Nov. 2, 2008 NYC Marathon Race Report

Age: 55, BD January 9, 1953

19^th Marathon since 1999.

Best Marathon – Houston 2006, 3:33:25

Current Marathon Training pace – 8:00

Goal pace for NYC – Start and Finish with my daughter

Boston Bib#: 16248

My Wave #1

Our Wave #3

History

Following the 2007 Boston Marathon my daughter, Dana, decided to train for her first marathon, the 2008 NYC Marathon. In order to gain entry I needed to qualify with a sub 1:40 half marathon which I accomplished at The Half and the 2007 Dallas White Rock Half marathon.

Her goal was a start/finish and I planned on running the entire distance with her at what ever pace she desired. I began training in July and she started about 16 weeks out from the race date.

Training Summary

NYC was week 18 of a 24 week schedule that targets the December 14^th Dallas White Rock Marathon as my goal race.

My main goal was to experience Dana’s first marathon through her eyes and help her have an enjoyable experience.

About 3 weeks out from the race I developed shin splints on my right shin and during that 20 mile long run I felt a slight pull in my right calf. Later that week I could hardly run or walk without limping.

Things did not get better and as race day approached I backed off of my training hoping to get some relief. I was concerned as to whether I would be able to finish the race.

Friday, Oct. 31, 2008

We left Ardmore for DFW at 4:30 AM and arrived at 6:15 AM. The flight was scheduled for about 7:35 AM and was scheduled to land at LaGuardia by 11:40AM.

When we arrived Dana picked us up and we immediately headed for the Expo. Traffic was heavy and there was no parking near the Jacob Javis convention center. After about an hour we found a parking space about 6 blocks away.

I think Dana was quite excited to get her bib. I was thrilled for her and knew that soon the gun would go off and the race would begin.

While roaming around the Expo we saw Ryan Hall, winner of the US Olympic trials.

We both picked up some goodies and after about an hour or so we were in the car and on our way to Brooklyn.

Upon arriving at her place we ordered some Italian take out and settled in for the night.

At bed time it was 40 hours and counting before the big day. The excitement was building. And, privately I hoped my calf would not take me out of the race.

Saturday, Nov 1, 2008

Normally my schedule would call for an easy 2-3 miler the day before a marathon but since I was having some problems with my shin and calf I opted for a walk and a Starbucks with a muffin. The NY Times had some interesting articles about the marathon.

After breakfast I went to a grocery store and picked u p some Gatorade, water, bananas and Bagels.

I returned to the apartment and prepared for a long day’s rest.

Dana was up and had a waffle for breakfast. Soon she started reading the Marathon guide: I think she memorized the entire book including the course map.

After 18 marathons I still become anxious waiting for the starting line and the beginning of the race. With time and experience my nerves have settled but the excitement is still there and it is what so many of us crave.

I think we watched all the sports shows, read magazines, books, anything to fill the time.

As the hours passed the nervous excitement began to build until it was finally time to go to the pasta party at the Tavern on the Green.

Runners approached Central Park from all directions. Many were taking pictures of them selves at the finish line and wondering what the next day would have in store for them. Would they finish strong or finish at all. It is something we all wonder.

The line for the Pasta was long. As we arrived in the glass walled Tavern I was impressed at the decor. Surely this was the only circumstance where I could afford to be here.

We found a nice place to sit and soon met the Race director, Gary Allen, and the marketing director for the Maine Mt. Desert Island Marathon. They were quite nice. After a long discussion I figured out that Gary Allen was the same person that was featured in an Article in Marathon and Beyond. He ran with Lance Armstrong until about mile 20 when he decided that Lance might not get in under 3 hours, something he had accomplished for 5 decades. I was duly impressed. What an incredible accomplishment. I also learned that every January 1^st he runs the Boston Marathon course…..alone. When Runners World found out they decided they would run a feature article about his New Years ritual in the January 2009 issue.

He offered Dana and me some wonderful advice.

When we made it back to Brooklyn we prepared ourselves for the big day. Just like on Christmas Day where we hang out our stockings we do the same by laying out all our apparel for the coming race. After setting everything in place we look upon it, over and over again. All in an effort to make sure that nothing has been forgotten and it is just something else to pass the time.

Our original plan was to take the subway to the Staten Island Ferry but Dana decided that it might be best to take a cab. She even changed the departure time from 6:30 AM to 6:00 AM. Now this is a big…big…deal, since she hates to get up in the morning.

We discussed our race plans. A Power gel every 5 miles, every 4^th mile we would warm-up the gel with our hands. We would walk through every water stop and then move on. I would keep track of the pace in order to finish right under 5 hours.

We watched the OU Football game. When it became obvious that OU would win, we switched to the Texas/Texas Tech game hoping that Texas Tech might win. We hung in until the end of the game (11:30 PM) and watched a last second Texas Tech win which was great for OU and it gave us something to do while we tried to get to sleep.

A final check of the weather reveals a forecast for cool, 40 degree temperatures with gusty winds early in the morning.

Finally it was time for bed.

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008

It was Sunday morning and time for the BIG day in NYC.

The alarm went off at 4:30 AM, time for a bagel and Gatorade. Usually I take a shower but this time due to time constraints I skipped the old routine in an effort to get out of the bathroom as soon as possible.

Before we knew it the Cab had arrived and we were out the door and on our way to the Ferry. I told Dana that it was too late to turn back now. The BIG day had arrived and the race was just hours away.

