Dallas Whiterock Half Marathon

December 10, 2006

9:00 AM

Start, downtown Dallas at the American Airlines Center.

Out and back.

Start Temp, low 40’s, predicted high of 56, overcast, 10-15 MPH S/SE winds, possible showers.

Bib – 9014

Age - 53

I ran the Tulsa Rte. 66 Marathon on November 19^th and planned on following it with the Dallas Whiterock Half Marathon but right leg and hip pains bothered me during the last few miles so I wasn’t sure if I could take the risk of running this race since I am getting ready to train for Boston 2007.

My right would really talk back to me somewhere after mile 5. Over the last few weeks it appeared that I could run longer without discomfort.

So on Friday, December 8, I decided to run the race. I went to Dallas Saturday morning at 9:00 AM, registered, bought new shoes (20% off) and some Thorlo’s socks (2 for 1).

I was back in Ardmore by noon.

On Sunday I was up at 4:00 AM and out heading toward Dallas at 4:45. I have run Whiterock every year since 1999 (my first marathon) and this is the first time I did not stay at the sponsoring Hotel.

I arrived at the AA center at 6:40 AM just before the traffic started accumulating.

It was a cold mid 40’s. After numerous trips back and forth from my truck to the center I decided to wear my “The Half” technical long sleeve blue shirt. The rest of my attire was my 26.2 Dallas hat, red Asics 2010’s, red ear band, new thorlo’s socks.

My plan was to start at MP of 7:50 - 8/mile and immediately make pace adjustments if my leg began to bother me. My goal was to finish pain free.

The gun went off and I immediately ran too fast.

Mile 1 – 7:50, feeling good but I am not sure if I went out too fast.

Mile 2 - 7:50, still feeling good, and pleased that my legs remember MP

Mile 3 - 7:43, slightly fast and starting the uphill climb

Mile 4 - 7:59, all systems are still a go, climbing. I wonder if the hills will aggravate my right leg.

Mile 5 - 8:03, hum, I begin to accelerate and my right hamstring begins to tighten, so I begin to vary my pace, slow fast, slow fast, etc.

Mile 6 - 7:58, hamstring is feeling good again as we turn into the wind for a few miles.

Mile 7 - 7:52, still nursing the hamstring.

Mile 8 - 7:52, more wind, as I look down the road I can see where we will turn onto Swiss Ave….I see the marathoners running a VERY swift pace, these are the sub 3 marathoners.

Mile 9 - 7:53, yes, no more wind. I still am varying my pace as the hamstring twinges every now and then, BUT NO Leg pain (like Tulsa) so far. I sure hope I can make it to 13 this way.

Mile 10 – 8:01, I am still holding an excellent pace as we head down the slight grade on Swiss Avenue.

Mile 11 – 8:32, Hum, it felt faster than 8:32, so I try to pick it up.

Mile 12 – 7:19, Hum, don’t think I ran a 7:15, legs feel GREAT, except for the hamstring still twinging.

Mile 13 – 8:16, man looks like I may make this race without hip/leg pain….YES…

Mile 13.1 – I stretch it out the last few blocks to a great finish.

Final stats.

Overall – 461

Div/Pl – 29/199

Sex/Pl – 379/2075

Finish Time – 1:43:29

Pace – 7:54

Gun Time – 1:43:47

My best Half was at last years Whiterock Half Marathon, 1:39:24.

I was very pleased to have finished this race without the problems I had been experiencing since the Rte. 66 marathon, and I maintained MP.

I might have run this slightly faster if my goal had been different, but I doubt I would have PR’d so soon after running a marathon.

I feel I can start getting ready for Boston now; however I will ramp up my training a bit slower than normal for me.

I really enjoy this race (they can still make some improvements) and highly recommend it.

It would be a great Boomer Reunion site.

The race is a lot of fun but it is extra special when you can share it with friends as was the case on Sunday.

Ribs, thank for introducing me to so many of your friends and Hally it was a pleasure to meet you and I surely wish we had more time to get to know each other.

Rose and RS, maybe next time.

