I have been following a new plan set forth by Coach Fitz and boy it is keeping me on my toes. I am so use to trying to say that I am going to try and break another 5 hour marathon but not now. My new goal is going to try and come in at 4:45.
Coach Don sent me my new time to follow and they are:
MP=10:50
ST=9:40
MT=9:55
LT=10:10
400=2:11
800=4:26
1000=5:34
1200=6:44
1600=9:07
EASY=11:15
Good Lord what have I gotten myself into now!!!!
I went out Sat for a long run that I had to cut short cause it was my sons birthday. I was suppose to get 15 miles in but I only logged in 8 miles. The way I see it is that I got a great run run in. I did not hit the mileage but I got a great cardio workout.
Karen, Holly and Coach went with me and we started out on a COLD morning run. I was more worried about getting back in time than anything else. For the 1st mile, I could not concentrate on nothing. I just wanted to get the run over and get home. When I got somewhere around mile 2, I started to push myself a little bit more. I noticed that I started to feel good the faster I was going. Coach was right beside me the entire time.
When we got to the half way point, I told him that we where at a 11:03 pace. He told me that it was too fast and we needed to slow down. Well, that lasted for about 1 second. The more we talked, the faster we got. I looked at mile 5 and we were now at a 10:50 pace overall. I said "WOW, we are at my marathon pace" and once again Coach said we need to slow down.
We started back talking and there again went the pace. Mile 6 was about 10:40 and mile 7 was about 10:30. I knew I should not be running this pace but for some strange reason it just felt good.
I was starting to have doubts if I could hold this pace for 26.2 but Don and I were talking about what my time would be and before I knew it, we were through running. My overall pace for this 8 mile run was a 10:26.
My hips were a little sore and my legs felt great. I know that the run was too fast but for some reason I needed it. I had to prove to myself that I can do it. I wont be able to run a long run this Sat due to having to go to Atl so I guess I will have to get in some killer workouts during the week.
I will keep you posted. Thank you and have a great week.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
A New Direction
After finishing my last marathon in Savannah, I am getting tired of the same training over and over. There is only so much of meeting early in the mornings over and over before you just need a change. I am training right now for The Goofy Challenge and then Snickers Marathon in March but then...........lets change.
I hope you are sitting down for this but the challenge is on. I am thinking of signing up for the Augusta Half-Ironman. YES I SAID IT! I know Steve I was not going to say it but there it is. It is on the table. I am going to start training and working on my swimming and if it gets better and stronger, well then I will sign up.
For now I will continue to finish my marathons and stop at #20. Then it is time to try and grow some gills and fins.
I hope you are sitting down for this but the challenge is on. I am thinking of signing up for the Augusta Half-Ironman. YES I SAID IT! I know Steve I was not going to say it but there it is. It is on the table. I am going to start training and working on my swimming and if it gets better and stronger, well then I will sign up.
For now I will continue to finish my marathons and stop at #20. Then it is time to try and grow some gills and fins.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Savannah Marathon recap
Well marathon #18 is done and in the books. I have to say that this marathon will go down in the memory books for a lot of different reasons. I have to also say that this marathon has changed me forever. I will explain later in the post but for now the good stuff.
Mandie and I arrived in Savannah trying to find our way to the expo. We knew that we had to go over a large bridge but we were met with a large, long delay of runners trying to go the same way. I don't think the organizers of the race thought about a possible traffic problem. I heard of some runners having to wait over an hour to get across the bridge only to find themselves still waiting in line to find a parking place near the convention center. Luckily Mandie told me to jump in the left hand lane and go around everyone. I did and we went over the bridge passing about 100 cars and luckily a GSP officer let us go the front door and drop Mandie off. Then I had to drive about a 1/4 mile in an open field. I met Don Fitzgerald and we walked to the expo. OMG it was so windy. the winds were about 15mph the entire time.
We got inside to find a great, organized pickup line for our packets. We then made our way to the shopping portion where I got me some last minute gels, gloves and one awesome looking jacket. I love it. Mandie picked up a couple of goodies and then we found the MGD64 booth. Don and I got our wristbands so that we would not have to wait in line after the race to get our free beer.
It was now getting around around 6 so we decided to meet at Outback which was right down the road from our motel. I glad cause we could walk and not worry about trying to find a parking space. Kriste Pool met us there for dinner. Everyone else was doing their own thing. We were going to have our pre race dinner. It was nice to have a great dinner with friends and discuss some last minute notes about the race.
We made it into our room and I got all my stuff together. I had taken some Benadryl to help me sleep and also to try and help out with my head cold that I had gotten the night before. I was sleeping good until about 2 a.m. until WTH, FIREWORKS!!!! Yes they were shooting off fireworks off over the river. I could not believe it. Then I was waking up every hour until I decided to get up around 4:30 and get ready.