The trip to the Ferry took about 20 minutes and it was nice to get dropped off right at the front door.

The crowds of runners were all walking toward the same destination. I brought a portable camera and Dana began taking pictures. At this point everything was new and every step was a new experience and takes you closer to the starting line.

The Ferry arrived and we were on board, wall-to-wall runners, all in nervous conversations, different plans, different goals, and different backgrounds.

On a typical day we would having hardly anything in common, but today, we have all traveled the same road to the same destination. Now we shared a common goal and it was all that mattered.

We left the Ferry and boarded the busses that would take us to the Fort Wadsworth National Park. It really sinks in we you take that step off of the bus and pass through the security check point: you are going to run the NYC marathon!!! The park was filled with PA system announcements, signs, everyone was coming and going. The porta potty lines were still short but not so for the coffee and food lines. They were already backed up.

By the time we found a spot in our designated area to call our temporary home it was about 7:45AM.

We made our final preparations and Dana took our stuff to the baggage area and then within a few minutes they announced that it was time for us to go to the starting corrals.

We never found the corral area: everyone just lined up and we were all very confused about where we needed to go. As the crowd started to move toward the starting line Dana and I took one last break at the porta potties. During this time the gun fired and the race had begun. We dropped off our jackets and began the slow jog toward the bridge. It wasn’t long and we were off and running.

The 2008 NYC Marathon had begun for the third wave.

Mile 1 - It was quite exciting as we began our run up the Verazano Bridge. I stopped a couple of times to take some pictures, and then I handed the camera to Dana so she could do the same. Not doubt she was nervous because she kept telling me that she could feel her heart pounding. I told her that her adrenaline was pumping and that soon she would calm down.

Mile 2 - The sights were incredible: off in the distance we could see the Statue of Liberty. Dana said that she had never seen the city from this angle and of course she had never run on the bridge. She would experience a lot of “firsts” today.

Mile 3 – Dana took a “stretch” break at the first water stop. It would impact out splits but that didn’t matter since it was a “start/finish” day. The view down the road was fantastic, runners as far as the eye could see.

Mile 4 – I think we had finally found our “groove”. The pace was consistent. I ran ahead and took some pictures of Dana. She stopped and had me take a picture of her with some NYC Firemen. She was having a great time.

She excitedly said, “They are shouting my name!!!!” It was time to start warming up the Powergel for mile 5. It was time to warm up our first Powergel

Mile 5 – Dana punched me on the shoulder and said “I can’t believe I am running the NYC marathon with my Dad!” After a Powergel she mentioned that her right knee was starting to bother her. I told her that she would have all sorts of pains during the race and not to worry, she would run through the discomfort and soon would feel fine. We were consistently hitting an 11:45 pace with short stops at each water station.

Mile 6 – Her knee was still causing problems; we walked a little longer through the water stop. She told me that she had not experienced any knee problems during her training runs.

Mile 7 – Dana’s knee was hurting more often and we had now stopped a couple of times to try and walk it off. I was beginning to get a little concerned and wondered if we would finish.

Mile 8 – We meet up with Georgia and took some more pictures. I wanted to tell Georgia that Dana was having problems but the opportunity did not present itself. We moved on.

Mile 9 – The walk breaks were more often now: I was now convinced that this was going to be a long day for her. We stopped at an aid station so she could get some Tylenol. They stamped her bib to alert other aid stations that she had already been medicated. I explained to Dana that she could not get anymore Tylenol. They could pull her from the race if she demands more Tylenol. The walk breaks were getting longer. We begin to warm up our next Powergel.

Mile 10 – It was time for more water and Powergel. I ran ahead to use the Porta Potty which gave Dana an opportunity to take a longer walk break.

Mile 11 - As we ran along I tried to get Dana to tell me about the sights just to help get her mind off of the pain. It gave her something to talk about. Any diversion would be helpful. The Tylenol was having no affect on the pain.

Mile 12 – Some how we missed this mile marker.

Mile 13 – When we saw the 13 mile marker we realized that we had missed the 12 mile marker and it was such a welcomed surprise.

When reached the halfway point in the race, I told Dana, “Let’s concentrate on getting across the Queensboro Bridge. Dana, what are going to do at the next mile?” She replied “We will warm up our Powergel” “Right”, I said. “I told her to concentrate on the next mile.” Then we will focus on the next mile, and so on. A DNF was imminent.

Mile 14 – At mile 14 we saw the Queensboro Bridge: it was a daunting sight with such a steep incline. By now we were walking more that running. As Dana walked I jogged next to her.

Mile 15 - The walk down the bridge was excruciating, even so, she was so excited to have made it this far. The crowd was thinning and there were far less runners around us as earlier in the race. It was getting cooler. And, to make matters worse, now BOTH knees were bothering her.

Dana had a Powergel but I skipped mine.

During the last few miles I was really wondering what to do. Should I suggest that we drop out? I was desperately trying to decide the next course of action. It was awful seeing her in such pain.

Mile 16 – Dana stopped on the side of the road and said, “Dad, if I don’t bend my knees, they don’t hurt”, I felt so bad for her, chuckled and said, “You can’t walk stiff legged all the way to the finish line”. Georgia called on the cell phone, I told her we were in trouble and that I would call her as we approached Central Park.

Mile 17 – We were only walking now, I told Dana, “OK, you can walk to Mile 20, but then we are going to try to look like we are running.” I tried not to show it, but I was really getting concerned. I asked her “What kind of pain are you experiencing? Is it sharp or dull? She says “it is dull.”

