It truly was nice to take the weekend off from running. It felt great to sleep in with the cooler weather that we had this past weekend. The weather gods continue mocking me sending cooler weather post Houston just as they did last October post Chicago.
With no running this weekend, I caught on some back issues of magazines that I let pile since the holidays. I had to laugh when I read one of the "They Said It" quotes in a Sports Illustrated issue. John Anderson, Thrashers coach, after a listless 4-1 loss to the Lightening: "Our give-a-crap level was, like, at zero"
The same can be said of the back 13.1 of my Houston marathon performance. I was the poster child for how not to run a marathon with quarter splits of 8:02, 8:23, 10:05, and 11:17. The overall pace of 9:30 and 4:09 look fine to me but it was just a tough way to get there.
I hope to get a couple of 5 mile runs in this week before running a 5k downtown Houston this weekend. Looks like this weekends weather will be cool.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thankful for Good Days
As I was running early yesterday afternoon, I was thinking about how I never post about being so fortunate to have good days. The bad days always seem to stick out in my memory but they really aren't so bad anyways. I've only had a couple of DNS races and never had a DNF for any race where I've made it to the start line. Plus I'm sure that most runners will agree that a bad day running is far better than a good day at most other things.
I forgot my Garmin yesterday but ran a nice run from work to the Millbend loop. It was a great day to be outside and the run went very well. All systems seem to have survived the marathon.
I forgot my Garmin yesterday but ran a nice run from work to the Millbend loop. It was a great day to be outside and the run went very well. All systems seem to have survived the marathon.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Houston 3 Days Out
I'm looking forward to going out for my first post Houston run during the day tomorrow. I feel recovered and am ready to get out there again. I had a deep tissue massage with Ute last night and nothing really jumped out as being an extreme issue.
3 days after the marathon and I still can't put my finger on what went wrong. I truly believe that it was just an off day for me. I realize that I'm not a warm weather runner so Sunday's conditions didn't help my case but I had warmer weather in Chicago and finished 23 minutes faster. I got plenty of rest the night before, was well fueled and not rushed the morning of the race. Oh well, it was fun running with my training buddies anyways.
I borrowed a Hawaii travel guide from my neighbor this week; hopefully, I'll start mapping a few things out this weekend. February 5th will be here before I know it! I am prepared for warm weather for my 1/2 there on the 7th.
3 days after the marathon and I still can't put my finger on what went wrong. I truly believe that it was just an off day for me. I realize that I'm not a warm weather runner so Sunday's conditions didn't help my case but I had warmer weather in Chicago and finished 23 minutes faster. I got plenty of rest the night before, was well fueled and not rushed the morning of the race. Oh well, it was fun running with my training buddies anyways.
I borrowed a Hawaii travel guide from my neighbor this week; hopefully, I'll start mapping a few things out this weekend. February 5th will be here before I know it! I am prepared for warm weather for my 1/2 there on the 7th.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Houston Odds and Ends
Here are a few observations from yesterday's Houston Marathon.
Pre race comments by Mayor Bill White:
Chicago may be an ice box right now but they have had record heat the past 2 years for their marathon. Houston heat should not be a selling point for potential runners.
Live TV coverage:
I think I spotted myself around the 30 minute mark during mile 4 of KTRK's live report.
I didn't notice while running but the road sign for the half turnaround had marathon spelled "marathan". Maybe they corrected it by the time I got there or I may have already been out of it by then.
13.1 consistency:
My only other running of the Houston marathon weekend was the 1/2 marathon in 2007. My time there was 1:47:38. My half split for the marathon was 1:47:40. I guess I've lost a second per year the past 2 years.
Recovered:
The good thing about having a bad day is post race recovery time is minimized. I dropped off my goal marathon pace during mile 11 Sunday. Bad news was that I had 15 miles of running/walking ahead of me with no goal in site other than finishing. The good news is that only 10+ miles of 8 minute miles means much faster recovery. I'm not even doing the marathon shuffle this morning.
