Okay, that's not the real reason, but first off, let's address the question...
WHY WOULD I CONSIDER RUNNING THE MONUMENTAL MARATHON???
The real answer is because I feel like I got one better in me! Chicago was great. Incredible. Amazing. But it didn't meet my goal time. I've got to try again!
I've done all this training, all year long. How can I just...be done.
The issue is this. I am running the Muncie Mini Marathon the week before! And, being the competitive person that I am. I'd really like to PR it as well.
So here is the plan. A couple easy runs this week, and then hit the Mini with a ten minute pace for 6-7 miles. Take inventory of how I'm feeling, and then decide...If I can PR (2:21), then I go for it! Holding on to ten minute pace would get me 2:11! If it becomes obvious that that will not happen, then I'm going to pull it back and just jog it in easy to save it for Monumental.
Next week, we'll do just one short easy run, and then let the legs recover. The goal for Monumental remains 5 hours. PR is priority, but I am confident I can go under 5 hours! If the weather cooperates, and Pete and I can repeat our last 20 or 22 mile training runs from Chicago, this can and should happen.
2 fulls and 1 half marathon in less than a month! INSANE!?
But as the title says...Monumental will be very special. Because that's where it started...
October 23, 2011
October 10, 2011
Chicago Marathon Race Report
Ah Chicago...where to begin...?
Saturday morning as the kids finish soccer and vanish into the care of my father, we pick up Pete and Amy Olson. Team Day and Team Olson arrive in Chicago and head straight to packet pickup.
There we met up with Team Johnson and Team Stinson, who have been there for hours and are on their way out. We spent a good 2 hours in the expo, and could have easily spent more.
An incredible display of sponsors and shopping everywhere, but the highlights were seeing famous people like Hal Higdon, shopping at the nike booth and becoming a nike+ member which gets me free engraving of my medal, and finding my own name among the 45,000 registered runners...
Once we left there, and got checked into the hotel, we had but a couple minutes to relax before it was off to dinner. Besides being at the same hotel, we had also planned to meet up with Team Johnson and Team Stinson for dinner at a great Italian restaurant for our final carb load. No one was disappointed with Quartino's! We spent a good couple hours laughing, reminiscing, and motivating each other for tomorrows race, and I think the wives enjoyed themselves too!
Back to the hotel and early to bed, alarms are set for 5:15 a.m., and we'd need all the energy we could get!
Up and at em, shower, power bar, top off fluids, and downstairs to meet Ted and Matt at 6. A 20 minute walk to the starting corrals at this hour was really cool to literally be among thousands of athletes walking down Michigan avenue in the dark toward Grant Park. First sign of a port-a-pot with about 45 minutes til the start, and we run into Team Thomas! Gary Thomas and his brother, Michael, hooked up with us, and we found our way to an open area to stretch and relax. Ted and Matt left us to start with the Kenyans at the front (or at least halfway between us and them); and Gary, Michael, Pete and I slipped into the 4:45 pace group. This is with 20 minutes to the start and the corrals are packed like sardines,
and we are one of the last ones to get in before everyone else is left on the sidewalks waiting to scramble in after the gun.
The speaker nearest us was not working, so we couldn't make out much of
what was being said, but the National Anthem got everyone quiet enough that we could hear it well, and I could feel a little chill go through my body, and knew that reality was about to set in. No idea when the race really started. Couldn't hear a gun or a command to start; instead we all just started moving VERY slowly toward the front. As we came into range of a working speaker, the music cranked up, and crowd noise began to increase. (Thanks for taking these pics Pete!)
As we neared the start line (more than 15 minutes later), it became obvious that no one was going anywhere fast, and for the most part everyone was struggling together to get into their pace. The road splits, and we joked about whether to go left or right, but it all comes back together on the other side, and that's where you first get a sense of what the crowd is going to be like. People are lined up 3 to 4 deep, shoulder to shoulder, for as far as the eye can see. Both sides of the road, and hanging on every bridge, overpass and building in every direction. But they're not just standing, they are yelling, cheering, clapping, ringing cowbells and noise makers, and holding signs for their loved ones, yet you are made to feel like everyone of them are there for YOU. (This goes on for the ENTIRE race!) One of the most memorable parts of the first mile is a bridge tunnel area. The tunnel was a blessing and a curse. Once inside the tunnel, all of the athletes start yelling as LOUD as they can, and the echo inside was amazing. It was SO loud you couldn't hear the person next to you. This was not a short tunnel, this was a good quarter mile...thus the curse. My Garmin lost its satellite connection, and it screwed up the distance/time. I didn't realize it at the time, but by the time it beeped at me that we were at mile 1 and I was only 9:10 into the race, I knew there was a problem. We were still right there with the first pace group and in fact went through a second shorter tunnel in Streeterville before we ultimately got to the mile 1 marker, and the watch read about 10:40. This means the GPS on my watch was immediately .15 long, so now I have to rely on the mile markers, pace group, and the 4:45 pace chart temporary tattoo on my forearm.
Shortly after mile 1, we hear a couple familiar voices...I'll let the video tell the story...
I must admit, I had no idea, how much I needed to hear that until it happened! We both smiled and laughed and were immediately energized! Heading back South and across the river again toward the Loop, I realize that they've laid temporary carpet on the bridge, and I can feel the different texture under it in my feet, but not sure if they've done this for the point of how it feels, or how it looks, since you can see through it all the way to the water below. I suppose it could also be to accommodate those crazy barefoot runners! The rest of mile 2 was no problem, holding tight with the pace group, and enjoying the thick crowds, reading the signs, etc., still feeling very good.
Miles 3, 4 and 5 has us heading on a long stretch North toward Gold Coast.
Molly and Amy found us here for the second time. The people along this stretch are pretty solid, and energetic, but it was nothing special to me. The sun was bright and without a hat or sunglasses, it was difficult to keep my head up to see well. We hung with the pace group, and was sure to drink one or more cups at each aid station as the heat was starting to pour on, and I was sweating as much as I do in a typical summer 10k.
Lincoln Park is a large area, that was most memorable to me from the smell of what I believe was possibly elephants? In any case, mile 6 and the 10k mark clicked off exactly where they should. My official 10k split was 1:08:14 which was perfectly timed to the 4:45 pace group plan.
Miles 7 and 8 take us as far North as we go, and turning back toward downtown, we are now in Wrigleyville, and at some point through here, Molly and Amy found us for the third time. Amy is a veteran of the CTA, so she gave Molly quite the lesson in train hopping today.
It was somewhere into mile 9 that the body started to break down. The heat was certainly taking its toll on me, and was causing me to hunch over and have bad form. This brought out the worst in a lingering back pain I had experienced earlier this week. I fought through it silently for a while, but ultimately confided in Pete that today was likely not going to be my day, and he needed to decide what he needed to do for himself. The 4:45 pace group faded into the distance ahead of us, and my 15k split was the last respectable number I would have for a while at 1:43:24. Pete said, it's you and me today, and agreed to walk with me. I told him, "I need a plan", and he said okay, we run to mile 10. And so we did.
My memory is a little fuzzy here between miles 10 and 13 as I was in and out of walking and jogging, and the pain was becoming quite intense, but I remember going through areas in what I believe were Boystown and Old Town, where the entertainment was as good as anywhere. Great music, great dancers, costumes, etc., Good thing I was able to enjoy it because at this point, I was not enjoying the run! At some point in here, I told Pete, "I love ya, but I gotta let you go". He said back to me, "not until we see the girls to tell them". I then said, "Bad news, we're not even half way yet, Good news, you're going to go faster on the back than the front!" We were scheduled to see them at 13 if they had made the train, and so I tried to run a little more to allow him to keep moving well, and now motivated by the fact that the 5 hour pace group caught us!
As we are coming up on mile 13, there they are! As soon as I saw Molly, I became emotional knowing that I was about to admit to her that I was not strong enough to continue at this pace. She was all smiles as we ran toward them to tell them we were splitting up, and though I can barely speak and am fighting back the tears, she just smiles right through me, and says, "it's okay, just keep moving, keep going, and do your best" *Tears*
As Pete pulls away from me, I grab him by the shoulder and tell him how strong he is. That he can stay with that 5 hour group, and he can go under 5 hours. I yell out one last "I'm proud of you", and there he goes. I continue jogging, and I swear he had them passed before we hit the 13.1 marker. My half marathon split was 2:32:51. Which means even if I could repeat what I just did, I would be over 5:05. I knew 5 hours was a long shot at this point, and I try to refocus on the possibility of beating my previous marathon time of 5:21:53. I knew this would be tough since on that day, my half marathon split was 2:22:00, and I'm running 10 minutes behind that currently. How can I make that up on the back??? ...1 mile at a time!
And thus begins my lonely quest to find motivation. Miles 13 and 14 take us as far West as we go, through Greektown and the West Loop, and miles 15 and 16 bring us back toward downtown, but there is not much here to help with the motivation with the exception of a Charity village which gives you the opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the opportunity to even be here today.
