Time at the Expo was well spent today as there were several people to talk to about the course and their experiences with the race. It was helpful to hear the different versions. I have looked at the course map several times and will watch the video tomorrow that shows the actual layout.
Most of the first 10 miles are downhill with the major hill starting at mile 10 and going up for the next two miles. Then it's down until about mile 15 then there are some rolling hills to the finish. Many people said it's not the "up" that gets you but the "down" part that burns the quads. It will be extremely important to get a smart start to the race and have good energy for the hill and then be able to sustain that energy throughout the second half of the race. Especially after Boston.
I have decided to run with one of the Clif Bar Pace Teams just to keep my pace solid and also to gain more knowledge of the course as we go. That will be a big help for my race startegies. I have not decided the exact pace I am going to run. That may be a race morning decision.
This evening was spent taking in the sights of Cannert Row which is close to whre we are staying. Ate dinner at a great restaurant named the Fish Hopper. I think we were there about 2 hours. The food was amazing and the service was especially attentive. Evening by the ocean is a great treat when you are from Kansas. I know, waves are waves, but when you compare there to waves from a Kansas lake, come on...not goona even go there. As the tide rolled in, it was beautiful to hear the waves crashing up on the shore.
Felt better today on my run. My left knee is a bit sore but the quads and hamstrings are improving. Will cut back some tomorrow and do a 3 mile run and some pool training. Also, most of the day will be spent holtelbound and resting. I will go back to the Expo at 1:00PM to meet and hear Dean Karnazes speak. He will be running the maraton and I am a huge fan of his accomplishments! Then back to the hotel for naps and hydrating and food. Bedtime tomorrow night will be around 8:30 since race day morning will start with a 3:30AM wake-up and then catch the runner bus to the start at 4:30 for the 6:45AM start. Forecast is for dold temps in the 40's at the start warming into the 60's during the later part of the day. Wind will be in our faces most of the time. Have picked out race clothes and will probably change my mind a few more times as I find out more about the weather. I will have alternatives in my drop bag to take care of the unknowns I hope. Eating so early will pose somewhat of a challeng. My usual race scheduke will just have to take an earlier version.
It's late and I need to get the body in bed to rest. Will post early tomorrow evening and then hit the bed early.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Big Sur Update 1
After getting up at 4:00AM to start the day of travel to Monterey,CA, I am so happy to be here and getting ready for the second part of the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge. Marathon #2 here we go. It was a day of sitting in airports and on planes. Thank you Southwest Airlines for your continued outstanding service and early arrivals. We flew into San Jose, Ca midmorning and did a drive up to Monterey (Staying at the Marriott) which took a little over an hour. Great views and a great opportunity to just sit back and see beautiful areas. I have always felt that airports and rental car agencies sometimes just don't get it. They just can't put all of the pieces together. Today however, it was different. Alamo did a great job, upgrading us to a larger vehicle, yeah I know it was Earth Day, and we fit all of our stuff into something called a GMC Arcadia. Two bags of clothes, one bag food and supplements, and one bag running gear. Yes, I checked my running gear again.
After a late afternoon lunch which was the size of a decent dinner, we took a walk along the Fisherman's Wharf and really enjoyed the sights. Saw a bunch (scientific term when your from Kansas) of sea lions. The Wharf had lots of great restaurants. Through the recommendation of the hotel we ate at Old Fisherman's Grotto. It was outstanding! After the meal and a few more sea lion watching encounters, I headed out for a short 3 mile run along the coast where I saw even more sea lions and also some more great places to go back to to see more of. That's one thing about a runner or cyclist in a new town, you become the scout for all of the best places to go. After the short run, I did a 20 min swin again just to loosen up things. Nice heated pool. Then it was out to a late dinner at the Crown and anchor British Pub. No beer. Just a great turkey sandwich.
