Today was a long but such a great day!
It started at 5:30 AM. Got up got dressed got the wife and kid up and got in the car and west we went. Now of course it was snowing all night in Spokane so there was a good new 4-6 inches on the ground on top of the 7 or so already there. Needless to say the trip was a little slow going but I have definitely driven in worse.
I was trying to get to some presentations at the expo that were late in the morning, nothing really important just tips on eating the day before right, injuries and course tips, you know the same ol' stuff at any marathon expo. But today would not be the day for that. No biggie. I had just never really planned a trip around a run before and wanted to immerse myself into this race. I guess I really just want to relish it and reap the reward of 7 months of hard work and doing something I said I was gonna do and actually did it!
So we didn't get in to Seattle til noon, checked in to our hotel which we did change last minute from the host hotel which is the Westin to a Hyatt much closer to the starting line. It might be ok for guys that run a sub 3:30 to warm up with a 0.9 mile jog to the start but when you are running 5 hours, every step counts! Plus there were ALOT of rude people at that hotel today and the elevators were lagging something huge! Then we rode the monorail to the expo got our stuff and luckily let us pick up Jeff's stuff as he wouldn't get in to town til later in the evening. We got some decent stuff, nothing really exceptional, but the shirts this year are really rockin' I cant even wait to wear it. All I have to say is Mariners colors! (pics will follow in the post report)
Went back to the room and let my 16 month old go ape shit on it, then headed out to dinner at Buca de Beppo. Now I am back just relaxing and hoping I get some sleep tonight. I do have to thank everyone for their support and well wishings. I hope you know that those do filter in to my thoughts during my runs and really do help during the "down times". So thank you to all of you!
Hence I will call it a night and tomorrow I will conquer!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
A week off running = Suck
So I am resting this entire week in hopes it will help heal the problem with the IT band that I have been dealing with. So far it hasn't been too bad, however I am starting to want to run really bad and it is starting to suck! I am just hoping to make it though the week without going crazy on anyone! LOL I also hope to have little to no problems with my knee this weekend!
Thank goodness the weather so far is looking great for the race partly cloudy and about 43. WOO HOO!
I'll post a blog Saturday hopefully from the hotel at the expo.
Thank goodness the weather so far is looking great for the race partly cloudy and about 43. WOO HOO!
I'll post a blog Saturday hopefully from the hotel at the expo.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Blue balls
So this is my last weekend of training before the big day.
I have noticed that I have been talking like this is my very first marathon. Perhaps it is, maybe its like a born again virgin, maybe I am a born again marathoner. Who knows?
I think I have just been exhausted about thinking/motivating/planning/psyching up/counting days/everything marathon. I was doing just fine until that last 20 which just killed me both physically and mentally. But the last couple of days I have been on the rebound. I am feeling alot better and am finally feeling ready to tackle a long long run again. So the next week of rest is going to be great! Oh and did I forget about all that turkey I am going to choke down? That has TONS of carbs right?
I'll actually be butchering my own turkey this Thanksgiving, just like I did last Thanksgiving! I have to tell you it is quite an experience! I'd compare it to taking, let's say third in a prominent 10K race.
But why the blue balls you say? Well it's going to get COLD COLD COLD this week and yes I have to train in it. It's not the 7 miler Sunday when it's going to be 24, I've done that before. I actually did 12 miles in 25 degree weather. But the short 30 minute run on Tuesday when it will be somwhere around 5 degrees or so.....BRRRR makes me feel like I have just a stack of dimes already. Now I know, I know I have to layer my clothes and all, but thats not what I am worried about.....It's my face that I am worried about, I don't need that stupid run grimace frozen in all winter, I am in sales...it would kill my numbers!
Oh well I guess there is only one way to find out what running in 5 is going to be like. One more thing, do you think the clinking of my frozen balls should motivate me to run faster or seek shelter? Hmmmm......
I have noticed that I have been talking like this is my very first marathon. Perhaps it is, maybe its like a born again virgin, maybe I am a born again marathoner. Who knows?
I think I have just been exhausted about thinking/motivating/planning/psyching up/counting days/everything marathon. I was doing just fine until that last 20 which just killed me both physically and mentally. But the last couple of days I have been on the rebound. I am feeling alot better and am finally feeling ready to tackle a long long run again. So the next week of rest is going to be great! Oh and did I forget about all that turkey I am going to choke down? That has TONS of carbs right?
