Ran a 10k in June (7 Viewers)

[sho nuff]

Awesome write up...and while I get it...the 0-3 stuff you can kiss my grits.



Id be happy to just run some more. Still on hold by my PT for the ankle. One more week and I think he will let me run again.

So today it was a nice 10 minute warmup on the elliptical, an upper body workout, then 30 minutes back on the elliptical. Wanted to do something different with it so after a 3 minute warmup, I went 3 minute intervals with 1 minute of slower work in between for the rest of the 30 minutes. Felt good to speed it up some I guess.

Feeling ready for the pounding of the road again...hopefully next week.

 

[BassNBrew]

Freaking awesome Steve. Reading that gave me chills.

 

[BassNBrew]

Duck

Treat yourself, you won't be disappointed. Picked one up for $55.

https://www.salomon.com/us/product/skin-pro-10-3-set.html

No sloshing. Light. Supposedly will handle poles. fully adjustable.

 

[SteveC702]

Great report, Steve. I like how the last couple of minutes of your race made everything worthwhile -- that's a great feeling to have.

Thanks to all the comments on the race/report, although this pretty much sums up how I felt about it. From a performance perspective it was definitely a L, I don't think there's any doubt that when a course beats you down so badly you are forced to walk from cramping. However, the experience outside of those 2 minutes was definitely A+. I'll never forget the last 3-4 minutes of that race as long as I live, and when I think back I am still a little surprised that I had the motivation to rally back the last 5k. It's an extremely beneficial learning experience that I'll take carry with me into my future races (to never give up even after you know all your pre-race goals are pretty much out the window, since you can still end up having a pretty good experience).

 

[SteveC702]

Those of you with facebook already saw the little blurb I posted about the last 10K of my race. I'll post a report in the next couple of days, but while that was not the fastest or best marathon I have ever run, it as definitely the most dramatic.

To answer PJ's question on the AF marathon, I actually signed up for that race within minutes of registration opening this year. My wife is a Captain in the Air Force (soon to be Major) and I want to win this race for her this year

*NM, I am at the airport and since I have trouble falling asleep after marathons like I usually do I just went ahead and did the write-up*.

Outstanding! Let me know when the race gets closer...I would love to meet up with you before the race starts....maybe at the expo on Thrusday or Friday. If you have never run it before it is a fantastic race with great medals and a good course....2 good sized hills on miles 2 and 21.

And a shout out to JoeBryant.....if member number 103 is taken, it needs to be switched so Steve can have it!

I've run the half there (which shares a lot of the same parts as the marathon) and my wife was stationed there for a year so I know about the hill at the beginning of the marathon course, but definitely on the meetup.

Also, for people who bring up the 103 thing... I am arguing I finished top 100 for males as I consider the elite females to be a separate race (they got a 28 minute head start) with completely different race dynamics. Per the local newspaper - Top 100 men

 

[beer 302]

Those of you with facebook already saw the little blurb I posted about the last 10K of my race. I'll post a report in the next couple of days, but while that was not the fastest or best marathon I have ever run, it as definitely the most dramatic.

To answer PJ's question on the AF marathon, I actually signed up for that race within minutes of registration opening this year. My wife is a Captain in the Air Force (soon to be Major) and I want to win this race for her this year

*NM, I am at the airport and since I have trouble falling asleep after marathons like I usually do I just went ahead and did the write-up*.

Outstanding! Let me know when the race gets closer...I would love to meet up with you before the race starts....maybe at the expo on Thrusday or Friday. If you have never run it before it is a fantastic race with great medals and a good course....2 good sized hills on miles 2 and 21.

And a shout out to JoeBryant.....if member number 103 is taken, it needs to be switched so Steve can have it!

I've run the half there (which shares a lot of the same parts as the marathon) and my wife was stationed there for a year so I know about the hill at the beginning of the marathon course, but definitely on the meetup.

Also, for people who bring up the 103 thing... I am arguing I finished top 100 for males as I consider the elite females to be a separate race (they got a 28 minute head start) with completely different race dynamics. Per the local newspaper - Top 100 men

Who are we to argue, I'll start name dropping #90, even better!

Congratulations again Steve, lot of inspiration in that write-up and watching it unfold yesterday. I'm still geeked about it and the farthest I ran yesterday was to the coffee pot.

 

[wilked]

Steve, nice work. Last year I hung with Sal Nastasi (not sure if you know him), he finished in a similar spot, about 5 minutes behind you. It was crazy to talk strategy with him, you guys are nuts!

Big props, and great writeup.

I will put a writeup together, maybe later or maybe tomorrow. I crashed hard about halfway through, muscle cramps took me down. Wasn't pleasant to have my quad locking up with the Newton Hills still staring me in the face. Still, managed to finish with my head held high and enjoyed the hell out of the crowd, was a great day

 

[worrierking]

Nice job Wilked. I look forward to your write-up.

I had something of a setback on my injury recovery over the weekend. Discussed some things with my PT this morning. I suggested I might need to stop running for a few weeks and just concentrate on strengthening and he said I should keep running. He even consulted with his wife (also a PT) and she agreed. So I will try again. I also discussed the possibility of a cortisone shot, since my problem at this point is purely inflammation. Again he said no. Stick to the plan.

I am taking my wife to Florida tomorrow for five days for her birthday. I will see if I have any desire to run on the beach. I may end up just taking a week off to try to settle the groin down. I am getting to the point where I think I have to abandon any plans for a fall marathon and start concentrating on next winter. Houston sign-up begins soon and I will enter that one. I might also look for an early December race if I can work out the schedule.

