Well it was a great holiday weekend but now it is time to get back to the training schedule. I have 3 marathons coming up, Donna 26.2 in Feb., Snickers in March and Country Music in April. I have run these races before but I like them cause they are local.
As we get closer to the end of March, we are starting up our Galloway program again to get prepared for the Savannah Marathon. This is going to be a 1st for Rock and Roll to come to Ga for a race. I love to run innagural races.
More to come later but for now it is time to put on the new shoes and RUN!!!!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Bartram Forest 50K 2010
This morning as I woke up, I crawled out of bed as my body is killing me. I am very sore. I have not ever felt like this before. I hurt from my toenails to my hair on my head. I forgot how much torture your body goes through when running trail races. Rocks, gravel, roots, jumping small trees. It all takes the toll on your body when your done. But hey, it is fun.
I arrived with my wife at the forest around 6 a.m. to start putting things out and there was one runner who started before I got there. It was cold and windy. The wind was coming across the lake and I thought it was going to change to snow but it didn't. As we were trying to prepare the bags and goodies, runners were starting to pile in. This was great because we were not sure how people were going to show up. When the race started 5 years ago, there were only 5 runners. This year we had an all time high of 90 runners. Thank you for all who came out.
We had some changes in the course this year due to changes in the forest. Normally we had a figure 8 course but this year we had some small changes. For a 1st time runner at Bartram, it is a little confusing. It has taking me about 2 or 3 times before I have finally gotten comfortable with the course. We had some runners saying that they had gotten lost and that is normal. We are going to try and fix this problem next year with more signs and ropes. But one problem I can't fix is that we were told that some runners were cutting corners and making their race short. I told them that is between them and God. I can't do anything about that and they were NOT going to place in any awards. If we had to, I would look at their Garmin to see the total distance, but we did not have to do it.
I would like to thank all the volunteers who showed up yesterday. We could not have done it without yall. Their were so many that I can not thank everyone personally. Whether you brought something for us to eat, helped out in cooking and cleaning, sat at one of the aid stations to help with food/drinks, thank you to everyone. Yall are awesome and races could not go on without yall.
Today is going to be a day of rest and thinking of how the race could improve next year. I truly hope that everyone is o.k. this morning cause I know there were some that fell and twisted some ankles. Bartram Forest is a technical, off road course that will get you off your feet if you are not looking. Once again thank you to all who came out to help us with keeping the race going this year.
I arrived with my wife at the forest around 6 a.m. to start putting things out and there was one runner who started before I got there. It was cold and windy. The wind was coming across the lake and I thought it was going to change to snow but it didn't. As we were trying to prepare the bags and goodies, runners were starting to pile in. This was great because we were not sure how people were going to show up. When the race started 5 years ago, there were only 5 runners. This year we had an all time high of 90 runners. Thank you for all who came out.
We had some changes in the course this year due to changes in the forest. Normally we had a figure 8 course but this year we had some small changes. For a 1st time runner at Bartram, it is a little confusing. It has taking me about 2 or 3 times before I have finally gotten comfortable with the course. We had some runners saying that they had gotten lost and that is normal. We are going to try and fix this problem next year with more signs and ropes. But one problem I can't fix is that we were told that some runners were cutting corners and making their race short. I told them that is between them and God. I can't do anything about that and they were NOT going to place in any awards. If we had to, I would look at their Garmin to see the total distance, but we did not have to do it.
I would like to thank all the volunteers who showed up yesterday. We could not have done it without yall. Their were so many that I can not thank everyone personally. Whether you brought something for us to eat, helped out in cooking and cleaning, sat at one of the aid stations to help with food/drinks, thank you to everyone. Yall are awesome and races could not go on without yall.
Today is going to be a day of rest and thinking of how the race could improve next year. I truly hope that everyone is o.k. this morning cause I know there were some that fell and twisted some ankles. Bartram Forest is a technical, off road course that will get you off your feet if you are not looking. Once again thank you to all who came out to help us with keeping the race going this year.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon 2010
I am finally getting around to writing my recap from the marathon. We met at the local high school on Friday to pick up our packets. I loved watching everyone for the first time gathering their stuff. This was a first for me. I was not only running the race, but also watching my running students running their 1st marathon. I was nervous for me and them. I wanted it to be a fun day but most of all, a day of no injuries.
We left from the expo and headed out to Logan's for a good dinner. I had plans to go to Fazoli's and get some pasta but everyone else had other plans. So I said "I will go where everyone wants to go". Well then we get there and we all have to sit in different seats. Bummer. I wanted to talk about the race. Well Mandie and I had a wonderful dinner and it was time to head back to the motel for some rest.
We got back to the Motel and I put my race number on my belt. I already had everything else laid out like I normally do before a race. I want to make sure I have not left anything behind. Now is when my nerves start to kick into overdrive but not tonight. I didn't know what was different. I guess I have told myself so many times that I finally listened and it was soaking in. I am going to do this and do it right. Well I tried to go to sleep early but I was not tired. I was not nervous, restless or shaky. I just could not sleep, until about 3 a.m. when I really HARD asleep. Then at 5 a.m. the alarm clock went off. I was up and starting to eat and drink my usual breakfast. Peanut butter and jelly with water and gatoraid.
We arrived at the race to gather with everyone under a large tent with heaters on. It was cold out. The temps were in the low 40's with no breeze. Everyone was dressed with throw away clothes on that they would shed during the race. I decided not to except for the arm sleeves and gloves.
We lined up and I kissed my wife by and told her I love her. We all get our watches ready and BOOM!!!! the canon went off. I love the start line. This is only race with a live canon as the start gun. I like to see every one's faces when it goes off. We were off on the first loop which circles back around for a 1/2 mile and you go past the start line again. I was feeling great. I was trying to watch my Garmin to make sure that we did not go out to fast. I wanted to hold a 12 min pace for the first 6 miles. Well we hit mile 6 and we were averaging 11:47. I was praying that we did not go out to fast and crash at the end.
I had fun running with our group. We started out with Don, Sean, Adam, Nicole, Karen, Stef and Melissa. As the race progressed, we feel into our own groups of speed. Don and Sean went ahead like I knew they would. Adam, Nicole and Stef ran with me and Melissa went by herself. We were telling jokes and laughing for the first half of the race. The hills were OK at first but later would HURT.
We went out for the second time around and I think I heard my name being called. I had told many people that the course was flat with rolling hills but now it was not feeling that way. The hills were getting harder. I was glad that we took the time to train on hills for 6 months prior to the race. There were times when I thought I was not going to make it. I even said to myself that I would like to have a PR and that's it.
Then I looked at my watch and saw I had 3 miles to go and about 36 minutes to do it. I told myself to average 12 min miles and I would do it. I struggled with it limping and running as much as I could. Tears begin to roll out of my eyes because I knew I was so close and did not want to miss it again.
Now I was at mile 25 and I had about 16 minutes to go. My legs were cramping and it HURT to run. I was telling myself to push as hard as I could. I did not want to give up and miss my goal by 1 second. I had let myself down before and it hurt. I pushed forward grabbing my legs and chewing on gu's and slurping power aid. Now I made it to the top of the hill at mile 26. I now have the dreaded .2 miles to go. I looked at my watch and I had 4 minutes to get my butt down there and cross the finish line. I could see it. I was so close. I had to do it. I pushed myself into tears and ran as hard as I could possibly go. I made the last turn down the final sprint and I heard Don on the sidelines yelling "You better do it".
As I crossed the finish line, I stopped my watch and looked at the official clock and it read 5:00:05. But wait, I then looked at my watch and my chip time said 4:59:02. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I finally did it. I bet the dreaded 5 hour demon that has plagued me for nearly 4 years. The last 6 months of training had paid off. I not only bet the 5 hour mark, I took 6 minutes off of my PR. I was 50 minutes faster at the race this year than I was at last years race. Training, training, training. That is all I can say. It pays off. I love me some Galloway training.
We left from the expo and headed out to Logan's for a good dinner. I had plans to go to Fazoli's and get some pasta but everyone else had other plans. So I said "I will go where everyone wants to go". Well then we get there and we all have to sit in different seats. Bummer. I wanted to talk about the race. Well Mandie and I had a wonderful dinner and it was time to head back to the motel for some rest.
We got back to the Motel and I put my race number on my belt. I already had everything else laid out like I normally do before a race. I want to make sure I have not left anything behind. Now is when my nerves start to kick into overdrive but not tonight. I didn't know what was different. I guess I have told myself so many times that I finally listened and it was soaking in. I am going to do this and do it right. Well I tried to go to sleep early but I was not tired. I was not nervous, restless or shaky. I just could not sleep, until about 3 a.m. when I really HARD asleep. Then at 5 a.m. the alarm clock went off. I was up and starting to eat and drink my usual breakfast. Peanut butter and jelly with water and gatoraid.
We arrived at the race to gather with everyone under a large tent with heaters on. It was cold out. The temps were in the low 40's with no breeze. Everyone was dressed with throw away clothes on that they would shed during the race. I decided not to except for the arm sleeves and gloves.
We lined up and I kissed my wife by and told her I love her. We all get our watches ready and BOOM!!!! the canon went off. I love the start line. This is only race with a live canon as the start gun. I like to see every one's faces when it goes off. We were off on the first loop which circles back around for a 1/2 mile and you go past the start line again. I was feeling great. I was trying to watch my Garmin to make sure that we did not go out to fast. I wanted to hold a 12 min pace for the first 6 miles. Well we hit mile 6 and we were averaging 11:47. I was praying that we did not go out to fast and crash at the end.
I had fun running with our group. We started out with Don, Sean, Adam, Nicole, Karen, Stef and Melissa. As the race progressed, we feel into our own groups of speed. Don and Sean went ahead like I knew they would. Adam, Nicole and Stef ran with me and Melissa went by herself. We were telling jokes and laughing for the first half of the race. The hills were OK at first but later would HURT.
We went out for the second time around and I think I heard my name being called. I had told many people that the course was flat with rolling hills but now it was not feeling that way. The hills were getting harder. I was glad that we took the time to train on hills for 6 months prior to the race. There were times when I thought I was not going to make it. I even said to myself that I would like to have a PR and that's it.
Then I looked at my watch and saw I had 3 miles to go and about 36 minutes to do it. I told myself to average 12 min miles and I would do it. I struggled with it limping and running as much as I could. Tears begin to roll out of my eyes because I knew I was so close and did not want to miss it again.
Now I was at mile 25 and I had about 16 minutes to go. My legs were cramping and it HURT to run. I was telling myself to push as hard as I could. I did not want to give up and miss my goal by 1 second. I had let myself down before and it hurt. I pushed forward grabbing my legs and chewing on gu's and slurping power aid. Now I made it to the top of the hill at mile 26. I now have the dreaded .2 miles to go. I looked at my watch and I had 4 minutes to get my butt down there and cross the finish line. I could see it. I was so close. I had to do it. I pushed myself into tears and ran as hard as I could possibly go. I made the last turn down the final sprint and I heard Don on the sidelines yelling "You better do it".
As I crossed the finish line, I stopped my watch and looked at the official clock and it read 5:00:05. But wait, I then looked at my watch and my chip time said 4:59:02. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I finally did it. I bet the dreaded 5 hour demon that has plagued me for nearly 4 years. The last 6 months of training had paid off. I not only bet the 5 hour mark, I took 6 minutes off of my PR. I was 50 minutes faster at the race this year than I was at last years race. Training, training, training. That is all I can say. It pays off. I love me some Galloway training.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
IT IS DONE!!!!!
I can now say that I have a new marathon PR and my demon of not breaking 5 hours is GONE!!!!!
4:59:02 is my official chip time
I am very sore this morning and taking it easy. Hopefully within a few days I will be able to write my race report.
4:59:02 is my official chip time
I am very sore this morning and taking it easy. Hopefully within a few days I will be able to write my race report.
Monday, November 8, 2010
The nerves are churning
Well it is now 1 week to go before the marathon. I am so excited and ready to go. My nerves are kicking into overdrive. I think I am going to run out of Zantac. We went out Sat. night for our last long run of 7 miles and it felt great. We then had our last meeting and went over the last minute details of the race. We recieved out race shirts that are cool
I am working on my list of what I need to take with my Friday. I want to make sure I dont forget anything. I am going to sign off for now. I will repost soon after the race and let everyone know how the results come out.
So long for now and God bless.
I am working on my list of what I need to take with my Friday. I want to make sure I dont forget anything. I am going to sign off for now. I will repost soon after the race and let everyone know how the results come out.
So long for now and God bless.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Jay's Hope 5K 2010 recap
It was a beautiful morning with the temperature about 42 degrees. I had just got back from running 10 miles with my Galloway group getting our last preparations for the Chickamauga Marathon. I was now warmed up and ready.
Well, I thought I was going to stay warm. NOT! Today was going to be a race that was going to run in memory of my running friend Zack Pruitt who recently died at the age of 14 with a brain tumor. When I ran this race 4 years ago, I ran the 10 K portion of the race and Zack paced me in on the last mile in his socks to help me finish my 1st ever 10K. I was exhausted after that run. I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Zack's family and some of his closest friends showed up to walk in his memory yesterday. It was a day of trying to hold back emotions, yet it didn't happen, even for me.
As I changed into some warmer and drier clothes, I took my socks and shoes off. I tried to warm and dry my feet so that I could put on some mole skin to protect my feet from rocks and glass. Well if you haven't figured it out, I am running barefoot in the race for Zack.
As I approached the starting line, I gathered up with the family and friends for some quick pictures. I was freezing. My mouth was chattering like a 7 year old jazzed up on Mountain Dew. I thought I was on the early stages of hypothermia.
We gathered up to the starting line and I loved to hear people say "He doesn't have any shoes on". That just gave me a reason to let everyone know why I was running this race and to let people know that just because you just in a race, a lot of people forget about the cause of the race.
Boom we off. I decided to walk with the family at first as we left out to go onto the main roads. We had to walk down the cold and wet pavement where the water sprinklers were on at. It was freezing and my feet were HURTING! I got up in the grass to try and warm them up but it was wet also. My mole skin didn't want to stay on. It was coming off so I just left it off. Then I realized that I was the last person on the course. Oh now, I didn't want to hold everyone up today. I looked up and saw my friends starting to leave me so I decided to run slow to try and catch up to them.
As I slowly progressed forward, I caught them and jokingly said "I've got to hurry and up and finish so I can go to McDonalds and get some coffee to warm up". I did not realize that I was not going to stop there. I started to get into a nice slow run. Luckily the road was nice and compact with no rocks and debris.
I started out with a slow running pace about 13 min/mile and slowly got faster as we trekked up the 1 mile uphill. I love hill running. I started passing walkers and then started to catch up to runners and encouraging them to continue on. I would even joke with them and told them they had on the wrong shoes and should change them with me. I loved hearing them laugh when they looked down at me and saw no shoes. As I ran forward others would make the comments about my feet and it gave me a chance again to explain quickly why I was out there which brought on a lot of emotions in some people.
Well we hit the 1/2 point turn around and now it was downhill. I was now at about a 9 min/mile pace and I had not stopped running since the .5 mile point at the start. I was feeling great. My feet were numb to the pain. It was like running as a kid again. I loved it. I know that I had some help from above and that is the only way I was able to get through the pain and cold weather.
