gruecd
Footballguy
Congrats on the PR, and way to tough it out!!!!Looking forward to the RR. Recover well.
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Ran a 10k in June (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter GStrot
- Start date
tri-man 47
Footballguy
Grand Rapids RR:
First of all thanks, guys! Between gruecd texting last night and the 2Young's texting in the middle of the night/morning
finger: if the phone had been by my bed), I was well-reminded that I had the full team behind me. Arrived in G.R. midday Saturday and got my packet at the big, new downtown Y (site of the race). Chilled out at one sister's, then went to crash at my other sister's (with recent racing BIL who would drive me down for the race).
Pre-race: Everything seemed on track. Slept quite well, woke up before 6:00 a.m. per my watch (for the 8:00 a.m. race). Ate a small bagel, did some stretches, and worked on a banana while heating a bit of oatmeal. It seemed odd that my BIL was all dressed and ready to go at 6:20 a.m. The microwave beeps, and as I reach for my oatmeal, I see 7:20 a.m. flashing at me! As is the often the case for quick trips back home, I had not reset my watch and was an hour off.
I skipped the oatmeal and quickly finished dressing. We parked near the Y, and I used the jog over as my warm-up, arriving with ten minutes to spare. I didn't get a chance to move as far forward in the shoot as desired, which slowed the first half-mile, but otherwise things were fine. Temp was around 30, and probably rose to maybe 40 later on, staying chilly throughout.
Miles 0 - 6. Time: 48:28. Goal: 49:00 (8:10/mile).
With a primary race goal of 8:15/mile (= sub 3:36), I wanted to use this goal pace and create some buffer. I targeted 6 mile increments for ease of tracking. The start was a bit slow, as mentioned, but started moving very comfortably - easy pace; easy stride. But I kept hitting around 8:00 miles. My BIL at mile 4 laughed as I semi-apologized for my seeming inability to slow it down. He did a great job throughout of getting around and cheering loudly (even getting those around him to join him.)
I had shadow-run a young guy around mile 3 for a bit to control pace, and noticing his stride was about the same as mine. I ended up alongside of him (Chris) around mile 5, and we ended up staying together for the next 11 miles ...chatting, working pace, etc. Good times.
Miles 7-12. Time: 49:40 (1:38:08). Goal: 1:38:00
The 'hilly' section of the course (not an issue at all). Chris and I just cruised along right on pace. Felt pretty good.
Miles 13-18. Time: 49:15 (2:27:24). Goal: 2:27:00.
Just great running. Chris and I went mostly quiet, and just ran lock-step for four miles on paved paths and a road along a river. But then I noticed his pace slipping, so I left him and stepped it back up to tempo again. Big crowds at the far turn point (around mile 17) got me pumped.
Miles 19-24. Time: 52:36 (3:20
x). Goal: 3:16:00
Early into this stretch I noticed I was losing my stride length. My mile pace was slipping down to the 9:00's (avg here of 8:45/mile). I realized that with this pacing, I wouldn't achieve my primary goal. I didn't stress it, I just kept running. A 'Dances with Dirt' gal was fighting calf cramps, so I passed along an electrolyte tablet. At mile 20, I thought 'just a 10K to go,' but my last 10K was during brutal heat at my August tri, so I quickly took my thoughts a different direction (used my mantra quite a bit through these miles).
Final 2.2 miles. Time: 21:30ish (9:30/mile).
Just plugging on in. Couldn't move well, but I had no thoughts of stopping. Last mile went smoothly. Saw the BIL at 26, and hollered "Boston!" That got people around him cheering, which got me pumped up. So I ran to the shoot shouting "Boston!" and got a lot of the crowd cheering back. Very unsteady upon finishing ...couldn't have done much more. Overall time was 3:41:30, or an 8:27/mile pace. I was a bit emotional after finishing, realizing I'd achieved a qualifier for Boston. It felt good!!
The on-line splits are based on mats around mile 17 1/2 (far turn of the course), 20 1/2 (another turn on the path), then the finish. It reflects the smooth running through miles 17-20 after the steady pace up til that point.
Three reflections for doing better:
1) Run a ton like gruecd.
2) For all my preaching on squats and lunges, I don't do enough. Where I lost the stride was through the hips and butt.
3) My 20 mile long runs tended to be about 3 hours. I believe that the key might be to do long runs equivalent to the anticipated race time ...not a fixed mileage.
So that's that! Thanks for the interest and support, guys.
