While, I am sitting here on the computer wishing I was out running I am still being plagued with this nasty sinus problem. I think looking back I did not take enough vitamins through my training for my maniac status and now I am paying the price.
I am trying to get over this so I can get ready for Snickers. It is only 6 weeks away and I am doing the half marathon. I dropped back to the HM so that I can see if I have a chance to PR. I am shooting to break a 2:18 and then I will see how and what I need to do to get ready for Country Music Marathon in April.
I am taking today off and hopefully going to go out tomorrow and this weekend for some low mileage runs. I want to see how I can run without stopping for walk breaks on a half marathon. I have done it before but I want to see how my body has changed from doing it the Galloway style.
Until then, bottoms up on the NyQuil bottle :o)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
What is next?
I think I will be going to Snickers for a half-marathon in preparation for the Country Music Marathon in April. I thought about doing both but I remembered what a smart coach told me that if you race too much, you will not see your times improve. You must take the time to train.
I am looking at trying to do the 50 states club and there are so many marathons to try. I am liking the idea of traveling and running. I know I could be in bars forgetting my miseries but I like to take it out on the pavement. :o)
I am going to get back on schedule this week and train for CMM. I took last week off to let my body heal and try and build my immune system back up to speed. I have been battling problems with sinus infections. I started a free training site on the CMM site that is sponsored by New Balance. It keeps up with how many miles a day I should run and when/speed for each entry.
I will try and keep it current and let you know if it helps me or not. Until then pound it out and keep it going.
I am looking at trying to do the 50 states club and there are so many marathons to try. I am liking the idea of traveling and running. I know I could be in bars forgetting my miseries but I like to take it out on the pavement. :o)
I am going to get back on schedule this week and train for CMM. I took last week off to let my body heal and try and build my immune system back up to speed. I have been battling problems with sinus infections. I started a free training site on the CMM site that is sponsored by New Balance. It keeps up with how many miles a day I should run and when/speed for each entry.
I will try and keep it current and let you know if it helps me or not. Until then pound it out and keep it going.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
1317
1317 is now my official name. This is my Marathon Maniac number that was given to me tonight. I thought it would never get here. I was starting to wonder of they forgot about me.
It just seems so unreal that looking back 2 1/2 years ago when I was very overweight and running my first 5k that I would be were I am today. I am still overweight but now I am marathon maniac #1317. I got into the status of a maniac by running the Disney marathon and the Warner Robins Aviation marathon within a week.
It was something I never thought I would ever attempt. Looking back I thought maybe one day it would be fun to attempt a marathon. I really never thought I would have been bitten by the bug as hard as I have.
I have such a great running club that I belong to with the help of Amy, Troy, Steve, Deb, Andrew, Stef, Kenny, and many others that have helped me but most of all my wife Amanda. Yes I know this sounds like an acceptance speech from the Oscars but I am just so happy right now.
Well I have to find a big needle and let the air out of my head before it explodes. More later.
It just seems so unreal that looking back 2 1/2 years ago when I was very overweight and running my first 5k that I would be were I am today. I am still overweight but now I am marathon maniac #1317. I got into the status of a maniac by running the Disney marathon and the Warner Robins Aviation marathon within a week.
It was something I never thought I would ever attempt. Looking back I thought maybe one day it would be fun to attempt a marathon. I really never thought I would have been bitten by the bug as hard as I have.
I have such a great running club that I belong to with the help of Amy, Troy, Steve, Deb, Andrew, Stef, Kenny, and many others that have helped me but most of all my wife Amanda. Yes I know this sounds like an acceptance speech from the Oscars but I am just so happy right now.
Well I have to find a big needle and let the air out of my head before it explodes. More later.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Still no news
I went back to work today with no news from the MM club on my number status. I wish they would hurry up so I could announce it tonight at the meeting. I am feeling great after running my 2 marathons. My legs are feeling a little sore but nothing bad.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Marathon Maniac
Today my new title is Marathon Maniac with the number to be coming soon. I ran the Disney marathon on Sunday and today the Aviation marathon. 2 marathons in 7 days and I feel great.
I ran with Deb and her friend Pruitt for a 1:1 pace to get me through the day. I am so glad I did it this way cause now I feel great and I don't hurt. Just sore but that is normal. Thank you Deb for pacing me today and helping me achieve my Maniac status. You are a true friend.
My wife is having back surgery at the end of the month so I will be taking some time of from racing for a short while. I am still going to be running but just for fun.
