Time to Reevaluate?

I came up short on my LSD yesterday. In all fairness, I think it's just because I haven't built to the distance yet and it was residual from missing the other LSD's. That said, I'm kind of sick of chasing this plan. I upped the intensity on the plan and am doing Hal Higdon's Intermediate II. But, I've been missing the long run almost every week (not missing, shortening).

Anyhow, I've been doing 5 runs a week, right on target. I've been running the required mileage during the week, right on target. But, my long runs are more on target with Novice II. So... I'm going to continue to do the weekly runs for Intermediate II and the long run from Novice II. It's that easy folks... I already feel a weight lifted off me.

One change though... There is only one 20 miler in this plan. I may try to do 2 (and replace one 19 miler with a 20). We'll see. But, I'm just sick of chasing something that isn't happening.

Run recap- 15.0 miles, 2:35:11, 10:21 pace

Breaking the Rules...

So... I still have 30 miles of running left this month and I'm already about 20% ahead of where I was last month. I think that gaining 50% of your mileage in one month must break some rule, but who knows?

As a side note... I think I'm going to run that extra 1/2 mile just so that I can have my first 150 mile month. Wooo...

Double Anyone?

I ran my double yesterday with much trepidation (+3 Nitmos?). Anyhow, I did the lunch run with Lisa and Justin and it felt pretty good. 6 miles goes a lot quicker when you are running with others. I really didn't feel too overworked and felt like the evening run would go well too.

My original plan was to go out the door as soon as I got home so that I wouldn't have food in my stomach for the final 7. Then, I reconsidered. My wife and daughter are headed to the Poconos for the next three days (Tues-Thurs), so I thought it would be a good idea to hang out with them until Sophie was ready to go to sleep. Great plan for the family, not so great plan for the run.

After hanging out with the fam and admiring our new fence (it looks awesome by the way), I finally got out on my run. I was feeling like I ate a little too much for dinner and a little run down. But, surprisingly (for me anyway), that wore off pretty quickly. I got through 3 miles and up the biggest climb of the run (witnessed by a 11 minute 3rd mile) and then it was mostly down hill and fast from there on out. I clipped off a number of low 9:00 miles and before I knew it, I was home.

Moral of the story? Physically, doing a double during a workday wasn't really that bad. Mentally, it SUCKED!! It consumed my day and I really don't want to make a habit of it.

I know that marathon training is not easy and you'll have your moments. But, I feel like I've been having a "moment" every week when my long run comes around. I'm not saying I'm quitting, but I am analyzing a bit. If the next three weeks go the way the last three did, I may reconsider the training. Life is getting in the way of my running right now and that is actually ok with me. So.... we'll see.

Lunch Run Recap- 6.13 miles, 1:01:16, 10:00 pace
Evening Run Recap- 6.93 miles, 1:07:38, 9:46 pace

My first 100 mile month of the year....

After today's lunch time run, I will have my first 100 mile month of the year in. I was supposed to put in 106 and I should be there by now. But, life happens and I'm gonna have to close out 100 miles on the last possible day.

Two things I've learned this month (my first of my second marathon training)...

1. It's never as bad as it seems. Just keep running. Don't worry about missing here or missing there.
2. Year 2 is easier and harder all at the same time. It's easier because I can handle 5 days a week now (where I was only doing 4 days last year). It's harder because I feel like the expectations are higher for this marathon. I wanted to run sub 4 hours last year. But, it was just a "want". This year, I REALLY want to run sub 4 and might have a chance at it. So, I'm definitely putting more pressure on myself.

I also was able to get two good runs in on Tuesday and Wednesday. I ran on Tuesday night after I got home from DC and really put the pedal to the medal.

Run recap Tuesday- 3.07 miles, 26:30, 8:38 pace

Then, Justin and I went for a 6 miler yesterday in the heat and humidity over lunch. Yikes. I wanted to quit at 3, but Justin convinced me to push on. I'm glad for that because now I don't have to run 6 today. Sweet.

