The one thing that is constant is change. It seems that since my last writing here, I've been reminded of this almost daily. Sometimes change is bad and it forces each of us to take a focused look at what we're doing and figure out how to do it better. Sometimes change is good and it gives us an opportunity to be thankful for the blessings that we've been given. In some ways, over the last six months, I've experienced both of these. Now, running season is upon me and it's time to see if I can chase down another PR.
Just a short recap of the past six months or so. Baseball season started (good change), layoff from my job (bad change), started new contract position (good change), running miles very low (bad change), incredible new job opportunity (good change), baseball season ends (good change), travel every week for work (big challenge). As stated earlier, the one constant over the past six months has been change. Slowly I'm figuring it all out. There was panic at first, then rejoicing, and now just settling into what is becoming the routine.
As I'm writing this, the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), administrators of the Boston Marathon announce the registration procedure for the 2015 race. As I scan through the website I get cold chills when I see that Monday, September 15th at 10:00 a.m. ET is the date that I can officially commit to running the Boston Marathon. That doesn't mean that I'm in just yet, but it does mean that I have a chance. It seems so surreal to think that I ran my first marathon in October of 2009 as an overweight, out of shape guy that just wanted to check something off the bucket list and to try to get into shape. I had a shape alright.....round. Wow, what a significant turn around.
So, speaking of marathons, two weeks from now I will officially begin my training plan for the New York City Marathon on November 2nd. For me, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in one of the world's greatest races. Millions of people (yes, plural) line the streets of NYC to cheer on the 50,000 runners that take on the challenge that is the marathon. Can you even imagine a million people? I can't! And then two or three times that??? WOW! Just wow! New York......I'm coming for you and I'm bringing my best to tame your streets in less than 3 hours.
Last summer during my training for Chicago, I took on the challenge of raising my mileage to a maximum of 80-85 miles per week. Fortunately, that worked out extremely well and produced a 19 minute PR in Chicago and qualified me for Boston. This summer is going to present another challenge. My work schedule now has me in Florida Monday through Thursday. Fortunately, I travel on Sunday evening, which shouldn't interfere with my training assuming I get my butt out of bed, and on Thursday evening. In my training plans, Thursday is typically that built-in off-day. It will become a challenge however when my weekly mileage gets close to that 80-85 mile mark when I need to run on Thursday just to get the miles. There is also a missing element here in Naples.....HILLS. One of the workouts that I most enjoy during marathon training is a good hill workout. It's sadistic to say that, but when finished with a hill workout, I know I'm a better runner because of it. I've spent the last month scoping out bridges and parking garages for something that resembles a hill. Seriously, a parking garage??? haha!
And so it begins. Running season is upon us (me). People are starting to train for fall/winter races and the temperatures are rising. To all my runner friends, I wish you the best of luck in whichever race you decide to take on this fall/winter.
While running a couple of days ago in Naples, I passed an elderly lady on the sidewalk who said "It's too hot for you..." in a very thick New Jersey accent. I responded by saying, "Oh honey, we're just getting started!!", and with a smile I was gone! As Lou Holtz once said, "No one ever drowned in sweat." Let's get this party started!!!
Till next time, to steal a line from my favorite sock-maker, Swiftwick, "Do What Moves You!"
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
This and that.......
It's been a good long while since my last blog post and the past couple of days I've felt compelled to write about something, but I'm not exactly training for anything and that's really the reason I started this. So, let's hit the highlights of the past couple of months.
Baseball
FINALLY it is baseball season. By the end of each season I'm so ready for it to be over. I'm ready to sleep in my own bed during a weekend and I'm ready to just sit down with friends and watch baseball. No, I never get tired of watching baseball but I do get tired of the work that it is and the balancing act that is the real job, baseball, travel, running and attempting to have some form of a social life. By the time January rolls around, I'm like a cocaine addict that needs a fix. Jonesing for the 90+ mph fastball and the filthy slider, the smell of fresh cut grass, warmer temperatures and the roar of a small or large crowd. I'm blessed that some of my best friends understand the need for a fix like this. I'm also blessed that some of my best friends are umpires too. While I love the game of baseball, if I didn't enjoy most of the guys that I work with, I'm not sure I would have stayed with it all these year. Valentine's day weekend is typically always opening weekend of the NCAA baseball season, thank goodness! While some guys get suckered into another commercialized holiday, I get to put on the gear and get a much needed fix!
Running
Well, now that it's baseball season, and the fact that it's been so stinkin' cold, I haven't been doing a lot of running. I'm still getting in 20-30 miles a week, but that's a relatively low number for me. This week could see an increase in those numbers. The first couple of weeks of baseball season have me traveling about locally, require a daily drive, and I find myself out socializing with the guys. Wouldn't have it any other way. This weekend begins the weekend long travel and I'll at least be in the city where I'm working all weekend.
I did however buy a new gadget. Since the Garmin 620 was released I've been drooling. On a weekly basis I would research the product to see new reviews, look for issues with it and drool more over all the features. I decided that I 'needed' this one, so the purchase was made. I'm overwhelmed with the amount of data that it gives me to review. I'm slowly figuring it out and will begin to work toward making changes that could reduce/increase some of my numbers and improve my running efficiency. Today however, I think my new Gadget had a glitch! I went out for a 7 mile stroll (8:00 pace) and in trying to figure out the watch looked a few of the new screens. The 'Race Predictor' is one of the new features of the 620 and I hadn't yet seen it. I absolutely laughed out loud when I saw that it was predicting a 2:53 marathon for me! I almost stopped what I was doing and took it back, asking for a refund! While I'm not certain that's a fair prediction, I'm not going to argue with it and maybe, just maybe it knows something I don't!
Mom and Dad
As I sit here typing, I have huge smile on my face. My parents have reached retirement age and Dad has been retired for a couple of years now. Mom went to work one day last week to tell her boss that it was soon to be her time to retire. Well, seems the boss had a bit of news for Mom. Retirement was going to unofficially begin earlier than planned. Mom was being laid off. My phone rang mid-morning the next day. Now, Mom doesn't make a habit of calling during the work day, so when I saw her name I immediately answered. I can't tell you the last time I heard so much joy in my Mom's voice. How many people you know that are happy about getting laid-off? One, Uno, Un! My Mom!!! I could see her smile through the phone line. And honestly, I hope that she could see mine too. I'm so happy for both Mom and Dad that every day when I think about them I can't help but smile or laugh. My parents have worked hard their entire lives to make sure that my brother, sister and I had everything we needed and then some. Enjoy your retirement Mom and Dad! Love you both so much and absolutely could not be happier for you!
What's next......
Well, the next few months are all about work, baseball and trying to stay in some sort of running shape. My next attempt at the marathon will be the New York City Marathon on November 2nd. That gives me a bit of time to relax after baseball season before really increasing the mileage to chase down the next marathon goal. I still believe that I have a lot to learn about my training and even my abilities. I need to continue to be a student of running and listening to those that are either faster or more experienced than I. And thanks again to all of you that have answered and continue to answer my questions. That goal you might ask? 3 hours is very much in sight. I think 2:59:59 is the magic number.
Oh, and now that you've read my ramblings, check out the tweet in the window to the right. Let's make Opening Day of Major League Baseball Season a National Holiday, as it should be! Click on the URL and sign the petition!
