Now that I've had a week and a half's time to decompress, recover, and reflect on the time spent in New Hampshire and Maine, I thought it was appropriate to update the blog on finishing my first double.
First off, big, huge thank you to my sister and my wife (better known as Team Double Trouble) for running besides me in Maine. Chrissy had the fun half with the longer leg but far more rain and hills, and Aud had the other half where she had to reel me back from my mind melt late in the race. You guys were true sports to splash around with me for five plus hours in the pouring rain.
So the double itself!
NH was a fairly challenging course with multiple rolling hills but beautiful scenery around Newfound Lake. A very small but well organized race that started later than usual at 9:00AM. It rained moderately throughout on that Sat. Oct 1, 2011 with temperature hovering around the low 60. Very nice day for running. I really took the advice of many 50 Staters and slowed down on this first race. I even took a photo at every mile marker by coming to a walk each time. Finish time, 4:19.
A little fun story was that I had begged the Hotel to allow me with a late checkout at 2:00PM. That gave me exactly 5 hours to finish the race and drive back to the hotel (exactly 30 min drive away from start/finish). Between running another 0.5 miles to my car and chugging a couple of chocolate milk in the ride, I got back to the hotel at 1:55. Just enough time for me to shower up! My wonderful wife had packed 4 gallon bags of ice for me to then ice down in the car on our drive to Maine immediately after the shower...
I was sore and a little worried. BUT, I was not broken the following morning. That gave me some confidence that I would finish the second race without crippling myself. The 7:45 start plus the hard rain was a little intimidating at the start. I was literally shivering and shaking as we waited for the start... Chris and I ran the first mile at about 10:15 pace... and the rain did not let up for the first 12 miles or so. Oh, and the rain caused my over-sensitive Garmin 405 to run out of battery at about mile 7.
Running with a giant trash bag is interesting. You stay warm but then you get too hot. So I had to constantly cover and uncover my body to regulate my temperature. Once a few miles in and realizing that this WAS going to be another race in the rain; I thought I'd just roll with the absurdity of it. We goofed off and posed and took funny photos at each mile mark. We walked some hills and made friends along the way. At the exchange, my wife joined me from 14.8 to the finish. There were a few miles in the 20s where I think a sugar low really caused my mind to wonder (hallucinate perhaps). Aud kept talking to me and all I could do in response was saying "I’m okay." I upped the GU intake and caught a second wind... we finished the last few miles jogging all the way through.
So, the double is in the bag. Was it tough? No doubt. But not as hard as I thought it might have been. Will I do it again? Most likely. The question is should a time goal be imposed? Or should I try to enjoy the runs as I did in NH and ME? Not having a time goal was so different for me that it was a little difficult to cope at times? I kept looking at my dead Garmin in ME even though I knew that it had gone to sleep at mile 7. I did really enjoy the difference. I got to look at the sights, smell the pines, and talked to people. So maybe, just maybe, a yearly double without time goals should be worked into the routine...
We'll see. I fear that I am too competitive for that...
Food for thought: 50M ultra in the future??? TBD...
One race, one mile, and one step at a time
Jeff
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
T-9 NH/ME Double - Getting puffed up on Eminem
If you want to help me make through this, comment, email, FB me and tell me I can't do it, tell me its a stupid idea, tell me its a waste of time... nothing motivates me more than doubters and skeptics.
I was so fired up after watching this youtube vid that I had to find the lyrics to Eminem's 'Till I Collapse'... its going into the playlist...
here are some highlights:
'Cause sometimes you feel tired,
feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
and just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
and not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.
Till the roof comes off, till the lights go out
Till my legs give out, can’t shut my mouth.
Till the smoke clears out - am I high? Perhaps
I'ma rip this shit till my bone collapse.
Till the roof comes off, till the lights go out
Till my legs give out, can’t shut my mouth.
Till the smoke clears out and my high burn out
I'ma rip this shit till my bone collapse.
Until the roof
The roof comes off
Until my legs
give out from underneath me
I will not fall,
I will stand tall,
Feels like no one could beat me.
I was so fired up after watching this youtube vid that I had to find the lyrics to Eminem's 'Till I Collapse'... its going into the playlist...
here are some highlights:
'Cause sometimes you feel tired,
feel weak, and when you feel weak, you feel like you wanna just give up.
But you gotta search within you, you gotta find that inner strength
and just pull that shit out of you and get that motivation to not give up
and not be a quitter, no matter how bad you wanna just fall flat on your face and collapse.