As we turned back into Bass Pro Shop, I was running in the 7 min/mile mark and encouraging others not to stop cause were almost there. I could see the finish line and I was thanking Zack for what he had done for today. I love you brother. I hit the finish line and felt like a million dollars. No pain on the little toes. I had family, friends and strangers coming up to me wanting to know about the story of no shoes.
I just hope that I was able to pass along the story and it would help someone out today.
To Bill, Tammy and Kalie: Thank you for allowing me to participate in such a wonderful and emotional event. I had an awesome time that was able to bring back a lot of great memories. I love you all..........
Well, I thought I was going to stay warm. NOT! Today was going to be a race that was going to run in memory of my running friend Zack Pruitt who recently died at the age of 14 with a brain tumor. When I ran this race 4 years ago, I ran the 10 K portion of the race and Zack paced me in on the last mile in his socks to help me finish my 1st ever 10K. I was exhausted after that run. I still remember it like it was yesterday.
Zack's family and some of his closest friends showed up to walk in his memory yesterday. It was a day of trying to hold back emotions, yet it didn't happen, even for me.
As I changed into some warmer and drier clothes, I took my socks and shoes off. I tried to warm and dry my feet so that I could put on some mole skin to protect my feet from rocks and glass. Well if you haven't figured it out, I am running barefoot in the race for Zack.
As I approached the starting line, I gathered up with the family and friends for some quick pictures. I was freezing. My mouth was chattering like a 7 year old jazzed up on Mountain Dew. I thought I was on the early stages of hypothermia.
We gathered up to the starting line and I loved to hear people say "He doesn't have any shoes on". That just gave me a reason to let everyone know why I was running this race and to let people know that just because you just in a race, a lot of people forget about the cause of the race.
Boom we off. I decided to walk with the family at first as we left out to go onto the main roads. We had to walk down the cold and wet pavement where the water sprinklers were on at. It was freezing and my feet were HURTING! I got up in the grass to try and warm them up but it was wet also. My mole skin didn't want to stay on. It was coming off so I just left it off. Then I realized that I was the last person on the course. Oh now, I didn't want to hold everyone up today. I looked up and saw my friends starting to leave me so I decided to run slow to try and catch up to them.
As I slowly progressed forward, I caught them and jokingly said "I've got to hurry and up and finish so I can go to McDonalds and get some coffee to warm up". I did not realize that I was not going to stop there. I started to get into a nice slow run. Luckily the road was nice and compact with no rocks and debris.
I started out with a slow running pace about 13 min/mile and slowly got faster as we trekked up the 1 mile uphill. I love hill running. I started passing walkers and then started to catch up to runners and encouraging them to continue on. I would even joke with them and told them they had on the wrong shoes and should change them with me. I loved hearing them laugh when they looked down at me and saw no shoes. As I ran forward others would make the comments about my feet and it gave me a chance again to explain quickly why I was out there which brought on a lot of emotions in some people.
Well we hit the 1/2 point turn around and now it was downhill. I was now at about a 9 min/mile pace and I had not stopped running since the .5 mile point at the start. I was feeling great. My feet were numb to the pain. It was like running as a kid again. I loved it. I know that I had some help from above and that is the only way I was able to get through the pain and cold weather.
As we turned back into Bass Pro Shop, I was running in the 7 min/mile mark and encouraging others not to stop cause were almost there. I could see the finish line and I was thanking Zack for what he had done for today. I love you brother. I hit the finish line and felt like a million dollars. No pain on the little toes. I had family, friends and strangers coming up to me wanting to know about the story of no shoes.
I just hope that I was able to pass along the story and it would help someone out today.
To Bill, Tammy and Kalie: Thank you for allowing me to participate in such a wonderful and emotional event. I had an awesome time that was able to bring back a lot of great memories. I love you all..........
Friday, October 29, 2010
2 weeks to go
We are now 2 weeks to go to Chickamauga. I am so looking foward to this race. It is about time to put things behind me and moved foward. For the last 6 months, I have trained by the books and followed the charts and graphs. I have made the short runs, the speedwork and the long runs. I have run through the heat. I have run through the cold and have endured the pain and sweat. I have never felt more ready for any race.
This past weekend we went for out last 22 mile run and it was my fastest run ever. And what do I have to show for it, memories. That is it! 22 miles at 4:14 with a pace of 11:44.
When we got through with the run, I took my watch off and placed it on my tailgate with my fuelbelt. We all took turns sitting down and getting drinks and when I got ready to leave, I shut the tailgate and it was gone. I looked everywhere and called everyone to see if someone might have picked it up by accident. Well not luck. I wanted to see the chart from my watch. I was able to shave off 35 sec per mile on my last 5 miles. I was kicking tail. My running times were in the upper 6's and the lower 7's and I dont know where it was coming from. I guess it is from all the training.
This weekend I will be running Jays Hope 5K barefoot in memory of my friend Zack Pruitt. I am glad we are in the taper phase now so we can slow down. My body is tired and I need some downtime.
This past weekend we went for out last 22 mile run and it was my fastest run ever. And what do I have to show for it, memories. That is it! 22 miles at 4:14 with a pace of 11:44.
When we got through with the run, I took my watch off and placed it on my tailgate with my fuelbelt. We all took turns sitting down and getting drinks and when I got ready to leave, I shut the tailgate and it was gone. I looked everywhere and called everyone to see if someone might have picked it up by accident. Well not luck. I wanted to see the chart from my watch. I was able to shave off 35 sec per mile on my last 5 miles. I was kicking tail. My running times were in the upper 6's and the lower 7's and I dont know where it was coming from. I guess it is from all the training.
This weekend I will be running Jays Hope 5K barefoot in memory of my friend Zack Pruitt. I am glad we are in the taper phase now so we can slow down. My body is tired and I need some downtime.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Jays Hope 5K
this is going to be an emotional race for me this year. we get all caught up in the hoopla of just going to a race to run. we forget about the cause for what it stands for. well not this year.
this is a race that is run in honor of childfen with cancer.
when i ran my first ten k there was a friend of mine who ran the last mile with me in his socks around a muddy mile track. when we finished he daddy told him to throw his socks away and tell your momma you lost them. so for the rest of the day he went barefoot.
well zack became one of my running partners and his father ran with me on my first half marathon. zack came down with a fatal brain tumor and died at the age of foreteen.
in his honor and memory i will be running jays hope barefoot this year. it is just a small way to say thank you to a friend who took time out of his day to help me.
3 weeks to go
i cant believe that is has come down to only weeks left before chickamauga. i am so excited and so nervous. i can see the finish line in my head but i dont want to count my chickens just yet. we have been through alot in our training but i think we are there.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
1 month to go
Well, we are now 1 month to go before I tackle Chickamauga again. I have alot of memories from this marathon but I want to make some more. I want to be able to bury the demon that has lived on my shoulder for nearly 4 years now. I have not been able to break the 5 hour mark but I believe with all my heart that this is going to change at Chick.
I have been with a wonderful group of runners in our Galloway program that has helped me out. They have given my energy when I had nothing left to go on. They have helped me to remember my own words in training. We have gone by the book and so far it has paid off. Mentally I am so ready for this race. Physically, I think I am, but we have 1 more long run to go on Oct. 23rd. Then I will know how I feel.
I am getting everything ready in my head for the race. Also I am a co-race director for the Bartram Forest 50K/marathon just 2 weeks after the marathon at Chick. So as far as my free time goes, there is no none right now.
We went out this morning for our 12 mile repeat run of 1 mile intervals. We had so many people that was not going to be there due to vacation, injuries and other things. So for the 3 of us that was able to make it, I decided to change it to a 11 mile run at a faster run than marathon pace. We started out at a pace of 11:28 and finished with an overall pace of 11:00. We were right on the mark and down to the exact second to our training pace. I am so proud of our running group. It has been a pleasure to run with these guys and girls.
I have been with a wonderful group of runners in our Galloway program that has helped me out. They have given my energy when I had nothing left to go on. They have helped me to remember my own words in training. We have gone by the book and so far it has paid off. Mentally I am so ready for this race. Physically, I think I am, but we have 1 more long run to go on Oct. 23rd. Then I will know how I feel.
I am getting everything ready in my head for the race. Also I am a co-race director for the Bartram Forest 50K/marathon just 2 weeks after the marathon at Chick. So as far as my free time goes, there is no none right now.
We went out this morning for our 12 mile repeat run of 1 mile intervals. We had so many people that was not going to be there due to vacation, injuries and other things. So for the 3 of us that was able to make it, I decided to change it to a 11 mile run at a faster run than marathon pace. We started out at a pace of 11:28 and finished with an overall pace of 11:00. We were right on the mark and down to the exact second to our training pace. I am so proud of our running group. It has been a pleasure to run with these guys and girls.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
My fastest 22 mile practice run
Today was awesome. I had no idea that I was so close to being ready for Chickamauga. I want to go ahead and get this race started. Today we went out for our 22 mile practice run at which we are suppose to be running at a pace of 13:20 which is 2 minutes slower than race pace.
Well it did not happen. We did 22 miles at an average pace of 11:46 per mile. That's right. We were 1:34 per mile faster than we should have been. I have now been off of soda drinks for 12 days. I have cut back on my caffeine and was taking GU blocks that had caffeine in them and they paid off. I thought I was on cloud nine. We blew the time out of the water. My watch had gotten turned off for about 2 miles so I did loose some data but that's ok. We had a short break at mile 11 at our vehicles to grab some more water but did not turn off the watch. Here below is the graph from my watch.
Well it did not happen. We did 22 miles at an average pace of 11:46 per mile. That's right. We were 1:34 per mile faster than we should have been. I have now been off of soda drinks for 12 days. I have cut back on my caffeine and was taking GU blocks that had caffeine in them and they paid off. I thought I was on cloud nine. We blew the time out of the water. My watch had gotten turned off for about 2 miles so I did loose some data but that's ok. We had a short break at mile 11 at our vehicles to grab some more water but did not turn off the watch. Here below is the graph from my watch.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
5K Run for the animals
Saturday was a short weekend run for my Galloway group. We were suppose to run 7 miles so we decided to go out for a 4 mile warmup run before doing the 5K race. It was a balmy 70 degrees with no breeze. We had decided to go out with ratios of 1:30/40 seconds. Some of the runners thought about going all out but I did not. Here is the graph of the run
I just love to see the faces that people make when I tell them that I dont run the races non-stop. They tell me that they cant believe I can run splits like the ones above. I am so thankful to have such a great group of runners in our Galloway group.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Busy week
I am glad this week is over. It has been very hectic. I have been trying to prepare for my wife surprise party that went over without a hitch. She was very happy and did not have a clue. Thank you to all who were able to come out and celebrate her special day.
I have been busy this week also working on the annual Bartram Forest Marathon/50K trail race on November 27,2010. I have run this race before and wanting to do it again. Mandie and I were out eating supper one night and ran into Kevin Hatfield who is the race director. He told me that due to an overloaded schedule of night classes in college that he was not able to put on the race again. I asked him that if we helped out, could we still have it. He agreed. Well now Deb Botkin and myself are co-race directors for Bartam this year. I now have a different perspective of RDs.
I received an email from a very experienced runner this week by the name of Kay Allen. Kay was the national female Carolina champion trail runner. She was wanting to run Bartram this year but heard that it might be cancelled. I quickly e-mailed her back to let her know the race is going to be on this year. It is always exciting to met big name runners that want to come and run our local race. Last year we had the president and vice-president who started the 50 states/ 50 marathon club run with us.
I have been sending e-mails out and answering the ones I have received. I was lucky that Kevin still had some of his contacts from the race. I have been trying to get companies to donate items for our race. I have been trying to get goodies for the bags, tables during the race and for post-race awards. So far I know that RoadID is sponsoring us by donating 100 free race bibs, 6 road ID bracelets and 100 discount coupons for the ones who would like to order a bracelet. I have several other companies that I am waiting to hear from. If anyone has contact information on a company that might be willing to help us with donating items, please let me know.
Yesterday our training group was suppose to go out for a 10 mile run. There was a local 10K race going on so we decided to go out for a 4 mile pre-run warmup before running the race. When we started out, it was about 73 degrees and very humid. We went out for the first 2 miles of the course and came back. OMG it was nothing but hills. The course reminded me of a camel's back. Up and down the entire way.
We started out with a run/walk ratio of 1:30/45 seconds. We have been doing a 2/1 but found this new ratio and I like it. When you compare the two of them, it is the same percentage ratio but a lower number for a quicker turn over.
I have to give a big thank you to the race director of Caring Hands ( I believe that was the name of the race ). It was a very hilly course that was laid out very well. There was a great crowd support along the course with people playing theme music from Rocky while cheering us along. Great water stops with the volunteers bringing the water to us in the middle of the road. Normally they stand beside the table and you have to go to them. Lots of orange cones along the course to help with traffic. Normally you have to watch for traffic and dodge cars along the way. A great race and I will definitely run it again.
I have to take my hat off to our awesome group of runners. Stef and Karen took 1st in their age groups and Sean and Nicole took 3rd in their age group. I think I came in 4th since Sean got 3rd. Well if I have to loose to someone, it might as well be someone I run with. I am most proud of what I heard during the race. As we were running up the hills, I heard "Shorten your stride up the hills". I quickly turned my head and said "Wow, yall have been listening to what I have said". Then about a mile later I heard "Run like you have ski poles in your hands". That is what I have told them to think as they run up hills. For me it makes me think of cross country skiing. If you have poles in your hands, it makes it easier to go up a hill.
I have been busy this week also working on the annual Bartram Forest Marathon/50K trail race on November 27,2010. I have run this race before and wanting to do it again. Mandie and I were out eating supper one night and ran into Kevin Hatfield who is the race director. He told me that due to an overloaded schedule of night classes in college that he was not able to put on the race again. I asked him that if we helped out, could we still have it. He agreed. Well now Deb Botkin and myself are co-race directors for Bartam this year. I now have a different perspective of RDs.
I received an email from a very experienced runner this week by the name of Kay Allen. Kay was the national female Carolina champion trail runner. She was wanting to run Bartram this year but heard that it might be cancelled. I quickly e-mailed her back to let her know the race is going to be on this year. It is always exciting to met big name runners that want to come and run our local race. Last year we had the president and vice-president who started the 50 states/ 50 marathon club run with us.
I have been sending e-mails out and answering the ones I have received. I was lucky that Kevin still had some of his contacts from the race. I have been trying to get companies to donate items for our race. I have been trying to get goodies for the bags, tables during the race and for post-race awards. So far I know that RoadID is sponsoring us by donating 100 free race bibs, 6 road ID bracelets and 100 discount coupons for the ones who would like to order a bracelet. I have several other companies that I am waiting to hear from. If anyone has contact information on a company that might be willing to help us with donating items, please let me know.
Yesterday our training group was suppose to go out for a 10 mile run. There was a local 10K race going on so we decided to go out for a 4 mile pre-run warmup before running the race. When we started out, it was about 73 degrees and very humid. We went out for the first 2 miles of the course and came back. OMG it was nothing but hills. The course reminded me of a camel's back. Up and down the entire way.
We started out with a run/walk ratio of 1:30/45 seconds. We have been doing a 2/1 but found this new ratio and I like it. When you compare the two of them, it is the same percentage ratio but a lower number for a quicker turn over.