OK I was a little relieved. If it was a sharp pain I would have to suggest that we drop out.

Mile 18 – For a long time now Dana knew that a sub 5 hour marathon was out of the picture. Even thought she was in such pain we managed to make some fun of it. It was ironic that we had discussed the night before that she did not want to have the street cleaners catch up with us. We looked around, no street cleaners, but the volunteers were already dismantling the race fixtures. There were still spectators and they shouted her name as she passed. I gave thumbs up.

Mile 19 – Time to warm up another Powergel. “OK, Dana, time for a new goal: Let’s finish the race in less time that it takes for the winners to have finished it three times!!!” I reminded her that we were going to try to start running at mile 20.

Mile 20 – Time for another Powergel. Mile 20 came and went with no running. She tried to jog every now and then but it didn’t last for more than a few feet.

Mile 21 – Soon we would be running parallel with Central Park, so the new goal was to try and run when we reached the entrance to park.

Mile 22 – We arrived parallel to Central Park, but there was no running, just a slow painful walk. I said, “OK, we can wait and start running when we arrive at mile 23: when we are actually IN the park”: She said, “OK”. I told her to concentrate and get mentally prepared for the final few miles.

Mile 23 – We entered the park, there was hardly a soul left but the few remaining spectators offered a lot of support. Dana tried to go from a walk to a run, but the pain was too severe. I could hardly believe she had made it this far. I told her, “Just a few more miles to go and we will cross the finish line” Georgia called on the phone and was obviously concerned. I told her that we were in the Park and we would be at mile 25 (where she was standing) in about 35 minutes.

Mile 24 – The miles were so long, each mile seemed longer that the mile before, the crowd was thin, and it was dark and cold just as it was when we arrived at the Staten Island Ferry 12 hours ago.

Mile 25 – As we approached the final turn where we would re-enter Central Park I spotted Georgia. I had to grab Dana and point her toward her Mom other wise she would have never noticed her. She had been in a trance for many of the last 5 miles. Dana, “We need to try and run this last mile, believe me, you don’t want to walk across the finish line”, Dad, “I can’t right now otherwise I might not finish but I will run the last .2 miles.

Mile 26.2 – With the last .2 miles in sight, Dana went from a walk to a very quick run, I know the feeling, you see the finish line and you know you will finally make it. We ran the last .2 miles hand-in-hand and as we crossed the finish line I held her hand high for victory, and then grabbed her as she almost collapsed in my arms. I said, “Dana, you finished, I am so proud of you, I would have never been able to finish a marathon in such pain”.

There were so few volunteers remaining that we had to hunt for our Finishers metal.

We walked to the Photo area and had a nice picture taken of the two of us. I told her that she could get an individual picture afterwards but she declined. We gathered up our belongings and met Georgia and were on our way to the Victory Celebration.

We had beat the street crew and finished before the winners could run the race three times.

It was a GRAND Victory.

Results: Pace : Who cares, we finished!!!

Official Time: 6:27, we beat the street crew.

Summary

You never know what life will dish out: it is how you handle the “dish” that demonstrates your character.

Dana did not complain about her pain: she never suggested dropping out: she stayed focused: she finished a difficult race.

It is the difficulties in life that teach us the most valuable lessons..

We learn answers to questions like:

What are we really made of?

When the going gets tough, do we keep going and stay tough?

Do we persevere?

When things don’t go our way, do we focus on the positive or the negative?

While visiting with Gary Allen at the pasta dinner he told Dana that she would be a different person after she finished the marathon; she would learn that she could do anything she puts her mind to. The experience can transform you, if you let it.

Who would have known that Dana’s marathon would be the ultimate challenge of mental and physical fortitude?

Instead of complaining about the result and concentrating on disappointment, Dana explained what she learned: in her own words, she discovered that she was able to get through the pain and that it was a far more valuable a lesson that if the race had been easier. All this was said with a smile as she was still in severe pain. There was not a single complaint about the race results, disappointing, sure, but no complaints.

She says she will run another marathon and that she has experienced the worse and the next one can only be better. Better? I am not sure. How can it possible be better? Less painful, sure, but better? No, different? Yes, absolutely different.

The Marathon can be a very cruel event and today it was mean and cruel but Dana stood tall and conquered and demonstrated a supreme attitude. It was not finishing the race that was important but the attitude demonstrated. A DNF would have made me no less proud to be her Dad!!!! She taught me a lot that day as she moved forward.

If she accepts the marathon challenge again, well, good for her. If not, well, that is OK too.

July 20, 2008 El Scorcho 25K Race Report

Event: El Scorcho 25K, Trinity Park, Ft. Worth, Texas

BD January 9, 1953

Age on Race day: 55

Goal pace: Tempo or MP

Bib# 467

Background

Kevin told me about the second running of El Scorcho a couple of weeks before Boston. The field is limited to a combined total of 400 runners for the 25K and 50K and is run on a 3.1 mile loop along the Trinity River near TCU. The running surface is a combination of concrete, dirt and compacted gravel. The most unique aspect of this race is that it is run at MIDNIGHT.

After Kevin described the race I was intrigued and registered within in a few days. The race was full by May 31.

I didn’t train exclusively for this race but incorporated it into the early stages of my NYC Marathon training.

As race day approached I fretted about staying up so late and not getting any sleep. The plan was to leave Ardmore at 8:30 PM, arrive at the race site by 10:30 PM for packet pick up. After the race we would get some breakfast and head home.

