That's all that really needs to be said. Boston. Today was the day of one of the most amazing races in the world. It was great to watch the battles that the elite men and women waged against each other. The pace was incredible. The emotion was sky high. The effort was out of this world. Congratulations to all participants whether you were in the elite group or one of the runners that qualified to run in the most famous marathon in the world. It is a memory that you will always have.
When I ran the 111th edition of the marathon in 2007, there were a few interesting twists. The weather being one. But now as I look back, the weather becomes less important and the actual experience becomes the most vivid. And yes, the hills are that steep. They mean what they say about the Newton Hills and Heartbreak Hill.
Today as runners lined up at the start. I could feel the tension, anticipation, eagerness, race strategies running through each head, eyes focused on the road ahead, and the thought that you had finally made it to Boston. It was exciting!
Yes, I know there are some that qualify each year and to you I say congratulations. But there are still some of us that hold the marathon as one of the most important running events that we can ever do. I have been fortunate this year to run two qualifying time races and will run it for the second time in 2010. I got goosebumps today when the race started. My emotions were strong and my eyes were focused on the computer screen. It was time for Boston. The marathon. The tradition. The epic running battles. We saw tears of sadness, and tears of joy and accomplishment.
I look forward to meeting the challenge again. This time, the hills are mine!
Forward we go! may your roads and trail be happy and safe!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Running Here and There
Thought I would talk about a few things in this post that are product related.
Ran today in the new Brooks Infiniti 2 shoe (Check out the website). It was an amazing feel and really had a great response. One of the things that I like about Brooks shoes is that they are ready to go right out of the box. Not the "break in time" that some other brands would require. Many times I have thought that I would feel ok running a race in a new, right out of the box pair of Brooks. They just get it right! The Infiniti 2 gives you a firm comfortable feel with just enough support to let your feet and legs do the work they are meant to do. It is so important when "shopping" for shoes that we consider not only how the shoe feels on our feet but how it supports all of the bones and muscles that lead to the feet. Can't wait to get the second pair out Saturday for the run.
Hammer Nutrition has introduced a couple of new products in the supplement area that I have been taking the past few weeks and I wanted to share with you a little about them. The first one is the Endurance Amino caps. The Endurance Amino caps help build, maintain, and repair lean muscle mass. They also are a powerful support to the immune system. I take them before, during, and after training runs. The other new supplement product that Hammer has is called AO Booster. AO Booster provides an arsenal of powerful fat-soluble antioxidants to help the immune system even more. It helps reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, and enhances
fats-for-fuels utilization. Two great new products! I have really noticed their effectiveness.
The Eugene Marathon is next up for me on May 3rd. Looking forward to the trip out to one of the most significant running cities in the world. I plan on taking in all of he history that surrounds the legendary city and also run in a great marathon on a fairly flat course. Not planning on tapering much up to the race and will plan on getting the training started right after the race for the next marathon on June 7, The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon in Deadwood, SD.
I have been communicating with many of you about your upcoming races. It's great to hear from you and please know that I wish you all the best and hope you achieve the goals for the race that you have set. I'd like to hear from you about your race schedules and your running plans in general. Just drop me an email at mileswithmickey@yahoo.com.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Ran today in the new Brooks Infiniti 2 shoe (Check out the website). It was an amazing feel and really had a great response. One of the things that I like about Brooks shoes is that they are ready to go right out of the box. Not the "break in time" that some other brands would require. Many times I have thought that I would feel ok running a race in a new, right out of the box pair of Brooks. They just get it right! The Infiniti 2 gives you a firm comfortable feel with just enough support to let your feet and legs do the work they are meant to do. It is so important when "shopping" for shoes that we consider not only how the shoe feels on our feet but how it supports all of the bones and muscles that lead to the feet. Can't wait to get the second pair out Saturday for the run.
Hammer Nutrition has introduced a couple of new products in the supplement area that I have been taking the past few weeks and I wanted to share with you a little about them. The first one is the Endurance Amino caps. The Endurance Amino caps help build, maintain, and repair lean muscle mass. They also are a powerful support to the immune system. I take them before, during, and after training runs. The other new supplement product that Hammer has is called AO Booster. AO Booster provides an arsenal of powerful fat-soluble antioxidants to help the immune system even more. It helps reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, and enhances
fats-for-fuels utilization. Two great new products! I have really noticed their effectiveness.
