Fort Collins – A downward journey

I looked at this race almost 2 years ago and thought – this is a piece of cake! 26.2 miles and an evenly graded 1,200 foot elevation drop…Heaven!! Well not so much.

I’ve only been to Colorado as a layover point in Denver and never had the chance to leave the airport. So to actually go there sounded like fun. We flew into Denver on Friday and jumped into the rental car for the 1-1.5 hour drive to Fort Collins. On the way it was overcast and hazy so while there was a view it wasn’t much of one. I can’t say that I noticed the altitude at all.

Saturday morning the wife and I headed out for a short 2 mile run and I tried to push the last quarter mile…I could feel the altitude and the lack of much humidity in the air. I would have to be very careful tomorrow and be sure that I watched my fluid intake…nothing could be worse than not having enough!

The expo was small but it was what I’d expect for this size of a race. My wife even signed up for the 10k while I was getting my number…she figured she’d have plenty of time to do that and still get out to see me on the course.

We took some time and drove the course…beautiful! We kept an eye on the weather forecast because it was calling for snow and temps around 35 for race day…this really was not what I signed up for!

Fort Collins is a beautiful city…we got lunch in the downtown and asked the waitress for some ideas for dinner. After walking to both locations that were recommended and perusing their menus we decided on where dinner would be and made reservations (we were not going to have a repeat of Little Rock today!!)

Early night since the bus that would take me to the starting line leaves at 4:00 am…still looking at the weather and snow is still in the forecast…not good…didn’t bring a long sleeve shirt…Damn!

Got up and did my usual ritual…forecast had changed…45-55 degrees, showers early and clearing up high for the day 60…current temp 39. Why did I forget to bring a long sleeve shirt!!! Luckily I brought a garbage bag…not real warm but would keep the body heat in.

Was on the first bus leaving the hotel…bad idea…the driver informed us as we were on the way that he would not be able to wait with us at the starting line but would need to drop us off…once again cursing myself for not having a long sleeve shirt. As we drove I noticed that the clouds were dissipating. When we got to the starting line there wasn’t a cloud in the sky…no moon…but the stars were amazing! At times like this I wish I would carry my camera.

As we waited for the gun I spent some time looking around, the valley we were in had a river that we would follow all of the way into Fort Collins…it would be my companion for the journey. The water was crystal clear and cold! I watched the sky change colors as the sun rose, even though we could not see it actually rise due to the mountains; the change in the sky was tremendous! I looked to the tops of the peaks right near us (only about 500-600 feet above us) and could see snow. Simply breathtaking.

The gun went off right at 6 am and all 1,000 marathoners took off toward Fort Collins. It was relatively easy to keep an even pace at the beginning. The air was cool the surroundings were gorgeous and the people were talkative but not overly so. The course follows the river so there is always a turn coming up and you do not get to see more than a quarter mile of road at a time.

I held my pace pretty even, just under a 10 min pace for the first 6 miles. Took my scheduled gel and kept moving. The aid stations were positioned about every 2-3 miles so I had a water bottle with me the whole race this helped to ensure that the gel was taken when needed and not when the aid station was there.

At about mile 7 I caught up with a woman who was running her first marathon and we chatted for the next 30 minutes. It was lovely to talk with someone on the course but as we talked our pace slowly picked up to a point that I wished her well and told her to have a great race at mile 10.5. Talking while running is great but I still have not figured out how to control my pace enough so that I do not crap out near the end. I’ll keep working on it because I enjoy the commiseration!

Mile 12. Second gel of the day. I was able to get the gel into my mouth and that was as far as it was going. I nearly threw up right then. The feeling was absolutely overwhelming. I choked a little down and at the next station took in some sports drink…which had the same reaction when it hit the throat! This is not good. To make matters worse within 100 yards of this I suddenly needed a restroom. Thankfully the half marathon starting line was coming up and there was a bunch of porta-potties.

10 minutes after stopping I was trying to get moving again. Much harder that I thought. I was moving in a forward direction so I was happy.

About mile 16 we leave the valley and the space opens before us. This means I will see my wife in about 1-1.5 miles. I’m not on target at all. I’ve now not been able to take any real sustenance in about 10 miles. I still keep trying to take in sports drink…heavily diluted with water in hopes that it will help. I see my wife and tell her my pains…she tells me to keep moving and work on running some…push through it…I’ve been here before…keep trying to take the gels when you should. She gave me a kiss and said she’d see me at about mile 22.

People cheering along the course.

There was more walking than running but I kept doing the 5 min run/5 min walk…whenever I could. The largest hill was at mile 18, I got to the top and was able to take a little sports drink and about a mile later I tried to take another gel. Got half of it in…gagged on the rest.

At this point we are in the ‘suburbs’ of Fort Collins. We run around a school and pick up the river as a companion again…this time it will be with us until the end. The trail around the school is a paved bike trail that leads us into the city. From park to park we go following the power lines into the city (or is it out of the city – who knows?)

Mile 22 my wife is there as promised. I get some sports drink and give her my water bottle – I think I can make it in from here without it. She tells me that I really need to run some so that I’m not disappointed when I finish…’Leave it out on the course is what you always say – so do that leave it out here.’ She points out later that she does listen to me.

I really tried but I’ve now gone too long with out any real calories and I’m dragging. The trail is quite boring for about 2-3 miles as we are running under the power lines near the river (could not really see it from the trail all of the time) and through fields after fields. Unlike the valley, here you can see about a mile ahead.

I was glad to see the 25 mile marker knowing that the misery was nearly over. I see my wife waiting for me at mile 26 and she runs with me (walks too when I need) all the way in. I get my medal and poster. Find my wife. Find oranges. Gag. Suck on the orange. Gag. Swallow the fresh juice. Gag. Repeat the last 4 items 4-5 times.

Wife takes a picture:

Find the beer…I know there is beer here…have a glass…okay about 3 sips. Now you know how bad it is if I can’t drink beer!!!

