I'm pretty unemotional about virtually everything. I like to say that I'm made of stone inside, and I attribute that to seeing things that don't relate to me, and not dwelling on them. I don't really know how to explain it, but I could watch horrible story after horrible story on the news and not really thing anything of it because it doesn't really affect my life or what I do, or who I know. Probably doesn't reflect well on me, but that's just the way it is. But the Boston Marathon bombing this year got to me.
It got to me because I know what that finish line is like. It got to me because I know what those people have put in to get to Boston (not that I have accomplished it, but I have an idea of what it entails). I know what it means to those families to see a loved one work so hard for a goal, and then realize that goal. Like I said, when I can relate to it, I feel more for it, and I certainly feel for all of the people that had their lives turned upside down by this disatrous event. The end of a race, especially the end of a marathon, is a time of unbridled joy, of masked pain, of exhaustive relief, and of incredible pride. The marathon itself is less of a challenge than the 18 weeks of training, with early morning workouts and 20 mile training runs, and thus the entire day turns into a giant party. I don't remember feeling anything other than excitement when I ran in Des Moines in October, because all the work had been done. To cap off that training, you get to go compete and give everything you have, knowing that you don't have to get up on Tuesday and go run. Then you rehash the events with your peers, and have a laugh, a banana, and a beer. That entire thrill was erased for the people that did not get to finish and their families who did not get to see that happen. And that is without mentioning all the people that now have emotional and physical damage, and well as painful memories that will no doubt haunt them forever. Families constantly having to replay the loss of life, the loss of limb, and the loss of peace within themselves and their surroundings for, well, forever. It's upsetting to say the absolute very least.
I've been behind in training because of my foot, but I think it's getting better. While my goal of a Boston Qualifier is out the window for 2013, my resolve to get my foot back and qualify for Boston ASAP is as strong as ever. I want to be there to experience the peak, but also to grind it out with survivors who have braved their own misgivings and wounded souls to venture back to the course, to the very spot, where so much was taken away from them. I want to hear stories about where they were, what they did, and let them know that even though I could in no way understand what they have been through, that I share a bond with them through a fighting spirit and a competitive drive to attempt to not let anything rattle us or get us down. Every runner out there feels the same way, no doubt, because we've all experienced that crossing of the line that brings about the warm emotions of gratification and accomplishment, and possess a sadness when we know one of our own has the opportunity taken away from them. I write with a heavy heart for all affected, I really do. I hope for nothing but the best to come out of such a horrific and thoughtless situation. Until next time...later.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sock Effect
So to wrap up the first week of Hospital Hill training, it's going slow. I did not get outside like I hoped, and I only put in 6 miles, but those 6 miles were relatively pain free. I attribute that to extra stretching, the new Adidas Energy Boost shoes that I'm currently rocking, and the beginning of using the Strassburg Sock.
I've been fighting this plantar fasciitis for so long that I feel like I've tried about everything I could to fix it, short of wearing a hard splint to bed, or wearing some sort of walking boot throughout the day. I had no interest in wearing something all day and taking time off from running. I did end up taking time off from running, so I guess it was bound to happen anyways. Now that I've been using the sock for about a week, I think I can say that I've soon improvement. I still have to do a stretching regimen when I wake up, but I no longer feel the constant dull pain that would accompany every time I woke up from sleep. It took a few days to get the hang of using this Sock, mostly because wearing it too tight would stretch your toes too much, but now that I'm figuring it out, it feels good.
Can't say for certain that this will help anything with regards to running, but for the time being, I think its working well. The true test will be once I hit the fourth week of training and start to really step forward. The first three weeks I'm using to ease back into a full running schedule. Back to back days only on the weekend, and skipping a long run on the first Sunday, followed by reducing the long run mileage on the following Sunday's. I think that's where we are. Frustrating, but not getting too upset about the whole thing. It is what it is. Until next time....later.
I've been fighting this plantar fasciitis for so long that I feel like I've tried about everything I could to fix it, short of wearing a hard splint to bed, or wearing some sort of walking boot throughout the day. I had no interest in wearing something all day and taking time off from running. I did end up taking time off from running, so I guess it was bound to happen anyways. Now that I've been using the sock for about a week, I think I can say that I've soon improvement. I still have to do a stretching regimen when I wake up, but I no longer feel the constant dull pain that would accompany every time I woke up from sleep. It took a few days to get the hang of using this Sock, mostly because wearing it too tight would stretch your toes too much, but now that I'm figuring it out, it feels good.