The Eugene Marathon is next up for me on May 3rd. Looking forward to the trip out to one of the most significant running cities in the world. I plan on taking in all of he history that surrounds the legendary city and also run in a great marathon on a fairly flat course. Not planning on tapering much up to the race and will plan on getting the training started right after the race for the next marathon on June 7, The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon in Deadwood, SD.
I have been communicating with many of you about your upcoming races. It's great to hear from you and please know that I wish you all the best and hope you achieve the goals for the race that you have set. I'd like to hear from you about your race schedules and your running plans in general. Just drop me an email at mileswithmickey@yahoo.com.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Brew to Brew Ultra Race Report
Last Sunday (4/5) I ran in the Brew to Race from Kansas City, MO. to Lawrence, KS. Wow! What a day! Race day for the 44 mile Ultra-Marathon started with a 3:00AM wake-up alarm (actually we set 4) and lots of anticipation. With the support vehicle already packed and ready to go, I dressed for the race and around 4:00AM ate my pre-race meal of oatmeal and soy milk with Hammer Soy Protein, and Hammer Heed Drink. Berta, Kelsey, and I left shortly after that to make the short drive to Kansas City. We met Andy,Katiy, and Monk (Andy's dog) at the race starting area and as they discussed the different mile stops they were going to meet me at for food and drink I did my stretching and made a quick porta-potty stop. Starting areas before an ultra are just different than other races. It's hard to explain but as you stand there ready to toe the line with others that will be running a race of that distance, stories and strategies are shared in a matter of minutes with others that you might know or have never met. Everyone forms a common bond of friend and competitor.
The race started at 6:00AM and the weather for the day was going to be a challenge. Temperatures started out around 44 degrees but the forecast called for falling temperatures and rain, sleet, and snow as the day progressed. The forecast was exactly right. It was almost perfect for the fist few miles as far as the weather was concerned. The rest of the race was run in constant rain, sleet or snow. Also, very high winds out of the North and Northwest were constant.
This picture is early into the start of the race after it got light and before the weather hit.
The race is run on a combination of river levee trails, highways and gravel country roads. It really puts you through a test of running surfaces. There are several major hills but also some rolling hills and some great flat stretches. Aid stations are set up for solo runners and they are supplied with basic needs, but I think that it is always important to bring along your own food and drink that you have been using in your training. Not a good time to switch. The volunteers on this incredibly harsh weather day were fantastic. They were out there longer than many of the runners. Spirits ran high as you approached each stop. They really made an effort to make sure you were doing ok. A big thank you to them.
I had fantastic support crew. Berta, Kelsey, Andy, Katiy, and Monk took very good care of me and made sure that I had everything that I needed to run the race. The support vehicle was loaded with clothing (Brooks clothing and Brooks Infiniti shoes) and food choices that even the most elite runner would marvel at. Berta worked so hard to organize everything and I really appreciate that!
Here I am at one of the stops getting refill on my Hammer Perpetuem or Heed. Berta used a cleaning tote to keep all of the things we had planned for at each stop. One of the most important parts of my race strategy is to carefully plan what I want at each stop but also have a plan for back-up items that I might want to change to. At many of the stops, the whole crew was standing out in the wind, rain and/or sleet waiting to help. Throughout the race I drank Perpetuem, Heed, Hammer Supplements, and water. I ate peanut butter, honey, and sliced banana on whole wheat bread sandwiches. I also had ginger chews which taste very good during a race. My energy level was outstanding and again I really feel that my Hammer products really made a huge difference.
As I neared the last few stops and asked what time it was I started to notice that my time was quite a bit faster than it was a year ago. I really dug deep to have a strong finish and was very happy with the results. As I have stated in my blog posts many times before my strong faith plays a vital part in my training. I was also very pleased with my training schedule and nutrition plan. I felt strong both mentally and physically coming into the race and finished in the same way.
