same pace up hill and down. That was a little rough for me, but like a trooper, I kept at it. My HR had not declined. I had already hit 180 on a few of the hills and was constantly holding in the low 170's. Nerves? Who knows... Was I slowly digging my own "marathon grave", or would I get this figured out? In spite of myself and my HR, we kept on.
I could tell that Erin was hardly sweating, but I was doing enough for both of us, so it was okay. The temps were in the low to mid 70's by this point, but we saw clouds in the distance, and we were getting really nice tailwind breezes off the lake (cold!) which helped mentally as much as anything. I was hopeful that the coulds would bring cool weather and maybe some rain! (No storms, please!).
13.1 Miles - Second Checkpoint - Time: 2:00:20 - A.P.O.S.: 9:18/mile
I was actually a little shocked - our pace guy slipped up by 20 seconds! Actually, just the opposite - I was very impressed that we were holding so consistent in our pacing. By this point, my HR was approaching the mid to upper 170's per mile, so I had a feeling that everything was starting to catch up with me. I didn't feel like I had overexerted myself to that point, but I noticed that getting that extra kick to hold the pace up a hill was tough. I think Erin began to notice it too. It wasn't that I was slowing down or anything, just that I was concentrating a lot more and wasn't as talkative. Maybe the point I knew it was getting difficult was in the "water zones". Either our pace leader liked to sprint through them, or it was really just a bigger effort to catch up to him right after we made it though. I didn't stop in these zones, but I did slow to get water, eat a Gu, and drink. I think around mile 13, I knew I was in for a LONG day...
Part II? Stick around...
June 15th - Let's get Grandma'd!!! (sp?)
Well, the packet pickup day had arrived. We were staying at a cabin about 30 miles north of the start of the race, so we had to pass the course on the way down. Luckily, the course was drivable, so we took the opportunity to become acquainted with it. I'm glad we did! It was encouraging to see that the hills were few and far between, and the scenery (right on the lake) was beautiful. It was one of the items on our check list for the day. Here's a few others:
Marathon Eve Day Checklist:
_X_Drive the Course
- See above, check!
_X_Pick Up Our Packets
- The experience with packet pickup was pretty intense. The Duluth Convention Center was a flurry of activity - full of vendors, exhibits and people that are in much better shape than me! I had to break out my number to set the mood:
Timing chips checked out - we were ready to roll.
_X_Get Some Supplies for the Run
- Nothing too major, we simply picked up some sunglasses (to replace my broken ones), a race belt for Erin, a hat for each of us, and a headband (for Erin). That one wasn't so much for running the next day, as it was for the future.
_X_(Once back at the Cabin) Eat some Dinner, Pack, and get Ellie to Bed!
- We had a good dinner of some pasta, some fish, watermelon and leftover soup. It would do, pig... it would do...
Along with the packing, our vacation had effectively ended that night. We would need to pack up all of our clothes, possessions (and what not), get the car loaded, and clean the cabin before we could call it a night. We had all of our stuff laid out for the next day; what we would be wearing, our race numbers, directions, timing chips on our shoes, food, water, etc - all ready to go. We shipped Ellie off to the Grand Parentals so that we could get set up to go. We probably got to bed around 10pm, but confident that we'd wake up the next morning (at 5am), toast a few waffles and hit the road with no major issues.
We.... were.... RIGHT!
I have to say, we were up and at em' the next morning, and all of the planning made everything go off without a hitch! We made it to Two Harbors, MN at the shuttle parking lot, ate our breakfast, drank lots of fluids, hit the bathrooms and made the shuttle to the start line. It was happening, but the energy was good and the pain hadn't set in yet. Nothing left to do, but "it"!
Next up - the Race!!!
D
Marathon Eve Day Checklist:
_X_Drive the Course
- See above, check!
_X_Pick Up Our Packets
- The experience with packet pickup was pretty intense. The Duluth Convention Center was a flurry of activity - full of vendors, exhibits and people that are in much better shape than me! I had to break out my number to set the mood:
_X_Get Some Supplies for the Run
- Nothing too major, we simply picked up some sunglasses (to replace my broken ones), a race belt for Erin, a hat for each of us, and a headband (for Erin). That one wasn't so much for running the next day, as it was for the future.
_X_(Once back at the Cabin) Eat some Dinner, Pack, and get Ellie to Bed!
- We had a good dinner of some pasta, some fish, watermelon and leftover soup. It would do, pig... it would do...
Along with the packing, our vacation had effectively ended that night. We would need to pack up all of our clothes, possessions (and what not), get the car loaded, and clean the cabin before we could call it a night. We had all of our stuff laid out for the next day; what we would be wearing, our race numbers, directions, timing chips on our shoes, food, water, etc - all ready to go. We shipped Ellie off to the Grand Parentals so that we could get set up to go. We probably got to bed around 10pm, but confident that we'd wake up the next morning (at 5am), toast a few waffles and hit the road with no major issues.
We.... were.... RIGHT!
I have to say, we were up and at em' the next morning, and all of the planning made everything go off without a hitch! We made it to Two Harbors, MN at the shuttle parking lot, ate our breakfast, drank lots of fluids, hit the bathrooms and made the shuttle to the start line. It was happening, but the energy was good and the pain hadn't set in yet. Nothing left to do, but "it"!
Next up - the Race!!!
D
Final Tune-up: 6/14/12
As the title may indicate, this was the final stretch out for the big run ahead:
We made every effort to stay loose and easy. In fact, I think Erin may have run this in jeans. I hate running in pants, but I definitely ran in some athletic pants. It was sorta drizzly and cold out, but we managed, and did so in good spirits. After we finished up, it was right back to playing pitch and having a drink...
We talked some strategy - if/how we would tackle the race - mile by mile, what to eat and when, and how we would get to the starting line in time. We already knew the answers to these questions, but it was just good to talk it all over. I think it finally felt real during this run. You definitely start to notice every pain, every tingle, and every twitch - starting to slowly creep into your mind. What if my ankle starts to click in the first mile? What if my knee shuts down after mile 8? What if I get explosive diarrhea? We joked about a few scenarios, but we tried to keep it light to avoid thinking about what could happen. At this point - we were going through with it, so we convinced ourselves to accept the future for what it would be and move on.
I think I'll do a "lead-in" post before the marathon. 2 days!