Tomorrow will include a short run and a short swim. Also, I will go to the Expo which is always great fun to pick up bib numbers and bus ticket. If you have tim, go to the Big sur website and check out the virtual tour of the route and you will see whaat I am facing Sunday.(http://www.bsim.org/site3.aspx). I will be spending quite a bit of time tomorrow and Saturday studying the route.
I feel pretty good. Eating more than usual to replenish body needs faster than usual for recovery and build-up for a race so close. Legs are still sore (Quads and Hamstrings) but getting better each day. They will be called on to do quite a bit on Sunday.
Well, it's poff to bed. It will feel good tonight. Been up for a bit. Will sleep in a little and then get on with Friday. Looking forward to the challenges of this quick a turn around.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and may they bring you peace of mind!
After a late afternoon lunch which was the size of a decent dinner, we took a walk along the Fisherman's Wharf and really enjoyed the sights. Saw a bunch (scientific term when your from Kansas) of sea lions. The Wharf had lots of great restaurants. Through the recommendation of the hotel we ate at Old Fisherman's Grotto. It was outstanding! After the meal and a few more sea lion watching encounters, I headed out for a short 3 mile run along the coast where I saw even more sea lions and also some more great places to go back to to see more of. That's one thing about a runner or cyclist in a new town, you become the scout for all of the best places to go. After the short run, I did a 20 min swin again just to loosen up things. Nice heated pool. Then it was out to a late dinner at the Crown and anchor British Pub. No beer. Just a great turkey sandwich.
Tomorrow will include a short run and a short swim. Also, I will go to the Expo which is always great fun to pick up bib numbers and bus ticket. If you have tim, go to the Big sur website and check out the virtual tour of the route and you will see whaat I am facing Sunday.(http://www.bsim.org/site3.aspx). I will be spending quite a bit of time tomorrow and Saturday studying the route.
I feel pretty good. Eating more than usual to replenish body needs faster than usual for recovery and build-up for a race so close. Legs are still sore (Quads and Hamstrings) but getting better each day. They will be called on to do quite a bit on Sunday.
Well, it's poff to bed. It will feel good tonight. Been up for a bit. Will sleep in a little and then get on with Friday. Looking forward to the challenges of this quick a turn around.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and may they bring you peace of mind!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Boston Race Report
The morning started out with a wake-up call at 5:0AM after a 2:30AM fire alarm in the hotel. Thankfully we didn’t have to evacuate. Anyway, it was back to sleep for a brief time and up for a banana and the start of Hammer Heed. Sunglasses broke and had to tape them. THen at the start of the race had to use Duct Tape. Left the hotel at 6:00AM for a quick walk over to meet the buses at Boston Commons. That’s where Berta and I said our race farewells and pre-race prayer. The bus line was very efficient and the lines moved quickly. I was happy to get on the bus and start the adventure for the Boston Marathon.
Upon arriving in Hopkinton, I went directly to the athletes’ village. There I found a space to wait for the next 2 ½ hours until the start of the race at 10:00AM. I brought a plastic mat to sit on, my pre-race meal of peanut butter and whole wheat crackers, Hammer Heed, a poncho, Hammer Bar, a towel, disposable warm-up suit, gloves, supplements and an extra shirt and cap. All needed for the long wait before the race. As race time neared, I made sure I took care of all of the restroom needs, took supplements 90 minutes before the race and got my things packed up for the drop bag to be dropped off at the bus on the way to the corals. All was accomplished without too much trouble. I rested well at the village and food settled well. Weather was cold and windy, but partly cloudy which was a blessing over my run in 2007.
It was time to walk down to the corrals which were about 7/10 of a mile away they said. I was in the first wave. It was great to visit with people once we got into the corral and then anticipate the race. The walk down to your corral is an emotional one because you think about just how you got to this race, the people that supported you and understood your wacky training and eating routines. My goal this year was to start out more conservatively and not force the start. That worked well and I really held on because most of the first 9 miles are downhill. Speed and excitement usually make you start out much faster than you want and then you have little left at the beginning of the Newton Hills.