I remember going through Greektown and Little Italy with mixed success of continuing to run and walk. I started making silly deals with myself. Run to the next stop light and then walk to the following, then run to the aid station, and walk through it, then run til you see a naked baby dancing in a sprinkler (yep saw it), then run faster to get away. This was all very silly, but it kept my mind occupied and kept me running more than walking. By this time, my Garmin is a good half mile off. Now into University Village and crossing the 30k marker with a split of 3:47:13 which means I'm still fading with the last 15k being over 2 hours (approx 13:15 per mile).
At this point, I know I'm going to see Molly and Amy again soon, that is assuming that they are still there. For all I know, they saw Pete, and decided to go on to see him finish rather than waiting for me; or worse yet, they split up and Amy went on, leaving Molly to fend for herself on the subway system (scary thought). At this point, I decide there are really only two things that can save this experience for me. 1) If Molly is still there, I will ask her if she'd like to walk with me to the finish. I am willing to the sacrifice my time, in order to share a casual 6 mile walk to the finish line with my wife, so that she can experience it with me, or 2) if she's not there, or if she says "no thanks", then I will run with everything I have left to try and PR.
I'm now at the 20 mile marker and doing the math in my head and realize, in order to PR, I'd have to run 12 minute pace the rest of the way (not likely), so I sure hope Molly is there and is ready for a walk! Not really sure where she might be, I'm still jogging looking for her, and with a smile and thumbs
up, I find them! I hear Amy say Pete is 15 minutes ahead of you (good maybe he can still break 5 hours), and as I run to Molly and start walking, she walks with me and I propose to her to walk with me the rest of the way. She says no quickly, and I request again, are you sure, this could be fun. She appears to think about it for a moment, but says she can barely walk with me at my walking pace. I tell her I will slow down and we'll take our time, but she says no, you go on and do your best. I smile and give her a kiss, and know what I have to do.
I immediately start running faster than I have in many miles. For the last 6 miles, I've been well over 13 minute pace, and now need to get it down to 12 or less. I know I have to run more than I walk, so I continue with the same set of silly deals, but look further into the distance before I think of walking. One of the best things that happened for me was that the 5:15 pace group caught me. Assuming that they were 6 minutes behind me at the start, then I had to go with them to the end to come in under 5:21.
Mile 21 take me into Chinatown, which is by far one of the most memorable areas on the course. Besides the obvious language, and cultural differences, the spirit is second to none when it comes to their level of support for the event. This really kept me moving, smiling, and focusing on longer running spells. Mile 22 is a dry area, many less spectators, and nothing motivational about it. It is gut check time, and now I'm doing the math backward. 4.2 to go. 4X12 is 48, plus .2 more means I have about 50 minutes to finish, and my current time is 4:30, so I have to keep moving.
Taking the bridge across the interstate, and we are now by Vandercook School of Music which stood out to me for obvious reasons. And there is an aerial boom lift with photographers!? Really? Photographers at mile 23?
Whose bright idea was this? Is this just to capture the sheer pain of this point in the race. (picture) Thanks for nothing marathonfoto.com! In any case, time to do the math again, 3.2 to go 3X12 is 36 plus.2 more means I have 38 mins to go, and my current time is 4:42. Still right there.
Now at the Southernmost point of the course, it's time to turn back North for the final stretch. These last 3 miles are anything but easy, there is less shade and the crowds are still thin, as they're all at the last mile waiting for us. Now crossing mile 24, and one more time with the math, 2.2 to go 2X12 is 24 plus.2 more means I have 26 minutes to go and I'm at 4:56. I have to pick it up and have a kick!
At 24.2 there was some great music and a loud DJ that was very motivational. He made me feel like 2 miles would be nothing, and helped push me through another tough stretch. My 40k split was 5:05:37 which meant I had just run the last 5k at 12:17 pace, but needed more and so I made a deal with myself that I would not walk again after mile 25. I told myself I would start running at 5:09 on the watch or mile marker 25 which ever came first. And cue 5:09 on the watch. RUN!
And. I. Did. The crowd was th
ick, the noise got loud, and with 800 meters (half mile) to go, the road turns toward the lake, and up a hill before you make the final turn to the finish. The noise (even 5 hours after the start) is amazing! Raucous cheers all around as I sprinted to the finish like my life depended on it, and pressing the stop button on the watch it reads 5:21:01. A new PR!!! According to my Garmin, the last .85 of the race was run at a 10:31 pace, and my Heart Rate peaked at 190 bpm! Final results show me in 27545th place out of over 35556 finishers from over 45000 registered!
All smiles...for the moment. My heart was happy, but my body was not. I moved slowly to the medal area, where I happily bowed to a volunteer as they placed the medal around my neck. I clinched it, I kissed it, and then...well then I didn't feel so good.
I didn't even make it to the water table before I knew I needed to sit. I was stumbling side to side and knew I could no longer stand. I found some shade next to a skid of gatorade boxes along the curb and took a seat. I was exhausted. I sipped on what was left of the gatorade and water on my fuel belt, but ultimately did not feel any better, I decided I better get up and move around so I didn't tighten up much. Only problem, I couldn't stand without assistance. A volunteer was close enough to hear me so I asked him for assistance getting up, and before he could get to me, there were 2 RNs beside me helping me to my feet. I asked them to steady me for a second, and one of them insisted that I put my arm around her. The two of them helped me to the water table, and then just the one stayed with me. She began asking me lots of questions, name, age, hometown, bib number, finish time, etc., all in an understandable attempt to assess my state of mind. I was fine, mentally, I just couldn't walk. So I returned the favor of asking the questions. I learned that Emily was a 23 year old PT student who has lived in Chicago for 5 years, but this was her first time volunteering at the marathon. She thanked me for making her day interesting (pretty sure she wanted my phone number, but I showed her the wedding ring). We got to the bananas and worked together to get it peeled and as I finished eating it, she looked at me and said. I'm sorry Chris, but I can't let you leave yet. (excuse me?) I must take you to the medical tent for further evaluation. (She's definitely not getting my number now).
Upon entering the medical area, there are two options. You either go to critical care or urgent care. The MD at the entrance sent me to urgent care. Good. I'm not critical! Critical care was inside a tent, urgent was just an open seating area outside with cool fans, etc. I asked to be seated in the shade. Another RN came to me and assessed me. I confirmed that I was just exhausted and overheated. I showed her that per my heart rate monitor that I was still at 130 bpm, and had probably been done for 10 minutes or longer. She asked what I needed, and I said ice to sip on and eat to try to cool my core would help the most. She obliged and included a cool wet towel for my head. I sat there quietly eating my ice and looking around at others who were in far worse shape than myself, and wondered why I was even here, so when she returned to check on me, I asked if I should try to move around, and she said sure, walking is good. She helped me to my feet, and steadied me momentarily before asking me to take baby steps. And there I stood. Could. Not. Move. I quickly felt nauseous and sick to my stomach. That pain my back that I had dealt with for the last 4 hours suddenly felt like a knife in my back, and back down I went.
I sat there for 20 minutes, often borderline tears as nurse after nurse came by to check on me. Finally they told me I needed to try and walk again, so up I went. Baby steps, slowly, and that's when I heard it. We need to move him to Critical care. NO! I knew this couldn't be good. Before I could blink there was a wheelchair behind me, and I was being wheeled in. A doctor in front of me says, what is your bib number. I replied confidently as if I didn't need to be here 32932. He doesn't even talk to me, instead he turns and yells. THREE, TWO, NINE, THREE, TWO. STATION NINE. And here we go for a ride to triage area 9. O.M.G.
Here is what I observe. MULTIPLE cots with IVs being administered, a row of Ice Baths all full with people in line. Rows of Massage therapists, and another area with drapes and blankets that included people SCREAMING F***, F***, F*** in pain. I don't even want to know what was going on back there.
As they set me on a cot, a team of 4 are assigned to me. 1 MD, 1 RN, 1 doing paperwork, and 1 assistant of some kind. They again ask me all the same questions that I've answered for the last half hour, and now I'm nearly in tears because of pain and being frustrated. Part of me just wanted to answer the "what's wrong" question with, "I just ran 26.2 miles in 75 degree weather, that's what's wrong!" But I remained calm, and finally said to the doctor...*TMI ALERT* My back pain is severe, but my stomach pain feels like a cramp that can only be solved by puking or pooping! I don't want to puke, because I will lose those fluids, and you will say I'm dehydrated and give me an IV, which I don't believe I need, so can I try to go poop? *I told you TMI* And so they escorted me to a port a pot, so I could find some relief, and it did help, but ultimately, the back pain was what was keeping me from walking. The answer...MASSAGE!
Yes, that's right, my critical care experience, turned into the best 15 minute massage of my life. She found that knot quickly, and went to work on it. At times it hurt enough for me to let out the loudest scream in the tent, while other times I moaned approvingly. She was old enough to be my mother, and not attractive in the slightest, but had the most magical hands. She literally moved the knot down my back into my buttocks, and I found incredible relief. They sat me up gave me Gatorade, and signed me out with one last vitals check.