Arriving at the finish was great! Even in the bad weather there were lots of people there to cheer finishers in. Finish time was 7:31:25. (Last year I ran the race in 8:54.) I was really happy to cut that much time off of the race last year. It was a challenging, but great race and I can't wait until next year which I will run right before the Boston Marathon.
Although the finish line was exciting, there was something even more special at the conclusion of this ultra adventure. There waiting for me at the end were family and friends. What more could you want. To Berta, Andy, Kelsey (Not in the picture because she spent the day taking pictures), Katiy, Joel, Jenny (Helping me down the slanted walkway), Maggie, and Monk I say a big thank you for meeting me at the finish and helping to celebrate the ultra accomplishment. It was great to see you there and I sincerely appreciate all that you do for this crazy runner.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
The race started at 6:00AM and the weather for the day was going to be a challenge. Temperatures started out around 44 degrees but the forecast called for falling temperatures and rain, sleet, and snow as the day progressed. The forecast was exactly right. It was almost perfect for the fist few miles as far as the weather was concerned. The rest of the race was run in constant rain, sleet or snow. Also, very high winds out of the North and Northwest were constant.
This picture is early into the start of the race after it got light and before the weather hit.
The race is run on a combination of river levee trails, highways and gravel country roads. It really puts you through a test of running surfaces. There are several major hills but also some rolling hills and some great flat stretches. Aid stations are set up for solo runners and they are supplied with basic needs, but I think that it is always important to bring along your own food and drink that you have been using in your training. Not a good time to switch. The volunteers on this incredibly harsh weather day were fantastic. They were out there longer than many of the runners. Spirits ran high as you approached each stop. They really made an effort to make sure you were doing ok. A big thank you to them.
I had fantastic support crew. Berta, Kelsey, Andy, Katiy, and Monk took very good care of me and made sure that I had everything that I needed to run the race. The support vehicle was loaded with clothing (Brooks clothing and Brooks Infiniti shoes) and food choices that even the most elite runner would marvel at. Berta worked so hard to organize everything and I really appreciate that!
Here I am at one of the stops getting refill on my Hammer Perpetuem or Heed. Berta used a cleaning tote to keep all of the things we had planned for at each stop. One of the most important parts of my race strategy is to carefully plan what I want at each stop but also have a plan for back-up items that I might want to change to. At many of the stops, the whole crew was standing out in the wind, rain and/or sleet waiting to help. Throughout the race I drank Perpetuem, Heed, Hammer Supplements, and water. I ate peanut butter, honey, and sliced banana on whole wheat bread sandwiches. I also had ginger chews which taste very good during a race. My energy level was outstanding and again I really feel that my Hammer products really made a huge difference.
As I neared the last few stops and asked what time it was I started to notice that my time was quite a bit faster than it was a year ago. I really dug deep to have a strong finish and was very happy with the results. As I have stated in my blog posts many times before my strong faith plays a vital part in my training. I was also very pleased with my training schedule and nutrition plan. I felt strong both mentally and physically coming into the race and finished in the same way.
Arriving at the finish was great! Even in the bad weather there were lots of people there to cheer finishers in. Finish time was 7:31:25. (Last year I ran the race in 8:54.) I was really happy to cut that much time off of the race last year. It was a challenging, but great race and I can't wait until next year which I will run right before the Boston Marathon.
Although the finish line was exciting, there was something even more special at the conclusion of this ultra adventure. There waiting for me at the end were family and friends. What more could you want. To Berta, Andy, Kelsey (Not in the picture because she spent the day taking pictures), Katiy, Joel, Jenny (Helping me down the slanted walkway), Maggie, and Monk I say a big thank you for meeting me at the finish and helping to celebrate the ultra accomplishment. It was great to see you there and I sincerely appreciate all that you do for this crazy runner.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Watch Out for Falling Ice!
This morning my alarm went off just as it had yesterday morning. Today was different though. Instead of being greeted by early morning snow, ice, and wind, the pre-dawn sunlight was peaking over the horizon with renewed vigor. By some magic, the ice was gone off of the streets and some of the yards. However, as I started my 20 mile run, I noticed that the ice was still holding a nervous grip on the power lines.
