Ran a 10k - Official Thread (3 Viewers)

[gianmarco]

I liked that post just to let you know we are with you brother - hope you get your health stuff straightened out - that’s most important.

This. Tough to read and really hoping things can turn around. 

 

[tri-man 47]

@ChiefD, keep in mind that the back half of an under-trained HM is not necessarily the best time for some deep soul searching.  However, I hear what you're saying.  Running's not fun when it drains your energy and exacerbates, or leads to, recurring health issues.  See if you can get healthy, and do what's best for you and your family.  I understand your logic of laying off the distance events for a while.  If you still have the itch, maybe focus on 5Ks that the family can enjoy or even join you.  Life itself is a marathon, so be patient!   

 

[JShare87]

2017 Snot Run.......Errrr.......KC 1/2 Marathon Race Report

So this was supposed to be just another race in the next step of my racing career. I had in the back of my mind a spring marathon to give it one more go. So for this race, the goal this cycle was just to build back up after a rough batch of training since my marathon last October.

This year has been tough on me and my body. My stomach issues are well documented around here, but the truth is it HAS affected me. I just didn't know (or didn't want to accept) the reality of what's been going on.

The last few weeks I've actually had some decent runs, but I got sick last Thursday. Just a simple sinus infection, that in the past is treated with a simple anti-biotic and I feel better in a few days. This one knocked me on my ### (similar to one I had in the spring). I was in bed for three days, and after a week on this medicine I still have stuff in my chest and a runny nose. So I'm not quite clear yet. This is a side effect of my stomach stuff - my immune system is out of wack and it is just tougher to recover from things. In the spring in took me 3 rounds of anti-biotics to clear that sinus infection.

I tell you all this because today it really became relevant. The morning was warm as I posted above - it was sticky at the starting line at 7:00 am. The good news is I had an outstanding poop this morning, and got to the race in plenty of time. A pretty uneventful morning.

The corral set up for this race was horrible. They closed off the front and there was only one way in - from the back. Consequently people were jammed in with all different pace strategies. Lots of frustration from many in there. But the gun goes off, and here we go. I'm going to break this course into segments, because this race was a failure. So I'm going to try and paint an accurate picture of what was going on with me, the course, and the race.

Mile 1: 9:16 pace, 159HR

Mile 2: 8:02 pace, 172HR

Mile 1 was a pain in the ####. I had to weave through a lot of pace groups to get to where I could run a comfortable pace. My plan was to try and stick around an 8:30 pace. Based on training and how I ran my race in the spring on a lot less miles, I thought I could be here. Or as least close to it. I got into mile two and this was a downhill segment, so I wanted to push the pace here. My heart rate jumped fast into the 170's, and it would stay there the most of the day.

Mile 3: 8:57 pace, 173HR

Mile 4: 9:19 pace, 174HR

Mile 5: 10:12 pace, 173 HR

This segment was basically uphill. For three ####### miles. I knew this going in, so I knew I had to conserve some energy here because after mile 5 it hits a downhill stretch for about 4 miles where I thought I could make some hay. I'm working hard here - this is where I start to see the effects of my sinus infection. I'm got spit and #### coming up my throat, so I'm spitting every 10 steps. This is also where we turned into that south wind. The wind was brutal - 17 to 20mph into my chest. So this segment was tough. My heart rate is staying steady though, so I thought I had some for the downhill.

Mile 6: 8:54 pace, 173HR

Mile 7: 8:34 pace, 172HR

Mile 8: 9:23 pace, 172HR

Mile 9: 9:09 pace, 172HR

This segment was ok, but I was expending a lot of energy. My heart rate wasn't coming down, which it usually does when I'm rolling downhill. At the bottom of this section the course starts to go uphill again for a long stretch. I'm in trouble here and I know it - I'm still spitting up crap and my body is just aching badly.

