Tomorrow is the big day. Super Bowl Sunday. While many of us will be out for our long run or spin, others will be gearing up for that yearly food fest that also includes an NFL football game and some interesting commercials. After my long run today of 26 miles I went grocery shopping for a few things this evening and found out that just about every junk food available to the buying public was on sale while everything else was at regular price or higher. Great Message.
The commercials will provide an insight to where we are as consumers to some degree. Many companies really go for it and don't mind paying the estimated 3 million dollars for 30 seconds of fame. But is that the real thing they are after? Is a statement being made for us that we just don't get? What if during each of these high priced ads, a runner ran or cyclist biked through the ad and just waved and said, "Hey, look what I'm doing. I'm getting some exercise. Wow! It feels great!". What kind of additional message would that send across our country and the world about the need to get out and get some exercise? Millions of adults and children will be glued to the television and can be influenced by this massive product invitation.
What if we spent that much effort on getting the fitness message out? Wow! What an impact! Following is a Budweiser ad from the past that shows some possibilities.
So as you watch or in many cases don't watch America's tribute to "I'll buy just about anything if you show it during the Super Bowl.", think about that runner running through, the cyclist biking through, the yoga participant stretching through, the walker walking through, and many other possibilities that could demonstrate fitness or a healthy lifestyle. The Budweiser commercial presented a strong message. When will the other corporations join the team? Budweiser gets it. Do you?
Forward we go! May your roads and trail be happy and safe!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Chevron Houston Marathon 2009
Ran in the Chevron Houston Marathon last weekend. What a great weekend! Weather was great. People in charge of the marathon were fantastic. The expo was very well organized with excellent vendors with just about anything you could ask for. As I go to each marathon or ultra-marathon that I run, I find it interesting to compare the outcome of all of the organization and planning that goes into each race. Houston was at the top of the charts in just about every category.
The course is a fair and fast one with a few hills but very good surfaces and mile markings. At each mile marker there was a volunteer calling out split times and letting you know by wave how you were doing. It was great!
The morning of the race was really well organized. Signs were posted everywhere showing runners, either marathon or half-marathon, how to get to their respective corrals. The 7:00AM start meant that the race would start in the dark so lighted directions were vital. Then there is the ever important race for the porta-cans. No need to in Houston. I have never seen so many. Both all around the start area and then also in the corrals. There were also more than enough porta-cans along the course. Not just one or two like most races.
Aid stations were staffed by wonderful volunteers that really knew what runners needed. I carried a hand-held bottle and they were always ready to fill it up with either a pitcher or multiple cups to speed my aid station time along. That really makes a difference. The crowds were amazing and very encouraging. It seemed like there were people watching the entire length of the course.
Now the fun stuff. Mr. Organized here had his first race where gear things just didn't go well at all. The waist pouch (The brand name I don't know. The tag is missing or I would reveal what a piece of junk that it was) where I keep my tubes of powdered Heed, Perpetuem, and Endurolyte caps from Hammer Nutrition, broke at mile 1 and fell to the ground with a "Oh no that can't be happening" sound. So I picked up the pouch and carried it in one hand and my hand-held bottle in the other for the remainder of the race. It was difficult getting things out for each time that I needed them but it worked out and although some time was lost, I got pretty good at stuffing things under my arms when it came time to fill a bottle up. On top of that, the afternoon before the race I was putting my timing chip on my shoes when I realized that I had put it on the wrong pair of shoes. So a trip back to the expo to get extra ties (yes I do put multiple ties on the chip, never have trusted just one) was in order. Mission accomplished. Now the hunt starts for a new waist pouch that will last longer than three marathons.
I also am a creature of routine basically the minute I step on the plane or in the car to go to the race until the finish of the race. At this race, there was the traditional pasta dinner at a fantastic restaurant near the hotel which I did as usual. But the twist this time was that instead of going back to the hotel and pace back and forth until the 4:00AM wake-up call, we went to the Rockets/Heat NBA game. Outstanding! What a routine breaker that was. But all was well.