I met up with Angela Lewis and Teri Parker down in the lobby and we sat on the floor and talked about how everyone was feeling. Teri was just bubbly. It was her 1st marathon. We all took turns going back and forth going to our rooms to use the bathrooms. The butterflies were killing me. I was trying to eat a granola bar and all I could think about was it would be nice to just puke. Well its time to go and get in the corral.
Freakin A its cold. The wind was cutting like a knife. The flags were flying to their full expansion. As we walked down to corral #17, Teri and Angela left me to go find a tree to take care of business again. So while I was standing there, I saw Brad Walton. We then all got into the corral and the start was on. As they released a corral, it took 90 seconds for the release of the next corral. Well we finally made it to the start and it only took about 20 minutes.
The race was officially on. We were running the Inaugural Savannah Marathon. Mandie was on the sideline snapping photos. I will post some pics later. The first 3 miles were slow due to the congestion. I knew it would be bad but wow. When we got to mile #3, the official clock said it was 1:03:57. I told Brad that was the slowest 5K I had ever run. Then I told him that we started way behind when the clock started. After the 4th mile the times started to get better. But when we got to mile 5, THEY WERE OUT OF WATER!!! Yes, they were out. I was furious. Don had put the mojo on me. He said he thought it would happen. The race was combined with the half and the full until mile 11. When we got to mile 5, again no water. Luckily we had our fuel belts with our own water. I thought this is going to suck if it was all gone.
When we got mile 8, we ran into Mandie taking pics and all I heard was "T-I-M". I knew I recognized the voice but I could not see her at first. The amount of crowd support was amazing. People were everywhere along with bands and cheerleaders about every 1-2 miles. I finally saw Mandie hiding behind her camera with her hoodie pulled up over her head. Brad then said he was glad he was running with me cause if he could not find his wife, he knew he would get at least one picture from Mandie. When we went by, it sounded like a machine gun in her camera. But that's why I love her. It was C-O-L-D and windy but she was out there to get some pics of me. We then ran into Brad's wife at mile 8.5 and he gave her his jacket. Can we say decaff. Wow, she has some energy. It was funny cause she was trying to run and take pics at the same time. We then saw a Marine running with his pack on with an American flag and a marine flag on his back. Everyone was cheering him on and when we said great job he returned with a Hoo-ra!
We came upon mile #11 and the race was splitting off. Thank you Lord cause when we went around the corner, we found the water supply. They had water and Cytomax cups stacked 3 high on tables. For every 100 runners that went on the half course, there was only 1 runner who went on the full course.
As went along one of the highways, we made a turn and went down the off ramp and I looked up. I saw Karen and Holly running together. It was cool to see more of our Galloway peeps that I have been running with through our training. A little further down the course as we ran past the marsh area, we passed Diane and Debbie who were also Macon Gallowayers.
For the next 8 miles, I was telling Brad that he was going to have to pump me up cause I don't like 15-20 mile markers. We made it through while talking about how tired we were getting. Small little cramps were starting to set in every now and then. But then as we were making our way up the hills to mile marker #22, we looked up to one of the many medical tents and there were 3 ambulances sitting there with their lights on. Then one of them left with the lights and sirens screaming down the road. I thought to myself and restated my pre race prayer that I hope everyone was o.k.
But, then as we ran past the medical tent, my heart fell down to my feet. I stopped and got very emotional. I knew it was bad. I looked on the ground and showed Brad the little yellow plastic circles and and empty box of Epi. That was the scene of the paramedics working a cardiac arrest. I could not get this off my mind. Just before the race, I had a bad feeling in my stomach. On the back of the running bibs, the race directors always ask us to fill out the emergency information just in cause this happens. I read it and said that this would never happen to me. Well for now on, I will fill them out just in case.
Well now we are on top on the last hill at mile #24 and it is now down hill. I was feeling good trying to keep pumping up Brad on his accomplishment of becoming a marathoner.
Now we were coming into the last 1/2 mile and Brad looked at me and said go ahead. As we made our way around the last turn with a large crowd of supports and cheerleaders, we were running down the corral shute. I was about 1/8 mile from the finish and a woman was running beside me and we kept looking at each other. Oh it was on now. She had that SUCKER look on her face. Then we started to sprint to the finish and both of my legs cramped up after about 6 steps. I told her to go ahead and I finished respectively with a smile on my face. I crossed the finish line, turned off my Garmin, and congratulated Brad on becoming a Marathoner! We walked down the chute, drinking water, Cytomax, eating containers of fruit and saying this is delicious, having our metal placed around our neck and then getting a mylar blanket. Brad looked at me and I said "GET IT". I told him about body heat and it was still windy and cold.