Route 66 Marathon

Tulsa, Oklahoma

April 19^th, 8:00 AM

Age: 53

Weight: 147
13^th Marathon since 1999.
Bib#: 1500

Primary goal is to have fun.

1^st Goal, 7:50 pace, 3:25 finish

2^nd Goal, 8:00 Pace 3:30 finish

3^rd Goal, Sub 3:35

4^th Goal…just finish…..

I arrived in Tulsa late Friday evening about 9:15 PM, tired and ready to eat. After a very reasonable room service meal I tried to relax. Lights out at 11:10 PM.

Saturday morning I was up and out for an easy 2 miler. It was about 32 degrees with a breezy north wind. I ran about 25 minutes and everything felt as if all systems were a go.

I returned to the room for a quick shower, headed to the expo, at the same Hotel, picked up my Bib and stuff and was ready for a nice breakfast of pancakes, grits, water and orange juice.

I headed back to the hotel room for a rest. No plans today accept a tour of the course.

About 2:30 PM I headed out for a quick tour of the race course which is mostly flat. I didn't’t see the first 3 miles since I got terribly lost. The course runs south along the Arkansas River to the half way point at Jenks Oklahoma., then back along the same route to about 31^st street where we turn right into some nice neighborhoods then back north to the finish line. The last few miles, from mile 22 to the finish are hilly and appear to be very challenging.

As I was driving along Riverside Drive I saw the finish line for the Oklahoma Marathon which was still in progress. I have heard some people were going to run both the Oklahoma and the Route 66 marathon. Go figure…hehe

I prepared for this marathon with the Piftz 18/70 program. Basically it peaked at 70 miles during an 18 week/6 day schedule. It was by far the most challenging training program I had ever attempted. About half way through I appeared to be over training so I backed off my mileage for a few week and reduced my weekly mileage for the remaining of my training by about 15%.

Most of my training runs went great and based on my experience I was prepared for Sunday’s race.

But, I just didn’t feel mentally or physically prepared. My last run on Tuesday went well, but my legs felt dead.

I wasn't psych'ed up. Usually I am very excited , pumped up and ready to go the week leading up to a race….but not this time. It will be a difficult day tomorrow.

It surely didn't help that my mom had surgery and was having a difficult recovery.

I told my wife that I just wasn't with it and would just as soon not be here, but I signed up, trained 20 weeks and would give it a shot. Maybe I could find some way to concentrate, to focus, maybe even find some mental relief through the physical strain.

After a great Pasta party we returned to the Hotel room and witnessed a Oklahoma Bi-centennial Fireworks display from the hallway window. We also had an opportunity to visit with a first time Half Marathoner. She was excited and ready and will do great.

The 6:00 AM wake up call sounded and I was up and chowing down on Power Gel and Endurance Gatorade. After a nice shower I was dressed and heading out the door at 7:15 AM. The Hotel is just a few blocks from the start which was very convenient

The weather was 32 degrees with a slight north breeze. I wore my Dallas 26.2 cap (I have worn it in the last 12 Marathons); yellow t-shirt, blue shorts and red Asics 2110's with 32 miles on them.

The atmosphere of the race seemed to work on me and I was feeling a lot better and felt ready to tackle the distance. I guess it gave my mind something to think about.

My plan was to start at an 8:20-8:30 pace for a couple of miles than try to home in on an 8:00 pace. Since the course was flat I might try to speed up for a mile every now and then. I need an even 1:45 split at the half. If I can do that I will speed it up or slow it down depending on how I feel.

Kevin lined up with me, after the National Anthem, and an antique plane fly over, the gun went off and we were off.

Splits:

Mile 1 – 7:51, Hilly, a bit fast, so I will try to slow down a bit.

Mile 2 – 8:05, Hilly as we cross the river, I still need to slow down some.

Mile 3 – 8:05, Hilly as we cross back over the river to Riverside drive.

Mile 4 – 8:03, I am still to fast, maybe I can slow down a mile then pick it back up.

Mile 5 – 8:21, Good, an easy mile. Now I will get back on pace.

Mile 6 – 8:02, Felling good and trying to remain focused, legs tingle but I am not concerned yet.