I stretched a bit while the wife goes and gets some ice cream...we sit and enjoy the day a bit.

I finished The Colorado Marathon (aka Fort Collins Marathon) in 5:25:24.

My wife finished the 10k in 56:25 (clock time) – her actual time is better!

Now that we’ve had some time to think the race over the altitude is what got to me. Not training at the higher elevation my body was supplying oxygen to my muscles and did not want to expend any energy on digestion.

Next marathon is in Maui…elevation right near sea level…shouldn't have any of that trouble!

April 29,2009

Since this is the first time using the email system for blogger I'll keep this one short.  Stephanie and I met up with Kristin this morning and did the usual loop.  Melissa must have had a rough night with Evan since we did not see her this morning.

 

I maintained a decent pace but Steph and Kristin (led by Carol's dog, Chester) were really hoofing it this morning.  I averaged just under a 10 min pace…4 days 'til race day!

 

 

Little Rock, AR

For every marathon I choose there is a valid reason for the run. This one was chosen because they say that they offer the largest medal of all of the marathons…you know something…they’re right…but that isn’t the end of the story.

I determined that I would run the Little Rock marathon sometime in 4^th quarter 2008 when I was putting together the running schedule. September is booked, HI, and I thought that 2 would be easy to squeeze in before September so I chose Little Rock due to its timing and that they tout the largest medal.

There are times when you look at an elevation chart and say “that’s nothing” and then there are times you look at it and say “what the hell was I thinking!” This race is somewhere in between.

I ended up getting scheduled to work in Vancouver, WA for the 4 weeks prior to this race so I was traveling every weekend back and forth from the West coast and came back Thursday night so that I could catch my Friday afternoon flight to Little Rock. To say that I was tired of flying was an understatement but it had to be done.

We got to Little Rock on Friday night and ate in the hotel. On Saturday we ventured out to a nice coffee house and then to the expo. The size of the expo was not that big but not too small either. Both my wife and I ended up with new jackets for spring and magnets for our cars. The packet pick up was well organized and everyone was very helpful.

After the expo we decided to drive the course…well as much of it as we could…there are a lot of one ways in Little Rock and they had us running down a few of them the opposite direction so we had to improvise. They had us doing a lot of turns on the course and I thought that was a great idea since I really hate those long one direction as far as they eye can see courses.

With that done we headed back to the hotel for some relaxation…and I should have thought about dinner then!!! When we finally thought about dinner everyplace that we headed to or called had a very long waiting time…duh! Night before a marathon, Saturday night and a large city…what were we thinking!

I spotted a hole in the wall pizza place and said if we didn’t find anyplace else we would come back…we ended up here at 8 pm. The calzone was fantastic and so was the homemade beer! Off to bed.

From the hotel to the starting line was about .3 miles so I opted to walk it in the morning. There was a buzz in the hotel and on the streets that you only see on race mornings.

Got to the starting line way too soon…thankfully porta-potties were plentiful and the conversation with strangers pleasant. Soon we were hearing the star spangled banner and the gun wasn’t far behind.

Oh what fun the beginning of this race was…I go to pee on the Clinton Library lawn!! Okay not really but I did use a porta-potty right on the lawn.

About 3 miles in to the run we headed under a small overpass and my GPS went a little nuts…I somehow gained nearly 2 miles in just under 100 feet! That made for a really great 5k though at about a 5:15 pace LOL!!!!

As I approached the hotel I knew that I’d get to see my wife waiting for me and I told her the going was okay so far…cool but still very humid. I was on target for a sub 5 hr marathon and feeling fine.

It was nice course. The people were terrific on the course while not a lot of spectators the volunteers were beyond any that I have found anywhere so far. I was running with the 4:30 pace group for awhile and about mile 12 when I took my gel they pulled ahead and I didn’t see them again.

The half way point was at the footsteps of the capital building…very cool site to see.

Here is where the trouble begins. At mile 13.5 the uphill climb begins. It continues until around mile 16 and the elevation reverses. Now don’t get me wrong the climb is not horrible. We are not talking a 5% grade for 2.5 miles we are talking a 1-2% grade for 2.5-3 miles it felt fine to me…or so I thought. At mile 16.5 we start downhill…the entire climb that took 2.5-3 miles we do in about 1 mile…talk about a kick in the teeth. By the time I hit the bottom of this hill my legs were shot and now I needed a porta-potty!

At mile 18 I stopped to use the facilities…combine the brutal attack that had just occurred on my legs and then the sudden need to stop running my legs were done. There was little that I could do now to get them moving again.

The out and back portion of this course was very scenic and it was nice to see all of the supporters on this portion of the course. My wife was there and really wanted me to run…I tried and I tried but there was nothing left. The legs were tightening up and all of the stretching wasn’t doing a thing to stop it. She waited for me to come back from the out and told me to try to run and that she’d see me at the end.

Well let me just tell you that the people that drew up this course were sadistic. As if the sharp elevation decline after the gradual incline wasn’t enough they have 2, not 1, two steep uphill climbs at mile 24.5 and 25!!!

After that I was glad that there was a “beer stop” at mile 25.5!!! Some kind people set up their own aid station complete with beer, soda, water and sport drink. I made my way to the finish line not even trying to run at the end. Finished in 5:12:31. Collected my goodie bag – great way to do it – all of your post race snacks in a plastic bag, collected my medal, and headed for the bathroom!!

I was hurting at the end of this race…very tight leg muscles that really wanted to cramp. But what I got out of it was a good race. The people working this race were by far the best I have ever encountered.

I always ask myself would I recommend this race and why. This race is a definite, yes! You do this race if you like a relatively small race with 5-10k runners. You do this race for the most friendly and helpful aid stations. You do this race for the medal!!

January 14, 2009

Tonight was personal trainer night. We got there and we had to decide if we wanted to be weighed and measured...OH BOY!!! I'm up almost 10 pounds since my lowest weigh-in with her and my measurements were also up a bit.

Christmas is over time to step it up again!!!

