Happy Thanksgiving everyone. So far, I'm recovering pretty well from the marathon. I was quite sore on Monday and definitely the day off. I couldn't walk down stairs until yesterday. The only thing that is sore right now is my left foot.
I started work on Tuesday. Luckily, I was only there for three hours because business was slow. That allowed my aching body to rest. I worked six hours yesterday and I'm not getting more used to being on my feet all day. I have off today and work again tomorrow.
Thus far, work has been good. I'm just starting to learn the ropes. I've mostly been working at the fitting room and have done a lot of folding. I'm getting a feel for where the products are. I still have a lot to learn. It's a great staff and I look forward to my time there.
Since I couldn't run today, I decided to volunteer for a 5K in Nazareth. I wound up working right at the finish line. My job was the make sure that when people finished, they stayed in order. It became a real mess though as the finish chute backed onto the course. I had to actually stop people short of the finish line, so their times weren't accurate. Sometimes I was successful, other times I wasn't. It really bothered me that people were screwed like that. It was great to volunteer though and talk to some people. I need to do that more often.
After the race, I couldn't resist the urge to run. I decided that rather than run a couple miles, I'd just do a few hill sprints. Those are meant to strengthen your legs and hips and prevent injury. I'm going to do them twice a week after easy runs. They are only supposed to be 8 seconds long, but I ended up running them for 20 seconds. Next week, I'll do two of them. Since my first one was so slow today, I ran three of them.
I'll be off from running until Tuesday. I'm dieing by not running. I need to get back on the pavement. I started putting together my spring training schedule already. I want to build up mileage for a couple weeks first. Then, I'll go into the full program. I think I'm going to run the Minneapolis Marathon in June. That'll give me time to get to where I want to go. I'm so hungry right now and can't wait to get started.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Philadelphia Marathon
Well, today was it. After months of training, I completed my first marathon, the Philadelphia Marathon. It was great to finished, but I have mixed feelings on the way things turned out.
I got up bright and early and made short trek in the dark to the start line. I went to the bathroom twice while waiting around and I actually had to go again at the start. I drank too much before the race.
The corral start was nice, although a little confusing. When I walked to the starting line, they were supposed to be starting the green wave (one in front of me). I wasn't going to stand around at the line and wait, so I just started. The first mile was frustrating. I ran it in 9 minutes because there was no room to go around anyone.
It thinned out a little in the second mile and I was able to fly by people in spots. Shortly after mile 3, I had to use the bathroom. That cost me about a minute. It was already hot that early on and I took of my gloves. I was wearing short sleeves and shorts. Some people were in long sleeves and more. The temperature was actually perfect.
South Street was nice, there were a lot of people. Chestnut Street was much of the same, especially near the river. After the slow start, I hit a pretty consistent 8 minute per mile pace. My plan was to run comfortably through at least the first half, if not more. I did just that and cranked out 8 minute mile after 8 minute mile.
I ran by Drexel, but didn't notice anyone. Our names were on our bibs. That kind of sucked because I didn't know when friends were yelling if they did yell. I only noticed my parents throughout the run.
Thirty-fourth Street is a long gradual uphill. It was the start of the most hilly part. I knew that was uphill, but I didn't anticipate how hilly the portion of Fairmount Park past the zoo was. That section killed my legs. My hamstring soreness came back and my IT band starting bothering me.
We got onto West River Drive and I got back into rhythm. It was nice being on familiar ground. I couldn't believe there were a lot of people on Kelly Drive already at that point. I felt fairly strong as we got to the Art Museum and halfway point.
I took it easy over Lemon Hill. The sore legs continued on Kelly Drive. I was happy that they leader hadn't come by on the way back yet. He passed by and had a big lead. It must be nice to be an elite runner and finish that early.
When we got to Ridge Avenue, there was a ramp. I decided to walk uphill to be smart. It was after mile 18 and the first time I walked. After that came Manayunk. That was great because there were huge crowds. It was loud and tough to hold back.
I was slipping a little, but didn't feel too bad until shortly after the 20 mile mark. That was my longest training run and it showed. My legs started to get very sore. I had to take a 3 minute walk break to try to recover. I walked again before Falls Bridge.
From about mile 15 on, I was saying to myself, "race starts at Falls Bridge." I did okay for a little while. At mile 22, I got a second wind and made a nice surge. I began passing people left and right. I was being cheered for and thought this was the part where I'd pick it up.
It wasn't meant to be though. My legs were just too sore and also began cramping up. They never actually fully cramped. I always stopped and walked before that. The final two miles were brutal. I had to walk a lot of it.