Gee, I wonder where my wife is? I had thought of this earlier, but when I asked if she had been notified, I was told that she was not notified, because family was not allowed in this area. Because I was being released though, a nurse offered me her cell phone to call Molly. "Hi honey, I'm fine"; "Where are you"; "I am in a medical tent". *sigh*. We coordinated where to meet, and I hobbled toward the exit. As she sees me and waves at me, her first words are, "You're in big trouble mister". I understand.
We walk (slowly) back to the hotel and share our stories. I wrap my arm around Pete and say, please tell me you broke 5 hours. Sorry bud, 5:15. Nothing to be sorry about. You beat me by 6 minutes at your first marathon (awesome), but it is pretty impressive that I was catching him given his 15 minute lead on me at mile 20. By the time we reached the hotel, Team Johnson and Team Stinson had already showered and left. We called them later to learn Ted ran 3:50 and Matt ran 4:45, they too, had split up after the halfway point with Matt having similar cramps. It was HOT. In fact, we learned soon after, that some collapsed 500 yards from the finish, and ultimately died. 35 year old firefighter. Dead. Reality check.
We were all hurting and decided we'd let dinner be delivered to us.
So a quick call to Giordano's, and an hour later we are refueling. We passed on a possible plan to hit a comedy club, and instead decided to take a stroll down Michigan Avenue to the Nike store where Nike+ members receive free engraving for their medals, and a complimentary photo! 
Proudly displaying our medals and with a badge of honor limp, we hobble a few more blocks to discover a Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream place to replenish those 4380 calories that I burned.
Slept well last night, and the car ride home did not help my back any, but it did give me plenty of time to think about the future of my marathon racing....we'll save those thoughts for another blog...
Saturday morning as the kids finish soccer and vanish into the care of my father, we pick up Pete and Amy Olson. Team Day and Team Olson arrive in Chicago and head straight to packet pickup.
There we met up with Team Johnson and Team Stinson, who have been there for hours and are on their way out. We spent a good 2 hours in the expo, and could have easily spent more.An incredible display of sponsors and shopping everywhere, but the highlights were seeing famous people like Hal Higdon, shopping at the nike booth and becoming a nike+ member which gets me free engraving of my medal, and finding my own name among the 45,000 registered runners...
Once we left there, and got checked into the hotel, we had but a couple minutes to relax before it was off to dinner. Besides being at the same hotel, we had also planned to meet up with Team Johnson and Team Stinson for dinner at a great Italian restaurant for our final carb load. No one was disappointed with Quartino's! We spent a good couple hours laughing, reminiscing, and motivating each other for tomorrows race, and I think the wives enjoyed themselves too!
Back to the hotel and early to bed, alarms are set for 5:15 a.m., and we'd need all the energy we could get!
Up and at em, shower, power bar, top off fluids, and downstairs to meet Ted and Matt at 6. A 20 minute walk to the starting corrals at this hour was really cool to literally be among thousands of athletes walking down Michigan avenue in the dark toward Grant Park. First sign of a port-a-pot with about 45 minutes til the start, and we run into Team Thomas! Gary Thomas and his brother, Michael, hooked up with us, and we found our way to an open area to stretch and relax. Ted and Matt left us to start with the Kenyans at the front (or at least halfway between us and them); and Gary, Michael, Pete and I slipped into the 4:45 pace group. This is with 20 minutes to the start and the corrals are packed like sardines,
and we are one of the last ones to get in before everyone else is left on the sidewalks waiting to scramble in after the gun.The speaker nearest us was not working, so we couldn't make out much of
what was being said, but the National Anthem got everyone quiet enough that we could hear it well, and I could feel a little chill go through my body, and knew that reality was about to set in. No idea when the race really started. Couldn't hear a gun or a command to start; instead we all just started moving VERY slowly toward the front. As we came into range of a working speaker, the music cranked up, and crowd noise began to increase. (Thanks for taking these pics Pete!)As we neared the start line (more than 15 minutes later), it became obvious that no one was going anywhere fast, and for the most part everyone was struggling together to get into their pace. The road splits, and we joked about whether to go left or right, but it all comes back together on the other side, and that's where you first get a sense of what the crowd is going to be like. People are lined up 3 to 4 deep, shoulder to shoulder, for as far as the eye can see. Both sides of the road, and hanging on every bridge, overpass and building in every direction. But they're not just standing, they are yelling, cheering, clapping, ringing cowbells and noise makers, and holding signs for their loved ones, yet you are made to feel like everyone of them are there for YOU. (This goes on for the ENTIRE race!) One of the most memorable parts of the first mile is a bridge tunnel area. The tunnel was a blessing and a curse. Once inside the tunnel, all of the athletes start yelling as LOUD as they can, and the echo inside was amazing. It was SO loud you couldn't hear the person next to you. This was not a short tunnel, this was a good quarter mile...thus the curse. My Garmin lost its satellite connection, and it screwed up the distance/time. I didn't realize it at the time, but by the time it beeped at me that we were at mile 1 and I was only 9:10 into the race, I knew there was a problem. We were still right there with the first pace group and in fact went through a second shorter tunnel in Streeterville before we ultimately got to the mile 1 marker, and the watch read about 10:40. This means the GPS on my watch was immediately .15 long, so now I have to rely on the mile markers, pace group, and the 4:45 pace chart temporary tattoo on my forearm.
Shortly after mile 1, we hear a couple familiar voices...I'll let the video tell the story...
I must admit, I had no idea, how much I needed to hear that until it happened! We both smiled and laughed and were immediately energized! Heading back South and across the river again toward the Loop, I realize that they've laid temporary carpet on the bridge, and I can feel the different texture under it in my feet, but not sure if they've done this for the point of how it feels, or how it looks, since you can see through it all the way to the water below. I suppose it could also be to accommodate those crazy barefoot runners! The rest of mile 2 was no problem, holding tight with the pace group, and enjoying the thick crowds, reading the signs, etc., still feeling very good.
Miles 3, 4 and 5 has us heading on a long stretch North toward Gold Coast.
Molly and Amy found us here for the second time. The people along this stretch are pretty solid, and energetic, but it was nothing special to me. The sun was bright and without a hat or sunglasses, it was difficult to keep my head up to see well. We hung with the pace group, and was sure to drink one or more cups at each aid station as the heat was starting to pour on, and I was sweating as much as I do in a typical summer 10k.Lincoln Park is a large area, that was most memorable to me from the smell of what I believe was possibly elephants? In any case, mile 6 and the 10k mark clicked off exactly where they should. My official 10k split was 1:08:14 which was perfectly timed to the 4:45 pace group plan.
Miles 7 and 8 take us as far North as we go, and turning back toward downtown, we are now in Wrigleyville, and at some point through here, Molly and Amy found us for the third time. Amy is a veteran of the CTA, so she gave Molly quite the lesson in train hopping today.
It was somewhere into mile 9 that the body started to break down. The heat was certainly taking its toll on me, and was causing me to hunch over and have bad form. This brought out the worst in a lingering back pain I had experienced earlier this week. I fought through it silently for a while, but ultimately confided in Pete that today was likely not going to be my day, and he needed to decide what he needed to do for himself. The 4:45 pace group faded into the distance ahead of us, and my 15k split was the last respectable number I would have for a while at 1:43:24. Pete said, it's you and me today, and agreed to walk with me. I told him, "I need a plan", and he said okay, we run to mile 10. And so we did.
My memory is a little fuzzy here between miles 10 and 13 as I was in and out of walking and jogging, and the pain was becoming quite intense, but I remember going through areas in what I believe were Boystown and Old Town, where the entertainment was as good as anywhere. Great music, great dancers, costumes, etc., Good thing I was able to enjoy it because at this point, I was not enjoying the run! At some point in here, I told Pete, "I love ya, but I gotta let you go". He said back to me, "not until we see the girls to tell them". I then said, "Bad news, we're not even half way yet, Good news, you're going to go faster on the back than the front!" We were scheduled to see them at 13 if they had made the train, and so I tried to run a little more to allow him to keep moving well, and now motivated by the fact that the 5 hour pace group caught us!
As we are coming up on mile 13, there they are! As soon as I saw Molly, I became emotional knowing that I was about to admit to her that I was not strong enough to continue at this pace. She was all smiles as we ran toward them to tell them we were splitting up, and though I can barely speak and am fighting back the tears, she just smiles right through me, and says, "it's okay, just keep moving, keep going, and do your best" *Tears*
As Pete pulls away from me, I grab him by the shoulder and tell him how strong he is. That he can stay with that 5 hour group, and he can go under 5 hours. I yell out one last "I'm proud of you", and there he goes. I continue jogging, and I swear he had them passed before we hit the 13.1 marker. My half marathon split was 2:32:51. Which means even if I could repeat what I just did, I would be over 5:05. I knew 5 hours was a long shot at this point, and I try to refocus on the possibility of beating my previous marathon time of 5:21:53. I knew this would be tough since on that day, my half marathon split was 2:22:00, and I'm running 10 minutes behind that currently. How can I make that up on the back??? ...1 mile at a time!