We did 5 min. of the bike and then got into arms, sholders, back and core. it was a tough work out but she has been meaner in the past.

Overall it was a good work out and I doubt I'll be too sore in the next day or two.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Wife was set on going to the Y today. I wasn’t that excited since I was still sore from running in the snow the day before but I acquiesced and we went down there after lunch.

On the treadmill: walked for 5 min (15min/mile pace) at a 2% grade – Ran for 5 min (8:19 min/mile pace) at a 2% grade – Walked for 5 min (15min/mile pace) at a 2% grade

Then we did weights for about 30-40 minutes (2 shoulder press, leg curls & extensions, leg and back press, row and pull downs) then stretched.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Got up to meet a few of the early runners since I had to do 11 miles today and was greeted with what appeared to be about 4 inches of snow and it was still falling – this ought to be fun!

Heading for Panera and realized that the plows had not been out yet. So glad that I opted to bring my Yaktrax for their maiden voyage.

When I got there I was alone but within minutes three, then four cars pull up. We all get out and decide that coffee would be better…dream on…we hit the roads. Just before we take off I opt to grab my sunglasses…it was not sunny, in fact it was quite dark but the wind was hard and blowing snow from the NNE so I thought they would help…they did.

Shortly after we start I realize that I’m out in the lead and that Carrie is right behind me…no one else is anywhere near. That’s odd?!?! I never thought about the Yaktrax so I kept moving. Carrie passed me about 1-1.5 miles in as I walked across a street but that was all that I saw. I kept pace with Carrie the whole time…getting close then letting her go…I’m not sure if her pace was ebbing or mine was.

When I got back to the group I had 5.8 miles in and just needed an additional 5.2 for the day. We headed out exactly like we did at 6 am just with a few additional runners and no glasses this time. Again I got the early lead and kept it…the Yaktrax were doing their job. I opted to cut down Sandy lane and from what I found out later so did everyone else –BIG Mistake – the snow had not been plowed in a day and there was easily a foot of it on the road making for a very difficult time.

With about a mile or so to go the fastest runner in the group that morning, Joe, just blows by me. Says I’m doing a great job and keeps going – DAMN that boy is fast…even in this weather!!!

I finish the day with 10.6 miles and a 9:49 average pace. Not bad considering the conditions out there!

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Since this is a busy week for me and my wife it made sense to head to the gym on the only evening off we both have all week.

We did 10 minutes on the elliptical (8 forward and 2 back) and then spent about 30 minutes doing weights and core. Dips, chin-ups, legs, roman chair, curls, lunges, and hamstring curls.

I didn’t want to do any of it but I did it and am grateful for it…I only whish that these people at the Y would break their resolutions quickly so it isn’t so damn crowded!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

5 am is not a good time for me and I’m quite sure that it is worse for the rest of the house! I get up and get all my stuff on…it is cold outside!! Thankfully it’s not too cold and I can get away with just a winter hat.

I get to the meeting place early and head out…I get about 1.8 miles in and I wait for the girls to arrive. Jodi and Kristin are already running and Carrie arrives while I’m waiting.

Once we are all assembled we head out for about a 50-60 minute run. I start out with the girls but quickly realize that the runs I had done earlier in the week are catching up wit me and I will not be able to maintain this pace for the duration of my run so I back off slightly.

We get about 1.5 miles out and we get a clear path to the East and the wind hits us!!!! BOY IS THAT STRONG!!! We push through it both going out and coming back…we’ll tell the group to run north and avoid any place that is open to the East!

We get back to the waiting group (kinda small this week) and we talk about where we are heading and where coffee is at. I drink some Gatorade and water and we head out. My mileage for the day was 15 but I figured 13 would be good but by 9 I was just simply tapped out. I could not figure out the problem.

I begin my typical walk and run pattern but I should not be having this difficulty at 9 miles so I’m at a loss. About 1.5 miles later it dawns on me…I’ve been running for more than an hour and I never took a gel.

I have gotten so accustomed to taking the gel that I’m surprised that I forgot. Well I won’t make that mistake again…I hope.

I finished the day with about 12.6 miles…I’ll update the exact mileage and time later.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

The running group was up and at it by 8 a.m. We met at Greg’s house and we went out for a nice 5-6 mile run.

I ran with Kristin the whole time and she kept me moving! We managed to get in 5.5 miles in 48:50.

The wind was blowing and the temps were low but the run was a great time.

We capped off the run with some good food and coffee…Thanks to Greg and his family!!

2009

Well here I am…looking forward to 2009 and looking back at what I’ve done in 2008. I know that I got lazy on this blog but I’m going to do my best to keep it up to date in 2009.

Las Vegas…Baby!!!

Wanting to tie my whole year to a close I thought that the Vegas Marathon would be a great capper. I love Vegas, just ask my wife. The climate is ideal for me with low humidity. After a little talk with the running group it was decided that if Kim ran it I would and the other way around. We convinced Yemi and Andy (who also loves Vegas) to join us as well.

My wife noted that there were 2 others from Racine that we knew running the half so we made sure to connect up with them while we were out there.

All of us were at different hotels…Steph and I stayed in the Luxor (right next to the host hotel – Mandalay Bay) primarily because I always wanted to stay in the pyramid since the first time we were in Vegas.

With the expo right next door we were able to walk to it and enjoy the expo at length. As we were leaving we called to see where the rest of the group was and met up with Kim and Yemi as they walked around the expo. Yemi nearly bought up half the expo!! ;^)

Called Andy to see what time he was getting in and discussed where and when we would meet to go to dinner. Dinner was with the Lynott’s and one of their friends that was running the half also. We had a great time at a nice out of the way Italian restaurant. Wine and ravioli are always good and this place did not disappoint!

As we drove back to the hotel Kim and Yemi were amazed at the Bellagio fountains…they said (and we agreed) that we really need to come back here as a group for social time not running time!