Can't say for certain that this will help anything with regards to running, but for the time being, I think its working well. The true test will be once I hit the fourth week of training and start to really step forward. The first three weeks I'm using to ease back into a full running schedule. Back to back days only on the weekend, and skipping a long run on the first Sunday, followed by reducing the long run mileage on the following Sunday's. I think that's where we are. Frustrating, but not getting too upset about the whole thing. It is what it is. Until next time....later.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Burning it to the Ground
So yeah, all those large expectations and goals I had placed on myself...
In my head, the ongoing battle I've been having with a moderate case of plantar fasciitis would have been resolved by now. It comes with the high-arch having territory that I occupy that I'm going to be prone to a PF bout at some point. Little did I know or could I have imagined that nearly 5 months after I ran the Des Moines Marathon that I would still be battling it to the point that I have spent more than three months not running at all in an effort to heal this injury up. You know how good not running is for your running program? It's terrible.
Basically, 2013 is going to be a wasted year, and I've accepted that. No Boston Qualifier. No PRs. Nothing. Hardly any races. Most likely no marathon. I'm skipping a 10-K this weekend because I can't put together 10 minutes on a treadmill without getting winded, let alone 10 Kilometers on concrete and asphalt. The whole situation has gone from frustrating, to upsetting, to absurd, to comical, and every other direction in which it can be taken. As recently as the third weekend of January I was cranking out 6 miles on the treadmill, sore sole and all, and felt like even though it was uncomfortable, I was going to get through it and gut it out because eventually it would just get better. But the amount of stretching, icing, resting, icing, stretching, etc. did not matter at all. It never got better. It never got worse, but at the same time I could tell that subtle changes in the way I approached a run were affecting other areas of my legs, like my knees or my hips. Finally, once February started I just decided to shut it down for good and work to try to find any remedy I could. Extra stretching sessions, walking slowly on high inclines to stretch the calf, more chiropractic sessions to loosen up problematic muscles, compression sleeves designed for the soles, and more have led me to right now, where I'm starting completely over. For real this time.
I've only got one goal in mind and that is to run and finish Hospital Hill. The 12 week program starts today, and I don't care if my foot tears in half, I'm going to finish this program and run that race. Maybe it is only because of their 40th anniversary medal, or maybe it is stupidity, but I still have it in my mind that I can finish and have a good race on June 1st. I'm down to what I consider to be a final hope for a permanent solution. I've invested in a device known to aid PF called the Strassburg Sock. It is basically like a soft splint that you wear while you sleep in an effort to keep you sole in a constant state of flex, that way the foot won't try to repair itself in a non-stretched position. The theory behind this is that the foot can heal in a stretched position, and it won't go through the motions of being torn (for lack of a better word) each morning when the first painful steps are taken. I'm giving this sock a shot, and if that doesn't work, the possibility of a cortisone shot exists. Why go to that length? Well, the part that drives me the most nuts is that while my foot is sore constantly, I know that it isn't going to get worse. My tendon isn't going to snap by running on it, and if I can find a way to mask it while running, I think I'll be in good shape. I don't know. Maybe I'm making too much out of this. As it stands, I'm simply hoping that this thing heals, and if not, I'm just going to have to toughen up, I suppose. Thanks for reading. And as always...until next time...Later.
In my head, the ongoing battle I've been having with a moderate case of plantar fasciitis would have been resolved by now. It comes with the high-arch having territory that I occupy that I'm going to be prone to a PF bout at some point. Little did I know or could I have imagined that nearly 5 months after I ran the Des Moines Marathon that I would still be battling it to the point that I have spent more than three months not running at all in an effort to heal this injury up. You know how good not running is for your running program? It's terrible.
Basically, 2013 is going to be a wasted year, and I've accepted that. No Boston Qualifier. No PRs. Nothing. Hardly any races. Most likely no marathon. I'm skipping a 10-K this weekend because I can't put together 10 minutes on a treadmill without getting winded, let alone 10 Kilometers on concrete and asphalt. The whole situation has gone from frustrating, to upsetting, to absurd, to comical, and every other direction in which it can be taken. As recently as the third weekend of January I was cranking out 6 miles on the treadmill, sore sole and all, and felt like even though it was uncomfortable, I was going to get through it and gut it out because eventually it would just get better. But the amount of stretching, icing, resting, icing, stretching, etc. did not matter at all. It never got better. It never got worse, but at the same time I could tell that subtle changes in the way I approached a run were affecting other areas of my legs, like my knees or my hips. Finally, once February started I just decided to shut it down for good and work to try to find any remedy I could. Extra stretching sessions, walking slowly on high inclines to stretch the calf, more chiropractic sessions to loosen up problematic muscles, compression sleeves designed for the soles, and more have led me to right now, where I'm starting completely over. For real this time.