First of all thanks, guys! Between gruecd texting last night and the 2Young's texting in the middle of the night/morning
finger: if the phone had been by my bed), I was well-reminded that I had the full team behind me. Arrived in G.R. midday Saturday and got my packet at the big, new downtown Y (site of the race). Chilled out at one sister's, then went to crash at my other sister's (with recent racing BIL who would drive me down for the race).Pre-race: Everything seemed on track. Slept quite well, woke up before 6:00 a.m. per my watch (for the 8:00 a.m. race). Ate a small bagel, did some stretches, and worked on a banana while heating a bit of oatmeal. It seemed odd that my BIL was all dressed and ready to go at 6:20 a.m. The microwave beeps, and as I reach for my oatmeal, I see 7:20 a.m. flashing at me! As is the often the case for quick trips back home, I had not reset my watch and was an hour off.
I skipped the oatmeal and quickly finished dressing. We parked near the Y, and I used the jog over as my warm-up, arriving with ten minutes to spare. I didn't get a chance to move as far forward in the shoot as desired, which slowed the first half-mile, but otherwise things were fine. Temp was around 30, and probably rose to maybe 40 later on, staying chilly throughout.Miles 0 - 6. Time: 48:28. Goal: 49:00 (8:10/mile).
With a primary race goal of 8:15/mile (= sub 3:36), I wanted to use this goal pace and create some buffer. I targeted 6 mile increments for ease of tracking. The start was a bit slow, as mentioned, but started moving very comfortably - easy pace; easy stride. But I kept hitting around 8:00 miles. My BIL at mile 4 laughed as I semi-apologized for my seeming inability to slow it down. He did a great job throughout of getting around and cheering loudly (even getting those around him to join him.)
I had shadow-run a young guy around mile 3 for a bit to control pace, and noticing his stride was about the same as mine. I ended up alongside of him (Chris) around mile 5, and we ended up staying together for the next 11 miles ...chatting, working pace, etc. Good times.
Miles 7-12. Time: 49:40 (1:38:08). Goal: 1:38:00
The 'hilly' section of the course (not an issue at all). Chris and I just cruised along right on pace. Felt pretty good.
Miles 13-18. Time: 49:15 (2:27:24). Goal: 2:27:00.
Just great running. Chris and I went mostly quiet, and just ran lock-step for four miles on paved paths and a road along a river. But then I noticed his pace slipping, so I left him and stepped it back up to tempo again. Big crowds at the far turn point (around mile 17) got me pumped.
Miles 19-24. Time: 52:36 (3:20
x). Goal: 3:16:00Early into this stretch I noticed I was losing my stride length. My mile pace was slipping down to the 9:00's (avg here of 8:45/mile). I realized that with this pacing, I wouldn't achieve my primary goal. I didn't stress it, I just kept running. A 'Dances with Dirt' gal was fighting calf cramps, so I passed along an electrolyte tablet. At mile 20, I thought 'just a 10K to go,' but my last 10K was during brutal heat at my August tri, so I quickly took my thoughts a different direction (used my mantra quite a bit through these miles).
Final 2.2 miles. Time: 21:30ish (9:30/mile).
Just plugging on in. Couldn't move well, but I had no thoughts of stopping. Last mile went smoothly. Saw the BIL at 26, and hollered "Boston!" That got people around him cheering, which got me pumped up. So I ran to the shoot shouting "Boston!" and got a lot of the crowd cheering back. Very unsteady upon finishing ...couldn't have done much more. Overall time was 3:41:30, or an 8:27/mile pace. I was a bit emotional after finishing, realizing I'd achieved a qualifier for Boston. It felt good!!
The on-line splits are based on mats around mile 17 1/2 (far turn of the course), 20 1/2 (another turn on the path), then the finish. It reflects the smooth running through miles 17-20 after the steady pace up til that point.
Three reflections for doing better:
1) Run a ton like gruecd.
2) For all my preaching on squats and lunges, I don't do enough. Where I lost the stride was through the hips and butt.
3) My 20 mile long runs tended to be about 3 hours. I believe that the key might be to do long runs equivalent to the anticipated race time ...not a fixed mileage.
So that's that! Thanks for the interest and support, guys.
prosopis
Arizona Chupacabra
I am backI woke up to do a morning run and I can hardly walk. My muscles are screaming at me. Work was real slow at he office which means I would have only got about 2 hrs. I called my landscaping buddy and worked with him. 11 hrs in the high 90s busting my ###. I am not as young as I once was and I am feeling it this morning. Hopefully I will loosen up and be able to get out there tonight.Good luck to all the racers out there.* I think Prosopis will be back today after time served.
2Young2BBald
Footbaldguy
Grand Rapids RR:
First of all thanks, guys! Between gruecd texting last night and the 2Young's texting in the middle of the night/morning
I figured if I was up for a race, you musta been up too!!! Didn't even think about an 8:00 am start for you versus a 7:00 am one for us. 
Glad we didn't wake you up (I would have just blamed my wife if we did) Congratulations again, very proud and happy for you!
Shakespeare
Footballguy
gruecd
Footballguy
Already been posted, Billy, and really not a good place for humor.
