Weekly Recap-4 Weeks Until Beach To Bay

Sunday.
Just walked 4.

Saturday.
5k in Morning with girls. Another 7 at night.

Friday
Walked / ran 5 during lunch. Walked / ran 5 when I got home.

Thursday.
Walked / jogged 10 throughout day.

Wednesday.
8, sweated through shoes.

Tuesday.
6.5 at night low and slow. Really hot.

Monday
5 during lunch. 5 at night. Walked another 3 throughout day.

Weekly Recap-5 Weeks Until Beach To Bay

Sunday.
7 in afternoon.

Saturday.
Jogged 5k at race with girls in am. Ran 5.5 at night, walked to six. Felt good, but sweating terribly.

Friday
Walked / jogged 7 at hotel in am. Walked / jogged 5 at home after lunch

Thursday.
Walked / jogged 6 at hotel after dinner

Wednesday.
Walked 2 in am. Wanted to get in 5-7 at night, but ran out time.

Tuesday.
Jogged 4.5 during lunch. Walked / jogged another 7.0 throughout day.

Monday.
Jogged 7.5, walked another 4 throughout day.
Getting hot. Dripping sweat on 7.5

Weekly Recap-6 Weeks Until Beach To Bay

Sunday.
Jogged 5

Saturday.
Ran 5k with J in am

Friday
off

Thursday.
Ran 2.5 with J

Wednesday.
Fast 4 on the CCAC track after work, walk one more. Wanted to do 5 more at night, but ran out of time.

Tuesday.
Walked 3 after work. Was gonna run 5, but opened a bottle of Jack instead.

Monday
Walked, mostly jogged 8.5. Just biting calories.

Week 5 in Limbo-Nursing Injury

Sunday.
Jogged 4 in the am at the club track, training with J. Solid 8 at night with 4 X 800 meter moderate hills.

Saturday.
ran 5k with girls in am. Wanted to get in some at night, but ran out of time

Friday
Off

Thursday.
Walked / jogged 9 during day.

Wednesday.
Got in 10, slow and low. Not bad. Foot did pull painfully a few times, but just a second.

Tuesday.
Off

Monday
Walked 3 in am. Jogged 2 with J, then ran 2 more after work. Ran 4 walked 1 at night. Just burning calories.

Week 4 in Limbo-Nursing Injury

Sunday.
Solid 6.

Saturday.
3.5 walk / jog in AM, just burning calories. Walked another 3.5 in pm

Friday
2.5 walk / run with J at lunch. 8 slow and low at night. Foot tender but not acute

Thursday.
Off

Wednesday.
5 miles slow and low. Walked another 3.

Tuesday.
Walked 5 during day, jogged / walked another 5 at night.

Monday
5 during lunch. Walked 2 more. 3.5 with J at night on CCAC track.

Week 3 in Limbo-Nursing Injury

Sunday.
2.5 with J around neighborhood.

Saturday.
Off

Friday
Swam 45 mins

Thursday.
2.5 with J at CCAC Track

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Off

Monday
3 slow on CCAC track with Juliet. Came home and did another 3. Foot hurt badly.

Week 2 in Limbo-Nursing Injury

Sunday.
Off-out of town, couldn't work in runs.

Saturday.
Off-out of town, couldn't work in runs.

Friday
Off-foot still sore

Thursday.
Ran 1 one track with J. Jogged 5 when I got home.

Wednesday.
Jogged 3 easy with J on athletic club track.

Tuesday.
off

Monday
Off

Week 1 in Limbo-Nursing Injury

Sunday.
5 miler slow and low. First 2 great, with little pain. Next two feeling tender in the foot arch. Pain started getting acute last mile. Pretty sore afterwards, walked with limp.

Stretched foot arch and iced.

Saturday.
Off

Friday
Off

Thursday.
Off

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Off

Monday
Off

Plantar Fasciitis

Ran into another runner and told him my foot problem. He said, "You got Plantar Fasciitis."

I looked it up; yep dead on. Exactly describes my pain. I'll do 2 weeks bike work, ice, and stretching and see if it does the trick.

Seabrook Out

Seabrook out. Just did 3 and grimaced the whole way. Hurt worse when I stopped. Taking two weeks off, just bike work. Frustrating, Frustrating, Frustrating

Weekly Recap-3 Weeks to Seabrook

Sunday.

Saturday.
3k with girls in am.

Friday
Off-rest sore foot.

Thursday.
Walked 3 during lunch and 3 at night. Resting foot

Wednesday.
2 Jack and soda quadruples. Took night off

Tuesday.
Planned 15, but left foot arch hurt so bad I had to quit at 6.

Monday
An hour on the bike.

Weekly Recap-4 Weeks to Seabrook

Sunday.
7 regular pace. Foot arch really hurting.

Saturday.
5k with girls in am. Another 6 when I got home.

Friday
No time to run.

Thursday.
7 during lunch. 20 on bike at night.

Wednesday.
Solid 6 during lunch.

Tuesday.
Wanted to do bike, but girls had mucho homework.

Monday
20 on the bike.

Galveston Marathon-Pics

Marathon #16

Galveston, TX

February 20th, 2011

Mardi Gras Marathon

 

After the Houston marathon, I assumed I would quickly recover by taking a few ice baths, then get in some 8-12 milers plus a 15, and then run a solid marathon in Galveston three weeks later.  When race week arrived, I had done only four 5 milers and felt all beat up.  I had congestion from a cold, my hip hurt, my left foot arch ached terribly, and I was ten pounds heavier (fatter is the proper word).   Monday morning I concluded I wasn't able to do it and decided to drop out.

 

However, I also planned it as a  mini-vacation with my family, so I was committed to the trip.  On Tuesday I emailed the race Director and requested a switch to the half marathon.   Accordingly, I didn't prepare at all.   I didn't carb-up or hydrate, and we didn't arrive in Galveston until 5:45 pm, just 15 mins to the end of packet pick up.

