Thursday, November 29, 2007

3 More Miles

So I ran three miles this morning. Felt pretty good, but my legs seems to still be recovering from the Marathon. I've also been running around our lovely city as opposed to running on the trail. I really like running in the city, but I find that I have to run most of the time on the sidewalk as the roads around here are pretty dangerous. I also really like just walking out my front door instead of driving to the trail.

It looks like on Saturday, I'll do 6 or 7 and Steph will 8 or 9.

Cheers!!

Weight: 158lbs
Exercise: Running 3 miles
Weather: Cool 45 degrees.


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Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Whew!!!

So, I'm glad the Thanksgiving day holiday is over.  Is it just me or did Christmas start up right after Halloween?  It didn't even feel like Thanksgiving got the credit it deserves.  Anyway, Steph I did a "Turkey" trot while visiting family in VA.  It was kind of cool as we ran around the campus of UVA, which, if you haven't been, is just a beautiful university.  Anyway, we got back on Sunday and promptly crashed.  We didn't get to sleep in once over the holiday.

On Monday, I ran about 3.5  miles and today I ran 5.  My legs are getting back to normal I think.  I'll do 3 tomorrow and then I'm toying with 8 on Saturday.  We'll see.

It's always good to have a holiday, but it's always good to be back home :)

Keep running!!!!!

Weight:159lbs
Exercise:Running 3 miles M, Running 5 miles today
Weather:Cold.  Very cold.  28 degrees

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

A Runner's Thanksgiving

What I am thankful for:
  1. My Garmin 205 :)
  2. FuelBelts
  3. Ipods
  4. That I have the legs to run
  5. Friendly dogs
  6. SpeedFeet inserts
  7. The cool, seasonable weather
  8. A good, local (well not really local) running store
  9. Cheap, brown cotton gloves
  10. All things UnderArmor
  11. My RoadID
  12. Long, hot showers
  13. Motrin
  14. ClifBars (especially chocolate chip peanut)
  15. Friends and Family
Steph and I are headed to Virginia for Thanksgiving, so no posts until I return.  I got in 3 miles today and will hopefully do 3 tomorrow.  Steph and I are doing our own "family" Turkey Trot.  Then it looks like I'll do 3 or 4 on Sat.

We wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Keep Running!!!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:Running 3 miles
Weather:Overcast, 60 degrees

Monday, November 19, 2007

I'll take 3 miles and a Garmin 205 please

So, I put in 3 more miles today.  My right calf is still a little sore, but I think it'll be fine.  I'll think I'm going to stick with 3 for tomorrow or Wednesday and then 3 on Thursday and, finally, 4 or 5 on Saturday.  Steph and I are traveling for Thanksgiving so we'll be running a different route on Thursday and Saturday which I'm pretty happy about.  I get so bored sometimes on my normal route.

I also ran without my ipod again.  I'm still not used to it yet, but at least I'm making an effort.

Lastly, my Garmin arrived today.  I didn't get a chance to use it today as I had to charge it before I use it for the first time.  But I can't wait to try it out.  I hope it works as well as everyone says.

Ohh, one more thing.....check out this video.  Runners are a special breed.  HT to Joe.


 
Keep Running!!

Weight:158lbs
Exercise:Running 3 miles
Weather:Cool, overcast 55 degrees

Saturday, November 17, 2007

8 + 3 = 11

So our family did 11 miles today.  I ran 3 and Steph ran 8.  Woohoo for her!!!  This is the longest she's ever run and she seemed to enjoy it.  This was also her first time out with the FuelBelt and I think she's getting the hang of it.  She hopefully will run the VA Beach Shamrock Half with me in March.

Today was my first time running since the marathon.  Things went well, but I'm definitely still recovering.  I was a bit sluggish and I have a little soreness in my right calf.  I  bought The Stick at the race last week and I love it.  It really helps to work out some of knots and soreness, so I think I'll have a session with it this evening.

I'll take a rest day tomorrow and then 3 again on Monday I think.  I want to get back to 5-8-5-12 as my normal running routine.  That way I can stay in shape for the halfs that are coming and then prepare for the full marathon in October.

I've come to the conclusion that I think I only want to run halfs and fulls.  I'm not really that fast and I like the peacefulness of the longer runs.  That doesn't mean that I won't run some shorter races, but I think the majority of my races will be longer ones.

I rewarded myself this week by purchasing the Garmin Foreunner 205.  I can't wait to try it out.  I have a feeling it won't work so well through the tunnel we have on our trail, but everyone seems to highly recommend it.

Ohhh, one more thing.  I left the ipod at home today.  This was the first time I didn't run with it.  I'm slowly weaning myself off of it as most of the races I'm running don't allow them.