D
Running Total:
June: 22.01
2012: 276.87
 |
| Getting our final "stretch" in for Grandma! (ewwwww....) |
We talked some strategy - if/how we would tackle the race - mile by mile, what to eat and when, and how we would get to the starting line in time. We already knew the answers to these questions, but it was just good to talk it all over. I think it finally felt real during this run. You definitely start to notice every pain, every tingle, and every twitch - starting to slowly creep into your mind. What if my ankle starts to click in the first mile? What if my knee shuts down after mile 8? What if I get explosive diarrhea? We joked about a few scenarios, but we tried to keep it light to avoid thinking about what could happen. At this point - we were going through with it, so we convinced ourselves to accept the future for what it would be and move on.
I think I'll do a "lead-in" post before the marathon. 2 days!
D
Running Total:
June: 22.01
2012: 276.87
6/12 - Some Minnesota runnin'!
Welpers, we're up in the Great State of Minnesota - doing a little country running!
After much debate on what route to take, we decided to give this dirt road a go. We ran into the Wolf Ridge Center, for a mile and a half before turning around. We then ran across the highway and went 1.5 miles on some more dirt. That stretch had a .7 mile hill to start it out, which gave us a decent elevation gain for the run overall. The road was little more than a logging road, so traffic was light, at least.
We probably went a little faster than I wanted to, but it felt good the whole way - no knee pain or anything. That maybe had something to do with the dirt we were running on. I did, however lose my sunglasses on this ride. I should have taken a picture - I'd been limping this pair along for some time. The nose piece fell out (as the glasses had cracked at some point), and I was adjusting them about every half mile or so as I went. I guess it's good that they broke pre-marathon, as I didn't have to worry about them during the run.
Obviously I'm updating this after the marathon itself, but I must say that we were pretty pumped at this point - both feeling good about our chances. While still close to 80 degrees, it was still nicer than the miles we'd been putting in so far in Kansas. We also knew that while we'd be running down on the lake (about 800 feet of elevation below where we were running), it was going to be nicer still. My new shoes still felt wonder, and at this point it was about deciding on what clothes we were going to wear. We concluded the run with a big meal and some relaxation - dunking our feet in some very cold water. Minnesota is nice this time of year...
From here, 4 days to go!
D
Running Total:
June: 19.93
2012: 274.79
 |
| Doing some running out by the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. Dirt roads, some hills and plenty of sunshine, but not as hot as it was in Kansas. This was our "tune up" run (though we went a little longer between runs than we had hoped). |
We probably went a little faster than I wanted to, but it felt good the whole way - no knee pain or anything. That maybe had something to do with the dirt we were running on. I did, however lose my sunglasses on this ride. I should have taken a picture - I'd been limping this pair along for some time. The nose piece fell out (as the glasses had cracked at some point), and I was adjusting them about every half mile or so as I went. I guess it's good that they broke pre-marathon, as I didn't have to worry about them during the run.
Obviously I'm updating this after the marathon itself, but I must say that we were pretty pumped at this point - both feeling good about our chances. While still close to 80 degrees, it was still nicer than the miles we'd been putting in so far in Kansas. We also knew that while we'd be running down on the lake (about 800 feet of elevation below where we were running), it was going to be nicer still. My new shoes still felt wonder, and at this point it was about deciding on what clothes we were going to wear. We concluded the run with a big meal and some relaxation - dunking our feet in some very cold water. Minnesota is nice this time of year...
From here, 4 days to go!
D
Running Total:
June: 19.93
2012: 274.79
Friday, June 8, 2012
Ellie run - Last in KS - 6/7/12
As the title suggests - our last run in KS before the marathon:
With the Ellie in tow (and Winnie the Poo by default), we brave the setting sun and the heat to get this run in. We both decided that it would be in our best interest to log the miles before we head up. Not too bad though. Didn't get to eat any Gu or anything before the run, or drink a lot of water for that matter, but it worked out. It was a largely uneventful run - leg felt good, shoes worked out fine, and Ellie didn't flip her lid. That's about as much as any one guy could ask for!
Soooooooooooooooooooo, reflections to date as I pack up the car:
- I thought I would have a LOT more miles underneath my belt. But having said that, I've pretty much done the minimums, and done them in run times that I'm quite happy with. I'm exceeding any time frame that suggests 4 hour marathon is possible.
- Injuries suck, but with each one I was able to rebound. I guess that speaks to good rest and rehab.
- I'm in great shape for triathlons this summer! One this is all over, I will begin to focus on shorter races/distances and biking.
- I've officially dropped to around 180 lbs. I was hoping for much more weight loss, but I'll take what I can get. I was beginning to believe that I'd be stuck around 188 forever - yuck. I'm hoping to stand tall in the month of August at something closer to 175.
I'll hopefully get 2-3 runs in MN before the marathon. I will try to post as I go, but apparently "the internet" has not reached the upper portion of the state. Maybe one day....
Okay, I need to get on the road. Thanks for reading so far. I'll have a WAY TOO FREAKIN' long post for the marathon, and I hope to have great results to report.
Thanks,
Running Total:
June: 13.87
2012: 268.73
 |
| This is pretty close to our most standard route for running, so it seems fitting that it's how we end our Kansas mileage. Hot, but not bad... |
Soooooooooooooooooooo, reflections to date as I pack up the car:
- I thought I would have a LOT more miles underneath my belt. But having said that, I've pretty much done the minimums, and done them in run times that I'm quite happy with. I'm exceeding any time frame that suggests 4 hour marathon is possible.
- Injuries suck, but with each one I was able to rebound. I guess that speaks to good rest and rehab.
- I'm in great shape for triathlons this summer! One this is all over, I will begin to focus on shorter races/distances and biking.
- I've officially dropped to around 180 lbs. I was hoping for much more weight loss, but I'll take what I can get. I was beginning to believe that I'd be stuck around 188 forever - yuck. I'm hoping to stand tall in the month of August at something closer to 175.
I'll hopefully get 2-3 runs in MN before the marathon. I will try to post as I go, but apparently "the internet" has not reached the upper portion of the state. Maybe one day....
Okay, I need to get on the road. Thanks for reading so far. I'll have a WAY TOO FREAKIN' long post for the marathon, and I hope to have great results to report.
Thanks,
Running Total:
June: 13.87
2012: 268.73
Recover from the Calf - 6/1/12
More time passed than I wanted before I was able to get this one out:
Running Total:
June: 9.30
2012: 264.16
 |
| The Turkey Creek trails - end to end and back. A year ago, you couldn't have talked me into doing this, me thinks. 5.5 was enough for me. |
I basically took the week off from running. I did, however do a very interrupted 2 mile run on the Friday night, so I'm going to add that mileage to the total in my June count. This run felt good, though I can't help but notice that I ALWAYS run too fast when I'm by myself. Aside from that, I'm running in my new shoes! They feel great, and hopefully will give my legs a few extra miles in reduced wear and tear in the marathon. Still breaking them in, so hopefully I'll have more than a few chances to wear therm around.