Shakespeare
Footballguy
Too soon?Already been posted, Billy, and really not a good place for humor.
gruecd
Footballguy
Seriously?! When making a joke about someone's death, it's always too soon. Have some class.Too soon?Already been posted, Billy, and really not a good place for humor.
gruecd
Footballguy
There's no doubt in my mind that there's a direct correlation between my higher mileage this summer and my performance at Chicago. In fact, it'll be a challenge with the winter weather, but I'm planning on doing something similar for Boston.Again, GREAT JOB yesterday!!
pigskinliquors
Dr. Parrothead
Tri-Man: What a GREAT achievement. Congratulations on making it to the "holy grail!" A 3:41 is nothing to sneeze at!! With the time/effort you put into this, you should have zero regrets. You have been a training machine, and have earned your spot at Boston; still just a dream for me. I agree with all three of your "reflections," as these are the three things that I have not done (or been able to do) for the last 4 years, and it shows in my race times. Squats/lunges greatly help, and getting in "time" seems to help me more than mileage. My fear for my ultra is that I haven't had a run of more than 3 hours 3 minutes, yet I'm most likely going to be running for approximately 5 hours. I'm guessing I'll be doing a lot of HTFU'ing to get through.
Great job! Can't imagine the feeling of accomplishing that goal. Maybe someday...As for me - did my longest run to date on Saturday. Went 7 miles and ran it in about 1 more min than when I did 6 about 3 weeks ago. I felt great through the first 5, started to feel it about half a mile into the 6th, then felt like crap for the last mile. It really puts into perspective what you guys are doing qualifying for Boston. Again - congrats.
Congrats on the 7 miles and the increased pace. Keep logging the miles, and putting forth a consistent effort and you will be amazed at how your body will respond. Rome was not built in a day. Just ask Tri-man, he probably remembers.
As for me - did my longest run to date on Saturday. Went 7 miles and ran it in about 1 more min than when I did 6 about 3 weeks ago. I felt great through the first 5, started to feel it about half a mile into the 6th, then felt like crap for the last mile. It really puts into perspective what you guys are doing qualifying for Boston. Again - congrats.
pigskinliquors
Dr. Parrothead
Actually the memory is the second thing to go. Just ask Mrs. Tri-ManDon't be too sure - the memory is often the first to gomeeka said:
wraith5
Footballguy
Actually the memory is the second thing to go. Just ask Mrs. Tri-ManDon't be too sure - the memory is often the first to gomeeka said:Great job Tri-man - I'm hoping with some consistent HTFU'ing I might get there myself one day.
gruecd
Footballguy
Was it a certified course? If not, it doesn't count. Sorry.
tri-man 47
Footballguy
Good gawd, it's lonely at the top.Actually the memory is the second thing to go. Just ask Mrs. Tri-ManDon't be too sure - the memory is often the first to gomeeka said:
Funny thing is, Mrs. Tri-man will probably think I've gone on one of them performance enhancements over the next eighteen months, but it'll really just be a case of me thinking "Wellesley girls' kisses ...Wellesley girls' kisses ..."
tri-man 47
Footballguy
Naw. I'd settle for an age group award at a small half-Ironman race. Can't let the 2Young kids get all the tri hardware!
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
Congrats Tri-man!
Darrinll40
Footballguy
Man, remind me never to run a 3:41 marathon. LOL You get dogged on your age and your performance.I am a bit sore today from the running this weekend. It should be fine by tomorrow's short run.Actually the memory is the second thing to go. Just ask Mrs. Tri-ManDon't be too sure - the memory is often the first to gomeeka said:
Any thoughts on how much time is needed after a 1/2 marathon before you can/should run another? I'm sure it really depends on the person, but I'm thinking of trying to do the LV RnR on Dec 6 and not even thinking of time just finishing and then the AZ RnR on Jan 17. I really think I'll be ready for the AZ race, but LV might be pushing it. I've just had an itch to head to Vegas and thought that it would be cool to run down the strip.
I've been following Higdon's 1/2 marathon beginner program since mid August. I've been doubling up on some of his weeks to coincide with the timing of the AZ race, but if I stop that, I'll hit the LV date on week 12. All the race reports in here have made me want to get one in sooner rather than later. Too ambitious?
I've been following Higdon's 1/2 marathon beginner program since mid August. I've been doubling up on some of his weeks to coincide with the timing of the AZ race, but if I stop that, I'll hit the LV date on week 12. All the race reports in here have made me want to get one in sooner rather than later. Too ambitious?
