I may post this video after every single marathon I run because it is positively the funniest video ever about how you feel the day after a race:
Actually, I've been rather surprised at how good I've felt after running 50 miles. I'm certainly no more sore than after a marathon, probably because of the slower pace.
This video described me perfectly on Sunday. I felt slightly better on Monday. By Wednesday I was back to normal. But I definitely had my moments where it hurt to put on socks.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sand Hollow Marathon and My First Ultramarathon
After Mel broke her elbows I was heartbroken about not being about to run my first 50 miler. But a big, fat, enormous light bulb went off after I backed out. I remembered that the Sand Hollow Marathon was on Saturday. This inaugural marathon starts one mile from my house. PERFECT!!!!!!
I told my friends Karrie and Cherie that I would be joining them for the marathon and they sent me the sweetest messages. They said that they would help support me and help take care of Mel if I wanted to run more after the marathon to get up to 50 miles. Their kindness made me cry.
It got me thinking that maybe I could turn this into my first impromptu ultramarathon. Instead of running during the day I decided I wouldn't go to sleep and I would run 24 miles through the night, finish right before the start of the marathon, then run the marathon. I even saw friends Bill and Michelle at 12:30am who volunteered at an aid station a few hours later!
To be honest, the 24 miles in the middle of the night were miserable. The only thing I had eaten that day was a McDonalds breakfast combo and a piece of lasagna. Combined with no sleep, it felt like I hit the wall before I even started. But I survived the first 24 miles:
I had an hour before the marathon started so I changed clothes and hoped to eat a little. Unfortunately my stomach felt SO ultra-nauseous. I managed to gag down half a banana but knew that wasn't much fuel to get me through a marathon. I was almost positive I would be barfing by mile 2.
I counted 14 friends who also ran this marathon. It was fun to meet up with them before the race. Cherie, one of the instigators of my 50 miler showed off the big 50:
I hung out at the starting line with the other 68 marathon runners and the weather was overcast but felt perfect.
Then I saw Gladiator and Batman running and had to snap a picture! I ran a few miles with them and we laughed about race costume stories. I found out Batman likes green Gatorade.
I really enjoyed running with Alex & Cherie (far left) and Shane & Karrie (3rd and 4th). For Alex and Cherie, this was their first marathon. Excited.....yep.
I was complemented by a race photographer at mile 8 who said I "caught some serious air" when I jumped for a picture. The clouds made for some cool pictures. I couldn't resist this scenery with Batman and Gladiator:
On the way down Nemesis Hill I had to slow down because the hill was so steep that it was grinding my knees. No detail of race preparation was overlooked. They even covered the cattle guards going down Nemesis:
I award three thumbs up for the awesome sidewalk chalk picture we got to run past:
Race director Jason Smith designed a challenging and beautiful course. His race went off without a hitch, even more impressive since it was the inaugural year. The aid station volunteers were absolutely incredible. Despite the freezing rain they were so enthusiastic and cheerful. I was so thankful for their help and tried to personally tell each of them.
I loved the out-and-back course. I think it's fun to see the faster people coming from the other direction and cheering them on. You can't miss Nemesis on the elevation profile:
By mile 13 the winds had picked up and it was pouring rain. I was soaked to the core and freezing cold. Then an angel showed up in a pickup truck - carrying a garbage bag. I could have hugged her. Even though I was already soaked, the bag helped block the wind and keep me a little warmer. I felt so happy and thankful that my eyes got teary. (I found out later that it was the race director's wife. Thank you!!!!)
Finally it was time to go up Nemesis. Even though it was mile 18 on the course, I had already run 42 miles. And, unsurprisingly, I felt like I had run 42 miles.The whole no-sleep-for-a-few-days thing was catching up to me.
Toward the end the runners got pretty spread out from each other. I ran many, many miles where I didn't see anyone else in front of me and only occasionally saw another runner on the horizon behind me. I had a slow mile getting up Nemesis and there was a port-o-potty at the top. I hung out in there for a minute....not to go to the bathroom but to have a few moments out of the rain.
Those last six miles were challenging. I felt completely out of gas. But I also felt so happy that I was on the verge of completing my first 50 miler (Mel suggested I call it the "24+26 Ultramarathon"). Mel, my awesome mother-in-law Marie, and Jackson met me at mile 25 (or mile 49) and I was overjoyed to see them.
Jackson ran the last mile in the rain with me and we crossed the finish line together. I even managed to jump across the finish line of my first 50 miler. A medal was placed around my neck and it happens to be my favorite race medal ever. This puppy is big! Another three thumbs up for race organization and the fat bling to go around finisher's necks.
I finished the marathon in 5 hours & 24 minutes! We went inside the Hurricane Community Center to get some post-race food. My favorite was these little morsels of heaven:
I was quivering from being so cold but was so happy for what I had accomplished and so thankful my family could be there. I realized that Mel may have saved my life by breaking her elbows. I may have died if I had run the 100 miler. I realized after I crossed the finish line that things worked out the way they needed to. I feel so, so blessed.
"I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."
~ John Hanc
I told my friends Karrie and Cherie that I would be joining them for the marathon and they sent me the sweetest messages. They said that they would help support me and help take care of Mel if I wanted to run more after the marathon to get up to 50 miles. Their kindness made me cry.
It got me thinking that maybe I could turn this into my first impromptu ultramarathon. Instead of running during the day I decided I wouldn't go to sleep and I would run 24 miles through the night, finish right before the start of the marathon, then run the marathon. I even saw friends Bill and Michelle at 12:30am who volunteered at an aid station a few hours later!
To be honest, the 24 miles in the middle of the night were miserable. The only thing I had eaten that day was a McDonalds breakfast combo and a piece of lasagna. Combined with no sleep, it felt like I hit the wall before I even started. But I survived the first 24 miles:
I had an hour before the marathon started so I changed clothes and hoped to eat a little. Unfortunately my stomach felt SO ultra-nauseous. I managed to gag down half a banana but knew that wasn't much fuel to get me through a marathon. I was almost positive I would be barfing by mile 2.