Race Day

We were on the road as planned but arrived earlier (about 10:15 PM) that expected which means we could have left Ardmore about 9:15 PM. We were one of the first to arrive.

The temperature was a nice and cool 91 degrees with a slight breeze. The race area was just a few blocks from the parking lot. Within a few minutes we were entering the race area which was decorated with Banners and the music was echoing thought out the park. Runners and their support crews were setting up their personal tables and chairs. There was even a New Balance shoe booth.

We picked up our packets. There wasn't the usual stuff in the bag; basically it was empty, but, the singlet was really nice, which was one of the best technical shirts I have ever received at a race.

When we got back to the truck we decided to take our fold up chairs back to the race area and rest while we waited for the start of the race.

I brought a small flashlight with strap that fit well in my hand. I wasn’t sure if carrying the flashlight would be cumbersome or whether I needed it in the first place. Many runners had small lamps attached to their hats.

Kevin and I discussed our race strategy. Myself, I planned on going out slow, probably recovery pace and see how my shin reacts. Kevin is leaning toward an 8 minute pace.

The 50K will start at 12:01 AM and the 25K at 12:10 and it is chipped timed, but the chip is different than I have used before. It is flat and secured to the shoe with twist ties.

As race time approached the 50K runners lined up: the start was delayed a couple minutes awaiting the TV crew. Upon their arrival, the announcer shouted, “3, 2, 1, GO!!!” The crowd cheered them on and with in a few minutes we were right behind them.

As we left the race area behind we were followed by a cloud of gravel dust. The midnight race had begun.

Immediately I picked up the pace, a much faster clip that I had planned; Kevin mentioned that I was no going out as slow as I had professed.

Portions of the 3.1 mile loop were arranged such that runners could see each other from both directions.

My Garmin revealed a low 8 minute pace. It felt good.

My flashlight was handy especially during the first loop. Some areas were lit well by the moon but others were covered by a blanket of trees thus it at times it was very dark.

I am not sure if it was the darkness but the ground seemed to be moving by much quicker than usual while running an 8 minute pace.

As we approached the first hairpin turn (somewhere near the 1.25 mile mark) we could see the 50K runners and the lead 25K runners going in the other direction. There was a cheer squad at the turn to help keep us alert and realize that we needed to quickly turn around.

Soon, within another half mile, we exited in to a wooded area which eventually ran parallel with University Blvd. Even though we were in a secluded park the city was still within a stones throw.

We approached the first aid station (about mile 2). I grabbed a Nuun (the official drink of the race). Well, this is the first electrolyte drink that I didn’t like. It reminded me of Alka Seltzer. I suppose it is an acquired taste.

Upon exiting the first aid stop we entered another wooded area. The 8 minute pace still felt good.

The trail displayed many twists and turns and soon we began to enter the starting area.

The first 3.1 mile loop was complete after 27 minutes (the last 1 ½ miles were close to an 8 minute pace). I grabbed another Nuun. This time I almost gagged on it.

We kept up the pace and as we completed the 2 loop (about 25 minutes) I told Kevin that I didn’t think I could maintain this pace for the remainder of the race. It was beginning to get tough. I underestimated the heat: it was probably close to 90 degrees but I thought that the lack of sunshine would make running in the heat much easier: it certainly helped but I was soaked in sweat by the end of the second loop.

I dropped the pace a bit for the 3^rd loop. By now the runners were spread out except for the occasional group that were walking or running together. Aiming my flashlight to the left of a runner usually opened a path for me to go around.

As I approached the end of the 3^rd loop I grabbed another Nuun and choked it down. Now that I was past the half way point I began to feel slightly re-vitalized, especially about half way into the 4th loop. Ah, just 1 ½ loops to go.

With 1 loop to go I was ready to pick up the pace. Runners were competing for position and there was one male and female runner that continued to challenge me. As I approached the final half mile she overtook me but I: with the finish line almost in sight another runner passed me: Kevin was waiting and began to run the last few hundred yards with me: I kicked into a sprint trying to catch the last guy that had just passed me. He crossed the line just a few steps ahead of me: all I needed was about 10 more feet to catch him. Oh well, poor strategy on my behalf.

We got out finisher metals and proceeded to the food court. I was excited, exhausted and soaked to the bone and GLAD to be finished.

Results: Pace 8:38

Official Time: 2:14:23

Overall : 27/222

Gender : 23/103

Summary

El Scorch was a real adventure. The 3.1 mile loops were not boring as I had expected. The loops were frequent enough to learn the course and if desired you could have retrieved your own fluids at the starting area upon completing each loop. I would definitely run this again and I might even consider the 50K.

Kevin is Bib# 216, I am behind him on the right wearing a Gray Boston Hat and Red Boston shirt.

July 4, 2008 Fireball Classic 10K Race Report

Event: Fireball Classic 10K, Wintersmith Park, Ada, Oklahoma

BD January 9, 1953

Age on Race day: 55

Goal pace: Tempo or MP

Bib# ???

Race Day

Kevin suggested this race to me a few weeks prior, however I was reluctant to try it since I had not done any speedwork since the Houston Marathon in January. I decided, however, that I would run the race in an effort to gage of my current conditioning since the coming week is the beginning of my NYC Marathon training.

Kevin, Julie and son Casey came by the house at 5:40AM and we made a caravan to Ada.

It must have rained north of Ardmore because the roads were quite wet and full of puddles.

