For the Beoir and such

Chicago Marathon 10/12/08

What a day. Its a day that I will never forget as long as live. I was really nervous not knowing what my body would do during the race and what to expect after 20 miles. I took Saturday as a complete rest day, no touring the city with my friends. I stayed back with Brian at their house while my wife went shopping. My nerves seemed to lighten up from that point on. Had a good night sleep and felt ready when I woke up at 5 am. Crystal and I headed out to the train to downtown. As we took the 40 min train ride we talked about the past races we had run. Its funny to me that in the past 2 years of running races 5k’s to a half marathon we are now headed to the ultimate of running events, The Chicago Marathon. Man we are nuts. At each stop along the train, more and more runners get on. All I am sure feeling the same sense of excitement and a little unrest of whats to come. We hit our last stop and head to her office so we can use the restrooms their instead of dealing with the crowds down at the start line. We went to her desk and looked out the window down to the start line. WOW what a sight. I have never seen so many people in one area in my life. It was time to make our way down to the start line. We made the 3 block walk and said are goodbyes and a last high five for luck.

I walked over to where the 4:15 pace group was. The problem I ran into was they were all the way over on the right side of the road and I was stuck behind a fence on the left side and could not get to them. I climbed the fence and jumped over along with the other runners. As I pushed my way across the mass of people to try my best to get as close to them, I realized that in any other event people may have been more upset with me for pushing my way over. Not the runners in this marathon, they were all first class. Once I get over there the National Anthem is sung and I am standing there in awe of what I am feeling. The mass crowds and the excitement is really a rush that you would just have to feel for yourself, my words would do it no justice. They then let the elite runners go. Its amazing to me that I am running this race in these world class runners. Then they let the rest of the field go. Slowly we reach a point that we can see the start line. I got to talk to a few people there, some like me doing their first marathon. I finally reach the starting line and my Marathon journey is about to begin.

As I cross the start line I raised my arms with the other runners and wave at the mass crowds that cheer us on our way. It was reported that there was an estimated 1.5 million people watching us run the race. That is awesome. We hit the tunnel and go underground for about a 1/4 mile. Already I was sweating like crazy. It was so freaking hot under there. I made the decision then that I needed to stop at every aid station for gatorade. The 4:15 pace group took off so fast that I was already about 1/4 mile behind them, but I still had them in my sights. I know they ran the first few miles faster then the projected pace. I got stuck behind some slower runners in the mass of runners and started to drop back even more. I was at this point on a 10 mile min pace. I hit the 5k marker and could still see them up in the route. So I picked it up to catch up. The closest I would come would be a 9:49 pace. The crowds were so packed at the start of the race and made the first 6 miles go by really fast. As I started to reach around Wrigleyville area I was suppose to try to see my wife there. I missed them there as they were on the right side of the road and I was on the left. There was still so many runners that you could not see the other side of the street with any clarity. Miles 8-12 went with realitive ease, though my goal of a 4:15 marathon was gone. I knew I could not catch back up and pushing it at this point would have ruined my marathon. So I changed my goal to a 4:20 or so.

I hit the halfway point and my left foot started to go numb. Not good. By mile 17 is was no longer numb but throbing with pain. Every step hurt and my goal then was just finish. It was about this time that my fortune kind of changed. I ran up to this girl that looked familiar. It was my wifes best friends, brothers wife. (thats a lot to say in one sentence). She was dealing with a knee problem and dropped back from her husband, so we both needed this time to run with someone. I for one was feeling pretty lonely out there. Not seeing my wife along the race and running alone with no music was getting to me. Not to mention at this point in the race the crowds were thinning out and the sun was taking its toll on us. We ran together for about 3 or 4 miles. At mile 20 I could tell that there was no way I could hold this pace up and would probably have to start to walk at some point. We walked through every aide station and that became to much for her as she started to cramp up and needed to keep running. I told her that I appreciated the time we ran together and told her to go a head.