I counted 14 friends who also ran this marathon. It was fun to meet up with them before the race. Cherie, one of the instigators of my 50 miler showed off the big 50:
I hung out at the starting line with the other 68 marathon runners and the weather was overcast but felt perfect.
Then I saw Gladiator and Batman running and had to snap a picture! I ran a few miles with them and we laughed about race costume stories. I found out Batman likes green Gatorade.
I really enjoyed running with Alex & Cherie (far left) and Shane & Karrie (3rd and 4th). For Alex and Cherie, this was their first marathon. Excited.....yep.
I was complemented by a race photographer at mile 8 who said I "caught some serious air" when I jumped for a picture. The clouds made for some cool pictures. I couldn't resist this scenery with Batman and Gladiator:
On the way down Nemesis Hill I had to slow down because the hill was so steep that it was grinding my knees. No detail of race preparation was overlooked. They even covered the cattle guards going down Nemesis:
I award three thumbs up for the awesome sidewalk chalk picture we got to run past:
Race director Jason Smith designed a challenging and beautiful course. His race went off without a hitch, even more impressive since it was the inaugural year. The aid station volunteers were absolutely incredible. Despite the freezing rain they were so enthusiastic and cheerful. I was so thankful for their help and tried to personally tell each of them.
I loved the out-and-back course. I think it's fun to see the faster people coming from the other direction and cheering them on. You can't miss Nemesis on the elevation profile:
By mile 13 the winds had picked up and it was pouring rain. I was soaked to the core and freezing cold. Then an angel showed up in a pickup truck - carrying a garbage bag. I could have hugged her. Even though I was already soaked, the bag helped block the wind and keep me a little warmer. I felt so happy and thankful that my eyes got teary. (I found out later that it was the race director's wife. Thank you!!!!)
Finally it was time to go up Nemesis. Even though it was mile 18 on the course, I had already run 42 miles. And, unsurprisingly, I felt like I had run 42 miles.The whole no-sleep-for-a-few-days thing was catching up to me.
Toward the end the runners got pretty spread out from each other. I ran many, many miles where I didn't see anyone else in front of me and only occasionally saw another runner on the horizon behind me. I had a slow mile getting up Nemesis and there was a port-o-potty at the top. I hung out in there for a minute....not to go to the bathroom but to have a few moments out of the rain.
Those last six miles were challenging. I felt completely out of gas. But I also felt so happy that I was on the verge of completing my first 50 miler (Mel suggested I call it the "24+26 Ultramarathon"). Mel, my awesome mother-in-law Marie, and Jackson met me at mile 25 (or mile 49) and I was overjoyed to see them.
Jackson ran the last mile in the rain with me and we crossed the finish line together. I even managed to jump across the finish line of my first 50 miler. A medal was placed around my neck and it happens to be my favorite race medal ever. This puppy is big! Another three thumbs up for race organization and the fat bling to go around finisher's necks.
I finished the marathon in 5 hours & 24 minutes! We went inside the Hurricane Community Center to get some post-race food. My favorite was these little morsels of heaven:
I was quivering from being so cold but was so happy for what I had accomplished and so thankful my family could be there. I realized that Mel may have saved my life by breaking her elbows. I may have died if I had run the 100 miler. I realized after I crossed the finish line that things worked out the way they needed to. I feel so, so blessed.
"I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."
~ John Hanc
My Journey To The Ultramarathon
My first ultramarathon was coming up in a few short days. I was psyched. I was pumped. I couldn't wait for the 100 mile race. I had a good supply of junk food for my drop bags to get me through 50 miles:
And then the day we were leaving for Salt Lake I got a call from my wife. I couldn't understand much of what she said because she was crying but I could hear that she fell and thought she broke both arms. Then the phone disconnected.
I rushed from work to meet her at Instacare and sure enough, she had broken bones. She broke not one elbow....but BOTH elbows! She was in lots of pain but was reassured that she should start feeling better in a few days. We had a doctors appointment scheduled for my daughter in Salt Lake that we knew was important so we decided to make the trek to Salt Lake.
Believe it or not, you become pretty helpless with two broken elbows. Just imagine trying to do anything without moving your arms. The girls fed Mel a Subway sandwich while we drove:
I couldn't help pulling over on the side of the freeway to take pictures of an incredible sunset as the sun faded away. I also had a hunch that my plans to do the ultramarathon may be fading away as well.
I eventually decided that due to everything going on, I would have to drop back to my original plan of running the 50 miler for two reasons: 1) Mel now wouldn't be able to drive us home after the race and I wasn't sure I'd be conscious enough to drive 4+ hours after 100 miles, and 2) I would be in no condition to take care of her after running that far. She would have needed to be taking care of me.
My amazing mom said she could help care for her while I did the Buffalo Run 50 miler. We made a quick trip to Antelope Island where the race was being held and even managed to see a buffalo!
Mel's pain level continued to increase during the night and we concluded that she would go back to Hurricane where her mom could help her try to get into an orthopedic doctor. She was blessed to be able to get into a good doctor Thursday night who said there was enough damage that she would need surgery the next morning. Needing surgery was the final straw. I packed up and came home to take care of her.
I was simply heartbroken. I felt so sad for Mel. And I was sick to my stomach that after training so hard for the last 5 months, I had to drop out of the race. I didn't throw myself a Pity Party. I threw myself a Pity 3 Ring Circus, complete with jugglers, bearded women, and dozens of creepy clowns that pile out of a tiny car.
I fully believe that everything happens for a reason. Without a doubt. But I was a little ticked that God was messing up all the plans I had made. I felt so discouraged about the whole situation.