I have to give a big thank you to the race director of Caring Hands ( I believe that was the name of the race ). It was a very hilly course that was laid out very well. There was a great crowd support along the course with people playing theme music from Rocky while cheering us along. Great water stops with the volunteers bringing the water to us in the middle of the road. Normally they stand beside the table and you have to go to them. Lots of orange cones along the course to help with traffic. Normally you have to watch for traffic and dodge cars along the way. A great race and I will definitely run it again.
I have to take my hat off to our awesome group of runners. Stef and Karen took 1st in their age groups and Sean and Nicole took 3rd in their age group. I think I came in 4th since Sean got 3rd. Well if I have to loose to someone, it might as well be someone I run with. I am most proud of what I heard during the race. As we were running up the hills, I heard "Shorten your stride up the hills". I quickly turned my head and said "Wow, yall have been listening to what I have said". Then about a mile later I heard "Run like you have ski poles in your hands". That is what I have told them to think as they run up hills. For me it makes me think of cross country skiing. If you have poles in your hands, it makes it easier to go up a hill.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
A first for first
This weekend we did our 20 mile training run with a time of 4:13 on average of 12:37 pace. We were way faster than what our time pace should have been at. I am so looking forward to Chickamauga. I am shooting for my time goal but if it is not reached, I will be happy for those who finish with smiles and memories in their mind and heart.
For a lot of the runners, this was the fist time that they have ever finished 20 miles. Boy were they happy. Sore yes, but more happy than anything. They were a lot of emotions shed along the way but nothing but smiles at the end with the choclate milk. I am so proud of everyone that came out and ran this weekend. I am especially proud of Micheal who ran the 20 miles after his group quit after only 10 miles. It takes a lot of inner strength to keep going when others quit.
While we were running we discussed about what we would do on our last long run. We are suppose to do 23 but it is on the day of the Jay's Hope race. I had decided that I would start around 3:30 a.m. and continue to run until around 8:15 so that I could make it to the race. I told the group that they could still start at 5 and they said we run as a group and they would join me at 3:30 and they go to the race. I am so honored to have such a wonderful group. I told them that if I had to walk the race it still meant a lot to me. My friend Zack Pruitt died at the age of 14 with brain cancer. I am going to run in his honor and so is his family. His father was my running partner in our first half marathon. It is true that running friends are sometimes stronger than your own family. Thanks guys and girls.
I rested up today with a terrible headache from running 20 miles and then going roller blading at a birthday party. Have a great week and keep up and down with the feet.
For a lot of the runners, this was the fist time that they have ever finished 20 miles. Boy were they happy. Sore yes, but more happy than anything. They were a lot of emotions shed along the way but nothing but smiles at the end with the choclate milk. I am so proud of everyone that came out and ran this weekend. I am especially proud of Micheal who ran the 20 miles after his group quit after only 10 miles. It takes a lot of inner strength to keep going when others quit.
While we were running we discussed about what we would do on our last long run. We are suppose to do 23 but it is on the day of the Jay's Hope race. I had decided that I would start around 3:30 a.m. and continue to run until around 8:15 so that I could make it to the race. I told the group that they could still start at 5 and they said we run as a group and they would join me at 3:30 and they go to the race. I am so honored to have such a wonderful group. I told them that if I had to walk the race it still meant a lot to me. My friend Zack Pruitt died at the age of 14 with brain cancer. I am going to run in his honor and so is his family. His father was my running partner in our first half marathon. It is true that running friends are sometimes stronger than your own family. Thanks guys and girls.
I rested up today with a terrible headache from running 20 miles and then going roller blading at a birthday party. Have a great week and keep up and down with the feet.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Time for some new shoes
I have been having some pains in my left foot and now it is starting to hurt in my outer left calf. I went to Run-Fit to see about if I needed to change my shoes again. I found out that the Asics 3010 that I have actually helped me at first but then hurt me in the end. When the left shoe started to break down, the extra arch support started to push my foot outward which put more pressure on the outside of my foot.
I went out yesterday with a pair of Gel-Nimbus 12's to try and see if it would help my pain. I think it did. I went for about 30 minutes on the treadmill and ti felt so good. I woke up this morning with a lot less pain. Normally when I would get up in the morning it would feel like a knife butting shoved into my foot.
A quick recap of training for Chickamauga so far: 2 Saturdays ago we went for a 17 miler at which I had problems with the end. The last 3 miles were uphill. Still finished with the time goal that we were looking at. This past Sat we did 9 miles of speed work at which we kicked some serious butt. We were about 20 seconds per mile faster than we should have been doing. It helped me mentally to have this run cause it put me back in check for our time goal.
My weight loss is helping me alot also. I have now gotten off 12 pounds in 9 weeks. I am still shooting for at least 1 to 1.5 pounds per week so that I will be able to keep it off and not some quick loss plan where you put it all back on in the end. For every pound you loose, it is equivalent to about 50 seconds in a marathon. I need every advantage that I can find to help me out.
Have a great week and I will re post soon.
I went out yesterday with a pair of Gel-Nimbus 12's to try and see if it would help my pain. I think it did. I went for about 30 minutes on the treadmill and ti felt so good. I woke up this morning with a lot less pain. Normally when I would get up in the morning it would feel like a knife butting shoved into my foot.
A quick recap of training for Chickamauga so far: 2 Saturdays ago we went for a 17 miler at which I had problems with the end. The last 3 miles were uphill. Still finished with the time goal that we were looking at. This past Sat we did 9 miles of speed work at which we kicked some serious butt. We were about 20 seconds per mile faster than we should have been doing. It helped me mentally to have this run cause it put me back in check for our time goal.
My weight loss is helping me alot also. I have now gotten off 12 pounds in 9 weeks. I am still shooting for at least 1 to 1.5 pounds per week so that I will be able to keep it off and not some quick loss plan where you put it all back on in the end. For every pound you loose, it is equivalent to about 50 seconds in a marathon. I need every advantage that I can find to help me out.
Have a great week and I will re post soon.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Bartram Marathon/50K
I was just told of some bad and good news. Like usual we will go with the bad first and good next.
Bad news: The annual Bartram Marathon/50K race at Bartram Forrest on the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been postponed due to the race director having too much on his plate taking night classes to finish up with his degree.
Good news: Deb Botkin and myself have decided to step up to the plate and become co-race directors for the race this year so it is on!!!!!!!!!
I have never done this before so I know that Deb will help me out. I am willing to do what is needed because this is such an awesome race. It is the only ultra-marathon that I have ever done and will be doing again this year. I have some friends that will be coming with me so the race must go on.
If you are not familiar with the race, it is a cross country course that is on grass, gravel roads and dirt roads. It is a figure 8 course that is about 5.25 miles with 2 aid stations. One which is unmanned and the other has more food than a buffet on Sunday afternoon. It is such a fun race that is low keyed.
I am looking forward to this race cause it will be 2 weeks after our Chickamauga Marathon at which we are training for.
And for my weight loss, well it was not a good week due. I have to say that the loss was zero. At least there was no gain. We just finished week 7 and I am down 9 pounds. I still have a goal to loose at least 1 to 1.5 pounds per week and then by the end of the year, I should be able to be at my lowest weight in many years.
Have a great weekend as I know cause my long run tomorrow is only 8 miles. Yippee!!!!
Bad news: The annual Bartram Marathon/50K race at Bartram Forrest on the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been postponed due to the race director having too much on his plate taking night classes to finish up with his degree.
Good news: Deb Botkin and myself have decided to step up to the plate and become co-race directors for the race this year so it is on!!!!!!!!!
I have never done this before so I know that Deb will help me out. I am willing to do what is needed because this is such an awesome race. It is the only ultra-marathon that I have ever done and will be doing again this year. I have some friends that will be coming with me so the race must go on.
If you are not familiar with the race, it is a cross country course that is on grass, gravel roads and dirt roads. It is a figure 8 course that is about 5.25 miles with 2 aid stations. One which is unmanned and the other has more food than a buffet on Sunday afternoon. It is such a fun race that is low keyed.
I am looking forward to this race cause it will be 2 weeks after our Chickamauga Marathon at which we are training for.
And for my weight loss, well it was not a good week due. I have to say that the loss was zero. At least there was no gain. We just finished week 7 and I am down 9 pounds. I still have a goal to loose at least 1 to 1.5 pounds per week and then by the end of the year, I should be able to be at my lowest weight in many years.
Have a great weekend as I know cause my long run tomorrow is only 8 miles. Yippee!!!!
Monday, August 23, 2010
17 miler done!
Saturday morning and I am up at 3:3o to try and beat the heat and get this 17 mile practice run over with. We were going to go on a new route. At first I thought it was going to be bad but everyone said they liked it. The last 2 miles were up hill but other than that, it was a good route.
We finished with a time of 3:39 at a 12:55 pace which is right on pace for the Galloway method. We are suppose to be 2 minutes slower per mile in our training runs so we are right at a 5 hour marathon pace.
Saturday morning was full of surprises. We got soaked in the rain. We were beside a Nextel tower when it got hit by lightening at which we saw the explosion. It seemed that everyone had the dropsies. One of the runners in the front of the pack dropped 1/2 of his granola bar and the girl in the back picked it up and ate it. It was still in the wrapper. One girl accidentally discharged her pepper spray on her leg and then had rubbed her face with the same cloth that was around it. The day was a great day.
We finished up with a wonderful glass of chocolate milk. It is so good after a long run to help replenish carbs. This week the low temps are suppose to drop in the upper 60's so it is going to help with our humidity. YES finally it is looking as if it might start to cool off.
Have a great week and continue to put one foot in front of the other.
We finished with a time of 3:39 at a 12:55 pace which is right on pace for the Galloway method. We are suppose to be 2 minutes slower per mile in our training runs so we are right at a 5 hour marathon pace.
Saturday morning was full of surprises. We got soaked in the rain. We were beside a Nextel tower when it got hit by lightening at which we saw the explosion. It seemed that everyone had the dropsies. One of the runners in the front of the pack dropped 1/2 of his granola bar and the girl in the back picked it up and ate it. It was still in the wrapper. One girl accidentally discharged her pepper spray on her leg and then had rubbed her face with the same cloth that was around it. The day was a great day.
We finished up with a wonderful glass of chocolate milk. It is so good after a long run to help replenish carbs. This week the low temps are suppose to drop in the upper 60's so it is going to help with our humidity. YES finally it is looking as if it might start to cool off.
Have a great week and continue to put one foot in front of the other.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
morning run
This morning I tried to go out with some of my FAST running partners. Well it did not go so good. I was able to keep up for the first 2.5 miles but then fell off the band wagon.
78 degrees with 94% humidity did not help either. We were trying to conquer some big hills to try and get ready for The Labor Day 10K. That race has 2 big hills in it.
I was able to get the 5.25 miles in an hour. It could have been a faster pace if we could have cut the hills out. I had an average HR of 140 which is getting better.
78 degrees with 94% humidity did not help either. We were trying to conquer some big hills to try and get ready for The Labor Day 10K. That race has 2 big hills in it.
I was able to get the 5.25 miles in an hour. It could have been a faster pace if we could have cut the hills out. I had an average HR of 140 which is getting better.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
1/2 way through training
We are now half way through our training for Chickamauga. We are going to be running a 17 miler next weekend. This weekend was 6 - 1 mile repeats. Well some of us went to the Jim Herring 10K in Centerville. It was Micheal, Eddie, Shaun, Karen, Nicole and myself. We set out to run ratios of 2 minute runs with only 30 second walk breaks at a pace around 10 minutes overall.
Well, we went out as a training run to see how it was going to feel. It was hot and humid. We went out too fast and started to fall off at the end. I looked at my watch and we had positive splits which is not good. The last mile was brutal. I am so glad to be able to rest now.
Congratulations to Karen for placing 1st in her age group and Nicole for placing 3rd in her age group in her 1st 10K road race. I am very proud to be able to run with great athletes.
This race was very special to me because of Zack Pruitt. Zack passed away this year from a brain tumor but was one of my running friends that would run this course with me. This year was the 1st year without him. I was pushing myself through the course and I know that he was looking over me.
Along with a great race, I am now 6 weeks into our weight loss challenge. I feel into 2nd place this week by .01% pounds lost. I am down 8 pounds. I know that it does not seem like a lot. I am trying to go slowly so that it stays off. I am hoping that I can get down about 20-25 by the end of the year. Then I should be able to finally break the dreaded 5 hour marathon.
Well for now, I am going to sit here with my feet up. I am still having some pain in my left foot but with the help from my Strasbourg sock it helps. I would like to have a big shout out to my friend Matt Jenkins, an ultra marathoner in N.C., who finished her journey yesterday. Matt ran 760 miles across N.C. to help raise awareness and money for the non-profit organization he works for. Their budget was cut by nearly $200,000.00 and he was trying to help raise money to replace it. To help go to www.westernyouthnetwork.org
Thank you and have a wonderful week.
Well, we went out as a training run to see how it was going to feel. It was hot and humid. We went out too fast and started to fall off at the end. I looked at my watch and we had positive splits which is not good. The last mile was brutal. I am so glad to be able to rest now.
Congratulations to Karen for placing 1st in her age group and Nicole for placing 3rd in her age group in her 1st 10K road race. I am very proud to be able to run with great athletes.
This race was very special to me because of Zack Pruitt. Zack passed away this year from a brain tumor but was one of my running friends that would run this course with me. This year was the 1st year without him. I was pushing myself through the course and I know that he was looking over me.
Along with a great race, I am now 6 weeks into our weight loss challenge. I feel into 2nd place this week by .01% pounds lost. I am down 8 pounds. I know that it does not seem like a lot. I am trying to go slowly so that it stays off. I am hoping that I can get down about 20-25 by the end of the year. Then I should be able to finally break the dreaded 5 hour marathon.
Well for now, I am going to sit here with my feet up. I am still having some pain in my left foot but with the help from my Strasbourg sock it helps. I would like to have a big shout out to my friend Matt Jenkins, an ultra marathoner in N.C., who finished her journey yesterday. Matt ran 760 miles across N.C. to help raise awareness and money for the non-profit organization he works for. Their budget was cut by nearly $200,000.00 and he was trying to help raise money to replace it. To help go to www.westernyouthnetwork.org
Thank you and have a wonderful week.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
15 Miler
Sorry this is a little late but here it goes. We arrived to start our journey bright and early. 5 a.m. and we are off. We had about 7 of us in our group and about 10 or 12 in the other group. I was not good and awake but I was ready for the run.
We were going to go our route that we tried to do 2 weeks ago. This time we would do the whole thing and see if the miles would add up to 15. Well they did. When we started out the temps were in the low 80's with high humidity. It made it aweful to try and get a good run in. We had to drop back a little on our times so that we could breathe and not pass out. I will be so glad to see the cooler temps come back. I miss them.
When we came into the Indian Mounds, we came upon a split in the road. It was very dark and I asked the group if they wanted to have some fun. They said Yes. So we hide around the corner until Brandi's group came around and then we started to run again. It was dark and they could not see us. I think someone said some ugly words when we came out. It was funny and I think personally we all needed a good laugh to start the day.