I have always been amused by the road signs in the mountains that warn us of "Watch for Falling Rock Ahead". It's been my opinion that when you see that sign, It's too late. The rocks aren't going to comply with the request of a sign. Plus, I'm not going to stop and watch. Doesn't make sense to wait to be crushed. Seems I always drive a little faster during those stretches.
Anyway, today as I ran, I was bombarded by large ice chunks falling off of the power lines. There were no signs along the way that said "Watch Out for Falling Ice". I did run a little faster however. The ice was losing its grip. I was paying for it. Then it took on a whole new meaning as it hit me for maybe the fourth time.
The ice breaking away from the power lines was somewhat symbolic of many of the things that we are all going through right now. As the ice breaks away, it leaves the lines free. The ice is symbolic of things holding us back. When the ice breaks away it releases the lines back to regain strength and work harder to do what they are there to do.
It's kind of like us as we start a new season of running. Many of us have run all winter and even run races. Others are now starting to get their training programs underway for a future race. And some are in training to gain fitness with no desire to race. All of us have the common thread of needing to break free of some things. What's holding you back? You can form your own list, but just like the power lines, it's time to regain our strength and work even harder towards our goals.
The sign should say, "Watch Out for Runners Breaking Free".
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
I have always been amused by the road signs in the mountains that warn us of "Watch for Falling Rock Ahead". It's been my opinion that when you see that sign, It's too late. The rocks aren't going to comply with the request of a sign. Plus, I'm not going to stop and watch. Doesn't make sense to wait to be crushed. Seems I always drive a little faster during those stretches.
Anyway, today as I ran, I was bombarded by large ice chunks falling off of the power lines. There were no signs along the way that said "Watch Out for Falling Ice". I did run a little faster however. The ice was losing its grip. I was paying for it. Then it took on a whole new meaning as it hit me for maybe the fourth time.
The ice breaking away from the power lines was somewhat symbolic of many of the things that we are all going through right now. As the ice breaks away, it leaves the lines free. The ice is symbolic of things holding us back. When the ice breaks away it releases the lines back to regain strength and work harder to do what they are there to do.
It's kind of like us as we start a new season of running. Many of us have run all winter and even run races. Others are now starting to get their training programs underway for a future race. And some are in training to gain fitness with no desire to race. All of us have the common thread of needing to break free of some things. What's holding you back? You can form your own list, but just like the power lines, it's time to regain our strength and work even harder towards our goals.
The sign should say, "Watch Out for Runners Breaking Free".
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Running or Not
The alarm went off this morning as scheduled. Knowing the possibilities that existed with the weather, my first glance was out the window to see if the forecast had actually come true. It had to a certain extent. It was raining and freezing on just about everything and there was a very strong wind. The strange thing was that in some surrounding cities the weather packed a different punch. Some had all rain and some had drifts of snow above 12 inches. Some even had dry pavement. I went ahead and ate a pre-run breakfast of 2 pieces of Ezekiel bread with peanut butter (natural and ground myself at a local store) with a bowl of tart cherries and a soy protein drink.
Then I really looked outside as the rain grew heavier and the freezing intensified. A coating of ice was now on just about everything. It was at this point that I thought to myself I was still going. Got all the gear on and shoes tied and went downstairs. And stopped.
What was I doing? An Ultra-Marathon next weekend. Ice everywhere. Surely I could just step around all of the bad spots and make my 14 miles ok. Surely it wasn't as bad as it looked. I've run in rain before many times. Then it hit me. What if I slip? What if I do take that chance and pull something? I know many of you out there would say "go" and maybe many of you have. Well I have too. But today was different. My body said "no". My mind said, "go for it".
The decision was a tough one. But I decided to take a rest day and be safe. I know deep down that the bulk of my training for the ultra is complete. Now is really taper time. A day off will not be bad. So I didn't run this morning.
The earth didn't shake. My shoes didn't vaporize and disappear. My running clothes are still waiting for me for tomorrow. I think that I did ok today. Had a good nap and watched some NCAA basketball. In past years I would have gone ahead and forced a low quality run for no reason other than just being stubborn. So hopefully tomorrow's weather will be better and I can get me run in. I know the surface might still be a little questionable but it should be better. I hope so. I don't know if I can make two good decisions in a row.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy an safe!