Till the roof comes off, till the lights go out
Till my legs give out, can’t shut my mouth.
Till the smoke clears out - am I high? Perhaps
I'ma rip this shit till my bone collapse.
Till the roof comes off, till the lights go out
Till my legs give out, can’t shut my mouth.
Till the smoke clears out and my high burn out
I'ma rip this shit till my bone collapse.
Until the roof
The roof comes off
Until my legs
give out from underneath me
I will not fall,
I will stand tall,
Feels like no one could beat me.
Monday, August 29, 2011
A Belated Thank You
It’s been over two months since the Seattle Marathon. Things have been crazy as usual with my two very active kids and “training” for the Oct double. I did not realize until this past weekend when I finally had the chance to chat with two of my friends who ran with me in Seattle that, I had never properly congratulated them on completing their first marathon. I had to bail immediately after the race in order to catch my flight back to So Cal. And even though I managed to blog an entry whining about not being able to PR in Seattle, I FAILED to thank all those who ran alongside me in Seattle. Better late than never right? So here goes…
My buddy Mike C, thanks for living up to your (drunken) promise made many years ago to run a marathon with me. Even though you are on one good knee you were able to accomplish your goal of finishing sub-five. That is amazing. Your story about running again after standing in the tunnel wondering how you’d finish the race with two cramped up legs at mile 16 tell a whole lot about who you are.
To Chris, my little sister. Congrats on another half. I hope you had fun... Im sure the food alone was worth the trip down the West Coast. Now we'll have to get Brad into the sport...
My buddy Larry C, AKA L Dawg, aka Smalls maybe small in stature but is huge in heart. First marathon and an amazing result (far better than my first). You surprised me with preparation and respect for the distance. Honestly I kept looking over my shoulder to see when you’d pass me. I am very happy that you enjoyed the race and may consider another in the future. There are lots of good ones out there… and besides, you need to out-run Lori.
David L, thanks for hosting and showing me around town. Dude, awesome job on the half! When I grow up I hope to stay active and pretty like you. As usual, thanks for listening to my grips about everyday life stuff… Oh, and apology for Larry’s insult on your mother and Korean women in general, he meant no harm.
Tito N, you are a stud. Who shows up for their first full and runs a respectable mid 4 after emailing me two weeks before the race wondering if you’d even run with the plantar fasciitis? It was good seeing you old friend. You tri guys are intense. Maybe one day I’d try one out, assuming I learn how not to drown.
MariAnne is like the female Yoda. You show up with the Zen like wisdom on running, no training, and then out run the entire party. Thanks for pulling me ahead for most of the race. Good luck with the knee. I know you will come back stronger than ever.
Thanks to Aud for being the super supportive wife on this trip. It made me miss home even on a 1.5 day trip.
Thanks again to all of you. I really hope that you enjoyed the experience. Finishing a marathon is no small task no matter the time of finish. You should be very proud of what you’ve done.
One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
My buddy Mike C, thanks for living up to your (drunken) promise made many years ago to run a marathon with me. Even though you are on one good knee you were able to accomplish your goal of finishing sub-five. That is amazing. Your story about running again after standing in the tunnel wondering how you’d finish the race with two cramped up legs at mile 16 tell a whole lot about who you are.
To Chris, my little sister. Congrats on another half. I hope you had fun... Im sure the food alone was worth the trip down the West Coast. Now we'll have to get Brad into the sport...
My buddy Larry C, AKA L Dawg, aka Smalls maybe small in stature but is huge in heart. First marathon and an amazing result (far better than my first). You surprised me with preparation and respect for the distance. Honestly I kept looking over my shoulder to see when you’d pass me. I am very happy that you enjoyed the race and may consider another in the future. There are lots of good ones out there… and besides, you need to out-run Lori.
David L, thanks for hosting and showing me around town. Dude, awesome job on the half! When I grow up I hope to stay active and pretty like you. As usual, thanks for listening to my grips about everyday life stuff… Oh, and apology for Larry’s insult on your mother and Korean women in general, he meant no harm.
Tito N, you are a stud. Who shows up for their first full and runs a respectable mid 4 after emailing me two weeks before the race wondering if you’d even run with the plantar fasciitis? It was good seeing you old friend. You tri guys are intense. Maybe one day I’d try one out, assuming I learn how not to drown.
MariAnne is like the female Yoda. You show up with the Zen like wisdom on running, no training, and then out run the entire party. Thanks for pulling me ahead for most of the race. Good luck with the knee. I know you will come back stronger than ever.