Miles 21 - 24 were the hardest 3 miles of my life. I have never felt so bad in my life. I started to get a slight cramp in my knee, my foot was yelling at me to stop every step of the way. I decided at this point that I would walk a little bit. I am glad I did, my pace had dropped so far, but my heart rate was still high. I knew at that point that the heat now had taken its toll and I was about to over heat. I took any water, ice, sprinkler I could to cool myself down. It was around this time that the 4:30 pace group paced me and I tired to keep up with them and feed off of them. That would soon fade as well.

At mile 25 the crowds picked up and so did the sun. There was absolutely no shade to be found. I pushed as hard as could and ran more then walked during this time but still was feeling pretty bad. I just kept saying to myself forward is forward. Then the crowds got larger and larger, the end was near. I got excited and ran the last 1.2 miles straight. We reached the only real hill on the course just as you crest the hill mile 26. I was so excited at this point the end was near. I made the left hand turn and the most glorious sight was ahead. The finish line. I can say at this point my emotions all most got the best of me and almost cried. As I crossed the finish line with my arms raised I realized I did it, I am a marathoner.

Truly the best part of the marathon though was when I finally saw Kelly at the runner reunite area. I was so glad to see her. I could not have gotten through the 18 weeks without her support and understanding! 

Congrats to Crystal, Philip, Katie, Billy, Bill, Dave and Brenda for a job well done. It was rough out there at times and from all the reports I have read we all faired better then some. 

Marathon Training for July

Miles ran = 94.2

Tempo sessions = 5

Best Tempo = 3 miles in 24:48 (8:16 pace)

Longest run = 12 miles

Here are June’s numbers.

Miles Ran - 47.1

Total time spent running - 7:27:53

Tempo runs - 3

This is the least amount of miles I have put in a month this year. Due to a  week off before the Marathon training and the lower starting mileage with this program. Overall though a good month. I got some quick tempo workouts in. I have seen a steady increase in my speed for each 3 mile tempo run. Now starts the increase in mileage. July will have me back up to close to 100 miles again.

Well week 2 is done of Marathon Training. Started out with a nice tempo run on Tuesday, Negative Split day on Wed, and a Easy run on Thursday. Saturday’s long run was 7 miles. I decided to hit OHB for the first time since December. I kept pace the whole way except for the last mile, mostly due to the hill in the sub division. Over all a great week of running. So far 2 weeks done and I have not run on the treadmill yet. I am enjoying the early morning runs before work. I feel more energized and allows me to focus more on my strength training after work. Week 3 is a down week with only 3,4,3, and 5 mile runs. So I look forward to a little break.

Well week one of marathon training is in the books. Tuesday’s run was a nice tempo run at Crockett Park. Wed and Thursday, I got up early before work and got my 3 miles in. Saturday I got out late due to our Yard Sale, so I went to the park again around 1:30. The heat got to me that mile or so, but I still managed to run faster then my projected marathon pace. So with week one down and 17 more weeks of training before the big day, I am feeling good and think I have a very doable plan. Ahh but I do hate summer running! This week the temps will be nice so I should not have any problems, give it another few weeks though!

So on Saturday I had this wonderful idea of running the Brentwood Greenway. I have been running the trails behind the YMCA on Concord road all last week and loved it. So I thought well lets try the Greenway. From where the path splits off of to the end of the Greenway is only 5.35 miles. So if I did the whole thing out and back would be around 12.7 miles. I have not run this far since Tom King and was curious  if I still could run close to race pace for this distance. On the Nashville Striders website there was a post about this route. It said there was a massive hill on Raintree Parkway. So as I ran out there I thought if I feel good I may go all the way down to the end, but if I don’t then I will just turn around and shorten my run. The weather was cloudy and cool, great running weather! I felt good and really wanted to see this hill for myself. Once arriving to said hill, the wise descision would have been to turn around and run back to the park. No, I have to see if I can conquer said hill. As my oxygen deprived brain and legs finally reach the half way point. This litte Asian man runs past me like I am standing still. He is all smiles and loving life. Meanwhile I am wishing death would take me. I reach the top of the hill, glad that my hamstrings can get some rest. The downhill then caused my quads to scream for mercy. As I run down the hill it dawns on me that I will have to run up this hill on the way back. What a MORON! I really did not intead to make this long run such a challenge. If I did I would not have run the 9 miles on Tuesday at faster then race pace. Now on the way back to the big hill it starts to rain. Ahh Tom King all over again. This time I am not prepared for it and get soaked from miles 6 through miles 11, but I don’t care I just want my hamstrings to stop screaming at me. I get back to the Crockett Park area and the thought of running 13 or more miles faded fast. I managed to cap this run off at 12 miles. I have never been so glad to see my car in my life.

