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Sober response (I'm out of town and had a dinner "meeting" last night):Capella, you'll be fine. Just don't think running 5 or 6 miles a day between now & then will help. Do a good run on Saturday or Sunday of around 5 miles again and be done. Turkey Trots are typically fun races with a bunch of hung over folks from the "biggest drinking night of the year" the night before, so its not like it'll be crazy competitive.
Haven't been on FBGs much lately. But here's my update. If you remember I was planning to run the Philadelphia marathon (this Sunday) after I didn't get into NYC via the lottery. Was progressing along with my training. Running 8s on my long runs with Boston qualifying being my goal. Well, being the procrastinator that I am, I kept putting off registering for the race but had in the back of my mind that I had to sign up before Chicago after what happened last year (Philly filled up for the first time EVER due to everyone who suffered in Chicago wanting another shot). Long story short, I mixed up the dates for Chicago and when I went to register for Philly (along with my training buddies) it was closedSeriously, WTF is going on here? Racing season starts to wind down, and everyone just up and disappears?!?!Nobody running anymore?Fair weather fans....
So the next weekend I extended my planned 22 mile training run around town to 26.2 miles (3:30 for anyone who cares). Since then I've really slacked on my running and have been getting out 2-3 times per week for about 15-20 miles. Good luck with your upcoming marathon gruecd.
Sorry to hear that you didn't get into Philly P-GHaven't been on FBGs much lately. But here's my update. If you remember I was planning to run the Philadelphia marathon (this Sunday) after I didn't get into NYC via the lottery. Was progressing along with my training. Running 8s on my long runs with Boston qualifying being my goal. Well, being the procrastinator that I am, I kept putting off registering for the race but had in the back of my mind that I had to sign up before Chicago after what happened last year (Philly filled up for the first time EVER due to everyone who suffered in Chicago wanting another shot). Long story short, I mixed up the dates for Chicago and when I went to register for Philly (along with my training buddies) it was closedSeriously, WTF is going on here? Racing season starts to wind down, and everyone just up and disappears?!?!Nobody running anymore?Fair weather fans....
So the next weekend I extended my planned 22 mile training run around town to 26.2 miles (3:30 for anyone who cares). Since then I've really slacked on my running and have been getting out 2-3 times per week for about 15-20 miles. Good luck with your upcoming marathon gruecd.
. I've run the pretend marathon before as well, and it was one of the hardest runs of my life (I detested it!). It is amazingly quiet around here. My training is still progressing. I'm on an off-week this week, prior to my 18 miler next week. Oxysox are now ordered, and they'll hopefully be in before that run.I haven't run since Fall50. :( I'm back in Phoenix thru next week, finishing up on my house. Yup, I'm a fair weather fan. I can't wait to get out of these 80degree temps (87 the other day! too dang hot to run in!) and find me some fair weather (40ish, like for the Fall50).Seriously, WTF is going on here? Racing season starts to wind down, and everyone just up and disappears?!?!Nobody running anymore?Fair weather fans....
I packed mainly with house fixup in mind, so I don't have my usual running gear. I could probably use a run to shake off the aches and pains I'm getting here (painting ceilings, lugging stuff, etc). Of course, it'll be too freakin' cold to run by the time I get back to MN (21degrees right now! 
), so I'll have to pick my spots. lol
Who says race season is over? I've got a 10K on Thanksgiving, a 1/2 Marathon on 12/7, a 4-miler on New Years Eve & another 1/2 on 1/9. There is plenty of racing out there to be had if you look. I'd like to revisit and idea I threw out last year for 2009, a thread prediction run challenge. As I recall my thoughts wereSeriously, WTF is going on here? Racing season starts to wind down, and everyone just up and disappears?!?!Nobody running anymore?Fair weather fans....
