Distance: 11.37 miles
Time: 1:47:10
Pace: 9:25/mile
Weight: 198lbs
Terrain: Flat
Temperature: Cold but calm
Gear: Under Armour winter running hoodie (removed after first mile), Adidas running fleece, Adidas long-sleeved Climacool Shirt, Adidas running shorts under Adidas long training pants, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water during run, Strawberry-Kiwi Vitamin Water for recovery
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice, Aleve
Shoe Mile Count: 65.05 miles
Days until Marathon: 70
Ten weeks until marathon Sunday and my longest run yet. It will also be my longest run until the Half in two weeks; I'll only be running 8-9 miles next Sunday as part of a mini-taper for it.
I'm out of town in western KS this weekend, and although I'll be home tonight, I didn't want to run that long in the dark, so I got up very early and ran here. I picked a route covering an area I knew well, running three loops of a little under 4 miles each.
It was very cold but after the first mile I discarded my new winter running hoodie because I was just way too hot. Should come in handy as the temperature continues to drop though. I did keep the thinner Adidas fleece on for the whole run, though if I'd run much further I think I'd have removed this also.
I kept a very even pace for the first two laps, completing each in about 37 minutes. I then picked things up and ran the last loop in 33 to come in at just over 1:47, so a good time, but not so fast to where I overly stretched myself. Pretty satisfied with the effort level.
Nothing major in terms of injuries. My right shin was fine with just some very mild background soreness; if anything my left foot was the main area of concern starting out, but it too faded after the first few miles, and then it was just a question of keeping things ticking over as the miles passed.
The biggest scare was actually when I stumbled on a crack in the road at around mile 4. I was lucky first of all to keep my feet, and second of all to not pull every muscle in my legs as I tried to stay upright. My quads burned as it was happening and my left one hurt for about the next quarter of a mile, but it faded, to my relief. I was glad later that had happened at mile 4, not mile 10, when I'm sure my legs were weaker and probably more susceptible to injury.
Two new issues. One: full bladder... Note to self: When not running near home, make sure route goes by a gas station. Two: Sore nipples... It wasn't so much that they hurt really badly, but at around 10-11 miles, I started to become aware of them, so I'm sure it will be an issue for longer runs. Some extra body glide, and perhaps some bandaids might be called for. Weirdly, I was almost happy about the sore nipples. I'd read about them being a factor for marathon runners, but up until today had never run far enough for it to be an issue.
Yep, I'm running with the big boys now.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Ultimate Goal
As of yesterday, I am officially signed up as a participant in the 6th annual PF Chang's Rock n' Roll Arizona 
Marathon. Jill also signed up for the half.
I read that they are expecting 34,000 total runners. I knew it was a big marathon, but am actually quite surprised it's that huge. I think only Chicago and New York are bigger in the US. This almost certainly means I won't come dead last, which is a nice bonus.
Whatever's in the goodie bag though, it might be a bit odd to running skeptics to understand the thought process behind paying a significant sum of money for the right to beat up your body in such a way. I suppose it's like heavy metal music, quantum physics, or 30 Rock. Either you get it or you don't. Myself? I'm one of the weirdos who's more than a little excited at the prospect. Training's going pretty well, I'm losing (a little) weight, and the days are ticking by.
Marathon. Jill also signed up for the half.I read that they are expecting 34,000 total runners. I knew it was a big marathon, but am actually quite surprised it's that huge. I think only Chicago and New York are bigger in the US. This almost certainly means I won't come dead last, which is a nice bonus.
It cost $112.50 including the booking fee, and another $97 for Jill. The bigger marathons do cost a little more, though this is rather high, even for them. The fee does include a concert in the evening, headliner to be announced later. (Past acts include Kool and the Gang and the Goo Goo Dolls), and of course, the usual t-shirt, medal and gift certificates.
Whatever's in the goodie bag though, it might be a bit odd to running skeptics to understand the thought process behind paying a significant sum of money for the right to beat up your body in such a way. I suppose it's like heavy metal music, quantum physics, or 30 Rock. Either you get it or you don't. Myself? I'm one of the weirdos who's more than a little excited at the prospect. Training's going pretty well, I'm losing (a little) weight, and the days are ticking by.