Mile - 6.75, First Power Gel

Mile 7 – 7:58, The 3:30 pace group has caught up with me, I will run with them for a while. The half Marathoner's have turned back and things are thinning out.

Mile 8 – 7:58, I am still with the 3:30 pace group, but it is too crowded.

Mile 9 – 7:56, I decide to pass the 3:30 group so I can get some leg room.

Mile 10 – 8:07, I am still feeling good, splits look great and I am on schedule.

Mile 11 – 7:48, A nice quick mile to stretch out the legs. This course is really flat.

Mile 12 – 7:57, We cross over the bridge in to Jenks Oklahoma. I expect the crowd will be larger here

Mile 13 – 8:03, Mile 12 to 13 seemed really long. It is not time for the miles to feel long. I talked to a guy for a while then left him at a porta potty stop. Second Power Gel. The crowds are not large.

Half Split 1:45:13….RIGHT ON THE MONEY……GOAL IS 1:45, YOU CAN’T BEAT THIS WITH A STICK…HEHE

Mile 14 – 8:03, Okay the run thought Jenks is weaving around and it seems to take forever to get out of here. They need to modify this part of the course.

Mile 15 – 7:59, We are back over the bridge and man, the wind is cold from the north. The running crowd is getting thin. I need someone to draft me.

Mile 16 – 8:00 – The wind is really tough. I am definitely not hot.

Mile 17 – 8:06 – More wind, I am looking forward to mile 21 when we turn off of Riverside Drive.

Mile 18 – 8:22 – There is hardly any more crowd support. My legs have started aching, nothing bad yet.

Mile 19 – 8:14, The 3:30 pace group catches up with me and they are doing great; I try to stay with them hoping that they can block the wind and help me get though the aches and pains. Third Power Gel.

Mile 20 – 8:04, The 3:30 group surges ahead as I try to get fluid after consuming my third Power Gel

Mile 21 – 8:17, I lost pace while trying to beat the wind. My legs are staring to complain. As the pain sets in I am thinking more about my Mom. If I can overcome the pain, somehow, maybe it will give her some motivation

Mile 22 – 8:24, My right leg is killing me. It has never hurt this way before. It is painful all the way up to my right hip. It is not killer pain but I have certainly felt better before. I think I saw Aamos….Is that really her, I didn't’t know she was going to be here. I also see Kevin, my local running buddy, he is looking good and should catch me soon, since I feel I will be struggling as the hills approach. My thoughts continue to rest on my mom and her current ordeal.

Mile 23 – 11:25, Whoa, what the heck happened???? When I looked at the clock I couldn't I believe that my pace had slowed down this much. It worries me that I felt like I was running fine, no one was passing me, this is not a good sign. My right leg is really fighting me. Since my 3:30 goal is shot, I quickly calculate that a 3:40 might also be difficult to achieve. Man this really sucks. I gotta pull everything back together. I have to find a way for me and my mom….somehow.

Mile 24 – 9:05, The downhills are torture for my right leg, so I do not race down the hill. If I do so, I may really mess up and have to start walking, so I concentrate. Surprisingly the uphills feel fine. DON'T WALK......

Mile 25 = 8:57, One last big hill and I know I will finish now……I am felling a little bit better. Amazing how your viewpoint changes as you approach the final stretch. I look at my watch and realize that I may get under 3:40…no more 11 minute miles in the forecast. Ok, mom, if I can pull thought this, so can you…

What is the deal, the pain in my right leg is GONE…..I have a second wind and I am picking up my pace; I feel great….pain free….I see 15^th street, the finish is at 6^th….the last hill is gone…I see a big banner that says “Finish Strong”. I am hauling; no one is even close to my pace. I am whizzing by. I see my daughter at the 26 mile mark and it gives me one more surge of speed. I hear the crowd......

Final 26.2 mile split 7:31!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, thats a 7:31 for the last mile.

I look up and see 3:35 on the clock; I look at my watch for my chip time and see that I came in just under 3:35. Whew…wow, what a finish. I feel awesome. And to think it looked like a 3:40 was not even possible at mile 23.