When I look back at the run it was a great day. I kept a respectable pace of 9:30 (for me that is) over a very hill route. I got my mileage in for the month and even with 4 days off hit 100 miles for March. I just was not expecting the hill to be a 200 ft incline. I will be ready next time. Which will be a long time from now. My legs are still a mess from this run. Now on to a 5 mile race on Saturday. I pray there are no hills!! 

The hopes that the weather man was going to be wrong about the rain today soon faded with the sound of rain hitting the roof. I woke up at 5 to feed the dogs and get myself some breakfast and drink some water. I turned on the weather channel and sure enough rain and thunderstorms were on the menu for today. The only thing that gave me hope was that the winds were not going to be bad until after 11 am. So I got showered and dressed. I was feeling strong and determined not to let the rain interfere with my race. I drove over to my friend Crystal and Brian’s house to ride with them to the race. We were getting there early so we could see our friend John race in the 5k. We got there right as the gun went off for his race. We got to see him take off and he was soaked. Our time was to come. We waited for him inside the Titans Stadium so we could stay nice and dry. I was getting cold from just wearing shorts and my tech shirts. I had a rain coat on and debated running the race with it on. I am glad I opted for the .99 poncho from Target.(Best money I spent all week). I waited as long as I could so see him finish, but well nature called. The line for the 3 stalls was very long as nature called for a lot of runners. John finished and met back up with us in the stadium. They called out 5 min to go for the 1/2. I debated for a mere moment just going home. The thought of running 2 hours in the cold rain or going home to a nice hot cup of coffee was almost too much. Crystal and I stepped out in the rain and at that point my attitude changed. I mean I was now soaked so might as well play it out. The gun sounded and we darted across the starting line to the sounds of Bag Pipes. Its one of the best parts of this race.

I wanted to start out slow and get my pace going. I felt strong and soon realized I could do this. Mile 1 came in around 9:10. I then realized that my garmin was slightly off from the mile markers. At this point I did not worry to much about it as it did not seem that far off. Miles 2 and 3 I settled in to where I wanted around a 9:20 pace. During this point we crossed into the green way and the scenery became nil. I decided to pick up my pace earlier then I planned. I was feeling good and figured I could keep my pace. I hit miles 4-10 at about my goal pace of 9:05. I was feeling strong, although my legs were getting a bit sore at mile 10. I looked at my hr and it was right where I wanted it. 3 more miles to go. One interesting note at about mile 10. It seems that as runners, some do not care where or when a pit stop is needed. On one side of the trail was a port a potty on the other side a man standing right off the trail peeing. I mean I understand when you got to go, you got to go. But really can you not run back to the porta potty.

Mile 11 proved to be a bit of a challenge and hit over 9:15, this may have proven my down fall. At this point I looked at my garmin and realized that I was way above pace. Enough of above pace that I thought I would make up any difference that the course and the garmin were off by. Mile 12 came in at around 9:10. One more to go. I came over the last hill and the wind really picked up. Luckily it was to my back and gave me a push to the finish. At one point I hit close to 8 min a mile. We ran around the stadium and down the ramp that the players use. I could see the grass of the field and I knew I was almost done. Mile 13, in the stadium and I could see the finish and others on the jumbo-tron screen. I sprinted as fast as I could to the finish. Crossed with a gun time of 2:01:38 sec. I thought to myself I did it. I did it. The garmin said 1:59:16. When I was walking up the ramp I noticed my watch was still running. I though thats odd I know I hit the stop button. Later at breakfast when my blood ran back to my brain and the french toast and greasy bacon provided much needed refuling, It dawned on me that the Garmin stopped when it reached 13.1 miles. Um Houston we may have a problem!

