Wednesday evening brings more packing. Tonight the packing will make it into the final stages. I have decided to brave the Baggage Check-In issues and go ahead and check my running gear. This is a first except one time in Chicago where my carry-on was rejected by security because it was too long. Humm on the flight to this city on the same airline it was ok. Well no questions asked. Bags do grow I guess. The bag was checked after a minor panic attack. So here we go. A new adventure. Intentional here are my running clothes, please don't lose them because I am running Boston. We'll see.
Today's training went well. Talked to a couple of people that had recently run Boston and got some good advice from them about "the hills". I need to stop worrying about that area of the race. Start out at an even pace and have good energy ready for that part.Pacing will be key. I started out way too fast on '07 so I want to be smarter this time. when the first few miles are all downhill, you kind of lose focus and say, "wow, look at me go", then wonder what happened later on. Of course there will be those that it doesn't bother at all. They start and end fast.
Both pairs of my Brooks Infiniti's feel about equal so I will need to decide in the next few days which one will be the race pair. Great shoe and one I would highly recommend. A few more runs will decide that. Also wearing the SmartWool socks. Fantastic socks and ones I wouldn't ever run without! They are the best by far of anything that I have ever worn.
Training for tomorrow will be: an easy 15 min warm-up run followed by 8x (1 mn at 3 mile pace and 1 min easy jog), then an easy 5 min run, then 4x 1 mile @ 10-15 seconds faster than marathon pace with 3 min jog in between. After the running I'll do a 15 mile easy spin. Looking forward to tomorrow! Training food and snacks remain the same for Thursday. Hydration kicked up a notch.
On another subject. My Pull Float and Kickboard arrived today for swim training. Yea! Not quite like the excitement when new shoes arrive, but close!
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and may they bring you peace of mind!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Boston Update 3
Hope you had a great day. Well, first of all, a correction is in order. For lunch yesterday I told you that I had flatbread. Well, they are called "Flatouts". I was close. Since tomorrow (Wed) is a swim day, breakfast will switch to natural peanut butter and whole wheat crackers. The rest of the menu for the day will be exactly the same.
Which brings us to, "What to eat on a travel day?". I don't eat airport food under any circumstance heading into or out of a race. Never have, hope I never have to. Always take food along. Friday's travel day will be a challenge since we leave our destination at 3:30PM and arrive in Boston at 10:20PM. Will need to figure out the food plan on this one. I will fill you in when I come up with it. Yes I know there are great restaurants in airports now. And yes I know they are probably ok. But I had the unfortunate experience one time of watching a sub sandwich move and trade places with a turkey sandwich in a glass case in an airport many years ago. Not a good sight. Have not eaten at an airport since. Bottle water, yes. Food no.
Training for tomorrow consists of morning swim and an afternoon run of 30 minutes with 4-6 accelerations. After the run, a 25 mile spin. Hydration and food become more and more important each day. So my routine just gets even more strict.
Tonight the suitcases are out and the packing begins. We are flying on Southwest so at least there will be no charges. I still always have the debate on whether to check my running clothes and shoes or carry them on. As a rule I never check my running gear. I will need to decide that tonight as well. I know many of you never worry and always have good luck but with plane changes and all, I just don't know. I like to have things with me. My wife thought we got rid of the diaper bag during travel many years ago, but since I started running, it lives again!
Just to let you know some statistics on my running. This will be my 25th marathon and I have also run 5 ultras from 30 miles to 50. I ran my first marathon in Chicago in 2002 in the time of 5:43. My fastest qualifying time for Boston was a 3:26 at the Eugene Marathon in May of 2009. There were many other times sprinkled in between those numbers but actually each time I find a new respect for any distance and any time run.
Time to go pack and focus more on Boston and to feel the emotion of race day and the bus ride to the runners village and the emotional walk to the start. And to think about the finish and respect the many thousands of famous and not so famous men and women that have crosed that finish line. Hey, I read today that Wednesday is "Paint the Starting Line Day" in Hopkinton. What did the starting line look like at the first Boston Marathon? I wonder.