It is time to sit back and enjoy my chocolate? peppermint shake from Chick-fil-a and watch t.v.
I ran with Deb and her friend Pruitt for a 1:1 pace to get me through the day. I am so glad I did it this way cause now I feel great and I don't hurt. Just sore but that is normal. Thank you Deb for pacing me today and helping me achieve my Maniac status. You are a true friend.
My wife is having back surgery at the end of the month so I will be taking some time of from racing for a short while. I am still going to be running but just for fun.
It is time to sit back and enjoy my chocolate? peppermint shake from Chick-fil-a and watch t.v.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tuesday night track
Man, last night was a brutal workout. I left feeling so tired. I was able to walk 1/2 mile and still crawl back to my truck when I was finished.
I am still recovering from Disney and trying to get over a sore ankle. It is feeling much better and I don't wont to injure it any more that I already have. I in it for the full marathon this Saturday at the Aviation in Warner Robins.
Deb had asked if I wanted to join her in a pace group and I said yes. She told me she was going out with a 1:1 to start out with and would increase to a 2:1 when they got warmed up. I think this sounds great. I want to be able to finish with a smile on my face and not any more injuries.
It is going to be about 17 degrees when the race starts which will be the coldest race I have ever done. I am still not sure what I am going to wear. I still have a couple of days to think about it.
I am still recovering from Disney and trying to get over a sore ankle. It is feeling much better and I don't wont to injure it any more that I already have. I in it for the full marathon this Saturday at the Aviation in Warner Robins.
Deb had asked if I wanted to join her in a pace group and I said yes. She told me she was going out with a 1:1 to start out with and would increase to a 2:1 when they got warmed up. I think this sounds great. I want to be able to finish with a smile on my face and not any more injuries.
It is going to be about 17 degrees when the race starts which will be the coldest race I have ever done. I am still not sure what I am going to wear. I still have a couple of days to think about it.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Resting the legs
While I am at work today, I have finally gotten time to rest the legs and work the fingers.
If you look to the right, this IS the finishers medal I received when I crossed the finish line.
If you look to the right, this IS the finishers medal I received when I crossed the finish line.
Looking back after Disney
First of all the picture to the right is the pic from the HM not the full.
Looking back, it was a blast. I have so many memories that I am going to try and write them down. I am at work so if I have to go, I will finish eventually. You really have to read different stories from others to get the true effects because some things are left out from different people. Not everyone saw the same thing through out the race.
First of all I have to say a special thank you to my lovely and grateful wife Amanda for supporting me and being there for me through out the whole event. For waiting for me, taking pictures, helping me to get everything together and waiting all those times I was out logging in all those miles.
Day 1 on vacation. We arrived at our motel to check in and our friends Kenny and Stefanie were there to meet and greet us. Kenny who grew up in Orlando had called me and said when we get there he would drive us around so I could look around. I was glad cause I had no idea where to go. It was about 12 years since I was last in Orlando and things have changed. He took us to the Disney Wide World Of Sports so I could check in and get my packet and my shirt. While we were there we walked around the expo for a little bit so I could figure out what to look at tomorrow when we come back.
We then left from Disney and rode around the town while being shown were Kenny and Stef went to college at UCF. I had a blast while riding around and being able to site see cause I was not driving. We were on one the busiest road around the town looking at the buildings when suddenly with no warning, Kenny hit the brakes and we were heading for the ditch. Some idiot in front of us stopped and caused a bad chain reaction. We all had started to laugh when we realized we almost had to go the hospital before running the race.
We were riding around talking about dinner when Kenny suggested a place called Ale restaurant on the out skirt of town where allot of people wont be at. Well I guess a lot of people had the same idea. Everywhere we went there were thousands of people. Orlando is a busy town.
Well after dinner we headed back to the motel cause it had been a long day. I was trying plan out what we were going to do at the expo. We got up and finally got going around 10:30 the next morning. We were told that there was a cafe beside the expo in the park so we decided to give it at try. Man, I glad we did. I t had some of the best hamburgers I had ever put in my mouth. And I have eaten a lot in the past :) We then went to the expo. The biggest thing I can remember is having my picture taken with 2 Olympians: Jeff Galloway and Hunter Kemper. Jeff is a 1972 Olympian runner now turned running coach who I admire and Hunter a 2008 7th place finisher in the Olympic triathlon event. It was great knowing I was standing and talking with such great athletes. There was so much to look at. Allot of vendors were selling shoes, socks and last minute gels.