The Daily Log 11/6/08
Distance: 3.08 miles
Time: 26:49
Pace: 8:41/mile
Weight: 199lbs
Terrain: Rolling hills throughout
Temperature: Cool and gusty
Gear: Gray cotton Red Sox shirt, Adidas shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 53.68 miles
Days until Marathon: 73
Told you I'd been known to change my mind. Woke up feeling very comfortable, so I thought, why not? I thought about running 4, but sirens started to go off at around 3 miles. That's not a metaphor; actual sirens started blasting. It was very windy, but the sky was clear, so maybe it was in another part of the city. Regardless, I figured I'd better not risk running bang into a tornado, so I called it a day.
Mild right shin pain, but on a level with last Sunday's long run, so basically barely noticeable. Polar opposite to last week's third midweeker.
After a couple of slow runs, I felt like a quicker one today. 8:41 may have been a little too quick for a training run, but over this short distance, I doubt I did myself much harm, and now I have two days rest (for real this time).
I think, with over 50 miles on them, that I can now officially declare the new shoes a success. My injuries haven't increased, and in fact, in general have improved. They are more comfortable than the old Asics ever were, even when new, and assuming they pass the stamina test and hold up for 300+ miles, I think it's safe to say I will stick with this model in the future.
Time: 26:49
Pace: 8:41/mile
Weight: 199lbs
Terrain: Rolling hills throughout
Temperature: Cool and gusty
Gear: Gray cotton Red Sox shirt, Adidas shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 53.68 miles
Days until Marathon: 73
Told you I'd been known to change my mind. Woke up feeling very comfortable, so I thought, why not? I thought about running 4, but sirens started to go off at around 3 miles. That's not a metaphor; actual sirens started blasting. It was very windy, but the sky was clear, so maybe it was in another part of the city. Regardless, I figured I'd better not risk running bang into a tornado, so I called it a day.
Mild right shin pain, but on a level with last Sunday's long run, so basically barely noticeable. Polar opposite to last week's third midweeker.
After a couple of slow runs, I felt like a quicker one today. 8:41 may have been a little too quick for a training run, but over this short distance, I doubt I did myself much harm, and now I have two days rest (for real this time).
I think, with over 50 miles on them, that I can now officially declare the new shoes a success. My injuries haven't increased, and in fact, in general have improved. They are more comfortable than the old Asics ever were, even when new, and assuming they pass the stamina test and hold up for 300+ miles, I think it's safe to say I will stick with this model in the future.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Daily Log 11/5/08
Distance: 7.15 miles
Time: 1:21:31
Pace: 11:24/mile
Weight: 199lbs
Terrain: Rolling hills
Temperature: Cool and breezy
Gear: Dark green wicking shirt, Adidas running shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right shin, left foot
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 50.60 miles
Days until Marathon: 74
I ran this with Jill. The original intention was to only run around 10k, but Jill was keen to run 7 miles, which was a personal distance record for her, so we ran an extra mile. It was cold and breezy with a little rain in the air, and that made for a fairly comfortable run in some very nice neighborhoods. The pace was of course very slow, but more comfortable than last Thursday's nightmare, so no complaints this time.
My right shin was sore, perhaps more than yesterday, but after the first couple of miles, I didn't really notice it. My left heel and arch were very painful for a short period at around the 3 mile mark and for a while I even thought I might have to stop, but it too seemed to pass. So, hopefully nothing too concerning.
Jill was pretty happy with her new record, and it underlines what I was talking about the other day. There will be good days and bad days. Sunday was a bad day for Jill, today was a good one. It was very encouraging for her I think.
This might be my last run until Sunday. I don't see the point in risking injury on a short run, so unless I feel great on Friday, I'm going to cross train on the bike instead and rest up for the weekend where I'll be shooting for 11 miles. Of course, I've been known to change my mind, so....
Time: 1:21:31
Pace: 11:24/mile
Weight: 199lbs
Terrain: Rolling hills
Temperature: Cool and breezy
Gear: Dark green wicking shirt, Adidas running shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right shin, left foot
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice
Shoe Mile Count: 50.60 miles
Days until Marathon: 74
I ran this with Jill. The original intention was to only run around 10k, but Jill was keen to run 7 miles, which was a personal distance record for her, so we ran an extra mile. It was cold and breezy with a little rain in the air, and that made for a fairly comfortable run in some very nice neighborhoods. The pace was of course very slow, but more comfortable than last Thursday's nightmare, so no complaints this time.
My right shin was sore, perhaps more than yesterday, but after the first couple of miles, I didn't really notice it. My left heel and arch were very painful for a short period at around the 3 mile mark and for a while I even thought I might have to stop, but it too seemed to pass. So, hopefully nothing too concerning.