Baseball
FINALLY it is baseball season. By the end of each season I'm so ready for it to be over. I'm ready to sleep in my own bed during a weekend and I'm ready to just sit down with friends and watch baseball. No, I never get tired of watching baseball but I do get tired of the work that it is and the balancing act that is the real job, baseball, travel, running and attempting to have some form of a social life. By the time January rolls around, I'm like a cocaine addict that needs a fix. Jonesing for the 90+ mph fastball and the filthy slider, the smell of fresh cut grass, warmer temperatures and the roar of a small or large crowd. I'm blessed that some of my best friends understand the need for a fix like this. I'm also blessed that some of my best friends are umpires too. While I love the game of baseball, if I didn't enjoy most of the guys that I work with, I'm not sure I would have stayed with it all these year. Valentine's day weekend is typically always opening weekend of the NCAA baseball season, thank goodness! While some guys get suckered into another commercialized holiday, I get to put on the gear and get a much needed fix!
Running
Well, now that it's baseball season, and the fact that it's been so stinkin' cold, I haven't been doing a lot of running. I'm still getting in 20-30 miles a week, but that's a relatively low number for me. This week could see an increase in those numbers. The first couple of weeks of baseball season have me traveling about locally, require a daily drive, and I find myself out socializing with the guys. Wouldn't have it any other way. This weekend begins the weekend long travel and I'll at least be in the city where I'm working all weekend.
I did however buy a new gadget. Since the Garmin 620 was released I've been drooling. On a weekly basis I would research the product to see new reviews, look for issues with it and drool more over all the features. I decided that I 'needed' this one, so the purchase was made. I'm overwhelmed with the amount of data that it gives me to review. I'm slowly figuring it out and will begin to work toward making changes that could reduce/increase some of my numbers and improve my running efficiency. Today however, I think my new Gadget had a glitch! I went out for a 7 mile stroll (8:00 pace) and in trying to figure out the watch looked a few of the new screens. The 'Race Predictor' is one of the new features of the 620 and I hadn't yet seen it. I absolutely laughed out loud when I saw that it was predicting a 2:53 marathon for me! I almost stopped what I was doing and took it back, asking for a refund! While I'm not certain that's a fair prediction, I'm not going to argue with it and maybe, just maybe it knows something I don't!
Mom and Dad
As I sit here typing, I have huge smile on my face. My parents have reached retirement age and Dad has been retired for a couple of years now. Mom went to work one day last week to tell her boss that it was soon to be her time to retire. Well, seems the boss had a bit of news for Mom. Retirement was going to unofficially begin earlier than planned. Mom was being laid off. My phone rang mid-morning the next day. Now, Mom doesn't make a habit of calling during the work day, so when I saw her name I immediately answered. I can't tell you the last time I heard so much joy in my Mom's voice. How many people you know that are happy about getting laid-off? One, Uno, Un! My Mom!!! I could see her smile through the phone line. And honestly, I hope that she could see mine too. I'm so happy for both Mom and Dad that every day when I think about them I can't help but smile or laugh. My parents have worked hard their entire lives to make sure that my brother, sister and I had everything we needed and then some. Enjoy your retirement Mom and Dad! Love you both so much and absolutely could not be happier for you!
What's next......
Well, the next few months are all about work, baseball and trying to stay in some sort of running shape. My next attempt at the marathon will be the New York City Marathon on November 2nd. That gives me a bit of time to relax after baseball season before really increasing the mileage to chase down the next marathon goal. I still believe that I have a lot to learn about my training and even my abilities. I need to continue to be a student of running and listening to those that are either faster or more experienced than I. And thanks again to all of you that have answered and continue to answer my questions. That goal you might ask? 3 hours is very much in sight. I think 2:59:59 is the magic number.
Oh, and now that you've read my ramblings, check out the tweet in the window to the right. Let's make Opening Day of Major League Baseball Season a National Holiday, as it should be! Click on the URL and sign the petition!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Walking away from 2013......
It is here!!! The end of another amazing year. Full of new experiences and life changing decisions, 2013 has been all I expected and in some cases even more. At the end of 2012, while on a flight to the Dominican Republic and reading the latest issue of Runner's World, I started writing down some of my 2012 accomplishments and once I finished, I wrote down some high-level 2013 goals. I held onto that Runner's World and a few weeks back found it while looking for something else and took a few minutes to assess how I had done with those goals.
The 5K
Shortly after deciding to run my first marathon in 2009, I ran a 5K as a fun run just to experience that 'race' feeling again. That day I ran a 25:26. A month later, I ran another at 25:15. As a new 'runner' (if that's what you would call it), I was tickled to death with these results. In both 2011 and 2012, I focused on running the marathon and ran a total of three 5K's. In two of those three races I was beaten by 15 seconds by Jim Schwan. Jim is a good friend but that doesn't mean I'm gonna let him continue to beat me. I decided I needed to commit to running the 5K more often so that on Thanksgiving Day of 2013 I didn't finish 15 seconds behind Jim again. So, goal #1 was to run a 5K per month for the year. This got a little tough during the summer of crazy mileage marathon training, but I pulled it off!!! And, I didn't finish behind Jim on Thanksgiving Day because he never made it to the start line. (He completed the Flying Monkey Marathon 4 days earlier). GOAL #1 - CHECK
Goal #2a was also a 5K related goal. Since that initial 25+ minute time, I had reached a point where I was consistently just above 21:00. In my mind, this is pretty good for a 5K, but I really wanted to break that 21:00 barrier and with 12 chances to do it this year, it had to be possible, right? In March I ran the Mt. Juliet Middle School 5K on a snowy Saturday morning. I was very surprised by the number of people that showed up for this race considering the snow that was coming down. The cold air must be the trick. 20:59. Good for 3rd place overall that day. GOAL #2a - CHECK. So, considering this was the 2nd day of March, I felt the need to add another goal. Let's break 20:30. Why not right? I really didn't think this was possible, but the week prior to the Chicago Marathon, I ran the Shelby Bottoms Boogie and crushed a 19:40. WHAT??? Yeah, I looked at it twice too! GOAL #2b - CHECK (I've raised the bar awfully high here, so there will not be a 5K goal for 2014.)
The Half-Marathon
Toward the end of 2012 I ran the Music City Marathon and posted a very respectable 1:36 time. In my 'overly aggressive' goal writing, I decided that I wanted to break 1:30 for the half-marathon. This one gets carried over to 2014 simply because there wasn't enough time for me to schedule a half-marathon. I feel really confident that I can do this considering I ran a 1:32 front half during the Chicago Marathon. This one should be easy pickens' for 2014.
The Marathon
When writing down my goals, I was three weeks removed from a 3 minute PR (3:29), which was preceded a 14 minute PR (3:32) from September. I seriously wondered if there was any improvement left in my body. I mean, I'm not 22 anymore, right? (I'm really only 27, but don't tell anyone! Shhhh!!!) I guess though, without a goal, or something to shoot for, one will never know. On the cover of that Runner's World, I wrote down "Sub-3:20 Marathon". That would amount to another 9 minute plus PR. In previous marathon attempts, I've seen big number improvements like that (13:00, 16:00, 9:00, 14:00), but as you get a bit faster, the amount of time that comes off becomes more difficult. In my mind 9 minutes at sub-3:30 is twice as hard as 16 minutes at 4:30. I may be wrong, but that's just the way I see it. In February I got into the Bank of American Chicago Marathon and it was ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!! Hahaha! Or whatever the cool kids say these days! I'll spare you the race recap as you can read it here in an earlier post, but with a 3:10 on Marathon Sunday, I not only crushed the sub-3:20 goal, I destroyed it and qualified for Boston in the process. GOAL #4 - CHECK (DESTROYED!!!)