I've only got one goal in mind and that is to run and finish Hospital Hill. The 12 week program starts today, and I don't care if my foot tears in half, I'm going to finish this program and run that race. Maybe it is only because of their 40th anniversary medal, or maybe it is stupidity, but I still have it in my mind that I can finish and have a good race on June 1st. I'm down to what I consider to be a final hope for a permanent solution. I've invested in a device known to aid PF called the Strassburg Sock. It is basically like a soft splint that you wear while you sleep in an effort to keep you sole in a constant state of flex, that way the foot won't try to repair itself in a non-stretched position. The theory behind this is that the foot can heal in a stretched position, and it won't go through the motions of being torn (for lack of a better word) each morning when the first painful steps are taken. I'm giving this sock a shot, and if that doesn't work, the possibility of a cortisone shot exists. Why go to that length? Well, the part that drives me the most nuts is that while my foot is sore constantly, I know that it isn't going to get worse. My tendon isn't going to snap by running on it, and if I can find a way to mask it while running, I think I'll be in good shape. I don't know. Maybe I'm making too much out of this. As it stands, I'm simply hoping that this thing heals, and if not, I'm just going to have to toughen up, I suppose. Thanks for reading. And as always...until next time...Later.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Starting From Scratch
I need to build, desperately. Taking seven weeks off with no running or exercise at all, as well as completely letting go of my sensible eating and an increase in beer drinking has put me in a pretty familiar position: the guy who doesn't want to go the gym even though all of his clothes are starting to fit pretty damn tight. That's me. That was me 3 years ago when the first silly notion of running even entered into our sphere. 2.75 years later, here I am still discussing the ups and downs of taking time off, fighting injuries, dominated and winning races, and how to be as good as you can be. I think I've had times where I've been as good as I could have been, namely, the 2011 KC Half Marathon. Other times, I've taken the easy way out, like not properly icing and stretching my hips plantar fascia like I should. If I'm going to put myself to be in a position to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I need to focus and refocus like I never have before. Knowing the goal is one thing, but executing it at the needed level is something I am unfamiliar with. I'm going to have to learn as I go, and if I don't learn enough this time around, maybe I will next time.
Like I said in the title, I feel like this is a fresh start. I've got 2137 miles under my belt in nearly 3 years of running, but I think I lost a little portion of it by taking this seven week break right after Des Moines. I was so pumped and so relieved to be finished with a tough training cycle, that I really let it out. Lots of beer drenched mornings (after working 3rd shift, remember?), lots of fried foods (had previously gone 8 months with nothing fried), etc, etc. Needless to say, when the opportunity at work arose to join a Biggest Loser type weight loss competition, I jumped at the chance. I just couldn't get myself motivated to loss this extra 15-20 pounds (depending on which scale I'm on) and this has helped me figure things out in the past regarding my nutrition, my calorie intake, and my ability to put the nose to the grindstone.
In the past, I've been able drop pounds early and then plateau later, and I would assume that to be the case this time around, but I'm working harder than ever to push down to 160. Currently, the scale at work has me at 187.5, while the scale at home has me at 174. The only one that matters in the scale at work, so I need to look at this like I have ballooned up 25 pounds since August. The good thing is I've been through this before, and occasionally have lost my way, and a little bit of a jump start usually does the trick to getting me back on track. I look at it like I've got 10 weeks to jump start into a summer of Hospital Hill and then Marathon training. It's going to be a rocky start, but there are no excuses this year. No self-limitations. Until next time...later.
Like I said in the title, I feel like this is a fresh start. I've got 2137 miles under my belt in nearly 3 years of running, but I think I lost a little portion of it by taking this seven week break right after Des Moines. I was so pumped and so relieved to be finished with a tough training cycle, that I really let it out. Lots of beer drenched mornings (after working 3rd shift, remember?), lots of fried foods (had previously gone 8 months with nothing fried), etc, etc. Needless to say, when the opportunity at work arose to join a Biggest Loser type weight loss competition, I jumped at the chance. I just couldn't get myself motivated to loss this extra 15-20 pounds (depending on which scale I'm on) and this has helped me figure things out in the past regarding my nutrition, my calorie intake, and my ability to put the nose to the grindstone.