We celebrated with hugs and pictures from our wives. This is why I run. The smile on Brad's face was amazing. It was great to be able to see that.
Don was at the finish line to cheer me in. We then went to the beer tent to have our victory beer. Oh it was so good and cold. We were about 1 mile from our motel and started to walk back when Mandie told me about these guys on bicycles with carriages that would transport people around Savannah. So I flagged one down and off we went. I was so nice to be driven back to the motel and get some history lessons along the way. Savannah is so pretty and its even better from the back of a bike.
After I showered and changed, we met Don and Kristie at Chrystals Beer Parlor for a great lunch. Cold beer and hot seafood. We talked about the race. Don finished at 4:05 and Kristie at 3:40, I think. she missed her Boston qualifier by just a couple of minutes. I told her I know how she feels cause I missed mine by just a couple of hours. It had a lot to due with the wind and the number of runners.
I know that this was probably long but I missed alot of things along the way. Congrats to Teri, Brad and Holly for finishing their first marathon. Have a great weekend and I will see yall on the road again.
Mandie and I arrived in Savannah trying to find our way to the expo. We knew that we had to go over a large bridge but we were met with a large, long delay of runners trying to go the same way. I don't think the organizers of the race thought about a possible traffic problem. I heard of some runners having to wait over an hour to get across the bridge only to find themselves still waiting in line to find a parking place near the convention center. Luckily Mandie told me to jump in the left hand lane and go around everyone. I did and we went over the bridge passing about 100 cars and luckily a GSP officer let us go the front door and drop Mandie off. Then I had to drive about a 1/4 mile in an open field. I met Don Fitzgerald and we walked to the expo. OMG it was so windy. the winds were about 15mph the entire time.
We got inside to find a great, organized pickup line for our packets. We then made our way to the shopping portion where I got me some last minute gels, gloves and one awesome looking jacket. I love it. Mandie picked up a couple of goodies and then we found the MGD64 booth. Don and I got our wristbands so that we would not have to wait in line after the race to get our free beer.
It was now getting around around 6 so we decided to meet at Outback which was right down the road from our motel. I glad cause we could walk and not worry about trying to find a parking space. Kriste Pool met us there for dinner. Everyone else was doing their own thing. We were going to have our pre race dinner. It was nice to have a great dinner with friends and discuss some last minute notes about the race.
We made it into our room and I got all my stuff together. I had taken some Benadryl to help me sleep and also to try and help out with my head cold that I had gotten the night before. I was sleeping good until about 2 a.m. until WTH, FIREWORKS!!!! Yes they were shooting off fireworks off over the river. I could not believe it. Then I was waking up every hour until I decided to get up around 4:30 and get ready.
I met up with Angela Lewis and Teri Parker down in the lobby and we sat on the floor and talked about how everyone was feeling. Teri was just bubbly. It was her 1st marathon. We all took turns going back and forth going to our rooms to use the bathrooms. The butterflies were killing me. I was trying to eat a granola bar and all I could think about was it would be nice to just puke. Well its time to go and get in the corral.
Freakin A its cold. The wind was cutting like a knife. The flags were flying to their full expansion. As we walked down to corral #17, Teri and Angela left me to go find a tree to take care of business again. So while I was standing there, I saw Brad Walton. We then all got into the corral and the start was on. As they released a corral, it took 90 seconds for the release of the next corral. Well we finally made it to the start and it only took about 20 minutes.
The race was officially on. We were running the Inaugural Savannah Marathon. Mandie was on the sideline snapping photos. I will post some pics later. The first 3 miles were slow due to the congestion. I knew it would be bad but wow. When we got to mile #3, the official clock said it was 1:03:57. I told Brad that was the slowest 5K I had ever run. Then I told him that we started way behind when the clock started. After the 4th mile the times started to get better. But when we got to mile 5, THEY WERE OUT OF WATER!!! Yes, they were out. I was furious. Don had put the mojo on me. He said he thought it would happen. The race was combined with the half and the full until mile 11. When we got to mile 5, again no water. Luckily we had our fuel belts with our own water. I thought this is going to suck if it was all gone.
When we got mile 8, we ran into Mandie taking pics and all I heard was "T-I-M". I knew I recognized the voice but I could not see her at first. The amount of crowd support was amazing. People were everywhere along with bands and cheerleaders about every 1-2 miles. I finally saw Mandie hiding behind her camera with her hoodie pulled up over her head. Brad then said he was glad he was running with me cause if he could not find his wife, he knew he would get at least one picture from Mandie. When we went by, it sounded like a machine gun in her camera. But that's why I love her. It was C-O-L-D and windy but she was out there to get some pics of me. We then ran into Brad's wife at mile 8.5 and he gave her his jacket. Can we say decaff. Wow, she has some energy. It was funny cause she was trying to run and take pics at the same time. We then saw a Marine running with his pack on with an American flag and a marine flag on his back. Everyone was cheering him on and when we said great job he returned with a Hoo-ra!