Goal #5
During 2012, I ran 1623 miles. A number that I looked at almost in disbelief. At the same time, I wondered if I could possible get to 2,000 miles. I was planning some significant changes to my training that I knew would add mileage and if I stayed healthy, I could surely get close, right? On Saturday, December 7th, I surpassed the 2,000 mile mark. With more than 20 days left in the year I would say that I crushed this goal as well. GOAL #5 - CHECK
Walking Away.......
As I started planning how to get to the marathon goal of sub-3:20, I wanted to make sure that I had more than one chance at this during the year. Getting in two marathons during a fall racing season is a challenge, both physically and mentally. After having such an incredible race in Chicago, mentally I don't think I ever 'checked back in' to my training. I completed the each of the runs and went through the motions, but never got to that determined point of focus needed for me during marathon training. Physically, I was a little nicked up as well. All of the miles and the hard workouts for the past 6 months were starting to hurt. Pain that was tolerable, but ever-present. I knew that I needed time off and that certainly didn't help my mental state. On 12/14 I was to run the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, AL. I had run this race last December and knew the course was one that I could post a good time.
Saturday morning the rain started pouring about 3 a.m. At 6:00 when I got up for coffee and breakfast, still pouring. At this point physically I'm still in for the start. Mentally I checked out months ago! At 7:00 still pouring as I start putting on my running gear. 7:15 while looking out the window of my hotel room, I see that the empty lot across the street looks more like a lake than it does anything else. I decided at that point that mentally I was not prepared for 26.2 miles on that day. I sent a simple text message to Nate that read "I'm out! Heading back to bed." 30 minutes later we were both walking away from the start line looking toward the next year of running, the next race and the next goal to fall on the list. I found myself 'justifying' my decision throughout the day before finally coming to peace with it. Knowing deep down that the marathon is something that I expect to be able to give my best effort and anything less can be a greater disappointment.
So, as I walk away from 2013, and prepare to run into 2014, I am incredibly thankful for the health that I have and the ability to even try these things. I'm also very thankful for the incredible experience of 2013. I'm extremely thankful for the friends and peers that I've met through running. Most of them inspire me in one way or another to be better at what I'm doing. Others of them teach me how to be better. And all of them, and I mean all of them, will gladly talk your ear off about running!
Merry Christmas (Yes, Christmas! You know, immaculate conception, the manger, wise men, 'franken-scent' and baby Jesus) and Happy New Year to you all.
The 5K
Shortly after deciding to run my first marathon in 2009, I ran a 5K as a fun run just to experience that 'race' feeling again. That day I ran a 25:26. A month later, I ran another at 25:15. As a new 'runner' (if that's what you would call it), I was tickled to death with these results. In both 2011 and 2012, I focused on running the marathon and ran a total of three 5K's. In two of those three races I was beaten by 15 seconds by Jim Schwan. Jim is a good friend but that doesn't mean I'm gonna let him continue to beat me. I decided I needed to commit to running the 5K more often so that on Thanksgiving Day of 2013 I didn't finish 15 seconds behind Jim again. So, goal #1 was to run a 5K per month for the year. This got a little tough during the summer of crazy mileage marathon training, but I pulled it off!!! And, I didn't finish behind Jim on Thanksgiving Day because he never made it to the start line. (He completed the Flying Monkey Marathon 4 days earlier). GOAL #1 - CHECK
Goal #2a was also a 5K related goal. Since that initial 25+ minute time, I had reached a point where I was consistently just above 21:00. In my mind, this is pretty good for a 5K, but I really wanted to break that 21:00 barrier and with 12 chances to do it this year, it had to be possible, right? In March I ran the Mt. Juliet Middle School 5K on a snowy Saturday morning. I was very surprised by the number of people that showed up for this race considering the snow that was coming down. The cold air must be the trick. 20:59. Good for 3rd place overall that day. GOAL #2a - CHECK. So, considering this was the 2nd day of March, I felt the need to add another goal. Let's break 20:30. Why not right? I really didn't think this was possible, but the week prior to the Chicago Marathon, I ran the Shelby Bottoms Boogie and crushed a 19:40. WHAT??? Yeah, I looked at it twice too! GOAL #2b - CHECK (I've raised the bar awfully high here, so there will not be a 5K goal for 2014.)
The Half-Marathon
Toward the end of 2012 I ran the Music City Marathon and posted a very respectable 1:36 time. In my 'overly aggressive' goal writing, I decided that I wanted to break 1:30 for the half-marathon. This one gets carried over to 2014 simply because there wasn't enough time for me to schedule a half-marathon. I feel really confident that I can do this considering I ran a 1:32 front half during the Chicago Marathon. This one should be easy pickens' for 2014.
The Marathon
When writing down my goals, I was three weeks removed from a 3 minute PR (3:29), which was preceded a 14 minute PR (3:32) from September. I seriously wondered if there was any improvement left in my body. I mean, I'm not 22 anymore, right? (I'm really only 27, but don't tell anyone! Shhhh!!!) I guess though, without a goal, or something to shoot for, one will never know. On the cover of that Runner's World, I wrote down "Sub-3:20 Marathon". That would amount to another 9 minute plus PR. In previous marathon attempts, I've seen big number improvements like that (13:00, 16:00, 9:00, 14:00), but as you get a bit faster, the amount of time that comes off becomes more difficult. In my mind 9 minutes at sub-3:30 is twice as hard as 16 minutes at 4:30. I may be wrong, but that's just the way I see it. In February I got into the Bank of American Chicago Marathon and it was ON LIKE DONKEY KONG!! Hahaha! Or whatever the cool kids say these days! I'll spare you the race recap as you can read it here in an earlier post, but with a 3:10 on Marathon Sunday, I not only crushed the sub-3:20 goal, I destroyed it and qualified for Boston in the process. GOAL #4 - CHECK (DESTROYED!!!)
Goal #5
During 2012, I ran 1623 miles. A number that I looked at almost in disbelief. At the same time, I wondered if I could possible get to 2,000 miles. I was planning some significant changes to my training that I knew would add mileage and if I stayed healthy, I could surely get close, right? On Saturday, December 7th, I surpassed the 2,000 mile mark. With more than 20 days left in the year I would say that I crushed this goal as well. GOAL #5 - CHECK
Walking Away.......
As I started planning how to get to the marathon goal of sub-3:20, I wanted to make sure that I had more than one chance at this during the year. Getting in two marathons during a fall racing season is a challenge, both physically and mentally. After having such an incredible race in Chicago, mentally I don't think I ever 'checked back in' to my training. I completed the each of the runs and went through the motions, but never got to that determined point of focus needed for me during marathon training. Physically, I was a little nicked up as well. All of the miles and the hard workouts for the past 6 months were starting to hurt. Pain that was tolerable, but ever-present. I knew that I needed time off and that certainly didn't help my mental state. On 12/14 I was to run the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, AL. I had run this race last December and knew the course was one that I could post a good time.
Saturday morning the rain started pouring about 3 a.m. At 6:00 when I got up for coffee and breakfast, still pouring. At this point physically I'm still in for the start. Mentally I checked out months ago! At 7:00 still pouring as I start putting on my running gear. 7:15 while looking out the window of my hotel room, I see that the empty lot across the street looks more like a lake than it does anything else. I decided at that point that mentally I was not prepared for 26.2 miles on that day. I sent a simple text message to Nate that read "I'm out! Heading back to bed." 30 minutes later we were both walking away from the start line looking toward the next year of running, the next race and the next goal to fall on the list. I found myself 'justifying' my decision throughout the day before finally coming to peace with it. Knowing deep down that the marathon is something that I expect to be able to give my best effort and anything less can be a greater disappointment.