Fortunately it didn't take me long to realize that things really did work out the way they were supposed to.
Stay tuned for the conclusion of my ultramarathon journey.
And then the day we were leaving for Salt Lake I got a call from my wife. I couldn't understand much of what she said because she was crying but I could hear that she fell and thought she broke both arms. Then the phone disconnected.
I rushed from work to meet her at Instacare and sure enough, she had broken bones. She broke not one elbow....but BOTH elbows! She was in lots of pain but was reassured that she should start feeling better in a few days. We had a doctors appointment scheduled for my daughter in Salt Lake that we knew was important so we decided to make the trek to Salt Lake.
Believe it or not, you become pretty helpless with two broken elbows. Just imagine trying to do anything without moving your arms. The girls fed Mel a Subway sandwich while we drove:
I couldn't help pulling over on the side of the freeway to take pictures of an incredible sunset as the sun faded away. I also had a hunch that my plans to do the ultramarathon may be fading away as well.
I eventually decided that due to everything going on, I would have to drop back to my original plan of running the 50 miler for two reasons: 1) Mel now wouldn't be able to drive us home after the race and I wasn't sure I'd be conscious enough to drive 4+ hours after 100 miles, and 2) I would be in no condition to take care of her after running that far. She would have needed to be taking care of me.
My amazing mom said she could help care for her while I did the Buffalo Run 50 miler. We made a quick trip to Antelope Island where the race was being held and even managed to see a buffalo!
Mel's pain level continued to increase during the night and we concluded that she would go back to Hurricane where her mom could help her try to get into an orthopedic doctor. She was blessed to be able to get into a good doctor Thursday night who said there was enough damage that she would need surgery the next morning. Needing surgery was the final straw. I packed up and came home to take care of her.
I was simply heartbroken. I felt so sad for Mel. And I was sick to my stomach that after training so hard for the last 5 months, I had to drop out of the race. I didn't throw myself a Pity Party. I threw myself a Pity 3 Ring Circus, complete with jugglers, bearded women, and dozens of creepy clowns that pile out of a tiny car.
I fully believe that everything happens for a reason. Without a doubt. But I was a little ticked that God was messing up all the plans I had made. I felt so discouraged about the whole situation.
Fortunately it didn't take me long to realize that things really did work out the way they were supposed to.
Stay tuned for the conclusion of my ultramarathon journey.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Mental Side Of Racing
I’ve heard that the first half of an ultramarathon is physical and the second half is mental. I’ve heard that ultra runners have some very high highs and some very low lows. I know there will be times when I will want to quit. I will feel like I cannot possibly walk one more step. One ultrarunner told me "Just go and have fun, and never listen to what that voice inside your head is telling you after mile 50."
I am going to work very hard on staying positive and not getting overwhelmed by how much more I have to run. Going 100 miles is too daunting so I will break it into chunks. I am going to work on just getting to the next aid station. I’m going to write out a few reminders I can pull out during my low times:
I am going to work very hard on staying positive and not getting overwhelmed by how much more I have to run. Going 100 miles is too daunting so I will break it into chunks. I am going to work on just getting to the next aid station. I’m going to write out a few reminders I can pull out during my low times:
- Have fun! Make this a positive experience!
- Consider this a 100 mile photography adventure!
- If it feels like work, you're working too hard!
- Whatever happens, you will have a cool story to tell!
- Come what may, and love it!
- Pain is temporary, pride is forever!
- Focus on making relentless forward motion!
- I CAN DO HARD THINGS!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
I Hope Hallucinations Are Funny
I have been reading a book called “Running Through The Wall: Experiences With The Ultramarathon” which is full of personal stories of race experiences. One guy wrote about being so upset during an ultra when he saw that a fence had been put right across the trail. He was livid at the race director for putting a fence across the trail. He was relieved that the fence started to evaporate when he got closer. Later he saw a grand piano do the crabwalk across the trail.
Let the hallucinations begin! I hope that if I do indeed go nuts during the ultramarathon, my hallucinations allow me to fly for a while during the race. I would also enjoy being able to run a few miles with Chris Farley. Now that would be funny! He would keep me laughing the whole time. I hope my hallucinations won’t mind that he died a few years ago.
Let the hallucinations begin! I hope that if I do indeed go nuts during the ultramarathon, my hallucinations allow me to fly for a while during the race. I would also enjoy being able to run a few miles with Chris Farley. Now that would be funny! He would keep me laughing the whole time. I hope my hallucinations won’t mind that he died a few years ago.
Monday, March 21, 2011
What Scares Me About 100 Miles
I would be lying if I said there weren’t a few things I’m worried about with the upcoming 100 mile race. I’m all for honesty so I’ll fill you in on some of my fears:
I’m worried about the early dawn hours of Saturday morning after I’ve been running all night. Me and sleep deprivation do NOT get along well.
I’m worried that I will be too sick to eat or drink which could cause problems. But by darn, I’m planning to cross that finish line even if it means crawling the last 50 miles. If I can’t crawl, I’ll roll. If I can’t roll, I’ll beg someone to throw me in a wheelbarrow.
I would prefer to not go cuckoo (more cuckoo than usual).
I’m worried about the weather. Current forecast, depending on where you look, isn’t so awesome. If you’re lucky it will just be rainy. If you’re unlucky, rain and snow. Booo! I’m not a fan of running in mud. My sister and her family took this picture near the location of the race. This is her sons BOOT buried in the mud. Please, no.
My friend Carol who is also doing the 100 miler gave some good advice as we started to fret about the weather: “Come what may, and love it.” I plan to follow that advice.
I’m worried about the early dawn hours of Saturday morning after I’ve been running all night. Me and sleep deprivation do NOT get along well.