 

[SFBayDuck]

Duck

Treat yourself, you won't be disappointed. Picked one up for $55.

https://www.salomon.com/us/product/skin-pro-10-3-set.html

No sloshing. Light. Supposedly will handle poles. fully adjustable.

I've considered one of those. I like the UD AK Race vest, but haven't tried it with a bladder yet, just the two bottles in the front. My biggest complaint is that It doesn't have a place for my iphone that I can get to without removing it, which is a bummer. I also have a Nathan hydration vest with a 1.5l bladder that I like, but it sloshes a lot.

I'm thinking I'll have 2-3 different packs for my 100M that I can switch between just to change up the chafing spots and limit the time taken in aid stations in refilling, so I suppose I could use one more.

Where'd you score that for $55? That's a hell of a deal.

 

[The_Man]

According to the Boston Globe:

Of the 32,408 runners who answered the starting gun, 32,144 crossed the line in Copley Square -- a 99 percent completion rate. “The people were determined to finish this thing and they did,” said race director Dave McGillivray.

That is bad ###. Nobody was going to be denied.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

According to the Boston Globe:

Of the 32,408 runners who answered the starting gun, 32,144 crossed the line in Copley Square -- a 99 percent completion rate. “The people were determined to finish this thing and they did,” said race director Dave McGillivray.

That is bad ###. Nobody was going to be denied.

Interesting statistic. Does anybody happen to know the "standard" completion rate for the typical marathon. It stands to reason that Boston's would be way higher due to the qualifying standards.

 

[Juxtatarot]

According to the Boston Globe:

Of the 32,408 runners who answered the starting gun, 32,144 crossed the line in Copley Square -- a 99 percent completion rate. “The people were determined to finish this thing and they did,” said race director Dave McGillivray.

That is bad ###. Nobody was going to be denied.

Interesting statistic. Does anybody happen to know the "standard" completion rate for the typical marathon. It stands to reason that Boston's would be way higher due to the qualifying standards.

I don't know for sure but I bet it is fairly high (well into the 90s). Weather probably plays a major role. Of course, finishers to registered runners is much different.

 

[Hang 10]

According to the Boston Globe:

Of the 32,408 runners who answered the starting gun, 32,144 crossed the line in Copley Square -- a 99 percent completion rate. “The people were determined to finish this thing and they did,” said race director Dave McGillivray.

That is bad ###. Nobody was going to be denied.

Interesting statistic. Does anybody happen to know the "standard" completion rate for the typical marathon. It stands to reason that Boston's would be way higher due to the qualifying standards.

I'm sure their standards have a lot to do with it. Yesterday I was looking up marathons with the best chances for a BQ and you'll never guess what was #1 with 55% qualifying... *drumroll*

Boston

 

[Sand]

According to the Boston Globe:

Of the 32,408 runners who answered the starting gun, 32,144 crossed the line in Copley Square -- a 99 percent completion rate. “The people were determined to finish this thing and they did,” said race director Dave McGillivray.

That is bad ###. Nobody was going to be denied.

Interesting statistic. Does anybody happen to know the "standard" completion rate for the typical marathon. It stands to reason that Boston's would be way higher due to the qualifying standards.

I'm sure their standards have a lot to do with it. Yesterday I was looking up marathons with the best chances for a BQ and you'll never guess what was #1 with 55% qualifying... *drumroll*

Boston

Absolutely!

But then you look at the next few on that list and they are pansy ### one-way downhill runs.

 

[Hang 10]

According to the Boston Globe:

Of the 32,408 runners who answered the starting gun, 32,144 crossed the line in Copley Square -- a 99 percent completion rate. The people were determined to finish this thing and they did, said race director Dave McGillivray.

That is bad ###. Nobody was going to be denied.

Interesting statistic. Does anybody happen to know the "standard" completion rate for the typical marathon. It stands to reason that Boston's would be way higher due to the qualifying standards.

I'm sure their standards have a lot to do with it. Yesterday I was looking up marathons with the best chances for a BQ and you'll never guess what was #1 with 55% qualifying... *drumroll*

Boston

Absolutely!

But then you look at the next few on that list and they are pansy ### one-way downhill runs.

Yeah I know one in California was called mountains to beach. Wonder what the elevation loss is for that course.

 

[tri-man 47]

Also, for people who bring up the 103 thing... I am arguing I finished top 100 for males as I consider the elite females to be a separate race (they got a 28 minute head start) with completely different race dynamics. Per the local newspaper - Top 100 men

Fair enough: Top 100! I like the sound of that!! But ..you got beat by a Canadian?

 

[BassNBrew]

Duck

Treat yourself, you won't be disappointed. Picked one up for $55.

https://www.salomon.com/us/product/skin-pro-10-3-set.html

No sloshing. Light. Supposedly will handle poles. fully adjustable.

I've considered one of those. I like the UD AK Race vest, but haven't tried it with a bladder yet, just the two bottles in the front. My biggest complaint is that It doesn't have a place for my iphone that I can get to without removing it, which is a bummer. I also have a Nathan hydration vest with a 1.5l bladder that I like, but it sloshes a lot.

I'm thinking I'll have 2-3 different packs for my 100M that I can switch between just to change up the chafing spots and limit the time taken in aid stations in refilling, so I suppose I could use one more.