2Young2BBald
Footbaldguy
First, after doing the LV 1/2 Marathon last December (now the RnR Vegas), it is a must do, IMO. I loved that event and even got remarried during it. The start on the strip in the dark with fireworks going off was AMAZING.Working backwards, I ran 1/2s RnR Chicago in early August and Copper Mountian, CO, three weeks apart without any feeling any performance loss. In April, I ran a full the 1st weekend and a trail 1/2 three weeks later (with a beach 2-mile race in between) and didn't have 100% of my legs, but enough to keep up. If you go in to Vegas with the attitude above, and "learn" good pacing, when to take water and food (Gu, beans, bloks, etc), etc, you should be just fine. For Vegas, I'd go slower the 1st 5 miles as that is along the strip and take it all in. I gets a little boring in the middle before you turn for home at Mandalay Bay. Another thought, to be sure you'll be ready for AZ and to not over do Vegas, you could work in a Run/Walk approach to Vegas. I like 7/1s with 7 minutes running and 1 minute walking & repeat. Other prefer 10/1 or 5/1 (or a minute walking after each mile compleated.
Juxtatarot
Footballguy
I agree. Listen to your body and what it's telling you.
The rough and ready rule of thumb is that you should wait a day for every mile of the race to recover fully. So for a Half, you would need 13 days. 6 weeks difference should be no problem at all. On 2007, I ran the Jax Half on December 16, then ran a Deleon Springs Half on January 6.Darrin did the same thing - but he doesn't talk about Deleon Springs so that is a bad example
Darrinll40
Footballguy
Just don't eat catfish the night before your second half marathon in less than a month.The rough and ready rule of thumb is that you should wait a day for every mile of the race to recover fully. So for a Half, you would need 13 days. 6 weeks difference should be no problem at all. On 2007, I ran the Jax Half on December 16, then ran a Deleon Springs Half on January 6.Darrin did the same thing - but he doesn't talk about Deleon Springs so that is a bad example
Lesson learned.
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2Young2BBald
Footbaldguy
You really should share the finish line video for those who may not have seen the PSA for "Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Catfish for a Pre-Race Meal"?
2Young2BBald
Footbaldguy
Got in the pool tonight to shake some of the funk out of my legs and did an easy 1,250 yards.
Talked to lots of people today who raced yesterday about the tragic deaths of 3 runners (including several who saw CPR being performed). I was literally only a minute or two in front of all 3 occurances. I typically don't get all that upset with sensationalized news, but I was out of my mind upset when one of the news stations paraded up a doctor to talk about how he was sure the cold contributed to the issues. This is quite simply BS. I was very happy to see Kevin Hanson (coach of the Brooks/Hanson Project) step up in the press an outline just how perfect the conditions were. The only thing worse than the media crap was the venom posted in the comment section of the online news reports. I had to stop reading these.
On a lighter note, Break, New 3 Days Grace, is a Running Mix Must Have!!
Talked to lots of people today who raced yesterday about the tragic deaths of 3 runners (including several who saw CPR being performed). I was literally only a minute or two in front of all 3 occurances. I typically don't get all that upset with sensationalized news, but I was out of my mind upset when one of the news stations paraded up a doctor to talk about how he was sure the cold contributed to the issues. This is quite simply BS. I was very happy to see Kevin Hanson (coach of the Brooks/Hanson Project) step up in the press an outline just how perfect the conditions were. The only thing worse than the media crap was the venom posted in the comment section of the online news reports. I had to stop reading these.
On a lighter note, Break, New 3 Days Grace, is a Running Mix Must Have!!
Isn't it enough that I told him to play Drew Brees instead of Matt Hasslebeck this week?You really should share the finish line video for those who may not have seen the PSA for "Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Catfish for a Pre-Race Meal"?Just don't eat catfish the night before your second half marathon in less than a month.Lesson learned.
2Young2BBald
Footbaldguy
Fixed
I have been way over analyzing which HIM has the chance to be my 1st next year. I am leaning towards one in Monroe, MI, that is traditionally held the first weekend in June each year. This would allow me to race in 2 separate 3 race sprint series and still leave time for DWD Hell for us. I have set a decesion time frame at the 1st of the year to determine if I can make this happen. Muncie, IN, is also on the short list, but I read some where that the bike may not be a full 56 miles. Steelhead would be awesome, but the fact that they have cancelled the swim a few time is scaring me off.
Sand
Footballguy
LOL - I was scheduled for a 4 mile recovery run. I guess 8:08/mile is a recovery. I can't force myself to really do a slow run.That makes 22 miles in the last 4 days.
wraith5
Footballguy
I've never heard of such tragedy at a race before. THREE runners in one race?!? Awful. And I know they all left behind family, but the 36 year old father of three who's wife was there at the race hits too close to home.
Dexter
Footballguy
Was it a certified course? If not, it doesn't count. Sorry.
Nope it's my own personal 5k course in my neighborhood.