And thus begins my lonely quest to find motivation. Miles 13 and 14 take us as far West as we go, through Greektown and the West Loop, and miles 15 and 16 bring us back toward downtown, but there is not much here to help with the motivation with the exception of a Charity village which gives you the opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the opportunity to even be here today.
I remember going through Greektown and Little Italy with mixed success of continuing to run and walk. I started making silly deals with myself. Run to the next stop light and then walk to the following, then run to the aid station, and walk through it, then run til you see a naked baby dancing in a sprinkler (yep saw it), then run faster to get away. This was all very silly, but it kept my mind occupied and kept me running more than walking. By this time, my Garmin is a good half mile off. Now into University Village and crossing the 30k marker with a split of 3:47:13 which means I'm still fading with the last 15k being over 2 hours (approx 13:15 per mile).
At this point, I know I'm going to see Molly and Amy again soon, that is assuming that they are still there. For all I know, they saw Pete, and decided to go on to see him finish rather than waiting for me; or worse yet, they split up and Amy went on, leaving Molly to fend for herself on the subway system (scary thought). At this point, I decide there are really only two things that can save this experience for me. 1) If Molly is still there, I will ask her if she'd like to walk with me to the finish. I am willing to the sacrifice my time, in order to share a casual 6 mile walk to the finish line with my wife, so that she can experience it with me, or 2) if she's not there, or if she says "no thanks", then I will run with everything I have left to try and PR.
I'm now at the 20 mile marker and doing the math in my head and realize, in order to PR, I'd have to run 12 minute pace the rest of the way (not likely), so I sure hope Molly is there and is ready for a walk! Not really sure where she might be, I'm still jogging looking for her, and with a smile and thumbs
up, I find them! I hear Amy say Pete is 15 minutes ahead of you (good maybe he can still break 5 hours), and as I run to Molly and start walking, she walks with me and I propose to her to walk with me the rest of the way. She says no quickly, and I request again, are you sure, this could be fun. She appears to think about it for a moment, but says she can barely walk with me at my walking pace. I tell her I will slow down and we'll take our time, but she says no, you go on and do your best. I smile and give her a kiss, and know what I have to do.I immediately start running faster than I have in many miles. For the last 6 miles, I've been well over 13 minute pace, and now need to get it down to 12 or less. I know I have to run more than I walk, so I continue with the same set of silly deals, but look further into the distance before I think of walking. One of the best things that happened for me was that the 5:15 pace group caught me. Assuming that they were 6 minutes behind me at the start, then I had to go with them to the end to come in under 5:21.
Mile 21 take me into Chinatown, which is by far one of the most memorable areas on the course. Besides the obvious language, and cultural differences, the spirit is second to none when it comes to their level of support for the event. This really kept me moving, smiling, and focusing on longer running spells. Mile 22 is a dry area, many less spectators, and nothing motivational about it. It is gut check time, and now I'm doing the math backward. 4.2 to go. 4X12 is 48, plus .2 more means I have about 50 minutes to finish, and my current time is 4:30, so I have to keep moving.
Taking the bridge across the interstate, and we are now by Vandercook School of Music which stood out to me for obvious reasons. And there is an aerial boom lift with photographers!? Really? Photographers at mile 23?
Whose bright idea was this? Is this just to capture the sheer pain of this point in the race. (picture) Thanks for nothing marathonfoto.com! In any case, time to do the math again, 3.2 to go 3X12 is 36 plus.2 more means I have 38 mins to go, and my current time is 4:42. Still right there.Now at the Southernmost point of the course, it's time to turn back North for the final stretch. These last 3 miles are anything but easy, there is less shade and the crowds are still thin, as they're all at the last mile waiting for us. Now crossing mile 24, and one more time with the math, 2.2 to go 2X12 is 24 plus.2 more means I have 26 minutes to go and I'm at 4:56. I have to pick it up and have a kick!
At 24.2 there was some great music and a loud DJ that was very motivational. He made me feel like 2 miles would be nothing, and helped push me through another tough stretch. My 40k split was 5:05:37 which meant I had just run the last 5k at 12:17 pace, but needed more and so I made a deal with myself that I would not walk again after mile 25. I told myself I would start running at 5:09 on the watch or mile marker 25 which ever came first. And cue 5:09 on the watch. RUN!
And. I. Did. The crowd was th
ick, the noise got loud, and with 800 meters (half mile) to go, the road turns toward the lake, and up a hill before you make the final turn to the finish. The noise (even 5 hours after the start) is amazing! Raucous cheers all around as I sprinted to the finish like my life depended on it, and pressing the stop button on the watch it reads 5:21:01. A new PR!!! According to my Garmin, the last .85 of the race was run at a 10:31 pace, and my Heart Rate peaked at 190 bpm! Final results show me in 27545th place out of over 35556 finishers from over 45000 registered!
All smiles...for the moment. My heart was happy, but my body was not. I moved slowly to the medal area, where I happily bowed to a volunteer as they placed the medal around my neck. I clinched it, I kissed it, and then...well then I didn't feel so good.
I didn't even make it to the water table before I knew I needed to sit. I was stumbling side to side and knew I could no longer stand. I found some shade next to a skid of gatorade boxes along the curb and took a seat. I was exhausted. I sipped on what was left of the gatorade and water on my fuel belt, but ultimately did not feel any better, I decided I better get up and move around so I didn't tighten up much. Only problem, I couldn't stand without assistance. A volunteer was close enough to hear me so I asked him for assistance getting up, and before he could get to me, there were 2 RNs beside me helping me to my feet. I asked them to steady me for a second, and one of them insisted that I put my arm around her. The two of them helped me to the water table, and then just the one stayed with me. She began asking me lots of questions, name, age, hometown, bib number, finish time, etc., all in an understandable attempt to assess my state of mind. I was fine, mentally, I just couldn't walk. So I returned the favor of asking the questions. I learned that Emily was a 23 year old PT student who has lived in Chicago for 5 years, but this was her first time volunteering at the marathon. She thanked me for making her day interesting (pretty sure she wanted my phone number, but I showed her the wedding ring). We got to the bananas and worked together to get it peeled and as I finished eating it, she looked at me and said. I'm sorry Chris, but I can't let you leave yet. (excuse me?) I must take you to the medical tent for further evaluation. (She's definitely not getting my number now).
Upon entering the medical area, there are two options. You either go to critical care or urgent care. The MD at the entrance sent me to urgent care. Good. I'm not critical! Critical care was inside a tent, urgent was just an open seating area outside with cool fans, etc. I asked to be seated in the shade. Another RN came to me and assessed me. I confirmed that I was just exhausted and overheated. I showed her that per my heart rate monitor that I was still at 130 bpm, and had probably been done for 10 minutes or longer. She asked what I needed, and I said ice to sip on and eat to try to cool my core would help the most. She obliged and included a cool wet towel for my head. I sat there quietly eating my ice and looking around at others who were in far worse shape than myself, and wondered why I was even here, so when she returned to check on me, I asked if I should try to move around, and she said sure, walking is good. She helped me to my feet, and steadied me momentarily before asking me to take baby steps. And there I stood. Could. Not. Move. I quickly felt nauseous and sick to my stomach. That pain my back that I had dealt with for the last 4 hours suddenly felt like a knife in my back, and back down I went.
I sat there for 20 minutes, often borderline tears as nurse after nurse came by to check on me. Finally they told me I needed to try and walk again, so up I went. Baby steps, slowly, and that's when I heard it. We need to move him to Critical care. NO! I knew this couldn't be good. Before I could blink there was a wheelchair behind me, and I was being wheeled in. A doctor in front of me says, what is your bib number. I replied confidently as if I didn't need to be here 32932. He doesn't even talk to me, instead he turns and yells. THREE, TWO, NINE, THREE, TWO. STATION NINE. And here we go for a ride to triage area 9. O.M.G.
Here is what I observe. MULTIPLE cots with IVs being administered, a row of Ice Baths all full with people in line. Rows of Massage therapists, and another area with drapes and blankets that included people SCREAMING F***, F***, F*** in pain. I don't even want to know what was going on back there.
As they set me on a cot, a team of 4 are assigned to me. 1 MD, 1 RN, 1 doing paperwork, and 1 assistant of some kind. They again ask me all the same questions that I've answered for the last half hour, and now I'm nearly in tears because of pain and being frustrated. Part of me just wanted to answer the "what's wrong" question with, "I just ran 26.2 miles in 75 degree weather, that's what's wrong!" But I remained calm, and finally said to the doctor...*TMI ALERT* My back pain is severe, but my stomach pain feels like a cramp that can only be solved by puking or pooping! I don't want to puke, because I will lose those fluids, and you will say I'm dehydrated and give me an IV, which I don't believe I need, so can I try to go poop? *I told you TMI* And so they escorted me to a port a pot, so I could find some relief, and it did help, but ultimately, the back pain was what was keeping me from walking. The answer...MASSAGE!