Other than that, not a very exciting run. I picked it up at the end (last mile or so), which accounts for most of the HR (including the last 100 yards getting me up to 187). It was hot out again - can't wait for the lovely, cool shore of Lake Superior!
That's it for now. Marathon in 11 days!
D
Running Total:
June: 9.30
2012: 264.16
Long, taper run #1 - 5/29/12
Well, time to start stepping it down from the longest to the short-end of the training pole(?):
Overall, fairly successful run. My heart rate was much higher than I was hoping for, but it was hot outside. I don't think I did as good of a job hydrating before hand, but an effort was made. My left calf has been hurting. When I ended the run prior to this one, I felt pretty good. However, the next day was all down hill. Not sure why it waited a day to hurt, but it did. It was very specific pain, isolated in one tiny spot - not like normal fatigue or anything. Either way, it was discouraging to have that nagging at me throughout the run.
I ran the first 12 miles with Matt, which is always nice when you can keep yourself entertained. Running by yourself for too long is maddening. I typically don't run with headphones - just too many things that can happen. I like to be "aware" of what's going on. When I'm in the gym, that's a different story. I want to take myself out of that environment.
Calf aside, I really did feel pretty good as the run went on. I hope I'm doing this all right. I think I got a little bit of a jump on the taper schedule. Oh well, if the calf gets better, I'll be able to stay loose and get some decent mileage in before the marathon. Not "Kill yourself" mileage, but enough to keep my head in the game.
With that - May running is over. Marathon is in the cross-hairs.
D
Running Total:
May: 85.34
2012: 254.86
 |
| (3) 4-mile loops and a 2-miler to close it. My 4 mile loops were a little shorter than 4, but it's all good. Not a bad showing, though I could tell that, in warm weather, the marathon might not happen. My leg is definitely feeling it too. The end is near... |
I ran the first 12 miles with Matt, which is always nice when you can keep yourself entertained. Running by yourself for too long is maddening. I typically don't run with headphones - just too many things that can happen. I like to be "aware" of what's going on. When I'm in the gym, that's a different story. I want to take myself out of that environment.
Calf aside, I really did feel pretty good as the run went on. I hope I'm doing this all right. I think I got a little bit of a jump on the taper schedule. Oh well, if the calf gets better, I'll be able to stay loose and get some decent mileage in before the marathon. Not "Kill yourself" mileage, but enough to keep my head in the game.
With that - May running is over. Marathon is in the cross-hairs.
D
Running Total:
May: 85.34
2012: 254.86
Saturday, May 26, 2012
HOT DAAAAAAWG! Hot run on 5/25/12
Like the title says, it was hot:
My stated goals were to hit the trails, finish 6 miles and (most importantly) don't die. Well, mission accomplished! Temps were in the upper 80's (one degree off the all-time high) and it was crazy stupid humid. I was down on the creek - in a sheltered valley. I did have a lot of shade, but there was no breeze or anything to help me out. I survived though.
I have to think back to how my body would have handled this type of weather last summer, or how it would have been 6 months ago (given me being a little used to the heat in January). It was hard, and my heart rate was high, but I just got the sense from my body that it was "a-okay" to keep on trucking. I don't think I'm making it 26 miles in these temperatures, but if I can keep my body cool in these conditions, then 50's-60's will work out great.
Even if I blow it on 26 miles, I'm happy that I'm able to complete a run like this - injury free, in these temperatures. This is the "shape" that I was shooting for. Well, I'd still like to lose some more weight. I'm down about 9 lbs for the year - a little shot of my goal of closer to 15-20. It's okay though, I want to keep going on this push regardless. Triathlon season is right around the corner. That means shorter/intense workouts and hopefully some strength training.
With that, have a nice weekend everyone!
D
Running Total:
May: 71.62
2012: 241.14
 |
| A nice, flat route right along the creek, but absolutely no wind to speak of. To go along with all the rain we've had in the past 48 hours (and the high temps), it was SUPER humid! |
I have to think back to how my body would have handled this type of weather last summer, or how it would have been 6 months ago (given me being a little used to the heat in January). It was hard, and my heart rate was high, but I just got the sense from my body that it was "a-okay" to keep on trucking. I don't think I'm making it 26 miles in these temperatures, but if I can keep my body cool in these conditions, then 50's-60's will work out great.
Even if I blow it on 26 miles, I'm happy that I'm able to complete a run like this - injury free, in these temperatures. This is the "shape" that I was shooting for. Well, I'd still like to lose some more weight. I'm down about 9 lbs for the year - a little shot of my goal of closer to 15-20. It's okay though, I want to keep going on this push regardless. Triathlon season is right around the corner. That means shorter/intense workouts and hopefully some strength training.
With that, have a nice weekend everyone!
D
Running Total:
May: 71.62
2012: 241.14
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Hydration + Nutrition = Great Success!!!
A few days later than I wanted, but it still counts:
Okay, so I learned a few things from my last 18+ mile attempt, and I applied them to this run. If we recall from that time, I was dehydrated and hungry - completely zonked. I attempted a few remedies, not knowing if they were going to backfire. Since they didn't, I will now share them:
 |
| It really happened! The longest run of my life - to date - was a success. With the proper eating/drinking strategy and a healthy pace, I was able to get it done! |
- I drank no soda today - had a decent lunch (with tea).
- Carbo/protein loaded 3 hours before my run. (bag of beef jerky, granola bars and Gatorade).
- (2) Energy Gels pre run - spread out by 15 minutes
- Consumed (5) more on the run. That really kept me going.
- Carried and consumed water - lots of it. I refilled at least 3 times.
- I kept my heart rate in check - starting slow and working my way through.
It all made a big difference. I started to get a little hungry around mile 18, but with the help of a gel, I bounced back. My knee was also giving me some grief throughout the run. This is nothing new, but it still makes me a little concerned. I took one Naproxen before the run, and I popped another at mile 6. I'm not sure if that made any difference, but after a short episode of pain at mile 15, it sort of got better. That said, I could hardly get out of the car when I got home! Running with a water bottle is tough, and I have to wonder if that affects my form to the point where it makes my knee twist. Not sure, but I'm looking forward to aid stations.
On water bottles - I have to carry it in my left hand. This is my "Ellie" side - she's always in my left arm. Not sure what it is about that. I'm right handed, but I have a hard time holding her, or my water bottle in the right hand. I'm guessing there's a connection there... oh well.