In the past, I've been able drop pounds early and then plateau later, and I would assume that to be the case this time around, but I'm working harder than ever to push down to 160. Currently, the scale at work has me at 187.5, while the scale at home has me at 174. The only one that matters in the scale at work, so I need to look at this like I have ballooned up 25 pounds since August. The good thing is I've been through this before, and occasionally have lost my way, and a little bit of a jump start usually does the trick to getting me back on track. I look at it like I've got 10 weeks to jump start into a summer of Hospital Hill and then Marathon training. It's going to be a rocky start, but there are no excuses this year. No self-limitations. Until next time...later.
Monday, December 31, 2012
So 2012 is wrapping up...
I suppose I should go ahead and write about what this year brought me in my running. I haven't kept up in a great while, so here goes.
It is tough to qualify my running in 2012 as either a success or a failure. It is easy to see both sides of the coin. I could easily call 2012 a failure because I did not hit any of the time goals I had set for myself this year. I was hoping to break a 20 minute 5K, a 45 minute 10K, a 1:40:00 Half Marathon, and a 4:00:00 Marathon. Like I said, I did not hit a single one of these time goals. Granted, I only ran one 10K, one Half Marathon, and one Marathon, the point remains that I set a goal and missed, where as in 2011 I hit every goal I set out to achieve. What was the difference this time around? Not pushing myself enough? I don't think that is the case, because I thought I was more consistent throughout the year compared to the previous two years. I would have to just guess that the smaller number of races I decide to partake in kept me having multiple chances at better times. Oh well.
On that note, I could consider 2012 a success. I was able to win two different 5K races (one age group, one Male division), which was awesome. I dropped 12 minutes from my Hospital Hill Half Marathon time and nearly 44 minutes from my Marathon time. The only 10K I ran in was solely to keep a multi-year streak of participating in the Brew-to-Shoe 10K going, and I used that race only to practice running at a certain pace. I ran a good time and a personal best in that race, all while running at a steady, but not all out racing, pace for the course.
I guess you could take the bad with the good. I managed to stay healthy all year with the exception of a raging case of Plantar Fasciitis that popped up right after the Des Moines Marathon. Also had a hip issue, but that seems to be ok now. I will end up running 817 miles this year, which feels like less than last year, but I'm not sure.
So what will happen in 2013? I'm going to race more, first off. It is fun, it usually goes to a good cause, and I'm much more experience at knowing how to run my best. Second, I'm going to attempt to qualify for Boston this year. I know, it probably is too much to ask to drop 56 minutes in one year in a marathon attempt in one year, but I've got my plan set out, and I'm going to execute it to the best that I can. First things first is to go run the St. Patrick's Day 10K in Manhattan in March. So, thanks again for reading, and until next time...later.
It is tough to qualify my running in 2012 as either a success or a failure. It is easy to see both sides of the coin. I could easily call 2012 a failure because I did not hit any of the time goals I had set for myself this year. I was hoping to break a 20 minute 5K, a 45 minute 10K, a 1:40:00 Half Marathon, and a 4:00:00 Marathon. Like I said, I did not hit a single one of these time goals. Granted, I only ran one 10K, one Half Marathon, and one Marathon, the point remains that I set a goal and missed, where as in 2011 I hit every goal I set out to achieve. What was the difference this time around? Not pushing myself enough? I don't think that is the case, because I thought I was more consistent throughout the year compared to the previous two years. I would have to just guess that the smaller number of races I decide to partake in kept me having multiple chances at better times. Oh well.
On that note, I could consider 2012 a success. I was able to win two different 5K races (one age group, one Male division), which was awesome. I dropped 12 minutes from my Hospital Hill Half Marathon time and nearly 44 minutes from my Marathon time. The only 10K I ran in was solely to keep a multi-year streak of participating in the Brew-to-Shoe 10K going, and I used that race only to practice running at a certain pace. I ran a good time and a personal best in that race, all while running at a steady, but not all out racing, pace for the course.
I guess you could take the bad with the good. I managed to stay healthy all year with the exception of a raging case of Plantar Fasciitis that popped up right after the Des Moines Marathon. Also had a hip issue, but that seems to be ok now. I will end up running 817 miles this year, which feels like less than last year, but I'm not sure.