Mile 10: 10:22 pace, 168HR

Mile 11: 10:48 pace, 165HR

Mile 12: 11:00 pace, 163HR

It's over. I'm walking some at this point because my body is shutting down. Starting to feel some cramping in my calves, which surprised me because my nutrition and hydration was on point this week. But it's in this segment where I start to do some real soul searching and trying to figure out my future to be honest. This entire segment for basically three miles is uphill. Once again, I knew this was coming, but by now it didn't matter anyway. I #### you not - this section from mile 9 to mile 12.5 was all uphill. A brutal course.

Mile 13.1: 9:50 pace, 158HR

I ran it in at least. Final chip time of 2:06:38. My worst time ever, even going back to my first race ever in 2013. I'm wiped - my body is thoroughly wiped. So is my mind.

In Summary

So I mentioned earlier I had a lot of time to think about things during the back half of this race. And everything over the last year came flooding into my brain. The diagnosis of my stomach stuff, that bout of sickness in the spring, how I have felt going on a year now. And it's all related and at the same time my new reality.

My body is different now. I can't get to where I could before in terms of fitness. My body is exhausted daily - every run I do is extremely frustrating because I rarely feel good. And when I get sick, I can't recover in time to get back on the saddle and build on my base. This sinus infection I have now will probably require at least another bout of medicine.

And it sucks. It's over for me as a distance runner. My heart is heavy and I'm bordering on tears writing this right now. There will not be another marathon. There will more than likely never be another half marathon. I can't keep doing this knowing I'm getting slower and slower and there doesn't seem to be much I can do about it.

Thanks all for your help and support - trust me - a large part of my disappointment is that you've all helped so much - and that a part of me feels like I've let you all down. But in all honesty:

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I think your last mile says a lot about the kind of person you are. Like tri said, life is a marathon. Sure you may be at a point in life where not much is going right, but you got heart and you’re not a quitter. Take some time off, eat some bad food. Then, see if you have an itch to get back out there. If you do, just take it slow and try to enjoy it. I know this is all easier said than done, but don’t beat yourself up over one stupid race. You finished strong, that takes a lot of heart and desire based on what you were dealing with. Keep that head up!

 

[bushdocda]

Chief focus on getting healthy and to where you need to be for the next time whenever that may be. Think about the encouraging words you’d have for others of us and try a few on yourself  ?

 

[gianmarco]

Ready for race day?

Looking at rain in the morning, so this should be interesting.....

 

[-OZ-]

I liked that post just to let you know we are with you brother - hope you get your health stuff straightened out - that’s most important.

Chief focus on getting healthy and to where you need to be for the next time whenever that may be. Think about the encouraging words you’d have for others of us and try a few on yourself  ?

Yep. Try not to think much about whether you'll do another specific race it distance again and just go for health. You'll be happier being healthier and frankly running a marathon or a half isn't that important compared to your overall health.

Fwiw, I plan to focus on shorter races next year too. We can make it there year of healthy speed.

 

[MAC_32]

Those few months earlier in the year when I was just running for ####s and giggles were Zen like. I mean, I knew I had an end game. But it was more than a year down the road. So they were just miles for the sake of miles. No racing goals - just mental and physical health. 

 

[SFBayDuck]

I liked that post just to let you know we are with you brother - hope you get your health stuff straightened out - that’s most important.

Yup, this. Appreciate your honesty as much as I've appreciated your encouragement, @ChiefD.  Get yourself healthy man, and then see where you're at in terms of desire to get back to running/training. We'll be here. 

 

[gianmarco]

Thanks all for your help and support - trust me - a large part of my disappointment is that you've all helped so much - and that a part of me feels like I've let you all down. 

You and your race are the first thing I thought of this morning.  It truly hurts reading parts of that post. 

But this part bothered me the most. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only have you not let anyone down, you've done the exact opposite. Despite everything, you just gutted through and finished a half marathon in awful conditions.  You could have just quit anytime through when it wasn't going well. But you didn't. If anything, this might be your best race ever.

This has turned into my favorite thread here. In just over 3 months. Not only because of what you guys do which impresses the hell out of me regularly, but moreso because of how helpful and encouraging everyone is, especially when things aren't going well. And you've led that charge and been that despite what you've had going on.