As I crossed the finish line at 4:01:52 I thought of many things. I thought about how blessed I was to have the opportunity to do my running thing. I thought about my wife Berta who cheers me on at races and follows me on training runs and meets me with my stock of Hammer Nutrition products. I thought about my son Andy who didn't get to run this race with me because his dog Monk had major surgery and he wanted to be near him during the hours of recovery. A good decision. Monk needed him. Andy is also trying to get an ankle better for future races. I thought about my daughter Kelsey who makes signs for us all and makes me laugh at some of the crazy things I do to get ready. I thought about Larry and Sheri, our amazing friends. Larry ran a fantastic race and Sheri was there to take pictures of the race and cheer us on. And then as I walked on past some medical people and volunteers who asked if I needed anything, I thought some more and said, "No, things are just great!". Thanks to all of you who bring a bit of sunshine each day to the world around you!
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
The course is a fair and fast one with a few hills but very good surfaces and mile markings. At each mile marker there was a volunteer calling out split times and letting you know by wave how you were doing. It was great!
The morning of the race was really well organized. Signs were posted everywhere showing runners, either marathon or half-marathon, how to get to their respective corrals. The 7:00AM start meant that the race would start in the dark so lighted directions were vital. Then there is the ever important race for the porta-cans. No need to in Houston. I have never seen so many. Both all around the start area and then also in the corrals. There were also more than enough porta-cans along the course. Not just one or two like most races.
Aid stations were staffed by wonderful volunteers that really knew what runners needed. I carried a hand-held bottle and they were always ready to fill it up with either a pitcher or multiple cups to speed my aid station time along. That really makes a difference. The crowds were amazing and very encouraging. It seemed like there were people watching the entire length of the course.
Now the fun stuff. Mr. Organized here had his first race where gear things just didn't go well at all. The waist pouch (The brand name I don't know. The tag is missing or I would reveal what a piece of junk that it was) where I keep my tubes of powdered Heed, Perpetuem, and Endurolyte caps from Hammer Nutrition, broke at mile 1 and fell to the ground with a "Oh no that can't be happening" sound. So I picked up the pouch and carried it in one hand and my hand-held bottle in the other for the remainder of the race. It was difficult getting things out for each time that I needed them but it worked out and although some time was lost, I got pretty good at stuffing things under my arms when it came time to fill a bottle up. On top of that, the afternoon before the race I was putting my timing chip on my shoes when I realized that I had put it on the wrong pair of shoes. So a trip back to the expo to get extra ties (yes I do put multiple ties on the chip, never have trusted just one) was in order. Mission accomplished. Now the hunt starts for a new waist pouch that will last longer than three marathons.
I also am a creature of routine basically the minute I step on the plane or in the car to go to the race until the finish of the race. At this race, there was the traditional pasta dinner at a fantastic restaurant near the hotel which I did as usual. But the twist this time was that instead of going back to the hotel and pace back and forth until the 4:00AM wake-up call, we went to the Rockets/Heat NBA game. Outstanding! What a routine breaker that was. But all was well.
As I crossed the finish line at 4:01:52 I thought of many things. I thought about how blessed I was to have the opportunity to do my running thing. I thought about my wife Berta who cheers me on at races and follows me on training runs and meets me with my stock of Hammer Nutrition products. I thought about my son Andy who didn't get to run this race with me because his dog Monk had major surgery and he wanted to be near him during the hours of recovery. A good decision. Monk needed him. Andy is also trying to get an ankle better for future races. I thought about my daughter Kelsey who makes signs for us all and makes me laugh at some of the crazy things I do to get ready. I thought about Larry and Sheri, our amazing friends. Larry ran a fantastic race and Sheri was there to take pictures of the race and cheer us on. And then as I walked on past some medical people and volunteers who asked if I needed anything, I thought some more and said, "No, things are just great!". Thanks to all of you who bring a bit of sunshine each day to the world around you!
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Quadricep Group, Adductor Group, and Hamstring Group Were Talking the Other Day and....
Running in the cold weather presents several challenges. Some challenges can be helped by a good selection of gear from running specialists. A hidden challenge that often carries more importance than you might think is what we should call our "muscles in action". Stretching is a vital part of the before and after part of a training run, race, cross training day, or rest day. This becomes a very personal situation. Everyone is different here. Some people require more stretching than others. Some runners can bolt out the door with no other preparation than lacing up their shoes and grabbing their water bottle. Even in frigid temperatures many just make a quick stop to grab gloves and a hat and off they go. I am not one of those.