First 4 hour finish:
My first marathon took me over 5 hours to complete and the last 2 were done under 4 hours. With my 5th marathon being part of the Goofy Challenge next January, I may be looking at a 5 hour finish. That will put my 3rd marathon at 3 something, 4th at 4 something and 5th at 5 something.
First marathon beer:
I stopped for a beer at mile 21 (or was it 20) on the course Sunday. Another marathon first for me. The beer was a good idea then; nice and warm sunny weather; beautiful scenery. It got me going for a half mile or so down the road; was ready for the next water station after that. Cotton mouth set in quickly.
The New Bedford 1/2 is back on my "to do" list for MA.
Pre race comments by Mayor Bill White:
Chicago may be an ice box right now but they have had record heat the past 2 years for their marathon. Houston heat should not be a selling point for potential runners.
Live TV coverage:
I think I spotted myself around the 30 minute mark during mile 4 of KTRK's live report.
I didn't notice while running but the road sign for the half turnaround had marathon spelled "marathan". Maybe they corrected it by the time I got there or I may have already been out of it by then.
13.1 consistency:
My only other running of the Houston marathon weekend was the 1/2 marathon in 2007. My time there was 1:47:38. My half split for the marathon was 1:47:40. I guess I've lost a second per year the past 2 years.
Recovered:
The good thing about having a bad day is post race recovery time is minimized. I dropped off my goal marathon pace during mile 11 Sunday. Bad news was that I had 15 miles of running/walking ahead of me with no goal in site other than finishing. The good news is that only 10+ miles of 8 minute miles means much faster recovery. I'm not even doing the marathon shuffle this morning.
First 4 hour finish:
My first marathon took me over 5 hours to complete and the last 2 were done under 4 hours. With my 5th marathon being part of the Goofy Challenge next January, I may be looking at a 5 hour finish. That will put my 3rd marathon at 3 something, 4th at 4 something and 5th at 5 something.
First marathon beer:
I stopped for a beer at mile 21 (or was it 20) on the course Sunday. Another marathon first for me. The beer was a good idea then; nice and warm sunny weather; beautiful scenery. It got me going for a half mile or so down the road; was ready for the next water station after that. Cotton mouth set in quickly.
The New Bedford 1/2 is back on my "to do" list for MA.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Houston Splits
This was the first time or at least first time in a long time that I've run a race where I knew with 15 miles to go that is was gonna be a looooonnnnngggg day.
1 8:25
2 8:05
3 7:46
4 8:05
5 8:04
6 7:46
7 7:57
8 7:56
9 8:00
10 8:05
11 8:24
12 9:32
13 8:49
14 8:44
15 10:23
16 10:18
17 9:22
18 10:55
19 10:47
20 10:15
21 11:35
22 11:31
23 10:52
24 11:35
25 12:19
26 11:33
.2 2:05
Total 4:08:55
9:30 pace
1 8:25
2 8:05
3 7:46
4 8:05
5 8:04
6 7:46
7 7:57
8 7:56
9 8:00
10 8:05
11 8:24
12 9:32
13 8:49
14 8:44
15 10:23
16 10:18
17 9:22
18 10:55
19 10:47
20 10:15
21 11:35
22 11:31
23 10:52
24 11:35
25 12:19
26 11:33
.2 2:05
Total 4:08:55
9:30 pace
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Couple of Nice Running Days
The weather around noon has been fantastic the past 2 days. I got in a 3 mile run yesterday and 4 today wrapping up the active portion of my final taper week. Ran around the waterway both days; yesterday was a little colder and more windy....there were more people out and about today.
I was reading the latest COSMO...er Runners World yesterday (doesn't COSMO have all these quizzes?) and took a quiz to determine what type of runner I was. I was pretty confident just reading the article that I would be a middle-distance runner but I scored a 31 which put me solidly as a long-hauler. I guess my recent marathon training skewed my answers because I am a middle-distance runner. That's my final answer!