Get yourself better first. That's your next race. And hopefully, someday, and someday soon, you can write another one of these reports. But you didn't let anyone down. That was an awesome accomplishment yesterday that shows who you are.  So, thank you.

 

[SayWhat?]

A little dusty in here @ChiefD.  You laid it all out, in the race and in your post above.  As others have said, take some time off.  Continue to focus on your health, and run when you can at slower paces for enjoyment.  Best of luck man.  

 

[ChiefD]

Good luck @bushdocda! Kick some marathon ### today!

 

[Hang 10]

@ChiefD, keep in mind that the back half of an under-trained HM is not necessarily the best time for some deep soul searching.  However, I hear what you're saying.  Running's not fun when it drains your energy and exacerbates, or leads to, recurring health issues.  See if you can get healthy, and do what's best for you and your family.  I understand your logic of laying off the distance events for a while.  If you still have the itch, maybe focus on 5Ks that the family can enjoy or even join you.  Life itself is a marathon, so be patient!   

 This!

 

[gianmarco]

Brief Race Report -- Sunshine Kids Costume 5k

From a race standpoint, nothing much to report. Warmer than expected muggy morning with start temp of 69 degrees and dew point of 63. Was raining hard when we first got there but it actually stopped and didn't start again for the race. Very thankful for that.  Only 50 people running the race, and of course, there was another banana costume worn by another lady.  Before the race, I walked up to her and just stood in front of her for a moment and just said "mmmm..... Yummy".  I think she found it funny but not 100% sure.

My wife and buddy and I all ran together. He pulled a muscle last night in a flag football game so this was pretty much a jog. Plus, running in the gorilla costume sucks. I had to take the mask off for the middle mile as it was just too much but otherwise made it through. We finished together, photo finish with me right behind the banana and the zoo keeper right behind me. There were plenty of laughs by others at the finish line. I'll upload a little video later.

And our antics won us the costume contest with a gift basket full of various liquor bottles. So, race was a huge success!

Final time: 29:12 (9:25 pace). We finished 12th-14th overall.

 

[bushdocda]

Got it done albeit slower than any goals - snuck just under 4:13. Stoked to have one under my belt to base training and pacing off of going forward and as of now am as healthy coming out as I went in

Will be happier later. Can report out prob tomorrow while not working - now time to find some quesadillas. ?

Thanks for all the guidances to all- would’ve loved to nail my planned plan.

 

[gianmarco]

Congratulations @bushdocda. Awesome accomplishment!

 

[Hang 10]

Nice work, @bushdocda! Helluva accomplishment! 

 

[-OZ-]

@bushdocda 

Awesome and congrats!

 

[-OZ-]

Those few months earlier in the year when I was just running for ####s and giggles were Zen like. I mean, I knew I had an end game. But it was more than a year down the road. So they were just miles for the sake of miles. No racing goals - just mental and physical health. 

Yep. Kinda wish I had raced when I was in better shape but running just to go was enjoyable in its own way.

 

[tri-man 47]

Got it done

       

 

[SayWhat?]

Got it done

Yes!  Huge congrats!

albeit slower than any goals 

Immaterial, especially with the first one.  Now you've got one under your belt, know that you can do it, and reasonably know what to expect.  

Hope you found some quesadillas!?  Well deserved. 

 

[ChiefD]

 Great result @bushdocda! 

 

[SteelCurtain]

@ChiefD - Ugh.  Heartbreaking to read that report.  Keep your head up.  I agree with others.  Just go out and run for the fun of it.  Don't worry about distance and time goals.  Maybe sometime down the road you'll want to attack longer stuff.  In the meantime, keep yourself active and get your body healed.  Regardless of what you decide, as long as you stay healthy and active, you have all of us in your corner.

@gianmarco - can't wait for the video.  Must have been a sight.  And who would have thought 2 bananas in one race!