Weight:155lbs
Exercise:Jason running 3 miles, Steph running 8 miles
Weather:Cold, overcast 30-35 degrees.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Next Steps (pun intended)

So I did a little research on some marathon stats.  In 2005, 382,000 people completed a marathon in the United States (according to marathonguide.com).  In 2005, the population of the US was around 297 million.  That means that .13% of the US population completed a marathon in 2005....that's 1/10 of 1%.  Wow...I feel like I'm in some really unique club now :)

Anyway, I decided to register for a few half-marathons in 2008.  You can see them over on the right there.  I think I'm also going to give the Marine Corps Marathon a try (if I can get in).  I would run the Richmond one again, but I'd like to try another course if possible.  I am also toying with idea of a triathlon.  I'm just toying now, so I may not do it.  We'll see.

Today, I went out a walked  3 miles to get back in the swing of things.  I think I may give running a try on Friday.  We'll see how it goes.

Cheers!!

Weight: 156lbs
Exercise: Walking 3 miles
Weather:Cool, overcast, 55 degrees.

Monday, November 12, 2007

2007 Richmond Marathon Race Report


Alright, so here's the race report finally :)

Wow...what a great experience. I have to say though that I don't remember many of the details. David seems to have remembered everything, but not me. I can remember certain things very clearly, but for most of the race, it was kind of a blur. I had one of those runs where things just kind of fly by (at least until I got to Mile 20...more on that later).


So things started off early for us. Steph, my father-in-law, and I piled into our cars around 6:15 am and headed out to Richmond. The first thing that struck me once we got to the start line was the amount of people that were at this thing. There were thousands!!! I was also amazed at the different ways folks were dressed. Part of the problem was that the day started out cold, but I think most folks thought it would warm up. It really didn't. It stayed pretty chilly and windy most of the day. So people were dressed in shorts and shirt sleeves and also tights and long sleeves. It was all over. I dressed in long sleeves with a short sleeve shirt over it and shorts. I also had some el-cheapo gloves on and a visor. I was pretty cold starting out, but stayed comfortable for most of the race.

Well, I stretched a little before the race and not too long afterwards, it started. I couldn't really hear the start gun or whatever it was (it may have been a horn). People just started walking, so I blindly followed :) About 6-7 minutes later, I crossed the start line.
Prior to the race, I decided that I would go out and run 8 miles. After the 8, I would stop, get something to eat, drink, stretch, and then go out and run 18. That way, I wouldn't think of it as running 26 miles. So run 8 as a warmup and then run 18. I was attempting to trick myself. Well that worked until I got to the start line. At that start line, I decided I would just run until I stopped. I wouldn't pay attention to the time clocks or the mileage signs. And I didn't. I actually just ran. I ran until they put the mylar blanket on me (or I stopped to eat, drink, stretch, or pee). I ran. That's it. And man, was it awesome!!!

So for the things I remember:

  1. I had to pee very early in the race....like mile 2 I think. I think I also peed around mile 10. I know you're not interested in my urinary habits, but I mention it because, man some folks had #2 problems early on in the race :) I thought I had entered a war zone.
  2. I didn't feel any pain until mile 13 or 14. Up until halfway, I felt really good. No worries. Things just seemed to be very fluid and easy.
  3. Around that same time, someone in front of me decided to release the most awful gas I think I've ever been exposed to. The bad thing was that I think the people behind me thought it was me. So for the record, it wasn't. I passed no gas in the 2007 Richmond Marathon ;)
  4. At mile 16, I ate one of the marathon provided Clif-Shots and almost choked on it. I had brought my own GU, but I thought I would try some of of the Clif-Shots. Big mistake. My plan was to eat every four miles. So I had three GU's prior to mile 16. At 16, I had the Clif-Shot and literally choked as Clif-Shots are sooooo thick. Thankfully, I saw Steph at a stop soon after 16 and swapped out my remaining Clif-Shots for GUs. However, it helps when you remember to continue eating. I actually forgot to eat my last GU (which was planned for mile 24). I was so caught up in my running that I actually forgot to eat.
  5. I saw my family and friends at all of the spectator stops. It was so nice and comforting to see them at each stop. I didn't spend much time with them, but seeing them let me know that I wasn't doing this alone.
  6. At mile 20, my nightmare began. I thought I had hit the wall in some of my training long runs. I hadn't. In fact, I don't even think I knew what the wall was until I hit mile 20 of the marathon. Right after my debacle with the Clif-Shot we crossed the Lee Bridge. Going across this bridge was like crossing the Arctic. I swear the winds were like 25-30 mph, blowing right into our faces. I was actually drafting behind people. Anyway, after we crossed the bridge, we had a couple miles until the last spectator stop. I saw my wife and family and then was off to mile 20 and beyond. I had no idea it would be that hard to get through 20 and 21. The only reason I was able to do it is because there were some folks in front of me who kept running. I simply stared at their legs and continued. I didn't see anything other than their legs for the next two miles. I've never experienced anything like it. If those people hadn't been there, I don't know that I would have kept running. You should know that I thanked them at the next water stop. They had no idea they had helped me, so I thought I would let them know.
  7. At mile 22, something miraculous happened. I suddenly snapped out of my nightmare. It was like I had just started running. Did that happen to you when you broke through the wall? I assumed I was going to stay in that funk until the end of the race, but I didn't. I felt like a new person. I had more energy and was ready to finish.
  8. Around mile 24, a young woman began running alongside me. She was having trouble continuing. I think she was using me like I used those folks earlier. Anyway, shortly after, she began crying and falling back. So I fell back. I asked if everything was ok. Through the sobs, she said she didn't think she would make it. I told her that she would and encouraged her to run with me to the next water stop (which was mile 25). So she did. We ran together to 25. She cried the whole way, but she made it. I don't know what happened to her after 25 as I didn't stop. I hope she made it.
  9. I was running like the wind at this point. I made it through the wall and was really enjoying the last mile or so. I rounded the last corner and there was the finish line. I was focussed entirely on the end. And then out of nowhere, I heard my name. I looked and there was one of my students holding a sign that said "Jason is my hero". Whoah!!!!!! Where the hell did that come from? Could it get any better than that?
  10. Yep. It can. Right after seeing that sign, I heard my wife yell my name. I looked to my right and she was cheering me on. Here come the tears.....I was crying like a baby. I slowed down a little as there were a few people with me. I figured they should have their moment at the finish line, so I slowed down so we wouldn't cross at the same time. Lest you think I'm too unselfish, I also wanted to enjoy my time across the finish line as well :)
  11. I crossed the finish line, heard my name announced by the announcer, grabbed a bottle of water and a blanket, and headed off to pick up my medal.
What a day. I don't think I can explain how I felt. I think that essay I posted earlier sums it up. What I can tell you is that I'm addicted. I want to run another. I know I'm feeling the elation of completing a marathon and all that, but I'm pretty sure I want to run another.

I also want to acknowledge and thank all of the volunteers who helped at the race. I have never seen nor felt such an outpouring of compassion and caring as I did that day from totally anonymous people. There were so many people there to cheer us on. I now know why the Richmond Marathon is known as the World's Friendliest Marathon. It really is.

I'd like to tell my family and friends, and fellow bloggers, how thankful I am for your support and encouragement. There is no way I could have done this without you. Thank you so much.

Lastly, I'd like to thank two very special people. First, my father-in-law. He went out of his way to help me do this marathon. He helped with advice, with mapping out routes, with encouragement, with so many things. Thanks Joe. You don't know how much I appreciate your support.
Even though she didn't step on the course, my wife ran this marathon with me. She has been there every step of the way, from my first training day to holding me in her arms after the marathon was over. She has been there. She has helped on days when I know when she didn't want to. During the marathon, I held her image in front of me. When I felt like quitting, I felt her with me, running with me, telling me to suck it up. She deserves more thanks than I can ever provide her with. So I'll just leave it at that. Thanks Steph. I love you.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Update

First, thanks for all the congrats. It means a whole lot to know that you guys care. I don't have much computer time as I'm still in Virginia and I don't have access to my own computer so I'll probably not be able to get a post up on the race details until I get back home, which will be on Monday. So look for a post on Tuesday or so with my marathon story. Chip time was 4:51:38, clock time was 4:58:34. I'm REALLY happy with that time.

Anyway, until I get my post up, I thought I'd leave the below essay by Dean Karnazes, the ultramarathoner. It summarizes my feelings right about now....

THE MARATHON
The Marathon is not about running, it is about salvation. We spend so much of our lives doubting ourselves, thinking we’re not good enough, not strong enough, not made of the right stuff. The Marathon is an opportunity for redemption. “Opportunity,” because the outcome is uncertain. “Opportunity,” because it is up to you, and only you, to make it happen. There is no luck involved in finishing a marathon, the ingredients required to tackle this formidable challenge are straightforward: commitment, sacrifice, grit, and raw determination. Plain and simple.

So you set about in your training to prepare your body for the rigors of running 26.2 miles. You train like crazy, dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to the challenge ahead, pouring everything you’ve got into it. But you know the Marathon will ask for more. In the dark recesses of you mind, a gloomy voice is saying, you can’t. You do your best to ignore this self-doubt, but the voice doesn’t go away.