We arrived at 6:40AM with more that enough time to register and use the facilities. Race time was at 7:30AM.

My wife signed up for the 5K walk and along with her, Steve, Deanne, Julie, Kevin and Casey, Ardmore was well represented.

The events were a 10K, 5K, 5K walk and a Kids sprint.

The sprint came first and Casey took the winners honors.

Now if the rest of us could only do that as well as Casey then it would be a great day.

Kevin and I looked over the course map: there were 2 tough hills; one comes early (about mile 2). The other is a MONSTER hill (about mile 4) and is every bit a mile long.

Kevin and I warmed up for a few blocks: the sun began to shine and there was no doubt it would be a warm and humid race.

The 10K starts first and runs in the opposite direction as the 5K. It is a 10K loop. The 5K is a double out and back.

7:30AM came and the 10K was off and running. The leaders took control very quickly and left everyone else behind. Kevin and Steve took the Ardmore lead and ran together for the first few miles. I passed Deanne around the 2 mile mark just before the first hill. She was running with the 4th overall female. As I passed I suggested that she keep her in sight. As the hill approached Deanne had no problem taking control.

As for myself, I ignored the mile marks and just ran on effort. Surprisingly each time I checked my Garmin I was near 7:45 to 7:55 pace. Under the conditions I felt good about my effort. I pulled the first hill with ease.

At this stage of the race I was securing my position, slowly picking off one runner at a time. I was wondering about the MONSTER hill that would be right around the corner.

As I turned the corner I got my first look at the MONSTER hill. Wow, it was huge and steep. I took advantage of the long decent and as I began the long climb up my pace slowed. I had been following the 3^rd place female runner since the beginning of the race. We were running an equal pace so I tried to stay with her. I hoped I would not be the one to fall back as we climbed the hill.

My slowing pace allowed a runner to pass me on the right side; the first runner to pass me since the early stages of the race. This would be an excellent strategy if he could pull it off. As he huffed and puffed up the hill the intense effort soon caught up with him. I passed him. Soon all I heard was him loosing his breakfast.

We were all maintaining position as we climbed upward. I focused on the road with only a few glances ahead. As I approached the peak I wondered if I had anything left for the remaining mile.

As I left the hill behind I felt my strength return and I was picking up my pace and still holding my position. I peeked behind me and saw that one runner was gaining on me. I needed to pick up the pace and keep the runners in front of me in sight.

The downhill slope was steep and the runners in front were not letting off. If I was going to maintain my position I would have to pick it up a notch. I found myself sprinting down the hill and on the edge of tripping. We were all moving FAST.

After one slight climb up we were back on an even steeper decent to the final quarter mile.

I had my place secured and held it to the end.

The sprint to the finish was exhilarating. Whew, what a fast finish.

Not that my finish time was anything to brag about but I did feel I had run a consistent effort which gives me confidence as I begin my next phase of Marathon training.

Afterwards, I ran back over the 5K course and walked with my wife as she finished her 5K walk. She did a great job.

Results: Pace 7:55

Official Time 49:14

Overall 15/77

Gender 13/45

Division 2/2

Overall WMA (age graded) 12

Summary

Ardmore stole the show; we all did great. Steve is the same age and as usual he beat me by a few minutes. When the awards were announced Steve received first place in our age group and I got second place. At that moment, the announcer said “That is all the results we have, that’s it”. I looked at Steve and said, “Did you heart that? There was no one else in our age group, and there are no other older age groups left. We were the oldest 10K runners.” I have been the only one in my age group before but I have never been the oldest. The next day I recalled that Steve had a birthday coming in August which makes him about 6 months older than me. The next day when I saw him I made sure he realized that HE was the oldest 10Ker at the race. Hehe…

Conclusion:

It was loads of fun and I would definitely run this race again.

June 1, 2008 Steamboat Springs Marathon Race Report

Event: Steamboat Springs Marathon, Steamboat Springs , Colorado

Starting Elevation:

Ending Elevation:

BD January 9, 1953

Age on Race day: 55

18^th Marathon since 1999

4^th Marathon during 2008

Best Marathon - Houston 2006, 3:33:25

Current Marathon Training pace – 7:48

Goal pace for Steamboat Springs Marathon – Mid 9’s, finish about 4 hours.

Bib#: 292

Training Summary

A few weeks before the Boston Marathon I learned that I would have a Business trip to Chicago and Colorado at the end of May. I had recently read an article in Marathon and Beyond about the Steamboat Springs Marathon in Colorado so I quickly checked the date and to my surprise it was scheduled for the weekend between my Chicago and Denver Trips. I quickly signed up. I would have 6 weeks, after Boston, to recover and train for Steamboat. My shortest time between Marathons was the 4 weeks between the 2003 NYC Marathon and the Dallas White Rock Marathon.

The Steamboat course is tough: it starts at 8500 ft above sea level and concludes at Steamboat which is 6500 ft. above seal level. Most of the decent occurs during the first half. Historically temperatures start n the mid 30’s and finish in the 70’s.

The past six weeks of training has been lack-luster and my legs have been tired and dead. My last 18 miler was difficult and my taper didn’t seem to help. Based on this I knew I would need to run conservatively and enjoy the scenery. A start-finish goal was in order.

The final week before Steamboat I was in Chicago and enjoyed running on Lake Shore and Burr Ridge Harvester Park.

Running along Lake Shore was a real treat. I think the excitement of running in different surroundings caused me to run a bit too fast. During this final taper week I should have been training at recovery pace. Instead I found myself running in the mid 8 range.