We came upon mile #11 and the race was splitting off. Thank you Lord cause when we went around the corner, we found the water supply. They had water and Cytomax cups stacked 3 high on tables. For every 100 runners that went on the half course, there was only 1 runner who went on the full course.
As went along one of the highways, we made a turn and went down the off ramp and I looked up. I saw Karen and Holly running together. It was cool to see more of our Galloway peeps that I have been running with through our training. A little further down the course as we ran past the marsh area, we passed Diane and Debbie who were also Macon Gallowayers.
For the next 8 miles, I was telling Brad that he was going to have to pump me up cause I don't like 15-20 mile markers. We made it through while talking about how tired we were getting. Small little cramps were starting to set in every now and then. But then as we were making our way up the hills to mile marker #22, we looked up to one of the many medical tents and there were 3 ambulances sitting there with their lights on. Then one of them left with the lights and sirens screaming down the road. I thought to myself and restated my pre race prayer that I hope everyone was o.k.
But, then as we ran past the medical tent, my heart fell down to my feet. I stopped and got very emotional. I knew it was bad. I looked on the ground and showed Brad the little yellow plastic circles and and empty box of Epi. That was the scene of the paramedics working a cardiac arrest. I could not get this off my mind. Just before the race, I had a bad feeling in my stomach. On the back of the running bibs, the race directors always ask us to fill out the emergency information just in cause this happens. I read it and said that this would never happen to me. Well for now on, I will fill them out just in case.
Well now we are on top on the last hill at mile #24 and it is now down hill. I was feeling good trying to keep pumping up Brad on his accomplishment of becoming a marathoner.
Now we were coming into the last 1/2 mile and Brad looked at me and said go ahead. As we made our way around the last turn with a large crowd of supports and cheerleaders, we were running down the corral shute. I was about 1/8 mile from the finish and a woman was running beside me and we kept looking at each other. Oh it was on now. She had that SUCKER look on her face. Then we started to sprint to the finish and both of my legs cramped up after about 6 steps. I told her to go ahead and I finished respectively with a smile on my face. I crossed the finish line, turned off my Garmin, and congratulated Brad on becoming a Marathoner! We walked down the chute, drinking water, Cytomax, eating containers of fruit and saying this is delicious, having our metal placed around our neck and then getting a mylar blanket. Brad looked at me and I said "GET IT". I told him about body heat and it was still windy and cold.
We celebrated with hugs and pictures from our wives. This is why I run. The smile on Brad's face was amazing. It was great to be able to see that.
Don was at the finish line to cheer me in. We then went to the beer tent to have our victory beer. Oh it was so good and cold. We were about 1 mile from our motel and started to walk back when Mandie told me about these guys on bicycles with carriages that would transport people around Savannah. So I flagged one down and off we went. I was so nice to be driven back to the motel and get some history lessons along the way. Savannah is so pretty and its even better from the back of a bike.
After I showered and changed, we met Don and Kristie at Chrystals Beer Parlor for a great lunch. Cold beer and hot seafood. We talked about the race. Don finished at 4:05 and Kristie at 3:40, I think. she missed her Boston qualifier by just a couple of minutes. I told her I know how she feels cause I missed mine by just a couple of hours. It had a lot to due with the wind and the number of runners.
I know that this was probably long but I missed alot of things along the way. Congrats to Teri, Brad and Holly for finishing their first marathon. Have a great weekend and I will see yall on the road again.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Moonlight miles 10K recap
Last night we were going to run the annual Moonlight miles 10K but first we were going out for a warm up run. We were suppose to run 11 miles for our marathon training. Instead we decided to go out for 3 miles before the race. Then we would run at marathon/tempo pace for the 10K and that would be sufficient for us.
We gathered up for our warm up and decided to go out backwards from the finish. We were going to take it easy but we didn't. We burned it! We went out fast!
We got back and had about 30 minutes to refuel and rest before the 10K started. Now it is dark. I don't like running in the dark without my headlamp. They had placed 3600 luminaries along the road but it did not light the road for hazards. Luckily no one got hurt. Here is my pace from the race.
Have a good week and keep up the good work. Just remember no matter what speed you are running, at least you are running.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Cooler weather
It was nice to go out for an easy 6 miler this weekend. The weather was in the low 60's with a slight breeze. So when we got to the turn around spot we kept going. We got in about 8 miles with the last three of them being almost a speed work out.
I didn't have much to say tonight so I am going to go to bed and get ready for this work week. Until then, have a wonderful day.