Jill was pretty happy with her new record, and it underlines what I was talking about the other day. There will be good days and bad days. Sunday was a bad day for Jill, today was a good one. It was very encouraging for her I think.
This might be my last run until Sunday. I don't see the point in risking injury on a short run, so unless I feel great on Friday, I'm going to cross train on the bike instead and rest up for the weekend where I'll be shooting for 11 miles. Of course, I've been known to change my mind, so....
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The Daily Log 11/4/08
Distance: 4.23 miles
Time: 42:04
Pace: 9:56/mile
Weight: 199lbs
Terrain: Some rolling hills
Temperature: Warm and sunny
Gear: White cotton t-shirt, Adidas shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right shin
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice, menthol rub
Shoe Mile Count: 43.45 miles
Days until Marathon: 75
My right shin was a little sore this morning, which was no major surprise. I considered skipping the run and doing some cross training on the bike instead, but figured I'd run a little way and see how it held up. The pain was pretty minor, so I went ahead with the planned 4 mile recovery run, and felt pretty good.
I ran a shade faster than I was intending. I was aiming for around a 10:15 pace, and came in at 9:56, but that's still pretty easy, so I'll take it.
My mind meandered onto a few different things during this run, including today's Presidential election, another marathon quest. It's the first time in a while I haven't been entirely focused on the 'next step', as it were. I actually take that as a good sign, because it means that I'm not in much pain and am comfortable enough to start thinking about other things.
Time: 42:04
Pace: 9:56/mile
Weight: 199lbs
Terrain: Some rolling hills
Temperature: Warm and sunny
Gear: White cotton t-shirt, Adidas shorts, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: None
Fuel: None
Medical: Right shin
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice, menthol rub
Shoe Mile Count: 43.45 miles
Days until Marathon: 75
My right shin was a little sore this morning, which was no major surprise. I considered skipping the run and doing some cross training on the bike instead, but figured I'd run a little way and see how it held up. The pain was pretty minor, so I went ahead with the planned 4 mile recovery run, and felt pretty good.
I ran a shade faster than I was intending. I was aiming for around a 10:15 pace, and came in at 9:56, but that's still pretty easy, so I'll take it.
My mind meandered onto a few different things during this run, including today's Presidential election, another marathon quest. It's the first time in a while I haven't been entirely focused on the 'next step', as it were. I actually take that as a good sign, because it means that I'm not in much pain and am comfortable enough to start thinking about other things.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The New York City Marathon
My countrywoman, Paula Radcliffe, won the New York City Marathon today, in a time of 2:23:56. I hoped this was a good omen for my long run, and, given how it went, it was. Marilson Gomes dos Santos won the men's race in 2:08:43Arizona works out for me as a first marathon because of the timing, but there's no question that of all the marathons, New York is the one with the most mystique about it, at least to the regular slow-mo like me. Boston has more prestige, Chicago sets more records, London is what I remember as a kid, and Kansas City is where I live, but there's something about New York's 5 borough trot, it's historic bridges, frenetic crowd atmosphere, remarkable scope and all-star cast that is singular.
I recently watched "Run For Your Life", a documentary about Fred Lebow, the architect of the New York marathon. A Jewish immigrant, Lebow was a slow, but passionate runner when the sport had nowhere near the mass appeal it does today. From humble beginnings, what started as four six-plus mile loops around Central Park expanded, thanks to Lebow's tenacity and the city's need for something to uplift spirits given the economic gloom of the era, to all five boroughs in 1976. 32 years on, 39,000 runners would line up in front of the Verrazzano Narrows bridge with the same goal, and the vast majority of them would cross the line in Central Park several hours later.
Lebow would wait at the end of every marathon, shepherding people to the correct finish area, urging them on with words of encouragement, as enthusiastic with the ave
rage joes as he was with the Alberto Salazars and Grete Waitzes of the world. After he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1990, he was given only a few months to live, but survived long enough to run the New York marathon himself in 1992, for the very first time, with Waitz, the 9-time champion, by his side the whole way.
rage joes as he was with the Alberto Salazars and Grete Waitzes of the world. After he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 1990, he was given only a few months to live, but survived long enough to run the New York marathon himself in 1992, for the very first time, with Waitz, the 9-time champion, by his side the whole way. He died in 1994, but a statue of him checking his watch stands near the finish line in the park, still with his eye on the race, still invested in every runner, still providing inspiration to everyone who competes.