Where'd you score that for $55? That's a hell of a deal.

Frugal Backpacker

 

[Sand]

Also, for people who bring up the 103 thing... I am arguing I finished top 100 for males as I consider the elite females to be a separate race (they got a 28 minute head start) with completely different race dynamics. Per the local newspaper - Top 100 men

Fair enough: Top 100! I like the sound of that!! But ..you got beat by a Canadian?

And, don't forget, soundly trounced by the Ecuadorian.

 

[SteveC702]

Also, for people who bring up the 103 thing... I am arguing I finished top 100 for males as I consider the elite females to be a separate race (they got a 28 minute head start) with completely different race dynamics. Per the local newspaper - Top 100 men

Fair enough: Top 100! I like the sound of that!! But ..you got beat by a Canadian?

And, don't forget, soundly trounced by the Ecuadorian.

Yeah, but I ran down a Japanese elite a few steps away from the finish (he started on the line so our chip times were 10-12s different) and demoralized him so badly that when I turned around a few seconds after I crossed the finish area he was on the ground and they were getting a wheelchair for him... that or because he went through the half almost a minute faster than my HM PR.

 

[tri-man 47]

Also, for people who bring up the 103 thing... I am arguing I finished top 100 for males as I consider the elite females to be a separate race (they got a 28 minute head start) with completely different race dynamics. Per the local newspaper - Top 100 men

Fair enough: Top 100! I like the sound of that!! But ..you got beat by a Canadian?

And, don't forget, soundly trounced by the Ecuadorian.

Yeah, but I ran down a Japanese elite a few steps away from the finish (he started on the line so our chip times were 10-12s different) and demoralized him so badly that when I turned around a few seconds after I crossed the finish area he was on the ground and they were getting a wheelchair for him... that or because he went through the half almost a minute faster than my HM PR.

It's something he'll just have to live with. Some runners get chicked; he got Chued.

 

[SFBayDuck]

Also, for people who bring up the 103 thing... I am arguing I finished top 100 for males as I consider the elite females to be a separate race (they got a 28 minute head start) with completely different race dynamics. Per the local newspaper - Top 100 men

Cool to see a few names I know from the ultra scene on that list. I doubt this would have been the case a few years ago as there seemed to be a line between 26.2 and utlra distances that few elites crossed, but it speaks to how much faster the ultra scene is getting:

• Uli Steidl - 22nd in 2:19:48 at 42 years old, first master! Dude has won almost every ultra he's entered since 2000, but obviously has been focusing on some road speed the past few years!
• Matt Flaherty - 28th in 2:21:20. He has won several ultras including the American River 50M last year that I did. So I never saw him all day.
• Matt Laye - 34th in 2:22:32. A local guy, he threw down a 13:17 100M in February at Rocky Raccoon for the win and grabbed a spot for WS100.
• Mike Wardian - 35th in 2:22:32, third master (wonder if they held hands as they crossed the finish). Dude races constantly, everything from 5Ks to 100Ms to the 225K stage race in Costa Rica he won in February.
• Alex Varner - he was right outside the top 100, but he's another local guy that ran a 2:32:05 yesterday - nine days after nabbing a WS100 spot with a 4th place finish at the Lake Sonoma 50M in 6:24:04.

 

[Hang 10]

What is the distinction between the elites and a runner such as yourself, Steve?

 

[ghostguy123]

So if my most recent 5k was 26:55 (splits of about 8:00.....9:00.....9:10...and whatever the lat tenth of a mile was), what kind of time should I shoot for if doing a tempo run for 5k?

Any particular time and/or certain pacing I should go for? Should I try and run the same pace all three miles?

 

[tri-man 47]

So if my most recent 5k was 26:55 (splits of about 8:00.....9:00.....9:10...and whatever the lat tenth of a mile was), what kind of time should I shoot for if doing a tempo run for 5k?

Any particular time and/or certain pacing I should go for? Should I try and run the same pace all three miles?

Ghost - maybe go the other way: Start slow and pick it up over, say, 4 miles. Start at something comfortable and gradually increase.

--

Interesting article about Ryan Hall leading the Americans in a tactical move supporting Meb:

http://www.letsrun.com/news/2014/04/untold-story-american-teamwork-ryan-hall-helped-meb-keflezighi-win-boston/?fb_action_ids=764015310608&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=[235976339940425]&action_type_map=[%22og.likes%22]&action_ref_map=[]

 

[SFBayDuck]

--Interesting article about Ryan Hall leading the Americans in a tactical move supporting Meb:

http://www.letsrun.com/news/2014/04/untold-story-american-teamwork-ryan-hall-helped-meb-keflezighi-win-boston/?fb_action_ids=764015310608&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=[235976339940425]&action_type_map=[%22og.likes%22]&action_ref_map=[]

That's really cool.

 

[ChiefD]

Have my second half in the last 2 weeks coming up Saturday. Knocked out 5 miles tonight after doing 10 nice easy miles on Saturday. Will run maybe 3 tomorrow, then rest again until Saturday.

The goal this week is to try and hit 1:45. Did the 1:49 the week before last and felt I left time on the course. We shall see if that was true, or if I just ran out of gas.

After reading the stories of the brethren here at Boston, I gotta say I'm pretty pumped to run this weekend. Should be fun.

 

[SteveC702]

What is the distinction between the elites and a runner such as yourself, Steve?

