Ran a 10k in June (6 Viewers)

[prosopis]

I call this race report...Marhall Mathers can bite me at The Nashville Half Marathon.

Cool day to start out at about 40* with winds at about 10 with gusts to 20 (come in to play later). Supposed to be sunny and get to 50* during the race. I was right between where I am comfortable in long sleeves or short. I went long sleeve figured Id rather be a touch warm and pull the sleeves up than be freezing. Also went with some light gloves (good choice).

I was going to go Sub 2...I decided to start out about 9:30-9:20 ish as the first 2 miles is a decent up hill.

Mile 1...9:21 156 Avg HR

Mile 2...ahh...forget that sissy stuff 9:05...167 HR.

Mile 3...mile 2 can kiss my hind end 8:44...168 HR.

Mile 4...8:45...166. These 2 were very easy miles spent enjoying some nice scenery and mostly downhills. Whereas the cooler weather made me question what to wear, it was perfect as the females were almost all wearing the tight pants. Thank you very much.

It was also in between mile 3-4 when I realized I had to pee but thought at this point I could push on for a bit.

Mile 5...there would be no more pushing on...I had to go...9:01...171 (this was also a section that start back uphill around downtown nashville.

Mile 6...yeah, I had to pee...I knew we were coming up close to the Titans stadium after a short trip over a bridge. 9:11...172 HR.

Mile 7...pee time at some port o pottys outside LP field. There were a lot of them here from game days...I saw a girl head to one as I approached and thought if she left before I got there, I would use that one. I was not going to stand and wait for one. She did...I did.

Unleashed like a freaking fire hose. Holy crap that felt good. Came out still pulling up my pants (nice show for the lady who was waiting for my piss storm to finish) and headed on. Water station right there as I came out and pretty close to the split for the race after I did this.

As it was just about 6.3 in where they had the split. 9:55 175 HR

Mile 8 simple little mile here nice and flat. 9:01...175 HR. Back on track though concerned that my HR is staying in the mid 170s even in the flats.

Mile 9...All through mile 9 was nice...Shelby Park in Nashville...as flat as can be. 9:04...176 HR Had an orange slice which was fantastic at this point.

Mile 10...as soon as you hit the flag that says you finished 9 miles, you start the climb out of Shelby Park. 150 or so ft in about a half mile. To BNB this is nothing...to me 9 miles in with my HR already creeping up...it sucked. It was at this point that Eminem Til I Collapse came on. Ususally a motivational song for me in my Ipod. Today, I wanted to collapse after beating Mr. Mathers senseless and tilling him he should get his white butt out there on this hill if he wanted to collapse. Also someone tried to be nice and yell "you are halfway up". This was not motivation, it was a reminder that there was more hill. I powered through at 9:33 HR up to 180

Mile 11...little rolling section with mini climbs and downhill...I was still struggling off of the other hill here and spit out a 9:14...HR still at 180 which has me worried.

Mile 12...downhill to the bridge back to downtown. Looked at my overall time and my avg pace and knew I had to pick it up if I wanted a shot at sub 2. It hurt, but I pushed on. 8:53...HR 180

Mile 13...the bridge. Woodland street bridge. We ran this in the opposite direction earlier and only the climb to the bridge was uphill. This time...its about a half mile uphill another 100 ft climb according to garmin connect (why is connect so different on elevations to what the Garmin software puts out???) I was hurting bad at this point, right calf started tightening up, but knew I had a chance still, but it was fading away. I was still very happy at this point I was going to be close. After the bridge there is a downhill on 5th Ave to Broadway. Thought I could pick it up and then its downhill on Broadway to the finish. Downtown Nashville though ends up like a windtunnel between the buildings. This was a headwind with those guts straight in our face down 5th ave. Time was slipping away and I was just trying not to slip and fall down this hill. 8:50...HR 185.

The last .1....seeing that finish line and hearing people, looked at my Garmin probably right at the end of the other mile before the last turn to the finish and saw 1:58. Turned the corner and headed in hoping I had a shot. Lots of spectators here and one chick walking with her hustband who had just finished and was heaving on the sidewalk. Thanks buddy. 1:54 over a quarter of a mile...186 HR. so I guess I ran 13.25 today (tangents plus the off the courseish bathroom).

Final time 2:00:36 (Garmin and the official race result were in sync. Tried to remember to smile for the camera guy but I was really just trying not to tip over the timers on the ground.

Met up with a friend, enjoyed a nice cold Michelob Ultra? Ultra people? This was a half marathon...we want the Carbs!!! Still tasted good at this point.

I felt fine other than my calf being pretty tight, and the wind picked up and a sweaty tech shirt with wind was pretty chilly.

Had a fun race overall, but a bigger challenge than the last one due to the hills.

My first half I was cruising the last 3.1 as I probably went out cautious due to not knowing my body at that pace over the 13.1. Today I went out much faster and was just holding on at the end.