As mentioned in earlier blog posts, I have a specific routine before each run. One that I feel benefits what my body needs to maximize my endurance and speed. By habit, I have often done the majority of my stretching after a brief warm-up walk of 1/2 mile. With the colder temperatures, I now do a lot of my stretching indoors before I go. I have also at times used a heating pad for just a little while to warm the muscles up prior to the indoor stretching.
How can you get even more help? During the past few months I have been using The Stick, a fantastically simple training tool. The product is available online, at running stores, and at most larger race expos. It is well worth the money. It has been very helpful to me in rolling knots/kinks out of sore muscles. It provides myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Using it increases circulation and encourages blood flow. It has really helped me during these cold months but also helped a great deal during the summer and fall training times as well. I would strongly consider getting one!
Also remember that everyone needs different amounts of stretching time and preparation. Cold months make it even more important. There is no specific rule. Just make sure you are stretching before and after any time you are calling on your muscles to do some work. A very beneficial time is right before bed after you have had that protein shake to help the healing process from your daily training. Get those knots and kinks out, get that blood flow started, and then get a good nights rest.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
As mentioned in earlier blog posts, I have a specific routine before each run. One that I feel benefits what my body needs to maximize my endurance and speed. By habit, I have often done the majority of my stretching after a brief warm-up walk of 1/2 mile. With the colder temperatures, I now do a lot of my stretching indoors before I go. I have also at times used a heating pad for just a little while to warm the muscles up prior to the indoor stretching.
How can you get even more help? During the past few months I have been using The Stick, a fantastically simple training tool. The product is available online, at running stores, and at most larger race expos. It is well worth the money. It has been very helpful to me in rolling knots/kinks out of sore muscles. It provides myofascial release and trigger point therapy. Using it increases circulation and encourages blood flow. It has really helped me during these cold months but also helped a great deal during the summer and fall training times as well. I would strongly consider getting one!
Also remember that everyone needs different amounts of stretching time and preparation. Cold months make it even more important. There is no specific rule. Just make sure you are stretching before and after any time you are calling on your muscles to do some work. A very beneficial time is right before bed after you have had that protein shake to help the healing process from your daily training. Get those knots and kinks out, get that blood flow started, and then get a good nights rest.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A Running Happy New Year New You Year! What?
Happy New Year! Each year we are faced with new year's "to do's" by authorities around the world. This year is no exception. The cover of many magazines, well almost every magazine, carry headlines that it is time for a "New You!". Sometimes I think at the stroke of midnight we should all yell "Happy New You!", because that's what we are all told will/should happen. In the running community, things are really no different. Many running publications whether it be the magazine or online formats promote the same theme. Where were they in July?
Andy Rooney, of the CBS News program 60 Minutes, would have a ball with this. His humor would attack the theme of "It's Time for a New You" from many directions. Not pretending to even have an ounce of his talent, I can't help but take a look at the cover of one of the leading running magazines and have some fun with it. Runner's World has several cover story headlines that just invite a comment or two. Let's take a look at a few:
New Year, New You an inside look at "What kind of runner are you? Were you born to run a fast 5K, a strong marathon, or something in between? Here's how to find out- and how to realize your full potential." Actually not a bad article, but I don't know what I was born to run. No one has told me. The article sounds like you are supposed to choose by January first and then stick with it. What if you change your mind? Do you have to wait until the 2010 issue to see what to do?
28 Tips to Lose Weight, Get Inspired, Achieve Any Goal Why did they stop at 28? Have you ever wondered who comes up with these numbers? I would have done better with maybe 10. But could I have used 40? Who knows.
No Time to Train? 20-Minute Workouts If I don't have any time to train, where am I going to find 20 minutes? For some people they might as well have said 60 minutes or maybe 5.
Beginners, Feel Good on Every Run So does that mean that if I am not a beginner I can't feel good on every run. I'd like to meet a beginner that felt good on every run. I'd like to meet anyone that felt good on every run!
A Better Way To Breathe OK, now they've got me scared. There's another way?
Do You Tie Your Shoes Wrong? Well, no, I think that I am doing ok. I've been doing it for a long time and no one has told me that I am doing it wrong. I knew there was something I missed that day I was absent in Kindergarten!
Why We Need Running Partners Not being an early morning runner, if I run in the early hours, I really do need a running partner to help me find my way back home. Not quite awake!
Cut Calories, Boost Nutrition- Holiday Meal Makeovers How many people are really going to read this article before February?