Then I really looked outside as the rain grew heavier and the freezing intensified. A coating of ice was now on just about everything. It was at this point that I thought to myself I was still going. Got all the gear on and shoes tied and went downstairs. And stopped.
What was I doing? An Ultra-Marathon next weekend. Ice everywhere. Surely I could just step around all of the bad spots and make my 14 miles ok. Surely it wasn't as bad as it looked. I've run in rain before many times. Then it hit me. What if I slip? What if I do take that chance and pull something? I know many of you out there would say "go" and maybe many of you have. Well I have too. But today was different. My body said "no". My mind said, "go for it".
The decision was a tough one. But I decided to take a rest day and be safe. I know deep down that the bulk of my training for the ultra is complete. Now is really taper time. A day off will not be bad. So I didn't run this morning.
The earth didn't shake. My shoes didn't vaporize and disappear. My running clothes are still waiting for me for tomorrow. I think that I did ok today. Had a good nap and watched some NCAA basketball. In past years I would have gone ahead and forced a low quality run for no reason other than just being stubborn. So hopefully tomorrow's weather will be better and I can get me run in. I know the surface might still be a little questionable but it should be better. I hope so. I don't know if I can make two good decisions in a row.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy an safe!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Marathon- Little Rock Style
The Little Rock Marathon in Little Rock, AR was fantastic! It was a great marathon race put on by an amazing group of staff and volunteers from the Parks and Recreation Department and local community members. It was a welcomed surprise to my marathon schedule for the year and a "must go back" for next year. I would have to rate it as one of the top five marathons that I have ever done. Very well organized and plenty of things to do before and after the race. One of the things that impressed me the most was just how glad they were that you were there and had chosen to run in their race. It was mentioned several times from hotel staff to the restaurants that we went to. Organizers wanted everyone to have a great race and to have a fun time in their city. It was also designated as a "walker friendly" race. Many people took them up on the walker invitation which included a two hour early start option.
We stayed at the Peabody Hotel which was an incredible experience. Wonderful service and the outstanding food at the Capriccio Grill Italian Steakhouse was a big plus. If you ever get a chance to stay there, check out the duck parade. From the minute we were picked up at the airport by the hotel shuttle to arrival at the hotel, we were treated to a historical conversation from the driver about the sites and sounds of the city. We were greeted upon arriving with cold, rain and wind. Yes, I was worried at that point and it was just Friday night. Rooms were large and like I said before, the food at the hotel was amazing. Hotel: A+
Registration and Packet Pick-Up was very easy as it was located next to the hotel at the Expo. Packet pick-up was well organized and fast. All directions were spelled out clearly and the tickets for the Pasta Dinner and Post Race Party were easily purchase without any hassle. Participant shirts and timing chips were easy to get and check out. Volunteers were very informed about the race course and gave me very worthwhile tips on navigating the hills and out and backs. Registration and Packet Pick-Up: A
The Expo was not large but there was enough there to get you by and also be able to purchase things that you might have left at home. Vendors were not especially energized to be there though and a few looked like they were just waiting for Saturday evening to come. There were only a few booths with really good sale deals on merchandise. Others seemed a little high priced. Some shoes were half price. There were no major vendors there from running related companies though. That to me is a real negative. Expo: B
The Pasta Dinner was catered by the Peabody Hotel and it was simple yet very good. The buffet set-up provided an easy access to get seconds and also to get in and out of the dinner if you wanted to get back and rest. The bread was fantastic! It was great to have runner/author Bart Yasso there to say a few words of encouragement and to recognize a few groups and individuals that deserved the recognition. It was my first introduction to the Marathon Maniacs group of which I sent in an application today to become a member. Pasta Dinner: B+
The race day organization was very well done. This was the first year that they used the corral system and it worked very well. Everything (Information signs) was very well marked and there were plenty of porta potties available. The start was smooth and with the cool temperatures and overcast skies, it was a great start. Starting Area: A
The race course was hilly and challenging. After saying that though, it was strangely fast. There was some circling around downtown around historic sites and then off we went over a bridge to North Little Rock where we did and out and back kind of circle thing and then back over the bridge where we then did a true out and back with a turn around at about mile 21. The course was beautiful in many paces and also very normal "city looking" in others. The aid stations were staffed with very good volunteers that really knew what they were doing. Lots of on course support: people giving directions and medical staff. Race course, aid stations, and volunteers: A+
Finish Line events were excellent with a band playing, a pre-made goodie bag of food plus other food items available to choose from, plus getting the biggest marathon medal I have ever seen. The really amazing thing is that Bart Yasso and another person announced every finishers name as he or she crossed the line. He was there at the finish line to high five and greet everyone. The local FOX network station also provided finish line footage of each finisher and can be accessed by anyone wanting to see people finish that they knew. It was really a great finish area. Finish Area and Volunteers: A+