And to top it all off….this gives me a 2008 BQ……of which all I needed was 3:45….. (I already have a 2007 BQ)

UPDATE: We now know that the mile markers from mile 23 to the finish were incorrect. 

Ok Mom, your turn…..

Final stats…

Clock time 3:35:10

Chip time 3:34:53

Overall 118

Male Division 104/779

Age Division 13/118

Summary.

I learned a lot during this training period….I will adapt what I have learned and make adjustments so that I am less likely to over train next time. I may return to a 5 day schedule: I think 6 days was too much. Also, the frequent speed work and weight training seems to have made an improvement to my right hamstring problem that has plagued me.

My main goal is to always have fun which almost alluded me this time.

I missed my primary goal of 3:25, which was a stretch; however I really wanted to break 3:30.

I really wonder if this body can get there, but I will try again.

I was very pleased to have found a way to conquer those final miles that were such a struggle. Experience and confidence and motivation led me through those miles. With less experience, I might have walked off the pain, rather than slowing down and trying to "run-it-off". But, who would expect such an astonishing finish. Not me…..

Mom update, while I was running she had her best day since surgery; she was able to walk assisted to the nursing station, slowly but surely and she had here best night of rest with less hallucinations.

So, after all was said and done, my day went great.

Thanks for all your support for all of you helped me get to the starting AND finish line

10^th Annual Great Steaks 1 mile and 5K Run

Date: Sept. 2, 2006, 7:30 AM start time.

Place: Ringling Oklahoma

My distance: 5K

Temperature - 78 degrees, cloudy. 

Clothing: 2006 Boston Marathon Singlet and shorts, white 26.2 cap, Thorlios socks, Asics 2010’s.

Finish time: 23:28, first in AG of three. 

I took Friday off from running to try and be rested for this mornings race. I really need to not "race" this %K, since last weeks training has not gone well and I have a cold that is really wearing me out. Also, I have a 21 miler tomorrow that is far more important than performing well today.

It was a pour turnout today, maybe 30 runners. The usual;s were not present except last years winner. Kevin ran the 5K.

Somehow the organizers did not get my preregistration, so I wrote them a check for $13. and re-registered. 

This is a really nice race. especially if you like small town races where you have a chance to re-acquaint your self with other runners you have not seen in a while. The food is great and the prizes are even better: almost everyone will win something.

I warmed up and felt rather good. The starting line gun misfired twice so we had to wait a few minutes before it as fixed then all of a sudden we were off.

I did ok for the first mile, then my legs started getting sore so I just maintained my pace. There is not much to say except that I finished. I might have done better if there were more competitors but it is best that I did not run harder.

This is my wore 5K in years.
 

27^th Annual 75^th Diamond Brigade Run 5K and 10K

Date: May 20, 2006, 8:00 AM start time.

Place: Ft. Sill, Oklahoma

My distance: 10K

Clothing: 2006 Boston Marathon Singlet and shorts, white 26.2 cap, Thorlios socks, Asics 2010’s.

More about Ft. Sill

Race Website

Official 10K Results

Running this 10K was not a planned event; last Saturday Kevin and I discussed the possibility of participating in this race; no firm plans were made. I told Kevin to give me a call: if he decided to attend I would chum along.

Boston was just over a month ago and my legs are still recovering; it seems like my recovery time takes longer as each year goes by, or maybe by the time early summer arrives I have trained so much that mentally and physically I am ready for a rest, or maybe it’s the heat; who knows. I just know that I usually back off this time of year until late August when I get serious again. Even so, I always enter this season with grandiose plans to “speed up” by attending shorter distance races.

I saw Kevin at the park on Thursday afternoon; we ran a bit together and decided to go to Ft. Sill. We will meet in Lone Grove at 5:30 AM with an arrival planned for about 7:00 AM.

The alarm sounded early at 4:30 AM Saturday morning; boy I could really sleep in today.

After dropping my car off at Kevin’s house we were off to the races.

The air was cool outside but the afternoon weather prediction was for an unseasonable high of about 95 degrees, with clear skies. It would turn out to be a beautiful day but it would get hot during the race so hydration would be critical. I took a couple bottles of Gatorade along for the ride.