@bushdocda - First marathon?  Congratulations!  Thats a fabulous time for any marathon and even better considering its your first.  The marathon is a beast and one doesn't fully understand what miles 20-26.2 are like until you put yourself through the experience. Let your body rest and recover and can't wait to hear where you will attack marathon #2!

 

[Osaurus]

Finally got a day off after a 79 hour week starting last Sunday.  Hit the treadmill this morning and either the speeds on it are not comparable to those I have near home or spending a ####ton of time on foot outside here in Houston and losing 12 pounds has had a profound impact.  Heart rate lower overall and  feeling really good going into my race weekend.  So excited to do this duo 2 years in a row.  I’ll be sure to post some pics of me in my cone of shame for my 5k on Sunday. Can’t top a gorilla suit mind you, but I’ll give it a try.   

 

[SFBayDuck]

Got it done albeit slower than any goals - snuck just under 4:13. Stoked to have one under my belt to base training and pacing off of going forward and as of now am as healthy coming out as I went in

Will be happier later. Can report out prob tomorrow while not working - now time to find some quesadillas. ?

Thanks for all the guidances to all- would’ve loved to nail my planned plan.

We always remember our first!  Congrats @bushdocda, looking forward to hearing the details.

 

[gruecd]

My body is different now. I can't get to where I could before in terms of fitness. My body is exhausted daily - every run I do is extremely frustrating because I rarely feel good. And when I get sick, I can't recover in time to get back on the saddle and build on my base. This sinus infection I have now will probably require at least another bout of medicine.

And it sucks. It's over for me as a distance runner. My heart is heavy and I'm bordering on tears writing this right now. There will not be another marathon. There will more than likely never be another half marathon. I can't keep doing this knowing I'm getting slower and slower and there doesn't seem to be much I can do about it.

It makes me sad to read this.  :(

Keep in mind that I swore off road marathons about 7 weeks ago, and I've since completed one marathon, and I'm planning another for the spring.  Like tri-man said, it's probably not ideal to make important decisions like this during or immediately following a disappointing race.  But I do understand that your health issues complicate matters a bit.  In any case, best of luck figuring out what's best for you and your family.

 

[gruecd]

Got it done albeit slower than any goals - snuck just under 4:13. Stoked to have one under my belt to base training and pacing off of going forward and as of now am as healthy coming out as I went in

Will be happier later. Can report out prob tomorrow while not working - now time to find some quesadillas. ?

Thanks for all the guidances to all- would’ve loved to nail my planned plan.

Congratulations!

 

[Brony]

Got it done albeit slower than any goals - snuck just under 4:13. Stoked to have one under my belt to base training and pacing off of going forward and as of now am as healthy coming out as I went in

Will be happier later. Can report out prob tomorrow while not working - now time to find some quesadillas. ?

Thanks for all the guidances to all- would’ve loved to nail my planned plan.

nice job @bushdocda!!  look forward to the report!  hope the muscles are feeling not too bad today. 

 

[gianmarco]

We look like idiot zombies running across the finish line.

 

[ChiefD]

We look like idiot zombies running across the finish line.

So awesome. 

 

[Hang 10]

Keep in mind that I swore off road marathons about 7 weeks ago, and I've since completed one marathon, and I'm planning another for the spring. 

 

[ChiefD]

Get yourself better first. That's your next race. And hopefully, someday, and someday soon, you can write another one of these reports. But you didn't let anyone down. That was an awesome accomplishment yesterday that shows who you are.  So, thank you.

Thanks. And thanks to all the words of encouragement. Trust me, it's appreciated. 

The really sobering part is what I have (ulcerative colitis), is not curable. It's a chronic disease I will be living with the rest of my life. So all I can really do is manage symptoms and hope it doesn't flare up to something really bad.  I was hoping that I could still do things as normal, but as of right now it doesn't look to be the case.

But, I will continue to run, albeit just shorter distances for awhile just to keep in shape, and try and mix in a longish run every week or two. 