So, as I walk away from 2013, and prepare to run into 2014, I am incredibly thankful for the health that I have and the ability to even try these things. I'm also very thankful for the incredible experience of 2013. I'm extremely thankful for the friends and peers that I've met through running. Most of them inspire me in one way or another to be better at what I'm doing. Others of them teach me how to be better. And all of them, and I mean all of them, will gladly talk your ear off about running!
Merry Christmas (Yes, Christmas! You know, immaculate conception, the manger, wise men, 'franken-scent' and baby Jesus) and Happy New Year to you all.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Reflecting on Goals
While cleaning up around the house tonight I found the Runner's World magazine that I read while on a plane to the Dominican Republic for my New Years vacation last year. On the cover of that, I wrote down some 2012 accomplishments and 2013 goals. It's very interesting to look back and see that 2012 was full of personal records just as 2013 has been. I see a trend here.........and I like it! In 2012, I set new PRs in the 5K, Half-Marathon, and Marathon. Two of which I updated this year (didn't attempt a half-marathon). I look back on those times and recall how happy I was with that success and how eager I was to continue to work hard and find out how much improvement is left in this body. It is almost time to start thinking about goals for 2014, but, there's still a month left in 2013 for some hard work and hopefully improvement.
I skipped writing about my training last week because things got a bit crazy with another high mileage week and work related deadlines. The end of the year is coming and you'd think that the sky is falling. Just so you know, it ain't fallin'! That said, let's start with last Saturday's 'long run'.
Saturday
This is the run that I like to treat as a race. The training plan calls for 15 miles and my goal is to get to marathon pace, or better. So, why not race? The Viva La Diva 10 miler was this day and I recall Jackson Miller, Kevin Christian and Courtney Terrell running this race last year as a training run. By golly, if you can run this course at or better than your goal marathon pace, you can run a marathon even faster. Lower your goal pace buddy! Holy crap! 10 miles up, down, up, down and up more. 2.5 mile warm-up followed by 10 miles of hills into the wind. 3rd place overall, 2nd overall male, 1:10:31 for a 7:03 pace. I'll take it. Notice, no 2.5 mile cool down to get to 15 for the day. It was cold enough and that race freaking hurt!
Sunday
The weather on this day just plain stunk. I was a bit banged up from racing the day before and only really needed 8 miles of running. I decided that I'd stay indoors and mix up my training with an hour on the bike. Good call. The knees and hips needed this one.
Monday
Start of the last high mileage training week of the year. 2 Mi. WU, 7 x 1 Mi., 1 Mi. CD. Wasn't able to get this in at lunch when I wanted because of a dentist appointment. Got to the track after 4:00 p.m. and knew I was going to finish in the dark. Had my headlamp ready. Temps started dropping as dark came and this workout got tougher with each progressive mile. I did learn that I'm capable of pacing myself pretty well without being able to see my watch.
Tuesday
Another day of running in the dark. I really hate training this time of year! 10 miles in and around, and around, and around my neighborhood. Ugh. Took it pretty easy, but really just wanted this one over with as quick as I could.
Wednesday
I had a little time in the schedule and the temps cooperated. I had to escape the office. Ahhhh! What is that in the sky? Oh, it IS the sun!!! 55 Degrees and 10 miles later I'm eating lunch at my desk. Hate doing that, but it was so worth it on this day!!!
Thursday
Another good weather day. 64 degrees for a nice and easy 6 miles. Typically, Thursday is an 'off day', but in my highest mileage weeks, these miles are for volume only. I try to work on different things as I work through these miles. Stride length, foot fall, lowering my hands and running relaxed.
Friday
Cold air is starting to move in again and by Sunday it will barely reach the freezing mark for the high. 11 miles today at 7:30 pace. Friday runs are supposed to be faster and hopefully as fast as marathon pace, but in a high mileage week, this is very good for me. Nice confidence builder.
Saturday
The last really long training run of the year. 22'ish miles and the goal is to be done in less than 3 hours. That brings me in at about 8:00 per mile. Not trying to set land speed records, but not trying to slack off either. This is a comfortable pace that I know I can hold for a good while. Temp was 35 at 6 a.m. when we started and the first day I've broken out the running tights. Have I mentioned that I hate training this time of year??? Daniel, Katie, Chris and I went out together and at about mile 5 ran into Jackson, Ashley Evans and Emily Mack. Of course, they were getting after it a bit faster than we were and rather than slowing down for us, we sped up for them. Even at this :30 per mile faster pace, I felt very comfortable and that I could hold it all day. It was good to catch up with each of them even if for just a couple of miles. This turned out to be a really, really good run. Chris decided in the last 3 or 4 miles to push the pace. While Katie and I didn't exactly keep up, we stayed on the gas pedal and brought this thing home. 21.6 miles at 2:53. I'll take it!
Sunday
After laying on the couch most all day Saturday and sleeping late on Sunday, I needed to get moving. It wasn't going to warm up at all today so let's go. Sort of like taking a band-aid off, the quicker you do it, the less it hurts. 33 degrees when I started and 11 miles at 8:15 pace. The first 10 of these miles sucked, each one progressively worse. As I passed the 10 mile mark, I remembered that I was closing in on 80 for the week. This last one might have been the easiest, most enjoyable mile of the week.
Grand total of 80.04 miles for the week and a boost of confidence after finishing the week in some tough weather conditions. I told a friend that's a new runner that the distance makes you physically stronger, but the elements make you mentally stronger. I may have gotten a bit stronger mentally this week. Maybe the time off my feet the previous Sunday helped, but I didn't feel like I'd been run over by a Mack Truck yesterday when I wrapped things up. My favorite time of the training cycle is here....Taper Time <insert sarcasm here>. Less than 3 weeks till we blast off in Rocket City.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Back to Training
As my alarm started chirping at 4:30 a.m. this past Saturday, I realized that it was really time to get back to training. Since chasing down that elusive Boston Qualifier in Chicago in mid-October, I had either slept late and completely avoided a long run, or raced a 5K. I had also taken the time to watch my nephew, Kale, play basketball and hang out with my niece, Kinsley. Oh yeah, and I had been eating like a horse!!! All of which were very much needed.
With this lack of structure, for me, comes a lack of focus and motivation. I got my BQ, so now what? Do I relax a bit and try to enjoy running a marathon as a 'tourist'? Or, do I continue to work hard and see how much improvement is left within this training year. I mean, heck, that 3 hour mark is only 10 minutes away. ;) So, a week or so ago, I decided the latter. I need to know if it is possible for me to improve on this 3:10:17 marathon time. Therefore, it's back to training.
Monday
What a better way to find out if there's improvement left in this training cycle than starting off with a hill workout! This was tough. I haven't been on the hills in over a month. The goal with my hill work is to be at or lower than 5K pace. With the time change the day before, I knew that I needed to try to squeeze this in during my lunch hour to keep from having to do it in the dark. 9 x Hills with a 2 Mi. warm-up and cool-down. Got very close to my preferred paces and was probably a little fast on my WU/CD miles.
Tuesday
Totally did not expect this run the day after a hard hill workout. Nate was in town and he's trying to pack on the miles as well. We both needed to get in 10'ish miles and had planned to do this relatively easy. Yeah, right!!! Seems that every time he and I run together we go faster than we plan. This is good as I think he and I both relax a bit and just run. We were able to carry on a complete conversation the entire way and knocked down 10 miles in just over 1:15. I think we both got a nice boost of confidence from this run.