Gave my confidence as its not a "I believe I can go sub 2" its a, "I did go Sub 2 in actual running time if I can just not have to stop and pee."

Might do a little turkey trot and some 5ks the rest of the year, but this concludes the longer races for me til spring.

What a year...went from saying I wanted to run a half marathon last November/December (and having people think I was crazy)...to dropping 50 lbs, running 2 half marathons and dramatically changing my pace and body over the year. So pumped for next year's challenges.

Nice report. Next time just piss yourself, all the cool dudes do it.

 

[prosopis]

Overall that was one of the easiest 12 milers I've ever ran. The overall run was 9:04 @ 151. Very encouraging.

Incredible,you are going to nail it.

 

[FUBAR]

What a year...went from saying I wanted to run a half marathon last November/December (and having people think I was crazy)...to dropping 50 lbs, running 2 half marathons and dramatically changing my pace and body over the year. So pumped for next year's challenges.

absolutely awe-inspiring. Keep up the great work!

 

[sho nuff]

What a year...went from saying I wanted to run a half marathon last November/December (and having people think I was crazy)...to dropping 50 lbs, running 2 half marathons and dramatically changing my pace and body over the year. So pumped for next year's challenges.

eta: I've actually run in Shelby Park (over by Two Rivers) when in town for a conference a few years ago. They had quite recently finished the bridge over there. I recall emailing the head of Parks & Rec to tell him how nice that bridge was along with the great trail system by the river. BnB - sorry about the ankle roll. If nothing else, you've earned a few days off.

Shelby is great...then the bridge over to 2 rivers that connects to the other greenway side that I usually run from two rivers out to Hermitage/Donelson (where I typically start running).The system is great for running...though, the side I run is nice and hilly.

 

[sho nuff]

And thank you for all the kind words.

Grue...my marathon will likely be St. Jude in Memphis next december...or Disney in 2013 (wife and I are pretty big disney freaks...usually with the kids but would use that as a trip for ourselves).

 

[Dexter]

And thank you for all the kind words.Grue...my marathon will likely be St. Jude in Memphis next december...or Disney in 2013 (wife and I are pretty big disney freaks...usually with the kids but would use that as a trip for ourselves).

Looks like we hooked another one! Congrats on all of your accomplishments.

 

[gruecd]

Decent week. Ended with 53 miles, which is about where I tend to settle when I'm not training for anything. Week in review:

M - 8 miles @ 7:29/mile

T - 5 @ 8:30

W - Rest

T - 7.15 @ 7:40

F - 7 @ 8:12 (am), 6.8 @ 8:17 (pm)

S - 14 @ 8:14

S - 5.05 @ 8:41

Mileage will probably be down this week, as I'm crazy busy. Packers game tomorrow afternoon/evening, and then I'm going to a work conference in Miami from Wednesday to Friday.

 

[tri-man 47]

Iceman Cometh: I edged out Turkish by 2 minutes. Free stake dinner coming my way.

...right through the heart.Way to win the battle!

Ned - sweet to hear about the 12 miler. If you can pop a couple of late miles at 160 HR, you're in great shape.

 

[Dexter]

Iceman Cometh: I edged out Turkish by 2 minutes. Free stake dinner coming my way.

...right through the heart.Way to win the battle!

Ned - sweet to hear about the 12 miler. If you can pop a couple of late miles at 160 HR, you're in great shape.

Fixed! I owe it all to the lunges.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Did my wife with 12 this morning -- six in and six out.

This is how I read it.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

sho -- Nice race. Looking forward to seeing how marathon training goes.

Ned -- You are so ready for this.

 

[gruecd]

Mid-December and we're already going stir-crazy! OK, here's an assignment due after Christmas. How about if we post the following lists for the year that's ending:- our favorite race (overall)- our favorite moment within a race- our most disappointing race (incl. failure to start or finish)- best workout (whether due to location or pure quality)- oddest workout moment- funniest experience in training or a race- best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year- proudest achievement of the year- specific goal for the year ahead

Something we did last year that was kinda fun. Figured I'd re-post so guy can start thinking about their answers...

 

[Ned]

Decent week. Ended with 53 miles, which is about where I tend to settle when I'm not training for anything. Week in review:M - 8 miles @ 7:29/mileT - 5 @ 8:30W - RestT - 7.15 @ 7:40F - 7 @ 8:12 (am), 6.8 @ 8:17 (pm)S - 14 @ 8:14S - 5.05 @ 8:41Mileage will probably be down this week, as I'm crazy busy. Packers game tomorrow afternoon/evening, and then I'm going to a work conference in Miami from Wednesday to Friday.

Man. Only you would be doing a double during maintenance season.