On a more serious note. While it is fun to make a little fun at these Runner's World cover headlines, the articles that follow in the magazine are very well written and contain some high quality suggestions that I know will work to a certain extent for all of us. The January 2009 issue does contain excellent information in a very usable format. Easy to pick up and put into practice.
However, my favorite is the one on the cover of Adventure Magazine each month right underneath the magazine name: Dream It, Plan It, Do It. All kidding aside, that's got some power! Have a Happy New Year, and may 2009 hold all the best for you!
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Andy Rooney, of the CBS News program 60 Minutes, would have a ball with this. His humor would attack the theme of "It's Time for a New You" from many directions. Not pretending to even have an ounce of his talent, I can't help but take a look at the cover of one of the leading running magazines and have some fun with it. Runner's World has several cover story headlines that just invite a comment or two. Let's take a look at a few:
New Year, New You an inside look at "What kind of runner are you? Were you born to run a fast 5K, a strong marathon, or something in between? Here's how to find out- and how to realize your full potential." Actually not a bad article, but I don't know what I was born to run. No one has told me. The article sounds like you are supposed to choose by January first and then stick with it. What if you change your mind? Do you have to wait until the 2010 issue to see what to do?
28 Tips to Lose Weight, Get Inspired, Achieve Any Goal Why did they stop at 28? Have you ever wondered who comes up with these numbers? I would have done better with maybe 10. But could I have used 40? Who knows.
No Time to Train? 20-Minute Workouts If I don't have any time to train, where am I going to find 20 minutes? For some people they might as well have said 60 minutes or maybe 5.
Beginners, Feel Good on Every Run So does that mean that if I am not a beginner I can't feel good on every run. I'd like to meet a beginner that felt good on every run. I'd like to meet anyone that felt good on every run!
A Better Way To Breathe OK, now they've got me scared. There's another way?
Do You Tie Your Shoes Wrong? Well, no, I think that I am doing ok. I've been doing it for a long time and no one has told me that I am doing it wrong. I knew there was something I missed that day I was absent in Kindergarten!
Why We Need Running Partners Not being an early morning runner, if I run in the early hours, I really do need a running partner to help me find my way back home. Not quite awake!
Cut Calories, Boost Nutrition- Holiday Meal Makeovers How many people are really going to read this article before February?
On a more serious note. While it is fun to make a little fun at these Runner's World cover headlines, the articles that follow in the magazine are very well written and contain some high quality suggestions that I know will work to a certain extent for all of us. The January 2009 issue does contain excellent information in a very usable format. Easy to pick up and put into practice.
However, my favorite is the one on the cover of Adventure Magazine each month right underneath the magazine name: Dream It, Plan It, Do It. All kidding aside, that's got some power! Have a Happy New Year, and may 2009 hold all the best for you!
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Running Journals
I received a running journal as a gift for Christmas. As I opened it, I realized just what I had in front of me. It was to become the "year in review" for 2009. Today the journal is empty. But what possibilities exist for each page! I can't wait to write down each and every training run, cross training session, rest day, or whatever I choose to write about. The running journal takes on a life of its own. Every step that I will take in 2009 will be recorded there for me to look back on and see just what I accomplished and the races that I ran in as well as the gear that I wore each day.
There are so many ways to keep a running journal. There are the written ones like I just got, the computerized program journals, and the journals that are a part of a Garmin or other brand of wrist technology. Whatever the type, the possibilities for analysis are endless. Overwhelming to some, just right for others. The flow of information is only limited by the one putting in the data. No matter if you are a 5K runner or an ultra-marathoner, I think that it is extremely important to keep track of what you do each day. It is also important to keep track of how you felt about your training and what changes you might make. It's difficult to do that if you can't look back at something and see how your run went a few weeks ago or months ago. So what am I going to put in my journal?
Well, here is a list of things that I will try and keep up with:
* Date and Time of training run
* Weather conditions for the day
* Distance for that day's training run (I will also fill out the week in advance so I can see what is coming up.)
* What gear I used that day and how I felt about how it performed
* Where I ran
* If it was a race, how I did and comments about race strategies that I used.
* Who I ran with, if not by myself
* Enter into the journal when I started wearing a new pair of shoes so I can keep track of the mileage. (Also keep track of my two pairs of shoes wear rotation.)
* Weekly and Monthly mile totals
* General comments about how I felt that day
So there you have it. Some ideas about what to write in your running journal. I am sure if you are writing in one you have many ideas too. These work for me. If you don't have one I would suggest you start one just to see the things that you have accomplished. You will be amazed at what you can do!