 

They couldn't find my packet. The Director said she would give me a new one.  At that point, my ego took over. "Well in that case, can you put me back in the full marathon?" I asked. "Done." she confirmed.  The family and I had a big seafood dinner at 8:30 (I ate two entrees), and we went to bed at 11:00.  I woke at 6:00, walked a mile and a half to the start, and queued up for the 7:30 gun time.

 

The weather was typical:  60 degrees, 100% humidity, and a fog so thick you couldn't see 50 yards.  The streets were soaked wet with dew.  This was my first marathon for which I had no goal, no set splits, no planned pace.  Basically I was going to do a 26.2 mile Sunday morning long run.  A minute before the start, my heart said to me, "Come on David! You can do it!  Go all out and set a new personal record.  You have it in you."  My mind agreed, "Dave, you're a solid runner, go out and be competitive."  Then my body interrupted, "Hey Dumbass! Go back to the hotel and get back in bed.  It's not too late; just walk away."

 

                The gun fired  and we were off.  There were 1,000 runners,  mostly half-marathoners.  I had lined-up in the top  50 and so within the first 100 yards it really felt like being out on a group training run.  I found myself, quite by chance, on the peripheral of a 6-8 man pack at mile 3.  By mile 4 it was just I and two other runners.

 

                We three fell into sink and began chit-chatting.  Both Matt and Don were Ironmen and more-or-less treating the marathon as a training run.  It was really quite nice; the group dynamics help pass the miles from 4-12.   As we came to the halfway mark, the fog had lifted, the sun was out, and it was getting hot. 

 

Don and Matt held the pace but I thought it best to drop it back a nick.  I hit the halfway point on exactly a 3:20 pace, though I hadn't even looked at my watch up to that point.  Don did mention he needed a 3:20 to BQ, so in substance I guess I'd been running with a non-official 3:20 pacer even if I didn't realize it.

 

With the course being two equal loops, only the marathoners continued on as the halfers finished.  I found myself completely alone at mile 14.   For the next five miles there literally wasn't another runner within a quarter mile.  At mile 19 I caught another runner who was barely shuffling along.  By his form and appearance, he looked to be a higher caliber runner than I, but clearly he was dehydrated.  As I passed by he fell to a walk.   I still felt strong in the legs but my form was deteriorating as the heat was wearing  on me also.

 

 I came on another runner at mile 21;  again based on his appearance, I imagine he'd beat me by a couple of miles on any other day.  But I know from experience that when you go out fast with hot and humid conditions, you can totally dehydrate and implode early.  As I went by I gave a word of encouragement and he replied with a single word, "Cramped."  I was starting to fall apart myself.

 

At mile 22 I slowed to walk through the water station, my legs had become so stiff I couldn't step forward more than 12 inches.   I was completely covered in salt and dehydrated.  What was odd is though I couldn't really walk, when I ran my form would take over and put me back on a decent stride. 

 

Between mile 22-25 I continued at a reduced pace while running, but every quarter or half mile I would have to stop and walk for 30-40 seconds to keep from overheating.  When I dehydrate I cramp, by my pulse also sky-rockets and makes it hard to breathe.  At mile 25 I entered the downtown district and the tall buildings blocked out the strong sun.  It's amazing how much difference running in a light shade makes;  I finished stronger the final mile.

 

As I covered the last 100 yards to the finish line enthusiastic cheers came from the spectators and volunteers.  I thought, "Wow, what amazing crowd support.  You'd think I was in the lead."  To my complete shock, I later find out that I kinda was.

 

When the official results were posted, I had crossed the finish in 3:28:59, but was totally amazed to see I had placed 9^th out of 147 full marathon finishers.   I received a plaque for placing 3^rd in my age division. 

 

Well considering I wasn't even planning to run the day before, I was ecstatic to notch another BQ and place in my division.  Not bad for a beat-up broken down fat guy.

Race Week-Galveston half marathon

Sunday.

Saturday.

Friday

Thursday.
Walk / jog 5.

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Off

Monday
5 during lunch
4 after work

Galveston-Was able to switch to half

Limped gingerly on my left side all morning as inflammation in hip and something in my foot arch have been hurting me for a while. 

 

But I know I have to put in some miles, so I tried a 5 miler during lunch.  First minute hurt, but five minutes in, no pain and did solid 5, though my chest congestion did make breathing off.

 

Took shower, sat down 10 minutes, and then had to limp around again.  Hip is very sore.

 

Well, if it's a dull and not sharp pain, and I can run comfortably, I got to keep training.

 

Race Director acknowledged my switch from full to half today.

Galveston Out

1) Bad weather-Forecast is low of 60, south wind, 85% humidity

2) Bad aches and pains-Pain in right foot arch still bad, hip bothering me, still down from chest cold

3) Bad timing-Tax Season blues.

Still have Seabrook in 5 weeks. Running this Sunday can't do any good.

Weekly Recap-2 Weeks To Galveston

Sunday.
Had 13 scheduled. Over-taken by life, didn't do it.

Saturday.
5k with girls in am.

Friday
Easy 5.

Thursday.
Off-sinus infection.

Wednesday.
Off-sinus infection

Tuesday.
Off

Monday
7.5 slow and low.

Weekly Recap-3 Weeks To Galveston

Sunday.
Off

Went to Chinese New Year Celebration Ate lots, lots, lots, and lots and lots and lots of junk food. Another full bottle of wine.

Wasn't easy, but literally gained 5 lbs this week. Moved out 1.5 full belt loops. But, it was worth it.

Saturday.
5k race with girls on a.m.

Ate lots, lots, lots, and lots and lots and lots of junk food. I've gained 5 lbs. But it stops now.

Friday
Off-Lots, lots, lots, and lots of junk food.

Thursday.
Walked 2-Lots, lots, lots, and lots of junk food.