Talk to you tomorrow night!
May your roads, trails and pools be happy and safe and may they give you peace of mind!
Which brings us to, "What to eat on a travel day?". I don't eat airport food under any circumstance heading into or out of a race. Never have, hope I never have to. Always take food along. Friday's travel day will be a challenge since we leave our destination at 3:30PM and arrive in Boston at 10:20PM. Will need to figure out the food plan on this one. I will fill you in when I come up with it. Yes I know there are great restaurants in airports now. And yes I know they are probably ok. But I had the unfortunate experience one time of watching a sub sandwich move and trade places with a turkey sandwich in a glass case in an airport many years ago. Not a good sight. Have not eaten at an airport since. Bottle water, yes. Food no.
Training for tomorrow consists of morning swim and an afternoon run of 30 minutes with 4-6 accelerations. After the run, a 25 mile spin. Hydration and food become more and more important each day. So my routine just gets even more strict.
Tonight the suitcases are out and the packing begins. We are flying on Southwest so at least there will be no charges. I still always have the debate on whether to check my running clothes and shoes or carry them on. As a rule I never check my running gear. I will need to decide that tonight as well. I know many of you never worry and always have good luck but with plane changes and all, I just don't know. I like to have things with me. My wife thought we got rid of the diaper bag during travel many years ago, but since I started running, it lives again!
Just to let you know some statistics on my running. This will be my 25th marathon and I have also run 5 ultras from 30 miles to 50. I ran my first marathon in Chicago in 2002 in the time of 5:43. My fastest qualifying time for Boston was a 3:26 at the Eugene Marathon in May of 2009. There were many other times sprinkled in between those numbers but actually each time I find a new respect for any distance and any time run.
Time to go pack and focus more on Boston and to feel the emotion of race day and the bus ride to the runners village and the emotional walk to the start. And to think about the finish and respect the many thousands of famous and not so famous men and women that have crosed that finish line. Hey, I read today that Wednesday is "Paint the Starting Line Day" in Hopkinton. What did the starting line look like at the first Boston Marathon? I wonder.
Talk to you tomorrow night!
May your roads, trails and pools be happy and safe and may they give you peace of mind!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Boston Update 2
It's Monday evening and training today consisted of an early swim that was one of the hardest I have ever done. Whew! But quite an accomplishment to get through it. Also, this evening I did a 20 mile spin on the trainer. Feel pretty good and felt today's training goals were met. Hip feels better.
An interesting thing happened during the swim this morning. One of the drills that we did called for us to swim a series of 25's, I think around 25 of them, using fins. I was really moving as we had four people in our lane spaced out by about 5 seconds. Towards the end of one of the 25's I literally swam right over the top of one of the people in my lane. Oops! Not a good thing to do in the pool kingdom. I was not a real popular person after that. So apologies were made and we continued on. I think I have more to learn about Ironman training than just swimming.
Today prior to the swim I had 1/2 of a banana and some natural peanut butter on whole wheat crackers plus my Hammer Nutrition supplements. During the swim I had Hammer Heed mixed with water. I also run and cycle with Heed too. After the training swim I had a bottle of Hammer Whey Protein and the rest of the peanut butter crackers. Morning snack consisted of a banana and a bottle of Hammer Soy Protein mixed with Tart Chery juice and water. For lunch today I had a flatbread sandwich with hard boiled eggs and pickle relish with two oranges. Afternoon snack was a protein bar that I make. After my spin tonight I had Hammer Recoverite and then about 45min later I had another shake that was made from Gold Standard Natural Casein mixed with water and a banana. This evenings snack will be pumpkin seeds, almonds, and an apple. That's the foods for today plus the Hammer supplements that I take.