I didn't have much to say tonight so I am going to go to bed and get ready for this work week. Until then, have a wonderful day.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
22 mile training run
I just woke up from a great nap. This morning we went out for our 22 mile training run. The weather was nice at 58 degrees with no wind. It was a little on the cool side and it felt wonderful. We have 2 new runners in our group that have never competed in a marathon so today was going to be another milestone for them.
We started our journey at 5 a.m. which is a little later than normal. Since the weather has cooled off, we are no pressured into starting earlier. We went out into our journey of the black and clear sky. The stars were out with a full moon so it made it easier to see. We had a chance to talk as a group about questions about the race. Now with the cooler weather, what clothes should they wear? After about 3 or 4 miles, we were warmed up and I had a chance to explain to them about wearing light layers of clothes. As you warm up, you can have throw away clothes and just shed them off.
We were all feeling great until around mile 18. Then I started having problems with my knee just going numb. I have never had this before. I would be running and all of a sudden, my knee down to my foot would just go numb. It was scary. I dont need any new problems this close to the marathon.
We decided then just to take it easy and slow down the pace with more frequent walk breaks. I will not lie. I just wanted to be through. When it was over, I looked at my body and realized that I had poured out a lot of salt today. This was new for me too. Normally I only do that in a HOT race and not on a training run.
For now as I sit back and look over today's notes, I have my calf sleeves on and waiting for some good college football games.
Have a wonderful weekend and keep up the good work.
We started our journey at 5 a.m. which is a little later than normal. Since the weather has cooled off, we are no pressured into starting earlier. We went out into our journey of the black and clear sky. The stars were out with a full moon so it made it easier to see. We had a chance to talk as a group about questions about the race. Now with the cooler weather, what clothes should they wear? After about 3 or 4 miles, we were warmed up and I had a chance to explain to them about wearing light layers of clothes. As you warm up, you can have throw away clothes and just shed them off.
We were all feeling great until around mile 18. Then I started having problems with my knee just going numb. I have never had this before. I would be running and all of a sudden, my knee down to my foot would just go numb. It was scary. I dont need any new problems this close to the marathon.
We decided then just to take it easy and slow down the pace with more frequent walk breaks. I will not lie. I just wanted to be through. When it was over, I looked at my body and realized that I had poured out a lot of salt today. This was new for me too. Normally I only do that in a HOT race and not on a training run.
For now as I sit back and look over today's notes, I have my calf sleeves on and waiting for some good college football games.
Have a wonderful weekend and keep up the good work.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
A nice 6 miler
Today was suppose to be any easy 6 mile run at marathon pace. Well for me MP = 11:17.
Brad and myself left out on a nice and cool morning and started running with another group. We were in the process of warming up and looked at each other and said "Are you ready?" Then for some strange reason we took off. I dont know what happened to us today. Today was suppose to be a nice day. I dont know if it was the cooler weather or if it was something else but we finished our run at a 10:04 overall average. BOOM!!!!
I did not see that coming today but I am very excited to see the progress. We are going out on Monday to run our local Labor Day road race and I would like to come in on the 10K in under 62 minutes. I have not done that kind of speed in a while. I have gotten hooked on just training for distance instead of speed.
I have not been posting reports in a while but things are going to change. I like to write about my running. Heck, maybe one day I might just try and write a book about it. Remember here, you read it first.
we have about 8 weeks of training left for our Savannah marathon with a time goal of under 5 hours. Then it will be training for the Goofy race in Jan 2012 in Disney. That will give me marathon numbers 18 and 19. I have been trying to think of where I would like number 20 to be at. I want it to be a special place for me.
I think I have decided to run Snickers in Albany Ga for number 20. This was the place where I got my taste for marathons. This is also the place where I hold my current PR of 4:51. Maybe I just might have enough in me to go for a new record.
Well, this is all of the new stuff that is going on right now. I dont want to bore yall with alot of the small stuff so for now I will sign off and say "Keep on keeping on".
Have a wonderful holiday weekend,
Brad and myself left out on a nice and cool morning and started running with another group. We were in the process of warming up and looked at each other and said "Are you ready?" Then for some strange reason we took off. I dont know what happened to us today. Today was suppose to be a nice day. I dont know if it was the cooler weather or if it was something else but we finished our run at a 10:04 overall average. BOOM!!!!
I did not see that coming today but I am very excited to see the progress. We are going out on Monday to run our local Labor Day road race and I would like to come in on the 10K in under 62 minutes. I have not done that kind of speed in a while. I have gotten hooked on just training for distance instead of speed.
I have not been posting reports in a while but things are going to change. I like to write about my running. Heck, maybe one day I might just try and write a book about it. Remember here, you read it first.
we have about 8 weeks of training left for our Savannah marathon with a time goal of under 5 hours. Then it will be training for the Goofy race in Jan 2012 in Disney. That will give me marathon numbers 18 and 19. I have been trying to think of where I would like number 20 to be at. I want it to be a special place for me.