We left from the expo to go back to the motel and change and get ready for dinner. We were going to meet everyone for a carb loading dinner at the Macaroni Grill. WOW. It was great. I wish we had one in our town. It put all other Italian restaurant to shame. Andrew, Troy, Amy, Kenny, Stefanie, Amanda and myself, Mellisa, her running friend from Tampa Rebecca and some of her running partners from the Tampa Running Club meet us for a wonderful evening. We talked about where Amy would meet me on the course, the lay out of the course and a lot of jokes and stories. After dinner it was time to go back and try and get some sleep. We had to get up early.
Now it is 2:45 in the morning of race day. I am trying to wake up and get motivated. Normally I have butterflies when I get up on race day but not today. It was too early to think about it. Just get up shower and start the routine. Eat the banana and bagel and get dresses. The shorts, shirt, shoes and the bib holder with the gels. 4 or 5 was the biggest question I had at the time.
We are now pulling up into the parking lot at Disney with all of the other early birds. The only thing you can see is a big bright shinning light and it looks like we are heading to a giant space ship. Everyone is parking and going to the light. I thought we were going to be sucked up and greeted by aliens. Andrew, Mellisa, Amy, Troy, Mandie and myself waited in the greeting area and talked for a few minutes while looking at every ones costumes. We saw Mickeys, Minnies, Tigers and even some Incredibles. Well now it has happened. It is time to go to the port a potties. The nerves had kicked in. The morning food is now talking with the coffee and water. Now it is time to stand in line with all the others who now have the same idea. Wait, wait, wait.
Now it is time to walk .6 miles through the abandon graveyard of Disney rides on our way to the start. We then came into the corrals. I finally made it to my corral E with 5 minutes to spare. I was making new friends with people around me when with no notice BOOM. Fireworks and flames are shooting into the air with the start of the wheelchair athletes. I truly admire these people on their accomplishments. Then about 5 minutes later, we get a 5 second count down with flames being shot into the air with every second. Then a light showering event of fireworks going off with enough light to light up the 5:50 a.m. morning. We are now off to what we had trained for.
As we passed by the start line, we waved to Goofy, Daffy, Minnie and Mickie. It took me about 5 minutes to cross the start line after the official time had started. It is now or never. I am running by myself with no partner. I am out here without knowing anyone around me when about 100 yards into the race I ran into the back of Caryl Deems and Michelle Archer. I was glad to see some familiar faces. We were keeping a 3:1 pace and that is what we trained for. As we passed through the crowds of thousands of people, going around walkers and being passed by faster runners, we realized we were already at the first mile marker. The markers were about 5x10 foot markers that we sponsored by Sharpie. Each mile marker had a funny quote or story on them. There were also small signs along the course to make you laugh and get your mind off of the race.
As we went through the race, about every two miles we passed Disney characters to have our pictures taken if you wanted to. It was nice to see them cause it added a little change to the scenery. I was also amazed to see the amount of fluids they had for us to drink during the race. About every 2 miles they had power aid and water tables that were about 20 yards long on each side of the road. Lots of medical aids with Bio freeze and Tylenol. I was glad to see and use this tent. I had some pain issues around mile 20 with right hip pain, right ankle pain and left foot hot spots.
During the event there so many places to take pic to be able to remember later. I wished I had a camera but I would not have wanted to carry it for 26.2 miles. As we went through the castle, I saw a women waving her arms in the air and remembered to waive cause here were the photographers including Kenny and Mandie. I felt like a movie star with all of the flashes going off. I was feeling great for about the first 15 miles knowing I was only about 5 minutes off of my projected time. Then it hit.
I started having some pain issues with the heat. It was nearly 80 degrees and HOT. I was getting sunburn and tiring very fast. I was not ready for the heat. I struggled very badly wanting Amy to come out early and help me out. Michelle and Carly had stopped around mile 12 and looked at an owl that was about 6 inches tall and I kept going. The next 5 to 6 miles were rough running by myself not knowing what was around the corner. I called Amy trying to get her to meet me early and she told me that she was waiting at mile marker 19.2. I was so glad to see her. I now had someone to PUSH me through these next 7 miles. I was hurting, hot and just exhausted. Amy did everything possible to get me not to think about it and just try and keep going. I wanted to quit and sit down but she kept me going. Thank you so much.