Morning of the race was cool, almost cold, but with it being Vegas the temps could get high…it didn’t! Walked through the casinos and the walk ways that connect the hotels and found my way to the front lobby of Mandalay, I was desperately trying to remain inside for as long as I could. Found Kim and Yemi but no sign of Andy. After a bit of waiting we headed for the start line.

There was a bit of chaos with marathoners and half marathoners mingling together. This is one of the big issues I had with this race – no separate corrals for the races. We all started together meaning that the roads were packed for a lot longer than they needed to be.

The gun went off and the fire works started – literally! I feel bad for anyone that got to bed late the night before because they are up now!! It was a great display that my wife said she could see from our room.

The course is a giant loop starting with the Strip. We run the whole length of the strip in the early morning with all the lights still on it was quite a sight! When you hit the north end you end up heading east before coming back west toward the downtown. Here is where my second issue with this race comes in.

The race touts the run down Fremont street and old Las Vegas but you really do not run down Freemont street just as you come up to it they make you turn and you end up running around it!!! Not happy!

From here it is a long stretch to the west…you see the mountains getting closer and closer. This section of the course seems not only flat but as though there was a slight downhill to it. The area is quite barren; the only spectators you really come across are those at the aid stations and those that are here to see someone. Time and a again I heard spectators and volunteers explaining to neighbors that this race will be going on for a while…was there no notification to the city?!?

I was feeling pretty good the weather was nice and the sun was covered slightly by high clouds. I was doing pretty well but was disheartened when I got to the 18 mile aid station and there was no gel!!! Good thing my wife was going to be there around 20-22 because I was going to bonk hard. Sure enough she was at 21.5 and was there with a gel…I told her that I’d see her at the end, told her I loved her and gave her a kiss.

We make the turn back toward the strip and you can see it from far away and you realize as you are running toward it just how big these buildings are because no matter how close you get to them they continue to grow!

Once we get under the freeway we are on the backside of the strip (west side) and we proceed to run south back toward Mandalay Bay. Boy that is farther than I remember from a few hours ago!!

I cross the finish line with a new PR!!! 4:45:05

That is 50 seconds faster than Milwaukee so I’ll take it. The medal while nice was not what I was expecting…I guess looking at my friends medal from a year or two ago looked much nicer. ***UPDATE*** We may now understand why things were not as nice this year…looks like this is going to become a ‘Rock N Roll’ Marathon so they were cutting costs in 2008!

I joined the girls and we waited for Andy to finish…with all of us done we took off to have our picture taken at the Las Vegas sign!

What has become my ritual after a marathon is Mexican food so the whole group went out and we enjoyed a nice meal and had a few drinks…including having Yemi try tequila! She loved it…of course it was Patron, what’s not to love!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

We went to the YMCA again this week. We got there around 9:30ish and I decided that I did not want to run on the treadmill this week. So I headed to the basement and ran on the ‘track.’ I don’t know how you can call something that you need to run around 28 times for a mile a track?!?!

But that is just what I did. I ran a mile for warm up…didn’t pay attention to the time. Then I ran 4 quarter mile intervals at a 1:49 pace (1:49, 1:48, 1:48, 1:49) then I ran a mile cool down (8:34 pace)...net 3 miles

Afterward I headed up stairs and did about 15-20 minutes of weight training.

Pool work was next…500 yards in 13:08.

Great work out today and well worth the time at the Y

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

We got weighed and measured tonight…thankfully because of the diet and the exercising I have lost a good 8-10 pounds!! Just another 15 to go!!

Anna worked us pretty good tonight. Since we got measured she showed us a few combination exercises that combined two muscle groups and worked them in concert…double the work out in half the time!!

Monday, July 21, 2008

A run that I haven’t done in quite a while was the run of choice this evening. The only problem I have with it is the hills on 4 mile which are worse than I remember!! Okay not quite but I did have to walk twice.

The run was 3.1 miles in 28:48…not too bad!

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Cemetery run this week and it was raining. Steph decided that she would run at the gym so I was off! It stopped raining about 30 minutes into the run but by then I was drenched. I had a decent pace and was able to maintain it with a bit of walking here and there. 6.20 miles in 1:00:35…now that is just too slow…I’ll have to pick up the pace next week!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Learned my lesson after last week so I was sure to get my run in the day after the trainer. It was a very nice night so I was able to get in 4.59 miles but it took me 46:07 which isn’t that great.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Worked with Anna again tonight…Steph and I had a great time...I just need to write this down right after we do it!

Monday, July 14, 2008

A nice out and back run tonight…4.02 miles in 37:48…I’m pretty happy with that!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Church Run and it is raining. There aren’t a lot of people here today so I once again am leading the pack…WHY!?!?!? I should be in the back taking it easy but no I’m out here in front.

Managed to put in 5.62 miles in 54:09 not too bad but it could be better.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Since I didn’t run last night, and I really should have since I am real sore today, I had to go out and run now. Did the 3.5 mile route (3 mile-bike trail-4 mile) in 34:47…slower than the last time but that is because of the soreness.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Once again working out with the personal trainer and I really don’t recall what we did…I’ll get better with this as we do this some more.

Monday, July 7, 2008

With my GOP meeting tonight I thought that if I got home from work a little early I would be able to pound out 4-5 miles. It was so humid that I was only able to manage to put in 3.1 miles at a 10+ minute pace (31:24)…I should try to run in the morning it is much nicer then!!

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Out with the running group this morning and we are back to one of our old haunts…Colonial Park…you see now that the water has receded we can run the trail…the only scary part for me is I was leading the group for a while. I’m not used to that! Finished the day with 6.23 miles logged in 59:26!!

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Obviously I didn’t feel too bad because I was able to put in 3.52 miles in 32:34…felt pretty good and really only had to walk once.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Worked out with Anna this evening…I should have logged this sooner because I do not recall what we did…but I’m sure that I felt it the next day!!