My 5k/10K pace = their marathon pace?

Or in terms of race treatment, they're given a single/double digit bib, and I think comped entry as well as complementary lodging for the race. (the first dozen or so have undiclosed appearance fees to go along with travel/meal assistance as well). Before the race while the rest of us freeze our ### off in Athlete's Village they get to chill out by that church next to the start line, with their private pre-race water/food/bathrooms.

I didn't notice this the last 2 times, but it seems like their starting line is also about 20-30 yards ahead of the front of the first corral, so it takes even the first few people in the first corral 2-3 seconds to catch up to them once the gun is fired. (or I could be spewing BS on this, but this is the way it looked like from where I was standing since I was only about 10-15 rows behind the front of corral 1 and it took me 8 seconds to cross the start)

 

[BassNBrew]

Went out for an easy 10 tonite on sore legs and just felt better and better as the run progressed. Was at roughly a 9:30 pace thru 8 miles and thought about Steve's finish. Cranked it up to finished with a 9:00 mile 9 and 8:00 mile 10.

The last two weeks have been a bust between my ankle and a major home renovation project. Got in one 9 mile power hike the Sat before last. Got back into gear Sunday with a 10.8 mile run followed by a 8.2 mile power hike yesterday. My ankle still isn't ready to run on trails so any running will be on the road.

I guess I'll train hard the next couple of weeks and toe the line at Massenutten 100.

 

[Sand]

Also, for people who bring up the 103 thing... I am arguing I finished top 100 for males as I consider the elite females to be a separate race (they got a 28 minute head start) with completely different race dynamics. Per the local newspaper - Top 100 men

Fair enough: Top 100! I like the sound of that!! But ..you got beat by a Canadian?

And, don't forget, soundly trounced by the Ecuadorian.

Yeah, but I ran down a Japanese elite a few steps away from the finish (he started on the line so our chip times were 10-12s different) and demoralized him so badly that when I turned around a few seconds after I crossed the finish area he was on the ground and they were getting a wheelchair for him... that or because he went through the half almost a minute faster than my HM PR.

And to think you were only 5 minutes behind Jason Hartmann (though he had a pretty poor race for him).

----

On my end a good ride tonight. For the middle 15 miles 233w avg, 263 normalized. That's a pretty kick ### set of numbers there. I tend to have really good days with one day off after hard workouts. Today was one of those.

 

[FUBAR]

What is the distinction between the elites and a runner such as yourself, Steve?

My 5k/10K pace = their marathon pace?

Or in terms of race treatment, they're given a single/double digit bib, and I think comped entry as well as complementary lodging for the race. (the first dozen or so have undiclosed appearance fees to go along with travel/meal assistance as well). Before the race while the rest of us freeze our ### off in Athlete's Village they get to chill out by that church next to the start line, with their private pre-race water/food/bathrooms.

I didn't notice this the last 2 times, but it seems like their starting line is also about 20-30 yards ahead of the front of the first corral, so it takes even the first few people in the first corral 2-3 seconds to catch up to them once the gun is fired. (or I could be spewing BS on this, but this is the way it looked like from where I was standing since I was only about 10-15 rows behind the front of corral 1 and it took me 8 seconds to cross the start)

Don't know about Boston though it makes sense. The Country Music Marathon has a separate start for the elites, then the next 60 corrals go at a minute or so intervals.

 

[FUBAR]

According to the Boston Globe:

Of the 32,408 runners who answered the starting gun, 32,144 crossed the line in Copley Square -- a 99 percent completion rate. “The people were determined to finish this thing and they did,” said race director Dave McGillivray.

That is bad ###. Nobody was going to be denied.

Interesting statistic. Does anybody happen to know the "standard" completion rate for the typical marathon. It stands to reason that Boston's would be way higher due to the qualifying standards.

I'm sure their standards have a lot to do with it. Yesterday I was looking up marathons with the best chances for a BQ and you'll never guess what was #1 with 55% qualifying... *drumroll*

Boston

Absolutely!

But then you look at the next few on that list and they are pansy ### one-way downhill runs.

Looks like only 35% in Boston qualified for Boston this year: http://www.marathonguide.com/races/bostonmarathonqualifyingraces.cfm?Year=2014%C2'>

20% drop from last year - was it hotter, just more people, or a larger percentage of people running who wouldn't qualify but got in for charity?

 

[Ned]

2014 Boston Marathon Trip Report:

Mile 25-Finish - So shortly after the 25 mile mark, I saw a "1 mile to go sign" and I decided on a lark to take my split for this last mile after covering 25-25.22 in 77s. I then decided to kick things up a notch and passed the last couple of guys that were within sight of me. All of a sudden, right before we went into the tunnel/underpass with a little over half a mile to go I realized I was pretty much in no man's land because I had broken clear of the guys behind me and I couldn't see anyone else in front of me either. The crowds were 4-5 deep at this point and the cheering was pretty much all focused on me. When I came out of the tunnel on the other side the crowd went nuts again, and this continued as I rounded the last 2 turns, during which point I felt like there were thousands of people cheering for nobody else besides me (because let's be honest, there wasn't anyone within 30-40 yards of me through this stretch). I high-fived pretty much everyone on the right corner as I turned onto Hereford St, and then as I rounded the last turn I just started sprinting even though I knew I was going to be over 2:30 and (I thought at the time) my finishing place was determined. I was about to let up with about 200-300 meters left and just cruise in when I saw a runner ahead with a double digit (elite) bib, so I pulled out my high school freshman kick and picked him off in the last 20 yards (along with 2 other unfortunate souls who were also fading). As I clicked my watch when I crossed the finish I saw I had covered the last mile in 5:14. Looking at the results later, even though I was the 90th overall man, I had the 15th fastest split from 40K-finish (in fact, I was only 32 seconds slower than Meb over this stretch). I guess if I am going to be screwed over the the undulating hills and cramp up again, and least I got to hammer the last few miles and vent some of the frustration in the last 5K.