ick a time window like 60 days for a race to be run, has to be a chip timed race and we'll have to be on the honor system to do it with any Garmin type device. I'd think April/May would be a good time window. For my update, I am doing more swimming than anything, swimming 2 days a week, running 1 or 2 days a week and riding the bike on the trainer on Sundays watching football. I am able to swim a mile non-stop and just did my first sub 40-minute pool mile on Thursday. I know I am slacking a bit on the running, but the races this winter are more for fun than anything else. Running right now is more fun than ever. I can't put my finger on it, but something clicked where I am running less like I am rushing to get somewhere and more like I want to just take it all in. With the addition of non-impact workouts (bike & swim) my legs feel much healthier than when I'd just run 3 days a week. Its also helped me drop my weight in to the 150s consistently for the first time since high school sports. I have this crazy thought to try and get my weight to around 155 for a tri in early June. The water will still be cold, so I'll certainly wear a full wet suit and much of the swim is with the current (Detroit River) so I should be able to fly.
Stick with 50s for now. Slow down and really focus on technique. One of the things Tri-Man advised early on for me was to count my strokes to practice my reach and see if I could reduce the numer of strokes per length. How often are you breathing? I breathe on my right side every other stroke. This was one of the first things that allowed me to lengthen my swims and develop a "pace". One more thing, try swimming as slow as you can without your feet dropping so much that you can't swim. This made me realize I can slow down, catch my breath and then speed up. Its a huge confidence builder to learn that you can control yourself like when you run, in the pool. Ask for help at the pool. Like runners, and some cyclers
, swimmers are very cool and like to share advice.
2Young2BBald said:Stick with 50s for now. Slow down and really focus on technique. One of the things Tri-Man advised early on for me was to count my strokes to practice my reach and see if I could reduce the numer of strokes per length. How often are you breathing? I breathe on my right side every other stroke. This was one of the first things that allowed me to lengthen my swims and develop a "pace". One more thing, try swimming as slow as you can without your feet dropping so much that you can't swim. This made me realize I can slow down, catch my breath and then speed up. Its a huge confidence builder to learn that you can control yourself like when you run, in the pool. Ask for help at the pool. Like runners, and some cyclersbentley said:, swimmers are very cool and like to share advice.
I highly recommend that you look into the Total Immersion Swimming products (video and/or books). Technique is the key to swimming, and you'll be shocked with the difference even subtle changes can have on your progress. I am still a relatively slow swimmer, but I'm able to do it without elevating my HR, which is my #1 priority for the swim leg.
The Rock, back for more with another marathon! You go, boy! What race is on the 3rd (since you're not waiting a few weeks to repeat Madison at May's month-end)? And has your inner ear problem settled down or gone away?Same ol', same ol' for me - cross-training without any big push. Did 400 reps on Saturday (push-ups and sit-ups/stretches ..but no lunges). Gotta keep the strength work up. I'll catch a couple of longer country-road runs up in Michigan over the holiday.
Hey, Rock. Just clicked on your blog. LaCrosse, huh? I actually saw a poster for that one hanging at the Y last week. You do realize, however, that by doing the first annual LaCrosse Marathon, you've got an obligation to keep doing it year after year so that you can one day say that you've done them all, right?Rock Lonemilk said:
So Rock got me thinking, with 2008 winding down, what are everyone's "silent sports" goals for 2009? Assuming I run 3:10 or better at Memphis, I'll have a couple of weeks of little to no running, and then I'll start a 16-week training program for Boston. I'll do the Little Rock Half Marathon in March (with my friend from Memphis) as a nice, hilly tune-up race. Assuming I'm sufficiently recovered from Boston, I'll probably do the Green Bay Half Marathon in May. The race director is a good friend of mine, and I really enjoy the course. Next fall, I'm thinking about maybe doing Chicago or New York, but if not, I'll probably head over to Minnesota by my sister and run Twin Cities.
I need to decide pretty soon, because registration opens the day after this year's race, and last year it took less than a month to fill up! Sounds like a neat challenge, but this year's cost was $245. 
Pretty steep.