Yes, that's right, my critical care experience, turned into the best 15 minute massage of my life. She found that knot quickly, and went to work on it. At times it hurt enough for me to let out the loudest scream in the tent, while other times I moaned approvingly. She was old enough to be my mother, and not attractive in the slightest, but had the most magical hands. She literally moved the knot down my back into my buttocks, and I found incredible relief. They sat me up gave me Gatorade, and signed me out with one last vitals check.
Gee, I wonder where my wife is? I had thought of this earlier, but when I asked if she had been notified, I was told that she was not notified, because family was not allowed in this area. Because I was being released though, a nurse offered me her cell phone to call Molly. "Hi honey, I'm fine"; "Where are you"; "I am in a medical tent". *sigh*. We coordinated where to meet, and I hobbled toward the exit. As she sees me and waves at me, her first words are, "You're in big trouble mister". I understand.
We walk (slowly) back to the hotel and share our stories. I wrap my arm around Pete and say, please tell me you broke 5 hours. Sorry bud, 5:15. Nothing to be sorry about. You beat me by 6 minutes at your first marathon (awesome), but it is pretty impressive that I was catching him given his 15 minute lead on me at mile 20. By the time we reached the hotel, Team Johnson and Team Stinson had already showered and left. We called them later to learn Ted ran 3:50 and Matt ran 4:45, they too, had split up after the halfway point with Matt having similar cramps. It was HOT. In fact, we learned soon after, that some collapsed 500 yards from the finish, and ultimately died. 35 year old firefighter. Dead. Reality check.
We were all hurting and decided we'd let dinner be delivered to us.
So a quick call to Giordano's, and an hour later we are refueling. We passed on a possible plan to hit a comedy club, and instead decided to take a stroll down Michigan Avenue to the Nike store where Nike+ members receive free engraving for their medals, and a complimentary photo! 
Proudly displaying our medals and with a badge of honor limp, we hobble a few more blocks to discover a Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream place to replenish those 4380 calories that I burned.Slept well last night, and the car ride home did not help my back any, but it did give me plenty of time to think about the future of my marathon racing....we'll save those thoughts for another blog...
October 5, 2011
Pre Chicago Thoughts and Thanks
It's Wednesday evening before Sunday's marathon, and I have a lot on my mind. = Time to blog!
Steve Jobs passed away this afternoon, and facebook has lit up tonight with many RIP comments, but these words have stood out to me for the way I translate them to my desire to run.
For anyone who has a desire to run or complete a marathon, this may be well understood. For the rest of you, I'll do my best to explain.
I run for me, but I never settle. Some will call this selfish, but in fact, it's quite the opposite. When I started this journey 18 months ago, I had no idea where I would end up, and to be honest, I'm still not sure where I end up. But I do it for me, and I won't settle. However, this journey has shown me that in the midst of improving my own health, I have somehow inspired a host of other people. Perhaps you are one of them? The simple fact that you are reading this tells me that you've taken an interest in my activity. Why? If you found this blog, it means you are a facebook friend, and the fact that you haven't "blocked" me on facebook says that you can tolerate my many posts about running.
Many of you have already asked me, how did you get started, why did you get started (it's all in this blog by the way), but the simple answer is I did it by taking the first step, and I did it for me. However, the key to the success, goes far beyond me. When I cross the finish line Sunday, I can pat myself on the back because I completed something that no one else can do for me. I did this. I did this on my own, with no one else helping....didn't I?
Yes, I did....but, No, I didn't. I did it with your help. Yes, you! You've taken the time to follow me, to support me, to cheer me, and occasionally to mock me even. But every single comment motivates me. Every single one. Your comment is verification to me that you are aware of what I am doing. If you judge my success based on my time or my placement, then you simply don't get it. But that's okay. Once you take your first step, you will understand. The awareness that I create with my posts provides accountability to me. If I stop posting, won't you ask what I've been doing? If I put the weight back on, would you say something? I hope you would.
To be specific, I have to thank certain groups of people. First off, thank you to my family. Especially my wife, Molly. The countless hours that you allow me to spend on the open road away from my family (even before the sun comes up), is something that I may take for granted. Because you have never questioned me, and because every time I return, you always ask how it went, I know you care and support my efforts. Thank you for allowing the kids to have an active role in my workouts and races. I hope they will develop their own good habits based on what the example we set for them.
Thank you to all the members of YRC, and especially founder and coach Ted. You've done nothing but support me, especially when I was just getting started, and consistently brought up the rear of our long runs. I am proud to where the Yellow YRC shirt Sunday and hope to represent you all well! You inspire me, and because of you, I can say, I am a marathoner!
Thank you to Muncie Multi Sport owner Steve and all their supporting athletes and volunteers. Again, from the very first introduction, the first open water swim practice, the many phone calls asking for advice, and even through my trip to the ER, you've all remained so supportive in my efforts. We have many more miles together. Because of you, I can say, I am a triathlete!
Finally thanks to all my local supporters. From the Yorktown YMCA, to the best running partner I could have ever asked for, Pete. Though I joke about blaming Pete for suckering me into the Chicago marathon, I suppose, I will probably thank him when it's all done. (we'll see)
The hard work is done for this one, there's just one short run in the morning and then nothing but rest and stretching until race morning. Eat well, carb load, and hydrate is the only plan for the rest of the week. All the months, weeks, days, hours and minutes come down to that one unforgettable moment. Crossing the finish line!
So, what about Monday? When I wake up Monday (assuming I can still move), I celebrate the accomplishment, and then I move on to the next goal. I have come to learn that I work best under a plan, so the plan is to race the Muncie Mini on October 29, and then work toward my goal of logging 1000 run miles in 2011. I don't know where it ends, or how it ends, or if it ends. But for now, this is who I am, and I'm thankful to have you in my life to share this with me. Let me know if you need any help with your first step. It's not easy, but it's worth it!
Steve Jobs passed away this afternoon, and facebook has lit up tonight with many RIP comments, but these words have stood out to me for the way I translate them to my desire to run.
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life,
and the only way to be truly satisfied, is to do what you believe is great work,
And the only way to do great work, is to love what you do.
If you haven't found it yet, keep looking.
Don't settle.
As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it,
And like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.
So keep looking until you find it.
Don't settle.
~Steve Jobs
and the only way to be truly satisfied, is to do what you believe is great work,
And the only way to do great work, is to love what you do.
If you haven't found it yet, keep looking.
Don't settle.
As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it,
And like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.
So keep looking until you find it.
Don't settle.
~Steve Jobs
For anyone who has a desire to run or complete a marathon, this may be well understood. For the rest of you, I'll do my best to explain.
I run for me, but I never settle. Some will call this selfish, but in fact, it's quite the opposite. When I started this journey 18 months ago, I had no idea where I would end up, and to be honest, I'm still not sure where I end up. But I do it for me, and I won't settle. However, this journey has shown me that in the midst of improving my own health, I have somehow inspired a host of other people. Perhaps you are one of them? The simple fact that you are reading this tells me that you've taken an interest in my activity. Why? If you found this blog, it means you are a facebook friend, and the fact that you haven't "blocked" me on facebook says that you can tolerate my many posts about running.
Many of you have already asked me, how did you get started, why did you get started (it's all in this blog by the way), but the simple answer is I did it by taking the first step, and I did it for me. However, the key to the success, goes far beyond me. When I cross the finish line Sunday, I can pat myself on the back because I completed something that no one else can do for me. I did this. I did this on my own, with no one else helping....didn't I?
Yes, I did....but, No, I didn't. I did it with your help. Yes, you! You've taken the time to follow me, to support me, to cheer me, and occasionally to mock me even. But every single comment motivates me. Every single one. Your comment is verification to me that you are aware of what I am doing. If you judge my success based on my time or my placement, then you simply don't get it. But that's okay. Once you take your first step, you will understand. The awareness that I create with my posts provides accountability to me. If I stop posting, won't you ask what I've been doing? If I put the weight back on, would you say something? I hope you would.
To be specific, I have to thank certain groups of people. First off, thank you to my family. Especially my wife, Molly. The countless hours that you allow me to spend on the open road away from my family (even before the sun comes up), is something that I may take for granted. Because you have never questioned me, and because every time I return, you always ask how it went, I know you care and support my efforts. Thank you for allowing the kids to have an active role in my workouts and races. I hope they will develop their own good habits based on what the example we set for them.
Thank you to all the members of YRC, and especially founder and coach Ted. You've done nothing but support me, especially when I was just getting started, and consistently brought up the rear of our long runs. I am proud to where the Yellow YRC shirt Sunday and hope to represent you all well! You inspire me, and because of you, I can say, I am a marathoner!