Run recap Wednesday- 6 miles, 1:01:00, 10:10 pace

I Don't Call This StubbornRunning for Nothing...

So, I didn't complete my LSD on Sunday and had planned to make it up today (this morning, in fact). But, the alarm went off at 5 am and I didn't want to get up. I stayed up late creating a presentation for work and just couldn't muster the energy to get out of bed. It occurred to me later that I was probably doing more harm then good trying to fit the LSD in during the week. So, I just decided to get back on my schedule. After all, this is only week 2. Plenty of time until the marathon.

So, I went out for a pretty quick 3 over lunch and felt much better. No reason to kill myself. I really don't think this is going to have any lasting affect on my training (except maybe for the better). I just can't make a habit of missing my long run, that's all.

Run recap- 3 miles, 26:30, 8:50 pace

First Week of Marathon Training...

At the end of this week, I will have put in 25 miles. That's not a scary number to me in any way shape or form. But, surprisingly, it's been quite some time since I've hit that number. So, that's a good thing. I feel healthy and ready to tackle "the distance". But, I am feeling a little apprehensive about the increased intensity of the plan. I would guess that by week 5 I will have a better handle on whether it's too much or not.

I got a 5 and 3 miler in this week. They were both pretty good runs. I also have to figure out how/when to fit in a 5 mile pace workout between two days of driving to Maine. It's either going to happen tonight when I get to the hotel in Mass... Or, tomorrow morning when I wake up.

Run recaps
Wednesday- 5 miles, 46:37, 9:20 pace
Thursday- 3 miles, 27:42, 9:14 pace

Last LSD Before Marathon Training

I got in one last long run before marathon training on Sunday. I was kind of torn between doing something a little shorter to give myself a break and building the mile between 8 and 10 (last week's LSD and next week's LSD). So, I decided to run the longer mileage and make sure I was ready to start my plan by running 9 miles.

Did I need to do that? Most likely no... Did I need to do that? Absolutely yes... It's a funny thing about running. There are a million rules and physical limits and injuries and so on. But, what is more challenging to me is the mental fight that is constantly going on. In my mind, there wasn't much of an option this week. I had to run 9 for my own sanity. Call it stupid... but it's true.

So, off I went. I did a 5 mile run on country roads that I am very used to and looped back to my house. Then, I grabbed some Gatorade and did the last 4 in town. It was actually one of the nicer long runs I've done by myself in a while. I did a lot of thinking about the marathon and just enjoyed myself. I can't help but think I'm ready to go.... Here comes the grind. I wonder if I'm gonna feel the same way in 6 weeks. Only time will tell...

Run recap- 9.0 miles, 1:25:10, 9:28 pace

Marathon Training Starts Today...

Today was a cross-training day in my marathon plan (Higdon Intermediate II). And, like usual, I totally ignored it. I'm not saying this with pride.. it's just the truth. However, depending on weather, I'm going to ride to work tomorrow and do 3 miles of running over lunch. So, I figure that will serve as my cross-train.

Looking ahead to my plan, it's kinda scary. I have two 20 milers and a 22. The plan has three 20s scheduled. But, I revised it to have a 22 because I fell apart in the marathon at 20 in my first effort and I would like a longer run this time (for my head more than for my legs). I also have three over 50 mile weeks in the plan. For a guy who has never run more than 40, that's kind of imposing.

So, you think I'm crazy? Maybe... But, there's plenty of time to rearrange the schedule if need be. For now, that is the plan. I expect to keep to it... but I'm not so stubborn that I'm not willing to change if it's not working for me.

It begins...

Wanna Ruin a Marathon?

Don pointed me to this funny Onion story about ruining a marathon. It's funny, I had no idea that the Onion had hired Nitmos or Vanilla to write for them. This has to be one of their ideas...

"Try starting off with something simple, like printing out "Marathon Continues to the Right" signs and pasting them up by the on-ramp to the interstate. Once you're comfortable with that, you can work your way up to a larger goal, like breaking beer bottles into a sack and dumping them out in front of the wheelchair racers, or loading up on carbs and dairy so you can vomit all over the finish line."