I'll actually be butchering my own turkey this Thanksgiving, just like I did last Thanksgiving! I have to tell you it is quite an experience! I'd compare it to taking, let's say third in a prominent 10K race.
But why the blue balls you say? Well it's going to get COLD COLD COLD this week and yes I have to train in it. It's not the 7 miler Sunday when it's going to be 24, I've done that before. I actually did 12 miles in 25 degree weather. But the short 30 minute run on Tuesday when it will be somwhere around 5 degrees or so.....BRRRR makes me feel like I have just a stack of dimes already. Now I know, I know I have to layer my clothes and all, but thats not what I am worried about.....It's my face that I am worried about, I don't need that stupid run grimace frozen in all winter, I am in sales...it would kill my numbers!
Oh well I guess there is only one way to find out what running in 5 is going to be like. One more thing, do you think the clinking of my frozen balls should motivate me to run faster or seek shelter? Hmmmm......
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Alison!!!
My friend Alison has just started running again like me and tomorrow she is running her first race in a long long time.
I have been getting text updates almost nightly telling me her new 5K PR, I am loving watching this. I am thinking perhaps I need to become a coach...I am enjoying watching the progress of other as of late.
Anyway, get out there today girl and whoop some ass!!!!!!!
I'll be awaiting your text! :-)
I have been getting text updates almost nightly telling me her new 5K PR, I am loving watching this. I am thinking perhaps I need to become a coach...I am enjoying watching the progress of other as of late.
Anyway, get out there today girl and whoop some ass!!!!!!!
I'll be awaiting your text! :-)
I just gave Alison the best running tip in the whole world. I tell it to you too but you haven't come to visit me.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The great beyond
So as my marathon inches near I am trying to figure out what the next great adventure is going to be. I have to do this because if I don't you know what the drill will be.
Post marathon:
Day 1: Ah, I am going to take a week off because I deserve it!
Day 7: That felt great maybe if I take another week off I'll PR by an hour!
Day 14: OK, time to start running....oh look Tosh.O is on.
Day 35: Damn is my belly getting bigger or am I just happy to see me?
Day: 88: Ah fuck it!
So if i have a plan perhaps after the week of rest I can focus on another goal.....especially since it gets so damn cold here in the winter and I am really going to need something to get me going through all that!
As all my friends, family and any person I have EVER made contact with knows I am a Bloomsday junkie, we all know I will be doing this race as usual, but we don't know if I am going get to try to test my 1 hour time limit as we are not sure if Angie is running and I'll be walking with Will in the stroller.
But even before that I am thinking of doing another marathon in the spring. I have had my eyes on the Yakima River Canyon marathon for a while now. I know it's not really a PR one (but it could be with the right training) and right now I am really looking for scenic, new and challenging courses at the moment. Ya know kinda pushing the boundaries to see how I can react for marathon training before I really try to push hard to qualify for a Boston.
Of course Jeff is trying to talk me in to doing some triathlons, which I am all for, except for the extra time for training and all that new stuff I need to buy. My long term goal is to attempt an Ironman in Coeur d' Alene within perhaps the next 5 years or so.
I also really need to start looking at some sort of post marathon training schedule as well and have been kinda coming up short with finding results with that. 18 days is crawling but at the same time flying by. SO much to think about and do til then....and did I mention that Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner too?
Oh well maybe I'll take a GU and call you in the morning.
By the way has anyone done or heard of anyone that has competed in the Mount Lemmon Marathon in Tuscon? Let me know about it.
Post marathon:
Day 1: Ah, I am going to take a week off because I deserve it!
Day 7: That felt great maybe if I take another week off I'll PR by an hour!
Day 14: OK, time to start running....oh look Tosh.O is on.
Day 35: Damn is my belly getting bigger or am I just happy to see me?
Day: 88: Ah fuck it!
So if i have a plan perhaps after the week of rest I can focus on another goal.....especially since it gets so damn cold here in the winter and I am really going to need something to get me going through all that!
As all my friends, family and any person I have EVER made contact with knows I am a Bloomsday junkie, we all know I will be doing this race as usual, but we don't know if I am going get to try to test my 1 hour time limit as we are not sure if Angie is running and I'll be walking with Will in the stroller.
It's peanut butter jelly time in Spokane
But even before that I am thinking of doing another marathon in the spring. I have had my eyes on the Yakima River Canyon marathon for a while now. I know it's not really a PR one (but it could be with the right training) and right now I am really looking for scenic, new and challenging courses at the moment. Ya know kinda pushing the boundaries to see how I can react for marathon training before I really try to push hard to qualify for a Boston.