Monday, June 30, 2008

I really can’t say that I’m going to miss doing this but I know that I probably will. I have been running a minimum of a mile every day for the past year. Today is my last mile…1.01 miles in 8:37…and I am glad to be done and my body deserves a little rest. Now I know that a mile a day isn’t that big of a deal but after the first 6 months it becomes a bit of a drag. I am glad to say that I did it.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Back to the loop…1.01 miles in 8:42

Saturday, June 28, 2008

The group was all there…more than 2 dozen of us!! I didn’t get up early and run with anyone so I was happy with just doing the hour run. By the time I hit 5 miles though I was not feeling very well…digestive issues…I had to walk a lot more than I thought I would but the alternative was to mess my pants and I’m a bit old for that!! I got 6.03 miles in just over an hour (1:00:40)

Friday, June 27, 2008

Back home and doing the same neighborhood loop…the year is nearly complete! 1.00 miles in 8:28

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Since we are heading home today and the flight will not get us in until after midnight I had to hit the gym again…while the club is great I really don’t like to run on the treadmill! 1.08 miles in 10:00

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Since the wife was doing the spa thing today I thought that it might hit the trails again today and get my run in. I didn’t see any peacocks or hens this morning but once I was done running I did feed the ducks! Ran for 9:57 and completed 1.09 miles

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

I didn’t want to spend all of this time in Punta Cana and not run outside! So thankfully the resort has a nice little trail around a few ponds that is dedicated to running/walking. I was able to see a peahen and her babies…would they be a brood? The humidity was a bit high but no worse than what we have back home. Got 1.01 miles in 8:54

Monday, June 23, 2008

Back in the gym today…I’ll be doing some weights too but for now it is just the mile. 1.00 mile in 9:35

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Here in Punta Cana and I still need to get my run in…thankfully this resort has a gym…and what a gym it is!!! This place is HUGE!!! It is state of the art and is nice and cool which is needed since the temp outside is 80+ and 80%+ humidity. I start the treadmill and note that there is a fan available on it so that there is cool air blowing on my face if I want it! This place is great! I ran a simple 1.00 mile in 9:23.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Race day…It is nice to get up a little later in morning. The starting line is always a great time to see people that we know and to make plans for a good race. The gun was a little late in going off but off we went. I was cruising for the first 2 miles and needed to really slow things down. Before I got to this point I saw my wife pass me and I wished her well.

I would not see her until the finish line.

The day was just perfect for running…it was partially sunny and right around the half way point it started to rain…just what I like! It stopped after about 10 minutes and the sun came back out. Unlike years past it wasn’t too hot!!

I ran what I could and walked when I needed and just had a good old time. My goal was 95 but I settled for 97. My wife on the other hand had a stretch goal of 90 and she was a whole 34 seconds over that!!!

Beautiful day…10.07 miles in 1:38:47

Friday, June 20, 2008

It is late tonight but I still wanted to get my mile in even though there is a race tomorrow. Ran a nice 1.02 miles in 9:02

Thurssay, June 19, 2008

Lighthouse run is this Saturday but I really would like to get some more miles in this week so I settled for a nice 2 mile run in 17:41…now that was a nice pace.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008, Part II

Anna worked us pretty good but was very conscious not to work the legs too much since we have a race on Saturday. It was still hard…worked the core and upper body really well…I’ll be sore!!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Got out of work at a decent time so I got my mile in right away after getting home. 1.00 mile in 8:54 and now we are heading to the personal trainer.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Just an easy run around the neighborhood after a night at the trap range…had to be sure to get the trap in since we won’t be here next week! 1.01 miles in 8:37

Monday, June 16, 2008

Came home from visiting with my stepfather and wanted to get my run in before eating dinner. Wife already did her workout for the day so I was on my own. Did the quick loop…1.01 miles 8:52

Sunday, June 15, 2008

We are heading out to a family function this afternoon and since we are unsure how long we will be there we got our run in right after lunch. 1.00 miles in 9:23…a little slow but it felt good.

Weekly Totals

6/7 – 6/14 total miles = 17.96 miles average pace of 9:42

June total miles = 33.89 miles pace of 10:04

2008 total miles = 511.76 miles average pace of 10:12

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Out with the group this early morning and really took it easy. The first 4.5 miles was nice and slow averaging about 9:50 while walking a bit here and there. We met up with the group at 7 am and I ran the full mile plus to Case HS and then took my time and chatted with Melissa while jogging around the track. We then headed right back to the parking lot and coffee. 8.51 miles 1:25:35 or about 10:03 pace.

Friday, June 13, 2008

It’s not a late run tonight which is surprising for a Friday so I hit the neighborhood and did 1.00 miles in 9:06

Thursday, June 12, 2008 - Part II

Worked out for an hour with the trainer tonight…did more with the legs and core tonight and she promised that we would take it easy on the legs next week since we are running the lighthouse run.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Since the weather is going to be crappy this evening and we have the trainer tonight my wife reccomended that we get up this morning and run. After last nights run I really didn't want to run this morning but I did and I'm glad for it. I don't know if it was just the humidity in the air or that I ran last night but I just couldn't get into the groove. Managed to put in my 1.00 mile in 8:53 so I guess things weren't that bad!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

After a few long days in Chicago for training and then to come home and have a few events to attend this evening I was really starting to look forward to tonight's run.

The weather is perfect and I was feeling OK. I start my run (I'm figuring I'll do 2-3 miles) and I don't feel like running anymore. I try to push through the feeling but it persists for the first half mile and then the mood lightens up. I am able to get 3 miles in and feel pretty good after the fact...I averaged 9:23...not too bad!

Tomorrow I'm with the trainer again and from what my wife said we will probably run in the morning since it is supposed to rain tomorrow.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

I wanted to ensure that I got my run in on time so I brought my clothes with me so when I got off the train I just changed and went for a run before heading home.

I managed 1.5 miles in 13:26

Monday, June 9, 2008

I got home from Chicago at 6:30 and decided that I needed to run before I went out for my run. Sitting on a train for an hour and a half was tiring!! 1.01 miles in 8:52

Sunday, June 8, 2008

When we woke this morning they were calling for more rain…just what we really need! But I was determined to head up there and see what was going on. We got to the area at about 10:45 and the registration only went until 11:15. The news was reporting that there were more storms on the way and that there was a warning until 11:45.