Gruecd: Knowing how I typically feel the day after a marathon, the Goofy Challenge seems pretty daunting. ROCK: I've run the LaCrosse half marathon a few times (part of "the" Oktoberfest!), and that course is/was very flat and fast (I remember crossing an overpass as the only elevation it had, and it was at the very end of the run). My half PR (1:37:44) was done there in 1994, and my first half marathon was there in 1988. The best part of the race (other than the coed's nearly perfect behind which ran a 1:37:42, that I followed for ten straight miles!) was that Heileman's (brewery) sponsored the event and you were served beer as you crossed the finish line = Good times!Hey, Rock. Just clicked on your blog. LaCrosse, huh? I actually saw a poster for that one hanging at the Y last week. You do realize, however, that by doing the first annual LaCrosse Marathon, you've got an obligation to keep doing it year after year so that you can one day say that you've done them all, right?Rock Lonemilk said:
The only thing I'm still debating is whether or not I want to do the Goofy Challenge in January 2010. Two days, 39.3 miles, three medals.Pretty steep.
Time goals? I'd like to go 3:15-3:30 at Boston after last year's disappointment (3:42), but more importantly, I want to enjoy myself and feel strong the whole race. I'd also like to go sub-1:30 in a half.
Don't be a stranger! I haven't looked at a running calendar for 2009 and thus don't have anything planned yet, so I'll either cheer you on, or run it with you (well, for the first 50ft or so, until I start choking on your dust
). I'd be game for Fall50 again tho.
I had my eye on this one for 2009, but registration closed fast as you said. So, I put it on the 2010 calendar.The only thing I'm still debating is whether or not I want to do the Goofy Challenge in January 2010. Two days, 39.3 miles, three medals.
I'm going to try and talk my wife into training with me and running the half together, dressed as Goofy and Minnie. lol
I need to get in this writing now
I am hosed for tomorrow's Turkey Trot 10K (I really don't care, but I am still hosed). First, I had a cold come on real strong today, so I am treating it with burbon. Second, and much more impactful on my perfromance, I way underestimated how difficult it is going to be to run in a Santa Suit. I tried it on to pin my number on it, etc and the darn thing is heavy and there is a load of fluff around my face. My wife got the better end of the deal being Mrs Claus. It'll still be a blast, if I can breathe. I figure if I hyper-ventalate I'll just say I am Bad Santa ala Bily Bob. I really like a good sports massage too. I ask them to "kill me" with deep tissue work. I plan on getting one some time next week before heading to Vegas.I echo your Thanksgiving well wishes. I give my thanks to the crew here that has, again, helped me achive more this year than I could have ever expected.
I need to get in this writing nowI am hosed for tomorrow's Turkey Trot 10K (I really don't care, but I am still hosed). First, I had a cold come on real strong today, so I am treating it with burbon. Second, and much more impactful on my perfromance, I way underestimated how difficult it is going to be to run in a Santa Suit. I tried it on to pin my number on it, etc and the darn thing is heavy and there is a load of fluff around my face. My wife got the better end of the deal being Mrs Claus. It'll still be a blast, if I can breathe. I figure if I hyper-ventalate I'll just say I am Bad Santa ala Bily Bob. I really like a good sports massage too. I ask them to "kill me" with deep tissue work. I plan on getting one some time next week before heading to Vegas.
I echo your Thanksgiving well wishes. I give my thanks to the crew here that has, again, helped me achive more this year than I could have ever expected.
Nothing beats a drunken, sick Santa running a Turkey Trot! Best of luck, and have a blast. My Update:
.
In case I forgot to mention, be sure to Glide or Vasiline the heck out of you feet while using these, including the top of your foot by your ankle. I love them, but they are a little rough on the feet.
Great write up & congrats on the age group victoryOur town did it's very first Thanksgiving 5K today, so of course my wife and I both ran it. The race starts and ends at one of the local elementary schools, which made child care a snap: we just left our kids (1st grade and 4th grade) at the start, and fortunately a few of their school friends were there so they played in the playground while we raced. This is a huge advantage of living in a small community where everybody knows everybody else.
I'm not sure how big the field was. I would guess about 75-80 or so. There were a ton of kids running, some as young as mine. The sad thing is that I've raced with some of them before, and several are faster than me. :( Getting smoked by a 6th grader doesn't do a lot for one's confidence. It's almost as bad as getting passed by a pregnant chick, which fortunately has never happened to me yet.