 

[Ned]

Mid-December and we're already going stir-crazy! OK, here's an assignment due after Christmas. How about if we post the following lists for the year that's ending:- our favorite race (overall)- our favorite moment within a race- our most disappointing race (incl. failure to start or finish)- best workout (whether due to location or pure quality)- oddest workout moment- funniest experience in training or a race- best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year- proudest achievement of the year- specific goal for the year ahead

Something we did last year that was kinda fun. Figured I'd re-post so guy can start thinking about their answers...

This was fun last year. Makes me want to go back and reread some of the responses.

 

[wraith5]

WOW! Everyone is doing awesome! Keep up the good work. I jedi mind tricked the wife into getting the treadmill I wanted. So I plan on getting a Sole F80. Anyone else have this?

I have the Sole F63 and have been very happy with it. The F80 is a nice machine.

 

[Dexter]

WOW! Everyone is doing awesome! Keep up the good work. I jedi mind tricked the wife into getting the treadmill I wanted. So I plan on getting a Sole F80. Anyone else have this?

I have the Sole F63 and have been very happy with it. The F80 is a nice machine.

Thanks!

 

[Good Posting Judge]

What's a good running schedule for a noob? Just want to tone up and get in shape, don't really care for running a marathon or anything. Let's say I just want to do 10K's on a regular basis.

 

[Dexter]

What's a good running schedule for a noob? Just want to tone up and get in shape, don't really care for running a marathon or anything. Let's say I just want to do 10K's on a regular basis.

run 3 miles every other day.

 

[wraith5]

Since the Bears game was at 3:15 today, I was able to slip out for a run this afternoon (very rare I can get out twice on a weekend these days).

Good news: Felt very good for 9 miles. No joint pain to speak of (just my "normal" achilles discomfort) and I was able to stay around 8:45s.

Bad news: I went for a 13 mile run today

After 9, my legs were pretty toasted - ankles etc. were fine but my quads and hammys just weren't interested in cooperating anymore. Took it slow and did some walking the rest of the way home. No need to re-injure myself at this point.

 

[Tiny Dancer]

What's the best app to keep track of runs on your android phone? Preferably a free one. My wife had "Buddy Runner" but I'm just checking to see if there's something better out there.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

What's a good running schedule for a noob? Just want to tone up and get in shape, don't really care for running a marathon or anything. Let's say I just want to do 10K's on a regular basis.

run 3 miles every other day.

If you're literally not running at all right now, you could follow a http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml'>Couch to 5K program to get into 3-mile shape. After that, just running 3-4 miles 3-4 times per week is a decent base that would allow you to prepare for the occasional 10K.

 

[Dexter]

What's the best app to keep track of runs on your android phone? Preferably a free one. My wife had "Buddy Runner" but I'm just checking to see if there's something better out there.

http://mytracks.appspot.com/My Tracks is an application for your AndroidTM phone that enables you to record GPS tracks and view live statistics – such as time, speed, distance, and elevation – while hiking, biking, running or participating in other outdoor activities. Once recorded, you can share your tracks, upload them to Google Spreadsheets and visualize them on Google My Maps.You can also find it in the market.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Great weekend of running/racing everyone!

Sport_Fan: Awesome that you are back to running after your surgery. Running sprints first is a unique way to get at it. Don't be a stranger, as staying in this thread will keep your training honest and likely provide support, advice and humor.

Sand & 2Young: Love the pic's!!

ShoNuff: Most awesome race even with the pee stop. Losing 50 lbs. and changing your life in the past year is truly inspiring Regarding elevation, the Garmin does struggle with elevation around buildings = often takes the elevation of buildings on the street you are on.

To Tri: Golf probably didn't cause my hip problems. Arthrogram showed I have a cam Femoroacetabular Impingement (= my hip sockets don't fit right) in both hip sockets = I've been a time bomb waiting for this injury for quite some time. My last Half IM training was just the final straw.

Wraith: I don't mind when somebody tries to latch on. I'm with Sand, it is a good reason to get my HR waaaaaay up and drop their ###. Great that you got 9 good miles in = progress. Also nice to get a 30 miler in!!

BnB: I agree that your sprained ankle is at a great time. You could certainly use a week off.

Ned: Awesome to hear "easy" and 12 from you. You are so primed for a great race.

Dexter: Congrat's on the Jedi mind tricks with your wife, though I'd use them for something other than a treadmill. I had a Sole 77 prior to my ex getting in our divorce. You will love their product. I don't think I could recommend any product more than Sole.

Grue: 53 miles Great that you are back at it. Miami = create some memories, and embellish them in here for our pleasure.

Good Posting Judge: Couch to 5k is a great way to get started. Best of luck!