I’m worried that I will be too sick to eat or drink which could cause problems. But by darn, I’m planning to cross that finish line even if it means crawling the last 50 miles. If I can’t crawl, I’ll roll. If I can’t roll, I’ll beg someone to throw me in a wheelbarrow.
I would prefer to not go cuckoo (more cuckoo than usual).
I’m worried about the weather. Current forecast, depending on where you look, isn’t so awesome. If you’re lucky it will just be rainy. If you’re unlucky, rain and snow. Booo! I’m not a fan of running in mud. My sister and her family took this picture near the location of the race. This is her sons BOOT buried in the mud. Please, no.
My friend Carol who is also doing the 100 miler gave some good advice as we started to fret about the weather: “Come what may, and love it.” I plan to follow that advice.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
If You're A Praying Person....
Monday, March 14th 2011: 5 miles @ 10:44 minutes per mile pace. I left for the run at about 9:30pm and had a bit of a hard time keeping down the Totinos pizza I ate an hour beforehand. Thankfully no pizza ended up on the sidewalk.
Tuesday, March 15th 2011: A positively life-changing moment: I changed from the 50 mile race next week to the 100 MILE RACE next week. I have had perma-butterflies-in-my-stomach ever since.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011: 10 miles @ 10:30 minutes per mile pace. My 10 milers on the Arizona Strip dirt road have become a steady routine over the last 4 months. I had half the run done before the sun came up and the temperature was great. Just barely cold enough to wear arm warmers. (Please - try not to become jealous of my insanely enormous biceps. If you lift weights exactly zero hours per week you can have big python arms like me too.)
Thursday, March 17th 2011: Rest.
Friday, March 18th 2011: Rest. I'm loving this taper week.
Saturday, March 19th 2011: 8 miles @ 10:00 minutes per mile pace. I bought a new hydration pack for the Buffalo Run and used it on this run. I ended up dumping out the water after 4 miles. (Well, the remainder of the water that hadn't already leaked all the way down my back.)
I ended up spending a few extra bucks to get a good pack that is much more comfortable and doesn't leak: a Camelbak Rogue:
I haven't been able to sleep very good since switching to the 100 miler. I feel so excited and nervous. The race starts in less than 5 (FIVE!!!!!!!) days. If you're a praying person, I'd appreciate a quick prayer that I don't die. BRING ON THE BUFFALO RUN!
"At the start of races 50 miles or longer, most people have the spirit of We’re about to embark on an adventure. At the finish, regardless of how we place, we’re all equals because we have finished a grand adventure." ~ Kami Semick
Tuesday, March 15th 2011: A positively life-changing moment: I changed from the 50 mile race next week to the 100 MILE RACE next week. I have had perma-butterflies-in-my-stomach ever since.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011: 10 miles @ 10:30 minutes per mile pace. My 10 milers on the Arizona Strip dirt road have become a steady routine over the last 4 months. I had half the run done before the sun came up and the temperature was great. Just barely cold enough to wear arm warmers. (Please - try not to become jealous of my insanely enormous biceps. If you lift weights exactly zero hours per week you can have big python arms like me too.)
Thursday, March 17th 2011: Rest.
Friday, March 18th 2011: Rest. I'm loving this taper week.
Saturday, March 19th 2011: 8 miles @ 10:00 minutes per mile pace. I bought a new hydration pack for the Buffalo Run and used it on this run. I ended up dumping out the water after 4 miles. (Well, the remainder of the water that hadn't already leaked all the way down my back.)
I ended up spending a few extra bucks to get a good pack that is much more comfortable and doesn't leak: a Camelbak Rogue:
I haven't been able to sleep very good since switching to the 100 miler. I feel so excited and nervous. The race starts in less than 5 (FIVE!!!!!!!) days. If you're a praying person, I'd appreciate a quick prayer that I don't die. BRING ON THE BUFFALO RUN!
"At the start of races 50 miles or longer, most people have the spirit of We’re about to embark on an adventure. At the finish, regardless of how we place, we’re all equals because we have finished a grand adventure." ~ Kami Semick
Thursday, March 17, 2011
I'm Running (Gulp) 100 Miles!!!
I had a crazy thought as I was running a few days ago. I thought to myself:
"Self - you are feeling pretty good right now. You don't have any injuries. Maybe if you just took it easy and had fun with it, you could run 100 miles."
Then I thought to myself: "Self - I like your thinking! Run 100 miles....that sounds exciting!"
I took a picture at that very moment, just in case things actually developed the way I was thinking:
I emailed Jim, the race director of the Buffalo Run to see if it was possible to switch from the 50 miler to the 100 miler. And he said yes.
Keep in mind - this little event takes place next week. NEXT WEEK!!!!! (I just got serious butterflies in my stomach.)
The race starts Friday at noon and ends Saturday night. 30 hours straight of running. I'm going to have quite a story to tell after this one.....
"Self - you are feeling pretty good right now. You don't have any injuries. Maybe if you just took it easy and had fun with it, you could run 100 miles."
Then I thought to myself: "Self - I like your thinking! Run 100 miles....that sounds exciting!"
I took a picture at that very moment, just in case things actually developed the way I was thinking:
I emailed Jim, the race director of the Buffalo Run to see if it was possible to switch from the 50 miler to the 100 miler. And he said yes.
Keep in mind - this little event takes place next week. NEXT WEEK!!!!! (I just got serious butterflies in my stomach.)
The race starts Friday at noon and ends Saturday night. 30 hours straight of running. I'm going to have quite a story to tell after this one.....
Sunday, March 13, 2011
I Kissed Mother Earth
Monday, March 7th 2011: 9 miles @ 10:46 minutes per mile pace. I walked out the door at 5:00am and into a torrential downpour. Honestly - who, in their right mind, participates in a hobby which involves waking up at 5:00am to run for a few hours while wearing a large black garbage bag? Who? Who! I'll answer that for you - nobody. Nobody in their right mind does that. Which is why I was out at 5:00am in pouring rain wearing a garbage bag.