Sand
Footballguy
Weird coincidence. Great weather. All three were fit, given the times they seemed to be putting up.wraith5 said:I've never heard of such tragedy at a race before. THREE runners in one race?!? Awful. And I know they all left behind family, but the 36 year old father of three who's wife was there at the race hits too close to home.
Dexter
Footballguy
Terrible.wraith5 said:I've never heard of such tragedy at a race before. THREE runners in one race?!? Awful. And I know they all left behind family, but the 36 year old father of three who's wife was there at the race hits too close to home.
tri-man 47
Footballguy
True dat. I see absolutely no problem doing 1/2's six weeks apart - no problem at all. In fact, the hard effort of the first one should be good 'training' toward your second.2Young, I try to acknowledge your wonderful children, and you turn around and make it all about you.
(Sorry, bud!) Seeing a 'Dances with Dirt' shirt during my race started to fire me up for next September's event!! Speaking of races ...don't you owe us a report on your race?Speaking of race reports - fellow marathoner, pmbrown ...
pmbrown_22
Footballguy
All right guys, finally, here is my race report. Never done one of these so bear with me as I will probably sprinkle in some random thoughts along the way:
Pre-Race: Got into Columbus on Saturday around 10:30. I was kind of tired and not feeling great (forshadowing) but attributed it to not getting a lot of sleep the night before and nerves. Dropped the familu off at COSI for the day and went and picked up my stuff at the EXPO. Went and checked into the hotel, had some lunch and took a 2 hour nap. Woke up and picked the family back up from COSI and then came back to the hotel before dinner to let the kids rest. Went to dinner. I ate pretty light all day in preperation for the race. Got back to the hotel and had a little trouble sleeping but got decent enough rest.
Woke up the next morning, and took a quick shower. I did not eat anything, but had some water and gatorade. I never eat before I run even my long runs. Headed to the race to find a place to park. Made the quick walk to the start and hung out for awhile, stretched and found the portalets. Had a Gel about 20 minutes before the start and finished stretching and a quick warm-up and then off to the coral.
Race Conditions: It was cold. It was in the upper 30's, but there was a lot of wind. Without the sun up it was really cold. I wore my shorts, Nike Pro Fit compression shorts and shirt along with another longer sleeve shirt. I had a throw way shirt on on top of all of that also with hat and gloves. Still pretty cold. I was hoping that the run would warm me up. Plus getting to the coral early kept me somewhat warm with all the people around.
Race Start: It was a quick start and I did not have to stay in the coral before I was off and running. The cool thing was that my Garmin got satelite reception just as I started to move toward the start line. Started it pretty accurate and throughout the race, I was only 2 tenths of a mile off on my distance. Not to bad at all. I was starting with the 3:20 pace group.
Miles 1 - 8: I was cruizing through these miles and they were just ticking off. I even stopped to pee and was still keeping my pace up. It was at mile 8 that I realized that something was not right. I was still able to run well, but my breathing was not right. I could not take deep breaths at all. Probably a little sooner than 8 I started to notice it, but was just hoping that it was the cold air and I expected that I would heat up eventually and it would take care of itself as most of my other cold runs have gone in the past. Not sure about you guys, but I always have a bit of time adjusting to the colder air for a bit then it is not a problem.
Miles 8 - 13: I was still keeping pace with the group and looking for my family. I knew that I was slipping a bit and that I was in some trouble. Still could not breath deep at all and my shallow breaths were not cutting it. Saw my family at about 12 and that gave me a pretty big boost to get through to 13 and a bit beyond.
13 - 18: The 3:20 pace group pulled ahead of me pretty far as I had to stop a bunch to try and catch my breath to get some oxygen. Not being able to get a lot of air started to take it's toll on my body and my legs started to hurt a bit. I just felt I could not get any air to all of my body. I was still trying to stay ahead of the 3:30 pace group and did til about the 21 mile mark.
Mile 18 - End: Much of the same for this stretch as well. By 21, I was walking at least 2 times a mile and stretching the legs out. I was not really cramping as I was just hurting. I kept on going and the 3:30 pace past me as if I was standing still. That left the 3:40 which I did not want to get past by, but I think at 24 they past me. I pushed to keep up with them for a bit, but just could not do it. Got through to the finish and saw my family again which helped me get through the last half mile without walking. There was just too many people to walk in front of.