So what will happen in 2013? I'm going to race more, first off. It is fun, it usually goes to a good cause, and I'm much more experience at knowing how to run my best. Second, I'm going to attempt to qualify for Boston this year. I know, it probably is too much to ask to drop 56 minutes in one year in a marathon attempt in one year, but I've got my plan set out, and I'm going to execute it to the best that I can. First things first is to go run the St. Patrick's Day 10K in Manhattan in March. So, thanks again for reading, and until next time...later.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Des Moines 2012: The Aftermath
Check it. I actually found time and motivation to put together a new blog post. Try not to pass out. I have been sporadically updating this blog over the past year, basically since I ran that first Disney Marathon, mostly because I don't think anyone wants to hear about the mundane running routines that come with marathon training. Following the same posts that read "Oh, had a nice four mile run today" for 18 weeks on end turn my brain off, let alone the brain of someone that isn't me. I'm not interested in blogging about the real world, so in between significant running events, we get this lull, and for that I apologize. I'm certainly as boring as I appear.
Now that we've got that cleared up, let us talk about the 2012 Des Moines Marathon. After Disney, I swore I would never, ever run another marathon. But as time went on, I was able to analyze why things didn't work out as well as I had wanted. First, mainly, was experience. Having not done a full 26.2 miles before, nothing could have prepared me for the "wall" that you hit around mile 20. Yes, there are numerous accounts out there of people hitting the "wall", but until you actually hit it for yourself, you just can't be ready for it. Second, the issue I had with my shoes. I had switched to some fancy Brooks shoes that absolutely did not work with my foot and orthotic insert. They were far to narrow, and they were causing my feet to sit in the shoes improperly, almost angled. This led to me hurting in all the wrong spots on my feet and knees. Third, the travel. Working overnights had altered my sleep schedule to the point that I had to either try to sleep on the flight to Orlando, or just stay up and hope to quickly return to a normal sleep schedule. Neither really happened. I was unable to sleep on the flight, and really not very able to sleep overnight. By the time running the race came around, I was pretty gassed, and adrenaline could only take me so far, as I lumbered through the last 8 or 9 miles just hoping it would end.
So why would I sign up for another marathon after swearing them off? Well, mostly this running business has awoken some sort of competitive fire that I never knew I had. I mean, I've won an age group and a men's division in two separate 5K races in the past three months. I constantly want to improve on my running times, and have been very diligent at sticking with my training plans and goal times, while also figuring out when to push myself, and when to just run an easy run. Having said that, my goal was to improve, but also to improve at a rate that would have me running where I thought I should have been running back in January, as naive as that thought would appear to be at this point. I originally thought I could run a marathon in 4 hours, which seemed laughable after that first one, but I knew after the fact that conditions were not favorable for that to occur. Would things be different in October for Des Moines?
It started out with a great plan, and a commitment to accountability. If I was going to run the race I wanted, I needed motivation and help. Enter Sparky, who originally asked if I would consider running the Des Moines Marathon back in April, I think. I agreed, but was determined to give it everything I had this time around. I got off track for Disney after sustaining a few knocks, so having less than ideal training backfired on me, too. That was not going to happen this time around, though. We set up a schedule of running long runs together on Sunday's, either in Lawrence or KC, as well as a few track workouts scattered throughout the 18 weeks, with the idea of making sure to hit all the runs and keeping tabs on each other. If someone was missing workouts, the evidence would be seen on Sunday's. For 18 weeks, things went about as flawlessly as could have been possible. Throughout the first 14 weeks, Sparky did not miss a single run, while I was guilty of only missing two or three (I got married and then honeymooned, so I suppose I had a reason). Times were improving, long runs became easier, and before we knew it, it was go time. Of course, I had to throw a wrench into my plans by spending a week in Boston for work, but I had reached a point, especially mentally, that I wasn't worried about it at all. I had already put in the work, even including a solo run of 20 miles two days before my flight to Boston, so I knew I was in good shape all the way around.
We got to Des Moines on Friday, after I had taken a short nap in the AM, and proceeded to hit up packet pick-up and then eat Jethro's BBQ until I felt I would explode. Damn, that place was good. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to sleep the next day as per my usual sleep schedule, as well as getting in a pre-race nap from 3 AM-5:30 AM, which is exactly what I needed. Fresh legs and rest. It was a brisk 48 degrees or so when we got outside to start warming up, but really any more, unless it is really cold, I don't notice it that much. Part of that mental toughness, I think. Sparks and I set out through downtown Des Moines on a perfect 9:30/mile pace to allow the crowd to stretch out. It took less than .20 miles for us to run right up on some asshole who decided that even though race directors in Des Moines and everywhere else around the world, as well as basic runner's courtesy, say to start in the back if you are going to walk your distance, this prick thought they were special and probably lined up at the very start of the pack to make sure they got in the most people's way that was possible. People like that should be arrested on the spot. After that, things got going well. Miles 3-9 featured pretty challenging rolling hills through some terrific neighborhoods. Lots of older, nice houses with large yards and good views from the tops of the hills. We had lots of periods of time here to slow up our runs, as there was no point in powering through these hills when we still had 22 miles to go.