Wednesday.
Off-Lots, lots, lots, and lots of junk food. Full six pack, and full bottle of wine.

Tuesday.
Off-Lots, lots, lots, and lots of junk food. Full bottle of wine.

Monday
Off-Plenty of cookies, candy, cake, and pizza at night. Bottle of jack to wash it down.

Marathon #15

Houston, TX

January 30th, 2011

  

The weather was stinky.  As we queued up at gun time it was already 65 degrees and 95% humidity.  With 10 minutes to gun, it began to drizzle.  The weather would portend something else that would also be quite stinky that day.

 

In spite of the weather, I earnestly believed I could run a sub 3:10 time.  I had an excellent training cycle with two solid 21 milers and a fast 17 miler just three weeks earlier.  My weight was good, and I had run a powerful 1:32 half-marathon in similar weather conditions just the previous month.  To my left stood a running mate, Pete, who was also going for a sub 3:10.  Pete and I have a friendly rivalry going; who can rack-up the most failed attempts to run a sub 3:10.  This would be my ninth attempt; Pete only has four or five.  To my right was the corporate sponsored 3:10 pace leader.

 

The gun fired and we were off.  The 3:10 leader went out quite slow and was 30 seconds behind pace at mile 1.  Pete, who had been diligently monitoring his GPS watch, noted the lag and he made a move.  About mile two Pete and I came back on pace.  Just then a petite female runner cut in front of Pete and he had to short-step to the side.  I had previously noted that she had been wandering off her line since the start.  Like many runners who shouldn't start in the front portion of the pack, she was either oblivious to running etiquette or she just didn't care.

 

            About 50 yards later she cut in front of Pete again.  But this time Pete laid a full body check into her that any NHL all-star would have been proud of.  He literally knocked her a foot-and-half over.  As we pulled away he began to explain his actions to me.  I cut him off and said, "You did the right thing; she deserved it."  At this point we were running due North with the wind at our backs.  Both Pete and I were sweating pretty good by mile 3. 

 

            At mile 5 we turned into the south wind and began to cool off a little bit.  I was actually feeling good and settled into a comfortable stride.  I could now hear the 3:10 pacer coming up behind me.  The 3:10 group caught me about mile 6 and pulled slightly in front; I wasn't disconcerted in the least and felt that I was well within striking range and running on rhythm.  Then about mile 8 all my systems began to shut down.

 

            It started with a tightness in my quads.  I was totally shocked.  I didn't think I was really pushing it all that hard and actually felt good overall.  By mile 10 my quads were starting to hurt and I was completely baffled.  Just 6 weeks earlier I ran a complete half marathon at a much faster pace and I had absolutely no leg fatigue at all.  A few minutes later my stomach began gurgling.  By mile 12 my stomach was bloated and pushing in a Southerly direction. 

 

At mile 14 I had to stop running.  I just couldn't contain my stomach contents any more.  Every couple minutes I would try to run again but within 50 yards I'd have to stop.  With quads burning and stomach problems, I decided to quit.  At mile 15 I saw a medical tent and I stepped off the course.  I asked the volunteer if they could give me a ride back to the finish.  When he informed me that I would have to wait until the race was over in four hours, I blurted out, "Well Crap!" which at that point I didn't mean figuratively.

 

I started to walk down the course.  I kept trying to run and with each stride I felt like I was about to lose it.  Runners were now passing me left and right and I began the walk of shame.  With our names printed in large font across our numbered bibs, spectators began shouting out, "Come on David! Don't give up!"  "Lets go David, hang in there."  "David you've made it half way, finish it out."

 

Finally at mile 17 I came upon some porta-potties.  I stepped in and locked the door.  Let's just say that it wasn't very pretty when I went in, and it looked worse when I came out.  In fact, I'm sad to say that the three minutes I spent inside that porta-pottie ended-up being the strongest run I would have all day.

 

When I got back on the road I was ready to go.  But just three minutes later my stomach was pushing downward again.  Two more miles I walked and slightly jogged.  At mile 19 I pulled off to the side of the course and made a second pit-stop.  That seemed to do the trick.  When I tried running again my stomach problems were abated.  A minute later I came across my long-time running buddy John, who was not racing but acting partly as a spectator and partly as a course section pacer for another runner.

 

"Are you O.K.?  I thought something happened to you." John said as he fell in stride next to me.  I explained my plumbing problems and then said, "I'm also completely dehydrated; I haven't had a sip since mile 14."  John offered me a Gatorade bottle he was carrying, but I had to decline as I just didn't think I could stomach it.  In fact, I ended up not drinking a sip the whole second half of the race.

 

            A few strides later John said he had to break off to find his other runner.  I reached out my hand to give him five, and then on a quick second thought I jerked it back and said, "You better not touch these hands, I was camped inside a porta-potty."  By mile 21 I began to get my legs back, though my quads were still hurting.  I settled into a 8:00-8:30/mile jog.  As I was now intermixed with 3:50-4:00 caliber marathoners, I began passing runners left and right.  I had to laugh as the crowd was now cheering, "Yeah! David you look great."  "Whoo Hoo! Go David Go!"

 

            I finished the last five miles at a respectable jog.  I crossed the finish in 3:47:34, placing 1,042 out of 6,897 finishers.

 

            After the race John called me to offer his condolences; he knew I trained hard to go sub 3:10.  However, similar to other bad runs I've had (no pun intended), I said thanks but I actually felt great about the race.  In its purest form, this kind of run represents what marathoning is all about.  True, fast times are nice.  But I was suffering pretty much the whole race.  I was ready to quit at mile 15.  At mile 16 I didn't think there was any way I would finish in under 4:30.  But in the end, I stayed with it and came back on track down the stretch and finished with an acceptable time. 

 

You gotta love this sport!

 

Houston Quick Results

3:47

At mile 8 my stomach was gurgling. At mile 11 it was coming out. At 15 I went to med station to quit, but they said that they couldn't give me a ride back to finish; I kept going.