___________________________

My update: I had my girls this weekend, so I didn't get a workout in on Saturday = I had fresh legs yesterday. The winds were at 15 mph and I knew I wanted to go 30+ while keeping my HR down. I did a great job keeping my HR low, until I saw three riders in front of me on a stretch right into the wind. I reeled them in going 20 MPH into the teeth of the wind, and one jagoff latched onto my wheel for awhile (no problem), then took off past me. It was ON! I caught him immediately, sucked his wheel for 15 seconds then took off past him. He tried to keep up, but never caught my wheel and when I looked back a quarter mile ahead, he was already back with the other two riders. My HR got up to 177 during this stretch = not bad at all!!

Legs felt super through 20 so instead of taking the road straight home (would have been 32 miles) I took a long back road that is full of chip seal and hilly. It was a brutal stretch, but I loved the challenge. It was also getting dark, and I finished the final 4 in darkness, with a head and rear lamp lighting the way. I only wanted to go over 20 MPH (ego induced) so I needed to push the final 5 straight into the wind a bit to do it. Without being able to see the Garmin, it was exciting to see it light up after each mile. I ended up doing 39.5 miles at 20.1 MPH with my AVE HR being only 156 (first sub 160 long ride!!!). All signs are pointing to me being able to sign up for a race

 

[jb1020]

And thank you for all the kind words.Grue...my marathon will likely be St. Jude in Memphis next december...or Disney in 2013 (wife and I are pretty big disney freaks...usually with the kids but would use that as a trip for ourselves).

Awesome RR shonuff. You doing the St. Judes half this year? I'm headed up to give it a go in 3 weeks. I don't pay as much attention to this thread as I would like too, but your year has been a lot like mine. Jan 2011 I weighed 250,now I'm at 190. I'm signed up for 2 Halfs (St. Judes 12-3; Blues in Jackson, MS 1-7), and thinking about one more in Starkville on 1-21. The last one is a small $30 race, so I can sign up last minute. I don't want to over do it. I've also set in my mind that St. Judes 2012 is going to be my first full. Been a fun year huh?

 

[sho nuff]

Pretty sore today...right knee and calf been tightening up since last night.

Some great running going on by all here and fun stories as usual too.

Going to replace some more carbs tonight for the Packers game.

 

[sho nuff]

And thank you for all the kind words.Grue...my marathon will likely be St. Jude in Memphis next december...or Disney in 2013 (wife and I are pretty big disney freaks...usually with the kids but would use that as a trip for ourselves).

Awesome RR shonuff. You doing the St. Judes half this year? I'm headed up to give it a go in 3 weeks. I don't pay as much attention to this thread as I would like too, but your year has been a lot like mine. Jan 2011 I weighed 250,now I'm at 190. I'm signed up for 2 Halfs (St. Judes 12-3; Blues in Jackson, MS 1-7), and thinking about one more in Starkville on 1-21. The last one is a small $30 race, so I can sign up last minute. I don't want to over do it. I've also set in my mind that St. Judes 2012 is going to be my first full. Been a fun year huh?

No St. Judes half for me. If I had known I was going to consider the full next year, I would have signed up for the half. But figured that out after the registration was closed.

 

[gruecd]

Going to replace some more carbs tonight for the Packers game.

Tell me about it. I'm gonna be in Green Bay by 1:00.

 

[ThreeThousand]

Mid-December and we're already going stir-crazy! OK, here's an assignment due after Christmas. How about if we post the following lists for the year that's ending:- our favorite race (overall)- our favorite moment within a race- our most disappointing race (incl. failure to start or finish)- best workout (whether due to location or pure quality)- oddest workout moment- funniest experience in training or a race- best memory of one of the other guy's experiences this year- proudest achievement of the year- specific goal for the year ahead

Something we did last year that was kinda fun. Figured I'd re-post so guy can start thinking about their answers...

Good call. Looking forward to hearing some of you guys' responses.

 

[gruecd]

My update: I had my girls this weekend, so I didn't get a workout in on Saturday = I had fresh legs yesterday. The winds were at 15 mph and I knew I wanted to go 30+ while keeping my HR down. I did a great job keeping my HR low, until I saw three riders in front of me on a stretch right into the wind. I reeled them in going 20 MPH into the teeth of the wind, and one jagoff latched onto my wheel for awhile (no problem), then took off past me. It was ON! I caught him immediately, sucked his wheel for 15 seconds then took off past him. He tried to keep up, but never caught my wheel and when I looked back a quarter mile ahead, he was already back with the other two riders. My HR got up to 177 during this stretch = not bad at all!!Legs felt super through 20 so instead of taking the road straight home (would have been 32 miles) I took a long back road that is full of chip seal and hilly. It was a brutal stretch, but I loved the challenge. It was also getting dark, and I finished the final 4 in darkness, with a head and rear lamp lighting the way. I only wanted to go over 20 MPH (ego induced) so I needed to push the final 5 straight into the wind a bit to do it. Without being able to see the Garmin, it was exciting to see it light up after each mile. I ended up doing 39.5 miles at 20.1 MPH with my AVE HR being only 156 (first sub 160 long ride!!!). All signs are pointing to me being able to sign up for a race

I'm not sure what impresses me more, your actual cycling skills, or your ability to just shake off the "no running" mandate and focus all your energy on the bike. Well done on both counts, my friend.