As we came onto the 26 mile marker, Disney had a church choir singing gospel songs that made me think I was entering into the gates of Heaven. I though for a minute I had fallen out. We were trying to weave our way through tights crowds of people on such small walkways. I just wanted to try and finish with a smile. Someone then shouted finish strong and remember to smile. Amy said lets slow down for a minute and the try and Sucka me.
I could now see the Finish line and I am now getting emotional. My arms and thrown into the air with fists pumped knowing I was finished. The crowd was cheering me and others on and wow, what excitement that was to hear. Then Amy shout there is Mandie. I looked up and there was my angel with her camera capturing my glamour moments. I am now finishing strong giving high fives Chip and Dale at the finish line. I crossed 5:33 at no where near what I wanted but I was happy. I got my chip cut off, placed a Mylar blanket around me (which I did not need on the heat) and received my finishers medal that was so heavy it almost made me fall over.
Amy then escorted me to get some food and drinks and to rest. Troy went and got Mandie for me so that she could bask in the excitement with me. I was then showered with silly string in the finishers area. But not before I got a chance to spray Amy also. We waited around for a short period to also watch Mellisa and Stefanie both finish their first marathon. We then showered them with the silly string. It was a great time to celebrate.
I know that a lot of things have probable been left out and that is why I suggest to read others cause then you might be able to get the whole picture. I went into this race hoping to get a new PR but I came out with life changing memories of a great day.
After the race, we went back to the motel and I jumped into the freezing cold pool and it felt great. It was great on my tired and aching muscles. It also felt good on my head and shoulders that were fried from the HOT sun. When I got out I got my traditional ice cold choclate milk and it was sooooo good.
Looking back, it was a blast. I have so many memories that I am going to try and write them down. I am at work so if I have to go, I will finish eventually. You really have to read different stories from others to get the true effects because some things are left out from different people. Not everyone saw the same thing through out the race.
First of all I have to say a special thank you to my lovely and grateful wife Amanda for supporting me and being there for me through out the whole event. For waiting for me, taking pictures, helping me to get everything together and waiting all those times I was out logging in all those miles.
Day 1 on vacation. We arrived at our motel to check in and our friends Kenny and Stefanie were there to meet and greet us. Kenny who grew up in Orlando had called me and said when we get there he would drive us around so I could look around. I was glad cause I had no idea where to go. It was about 12 years since I was last in Orlando and things have changed. He took us to the Disney Wide World Of Sports so I could check in and get my packet and my shirt. While we were there we walked around the expo for a little bit so I could figure out what to look at tomorrow when we come back.
We then left from Disney and rode around the town while being shown were Kenny and Stef went to college at UCF. I had a blast while riding around and being able to site see cause I was not driving. We were on one the busiest road around the town looking at the buildings when suddenly with no warning, Kenny hit the brakes and we were heading for the ditch. Some idiot in front of us stopped and caused a bad chain reaction. We all had started to laugh when we realized we almost had to go the hospital before running the race.
We were riding around talking about dinner when Kenny suggested a place called Ale restaurant on the out skirt of town where allot of people wont be at. Well I guess a lot of people had the same idea. Everywhere we went there were thousands of people. Orlando is a busy town.
Well after dinner we headed back to the motel cause it had been a long day. I was trying plan out what we were going to do at the expo. We got up and finally got going around 10:30 the next morning. We were told that there was a cafe beside the expo in the park so we decided to give it at try. Man, I glad we did. I t had some of the best hamburgers I had ever put in my mouth. And I have eaten a lot in the past :) We then went to the expo. The biggest thing I can remember is having my picture taken with 2 Olympians: Jeff Galloway and Hunter Kemper. Jeff is a 1972 Olympian runner now turned running coach who I admire and Hunter a 2008 7th place finisher in the Olympic triathlon event. It was great knowing I was standing and talking with such great athletes. There was so much to look at. Allot of vendors were selling shoes, socks and last minute gels.
We left from the expo to go back to the motel and change and get ready for dinner. We were going to meet everyone for a carb loading dinner at the Macaroni Grill. WOW. It was great. I wish we had one in our town. It put all other Italian restaurant to shame. Andrew, Troy, Amy, Kenny, Stefanie, Amanda and myself, Mellisa, her running friend from Tampa Rebecca and some of her running partners from the Tampa Running Club meet us for a wonderful evening. We talked about where Amy would meet me on the course, the lay out of the course and a lot of jokes and stories. After dinner it was time to go back and try and get some sleep. We had to get up early.