The Post Race Party was held at the Clinton Presidential Library with BBQ and Bands plus a free tour of the museum. If there was one glitch in the whole experience, this was it. People had to wait in line for food from an hour to an hour and a half. There is nothing worse than making marathoners and their families have to stand for that amount of time. It was really not a good situation at all. I hope that they reconsider for next year. The BBQ was outstanding but too little to late. Post Race Party: D
Monday was a travel day and with a late afternoon flight departure we were able to just have a great time in the River Market area and sample great food and have a great walk to stretch out my sore legs. We toured the Old Statehouse Museum which was interesting. Little Rock has so many things to do. It is really a great area to visit and also a great area to race.
I had a great race experience and enjoyed every minute of the trip. I qualified for the Boston Marathon for the second time this year with a time of 3:39:00. The course was tough and hilly as I said, but my race strategies, training, and Hammer Nutrition supplements helped pave the way to a strong race. These are all important components of my preparation. But like many other runners, my faith also provides me strength and endurance.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
We stayed at the Peabody Hotel which was an incredible experience. Wonderful service and the outstanding food at the Capriccio Grill Italian Steakhouse was a big plus. If you ever get a chance to stay there, check out the duck parade. From the minute we were picked up at the airport by the hotel shuttle to arrival at the hotel, we were treated to a historical conversation from the driver about the sites and sounds of the city. We were greeted upon arriving with cold, rain and wind. Yes, I was worried at that point and it was just Friday night. Rooms were large and like I said before, the food at the hotel was amazing. Hotel: A+
Registration and Packet Pick-Up was very easy as it was located next to the hotel at the Expo. Packet pick-up was well organized and fast. All directions were spelled out clearly and the tickets for the Pasta Dinner and Post Race Party were easily purchase without any hassle. Participant shirts and timing chips were easy to get and check out. Volunteers were very informed about the race course and gave me very worthwhile tips on navigating the hills and out and backs. Registration and Packet Pick-Up: A
The Expo was not large but there was enough there to get you by and also be able to purchase things that you might have left at home. Vendors were not especially energized to be there though and a few looked like they were just waiting for Saturday evening to come. There were only a few booths with really good sale deals on merchandise. Others seemed a little high priced. Some shoes were half price. There were no major vendors there from running related companies though. That to me is a real negative. Expo: B
The Pasta Dinner was catered by the Peabody Hotel and it was simple yet very good. The buffet set-up provided an easy access to get seconds and also to get in and out of the dinner if you wanted to get back and rest. The bread was fantastic! It was great to have runner/author Bart Yasso there to say a few words of encouragement and to recognize a few groups and individuals that deserved the recognition. It was my first introduction to the Marathon Maniacs group of which I sent in an application today to become a member. Pasta Dinner: B+
The race day organization was very well done. This was the first year that they used the corral system and it worked very well. Everything (Information signs) was very well marked and there were plenty of porta potties available. The start was smooth and with the cool temperatures and overcast skies, it was a great start. Starting Area: A
The race course was hilly and challenging. After saying that though, it was strangely fast. There was some circling around downtown around historic sites and then off we went over a bridge to North Little Rock where we did and out and back kind of circle thing and then back over the bridge where we then did a true out and back with a turn around at about mile 21. The course was beautiful in many paces and also very normal "city looking" in others. The aid stations were staffed with very good volunteers that really knew what they were doing. Lots of on course support: people giving directions and medical staff. Race course, aid stations, and volunteers: A+
Finish Line events were excellent with a band playing, a pre-made goodie bag of food plus other food items available to choose from, plus getting the biggest marathon medal I have ever seen. The really amazing thing is that Bart Yasso and another person announced every finishers name as he or she crossed the line. He was there at the finish line to high five and greet everyone. The local FOX network station also provided finish line footage of each finisher and can be accessed by anyone wanting to see people finish that they knew. It was really a great finish area. Finish Area and Volunteers: A+
The Post Race Party was held at the Clinton Presidential Library with BBQ and Bands plus a free tour of the museum. If there was one glitch in the whole experience, this was it. People had to wait in line for food from an hour to an hour and a half. There is nothing worse than making marathoners and their families have to stand for that amount of time. It was really not a good situation at all. I hope that they reconsider for next year. The BBQ was outstanding but too little to late. Post Race Party: D
Monday was a travel day and with a late afternoon flight departure we were able to just have a great time in the River Market area and sample great food and have a great walk to stretch out my sore legs. We toured the Old Statehouse Museum which was interesting. Little Rock has so many things to do. It is really a great area to visit and also a great area to race.
