Forgive me, Father, for I've not run. It has been over 2 months since my last run. I've had excuses. For one, it has just been too hot. Here in Austin we've had the most days of 100 degrees or above on record, the most 100 degree or above days in a row, and a tie for the hottest day in Austin's history at 112 degrees. And it has been dry, the driest summer on record. In fact,wild fires destroyed close to 11,000 acres and close to 60 homes just yesterday, so weather has been a good excuse. Also. I've had much on my plate. My grandfather fell toward the end of June and ended up in rehab from July 5 to August 8. I'm the closest relative and hold his medical power of attorney, so I was going to see him at least once, if not twice a day. He moved in with us on the 8th, and we had 27 people at our house to celebrate his 90th birthday. In addition, Danielle graduated from Texas Tech the first weekend in August, so there was a whirlwind overnight trip to Lubbock in there. I've also been trying to get grandpa's house ready to terminate the lease, so I've been busy. But all of that is excuses, nothing more.
I went to the dentist a few weeks ago, and when they took my blod pressure, it was very high. I always have low blood pressure except at the dentist, so I wasn't overly concerned. Later that day I checked it at HEB, and it was higher, still. I made an appointment with the doctor the next day and found not only was my blood pressure high, but I've gained 20 pounds since my last visit in May. I knew the cause: I'd stopped running. But starting again and developing that routine isn't easy!
A cold front blew through yesterday, and we were told to expect cooler temps for Memorial Day. Maline and I decided to take advantage and walk/ run this morning. So, after a banana, a cup of coffee and feeding grandpa breakfast, we took Rufus and headed out. We walked the half mile to the trail in cold (76 degrees) weather, and then I started to run. My goal was five miles, walking no more then half. My first mile and a half was difficult, but as I got to the turn for the 5 mile stretch I started to get a second wind, so I went straight, on a route that would allow me anything from 5 to 7.5 miles of running. I felt strong at each trail, and kept choosing the longer routes. I did not feel the need to walk until about 6 miles in, but decided to push on another half mile so I could say I ran a quarter marathon (this time last year I was only up to about 3 miles!), so I pressed on. At 6.5 I decided that I could run to the park, another 1/2 mile, and at the park I realized I only had a half mile to go until I got to my cool-down phase, so I finished 7.5 running non-stop and waked the half mile home.
My body is now telling me I overdid it, but my head is saying, "Let's do that again!". I did much better then I anticipated and am ready to start training again! So, look out, Austin, Marathon Man is back! Can't wait to hit Town Lake!
Showing posts with label Austin Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Austin Marathon. Show all posts
Monday, September 5, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
And Finished!
Well, I have finished my first marathon. Sunday, February 20, I gathered around the state capital with 17,999 of my closest friends to traipse around Austin. I got in with the 5:00 pace group (they are supposed to set a run pace for you to complete the race in five hours), which I knew was a little faster then I anticipated, but I figured I would start out there and see how I did. My group got out of the gate at 7:22, 24 minutes after the start gun, and we were off with a sea of people. A five hour pace means running about a 11.4 minute mile. However, we finished the first mile in less then ten minutes, and were at three miles in about 28 minutes. I realized that at that pace I would run out of steam way too soon, so I forced myself to fall back a little. That was just about the time that I saw Maline for the first time on the race route at Oltorf and Congress. It was great to see her there and to have the moral support. We had just climbed a fairly steep couple of hills, and having her there to cheer me on was a wonderful support.
As I ran, people would call out my name and offer words of encouragement. It was about 5 miles into the race when I realized that my name was on my bib in big letters for people to see, and the thousands of people who were out in their yards, at their businesses or at water stations along the way were there to support us in our endeavor. This was all the more helpful after mile 16, when I was starting to slow down, and 20, when I was walk/running. As we ran across Ceaser Chavez toward MoPac, we came to the "Yellow Mile," the first of the Livestrong stretches. There people cheered us on, gave out water, and flooded the sides of the course with inspirational signs and posters. This much needed boost at mile 9 was a welcome part of the race, as we were hitting a long, steep hill, which by the way, was my first walk in the race. I walked about 50 yards while I did an energy gel shot, then was back on to running.