I had stuff going the next day so I decided to do the next day's run on Monday night: 4 miles @ 8:59 minutes per mile pace. I haven't done a tempo run on purpose in months (or years?) and was curious how I'd feel running at goal marathon pace for a few miles.
I really want to run under a 4 hour marathon someday which is around 9:09 per mile. But this run wasn't very encouraging. I was pooped by the end and couldn't imagine running another 22 miles like that. I'm not going to give up trying, but part of me wonders if this goal is a little out of reach.
Tuesday, March 8th 2011: Rest.
Wednesday, March 9th 2011: 13 miles @ 10:34 minutes per mile pace. I ran on the Arizona Strip dirt road which is equally challenging and beautiful.
There is one hill which is a real beast. I loathe it. I saw a car driving up it which gives a better perspective of how big the hill is:
The dirt road requires crossing two cattle guards. You earn bonus points if you don't sprain your ankle:
I put sunscreen on but still managed to get a little bit burned. That wasn't a surprise though. I can get a sunburn while standing inside. At night.
Thursday, March 10th 2011: 4 miles @ 10:53 minutes per mile pace. This was one of those I-Feel-Like-A-Slug days. My legs had no interest in moving. I had my taper planned for the upcoming ultra, but after today I think I'm going to taper my taper just to make sure I'm fully rested.
Friday, March 11th 2011: Rest.
Saturday, March 12th 2011: 9 miles @ 12:08 minutes per mile pace. I ran the Hurricane Rim trail which is technically challenging so my pace was slower. I ran into a few problems in the last mile of the run. First - I got a pretty good roll of the ankle. A word popped out of my mouth that shouldn't have popped out of my mouth as my knees hit the dirt. I think I fell before it did major damage though.
About five minutes later I was cruising down the trail when apparently I tripped on a rock. I had this strange realization that I was flying through the air, mid-flight, like I was sliding for home plate. It was the weirdest feeling to be airborne and know that I would be kissing Mother Earth a split second later.
And then I kissed Mother Earth. My knees got in on the action too. I was so angry. I grabbed a water bottle and spiked it to the ground. Then I felt a little better.
I was only a few minutes away from the car and decided I better walk back, considering my poor track record for the day. Next time I'm on a trail I plan to do better at staying vertical.
"I grew up believing that once you completed a marathon it was as if you had been sworn into a secret society. A society of runners who become sisters and brothers, bonded by blisters, chaffing, dehydration, cramping and intense pain! We will have endured the same rigorous path together."
~ Shalane Flanagan
I had stuff going the next day so I decided to do the next day's run on Monday night: 4 miles @ 8:59 minutes per mile pace. I haven't done a tempo run on purpose in months (or years?) and was curious how I'd feel running at goal marathon pace for a few miles.
I really want to run under a 4 hour marathon someday which is around 9:09 per mile. But this run wasn't very encouraging. I was pooped by the end and couldn't imagine running another 22 miles like that. I'm not going to give up trying, but part of me wonders if this goal is a little out of reach.
Tuesday, March 8th 2011: Rest.
Wednesday, March 9th 2011: 13 miles @ 10:34 minutes per mile pace. I ran on the Arizona Strip dirt road which is equally challenging and beautiful.
There is one hill which is a real beast. I loathe it. I saw a car driving up it which gives a better perspective of how big the hill is:
The dirt road requires crossing two cattle guards. You earn bonus points if you don't sprain your ankle:
I put sunscreen on but still managed to get a little bit burned. That wasn't a surprise though. I can get a sunburn while standing inside. At night.
Thursday, March 10th 2011: 4 miles @ 10:53 minutes per mile pace. This was one of those I-Feel-Like-A-Slug days. My legs had no interest in moving. I had my taper planned for the upcoming ultra, but after today I think I'm going to taper my taper just to make sure I'm fully rested.
Friday, March 11th 2011: Rest.
Saturday, March 12th 2011: 9 miles @ 12:08 minutes per mile pace. I ran the Hurricane Rim trail which is technically challenging so my pace was slower. I ran into a few problems in the last mile of the run. First - I got a pretty good roll of the ankle. A word popped out of my mouth that shouldn't have popped out of my mouth as my knees hit the dirt. I think I fell before it did major damage though.
About five minutes later I was cruising down the trail when apparently I tripped on a rock. I had this strange realization that I was flying through the air, mid-flight, like I was sliding for home plate. It was the weirdest feeling to be airborne and know that I would be kissing Mother Earth a split second later.
And then I kissed Mother Earth. My knees got in on the action too. I was so angry. I grabbed a water bottle and spiked it to the ground. Then I felt a little better.
I was only a few minutes away from the car and decided I better walk back, considering my poor track record for the day. Next time I'm on a trail I plan to do better at staying vertical.
"I grew up believing that once you completed a marathon it was as if you had been sworn into a secret society. A society of runners who become sisters and brothers, bonded by blisters, chaffing, dehydration, cramping and intense pain! We will have endured the same rigorous path together."
~ Shalane Flanagan
Friday, March 11, 2011
49 Twinkies
Last week I burned 49 Twinkies. (FORTY NINE!!!)
I ran 65 miles which is the most I have ever done in one week. So just for fun I added up how many calories I burned which totaled 7,381.
This is the equivalent of 49 Twinkies! Running helps justify my consumption of junk food. Typical thoughts I have throughout the day include:
Morning: "Mmmm, those cookies on the counter look amazing! Go ahead, have one. No, have two! I just ran eight miles!"
Afternoon: "Mountain Dew is not good for me. But I'm going to drink some anyway. After all, I ran eight miles this morning. Better grab that pack of Hostess donuts while I'm here at the gas station."