 

[Sand]

WOW! Everyone is doing awesome! Keep up the good work.

Minus one, unfortunately. Between my calf injury and a lovely case of strep I ran a whole 3 miles last week. Chances of any significant race early next year are probably gone at this point.

Iceman Cometh: I edged out Turkish by 2 minutes. Free steak dinner coming my way.

Has Turkish floated the 3 out of 5 concept yet? Really hoping I can do this next year. With all the northern folks close to this (and dragging PSL and BnB up) we could have a good group for this.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Grue: Thanks for the kind words. I wish the no running mandate was by choice. The going all in on biking seemed my only option to still get the adrenaline I crave, and to not find myself in the Clydesdale division of life.

Has Turkish floated the 3 out of 5 concept yet? Really hoping I can do this next year. With all the northern folks close to this (and dragging PSL and BnB up) we could have a good group for this.

I'm very intrigued!! I currently am the suck at Mt. Biking (just started this February), as I don't have much fear or skill (a bad combination). I have multiple scars to prove it.

 

[gruecd]

Has Turkish floated the 3 out of 5 concept yet? Really hoping I can do this next year. With all the northern folks close to this (and dragging PSL and BnB up) we could have a good group for this.

Were we still gonna try to put together a team to try to win the Beach2Battleship relay?

 

[pigskinliquors]

Has Turkish floated the 3 out of 5 concept yet? Really hoping I can do this next year. With all the northern folks close to this (and dragging PSL and BnB up) we could have a good group for this.

Were we still gonna try to put together a team to try to win the Beach2Battleship relay?

I'd LOVE to do that one, but that weekend sucks for me. I throw a huge Halloween party, and it would likely be that weekend. BnB lives close to there and would likely be your best shot at winning it (if I can't make it ) . Grue, Sand and BnB would be monster good! What really sucks is that I try to make a pilgrimage to Wilmington every year, as my best friend lives there. I might have to find a way to get this done!I also just started looking up races to sign up for. With just a little effort it looks like I can do:

1/22: 50 mile "Frost 50"

2/11: 71 mile "Pedaling the Prairie"

3/3: 63 mile "Pedal through the Pines"

3/10: 61 mile "Raven's Revenge"

3/25: 100 mile "Bluebonnet Express"

I'm not sure which of these I'll ride, but want to do at least one prior to the Bluebonnet 100 which I plan on doing for sure.

 

[Sand]

Grue: Thanks for the kind words. I wish the no running mandate was by choice. The going all in on biking seemed my only option to still get the adrenaline I crave, and to not find myself in the Clydesdale division of life.

Has Turkish floated the 3 out of 5 concept yet? Really hoping I can do this next year. With all the northern folks close to this (and dragging PSL and BnB up) we could have a good group for this.

I'm very intrigued!! I currently am the suck at Mt. Biking (just started this February), as I don't have much fear or skill (a bad combination). I have multiple scars to prove it.

Vest majority is fire road (Turkish and Dexter can give details). Really not technical at all. Some sand, some steep hills etc., but to my knowledge no log jumping or rock hopping or anything crazy. Which is good, because I suck at MTBing. I have several trees down my way here that know me intimately...

 

[The_Man]

Sounds like another awesome weekend. We've got PSL biking like a madman and grinding mere mortals into the ground. We've got ShoNuff capping an awesome season by manning up and going for (and essentially getting) a 2:00 HM. We've got jb1020 and Sports_fan dipping their toe in and saying hi - welcome!

We've got Darrin trying to get out of racing a 10-miler. Forget it, you're doing it! We've got BnB needing to take a few well-deserved days off. Do it! Don't follow up such an awesome race by getting injured. Speaking of injured, we've got Wraith gritting it out through an awesome 9-mile run! (Those other 4 miles didn't count).

We've got Grue lazily racking up 53 miles and getting loaded at Lambeau. And we've got Ned, who watches the numbers on his HR monitor more closely than any Wall Street trader ever studied ... anything. Ned, what's the story with race tracking for Philly? A lot of us are going to be watching those numbers closely.

I banged out 11 pretty comfortable miles at 8:17 pace on Sunday. This is the first time I've run my hill course during this entire training cycle. Felt pretty good about the way I was able to control my effort level on the climbs while still maintaining a lively pace. Saturday was the second time I wore my racing shoes - still love them, still feel like I'm flying with them on. Ran a 1-mile warm-up and then - as usual - couldn't keep myself from turning a Goal Marathon Pace run into a tempo run instead. Did 3 at 7:21 pace, then ripped off a final mile in 6:57.