Maline and her friend Tricia met me just after we turned off Cesaer Chavez, and I told them I needed a banana. About a mile up the road I ran into them again by a Starbucks, got the banana, and felt a hundred times better. They met me several times along the route, and their encouragement was critical for my success. By mile 16, which was at Camp Mabry, I was ready for a bathroom break. The half-marathoners had broken off at mile 11, so there were shorter lines and fewer people. As I came out of the restroom, I looked and saw a sea of people behind me. I was not the last person in the pack, which made me feel great! I set off and ran another 4 miles before I needed to slow down and intersperse walks with my runs. That was not before I went through one block of people supporting the runners from their front yards, and having a great deal of fun doing it! There were signs on the road written in chalk that said, "beer ahead." Finally, there was a sign with an arrow into a driveway, where a group of men were pouring glasses of beer for the runners. I told them it was tempting, and one of them said, "You look like you need some energy. Come over and carb up." It would have been rude to say no, said being a good Texan, I had a beer with my new friends. As I drank it, I noticed signs in the yard across the street which I found humorous. One said, "26.2. Because 26.3 is just CRAZY!" and another said, "Puke & Rally (but don't puke here!). I told them I liked the signs and ran on.
My friend Amanda lives on the route just before mile 22. Maline and Amanda told me they would all be there waiting for me, and I pressed on to her apartment. I was walking most of the way from mile 20 to her place, where I got another banana, chatted with Maline, Amanda, Tricia and Amanda's boyfriend, Mike. We got some pictures and I started off again. At mile 22 I started running again, but was only able to do about half a mile, likewise at 23. I ran all of 24, then walked the first half of 25. At about 25.5 I began to run up a steep hill, closing in on the finish line. At 800 meters I began to sprint, well, as fast as one can sprint 6 hours and 35 minutes into a race. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, I turned the corner and saw the finish line. I finished in 6 hours and 40 minutes, not a course record, but there were still many behind me, and even more who did not make it at all. I completed my first marathon. Maline was at the finish, and she was a very welcome sight!
After crossing the finish line, we went to where the medals were given out, and I stood there as my medal was put around my neck and the volunteer told me he was proud of me for completing the marathon. After he was done, I literally could not move my legs and had to work for some time at willing them to move. We walked to the car, maybe a half mile away, and as Maline was unlocking the doors I found myself wobbling. I was about to just fall over, not from being dizzy or light-headed, but from not having enough strength in my legs to keep me upright. Maline got me into the car and we were off. We stopped at Starbucks on the way home. I wore my bib and medal into the store, not to show them off, but because I did not have the energy to take them off. I ordered a Chai Latte, regular, feeling that I did not need to do skinny today! Strangely, I tasted no difference between the regular and the skinny, but it still was nice to know that I earned the sugar and fat fix! After all, I had likely burned some 4,000 calories during the day.
I will run the marathon again next year, with a goal of doing it in under 4 hours. Then I will run New York as my last marathon. However, running will forever be a part of my life.
Thanks to all who have read the blog and supported me along the way. I will keep writing about my endeavors here, but I will also be looking at sharing other thoughts and insights from life.
So until next time, remember: 26.2. Because 26.3 is just CRAZY!
Post Script: As I proofread this posting, my eyes swelled with tears. This has been a goal for a long time, one that had really been more of a dream up until a year ago. I am proud of having met this goal, and am forever grateful to all who helped me get here.
As I ran, people would call out my name and offer words of encouragement. It was about 5 miles into the race when I realized that my name was on my bib in big letters for people to see, and the thousands of people who were out in their yards, at their businesses or at water stations along the way were there to support us in our endeavor. This was all the more helpful after mile 16, when I was starting to slow down, and 20, when I was walk/running. As we ran across Ceaser Chavez toward MoPac, we came to the "Yellow Mile," the first of the Livestrong stretches. There people cheered us on, gave out water, and flooded the sides of the course with inspirational signs and posters. This much needed boost at mile 9 was a welcome part of the race, as we were hitting a long, steep hill, which by the way, was my first walk in the race. I walked about 50 yards while I did an energy gel shot, then was back on to running.