As the time went by, the humidity slowly got better but the temps got higher. On our first loop of the course, we were holding a 2:1 ratio of run/walk with a average time of 12:47/mile. That is about what we have been averaging on the long runs. Well on the 2nd loop I decided to back it down to 1/1 and the time almost stayed the same. We all agreed that the 1/1 felt better.
After the run I went out for a 1/2 mile walk with no shoes. It felt great o get out of them. Brandi had brought chocolate milk for us. IT WAS SOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!! That is one of the best after run drinks you can every have to replace carbs.
Well this weekend I think we are going for mile repeats. I believe it is seven. Seeing that I am one of the leaders you would think that I would have the calender memorized by now. Well I don't.
Until later, have a wonderful week.
We were going to go our route that we tried to do 2 weeks ago. This time we would do the whole thing and see if the miles would add up to 15. Well they did. When we started out the temps were in the low 80's with high humidity. It made it aweful to try and get a good run in. We had to drop back a little on our times so that we could breathe and not pass out. I will be so glad to see the cooler temps come back. I miss them.
When we came into the Indian Mounds, we came upon a split in the road. It was very dark and I asked the group if they wanted to have some fun. They said Yes. So we hide around the corner until Brandi's group came around and then we started to run again. It was dark and they could not see us. I think someone said some ugly words when we came out. It was funny and I think personally we all needed a good laugh to start the day.
As the time went by, the humidity slowly got better but the temps got higher. On our first loop of the course, we were holding a 2:1 ratio of run/walk with a average time of 12:47/mile. That is about what we have been averaging on the long runs. Well on the 2nd loop I decided to back it down to 1/1 and the time almost stayed the same. We all agreed that the 1/1 felt better.
After the run I went out for a 1/2 mile walk with no shoes. It felt great o get out of them. Brandi had brought chocolate milk for us. IT WAS SOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!! That is one of the best after run drinks you can every have to replace carbs.
Well this weekend I think we are going for mile repeats. I believe it is seven. Seeing that I am one of the leaders you would think that I would have the calender memorized by now. Well I don't.
Until later, have a wonderful week.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Boy it is early
Saturday morning and its 4:00 a.m. I am getting ready for a 15 mile practice run for the Chickamauga marathon. We are going out early this morning to try and break away from all the HOT temps. I just hope that my energy level will stay with me til the end.
Well I need to get off the computer and get dressed and get out the door. I will post later and I come home and eat, shower, and get a nap. Have a great day.
Well I need to get off the computer and get dressed and get out the door. I will post later and I come home and eat, shower, and get a nap. Have a great day.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Training for Chickamauga Marathon
I need to start by saying I am going to start posting more often like I use to do. I have gotten caught up in a lot of life activities lately and have forgot to write things down.
I am currently involved in our local Jeff Galloway program that trains runners and non-runners on how to run a marathon injury free. We have ratios of run/walk/run and it depends on how fast or not so fast you run. Our group is trying to finish the marathon in under 5 hours and we run a 2:1 ratio. We run several times a week for maintenance runs and a long run on Saturday mornings.
We are right now about 1/2 way through our training with the race on Nov. 13. I have run this race 2 other times so I kind of know what to expect throughout the race. I have been trying to pass along info to the other runners about the course, hills, 2 loop course and other things. I am having so much fun helping others and it is also helping me out.
Along with training for this marathon, I have also enrolled in a biggest loser program with our club. We started 4 weeks ago and I am just trying to take it slow so that I KEEP the weight off. So far I am down 6.5 pounds and I hope to get off about 20 pounds before the race. If so it will be the lowest I have ever been for a marathon. I have been so close to beating a 5 hour race but so far it has not happened. This has been a burden in my life. It is just weighing heavy on my shoulders. That is one reason why I am trying to loose the weight. I love it when people look at me when I tell them I love to run marathons. I mean normally when you look at someone who is 6'3 and weighing 263 pounds, you would not think he would be out running.
Tomorrow morning our group is meeting for a 15 mile run. I cant wait because some of the runners have never run this far before in their life. I love to see it when people go past their last goal. It is fun to be able to run this far and then go home and do your normal activities for the day.
Well for now I am going to get some rest so that i will have plenty of sleep for tomorrow. I promise to post more often so that I don't get behind. Have a great weekend.
I am currently involved in our local Jeff Galloway program that trains runners and non-runners on how to run a marathon injury free. We have ratios of run/walk/run and it depends on how fast or not so fast you run. Our group is trying to finish the marathon in under 5 hours and we run a 2:1 ratio. We run several times a week for maintenance runs and a long run on Saturday mornings.
We are right now about 1/2 way through our training with the race on Nov. 13. I have run this race 2 other times so I kind of know what to expect throughout the race. I have been trying to pass along info to the other runners about the course, hills, 2 loop course and other things. I am having so much fun helping others and it is also helping me out.
Along with training for this marathon, I have also enrolled in a biggest loser program with our club. We started 4 weeks ago and I am just trying to take it slow so that I KEEP the weight off. So far I am down 6.5 pounds and I hope to get off about 20 pounds before the race. If so it will be the lowest I have ever been for a marathon. I have been so close to beating a 5 hour race but so far it has not happened. This has been a burden in my life. It is just weighing heavy on my shoulders. That is one reason why I am trying to loose the weight. I love it when people look at me when I tell them I love to run marathons. I mean normally when you look at someone who is 6'3 and weighing 263 pounds, you would not think he would be out running.
Tomorrow morning our group is meeting for a 15 mile run. I cant wait because some of the runners have never run this far before in their life. I love to see it when people go past their last goal. It is fun to be able to run this far and then go home and do your normal activities for the day.
Well for now I am going to get some rest so that i will have plenty of sleep for tomorrow. I promise to post more often so that I don't get behind. Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
I finally went
I have been having a problem with some pain in my right foot. When I get up in the morning, it feels like a knife is being stuck in it. Usually after about a couple of minutes it goes away. So far it has not plauged me with my running. It hurts at first but then goes away. I have thought about going to the doctor to get some xrays done but I was afraid of getting bad news and being sidelinded from sports. So I did not go for a while. Well I finally broke down and went and got the xrays.
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NO BROKEN BONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now I just have to figure out what is wrong. The doctor told me to try Advil twice a day for 10 days and see if that helps. I hope so cause it is racking my brain. So for now, I am still running.
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NO BROKEN BONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now I just have to figure out what is wrong. The doctor told me to try Advil twice a day for 10 days and see if that helps. I hope so cause it is racking my brain. So for now, I am still running.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
MIBM 2010 recap
Another MIBM is in the books again. I always say that this is the hardest race I have ever done and then I sign up and do it again. There is something about running the 3 H race: hills, heat and humidity.
As I drove up to the club house, we passed a few runners that started early. I got there about 30 minutes prior to starting and got my packet. This race is getting bigger every year. When it first started I think it was only about 10 of us in the race. This year we had 50 runners and had to tell about 35 that he was full. WOW it is getting bigger and better every year.
I placed my number on my fuel belt and stretched the old legs trying to get the blood flowing. I had some friends from our Galloway program running with me and Stef was going to help pace me. We run 2:1 ratios and try to hold a 11:26 but with the history of this course, I knew that this was going to be very hard.
So we were off and running. RAIN yes it started to rain and boy did it come down. We had only gone about 1/4 and I was soaked. It felt great cause I knew when it stopped, it was going to be very humid. Luckily it was getting late and the sun was going down so that the humidity was not going to be too bad.
Hills, hills and more hills is the only way to describe the course. Andrew said he took out 3 hills this year and replaced them with 2 BIG hills. He was telling the truth. WHEW it was hard and hilly. We were holding a great pace for the first half of the course with the possible hope that we could finish on pace. Well that did not happen. The second loop was hard. The rain had stopped and I was getting hot and tired. I kept telling myself that every hill I went over I would only have to do it again. Then I would be through.
I think that the last 3 miles was the hardest. Our bodies were starting to cramp up and we were looking at our watches counting down the 1/10ths of a mile. The mileage would not go any faster. It was just dragging by but our pace overall was staying the same. That was good because I thought we were falling way off pace. As we came into the last mile, we knew that we had one last big hill to concour. BOOM there it is and we hit it hard. Over the hill and down to the finish. YES it was over and I was glad. Mandie was there to get our pictures and Stef, The Princess Runner, was there to give me my medal. She told me that since she was not running she could give us our medals. It is always super to see friends that you know at races. Thanks Stef.
For the next 1 1/2 hours, I spent drinking a lot of fluids and trying to snack to get my strength back. Luckily I was not one of the 2 participates that had a DNF. I think they were from FL and not use to the humidity and hills. The last I heard they were ok and would soon recover.
A big thank you to Andrew and Deb for putting on a great race again. There were so many other people to thank like Andrew's wife, Kenny and Stef at the finish line, Mandie taking pictures and see a happy face of Marcus Parker passing out water at one of water stops. Without the numerous other volunteers that I did not mention, this race could not have happened. I hope to have some pictures soon for viewing.
As I drove up to the club house, we passed a few runners that started early. I got there about 30 minutes prior to starting and got my packet. This race is getting bigger every year. When it first started I think it was only about 10 of us in the race. This year we had 50 runners and had to tell about 35 that he was full. WOW it is getting bigger and better every year.
I placed my number on my fuel belt and stretched the old legs trying to get the blood flowing. I had some friends from our Galloway program running with me and Stef was going to help pace me. We run 2:1 ratios and try to hold a 11:26 but with the history of this course, I knew that this was going to be very hard.
So we were off and running. RAIN yes it started to rain and boy did it come down. We had only gone about 1/4 and I was soaked. It felt great cause I knew when it stopped, it was going to be very humid. Luckily it was getting late and the sun was going down so that the humidity was not going to be too bad.
Hills, hills and more hills is the only way to describe the course. Andrew said he took out 3 hills this year and replaced them with 2 BIG hills. He was telling the truth. WHEW it was hard and hilly. We were holding a great pace for the first half of the course with the possible hope that we could finish on pace. Well that did not happen. The second loop was hard. The rain had stopped and I was getting hot and tired. I kept telling myself that every hill I went over I would only have to do it again. Then I would be through.
I think that the last 3 miles was the hardest. Our bodies were starting to cramp up and we were looking at our watches counting down the 1/10ths of a mile. The mileage would not go any faster. It was just dragging by but our pace overall was staying the same. That was good because I thought we were falling way off pace. As we came into the last mile, we knew that we had one last big hill to concour. BOOM there it is and we hit it hard. Over the hill and down to the finish. YES it was over and I was glad. Mandie was there to get our pictures and Stef, The Princess Runner, was there to give me my medal. She told me that since she was not running she could give us our medals. It is always super to see friends that you know at races. Thanks Stef.
For the next 1 1/2 hours, I spent drinking a lot of fluids and trying to snack to get my strength back. Luckily I was not one of the 2 participates that had a DNF. I think they were from FL and not use to the humidity and hills. The last I heard they were ok and would soon recover.
A big thank you to Andrew and Deb for putting on a great race again. There were so many other people to thank like Andrew's wife, Kenny and Stef at the finish line, Mandie taking pictures and see a happy face of Marcus Parker passing out water at one of water stops. Without the numerous other volunteers that I did not mention, this race could not have happened. I hope to have some pictures soon for viewing.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
MIBM 2010
Well today is the day. Our annual Make It By Midnight half/marathon is tonight. If you are not familiar with this race is that what ever you think it will take you to finish the race, you subtract that from midnight and start. The best thing is for everyone to finish at midnight together. I love this race but it has 3 H's. Heat, humidity and hills. This is the slowest of all races I will do this year. I am hoping for a half finish somewhere between 2:30 and 3 hours. I am not going to push myself cause I am having some friends run with me for help and companionship. I hope to be able to post a report in a couple of days.
I have been busy running with our Galloway program. I am the 5 hour pace leader for the group. I figured if I can't break 5 hours in my 11 marathons then I need to train better and have more accountability for my actions. So if my group does not break or get near the 5 hour mark at Chickamauga, then I will be to blame. I don't want that to happen so that is why I am steeping down from my TRI training for now. I am not stopping, I am just taking a break. I signed up for the Augusta 70.3, I have not officially unsigned. I am going to hold it open so that if I get a chance to go, I will. But I am not making any promises.
I know that I am a good runner, but that is not enough. I want to become a great runner. I want to help others get better and reach their most inter abilities. I have come to a conclusion that I want to help others in hope that it will help me also. It is a long story that we discussed in church last week and I think it will help me in my running ability also. I know that some of you will think that running a church lesson don't go hand in hand but it did for me that day. It hit me hard and I am not looking back. It is time to go forward.
Have a blessed weekend and have fun.
I have been busy running with our Galloway program. I am the 5 hour pace leader for the group. I figured if I can't break 5 hours in my 11 marathons then I need to train better and have more accountability for my actions. So if my group does not break or get near the 5 hour mark at Chickamauga, then I will be to blame. I don't want that to happen so that is why I am steeping down from my TRI training for now. I am not stopping, I am just taking a break. I signed up for the Augusta 70.3, I have not officially unsigned. I am going to hold it open so that if I get a chance to go, I will. But I am not making any promises.
I know that I am a good runner, but that is not enough. I want to become a great runner. I want to help others get better and reach their most inter abilities. I have come to a conclusion that I want to help others in hope that it will help me also. It is a long story that we discussed in church last week and I think it will help me in my running ability also. I know that some of you will think that running a church lesson don't go hand in hand but it did for me that day. It hit me hard and I am not looking back. It is time to go forward.
Have a blessed weekend and have fun.
Friday, July 9, 2010
I am still alive
I know that I have not posted in a while and I am very sorry. I have has a lot of things going on in my life. I have been training for TRI's, marathons and long bike rides. I have been doing a lot of soul searching lately and some things are getting ready to change. More details to come soon.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
still training
I have not been posting like I use to but I am still in training mode. I have been wanting to sit down and right things our but i have not done it until now.
I have signed up to help out with our local Jeff Galloway program and now I am a pace/group leader for a group of us that are shooting for a sub 5 marathon. I am training for the Chickamauga marathon that is Nov. 14 I think. I know that the race is in the 2 week of the month.
I am also in training mode for the Augusta 70.3 which is a 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike and 13.1 run and I have to finish in under 8 hours. I have been trying to figure out what days I am going to run, what days to swim and what days to bike. It is crazy but I am trying to do it.
I am having a lot of mental problems with my swim. I have tried to use a snorkel to see if it would make it easier for me but it is not. So I am going back to the old style of swimming and just do it.
I believe my next big race will be in July with a half marathon. It is a hard course call Make It By Midnight. It is a 2 lap course for the half and it has a TON of hills in it. It will be a good wayfor me to determine how my training is going for Chick.
I have signed up to help out with our local Jeff Galloway program and now I am a pace/group leader for a group of us that are shooting for a sub 5 marathon. I am training for the Chickamauga marathon that is Nov. 14 I think. I know that the race is in the 2 week of the month.
I am also in training mode for the Augusta 70.3 which is a 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike and 13.1 run and I have to finish in under 8 hours. I have been trying to figure out what days I am going to run, what days to swim and what days to bike. It is crazy but I am trying to do it.
I am having a lot of mental problems with my swim. I have tried to use a snorkel to see if it would make it easier for me but it is not. So I am going back to the old style of swimming and just do it.