Now it is 2:45 in the morning of race day. I am trying to wake up and get motivated. Normally I have butterflies when I get up on race day but not today. It was too early to think about it. Just get up shower and start the routine. Eat the banana and bagel and get dresses. The shorts, shirt, shoes and the bib holder with the gels. 4 or 5 was the biggest question I had at the time.
We are now pulling up into the parking lot at Disney with all of the other early birds. The only thing you can see is a big bright shinning light and it looks like we are heading to a giant space ship. Everyone is parking and going to the light. I thought we were going to be sucked up and greeted by aliens. Andrew, Mellisa, Amy, Troy, Mandie and myself waited in the greeting area and talked for a few minutes while looking at every ones costumes. We saw Mickeys, Minnies, Tigers and even some Incredibles. Well now it has happened. It is time to go to the port a potties. The nerves had kicked in. The morning food is now talking with the coffee and water. Now it is time to stand in line with all the others who now have the same idea. Wait, wait, wait.
Now it is time to walk .6 miles through the abandon graveyard of Disney rides on our way to the start. We then came into the corrals. I finally made it to my corral E with 5 minutes to spare. I was making new friends with people around me when with no notice BOOM. Fireworks and flames are shooting into the air with the start of the wheelchair athletes. I truly admire these people on their accomplishments. Then about 5 minutes later, we get a 5 second count down with flames being shot into the air with every second. Then a light showering event of fireworks going off with enough light to light up the 5:50 a.m. morning. We are now off to what we had trained for.
As we passed by the start line, we waved to Goofy, Daffy, Minnie and Mickie. It took me about 5 minutes to cross the start line after the official time had started. It is now or never. I am running by myself with no partner. I am out here without knowing anyone around me when about 100 yards into the race I ran into the back of Caryl Deems and Michelle Archer. I was glad to see some familiar faces. We were keeping a 3:1 pace and that is what we trained for. As we passed through the crowds of thousands of people, going around walkers and being passed by faster runners, we realized we were already at the first mile marker. The markers were about 5x10 foot markers that we sponsored by Sharpie. Each mile marker had a funny quote or story on them. There were also small signs along the course to make you laugh and get your mind off of the race.
As we went through the race, about every two miles we passed Disney characters to have our pictures taken if you wanted to. It was nice to see them cause it added a little change to the scenery. I was also amazed to see the amount of fluids they had for us to drink during the race. About every 2 miles they had power aid and water tables that were about 20 yards long on each side of the road. Lots of medical aids with Bio freeze and Tylenol. I was glad to see and use this tent. I had some pain issues around mile 20 with right hip pain, right ankle pain and left foot hot spots.
During the event there so many places to take pic to be able to remember later. I wished I had a camera but I would not have wanted to carry it for 26.2 miles. As we went through the castle, I saw a women waving her arms in the air and remembered to waive cause here were the photographers including Kenny and Mandie. I felt like a movie star with all of the flashes going off. I was feeling great for about the first 15 miles knowing I was only about 5 minutes off of my projected time. Then it hit.
I started having some pain issues with the heat. It was nearly 80 degrees and HOT. I was getting sunburn and tiring very fast. I was not ready for the heat. I struggled very badly wanting Amy to come out early and help me out. Michelle and Carly had stopped around mile 12 and looked at an owl that was about 6 inches tall and I kept going. The next 5 to 6 miles were rough running by myself not knowing what was around the corner. I called Amy trying to get her to meet me early and she told me that she was waiting at mile marker 19.2. I was so glad to see her. I now had someone to PUSH me through these next 7 miles. I was hurting, hot and just exhausted. Amy did everything possible to get me not to think about it and just try and keep going. I wanted to quit and sit down but she kept me going. Thank you so much.
As we came onto the 26 mile marker, Disney had a church choir singing gospel songs that made me think I was entering into the gates of Heaven. I though for a minute I had fallen out. We were trying to weave our way through tights crowds of people on such small walkways. I just wanted to try and finish with a smile. Someone then shouted finish strong and remember to smile. Amy said lets slow down for a minute and the try and Sucka me.
I could now see the Finish line and I am now getting emotional. My arms and thrown into the air with fists pumped knowing I was finished. The crowd was cheering me and others on and wow, what excitement that was to hear. Then Amy shout there is Mandie. I looked up and there was my angel with her camera capturing my glamour moments. I am now finishing strong giving high fives Chip and Dale at the finish line. I crossed 5:33 at no where near what I wanted but I was happy. I got my chip cut off, placed a Mylar blanket around me (which I did not need on the heat) and received my finishers medal that was so heavy it almost made me fall over.