Evening: "Dang Gina, an Oreo Blizzard from Dairy Queen sounds incredible. Go for it. Remember, you ran eight miles this morning!"
Do you use running to justify bad habits?
I ran 65 miles which is the most I have ever done in one week. So just for fun I added up how many calories I burned which totaled 7,381.
This is the equivalent of 49 Twinkies! Running helps justify my consumption of junk food. Typical thoughts I have throughout the day include:
Morning: "Mmmm, those cookies on the counter look amazing! Go ahead, have one. No, have two! I just ran eight miles!"
Afternoon: "Mountain Dew is not good for me. But I'm going to drink some anyway. After all, I ran eight miles this morning. Better grab that pack of Hostess donuts while I'm here at the gas station."
Evening: "Dang Gina, an Oreo Blizzard from Dairy Queen sounds incredible. Go for it. Remember, you ran eight miles this morning!"
Do you use running to justify bad habits?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
My 50 Mile Training Plan
I felt a bit intimidated after signing up for the Buffalo Run, my first 50 miler coming up on March 26th. There are a ton of websites and books about marathon training, but not nearly as much about training for an ultramarathon. I looked around for training plans and found a few possibilities. My goal is simply to finish under the 12 hour cutoff so I chose one of the milder plans and mirrored my plan off of suggestions from the website http://www.scrunners.org/ultrasch.php
(Another EXCELLENT website with training for an ultramarathon is http://www.fitnessintuition.com/howtorun.htm )
The most interesting thing I learned about ultra training is that most plans recommend having the longest training run be around 30 miles. But most marathon training plans recommend a max of around 20 miles....and then you can make up the extra six miles on race day with the adrenaline (which is a lie - because those last six miles hurt).
I can see that if you're well-trained, you can just make up the extra six at the end of a marathon. But that is radically different than making up an extra TWENTY MILES to finish an ultramarathon. I am very interested to see what happens in those last 20 miles.
I made a few adjustments for races but I weekly mileage from sample training plans stayed the same. Here is my rookie 50 Mile training plan:
(Another EXCELLENT website with training for an ultramarathon is http://www.fitnessintuition.com/howtorun.htm )
The most interesting thing I learned about ultra training is that most plans recommend having the longest training run be around 30 miles. But most marathon training plans recommend a max of around 20 miles....and then you can make up the extra six miles on race day with the adrenaline (which is a lie - because those last six miles hurt).
I can see that if you're well-trained, you can just make up the extra six at the end of a marathon. But that is radically different than making up an extra TWENTY MILES to finish an ultramarathon. I am very interested to see what happens in those last 20 miles.
I made a few adjustments for races but I weekly mileage from sample training plans stayed the same. Here is my rookie 50 Mile training plan:
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
I just finished a book by Haruki Murakami called "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running". I liked it. It's different. It's a little random. It is basically just a collection of thoughts about some of his running experiences.
There was a particular chapter that I loved - the one where Murakami talked about his first (and last) ultramarathon. He describes the way he felt mentally and physically in great detail. It got me nervous and excited for my first ultra coming up. Here are a few quotes:
He talks about feeling worn out at the halfway point and wondering how in the world he would be able to finish the rest of the race. " I realized something was wrong. My leg muscles had tightened up like a piece of old, hard rubber. I still had lots of stamina, and my breathing was regular, but my legs had a mind of their own. I had plenty of desire to run, but my legs had their own opinion about this."
"The thirteen miles from the thirty-four mile rest stop to the forty-seventh mile were excruciating. I felt like a piece of beef being run, slowly, through a meat grinder. I had the will to go ahead, but now my whole body was rebelling. It felt like a car trying to go up a slope with the parking brake on. My body felt like it was falling apart and would soon come completely undone. Out of oil, the bolts coming loose, the wrong cogs in gear, I was rapidly slowing down as one runner after another passed me."
And then the kicker:
"As I ran, different parts of my body, one after another, began to hurt. First my right thigh hurt like crazy, then that pain migrated over to my right knee, then to my left thigh, and on and on. All the parts of my body had their chance to take center stage and scream out complaints. They screamed, complained, yelled in distress, and warned me that they weren't going to take it anymore....I tried to talk each body part into showing a little cooperation. Encouraged them, clung to them, flattered them, scolded them, tried to buck them up."
Oh boy. What have I gotten myself into?
There was a particular chapter that I loved - the one where Murakami talked about his first (and last) ultramarathon. He describes the way he felt mentally and physically in great detail. It got me nervous and excited for my first ultra coming up. Here are a few quotes:
He talks about feeling worn out at the halfway point and wondering how in the world he would be able to finish the rest of the race. " I realized something was wrong. My leg muscles had tightened up like a piece of old, hard rubber. I still had lots of stamina, and my breathing was regular, but my legs had a mind of their own. I had plenty of desire to run, but my legs had their own opinion about this."
"The thirteen miles from the thirty-four mile rest stop to the forty-seventh mile were excruciating. I felt like a piece of beef being run, slowly, through a meat grinder. I had the will to go ahead, but now my whole body was rebelling. It felt like a car trying to go up a slope with the parking brake on. My body felt like it was falling apart and would soon come completely undone. Out of oil, the bolts coming loose, the wrong cogs in gear, I was rapidly slowing down as one runner after another passed me."
And then the kicker:
"As I ran, different parts of my body, one after another, began to hurt. First my right thigh hurt like crazy, then that pain migrated over to my right knee, then to my left thigh, and on and on. All the parts of my body had their chance to take center stage and scream out complaints. They screamed, complained, yelled in distress, and warned me that they weren't going to take it anymore....I tried to talk each body part into showing a little cooperation. Encouraged them, clung to them, flattered them, scolded them, tried to buck them up."
Oh boy. What have I gotten myself into?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Why You Should NOT Race
Recently I told you why racing is so awesome. But in full disclosure, there are a few reasons why NOT to race.