My wife was sitting next to me in the truck and said “if it is going to rain…I’m not going to pay to run in it! If you want to go ahead!”

I thought about it for a while and at 10 after 11 I finally decided that I was going to do it rain or no rain.

I got a shirt but they had already run out of numbers…this meant that I would be running without a number but that is okay it was more about the beer and the run than the number anyway.

While waiting for the race to start it began to pour…not just a little either but buckets!! The road in front of us flooded…I mean flooded! The van that was taking materials to the finish line already had water up to its hubcaps. The runners (drinkers) were having fun in the rain…the beach balls came out and people were just having fun.

The rain was still coming down when the horn went off but it had lightened up a bit. Over 1,100 runners set out on this wet course. We made our way down the road playing in the water. We made the first turn and the search for the first beer stop began…we all thought was at the turn but it was another 2 blocks. We all stopped…I don’t think the volunteers were ready for us since it took a good 3-4 minutes to get my beer!

The beer was okay and it was only a 4 oz cup…that they didn’t fill up. >:^(

I headed off to the second stop and found that there were people out on the street handing out medium (8 oz.) sized cups! I took one. If I’m going to drink while I run I should DRINK!!

While they were filling my large cup I noticed that the turn was flooded and that people were trudging through it. With my cup full I started to run through the thigh high water…boy was that fun!! The rain was still coming down and I still had 2 beer stops to go.

The next beer stop was quicker and I was able to move through it pretty quick.

By this point people were walking and enjoying the rain but I really wanted to run the race so I kept running. The last beer stop was managed by the HHH of Waukesha and I have to hand it to them they know how to drink and run!!

I made my way to the finish line and crossed in 22:07…not real bad for a 1.8 mile run and having to stop to drink beer. I will be back next year!!

On my way back to the car I ran an additional 0.3 miles just so that I felt like I got 2 miles in for the day.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

The day was a bit of a bust in one way since I didn’t run as much as I should have but what am I training for right now? I took it easy and managed to complete 8.89 miles in 1:41:59

Weekly Totals

6/1 – 6/6 total miles = 15.93 miles average pace of 10:29

June total miles = 15.93 miles pace of 10:29

2008 total miles = 493.80 miles average pace of 10:13

Friday, June 6, 2008

Nice easy run the night before the group run. 1.01 miles in 9:30

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Got home late and still wanted to get my run in. Since the wife had not run yet either she laced up her shoes and ran the loop with me. 1.01 miles in 8:53

Wednesday, June 4, 2008 -- Part 2

I didn’t have time to run before going to work out with the trainer so after working out with her and then going to dinner I ended up running at 9 pm. Just did the loop -- 1.00 miles in 9:05

Wednesday, June 4, 2008 -- Part 1

Second time with the trainer and while it was a longer work out I’d didn’t quite feel as incompetent…well sort of. I strained my shoulder on Sunday golfing so I was only able to do so many push ups before it just gave out…I felt like such a wimp! My wife was the master on them so she kicked my tail!

We did a real good core work out and I felt great afterward!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Same old route…1.00 miles in 9:16

Monday, June 2, 2008

Doing a little more when I can…2.02 miles in 19:00

Sunday, June 1, 2008

We are golfing today so my wife recommended that we get up and run this morning…that was a really good thought. We got out of the house and just did the loop. 1.00 mile in 9:15

By the time we got home this evening I was ready to run again…but I pulled by back. (shoulders) pretty good so I’ll have to nurse that a day or two!

Weekly Totals

5/25 – 5/31 total miles = 17.56 miles average pace of 9:48

May total miles = 101.93 miles pace of 10:59

2008 total miles = 477.87 miles average pace of 10:13

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Up early so we could meet a group at Parkside by 6 am…who would have thought that there would be 10 of us!! That is a record! We headed out to do a loop in the park (better to do the road now since we are doing the trails at 7) I was only feeling ok. I ebbed and flowed with the group and once we were nearing the parking lot I decided to do a couple of trails. I got out to the parking lot and still had some time so I meandered out to Hwy E and back. By this time there were people waiting at their cars.

We had 5 people I’ve never met before show up…I was glad to meet them all. We started at 7 and headed for the trails I really wanted to do the entire 10k course so even though I walked a bit more than I liked I still managed to push my way through the whole thing. Completed the day with 10.13 miles and while not a great time I did complete it in 1:45:49

Friday, May 30, 2008

Late at night but needed to get a mile in. 1.00 mile in 9:53

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Tried to keep an easy pace today but the GPS shows it all…started off slow and built to a nice pace. 1.01 miles in 8:56

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Neighborhood loop…1.01 miles in 8:38

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Wanted a little more today but the route I chose was not as far as I thought it would be. 1.38 miles in 11:47

Monday, May 26, 2008

Around the neighborhood as usual 1.00 mile in 8:36

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Ran a little longer today 2.03 miles in 18:26

Weekly Totals

5/18 – 5/24 total miles = 11.54 miles average pace of 9:15

May total miles = 84.37 miles pace of 11:14

2008 total miles = 460.31 miles average pace of 10:14

Saturday, May 24, 2008

It was nice to get up later…but once we got there I found out that the ladies were there early…I felt bad but at the same time I was happy! 5.50 miles 52:31

Friday, May 23, 2008

As always…I’m behind on this blog so here is the recap: today 1.01 miles in 8:52.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Got home from my meeting and there was still time to get in a run before my wife got home. Tried to take things easy but as I have pointed out before easy isn’t what it once was…1.01 miles in 8:53

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 part 2

Got home from the gym and since I made the commitment to run a mile every day I still needed to get that in. It was after 10 PM but I still had not run so off I went. Got my 1 mile in at an 8:44 so now I can go to bed!!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008 part 1

My wife has been raving about her personal trainer for over a year (nearly 2!!) and since I really don’t have any plans (marathons) scheduled for the next few months I agreed to start working out with them. I really need to strengthen my core and lose a few pounds so that will be the focus with them.