As I said yesterday, the crowd support was amazing and welcomed. I went along at a reasonable pace and felt great. Refueling at miles 4,10,14,18,22, and 24. I took powered Hammer Heed and Perpetuem which I had in small tubes on my belt. I also took GU Chomps. All nutrition worked well, thank you again Hammer Nutrition products! They are amazing! Supplements taken during the race included: Hammer Endurolytes and Endurance Amino Caps. Two of each on the hour.
The goal of the race time wise for me was around 4:10. Especially since I have Big Sur this week on Sunday. However, my ½ marathon split was 1:53:39. That fired some unknown spark in my head and I thought about, briefly, a sub 4 hour Boston.
The rest of the splits were:
5K 26:26
10K 54:18
15K 1:20:37
20K 1:43:49
Half 1:53:49
25K 2:15:45
30K 2:44:23
35K 3:14:16
40K 3:42:29
Finish 3:53:13
Pace was 8:54
After the race I went through the medal area, food area, and met Berta at the Family reunite area which was great! She had a hug and a rose, also my post-race supplements and Hammer Recoverite. We then walked back to the hotel and had a great time discussing the race and enjoying the Boston Commons Park area and all of it’s beauty. The evening included a quick swim to relax the body and a great dinner.
Boston was a great experience and I look forward to Big Sur on Sunday. We leave Thursday morning for that race.
Forward we go! May your roads, trail, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind!
Upon arriving in Hopkinton, I went directly to the athletes’ village. There I found a space to wait for the next 2 ½ hours until the start of the race at 10:00AM. I brought a plastic mat to sit on, my pre-race meal of peanut butter and whole wheat crackers, Hammer Heed, a poncho, Hammer Bar, a towel, disposable warm-up suit, gloves, supplements and an extra shirt and cap. All needed for the long wait before the race. As race time neared, I made sure I took care of all of the restroom needs, took supplements 90 minutes before the race and got my things packed up for the drop bag to be dropped off at the bus on the way to the corals. All was accomplished without too much trouble. I rested well at the village and food settled well. Weather was cold and windy, but partly cloudy which was a blessing over my run in 2007.
It was time to walk down to the corrals which were about 7/10 of a mile away they said. I was in the first wave. It was great to visit with people once we got into the corral and then anticipate the race. The walk down to your corral is an emotional one because you think about just how you got to this race, the people that supported you and understood your wacky training and eating routines. My goal this year was to start out more conservatively and not force the start. That worked well and I really held on because most of the first 9 miles are downhill. Speed and excitement usually make you start out much faster than you want and then you have little left at the beginning of the Newton Hills.
As I said yesterday, the crowd support was amazing and welcomed. I went along at a reasonable pace and felt great. Refueling at miles 4,10,14,18,22, and 24. I took powered Hammer Heed and Perpetuem which I had in small tubes on my belt. I also took GU Chomps. All nutrition worked well, thank you again Hammer Nutrition products! They are amazing! Supplements taken during the race included: Hammer Endurolytes and Endurance Amino Caps. Two of each on the hour.
The goal of the race time wise for me was around 4:10. Especially since I have Big Sur this week on Sunday. However, my ½ marathon split was 1:53:39. That fired some unknown spark in my head and I thought about, briefly, a sub 4 hour Boston.
The rest of the splits were:
5K 26:26
10K 54:18
15K 1:20:37
20K 1:43:49
Half 1:53:49
25K 2:15:45
30K 2:44:23
35K 3:14:16
40K 3:42:29
Finish 3:53:13
Pace was 8:54
After the race I went through the medal area, food area, and met Berta at the Family reunite area which was great! She had a hug and a rose, also my post-race supplements and Hammer Recoverite. We then walked back to the hotel and had a great time discussing the race and enjoying the Boston Commons Park area and all of it’s beauty. The evening included a quick swim to relax the body and a great dinner.