Today's Boston packing prep was getting the travel packs of all of the powdered products organized. All of the ones I mentioned above come in single serving packets that travel much better. I also take mixing bottles and we always request a refrigerator for the hotel room. I have estimated all of what I need for the days we are in Boston plus race day needs. During the race I wear a belt that I can carry little plastic bottles filled with Heed and Perpetuem plus a pouch for my GU Chomps and in race supplements. One of the suitcases we take is all food and supplements. Go figure.
This was a little better day for the Boston Butterflies. I seemed to be more confident since I worked on race strategies and looked at the course elevations last night. I am looking at this point at trying for a 4:10 to 4 :20 race. I also want to enjoy the race too. Tonight I will work on things I need to get at the Expo and questions I need to ask when I am there.
Tomorrow will start out with a breakfast of 7 egg whites with a veggie mix, folowed by the same foods as today. I only vary my breakfasts at this point. All else is the same including quantities. The afternoon training run will consist of an easy 15 minute warm-up, followed by 8 half mile segments with a 3-4 minute jog in between. The odd number 1/2's will be done at my 3 mile Time Trial pace and the even number 1/2's will be done at the 3 mile Time Trial pace + 30 seconds. After the run I'll do a 15 mile spin and then repeat the evening nutrition.
So that's it for today. I'll leave you with this question. Do runners really carbo load by eating rolls off of the room service trays left in the halls at hotels? Hummmm.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind.
An interesting thing happened during the swim this morning. One of the drills that we did called for us to swim a series of 25's, I think around 25 of them, using fins. I was really moving as we had four people in our lane spaced out by about 5 seconds. Towards the end of one of the 25's I literally swam right over the top of one of the people in my lane. Oops! Not a good thing to do in the pool kingdom. I was not a real popular person after that. So apologies were made and we continued on. I think I have more to learn about Ironman training than just swimming.
Today prior to the swim I had 1/2 of a banana and some natural peanut butter on whole wheat crackers plus my Hammer Nutrition supplements. During the swim I had Hammer Heed mixed with water. I also run and cycle with Heed too. After the training swim I had a bottle of Hammer Whey Protein and the rest of the peanut butter crackers. Morning snack consisted of a banana and a bottle of Hammer Soy Protein mixed with Tart Chery juice and water. For lunch today I had a flatbread sandwich with hard boiled eggs and pickle relish with two oranges. Afternoon snack was a protein bar that I make. After my spin tonight I had Hammer Recoverite and then about 45min later I had another shake that was made from Gold Standard Natural Casein mixed with water and a banana. This evenings snack will be pumpkin seeds, almonds, and an apple. That's the foods for today plus the Hammer supplements that I take.
Today's Boston packing prep was getting the travel packs of all of the powdered products organized. All of the ones I mentioned above come in single serving packets that travel much better. I also take mixing bottles and we always request a refrigerator for the hotel room. I have estimated all of what I need for the days we are in Boston plus race day needs. During the race I wear a belt that I can carry little plastic bottles filled with Heed and Perpetuem plus a pouch for my GU Chomps and in race supplements. One of the suitcases we take is all food and supplements. Go figure.
This was a little better day for the Boston Butterflies. I seemed to be more confident since I worked on race strategies and looked at the course elevations last night. I am looking at this point at trying for a 4:10 to 4 :20 race. I also want to enjoy the race too. Tonight I will work on things I need to get at the Expo and questions I need to ask when I am there.
Tomorrow will start out with a breakfast of 7 egg whites with a veggie mix, folowed by the same foods as today. I only vary my breakfasts at this point. All else is the same including quantities. The afternoon training run will consist of an easy 15 minute warm-up, followed by 8 half mile segments with a 3-4 minute jog in between. The odd number 1/2's will be done at my 3 mile Time Trial pace and the even number 1/2's will be done at the 3 mile Time Trial pace + 30 seconds. After the run I'll do a 15 mile spin and then repeat the evening nutrition.