I believe my next big race will be in July with a half marathon. It is a hard course call Make It By Midnight. It is a 2 lap course for the half and it has a TON of hills in it. It will be a good wayfor me to determine how my training is going for Chick.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Hello
Yes, I am still alive and running. I am still training and get prepared for the Augusta 70.3 Please dont forget me. I will be postig more soon.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Rest in peace soldier Zac
Today was truly a day off tears of joy and pain. I lost a great friend of mine to brain tumors. Zac Pruitt was only 14 years old, but he was a man of his own will. Zac had been to many races with me and his father Bill who ran my 1st half marathon with me. Zac was a christian and I know that he has run the race and won the victory. He has been given the ultimate trophy and it was haded to him from God. I will truly miss him until the day we meet again.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
My longest goal : COMPLETED
It was back in Sept of last year and I had a thought, "Since I like running marathons so much why I don't I try and go for a record?" I was thinking it would not be hard cause this is something I like to do. I love long distance running. I never thought I would have so much fun while doing it. Before starting this journey my longest completed goal lasted about 3 months. I was trying lose weight and got into a contest and won. I have tried to do other goals in my life and have failed time and time again. I usually do not have the will power to continue on long term goals. I like the quick fix for all my plans. So when I thought about this was going to be 6 months of races and and at least 9 months of training, well I was a little nervous that I would not complete it.
November was the starting month. It started when I took on the journey to run Chickamauga Battlefield marathon with very little training. I originally signed up for the half but my wife was going to be at the finish line taking pictures for Peachsports.com photography. She told me that I should sign up for the full since she was going to be there the whole time. I agreed. I should not have cause it was horrible. I did not train enough and walked about the last 7 to 8 miles in the finish the race. My legs felt like jello but I finished.
2 weeks later I took on the yearly race of Bartram Forrest 50K. This is such an exciting race to run through the forest. Kevin , the RD, puts on a terrific and scenic course. It is a race that is about 5.25 miles and you loop it as many times to get a HM, marathon or a 50K. I started out with the mind frame that I was going to run the 50K and have supporters to come and run with me through out the race. Well some of them did not show up except for one, Stefanie Swanger.
It was great running with Stef cause she tried to keep me motivated to reach my goal. Well somewhere around mile 21 or 22 my body started to hurt. I stepped on a recent cut bush that just jarred my body like a lightening bolt. I stopped and told Stef that I was going to just settle for a marathon today. Then we went back to running and I just busted out laughing. I just thought for a moment and said "Stef, did I just say that I was going to settle for a marathon today" and she said yes. I thought it was funny but we did. The best part of the day was that Stef originally said she was going to just run 3 laps with me but she ran 5 laps for a marathon and had a PR. WOW thanks again Stef.
December was a time of rest for my sons birthday and the holidays. This is when I started to think again if I was going to complete this journey. This month had 0 marathons.
Jan. was the month of the annual Warner Robins Aviation Marathon at WRAFB. It consist of 2 laps around the base. I was feeling great for this race. I had intentions of trying to go out and PR. Well the race was off and I started running with some friends of our local running clubs. It is great to run with friends so that they can get your mind off of things and to help you keep your mind on track. Well I turned around at the half way point and started out to complete my 2nd lap of the course and realized that I was 3 minutes ahead of my PR race pace. I was feeling good. Then it hit me somewhere around mile 16 or 17. My body pooped out. Once again I was faced with the challenge of just finishing the race. I did.
Feb. was the month of 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville. This was going to be a great race because this was going to be the 1st race where I was going to do it Galloway style and break my PR that now has become a burden in my life. My buddy Kevin that I worked with a work was going to be running this his 1st marathon. I was so excited knowing that I was part of the Galloway group that has a lot of great, energetic runners that really encourage each other to finish. We started out and I was on track with the 5 hour group until around mile 15 where the sun and heat really paid a big role in my loss of my PR. When I went out I forgot to put on sun screen and this is something that I will not forgot again. I GOT FRIED LIKE CHICKEN!!!!!!!
March is the month of the annual Snickers Marathon in Albany Ga. I love this race. So far this is my marathon PR course. Of all the races I have done, this is the race that has my fastest 2 times at. Today I was hoping to be a new PR. I bought a gymboss that was going to keep up with my running ratios so that I could run Gallwoay style the entire race. I met up with a fellow runner, Karen who was running her 1st marathon today. She asked me what my time was that I was shooting for and I told her somewhere around 5 hours and she asked if she could run with me. I told her for sure so that she could keep me encouraged. When were on track until the last couple of miles where our mile splits started to fall off about 45 seconds per mile. When we hit mile 25 and saw the clock, it said we would have to run an 8 minute mile to finish under 5 hours. Well I was disappointed for a few minutes but then realized that I was running with someone who was going to complete her 1st ever marathon. My emotions quickly turned from being mad to being happy. I told Karen at mile 26 that a man told me at the same exact spot to finish strong cause now you are a marathoner. I was happy to look at Karen and tell her the exact same thing.
April is now here and it looks as if I am going to do it. Another one of my running friends Melissa was going to run the Country Music Marathon with me and she told me that she wanted to try and finish a race under 6 hours. I told her that I would be glad to pace her if she would just run when I told her to run and walk when I tell her to walk. She agreed to do it and the challenge was on. The morning of the race we were told of BAD weather coming in and that we would have to hit mile 12 with a pace around 4:30 to complete the marathon or we would be told to finish the half. I was furious. 9 months of training and racing for mother nature to throw me a curve ball so that I could not reach my goal. I have worked so hard and so long to finish it. We were off and running and the weather looked great. No rain with sunny skies. We made it to mile 6 and I asked a police officer if they were still going to close the course and he said it would stay open until lightening started. I had made up my mind I was going to finish my journey. And then it hit at mile 12. One of the race official stepped out on the course about 20 yards in front of me and told me to finish on the half. The weather was coming in and it was getting dangerous. I was very upset. All my training shot down the tubes. My little buddy Austin, Mandie and her mom and step dad was waiting for me at the finish line. I was not happy but I was glad to see them. It was time to go the the Waffle House.
When I got home I looked on the Marathon Maniac site to see that some of the runner who needed this run to finish a journey to obtain a new star or be part of the 50 States club met at 9 a.m. at the finish line and ran the miles that they missed. They were going to turn in the 2 times to Country Music officials and see if they would give them a finishing time on the marathon. I thought I would give it a try also. I mean I got the medal so the least I could do is the distance so off I went to complete my miles. I emailed the director with my times and now it was going to be a waiting game.
The wait is no more. It is official that CMM accepted my challenge and so did Marathon Maniacs. I have officially moved up another star to Silver status but most of all I finished a goal that took me over 3 states, 262 miles of racing through all kinds of weather and a life time of memories that I will never forget. Thank you to all that helped me reach my goals. Now it is time to reach new borders and accomplish things that I have never done before. I have signed up to compete in the Augusta 70.3 Half-Ironman which consist of 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike and running 13.1 in under 8 hours. Also I have signed up to be a group leader in the Galloway program for the Chickamauga marathon.
To some people this journey of mine might not seem like anything spectacular, but for me it was like trying climb a mountain with a broken leg.
November was the starting month. It started when I took on the journey to run Chickamauga Battlefield marathon with very little training. I originally signed up for the half but my wife was going to be at the finish line taking pictures for Peachsports.com photography. She told me that I should sign up for the full since she was going to be there the whole time. I agreed. I should not have cause it was horrible. I did not train enough and walked about the last 7 to 8 miles in the finish the race. My legs felt like jello but I finished.
2 weeks later I took on the yearly race of Bartram Forrest 50K. This is such an exciting race to run through the forest. Kevin , the RD, puts on a terrific and scenic course. It is a race that is about 5.25 miles and you loop it as many times to get a HM, marathon or a 50K. I started out with the mind frame that I was going to run the 50K and have supporters to come and run with me through out the race. Well some of them did not show up except for one, Stefanie Swanger.
It was great running with Stef cause she tried to keep me motivated to reach my goal. Well somewhere around mile 21 or 22 my body started to hurt. I stepped on a recent cut bush that just jarred my body like a lightening bolt. I stopped and told Stef that I was going to just settle for a marathon today. Then we went back to running and I just busted out laughing. I just thought for a moment and said "Stef, did I just say that I was going to settle for a marathon today" and she said yes. I thought it was funny but we did. The best part of the day was that Stef originally said she was going to just run 3 laps with me but she ran 5 laps for a marathon and had a PR. WOW thanks again Stef.
December was a time of rest for my sons birthday and the holidays. This is when I started to think again if I was going to complete this journey. This month had 0 marathons.
Jan. was the month of the annual Warner Robins Aviation Marathon at WRAFB. It consist of 2 laps around the base. I was feeling great for this race. I had intentions of trying to go out and PR. Well the race was off and I started running with some friends of our local running clubs. It is great to run with friends so that they can get your mind off of things and to help you keep your mind on track. Well I turned around at the half way point and started out to complete my 2nd lap of the course and realized that I was 3 minutes ahead of my PR race pace. I was feeling good. Then it hit me somewhere around mile 16 or 17. My body pooped out. Once again I was faced with the challenge of just finishing the race. I did.
Feb. was the month of 26.2 with Donna in Jacksonville. This was going to be a great race because this was going to be the 1st race where I was going to do it Galloway style and break my PR that now has become a burden in my life. My buddy Kevin that I worked with a work was going to be running this his 1st marathon. I was so excited knowing that I was part of the Galloway group that has a lot of great, energetic runners that really encourage each other to finish. We started out and I was on track with the 5 hour group until around mile 15 where the sun and heat really paid a big role in my loss of my PR. When I went out I forgot to put on sun screen and this is something that I will not forgot again. I GOT FRIED LIKE CHICKEN!!!!!!!
March is the month of the annual Snickers Marathon in Albany Ga. I love this race. So far this is my marathon PR course. Of all the races I have done, this is the race that has my fastest 2 times at. Today I was hoping to be a new PR. I bought a gymboss that was going to keep up with my running ratios so that I could run Gallwoay style the entire race. I met up with a fellow runner, Karen who was running her 1st marathon today. She asked me what my time was that I was shooting for and I told her somewhere around 5 hours and she asked if she could run with me. I told her for sure so that she could keep me encouraged. When were on track until the last couple of miles where our mile splits started to fall off about 45 seconds per mile. When we hit mile 25 and saw the clock, it said we would have to run an 8 minute mile to finish under 5 hours. Well I was disappointed for a few minutes but then realized that I was running with someone who was going to complete her 1st ever marathon. My emotions quickly turned from being mad to being happy. I told Karen at mile 26 that a man told me at the same exact spot to finish strong cause now you are a marathoner. I was happy to look at Karen and tell her the exact same thing.
April is now here and it looks as if I am going to do it. Another one of my running friends Melissa was going to run the Country Music Marathon with me and she told me that she wanted to try and finish a race under 6 hours. I told her that I would be glad to pace her if she would just run when I told her to run and walk when I tell her to walk. She agreed to do it and the challenge was on. The morning of the race we were told of BAD weather coming in and that we would have to hit mile 12 with a pace around 4:30 to complete the marathon or we would be told to finish the half. I was furious. 9 months of training and racing for mother nature to throw me a curve ball so that I could not reach my goal. I have worked so hard and so long to finish it. We were off and running and the weather looked great. No rain with sunny skies. We made it to mile 6 and I asked a police officer if they were still going to close the course and he said it would stay open until lightening started. I had made up my mind I was going to finish my journey. And then it hit at mile 12. One of the race official stepped out on the course about 20 yards in front of me and told me to finish on the half. The weather was coming in and it was getting dangerous. I was very upset. All my training shot down the tubes. My little buddy Austin, Mandie and her mom and step dad was waiting for me at the finish line. I was not happy but I was glad to see them. It was time to go the the Waffle House.
When I got home I looked on the Marathon Maniac site to see that some of the runner who needed this run to finish a journey to obtain a new star or be part of the 50 States club met at 9 a.m. at the finish line and ran the miles that they missed. They were going to turn in the 2 times to Country Music officials and see if they would give them a finishing time on the marathon. I thought I would give it a try also. I mean I got the medal so the least I could do is the distance so off I went to complete my miles. I emailed the director with my times and now it was going to be a waiting game.
The wait is no more. It is official that CMM accepted my challenge and so did Marathon Maniacs. I have officially moved up another star to Silver status but most of all I finished a goal that took me over 3 states, 262 miles of racing through all kinds of weather and a life time of memories that I will never forget. Thank you to all that helped me reach my goals. Now it is time to reach new borders and accomplish things that I have never done before. I have signed up to compete in the Augusta 70.3 Half-Ironman which consist of 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike and running 13.1 in under 8 hours. Also I have signed up to be a group leader in the Galloway program for the Chickamauga marathon.
To some people this journey of mine might not seem like anything spectacular, but for me it was like trying climb a mountain with a broken leg.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Sorry for the no posting
I have taken some time off from my running and sporting. I have been trying to get my life back on schedule. I have been waiting on some news and I hope to post some good news soon. Well for now, I hope that eveyone will check back with me later and I will start back posting soon.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
I never thought it would happen to me
As I started out on this journey to run 6 marathons in 6 months, I never thought it would come down to having to run a 10 min mile in a complete marathon. I usually run a marathon to finish and have fun but today we had to race the weather. Guess what, the weather won.
As we hit mile 12, one of the race officials stepped out in the crowd and announced that they were shutting down the course. We were told to finish the half course and proceed to get our finishers medal of the marathon course.
Melissa and I were on track for about a 5:30 pace today and feeling great. The course had some great hills and downhills. We were rocking with the bands and ready to do the complete race. I was so disappointed to see them cut it short. When we finished and got our medals, the bottom started to fall out with rain and lightening. We are now under a tornado watch.
Well I am turning in and will report more later.
As we hit mile 12, one of the race officials stepped out in the crowd and announced that they were shutting down the course. We were told to finish the half course and proceed to get our finishers medal of the marathon course.
Melissa and I were on track for about a 5:30 pace today and feeling great. The course had some great hills and downhills. We were rocking with the bands and ready to do the complete race. I was so disappointed to see them cut it short. When we finished and got our medals, the bottom started to fall out with rain and lightening. We are now under a tornado watch.
Well I am turning in and will report more later.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Almost done
When I started this challenge I never thought I was going to be able to finish. I have always been one to start things and never finish. I usually try and do things that I can finish in a short time frame. Not 6 months. This is the longest journey I have ever gone on before. I am so close and it will come to an end this Sat. around 2 p.m.
More to come later as I get a chance to set a record for myself by raising my MM status from bronze to silver but most of all I get a chance to pace a friend so that she will break a sub 6 marathon for her first time. WOW we both get rewards in one day. I can wait.
More to come later as I get a chance to set a record for myself by raising my MM status from bronze to silver but most of all I get a chance to pace a friend so that she will break a sub 6 marathon for her first time. WOW we both get rewards in one day. I can wait.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A Time For Prayer
Normally I would posting about missing a marathon under 5 hours or training for my tri, but today it is different. I go everyday and take things for granted. Well all do. We wake up and think well this is just going to be another day. Blah,Blah,Blah.