So friggin' awesome!! It's incredible you were able to regroup like you did and have such a strong finish.

 

[Sand]

Looks like only 35% in Boston qualified for Boston this year:

20% drop from last year - was it hotter, just more people, or a larger percentage of people running who wouldn't qualify but got in for charity?

Weather was perfect. I suspect that the mass of folks that were reinvited from last year as well as a huge surge of charity runners did that.

 

[Hang 10]

What is the distinction between the elites and a runner such as yourself, Steve?

My 5k/10K pace = their marathon pace?

Or in terms of race treatment, they're given a single/double digit bib, and I think comped entry as well as complementary lodging for the race. (the first dozen or so have undiclosed appearance fees to go along with travel/meal assistance as well). Before the race while the rest of us freeze our ### off in Athlete's Village they get to chill out by that church next to the start line, with their private pre-race water/food/bathrooms.

I didn't notice this the last 2 times, but it seems like their starting line is also about 20-30 yards ahead of the front of the first corral, so it takes even the first few people in the first corral 2-3 seconds to catch up to them once the gun is fired. (or I could be spewing BS on this, but this is the way it looked like from where I was standing since I was only about 10-15 rows behind the front of corral 1 and it took me 8 seconds to cross the start)

More asking about what you need to prove for them to consider you elite. Like, do you need to be a major marathon winner? A certain qualifying time?

 

[koby925]

Awesome about the 99% finish stat.

The elite distinction is kind of a runner dork one. By most normal accounts, Steve is elite since he is better than 99.8% (and I may be selling him short) of runners. But by runner dork standards I guess he is sub elite. Elites are sponsored and basically paid to run.

 

[SteveC702]

...

More asking about what you need to prove for them to consider you elite. Like, do you need to be a major marathon winner? A certain qualifying time?

This is actually one place that BAA's website is unclear on as well. Hell, they don't even have contact information for a person that you could email/call about this stuff. The elitist response I have seen on other running message boards is "if you are fast enough, they'll find you", or "if you are fast enough, you should have an agent/coach that can get you in".

From looking at the elite bib numbers (99 or less) for the past few years I have come to the following conclusions:

1. There are actually 3-4 classes of elites. The truely elites are the ones introduced on the BAA preview for the race, have a realistic shot at winning or at least being top 5-10, and have run 2:10 or faster. They get their flight and meals paid for, hotel accommodations and most have undisclosed appearance fee deals with the race that can be as much as low six-figures.

2. 2nd-tier: probably Americans that have a shot at finishing in the top 25 in the Olympic trials and have run in the 2:teens. Free room and possibly some travel assistance.

3. 3rd tier: comped entry, maybe free room too. I don't think they have set time entries, but I think you have to basically run around 2:20 or faster to get this.

4. Master elites: These are the guys with bib numbers 75-99, but I think even the slowest guys in this group run in the high 2:30s as 45-50 year-olds

They are in contention for masters prize money and I am guessing they get free rooms too.

I am curious about that 3rd tier the most, as I was surprised at the people I saw with low 100 bib numbers this year. (i.e. a couple of guys who ran 2:17-2:18 to qualify for the 2012 marathon trials, and guys like Alex Varner (2:21 at Boston last year) and Matt Flaherty (previous best 2:22)). But they somehow upgraded one of the guys who had a PR of 2:23 into the elite corral about a month out, and to his credit he delivered with a 2:19. I have also seen guys get elite bibs with 2:22-2:23 PRs before so I think if you are on the border it's a matter of who you know.

 

[SteveC702]

Looks like only 35% in Boston qualified for Boston this year:

20% drop from last year - was it hotter, just more people, or a larger percentage of people running who wouldn't qualify but got in for charity?

I think it's the later, weather was pretty ideal (except the forecasted tailwind never materialized). I thought I read somewhere that this year had by far the largest % of non-qualifiers.

Also, at the start line they announced that 68-70% (let's jut call it 69) of the runners in the field were running Boston for the first time, which I was pretty surprised by as well.

 

[Hang 10]

...

More asking about what you need to prove for them to consider you elite. Like, do you need to be a major marathon winner? A certain qualifying time?

This is actually one place that BAA's website is unclear on as well. Hell, they don't even have contact information for a person that you could email/call about this stuff. The elitist response I have seen on other running message boards is "if you are fast enough, they'll find you", or "if you are fast enough, you should have an agent/coach that can get you in".

From looking at the elite bib numbers (99 or less) for the past few years I have come to the following conclusions:

1. There are actually 3-4 classes of elites. The truely elites are the ones introduced on the BAA preview for the race, have a realistic shot at winning or at least being top 5-10, and have run 2:10 or faster. They get their flight and meals paid for, hotel accommodations and most have undisclosed appearance fee deals with the race that can be as much as low six-figures.

2. 2nd-tier: probably Americans that have a shot at finishing in the top 25 in the Olympic trials and have run in the 2:teens. Free room and possibly some travel assistance.