I really couldn't run or jog because I was afraid I couldn't keep it in my stomach.

At 17 I squatted in a porta-potty. Then again at 19; that did the trick. I jogged the rest way to the finish.

Didn't take fluids past 14, afraid I couldn't keep it in.

Time to shut up and run

Race night.

Weather bad. 62 at start with 95% humidity and south wind. 60% chance of rain. Race may be delayed to thunder storms.

Well, as Susan would say, "Time to shut up and run."

Race Week-Houston

Friday-Sunday.
Off

Thursday.
5 during lunch.

Wednesday.
Off

Tuesday.
Solid 7.

Monday
5 during lunch.

Weekly Recap-2 Weeks To Houston

Sunday.
Ran 4.

Saturday.
Ran 2 with girls at club on am. Ran 8 when I got home. Was shooting for 13, but felt off. Really heavy and stiff in left leg. Will try for 13 again tomorrow.

Friday
Walked / jogged 7 during lunch. 5 after work, walked 1 more.

Thursday.
8 during lunch with 4 X 1,000 meter light VOmax. Walked / jogged another 5 at night.

Wednesday.
Walked 3 during the day. Had 8 scheduled for night, but took off. Needed a break.

Tuesday.
4 during lunch. Walked another 3. At night, walked / jogged 6.

Monday
Walked / jogged 5 during lunch. Solid 8 at night. Starting to feel over trained, but doing everything to keep weight down.

Weekly Recap-3 Weeks to Houston

Sunday.
Got a case of the crude yesterday. Woke feeling like crap. Was really surprised that I was able to put in a strong 12 at night.

Saturday.
Easy 3 in am, walked 3 more. Walked ran another 4 after lunch.

Friday
Easy 5 in am, walked 1 more. Good 8 at night, walked 1 more v

Thursday.
Solid 17, full normal pace + a small bump. Walked 5 another throughout the day.

Wednesday.
4 during lunch, with 2 X 1,000 meter light VOmax reps. Walked / Jogged 7.5 at night.

Tuesday.
Quick 4 when I arrived home. 9 slow and low at night, walked 1 more.

Monday
Solid 7 during lunch. Walked / jogged 5 at night .

Weekly Recap-4 Weeks to Houston

Sunday.
Walked / jogged 4 in the am. Solid 7 at night. Walked 1 more.

Saturday.
Jogged 2 with J in the early a.m., came home and walked jogged another 4. Walked / jogged 9 at night.

Friday
Carbbed up on cereal, bread, bread, bread, and cookies / candies all day. Then popped a solid 21 miler at night, full normal pace.

Thursday.
Walked / jogged 4 during lunch. Falling apart. Literally ate 4,000+ calories of pasta, rice, and candy to be able to do final 20 tomorrow.

Wednesday.
Walked / jog 5 during lunch. Jogged 7 at night, walked 3 more.

Tuesday.
Solid 12 miler during lunch, full normal pace. Easy four at night.

Monday
Solid 15 during lunch at full normal pace. Could have easily gone to 20 in terms of running, but all the junk I ate yesterday bloated my stomach and made me stop due to cramping.

Weekly Recap-5 Weeks to Houston

Sunday.
Off, skipped scheduled 18 mile LR and ate about 5000 calories instead.

Saturday.
5 at hotel. Walked / jogged another 3.

Friday
8 good ones on at the hotel exercise room.

Thursday.
5 in am, walked 1 more. 7 with some extra speed at night, walked 2 more. Legs need a break.

Wednesday.
Walked 5 in morning. Walked 5 during lunch. Ran 4 at night.

Tuesday.
Walked 5 in early morn, walked 5 during lunch.

Monday
8 at normal pace during lunch. Four at night.

Weekly Recap-6 Weeks to Houston

Sunday.
Off, went to post Christmas party and ate tons and tons and tons of junk. In an effort to lose weight, I've put in 112 miles of runs and walks in the last 7 days. I've also tried to watch what I eat.

As a result, I lost about half a pound and now have bad inflammation in my left foot arch. Well, four weeks to train. Possible, put not probably, can lose another 6 lbs. If so, I'll be in primo shape to run a PR.

Saturday.
Solid 7 in the morning. Easy 5 after lunch, walked 1 more.

Friday
Walked / jogged 10 in the morning. Walked 2 more with girls to park and back. Quick 4 at night

Thursday.
Walked / jogged 5 morning. 6 during lunch. Walked 4 at night.

Wednesday.
4 during lunch. Walked / mostly ran 12 at night. Humidity was terrible.

Tuesday.
6 in morning, walked 2 more; during lunch ran 4 with 4 X 600 strong inclines, walked 1 more. 4 at night.

Monday
5 in the a.m, walked 3 more; 4 during lunch, walked 2 more; 3 at night, walked 1 more.

Weekly Recap-7 Weeks to Houston

Sunday.
5 in am, walked 3 more. Ran quick 4 in afternoon. Walked /jog another 5 at night.

Saturday.
Walked / jogged 5 in am. Ran solid 5 in afternoon. Thought about another 5 in p.m., but body was telling me no.

Friday
New shoes out of the box, 21 miler in the bag.

Solid 21, with hills to match Houston course.

Thursday.
Walked four in early morning. Ran quick 5 during lunch. Wanted to get 6-8 at night, but no time no time no time.

Wednesday.
Good 12, muggy weather.

Tuesday.
Seven, slow but lots of incline.
Wish I had time to do more, I don't.

Monday
Very very comfortable 7. Wish I had time to do 12-15. I didn't.

American Bank Half Marathon

This half is a great race, it's great fun, and it's important.

It's an great race. Only about 75 run the full half, about another 40 relay teams. So you can park your car 100 yards from the start, walk down, visit 5 minutes, and go. It's flat and straight out and back starting at the T-Head dock and stretching out to about a mile from the university.