Anyway, I haven't done any speed training since August so I wasn't prepared to go out and run a serious 5K. Plus, the weather conditions were less than ideal. It was about 30 at start time, but we had 15-20 mph wind gusts. Also, there were still a few patches of ice on some of the turns, so you really had to run carefully in spots. This was fine, though. I was perfectly happy to treat this as a harder-than-usual training run and just leave it at that.
So we line up for the start. I turn on my Garmin. Oops, the battery's dead. Great. I didn't bring a watch, so I now I have no way of pacing myself. This is also a brand new course that I've never run before, and I didn't even bother to look at the map, so I have pretty much no idea where we're going. Oh well. It's not like I'm going to be leading the way or anything, and this will just add to the suspense of the race I guess.
We get going, and I settle into a "comfortable-hard" pace. About a mile in (I guess -- stupid Garmin) I fall in behind a family -- husband, wife and three boys. I would guess the boys were something like 11, 9 and 7. The younger one eventually fell behind and ran with a friend of the family, but the rest were maintaining a pretty impressive pace for little kids. The annoying thing is that the 9 year-old kept cutting just in front of me every time we reached a corner; we'd be running side by side, and then when we'd approach a corner, he'd speed up and cut in. Twice I had to slow down to avoid running into him. Unfortunately, there is no way to run over a 9 year-old and not come off looking like the bad guy, so slowing down was the shark move in this case.
After a while, we got to within sight of the school that we started at. There's a little bit of a hill just before it, so I figured I might as well finish strong and attack this hill. So I speed up a little, get to the top of the hill, and then see that we're not cutting back in to the finish; we're actually going a few more blocks before we loop back to the end. I wasn't winded at all before I started that ascent, but now I'm actually kind of tired and a little embarrassed that I turned it on about a half a mile too early. Anyway, the 9 year old now catches up to me and sprints past me as we approach the finish. Ordinarily, I would go hard at the end, but again there is no way to get into a throw-down with a little kid without looking like a complete tool, so I just maintain my pace and settle for finishing a few seconds behind him. Of course, everybody at the finish cheers for the kid, and I'm chopped liver.
There's no clock at the chute. It's just a race director handing you a card with your order of finish, and then they jot down your time. I finished at 23:35, which is almost a minute a half off my PR (22:10), but it was good for 14th place. When I saw my place, I kind of wished that I had run a little harder because it would have cool to finish in the top 10. Granted, it was against a field full of people who were hung over and/or out of shape, but hey, I'm hung over, and I'm out of shape, so why not me?
My wife finished about 30 seconds behind me, which was a PR for her. I don't know how she PRed given these particular race conditions, but whatever. Good for her, obviously.
We decided to hang around a few minutes for the awards ceremony, which ended up being a good decision. My wife finished 1st overall among women, and I somehow finished 1st in my age group (30-39). Obviously this was an unbelievably slow field; I would ordinarily be doing well to finish in the top half of my age group. This means we both took home pumpkin pies from a local bakery. We were planning on doing an apple pie anyway, so there is going to be lots of pigging out in the Karamazov household today.
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody.
No doubt you've already read the posts above so you've learned that I'm running the first annual LaCrosse Marathon in LaCrosse, WI in 5/3/09. I grew up there and 23 years later I wish I lived there, so I can't wait. (Headed there tomorrow to preview the course and visit with family.) I'll admit, though, that I've been spoiled here in Madison where the annual marathon has 19 water stops. I'm concerned about the organization and support that will be available at a "first annual" marathon. Feels good to be running again after logging 1 run of 2 miles in the last 3 months.
Worst-case scenario, I'll go 3:10 (7:15 pace) and qualify for Boston 2009 and 2010. Best-case scenario, I'll go sub-3. Realistically, probably somewhere in between.Good luck on your 18-miler. Refresh my memory - what marathon are you training for?