Wednesday
While the temperature was good on this day, the rain arrived just as I started running. I needed another 10 miles and hadn't run with East Nasty since Chicago. I started almost an hour early to make sure I got in 6+ prior to the short EN route. While I don't horribly dislike running in the dark, and definitely don't mind running in the rain, I absolutely despise running in the dark AND the rain. 6+ by myself before EN. 4 mile EN route with Eric Block, Josh Furnier, and Mark Miller, all of whom left me in the last half mile. The legs just didn't respond when those guys took off.
Thursday
This was intended to be a very easy run just to remind the legs that running is what we do. I got started just as it was getting dark and knew that I was going to be rushed for time. The legs felt pretty good and I turned it up just a bit. Finished 6 miles at just under 7:30 pace.
Friday
This is the beginning of my weekend series. My training this year has me doing half the distance of my long run on the day before and the day after. Twenty-two was the goal for Saturday, so this run called for 11. The idea of the Friday run is to be aggressive and attempt to get to marathon pace. I didn't quite make it there, but knocked out 11 at 7:35 pace. Felt relatively good about this effort.
Saturday
Yep, Long Run Saturday. 22 Miles and I left my vehicle at 5:55 a.m. This was the day of the Hard Rock Marathon in Nashville and I knew that a.) I needed to get started well in advance of the race and b.) I'd have to change my route a bit to avoid the bulk of the race traffic. The goal for my effort was slow and steady and just knock down the miles. Time on the feet means more to me right now than any aggressive effort on this number of miles. I got to 14 miles before encountering any significant race traffic. This turned out very good for me. Nothing like a 'race' setting to push me a bit faster than I was running. Once getting into this race traffic, it appears that I unintentionally picked up the pace about 20-30 seconds per mile. Hmmm......competitive? Somewhere in this traffic, or maybe the numbness of the brain at 17 miles, I forgot how to do math and ended up cutting the last portion of my route short by about 3/4 mile. Finished with 21.27 miles at just over 8:00/mile.
This run hurt! While I felt good late in the run, I think the race traffic took over the brain. In passing, a young lady yelled my name. I responded, I think, but never looked and still have no idea who it was. We'll call that 'focus'! I spent the remainder of the day on the couch, napping and relaxing. I guess 22 miles after taking almost a month off from the long run wasn't my best idea ever......
Sunday
The Survival Run. 11 miles. Take it easy, slow, and exert a minimal an effort as possible. I knew that I was closing in on 80 miles for the week and needed more than 11 to get me there. Wasn't exactly sure how close. At 5.5 miles I decided to go another half mile out. That would get me awfully close to 80. This was the slowest, most methodical run I've done in a long time and surprisingly felt pretty good as it ended. 12 miles at 8:27 pace.
79 miles for the week. The Daylight Savings Time thing stinks and makes it really tough on an 'afternoon/evening runner'. This week turned out very good and gave me some much needed focus on Huntsville (12/14) and confidence. Two more really tough weeks before Taper Time (~my favorite time of the year~).
With this lack of structure, for me, comes a lack of focus and motivation. I got my BQ, so now what? Do I relax a bit and try to enjoy running a marathon as a 'tourist'? Or, do I continue to work hard and see how much improvement is left within this training year. I mean, heck, that 3 hour mark is only 10 minutes away. ;) So, a week or so ago, I decided the latter. I need to know if it is possible for me to improve on this 3:10:17 marathon time. Therefore, it's back to training.
Monday
What a better way to find out if there's improvement left in this training cycle than starting off with a hill workout! This was tough. I haven't been on the hills in over a month. The goal with my hill work is to be at or lower than 5K pace. With the time change the day before, I knew that I needed to try to squeeze this in during my lunch hour to keep from having to do it in the dark. 9 x Hills with a 2 Mi. warm-up and cool-down. Got very close to my preferred paces and was probably a little fast on my WU/CD miles.
Tuesday
Totally did not expect this run the day after a hard hill workout. Nate was in town and he's trying to pack on the miles as well. We both needed to get in 10'ish miles and had planned to do this relatively easy. Yeah, right!!! Seems that every time he and I run together we go faster than we plan. This is good as I think he and I both relax a bit and just run. We were able to carry on a complete conversation the entire way and knocked down 10 miles in just over 1:15. I think we both got a nice boost of confidence from this run.
Wednesday
While the temperature was good on this day, the rain arrived just as I started running. I needed another 10 miles and hadn't run with East Nasty since Chicago. I started almost an hour early to make sure I got in 6+ prior to the short EN route. While I don't horribly dislike running in the dark, and definitely don't mind running in the rain, I absolutely despise running in the dark AND the rain. 6+ by myself before EN. 4 mile EN route with Eric Block, Josh Furnier, and Mark Miller, all of whom left me in the last half mile. The legs just didn't respond when those guys took off.
Thursday
This was intended to be a very easy run just to remind the legs that running is what we do. I got started just as it was getting dark and knew that I was going to be rushed for time. The legs felt pretty good and I turned it up just a bit. Finished 6 miles at just under 7:30 pace.
Friday
This is the beginning of my weekend series. My training this year has me doing half the distance of my long run on the day before and the day after. Twenty-two was the goal for Saturday, so this run called for 11. The idea of the Friday run is to be aggressive and attempt to get to marathon pace. I didn't quite make it there, but knocked out 11 at 7:35 pace. Felt relatively good about this effort.
Saturday
Yep, Long Run Saturday. 22 Miles and I left my vehicle at 5:55 a.m. This was the day of the Hard Rock Marathon in Nashville and I knew that a.) I needed to get started well in advance of the race and b.) I'd have to change my route a bit to avoid the bulk of the race traffic. The goal for my effort was slow and steady and just knock down the miles. Time on the feet means more to me right now than any aggressive effort on this number of miles. I got to 14 miles before encountering any significant race traffic. This turned out very good for me. Nothing like a 'race' setting to push me a bit faster than I was running. Once getting into this race traffic, it appears that I unintentionally picked up the pace about 20-30 seconds per mile. Hmmm......competitive? Somewhere in this traffic, or maybe the numbness of the brain at 17 miles, I forgot how to do math and ended up cutting the last portion of my route short by about 3/4 mile. Finished with 21.27 miles at just over 8:00/mile.
This run hurt! While I felt good late in the run, I think the race traffic took over the brain. In passing, a young lady yelled my name. I responded, I think, but never looked and still have no idea who it was. We'll call that 'focus'! I spent the remainder of the day on the couch, napping and relaxing. I guess 22 miles after taking almost a month off from the long run wasn't my best idea ever......
Sunday
The Survival Run. 11 miles. Take it easy, slow, and exert a minimal an effort as possible. I knew that I was closing in on 80 miles for the week and needed more than 11 to get me there. Wasn't exactly sure how close. At 5.5 miles I decided to go another half mile out. That would get me awfully close to 80. This was the slowest, most methodical run I've done in a long time and surprisingly felt pretty good as it ended. 12 miles at 8:27 pace.
79 miles for the week. The Daylight Savings Time thing stinks and makes it really tough on an 'afternoon/evening runner'. This week turned out very good and gave me some much needed focus on Huntsville (12/14) and confidence. Two more really tough weeks before Taper Time (~my favorite time of the year~).