This was a MUCH needed boost to the esteem level. After the disappointing 18.5 from last week, I really needed this to get my confidence back. The weather was again a factor - starting in the low 80's and ending in the low 70's. As soon as the sun dipped, however (about mile 10), things started to get much nicer out. I also took off my shirt around that time and really started to cool down. I cooled down so much so, that I was basically able to hold the same pacing throughout the entire run - NO slow down!
Matt ran with me for the first 11.5 miles. His friend Jim ran the first 9 or so with us as well. We did the first 6 miles at a fairly tame pace, which was much nicer than last week and probably went a long way towards helping me get warmed up and established. Our next 2 miles was pretty fast - faster than I wanted. However, we then moved towards a relaxed and recoverable pace for the next 3.5. I ran alone from there - keeping a clip that was average to the whole run to that point. Overall, I averaged about a 9:46 mile pace. I felt like I had a lot more to give after the first half-marathon, and I have to believe that if the temps were in the 50's and 60's, I could do a lot more. 9:46 gives you a 4:15 marathon. Surely, if the weather cooperates I can beat that - only time will tell.
Okay - it's late, and that's about it. It was a confidence builder, and I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel!
D
Running Total:
May: 65.61
2012: 235.13
May: 65.61
2012: 235.13
Friday, May 18, 2012
Birthday run, 5/17/12!
They say it's your birthday... Go run real quick-like:
I decided that I enjoyed the up-tempo pace from my run yesterday, and I wanted to see what it would be like to hold that pace, only without the massive hill I did yesterday. There were still some hills, but nothing like that. 8:14 pace was pretty good for me today - though sometimes I forget what it's like to really race - running a 5k at 7:00 pace. I need to enter a 5k and see where I'm at! Otherwise, I generally felt pretty good - given that it was in the low 80's and not very breezy. I've forgotten what it was like to run in the 40's and 50's - having to worry about having enough clothes on. Those were the days...
Confidence is brimming. My HR was a little high on this run, but I was kicking it up a notch for sure. I've noticed that I'll hit flat stretches, and while I'm still giving it a good pace, I have to make a conscious effort to keep my HR in the mid-upper 150s. I think that when we do our long run on Sunday (and find some nice flat stretches to do so), I'll be in much better control. That will hopefully allow for me to fell much better and last much longer with fewer issues.
Well, it feels good to be running. I feel like Sunday, for all the crap I went through to complete it, is really starting to feel like it was worth it. For once, I don't have pain when I'm running. Asthma is under control, and I haven't had any feet issues in weeks! I know I need new shoes/inserts, and I'm sure the pounding I'm taking because my equipment is worn out is going to catch up to me. The question will be if the new shoes take too much time adjusting to, and if I'll get any flack from it. For the short runs at least, why fix something that isn't broken? Will it help on the long runs? I think I'm pulling the trigger tonight.
We're at T-29 days now! Can't believe it's right around the corner...
D
Running Total:
May: 45.61
2012: 215.13
 |
| I tried to keep a good pace on this nice little run. It was warm, but I felt the need to kick it up a notch to celebrate big ol' 29. Taking my 20's victory lap - need to make it count! |
Confidence is brimming. My HR was a little high on this run, but I was kicking it up a notch for sure. I've noticed that I'll hit flat stretches, and while I'm still giving it a good pace, I have to make a conscious effort to keep my HR in the mid-upper 150s. I think that when we do our long run on Sunday (and find some nice flat stretches to do so), I'll be in much better control. That will hopefully allow for me to fell much better and last much longer with fewer issues.
Well, it feels good to be running. I feel like Sunday, for all the crap I went through to complete it, is really starting to feel like it was worth it. For once, I don't have pain when I'm running. Asthma is under control, and I haven't had any feet issues in weeks! I know I need new shoes/inserts, and I'm sure the pounding I'm taking because my equipment is worn out is going to catch up to me. The question will be if the new shoes take too much time adjusting to, and if I'll get any flack from it. For the short runs at least, why fix something that isn't broken? Will it help on the long runs? I think I'm pulling the trigger tonight.
We're at T-29 days now! Can't believe it's right around the corner...
D
Running Total:
May: 45.61
2012: 215.13
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Great Feeling, tough run 5/16/12
Back at it - one day later than I wanted, but whatevah - "Reverse Irish Run" from the Haubers:
I started this route off on a blistering pace. It starts with a fair amount of downhill, so that helps. I calculated that I was in the neighborhood of a 7:45 mile - no problem at all. By the 2nd mile, my pace had slowed to an 8:30 mile, roughly. Again, even though it was largely flat with a decent climb around the 2nd and 4th quarters of it, I was feeling great. The 3rd mile was no small potato!
Sort of what I was talking about in the picture caption - it's steep. My 3rd mile took me almost 12 minutes. The entire stretch on Woodend Avenue is a brutal uphill. You gain over 200 feet in elevation! I did great on it (my HR got pretty high, but I mean, come on!). I powered through it - not sure I could have done it a whole lot faster through. That would explain the bulk of my HR and Calories. Had I run a flat stretch instead of that monster, I'm sure I could have knocked 4 minutes off of my time (giving me a comfy 8:09 pace). From there, I finished the last 1.66 miles in roughly 13:45, only stopping at the park on 51st to meet up with the Erin and play with the very happy Ellie! I wanted to finish out to the Haubers as I was still loaded up on energy, but I couldn't pass this up.
I was not tired/sore/in any way slowed by Sunday's run. That gave me some confidence, for sure! Even Tuesday I was still a little sluggish, so maybe it's good I gave it more time. I'm still going to try to run tomorrow, but we'll see what happens. I expect it will be a pretty busy night (with the birthday and all).
Anyway, just wanted to log the miles and get the run on the books. If you're looking for the soul crusher of all hills in the KC area to train on, this one on Woodend would be it!
D
Running Total:
May: 47.60
2012: 210.12
 |
| A little different this time - I included the grading map of the course I took. You can see that the hill on "Woodend Avenue" was brutal. If you map the running course for just that stretch, it will display a grade of 20% (which I could believe). The graph here is stretched to average out the whole route. I've run into this issue before - just know it's steep! |
Sort of what I was talking about in the picture caption - it's steep. My 3rd mile took me almost 12 minutes. The entire stretch on Woodend Avenue is a brutal uphill. You gain over 200 feet in elevation! I did great on it (my HR got pretty high, but I mean, come on!). I powered through it - not sure I could have done it a whole lot faster through. That would explain the bulk of my HR and Calories. Had I run a flat stretch instead of that monster, I'm sure I could have knocked 4 minutes off of my time (giving me a comfy 8:09 pace). From there, I finished the last 1.66 miles in roughly 13:45, only stopping at the park on 51st to meet up with the Erin and play with the very happy Ellie! I wanted to finish out to the Haubers as I was still loaded up on energy, but I couldn't pass this up.