I think I have decided to run Snickers in Albany Ga for number 20. This was the place where I got my taste for marathons. This is also the place where I hold my current PR of 4:51. Maybe I just might have enough in me to go for a new record.
Well, this is all of the new stuff that is going on right now. I dont want to bore yall with alot of the small stuff so for now I will sign off and say "Keep on keeping on".
Have a wonderful holiday weekend,
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Technical problems
I am so sorry that I have not posted in several months. Darn you facebook for taking away from my web page. I have so much to get caught up on. I am now in the middle of training for marathon #18. I will now start posting more updates and more chats. Lately I have participated in my first duathlon and I finished 3rd in Masters Clyesdale division. I was so happy. I have also gotten a 3rd place age group award in our local Make It By Midnight marathon. More to come soon. Have a great day.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Starting over again
Well it is that time again. It is time to pick a marathon and go for it. We are starting our new Galloway program tomorrow. Our goal race is going to be the Rock N Roll Savannah Marathon in November. I have gotten a lot of rest this last couple of weeks. I have just completed 5 marathons in 5 consecutive months. My goal was to do 6 in 6 months again but some things have changed and I am not going to be able to complete it again. I hope everyone comes back again and I know that we are gaining a new runner to our group. Normally I would say that I am going to go for another sub 5 race but for this one I am going to change. Our goal for this one is going to be 4:45 or less. Yes thats right. I have put it our there and I am going for it. For now I am going to get some rest and get ready for tomorrow. Have a great weekend.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
R.I.P. 5 Hour Snickers Demon
If you are wondering about the title of this post, you do not know about my history of this race. It was four years ago I tried to run my 1st marathon. I had dreams of breaking a 5 hour race. I was so close but missed it by a few minutes. So I decided to run it again, again and again. Well no more. It has been broken. The demon shall be put to rest.
4:51:59
Overall 490/631
Pace 11:09
10 mile : 1:49:12
13 mile : 2:24:07
20 mile : 3:41:24
My time from last year was 5:10:34. I am still on cloud nine. I cant believe that I have finally beaten the demon. It has bothered my for years. I really started to think that I would never beat it. I started to believe that I was going to be just a runner that could run for a long distance and not for a specific pace. WRONG!!!!
The day before: well it was like any other pre-race day. Mandie and I got to the hotel and checked in and waited on the expo to start. We met up with Tommy and Carol from Peachsports.com and talked to them about the race photos. I will load some from the race soon. I loved them. I got a chance to see some old friends from different marathons and meet some new friends. Don and Karen decided to run this race together so we were going to met at the expo and go out to eat with our other friends from Macon. We met up at Outback for dinner and then it was back to room for some rest.
RACEDAY: The alarms are going off through out the motel starting at 3:45 a.m. and now I cant go back to sleep. WOW only about 4 and 1/2 hours of sleep. It is going to be a long day. I know that I could go into a lot of details but I wont. I will try and keep it interesting.
We lined up at 6:45 and waited on the pre-race music to start. It was slightly overcast at 54 degrees. We were talking to other marathon maniacs in the race cause we were all wearing our MM shirts.
This is a picture of Doc ( the official man who started the race ), Don ( my new coach ), Karen and myself. We were 3 of about 25 maniacs who had their shirts on for the race. This was at mile 4. It was funny but everytime we came up to someone taking photos that it was the same time for our walk break. I like using the Galloway method of running. I use a ratio of run/walk of run 1:30 and walk 45 sec. I had tried many ratios and this one works the best for me so far.
We ran together and talked with Doc and he was telling us about the race and supports along the way. He shouted at everyone. I think he knows everyone in Albany Ga.
At around mile 8, we ran into the St. Patty's. It was a group of 3 women wearing green outfits. They were running a ratio of 4:1 and we ran with them for about 5 miles before they started falling off pace. It was fun watching their husbands waving signs and getting into their truck and going down the road to met them again. It nice to see funny things along the way to get my mind off the pace. Don was pushing us pretty fast for the 1st 13 miles. We had several minutes built up for spare time. I kept telling Karen that we would use them later.
We hit the 1/2 point at 13.1 and I was about 6 minutes faster than any other marathon I had ever run before. I was nervous. I thought for sure that I had gone out way too fast and I would burn out. I kept pushing it while Karen said it was too fast and she would have to back off. She said that she didn't want to get hurt so we continued on. Pushing every mile and it seemed like we were getting faster. Don kept pushing me and telling me I was doing great.
Well we came to the dreaded mile 16 where the lake is at. This is the point of the race where I mentally have problems. Don did his best to get my mind off of it. He did. We pounced through the next 4 miles and before I knew it, we were at mile 20. YES, this is where I usually get my strength back.