This year, they made it even better. Previously, runners had to hug the 5 foot shoulder along Ocean Drive, which exposes you to two lanes of 40-45 mi/hr traffic, and moderate road roughness. This year they coned-off, really well, one full lane. With only 130 or so runners, it's like having your own lane.

It's fun because the who's-who of the running community are there. There's a great post race gathering inside the American Bank meeting room with food, sodas, and yes beer. So it's fun to spend an hour post race catching up.

It's important because the race is a perfect baseline gauge for those planning to do the full marathon in Houston or Austin the following 8-10 weeks. However, like any race, especially in Texas, the weather is unpredictable.

Last year it was perfect and I ran a 1:29:50 PR. This year, not good at all. At gun time it was 64 degrees, moderately humid, and a strong south wind. Standing behind the start-line, I asked McAllister if he would try to match his 1:23 from last year (he's 53-amazing, he ran in college). He replied, "not in this weather." I still thought I could PR; in some ways I was in worse shape from last year, no real speed work, and having just come off San Antonio full marathon four weeks early. But my weight was pretty good and I'd been running well, but a little inconsistently.

I decided to run totally on feel; I wore a regular watch (no GPS), and no pace tats. Really, the watch was for aesthetic reasons, I wasn't even planning to look at it. The gun fired and we were off.

The first 4 miles headed south was against a strong wind; I didn't even look at my watch knowing I was probably off a 1:30 pace. As usual, I wasn't feeling all that smooth. At mile four the course slightly bends southeast, which did abate the wind some. By mile 5 I was feeling better.

I checked my time at the turn around, 46:20 (1:32:40 pace). With the wind at my back, I lengthened my stride, and started to look for someone to catch, but there was nobody. I was in the top ten and the other nine were spread out over 400 yards to a mile in front; there were two other guys about 10 yards behind me.

At mile 8 I shook the two behind me, but one was still within 100 yards, when I saw another runner ahead and caught him at 9. He wasn't looking very good. "Hey partner, how you do'in?" I asked. "Just shooting for a 1:40," he replied. "Awe, you can cruise to a 1:35 at this point," I encouraged. That seem to do the trick; he fell in stride next to me.

We exchanged names (Brent), he was a third year medical student from San Antonio doing a rotation at a local hospital. We chatted for about a mile, and then I picked it up to see if he would hang; he did no problem matching me stride for stride. I told him he looked strong, he was equally encouraging. He did note that his small frame and lightness was an advantage, but he hadn't really trained much either. He mentioned something about running competitively, but I don't recall if it was high school or college as the weather was turning hot and I was really trying to focus on my stride.

As we came into the last mile I could tell he was a bit stronger than I. As we were about to make our move I said, "OK, I expect your best." He replied, "I expect the same." We pushed each other in 150-200 meter strides over the last mile. With 200 yards left I told him to make his move. He sprinted ahead to finish about 20 yards ahead of me.

I finished the back side of the course in 45:35, finishing in 1:31:54 and placing 9th out of 75 half marathoners and 12th out of all including the 40 or so relay teams, 1st in my division. Was hoping for sub 130, really about 1:26-1:27, but given the weather and it was only 4 weeks post San Antonio marathon, not bad.

American Bank Half Marathon 2011-Quick Results

Weather made it tough. -1:31:52 9th out of 74

Weekly Recap-8 Weeks to Houston

Sunday.
Off

Saturday.
America Bank half marathon. Jogged two more post race. Ran / walked an easy three with Juliet that evening.

Friday
Off.

Thursday.
Easy four.

Wednesday.
A couple days off did some good. Smooth 4 during lunch. Another smooth 8 at night.

Tuesday.
Swamped with work, didn't run, eating tons of junk

Monday
Swamped with work, didn't run, eating tons of junk.

Weekly Recap-9 Weeks to Houston

Sunday.
12, pretty good pace. Wind out of north and low humidity, but really sweated and felt wet.

Saturday.
Walk / jog 5 with hills in afternoon. 7 with bump in speed late afternoon. 4 easy at night.

Friday
5k race with girls in evening. 9 more at regular pace at night.

Thursday.
3 in morning, 3 at night. Running and eating like crap. Need to refocus, immediately.

Wednesday.
4walk / jog in the am. 6 at night normal pace.

Tuesday.
Ate like a pig again. Was going to do 20 tonight to burn fat, but after logging 81 miles in last six days, and just two weeks post race, I quit after 3. Need a break.

New strategy. Gonna cut hard runs except one speed and one 12 miler in next 8 days, with multiple 3-5 runs/walks to burn lots of calories and go low carb. If I can run new PR in half next week, I'll replan for Houston.

Monday
7.5 during lunch. Took day off from diet and pig out on cookies, ice cream, and candy. Have 18 tomorrow. Will knock it out and then go low carb rest of week.

Weekly Recap-10 Weeks to Houston

Sunday.
5 jog with 4 walk at hotel in morning. 2.5 with J down to Yorktown, then got on mill for another 2.5. 5 more at night, walked 1 more to stay honest.

Saturday.
11 in the morning. 7 with 5 at normal LT after lunch.

Friday
8.5 with light hills.

Thursday.
4 mile Turkey Chase with Jules in am. Walk / jog 5 in afternoon. Wanted to do 8-10 at night but exhausted, and too much turkey.

Wednesday.
6 in morning, normal pace. 8 after work, very strong pace. Walked / jog 5 at night.

Tuesday.
Two at night, called it quits. Didn't have 10 in me.

Monday
Walked 5 in morning. Ran 9 at night normal pace, walked 1 more.

Weekly Recap-11 Weeks to Houston

Sunday.
4 in a.m. Walked a couple more. 5 in p.m., walked another one.

Saturday.
Walk / jog 8.

Friday
Five during lunch; walked run another 5 at night.

Thursday.
Walked 7, easy jogged 3.

Wednesday.
Walked 10.