 

[gianmarco]

Thanks. And thanks to all the words of encouragement. Trust me, it's appreciated. 

The really sobering part is what I have (ulcerative colitis), is not curable. It's a chronic disease I will be living with the rest of my life. So all I can really do is manage symptoms and hope it doesn't flare up to something really bad.  I was hoping that I could still do things as normal, but as of right now it doesn't look to be the case.

But, I will continue to run, albeit just shorter distances for awhile just to keep in shape, and try and mix in a longish run every week or two. 

Not sure when you were diagnosed and how long you've been dealing with it, but for many there are periods when things are bad but other times when things are much better.  I'm hoping you can find a good state for an extended period of time.  And, if a newer diagnosis, might just be a matter of time of adjusting and knowing what you're capable of and what you're not.  I also bet there are resources for patients with UC that like to run.  Might be a step to look into.

Truly wishing you the best.

 

[Brony]

We look like idiot zombies running across the finish line.

love this!!!

 

[mr. furley]

We look like idiot zombies running across the finish line.

that was incredible

but... who said "i'm coming?"

 

[MAC_32]

Thanks. And thanks to all the words of encouragement. Trust me, it's appreciated. 

The really sobering part is what I have (ulcerative colitis), is not curable. It's a chronic disease I will be living with the rest of my life. So all I can really do is manage symptoms and hope it doesn't flare up to something really bad.  I was hoping that I could still do things as normal, but as of right now it doesn't look to be the case.

But, I will continue to run, albeit just shorter distances for awhile just to keep in shape, and try and mix in a longish run every week or two. 

Have you considered other forms of exercise?  Not all of the time, but just to compliment.  I admittedly know nothing about this condition, but I do know that upset insides and running are often a difficult mix.

 

[bushdocda]

Marine Corp Marathon recap – 10/22/2017

6 yr old daughter when I got home – “Did you win?”

Me – “Nope”

Daughter – “Oh.  Did you at least get 3rd??”

Me – “No, I was 8,732nd overall.

Daughter – “Whoa Dad.”

Quick turnaround as I’m enjoying a day off of work like I’ve never enjoyed before.  Walked to the river later and procured a sandwich and that's enough for today.  I’m watching the local race coverage I recorded Sunday and it’s pretty cool to see.  DC weather guy & runner just spoke prior to race start about the looming heat we would face.  Heading in to this race I downplayed the impact of heat on the race given training in the summer.  Lots of runners got served in the latter portions of the race including me.  I knew it would happen but I hoped it would happen later in the race - I am humbled and encouraged the day after as I gain some perspective.

Pre Race

Got to DC from about an hour away and met up with my parents for dinner at 5 and was back chilling at hotel by about 8 – probably walked too far to dinner in hindsight.  So stoked my folks came to celebrate the end of my dad’s treatment and to support me.  Wife came with me and stayed in Georgetown and hung out with friends while I was in Arlington.  Slept ok from around 10-330 which was about as good as I expected.  Up and had some peanut butter mini bagels, coffee and all good on the stomach front.  Was going to walk the 2 miles to the start but nabbed a 6am uber instead to save the steps.  This is a huge race so the walk from where I was dropped to bag check was crazy far so another misstep.  Took about 4 nervous wizzes and picked a bad spot for the last one as a policeman informed me – karma negative point as I told him ‘sorry sir, I had not started going’.  So took care of that and got into the 4-415 corral with a goal of finishing ahead of that.  Stood next to a small shivering woman and gave her my burner sweatshirt – karma half point earned back.  Gun was delayed as bike assisted athletes needed more time to advance into the hilly first portion of the course.  Howitzer blast off at 805 and I crossed the line about 5 mins later in a sea of humanity. 

Go Time

I expected a slow, crowded start and planned for it to help hold me back for the first 5k.  This was a mob for much longer than that unfortunately as the crowd and hilly first few miles bottled things up pretty gnarly. 