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Mama said EAT!!! - A Chicago Marathon Race Recap
I've tried for more than a week since race day to gather my thoughts, bask in the glow of a BQ, and attempt to write something that even the non-runner can comprehend. I'm still going to bask in this glow of a BQ for the next year+ while I wait to get to run Boston on a Monday in April of 2015. I think the smile in the photo above has become permanent and I still don't fully believe what took place 10 days ago.
In October of 2009, I ran my first marathon. It was my attempt at, as I say often, "getting into ridiculous shape" and making some significant changes in my life. That day, I ran a 4:29:36 and was absolutely tickled to death, but when I crossed the finish line, I knew that I could do it faster and I set out to prove it. It seems like decades ago that I started this process and writing it down makes me realize just how quick of a process this has been.
So, how did this all shake out? You wouldn't believe it if I told you! Heck, I don't even completely believe it! But here goes.
Friday
I flew to Chicago from Nashville on Friday afternoon. I received a text message from Bree Roy (who also qualified for Boston in this race) telling me to get to the airport early as the security line was long and, she and Eric had missed their earlier flight because of it. I got to the airport in plenty of time, the security line was normal for Nashville and proceeded through with no problems and the flight was on-time. The plan all along was to get checked in to the hotel and then make my way to the Expo on Friday afternoon rather than waiting till Saturday. Everything worked perfectly. Upon arriving to the expo, I expected to deal with long lines, but to my pleasure, I walked right up, got my bib and made my way through the expo. Again, everything worked perfectly. By doing this, I free up my Saturday almost completely.
Saturday
The goal was to sleep late, but that didn't exactly work. I was up by 8:30 or so and knew that I needed to get in a short run. The sooner the better. From my hotel, the Navy Pier appeared to be just over a mile by looking at a map and it was a straight shot (so I didn't get lost), so that's the direction I headed. Nice and easy, getting stopped at almost every traffic light, my Garmin ticked off a mile just before getting to the Navy Pier. I decided to keep going to 1.5 and as I got onto the pier, I decided to ramp up the speed for a quarter mile or so. Wow, this felt so stinking good! I felt fast, lite and strong. At 1.5 miles, I turned back toward the hotel and took it easy, getting caught at a couple less traffic lights, and returning to the hotel in just over 23 minutes.
Back to the traffic lights for a second. How do people that live in massive cities get in quality, long, consistent runs without getting stopped at traffic lights every other block?
The rest of the day was mine to do with as I pleased. The hope was to be in bed by 9:00 p.m., so whatever I wanted to do, I needed to get started. After a shower, Jennifer and I walked from the hotel to the start line. The idea was to see how long it would take me to get there should it be necessary that I walk the next morning. I think all of the marathoners that were not at the expo on Saturday were on the streets of Chicago. The city had a buzz about it and everyone seemed to be there for the same reason. The start line and most everything around it was barricaded. We could get close enough to visualize the enormity of the event that would be taking place the next morning. We walked from the start line, to the finish line, and to the only real hill on the course, just before mile 26 on Roosevelt Blvd., between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
From there I wanted to go to NikeTown to see what marathon related gear they had that wasn't at the expo. I was specifically after a marathon related Visor. This is my 'collector's item' from most races, but it seems a lot of races don't do visors, but rather the runner's hat, which, in my opinion, suck! Found my visor! Still everything going perfectly. Lunch next, then a nap....or Cardinal's Baseball! This was game two of the NLCS and needless to say, there was no nap. WACHA, WACHA!!! CARDS WIN 1-0. Still........perfectly.
Now, dinner! I'm not a firm believer in the traditional carb loading dinner of the runner. In fact, most of my reading and work with my nutritionist suggests that carb loading at dinner may be a bit late for carbs. For a late lunch, I had an enormous bowl of spaghetti and dang that stuff was good. My pre-long run meal has been the same since I started this process. Filet Mignon, baked potato, mac n' cheese. Fleming's was right around the corner and we were able to get in early and right to a table. Again, perfectly.....and in bed by 9:00. Of course, sleep is something completely different. Wide awake at 1 a.m. when I decided to take a shower that didn't help at all. I think I slept about 3 hours. Plenty to run a marathon, right?? haha! Let's find out.
Sunday
Race Day!!!! CHRISTMAS DAY!!!! Finally. I've worked all summer for this race and a chance to improve on what I did last December. I told people leading up to race day that if I had a bad day, I would come home with a new PR and if I had a good day, I would qualify for Boston.
4:45 - Awake and heading downstairs at the hotel for coffee and something to eat.
5:30 - Bathroom. Coffee worked like a charm! :)
5:45 - Dressed and ready to walk to the train station 2 blocks away. On the walk, ran into Ashley Evans (1st marathon and BQ) and her mother, who were walking to the start line. Told them how far the walk was and convinced them to ride the train. I'll take credit for Ashley's 2:48 marathon as I saved her legs for the run and not that walk to the start line! LOL!!! Completely joking because she's an incredible runner. Maybe I can take credit for 15 seconds of that... ;) Train to the closest stop and I'm there by 6:20 and all part of the plan. With the changes to security as a result of the Boston Marathon incident, no one knew what to expect and I wasn't going to chance showing up later than necessary and not getting to my corral. Made it in with almost no hassle and was able to hit the porta-potty, twice. Damn coffee!
7:15 - The Wheelchair athletes roll to the start line. My corral starts cheering each of them. Cold chills follow.
7:20 - Wheelchair start.
7:27 - National Anthem - As the anthem starts, the microphone start to cut out. A few lines into it people in the corrals start singing. Now it seems we have 40,000 National Anthem singers. More cold chills and again everything going perfectly.
7:30 - Gun goes off and it's ON!!!! Cold chills until I started moving and got to a slow trot. The interesting part about this marathon is that the first 5 corrals required a previous marathon/half-marathon time to get into. Meaning, everyone around me was equally as fast, or faster. This was dangerous because when they start moving, they don't dilly-dally around and I'm just the guy that would get sucked in and go out way too fast........and I did. First mile in the 6:50s, first 5K in the 6:50s and I'm feeling very, very good. As we finish the first 5k, we are heading out of the city and into Lincoln Park and some sort of farm. I thought I had gotten lost and ended up in the corn fields of Illinois. Who knew there was a farm in the middle of the city of Chicago??? Not me!
Ok, back to racing.......next 5K at 7:01. About this time I realize that I'm approaching Wrigleyville. Yep, home of the Cubs. I start looking around for any signs of baseball life and there are none. I realize that its October and that the city of Chicago typically moves on from baseball about mid-June (obligatory Cubs fan jab!). Oh well, back to running. Next 5K at 7:02. I looked at my watch at when I heard mile 8 click. I think it was 55-56 minutes. My goal was to be at 8 miles every hour. I was ahead of pace and still felt good, but this was fast...way fast for me, or so I thought.
Next 5K, 7:04. Almost half way and back to the city. Beginning to wonder how long I can keep this up. Do I slow down and take it cautiously or do I go for whatever this has to offer. Yep, going for it! Keep it up. I'm right behind the 3:05 pace group and running very comfortably. Dreams don't come without risks!
Halfway and I post a 1:32 flat. 4 minutes faster than my previous half-marathon PR.
Mile 16 at 1:53 and way ahead.
Mile 17 in 2:00. Still feeling good and chugging back toward downtown Chicago. I know that I've got my BQ now as I'm still right on the 3:05 group. Now, how much can I get. How low can I go? Let's find out!!!