Boston was a great experience and I look forward to Big Sur on Sunday. We leave Thursday morning for that race.
Forward we go! May your roads, trail, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Boston Update 8 Crowd and Volunteer Support
Just have to do a quick message before the race report in a few days. Tomorrow is a travel day with a short spin tomorrow evening. Eating will be a priority tomorrow. Also re-hydrating as I get ready for Big Sur Marathon on Sunday. So we'll switch for a bit back and forth from Boston Report to Big Sur.
Today's race was amazing from many points. I was very happy with my sub 4 hour mile. But something that sticks out even more was the crowd, volunteers, and others. I am overwhelmed by the attention and recognition a Boston finisher gets. During the race, the noise from the crowds was as loud as I have ever heard it at a race. The Newton Hills were lined with people as was much of the entire route and it really helped. There were also the Boston College crowds and the Wellesley College "scream tunnel".
Walking back from the race, people stood and clapped as we walked by. It was incredible. Then at dinner, when we walked into the restaurant, everyone cheered. They welcomed each participant the same way. It is by far the most energetic city for a race that I have ever seen. It is a memory that will be cherished for many years.
OK. Off to bed and a big breakfast in the morning. Already planning Big Sur.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails and pools be happy and safe and may they bring you peace of mind!
Today's race was amazing from many points. I was very happy with my sub 4 hour mile. But something that sticks out even more was the crowd, volunteers, and others. I am overwhelmed by the attention and recognition a Boston finisher gets. During the race, the noise from the crowds was as loud as I have ever heard it at a race. The Newton Hills were lined with people as was much of the entire route and it really helped. There were also the Boston College crowds and the Wellesley College "scream tunnel".
Walking back from the race, people stood and clapped as we walked by. It was incredible. Then at dinner, when we walked into the restaurant, everyone cheered. They welcomed each participant the same way. It is by far the most energetic city for a race that I have ever seen. It is a memory that will be cherished for many years.
OK. Off to bed and a big breakfast in the morning. Already planning Big Sur.
Forward we go! May your roads, trails and pools be happy and safe and may they bring you peace of mind!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Boston Update 7
Race eve. Just finished a dinner of salmon and mashed potatoes. Tasted pretty good. Did a short 3 mile run this morning and felt good. Spent the rest of the day resting and getting race day things ready. Have been a little unsettled today getting all of the details down of meeting the buses at Boston Commons and then the ride up to Hopkinton. Bus leaves at 6:30AM so it will be a wake-up at 5:00AM. Dress and eat a little something.
We will walk to meet the bus then I will be in the start area for a few hours before wave 1 starts at 10:00AM. Taking things to sit on (ground will be wet from rains), eat, and drink. Also, taking extra clothes. Race temp at start is supposed to be around 42 with a finish temp in the 50's. Partly to mostly cloudy skies.
So here we go. It's that time. Boston Butterflies are swarming and the energy is at its max. Will try and get a good night's sleep. I'll write a race report tomorrow evening. Thanks for all of your support!
Forward we go! May your roads, trail, and pools be happy and safe and may they bring you peace of mind!
We will walk to meet the bus then I will be in the start area for a few hours before wave 1 starts at 10:00AM. Taking things to sit on (ground will be wet from rains), eat, and drink. Also, taking extra clothes. Race temp at start is supposed to be around 42 with a finish temp in the 50's. Partly to mostly cloudy skies.
So here we go. It's that time. Boston Butterflies are swarming and the energy is at its max. Will try and get a good night's sleep. I'll write a race report tomorrow evening. Thanks for all of your support!