1st 5k through Rosslyn – 9:54, 9:50, 9:38 - slower than plan but figured I had saved some energy as a result.  Lots of short strides and bodies.  Woman got tripped up and must have fallen hard as she was laid out when I passed by with medical on scene.

2nd 5k to Georgetown – 9:15, 9:04, 8:43 – things finally freed up in mile 5/6 and was feeling quite good.  Hopeful as I got on pace finally but stressed a bit as I was trying to spot my fam and missed them on K Street.

3rd 5k Rock Creek Parkway – 9:18, 8:58, 8:34 – last nervous roadside pitstop in 7 then good stretch through the woods – fun so far through 9.

4th 5k back to Potomac Park – 8:35, 8:39, 8:29 – moving well along the Potomac – crowds are great and Blue Mile to remember fallen Marines is in this stretch.  Very moving and powerful to see family members and pictures and flags lining the mile.  OK here through 12 and still feeling strong/fueled.

5th 5k other side of Potomac Park loop – 8:44, 8:39, 8:41 – still moving well and emotions are ok and body is holding up fine.  I knew the pain was coming but I didn’t know how soon.  Spoiler alert – unfortunately it’s close now.

*But first a short aside on the scene and the energy*

The entire race is manned and womanned by Marines offering support, high fives, security, taking pictures, hugging those who want hugs.  So impressive and a tremendous honor to be a part of the experience.  Surrounded by heroes half my age, runners twice my age (age range from 14-87).  Runners holding flags, countless tributes to service men and women on runner’s shirts, Marines in gear running in packs and boots. The pep talk the starter gave 2 minutes before the start is one of the most impactful things I’ve ever heard.  The experience was special.

*And now on to the aforementioned pain*

6th 5k into National Mall – 8:54, 9:24, 9:13 – I had taken water at most stops and had water & tailwind on my flipbelt.  Some stingers as well.  I was not underfueled based on prior experiences.  But I was now officially in water stop to water stop mode as the pain was here and I struggled to decide whether my mind or body was to blame.  ####, it’s both and they are taking turns.  The legs felt relatively ok, no abnormal pain/discomfort but I coldn’t go faster.  If I had pushed to hold pace I would have fully imploded.  With more training I will get better at managing this but I was not ready to overcome and hold pace.  I walked a water stop and gathered myself in the 17th mile but the wall I knew was out there was in my face.  I hoped to hit it more like mile 22 – woops.  On the bright side I was stoked to see my family somewhere in here and that was incredible!

7th 5k back side of National Mall and across 14 St Bridge – 9:28, 10:11, 9:53 – crowds are awesome and helping a lot.  Walked the water stop at mile 19 and got a bit of burst back.  Crowd is gone on the bridge in mile 21 and I was ####ed.  Along the sides of the course there are a lot of people getting medical attention and stretchered.

8th 5k into Crystal City and back – 10:43, 12:00, 10:44 – crowds are back and I wish I was enjoying this stretch.  I wanted to be strong and passing here but I was getting passed.  ####.  Walked water spots in 22 and near 24.  Marine was filling bottles out of a hose at some point in this stretch and I filled up.  I was smoked and crispy and dying to be done.  Haven’t felt this way since my first half marathon in 2015 when I crashed and burned around mile 11.  Since then I’ve learned a lot and improved that distance but this was uncharted.

Finish miles 25 - 26.2 back to Marine Corp Iwo Jima monument – 10:30, 10:59, 9:57 – leave Crystal City area for a lonely 2.2 mile stretch away from the crowds -  rounded a curve mid mile 25 as could see mile marker 26 in the distance.  If that thing wasn’t huge and visible from considerable distance I would have probably slowed even more.  And upon hitting that 26 mile marker the course designed by/for the Marines hits a quick turn and up a hill to the Iwo Jima monument.  That hill was awesome and I am proud to have pounded up that thing.  Crossed finish line is just under 4:13.  Shook hands with about 8 Marines before I moved off to the side and leaned on fence to avoid going down.  A kind marine woman asked if I was ok and didn’t believe me when I said I was.  Took a few breaths and moved on so she could worry about other people crashing through the finish.  Next was getting the finish medal from another Marine and then I took a seat.  Roasted.  Along the way I saw a number of people hit the deck, closest to me was on the bridge around mile 21 and I heard a dude say “oh man I’m crampingggggg” and down he went.  Popped back up and moved aside by the time I could say “are you ok” so I kept going and a medical person was close by. 