Maline and her friend Tricia met me just after we turned off Cesaer Chavez, and I told them I needed a banana. About a mile up the road I ran into them again by a Starbucks, got the banana, and felt a hundred times better. They met me several times along the route, and their encouragement was critical for my success. By mile 16, which was at Camp Mabry, I was ready for a bathroom break. The half-marathoners had broken off at mile 11, so there were shorter lines and fewer people. As I came out of the restroom, I looked and saw a sea of people behind me. I was not the last person in the pack, which made me feel great! I set off and ran another 4 miles before I needed to slow down and intersperse walks with my runs. That was not before I went through one block of people supporting the runners from their front yards, and having a great deal of fun doing it! There were signs on the road written in chalk that said, "beer ahead." Finally, there was a sign with an arrow into a driveway, where a group of men were pouring glasses of beer for the runners. I told them it was tempting, and one of them said, "You look like you need some energy. Come over and carb up." It would have been rude to say no, said being a good Texan, I had a beer with my new friends. As I drank it, I noticed signs in the yard across the street which I found humorous. One said, "26.2. Because 26.3 is just CRAZY!" and another said, "Puke & Rally (but don't puke here!). I told them I liked the signs and ran on.
My friend Amanda lives on the route just before mile 22. Maline and Amanda told me they would all be there waiting for me, and I pressed on to her apartment. I was walking most of the way from mile 20 to her place, where I got another banana, chatted with Maline, Amanda, Tricia and Amanda's boyfriend, Mike. We got some pictures and I started off again. At mile 22 I started running again, but was only able to do about half a mile, likewise at 23. I ran all of 24, then walked the first half of 25. At about 25.5 I began to run up a steep hill, closing in on the finish line. At 800 meters I began to sprint, well, as fast as one can sprint 6 hours and 35 minutes into a race. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, I turned the corner and saw the finish line. I finished in 6 hours and 40 minutes, not a course record, but there were still many behind me, and even more who did not make it at all. I completed my first marathon. Maline was at the finish, and she was a very welcome sight!
After crossing the finish line, we went to where the medals were given out, and I stood there as my medal was put around my neck and the volunteer told me he was proud of me for completing the marathon. After he was done, I literally could not move my legs and had to work for some time at willing them to move. We walked to the car, maybe a half mile away, and as Maline was unlocking the doors I found myself wobbling. I was about to just fall over, not from being dizzy or light-headed, but from not having enough strength in my legs to keep me upright. Maline got me into the car and we were off. We stopped at Starbucks on the way home. I wore my bib and medal into the store, not to show them off, but because I did not have the energy to take them off. I ordered a Chai Latte, regular, feeling that I did not need to do skinny today! Strangely, I tasted no difference between the regular and the skinny, but it still was nice to know that I earned the sugar and fat fix! After all, I had likely burned some 4,000 calories during the day.
I will run the marathon again next year, with a goal of doing it in under 4 hours. Then I will run New York as my last marathon. However, running will forever be a part of my life.
Thanks to all who have read the blog and supported me along the way. I will keep writing about my endeavors here, but I will also be looking at sharing other thoughts and insights from life.
So until next time, remember: 26.2. Because 26.3 is just CRAZY!
Post Script: As I proofread this posting, my eyes swelled with tears. This has been a goal for a long time, one that had really been more of a dream up until a year ago. I am proud of having met this goal, and am forever grateful to all who helped me get here.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
And a Good Time was Had by All!
Last evening we had our Marathon Kick-off and Wine Tasting at Water2Wine (\http://www.water2wine.us/austin/). John, Jenny and the staff are wonderful hosts who made the evening even more enjoyable. Twenty-five people came out to taste wines, bid on silent auction items, and win door prizes, all the while supporting our team. Auction items ranged from wine gift baskets to sports memorabilia to a massage or a session with a personal trainer. People tasted wine varietals they may never had thought about tasting before, learning about the types of grapes, regions the grapes were grown in, and the wine-making process. The evening found a wide array of wine drinkers, from the amateur to the professional wine snob (I find myself to be aspiring to the professional wine snob. I am currently an amateur wine snob). The evening ended with us raising a little over $1,000, which was about double what I anticipated! It put me at about $6,500 total dollars raised, about $1,000 short of my fundraising goal. I cannot say enough good things about Water2Wine. It is a tremendously fun place to visit, taste and learn. The people are friendly, fun and generous, and the experience is delightful!
So Sunday is the big day. I have not really worked out since running 20 last Tuesday. I've hit the treadmill a few times, even running a 7 minute mile, and have done the stationary bike, as well. However, I am trying to rest my body as I prepare for the race. I've changed my diet for the week, as well. I have cut out meats and trans fats, and am eating more complex carbs. Other then last night, I have stopped drinking (I have not had scotch, my poison of choice, for a few weeks). I try to be active without overdoing. Saturday will be my last lite workout before the race.