3. 3rd tier: comped entry, maybe free room too. I don't think they have set time entries, but I think you have to basically run around 2:20 or faster to get this.

4. Master elites: These are the guys with bib numbers 75-99, but I think even the slowest guys in this group run in the high 2:30s as 45-50 year-olds

They are in contention for masters prize money and I am guessing they get free rooms too.

I am curious about that 3rd tier the most, as I was surprised at the people I saw with low 100 bib numbers this year. (i.e. a couple of guys who ran 2:17-2:18 to qualify for the 2012 marathon trials, and guys like Alex Varner (2:21 at Boston last year) and Matt Flaherty (previous best 2:22)). But they somehow upgraded one of the guys who had a PR of 2:23 into the elite corral about a month out, and to his credit he delivered with a 2:19. I have also seen guys get elite bibs with 2:22-2:23 PRs before so I think if you are on the border it's a matter of who you know.

That's interesting. I was wondering because I was curious how close you were to getting into that class. I guess you're wondering the same thing!

 

[BassNBrew]

...

More asking about what you need to prove for them to consider you elite. Like, do you need to be a major marathon winner? A certain qualifying time?

This is actually one place that BAA's website is unclear on as well. Hell, they don't even have contact information for a person that you could email/call about this stuff. The elitist response I have seen on other running message boards is "if you are fast enough, they'll find you", or "if you are fast enough, you should have an agent/coach that can get you in".

From looking at the elite bib numbers (99 or less) for the past few years I have come to the following conclusions:

1. There are actually 3-4 classes of elites. The truely elites are the ones introduced on the BAA preview for the race, have a realistic shot at winning or at least being top 5-10, and have run 2:10 or faster. They get their flight and meals paid for, hotel accommodations and most have undisclosed appearance fee deals with the race that can be as much as low six-figures.

2. 2nd-tier: probably Americans that have a shot at finishing in the top 25 in the Olympic trials and have run in the 2:teens. Free room and possibly some travel assistance.

3. 3rd tier: comped entry, maybe free room too. I don't think they have set time entries, but I think you have to basically run around 2:20 or faster to get this.

4. Master elites: These are the guys with bib numbers 75-99, but I think even the slowest guys in this group run in the high 2:30s as 45-50 year-olds

They are in contention for masters prize money and I am guessing they get free rooms too.

I am curious about that 3rd tier the most, as I was surprised at the people I saw with low 100 bib numbers this year. (i.e. a couple of guys who ran 2:17-2:18 to qualify for the 2012 marathon trials, and guys like Alex Varner (2:21 at Boston last year) and Matt Flaherty (previous best 2:22)). But they somehow upgraded one of the guys who had a PR of 2:23 into the elite corral about a month out, and to his credit he delivered with a 2:19. I have also seen guys get elite bibs with 2:22-2:23 PRs before so I think if you are on the border it's a matter of who you know.

That's interesting. I was wondering because I was curious how close you were to getting into that class. I guess you're wondering the same thing!

As I clicked my watch when I crossed the finish I saw I had covered the last mile in 5:14. Looking at the results later, even though I was the 90th overall man, I had the 15th fastest split from 40K-finish (in fact, I was only 32 seconds slower than Meb over this stretch). I guess if I am going to be screwed over the the undulating hills and cramp up again, and least I got to hammer the last few miles and vent some of the frustration in the last 5K.

Given this info and a few more training cycles Steve should be looking at a double digit bib number.

 

[BassNBrew]

Those of you with facebook already saw the little blurb I posted about the last 10K of my race. I'll post a report in the next couple of days, but while that was not the fastest or best marathon I have ever run, it as definitely the most dramatic.

To answer PJ's question on the AF marathon, I actually signed up for that race within minutes of registration opening this year. My wife is a Captain in the Air Force (soon to be Major) and I want to win this race for her this year

*NM, I am at the airport and since I have trouble falling asleep after marathons like I usually do I just went ahead and did the write-up*.

Calling your shot is so bada$$.

 

[PatriotJohn]

Those of you with facebook already saw the little blurb I posted about the last 10K of my race. I'll post a report in the next couple of days, but while that was not the fastest or best marathon I have ever run, it as definitely the most dramatic.

To answer PJ's question on the AF marathon, I actually signed up for that race within minutes of registration opening this year. My wife is a Captain in the Air Force (soon to be Major) and I want to win this race for her this year

*NM, I am at the airport and since I have trouble falling asleep after marathons like I usually do I just went ahead and did the write-up*.

Outstanding! Let me know when the race gets closer...I would love to meet up with you before the race starts....maybe at the expo on Thrusday or Friday. If you have never run it before it is a fantastic race with great medals and a good course....2 good sized hills on miles 2 and 21.

And a shout out to JoeBryant.....if member number 103 is taken, it needs to be switched so Steve can have it!

Steve.....looking at the past years results, the winning times from 2013 going backwards are: 2:35, 2:28, 2:38, 2:27, 2:30. The sub-2:30 winning times in '10 and '12 are both by the same person who did not run in the past 3 odd years. I would say you have a great chance of winning this thing!

 

[SteveC702]

Those of you with facebook already saw the little blurb I posted about the last 10K of my race. I'll post a report in the next couple of days, but while that was not the fastest or best marathon I have ever run, it as definitely the most dramatic.