Here's the quiz....
Natural Selection 2: Identify Your True Calling
Examine your own training and racing habits, and learn about what kind of running will give you the most satisfaction-and the best performances
1) How many hours a week can you devote to training?
A. 2 to 3
B. 4 to 5
C. 6 or more
2) How would you describe the perfect training run?
A. It brings a surge of adrenaline and a feeling of power-it feels like kicking into high gear.
B. Running right at the edge of your abilities-not backing off from a difficult effort, but not pushing so much that you run out of steam.
C. It's getting into a meditative rhythm, where you can zone out or get absorbed in your thoughts, a conversation, or your surroundings.
3) If you could skip any workout each week, what would it be?
A. Any run that takes more than an hour. It's just too exhausting and boring.
B. Workouts that don't feel long enough or fast enough.
C. Any run where there's pressure to hold a fast pace. At that moment it feels too hard and ceases to be enjoyable.
4) When you're out on a group run, you stand out from the pack by:
A. Surging to the finish-no matter how hard the group has been running.
B. Managing to stick with the lead group, no matter how much they're pushing the pace.
C. Feeling pretty fresh at the end of a long run-no matter how far you've gone-even when other runners fall apart.
5) When you get injured, what typically precipitates the problem?
A. Total mileage. Overdoing it always seems to trigger some ailment-like plantar fasciitis or a screaming IT band.
B. A muscle pull, a tendon tweak or something that got twisted or torn while trying to keep up or dash to the finish.
C. No major injuries.
6) What's your philosophy when it comes to spending money on racing?
A. With all the races I do, it's hard to justify shelling out more than $30 on one event.
B. Spending $50 or so on a race is okay, as long as there aren't a lot of other costs for travel and logistics.
C. No one likes to part with hard-earned cash, but for a few big events each year, it's not a huge deal to spend $100.
7) When you're choosing a race, what matters most?
A. Convenience. Running shouldn't take time away from family, work, or other important commitments.
B. Getting a decent workout-and a good test-without having to deal with a lot of travel or race-day logistics.
C. It should feel like a big deal. Whether the race is a large, well-known event or is in a beautiful vacation spot, it should be something to circle on the calendar and look forward to, and it should feel like a reward for all the hard work of training.
8) What are the race distances where you had your best finishing times?
A. 5-K
B. 10-mile or half-marathon
C. Marathon
Answer Key (give yourself points as noted below)
1. A=2 B=4 C=6
2. A=1 B=2 C=3
3. A=1 B=2 C=3
4. A=1 B=2 C=0
5. A=1 B=2 C=0
6. A=2 B=4 C=6
7. A=2 B=4 C=6
8. A=2 B=4 C=6
Interpret your score
Your tally says a lot about you-about your strengths, the distances you were born to run, and your ideal training strategy.
11 to 18 points: You're a Speed Racer
You may not have thought about 5-Ks and 10-Ks since you first started running, but since you seem to be able to pick up speed with ease, that may be the place to stand out. On any weekend, you'll probably have your choice of races to test your mettle. And the best part is, you can put your all into training and racing without feeling like it compromises other parts of your life.
19 to 26 points: You're a Middle-Distance Specialist
It may feel like the world revolves around the marathon, but you may not have to go that far to experience greatness: 10-milers and half-marathons could be for you. Some brush off middle distances as "practice." But running them, you'll find out how far and how fast you can run. And you'll be part of a renaissance-as 13.1-milers become the most popular races, many have taken on the big-league feel of marathons, and they don't require as much money and time.
27 to 35 points: You're a Long-Hauler
While some people could never imagine "looking forward" to a few hours of running, you savor the long, slow distances that let you spend long stretches of time outside as you prepare for the big event. The marathon is for you. You may get left behind in a 5-K, but that shouldn't matter. For you, three miles is barely a warmup.