If you are interested in tracking my progress, you can download an IPhone app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/2011-livestrong-austin-marathon/id411573278?mt=8 or you can follow me on the web at http://www.whydoyourun.com/runnertracking/. You will need my bib number (4387) in order to follow my progress.
I would be remiss if I did not give 3 shout-outs. First, to Moe Harris of Elite Fitness (http://austinelitefitness.com/). He has been my friend and trainer on the journey, and I would not be able to be at this point without him. Second, Amanda, my running buddy, who made me go out even when I did not want to. While she knows how to whine when she needs to, she will not others whine. And finally, and most importantly, to my family. Maline, Josh and Noah have been marathon widow/ orphans for about 6 months now. They have supported and encouraged me, and never gotten upset when I have been gone to run.
Well, I guess this is it until after the race. Thanks to all who have helped, supported and encouraged me along the way! More Monday!
So Sunday is the big day. I have not really worked out since running 20 last Tuesday. I've hit the treadmill a few times, even running a 7 minute mile, and have done the stationary bike, as well. However, I am trying to rest my body as I prepare for the race. I've changed my diet for the week, as well. I have cut out meats and trans fats, and am eating more complex carbs. Other then last night, I have stopped drinking (I have not had scotch, my poison of choice, for a few weeks). I try to be active without overdoing. Saturday will be my last lite workout before the race.
If you are interested in tracking my progress, you can download an IPhone app at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/2011-livestrong-austin-marathon/id411573278?mt=8 or you can follow me on the web at http://www.whydoyourun.com/runnertracking/. You will need my bib number (4387) in order to follow my progress.
I would be remiss if I did not give 3 shout-outs. First, to Moe Harris of Elite Fitness (http://austinelitefitness.com/). He has been my friend and trainer on the journey, and I would not be able to be at this point without him. Second, Amanda, my running buddy, who made me go out even when I did not want to. While she knows how to whine when she needs to, she will not others whine. And finally, and most importantly, to my family. Maline, Josh and Noah have been marathon widow/ orphans for about 6 months now. They have supported and encouraged me, and never gotten upset when I have been gone to run.
Well, I guess this is it until after the race. Thanks to all who have helped, supported and encouraged me along the way! More Monday!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Twenty Miles
So Sunday was supposed to be my big run before the race. My longest pre-accident run was 14 miles, and my longest post-accident was 10, a hard 10, at that. My goal was to run 20 miles Sunday afternoon after church. I knew I would walk some, since I have really only had about 4 weeks of training after a two month break, but I was OK with that. I left church and was driving home, when my car died from a blown head gasket. The toe truck did not get the car back to my house until about 5:00, too late to get my run in. I did not have time to run Monday, and bad weather was coming Wednesday, so I decided to do my 20 miles Tuesday after my Kiwanis meeting.
I got to Town Lake a little before 9 a.m. and stretched, got ready, and hit the trail at 10:15. The first stretch I went from the bridge to the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue, about 2 miles in 24 minutes, which is better then I normally do. I did a quick walk from there to the water station, some 50 yards away, got some water, then started back again. I climbed the miserable hill on Riverside and was able to keep going. In the past, I've climbed the hill then walked a bit to recover. I got to IH35 and was still going strong. There are four places to cross the access road at 35. The first one had no traffic, and I crossed easily. The next two both had the lights going for me as I approached. The last crossing, however, is always difficult, and I ran in place for about 2 minutes waiting to cross. Finally I heard a car horn, looked up, and saw that a cabby had gotten the attention of a bus driver and they both stopped to let me cross. I felt like I had my own cheering squad in these 2 strangers! I found myself running the next 6 miles without a walk, a first for me. Even when I did walk, it was a short distance at a quick pace. I ended up completing the first 11 miles in two hours and 12 minutes, which I was very pleased with.