12 days until the Marathon - starting to get psyched. And to be honest, I'm starting to get psyched for the Marathon after this one. I finally feel like I'm back to the level of fitness where I was a year ago, before I pissed away February, March, and April, basically resetting my training for this Marathon back to zero. Now I can't wait to begin a training cycle that starts at this level of fitness.

 

[pigskinliquors]

The_Man: I know it's cliche, but don't look ahead to your next marathon yet. You've put in plenty of miles/training to be more than ready for this one Race day is always a crap shoot, but don't talk yourself down, before you start. It's almost Go Time = visualize each successful mile and start preparing mentally for an awesome time. One never knows how many race days they'll have = enjoy every second of this one!

Sand: "Road" and not technical both sound good to me. I am quite familiar with quite a few trees as well and RIP the little oak/soldier that I fully took out without warning. RIP

 

[Dexter]

Grue: Thanks for the kind words. I wish the no running mandate was by choice. The going all in on biking seemed my only option to still get the adrenaline I crave, and to not find myself in the Clydesdale division of life.

Has Turkish floated the 3 out of 5 concept yet? Really hoping I can do this next year. With all the northern folks close to this (and dragging PSL and BnB up) we could have a good group for this.

I'm very intrigued!! I currently am the suck at Mt. Biking (just started this February), as I don't have much fear or skill (a bad combination). I have multiple scars to prove it.

Vest majority is fire road (Turkish and Dexter can give details). Really not technical at all. Some sand, some steep hills etc., but to my knowledge no log jumping or rock hopping or anything crazy. Which is good, because I suck at MTBing. I have several trees down my way here that know me intimately...

The vast majority of the course is 2 track some single track and only one section that I would barley consider technical nothing a beginner couldn't handle. There are some steep climbs but nothing long.This year was perfect due to the rain making the sand not that bad. Most years you're fighting the weather just as much as the course.

 

[The_Man]

Good morning,

I'm not a Tri Guy, but I thought this Washington Post article would be of interest to those who are: SandTMing the first mile of a triathlon can kill you.

5 miles for me this morning as I really start to taper. Just for fun, I threw on the Heart Rate Monitor for the first time this entire training cycle. First mile - 8:17 with 185 BPM. Oops - I've lost enough weight that the monitor slid off my chest and was riding down around my belly. Quick pause to readjust and then:

8:01 - 144

7:53 - 148

8:00 - 152 (slightly uphill)

7:26 - 157 (back down)

My max heart rate is right around 175, 150 is pretty much my sweet spot for the Marathon, I think - right where aerobic meets anaerobic. 160 is where things get hard for me - it feels like once I get above that threshold, I can't get it back down and so my heart rate just keeps going up and up until I get close to 170 and bonk.

I probably won't wear the HRM for the Marathon, since I haven't been wearing it all along, but I do like the info it provides. This morning it helped me focus on keeping my effort level under control and not getting worried about speed. If I weren't wearing it, there's no doubt I would have sprinted in that last mile to get it under 7:00, which is probably not the kind of thing I should be doing anymore with my race just 11 days out.

 

[pmbrown_22]

Great work in here over the last couple of days.

Sho_Nuff - Great race and report. Those pee stops are both great (in the relief) and awful in the time it takes to go. I have been there and you kind of feel like a new person afterward.

-----------------

I did a 12 miler on Saturday and averaged about 8:30 or so. Good enough to get some work in and get it done. Sunday was an off day of running, but I got a lot of training in putting together birthday presents that my son got. Somehow, I just could not get them together fast enough.

Yesterday I did a recovery 5 and planned on doing 10 today, but it is raining and I am hoping to get it in tonight after the kids are asleep.

Have a great day all.

 

[jb1020]

Alright, I have to seek the wisdom of the group here. I said yesterday I was tentatively shooting for my first marathon to be St. Judes 2012, which is more than a year out. Well, after posting that I get home to find out my wife is pregnant which is awesome.

After everything sank in, I started thinking ahead....baby will be due in June/July. In my mind I'm worried I won't be able to dedicate the time it actually takes to train for a full. We currently have a 18 month old and I've finally wrapped my mind around having to be up at 4:30 on week days to get runs in. And my wife always give me Saturday mornings to go on long runs. Shes also a full time nurse and a full time student, so I outside of a few hours on Saturday I don't even consider asking for more time away to run. I just work around it.

So the wheels started turning last night. I have a half on Jan. 7, nothing planned past that. I've always planned on doing the Higdon Novice 2 plan. So there's that 18 week plan...exactly 18 weeks from Jan 7 is the Rock and Roll in Nashville April 28. Well before the new kid is here.

You guys think this is pretty attainable, or is it biting off too much? I can already go out and run a pretty comfortable 10-13 miles, so looking at the plan it doesn't seem like anything too daunting.