I was reading the latest COSMO...er Runners World yesterday (doesn't COSMO have all these quizzes?) and took a quiz to determine what type of runner I was. I was pretty confident just reading the article that I would be a middle-distance runner but I scored a 31 which put me solidly as a long-hauler. I guess my recent marathon training skewed my answers because I am a middle-distance runner. That's my final answer!
Here's the quiz....
Natural Selection 2: Identify Your True Calling
Examine your own training and racing habits, and learn about what kind of running will give you the most satisfaction-and the best performances
1) How many hours a week can you devote to training?
A. 2 to 3
B. 4 to 5
C. 6 or more
2) How would you describe the perfect training run?
A. It brings a surge of adrenaline and a feeling of power-it feels like kicking into high gear.
B. Running right at the edge of your abilities-not backing off from a difficult effort, but not pushing so much that you run out of steam.
C. It's getting into a meditative rhythm, where you can zone out or get absorbed in your thoughts, a conversation, or your surroundings.
3) If you could skip any workout each week, what would it be?
A. Any run that takes more than an hour. It's just too exhausting and boring.
B. Workouts that don't feel long enough or fast enough.
C. Any run where there's pressure to hold a fast pace. At that moment it feels too hard and ceases to be enjoyable.
4) When you're out on a group run, you stand out from the pack by:
A. Surging to the finish-no matter how hard the group has been running.
B. Managing to stick with the lead group, no matter how much they're pushing the pace.
C. Feeling pretty fresh at the end of a long run-no matter how far you've gone-even when other runners fall apart.
5) When you get injured, what typically precipitates the problem?
A. Total mileage. Overdoing it always seems to trigger some ailment-like plantar fasciitis or a screaming IT band.
B. A muscle pull, a tendon tweak or something that got twisted or torn while trying to keep up or dash to the finish.
C. No major injuries.
6) What's your philosophy when it comes to spending money on racing?
A. With all the races I do, it's hard to justify shelling out more than $30 on one event.
B. Spending $50 or so on a race is okay, as long as there aren't a lot of other costs for travel and logistics.
C. No one likes to part with hard-earned cash, but for a few big events each year, it's not a huge deal to spend $100.
7) When you're choosing a race, what matters most?
A. Convenience. Running shouldn't take time away from family, work, or other important commitments.
B. Getting a decent workout-and a good test-without having to deal with a lot of travel or race-day logistics.
C. It should feel like a big deal. Whether the race is a large, well-known event or is in a beautiful vacation spot, it should be something to circle on the calendar and look forward to, and it should feel like a reward for all the hard work of training.
8) What are the race distances where you had your best finishing times?
A. 5-K
B. 10-mile or half-marathon
C. Marathon
Answer Key (give yourself points as noted below)
1. A=2 B=4 C=6
2. A=1 B=2 C=3
3. A=1 B=2 C=3
4. A=1 B=2 C=0
5. A=1 B=2 C=0
6. A=2 B=4 C=6
7. A=2 B=4 C=6
8. A=2 B=4 C=6
Interpret your score
Your tally says a lot about you-about your strengths, the distances you were born to run, and your ideal training strategy.
11 to 18 points: You're a Speed Racer
You may not have thought about 5-Ks and 10-Ks since you first started running, but since you seem to be able to pick up speed with ease, that may be the place to stand out. On any weekend, you'll probably have your choice of races to test your mettle. And the best part is, you can put your all into training and racing without feeling like it compromises other parts of your life.
19 to 26 points: You're a Middle-Distance Specialist
It may feel like the world revolves around the marathon, but you may not have to go that far to experience greatness: 10-milers and half-marathons could be for you. Some brush off middle distances as "practice." But running them, you'll find out how far and how fast you can run. And you'll be part of a renaissance-as 13.1-milers become the most popular races, many have taken on the big-league feel of marathons, and they don't require as much money and time.