I trekked on pushing with everything I had. Eating bananas, oranges, gu's along the way and slamming down water and Gatorade. Then it hit me at mile 24. My Gymboss, a device that keeps up with my walk/run breaks, went crazy and died. I was so mad. I had to rely totally on Don to tell me when to run and when to walk. I told him my body was getting tired and I needed to change to a 1:1 ratio. Well he set it to a 1 and 55 sec and didn't tell me. He is slow slick. It didn't matter cause I couldn't count at that point. I was getting tired and MAD. It seemed like my times were slipping. But they were not.
It might be hard to see the chart but Don told me if I kept my running below a 12 min/mile that I would have this won. Well I did. We hit mile 25 and I think the clock said 4:38. I knew that I had it but I had to keep my eye on the prize. I could not stop. I had to pull down from deep down and just go for it. We turned and headed for the train depot and I saw Carol taking pictures. I yelled at her and told her that " I've done it. I have beaten the demon". I was pumping my fist and shouting with joy. As we headed down the final approach, there was a woman walking with a beer and I jokingly acted like I was going to grab it. She stopped and handed it to me and said go ahead, you deserve it. I slammed it down and kept running. I turned to see the time and I started crying with joy. I have done. I have beaten the 5 hour demon. I can put this race in the books, once and for all. YES, thank you Lord. We did it. I crossed the finish line and see my wife and I hugged Tommy. I was so happy to be finished that I didn't feel any pain. I received my metal and went straight for the beer table. I needed some CARB reloading. Don and I went to the finish line area and waited and prayed for Karen to finish before 5 hours. She was able to finish around 5:05 which was a 5 minute improvement on her PR.
I don't remember any other marathon where I finished with a HUGE smile on my face. Thank you to Tommy, Carol and Mandie for capturing some great shots of me. Thank you to Don for PUSHING ME, thank you Karen for helping me and believing in me. But most of all a special huge thank you to my wife Amanda for being my best supporter. For listening to my groaning and complaining for the last 4 years and standing beside me through all of this.Sunday, January 30, 2011
Getting ready for Donna and Snickers
This weekend was suppose to be a nice long run. Normally we have been running about 2 minutes slower than out target pace at a sub 5 marathon. Well we went out yesterday and I was feeling good. I don't know if it is because I am eating better or if it is because of the continuous training. Anyway it is working for me. We did a 10 mile run and we did it at an average pace of 10:52 and that is about 45 seconds per mile faster than my goal pace.
I hope that when I go to the Snickers marathon that I will be able to keep this pace but I know that the Donna marathon is going to be a training run. I am going there to have fun while running a marathon.
More to come later. Have a great week and keep it in the roads.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Where is the warm weather?
I like to have some cold weather here in the south but enough already. I am ready for some warmer temps. I want to get out and run but when you have so many clothes to stay warm and not get wind burn, it is ridiculous.
I am going to run the 26.2 with Donna Marathon next month and I am looking forward to the warmer temps. I realized this weekend that we spend too much time wondering about the future and that is one thing that I am going to try and not do anymore. I am just saying that I am ready for some changes in the temps.
It makes me mad that I don't go out and run but I go inside the Wellness Center and run on the warm concrete track. I guess if you have to do something, you might as well be happy.
Well for now, have a wonderful day and put all worries behind.
I am going to run the 26.2 with Donna Marathon next month and I am looking forward to the warmer temps. I realized this weekend that we spend too much time wondering about the future and that is one thing that I am going to try and not do anymore. I am just saying that I am ready for some changes in the temps.
It makes me mad that I don't go out and run but I go inside the Wellness Center and run on the warm concrete track. I guess if you have to do something, you might as well be happy.
Well for now, have a wonderful day and put all worries behind.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Museum of Aviation Marathon 2011
Warner Robins, Ga WRAFB
COLD with no wind and no rain. This was the first time in 4 years that we had good weather. It was about 21 degrees at the start. I was trying to go for a sub 5 race today. I was not feeling it early and was hoping that it would kick in during the run. My friend Karen was running with me today to help pace me.
I was waiting on my new shoes to come in yesterday from Run Fit Sports but with all the snow and ice that has hit the east coast, UPS was not able to deliver them. So it was off to another race in my old shoes. Well I have to blame it on something. Ha-Ha
When they started the race, they use a traditional race gun. When Karen and I hit the 3 mile marker, I heard a LOUD roar. I looked on the runway and a F-16 was taking off. I was so happy. I love seeing planes. I think that is why I love to run this course which is 2 loop course around the AFB. When he took off, he pointed it up and shot to the sky. It was awesome. I don't know who the pilot was but thank you. It was fun watching.