We did the measurements – not really pretty and calculated the %fat…@18-19%...both my wife and I think that the number is a bit low…I’m think around the mid section…then we got to a 30 min work out.

I really understand why my wife thinks this is good – because it is!!! For only 30 minutes I really worked my tail off…I can only imagine what the 60 min workouts are going to be like!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Was rushed at work today so I wasn’t able to get out and do the run before heading off to trap but since there was no one at trap this week I was home early and could get my run in. 1.01 miles in 8:54

Monday, May 19, 2008

Still recovering from Saturday and still not 100%as far as this cold is concerned. But I still hit the street and got my mile done. 1.01 miles 8:57

Sunday, May 18, 2008

It was a long day!! 9+ hours of driving…I didn’t have to stop as many times as I did the previous day but I still wasn’t feeling well and there were a few times where I got nauseous in the car…thankfully they passed. Got home and I wanted to try to run a bit. The wife came with and we managed 1 mile in 9:56

Weekly Totals

5/11 – 5/17 total miles = 34.08 miles average pace of 12:29

May total miles = 72.83 miles pace of 11:32

2008 total miles = 448.77 miles average pace of 10:15

"How Far will you Go?" Fargo Marathon

This is one of those races that I really wish I could do over…and maybe I will once all the states are completed. I woke up this morning and my throat was bad. I was in and out of the bathroom 3 times before we left for the bus. My only hope was that I would feel a bit better once I started running.

My wife and I met the other girls in the lobby of the hotel and drove over to the mall to catch the bus. It was about 47 degrees and not a cloud in the sky…a good day to run!

We got the bus and rode it to the FargoDome…in retrospect we should have just driven here ourselves but oh well. We did the customary bathroom stop (number 4 for me!) and milled around for a bit before heading out to the bag drop and the starting line.

This is my wife’s first attempt at a half marathon and I know she is going to do well. Her goal is sub 10 and she has a stretch goal of a sub 2 hour half. Both the half and the full start at the same time so we all line up together and the gun goes off…and we walk to the start line. There was about 5-7 thousand people between the two races so it was a bit of a bottleneck.

The race was very flat and I had been hoping for the last 2 weeks that I’d be able to break 5 hours…well it didn’t happen. I was going along pretty well until around mile 5-6 when I stopped for another bathroom break…and just to avoid the repetition I stopped again around 10, 14, 15, 19 and 23.

The course was great, the road not so much, the people were very nice and the neighborhoods we ran through were terrific! I saw many people outside partying and cheering on the runners…this community is really behind the race which was very nice to see. We ran through a number of parks and so many neighborhoods it was tough to count and there were people throughout the course ringing bells, offering support and some just watching. One of the local businesses even had flat Coke available to runners around mile 15!!

There were 2 Gu stops and I used them both but did not use one of my own…by that time I was walking and it seemed useless to use it then. I have to say that the Banana-strawberry Gu was rather tasty, much better than the mango Gu I had a couple of weeks ago.

Once I hit mile 19 I was done. I had been in and out of bathrooms too many times…I was run down…my throat was soar…and to be honest I really didn’t want to do this any more…but I’m 19 miles in. I can do 7 miles standing on my head practically…so I decided just to walk it out. Based on my rough numbers I would still be able to make it in less than 6 hours.

I talked with a number of people along the course and was surprised to hear how many were from Canada! I finally saw my wife at around mile 22. I immediately harassed her because she was not wearing her medal. She completed her race in 2:09:03!!! WOW, I was impressed! This is the same woman that just over a year ago said she would never be a runner and thought that the whole thing was rather dumb…now here she is a half marathoner!

I explained what was going on…told her I shouldn’t have started the race but at this point was going to complete it. She walked with me for about a mile and then said she would meet me on the flip side (there is a small loop to the North). We met back up around the 24 mile mark and she walked with me all the way to the FargoDome. I ran the last 0.2 in…just to show some effort. Completed the course in 5:58:09

That makes state number 12, 4 marathons for 2008 (so far), 2 marathons in the last 13 days…I’m tired and I think I’m going to take a small break.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Up early again…marathon is tomorrow and didn’t want to run tonight!! Still not feeling right but might just be jitters!

Got up got my 1.02 miles done in 9:19…we are ready for the race…shouldn’t be real windy until late and it will be nice and cool most of the morning!!

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Got up early this morning and decided that I need to get the run out of the way…this running after dinner is starting to suck! Not feeling 100%...a little run down and my throat is bothering me. Still managed to get my mile done though…1.01 miles in 9:01

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Work, dinner, run, Repeat…Out again for a nice run but the wind is still bad…I hope that it is not like this on Saturday! 1.00 miles in 8:50

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Running a little later than I had hoped but I hate running right after dinner so I waited a bit before hitting the road. 1.01 miles…just like being home…in 8:52

Monday, May 12, 2008

It was a long drive from home but I made really good time! I was able to pick up my co-worker from the airport and I’m ready to get a run in before dinner.

It is rather windy here and a bit cool but with how flat it is this should be pretty nice. I was able to run 1.53 miles in 13:08 and only encountered 1 hill and that was to go over the interstate. I’m thinking that the marathon should be pretty good.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Still have to get the run in but wanted more than the 1 mile bloop. In stead did the 2 mile bloop…2.03 miles in 18:01

Weekly Totals

5/4 – 5/10 total miles = 36.71 miles average pace of 10:47

May total miles = 38.75 miles pace of 10:42

2008 total miles = 414.69 miles average pace of 10:04

Saturday, May 10, 2008

We helped out at the Ice Age 50 today so we didn’t run with the running group this morning. We (my wife and I) knew that we needed to get a run in so we headed over and did the cemetery run in reverse…I have to say I just wasn’t feeling it today so I decided I wasn’t going to do the 6 miles but only do 4. My wife seemed okay with that so that is all that got done. 4.00 miles in 36:24