Of course Jeff is trying to talk me in to doing some triathlons, which I am all for, except for the extra time for training and all that new stuff I need to buy. My long term goal is to attempt an Ironman in Coeur d' Alene within perhaps the next 5 years or so.
I also really need to start looking at some sort of post marathon training schedule as well and have been kinda coming up short with finding results with that. 18 days is crawling but at the same time flying by. SO much to think about and do til then....and did I mention that Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner too?
Oh well maybe I'll take a GU and call you in the morning.
By the way has anyone done or heard of anyone that has competed in the Mount Lemmon Marathon in Tuscon? Let me know about it.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Last 20 miler
I have trained for three marathons.
The first was for the 2002 Portland Marathon. The second one was for the 2006 Spokane Marathon in which I got injured 6 weeks before the race, and this one I am currently training for is my third.
I have pretty much always considered the last 20 as basically the end of marathon training as everything else is just a short run, plus you are basically suppost to relax the last 4 weeks and rest up.
So last weekend was the "end" of training. I have been training for 27 weeks of a 30 week schedule and I have to say that this run was the shittiest run of every run for 27 weeks.....what a way to go out huh?
Jeff is in Mexico, so I am running this one solo, which normally isn't a problem. I knew that going in to the run I just wasn't feeling it but it had to be done so off I went.
I decided to run the Fish Lake Trail, which is an old railroad grade turned in to a paved trail. It's scenic, quiet and a good running trail.
So I started in downtown Spokane at Riverfront Park.....ya know near the big red wagon? I wanted to run through Browne's addition so I could have one last great fall run with all the colors of the leaves and all (I guess I should have run the south hill instead then). Two miles in I hit the trail and up I go. Why do I say up? Well as I am running I keep checking my Garmin and the elevation, up,up and up I go. Luckly like I said it is a rail grade so its not too stee but I am running up and I dont care who you are if you run uphill for 10 miles, you are going to feel it
The other problem on this trail is no water. Now I have noticed a few things in my marathon training that point me to believe that I have some major brain damage. The first is, I enjoy running 20 miles, this has been pointed out to me several times so I just ignore it now. Another one is I really must have an ego about my abilities when running, apparently I can do ANYTHING while running and it is ok. A good example you ask? How about running 20 miles with 32 ounces of water? Here's a pointer for anyone training for any long long distance run. You are suppost to drink 20-32 ounces of water an HOUR. We'll get to my time later.
So I'm not doing too bad here, but I do start to feel my IDBS act up around mile 7 or so, but not too bad. I get to the end of the trail at 9.75 and run up to the tracks above to hit and even 10 (There are live RR tracks to the left and the right of the trail, it makes it very interesting!) So down the trail I go and I am feeling good! I just go with it cause it is feeling right. I am going downhill, I have my stride and I look at my Garmin and I am hitting like a 7:40 mile. This would be sign #2 of brain damage.....I am aiming for a goal of 10 min/mile.
I slow a little and continue on. In the back of my brain I am thinking PR for my 20 for the training and doing some calcs. I think I am near a 3 hour pace for 20, that would be a 30 min PR....NICE!
About mile 15 the shit hits the fan. I am starting to feel tired and getting that feeling in my legs that hurts when I have to push off to start running after my walks. At 16 that was when the mental game took over and it was all brain power from there on.
Each mile was worse and worse and my pace was dragging! I am pretty sure I was down to a 12 min/mile. I finally get to the park and am noticing I have an extra .25 to go....remember the end of the trail.....what a mental buster. I am pretty sure the people in the park thought I HAD brain damage as I went round and round the fountain with this grimace look on my face. But what the hell do they know especially that guy with the poodle.
I finally finished and got water at the park. My god. The cramping in my legs was horrific, I remember that pain, same pain from mile 19 in my first marathon. At least I know how to avoid that in 2 weeks.
All in all, I did PR 3:24:29 and 5:30 improvement from my first 20 6 weeks ago. You can see the stats here if you want.
So remember kids, don't be stupid like Uncle Sparky and always carry water with you on you runs!
I'm a dumb ass.
The first was for the 2002 Portland Marathon. The second one was for the 2006 Spokane Marathon in which I got injured 6 weeks before the race, and this one I am currently training for is my third.