To answer PJ's question on the AF marathon, I actually signed up for that race within minutes of registration opening this year. My wife is a Captain in the Air Force (soon to be Major) and I want to win this race for her this year

*NM, I am at the airport and since I have trouble falling asleep after marathons like I usually do I just went ahead and did the write-up*.

Outstanding! Let me know when the race gets closer...I would love to meet up with you before the race starts....maybe at the expo on Thrusday or Friday. If you have never run it before it is a fantastic race with great medals and a good course....2 good sized hills on miles 2 and 21.

And a shout out to JoeBryant.....if member number 103 is taken, it needs to be switched so Steve can have it!

Steve.....looking at the past years results, the winning times from 2013 going backwards are: 2:35, 2:28, 2:38, 2:27, 2:30. The sub-2:30 winning times in '10 and '12 are both by the same person who did not run in the past 3 odd years. I would say you have a great chance of winning this thing!

Haha, I did that research as well. I also got some pretty good intel through our mutual friend that the only guys who's run sub-2:30 on that course in the last 7 years is on an overseas assignment with the Air Force and most likely won't be back this year either.

The timing works in my favor too that it's late enough in the fall that most guys my caliber will be running in much bigger races within 2-6 weeks of it. (Chicago, Twin Cities, Marine Corps, NYC, etc...). The big one is that the armed forces championships is at Marine Corps the next month so all the fast Air Force / Army guys / Navy guys will be running there instead.

 

[Ned]

Where's grue? I'm amazed he was able to run a 3:48 on a bum hip and little to no training.

 

[koby925]

Yeah did Grue ever get that surgery? I am (knocking on wood) cautiously optimistic that I am avoiding surgery. PT has done wonders. I'm only up to 4 miles every other day but man it feels good to get back out there.

 

[Ned]

I was in Tampa for the past week and got in some solid running while down there. Even in their 'heat' (mid 70s) and humidity, I was able to control my pacing/HR a lot easier than I have in the past. I had an awesome gump-like 10 miler where I just kept running just to run. Heat and the sun were beating me down, but I kept things in check and felt incredible and still clocked a 9:01/144 average. I would've gone for 15-17 if I had the time, but I had to get back for the kids' egg hunt.

I've started to track my diet on myfitnesspal and have been toying with not eating before running in the AM. I'm wondering how much this is factoring into how I'm running lately. My mileage has been minimal at best, but I'm starting to really feel strong again.

I feel incredibly unprepared for my trail HM this weekend, but dang if I'm not excited to get out there and mix it up. If I were in top shape, I think I could force my way into the top 10ish, but I'll still give'r hell and try to crack the top 20. A 1:48ish should put me there, but would need a <1:40 to get the top 10. The water levels in the creek will play a big part; we have rain forecasted for Friday, which may make this whole thing a giant mess. The more technical the better for me, so I'm praying we get a monsoon!

 

[Sand]

I feel incredibly unprepared for my trail HM this weekend, but dang if I'm not excited to get out there and mix it up. If I were in top shape, I think I could force my way into the top 10ish, but I'll still give'r hell and try to crack the top 20. A 1:48ish should put me there, but would need a <1:40 to get the top 10. The water levels in the creek will play a big part; we have rain forecasted for Friday, which may make this whole thing a giant mess. The more technical the better for me, so I'm praying we get a monsoon!

This must be a pretty tame trail for your times to fall only that much. My pace on trails drops a #### ton.

 

[beer 302]

I've started to track my diet on myfitnesspal and have been toying with not eating before running in the AM. I'm wondering how much this is factoring into how I'm running lately. My mileage has been minimal at best, but I'm starting to really feel strong again.

Since I started this running thing a little over 2 years ago this has been my routine. Get up stupid early, choke down some coffee, hit it. I can't run on food, ultra's are different but I can't eat a meal then run. If I have a race, I'll get up 3-4 hrs early to eat something light to give it enough time to digest.

 

[Ned]

I feel incredibly unprepared for my trail HM this weekend, but dang if I'm not excited to get out there and mix it up. If I were in top shape, I think I could force my way into the top 10ish, but I'll still give'r hell and try to crack the top 20. A 1:48ish should put me there, but would need a <1:40 to get the top 10. The water levels in the creek will play a big part; we have rain forecasted for Friday, which may make this whole thing a giant mess. The more technical the better for me, so I'm praying we get a monsoon!

This must be a pretty tame trail for your times to fall only that much. My pace on trails drops a #### ton.

Its a mixed bag, but isn't really all that tame. About 1800' of climbing, 2 creek crossings, and some good technical sections with roots/rocks. There's definitely some easy stretches mixed in where you can really bank some time, but its all runnable. This definitely isn't your BnB or Duck adventure. There's maybe 1 hill I may have to power hike if I am gassed. I consider myself a pretty good technical runner and can run up front moreso than on the roads.

 

[Ned]

I've started to track my diet on myfitnesspal and have been toying with not eating before running in the AM. I'm wondering how much this is factoring into how I'm running lately. My mileage has been minimal at best, but I'm starting to really feel strong again.

Since I started this running thing a little over 2 years ago this has been my routine. Get up stupid early, choke down some coffee, hit it. I can't run on food, ultra's are different but I can't eat a meal then run. If I have a race, I'll get up 3-4 hrs early to eat something light to give it enough time to digest.