Tuesday.
Walked 10.

Monday
Off-1 mile walk

Marathon # 14-San Antonio

Marathon # 14

San Antonio

November 14^th, 2010

 

I ran my first marathon in 3:58.  Twelve months later I improved by 20 minutes;  12 months more and I was down another 20, running my first Boston Qualifier in 3:18.  I believed that in another 12 months I could be ready to go sub 3:00.  In fact,  I thought my 3:18 was a result of poor pacing and dehydration, and I was actually in sub 3:10 shape already.  Accordingly, I tried to run sub 3:10 in Boston three months later.

 

Well Boston being Boston, sub 3:10 was a bit too aggressive.   I tried again three months later while down in Australia.  Well, that's a long taxing trip, I shouldn't have expected to run well.  I was confident I would get sub 3:10 in the D.C. Marine Corp marathon that fall.  Well, that's a fairly hilly course and the weather was hot.  Three attempts, and no improvement, but it wasn't like I couldn't run a sub 3:10, I just needed some better weather or good course or something like that.

 

Twelve months had passed since my 3:18, and I hadn't improved at all.  But I was sure I would that month in Phoenix as the course was flat.  I was on a 3:07 pace at mile 20, but it was just too hot.  I cramped and finished in 3:13.  Four months later, and another 3:13 in Oregon.  Again, clearly I was in sub 3:10 shape, the fact I hadn't run it was just a technicality.  I actually thought I was probably in 3:05-3:06 shape, so I decided to skip my normal fall marathon and train to go sub 3:00 in Phoenix the subsequent year.

 

Ok, that effort clearly showed I wasn't even close to going sub 3:00.  I would have done sub 3:10, if I had run that pace and not killed myself going all out.  I came back six weeks later and tried sub 3:10 for a sixth time in New Orleans, Nope.  OK, two years had passed and I had only improved my 3:18 by five minutes.  As Quixotic as it might be, in my mind I had already run a sub 3:10.  Unfortunately, most races actually require you to run it in order for it to count. 

 

My goal was unchanged, but two years of elevated training was wearing on me.  After New Orleans I cut my training by two-thirds and abrogated my self-committed pledge to keep my weight down.  By April I was 15 lbs overweight and unmotivated.  In July we made our annual pilgrimage to my wife's homeland in Australia, where it was Winter.  "What a great opportunity to do some training!" I deluded myself into thinking.  After three weeks of eating more junk and then running the hilly landscape of South Sydney, not only was I not in any better shape, but now injured.  I had a terrible inflammation in my right hip.

 

When we returned in August, I was in my worse shape in four years.  Being fat, out-of-shape, and injured, I was incapable of doing any quality running even if I wanted to.  Well as Lenin was to have said, "Quantity has a quality of its own."  Thus I began putting in multiple short and easy jogs and walks: 4-6 in the morning, followed by 4-6 at night.  All-in-all I was getting in 70+ miles a week of low quality mileage.  By early September my weight had dropped, and my conditioning started to improve; though the inflammation in my hip was still terrible.  I hadn't run a race of any kind in six months, and wasn't sure I would be ready anytime soon.

 

But it's difficult to train unless there's a carrot.  So I signed up for the San Antonio marathon.  By early October my weight was much improved and I logged some solid long-runs, including two 20 milers.  However, I refrained from doing any speed work.  Nothing. No LTs, no VOmax, not even strides.  I was too afraid of aggravating my hip.   For the first time in two years I wasn't absolutely confident of my ability to run sub 3:10.  Race week I emailed a friend, "My training wasn't great, but good, some solid long runs.  My weight isn't perfect, but pretty good.  The weather is not ideal, but can't complain.  Hoping three goods=good enough.  Hoping to PR."

 

As I queued up behind the starting line the weather certainly was not ideal, 55 degrees at 7:00 a.m.  No beanie, no arm warmers, no gloves,  just a half-cut tank top.  However, there was a light north wind and the sky was very cloudy; that can compensate significantly for moderate temperatures.  I looked for the 3:10 pace leader, but couldn't find him anywhere.  I tried to form my own group of 2-4, "3:10?  Anyone shooting for 3:10?" I called out.  "Morning, what time are you shooting for?"  "I'm doing the half" he replied.  "How about you?"  "I'm doing the half too."  A half dozen more queries, all the same response, "Doing the half."  "Ok, well anyone shooting for a 1:35 half?" I tried.   "No, Nope, Uh-Uh, and Not me."  Well, looks like it was going to be a lonely day.  The gun fired and we were off.

 

At mile one I was 15 seconds off pace, as usual.  By mile three I was back on pace and feeling fair.  By mile six the runner congestion had dissipated and I was feeling much better; I relaxed my stride and tossed my shirt to catch any cooling breeze.  By mile eight I was 50 seconds ahead of pace and feeling great.  "OK, hold back, still 18 more of these to go." I reminded myself.  For the next five miles I would briefly slow and encourage other runners while passing.  I hit the halfway mark in 1:34:10, still 50 seconds ahead of pace and feeling great.  However, it still was a little warm and stuffy  when running with the wind.

 

I decided to give back the 50 seconds and looked for another runner to attached onto.  At mile 14, I came across two guys cruising side by side at a nice stride, and chatting away.  "Morning, what time are you shoot'in for?" I asked.  "No time in particular.  We're Ironman tri-athletes and just trying to get in some training." They answered.  Their pace seemed a nick under what I had been doing so I latched on and joined the conversation.  At mile 15 I was 30 seconds ahead of 3:10 and thinking, "Perfect.  Hold this for a few more and then back on stride at 18-20."

 

For the next three miles we three amigos talked about various runs we had done.  When we hit mile 18 I checked my pace, "What!?"  I checked again, "Oh Crap!"  I was 40 seconds behind 3:10.  I assumed I was giving back 10-15 seconds a mile while chit-chatting, in reality it was closer to 30.  I increased my arm swing and lengthened my stride.