I have pretty much always considered the last 20 as basically the end of marathon training as everything else is just a short run, plus you are basically suppost to relax the last 4 weeks and rest up.
So last weekend was the "end" of training. I have been training for 27 weeks of a 30 week schedule and I have to say that this run was the shittiest run of every run for 27 weeks.....what a way to go out huh?
Jeff is in Mexico, so I am running this one solo, which normally isn't a problem. I knew that going in to the run I just wasn't feeling it but it had to be done so off I went.
I decided to run the Fish Lake Trail, which is an old railroad grade turned in to a paved trail. It's scenic, quiet and a good running trail.
So I started in downtown Spokane at Riverfront Park.....ya know near the big red wagon? I wanted to run through Browne's addition so I could have one last great fall run with all the colors of the leaves and all (I guess I should have run the south hill instead then). Two miles in I hit the trail and up I go. Why do I say up? Well as I am running I keep checking my Garmin and the elevation, up,up and up I go. Luckly like I said it is a rail grade so its not too stee but I am running up and I dont care who you are if you run uphill for 10 miles, you are going to feel it
The other problem on this trail is no water. Now I have noticed a few things in my marathon training that point me to believe that I have some major brain damage. The first is, I enjoy running 20 miles, this has been pointed out to me several times so I just ignore it now. Another one is I really must have an ego about my abilities when running, apparently I can do ANYTHING while running and it is ok. A good example you ask? How about running 20 miles with 32 ounces of water? Here's a pointer for anyone training for any long long distance run. You are suppost to drink 20-32 ounces of water an HOUR. We'll get to my time later.
So I'm not doing too bad here, but I do start to feel my IDBS act up around mile 7 or so, but not too bad. I get to the end of the trail at 9.75 and run up to the tracks above to hit and even 10 (There are live RR tracks to the left and the right of the trail, it makes it very interesting!) So down the trail I go and I am feeling good! I just go with it cause it is feeling right. I am going downhill, I have my stride and I look at my Garmin and I am hitting like a 7:40 mile. This would be sign #2 of brain damage.....I am aiming for a goal of 10 min/mile.
I slow a little and continue on. In the back of my brain I am thinking PR for my 20 for the training and doing some calcs. I think I am near a 3 hour pace for 20, that would be a 30 min PR....NICE!
About mile 15 the shit hits the fan. I am starting to feel tired and getting that feeling in my legs that hurts when I have to push off to start running after my walks. At 16 that was when the mental game took over and it was all brain power from there on.
Each mile was worse and worse and my pace was dragging! I am pretty sure I was down to a 12 min/mile. I finally get to the park and am noticing I have an extra .25 to go....remember the end of the trail.....what a mental buster. I am pretty sure the people in the park thought I HAD brain damage as I went round and round the fountain with this grimace look on my face. But what the hell do they know especially that guy with the poodle.
I finally finished and got water at the park. My god. The cramping in my legs was horrific, I remember that pain, same pain from mile 19 in my first marathon. At least I know how to avoid that in 2 weeks.
All in all, I did PR 3:24:29 and 5:30 improvement from my first 20 6 weeks ago. You can see the stats here if you want.
So remember kids, don't be stupid like Uncle Sparky and always carry water with you on you runs!
I'm a dumb ass.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Montage
This blogging is exhausting!
I cant even seem to get settled to get an entry in. So here is at least a quick one to get things going!
So have you ever been out running and listening to your Ipod, you've been kicking ass in your run and a rockin' song starts playing, then another bad ass song starts and then another? Then you think to yourself, this would be a kick ass montage for a moving....ya know if I ever qualify for Boston, you think to yourself.
That happend to me the other night. It was a great motavation and I am looking for as much as that as possible right now. I don't have very much of that right now. No more long runs to look forward to, cold mornings and evening runs, and still almost 3 weeks until marathon time. Sigh.
I cant even seem to get settled to get an entry in. So here is at least a quick one to get things going!
So have you ever been out running and listening to your Ipod, you've been kicking ass in your run and a rockin' song starts playing, then another bad ass song starts and then another? Then you think to yourself, this would be a kick ass montage for a moving....ya know if I ever qualify for Boston, you think to yourself.
This may be the worst montage EVER, but mine was nothing like this!
That happend to me the other night. It was a great motavation and I am looking for as much as that as possible right now. I don't have very much of that right now. No more long runs to look forward to, cold mornings and evening runs, and still almost 3 weeks until marathon time. Sigh.
Maybe I'll just read about Asicsholes again.
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