Thanks to Aud for being the super supportive wife on this trip. It made me miss home even on a 1.5 day trip.
Thanks again to all of you. I really hope that you enjoyed the experience. Finishing a marathon is no small task no matter the time of finish. You should be very proud of what you’ve done.
One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Eyes of the beast
I am in trouble. I have not recovered well from the last marathon and last week’s cold. As I stare into the eyes of the double headed beast coming my way, I am scared.
I’ve been running sluggish and choppy. I’ve been putting in too few miles.
S.O.S.
Anyone out there?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
This is a test
Of my theory that you should run with a cold as long as it’s not the flu.
6 miler today in the heat with this cold (throat, and running nose) was not pleasant. But I’ve always said that the common cold should not stop me from training.
I will report later this week if recovery is impacted. Doubt it.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The aimless drift of a runners mind
Thought I share some thought bubbles that popped on top of my head during my lunch run today. It will give you a glimpse into what goes on in my head on a typical run.
“it sure is hot”
“eight seconds, mf’er (*&^”
“damn its hot”
“9 more weeks until the double… under 10 hours?... or just have fun... just have fun.”
“tired, maybe just 4 miles today”
“no, eight”
“no, six”
“1.45 miles, almost a quarter of the way done”
“8:40s, so slow… supposed to be a easy run today… but…”
“negative split..?”
“if I learned to swim, maybe a tri…”
“is 3:58 it for me? ergh…”
“wonder what is for dinner tonight…”
Some people say they find that Zen state during their run. My mind is usually just a mess. It has been hard for me to find the motivation to move after Seattle. I just can’t seem to get my mind to focus. 34 more… come’on lets go… keep on keep on.
One state, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
“it sure is hot”
“eight seconds, mf’er (*&^”
“damn its hot”
“9 more weeks until the double… under 10 hours?... or just have fun... just have fun.”
“tired, maybe just 4 miles today”
“no, eight”
“no, six”
“1.45 miles, almost a quarter of the way done”
“8:40s, so slow… supposed to be a easy run today… but…”
“negative split..?”
“if I learned to swim, maybe a tri…”
“is 3:58 it for me? ergh…”
“wonder what is for dinner tonight…”
Some people say they find that Zen state during their run. My mind is usually just a mess. It has been hard for me to find the motivation to move after Seattle. I just can’t seem to get my mind to focus. 34 more… come’on lets go… keep on keep on.
One state, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Dealing with failure
"The one who doesn't fall doesn't stand up."
I am massively disappointed in myself for the Seattle Marathon (State #16/Marathon #21). I've put in a lot time and mileage this year than any time in the past, still failing to PR.
I'd like to blame the course but I won't use it as an excuse, it was much tougher than New Orleans where I last PR'd. I knew it would be a tough day when I hit mile three and saw the first hill because the first noticeable hill according to the course elevation map was at mile four. And there were a number of long tunnels that were draining mentally. Nevertheless, I thought that the preparation could overcome these factors, I was wrong.
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss
1 0:08:11 0:08:12 1 0 7
2 0:08:12 0:08:08 1 3 0
3 0:08:35 0:08:33 1 44 0
4 0:08:35 0:08:32 1 25 26
5 0:08:41 0:08:37 1 110 0
6 0:08:07 0:08:05 1 0 135
7 0:08:23 0:08:22 1 14 20
8 0:08:31 0:08:31 1 62 29
9 0:08:37 0:08:31 1 37 33
10 0:08:19 0:08:20 1 16 67
11 0:08:29 0:08:29 1 22 14
12 0:07:29 0:07:48 1 60 11
13 0:10:13 0:03:33 1 56 29
14 0:08:28 0:08:28 1 24 109
15 0:08:55 0:08:47 1 89 83
16 0:08:53 0:08:46 1 107 0
17 0:08:34 0:08:17 1 37 63
18 0:09:45 0:09:39 1 129 0
19 0:09:03 0:09:04 1 181 295
20 0:09:57 0:09:50 1 238 191
21 0:09:18 0:09:14 1 0 92
22 0:09:06 0:08:41 1 53 36
23 0:09:36 0:09:31 1 0 74
24 0:09:42 0:09:38 1 0 8
25 0:11:09 0:10:46 1 2 0
26 0:10:54 0:10:41 1 3 0
27 0:05:03 0:04:58 0.59 11 0
Summary 3:58:59 3:50:01 26.59 1,322 1,323
Weather was perfect, 50 at the start and overcast the entire race. Like Calvin suggested, I trailed the 3:45 marker from the start... keeping it about half a football field in front. Going very easy in the beginning and eventually passing the 3:45 marker group at mile 8 with a steady state pace. At mile 16, the group passes me and I can feel myself slowing down going up each of the multiple hills. I was still confident to PR until mile 23 when both quads just seized. I literally had to stop and stretch until I can manage a walk… after about a minute or two started to run again but in serious pain. Mile 25, yet another hill/bridge. I looked at the watch and did a very fuzzy math and thought that hope of a significant PR was gone. Then my thought went to just finishing sub 4. As I rounded mile 26, I looked at the watch again and to my surprise, I was looking at yet another 3:58ish finish. So I put it down as hard as I could (8:37 pace) to the finish. Looked at my watch after the finish line and it was 10 sec slower than New Orleans. I am crushed.