As I was finishing the first lap, however, I began getting leg cramps. I would hit the ground and immediately feel a cramp hit. As I stopped running, the pain went away. I stopped and stretched, but could not get rid of the pain while running. I thought about stopping, but decided to press on. Over the course of the next three miles I tried an occasional run, but still found it painful. After the third mile, I was apparently stretched enough that I was able to start running again. My body was feeling the pain of over three hours of movement, but my spirit soared as I had yet another epiphany that I was going to complete the marathon. My hope was to complete the 20 miles in 5 hours. I figured that if I could do that, I could easily complete the marathon in the alloted 7 hours. It would not be the best time for a marathon, but for someone who had an accident and could not train for 2 months, it would not be bad. I ended up completing the 20 miles in about 4.5 hours, and was very pleased; sore, but pleased.
I still am stiff in my hips today, and now know that I need to work on some good IT band stretches between now and race day. I am working on my diet for the next two weeks, as well as a run strategy. I have no doubt that I will complete the race this year, and next year I will run with a good time. In the meantime, I am now just relaxing. No more long runs, no more pushing my body. I am to the point of lite runs and relaxation.
I want to thank everyone for your continued support. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Next week I will post highlights about you can trace me on race day via I-Phone or computer. Remember our fundraiser at Water 2 Wine on Anderson Lane next Wednesday night from 8:00 to 10:00. $25 for unlimited wine tastings, and silent auctions items, including a session with a trainer, wine baskets, massage and autographed sports memorabilia. There are also some great door prizes. Come out, have some good wine and fun, and help our team kick-off Marathon Week!
I got to Town Lake a little before 9 a.m. and stretched, got ready, and hit the trail at 10:15. The first stretch I went from the bridge to the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue, about 2 miles in 24 minutes, which is better then I normally do. I did a quick walk from there to the water station, some 50 yards away, got some water, then started back again. I climbed the miserable hill on Riverside and was able to keep going. In the past, I've climbed the hill then walked a bit to recover. I got to IH35 and was still going strong. There are four places to cross the access road at 35. The first one had no traffic, and I crossed easily. The next two both had the lights going for me as I approached. The last crossing, however, is always difficult, and I ran in place for about 2 minutes waiting to cross. Finally I heard a car horn, looked up, and saw that a cabby had gotten the attention of a bus driver and they both stopped to let me cross. I felt like I had my own cheering squad in these 2 strangers! I found myself running the next 6 miles without a walk, a first for me. Even when I did walk, it was a short distance at a quick pace. I ended up completing the first 11 miles in two hours and 12 minutes, which I was very pleased with.
As I was finishing the first lap, however, I began getting leg cramps. I would hit the ground and immediately feel a cramp hit. As I stopped running, the pain went away. I stopped and stretched, but could not get rid of the pain while running. I thought about stopping, but decided to press on. Over the course of the next three miles I tried an occasional run, but still found it painful. After the third mile, I was apparently stretched enough that I was able to start running again. My body was feeling the pain of over three hours of movement, but my spirit soared as I had yet another epiphany that I was going to complete the marathon. My hope was to complete the 20 miles in 5 hours. I figured that if I could do that, I could easily complete the marathon in the alloted 7 hours. It would not be the best time for a marathon, but for someone who had an accident and could not train for 2 months, it would not be bad. I ended up completing the 20 miles in about 4.5 hours, and was very pleased; sore, but pleased.
I still am stiff in my hips today, and now know that I need to work on some good IT band stretches between now and race day. I am working on my diet for the next two weeks, as well as a run strategy. I have no doubt that I will complete the race this year, and next year I will run with a good time. In the meantime, I am now just relaxing. No more long runs, no more pushing my body. I am to the point of lite runs and relaxation.
I want to thank everyone for your continued support. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers. Next week I will post highlights about you can trace me on race day via I-Phone or computer. Remember our fundraiser at Water 2 Wine on Anderson Lane next Wednesday night from 8:00 to 10:00. $25 for unlimited wine tastings, and silent auctions items, including a session with a trainer, wine baskets, massage and autographed sports memorabilia. There are also some great door prizes. Come out, have some good wine and fun, and help our team kick-off Marathon Week!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Point of No Return
When I started this blog, I wanted people to hold me accountable, which they did. I received words of encouragement and support, and people asked me where I was in my training. I enjoyed that support and rode the wave of friendship as I increased my distances and decreased my times. However, after my accident, I did little exercise, as I was limited in what I could do, and found myself annoyed at my inability to train. I guess I was a little depressed, as well. However, I am back and am going to complete the marathon February 20. It won't be a fast time, but I am OK with that. During my ten mile run/walk last Sunday, I came to terms with the fact that I am angry about the accident, and how it set me back in my training. I am disappointed that I will have a slow time on my run, and that I will likely walk much of it. However, I am excited that I am still going to reach my goal of completing a marathon. Actually, my goal is 2 marathons. This year I run to say I did it, and next year I will run the Livestrong again, but then it will be for time. I have reached the point of no return, and have set my mind on the task at hand.