Thank you to Muncie Multi Sport owner Steve and all their supporting athletes and volunteers. Again, from the very first introduction, the first open water swim practice, the many phone calls asking for advice, and even through my trip to the ER, you've all remained so supportive in my efforts. We have many more miles together. Because of you, I can say, I am a triathlete!
Finally thanks to all my local supporters. From the Yorktown YMCA, to the best running partner I could have ever asked for, Pete. Though I joke about blaming Pete for suckering me into the Chicago marathon, I suppose, I will probably thank him when it's all done. (we'll see)
The hard work is done for this one, there's just one short run in the morning and then nothing but rest and stretching until race morning. Eat well, carb load, and hydrate is the only plan for the rest of the week. All the months, weeks, days, hours and minutes come down to that one unforgettable moment. Crossing the finish line!
So, what about Monday? When I wake up Monday (assuming I can still move), I celebrate the accomplishment, and then I move on to the next goal. I have come to learn that I work best under a plan, so the plan is to race the Muncie Mini on October 29, and then work toward my goal of logging 1000 run miles in 2011. I don't know where it ends, or how it ends, or if it ends. But for now, this is who I am, and I'm thankful to have you in my life to share this with me. Let me know if you need any help with your first step. It's not easy, but it's worth it!
September 17, 2011
22 mile training run report
Just a quick note to self: Chinese food the night before your longest training run of the year, was probably not the best idea. - Seriously, I thought the rice (high in carbs) and broccoli were a good choice, but who can have Chinese without the General Tsos chicken?! I was tired of the same old pasta, so I wanted to try something different. We tried Mexican two weeks ago before the 20, and it played out well, but Chinese, not so much.
Run started off like any other long run, just settling into a good even groove. Pacing out mile after mile around Pete's neighborhood, then up through Cammack and down to the Y, swing through the neighborhood for water, and back to Pete's for the first 11. 10:35 pace. No problem!
Ran the route the opposite direction for the back half, and somewhere during mile 15 I started having some pretty good stomach cramps. The gastric pain was relieved only by farting and belching, which I couldn't do as often as I would like. It felt like air in the stomach and I'm convinced (now) that it was the wrong fuel from the night before.
Pete hung with me and we ran/walked a couple more miles, but as we finished 17, he said he was feeling good, so I encouraged him to go on so he could finish strong enough to have the confidence he needed going into race day. As he left me I walk/jogged my slowest two miles at 13:11 and 13:25.
Couldn't have that, so I got into a better pattern of walk/jog for the last 3 miles, and though I had some leg/calf/hamstring muscle cramps/pain/tightening going on, I was still able to maintain a 50/50 mix of run/walk. Jogged the 22nd mile in to save the overall pace at 11:17. 11:20 is 5 hour pace, so if I can hold that pace on a tough day like this, than I have hope that I can still meet the goal.
Pete, on the other hand, finished strong, running his fastest miles of the day once he was done carrying me around town all morning. He was able to run a sub 10 pace home and save a 10:56 overall pace.
Comparing the 20 to the 22 is a little scary. We ran 3:26 on the 20, and today I was about 3:46 at the 20. That's a minute per mile different. So now the question is, which Chris will show up on race day?
P.S. I let Molly eat the leftover Chinese for lunch today!
Run started off like any other long run, just settling into a good even groove. Pacing out mile after mile around Pete's neighborhood, then up through Cammack and down to the Y, swing through the neighborhood for water, and back to Pete's for the first 11. 10:35 pace. No problem!
Ran the route the opposite direction for the back half, and somewhere during mile 15 I started having some pretty good stomach cramps. The gastric pain was relieved only by farting and belching, which I couldn't do as often as I would like. It felt like air in the stomach and I'm convinced (now) that it was the wrong fuel from the night before.
Pete hung with me and we ran/walked a couple more miles, but as we finished 17, he said he was feeling good, so I encouraged him to go on so he could finish strong enough to have the confidence he needed going into race day. As he left me I walk/jogged my slowest two miles at 13:11 and 13:25.
Couldn't have that, so I got into a better pattern of walk/jog for the last 3 miles, and though I had some leg/calf/hamstring muscle cramps/pain/tightening going on, I was still able to maintain a 50/50 mix of run/walk. Jogged the 22nd mile in to save the overall pace at 11:17. 11:20 is 5 hour pace, so if I can hold that pace on a tough day like this, than I have hope that I can still meet the goal.
Pete, on the other hand, finished strong, running his fastest miles of the day once he was done carrying me around town all morning. He was able to run a sub 10 pace home and save a 10:56 overall pace.
Comparing the 20 to the 22 is a little scary. We ran 3:26 on the 20, and today I was about 3:46 at the 20. That's a minute per mile different. So now the question is, which Chris will show up on race day?
P.S. I let Molly eat the leftover Chinese for lunch today!
September 3, 2011
Still Tri ing
Today was the 1 year anniversary of the infoamous quadathlon. (Swim, Bike, Run, Ambulance Ride) - You can read about it here...
I have done 2 other races this year in June and July, and was really not planning to do another one this year, but after nursing a ligament strain the last two weeks, and doing additional cross training with less running, I decided I could give it a go.
Signed up yesterday morning under the recent news of a nearly full field. This race was the MidEast Region Collegiate Championships, so there were college kids from 22 different schools racing today. Made for a full course, but was also motivating to share the course with such talent.
Stomach was a little upset this morning, and I race morning nerves weren't helping, but my morning routine went as planned. Molly and the kids came out to watch, and as always, many of my tri friends were racing today too.
Swim start was solid, but it was crowded as the college females were on their 2nd lap as I entered the water, and I had to fight across them to the first inside buoy for the sprint turn. Somewhere around 300 yards, I was REALLY glad that I was doing the Sprint and not the Olympic distance. I had to sneak in a few breast strokes, but otherwise was very happy with my swim split of 8:27 (41 out of 95)
Ran up the hill to the cheers of my family, and made my first transition boo boo - Turns out, if you put your helmet on first, you can't get your shirt on over it!!! Lesson learned! Helmet off, shirt on, helmet back on and I was still out of T1 faster than ever before in 2:35
Mounted the bike and clipped in quick. Passed 3 people immediately who were struggling to clip, and found a good rhythm. I was only a couple miles into the bike when the college male leader passed me. If not for the university logo on his back, I wouldn't have been able to identify the blur. These boys were fast! The bike course was crowded at times, 3 wide passing and lots of communication going on. Spotted a familiar face in the last couple of miles and had fun jockeying back and forth with him which helped pull me to my fastest bike split ever - 39:04 - 19.1 mph - (48 out of 95)
I came out of my shoes at the end of the bike (first time trying this) and dismounted in my socks to run to my rack. Helmet off, running shoes on and double tied, and I was out of T2 quicker than ever before in 1:28. (how do some do it in under a minute!?)
I charged out of transition (nearly tripping on the timing mat), took water and high kneed it out of there to try to gain circulation back into my hamstrings! Quads were tight, but knee felt good. I was solid for the first mile (Garmin showed 9:56), but quick math told me I was going to have to 9:10s in for a PR, and by this time it was mid 80s, and I was baked!! A few walking steps each mile, and double fisted the water/gatorade at the turnaround. I was able to run it in from the half mile mark, but it all paced out to 10:27 (70 out of 95) ugh.
Total time was 1:23:55 which is 21 seconds faster than the June race. The July race was a different setup (Ironman), so it's not really apples to apples to compare. I will take this race as another experience and good cross training. Time to put the bike away and refocus on Chicago!!
August 28, 2011
Kneeding to rest!
I can't run today, so I might as well blog!
For the first time in my running "career", I have an injury. It was probably only a matter of time, but this is not a good time for this to happen. With 7 weeks until Chicago, I was out on an 18 miler when I felt some discomfort behind my left knee around mile 7. I opted to run through it, but it got gradually worse, and by mile 10, I had to walk. I used a run/walk combo for the next few miles, and ultimately had to finish the distance walking.
This morning I finally got to talk to Dr. Williams, who diagnoses it as a ligament strain in the lowest part of my hamstring behind the knee, but it's really not the knee at all.
Prior to the diagnosis, and immediately after last weekend's run, I was concerned for the timing of it all, and decided I needed to get something figured out quick. No, I didn't call 911, I took a facebook poll of course! Most of my trusted runner friends told me to stay off it, while many suggested pulling the miles back. I had every recommendation from amputation to voodoo dolls.
At the end of the day, I agreed on a regular regimen of ice 3 times daily with ibuprofen, and greatly reduced miles.
Monday was a rest day, and I skipped Tuesday's run and Wednesday's. Decided to test it on Thursday and only got 3 miles in, of which only 1.5 were pain free. On Friday I took a very casual 3 mile walk, and again rested on Saturday.