 

I was back on my prior pace, plus some more; at mile 20 down to 30 seconds behind 3:10 pace.  At mile 22, just 15 seconds off pace but the greater intensity was wearing into my quads.  I came along side another solo-runner at 22 and we pushed each other hard into mile 23, now just 8 seconds behind pace but really hurting.  We were now returning to the inner-city and running the rolling freeway hills.  Without exchanging a word, he and I were pushing each other toward 3:10.

 

At 24 still eight seconds off pace, we turned at the freeway intersection, went around the retaining-wall, and fell into a sea of half-marathoners converging off their course into the shared finishing section; they were everywhere barely jogging or walking along both sides of the road, which was clearly delineated by cones to keep full marathoners on the right side, halfers to the left.    Now I truly admire and respect anyone who can complete a marathon, regardless of time.  Twenty-six miles is a long way even to walk.  I also appreciate the commitment it takes to do a half, for some that's still a hell of an accomplishment.  I always try to provide encouragement.   However, when you start being lapped by full marathoners, you're probably not making much of an effort.  But regardless, there's also a running etiquette.

 

To plug your ears with music, concatenate 5 wide with the rest of your weight-watchers support group, and then waddle in the middle of your own lane is just bad race etiquette.  However, to do it in the marathon lane means you deserve to be knock over!  "To the left please, coming through!" I called out.  My running companion was more direct, "Get the hell out of the way!  Move your ass over!!"  Nothing. Dozens of oblivious, overweight, laughing and chatting social groups masquerading as "runners" were spread all over the course like a south-Mediterranean archipelago.

 

To be honest, having to snake through the halfers only cost me 2-3 seconds, and actually helped a little.  Up to that point I was completely focused on my screaming quads, but completely forgot about them as I weaved through mile 24.   At the start of mile 25 stood a race official directing the halfers back into their lane.   I didn't even try to look at my pace and gave it everything I had knowing that I was still 8-10 seconds behind.

 

Pre-race another runner told me about a final freeway incline right at the finish.  I was sure that I had already passed it at 23.  At 25.5, there it was.    Not steep, but a gradual on-ramp extending forward about 200 yards, right before the final turn.   I ran as hard as I could hoping just to maintain my stride, but knowing I wouldn't make-up any time.  I could see the final turn and desperately hoped the finish would be a stone's throw away.  It was not to be; I turned the corner and saw the finish about 200 yards off.  I was going to come up 20-30 seconds short. 

 

I sprinted the home-stretch and crossed the finish line in a new PR of 3:10:22, placing 87^th out of 4,530 full marathoners.

 

Well, it isn't like I'm not in sub 3:10 shapeJ  I just need some better weather, or good course, or something like that.  I'll try again in Houston in 10 weeks.

 

David

 

 

 

 

San Antonio Quick Results

New PR, 3:10:22, 87th out of 4,530 finishers.

Time to "Shut up and Run"

Well, I'm still skeptical because I've never had good weather.  But the forecast is for 50 degrees, light north wind, and lots of cloud cover at the start.

 

My training wasn't great, but good, some solid long runs.  My weight isn't perfect, but pretty good.  The weather is not ideal, but can't complain.  Hoping three goods=good enough.  Hoping to PR.

 

 

Race Week-San Antonio Marathon

Sunday.

Saturday.

Friday

Thursday.
5 during lunch. Walked / jogged 6 at night.

Wednesday.
Four during lunch, four at night; walked 3 more to burn off some cookies.

Tuesday.
Walk / jog 5. Off low carbs for today, had a potato and some fruit.

Monday
5 miler, walked another to wind down.

Weekly Recap-2 Weeks To San Antonio

Sunday.
13, final LR.

Saturday.
5k with girls in morning. Came home and jogged another 5 miles. Walk / jog six at night. Burning calories.

Friday
7.5 walk / jog.

Thursday.
7 nice and easy.

Wednesday.
Easy six during lunch. Walk / jog 6 more at night

Tuesday.
Off

Monday
Final 17 in bag. Weight not bad. Going very low carb till next Friday to shake off another 3-4, then pray for a cold front.

Weekly Recap-3 Weeks To San Antonio

Sunday.
Off

Saturday.
7 during lunch. Another 5 at night. Walked a couple more.

Friday
Quick 7 after work.

Thursday.
12 at full normal pace.

Wednesday.
Jogged/walked 3, had bad allergies

Tuesday.
Seven during lunch, fast pace. Walk / jog six at night.

Monday
Nice six during lunch. A twitchy strain in my lower back. Dull pain, tender. Another 6 at night, walked one more to say honest.

Weekly Recap-4 Weeks To San Antonio

Sunday.
Off

Saturday.
Had 20 scheduled; went into it with inflammation in right leg, especially hip after doing 52 already this week, with 15 yesterday. Weather was awful also.

Felt fair first hour, but when I increased speed my right leg started to tighten, the heat was wearing on me too. After 8, I decided any more would do more harm than good. Shut it down and walked 4 more to burn calories.

Friday
Walked four during lunch. Six after work. Another 5 late night.

Thursday.
7.5 during lunch. 4 more at night, walked an extra.

Wednesday.
Quick 5 during lunch, good speed. Another quick 5 at night

Tuesday.
Swapped at work, up at 5:30 am. for a quick four on pavement, walked a couple more. 70 degrees with 90% humidity, couldn't breath.

Monday
Quick 5 during lunch, good speed. Another quick 5 at night.

Weekly Recap-5 Weeks to San Antonio

Sunday.
Off-swamped with work.

Saturday.
Solid 15 in less than optimal weather. Thought about going 20, but hip was tight. Decided the risk wasn't worth it.

Friday
Off, had bad case of allergies.

Thursday.
7 dung lunch.

Wednesday.
6 on mill during lunch. Another 5 at night.