Gruecd: I'm running Houston (1/18/09). How's tapering feel?!! Regarding my 18 miler, it went ok. It was extremely windy, and a bit cooler (56 degrees) and for some reason my legs felt pretty dead. My first mile was 8:48, and each subsequent mile was as fast as the previous, or slightly faster, with the final two miles being 8:31 and 8:32. I averaged 8:38, which was right about what I was shooting for. The problem is that my HR escalated pretty quickly the last four miles (174, 175, 177, 181), which is almost identical to my last four miles of my last marathon (which is expected at race pace NOT during training). My overall average HR was 168. Compared to my 16 miler, I ran 7 seconds per mile slower, but my HR was higher (bad combination!). Had I needed to run 19 miles today, I don't think I could have done it without slowing down considerably. On the plus side, I didn't cramp up today, and while my knees and calves are a bit sore, I certainly survived it.
Thanks for the advice. My problem with that is that I'm swimming at a Gold's Gym where there are usually zero or maybe one other person swimming. I'll definitely follow the rest of your advice.Made it to 9 miles on the long run today. Don't want to get overconfident, but I'm feeling very good about the half marathon in February, provided that I react OK to the cold.Stick with 50s for now. Slow down and really focus on technique. One of the things Tri-Man advised early on for me was to count my strokes to practice my reach and see if I could reduce the numer of strokes per length. How often are you breathing? I breathe on my right side every other stroke. This was one of the first things that allowed me to lengthen my swims and develop a "pace". One more thing, try swimming as slow as you can without your feet dropping so much that you can't swim. This made me realize I can slow down, catch my breath and then speed up. Its a huge confidence builder to learn that you can control yourself like when you run, in the pool. Ask for help at the pool. Like runners, and some cyclers, swimmers are very cool and like to share advice.
Are you running the Austin Half?! If so, it's a great race, with tons of music, excellent volunteers, and good crowds. I'm sure you've done it before, but in case you haven't, get some practice runs going down Congress and back down 1st street. Congress is such a long, gradual climb to start the race that you really need to manage your HR early; and then you have to be careful to not go to fast back down 1st street with the long consistent decline. The turn to get from Congress to 1st street (can't remember the name) also has a couple quick ups and downs. Running this a few times prior to your race will at least get you mind and body ready for the unique start.Thanks for the advice. My problem with that is that I'm swimming at a Gold's Gym where there are usually zero or maybe one other person swimming. I'll definitely follow the rest of your advice.Made it to 9 miles on the long run today. Don't want to get overconfident, but I'm feeling very good about the half marathon in February, provided that I react OK to the cold.Stick with 50s for now. Slow down and really focus on technique. One of the things Tri-Man advised early on for me was to count my strokes to practice my reach and see if I could reduce the numer of strokes per length. How often are you breathing? I breathe on my right side every other stroke. This was one of the first things that allowed me to lengthen my swims and develop a "pace". One more thing, try swimming as slow as you can without your feet dropping so much that you can't swim. This made me realize I can slow down, catch my breath and then speed up. Its a huge confidence builder to learn that you can control yourself like when you run, in the pool. Ask for help at the pool. Like runners, and some cyclers, swimmers are very cool and like to share advice.
My next run is going to be the Trail of Lights 5K in Austin at 6:30 on 12/13. They open the Trail up to visitors on the morning of the 14th, so this is sorta a special preview for runners. I haven't run a timed race in months, but I expect a pretty good show.
Feels OK, but I'm generally not a big fan of the taper. I did an easy 4-miler on Saturday and a not-so-easy 30-minute run this morning in the snow and wind, but otherwise I'm just focusing on hydrating and getting some extra rest. Still hard to avoid that sluggish, lazy feeling, though.The sleep part was made more difficult this morning by the fact that my neighbor's snow removal service decided to snowblow his driveway at 3:30 in the #######' morning!
Keep in mind that we got maybe 2-3 inches of snow overnight. At first, I thought I'd try to just roll over and go back to sleep, but now I was wide awake, and my blood was boiling. So I got dressed, went outside, and asked them WTF they were doing. I think my exact question was, "Do you have any idea what time it is? Do you always run your snowblowers at three o'clock in the morning?" His said that they have no choice, because "people want it done by 5:30-6:00." We're talking about 2-3 inches of snow!!! It's not like these people had to leave for work at 6 AM and couldn't get out of their damn driveways! Anyway, I told him that I thought it was disrespectful and ridiculous and that I was contemplating filing a noise report. And if it happens again, I will.