Feeling like the pain was mostly subsided, I decided to test it again today. Today was scheduled to be a 13 miler, but I knew that wasn't going to happen. I thought I might go 3 to 5. The first 2 were pain free, but some tightening crept in, so I walked a little, then ran a race pace for 1.5 miles, and ultimately walk/jogged my way home for a total of 6.5. I would rate it at 80% today, but realize I need to continue resting and ice.
The pain of not running the way I want, or worse yet, not running at all, is actually more painful than the injury. Skipping Chicago is not an option. I will walk the marathon before I drop out.
Other factors with this injury include shoes and terrain. I recently got a new pair of shoes, but they didn't have the exact pair that I had been using so I changed them up a little bit....DUMB! They even told me it was suggested, but I didn't want to wait or have to come back, so I settled for the closest thing they had. Thanks to a generous return policy though, I was able to exchange them this past Friday and broke them in this morning. They felt great!
As for the terrain, I am a safe runner who always runs against traffic, but when I'm running in the country where the road has more of a crown to it, the road is falling off to my left which means I'm reaching more with my left (injured) leg. It is safe to assume this has contributed to the cause.
Chicago is 6 weeks from today. I think so long as I can get one more good long run in within the next 3 weeks and have a solid taper I will be okay, the struggle now is finding the balance between rest and staying fresh. That will be painful!
For the first time in my running "career", I have an injury. It was probably only a matter of time, but this is not a good time for this to happen. With 7 weeks until Chicago, I was out on an 18 miler when I felt some discomfort behind my left knee around mile 7. I opted to run through it, but it got gradually worse, and by mile 10, I had to walk. I used a run/walk combo for the next few miles, and ultimately had to finish the distance walking.
This morning I finally got to talk to Dr. Williams, who diagnoses it as a ligament strain in the lowest part of my hamstring behind the knee, but it's really not the knee at all.
Prior to the diagnosis, and immediately after last weekend's run, I was concerned for the timing of it all, and decided I needed to get something figured out quick. No, I didn't call 911, I took a facebook poll of course! Most of my trusted runner friends told me to stay off it, while many suggested pulling the miles back. I had every recommendation from amputation to voodoo dolls.
At the end of the day, I agreed on a regular regimen of ice 3 times daily with ibuprofen, and greatly reduced miles.
Monday was a rest day, and I skipped Tuesday's run and Wednesday's. Decided to test it on Thursday and only got 3 miles in, of which only 1.5 were pain free. On Friday I took a very casual 3 mile walk, and again rested on Saturday.
Feeling like the pain was mostly subsided, I decided to test it again today. Today was scheduled to be a 13 miler, but I knew that wasn't going to happen. I thought I might go 3 to 5. The first 2 were pain free, but some tightening crept in, so I walked a little, then ran a race pace for 1.5 miles, and ultimately walk/jogged my way home for a total of 6.5. I would rate it at 80% today, but realize I need to continue resting and ice.
The pain of not running the way I want, or worse yet, not running at all, is actually more painful than the injury. Skipping Chicago is not an option. I will walk the marathon before I drop out.
Other factors with this injury include shoes and terrain. I recently got a new pair of shoes, but they didn't have the exact pair that I had been using so I changed them up a little bit....DUMB! They even told me it was suggested, but I didn't want to wait or have to come back, so I settled for the closest thing they had. Thanks to a generous return policy though, I was able to exchange them this past Friday and broke them in this morning. They felt great!
As for the terrain, I am a safe runner who always runs against traffic, but when I'm running in the country where the road has more of a crown to it, the road is falling off to my left which means I'm reaching more with my left (injured) leg. It is safe to assume this has contributed to the cause.
Chicago is 6 weeks from today. I think so long as I can get one more good long run in within the next 3 weeks and have a solid taper I will be okay, the struggle now is finding the balance between rest and staying fresh. That will be painful!
July 10, 2011
I just keep Tri ing
Third time is a charm...and boy was it!
Today was the Muncie Ironman Sprint race at PCR. I picked up a bib late in the week and decided to go for it. The excitement of having Ironman in town, combined with Molly being on the Ironman staff now really sucked me in!
Picked up my packet and got body marked on Friday. Attended the athlete briefing, and went out to the race site to check my bike in. Nearly 2000 athletes created a transition area much larger than anything I ever imagined. Friday night we hosted my friend Matt who was doing the 70.3, and Molly's friend Tracey who was helping volunteer. We all tried to go to bed by 10, but with Molly up and gone at 2:30 a.m., I didn't sleep much before my alarm at 4:30!
Arrived at the race site at 5:30 and got set up in transition. Found several acquaintances there to help calm the nerves, and with a quick dip in the water (81 degrees), it was Go time! I was in the first wave of the first race. 6:30 airhorn to a growing crowd and I'm off!
Felt great during the swim, stroked every stroke freestyle, no breast this time, and only got kicked twice. Fought through several drifting bodies to maintain position, and focused on my breathing. When I came out of the water, I looked at my watch....4:59!!!!! but wait....it's not moving....it's stopped! When? For how long? Where was I? No clue! I ran up the hill to T1 and sat down to put socks and my bike shoes on. Lots of bikes still on the rack, so I must be okay..
Once on the bike, I restarted the watch so I could get my bike splits. I went for a drink of my gatorade, only to realize it was still mostly frozen from being in the freezer all night. I do this on purpose so it's ice cold, but apparently it doesn't thaw fast enough at 6:30! I passed two competitors quickly on the bike, and found a good rhythm of around 20 mph. Though I've done this course many times, this was the first time I had rode the bike clockwise around PCR. We usually go the other way, and I suspected this may help me. Only 2 people passed me through mile 6, and I passed 2 others myself. Wasn't sure why a motorcycle was creeping next to me around mile 7, until I realized it was the lead female escort! Yep, there she was, started the swim 5 minutes after me, and caught me roughly 30 minutes into the race...RESPECT! My initial fear when I heard the motorcycle was that it was an official coming to penalize me. I raced hard to pass 2 more on the back half of the course, and no one else passed me prior to the dismount. I had to guess, but I assumed I'd been on the bike around 40 minutes.
Very quick T2, and I was out fast on the run. I knew my friends from the YRC were working the run aid station at mile 1 and 2.2, so I couldn't wait to see them. Ran hard and was not disappointed. They were as loud and excited for me as any pro on the course. I can't explain how much it helped my confidence. I stayed focused on my pace, and couldn't wait to get to the turn around and head back. Once again, they went crazy for me! Because the run is an out and back, I was able to size up where I was, and was impressed by the number of people I was ahead of. Once I got up the dreaded last hill, I could see the crowd which was quite large now as the pros were on the beach ready to start their race for the long course. A nice downhill finish toward the beach area through a 0.2 mile finish chute with people on both sides made me feel like a world champion. Sadly, the finish clock was not on (they were saving it for the long course), and so I still had no idea what my time was...was that a good thing...I think so...
ANOTHER PERSONAL RECORD!! -- 1:20:32
39th out of 123
Swim - 10:04
T1 - 2:37
Bike - 39:09 (18.9 mph)
T2 - 1:40
Run - 27:04 (8:44 pace)
Didn't place in my age group, but very rewarding!
Once I recovered, and changed my clothes it was on to part 2 of my Ironman experience.
Volunteering!
Because Molly was the Director of all Volunteers, and she let me race this morning, I wanted to be sure to give back all I could. Besides that, I'm so inspired by the 70.3 athletes, that I wanted to be a part of the event.
My original assignment was run SAG, which includes driving around in a Gator or pickup truck and picking up athletes who quit on the run course. This may sound crazy, but after 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike, under the near 90 degree sun, many runners are overwhelmed for the half marathon run. Some runners start the first mile and know they can't do it. Others get to the turn around, and are smart enough to listen to their body telling them it is at its limit. Sadly, there were not enough vehicles available for me to help with this because they were needed to transport more ice and supplies to the aid stations and medical.
While taking my bike back to the car, I found myself near the bike in with the pros coming in. I could tell the pedestrian traffic was a problem, so I stationed myself 300 yards off the dismount line, and instructed pedestrians to clear the road as cyclists approached, then as the athlete got to me, I would yell "300 yard", this helps athletes gauge when to come out of their shoes. Most pros, go barefoot all day, and keep their shoes clipped to the bike to save time in transition. I did this for almost an hour until the flow of athletes was steady enough to scare the spectators from attempting to get on the road.
I returned to the athlete food tent to grab some lunch, and got to watch the overall winner finish. Then I was assigned to the crosswalk at the finisher chute. This job was supposed to be to control pedestrian traffic coming and going where it crosses the finisher chute. As it turned out, many of the athletes found their way to me to turn in their chip when they gave up early on the run. Crowd control didn't sound very glamorous to me as I stood there in the hot sun, and faced depressed athletes and angry spectators; but I quickly realized that the real opportunity was that of a cheerleader. I was the LAST volunteer that athletes saw before they finished. My attitude quickly changed to that of a STRONG voice that yelled "Great job, You're here, You made it, Bottom of the Hill, Congratulations!" I repeated these phrases countless times for over 3 hours, and loved every minute of it. Many of the athletes gave me high fives, thumbs up, fist pumps, and of course thank yous! It was also a great point to provide information to uninformed spectators, and to congratulate finishers that after exiting the recovery area, had to come right back by me to get their things out of transition!