Post Race

Gathered myself and walked to find bag drop and family.  Was awesome to find them.  They had a great day together in the city and watching the race and the scene.  This experience was a great one that will grow in my memory.  The highlights were the disabled participants including a limbless gentleman who scoops along on a skateboard, the gentleman who has run all 42 runnings of the race, the Marine support and the reverence of the entire event.  Proud to be a finisher.  We decided to walk back to Arlington so I shuffled along another mile or so and showered up before finding food. 

Takeaways

I thought about this group plenty of times during the race and appreciate the support and shared insights and information.  I thought a lot about my training and how prepared I thought I was.  The advice provided here is gold and I can and will train much smarter for future races.  This will absolutely not be my last marathon and I love having a benchmark to work with now.  I knew as soon as I wrapped my training period that I ####ed up by not having a session of 4 hours on my feet.  That would have helped my mind and body tremendously.  Personal choice, I know, but for me that would be the one thing I changed over the cycle.  The training and base I need to work on will need to be better supported by a stronger core/lower body/back.  My abs are sore as #### right now and I am going to get my groin/adductor/lower abs checked out soon.  Pretty much been the same since March with a nagging pull on the left side that doesn’t hurt while running but aches like a ##### the rest of the time.  I’ll see how that goes and recover and maybe run a half in December at the beach where I run a lot to support the race.  Then get some weight sessions to stick over the winter while keeping some moderate mileage (for me) going.  Don’t know exactly what I’ll target for next year’s marathon(s) yet.  Will probably not be Marine Corp again next year although I will try to qualify through the March 17k run I did this year that was awesome.  If I do, I’ll probably defer entry to the next year as I want to target other fall marathon options next year – mainly smaller format of which there are plenty of options I want to take on as I progress.  Looking forward to planning some stuff out and hopefully progressing.  Will take this week off, maybe spin a bike later in the week.

Thanks to all for the support and guidance, it means a lot.

 

 

[ChiefD]

Great report bushdocda.

Lots of memories flooding back on my first marathon, and a lot of the same experiences. Congrats my friend - you are a marathoner now. 

 

[ChiefD]

Have you considered other forms of exercise?  Not all of the time, but just to compliment.  I admittedly know nothing about this condition, but I do know that upset insides and running are often a difficult mix.

Yeah, actually me and my boys are starting some weight training here pretty quick. We have a weight bench in the basement, so I need to dust that off and get to work. 

Also need to pull out my bike. Been a long time since I rode that thing. 

 

[Juxtatarot]

Congrats, again, @bushdocda!  It's cool that you're already looking forward to the next one!  Hitting the wall at 17 is tough.  I've been there.  Good job powering through.  How warm did it get?

I knew as soon as I wrapped my training period that I ####ed up by not having a session of 4 hours on my feet.

I understand how you could come to that conclusion but I don't think it's necessarily needed.  The vast majority of plans don't suggest it.  You can wear yourself out too much during training with super long (either time or distance long) runs.  The longest time wise I've ever run was the time of my first marathon.

 

[pbm107]

This will absolutely not be my last marathon and I love having a benchmark to work with now.  I knew as soon as I wrapped my training period that I ####ed up by not having a session of 4 hours on my feet. 

Great race report and congrats on the marathon. I'm thrilled that you are already thinking about your next one.  Looking at your Strava data it showed that you really battled right until the end, believe me marathons do get easier.  I agree with @Juxtatarot about not worrying about getting a 4 hour run in, the 20 milers you did in training are long enough. 

 

[Brony]

Marine Corp Marathon recap – 10/22/2017

6 yr old daughter when I got home – “Did you win?”