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
There are so many ways to keep a running journal. There are the written ones like I just got, the computerized program journals, and the journals that are a part of a Garmin or other brand of wrist technology. Whatever the type, the possibilities for analysis are endless. Overwhelming to some, just right for others. The flow of information is only limited by the one putting in the data. No matter if you are a 5K runner or an ultra-marathoner, I think that it is extremely important to keep track of what you do each day. It is also important to keep track of how you felt about your training and what changes you might make. It's difficult to do that if you can't look back at something and see how your run went a few weeks ago or months ago. So what am I going to put in my journal?
Well, here is a list of things that I will try and keep up with:
* Date and Time of training run
* Weather conditions for the day
* Distance for that day's training run (I will also fill out the week in advance so I can see what is coming up.)
* What gear I used that day and how I felt about how it performed
* Where I ran
* If it was a race, how I did and comments about race strategies that I used.
* Who I ran with, if not by myself
* Enter into the journal when I started wearing a new pair of shoes so I can keep track of the mileage. (Also keep track of my two pairs of shoes wear rotation.)
* Weekly and Monthly mile totals
* General comments about how I felt that day
So there you have it. Some ideas about what to write in your running journal. I am sure if you are writing in one you have many ideas too. These work for me. If you don't have one I would suggest you start one just to see the things that you have accomplished. You will be amazed at what you can do!
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Dallas White Rock Marathon
Just got back from running the Dallas White Rock Marathon on December 14th. What a great experience it was! It is a fantastic marathon. Great course and the volunteers were amazing. It was great to have Andy, Larry, and Joel there to run with.Race day started out with a 4:00AM wake-up. Then we made our way into Dallas for the 8:00AM start. Parking can be an issue as it was for many this year who had to run to the start from vehicles that they had to leave due to traffic backups. It was really important to get there early to get into the lots. At 7:00AM I hosted an FCA Team Endurance meeting that was well attended by many individuals and we had a very meaningful devotion time to start our day. The confetti start is one of the best in the country. We had higher than usual temperatures and a strong wind to contend with the entire race. Larry Barthlow (Elite Runner Coordinator) was quoted in the Dallas Morning News as saying that his coach stated that "for every mile per hour in your face, it's minus 1.5 seconds [per mile]". Winning times according to the newspaper were 2:22:07 by Noah Serem of Kenya and 2:37:14 by Svetlana Ponomarenko of Russia. The winning times were the slowest since 2002 and 2006 for the men and women respectively. There were 6,360 marathoners, 7,000 half-marathoners, and 3,000 marathon relay runners. I also had a chance to visit with Barefoot Rick, a fantastic runner with many accomplishments.
A very special thanks to Sheri, Larry's wife, for the great photography. Below in the next two pictures, Andy and I are finishing the marathon together. (3:48:58) Andy did a great job (a marathon PR) and it was incredible to run with him!
Below, Larry is showing his great finishers medal and is happy that we had such a nice day to run the race! Larry is a fantastic runner, a great friend, and bakes a medal winning apple pie!
My apologies to Joel. At Blog time, I didn't have a picture to put in. Hopefully, I will get one soon.For the most part, the race was well run. Registration and packet pick-up were very well organized as were the expo booths. I was interested at why some of the major shoe brands were not represented at the expo. It was really strange not to see them at a major U.S. marathon. I will always be curious at why a Sleep Number bed company was there instead of a running gear company. The expo did have a very good small display for those interested in cycling.
The race volunteers were some of the best I have ever seen. At the aid stations, there were always plenty of people to help and they were really into the race day with enthusiasm. The course was challenging but fair although the wind did make itself known quite well as we rounded White Rock Lake. Not the organizers fault though. The marathon has a great finish at the American Airlines Center. The crowd was large and very supportive. However two areas that race officials can improve on would be the after race food and also there was no designated meeting place for runners and their families as was advertised in race material. This caused lots of confusion.