So that's it for today. I'll leave you with this question. Do runners really carbo load by eating rolls off of the room service trays left in the halls at hotels? Hummmm.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Boston Update 1
Over the next two weeks my plan is to write each night about what I have done that day in preparation for the Boston Marathon which is April 19th and the Big Sur Marathon which is April 25th. It's called the Boston to Big Sur Challenge and yes it looked appealing to me to do. I believe they had around 500 slots to give out at Big Sur to those that were doing both. So from Massachuesetts to California here we go! I will try and convey to you what it is like to go through all of this while also training for an Ironman in June too.
So when I first ran Boston in 2007 there was a terrible storm the night before and also the day of. Thought ok, I've done Boston, now on to other things. I really did not dream I would be able to qualify and come back again. I was surprised during the past few months to have 3 qualifying time races and be able to come back to Boston in 2010. I have been blessed to be able to do these things.
In my household, it's Boston week. That means time to get things moving and started for the trip. Last night my wife and I spent much of the evening with my marathon notebook which basically organizes me from now until we land back home for this portion of the journey. She and the notebook honestly take over from now on. It has times of where and when to do things from boarding planes to what and when I eat and train to hotel and restaurant information. There is also the all important checklist of things to take from clothes to food. We also started early discussions for the Big Sur too. We only have one day turn around before we have to leave for California. So that was last night.
Today I spent 25 miles on the bike trainer doing intervals and some easy spinning. Followed that up with a good two hour nap and in betwen lots of hydration and protein. Evening church and unfortunately out to dinner where the meal didn't settle at all. Bad mistake on my part. And it was my idea where to go. Stomach doesn't feel good at all right now. Will go over course map before bed and also add to stack of things that I am taking which right now commands the dining room table.
How do feel right now? Well other than the dinner part, I am very excited and ready to run. Butterflies come and go but mostly stay. Trying to keep food and hydration a priority. Concerned about the the four hills around Newton and that includes Heartbreak Hill. Didn't run them very well in '07 and have a score to settle with them. Maybe right now they are taking up too much of my mental energy. Have been having allergy trouble since every tree in Kansas seems to be blooming right now and the wind has been terrible. Also have a tight spot above my right hip area in the hip flexor zone that I am a little worried about. Hopefully that will loosen up a bit this week. Other than all of that, I feel pretty good.
Tomorrow's training includes an early morning swim and a 20 mile spin in the evening. Oh yeah, and work. That's right, focus! Early to bed after I fix tomorrow's food and supplements.
Talk to you tomorrow night!
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind!
So when I first ran Boston in 2007 there was a terrible storm the night before and also the day of. Thought ok, I've done Boston, now on to other things. I really did not dream I would be able to qualify and come back again. I was surprised during the past few months to have 3 qualifying time races and be able to come back to Boston in 2010. I have been blessed to be able to do these things.
In my household, it's Boston week. That means time to get things moving and started for the trip. Last night my wife and I spent much of the evening with my marathon notebook which basically organizes me from now until we land back home for this portion of the journey. She and the notebook honestly take over from now on. It has times of where and when to do things from boarding planes to what and when I eat and train to hotel and restaurant information. There is also the all important checklist of things to take from clothes to food. We also started early discussions for the Big Sur too. We only have one day turn around before we have to leave for California. So that was last night.
Today I spent 25 miles on the bike trainer doing intervals and some easy spinning. Followed that up with a good two hour nap and in betwen lots of hydration and protein. Evening church and unfortunately out to dinner where the meal didn't settle at all. Bad mistake on my part. And it was my idea where to go. Stomach doesn't feel good at all right now. Will go over course map before bed and also add to stack of things that I am taking which right now commands the dining room table.