Well the times came in and indeed I missed my goal by 8 FREAKING SECONDS!!!!. UGHHHH I hate that my brain did not work well enough to realize that my splits were that far off. I thought it was only like .5 to .1 off, but I guess it was more than that. I know I should probably not be as disappointed as I am, but I am more mad at myself for being stupid then anything else. I learned a lot from this race and I will not make this mistake again. I am learning that with running there are many ways your race can take a twist. The weather, pre- race fuel, fuel while you race and then there is you the runner. I miss judged this one and I know I left a sub 2 hour out on the puddled roads.

In the end, 12 weeks of training made me more confident in my running. I have gained strength, endurance, and speed. I felt great the whole race and I knew I trained the best I could and it showed. My previous best at this distance, not a race but just trying to run that far was 2:04:00 plus. So in the area of just improving I did. One goal for the year, finish a 1/2 is now complete. Now on to my next goal. Chicago in October.

Kelly and I opted for the romantic dinner at home instead of fighting the horrid crowds and the usual dictated menu. So in honor of this night I made the dish that I made when I proposed to her,

So I came home and set our dinning room up to look as romantic as possible, which for me can be a challenge. I Purchased a dozen beautiful red roses to put on the table and then worked on dinner. We started out with some bruschetta that I made with some of the leftover fontina cheese and roma tomatoes. Very tasty. The main course is Baked Rigatoni with Bechamel Sauce. Very simple to make but is a very rich and flavorful dish. Its one of those meals that the moment you taste it, it just comforts you. Kelly made a perfect salad to go along with the pasta. I paired this meal with a bottle of Fetzer Gewürztraminer. The slight acidic and sweet nature of the wine cut right through the creaminess of the baked rigatoni just perfectly. For dessert I made a decadent Chocolate Mousse. It was super rich and got my blood sugar level going. We had a great evening without ever dealing with the long lines and a over priced restaurants idea of a romantic night out.

The Flowers

The appetizer

The Baked Rigatoni

The sugar rush!

So in my half marathon training, I was suppose to do a 10k race. Not really feeling the need to spend anymore money on racing right now, I set out to create my own 10k race. I must say the pre and post race activities were very lack luster. I picked Long Hunter State Park for my mock race. The two mile loop around the lake is scenic and flat, which was my only real reason for picking this route. I also was very curious to see if the Garmin would work out there as this will be a mid summer haven due to all the trees. I set out to do negative splits and try to stay as close to 1/2 marathon pace as I could. Well the first mile came in at 9:15 not bad, although at one time the Garmin says I hit close to 12mph running. I would like to think I was that fast, but I think it was just a GPS glitch. I was feeling good, I thought to myself 9:15 was faster then I wanted. Mile 2 would prove I was not pacing myself very well as I did it in 8:48. Ok negative split yes, but by no means do I think I can hit 4 more miles at under 8:48. The rest of the run proved this point with splits of 9:00,9:00,9:04,9:03 and the last .2 in 1:36. Total 10k time of 55:46. I was spent and a little mad at myself for not following what I knew I should have done. I think I could do the course next time faster if I did not go out so fast.

 January ended up a good month. I hit my 100 mile mark. I am now half way training for the 1/2 and everything feels good. I also registered for the Chicago Marathon on October 12th!!! This will be my first Marathon. A few friends will be running this with me so it should be a great weekend. Its a bit daunting to think of running a Marathon at this point. The 1/2 on March 15th will be a good gauge of what I think I can do the full in. We shall see, it will be a lot of training this summer.

Well in a dramatic series of events on Friday, a miracle happend. We are still in buisness and look to be stronger then ever. It was a week of ever changing emotions and the outlook looked bleek. When in the 11th hour we pulled together and got someone to come through and give us some time to figure out our future. This whole processes has brought me to the point that I do love my job and it is something I am willing to fight for. If change was to happen then I know I would have made it through just fine with the help of my wife and friends. I am glad that I can still do what I came here to do and I feel God still has work for me to do at this job. So I now wait to see what his great plan is.