I had a great race experience and enjoyed every minute of the trip. I qualified for the Boston Marathon for the second time this year with a time of 3:39:00. The course was tough and hilly as I said, but my race strategies, training, and Hammer Nutrition supplements helped pave the way to a strong race. These are all important components of my preparation. But like many other runners, my faith also provides me strength and endurance.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
2 Longs Each Weekend
As I prepare for a 44 mile ultra race in April, I have adjusted my training plan the past month or so to include two long runs over 20 miles on Saturday and Sunday. Midweek training includes two 9 milers and a 6 usually throwing in fartleks, tempo, or hill runs with those miles as well as three nights of Cross Training. Needless to say, there have been many good runs but also a few clunkers. It never stops amazing me how the first mile of some of these runs can seem like the hardest. Especially when the winter wind blows hard at you from the north for that first one. I have also run a few marathons during the training schedule to break the routine and get into some racing conditions. The upcoming Little Rock, AR., marathon will be one of those. I am looking forward to Little Rock as I have heard many good things about the race and the people that run it. Even with the "hills" they talk about.
Today as I was running my 26 miles several things came across my mind as I was running. Yes, there were buds on some of the trees. And yes, where I live it was 70 degrees today and will get cold again next week...but I was thinking of some Spring Cleaning things that we should all be thinking about:
1. Register for some races coming up in the next few months and set some training goals to get you there.
2. Shoe check. Take a look and also take a run in the shoes you have had during this winter and see if it's time to get new ones. Remember I recommend to buy two pair at once so you can rotate them and keep a good bounce to them.
3. Gear check. Same as the shoes. You deserve some new running gear. Go for it!
4. Donate. If you have a bunch of shoes around that are good for wearing but not for training, consider donating them to a local organization that might need them.
5. Check out your nutrition and training plans. If you don't have one, consider putting together some ideas and set goals.
I'm looking forward to the race schedule that I have the next few months and will keep you informed of how things are going. You can check out the races that I have coming up on the side of my blog.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
Today as I was running my 26 miles several things came across my mind as I was running. Yes, there were buds on some of the trees. And yes, where I live it was 70 degrees today and will get cold again next week...but I was thinking of some Spring Cleaning things that we should all be thinking about:
1. Register for some races coming up in the next few months and set some training goals to get you there.
2. Shoe check. Take a look and also take a run in the shoes you have had during this winter and see if it's time to get new ones. Remember I recommend to buy two pair at once so you can rotate them and keep a good bounce to them.
3. Gear check. Same as the shoes. You deserve some new running gear. Go for it!
4. Donate. If you have a bunch of shoes around that are good for wearing but not for training, consider donating them to a local organization that might need them.
5. Check out your nutrition and training plans. If you don't have one, consider putting together some ideas and set goals.
I'm looking forward to the race schedule that I have the next few months and will keep you informed of how things are going. You can check out the races that I have coming up on the side of my blog.
Forward we go! May your roads and trails be happy and safe!
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