How do feel right now? Well other than the dinner part, I am very excited and ready to run. Butterflies come and go but mostly stay. Trying to keep food and hydration a priority. Concerned about the the four hills around Newton and that includes Heartbreak Hill. Didn't run them very well in '07 and have a score to settle with them. Maybe right now they are taking up too much of my mental energy. Have been having allergy trouble since every tree in Kansas seems to be blooming right now and the wind has been terrible. Also have a tight spot above my right hip area in the hip flexor zone that I am a little worried about. Hopefully that will loosen up a bit this week. Other than all of that, I feel pretty good.
Tomorrow's training includes an early morning swim and a 20 mile spin in the evening. Oh yeah, and work. That's right, focus! Early to bed after I fix tomorrow's food and supplements.
Talk to you tomorrow night!
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Running, Hiking, Swimming in the Mountains
From the minute my plane touched down in Denver, the excitement of seeing Andy, Katiy and Ogden was almost more than I could stand. Yes, I had booked a flight on Southwest that got me early boarding status and a seat in row 4. It just seemed right. Yet the beginning of my spring break in Denver was just the start of an incredible week of fun. Driving up to Louisville, Co was amazing even though it was night, I still knew the mountains were there waiting for me to see.
The first morning, I just went outside and there they were. Mountains. For this flatlander from Kansas, I am always in awe.
You've got to understand that with this guy here, there is a certain respect, honor, wonder, amazement, and yearning to be in the mountains and come alive with spirit and energy. The days and nights would bring time with my son Andy, Katiy, Berta, Kelsey and Ryan, wonderful talks, great restaurants, runs, swims in the local rec center (yes, Ironman/Boston/Big Sur training must go on.), playing with Ogden, laughs, a bus ride into Boulder for a shopping trip that I am still excited about, a half-marathon race with Andy, Katiy, and niece Angela (which by the way I ran after being at altitude for a day and a half),race support from my wife's sister Micki, and niece Alison, more runs and swims with Angela, an anniversary French Toast breakfast made by Chef Katiy that was amazing, visits to the dog parks, hikes that were beautiful that I later found out son Andy had run up this mountain 3 times and back during a lunch break for a training run...Whoa!, late night and early morning walks with the Og dog, peanut butter toast, the smell of pine trees, mountain turf to hike on, views that captivated everyone, tours of new offices for Andy and Katiy, and some good ol' relaxation.
Yes, it was quite a trip. Had I run a race before and not worried about the time? No. Did I love it when Katiy PR'd her race? Yep! Did I enjoy running and having the mountains to look up to along the way? You bet! Still shaking my head about Andy's mountain running abilities.Getting to see the wedding location for Andy and Katiy was very emotional and beautiful. Spending our anniversary in the mountains with a great dinner celebration, cool!
Respecting the weather was another factor on the drive home where we spent the night in a Red Cross shelter in Hays, KS. due to terrible roads and blowing snow (12:30 AM). Looking back though, it was just part of the beauty of the trip. The mountains aren't going to let you get away from them without making some kind of statement. The storm that blew over them reminded us that they are powerful yet breathtaking. Statement made.
Thank you Andy and Katiy for everything. Your love and warmth was very special! Can't wait to get out and see you again. Ogden, you watched over all of us with care and understanding.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind!
The first morning, I just went outside and there they were. Mountains. For this flatlander from Kansas, I am always in awe.
You've got to understand that with this guy here, there is a certain respect, honor, wonder, amazement, and yearning to be in the mountains and come alive with spirit and energy. The days and nights would bring time with my son Andy, Katiy, Berta, Kelsey and Ryan, wonderful talks, great restaurants, runs, swims in the local rec center (yes, Ironman/Boston/Big Sur training must go on.), playing with Ogden, laughs, a bus ride into Boulder for a shopping trip that I am still excited about, a half-marathon race with Andy, Katiy, and niece Angela (which by the way I ran after being at altitude for a day and a half),race support from my wife's sister Micki, and niece Alison, more runs and swims with Angela, an anniversary French Toast breakfast made by Chef Katiy that was amazing, visits to the dog parks, hikes that were beautiful that I later found out son Andy had run up this mountain 3 times and back during a lunch break for a training run...Whoa!, late night and early morning walks with the Og dog, peanut butter toast, the smell of pine trees, mountain turf to hike on, views that captivated everyone, tours of new offices for Andy and Katiy, and some good ol' relaxation.