Race Thoughts: Even though I did not make my pace I had a good time and am now glad that I pushed through and finished. I did think of quiting as I thought I was hurting myself pretty well. It turns out that I probably had a slight fever in the morning when I woke up. The strangest thing was that I never warmed up the entire race. I was shivering (chills) the entire race. After the race I could not get warm and was wrapped in a blanket the entire rest of the day. Not until I woke up in the middle of the night, dripping sweat, did it hit me that maybe I was sick and had a fever and my body was fighting a little much to run the race. Anyway I did it and PR'd so, I am happy. I still feel that had I not had my cold I would have run at the 7:30 pace for quite some time. My legs felt great for most of the race so I know that if I was better then I would have ran better. One thing that really seemed to bother me was that I never felt that my Gels worked for me at all. Usually, I could feel a bit of a kick, but I never felt that for one of them. Maybe it was just a screwed up day and that is all I can say about it. Overall, I am not disappointed at all. I did something that most people think is dumb to do, and had the guts to stick it out. No one really cares if I got a PR and most are impressed that I finished. That is good enough for me. Someday I will be able to run better, but for me it is the journey to get there not so much the end result.
Reflections:
1. Try and get more rest/sleep leading up to the race. I don't think this really hurt me too much, but more rest could definitely help.
2. Maybe start out a little slower, even though I felt great. This is really hard for me to do.
3. More miles during training. Tough for me to do, but I think this will help the most in the later miles.
Thanks to all that followed and tri-man congratulations on the BQ. Huge ackomplishment. Someday I will be there.
Pre-Race: Got into Columbus on Saturday around 10:30. I was kind of tired and not feeling great (forshadowing) but attributed it to not getting a lot of sleep the night before and nerves. Dropped the familu off at COSI for the day and went and picked up my stuff at the EXPO. Went and checked into the hotel, had some lunch and took a 2 hour nap. Woke up and picked the family back up from COSI and then came back to the hotel before dinner to let the kids rest. Went to dinner. I ate pretty light all day in preperation for the race. Got back to the hotel and had a little trouble sleeping but got decent enough rest.
Woke up the next morning, and took a quick shower. I did not eat anything, but had some water and gatorade. I never eat before I run even my long runs. Headed to the race to find a place to park. Made the quick walk to the start and hung out for awhile, stretched and found the portalets. Had a Gel about 20 minutes before the start and finished stretching and a quick warm-up and then off to the coral.
Race Conditions: It was cold. It was in the upper 30's, but there was a lot of wind. Without the sun up it was really cold. I wore my shorts, Nike Pro Fit compression shorts and shirt along with another longer sleeve shirt. I had a throw way shirt on on top of all of that also with hat and gloves. Still pretty cold. I was hoping that the run would warm me up. Plus getting to the coral early kept me somewhat warm with all the people around.
Race Start: It was a quick start and I did not have to stay in the coral before I was off and running. The cool thing was that my Garmin got satelite reception just as I started to move toward the start line. Started it pretty accurate and throughout the race, I was only 2 tenths of a mile off on my distance. Not to bad at all. I was starting with the 3:20 pace group.
Miles 1 - 8: I was cruizing through these miles and they were just ticking off. I even stopped to pee and was still keeping my pace up. It was at mile 8 that I realized that something was not right. I was still able to run well, but my breathing was not right. I could not take deep breaths at all. Probably a little sooner than 8 I started to notice it, but was just hoping that it was the cold air and I expected that I would heat up eventually and it would take care of itself as most of my other cold runs have gone in the past. Not sure about you guys, but I always have a bit of time adjusting to the colder air for a bit then it is not a problem.
Miles 8 - 13: I was still keeping pace with the group and looking for my family. I knew that I was slipping a bit and that I was in some trouble. Still could not breath deep at all and my shallow breaths were not cutting it. Saw my family at about 12 and that gave me a pretty big boost to get through to 13 and a bit beyond.
13 - 18: The 3:20 pace group pulled ahead of me pretty far as I had to stop a bunch to try and catch my breath to get some oxygen. Not being able to get a lot of air started to take it's toll on my body and my legs started to hurt a bit. I just felt I could not get any air to all of my body. I was still trying to stay ahead of the 3:30 pace group and did til about the 21 mile mark.
Mile 18 - End: Much of the same for this stretch as well. By 21, I was walking at least 2 times a mile and stretching the legs out. I was not really cramping as I was just hurting. I kept on going and the 3:30 pace past me as if I was standing still. That left the 3:40 which I did not want to get past by, but I think at 24 they past me. I pushed to keep up with them for a bit, but just could not do it. Got through to the finish and saw my family again which helped me get through the last half mile without walking. There was just too many people to walk in front of.
Race Thoughts: Even though I did not make my pace I had a good time and am now glad that I pushed through and finished. I did think of quiting as I thought I was hurting myself pretty well. It turns out that I probably had a slight fever in the morning when I woke up. The strangest thing was that I never warmed up the entire race. I was shivering (chills) the entire race. After the race I could not get warm and was wrapped in a blanket the entire rest of the day. Not until I woke up in the middle of the night, dripping sweat, did it hit me that maybe I was sick and had a fever and my body was fighting a little much to run the race. Anyway I did it and PR'd so, I am happy. I still feel that had I not had my cold I would have run at the 7:30 pace for quite some time. My legs felt great for most of the race so I know that if I was better then I would have ran better. One thing that really seemed to bother me was that I never felt that my Gels worked for me at all. Usually, I could feel a bit of a kick, but I never felt that for one of them. Maybe it was just a screwed up day and that is all I can say about it. Overall, I am not disappointed at all. I did something that most people think is dumb to do, and had the guts to stick it out. No one really cares if I got a PR and most are impressed that I finished. That is good enough for me. Someday I will be able to run better, but for me it is the journey to get there not so much the end result.