Well I have a friend of mine that I work with who needs a lot of prayers right now. He name is Bill Pruitt. Bill works with me at Mid Ga. Ambulance and used to be my road partner at work. His son, Zack who is only 14, was diagnosed with brain tumors back in Sept of last year. He started treatments of chemo/radiation and was doing somewhat better. Well he went for a follow up and disaster hit. He was given the news that it is going to be fatal. The doctors don't know exactly how long he has but it is not long.
Bill ran with me at the Inagural ING 13.1 with me. This was our first HM together. Bill and his family really need our prayers. They have good days and bad days right now. I know that Bill would not mind me telling everyone this is it gets the word out and everyone help by praying.
Some of us from work have gotten together and are having a yard sale at work this weekend to benefit Zack. We have gotten several local companies to donate things that we are going to raffle off. It is wonderful how the community is coming to our help. Zack was asked if he could do anything what would he like to do. He said he would like to go in a airplane or on a cruise. We are working on getting him to a airshow in Florida this month. The director said if we were able to get him there that there are several pilots that would take him up for a ride.
Please pass this around and help with a prayer chain. Remember that all prayers are heard no matter how short or long they might be. Thank you for your time of listening to me and helping us to try and heal a young man to be able to reach his full potential in life.
Please pass this around
Well I have a friend of mine that I work with who needs a lot of prayers right now. He name is Bill Pruitt. Bill works with me at Mid Ga. Ambulance and used to be my road partner at work. His son, Zack who is only 14, was diagnosed with brain tumors back in Sept of last year. He started treatments of chemo/radiation and was doing somewhat better. Well he went for a follow up and disaster hit. He was given the news that it is going to be fatal. The doctors don't know exactly how long he has but it is not long.
Bill ran with me at the Inagural ING 13.1 with me. This was our first HM together. Bill and his family really need our prayers. They have good days and bad days right now. I know that Bill would not mind me telling everyone this is it gets the word out and everyone help by praying.
Some of us from work have gotten together and are having a yard sale at work this weekend to benefit Zack. We have gotten several local companies to donate things that we are going to raffle off. It is wonderful how the community is coming to our help. Zack was asked if he could do anything what would he like to do. He said he would like to go in a airplane or on a cruise. We are working on getting him to a airshow in Florida this month. The director said if we were able to get him there that there are several pilots that would take him up for a ride.
Please pass this around and help with a prayer chain. Remember that all prayers are heard no matter how short or long they might be. Thank you for your time of listening to me and helping us to try and heal a young man to be able to reach his full potential in life.
Please pass this around
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Sweetheart 12K race
Today was a great day for a race. Temps in the mid 40's with no breeze. Very little sleep last night and did not eat breakfast. I picked up a bottle of Gatorade to carry with me on the run. I mean I was doing everything backwards from what I would normally do for a run. Put all of this together and you get.....
A NEW PR OF 1:15:15
I am glad that I could write about getting a new PR cause it has been a long time since I had any good news about a race. A special thank you to Kenny and Karen who helped pace me today and keep me on my pace.
A NEW PR OF 1:15:15
I am glad that I could write about getting a new PR cause it has been a long time since I had any good news about a race. A special thank you to Kenny and Karen who helped pace me today and keep me on my pace.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Marathon # 10 Snickers
I just had to laugh when I wrote that cause I never thought I would say I just finish my 10th marathon. WOW, the time has gone by. 4 years ago weighing in at 305 pounds I decided to try and loose some weight by joining a biggest loser program. Well 3 months later and about 50 pounds off, I won and then my running career started.
The night before Snickers we were able to have a good pasta dinner while listening to others talk about their stories. Well one caught me off guard when a man sitting at the table with me was talking about being only the 3rd person to try and get a sub 3 marathon in 5 consecutive decades of his life.
That is crazy. I can even break 5 hours yet and this guy has been doing it for 50 years.
After dinner, Mandie and I sat with Tommy Chambers and his family at the Peachsports table. Tommy is the official photographer for the marathon. He really comes up with some awesome pictures for us.
The expo was nice but small. I think they had about maybe 10 vendors with my best one being RunFit sports. It is so nice to have a great local running store that has everything you need. And if they don't have it, they will order it for you.
Race day: did not sleep well. I was thinking about this race for a while. This is my race where I have come so close in the past. I laid everything out the night before so that I would not have to think about it in the morning. I got dressed and tried to eat a little breakfast before going out in the cold. OMG, it was 29 degrees. COLD. I put a trash bag over me before going out so that I would not get frost on me before running. As I made my way to the start line I ran into Kenny and Stef. They were going out to run the half-marathon. We walked to the start line and then I was off to run by myself. BOOM time to run.
As I made my way to the 1/2 mile mark, I came across a friend from Macon, Karen, who was running her 1st marathon. She said she was running 2:1 and I asked if I could join her cause that was the same thing I was running. We agreed she would keep up with the intervals on her gymboss and I would keep up with the average pace. We went out fast for the first 4 miles with an average of 11 min miles. Karen told me that she was trying to finish somewhere around 5:30. I told her that if we kept that pace we had a great chance to beat 5 hours.
We continued on our journey trying to slow down a little to conserve energy. When we hit the halfway point, we were averaging an 1130 pace. I was feeling good. We continued on until I came across my point in the race where I crashed before, mile 16 and 18. A big thank you to Karen for getting my attention off of the past and trying to look ahead. She was awesome in her 1st marathon.
I told my wife that if I did not break my 5 hour race that I just wanted to finish with a smile on my face. Well I did just that. When we came across the 25 mile marker, I saw the official clock and it said 4:58 and then I knew that it was over. Once again I failed myself. Then I looked over at Karen and said NO I am going to still have fun. I am not going to be mad at myself. I was going to push myself to finish, look good for Tommy while taking pics and finish with a smile.
We went into the train depot and that is when it hit Karen. She looked at me and said we are going to finish. Then I looked at her and said yes we are and now you are a marathoner. When I did this race 3 years ago, I had a runner tell me the same thing and it brought back so many memories. I told her to sprint into the finish and finish strong. She did and so did I.
SMILES EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!
The night before Snickers we were able to have a good pasta dinner while listening to others talk about their stories. Well one caught me off guard when a man sitting at the table with me was talking about being only the 3rd person to try and get a sub 3 marathon in 5 consecutive decades of his life.
That is crazy. I can even break 5 hours yet and this guy has been doing it for 50 years.
After dinner, Mandie and I sat with Tommy Chambers and his family at the Peachsports table. Tommy is the official photographer for the marathon. He really comes up with some awesome pictures for us.
The expo was nice but small. I think they had about maybe 10 vendors with my best one being RunFit sports. It is so nice to have a great local running store that has everything you need. And if they don't have it, they will order it for you.
Race day: did not sleep well. I was thinking about this race for a while. This is my race where I have come so close in the past. I laid everything out the night before so that I would not have to think about it in the morning. I got dressed and tried to eat a little breakfast before going out in the cold. OMG, it was 29 degrees. COLD. I put a trash bag over me before going out so that I would not get frost on me before running. As I made my way to the start line I ran into Kenny and Stef. They were going out to run the half-marathon. We walked to the start line and then I was off to run by myself. BOOM time to run.
As I made my way to the 1/2 mile mark, I came across a friend from Macon, Karen, who was running her 1st marathon. She said she was running 2:1 and I asked if I could join her cause that was the same thing I was running. We agreed she would keep up with the intervals on her gymboss and I would keep up with the average pace. We went out fast for the first 4 miles with an average of 11 min miles. Karen told me that she was trying to finish somewhere around 5:30. I told her that if we kept that pace we had a great chance to beat 5 hours.
We continued on our journey trying to slow down a little to conserve energy. When we hit the halfway point, we were averaging an 1130 pace. I was feeling good. We continued on until I came across my point in the race where I crashed before, mile 16 and 18. A big thank you to Karen for getting my attention off of the past and trying to look ahead. She was awesome in her 1st marathon.
I told my wife that if I did not break my 5 hour race that I just wanted to finish with a smile on my face. Well I did just that. When we came across the 25 mile marker, I saw the official clock and it said 4:58 and then I knew that it was over. Once again I failed myself. Then I looked over at Karen and said NO I am going to still have fun. I am not going to be mad at myself. I was going to push myself to finish, look good for Tommy while taking pics and finish with a smile.
We went into the train depot and that is when it hit Karen. She looked at me and said we are going to finish. Then I looked at her and said yes we are and now you are a marathoner. When I did this race 3 years ago, I had a runner tell me the same thing and it brought back so many memories. I told her to sprint into the finish and finish strong. She did and so did I.
SMILES EVERYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!
Clif Bars giveaway
I love to read other blogs where people are helping others out by giving things away and here is the next one.
You can visit his website at www.tridadoffive.blogspot.com
I tried to copy and paste onto my site but I am having problems doing that. Sorry for the inconvience but please visit his site.
You can visit his website at www.tridadoffive.blogspot.com
I tried to copy and paste onto my site but I am having problems doing that. Sorry for the inconvience but please visit his site.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Snickers report
Chip time 5:10:34
I am happy with this time. I wanted to try and break 5 hours for the first time but most of all I wanted to finish with a smile on my face. I did that and was glad I did. I told myself to start off slow so that I would have some energy left at the end. I was glad I did.
I got a chance to run with Karen and it was going to be here first marathon. She was so strong keeping us on track with our 2:1 ratio. She kept me on track until the end.
More to come later but for now it is time to get back into bed and rest the legs.
I am happy with this time. I wanted to try and break 5 hours for the first time but most of all I wanted to finish with a smile on my face. I did that and was glad I did. I told myself to start off slow so that I would have some energy left at the end. I was glad I did.
I got a chance to run with Karen and it was going to be here first marathon. She was so strong keeping us on track with our 2:1 ratio. She kept me on track until the end.
More to come later but for now it is time to get back into bed and rest the legs.
10 and counting
I never had any intentions of ever being able to say I have now run 10 marathons in my life. Nor would I have ever thought of running them in 2 years. I can truly say that my body is not the same now. I have gotten to a point where my body is conditioned to a long run. People still come up to me and ask me why I do this and I tell them the same reason why people run 5 and 10Ks every weekend. My body is just use to it. I am not going to lie and say it is easy to do it because that would be a lie. My back is starting to hurt, my feet are sore and my legs/hips hurt.
Looking back, I have traveled alot of roads to get here. Not only the roads to travel to the courses but the roads on which I have laid down some training miles. I was joking with my wife and I told her I have run enough miles in the marathons to go from Macon to Jacksonville Florida. Then if you were to log in my training miles and 5,10 and 12K races, I would take me to Miami.
I had a wonderful time at Snickers this year. I wanted to be able to finish this race with a smile on my face and I did just that. I will write a recap on the race when they publish the finishing times but I will tell you that I missed my PR by about 4 minutes this time. I am ok with this. I had other goals that I wanted to do and I will discuss them later.
I have one more marathon to do next month, Country Music Marathon in Nashville Tenn on April 24. This will be my last marathon that I have pre-registered for this year. I am planning on having fun with this race. My friend Melissa Cowart told me that she has never run a marathon under 6 hours and I told her if she wanted to run with me I would try and help her obtain her goal.
After I get through with this race, it will then be time to put all my training towards the Augusta 70.3 race. I need to put all my time to this race cause it will be my biggest training regiment that I will have put my body through.
For now it is time to sit back and give my legs a break today. When I get more on my finishing times I will get my recap posted. Until then, continue on.
Looking back, I have traveled alot of roads to get here. Not only the roads to travel to the courses but the roads on which I have laid down some training miles. I was joking with my wife and I told her I have run enough miles in the marathons to go from Macon to Jacksonville Florida. Then if you were to log in my training miles and 5,10 and 12K races, I would take me to Miami.
I had a wonderful time at Snickers this year. I wanted to be able to finish this race with a smile on my face and I did just that. I will write a recap on the race when they publish the finishing times but I will tell you that I missed my PR by about 4 minutes this time. I am ok with this. I had other goals that I wanted to do and I will discuss them later.
I have one more marathon to do next month, Country Music Marathon in Nashville Tenn on April 24. This will be my last marathon that I have pre-registered for this year. I am planning on having fun with this race. My friend Melissa Cowart told me that she has never run a marathon under 6 hours and I told her if she wanted to run with me I would try and help her obtain her goal.
After I get through with this race, it will then be time to put all my training towards the Augusta 70.3 race. I need to put all my time to this race cause it will be my biggest training regiment that I will have put my body through.
For now it is time to sit back and give my legs a break today. When I get more on my finishing times I will get my recap posted. Until then, continue on.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Getting ready....
As my body gets a couple of days of rest, it is now time to pack again and get ready for the Snickers marathon this weekend. I always look foward to this race because this is the place where I ran my 1st marathon 2 years ago.
I have been playing around with how I want to deal with this race. I always get so close to breaking the 5 hour mark at Snickers. I am trying to tell myself to star off a little slower this time so that I will be strong in the end.
I believe that is what I am going to do so that I can enjoy this one and finish strong at the end. This will be my 10th marathon and I will have only 1 more to do next month and I will be thtrough with my bucket list of 6 marahons in 6 months.
I have been playing around with how I want to deal with this race. I always get so close to breaking the 5 hour mark at Snickers. I am trying to tell myself to star off a little slower this time so that I will be strong in the end.
I believe that is what I am going to do so that I can enjoy this one and finish strong at the end. This will be my 10th marathon and I will have only 1 more to do next month and I will be thtrough with my bucket list of 6 marahons in 6 months.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Donna part 2
Looking back at a great event and weekend. I have had a chance to look at the pictures and I am going to post some of them. I have not sent them out to everyone so I am not going to put all of them out.
Saturday morning we decided to get up early and head out to the expo. We wanted to get there and see everything and still have time to get back to the beach and go out for dinner with our friends. The expo was nice and large. It was very crowded with all the normal stuff from drinks, gels, clothes and gadgets. While I was there, they had a booth that was giving away free messages and yep I got one. OMG it was wonderful. I asked the lady if she was married and she replied yes and my husband does not get them either.
After the race we got to ride the buses back to the motel. Well, I think we had the coolest bus driver ever. I was joking around with him about if he could go through a drive thru on the way back and he laughed with his boss standing outside the door. Well when he closed the door, he said if you get me a McFlurry I will take you there. I told him I would buy him a Happy Meal also. So on the way back we parked on the road and Mandie ran inside and got 7 Happy Meals and a McFlurry for our driver. Man we were all happy on the bus. We were all craving salty fries. Then we decided that after we showered and changed that we would go to Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. My friend Melissa Cowart was in town visiting her parents and she stopped by to have dinner with us. It was so cool to see more friends to be able to celebrate with. Here she is with us and Mandie eating their seafood dinner.
But by far the main reason why we ran the 26.2 with Donna Marathon is to help find a cure for breast cancer. It was very moving to hear and see stories about survivors and the ones that have gone on to be with the Lord. There was alot of emotions through out the entire race. I am very glad to have had a chance to run this event. I strongly would say to anyone looking forward to running a wonderful marathon, I would say run this one.
Saturday morning we decided to get up early and head out to the expo. We wanted to get there and see everything and still have time to get back to the beach and go out for dinner with our friends. The expo was nice and large. It was very crowded with all the normal stuff from drinks, gels, clothes and gadgets. While I was there, they had a booth that was giving away free messages and yep I got one. OMG it was wonderful. I asked the lady if she was married and she replied yes and my husband does not get them either.