I was not tired/sore/in any way slowed by Sunday's run. That gave me some confidence, for sure! Even Tuesday I was still a little sluggish, so maybe it's good I gave it more time. I'm still going to try to run tomorrow, but we'll see what happens. I expect it will be a pretty busy night (with the birthday and all).
Anyway, just wanted to log the miles and get the run on the books. If you're looking for the soul crusher of all hills in the KC area to train on, this one on Woodend would be it!
D
Running Total:
May: 47.60
2012: 210.12
Monday, May 14, 2012
Our @#&$%)$ Run - 5/13/12
So I've had some lousy runs in my day, but this one was especially taxing:
I hit the wall on mile 16. It was tough to finish. I had to stop a few times to allow the pain in my legs to sort of subside. It was physically hard to stop even. I did have to stop and walk for like, 30 seconds before I could get going again - did that 2 or 3 times in the closing miles. I never felt like I was out of breath or anything, just trying to focus and breath through the pain in my legs. It wasn't a muscular pain, it was just a "pounding the concrete pain" that ached through my hips and lower back after a while. It was discouraging, but it made me think and appreciate a few lessons that could be taken from this effort.
I learned several things on this run:
That's sort of the overview - lets review:
For #1, I had no idea how hard I was running, and it's pretty important to know how you're doing when you're on such a long freakin' run. About a mile or so in (if that), Erin alerted me that she needed to use the facilities... the non-existant facilities that simply don't exist out on the trail. We knew we'd be approaching restrooms by the soccer fields close to 4 miles out. What did we do, we ran at sub-8 minute pace until we got there. We did so in mid-80's temperatures and in direct sunlight. Seemed alright though - we felt fine and all (it was actually very encouraging), but I knew I'd probably end up paying for it later. I did...
I need my HR monitor to keep my pacing consistent. Sometimes I just lose track of how hard I'm running (especially in inclines and the like), and it's what I've grown accustomed to. Had I used that information to my advantage, I may have done a better job at controlling my pacing over the first 10 miles, which would theoretically allow me to feel a whole lot better over the last. As it turned out, I likely blew out all of my sugar stores, crashed, and tried to fight through the remainder of the run with my HR too high to be burning fat stores. I basically hit a wall that most likely could have been prevented (in this amount of mileage anyway).
#2 - I didn't eat a big breakfast or lunch. I had 3 Gu packs, a few energy chews and some popcorn to get me through the run. That's really not good enough. I would have killed for a better base and some Gatorade or something. It was frustrating to say the least. I was pretty sleepy before we started the run, too (probably had something to do with what we ate for lunch). What can I learn for next time? I'll probably get a bunch of pasta and fruit before I start the run (with a few hours to start digestion and such) - probably some other high protein items too. I was "reasonably' hydrated, but I would try to focus on that too.
#3 - It was warmer than what we were used to. It wasn't terribly warm - mid 80's to start, and mid to low 70's at the end. It drained me - being in the warm sunlight. We had a nice breeze for the run North (breeze in our face to keep us cool), but it was dead and hot on the way back. That, as much as anything just psychologically took it out of me. Starting at 7am would have been MUCH smarter. Noted for next weekend (when conditions will be similar). I anticipate the marathon starting in the upper 40's and closing somewhere in the 60's depending on how cloudy/windy/rainy it is that day. Gotta love Duluth!
Well, discouraging - yes. It will all come down to how I respond to this little adventure. If my analysis of the run is correct and I can do a better job at planning and maintaining a good pace, I should have fewer problems on the next run. I'm shooting for 20 miles, so I should know pretty quick if I made the right calls. I will run Tuesday and Thursday (late) this week, and hopefully make our long run on Sunday morning. We shall see.
Okay - this post is long enough. Thanks for reading!
D
P.S. 200 mile barrier broken!!!
Running Total:
May: 42.94
2012: 205.46
 |
| Out and back - little loop out to the east on the way home. I thought switching things up would provide a bit of a mental break - not sure it really worked out that well. Many lessons learned. |
I learned several things on this run:
- Don't forget your g.d. heart rate monitor - SERIOUSLY, don't forget it.
- Make sure you eat well before your long runs - carry enough gels to stay fueled.
- Unnecessary heat sucks - try to run when it's cooler out.
That's sort of the overview - lets review:
For #1, I had no idea how hard I was running, and it's pretty important to know how you're doing when you're on such a long freakin' run. About a mile or so in (if that), Erin alerted me that she needed to use the facilities... the non-existant facilities that simply don't exist out on the trail. We knew we'd be approaching restrooms by the soccer fields close to 4 miles out. What did we do, we ran at sub-8 minute pace until we got there. We did so in mid-80's temperatures and in direct sunlight. Seemed alright though - we felt fine and all (it was actually very encouraging), but I knew I'd probably end up paying for it later. I did...
I need my HR monitor to keep my pacing consistent. Sometimes I just lose track of how hard I'm running (especially in inclines and the like), and it's what I've grown accustomed to. Had I used that information to my advantage, I may have done a better job at controlling my pacing over the first 10 miles, which would theoretically allow me to feel a whole lot better over the last. As it turned out, I likely blew out all of my sugar stores, crashed, and tried to fight through the remainder of the run with my HR too high to be burning fat stores. I basically hit a wall that most likely could have been prevented (in this amount of mileage anyway).
#2 - I didn't eat a big breakfast or lunch. I had 3 Gu packs, a few energy chews and some popcorn to get me through the run. That's really not good enough. I would have killed for a better base and some Gatorade or something. It was frustrating to say the least. I was pretty sleepy before we started the run, too (probably had something to do with what we ate for lunch). What can I learn for next time? I'll probably get a bunch of pasta and fruit before I start the run (with a few hours to start digestion and such) - probably some other high protein items too. I was "reasonably' hydrated, but I would try to focus on that too.
#3 - It was warmer than what we were used to. It wasn't terribly warm - mid 80's to start, and mid to low 70's at the end. It drained me - being in the warm sunlight. We had a nice breeze for the run North (breeze in our face to keep us cool), but it was dead and hot on the way back. That, as much as anything just psychologically took it out of me. Starting at 7am would have been MUCH smarter. Noted for next weekend (when conditions will be similar). I anticipate the marathon starting in the upper 40's and closing somewhere in the 60's depending on how cloudy/windy/rainy it is that day. Gotta love Duluth!