Thanks for letting me vent.....
Giddy'up! I most likely won't run another marathon for two years after this one, as I too am looking forward to the extra ten minutes!
Tri-Man, I recieved an email over the weekend with a weak "I'm in" from our 5th. However, she has never dirt raced and does want to do one next year to make sure she can do it OK. We wont even know if we have a slot until the "lottery" for new teams in early March. I'll keep you posted if you don't mind. With all of us on the wrong side of 40 and an iffy 5th, there is a good chance a slot wil open up.M update
. After trying to be careful not to injure myself running, I went and injured my back quite badly getting Xmas decorations out of the attic and moving furnature around the living room to make room for the Xmas tree. I couldn't move or stand all that well on Saturday and was able to see my Chiro. Sunday it was still very sore with spasms to boot. Yesterday and today I saw my Chiro again and things are improving a bit, bit the spasms have persisted. I am going to see her again tomorrow and Friday and she has assured me I'll be able to run the Vegas 1/2 on Sunday without causing further harm (as long as I take it easy and run at my wife's pace). We have to run slow for the first 5 miles anyway as they allow a 13-minute pace or so for all of the couples to arrive at the mile-5 wedding chapel. The, we'll get a short break and then the 3 minute ceremony.As of Sunday, I thought I was going to have to bag the event, but am now optimistic I can pull it off. I just can't be stupid and hurt it again doing something else.
I feel your pain. I was outside shoveling snow this morning when I slipped on a patch of ice and fell on my you-know-what. Fortunately, I'm fine, but it was definitely a tense moment with my marathon coming up on Saturday.Anyway, good luck in the half. I'm leaving tomorrow for Memphis (via Detroit), and I'm supposed to be getting back into Appleton on Monday night. That being said, they're forecasting snow for Monday into Tuesday, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if I'm spending Monday night in Motor City.M update
What time are you coming through Detroit on Monday? Our flight from Vegas gets in around 9:30 PM on Northwest. Let me know if you'd like me to PM you a cell # in case you run in to trouble and need hotel or other info!!!!ETA, and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!I feel your pain. I was outside shoveling snow this morning when I slipped on a patch of ice and fell on my you-know-what. Fortunately, I'm fine, but it was definitely a tense moment with my marathon coming up on Saturday.Anyway, good luck in the half. I'm leaving tomorrow for Memphis (via Detroit), and I'm supposed to be getting back into Appleton on Monday night. That being said, they're forecasting snow for Monday into Tuesday, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if I'm spending Monday night in Motor City.M update
Probably my last post before the race, so have a good weekend, everybody. There's no real-time tracking, but make sure to check the website on Saturday afternoon for results. There's a good chance I'll post a race report when I'm on my friend's computer on Sunday checking fantasy football stuff, but if not, I'll definitely get one posted early next week!
P.S. We need a "runner guy" smiley around here. Can somebody get on that???
Done! By the way, if you are flying Northwest, the are (2) National Coney Island locations, one in each end of the concourse. While not the best Detroit Style Coney, it still represents well and can give you a real nice and greasy recovery meal. I'd do a couple of coneys with everything and a chili cheese fry.
Awesome deal :jealous:! Regarding your HR question, I have no clue. That's a large jump, and with the output you've had over the past year, you certainly should have sniffed your Max prior to this. I know your max HR can increase with training (though it's not supposed to very much), or more likely maintain as you age, but that's a ridiculous increase! Changes in resting HR are generally a better measure of fitness (i.e., changes are more likely to occur in resting HR than Max HR) than changes in Max HR. How would you rate your RPE (rate of perceived exertion) for this ride compared to previous? If it's the same, you might want to wait for at least another piece of data to make sure it's not an anomaly or technical error (monitor misread). Also, did you check your HR after completion? If so, did it drop quickly (20 bpm+ in the first minute)? If it did, it suggests you weren't in too much trouble with it up, if it dropped less than 10 bpm, you most likely over extended.
This is the HIGH quality type of advice that this forum delivers!
Got it. Thanks! And with the 3-hour layover in Detroit, I'll definitely check out the coneys!
Good luck in Vegas, and have fun!