Yes, it was quite a trip. Had I run a race before and not worried about the time? No. Did I love it when Katiy PR'd her race? Yep! Did I enjoy running and having the mountains to look up to along the way? You bet! Still shaking my head about Andy's mountain running abilities.Getting to see the wedding location for Andy and Katiy was very emotional and beautiful. Spending our anniversary in the mountains with a great dinner celebration, cool!
Respecting the weather was another factor on the drive home where we spent the night in a Red Cross shelter in Hays, KS. due to terrible roads and blowing snow (12:30 AM). Looking back though, it was just part of the beauty of the trip. The mountains aren't going to let you get away from them without making some kind of statement. The storm that blew over them reminded us that they are powerful yet breathtaking. Statement made.
Thank you Andy and Katiy for everything. Your love and warmth was very special! Can't wait to get out and see you again. Ogden, you watched over all of us with care and understanding.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ironman Training
So the week started out with a new challenge. After careful consideration and just plain "I think I want to do that.", I have decided to do the Ironman Kansas 70.3 on June 6th. This is a new chapter in my book. I have, as you all well know, done many different distances of races, started cycling last summer, and increased my coaching and consulting.
Along the way came this idea that I wanted to reach out for a new challenge. That will be training and particpating in the Ironman Kansas. Swim training started yesterday and it was eventful. I guess I knew the pool wouldn't be heated but I had no idea that water could be so cold at 5:30AM. However, after a warm-up for a few minutes, I settled down and appreciated that fact that things (me) were warming up. Of course I have all of the gear after a shopping trip on Monday. Goggles, fins, and hand paddles. It is all about the gear you know. It's a great group of very dedicated individuals that gather on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's (Saturday's are an option too.) and training with two fantastic coaches. Lanes are divided up by speed and of course I was in the slowest for the first time. So, I am thinking I may be there for a while too. Lots of help and welcomed advice from everyone. They thought it was really something to see me off the streets and into the water.
Just like at some races, I started out too fast with my laps. Don't know why but did. ESPN wasn't there and at that time in the morning nobody really cares. Don't know who I was trying to impress or why. After a few laps I was sucking air and water, sometimes both at the same time. So I slowed down at the urging of the coaches and just relaxed and followed the training plan for the morning. Things went much better after that. It's pretty cool to watch so many swimmers that can accomplish so many different times and distances through hard training. As the hour training session came to a close, I was really ramped up. Wanted to go run or ride. Instead, I climbed out of the pool, starving, and headed back home to get ready for the day. That evening I did an hour spin and some cardio, strength, and ab work. It was a good day!
Things I learned:
Eat before I swim. Why would it be different than a run or ride?
Stretch before and after training. Again, see above.
Have bottle of water/electrolyte drink poolside. Again, see above.
Get some recovery drink in you ASAP which I did. Again, see above.
Never go outside in the 5 degree weather with wet clothes. (I didn't do this but some did.)
Be humble.Everyone has a day 1.
So tomorow (Friday) I go back for another training session with a little more kowledge and excitement as I prepare for future races: 1/2 Marathon in Boulder in March, Boston and Big Sur Marathons in April, and the Ironman Kansas in June. Run, Ride, and Swim.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe!