Well, discouraging - yes. It will all come down to how I respond to this little adventure. If my analysis of the run is correct and I can do a better job at planning and maintaining a good pace, I should have fewer problems on the next run. I'm shooting for 20 miles, so I should know pretty quick if I made the right calls. I will run Tuesday and Thursday (late) this week, and hopefully make our long run on Sunday morning. We shall see.
Okay - this post is long enough. Thanks for reading!
D
P.S. 200 mile barrier broken!!!
Running Total:
May: 42.94
2012: 205.46
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Caught up - 5/9/12 Run
Another "very similar" run - Ellie in tow and Pooh for a show:
D
 |
| Basically, the only difference is that we didn't tack on the extra 0.4 mile out and back. This "exhaustion" kick that were on is a little bit of a booger. |
This is a pretty nice little run, and when the Parental Units are willing to provide dinner and a ride home (thanks again!), it's hard to lose! There are close to 400,389,232 variations on how to get over there, but given that we're pushing Ellie in the stroller, sometimes you don't want to push your luck - the most direct route will do. The DVD player can die, snacks/milk can run out, or maybe Ellie sees a dog that she'd like to pet/socialize with - all valid concerns.
We kicked a soccer ball around on Sunday - no big deal. Well, the grass we were playing in was long and wet. As we were sans soccer shoes, we were sliding around a really having to modify our technique to get a good hit on the ball. Why is this important, you ask? Because my right ankle hurts! I'm waking up in a decent amount of pain. IBProfin just isn't making the cut either. Dang. What would it be like to be healthy - just for a few days! I'm happy to report on the related "health" front that my asthma has been in great control for some time now - so I guess I have that going for me.
As I don't plan on running tonight, I have some time to plan, reflect and look ahead. I'm about 5 and a half weeks out from the big day. I need to get in a long run on each of the next 3 weeks. I'm thinking 18, 20, and 22 respectively (on the 12th, 19th, and 26th of May). June 2nd should be around 14 miles, and June 9th (vacation running) should only be around 8 miles. So, I have to stay dedicated on my mileage from here on out. I had a margin of error / flexibility in my training as of a few weeks ago, but it's all gone now. The challenge will be to stay healthy in the coming weeks and have a great race!
Okay - that's it for now. Not sure if Friday holds a run or not - depends on if/when Erin and I will do our long run this weekend (Sat or Sun). Either way, stay tuned and TRY to contain your excitement.
D
Running Total:
May: 24.44
2012: 186.96
May: 24.44
2012: 186.96
A little 5/7/12 run w/ Pooh and Friends
It's amazing what a portable DVD player will do for your workout plan (I think I should post a picture):
We picked up the pace a little bit on this run - maybe not as fast as I would have liked, but neither of us were feeling particularly energized. That said, I actually had a difficult time keeping my heart rate up into the upper 150's. Not quite sure why that is, but I think it's the ebb and flow that you experience with the stroller... maybe, I'm actually not sure. Maybe I'm actually getting into good shape, but I just don't feel like running.
We struggled to add mileage onto the end of our run. It wasn't tough mentally, it was just tough because we both felt tired. I sort of think this is a fluky deal - just need more consistent sleep and to start earlier. Running after 7:30 on a "school night" seems to wear on both of us. Oh well, it was a decent run and a chance to go a little faster. I predict that we'll have a "fast" run to report sometime soon.
D
Running Total:
May: 19.67
2012: 182.19
 |
| Courtesy of Winnie the Pooh and the Grandparents driving us back home, we were able to get a pretty nice little run in. The nice weather helped, too. |
We struggled to add mileage onto the end of our run. It wasn't tough mentally, it was just tough because we both felt tired. I sort of think this is a fluky deal - just need more consistent sleep and to start earlier. Running after 7:30 on a "school night" seems to wear on both of us. Oh well, it was a decent run and a chance to go a little faster. I predict that we'll have a "fast" run to report sometime soon.
D
Running Total:
May: 19.67
2012: 182.19
Post-Bike Yogging - 5/5/12
Just a quick little jog:
Post-biking always feels a little funny on the legs. We went at a pretty decent clip on a bike ride, and combine that with my run (at 10pm) the night before and I was a little fatigued. That said, I felt great as the run went on. It was getting a little warm by that time in the day, but I felt very comfortable. The HR always stays pretty high after a bike ride like that, so it's a little deceiving.
Always nice getting the bike ride in. I burned 1451 on the ride before the 311 from the run. That's a Chipotle Burrito (maybe? Those things are pretty bad.). If I could do this combo every morning, I'd be a happy guy.
D
Running Total:
May: 14.50
2012: 177.02
 |
| For our post 28+ mile bike ride (at a decent clip, I might add), we worked on a little transition to running. I'm told this practice is important if you're interested in doing triathlons. |
Always nice getting the bike ride in. I burned 1451 on the ride before the 311 from the run. That's a Chipotle Burrito (maybe? Those things are pretty bad.). If I could do this combo every morning, I'd be a happy guy.
D
Running Total:
May: 14.50
2012: 177.02
Another catch-up post - 5/4/12
Nothing like late night running to beat the heat!
From Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, we ran some of Erin's old HS running routes though neighborhoods that I was relatively unfamiliar with. We originally mapped out a 14 mile run that would do this part - arriving back at the HS, and then go the other direction for a 7 mile loop. As it was approaching 10 PM when we finished this part, we decided we needed to get home to Ellie and bailed on the run. Without the Grandparents living so close, these "longer" runs would be next to impossible to pull off. If you're reading this "Pa-Pa and Ga-Ma", thanks!
This ended up being a pretty chill run. I was still feeling the affects of my cold, but I got "warmed up" and moving after a while. We decided on the run that it might be worth our time to balance out our long and slow runs with some shorter, faster ones. Typically, I've tried to keep the HR consistent - going whatever speed that took to do it, regardless of mileage. I'm thinking that I'm probably holding myself back a little (or a lot) by doing it. This is usually not a problem, and I do see the benefit of doing so. However, I'll be the first to say that, usually our "during the week" short runs are with Ellie. All bets are off when she's with us. It's too unpredictable and inconsistent of a run with her to try for any tempo runs, unfortunately. We usually end up running faster just to minimize time in the stroller with her. That, and running fast is always a little funky with that thing.
That is our plan going forward though. Look for some faster runs coming soon. While we didn't get a super long one in tonight, it was still definitely a nice, cooler (humid) run.