1) If you're anything like me, you won't sleep the night before a race. You will be so nervous and excited that sleep will avoid you. I did quite a few half and full marathons last year and still felt this way the night before each race. As you're getting dressed for the race you will feel like you just downed 17 Benadryl.
2) You will feel inferior as you stand at the starting line. Every single person around you will look athletic enough to be on a Wheaties box. You will worry whether or not you have trained adequately to finish the race.
(Disclaimer: the moment the race starts, all these fears go out the window and your mind becomes focused on the task at hand: putting one foot in front of the other.)
3) After the race you will feel kind of sore. But I have bad news Pedro: it's nothing compared to how sore you will feel tomorrow. You will walk like you don't have knees. You will feel more affection toward ice packs and Tylenol than you feel toward your children. You will feel like a chicken pecked every square inch of your legs.
But I promise you that all these things pale in comparison to the enormous sense of accomplishment you will feel.
"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian
1) If you're anything like me, you won't sleep the night before a race. You will be so nervous and excited that sleep will avoid you. I did quite a few half and full marathons last year and still felt this way the night before each race. As you're getting dressed for the race you will feel like you just downed 17 Benadryl.
2) You will feel inferior as you stand at the starting line. Every single person around you will look athletic enough to be on a Wheaties box. You will worry whether or not you have trained adequately to finish the race.
(Disclaimer: the moment the race starts, all these fears go out the window and your mind becomes focused on the task at hand: putting one foot in front of the other.)
3) After the race you will feel kind of sore. But I have bad news Pedro: it's nothing compared to how sore you will feel tomorrow. You will walk like you don't have knees. You will feel more affection toward ice packs and Tylenol than you feel toward your children. You will feel like a chicken pecked every square inch of your legs.
But I promise you that all these things pale in comparison to the enormous sense of accomplishment you will feel.
"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Why You Should Race
Normally I don't trust a thing I see from the Weather Channel. Their website will say that it is a calm 7 mph wind in our area, but when you look outside it is windy enough to blow small children into the next area code.
But I finally came across something I did agree with from a Weather Channel meteorologist named Mike Bettes. He said:
"When I first started doing races, I didn't understand why people did them. I thought it was boring. But give it a try. If you're new to the sport, or maybe even an infrequent runner, try it. Once you do it and finish a race, there's such a feeling of self-accomplishment—that's really been one thing I've taken away from doing running events. Because it's just you, and you have just yourself to credit for doing what you did. It's always a great feeling afterward, because you know you did it all yourself."
I absolutely LOVE races. From a logical perspective some people have a hard time understanding races. "So you're telling me that you PAY $70 to run for 26 miles and you get a shirt and medal at the end?" I can see their reasoning. But I get so much more than that. A few of the reasons I love races are:
1) The sense of accomplishment I feel afterward when I know I did something hard.
2) The pride in knowing that even if my time was crappy, I did the very best I could do.
3) The volunteers - they are always so happy and encouraging.
4) The excitement and uncertainty of what will happen when you're standing at the starting line.
5) The crowds and spectators. Having someone cheer you on or give you a high five is a big emotional boost.
6) The medal at the end - proof of what you have achieved.
Signing up for a race is also an incredibly motivating factor. Once you have signed up there is no backing out and the training begins. My recommendations for new runners are:
1) Find a race and sign up. NOW. Even if it's your first 5k. Don't wait until later to register. The sooner you sign up, the sooner your motivation will increase. (Plus the races sometimes fill up.)
2) Sign up for a popular race that lots of people run. Being part of a big crowd of people is an even bigger adreniline rush.
3) Tell your friends and family. They will be a positive support (and maybe you can talk one of them into being your running partner).
4) Be prepared because after you do one - you will be hooked.
But I finally came across something I did agree with from a Weather Channel meteorologist named Mike Bettes. He said:
"When I first started doing races, I didn't understand why people did them. I thought it was boring. But give it a try. If you're new to the sport, or maybe even an infrequent runner, try it. Once you do it and finish a race, there's such a feeling of self-accomplishment—that's really been one thing I've taken away from doing running events. Because it's just you, and you have just yourself to credit for doing what you did. It's always a great feeling afterward, because you know you did it all yourself."
I absolutely LOVE races. From a logical perspective some people have a hard time understanding races. "So you're telling me that you PAY $70 to run for 26 miles and you get a shirt and medal at the end?" I can see their reasoning. But I get so much more than that. A few of the reasons I love races are:
1) The sense of accomplishment I feel afterward when I know I did something hard.
2) The pride in knowing that even if my time was crappy, I did the very best I could do.
3) The volunteers - they are always so happy and encouraging.
4) The excitement and uncertainty of what will happen when you're standing at the starting line.
5) The crowds and spectators. Having someone cheer you on or give you a high five is a big emotional boost.
6) The medal at the end - proof of what you have achieved.
Signing up for a race is also an incredibly motivating factor. Once you have signed up there is no backing out and the training begins. My recommendations for new runners are:
1) Find a race and sign up. NOW. Even if it's your first 5k. Don't wait until later to register. The sooner you sign up, the sooner your motivation will increase. (Plus the races sometimes fill up.)
2) Sign up for a popular race that lots of people run. Being part of a big crowd of people is an even bigger adreniline rush.
3) Tell your friends and family. They will be a positive support (and maybe you can talk one of them into being your running partner).
4) Be prepared because after you do one - you will be hooked.
34 Miles Or Bust
I survived. This week was the peak of my training for the big race in 3 weeks. I ran a total of 65 miles. As a special bonus, I didn't die!
Monday, February 28th 2011: 11 miles @ 10:42 minutes per mile pace. Running 11 miles was not nearly as hard as dragging my sleepy carcass out of bed at 4:40am (?!?!) to get the run done before work.