Forward we go! May your roads, trail, and pools be happy and safe and may they bring you peace of mind!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Boston Update 6
The day started out with a little bit of a sleep in since after our room service dinner at 1:00AM wasn't finished until 2:00AM. Great meal though. Getting in at midnight had its advantages and disadvantages. Almost all were very positive. Rain and cold still haunt the running picture. Hoping the weather gets better! Brought everything I had in terms of clothes so I hope I am prepared for whatever the weather turns out to be.
Did a short 4 mile run this morning along the South Boston Waterfront and loved the route. Wished that I could have spent more time but followed training taper and pre-race plans not to run further. Took the subway train to the Expo. The Expo was packed but there were so many great vendors there it really didn't matter. Bought a lot of things this time. Oops! Got to visit with Steve DeKoker at the Brooks Running booth. Great to talk to Steve and see the Brooks products on display. Also, stopped by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Team Endurance Booth and talked to them. I am a FCA Team Endurance runner. Purchased a new piece of equipment for my bike. It's called the Smash Bottle from Smash Sports. Great hands-free attachment for the bike. Look into the website. Very interesting approach! I stopped at the Team 413 Booth and visited with Chris about his program.The Boston Marathon Expo is one of the best Expos you'll find and there are so many outstanding volunteers everywhere to help.
Had a great time at the DailyMile party. It was great to see people that I get to talk with on the DailyMile site and put names with faces. It was a great group and there were some great give aways.
Did a 45 min. evening swim. Light workout and then on to dinner. The Intercontinental Hotel Concierge recommended the Chart House Restaurant. Located on the Boston Inner Harbor. It was amazing. The food and service were superior! And we had VIP treatmenat for the evening. Wonderful! Almost felt like an Elite runner for a while. Great way to end the day. The staff at each place exceed expectations time and again.
So tomorrow it's a light 30-40 minute run and then rest for the rest of the day until the FCA Team Endurance meeting later in the afternoon. Then dinner at the hotel since they are providing a special runners meal Sunday night. It will be gear prep day. Also, nice big naps!
Boston Buterflies are flying high tonight! Whew!
Forward we go! May your roads andtrails and pools be happy and safe and may the give you peace of mind!
Did a short 4 mile run this morning along the South Boston Waterfront and loved the route. Wished that I could have spent more time but followed training taper and pre-race plans not to run further. Took the subway train to the Expo. The Expo was packed but there were so many great vendors there it really didn't matter. Bought a lot of things this time. Oops! Got to visit with Steve DeKoker at the Brooks Running booth. Great to talk to Steve and see the Brooks products on display. Also, stopped by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Team Endurance Booth and talked to them. I am a FCA Team Endurance runner. Purchased a new piece of equipment for my bike. It's called the Smash Bottle from Smash Sports. Great hands-free attachment for the bike. Look into the website. Very interesting approach! I stopped at the Team 413 Booth and visited with Chris about his program.The Boston Marathon Expo is one of the best Expos you'll find and there are so many outstanding volunteers everywhere to help.
Had a great time at the DailyMile party. It was great to see people that I get to talk with on the DailyMile site and put names with faces. It was a great group and there were some great give aways.
Did a 45 min. evening swim. Light workout and then on to dinner. The Intercontinental Hotel Concierge recommended the Chart House Restaurant. Located on the Boston Inner Harbor. It was amazing. The food and service were superior! And we had VIP treatmenat for the evening. Wonderful! Almost felt like an Elite runner for a while. Great way to end the day. The staff at each place exceed expectations time and again.
So tomorrow it's a light 30-40 minute run and then rest for the rest of the day until the FCA Team Endurance meeting later in the afternoon. Then dinner at the hotel since they are providing a special runners meal Sunday night. It will be gear prep day. Also, nice big naps!
Boston Buterflies are flying high tonight! Whew!
Forward we go! May your roads andtrails and pools be happy and safe and may the give you peace of mind!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Boston Update 5
Support from family and friends is so important that I wanted to share video with you all tonight talking about the things that my family is sending with me to Boston. Enjoy!
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind!
Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and bring you peace of mind!
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