After I stopped and walked a couple of times, we had reached the Drake University track, site of the famous Drake Relays. We ran a lap on the track, and then proceeded to run through the rest of campus. At the halfway mark, Sparky took his first walk break and I ran on ahead. I figured at this point, both of us were content to run the rest of the race on our own pace, so I ventured on ahead. We had hit the halfway point at 2:00:44, nearly right in line with my goal of 4 hours. As I was running through some more neighborhoods, and down the straightaway that would lead us to a prolonged downhill, I could start to feel some fatigue in my legs, and what I can only describe as an impact pain in my left foot that felt like my foot was going to split in half between the big toe and the other toes. It wasn't a blister, though, but it made handling any sort of turn absolutely brutal. But, I had come this far, I was going to power through it. I had amended my previous "run until I couldn't run" strategy to incorporate several walk breaks, as I had said before, so my legs were feeling as good as they could have been by mile 17, when we circled a lake in a park. The amount of live music and bands they had playing throughout the course was astounding. It always gave you a little boost of energy when you would run by some band playing The Doors or Weezer. That got me through to mile 20, and I was faced with the prospect of actually running a 4 hour marathon, having cleared 20 miles in 2:59:59. All I needed to do was run the final 6.2 miles in an hour. I had never run a 10K before that took more than 57 minutes, so I knew I was on track. I just had to gut it out. Things were going pretty well until mile 23 hit. I should say, until the "wall" hit at mile 23. I thought maybe I had been past that, but that was not the case. I had cleared 23 miles in under 3:28:00. 3.2 miles in under 32 minutes, a 10 min/mile pace.
But I started to cramp, and my legs cried out for rest. Over the next 3.2 miles, I could slowly see my overall pace catch up to my goal pace, and even though I hated to walk, my legs would not go on without the rest. I started to cramp in my calves, hamstrings, groin, and quads. So, basically everywhere. The final two walk periods were my ultimate undoing. I was able, after my final walk, to gut it out for just over a mile and finish with a time of 4:01:23. I'm certainly not upset. I gave it everything I had to get to that point, and just finished a touch short. My overall improvement was more than 43 minutes, so really, I have nothing to be upset about. Sparky ended up dropping nearly 25 minutes off his time, so overall, it was a great day. It took until Wednesday before I finally could walk without a tremendous amount of pain. It really is amazing how sore your legs gets the day after a marathon. All in all, I would consider the entire training cycle to be a massive success. I did put on a few pounds towards the end of the 18 weeks, but other than that, I stayed in terrific shape, avoided injuries, and had a great run and several great training runs.
As opposed to last time, I feel much more ready to attack another marathon. Traveling wasn't bad, and I'd certainly be willing to travel again. Next year, another fall marathon is on the docket, just not entirely sure of where. Hospital Hill is June 1, and I'll be for sure running in the St. Patrick's Day 10K, Brew-to-Shoe 10K, and Poyntz Avenue Mile race, all in Manhattan. I've got some lofty goals for next year. I'll come back at some point and lay them out so that they are in the air and can be used against me. Only way I'm going to hold myself to those times, right? Thanks for reading this massive update, and until next time...later.
Now that we've got that cleared up, let us talk about the 2012 Des Moines Marathon. After Disney, I swore I would never, ever run another marathon. But as time went on, I was able to analyze why things didn't work out as well as I had wanted. First, mainly, was experience. Having not done a full 26.2 miles before, nothing could have prepared me for the "wall" that you hit around mile 20. Yes, there are numerous accounts out there of people hitting the "wall", but until you actually hit it for yourself, you just can't be ready for it. Second, the issue I had with my shoes. I had switched to some fancy Brooks shoes that absolutely did not work with my foot and orthotic insert. They were far to narrow, and they were causing my feet to sit in the shoes improperly, almost angled. This led to me hurting in all the wrong spots on my feet and knees. Third, the travel. Working overnights had altered my sleep schedule to the point that I had to either try to sleep on the flight to Orlando, or just stay up and hope to quickly return to a normal sleep schedule. Neither really happened. I was unable to sleep on the flight, and really not very able to sleep overnight. By the time running the race came around, I was pretty gassed, and adrenaline could only take me so far, as I lumbered through the last 8 or 9 miles just hoping it would end.