Reflections:
1. Try and get more rest/sleep leading up to the race. I don't think this really hurt me too much, but more rest could definitely help.
2. Maybe start out a little slower, even though I felt great. This is really hard for me to do.
3. More miles during training. Tough for me to do, but I think this will help the most in the later miles.
Thanks to all that followed and tri-man congratulations on the BQ. Huge ackomplishment. Someday I will be there.
pmbrown_22
Footballguy
Was typing as you were askingTrue dat. I see absolutely no problem doing 1/2's six weeks apart - no problem at all. In fact, the hard effort of the first one should be good 'training' toward your second.2Young, I try to acknowledge your wonderful children, and you turn around and make it all about you.
Speaking of race reports - fellow marathoner, pmbrown ...
gruecd
Footballguy
pmbrown - Here's one of my favorite quotes: "The measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune." Great race report, and even better race.
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Did an easy 6-miler yesterday over lunch. At least it was supposed to be easy, but I was in such a hurry to get back to work that I ended up running 7:40's. Oops. What's funny is that it was 55-60° outside, and it felt HOT. I guess that's what happens when you've gotten used to running in the 30's and 40's. Otherwise, it felt pretty good, but it's pretty clear that my legs aren't all the way back from Chicago, meaning that it'll definitely be a 26.2-mile "fun run" in NYC in 12 days!
Couldn't get my ### out of bed this morning, and I've got an all-day meeting that won't get done 'til 6 PM (with other crap to do afterwards), so hopefully I can make time to hit the road before bed for an easy 7.
Have a great day, guys!
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Did an easy 6-miler yesterday over lunch. At least it was supposed to be easy, but I was in such a hurry to get back to work that I ended up running 7:40's. Oops. What's funny is that it was 55-60° outside, and it felt HOT. I guess that's what happens when you've gotten used to running in the 30's and 40's. Otherwise, it felt pretty good, but it's pretty clear that my legs aren't all the way back from Chicago, meaning that it'll definitely be a 26.2-mile "fun run" in NYC in 12 days!
Couldn't get my ### out of bed this morning, and I've got an all-day meeting that won't get done 'til 6 PM (with other crap to do afterwards), so hopefully I can make time to hit the road before bed for an easy 7.
Have a great day, guys!
Great race report pmbrown, and even better attitude.
I have been thinking lately about the conversation here a few pages back about what people like about running. I guess for me there are many reasons I like running. When people ask me why do you run I usually tell them the same thing. "I run to support my eating habit." Most people still remember me as the 5'11, 230 lbs. guy that I was 5 years ago. They are not really used to seeing me in the 175 range, so my joke about eating goes over pretty well. Being able to eat some things without worrying too much is part of the reason I like running. I do not care to go back to over 200 lbs. and running is the first cardio activity I have found that I really enjoy.
I like that running is something that people around me are not taking up. When this thread started, and I decided that I was going to take up running and enter some races as motivation the only people I knew that ran were in this thread. I talked my wife into joining me for my first race and she has been running ever since (minus a break for baby #3). Our best friends have both taken up running in the last 18 months and the 4 of us will be running our second 1/2 marathon together on Halloween. Along with that I had a running partner for my first Marathon which made it a great time for both of us. Shortly after my 6 mile run this morning I got a call from my BIL and we talked about running. We have run some 8Ks together (gobble gait each Thanksgiving), but now he is running 8-10 miles on the weekend. It sounds like we may have another person joining us for the halfs we decide to run next year. Running is a great connection with people and an instant conversation piece. This is also something I love about running.
The last thing I like about running is how it makes me feel. Sure the first mile sucks, but after that it is awesome. I like how I feel physically while I am running and after I am done running. I like that some runs are a piece of cake and I can just hammer through them. I like that some runs suck and I have to conquer them. I like how if felt to set the goal of running my first half marathon and put the work in to achieve that goal. Same goes for my marathon this fall. I may never be a "great" runner. I may never qualify for Boston, but that will not keep me from signing up for another marathon. I may not have the best PRs for the distances I run, but I will keep running and see where it takes me. I think this goes along with pmbrown's attitude about this being a journey.