The only scare I had was an athlete who got so excited, that as he jumped for joy, he literally cramped right in front of me. The guy was 0.1 miles from the finish, and couldn't walk! The spectators gathered along the chute and offered words of encouragement. I didn't know what to do. I offered my hand and he grabbed it. He leveraged himself off of me and we did a partner calf stretch together while he grabbed his hamstring. When he finally took his first step, the crowd went nuts and he hobbled down the hill to the finish. Several others found incredible strength to sprint the last leg, while others could barely walk to the point they were almost scared to descend down the hill to the finish line.
It was hot, I got a good sunburn, and lost my voice...and it was worth every second!
Great day. Great athletes. Great volunteers. Great event. I am so blessed to have been a part of it, and inspired to consider the 70.3 next year!
Today was the Muncie Ironman Sprint race at PCR. I picked up a bib late in the week and decided to go for it. The excitement of having Ironman in town, combined with Molly being on the Ironman staff now really sucked me in!
Picked up my packet and got body marked on Friday. Attended the athlete briefing, and went out to the race site to check my bike in. Nearly 2000 athletes created a transition area much larger than anything I ever imagined. Friday night we hosted my friend Matt who was doing the 70.3, and Molly's friend Tracey who was helping volunteer. We all tried to go to bed by 10, but with Molly up and gone at 2:30 a.m., I didn't sleep much before my alarm at 4:30!
Arrived at the race site at 5:30 and got set up in transition. Found several acquaintances there to help calm the nerves, and with a quick dip in the water (81 degrees), it was Go time! I was in the first wave of the first race. 6:30 airhorn to a growing crowd and I'm off!
Felt great during the swim, stroked every stroke freestyle, no breast this time, and only got kicked twice. Fought through several drifting bodies to maintain position, and focused on my breathing. When I came out of the water, I looked at my watch....4:59!!!!! but wait....it's not moving....it's stopped! When? For how long? Where was I? No clue! I ran up the hill to T1 and sat down to put socks and my bike shoes on. Lots of bikes still on the rack, so I must be okay..
Once on the bike, I restarted the watch so I could get my bike splits. I went for a drink of my gatorade, only to realize it was still mostly frozen from being in the freezer all night. I do this on purpose so it's ice cold, but apparently it doesn't thaw fast enough at 6:30! I passed two competitors quickly on the bike, and found a good rhythm of around 20 mph. Though I've done this course many times, this was the first time I had rode the bike clockwise around PCR. We usually go the other way, and I suspected this may help me. Only 2 people passed me through mile 6, and I passed 2 others myself. Wasn't sure why a motorcycle was creeping next to me around mile 7, until I realized it was the lead female escort! Yep, there she was, started the swim 5 minutes after me, and caught me roughly 30 minutes into the race...RESPECT! My initial fear when I heard the motorcycle was that it was an official coming to penalize me. I raced hard to pass 2 more on the back half of the course, and no one else passed me prior to the dismount. I had to guess, but I assumed I'd been on the bike around 40 minutes.
Very quick T2, and I was out fast on the run. I knew my friends from the YRC were working the run aid station at mile 1 and 2.2, so I couldn't wait to see them. Ran hard and was not disappointed. They were as loud and excited for me as any pro on the course. I can't explain how much it helped my confidence. I stayed focused on my pace, and couldn't wait to get to the turn around and head back. Once again, they went crazy for me! Because the run is an out and back, I was able to size up where I was, and was impressed by the number of people I was ahead of. Once I got up the dreaded last hill, I could see the crowd which was quite large now as the pros were on the beach ready to start their race for the long course. A nice downhill finish toward the beach area through a 0.2 mile finish chute with people on both sides made me feel like a world champion. Sadly, the finish clock was not on (they were saving it for the long course), and so I still had no idea what my time was...was that a good thing...I think so...
ANOTHER PERSONAL RECORD!! -- 1:20:32
39th out of 123
Swim - 10:04
T1 - 2:37
Bike - 39:09 (18.9 mph)
T2 - 1:40
Run - 27:04 (8:44 pace)
Didn't place in my age group, but very rewarding!
Once I recovered, and changed my clothes it was on to part 2 of my Ironman experience.
Volunteering!
Because Molly was the Director of all Volunteers, and she let me race this morning, I wanted to be sure to give back all I could. Besides that, I'm so inspired by the 70.3 athletes, that I wanted to be a part of the event.
My original assignment was run SAG, which includes driving around in a Gator or pickup truck and picking up athletes who quit on the run course. This may sound crazy, but after 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles on the bike, under the near 90 degree sun, many runners are overwhelmed for the half marathon run. Some runners start the first mile and know they can't do it. Others get to the turn around, and are smart enough to listen to their body telling them it is at its limit. Sadly, there were not enough vehicles available for me to help with this because they were needed to transport more ice and supplies to the aid stations and medical.
While taking my bike back to the car, I found myself near the bike in with the pros coming in. I could tell the pedestrian traffic was a problem, so I stationed myself 300 yards off the dismount line, and instructed pedestrians to clear the road as cyclists approached, then as the athlete got to me, I would yell "300 yard", this helps athletes gauge when to come out of their shoes. Most pros, go barefoot all day, and keep their shoes clipped to the bike to save time in transition. I did this for almost an hour until the flow of athletes was steady enough to scare the spectators from attempting to get on the road.
I returned to the athlete food tent to grab some lunch, and got to watch the overall winner finish. Then I was assigned to the crosswalk at the finisher chute. This job was supposed to be to control pedestrian traffic coming and going where it crosses the finisher chute. As it turned out, many of the athletes found their way to me to turn in their chip when they gave up early on the run. Crowd control didn't sound very glamorous to me as I stood there in the hot sun, and faced depressed athletes and angry spectators; but I quickly realized that the real opportunity was that of a cheerleader. I was the LAST volunteer that athletes saw before they finished. My attitude quickly changed to that of a STRONG voice that yelled "Great job, You're here, You made it, Bottom of the Hill, Congratulations!" I repeated these phrases countless times for over 3 hours, and loved every minute of it. Many of the athletes gave me high fives, thumbs up, fist pumps, and of course thank yous! It was also a great point to provide information to uninformed spectators, and to congratulate finishers that after exiting the recovery area, had to come right back by me to get their things out of transition!
The only scare I had was an athlete who got so excited, that as he jumped for joy, he literally cramped right in front of me. The guy was 0.1 miles from the finish, and couldn't walk! The spectators gathered along the chute and offered words of encouragement. I didn't know what to do. I offered my hand and he grabbed it. He leveraged himself off of me and we did a partner calf stretch together while he grabbed his hamstring. When he finally took his first step, the crowd went nuts and he hobbled down the hill to the finish. Several others found incredible strength to sprint the last leg, while others could barely walk to the point they were almost scared to descend down the hill to the finish line.
It was hot, I got a good sunburn, and lost my voice...and it was worth every second!
Great day. Great athletes. Great volunteers. Great event. I am so blessed to have been a part of it, and inspired to consider the 70.3 next year!
July 5, 2011
10k under 9?
Happy Independence Day!
Today, I independently unleashed my freedom to run FAST!
Chesterfield Optimist 10k - entered under the excuse of wanting to compare this race to the one I just organized 2 days earlier (which by the way, ours is better); yet motivated by the performance of many of my friends on the 4 mile course on Saturday. The plan was to go out fast, and just try to hold on. Mile 1 - 8:40, somewhere around 1.5, Pete said, "it's all you" and I pulled away; Mile 2 - 8:40. Mile 3 - 8:58. Mile 4 - 9:11, Mile 5 - 9:03, and Mile 6 - 9:06, and that's when Amy Fletcher caught me. I'd never beaten her, and today was my chance. She pushed me the last 0.2 where I sprinted ahead to finish in 55:32, an 8:53 pace!
Age group award winner!
Proving once again...anything is possible!
Today, I independently unleashed my freedom to run FAST!
Chesterfield Optimist 10k - entered under the excuse of wanting to compare this race to the one I just organized 2 days earlier (which by the way, ours is better); yet motivated by the performance of many of my friends on the 4 mile course on Saturday. The plan was to go out fast, and just try to hold on. Mile 1 - 8:40, somewhere around 1.5, Pete said, "it's all you" and I pulled away; Mile 2 - 8:40. Mile 3 - 8:58. Mile 4 - 9:11, Mile 5 - 9:03, and Mile 6 - 9:06, and that's when Amy Fletcher caught me. I'd never beaten her, and today was my chance. She pushed me the last 0.2 where I sprinted ahead to finish in 55:32, an 8:53 pace!
Age group award winner!
Proving once again...anything is possible!
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