Amy then escorted me to get some food and drinks and to rest. Troy went and got Mandie for me so that she could bask in the excitement with me. I was then showered with silly string in the finishers area. But not before I got a chance to spray Amy also. We waited around for a short period to also watch Mellisa and Stefanie both finish their first marathon. We then showered them with the silly string. It was a great time to celebrate.
I know that a lot of things have probable been left out and that is why I suggest to read others cause then you might be able to get the whole picture. I went into this race hoping to get a new PR but I came out with life changing memories of a great day.
After the race, we went back to the motel and I jumped into the freezing cold pool and it felt great. It was great on my tired and aching muscles. It also felt good on my head and shoulders that were fried from the HOT sun. When I got out I got my traditional ice cold choclate milk and it was sooooo good.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The day after.
PAIN. I am having some issues with my right ankle. I don't know exactly where the pain is coming from so it will nothing but an ice day for me. No work and no running this week so that I can rest up and hopefully pull out a marathon Saturday at the Aviation in WR.
I had a blast running the Disney marathon. It was HOT!!! I am fried right now. When the race was over I went back to motel and jumped into the pool that was about 60.
I am going to try and get a full report up today with some pictures so check back later for a better report.
I had a blast running the Disney marathon. It was HOT!!! I am fried right now. When the race was over I went back to motel and jumped into the pool that was about 60.
I am going to try and get a full report up today with some pictures so check back later for a better report.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Mickie in the morning
We had a great time at the expo. I will have some pics up soon.
Just got back from eating a wonderful dinner with the Macon Tracks and some new friends from Tampa running club.
Off to bed so I can get to Disney by 4 a.m.
Race report in the next 24-48 hrs.
Just got back from eating a wonderful dinner with the Macon Tracks and some new friends from Tampa running club.
Off to bed so I can get to Disney by 4 a.m.
Race report in the next 24-48 hrs.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Getting ready
I am in the process of trying to get everything ready for Disney. I am looking at my list and checking it twice. I don't want to forget anything. I am now in the MIND-CRAZY mode.
Right now I am thinking about nothing other than the race. I cant help myself. I just want everything to be right. When this is over I want to be able to go back and say I did everything possible to make my best time for the race.
When I got home last night my son met me at the back door and wanted to go bike riding before I went to the track workout. Well what the heck. What could it hurt. EVERYTHING! We were riding around the house when I started to pop wheelies and my son kept saying "Go higher". Well I did not want to make him upset so I did and paid the price. The front tire went up, bike flew off and the pedal dug into my shin. OOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!
I quickly turned and told my son to turn his head cause I was going to say some words on the trash cans. Sponge bob fans will know what I am talking about. I was mad. Here it is 4 days before the marathon and I have blood coming through my pants leg. I almost called 911 cause I did not want to look at it. Well luckily it was not as bad as I thought. I did not have to get a blood transfusion. :) It quickly started to bruise and swell. So what did I do, I went to the track workout.
Yes you are probably thinking why. Well I did not want to sit home and think about my leg cause then I would have thrown a circuit in my brain. I thought I would just go and run some easy miles to get my mind off some things.
The first two miles we were averaging about a 9:15 pace and our walk breaks put us in a 10:30 range. That is exactly where I want to be for the race. I just hope I can hold the pace for the entire 26.2 miles. I am starting the race off with Michelle Archer and having Amy join me somewhere between miles 10 and 20. I still thinks she wants to try and run the whole thing even though she wont admit to it.
Today I hope to get everything written down so that I can start packing and getting ready. Until then, no running, no riding just writing.
Right now I am thinking about nothing other than the race. I cant help myself. I just want everything to be right. When this is over I want to be able to go back and say I did everything possible to make my best time for the race.
When I got home last night my son met me at the back door and wanted to go bike riding before I went to the track workout. Well what the heck. What could it hurt. EVERYTHING! We were riding around the house when I started to pop wheelies and my son kept saying "Go higher". Well I did not want to make him upset so I did and paid the price. The front tire went up, bike flew off and the pedal dug into my shin. OOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!
I quickly turned and told my son to turn his head cause I was going to say some words on the trash cans. Sponge bob fans will know what I am talking about. I was mad. Here it is 4 days before the marathon and I have blood coming through my pants leg. I almost called 911 cause I did not want to look at it. Well luckily it was not as bad as I thought. I did not have to get a blood transfusion. :) It quickly started to bruise and swell. So what did I do, I went to the track workout.