We discussed our race plans amongst other subjects. Kevin had just finished the OKC Memorial Marathon a couple of weeks ago and had hopes of breaking 45 minutes for a PR and myself, well I was not ready for a race so I would just take it mile at a time.

We arrived at the base a few minutes before 7:00 AM; the Military Police checked our identification, and we were quickly on the base.

Ft Sill has won awards for the beauty of this old base that dates back to the late 1800’s. Geronimo is buried here and I understand that the museum is quite nice. A lot of history went by as we headed toward the parking area.

As we left the car and headed over to the registration tent we saw and heard the sounds of new recruits pounding out the cadences of their morning ritual; I was told that some of them are in their final week of basic training.

I looked around and realized that many of them may soon be facing some of the most difficult days of their lives. It really makes you stop and think and appreciate what you have.

The race costs 12 bucks, shirts are an additional 10; I skipped the shirt since I have more that I need. After registering and a potty break, Kevin and I ran an easy ½ mile or so to warm up.

By far most of the participants for the 5K and 10K race were in the military, there were few civilians attending. It appears that there were about 100 participants.

Soon everyone lined up for the race awaiting the count down and the sound of the canon. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, everyone literally “jumped the gun”. The canon didn’t go off, so we had to pull back across the line.

No count down since the canon went off seconds later. We were off.

The field seemed fast but I was not sure since I have not run anything under an 8 minute pace for quite some time. Kevin and I ran together for about 1.5K, until the 5K turn off, where he surged ahead. This was also the location of the first water stop which was unattended and served water only. I skipped it as did most of the runners.

The military runners were easily identifiable since most of them were wearing gray cotton “T” shirts.

There were no mile markers and since I never trained with “K” markers I decided to run on “feel” only. Training teaches our muscles to remember a certain pace and I know this is true but even so it still amazes me how well out muscles respond on race day.

The course was challenging since it was not flat and even had some sections of gravel. So the mantra for the day (since I am unfamiliar with the terrain) was to watch my footing and concentrate on my cadence.

About 3K into the race most runners had found their rhythm, me included. I was struggling with a 3/3 breathing pattern, shifted to a 2/2 and wow, did that feel better and it seemed like I was running faster in that mode.

I picked out runners that were ahead of me and tried to pass them one at a time; as I approached each runner I thanked them for serving in the military. As I recall I passed about three or four runners on the way to the 8K mark.

The final stretch is along a tree lined street which appeared to be officer housing ( I made this conclusion because these are nice two story homes and I saw someone loading their car, another runner commented that it was Col. So-in-so, who was transferred to the Pentagon). At this stage in the race I was starting to feel the heat. I began to close in on another runner who I am sure I would pass when suddenly a family ran out of the house took his picture and cheered him on. Well, that was all he needed to pick up the pace. Almost at that same moment I heard a couple of runners behind me; they passed me as if I am standing still. Where did they come from? The last two guys I passed seemed to be wasted. I was thinking, boy, they have way too much energy left for this stage of the race.

As the last few blocks approached, I kicked it in, thinking I might finish in less than 48 minutes. The finish line crowd was loud; my final time was 48:06, pace 7:44 and 4^th out of 5  in my age group, 29th out of 56 male overall. A 48:06 would usually have gotten me an award in a small race like this one, but not today. There were 17 Female finishers.

I was pleased that I was able to run closer to my tempo pace of 7:25-7:30 without a lot of distress which gives me confidence that I haven’t lost it yet.

Kevin finished under 45 minutes with a PR and second in the male, 35-39 age group.

The “feed” was OK, water, lemonade, apples and oranges but nothing to write home about. Along the course there were 3 “Water” stops of which the final two were attended: no Gatorade was available.

The trophies for the Top 5 men and women were really nice as were the ribbons for the age group awards.

All in all it was a fun event that I would probably attend again.

And, it was nice to get out and attend a 10K race rather than my normal weekend training routine and I was pleasantly surprised to have run a 7:44 pace so soon after Boston. Who knows, maybe I will do a couple more before my Marathon training begins in July.