TIA

 

[pmbrown_22]

Alright, I have to seek the wisdom of the group here. I said yesterday I was tentatively shooting for my first marathon to be St. Judes 2012, which is more than a year out. Well, after posting that I get home to find out my wife is pregnant which is awesome.

After everything sank in, I started thinking ahead....baby will be due in June/July. In my mind I'm worried I won't be able to dedicate the time it actually takes to train for a full. We currently have a 18 month old and I've finally wrapped my mind around having to be up at 4:30 on week days to get runs in. And my wife always give me Saturday mornings to go on long runs. Shes also a full time nurse and a full time student, so I outside of a few hours on Saturday I don't even consider asking for more time away to run. I just work around it.

So the wheels started turning last night. I have a half on Jan. 7, nothing planned past that. I've always planned on doing the Higdon Novice 2 plan. So there's that 18 week plan...exactly 18 weeks from Jan 7 is the Rock and Roll in Nashville April 28. Well before the new kid is here.

You guys think this is pretty attainable, or is it biting off too much? I can already go out and run a pretty comfortable 10-13 miles, so looking at the plan it doesn't seem like anything too daunting.

TIA

jb - First off, congratulations. You have quite the undertaking on your hands. I am expecting number 3 in about one and a half months.Second, I think that plan is doable. I used that as my first plan with a lot less training than you have done and got through it. I think you will be fine.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Good morning,

I'm not a Tri Guy, but I thought this Washington Post article would be of interest to those who are: SandTMing the first mile of a triathlon can kill you.

5 miles for me this morning as I really start to taper. Just for fun, I threw on the Heart Rate Monitor for the first time this entire training cycle. First mile - 8:17 with 185 BPM. Oops - I've lost enough weight that the monitor slid off my chest and was riding down around my belly. Quick pause to readjust and then:

8:01 - 144

7:53 - 148

8:00 - 152 (slightly uphill)

7:26 - 157 (back down)

My max heart rate is right around 175, 150 is pretty much my sweet spot for the Marathon, I think - right where aerobic meets anaerobic. 160 is where things get hard for me - it feels like once I get above that threshold, I can't get it back down and so my heart rate just keeps going up and up until I get close to 170 and bonk.

I probably won't wear the HRM for the Marathon, since I haven't been wearing it all along, but I do like the info it provides. This morning it helped me focus on keeping my effort level under control and not getting worried about speed. If I weren't wearing it, there's no doubt I would have sprinted in that last mile to get it under 7:00, which is probably not the kind of thing I should be doing anymore with my race just 11 days out.

The_Man: Great choice not to push the end of your run. Your main task right now is getting your legs fresh. I also think that trying to maintain a 150 HR is not optimal for a marathon. I don't know your typical HR, but that seems quite low to maintain for a full marathon. I'm also curious as to why you haven't been using HR as a tool to guide your running, and to better understand how hard your body has been working. It's hard to imagine the drawback of using it, beyond the marginal extra weight of the strap. edited to add: I also can relate to the article linked. I have once been in panic mode during the swim of a tri (my last Oly). I was literally dunked by another swimmer going over the top of me, and within milliseconds of resurfacing, was dunked again. By the time I caught my breath, the next wave of swimmers was coming right at me. No bueno.

______________________

My update:

I did 5.5 miles on the elliptical yesterday. I planned on doing 6, but my right calf was pretty sore. Likely due to my long ride on Sunday, and being a bit dehydrated. I have to admit that it feels good to have a part of my body hurt other than my hip. I also learned that the after 5 pm crowd at the Rec Center is more of a cardio crowd = the coeds were bouncing on the treadmills behind me, instead of contorting on machines in front of me. Thank goodness for mirrors, or my neck would be really sore today.

 

[pigskinliquors]

You guys think this is pretty attainable, or is it biting off too much? I can already go out and run a pretty comfortable 10-13 miles, so looking at the plan it doesn't seem like anything too daunting. TIA

If you can already run 10-13 miles, getting to 26 should not take anywhere near 18 weeks = you will have PLENTY of time to get there. A very realistic 12 week schedule for your long runs might look like:13.1 (your half)101214101618102022taper.

 

[The_Man]

PMB - good job on just logging those miles. And congrats on Kid #3!

jb - Congrats to you, too! I think your plan is very do-able, especially if you take it easy for the first couple of weeks after the HM. I find that it really does take me just about a day per mile raced to get my legs back, so just be careful don't to push things early in your training on legs tired from racing.

PSL - good to see you adapting your training for maximum efficiency.

In answer to your question about the HRM, I just got sick of wearing it during the hot, humid summers and then didn't go back to it. To be honest, I feel that sometimes it made a bit of a coward out of me in training for my first marathon - it gave me an excuse to back off during some workouts when I saw the number creeping upward, instead of just pushing through. Of course, maybe "coward" is another word for "wisdom" and backing off is what helped keep me healthy and get me fit.