Friday, May 30, 2008

I was fortunate and was able to get an earlier flight out of Chicago and arrived in Denver at 4:00 PM instead of 5:30 PM. Upon acquiring the rent car we left Denver and began the 3 hour trip to Steamboat. In no time we were at an elevation of 11000 feet. Since I had not been to Colorado before I did no realize how quickly the elevation climbed as we drove west out of Denver.

We stopped for Dinner and finally arrived at Steamboat at 10:00 PM.

Our reservations were at the Alpine Rose B+B

Saturday, May 31, 2008

I was up and out the door for a 30 minute run by 8:15 AM. The temp’s were in the mid 40’s but the sun was very warm. I felt great. Afterwards we had a nice breakfast provided by our host.

The family is “Marathon Friendly”. Most are runners. They all planned on running the Half Marathon on Sunday.

After breakfast we went to Christy Sports to pick up my Bib packet. My wife decided to walk the 10K.

After picking up our packets we decided to drive the marathon course. As we drove toward the starting area we noticed that the mile markers were in place and some porta-potties have been set up.

The race starts at Hahns ???, an old historical mining town. All that exists today are some old shacks. The area was setup with about 10 porta-potties. It looks like everything is ready.

The ride back was very eye-opening. The grades down are very steep and seem to go on forever. My guess was we descended along a 5-7 degree grade for the first 5-7 miles.

My quads hurt just thinking about the decent. I will have to be very cautious in order to finish the race. As we drove back to Steamboat we passed many bicyclists climbing the hills. I was so impressed that they could ride such a long upward grade.

There was not a sponsored pasta-party so we went to???? Restaurant and had a nice carbo loading meal followed by a movie in an old theater. Downtown Steamboat was very busy all through the day and night. After the movie the town was still hopping.

I went to bed at 10:00 PM with the alarm set for 5:00 AM.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

I rested well and before I knew it the alarm sounded. I was up and moving and out of the house at 5:45 AM. The bus pickup area was just a few blocks down the road and needless to say I was one of the first to arrive. The brochure said that the first bus would leave about 6:00 AM... As we traveled up to Hans??? Village the bus became increasingly cold. I noticed that one of the windows was open. I was quivering from the cold. After we arrived I learned that the heater was right under the open window and the people near the heater were very hot. Most of us, however, were freezing from the open window.

Even though it was cold, today’s weather was supposed to reach the mid 80’s and considering the elevation, dehydration would be a real problem. My plan was to carry a bottle of Gatorade during the first half of the race and walk through the water stops.

Hans??? Village is on the east side of the road and protected by the mountains: with no sunshine the temperatures were near 35 degrees. It was actually warmer in the Porta potties. A few of us noticed that some runners had crossed to the other side of the road where the sun was shining. We took refuge there and soon all the runners were joining us.

As race time approached the air temperature was very comfortable. I packed my sweat pants and shirt and dropped them off at the bus (for pickup after the race) and moved toward the starting line.

As I stood there I noticed Amos (a friend); I was surprised to see her as I had no idea she would be here. We wished each other well.

Before I knew it the starter gun blasted and we were running back to Steamboat.

The race starts off flat for the first mile or so and then begins to take a long 5-7 degree decent for the next few miles. I held back so as not to go out too fast. Runners were passing me like I was standing still. Based on my experiences with Boston, I felt that the quick decent would soon catch up with most of the runners.

It would have been very easy to run fast, much faster that I was running, but I was trying to be careful not to over do it. Since I had no experience running in the altitude, my plan was to run a conservative, enjoy the scenery, start-finish race. Still, it was difficult to watch so many runners pass me in the early stages of the race.

The water stops were every few miles and well stocked. It was easy to grab water/Gatorade without having to negotiate a long line.

We ran on the left side of the road and controlled most of the left lane. The few vehicles that came along easily moved to the right hand lane. There was only a few times when race volunteers directed traffic. And the spectators were so few that I could have counted them all on one hand.

The scenery was nothing short of fantastic. There were still piles of snow in the shaded areas along the side of the road and of course the mountain peaks were a shiny white. At one water stop there were lamas within reach.

The half way point is where the half marathon started and it is a perfect place for a potty stop (since there were at least 10 stalls). I found a vacancy and was quickly relieved.

The downhill descents were difficult and there were times that I prayed for a flat section or even a hill.

Some time around mile 15 the runners began to spread out. There were no groups of runners, just individuals trying to finish. A few times I would pass one sitting on the side of the road, exhausted. But only a few, it became clear to me that all those fast runners were not slowing down much. I was not catching up like I had anticipated.

We were patrolled by bicyclists. They would ride up the hills then back down at incredible speeds These folks, runners and bicyclists alike, are strong: no doubt about it. Train on these hills and you will be in great condition for the most challenging race.

When mile 20 arrived, I didn't experience the wall and I was relieved to have made it this far. At mile 23 I felt recharged and kept thinking “only a 5K left”. It was at this stage that those that had found the wall were really struggling. My conservative plan was paying off.

The last few miles are along Highway???. The Sunday traffic was crowded. We were now running on the shoulder. No spectators: just typical Sunday traffic. A cheering crowd would have surely helped.

As I approached the finish line (they repeat your name over the PA system) I merged in with the kids run which would have been frustrating if I was looking for a fast time. Instead I just ran around the kids. No problem.

I crossed the finish line feeling good but slow. I had not run a marathon this slow since my first marathon in 1999.