Along the way came this idea that I wanted to reach out for a new challenge. That will be training and particpating in the Ironman Kansas. Swim training started yesterday and it was eventful. I guess I knew the pool wouldn't be heated but I had no idea that water could be so cold at 5:30AM. However, after a warm-up for a few minutes, I settled down and appreciated that fact that things (me) were warming up. Of course I have all of the gear after a shopping trip on Monday. Goggles, fins, and hand paddles. It is all about the gear you know. It's a great group of very dedicated individuals that gather on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's (Saturday's are an option too.) and training with two fantastic coaches. Lanes are divided up by speed and of course I was in the slowest for the first time. So, I am thinking I may be there for a while too. Lots of help and welcomed advice from everyone. They thought it was really something to see me off the streets and into the water.
Just like at some races, I started out too fast with my laps. Don't know why but did. ESPN wasn't there and at that time in the morning nobody really cares. Don't know who I was trying to impress or why. After a few laps I was sucking air and water, sometimes both at the same time. So I slowed down at the urging of the coaches and just relaxed and followed the training plan for the morning. Things went much better after that. It's pretty cool to watch so many swimmers that can accomplish so many different times and distances through hard training. As the hour training session came to a close, I was really ramped up. Wanted to go run or ride. Instead, I climbed out of the pool, starving, and headed back home to get ready for the day. That evening I did an hour spin and some cardio, strength, and ab work. It was a good day!
Things I learned:
Eat before I swim. Why would it be different than a run or ride?
Stretch before and after training. Again, see above.
Have bottle of water/electrolyte drink poolside. Again, see above.
Get some recovery drink in you ASAP which I did. Again, see above.
Never go outside in the 5 degree weather with wet clothes. (I didn't do this but some did.)
Be humble.Everyone has a day 1.
So tomorow (Friday) I go back for another training session with a little more kowledge and excitement as I prepare for future races: 1/2 Marathon in Boulder in March, Boston and Big Sur Marathons in April, and the Ironman Kansas in June. Run, Ride, and Swim.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Chevron Houston Marathon 2010
Race Review: The Chevron Houston Marathon on January 17th was run in outstanding weather.Race start was around 42 degrees and finish temps were in the 50's. Great weather as far as I am concerned since I left temps in the teens. From the minute you get to Houston in is clear that race organizers are very glad to have yo as a part of the race. There is a marathon, half-marathon, and 5K. The host hotel was the Hilton Americas and we really enjoyed our stay there. The Expo was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center right next to the hotel. Packet Pick-Up was fast and well organized.Runners are greeted with a 7:00AM start. The half-marathon starts at the same time and joins the marathon course at mile 2. Runners are organized into waves with a 10 minute space between starts. Wheelchair start is a 6:45.The course is flat and fast with a few beginning, middle, and end hills. None of the large variety but enough to get your attention. The course is a loop course beginning and ending downtown Houston. Although the race is all run on roads, the course is well taken care of and good. The staff and volunteers at the aid stations and expo were amazing and very well prepared to help the runners as well as inform spectators of prime vantage points. The finish area was very well run. Attention was paid to all runners in need and also congratulations were widespread by everyone in the area. Food after the race is a real treat if that's what you need. It was a runner's buffet. Personally, right after a marathon, eating is not my first thought. More hydration and recovery drink. The medals were a great design and also the glass mug that you receive. Everyone that finished got a finishers shirt to go with the participant shirt that runners got at packet pick-up. Finishers shirts were a good tech material. For the race I used Hammer Heed and Hammer Perpetuem mixed in a hand held bottle as well as GU Chomps. Water was also part of my plan. Other Hammer supplements taken every hour were 2 Endurance Amino caps and 2 Endurolyte caps. That also includes the pre-race Hammer supplements: Race Caps Supreme, Mito Caps, Endurance Amino Caps, and the Endurolyte Caps. For my pre-race meal I had a peanut butter sandwich and a banana. Finish time was 3:48:11 with a pace of 8:42 per mile. Felt great after the race and as always had the Hammer Recoverite drink soon after as well as post-race supplements. This is a great race and it sold out at all distances within hours this year. Registration opens for 2011 on July 27th.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)