Mile 20 and the last bit of gel to push me toward the finish line. Water stop just caught me off-guard. I've got a mouthful of gel and I know that the next water stop is a mile away. I've got to stop and get water. 1st cup has just a splash in it, need more. Walked to get another one. I've lost 15-20 seconds here and maybe more importantly, a bit of momentum. I've fallen off the 3:05 group and lost sight. DANG IT!!!!
Mile 22 and I'm starting to hurt a bit. Still turning out 7:20 miles, but can feel myself slowing a bit. Feet are hurting, quads are crushed and my calves feel like they could seize up at any moment. I begin to remind myself that these miles are the reason that I did 80 mile weeks and 44 mile weekends. So that I can be a bully through these miles. So that mentally I can be tough in these spots. I think about stopping but my will says to push harder. I see people dropping off to the side and stopping because of cramps as I drive by as hard as I can. Someone yells "Way to go Hagan!!!" or something like that. I was in a daze and look over to see Eric Block. What a pleasant sight. "What's up E?" And I'm gone!
Mile 23 brings me to Michigan Ave. I know what's left and must keep pushing. A guy carrying the 3:10 sign runs up beside me. No way he's pulling away from me. Can't believe that I'm now roughly 5 minutes off the 3:05 group. Did I lose that much momentum because of crappy timing with a gel and water stop? Or, am I just hurting and beginning to slow that much. Either way, this joker is not getting away from me. I know what's left, does he?
Mile 24 and I'm tightening even more. This doesn't feel good at all. Can I hang on? Doubt begins to enter my mind. Dangerous. Not cool. I remind myself of 80 miles weeks and that I'm a freaking bully out here!
Mile 25 feels like it's 95 degrees on a mid-August day. Where'd that sun come from? Where's that cool breeze that I felt when I was near U.S. Cellular Field? Oh wait, that was the sucking wind from the White Sox! LOL!!! About a quarter mile in I see the massive big screen monitor at the end of Michigan Ave. That's where I turn to hit the hill. I've got this. I'm on a 3:10:00. Holy CRAP!!!! Am I really doing this? I try to pick up the pace but picking up my legs is a huge chore. Big screen getting closer. Guy in front of me looks like a very legit runner. I've had him in sight now for a mile or so. We approach the turn and he pulls off to the side and grabs his calf. Oh crap!!! If he goes down, what's going to happen to me??? I refocus. Hill ahead. Hope he makes it but I don't have time for him. The hill........I own this. I train in Nashville and don't avoid the hills. I pass 6-10 people as I climb. I make the turn and there it is! My Christmas present......the Finish Line.
FINISH
I think the look on my face in the photo above says enough. Either finish this or die trying. The 'die trying' might be likely. I've just passed the 26 mile marker. 385 yards to go. Spectators line the finish chute. Bleachers full of people and they roar. At this point, that's all I hear and drive toward the finish line. I make it and stop my Garmin. Garmin says 3:10:18 and I finally get my legs to stop moving. I hurt so freaking good that I let out one the most primal yells ever. I DID IT!!!! And the tears begin to flow. People look at me like I need medical help, asking if I'm OK. I respond with "I"m amazing, I'm heading to Boston!!!" The smiles that I get back reinforce the feelings that race through me.
The finish line chute seems to carry on forever and mostly empty. I realize that there are only about 2,000 runners that have made it there. I'm ahead of the masses that will soon experience similar feelings as they cross the finish line. WOW, this is a different feeling. Where is everyone? Oh well, keep moving, medal, keep walking, picture 1, picture 2, picture 3, banana, Gatorade, keep walking, picture 4, more tears, keep walking.
3:10:17 is what appears to be my finishing time. Wow, 4:43 faster than I needed to qualify for Boston. Never once did I believe that I could go this fast. The day before the race I said that if I could run an average 7:15 per mile pace, that would give me a 3:10:00, and then I shrugged it off as not even possible. Well, I nailed it!!! BAM!!!!! I was a bully those last few miles and I punched this marathon right in the freaking mouth! haha!!! Although, considering how sore I was for the next few days, I think it may have won the fight. I just got in a few good punches!!!
When I got to my phone, I had 30+ text messages and more than 35 Facebook notifications. I hope that I was able to respond to all of them in an appropriate way. I thank all of those who sent messages of encouragement and congratulations. This is something that 4 years ago I never even thought of and was tickled to death just to finish a marathon.
After a walk back to the hotel and a shower, it was time to eat. Mom, being a mom, is worried because I'm too 'skinny' and I 'look sick'. I told her in the days leading up to the race that regardless of how I ran that day, I was going to crush some Chicago-style deep dish pizza after it was over. Seems everyone else in the city had the same plan. 30+ minute wait, while standing. Get me a straight Coca-Cola, on the rocks! Medium, Sausage, Pepperoni pizza for me. What's everyone else having??? Mama said EAT!!! And I was taught to do what mama says! (well most of the time anyway!)
After pizza, back to the hotel to relax. More emails, text messages and Facebook messages. Wow, this is overwhelming. I had no idea that so many people were pulling for me. During this time I was trading text messages with my oldest niece, Kinsley. She's such an awesome kid and was keeping track of me throughout the morning. I tried to explain to her what this meant to a runner. Told her that Boston is like the Super Bowl of running. She told me that I was "the best runner!!!" and that she loves me. More tears even though I know that I'm simply the "best runner she knows"! I love you too Kins!
2 hours later a message from Eric and Bree. Let's meet up and celebrate just a bit. More food! Yes, still starving after crushing that pizza, and hey, mama said to eat!! ;)
Everything that I needed to go right for a great race did. Flights on time, expo early, easy Saturday, start-line early and coffee did it's job. 50 degrees at start time with a slight breeze. Perfect day for racing! An even more perfect day from start to finish. I saw a quote from someone the week before my race that stated "The harder you work, the luckier you get." I got really lucky on this day but hopefully it's because I worked so hard to get here.
This has been an incredible ride!!! I've learned that dreams do come true and that I'm solely responsible for making sure that MY dreams come true! CHECK! This dream just came true!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
11 days till Christmas???
I'm reminded daily of what it's like to be a kid waiting for Christmas!
11 more days of this tapering mess and then I GET to run 26.2 miles and try to do it faster than I ever have before.
The marathon itself is much more of a mental struggle than it is physical. I never actually believed this until I first attempted it. Sure, it is a physical battle and you must prepare, but the mind, wow, it is absolutely the most powerful muscle in the body! This taper thing is strictly mental training!!! While the body is recovering from the 80 mile weeks, the mind is stressed because you want to run and, per tapering rules, can't run nearly as much as you want or feel you should be. Not that I want to be injured, or wish that on anyone, but I think an injury is easier to deal with than a taper. UGH!!!
11 more days of this tapering mess and then I GET to run 26.2 miles and try to do it faster than I ever have before.
The marathon itself is much more of a mental struggle than it is physical. I never actually believed this until I first attempted it. Sure, it is a physical battle and you must prepare, but the mind, wow, it is absolutely the most powerful muscle in the body! This taper thing is strictly mental training!!! While the body is recovering from the 80 mile weeks, the mind is stressed because you want to run and, per tapering rules, can't run nearly as much as you want or feel you should be. Not that I want to be injured, or wish that on anyone, but I think an injury is easier to deal with than a taper. UGH!!!
Another good week of training in the books. 50+ miles and I felt like a complete slacker because I didn't do more.
Monday started the week with a speed work session of hill repeats. I've actually come to love this workout. I know that when it's finished, I've improved. 2 Mi. WU, 7 x Hills, 2 Mi. CD for a total of 8 miles. I've also noticed over the summer that my warm-up and cool-down miles have gotten progressively faster. This is extremely encouraging for what is to come.