I have a very low HR - for the first Marathon, my overall HR was 162. I guess that would be good again, but I want to keep it lower than that to start, because that is pretty much a 90% of max HR effort for me.

 

[pigskinliquors]

In answer to your question about the HRM, I just got sick of wearing it during the hot, humid summers and then didn't go back to it. To be honest, I feel that sometimes it made a bit of a coward out of me in training for my first marathon - it gave me an excuse to back off during some workouts when I saw the number creeping upward, instead of just pushing through. Of course, maybe "coward" is another word for "wisdom" and backing off is what helped keep me healthy and get me fit.I have a very low HR - for the first Marathon, my overall HR was 162. I guess that would be good again, but I want to keep it lower than that to start, because that is pretty much a 90% of max HR effort for me.

I understand not wanting to wear it in hot/humid because it gives you awful news. Unfortunately it is accurate and can keep you from bonking, or worse causing injury. IF you've already completed at 162, it sounds like a good baseline to shoot for again, for your AVERAGE (not start) I unfortunately always had to fight HR early (first mile), likely due to excitement, but enjoyed getting it down, then strategically finding my sweet spot to try to maintain until I decided to let it rise, hoping I could run through the last portion regardless of whether my heart was about to explode.

 

[sho nuff]

Alright, I have to seek the wisdom of the group here. I said yesterday I was tentatively shooting for my first marathon to be St. Judes 2012, which is more than a year out. Well, after posting that I get home to find out my wife is pregnant which is awesome.

After everything sank in, I started thinking ahead....baby will be due in June/July. In my mind I'm worried I won't be able to dedicate the time it actually takes to train for a full. We currently have a 18 month old and I've finally wrapped my mind around having to be up at 4:30 on week days to get runs in. And my wife always give me Saturday mornings to go on long runs. Shes also a full time nurse and a full time student, so I outside of a few hours on Saturday I don't even consider asking for more time away to run. I just work around it.

So the wheels started turning last night. I have a half on Jan. 7, nothing planned past that. I've always planned on doing the Higdon Novice 2 plan. So there's that 18 week plan...exactly 18 weeks from Jan 7 is the Rock and Roll in Nashville April 28. Well before the new kid is here.

You guys think this is pretty attainable, or is it biting off too much? I can already go out and run a pretty comfortable 10-13 miles, so looking at the plan it doesn't seem like anything too daunting.

TIA

The only thing I will warn you about is the Country Music Marathon is not said to be an easy course...especially for a first marathon.Lots of elevation change. I thought about making it my first...but was warned against that and am just doing the half for it in 2012.

Just be sure you get a lot of hill work in.

In addition, its a big race...there will be a ton of runners for the half that will run the same course til about 11.5, then the full breaks off as the half heads towards the finish.

And hope that you have cooler weather than some years.

Otherwise...with the right training...go for it. Just wanted to caution you on that.

There are several reviews of the race out there if you want to search for them.

Its well put on...but a madhouse for sure and a big specatcle.

That, and the 2nd half of the course is just not all that nice. Metrocenter area sucks...coming out of that to East Nashville is nice though.

 

[pigskinliquors]

The only thing I will warn you about is the Country Music Marathon is not said to be an easy course...especially for a first marathon.

JB: This looks like a good option if you don't want to go BIG. Also, here's a review of the top 10 marathons in Tennessee.

 

[jb1020]

Thanks for the congrats guys, this will be our second child and I think I'm just as excited/terrified.

Shonuff, you got me nervous about Nashville now. I picked it solely because it would give me the full 18 weeks to train, and its convenient from Jackson, MS.

I might need to sleep on this for another day or 2. Or maybe throwing caution to the wind is the play here for my first....

 

[The_Man]

Thanks for the congrats guys, this will be our second child and I think I'm just as excited/terrified.

Shonuff, you got me nervous about Nashville now. I picked it solely because it would give me the full 18 weeks to train, and its convenient from Jackson, MS.

I might need to sleep on this for another day or 2. Or maybe throwing caution to the wind is the play here for my first....

Hey, it worked with kids and now you're back for another. Do the same with the Marathon!

 

[sho nuff]

Thanks for the congrats guys, this will be our second child and I think I'm just as excited/terrified.Shonuff, you got me nervous about Nashville now. I picked it solely because it would give me the full 18 weeks to train, and its convenient from Jackson, MS.I might need to sleep on this for another day or 2. Or maybe throwing caution to the wind is the play here for my first....

I just wanted you to know before you set your mind to that one, and to tell you to train on some hills.Ive considered it a few times...but have continue to come to the conclusion I may only run the half here once as Id rather not deal with that crowded of a race much.And St. Jude just seems more meaningful of a race to me as to what it supports (granted, the CMM is now sponsored by St. Jude too).