I can run on just about anything. Previous to this latest stretch, I'd eat a whole bagel with peanutbutter and a coffee about an hr before running. Hell just a few weeks ago I squeezed in a run after eating a full lunch including a tuna sandwich. I thought for sure I'd pay for that, but I was fine.

Now that I've been going on empty, I've felt down right amazing at times. There was one run in Tampa, I think a 6 miler, where after I finished I was on a huge high for a solid hour. I couldn't believe how refreshed I felt. It's definitely something I'm going to keep toying with. I had nothing but a glass of water before stepping out to run.....

 

[wilked]

Wilked Boston Marathon Write-Up

First, my splits

Distance	Elapsed Time	5K Split5k	        0:26:24	        0:26:2410k	        0:52:12	        0:25:4815k	        1:18:10	        0:25:5820k	        1:43:54	        0:25:44Half	        1:49:34	25k	        2:10:46	        0:26:5230k	        2:42:32	        0:31:4635k	        3:18:50	        0:36:1840k	        3:53:01	        0:34:11Finish	        4:10:14

Last year I finished Boston in 3:42. It was my second marathon and I wrote all about it here.
http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=302486&page=808#entry15487506
Since then I have been training hard, following a rough Hal Higdon plan roughly and putting in my 20-40 miles a week. My PR for a half marathon is 1:39 and the calculators seemed to think I can do a 3:27. I also used the Yasso estimator and could repeatably hit 3:30 800 yard repeat sprints. OK, put it all together and I was going to go after a conservative 3:38 this year, something like an 8:20 pace.

We got to Runner's Village and I waited in the 35 min bathroom line, later found some sunscreen, and overall was ready to go. I felt good, weather was nice - still a little chilly to stand around in short sleeves but warming. Once they called our group off we went.

Miles 1-2 - Very congested, seemed to be moreso than last year. I planned on 8:30s through here ('warming up') but couldn't really maintain that pace with the others blocking the way. As a result I did what I said I wouldn't and was playing dodge-the-guy in front of you. There is an uphill at 1.5 and people were slowing to a 10 min pace...had to really make moves to get around them. I came out of the 2 miles at 8:33 pace - almost perfect. Then I realized my heartrate was at mid-high 150s, the upper end of my aerobic zone. Slight concern, but figured once I settled in I would be fine.

Miles 2-9 I planned to get into a groove at 8:20. I see now that I was closer to 8:10/8:15 through here. I was sweating a decent bit as well, something that I wasn't planning on this early. The sun was blasting and we didn't get shade all day. The runners had thinned enough that I wasn't dodging as much, but by this point I was watching my heartrate closely. You can see from the splits that I slowed a couple times closer to 8:30 to try and get the heartrate down but it wasn't budging. Still, I figured if I can keep it in the 150s I should be ok. Still feeling strong, miles were coming along easily.

I should mention the crowds, they were fantastic. I was pretty animated, slapping plenty of hands and shouting to the crowd, having fun. Great signs throughout (my favorite was "I do my marathons on Netflix") bands, just very positive.

So at Mile 9 I am averaging 8:20 and feeling fine, but worried about the high heartrate. Logically I knew I should slow, but competitively I had to keep pushing, couldn't give back that time I had built up to this point. Miles 9-16 I planned to pick it up to 8:10 pace. I picked it up for a couple miles and watched the heartrate climb into the low 160s, which I knew meant leaving aerobic zone. Soon I slowed back down to 8:20/8:30 pace but the heartrate wouldn't stop climbing. At this point I knew I was in trouble and that it was only a matter of time. Fatigue began setting in, which didn't worry me much, but I knew cramps were nearby. My wife/family/friends were at Mile 14.5 so I just focused on that. At this point I was still on a 8:17 pace.

Seeing my family and friends was awesome... I stopped for a couple minutes for photos, hugs. I wanted to warn them that disaster was near for me but before I knew it I was back in the crowd bounding off.

Mile 15 or so is when the quad started twitching, and at Mile 16.5 (beginning of the Newton Hills) shows the first cramp where I had to stop. I massaged it and kept moving, but a mile later it was back in force. At Mile 19 I ducked into the Medical Tent and a nice woman gave me a massage. It felt better, but within a mile I was right back where I started, cramping hard. I was run/walking from this point forward. I tried another Medical Tent at 21, but they were busy with others... I used the time to take a breath and then headed back out.

The crowds at BC were awesome and in Brookline to the finish. They were cheering hard to get me to run if I was walking and I did my best - honestly they carried me through. Those last 5 miles I managed a handful of 9:00 pace quarter-mile splits, run til the muscles locked, then walk til they loosened a bit and repeat. I caught up with a few team-members and as we turned onto Boylston we ran straight down to the finish, crossing with our arms raised. Finished at 4:10, 28 mins slower than last year and with severe positive split.

So that's that, toughest run I have ever done and in stark contrast to last year's run. I am still not sure what changed so drastically this year...weather was warmer but not excessive, pace was a little quicker but not excessive. I was sick last week but seemed ok. Maybe it was a combo of all of these things.

Lesson learned - heartrate doesn't lie. I plan to start running more to it than pace going forward, not looking forward to putting myself in that spot again. Still it was a helluva day and I was glad to be a part of it.

Heartrate Graph (2013 vs 2014) - http://i59.tinypic.com/126efq9.jpg
Pace Graph (2013 vs 2014) - http://i61.tinypic.com/17cpdw.png

I only put up first 14 as my pace went all over the place afterward

Full run here - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/484931624