But you know, when you have a great race, can be around great friends, enjoy outstanding weather, and be able to start your day with FCA Team Endurance, it doesn't get much better than that! I encourage all of you interested in running a marathon in Texas to sign up next year for the Dallas White Rock Marathon. Meanwhile Andy, Larry and I are looking forward to our next marathons: the Chevron Houston Marathon in January and the Austin Marathon in February.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Gobbler Grind Marathon/ Qualifying for the Boston Marathon
November 23, 2008. Race Day. Yesterday I ran the Gobbler Grind Marathon in Overland Park, Ks. The alarm went off at 5:00AM to begin the day. Our daughter Kelsey had made signs for me wishing me good luck as she always does (Her signs are outstanding!). Breakfast included probably the worst oatmeal I have ever made on a race day. My combination of oatmeal, soy milk, and protein ended up looking a lot like modeling clay. Pressed for time, I ate it anyway. Usually I make a pretty good bowl of oatmeal, but over the past few days that has not been the case. I arrived at the race around 7:00 on this cold November morning ready to run with a goal of running under 4 hours for the race. Race day preparation and routines are very important to me and include a good pre-race plan that is timed down to the starting time of the race. This day was no exception. After a couple of porta-potty stops and then stretching 30 minutes before the race, I was ready to go.
The race was run on a great course that included some residential streets but mostly running/biking paths. The surfaces were fantastic and the route was well-planned and challenging. The course included some challenging hills and some great footbridge crossings. The weather constantly improved temperature wise. The day was just about perfect for race day. A big thanks to the race director and all of the fantastic volunteers that helped at the aid stations. They did a great job! I wish that the volunteers at a race really understood how much their work at races is appreciated. There were several times on the course where volunteers directed runners as far as which path to take according to what race (marathon, half-marathon, and 5K) they had entered.
It was just one of those days. Everything felt great. I didn't get the best positioning in the starting pack. I was a little too far back. I didn't do a very good job of getting where I wanted to be. The race started and I quickly made my way out of the starting group of runners and was glad when things thinned out. As I approached the halfway point I was at 1:51:02. At that point, I knew I had a chance at running my goal time of under 4 hours. I decided to really let go, relax, and go for it. The last half of the race was run in 1:49. I was really happy with a negative split.
As I crossed the finish line, my watch read 3:40:02. I had just run my third fastest marathon. Once again, my Hammer Nutrition products (Heed, Perpetuem, and the Hammer Bar) provided the fuel needed to run well. I really didn't think about Boston at that point but my wife, Berta, mentioned the possibility that I might have qualified again. A quick call to Andy to meet him for lunch and a request for him to get on the the Boston Marathon website to check out what time I needed to qualify, led to the fantastic news that I had again qualified for Boston. I had run an 8:24 per mile pace and finished 2nd in my age group. Upon arriving home, I found the driveway full of sidewalk chalk congratulations that Kelsey had done for me. Yes, as the message said on the driveway, we are going to Boston again. It was a great day!
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
The race was run on a great course that included some residential streets but mostly running/biking paths. The surfaces were fantastic and the route was well-planned and challenging. The course included some challenging hills and some great footbridge crossings. The weather constantly improved temperature wise. The day was just about perfect for race day. A big thanks to the race director and all of the fantastic volunteers that helped at the aid stations. They did a great job! I wish that the volunteers at a race really understood how much their work at races is appreciated. There were several times on the course where volunteers directed runners as far as which path to take according to what race (marathon, half-marathon, and 5K) they had entered.
It was just one of those days. Everything felt great. I didn't get the best positioning in the starting pack. I was a little too far back. I didn't do a very good job of getting where I wanted to be. The race started and I quickly made my way out of the starting group of runners and was glad when things thinned out. As I approached the halfway point I was at 1:51:02. At that point, I knew I had a chance at running my goal time of under 4 hours. I decided to really let go, relax, and go for it. The last half of the race was run in 1:49. I was really happy with a negative split.
As I crossed the finish line, my watch read 3:40:02. I had just run my third fastest marathon. Once again, my Hammer Nutrition products (Heed, Perpetuem, and the Hammer Bar) provided the fuel needed to run well. I really didn't think about Boston at that point but my wife, Berta, mentioned the possibility that I might have qualified again. A quick call to Andy to meet him for lunch and a request for him to get on the the Boston Marathon website to check out what time I needed to qualify, led to the fantastic news that I had again qualified for Boston. I had run an 8:24 per mile pace and finished 2nd in my age group. Upon arriving home, I found the driveway full of sidewalk chalk congratulations that Kelsey had done for me. Yes, as the message said on the driveway, we are going to Boston again. It was a great day!
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
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