Tuesday - 6 Miles
I'm trying to approach this taper unlike previous marathons. My goal is to push the pace on every run that I do. Regardless of how many miles these days call for, I want to be gassed at the end of every single one of them. I'm also learning how to gradually ramp up the speed. This one started right around 8:00 per mile and finished close to 7:00 per mile. Now, for some of you, that's a bit slow. For me, that's getting after it and fortunately, I wasn't gassed when I finished but rather ready to run. Tapering sucks!
Wednesday - 6 Miles
A couple of years ago I responded to a Facebook request from a friend regarding an opening on a Ragnar Team for later that week. I had no idea what I was getting into, but jumped at the chance. Turns out the bulk of this team ran regularly with the East Nasty running club. I had always done all of my training on my own, had never run or trained with a group and didn't know what to expect. Since then, this group has become a regular part of my training. Being surrounded by like-minded people help confirm that I'm not the only one doing this and that I'm at least moderately sane for attempting some of this stuff. Being surrounded by people that are faster than me pushes the competitive side of me to run harder, faster and to not be outran by. On this particular night, I went out with the 'Fasty Nasties'. These guys/gals are the people that make it look effortless, as if they are gliding or floating. These are the people that win all the local races and compete in the national races. The people who, if they run the marathon, simply show up and qualify for Boston. I clearly did not fit in, but I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone and kept up for more than half of the 4 mile run. I've got a lot to learn and a long way to go to keep up with these guys/gals, but I'm closer today than I've ever been.
Thursday - OFF DAY
These days freaking stink right now. I'm not running enough to deserve a scheduled off day. Tapering sucks!
Friday - 8 Mi.
The weather is starting to round into form for a nice fall marathon. This day was a bit warm when I started, but the humidity was very low. I returned to my very familiar Stones River Greenway, hills and all. This is my 'home' track. Something I've never done during training is shy away from hills, in either long or short runs. I firmly believe this makes me a better runner. Gravity is both amazing and sucks, all depending on which side of the hill you are on, and the quicker you get to the top of the hill, the quicker you get to take advantage of the amazing side of gravity. Knowing this track allows me to be strategically aggressive and vary that strategy from day to day, depending on how I feel or even if I want to try out something different.
Saturday - 15 Mi.
This would be the last of the early morning long runs. 4:30 a.m. I despise you! Anyone that knows me knows that I hate morning and hate getting out of bed! I would rather sleep till noon and work until 10 p.m. than carry regular office hours. I'd rather run in the evening heat of the summer rather than the cool of the morning. Regardless, this summer, I've gotten up at 4:30 a.m. every single Saturday to get my long run done. This has served two purposes. One, to beat the heat of the summer on my long run, although, this summer was very mild in comparison to last year. There's nothing worse that 20 miles in 90 degree heat. And two, to open up the rest of the day for 'Lake Time'! Last long run complete.
Sunday - 8 Mi.
The past 16 weeks, these runs have been about survival. This one turned into a rather speedy 7:30 pace run. I really like how my body is responding to these faster runs. I feel a bit sluggish early on, but after a mile or so, it's time to drop the hammer and go!
I feel like a kid in the days before Christmas. Constantly wondering if Santa is going to show and what will be waiting for me under the tree when I wake up, if anything. 5 days ago, I started looking at the 10 day forecast for something that was 16 days away. I know, silly. I looked at it while I was at lunch today too, still 11 days out! If you were wondering, there's a 60% chance of rain in Chicago on Friday, October 11th. Nervous energy and excitement abound and many sleepless hours during the night because of it. I think tapering really is like a kid waiting for Christmas!
Monday started the week with a speed work session of hill repeats. I've actually come to love this workout. I know that when it's finished, I've improved. 2 Mi. WU, 7 x Hills, 2 Mi. CD for a total of 8 miles. I've also noticed over the summer that my warm-up and cool-down miles have gotten progressively faster. This is extremely encouraging for what is to come.
Tuesday - 6 Miles
I'm trying to approach this taper unlike previous marathons. My goal is to push the pace on every run that I do. Regardless of how many miles these days call for, I want to be gassed at the end of every single one of them. I'm also learning how to gradually ramp up the speed. This one started right around 8:00 per mile and finished close to 7:00 per mile. Now, for some of you, that's a bit slow. For me, that's getting after it and fortunately, I wasn't gassed when I finished but rather ready to run. Tapering sucks!
Wednesday - 6 Miles
A couple of years ago I responded to a Facebook request from a friend regarding an opening on a Ragnar Team for later that week. I had no idea what I was getting into, but jumped at the chance. Turns out the bulk of this team ran regularly with the East Nasty running club. I had always done all of my training on my own, had never run or trained with a group and didn't know what to expect. Since then, this group has become a regular part of my training. Being surrounded by like-minded people help confirm that I'm not the only one doing this and that I'm at least moderately sane for attempting some of this stuff. Being surrounded by people that are faster than me pushes the competitive side of me to run harder, faster and to not be outran by. On this particular night, I went out with the 'Fasty Nasties'. These guys/gals are the people that make it look effortless, as if they are gliding or floating. These are the people that win all the local races and compete in the national races. The people who, if they run the marathon, simply show up and qualify for Boston. I clearly did not fit in, but I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone and kept up for more than half of the 4 mile run. I've got a lot to learn and a long way to go to keep up with these guys/gals, but I'm closer today than I've ever been.
Thursday - OFF DAY
These days freaking stink right now. I'm not running enough to deserve a scheduled off day. Tapering sucks!
Friday - 8 Mi.
The weather is starting to round into form for a nice fall marathon. This day was a bit warm when I started, but the humidity was very low. I returned to my very familiar Stones River Greenway, hills and all. This is my 'home' track. Something I've never done during training is shy away from hills, in either long or short runs. I firmly believe this makes me a better runner. Gravity is both amazing and sucks, all depending on which side of the hill you are on, and the quicker you get to the top of the hill, the quicker you get to take advantage of the amazing side of gravity. Knowing this track allows me to be strategically aggressive and vary that strategy from day to day, depending on how I feel or even if I want to try out something different.
Saturday - 15 Mi.
This would be the last of the early morning long runs. 4:30 a.m. I despise you! Anyone that knows me knows that I hate morning and hate getting out of bed! I would rather sleep till noon and work until 10 p.m. than carry regular office hours. I'd rather run in the evening heat of the summer rather than the cool of the morning. Regardless, this summer, I've gotten up at 4:30 a.m. every single Saturday to get my long run done. This has served two purposes. One, to beat the heat of the summer on my long run, although, this summer was very mild in comparison to last year. There's nothing worse that 20 miles in 90 degree heat. And two, to open up the rest of the day for 'Lake Time'! Last long run complete.
Sunday - 8 Mi.
The past 16 weeks, these runs have been about survival. This one turned into a rather speedy 7:30 pace run. I really like how my body is responding to these faster runs. I feel a bit sluggish early on, but after a mile or so, it's time to drop the hammer and go!
I feel like a kid in the days before Christmas. Constantly wondering if Santa is going to show and what will be waiting for me under the tree when I wake up, if anything. 5 days ago, I started looking at the 10 day forecast for something that was 16 days away. I know, silly. I looked at it while I was at lunch today too, still 11 days out! If you were wondering, there's a 60% chance of rain in Chicago on Friday, October 11th. Nervous energy and excitement abound and many sleepless hours during the night because of it. I think tapering really is like a kid waiting for Christmas!
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