D
Running Total:
May: 12.45
2012: 174.97
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| Trying out a different route - we ended up down in some industrial districts in the very late evening/night. Maybe not the best place to be, but we made it through the dark/no sidewalk areas (along the interstate) with little incident. |
This ended up being a pretty chill run. I was still feeling the affects of my cold, but I got "warmed up" and moving after a while. We decided on the run that it might be worth our time to balance out our long and slow runs with some shorter, faster ones. Typically, I've tried to keep the HR consistent - going whatever speed that took to do it, regardless of mileage. I'm thinking that I'm probably holding myself back a little (or a lot) by doing it. This is usually not a problem, and I do see the benefit of doing so. However, I'll be the first to say that, usually our "during the week" short runs are with Ellie. All bets are off when she's with us. It's too unpredictable and inconsistent of a run with her to try for any tempo runs, unfortunately. We usually end up running faster just to minimize time in the stroller with her. That, and running fast is always a little funky with that thing.
That is our plan going forward though. Look for some faster runs coming soon. While we didn't get a super long one in tonight, it was still definitely a nice, cooler (humid) run.
D
Running Total:
May: 12.45
2012: 174.97
Getting bad at keeping up - 5/1/12 run
I decided to take a little break - okay, not intentionally, but.... yeah, okay intentionally. I took a week or so off of running to work on the 2nd floor remodel project I have going on at the house. My friend took an entire week away from his life to come over, hang out, and help me do some construction work. What was I going to say? No, sorry, I need to make sure I have time to run. No - I did what was required and I worked on the house. By the weekend, when I had time to run, I developed a nice little summer cold. Can't win.
This run was a combo of said cold and trying to run. It didn't go over too well.
I really wasn't feeling this run. At around mile 4, with my heart rate solidly in the 170's and calf muscle screaming at me, I knew I wasn't in for a long run. Erin continued on to log a 19-miler, but Ellie and I packed up and went home. You know that feeling you get when you just can't keep a decent pace going - like going up that flight of stairs maybe took a little bit more out of you than it should? That was my 6-mile jog.
I was slightly discouraged after this run. It's getting warmer these days, and harder to find the time to get long runs in when it's not 80+ degrees. When you have the opportunity, you have to make the best of it. In the end, I felt like I did - given the circumstances. I still managed to tough out almost 6 miles, and by going home with the Ellie-Meister I gave Erin a great chance to log some mileage (and ultimately feel better about the whole experience).
April went great until the whole house project kicked in. The mileage was solid, but I need to finish strong in May to give myself the greatest chance of success in June.
D
Running Total:
May: 5.85
2012: 168.37
This run was a combo of said cold and trying to run. It didn't go over too well.
 |
| The run was the standard 6-mile loop that I was hoping to extend out to 12 or more, but I just wasn't feeling it. Between the calf and the cold, I had nothing and aborted. |
I was slightly discouraged after this run. It's getting warmer these days, and harder to find the time to get long runs in when it's not 80+ degrees. When you have the opportunity, you have to make the best of it. In the end, I felt like I did - given the circumstances. I still managed to tough out almost 6 miles, and by going home with the Ellie-Meister I gave Erin a great chance to log some mileage (and ultimately feel better about the whole experience).
April went great until the whole house project kicked in. The mileage was solid, but I need to finish strong in May to give myself the greatest chance of success in June.
D
Running Total:
May: 5.85
2012: 168.37
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Big run Saturday! 4/21/12
The runs keep getting longer, and somehow I manage to stay alive:
We actually had a friendly join us for the first seven mile leg. "sttscan" graciously joined us - and gave us a little boost on the pace, too. We managed this stretch at just over a 9 minute/mile pace. It was good to get us going and get the mileage done, but it may have also contributed to a slightly higher HR overall. I think I felt that pace when I was in the closing miles of the second stretch. It wasn't incredibly noticeable, but it became apparent whenever I needed to kick it up a notch (read - any hill). My HR jumped way up and took a lot longer to lower. That said, the first 7 miles on the trail took just over and hour and three and a half minutes to complete.
The second part was a little slower. Oooorrrrrrr, a fair amount slower. We managed about a 9:57 pace. When you average out the first and second leg, it still comes out a little faster than I wanted, but at the same time I was hoping for better on part 2. To be fair, there are more hills (or, hills at all), and it was getting later (warmer) in the day. So, a few things working against me there. But, yeah - just excuses. We were both a little hungry at the end, but aside from a few aches here and there, we finished in good shape. Maybe a little hungry - which reminds me that I need to order more Gu.
Whether 16 or 26 miles, it's a process. I've got another almost 2 months to prepare, and I'm hoping that I'm laying the groundwork now for something along the lines of this pace - overall. 9:34 would put us at 4:10:48 (ish) - and I think I could live with that - given everything. Who knows, if the weather is cool and the route is as flat as I think it might be, 4 hours might not be too far off.
Okay - now back to reality, and bed time.
D
Running Total:
April: 65.52
2012: 162.52
 |
| We actually ran the Turkey Creek Trails first, then jumped in the car and drove back home. From there, we ran to the in-laws and back. We added a little addition here, or slightly different route home there. N.B.D. |
The second part was a little slower. Oooorrrrrrr, a fair amount slower. We managed about a 9:57 pace. When you average out the first and second leg, it still comes out a little faster than I wanted, but at the same time I was hoping for better on part 2. To be fair, there are more hills (or, hills at all), and it was getting later (warmer) in the day. So, a few things working against me there. But, yeah - just excuses. We were both a little hungry at the end, but aside from a few aches here and there, we finished in good shape. Maybe a little hungry - which reminds me that I need to order more Gu.
Whether 16 or 26 miles, it's a process. I've got another almost 2 months to prepare, and I'm hoping that I'm laying the groundwork now for something along the lines of this pace - overall. 9:34 would put us at 4:10:48 (ish) - and I think I could live with that - given everything. Who knows, if the weather is cool and the route is as flat as I think it might be, 4 hours might not be too far off.
Okay - now back to reality, and bed time.
D
Running Total:
April: 65.52
2012: 162.52
Make-up Report - 4/18/12 run
Did I speak too soon? Hard to say, as this run was doomed from the get-go:
Two things:
1. Ellie was not having the run, and
2. Frankly, I wasn't either.
We broke down and finally became "Parents of the Year".... er, we bought Ellie a portable DVD player so she could watch Winnie the Poo from the comfort of her stroller while we run. It worked great on our "test walk" on Wednesday, but she was not having it on this fine eve. She may have been tired/hungry/saw August and freaked out, but she was done at 2.2 miles. We carried her from there, and our run ended. Brings me to item number two.
I did another workout on the Xbox 360 on Tuesday night. Frankly, it felt great, but I could tell that I was giving my leg a decent amount of stress. Combining the 14 miler on Saturday with the 7 miler on Monday with the workout, and I was feeling it. My leg was not happy about this short little run, and so when Ellie gave up I had no problem calling it a day.