Yes you are probably thinking why. Well I did not want to sit home and think about my leg cause then I would have thrown a circuit in my brain. I thought I would just go and run some easy miles to get my mind off some things.
The first two miles we were averaging about a 9:15 pace and our walk breaks put us in a 10:30 range. That is exactly where I want to be for the race. I just hope I can hold the pace for the entire 26.2 miles. I am starting the race off with Michelle Archer and having Amy join me somewhere between miles 10 and 20. I still thinks she wants to try and run the whole thing even though she wont admit to it.
Today I hope to get everything written down so that I can start packing and getting ready. Until then, no running, no riding just writing.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Last week preps
As I am sitting here at work I am trying to figure out just exactly what I need to figure out before this weekend. I have my hotel taken care of, the race registration is finished and I know where we are going to eat our pre-race meal.
Weather??? What to wear? I think I will wear my Run-Fit track shirt due to the warm weather near the finish time. I don't mind the cool temps in the start but I will not do good if I get too hot. I will see about some throw away gloves and a trash bag to cover up with that morning if it is cold. These are things that can be thrown away at the start and I will not be out anything important.
Location??? I am looking to see where I am staying in regards to where the Expo is at and where the start/finish line is at. I don't want to have to keep looking at a map while I am done there. I think I get allot of this from my wife who likes to be very prepared for whatever comes our way.
Gel/Food??? I think I am going to make some potatoes before I go and coat them with salt. I am going to give them to Mandie and hopefully around mile 10 or 11 I will see her and get them. I had the same thing in my ultra-marathon and it really helped me to finish. I heard it was a great source of energy for long runs and I really believe it now. I will probably take some gels with me during the run cause I don't know what gels they will have during the race.
Time??? My real goal for my next marathon is to 1.Finish 2.New PR of less than 5:08 3.Sub 5 4. Time of 4:45 I hope to follow these time factors for my next 2 marathons and it would be awesome if I could do all 4 at Disney. If this happens, I will not be able to live with myself.
Right now, I am just looking over and over at the Disney web site and trying to calculate everything in my mind as if I were going to have a pop quiz about anything in the park. I really need to take a Valium right now due to the nerves are really starting to kick in. I hope all my family and friends forgive me if I act stupid during this week because I get this way before any big race. I told Mandie if I ever get to a point where I don't nervous before a race that is the day when I need to stop running.
I think I will go out for a leisurely 3 miles tonight just to work off some butterflies and think more about what i need to do to get final preps out of the way.
Until then, see ya later.
Weather??? What to wear? I think I will wear my Run-Fit track shirt due to the warm weather near the finish time. I don't mind the cool temps in the start but I will not do good if I get too hot. I will see about some throw away gloves and a trash bag to cover up with that morning if it is cold. These are things that can be thrown away at the start and I will not be out anything important.
Location??? I am looking to see where I am staying in regards to where the Expo is at and where the start/finish line is at. I don't want to have to keep looking at a map while I am done there. I think I get allot of this from my wife who likes to be very prepared for whatever comes our way.
Gel/Food??? I think I am going to make some potatoes before I go and coat them with salt. I am going to give them to Mandie and hopefully around mile 10 or 11 I will see her and get them. I had the same thing in my ultra-marathon and it really helped me to finish. I heard it was a great source of energy for long runs and I really believe it now. I will probably take some gels with me during the run cause I don't know what gels they will have during the race.
Time??? My real goal for my next marathon is to 1.Finish 2.New PR of less than 5:08 3.Sub 5 4. Time of 4:45 I hope to follow these time factors for my next 2 marathons and it would be awesome if I could do all 4 at Disney. If this happens, I will not be able to live with myself.
Right now, I am just looking over and over at the Disney web site and trying to calculate everything in my mind as if I were going to have a pop quiz about anything in the park. I really need to take a Valium right now due to the nerves are really starting to kick in. I hope all my family and friends forgive me if I act stupid during this week because I get this way before any big race. I told Mandie if I ever get to a point where I don't nervous before a race that is the day when I need to stop running.
I think I will go out for a leisurely 3 miles tonight just to work off some butterflies and think more about what i need to do to get final preps out of the way.
Until then, see ya later.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
1 week to Disney
I went out for my last Sunday run before off to Disney. I was planning on going for 4 to 6 miles today but cut it short. I got up and wanted to see what it looked like outside at 5:50 in the morning cause that is when our race starts.