Me – “Nope”

Daughter – “Oh.  Did you at least get 3rd??”

Me – “No, I was 8,732nd overall.

Daughter – “Whoa Dad.”

     

 

[jb1020]

Yeah, actually me and my boys are starting some weight training here pretty quick. We have a weight bench in the basement, so I need to dust that off and get to work. 

Also need to pull out my bike. Been a long time since I rode that thing. 

I'll recommend a Peloton...I've had one 25 days now.  Ridden 21 days.  I have to make myself take a day off.  I have a long way to go, but I can tell this thing is a major step in the right direction. 

 

[gianmarco]

that was incredible

but... who said "i'm coming?"

Might have been me 

Honestly not sure.

 

[gianmarco]

Fantastic RR @bushdocda. Loved reading that.

 

[gianmarco]

BTW, looking at Strava, that's some serious elevation in the first couple miles.  You didn't mention that other than it was hilly. Geez.

 

[bushdocda]

Congrats, again, @bushdocda!  It's cool that you're already looking forward to the next one!  Hitting the wall at 17 is tough.  I've been there.  Good job powering through.  How warm did it get?

I understand how you could come to that conclusion but I don't think it's necessarily needed.  The vast majority of plans don't suggest it.  You can wear yourself out too much during training with super long (either time or distance long) runs.  The longest time wise I've ever run was the time of my first marathon.

Looks like it was nearly 75 around finish time so it was probably mid 60s when I was getting ripe. 

Regarding the 4 hour thing, well now I’ve crossed that 4 hr line so maybe it’s less necessary mentally in my next go at the distance (but I’ll probably do it anyway).

 

[-OZ-]

Great race report and congrats on the marathon. I'm thrilled that you are already thinking about your next one.  Looking at your Strava data it showed that you really battled right until the end, believe me marathons do get easier.  I agree with @Juxtatarot about not worrying about getting a 4 hour run in, the 20 milers you did in training are long enough. 

I don't think I've gone longer than 20ish except for races. Kinda wish I had before the 12 hour race last March and I know I'd need to for a 100, but not for a marathon.

Although after my 20.5 miler yesterday my 9yo wanted to run after school, so we went 2.5, so I guess that's a 23 mile, 3:40 day. A bit different with a 4 hour break and the latter run was recovery. Actually felt pretty good. 

 

[Hang 10]

Great race report and congrats again @bushdocda! I think you did great for your first marathon and unfortunately with a warm day, there probably wasn't much you could have done in training that would have prevented fading Sunday. I think everyone slows down at the end of their first.

Regarding the 4 hour training session, as others have said, the reward isn't worth the risk for that workout. At best you'll need too much time to recover after and it will be difficult to get any quality training for the next few days after. Also, pretty sure your next marathon won't take you 4 hours! Something to consider is back to back runs on the weekend. This is the first year I've followed up my long runs with another double digit run. It's pretty brutal some weekends but it definitely gets you used to running on tired legs. 

If you're interested in doing another Fall marathon, you might want to consider Richmond(the one I'm doing in 3 weeks  ) it's big enough to never really run by yourself and have crowd support but small enough that the logistics of getting to the start line are super easy. Anyway, something to consider... 

 

[Brony]

nice to see @ChiefD in my Strava activity feed this morning!!!

 

[ChiefD]

nice to see @ChiefD in my Strava activity feed this morning!!!

Yeah, it was good to get out yesterday. Had to stop feeling sorry for myself.   

Weather is getting cooler this week, so I'm hopeful to get a few decent runs in. Gonna have to go get another round of antibiotics though. Booooo. 

On a side note: for you guys with the Tom Tom cardio watch - any issues with the heart rate monitor failing? I've had some sporadic issues the last week or two where it will recognize my heart rate when I get ready to go, but when I start my run it goes away. 

I got lucky on race day that it worked, but my run last night didn't register my heart rate at all. And this also happened in the last week or two. Any one experience this? The watch is about 2.5 years old.