The Daily Log 11/2/08
Distance: 10.41 miles
Time: 1:39:52
Pace: 9:34/mile
Weight: 198lbs
Terrain: Mainly flat, with a couple of moderate inclines
Temperature: Warm and sunny
Gear: Adidas Climacool t-shirt and shorts, Road Runners Cap, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice, menthol rub
Shoe Mile Count: 39.22 miles
Days until Marathon: 77
You'll notice that the distance was longer than the planned 9 miles. When I totaled up the mileage on the route, it came to about 9 1/3 miles, so I decided early that if I felt good at that point, I'd make it up to 10. I did, so added a little loop that ended up being close to an extra mile, so there's the total. My longest run ever, and my first of over 10 miles.
Right away I felt good, and this was without doubt my most comfortable run since the marathon relay. I've learned not to get too happy when I run well. I suppose what this tells me is that, given how much I struggled on Thursday, I should try not to get too down when I don't. My right shin was strong, the lightning storm of pain the other day was just a distant rumble of thunder today, and nothing else hurt at all.
Jill joined me for the middle couple of miles but struggled in the heat and with the hills and ended up heading for home while I continued on. I had to slow and walk a couple of times while she was with me, and catching up, and so this was a slower section, but I regained my rhythm soon after and ran some of my faster miles afterwards to finish with a pretty good pace.
I was glad I chose a route I was very familiar with. After doing a new run on Thursday and facing unexpected hills, I didn't want any surprises today. In addition, I knew more or less where my mile splits were, so strategically it made for a much easier time.
One thing that I do need to be cognizant of during these longer distances is fluid intake. I drank a bottle of water at around the 4-5 mile mark, but I could definitely have done with another one, particularly on such a warm day. As the mileage increases further, that will become increasingly important.
Jill was disheartened over her struggles and I felt bad for her, knowing exactly how she felt. However, as I explained, running's a bit like golf. There, nothing makes you feel better than a good shot, and nothing makes you feel worse than a bad one. It's the same with runs. I was on a high today, for sure, but was very worried and unhappy after Thursday's. Jill will have better runs than today and I will have worse ones, but as long as there's enough of the good ones to keep us going, we'll make it to Arizona ready to go.
Time: 1:39:52
Pace: 9:34/mile
Weight: 198lbs
Terrain: Mainly flat, with a couple of moderate inclines
Temperature: Warm and sunny
Gear: Adidas Climacool t-shirt and shorts, Road Runners Cap, Nike Air Zoom Vomero Shoes
Hydration: Water
Fuel: None
Medical: None
Recovery: Stretches, Aleve, ice, menthol rub
Shoe Mile Count: 39.22 miles
Days until Marathon: 77
You'll notice that the distance was longer than the planned 9 miles. When I totaled up the mileage on the route, it came to about 9 1/3 miles, so I decided early that if I felt good at that point, I'd make it up to 10. I did, so added a little loop that ended up being close to an extra mile, so there's the total. My longest run ever, and my first of over 10 miles.
Right away I felt good, and this was without doubt my most comfortable run since the marathon relay. I've learned not to get too happy when I run well. I suppose what this tells me is that, given how much I struggled on Thursday, I should try not to get too down when I don't. My right shin was strong, the lightning storm of pain the other day was just a distant rumble of thunder today, and nothing else hurt at all.
Jill joined me for the middle couple of miles but struggled in the heat and with the hills and ended up heading for home while I continued on. I had to slow and walk a couple of times while she was with me, and catching up, and so this was a slower section, but I regained my rhythm soon after and ran some of my faster miles afterwards to finish with a pretty good pace.
I was glad I chose a route I was very familiar with. After doing a new run on Thursday and facing unexpected hills, I didn't want any surprises today. In addition, I knew more or less where my mile splits were, so strategically it made for a much easier time.
One thing that I do need to be cognizant of during these longer distances is fluid intake. I drank a bottle of water at around the 4-5 mile mark, but I could definitely have done with another one, particularly on such a warm day. As the mileage increases further, that will become increasingly important.
Jill was disheartened over her struggles and I felt bad for her, knowing exactly how she felt. However, as I explained, running's a bit like golf. There, nothing makes you feel better than a good shot, and nothing makes you feel worse than a bad one. It's the same with runs. I was on a high today, for sure, but was very worried and unhappy after Thursday's. Jill will have better runs than today and I will have worse ones, but as long as there's enough of the good ones to keep us going, we'll make it to Arizona ready to go.
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