I was running my own pace taking it easy when I approached another runner walking back to the start area. He told me he just did not have it in him this morning and was going back. I decided also to head back and just talk. While we were heading back, we came across 2 deer going across the road. I then told him that if we kept running that we would have missed out on some of natures best scenery.
I am in the process of writing down everything that we are going to take on the trip to Disney. My wife is starting to go a little crazy with all the preplanning jitters. She is just a great planner and likes to have everything written on paper so she can have a check off sheet before we go. It is actually a good thing to have because without her I am sure I would leave something behind. But no matter where you go there is always a WalMart nearby LOL.
I am going to take it easy and only get in maybe 2 days of running but alot of walking and dieting. I put on nearly 8 pounds through out the holidays and I am going to try and get some of them off this week. Lots of water to drink.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!!!
I was running my own pace taking it easy when I approached another runner walking back to the start area. He told me he just did not have it in him this morning and was going back. I decided also to head back and just talk. While we were heading back, we came across 2 deer going across the road. I then told him that if we kept running that we would have missed out on some of natures best scenery.
I am in the process of writing down everything that we are going to take on the trip to Disney. My wife is starting to go a little crazy with all the preplanning jitters. She is just a great planner and likes to have everything written on paper so she can have a check off sheet before we go. It is actually a good thing to have because without her I am sure I would leave something behind. But no matter where you go there is always a WalMart nearby LOL.
I am going to take it easy and only get in maybe 2 days of running but alot of walking and dieting. I put on nearly 8 pounds through out the holidays and I am going to try and get some of them off this week. Lots of water to drink.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Years Day run
It is now a tradition that the local runners meet downtown at the Wright's house and have a new years day run which is anywhere from 3 to whatever distance you want to go. Afterwards we meet back at the house and fellowship with a wonderful variety of foods including hot pancakes.
This year I think we had about 20-25 runners go out and run through the brisk air. Steve and I took off for a short adventure this morning and as we got down to the river walk, we joined up with Amy, Brian (Big brother B) and Downtown D. We treked our way along the river walk and then through Central City park until it was time to head back for some grub.
I was the only returning veteran of this group so it was very nice to know that I had more friends and running partners to join me this morning. They say what you do on New Years day is what you will be doing all year so it was nice to be running with new friends.
When we returned back to the house after completing almost 5 miles, we saw one of the local TV stations was on scene to capture the moment. We picked Sam to be the spokesperson to talk on camera about the goals of runners for this year and what we were doing out there this morning. He did a great job even when she asked him to run up and down the street while she got him on camera.
This years breakfast was filled with some sorrow because one of our long time runners who normally would take every one's picture had died this past year. It seems to be like a family reunion when you don't know if everyone will be back next year.
Well it was off to some great food, stories and fellowship with other friends and runners while we sat down and got our bellies full. There was so much food and drinks available this morning. It was almost like being at a church social.
Well it is now time to set our New Years resolutions and I will say that my number one goal is to make sure that my family life comes first. I have been so blessed with my family standing behind me 100 percent and now I will do the same for them.
Until then, see ya on the streets.
This year I think we had about 20-25 runners go out and run through the brisk air. Steve and I took off for a short adventure this morning and as we got down to the river walk, we joined up with Amy, Brian (Big brother B) and Downtown D. We treked our way along the river walk and then through Central City park until it was time to head back for some grub.
I was the only returning veteran of this group so it was very nice to know that I had more friends and running partners to join me this morning. They say what you do on New Years day is what you will be doing all year so it was nice to be running with new friends.
When we returned back to the house after completing almost 5 miles, we saw one of the local TV stations was on scene to capture the moment. We picked Sam to be the spokesperson to talk on camera about the goals of runners for this year and what we were doing out there this morning. He did a great job even when she asked him to run up and down the street while she got him on camera.
This years breakfast was filled with some sorrow because one of our long time runners who normally would take every one's picture had died this past year. It seems to be like a family reunion when you don't know if everyone will be back next year.
Well it was off to some great food, stories and fellowship with other friends and runners while we sat down and got our bellies full. There was so much food and drinks available this morning. It was almost like being at a church social.
Well it is now time to set our New Years resolutions and I will say that my number one goal is to make sure that my family life comes first. I have been so blessed with my family standing behind me 100 percent and now I will do the same for them.
Until then, see ya on the streets.
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