Oh well, we got out and gave it a little mid-week stretch. That's about all we can hope for sometimes. Big run on the coming Saturday though. Stay tuned!
D
Running Total:
April: 49.72
2012: 146.72
 |
| We tried to take the Ellie-Meister along. Hmmm, maybe it wasn't her night either... |
1. Ellie was not having the run, and
2. Frankly, I wasn't either.
We broke down and finally became "Parents of the Year".... er, we bought Ellie a portable DVD player so she could watch Winnie the Poo from the comfort of her stroller while we run. It worked great on our "test walk" on Wednesday, but she was not having it on this fine eve. She may have been tired/hungry/saw August and freaked out, but she was done at 2.2 miles. We carried her from there, and our run ended. Brings me to item number two.
I did another workout on the Xbox 360 on Tuesday night. Frankly, it felt great, but I could tell that I was giving my leg a decent amount of stress. Combining the 14 miler on Saturday with the 7 miler on Monday with the workout, and I was feeling it. My leg was not happy about this short little run, and so when Ellie gave up I had no problem calling it a day.
Oh well, we got out and gave it a little mid-week stretch. That's about all we can hope for sometimes. Big run on the coming Saturday though. Stay tuned!
D
Running Total:
April: 49.72
2012: 146.72
Monday, April 16, 2012
Finally - feeling good!
The run tonight felt amazing!
No complaints about tonight's run. The weather was delightfully cool (mid-upper 50's), no wind, and only clouds out in the distant west. I started as the sun was finishing its setting, and finished solidly in the dark. In only a few months, I would be running in daylight still (and heat!). My leg was tight up through the turnaround point, but I gave it a good stretch and had no problems. I was a little concerned about my ankle giving me grief from Saturday's long run, but I had zero issues. Closing in on 1000 calories/hour!
Erin also snuck in an equally long run (in the complete opposite direction) right before I got mine in, so that's some pretty solid mileage for the team tonight. I'm feeling pretty good about my mileage this month. Let's see how far I get though. With being busy Thursday night, I'm thinking I'll be wise to get in a decent run (maybe a little faster paced) this Wednesday, and maybe a quick one on Friday. Saturday, we're shooting for 15 miles, me thinks.
Well, that's about it. Colbert is waiting for me.
D
Running Total:
April: 47.52
2012: 144.52
 |
| I made sure to "touch the Swans" on the way back through, but I was shooting for a little bit more tonight. When you feel it, you've gotta go for it! |
Erin also snuck in an equally long run (in the complete opposite direction) right before I got mine in, so that's some pretty solid mileage for the team tonight. I'm feeling pretty good about my mileage this month. Let's see how far I get though. With being busy Thursday night, I'm thinking I'll be wise to get in a decent run (maybe a little faster paced) this Wednesday, and maybe a quick one on Friday. Saturday, we're shooting for 15 miles, me thinks.
Well, that's about it. Colbert is waiting for me.
D
Running Total:
April: 47.52
2012: 144.52
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Longest run to date!
Yay for runs longer than a half-marathon! That means this is really happening:
 | |
Erin and I were able to ship the Ellie-Meister off to the Parental Units for the morning. That allowed us to go for a nice, casual training run. This wasn't record setting pace (about 9:42ish), but enough to put us in that "45 seconds slower than your hopeful pace" category. The route worked out really well - pretty flat to start, reasonably shaded on the T.C. trails (and flat), followed by a spirited trip through the park to finish it off.
My ankle started hurting from the very get go - as in, less than a quarter mile from the house. I just couldn't shake it. We stopped for a minute while I tried many tricks to shake it out. It was almost as if something had to pop or loosen up to get it going. Once that occurred, I had no more trouble with it for the rest of the run. Go figure. My quad hurt on and off throughout the run, but it loosened up and became a non-issue. My feet had NO PAIN throughout the entire run - a first! The only things I will have to be weary of are my knees (ice and such) and working on hip strength. The ol' hips were feeling it on the last loop for sure.
The loops are great - Finished the first 4 mile loop - got some water - bathroom, etc. We originally weren't planning on doing the entire T.C. trails, but we got going and realized it would be easy mileage. There were water fountains on the trail, so that made it nice. We hit up some Gu on the end of "Part 2" and finished strong.
All-in-all, we're beginning to think that this marathon is very achievable. It just goes to show that, in spite of our best efforts to NOT train as much as we needed to, we just might be ready after all. Only time will tell.
Along with the title, this was the longest run of my life. My previously longest was my Half-Marathon Run in the Half-Ironman Tri that we did a few years back. It's a good feeling to know that such a feat (over 13.1) without death is achievable.
D
Running Total:
April: 40.66
2012: 137.66
|
Friday, April 13, 2012
Back at it - 4/10/12
I now feel like I can quit calling these "make-up posts" - I'm just a little late on this one:
Well, it was a nice long, and reasonably slow jog for this mileage. The whole trip felt great, even though it was after such a decent run on the Saturday prior. I'm glad my body didn't hurt - gives me confidence that I'm getting stronger. I never felt like I was working super hard on this run (save for a hill or 2). We carried on conversation for basically the whole time, and it never felt uncomfortable. I'd bet that my HR was in the low 150's, and probably peaked closer to the low 170's. Can't believe I forgot my stupid strap.
Good times - and a great in-between for my next big run - coming this Saturday morning (if the weather holds). I'm glad that I'm getting to the point where a 6+ mile run doesn't seem daunting. This marathon is looking like it might work out after-all. I've all but abandoned any hope of making a specific time, but given the injuries, I'll be happy with a "finisher" medal.
Saturday will probably be in the 14-mile range. We shall see.
D
P.S. - The miles are stacking up this month! Need to make sure I get at least 3 runs in a week though! :(
Running Total:
April: 26.66
2012: 123.66
 |
| The "Mattie-P" 6(with a half-mile extension) and 2-mile loop, respectively. Some hills, but mostly just some quality miles with gradual increase/decreases. It should also be noted that the run actually took place on the 10th, not the 11th. I might get around to fixing that... |
Good times - and a great in-between for my next big run - coming this Saturday morning (if the weather holds). I'm glad that I'm getting to the point where a 6+ mile run doesn't seem daunting. This marathon is looking like it might work out after-all. I've all but abandoned any hope of making a specific time, but given the injuries, I'll be happy with a "finisher" medal.
Saturday will probably be in the 14-mile range. We shall see.
D
P.S. - The miles are stacking up this month! Need to make sure I get at least 3 runs in a week though! :(
Running Total:
April: 26.66
2012: 123.66
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