The Marathon shakes you to the core. It deconstructs your very essence, stripping away all your protective barriers and exposing your inner soul. At a time when you are most vulnerable, the Marathon shows no pity. The Marathon tells you it will hurt you, that it will leave you demoralized and defeated in a lifeless heap on the roadside. The Marathon tells you that it can’t be done, not by you. “Ha!” it torments you, “In your dreams.”

You fight back, however, and stand courageously at that starting line, nervously awaiting the gun to go off. When it does, you put your head down and charge off into the abyss with the knowledge that you either paid your dues, or skimped along the way. There is no lying to yourself, the Marathon sees right through excuses, shortcuts and self-transgressions.

All goes well for the first half. But slowly, step by step, the pain mounts, while the intensity of the endeavor amplifies. You remain steadfast, knowing that you did not skimp, that you did not take shortcuts along the way, that every footstep was earned through months of diligent preparation. Still, with each wearing thrust forward, that little nagging inclination of self-doubt progressively advances toward the surface of your awareness.

Then, at mile twenty, the voice looms louder than ever. It hurts so bad you want to stop. You must stop. But you don’t stop. This time, you ignore the voice, you tune out the naysayers who tell you you’re not good enough, and you listen only to the passion in your heart. This burning desire tells you to keep moving forward. To continue putting one foot boldly in front of the other, and don’t stop. Courage comes in many forms, today you will have the courage to keep trying, to not give up, no matter how dire things become. And dire they do become. At the 26 mile mark, you can barley see the course any longer, your vision is faltering as you teeter on the edge of consciousness.

And then, suddenly before you, looms the finish line. Tears stream down your face as you cover those final few steps. Now you are finally able to answer back to that nagging, pervasive voice with a resounding: Oh yes I can!

You burst across that finish line and are liberated from the prison of self-doubt and limitations that have forever held you captive. You have learned more about yourself in the past 26.2 miles than you have known in a previous lifetime, now you are freed from the chains that bind. Even if you can’t move for a week, you have never been so free.

As you are being carried away from the finish line, wrapped in a flimsy mylar blanket, barely able to raise your head, you are at peace. That daunting adversary that, as a runner, has haunted you for an entire lifetime is now your liberator, your fondest ally. You have done what few will ever do—you have done what you thought you could never do—and it is the most glorious, unforgettable awakening ever. You are, a Marathoner, and you will wear this distinction not on the lapel of your clothing, but in your heart, for the rest of your life.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

I am a Marathon Runner!!!!

Yup.

Weight:157lbs
Exercise: Running 26.2 miles
Weather:Cold, Windy......does it really matter, I just ran a marathon.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Last post until after the race

Well, today was my last running day.  Tomorrow I walk three miles and then Saturday is the marathon.  This week has been pretty low key.  I haven't been as anxious and, in fact, I haven't thought much about the race.

Steph and I leave Friday for Richmond.  Right now, it looks like we'll eat a big pasta dinner with her dad and then stay the night with him.  Then up and early on race day.  We found out today that you can sign up to receive text messages during the race to track my progress in real time.  That is, as I run the race and cross different checkpoints, the timing chips will then send out my time via text message to anyone who signs up.  How cool is that?  That means that folks who are there to cheer me on can actually know when to show up at the different checkpoints.  The Richmond Marathon really is the "Friendliest Marathon".

Anyway, since I won't be posting again until after the marathon, please let me know of any last minute things I need to know.  Keep me in your thoughts on Saturday :)

Cheers!!

Weight:157lbs
Exercise:Running 3 miles
Weather:Cold, cold, cold!!!!

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Last Long Pre-Marathon Run

Well today was the last of the my long runs (8 miles) before the marathon. I felt great. My legs are defintely stronger than before and I feel like I can go out and run the marathon. Next week is 3-3-3 and then the race. I am soooooo ready for this thing I can't even describe it. Here's to hoping the weather on the big day is cool and overcast!!!

Cheers!!!

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Running 8 miles
Weather:Cold...brrr.....35 degrees

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Taper....Taper...

So did anyone see the Marathon Challenge on PBS this week?  What a great show.  I found myself tearing up at the end.  It was really good.  Also, USA Track and Field announced this week that they are banning headphones and portable audio players from all of its sanctioned events.  Now, I know there are folks who read this blog that think that Ipods shouldn't be used during events.  I happen to disagree.  I think that if you want to wear headphones, have at it.  As long as you don't endanger anyone, who cares.  I sent an email to the Richmond Marathon folks and they have confirmed that we can wear Ipods this year.  I'm glad of that.  I like listening to music while I run. 

So, I did 5 miles Wednesday and 3 miles today.  Both runs felt good.  My legs are certainly stronger.  I'l do 8 miles Saturday and then 3-3-3 next week.  Then the big day on the 10th.

Weight: 157lbs
Exercise: Running 5 and 3 W and Th.
Weather:Cool 45-55 degrees.