I was walking around and meet Donna, who the marathon is actually named after. She was signing her books that were for sale. I did not know until after the race that I actually ran a portion of the race with her.
Also Jeff Galloway was there signing everything for people and answering questions while posing for some pictures.
Also Jeff Galloway was there signing everything for people and answering questions while posing for some pictures.
I got a chance to pose with Jeff Galloway after his autographed my bib number for the race. I then found out that I was running the race with Jeff. He is notarise for running the races in 5 hours. He was running with his wife, Barbara.
After a great expo and walking on the beach, it was time for a good dinner with friends. We went to Outback for steak, chicken and potatoes. YUMMY it was so good. It gave me a chance to give some last minute suggestions to the runners while Mandie is trying to tell me to hush. She said that I should not be saying anything and I told her that I was trying to help them not go through the bad things that I had gone through before.
Well, it is now or never. It is race day and my nerves are kicking in high gear. I am trying to hide my emotions but it was hard. I was nervous about thinking about trying to break my PR and also about my friend Kevin and his wife Shannyn running their first race. I was hoping and praying everyone would run an accident free race.
We went out to get on the bus and good Lord it was freezing, 37 degrees. I wanted to find some coffee to warm up. This is Florida, it is not suppose to be this cold. I had an old pair of socks that I cut the ends off to make arm warmers. It actually worked.
Here is a picture of Kevin and Shannyn before the race. Note that they are smiling now. Will they later????????
Here is the Macon Galloway running group. Note that they are smiling before the race. Will this c
ontinue until the end???????
ontinue until the end???????Mandie was able to catch the shuttles over to the beach and grab some pictures for us. Here is one of the ones that I actually liked from the race. I was still feeling good and had visions of a PR dancing through my mind.
But at last, the best pictures at the finish line. Me right after the race before I had my beers, after I had time to rest, me and Kevin, and the group with victory beers.
After the race we got to ride the buses back to the motel. Well, I think we had the coolest bus driver ever. I was joking around with him about if he could go through a drive thru on the way back and he laughed with his boss standing outside the door. Well when he closed the door, he said if you get me a McFlurry I will take you there. I told him I would buy him a Happy Meal also. So on the way back we parked on the road and Mandie ran inside and got 7 Happy Meals and a McFlurry for our driver. Man we were all happy on the bus. We were all craving salty fries. Then we decided that after we showered and changed that we would go to Joe's Crab Shack for dinner. My friend Melissa Cowart was in town visiting her parents and she stopped by to have dinner with us. It was so cool to see more friends to be able to celebrate with. Here she is with us and Mandie eating their seafood dinner.
But by far the main reason why we ran the 26.2 with Donna Marathon is to help find a cure for breast cancer. It was very moving to hear and see stories about survivors and the ones that have gone on to be with the Lord. There was alot of emotions through out the entire race. I am very glad to have had a chance to run this event. I strongly would say to anyone looking forward to running a wonderful marathon, I would say run this one.
Have a great day and help save the Ta-tas.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Recap for 26.2 with Donna
I will start out by saying if you have never run a marathon, I would highly recommend this one to be your first. The crowd support of this race is awesome. I think there were more supporters than runners. The town of Jacksonville really came out in great support. If you were on the beach, on the bridge or on the surface streets, there was support in large numbers.
I went out in the 5 hour pace group to try and beat my PR. I really thought this was going to be the day. Here is the time chip stations with the splits:
5M: 00:56:43
10M: 1:55:41
Half: 2:30:36 ON TRACK FOR PR AND SUB 5
15M 2:52:06 GETTING HOT AND HUNGRY
20M 3:57:28 THINKING I GOT A NEW PR AND THEN IT HIT ME LIKE A BOMB
Chip: 5:36:41
I was so close to getting my PR and breaking the 5 hour demon. I thought I had finally beaten it and it came back to bite me in the butt. HARD. When I came into the 20's, I was spent. I had lost my gel holder and the last 10 miles was run on nothing but water. They were passing out GU's but nothing in plain flavor. I was starting to get sick to my stomach and I was eating salt packets. I wanted a plain gu and no one had any. I started to cry. I was so upset that I had come so far in my training to miss it by such a little distance. I was upset knowing that all the training I had put out is now gone down the drain. I started thinking that Mandie is waiting patiently for me at the finish line to watch me break 5 hours. Then it hit me again and I got upset even more. As I ran past a police officer, I asked if I could borrow his phone to call Mandie to let her know that I was going to be late. She was so supportive to tell me that it was going to be ok and just finish.
I hobbled my way to the finish line to receive my beautiful medal that is partially see through. I will post some pics soon of the medal and race.
I have to give huge props to the Macon Galloway Runners who ran their first marathon. They were awesome to have given up so much time into training and run 26.2 miles. As we ran through the miles, I was able to run with Jeff Galloway and his wife as he runs the events in a 5 hour pace. He was running past us and talking the whole time. It was great to see my partner from work Kevin to run his 1st marathon. I told him that he would be able to finish it.
There is so much to tell about this race so I will post more later as it comes back to me. The pre race food with friends after the race with friends and the whole event. More to come later. For now it is time to get ready for Snickers Marathon next Saturday.
I went out in the 5 hour pace group to try and beat my PR. I really thought this was going to be the day. Here is the time chip stations with the splits:
5M: 00:56:43
10M: 1:55:41
Half: 2:30:36 ON TRACK FOR PR AND SUB 5
15M 2:52:06 GETTING HOT AND HUNGRY
20M 3:57:28 THINKING I GOT A NEW PR AND THEN IT HIT ME LIKE A BOMB
Chip: 5:36:41
I was so close to getting my PR and breaking the 5 hour demon. I thought I had finally beaten it and it came back to bite me in the butt. HARD. When I came into the 20's, I was spent. I had lost my gel holder and the last 10 miles was run on nothing but water. They were passing out GU's but nothing in plain flavor. I was starting to get sick to my stomach and I was eating salt packets. I wanted a plain gu and no one had any. I started to cry. I was so upset that I had come so far in my training to miss it by such a little distance. I was upset knowing that all the training I had put out is now gone down the drain. I started thinking that Mandie is waiting patiently for me at the finish line to watch me break 5 hours. Then it hit me again and I got upset even more. As I ran past a police officer, I asked if I could borrow his phone to call Mandie to let her know that I was going to be late. She was so supportive to tell me that it was going to be ok and just finish.
I hobbled my way to the finish line to receive my beautiful medal that is partially see through. I will post some pics soon of the medal and race.
I have to give huge props to the Macon Galloway Runners who ran their first marathon. They were awesome to have given up so much time into training and run 26.2 miles. As we ran through the miles, I was able to run with Jeff Galloway and his wife as he runs the events in a 5 hour pace. He was running past us and talking the whole time. It was great to see my partner from work Kevin to run his 1st marathon. I told him that he would be able to finish it.
There is so much to tell about this race so I will post more later as it comes back to me. The pre race food with friends after the race with friends and the whole event. More to come later. For now it is time to get ready for Snickers Marathon next Saturday.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I'm back and ......
I am not happy. I am back from my Jacksonville trip from the 26.2 with Donna marathon. As you know I was wanting to break my 5 hour demon. Well, the idiot is still on the loose. I was not able to break this lingering mark that is hoovering above my head. I was on track until mile 20 and then I feel off the band wagon. My finish time was 5:36 and some change. I will try and post a recap of the race in the next couple of days while I am in the recovering stage right now.
Snicker Marathon in Albany Ga in 2 weeks. I need to hurry up and rest so that I can get back out there again. Until then, have a wonderful day.
Snicker Marathon in Albany Ga in 2 weeks. I need to hurry up and rest so that I can get back out there again. Until then, have a wonderful day.
Friday, February 19, 2010
And were off......
Well it is here. It is time to pack up and hit the road when I get off from work today. All the long runs, the daily short runs and watching my weight is all together. No turning back now. It is time to go run 26.2 with Donna. I just read that the ratio of women to men is 5:1 so if nothing else, it will be fun running with a bunch of women.
I found the tracking site where you can watch and keep up with runners. www.raceit.com/liveresults/bcm2010/search.aspx?event=1084
I hope this link works if not you can go to the 26.2 page on Facebook and it will show you how to track. Well for now, it is time to go and see yall next week with a recap.
I found the tracking site where you can watch and keep up with runners. www.raceit.com/liveresults/bcm2010/search.aspx?event=1084
I hope this link works if not you can go to the 26.2 page on Facebook and it will show you how to track. Well for now, it is time to go and see yall next week with a recap.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Funeral arrangements coming soon...
As I sit and think about what I need to take to the 26.2 with Donna this weekend, I am pondering that I have not broken the 5 hour mark YET. I have this demon that has pondered me for nearly 3 years now. Well no more. I am going for it this weekend and hopefully be able to lay the demon to rest.
Looking back on the last couple of months, I have logged in more miles and long runs than I have had in any of my past marathons. I think both physically and mentally I am ready for this task. I have had this hanging over my head long enough. It is time to move on and work on new goals. I want to get this behind me so that I can go out and finish my bucket list with a smile on my face.
I am taking time off this week from my normal mileage and it is giving me more time to think about the race. What to take, when to gu, when to take electrolytes. And I thought running a marathon was just going out there and running. Man what was I thinking. HaHa.
Well, if you get a chance and have some free time this week, please sit down and say a prayer for me for trying to reach my goals. I hope and pray to be able to have a race recap that will have nothing but great and exciting news.
Looking back on the last couple of months, I have logged in more miles and long runs than I have had in any of my past marathons. I think both physically and mentally I am ready for this task. I have had this hanging over my head long enough. It is time to move on and work on new goals. I want to get this behind me so that I can go out and finish my bucket list with a smile on my face.
I am taking time off this week from my normal mileage and it is giving me more time to think about the race. What to take, when to gu, when to take electrolytes. And I thought running a marathon was just going out there and running. Man what was I thinking. HaHa.
Well, if you get a chance and have some free time this week, please sit down and say a prayer for me for trying to reach my goals. I hope and pray to be able to have a race recap that will have nothing but great and exciting news.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Giveaway
I am posting a link about a giveaway from another TRI who has given us details about a new GU. If you go to www.danglethecarrot.blogspot.com you can read his review and see more about the giveaway.
Is running for fun or is it WORK........
It was not long ago when I felt like I had hit a wall. I was on a runner's high and thought everything was going great. Boy, was I wrong. I then had gotten to a point when I just did not want to put my shoes on and to hear about running made me want to throw up. So what did I do to get out of my slump..........
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GET ON THE BIKE AND SWIM
Yes, I found out when I was running so much and pushing myself to try and get faster and lose more weight, I found myself burning myself out. I was to a point where I did not know if running was for fun or was it work.. I had schedules put out for me and I did not have to think about what to run. It was laid out for me everyday. Where to run, what pace to run, how far should I run, Tempo or Easy long run?????? That is when it hit me that I got into running to help myself physically and not to go crazy.
Since I have joined up with the Galloway group, it has given me a chance to run with different people who are among very different goals and outlooks. This has been great because it reminded me why I did my first marathon and how I felt. It has brought back so many memories that I forgot I had lost.
When I thought I had done everything I could possibly physically do, I did a Tri. I never thought I could do something like that. I always said that was for the totally fit atheletes and not for me. Well, I was wrong. I found out you can do anything you put your mind to it and get someone to help you where you might think you have some not so strong points.
What I am trying to get at is when you think that running is just for going out and training like WORK, try something different. I found that when I trained for the TRI, it was nice because my mind and body was always thinking about what I was going to do next. My body was always in check because it was getting changed everyday.
This kept me from going stir crazy. It helped me get out of my rut. If you think you cant do a TRI, well, try and find something else. Maybe you just need to volunteer and help someone else. You will find yourself coming back stronger and better.
I just hope this post will help at least 1 person out there. If so, this blog is totally worth it. Thank you and have a wonderful day in the snow.......
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GET ON THE BIKE AND SWIM
Yes, I found out when I was running so much and pushing myself to try and get faster and lose more weight, I found myself burning myself out. I was to a point where I did not know if running was for fun or was it work.. I had schedules put out for me and I did not have to think about what to run. It was laid out for me everyday. Where to run, what pace to run, how far should I run, Tempo or Easy long run?????? That is when it hit me that I got into running to help myself physically and not to go crazy.
Since I have joined up with the Galloway group, it has given me a chance to run with different people who are among very different goals and outlooks. This has been great because it reminded me why I did my first marathon and how I felt. It has brought back so many memories that I forgot I had lost.
When I thought I had done everything I could possibly physically do, I did a Tri. I never thought I could do something like that. I always said that was for the totally fit atheletes and not for me. Well, I was wrong. I found out you can do anything you put your mind to it and get someone to help you where you might think you have some not so strong points.
What I am trying to get at is when you think that running is just for going out and training like WORK, try something different. I found that when I trained for the TRI, it was nice because my mind and body was always thinking about what I was going to do next. My body was always in check because it was getting changed everyday.
This kept me from going stir crazy. It helped me get out of my rut. If you think you cant do a TRI, well, try and find something else. Maybe you just need to volunteer and help someone else. You will find yourself coming back stronger and better.
I just hope this post will help at least 1 person out there. If so, this blog is totally worth it. Thank you and have a wonderful day in the snow.......
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Getting nervous
I have about 10 days to go before the 26.2 Donna Marathon in Jacksonville Florida. This will be my 9th marathon on my lists of ones to do. You would think by now that races would not bother me but for some reason my nerves are starting to kick in somewhat. I have a 5 hour demon that has followed me since I started running marathons.
I want to be able to break this internal record and get rid of the PR and start on a new number, Sub 5. I am feeling good about going for this next week. I think I have alot of base miles for the last 6 months and have several 20 plus mile runs in.
I am trying to loose a couple of pounds before I go cause 1 pound = 2 seconds/mile. For some people that would not mean alot but for me if I could drop 5 - 10 pounds it could mean a PR for me. I am going down to Fl with the Jeff Galloway group and they are so fun to run with. I have had so much fun getting long run in and being able to share some of my knowledge of running. This Friday we are going to meet and talk about last minute preparations. Then we are going to watch the movie "Making of a marathon".
Well I felt like I needed to sit down and talk for a minute before going to work to help release some of my feelings and butterflies. I just want to go ahead right now and go to Florida. I am pumped about the race and everything it stands for.
Until later, have a blessed day and continue to get out there and run....
I want to be able to break this internal record and get rid of the PR and start on a new number, Sub 5. I am feeling good about going for this next week. I think I have alot of base miles for the last 6 months and have several 20 plus mile runs in.
I am trying to loose a couple of pounds before I go cause 1 pound = 2 seconds/mile. For some people that would not mean alot but for me if I could drop 5 - 10 pounds it could mean a PR for me. I am going down to Fl with the Jeff Galloway group and they are so fun to run with. I have had so much fun getting long run in and being able to share some of my knowledge of running. This Friday we are going to meet and talk about last minute preparations. Then we are going to watch the movie "Making of a marathon".
Well I felt like I needed to sit down and talk for a minute before going to work to help release some of my feelings and butterflies. I just want to go ahead right now and go to Florida. I am pumped about the race and everything it stands for.
Until later, have a blessed day and continue to get out there and run....