27 to 35 points: You're a Long-Hauler
While some people could never imagine "looking forward" to a few hours of running, you savor the long, slow distances that let you spend long stretches of time outside as you prepare for the big event. The marathon is for you. You may get left behind in a 5-K, but that shouldn't matter. For you, three miles is barely a warmup.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Houston Marathon Quiz
Just took the Houston Marathon Quiz at the Chronicle's website. Scored a pitiful 40% middle of the pack. Hope I'm better prepared Sunday morning.....
Monday, January 12, 2009
Have a Magical Day!!!!
I've had today marked on my calendar for awhile now as the opening of registration for the WDW 2010 marathon weekend. The plan is to do the Goofy challenge; run a 1/2 marathon Saturday morning followed by a full Sunday morning....39.3 miles of running fun.
I was greeted with sticker shock this morning when I opened up the event website. The price for the Goofy Challenge increased over 21% to a robust $285. Add to that the active.com "processing fee" of $19.02 and registration is over $300. Just based on the principal of having to pay a fee for something that actually makes life easier for the race, I typically opt for mail in registration forms anytime a fee is involved. However, the only registration option for now is online. I guess I'll check tomorrow to see if paper forms are made available.
At least this is taking my mind off the taper, weather and all other issues for Sunday's Houston marathon. Guess that's gotta be worth part of that hefty fee. $300 may exceed the price of all the 2009 events that I have either already signed up for or am planning on signing up for.
Running wise, I went out early yesterday afternoon to get my last long run in before Houston this Sunday. Was a nice sunny day in the mid 50s. I get my last deep tissue massage tonight; everything's feeling good as of now. Should be a great weekend for racing.
I was greeted with sticker shock this morning when I opened up the event website. The price for the Goofy Challenge increased over 21% to a robust $285. Add to that the active.com "processing fee" of $19.02 and registration is over $300. Just based on the principal of having to pay a fee for something that actually makes life easier for the race, I typically opt for mail in registration forms anytime a fee is involved. However, the only registration option for now is online. I guess I'll check tomorrow to see if paper forms are made available.
At least this is taking my mind off the taper, weather and all other issues for Sunday's Houston marathon. Guess that's gotta be worth part of that hefty fee. $300 may exceed the price of all the 2009 events that I have either already signed up for or am planning on signing up for.
Running wise, I went out early yesterday afternoon to get my last long run in before Houston this Sunday. Was a nice sunny day in the mid 50s. I get my last deep tissue massage tonight; everything's feeling good as of now. Should be a great weekend for racing.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday Night Track
I did a self study Tuesday night track run instead of meeting with Coach Dana's group at College Park High School. I did my warmup and cool down runs by running to and from TWHS 9th grade campus track. My track workout was a taper friendly 6 800's; I did these at my Yasso pace. I must say that speed workouts with a group is much more fun than alone. Even though this was a short workout, I found myself just wanting to quit after a couple of the 800's. I did all 6 as planned around 3:30 so was pleased with the workout. Total mileage was right at a 10k distance.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
My fickle friend, the summer wind
The summer wind, came blowin in - from across the sea
The autumn wind, and the winter wind - have come and gone
To say it's been warm these past few weeks would be an understatement. My shoes and custom orthotics were completely soaked with sweat 2 weeks ago after running 21 miles. Same story today except the distance was only 10 miles. Got them both in front of the fan like my normal summer assembly line. Hopefully we will get more seasonable weather in 2 weeks for the marathon. This is great training for my run next month in Maui as our current temps are fairly close to Hawaii temps.
The autumn wind, and the winter wind - have come and gone
To say it's been warm these past few weeks would be an understatement. My shoes and custom orthotics were completely soaked with sweat 2 weeks ago after running 21 miles. Same story today except the distance was only 10 miles. Got them both in front of the fan like my normal summer assembly line. Hopefully we will get more seasonable weather in 2 weeks for the marathon. This is great training for my run next month in Maui as our current temps are fairly close to Hawaii temps.
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