Tuesday.
Thought I'd walk / jog 5 during lunch as I was a bit stiff. Once going, feet really light and I cruised 8. Four more at night with extra speed.

Monday
Wasn't planning to do 18, weather not that great. But nothing like knocking out your LR on Monday, and then low carb it the rest of the week. Added another walking mile to burn an extra calorie or two.

Weekly Recap-6 Weeks to San Antonio

Sunday.
Very energetic 5 in the a.m. With extra speed and incline. Could have easily popped 10+, but had to be somewhere. Came back at night and walked / jogged 7.

Saturday.
Ran 7 in the morning with extra speed, and mild strides. My VO max is terrible. Could be higher humidity and low carb diet.

Friday
Walked / jogged 10

Thursday.
A quick 5 doing lunch, with 5 more jog / walk. Could have run full ten, but let a untied shoe be an excuse to stop at five, and jog / walk the rest.

Another 6.5 at night, strong pace. Walked a couple more. Weather still cool, but wind out of south, fells a lot wetter.

Wednesday.
Wanted get in 12 or so, but carb depleted and sick. Walked / jogged 6 to burn calories.
At big bowl of rice to recarb for 10-15 later this week.

Tuesday.
Quick 3 during lunch, low and slow. 7 at night with extra speed and 2 miles of slight incline.

Monday
20 miler, held back on speed some. The first 10 piece of cake, last 10 harder due to dehydration.

Weekly Recap-7 Weeks to San Antonio

Sunday.
Should have done 15. Ate three slices of pizza, 10 cookies, and downed three triple Jack and sodas. No worries, it was my "mardi grad" as the next five weeks are hard core training to go sub 3:10 in San Antonio.

Saturday.
Running low on sleep. Took day off.

Friday
Soild 8 after work, with bump in speed and 3 x 800 moderate hills. Another 6 with speed at night.

Thursday.
Easy 5 during lunch. Walk / Jog another 7 at night.

Wednesday.
Fresh shoes right out of the box, always good for a 21 miler. Speed not full on but within 10 secs/ mi. Not bad considering temp not cold, only cool.

Tuesday.
Needed a night off.

Monday
8.5 at normal pace during lunch. Another 6 slow and low at night.

Weekly Recap-8 Weeks to San Antonio

Sunday.
Only 7 at normal pace at night, legs felt tight. Walked a couple more.

Saturday.
A decent 13. Could have gone more, but with a cool front coming in Sunday, why suffer.

Friday
Ran 5 during lunch with the intention to do 10 tonight. Ate 8 pastries, two pieces cake, bake potato, and bought a bottle of Jack instead. Gonna make 5 triple Jack and sodas, and call it a night.

Thursday.
Had to make up for yesterday. 8 slow and low during lunch, another 6 slow and low at night, walked a couple more.

Wednesday.
Disappointing. Been feeling pretty good, thought I was pop 10-12 at full pace. Actually doing OK, but legs felt tight and heavy. I did do 17 in all yesterday, haven't been sleeping well yesterday, just worn down. Called it quits at 5.5 normal pace. There was a south wind and 90% humidity.

Tuesday.
9 low and slow during lunch. Another 8 walk / jog at night. Just burning calories, but to good effect. Weight has been dropping. 5 more lbs and I'll be close to race weight.

Monday
Only had time to squeeze in 4. Good pace though.

Weekly Recap-9 Weeks to San Antonio

Sunday.
Rained all day, which kept the temperature down. Allowed me to get in a strong 10 miler with above average pace. Came back and jogged / walked another 5 at night.

Saturday.
Ran 5k with girls in a.m. at the "you go girl 5k." Walk / jog another 4 at night.

Friday
Strong 17, walked another mile. Pace not full on, but not bad. Could of gone 20, but did not want to push to hard as I'm still ramping up

Thursday.
Thought about 14-15, stopped at 3. Try again tomorrow.

Wednesday.
Walk / jog 5.5 during lunch. 5 more walk / jog at night.

Weight starting to drop.

Tuesday.
3.5 during lunch. Walk / jog 6 at night.

Monday
Good 7 in morning at normal pace. The heat and humidity made it feel like a VOmax run. Quick 4 walk / jog after work. Another 3 walk / jog in evening.

Weekly Recap-10 Weeks to San Antonio

Sunday.
5 in afternoon, 5 at night, walked a couple more

Saturday.
Walk / jog 10

Friday
8 walk / jog

Thursday.
Walk / jog 16; just burning calories

Wednesday.
Swamped with work, just walked a few.

Tuesday.
Quick 5 during lunch, strong pace. 5 more at night, easy pace. Walked 1 more.

Monday
4 walk / jog at noon. 4.5 walk / jog at after dinner.

Weekly Recap-11 Weeks to San Antonio

Sunday.
Good 9 in afternoon. Another 6 in pm walk / jog; burning calories.

Saturday.
Walk / jogged 10. Just burning calories.

Friday
Quick 4 in the morning. Walked / jogged 4 after work. Solid 8 at night at normal pace.

Thursday.
Ran 5, walked / jogged another 5.

Wednesday.
Ran 5, walked / jogged another 5.

Tuesday.
Ran 4, jogged / walked another 7, just burning calories.

Monday
Ran 5, good pace, walked another 3.5

Weekly Recap-12 Weeks to San Antonio

Sunday.
Descent 10.5; right hip really tight with dull pain most of the run.

Saturday.
Ran 5, walked another 5. Legs felt heavy heavy, quads tights. Not sure why; it's been three days since I did 14. At night, hard to sleep as lower back and hip inflamed and really bothering me.

Mid-section core work.

Friday
Walked / jogged 8.

Thursday.
Walked / jogged 6, hip a little sore.

Wednesday.
14, first 7 nice and smooth. Started to dehydrate from 7-10. 11-14 tough.

Tuesday.
Off

Monday
Walked / Jogged 10. Some mid-section core and upperbody work.