Having said that, I once again need the help of my friends and supporters. I need encouragement once again. remind me that a six hour run/ walk is not that bad. And if you are able, consider supporting my run. I am running to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, where I work. There are 2 opportunities for you to support me in this endeavor. The first is that you can sponsor me as I run. To do this, click on this link: http://bgcaustin.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=453053&lis=1&kntae453053=C5D2A5166A504627B624B53C78DA0AA2&supId=286365985&emaillogid=4193346122 . My goal is to raise $10,000, and I am about half way there. The second way to support me is by attending my Water 2 Wine Wine Tasting and Marathon Kick-off February 16, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. You can go to https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179796632059571 to get more information and to RSVP. Maline has designed a special Boys & Girls Club label as part of the silent auction, and there will be many other great auction items and door prizes throughout the evening.
Thank you, again, for all who have been so supportive during my training. I am anxious to post on February 21 to let you know how I did.
Having said that, I once again need the help of my friends and supporters. I need encouragement once again. remind me that a six hour run/ walk is not that bad. And if you are able, consider supporting my run. I am running to raise money for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, where I work. There are 2 opportunities for you to support me in this endeavor. The first is that you can sponsor me as I run. To do this, click on this link: http://bgcaustin.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=453053&lis=1&kntae453053=C5D2A5166A504627B624B53C78DA0AA2&supId=286365985&emaillogid=4193346122 . My goal is to raise $10,000, and I am about half way there. The second way to support me is by attending my Water 2 Wine Wine Tasting and Marathon Kick-off February 16, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. You can go to https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179796632059571 to get more information and to RSVP. Maline has designed a special Boys & Girls Club label as part of the silent auction, and there will be many other great auction items and door prizes throughout the evening.
Thank you, again, for all who have been so supportive during my training. I am anxious to post on February 21 to let you know how I did.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Interval Running
Several people have suggested I participate in interval runs as a way to increase my speed. Interval runs, in case you don't know, are fast runs interlaced with slower runs. For example, my regular pace is about 12.5 minute miles, but I want to be running at 8 minute miles. So, I would do a short warm-up pace at a slow pace, then do a tenth mile at my 12.5 minute mile, followed by a mile at my target speed, then back to a tenth at current pace, followed by a mile at targeted speed, and so forth. Today I decided to do my first interval run on the treadmill Maline's mom just gave us. This gave me control on what I was doing and how I was doing it, so I knew that I would not be likely to hurt myself in the process. I started out at a slow walk, then moved to my tenth mile at five miles per hour (12 minute mile). I then went to 7 miles per hour for the next mile (8.57 minute miles). This was the fastest I thought I would be able to go for a mile, so it seemed like a good starting point. After all, 3 weeks ago, I was very pleased with 8:55 miles on the track, so 8:57 seemed like it should be a good challenge.
At the end of the mile I resumed my slower pace for a tenth mile. I realized that 7 miles per hour seemed too easy, so I did my next mile at 8 miles per hour (7.5 minute miles). Half way through I realized this still seemed too easy, so I raised the incline on the treadmill to get more of a challenge. At the end of a mile I returned to 5 mph for a tenth of a mile, then decided to jump to 9 mpg (6.7 minute miles). I set the incline at 2.5 and ran. Surprisingly, I maintained the pace for the entire mile, making me feel extremely proud of my self. At the end of the mile, I slowed to 5 mph, then 4 mph, before coming to a stop. In all, I did 3.5 miles in 30 minutes, thus maintaining an average of 7 mph over the length of the run. In other words, I sustained an average speed that was the same as what I had been forcing myself to do for only a mile. I felt I could keep going, but decided that I had beaten my goal and it was best not to risk hurting myself by pushing too hard.