So why would I sign up for another marathon after swearing them off? Well, mostly this running business has awoken some sort of competitive fire that I never knew I had. I mean, I've won an age group and a men's division in two separate 5K races in the past three months. I constantly want to improve on my running times, and have been very diligent at sticking with my training plans and goal times, while also figuring out when to push myself, and when to just run an easy run. Having said that, my goal was to improve, but also to improve at a rate that would have me running where I thought I should have been running back in January, as naive as that thought would appear to be at this point. I originally thought I could run a marathon in 4 hours, which seemed laughable after that first one, but I knew after the fact that conditions were not favorable for that to occur. Would things be different in October for Des Moines?
It started out with a great plan, and a commitment to accountability. If I was going to run the race I wanted, I needed motivation and help. Enter Sparky, who originally asked if I would consider running the Des Moines Marathon back in April, I think. I agreed, but was determined to give it everything I had this time around. I got off track for Disney after sustaining a few knocks, so having less than ideal training backfired on me, too. That was not going to happen this time around, though. We set up a schedule of running long runs together on Sunday's, either in Lawrence or KC, as well as a few track workouts scattered throughout the 18 weeks, with the idea of making sure to hit all the runs and keeping tabs on each other. If someone was missing workouts, the evidence would be seen on Sunday's. For 18 weeks, things went about as flawlessly as could have been possible. Throughout the first 14 weeks, Sparky did not miss a single run, while I was guilty of only missing two or three (I got married and then honeymooned, so I suppose I had a reason). Times were improving, long runs became easier, and before we knew it, it was go time. Of course, I had to throw a wrench into my plans by spending a week in Boston for work, but I had reached a point, especially mentally, that I wasn't worried about it at all. I had already put in the work, even including a solo run of 20 miles two days before my flight to Boston, so I knew I was in good shape all the way around.
We got to Des Moines on Friday, after I had taken a short nap in the AM, and proceeded to hit up packet pick-up and then eat Jethro's BBQ until I felt I would explode. Damn, that place was good. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to sleep the next day as per my usual sleep schedule, as well as getting in a pre-race nap from 3 AM-5:30 AM, which is exactly what I needed. Fresh legs and rest. It was a brisk 48 degrees or so when we got outside to start warming up, but really any more, unless it is really cold, I don't notice it that much. Part of that mental toughness, I think. Sparks and I set out through downtown Des Moines on a perfect 9:30/mile pace to allow the crowd to stretch out. It took less than .20 miles for us to run right up on some asshole who decided that even though race directors in Des Moines and everywhere else around the world, as well as basic runner's courtesy, say to start in the back if you are going to walk your distance, this prick thought they were special and probably lined up at the very start of the pack to make sure they got in the most people's way that was possible. People like that should be arrested on the spot. After that, things got going well. Miles 3-9 featured pretty challenging rolling hills through some terrific neighborhoods. Lots of older, nice houses with large yards and good views from the tops of the hills. We had lots of periods of time here to slow up our runs, as there was no point in powering through these hills when we still had 22 miles to go.
After I stopped and walked a couple of times, we had reached the Drake University track, site of the famous Drake Relays. We ran a lap on the track, and then proceeded to run through the rest of campus. At the halfway mark, Sparky took his first walk break and I ran on ahead. I figured at this point, both of us were content to run the rest of the race on our own pace, so I ventured on ahead. We had hit the halfway point at 2:00:44, nearly right in line with my goal of 4 hours. As I was running through some more neighborhoods, and down the straightaway that would lead us to a prolonged downhill, I could start to feel some fatigue in my legs, and what I can only describe as an impact pain in my left foot that felt like my foot was going to split in half between the big toe and the other toes. It wasn't a blister, though, but it made handling any sort of turn absolutely brutal. But, I had come this far, I was going to power through it. I had amended my previous "run until I couldn't run" strategy to incorporate several walk breaks, as I had said before, so my legs were feeling as good as they could have been by mile 17, when we circled a lake in a park. The amount of live music and bands they had playing throughout the course was astounding. It always gave you a little boost of energy when you would run by some band playing The Doors or Weezer. That got me through to mile 20, and I was faced with the prospect of actually running a 4 hour marathon, having cleared 20 miles in 2:59:59. All I needed to do was run the final 6.2 miles in an hour. I had never run a 10K before that took more than 57 minutes, so I knew I was on track. I just had to gut it out. Things were going pretty well until mile 23 hit. I should say, until the "wall" hit at mile 23. I thought maybe I had been past that, but that was not the case. I had cleared 23 miles in under 3:28:00. 3.2 miles in under 32 minutes, a 10 min/mile pace.