Tuesday, March 1st 2011: 5 miles @ 10:22 minutes per mile pace.
Wednesday, March 2nd 2011: Longest run ever - 34 miles @ 11:15 minutes per mile pace. I went back to Sheep Bridge Road so I could run on dirt, much easier on the legs.
I had a pep talk with myself before I started running. It went kind of like this: "Okay, Cory. You are going to reach a point where this is going to hurt. It will be hard. You will want to curl up on the side of the road, cry like a school girl, and pray for the angel of death to visit. But you CAN do this! You CAN!" And then I channeled Forrest Gump and I ran. And ran. And ran. There were only a few sections of the road that were muddy:
I came across a podcast called The Marathon Show and listened to that for the entire 6 hours and 23 minutes. One remarkable story was of Donald Arthur who received a heart transplant at age 55 and has since run 41 marathons. I got choked up and my eyes watered. Or maybe that was just the salty sweat burning my retinas?
I explored side roads, trails, and sections of the JEM trail and the scenery was simply incredible. Sometimes I would come around a corner, see what was ahead of me, then just stand and stare.
I think the most important key to running distance is pacing which I was very aware of from the very start. I was very conscientious about conserving my energy and if I started to even slightly feel out of breath, I slowed down. And something amazing happened! I never hit the wall! I never got electric leg cramps! I never hurt so bad that I expected to have my obituary in tomorrow's newspaper!
I treat almost every run like a science experiment. Sometimes I'm testing pace. Sometimes I'm testing the run/walk method. Sometimes I'm testing stride. This time I was testing FOOD. Preparing for the ultra, I wanted to see what foods my stomach would tolerate after long distances. I raided our treat cupboard. I took a bag of candy, Doritos, PB&J sandwiches, dried mangoes, a maple bar, Gu, Oreos, and Mountain Dew.
I realized that the foods which sound edible at 30 miles are: EXACTLY NOTHING. Toward the end, I was having a battle with my stomach just to eat a Gu packet. I know that eating during the last half of the 50 miler will be a challenge. I could not be more happy with how this training run went. It gave me a big boost of encouragement for the upcoming race.
Thursday, March 3rd 2011: Rest
Friday, March 4th 2011: 4 miles @ 11:36 minutes per mile pace. Those were 4 miles of pure agony. My legs felt like steel pipes.
Saturday, March 5th 2011: 11 miles @ 10:38 minutes per mile pace. I need mental health counseling. No sane person would wake up at 5:30am on a SATURDAY to run.
It was a great week of running and I can't believe that my un-athletic body ran 65 miles this week. Bring on the Buffalo Run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"I like to say, and I truly believe, that every run brings new experiences. You just don't know what they might be until you actually do the run. That's one of my major reasons for pushing out the front door as often as I do—the adventure of it all." ~ Amby Burfoot, Runner's World
Monday, February 28th 2011: 11 miles @ 10:42 minutes per mile pace. Running 11 miles was not nearly as hard as dragging my sleepy carcass out of bed at 4:40am (?!?!) to get the run done before work.
Tuesday, March 1st 2011: 5 miles @ 10:22 minutes per mile pace.
Wednesday, March 2nd 2011: Longest run ever - 34 miles @ 11:15 minutes per mile pace. I went back to Sheep Bridge Road so I could run on dirt, much easier on the legs.
I had a pep talk with myself before I started running. It went kind of like this: "Okay, Cory. You are going to reach a point where this is going to hurt. It will be hard. You will want to curl up on the side of the road, cry like a school girl, and pray for the angel of death to visit. But you CAN do this! You CAN!" And then I channeled Forrest Gump and I ran. And ran. And ran. There were only a few sections of the road that were muddy:
I came across a podcast called The Marathon Show and listened to that for the entire 6 hours and 23 minutes. One remarkable story was of Donald Arthur who received a heart transplant at age 55 and has since run 41 marathons. I got choked up and my eyes watered. Or maybe that was just the salty sweat burning my retinas?
I explored side roads, trails, and sections of the JEM trail and the scenery was simply incredible. Sometimes I would come around a corner, see what was ahead of me, then just stand and stare.
I think the most important key to running distance is pacing which I was very aware of from the very start. I was very conscientious about conserving my energy and if I started to even slightly feel out of breath, I slowed down. And something amazing happened! I never hit the wall! I never got electric leg cramps! I never hurt so bad that I expected to have my obituary in tomorrow's newspaper!
I treat almost every run like a science experiment. Sometimes I'm testing pace. Sometimes I'm testing the run/walk method. Sometimes I'm testing stride. This time I was testing FOOD. Preparing for the ultra, I wanted to see what foods my stomach would tolerate after long distances. I raided our treat cupboard. I took a bag of candy, Doritos, PB&J sandwiches, dried mangoes, a maple bar, Gu, Oreos, and Mountain Dew.
I realized that the foods which sound edible at 30 miles are: EXACTLY NOTHING. Toward the end, I was having a battle with my stomach just to eat a Gu packet. I know that eating during the last half of the 50 miler will be a challenge. I could not be more happy with how this training run went. It gave me a big boost of encouragement for the upcoming race.
Thursday, March 3rd 2011: Rest
Friday, March 4th 2011: 4 miles @ 11:36 minutes per mile pace. Those were 4 miles of pure agony. My legs felt like steel pipes.
Saturday, March 5th 2011: 11 miles @ 10:38 minutes per mile pace. I need mental health counseling. No sane person would wake up at 5:30am on a SATURDAY to run.
It was a great week of running and I can't believe that my un-athletic body ran 65 miles this week. Bring on the Buffalo Run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"I like to say, and I truly believe, that every run brings new experiences. You just don't know what they might be until you actually do the run. That's one of my major reasons for pushing out the front door as often as I do—the adventure of it all." ~ Amby Burfoot, Runner's World
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