Within a few minutes one of the volunteers presented me with my personal results printout. I was impressed that they found me and was able to produce such quick results without Championchip timing. And to think, some races mess it up when they have Championchip timing. This was a fine example of how to keeps things simple yet accurate.

The post race feed was nice, the served Subway sandwiches and water.

This was a great race and I had a blast but this is by far one of the most difficult marathons I have ever run.

The winner clocked a finish time of 2:36:02

Results:

Pace 10:05

Official Time 4:24:00

Overall 170/315

Gender 122/184

Division Male (50-59) 17/36

Summary

I had a blast and highly recommend this race. Just be careful, the locals are “STRONG”.

April 21, 2008 Boston Marathon Race Report

I qualified for Boston at the Chevron Houston Marathon, January 13^th, 2008 with a qualifying time of 3:33:59, roughly an 8:08 pace.

Age: 55, BD January 9, 1953
17^th Marathon since 1999.
Best Marathon – Houston 2006, 3:33:25
Current Marathon Training pace – 7:48
Goal pace for Boston – 8:35
Boston Bib#: 13285

Wave #`, Corral #13.

Training Summary

I spent 24 weeks training for the 2008 Houston Chevron Marathon with t hopes of setting a sub-3:30 marathon. But it was not to be. I ran my first ultra a few weeks after Houston along with a ½ Marathon at Ft. Worth and the Red Bud Classic 10K in Oklahoma City. All the while I was nursing shin splints on my right shin, so with Boston on the Horizon and the need for both physical and mental recovery I decided to run Boston at a more negotiable pace.

My main goal was to meet some friends, enjoy the race and see how close I could come to a 3:40 finish.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Today was my final run before traveling to Boston. 7 miles with 2 at MP. I skipped the MP and concentrated on a training run. My right shins and hamstring were still causing problems.

The weather predictions for April 21^st look good, 46 degrees and 40% chance of light rain, 10-15mph headwind.

Thursday April 17, 2008

Another rest day and time to pack.

Friday, April 18, 2008

We left for DFW at 6:00 AM for an early morning flight, a major storm had just come through and the skies were ominous. When we arrived at the airport we boarded the shuttle and meet a guy from Plano, Texas (a suburb of Dallas) named Jeff. He was also on his way to Boston. It turned out that we were all on the same flight plan.

The flight leaving Dallas was delayed and it was sleeting when we arrived for our layover in St. Louis.

The St Louis flight to Boston was also delayed; the flight crew was late. Considering the flight delays it was amazing that we arrived in Boston 10 minutes early.

We took the “T” to the Hynes Convention Center “T” station, got settled into our room and preceded to the expo.

I gave btb 1490 a call and arranged to meet him at the “10000” Packet pickup station. It was great to meet Bob and CNYRunner (she was in the booth next to Bob). TV cameras followed me around the packet pick up area. Maybe I looked more like an elite runner that I realized? No, not quite.

After meeting Bob I gathered up my Boston Technical shirt and made a quick tour through the expo. Afterwards we went to the Cheesecake Factory at the Prudential Center for a late dinner, and then it was time for bed.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

We got up early and grabbed a bagel and went back to the Expo to get more goodies. It was a successful morning since I was able to keep the spending down.

We made plans with Sue (norwor) and DH, Richard, to meet at the South Station (after Dana’s arrival) to spend the day at Rockport, a costal town about an hour to the east of Boston. Sue and Richard picked us up about noon and we were ready for a pleasant afternoon.

Rockport is a quaint town nestled on the coast of Massachusetts. We visited on a nice day before the main tourist season and had lunch with a view of the ocean.

Years ago granite was mined nearby and sent to NYC for construction purposes. We saw the old quarries along with beautiful sights of the ocean. It really made for a relaxing afternoon.

Upon returning to Boston Dana went back to our room while we proceeded to the Boomer gathering at Amanda and Nate's apartment.

It was a thrill to meet so many Boomer/Masters runners in person. The food and the company were second to none and as usual Boston Hospitality made us feel very welcome.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

I was up at 6:30 AM and was quickly on my way to btb 1490’s house where a Boomer gathering was preparing to watch the Women’s Olympic Trials. Again, the food and company were great. After a quick breakfast and Duncan Donut Coffee we left for a quick walk to the starting line. A few boomers went straight to the planned viewing area.

After the start of the trials we all met and watched the rest of the race together.

These women were awesome. It was amazing to watch them in motion.

This is what it looks like to be an elite runner. #43 held the lead during most of the race until Deena Castor decided that it was time to make her move. She sprinted by like she had tons o horse power to spare and easily held the lead. #43 maintained her second place position. The real race was between 4^th and 5^th place.

The crowd hollered “Joanie”, Joanie”, Joanie” every time Joan Samuelson passed by. At 50 she can still put most Male and Female runners to shame.

We hung around until the last woman ran by then it was time for me to run a few miles and rest for tomorrows big day.

Later that evening a bunch of us met at the Starbucks near the Big Top for the Pasta meal.

I was interviewed again (I am not sure by whom). We sat outside in the cold wind: the food was fine but the company was better. We have had the pasta meal the last three years and it was always cold/windy and wet, so, I think we will fine a restaurant next year.

Later that night I watched the weather report and it looks like a perfect running day ahead of us: 48 degrees at Hopkinton at 10:00 AM, 58 degrees at Heartbreak hill at 1:00PM. and 53 degrees in Boston: 10-15mph headwind and partly cloudy: slight chance of rain.