Fueling and hydration advice

I was talking with Marcus and Nate yesterday about the stomach troubles I have when running longer distances (in excess of 13-14 miles). And, now that I'm planning on running another marathon... I think it's only right that I start trying to figure out the right combination that will make my stomach less of an issue.

So... I was playing around on the Runner's World forums and ran into a post about this exact thing. It linked to a pretty good document called, "The Endurance Athlete's Guide to Success: Everything you need to know about optimum caloric, electrolyte and fluid intake for training and competition".

I'm gonna read this and see if anything jumps out at me. Hopefully it will point me in the right direction. Hope you enjoy it too.

Harrisburg Marathon... I'm in?

I've been debating whether I wanted to run Harrisburg in November (because it's close and small) or Steamtown in October because it's medium sized (not too big), down-hill and fast. After looking at the schedule, I would have to be training all the way through the summer for Steamtown. Where as, if I train for Harrisburg, I wouldn't have to be on my training plan in June. Also, after running MCM, I would really like to have a small "event". For Harrisburg, you can park 100 yards from the start line and you don't have to get a hotel. That's nice. Not only that, my wife is pregnant again (like how I snuck that in?), and she is due the week before Steamtown. So, that's probably not going to work.

So, Harrisburg it is.... provided I stay/get healthy and continue to progress. Nate is probably going to run it too, so we'll be training some of our long runs together. That'll be nice. The only thing I am dreading is Marcus's race report last year. He is an excellent runner and he keeps telling me how much he hated the "park" portion of the race starting at mile 18 (I think it was 18, deep into the race anyway). He said that it is rolling hills for a couple miles. On a normal run, no big deal. That far into the race, big deal.

I guess Steamtown is meant for another year. It's a fast course, so it may be one to reserve for when I'm really serious and trying to BQ (if that ever happens). But, for now, it's Harrisburg.
Probably not my first pick, but absolutely the least complicated pick. And, that works for me right now.

Happy Anniversary to Me..

Well... it's finally here. On January 28, 2007, I began my C25K journey. I'd like to take a moment to thank two very important people in this journey. First, I have to give a shout-out to John. He was the first of the three of us to start the C25K. It was his example that set Nate and I in motion. In fact, before the C25K, I had no idea who John was. But, as a result of a decision he made, I am a better person today.

Then, there's Nate... What can I say? His email to me said something like, "I'm doing this..". He included a link to the C25K and that singular statement was enough to kick me in the pants. We are definitely connected in this transformation because of the sweat that we left out on those snowy roads last January and February. Nate in his burglar outfit and me in my Michelin Man outfit.

I think my initial thought was that the program was way too easy. Even after a couple weeks, I was thinking I was bored. Then, it started getting harder and it was apparent that I was training the "right way". I didn't feel overly sore. I didn't hate running. I just felt like I was making progress. The first couple of months was where I lost the majority of the weight. I hadn't lost much after that until very recently.

I followed the C25K with the One Hour Runner program. It was there that I became totally addicted. I was racing more and loving every minute of it. The PRs were almost as addicting as the transformation... I was hooked.

Then, my wife and I came up with the crazy idea of running the marathon. It was a life goal for my wife. And, since I was getting in better shape... I thought, why not? I ended up running the marathon and trashing my feet... But, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

If I had to pick one thing that I am most proud of over the last year, it would be that I am still running today. But, a close second would be finishing the C25K.

It was a great first year... a first of many.

Spirit of the Marathon, Come One.. Come All

My wife and I went and watched "The Spirit of the Marathon" on Thursday night. It was our first "date" in a while.. so that was nice all by itself. But, as for the movie... It was as inspiring as it was gut-wrenching. Watching others go what I went through really struck a nerve with me.