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Bike ride
I have been a slacker this week with my runs. I have gone to the gym and gotten on the treadmill some but it just not the same as getting out on the road. Friday night our bike group from Warner Robins called me and asked if I was going on the bike ride. I told them sure if it was not raining.
Well, I got up Saturday and it was dry and windy. Oh did I mention it was cold. So I told them I was going so I loaded up the bike and headed out. It was a small group of about only 8 riders. Normally we would have about 20 or so.
I was able to maintain an average of 15 mph for 26 miles. The wind was horrible. It was in our face from the start. It was making us get out of the saddle and work the legs. After mile 5 I actually thought about going back and not taking a chance of getting sick. I glad I did not turn back. It was fun when I got through.
I felt good and stayed warm except for my feet. I should have worn 2 pair of socks but lesson learned. Now I need to clean the bike due to the little bit of drizzle we went through before we finished the ride. Now that was cold.
I have 2 weeks before the marathon and I will be on the treadmill this week in the mornings. I am working on shedding some more pounds. So what did I do, I went and got the P90X videos. More to come later with the videos.
Have a great week and keep up the great work....
Well, I got up Saturday and it was dry and windy. Oh did I mention it was cold. So I told them I was going so I loaded up the bike and headed out. It was a small group of about only 8 riders. Normally we would have about 20 or so.
I was able to maintain an average of 15 mph for 26 miles. The wind was horrible. It was in our face from the start. It was making us get out of the saddle and work the legs. After mile 5 I actually thought about going back and not taking a chance of getting sick. I glad I did not turn back. It was fun when I got through.
I felt good and stayed warm except for my feet. I should have worn 2 pair of socks but lesson learned. Now I need to clean the bike due to the little bit of drizzle we went through before we finished the ride. Now that was cold.
I have 2 weeks before the marathon and I will be on the treadmill this week in the mornings. I am working on shedding some more pounds. So what did I do, I went and got the P90X videos. More to come later with the videos.
Have a great week and keep up the great work....
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
YEAH.......
I finally got a chance to get back out and try my new shoes. I went to the Wellness Center and got on the treadmill so that I could change up the speed and incline to test them. The final answer is ...............
They passed!!!!!!!
I love my new Asics 3010's. They are great! I did not have the traditional pain across the top of my foot nor the pain around my big toe. They are super comfortable. I am so glad that I went back to Run Fit and got my feet checked again. I think I have been in the wrong shoes lately. I hope this fixes my problem. I will know after the 26.2 with Donna in 18 days.
Until later, have a great pain-free run......
They passed!!!!!!!
I love my new Asics 3010's. They are great! I did not have the traditional pain across the top of my foot nor the pain around my big toe. They are super comfortable. I am so glad that I went back to Run Fit and got my feet checked again. I think I have been in the wrong shoes lately. I hope this fixes my problem. I will know after the 26.2 with Donna in 18 days.
Until later, have a great pain-free run......
Sunday, January 31, 2010
New shoes
On my last trip to our local running store, Run Fit Sports, I looked at getting some more shoes. I have tried all week to get over there. I had my gift certificates in my hand and I was like a kid at Christmas wanting to spend them.
While I was there, Chad had asked me to try some different shoes this time. He had me walk down the floor with no shoes on and told me that I did not need to be in the 2150's anymore. He told me that my arch had changed from the weight loss and more miles that I have put on last year. I have been battling issues with sore muscles across my big toe and top of my foot. Chad explained to me that the two shoes have different flex points on the shoes and that could be my problem.
I HOPE THIS FIXES MY PROBLEMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My feet have been hurting for a while and I could not figure out what the problem was or why it would not go away. I will find out soon as I am going to run my next marathon in 3 weeks. I hope that we get some good weather this week so I can get so miles logged into my new shoes.
Well hopefully my next post will be of some good news of foot relief. Have a great week.
While I was there, Chad had asked me to try some different shoes this time. He had me walk down the floor with no shoes on and told me that I did not need to be in the 2150's anymore. He told me that my arch had changed from the weight loss and more miles that I have put on last year. I have been battling issues with sore muscles across my big toe and top of my foot. Chad explained to me that the two shoes have different flex points on the shoes and that could be my problem.
I HOPE THIS FIXES MY PROBLEMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My feet have been hurting for a while and I could not figure out what the problem was or why it would not go away. I will find out soon as I am going to run my next marathon in 3 weeks. I hope that we get some good weather this week so I can get so miles logged into my new shoes.
Well hopefully my next post will be of some good news of foot relief. Have a great week.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Under construction
I have taken this week off from running to let my legs and body rest. I have been putting in alot of miles over the last couple of weeks. I am now 1/2 way through my bucket list of 6 marathons in 6 months. I thought this was going to alot easier than I thought but boy was I wrong.
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel but I am just hoping it is not a train and I am in a tunnel. I don't know why I start to think like this when I take time off from running. If I go at least 3 times a week, I am ok. I guess I just need to run in order to keep my mind straight.
Well since I have not been running, I have had time to think about how I can change up my blog page and make it friendlier. I would like to put pictures and logos of stores that have helped me and continue to help. Over the next several days, I will be adding different things that hopefully will add some enlightenment to my site.
Until then, have a great day.
I can see the light at the end of the tunnel but I am just hoping it is not a train and I am in a tunnel. I don't know why I start to think like this when I take time off from running. If I go at least 3 times a week, I am ok. I guess I just need to run in order to keep my mind straight.
Well since I have not been running, I have had time to think about how I can change up my blog page and make it friendlier. I would like to put pictures and logos of stores that have helped me and continue to help. Over the next several days, I will be adding different things that hopefully will add some enlightenment to my site.
Until then, have a great day.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Last long run with the Macon Galloway group
Yesterday was a great day. It was the last long run before getting ready for the 26.2 with Donna Marathon on Feb 21. It was suppose to get into the low 60's but never got over 45 degrees. There was about 16 or so that braved the temps to go out and attempt 25 miles today. This was going to be a long painful and mental run cause the group had never been that far before. I was lucky to be able to run with them and remember how I felt on my long run before my first marathon.
There were 2 groups that treked off onto 2 different paths to log in their miles. We took an easier route, well we thought it was going to be flat and easy. NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
During the run, we had 2 people that had encountered some minor injuries that played it smart and went back to the vehicles before something bad happened. They rest of us went along and finished our plan. I know that my normal runs would have been a little faster than what went but I was able to share some stories of my past marathons. We talked about what to pack, when to double check to make sure you have everything and what to do the last couple of days before the big day.
I was glad to have been around a special group of runners. I have run with others before, but being around this group made me remember why I got into running. Going out running and then going and have a great fellowship afterwards. It is not about PR's ( which are nice when you get them but not everyday ) but it is about being able to go out and finish something you put your heart into. That is what running to me is all about.
So now it is about 3 weeks to go before the big race and my body is in taper mode. Back to back weekends of 26.2 and 25 miles is playing a toll on me today. I am sore and my hips are hurting. I will probably get into the pool this week so that I can have some low impact workouts. Until then, have a wonderful week.
There were 2 groups that treked off onto 2 different paths to log in their miles. We took an easier route, well we thought it was going to be flat and easy. NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
During the run, we had 2 people that had encountered some minor injuries that played it smart and went back to the vehicles before something bad happened. They rest of us went along and finished our plan. I know that my normal runs would have been a little faster than what went but I was able to share some stories of my past marathons. We talked about what to pack, when to double check to make sure you have everything and what to do the last couple of days before the big day.
I was glad to have been around a special group of runners. I have run with others before, but being around this group made me remember why I got into running. Going out running and then going and have a great fellowship afterwards. It is not about PR's ( which are nice when you get them but not everyday ) but it is about being able to go out and finish something you put your heart into. That is what running to me is all about.
So now it is about 3 weeks to go before the big race and my body is in taper mode. Back to back weekends of 26.2 and 25 miles is playing a toll on me today. I am sore and my hips are hurting. I will probably get into the pool this week so that I can have some low impact workouts. Until then, have a wonderful week.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
10 Happy Things
I was recently tagged by Stef to write about the 10 things that make me happy. When I first thought about this I was not sure I could come up with that many but now that I have thought about it, I think this is going to be easy.
1. Family... If it were not for my family, I would not be a runner. I have such a supportive group of people at home that some days it makes it easy to go running. They are my best coaching and support staff.
2.Friends... Well this one is almost too obvious. When I need someone to go run with, all I have to do is pick up the phone and then I will have someone to join me for a run or to just get me on the base so that I can run with any traffic. My friends have pushed me to journeys I thought I would never conquer and never attempt.
3.Helping others... If you know me you know I am a paramedic. I got into this career to help people but I am now talking about this right now. I am talking about helping others in running and health. I know that I am struggling with my weight issues but I love giving inspirational thoughts and motivational speeches while I run.
4.Improvement... I use to think that any improvement in running was only in the form of PR's but I have found that not to be true. It could come as not putting on any weight for the week. It could be running a race at the same time but having a quicker and better recovery time in the healing of my legs and body.
5.My Salvation... This one should have been put in at number one because with God, I could do nothing and I mean nothing. He has given me deep down strength when I have hit rock bottom. I have had some long talks with him when I have been on some of my marathons but I was still able to finish.
6.Group meals...And you thought I would not talk about food. I love when I get a chance to go out and eat with my friends. It could be at a pasta dinner or just go out for a snack. It gives me a chance to find out what races people are doing or going to be doing so they can PRESSURE me into doing that my mind is saying "You are crazy". But I still do it.
7.Seeing people's faces... I mean when I am in line at packet pickup for the marathons I have done in the past, I love to see other runners. It is so funny when people ask me "Are you doing the half also" and I get a chance to watch their jaws drop when I tell them "No, I am here for the marathon and this is not my first one".
8.Bike rides...I almost forgot how much fun it is to get out and go for a bike ride. When I was about 15, I went on my 1st century (100 mile) ride and I did not think anything about it. Now I look back and think it was a big accomplishment and a start of something great. I love getting on my TREK and riding the streets of Ga. Whether it is going out for a 40 mile ride or a quick 20 mile ride while training for a TRI, I just love it. I think deep down inside, I still want to meet and ride with Lance one day. Oh how cool that would be for this big boy.
9.When things are in order...This could be at work, home or out running. I just like it when things are going like they are suppose too. I don't like knowing I will have to come to a crossroad in life and have to make a choice. I have been known to make some bad choices before in the past. I don't like hitting speed bumps in life because they tend to make you slow down and look around. I just like it when things are going right and everyone is happy.
10.Reaching a goal...This could be something small or big. I have not had good success in the past on keeping my goals. I am not much of a long term person. I like to have quick goals so that I can reach out and finish them. I have an attention problem and it is hard for me to remember what I am suppose to be doing. I did my 1st TRI last year and I thought this was a huge accomplishment for me. This was something that took me a couple of months of preparation and training. Now I am in the process for participating in my 1st Half-Ironman in Sept so this is going to really push myself. I have run 3 marathons in the last 3 months and have 3 more to go. I set a goal of running 6 marathons in 6 months and so far, I am on track to conquer and finish this goal.
I thought this was going to be harder to write but once I sat down, I was able to do this in a matter of minutes. There are so many other things in life that make me happy but I was asked to write 1o things. I think if I were to keep going, I could publish at least 1000 things.
Sometimes I just have to sit down and write about things to keep me going but I love to share my thoughts with others and read the feed back. During my last marathon at the WRAFB, I had a couple of people tell me that they have been reading my blogs and like them. That could have been number 11. I like it when people tell me they have followed my blogs. I just hope that one day it will help someone the same way I have received help. Sometimes it only takes a word of hope or wisdom. I might not be a smart runner but I try and catch myself listening to others and spreading the wealth.
Have a great week....
1. Family... If it were not for my family, I would not be a runner. I have such a supportive group of people at home that some days it makes it easy to go running. They are my best coaching and support staff.
2.Friends... Well this one is almost too obvious. When I need someone to go run with, all I have to do is pick up the phone and then I will have someone to join me for a run or to just get me on the base so that I can run with any traffic. My friends have pushed me to journeys I thought I would never conquer and never attempt.
3.Helping others... If you know me you know I am a paramedic. I got into this career to help people but I am now talking about this right now. I am talking about helping others in running and health. I know that I am struggling with my weight issues but I love giving inspirational thoughts and motivational speeches while I run.
4.Improvement... I use to think that any improvement in running was only in the form of PR's but I have found that not to be true. It could come as not putting on any weight for the week. It could be running a race at the same time but having a quicker and better recovery time in the healing of my legs and body.
5.My Salvation... This one should have been put in at number one because with God, I could do nothing and I mean nothing. He has given me deep down strength when I have hit rock bottom. I have had some long talks with him when I have been on some of my marathons but I was still able to finish.
6.Group meals...And you thought I would not talk about food. I love when I get a chance to go out and eat with my friends. It could be at a pasta dinner or just go out for a snack. It gives me a chance to find out what races people are doing or going to be doing so they can PRESSURE me into doing that my mind is saying "You are crazy". But I still do it.
7.Seeing people's faces... I mean when I am in line at packet pickup for the marathons I have done in the past, I love to see other runners. It is so funny when people ask me "Are you doing the half also" and I get a chance to watch their jaws drop when I tell them "No, I am here for the marathon and this is not my first one".
8.Bike rides...I almost forgot how much fun it is to get out and go for a bike ride. When I was about 15, I went on my 1st century (100 mile) ride and I did not think anything about it. Now I look back and think it was a big accomplishment and a start of something great. I love getting on my TREK and riding the streets of Ga. Whether it is going out for a 40 mile ride or a quick 20 mile ride while training for a TRI, I just love it. I think deep down inside, I still want to meet and ride with Lance one day. Oh how cool that would be for this big boy.
9.When things are in order...This could be at work, home or out running. I just like it when things are going like they are suppose too. I don't like knowing I will have to come to a crossroad in life and have to make a choice. I have been known to make some bad choices before in the past. I don't like hitting speed bumps in life because they tend to make you slow down and look around. I just like it when things are going right and everyone is happy.
10.Reaching a goal...This could be something small or big. I have not had good success in the past on keeping my goals. I am not much of a long term person. I like to have quick goals so that I can reach out and finish them. I have an attention problem and it is hard for me to remember what I am suppose to be doing. I did my 1st TRI last year and I thought this was a huge accomplishment for me. This was something that took me a couple of months of preparation and training. Now I am in the process for participating in my 1st Half-Ironman in Sept so this is going to really push myself. I have run 3 marathons in the last 3 months and have 3 more to go. I set a goal of running 6 marathons in 6 months and so far, I am on track to conquer and finish this goal.
I thought this was going to be harder to write but once I sat down, I was able to do this in a matter of minutes. There are so many other things in life that make me happy but I was asked to write 1o things. I think if I were to keep going, I could publish at least 1000 things.
Sometimes I just have to sit down and write about things to keep me going but I love to share my thoughts with others and read the feed back. During my last marathon at the WRAFB, I had a couple of people tell me that they have been reading my blogs and like them. That could have been number 11. I like it when people tell me they have followed my blogs. I just hope that one day it will help someone the same way I have received help. Sometimes it only takes a word of hope or wisdom. I might not be a smart runner but I try and catch myself listening to others and spreading the wealth.
Have a great week....
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