PERFECT

I hit the sack at 11:30 PM but nerves kept me awake: I think I slept about 4 hours.

BRING IT ON!!!!!!!

Monday, April 21, 2008

It was Monday morning and time for another BIG day in Boston.

The alarm went off at 4:30 AM, time for a bagel, water, and a nice hot shower. It was overcast and a cold 43 degrees while I walked to the Hynes Convention Center “T” stop. I traveled to the Park Street “T” stop and meet a couple of friends from Ardmore at 6:00 AM. We rode the bus to Hopkinton together.

The trip to Hopkinton was long and filled with excitement and anticipation. Everyone wondered what the day would bring.

The busses dropped us off at the Athletes Village: we quickly found the porta-potties and then discovered a nice comfortable spot under the tent.

It was COLD: shivering COLD. I planned on wearing a singlet but decided to change to a running “T”. We wondered if it would remain overcast during the entire race instead of the predicted partly cloudy skies. Would it ever warm up?

Time sped by and by 9:00 AM we were walking toward the starting corrals. After one last potty stop we found our way to the corrals. At the place it the road where you turn right (toward the start) or left (toward the last few corrals) we came across another Ardmore runner. All four of us were now present and accounted. Not a bad representation from a small town of 23.5K.

The National Anthem was sung, then gun sounded and we were heading toward another great adventure.

The 2008 Boston Marathon had begun for the second wave .

Mile 1 Split 8:34

Mile 2 Split 8:30

Mile 3 Split 8:20

Mile 4 Split 9:16

Mile 5 Split 8:21

It took a few miles to maintain a consistent pace and my mantra was: “Maintain Pace, not too fast”. The last thing to do here is to power down the hills. I concentrated on 3 steps a second and of course “hi-fiven” the kids.

Mile 6 Split 8:16

Saw Bob, btb, hee looked great and having fun. We ran a few hunfred yards together and then he sprinted ahead an took a picture.

Mile 7 Split 8:48

Mile 8 Split 8:29

Mile 9 Split 8:30

Mile 10 Split 8:39

I am in a groove now and feeling great. The crowds are so much larger than last year and it feels like they are making up for lost time. I feel great. At mile 6 I reach for my first PowerGel. I am drinking a lot: seems more than usual.

Mile 11 Split 8:30

Mile 12 Split 8:36

Come on Wellesley!!!!, I can hear them from almost a half mile away. As I pass by I tell another runner, “If this can’t get your adrenaline up, then nothing can”.

Mile 13 Split 8:15

Time for PowerGel #2.

Mile 14 Split 8:24

Now my mind is concentrating on catching my family at the Woodlands. I stay to the right. Hi fives are the name of the game.

A couple of times I hear someone call my first and last name. It must have been someone from Ardmore looking for their family.

I can’t count the times I have heard my first name…And I can’t count the times I have heard “Go Izzy”. Izzy is right behind me.

I just realized no shin problem today. YES!!!

Mile 15 Split 8:40

Mile 16 Split 8:29

As I continue to move on toward the Woodlands I concentrate on watching the crowd to my right when suddenly I see Dana (DH) and my DW, A quick smile and I am on my way up the Newton Hills.

Legs don’t fail me now.

Mile 17 Split 8:44

Mile 18 Split 8:28

Mile 19 Split 8:47

I feel great as I climb the hills. I have been here before and know what to expect. Just get over Heartbreak then I am home free.

I move to the left side of the road and am trying to find the Boomer crowd.

Mile 20 Split 8:45

The Hills are behind me but I never found the Boomer crowd, Sorry, it sure would have been nice.

PowerGel #3

Mile 21 Split 8:01

The Boston College students seem louder than previous years and this is where I have the best of times. Hi-fives by the dozens and it feels like my name is being chanted as I pass.

The adrenaline rush helps over shadow the right hamstring cramp that is starting to appear.

Mile 22 Split 8:59

Mile 23 Split 10:16

I am feeling great when all of a sudden that hamstring cramps and stops me dead in my tracks right nest to a Light post. I stopped, bent over and began massaging it. A girl walked up to me with a pitiful look, “Can I do something for you”. She handed me some water and I pulled out one more PowerGel. I thanked her and almost felt worse for her than myself.

Time to try and move on.

Mile 24 Split 9:14

I have managed to get back to a reasonable pace and the cramp and its affects have passed. I am back in the groove.

Mile 25 Split 8:29

Feeling good and picking up the pace, YES!!!!

Mile 26.2 Split 9:55(8:16 pace)

I make the last turn to the finish line and see Dana reaching her hand out over the fence. Then, that stinking cramp starts to come back. I guess I should have no picked up the pace.

Now all I want to do is get across the finish line with out walking. I slow down and anyone could tell that my right leg was giving ne a problem.

I thought to myself, just get across the line. Just get to the finish and hold off this cramp.

Yes…..finally, I made it across and then the cramp fades away.

Results: Pace 8:44

Official Time:3:48:47

Overall :11677

Gender :8255

Division :1459

IT WAS A GREAT DAY!!!!!

Summary

Like they say…it is the journey not the final destination and Boston is just a BIG part of the Journey for me of which I am privileged to participate. For me, participating in this event is second to none. The experience makes you feel like a King,

Thanks to everyone for helping me get here and special thanks to Sue and Richard, Bob, Craig and Harriet (Amanda and Nate) and the rest of the gang.

And above all…remember….Have FUN!!!!!