When I finished the interval trainings, I started working on core strengthening. Six Hundred crunches and other variants of abdominal exercises had me feeling the best I've felt in some time. In fact, I cannot remember ever feeling this healthy, motivated, and in shape! Just a few weeks ago I was going to be content to finish the marathon under the 7 hour maximum time alloted. Now my goal is to be under 4 hours, and perhaps even under 3.5. When I started this journey, I never imagined that I would set a goal like that. But now it seems attainable, and like I would be cheating myself not to run the marathon in less then four hours!
Daily I find more people who are following my writings and offering words of encouragement. I am inspired by the people that tell me I am their inspiration. I am ready for that medal which says that I completed the 26.2 miles, as well as the 26.2 sticker to put on the back of my car!
Finally, I have to thank my wife, Maline, and my son, Josh, for all their support. They get up in the mornings a few times per week after I've already left for a run. I am not there to help them in the mornings, and they never complain or get upset. I did not consider how much time this training was going to take away from them. I am grateful for their continued support!
Until next time, remember: Run, Live, Sleep, Repeat!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Saturday Morning
Today is 10/10/10. A piece on the Today Show spoke about how many weddings there will be today because it is a magical number. An expert on the subject stated that if you add the numbers in the date up, you get 5, which she saw as a very positive thing. It seems that being born or getting married today is supposed to make you successful. I disagree. Your success or failure in life is about your attitude about where you are and what you do with that. Life is what we make it, not allowing ourselves to be victims, but to be successes (see my blog, Musings of a Methodist Minister, http://revmjq.blogspot.com/). This attitude is what keeps me running on toward my goal of completing the marathon in February.
Saturday was my first short, relaxing run in quite a while. I met up with my group at 7:30 and just ran. My goal in the beginning was 4, but decided to move on to 5. In the end, I ended up doing 5.6, which made for a nice morning. The cooler air continues to make the runs nice, with temperatures in the upper fifties when I start and no more then 68 when I finish.
Last Monday I did 10 with Amanda. It was her first 10 mile run, and we ended up stopping a few more times and a bit longer then I am used to, but surprisingly I found that our time was still better then my last run. I believe this is the result of 3 factors. First, I am more in tune with how fast I am running. I get a good feel for my speed, and am more in touch with when I am slowing down. Second, I have a running partner, and with the accountability there is someone to help me push through when I am tired, and vice versa. Finally, taking rests for stretching and water seems to give me more energy, making me feel better about the times I stop.
Monday I have a new goal. We are planning on going 13 miles. I am both nervous and excited about this new challenge. The goal is 13 for the next 2 weeks, then 15 the next 2 weeks, then 17 for 2 weeks, and finally 20 from the third week of November through the end of January. The 20 mile runs will be the longest I do before the race, and I will be focusing on time on those runs. My goal is to be able to do 20 miles in 3.5 hours.
So live today, not because it is 10/10/10, but because it is the right thing to do. Look to overcome the adversity in your life, and make the most of what you have!
Love, love, love, then love some more; then, and only then, will you be truly alive!
Saturday was my first short, relaxing run in quite a while. I met up with my group at 7:30 and just ran. My goal in the beginning was 4, but decided to move on to 5. In the end, I ended up doing 5.6, which made for a nice morning. The cooler air continues to make the runs nice, with temperatures in the upper fifties when I start and no more then 68 when I finish.
Last Monday I did 10 with Amanda. It was her first 10 mile run, and we ended up stopping a few more times and a bit longer then I am used to, but surprisingly I found that our time was still better then my last run. I believe this is the result of 3 factors. First, I am more in tune with how fast I am running. I get a good feel for my speed, and am more in touch with when I am slowing down. Second, I have a running partner, and with the accountability there is someone to help me push through when I am tired, and vice versa. Finally, taking rests for stretching and water seems to give me more energy, making me feel better about the times I stop.
Monday I have a new goal. We are planning on going 13 miles. I am both nervous and excited about this new challenge. The goal is 13 for the next 2 weeks, then 15 the next 2 weeks, then 17 for 2 weeks, and finally 20 from the third week of November through the end of January. The 20 mile runs will be the longest I do before the race, and I will be focusing on time on those runs. My goal is to be able to do 20 miles in 3.5 hours.
So live today, not because it is 10/10/10, but because it is the right thing to do. Look to overcome the adversity in your life, and make the most of what you have!
Love, love, love, then love some more; then, and only then, will you be truly alive!
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