Then when we got around on the opposite side of the runway, the plane went up again. Then he started doing rolls after take off and he was right above my head. I was waving to him and I think he waived back. YES, he was this close. I could see the pilot. This made this the best race ever. I have always wanted to see planes flying during the race but they have never done it before.
I was holding a good pace at the 1/2 point and was on track for a sub 5. I got a chance to run with a dear friend of mine, Gen. She is a breast cancer survivor and is going through chemo right now. She looked great today. When I went out for the 2nd loop, I knew what was ahead of me. I don't like the 2nd loop and miles 15 - 18 is a bad area for me. I have never liked this time of the race. This is when I want to give up. Once I get to mile marker 20 I feel much better. I knew that if I was able to finish the last 6.2 miles with 1 hour and 10 minutes left to go on the clock. I was feeling o.k. Then at mile 22, THE WALL LAID THE BRICKS DOWN ON ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My body started to shut down. My left leg was hurting and my foot was getting a bad hot spot. I was tired and I knew it. It was time to walk, come to reality and just finish. Well that is exactly what I did. I finished with a time of 5:14 and found out that is was a course PR for me by 27 minutes from last year. WOW I did something good and didn't even though it.
Well I have had my dinner and now it is time to go to bed with some muscle relaxers. Good night and God bless.
COLD with no wind and no rain. This was the first time in 4 years that we had good weather. It was about 21 degrees at the start. I was trying to go for a sub 5 race today. I was not feeling it early and was hoping that it would kick in during the run. My friend Karen was running with me today to help pace me.
I was waiting on my new shoes to come in yesterday from Run Fit Sports but with all the snow and ice that has hit the east coast, UPS was not able to deliver them. So it was off to another race in my old shoes. Well I have to blame it on something. Ha-Ha
When they started the race, they use a traditional race gun. When Karen and I hit the 3 mile marker, I heard a LOUD roar. I looked on the runway and a F-16 was taking off. I was so happy. I love seeing planes. I think that is why I love to run this course which is 2 loop course around the AFB. When he took off, he pointed it up and shot to the sky. It was awesome. I don't know who the pilot was but thank you. It was fun watching.
Then when we got around on the opposite side of the runway, the plane went up again. Then he started doing rolls after take off and he was right above my head. I was waving to him and I think he waived back. YES, he was this close. I could see the pilot. This made this the best race ever. I have always wanted to see planes flying during the race but they have never done it before.
I was holding a good pace at the 1/2 point and was on track for a sub 5. I got a chance to run with a dear friend of mine, Gen. She is a breast cancer survivor and is going through chemo right now. She looked great today. When I went out for the 2nd loop, I knew what was ahead of me. I don't like the 2nd loop and miles 15 - 18 is a bad area for me. I have never liked this time of the race. This is when I want to give up. Once I get to mile marker 20 I feel much better. I knew that if I was able to finish the last 6.2 miles with 1 hour and 10 minutes left to go on the clock. I was feeling o.k. Then at mile 22, THE WALL LAID THE BRICKS DOWN ON ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My body started to shut down. My left leg was hurting and my foot was getting a bad hot spot. I was tired and I knew it. It was time to walk, come to reality and just finish. Well that is exactly what I did. I finished with a time of 5:14 and found out that is was a course PR for me by 27 minutes from last year. WOW I did something good and didn't even though it.
Well I have had my dinner and now it is time to go to bed with some muscle relaxers. Good night and God bless.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2011
Every year our local running club likes to meet on Jan 1st to go for a run so that we can say this is what we are going to do all year. So there was 3 of us that met at our normal starting location and started out for a 20 mile run. We are getting ready for the Donna 26.2 marathon coming up in Feb.
We started out on our journey making up the route as we went on. We could have gone on an easy route but no. I chose a much more difficult route with a lot of hills and long inclines. I think that this was my downfall. I was feeling good until around mile 14. I could tell me strength was falling off and I was falling back. I was not sure what was going on cause I have not felt like this in a long time. I guess the extra weight and time off during the holidays has really made an impact in my training. It is like know I will have to start from scratch.
Well I am going to do what ever it takes to get back into shape. I have 3 marathons in the next couple of months. I am going to have to put everything behind me and just do it.
We started out on our journey making up the route as we went on. We could have gone on an easy route but no. I chose a much more difficult route with a lot of hills and long inclines. I think that this was my downfall. I was feeling good until around mile 14. I could tell me strength was falling off and I was falling back. I was not sure what was going on cause I have not felt like this in a long time. I guess the extra weight and time off during the holidays has really made an impact in my training. It is like know I will have to start from scratch.
Well I am going to do what ever it takes to get back into shape. I have 3 marathons in the next couple of months. I am going to have to put everything behind me and just do it.
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