I have been thinking lately about the conversation here a few pages back about what people like about running. I guess for me there are many reasons I like running. When people ask me why do you run I usually tell them the same thing. "I run to support my eating habit." Most people still remember me as the 5'11, 230 lbs. guy that I was 5 years ago. They are not really used to seeing me in the 175 range, so my joke about eating goes over pretty well. Being able to eat some things without worrying too much is part of the reason I like running. I do not care to go back to over 200 lbs. and running is the first cardio activity I have found that I really enjoy.
I like that running is something that people around me are not taking up. When this thread started, and I decided that I was going to take up running and enter some races as motivation the only people I knew that ran were in this thread. I talked my wife into joining me for my first race and she has been running ever since (minus a break for baby #3). Our best friends have both taken up running in the last 18 months and the 4 of us will be running our second 1/2 marathon together on Halloween. Along with that I had a running partner for my first Marathon which made it a great time for both of us. Shortly after my 6 mile run this morning I got a call from my BIL and we talked about running. We have run some 8Ks together (gobble gait each Thanksgiving), but now he is running 8-10 miles on the weekend. It sounds like we may have another person joining us for the halfs we decide to run next year. Running is a great connection with people and an instant conversation piece. This is also something I love about running.
The last thing I like about running is how it makes me feel. Sure the first mile sucks, but after that it is awesome. I like how I feel physically while I am running and after I am done running. I like that some runs are a piece of cake and I can just hammer through them. I like that some runs suck and I have to conquer them. I like how if felt to set the goal of running my first half marathon and put the work in to achieve that goal. Same goes for my marathon this fall. I may never be a "great" runner. I may never qualify for Boston, but that will not keep me from signing up for another marathon. I may not have the best PRs for the distances I run, but I will keep running and see where it takes me. I think this goes along with pmbrown's attitude about this being a journey.
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pmbrown_22
Footballguy
Great philosophy. I was thinking like this just yesterday when putting all my thoughts about running together for the race report. I am much like you in that I started out running and did not have that many people to share it with, but have tried getting a few people into it. Nothing made me feel better than hearing my neighbor tell me that he started running because he always saw me running and it looked like fun. He has completed 2 halfs this year and sort of hinted at wanting to run a marathon next year. I am all for it. One bad thing though is that he is going through a divorce after catching his wife (of 15 years) cheating on him. His time will be limitted as he has 3 kids. One of the first things I told him was that he had to keep running in order to use it as a much needed stress relief. He agreed and I think I will be able to start dragging him out along with me on some days.As I was gathering thoughts yesterday, I tried to think of why I run and if I have taken it too far, but I keep coming back to this. Running is something that I do, period. I am not running and cannot let it control my life by letting me worry about the bad stuff or if I did not make the time I wanted. I don't completely want to run for those reasons. I will set goals because that is what I do in everything, but if I work hard and fail, I still had a good time getting there (and can eat what I want) and still have fun. And if I succeed, it will only make it that much better. We runners are a strange breed. Most people don't find going out and running 26.2 miles all that appealling or simply say "No way I can do that", but once you have done it there is more often than not a hunger to do it again.meeka said:
tri-man 47
Footballguy
Nice quote. pmb - hey, congrats on a very gutty effort and achieving a PR. It does sound like you were fighting a bug. I can imagine how frustrating that must be to feel fine athletically, but to know that you just can't breathe properly. You done good. Be very proud!eta: meeka, pmb ...good comments above. The other cool, cool thing is seeing the appreciation/recognition of your children as they get older. It's awesome seeing the respect they have for my (our) efforts. It's great to see them building fitness and competition into their lives.gruecd said:pmbrown - Here's one of my favorite quotes: "The measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune." Great race report, and even better race.
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pmbrown_22
Footballguy
Funny that you mention this about kids. Mine are not quite there yet. My almost 4 year old after being told by his mother to tell me he is proud of me (this is all in one breath from him), "Daddy we are so proud of you. Mom, can I go in the bounce house now" It was touching and funny all at the same time. I know that I get the pride from him when he says he wants to go out and run like daddy does. That is great. Now we just have to find a bounce house along the route to make him happy.
Good point Tri-man. My wife has mentioned many times how good it is for our boys to grow up watching us run and put forth the effort to achieve running goals. It will be a ton of fun when they are old enough to join us.Nice quote. pmb - hey, congrats on a very gutty effort and achieving a PR. It does sound like you were fighting a bug. I can imagine how frustrating that must be to feel fine athletically, but to know that you just can't breathe properly. You done good. Be very proud!eta: meeka, pmb ...good comments above. The other cool, cool thing is seeing the appreciation/recognition of your children as they get older. It's awesome seeing the respect they have for my (our) efforts. It's great to see them building fitness and competition into their lives.gruecd said:pmbrown - Here's one of my favorite quotes: "The measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune." Great race report, and even better race.
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