Trying to find some positive from this has been difficult. Only thing I’ve come up with is this:
Seattle NO
Overall% 25.25 26.86
Division 32.94 35.97
Gender 34.11 36.97
So some slight improvement compared to the rest of the population. I am still processing the failure in my mind... and now I have to wait until next year to push for a new PR…
Next up is that monster double in Oct. oh boy…
I am massively disappointed in myself for the Seattle Marathon (State #16/Marathon #21). I've put in a lot time and mileage this year than any time in the past, still failing to PR.
I'd like to blame the course but I won't use it as an excuse, it was much tougher than New Orleans where I last PR'd. I knew it would be a tough day when I hit mile three and saw the first hill because the first noticeable hill according to the course elevation map was at mile four. And there were a number of long tunnels that were draining mentally. Nevertheless, I thought that the preparation could overcome these factors, I was wrong.
Split Time Moving Time Distance Elevation Gain Elevation Loss
1 0:08:11 0:08:12 1 0 7
2 0:08:12 0:08:08 1 3 0
3 0:08:35 0:08:33 1 44 0
4 0:08:35 0:08:32 1 25 26
5 0:08:41 0:08:37 1 110 0
6 0:08:07 0:08:05 1 0 135
7 0:08:23 0:08:22 1 14 20
8 0:08:31 0:08:31 1 62 29
9 0:08:37 0:08:31 1 37 33
10 0:08:19 0:08:20 1 16 67
11 0:08:29 0:08:29 1 22 14
12 0:07:29 0:07:48 1 60 11
13 0:10:13 0:03:33 1 56 29
14 0:08:28 0:08:28 1 24 109
15 0:08:55 0:08:47 1 89 83
16 0:08:53 0:08:46 1 107 0
17 0:08:34 0:08:17 1 37 63
18 0:09:45 0:09:39 1 129 0
19 0:09:03 0:09:04 1 181 295
20 0:09:57 0:09:50 1 238 191
21 0:09:18 0:09:14 1 0 92
22 0:09:06 0:08:41 1 53 36
23 0:09:36 0:09:31 1 0 74
24 0:09:42 0:09:38 1 0 8
25 0:11:09 0:10:46 1 2 0
26 0:10:54 0:10:41 1 3 0
27 0:05:03 0:04:58 0.59 11 0
Summary 3:58:59 3:50:01 26.59 1,322 1,323
Weather was perfect, 50 at the start and overcast the entire race. Like Calvin suggested, I trailed the 3:45 marker from the start... keeping it about half a football field in front. Going very easy in the beginning and eventually passing the 3:45 marker group at mile 8 with a steady state pace. At mile 16, the group passes me and I can feel myself slowing down going up each of the multiple hills. I was still confident to PR until mile 23 when both quads just seized. I literally had to stop and stretch until I can manage a walk… after about a minute or two started to run again but in serious pain. Mile 25, yet another hill/bridge. I looked at the watch and did a very fuzzy math and thought that hope of a significant PR was gone. Then my thought went to just finishing sub 4. As I rounded mile 26, I looked at the watch again and to my surprise, I was looking at yet another 3:58ish finish. So I put it down as hard as I could (8:37 pace) to the finish. Looked at my watch after the finish line and it was 10 sec slower than New Orleans. I am crushed.
Trying to find some positive from this has been difficult. Only thing I’ve come up with is this:
Seattle NO
Overall% 25.25 26.86
Division 32.94 35.97
Gender 34.11 36.97
So some slight improvement compared to the rest of the population. I am still processing the failure in my mind... and now I have to wait until next year to push for a new PR…
Next up is that monster double in Oct. oh boy…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)