Friday, May 9, 2008

Around the neighborhood as usual…1.01 miles in 8:56

Thursday, May 8, 2008

With the wife out for the night I decided to get a lot of chores done. Running had to be one of the items but I am still recovering from the last marathon and getting ready for next weeks…therefore I keep trying to take it easy but I just can’t seem to keep the pace easy. I managed to put in 2.13 miles in 18:40 which is about an 8:48 pace!! Now if I could only keep that pace up for 26 miles!!!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

After cutting the lawn tonight I decided that I still should get in my mile before it started raining or it got too dark. 1.01 miles in 8:28

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

I got home from work and I needed to get my run in before heading out to trap. My wife had already run but she decided it was only 1 mile so she’d come with. 1.01 miles in 8:54

Monday, May 5, 2008

After a long meeting I was able to get home and get my mile run in…I had to tape my nipple just so that it can heal before the next marathon. I must not have given the race my all…1 mile in 8:45

Flying Pig!!

I had decided to run this one early in the year since one of the members of the running group was going to run it…I made the comment “if you do it…I will too.” Well that was made far before Atlanta and the idea of Fargo came up!

My wife had decided that she was going to run the 10k on Saturday so I finally would get to see her run a race!! I was pumped at the idea. She did a great job…not her best time but she was there to help a newbie finish her first 10k race and that meant just as much to my wife as finishing.

Saturday was windy and rainy at the start so I was dreading my start the next day. I got up and the wind had died down a bit and the forecast, while cold this morning, was going to be perfect weather for running. My wife drove me to the hotel so I could meet the girls this morning and the three of us headed to the starting line.

We got there and waited for the gun…and waited…and waited…it seems that the race had been delayed due to a house fire around mile 22. Because of this they delayed the start by 15 minutes so they could reroute the course…uh oh!

The gun finally went off and we headed out. We start the race by heading over the river and into KY for a short while and about a mile later we cross back over into OH. The bridge coming back over was a bit eerie…there were so many of us on it that the bridge started to move A LOT!!! So much that I nearly lost my footing twice!

As we start to make our way through the city the sun is already high in the Eastern sky and I’m going to be going that way for the next few hours. At mile 5 I see my wife, Melissa, and Jen I told them I didn’t need anything and kept going…about 30 feet later I turn around (to the dismay of a few runners) and run back to see if my wife had my sunglasses…she didn’t but Melissa kindly offered hers…Thanks again Melissa!!
Shortly after leaving downtown we start the largest climb of the course it was hard but not too bad at about mile 7, while I’m looking out over the river from a much higher elevation than you would think, I hear my brother cheering me on. My brother lives in Cincinnati with his family and I was glad to have another face in the crowd that I knew cheering me on.

By this point I should have hit the highest point on the course and should be a relatively gentle down slope to the finish…yeah right! The hill to mile 8-10 was so big that the rolling hills for the remaining course are small and are not detailed on the elevation map. I saw the wife and friends again around mile 12 and shortly after this I notices that my right nipple was starting to hurt…didn’t think much of is since they were taped up and I’ve not had any problems since I found that clear surgical tape works great.

I got to about mile 15 and I looked down to see that the right side of my shirt was bloody…I guess I lost the tape on that nipple…I found the next first aid station and asked for clear tape…they had none…offered Band-Aids and Vaseline…tried them both and in half a mile they were gone, useless!
I saw the wife and friends again at mile 16.5 and would again at 17.5 since this part was an out and back and she had Mtn. Dew!! I took a nice big swig communicated the nipple issues and continued on. My brother was waiting at around mile 17 (near the hotel my wife and I stayed when we where here for his wedding!) When I got back to the wife I asked for band-aids…again they were gone in a matter of minutes.

I trudged on but by mile 19 my nipple was in such pain that running just wasn’t really in the cards so I did my best. Saw my brother and nephew at mile 22 where I ran with Logan for a few feet.

Between mile 22 and 23 we were diverted from the regular course. I checked my GPS to verify the mileage and watched when we got back onto the course and noted that they had moved the mileage sign to correlate with the corrected distance…mile 24 was dead on. Mile 25 was dead on…and now it looked like the course was all down hill. About 0.5 miles from the 25 mile sign was the “last mile” marker…um…that is off by about 0.3 miles!!!
I managed to run the final 0.5 miles and found that they were unable to move the finish line meaning that the course was off by a minimum of ¼ of a mile. Even with the nipple issues, the hills, and the sunny conditions I was able to put up a decent time of 5:03:03 (corrected for the marathon distance…otherwise the time was 5:05:57)

Then with all that over I met up with the other runners who did phenomenally!! Kim with a sub 4 hour finish (once corrected for course length) and Yemi with a 4:10 finish for her 1st marathon!!
Saw my brother and family before we headed back to our car and a long drive home…I see a Mexican dinner in a few hours though…mmm salsa!!

Only 13 days until Fargo!!

Weekly Totals

4/27 – 5/3 total miles = 7.06 miles average pace of 8:50
May total miles = 2.04 miles pace of 9:04
Apr total miles = 80.54 miles pace of 9:33

2008 total miles = 377.98 miles average pace of 10:00

Saturday, May 3, 2008

With all the running I did today…between the hotel and the finish line of my wife’s race and the running across the bridge to get to my nephew’s race…which we still ended up missing…I was able to put in my mile + but I do not have a time for today…oh well.

Friday, May 2, 2008

After a days worth of driving I was ready to get out for a run. The weather here in Cincinnati is slightly overcast and drizzly but I was able to stay relatively dry in my short 1.03 miles run in 9:03

Thursday, May 1, 2008

The usual loop around the neighborhood…1.01 miles in 9:24

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

I really need to update my blog more often…1 mile in 9:05

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

This is my first week of real trap so I needed to get there early. I left work a bit early and went out running…1 mile in 8:27

Monday, April 28, 2008

Don’t remember why I’m running so late but I was. Just did the usual loop…1.01 miles in 8:33