But I started to cramp, and my legs cried out for rest. Over the next 3.2 miles, I could slowly see my overall pace catch up to my goal pace, and even though I hated to walk, my legs would not go on without the rest. I started to cramp in my calves, hamstrings, groin, and quads. So, basically everywhere. The final two walk periods were my ultimate undoing. I was able, after my final walk, to gut it out for just over a mile and finish with a time of 4:01:23. I'm certainly not upset. I gave it everything I had to get to that point, and just finished a touch short. My overall improvement was more than 43 minutes, so really, I have nothing to be upset about. Sparky ended up dropping nearly 25 minutes off his time, so overall, it was a great day. It took until Wednesday before I finally could walk without a tremendous amount of pain. It really is amazing how sore your legs gets the day after a marathon. All in all, I would consider the entire training cycle to be a massive success. I did put on a few pounds towards the end of the 18 weeks, but other than that, I stayed in terrific shape, avoided injuries, and had a great run and several great training runs.
As opposed to last time, I feel much more ready to attack another marathon. Traveling wasn't bad, and I'd certainly be willing to travel again. Next year, another fall marathon is on the docket, just not entirely sure of where. Hospital Hill is June 1, and I'll be for sure running in the St. Patrick's Day 10K, Brew-to-Shoe 10K, and Poyntz Avenue Mile race, all in Manhattan. I've got some lofty goals for next year. I'll come back at some point and lay them out so that they are in the air and can be used against me. Only way I'm going to hold myself to those times, right? Thanks for reading this massive update, and until next time...later.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
7 Up
So, haven't been off spouting about marathon things lately, and since I know you are all craving an update into my training process, I figured I'd try to knock out a quick post while I had the chance.
Week 7 of training for the Des Moines Marathon is in the books. Through seven weeks, 28 possible runs, I have only missed a single run, and that was due to some extenuating circumstances. I had my shoes on ready to go out the door and something came up. The important thing is that I've been able to stay healthy, and I owe it all to Hal Higdon. For the better part of two years I ignored his advice to run easy on most runs to avoid injury. As such, I routinely missed training runs because I was hurt, either with a muscle pull or a knee strain, or something. Seven weeks in, no such issues. Just hitting my four runs a week, sometimes at race pace, other times long runs, with just a slightly sore knee, but nothing that I can't get through.
Today I finished up a 14 miler with Sparky. We've made it a point to hold each other accountable throughout training, but never more so than on Sunday's when we get together for long runs. So far, the plan is working as well as could be expected. Every long run has been at or near the goal easy pace of 10:00/mile, and I'm learning all sorts of cool spots to run in the KC area. We're both bringing the jugs of water/gatorade for that insanely refreshing post run drinking session, and so far, we're both seeing the benefits. Training with a partner is the way to go, as far I'm concerned.
As a side note, last weekend I was able to win my first age group in a race by winning the 30-34 age group in the Running for Food, Running for Health 5k in Lawrence, KS. Just a little humblebrag if you will, but I was pretty excited about it. We've got a couple of Yasso 800s sessions scheduled down the road, so we'll see how those go. Looking to get an idea of the kind of shape I'm in. Thanks for reading, and until next time...later.
Week 7 of training for the Des Moines Marathon is in the books. Through seven weeks, 28 possible runs, I have only missed a single run, and that was due to some extenuating circumstances. I had my shoes on ready to go out the door and something came up. The important thing is that I've been able to stay healthy, and I owe it all to Hal Higdon. For the better part of two years I ignored his advice to run easy on most runs to avoid injury. As such, I routinely missed training runs because I was hurt, either with a muscle pull or a knee strain, or something. Seven weeks in, no such issues. Just hitting my four runs a week, sometimes at race pace, other times long runs, with just a slightly sore knee, but nothing that I can't get through.
Today I finished up a 14 miler with Sparky. We've made it a point to hold each other accountable throughout training, but never more so than on Sunday's when we get together for long runs. So far, the plan is working as well as could be expected. Every long run has been at or near the goal easy pace of 10:00/mile, and I'm learning all sorts of cool spots to run in the KC area. We're both bringing the jugs of water/gatorade for that insanely refreshing post run drinking session, and so far, we're both seeing the benefits. Training with a partner is the way to go, as far I'm concerned.
As a side note, last weekend I was able to win my first age group in a race by winning the 30-34 age group in the Running for Food, Running for Health 5k in Lawrence, KS. Just a little humblebrag if you will, but I was pretty excited about it. We've got a couple of Yasso 800s sessions scheduled down the road, so we'll see how those go. Looking to get an idea of the kind of shape I'm in. Thanks for reading, and until next time...later.
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