All 6 runners were entertaining in their own way. Daniel Njenga was great through all the scenes in his homeland (Kenya). There was one really hilarious scene where he was throwing rocks at hippos and he kept repeating, "We should go, this is dangerous". It was also great to get into the mind of an elite athlete.

Then, there was a host of "average" runners. I hesitate to say average, because I know what it takes to run a marathon... and average doesn't really cut it. Leah Caille was a single, recently divorced, mom running to get her life back. Lori O'Connor is a PHD student who is running for a personal cause. Ryan Bradley was running for the ever elusive BQ (Boston Qualifying time). And finally, Jerry Meyers was the comic relief. He ran his first marathon at 65 and is training with his daughter (at 70 years old) for her first and his fifth.

Then, the most exciting part of the movie for me was Deena Kastor. Watching her train and effortlessly glide in the race was amazing. Since I was not following running back in 2005, I had no idea of what the outcome of the Chicago Marathon was. So... it was exciting to the last minute. Her training regimen was crazy and watching her battle through injury was equally inspiring. She gained yet another fan in me after watching this movie.

Overall, there were parts of the movie that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. And, it was heart breaking and uplifting all at the same time to watch people cross the finish line. I would've thought breaking into tears at the finish line was ridiculous before I ran the marathon. Now, I totally understand. Great movie!!

Marathon guide statistics (via Marcus)...

My buddy Marcus posted a chart of finishing times for marathons in 2006 (click here for chart at Marcus' blog). Although I ran my marathon in 2007, it's still interesting to see. According to this, I was, at least, in the top 49.6% of finishers and 57.2% of male finishers (probably higher because I finished 6 minutes ahead of 4:30). Anyhow, that's encouraging. And, provided I can get healthy, I'm sure I can do better than that. Gotta get running again though.

What a year...

This is where I talk about all the crazy things that have happened to me over the last year. It's hard for me to imagine that this would have been such a life changing year, but it has been.

In January, Nate decided he was going to do something called the C25k (his buddy John was doing it at the time and I am forever in debt to both of them). At the time, I thought it was too "easy" for me. But, I felt terribly out of shape and figured that something was better than nothing. So, we trekked our way through it. It was harder than I expected. And, the results were fabulous. It really made running easy enough that you didn't hate it. And, it made running routine.

That was the catalyst... now I wanted something harder. The next program I did was the "Becoming a One Hour Runner". This really started to test me and I still remember the day that I ran for 60 minutes. It was awesome. Somewhere in the middle of this plan, I became a runner. I have no idea how it happened, I just know it did.

Then.... My wife has been talking about running a marathon for a number of years. She was always a runner (x-country in high school and college). Now that I was getting more fit, it seemed doable that we could run one together. So, we eagerly awaited the opening of the Marine Corps Marathon and signed up. It was scary and exciting all at the same time.

From there, we had to train all the way through the summer months. Some of those runs were really taxing and it was really nice to have my wife supporting me through all those runs. And, I was doing the same for her. I'm not sure if either of us would have made it without the other. But, we did it.

Despite the fact that I ran my first marathon this year... I think my biggest accomplishment was just running. Not how far or how fast... but the act itself. I now know I'm a runner. I also have finally broken the up and down swing of weight loss/weight gain that I have been on over the last 10 years. So, that is by far my biggest accomplishment.

Goals for 2008? I'll save that for another post. But, you can bet running consistently is going to be one of them.

Happy New Year!! Here's to a lighter, fitter 2008.

NOVA Marathon Challenge

I realize that this is old news, but I just got around to watching the NOVA marathon documentary. I had the day off and I'm a running geek. So, this is how I spend my day off... trolling for running stuff. It was parallel to my journey to the MCM this year and I really enjoyed it. It took 13 sedentary people and trained them for 9 months to run the Boston Marathon. It tracked their progress and really showed some of the challenges of marathon running. But, it also showed that it can be done and you don't have to be superhuman. That's what I did with my day off. If you are interested.... They have it in five chapters on their website and it takes about 50 minutes to watch.

Here's the link.