I within the final mile, but still couldn't run much. Once I was at the final hill, I decided to walk up it so that I could finish. People were yelling at me to start running because they thought I just quit. I didn't have a choice. Walking was the only way I'd finish.
After the hill, I decided to run again for the final quarter mile or so. I even tried to use my usual strong kick. Whenever I picked up my stride, I nearly cramped. I was even limping as I crossed the finish line.
It was good to finish and I was happy that I correctly followed my easy early strategy. My longest run was 20 miles and my second longest was only 16.5 miles. I just didn't have enough really long runs. I wasn't trained well enough for the whole distance. I thought that I could just battle through the final 6+ miles.
The cramps were the most frustrating thing. I drank quite a bit before the race and almost all the water stations. I took Gatorade nearly every time. I was still dehydrated at the end though. I only drank about half of each cup. I guess next time, I'll drink the whole thing and take more time. Perhaps I'll grab a second cup.
I ate four GU Energy Gels throughout the race. I felt like I had a lot of energy. I didn't ever work very hard in the race. I never truely got to race. I just ran. My legs didn't have it.
I did some things right and some wrong. That's part of learning in your first marathon. Once my legs were losing it, I already began thinking about my next marathon and how great it'll be when I'm better trained.
Some people never imagined that they'd be able to run 26.2 miles, so it is impressed when they finish. I always knew that if I was in decent shape, I could do it. Now, I'm going to focus on qualifying for Boston. I figured that I'd do that in spring, but it might take until next fall to do so.
I'll rest up for the next week or so. After that, it's time to get into the spring training program. I start my new job on Tuesday, so it's not much of a rest. I'll be on my feet all day too, so that'll be interesting. One of the employees qualified for Boston. I'll have to get some advice from her and maybe run with her as well.
3:48:12 (8:42 pace)
51:39 (10K)
1:48:52 (half)
2:34:29 (30K)
Overall place: 2407/7464
Gender: 1825/4357
Age: 351/749
I got up bright and early and made short trek in the dark to the start line. I went to the bathroom twice while waiting around and I actually had to go again at the start. I drank too much before the race.
The corral start was nice, although a little confusing. When I walked to the starting line, they were supposed to be starting the green wave (one in front of me). I wasn't going to stand around at the line and wait, so I just started. The first mile was frustrating. I ran it in 9 minutes because there was no room to go around anyone.
It thinned out a little in the second mile and I was able to fly by people in spots. Shortly after mile 3, I had to use the bathroom. That cost me about a minute. It was already hot that early on and I took of my gloves. I was wearing short sleeves and shorts. Some people were in long sleeves and more. The temperature was actually perfect.
South Street was nice, there were a lot of people. Chestnut Street was much of the same, especially near the river. After the slow start, I hit a pretty consistent 8 minute per mile pace. My plan was to run comfortably through at least the first half, if not more. I did just that and cranked out 8 minute mile after 8 minute mile.
I ran by Drexel, but didn't notice anyone. Our names were on our bibs. That kind of sucked because I didn't know when friends were yelling if they did yell. I only noticed my parents throughout the run.
Thirty-fourth Street is a long gradual uphill. It was the start of the most hilly part. I knew that was uphill, but I didn't anticipate how hilly the portion of Fairmount Park past the zoo was. That section killed my legs. My hamstring soreness came back and my IT band starting bothering me.
We got onto West River Drive and I got back into rhythm. It was nice being on familiar ground. I couldn't believe there were a lot of people on Kelly Drive already at that point. I felt fairly strong as we got to the Art Museum and halfway point.
I took it easy over Lemon Hill. The sore legs continued on Kelly Drive. I was happy that they leader hadn't come by on the way back yet. He passed by and had a big lead. It must be nice to be an elite runner and finish that early.
When we got to Ridge Avenue, there was a ramp. I decided to walk uphill to be smart. It was after mile 18 and the first time I walked. After that came Manayunk. That was great because there were huge crowds. It was loud and tough to hold back.
I was slipping a little, but didn't feel too bad until shortly after the 20 mile mark. That was my longest training run and it showed. My legs started to get very sore. I had to take a 3 minute walk break to try to recover. I walked again before Falls Bridge.
From about mile 15 on, I was saying to myself, "race starts at Falls Bridge." I did okay for a little while. At mile 22, I got a second wind and made a nice surge. I began passing people left and right. I was being cheered for and thought this was the part where I'd pick it up.
It wasn't meant to be though. My legs were just too sore and also began cramping up. They never actually fully cramped. I always stopped and walked before that. The final two miles were brutal. I had to walk a lot of it.
I within the final mile, but still couldn't run much. Once I was at the final hill, I decided to walk up it so that I could finish. People were yelling at me to start running because they thought I just quit. I didn't have a choice. Walking was the only way I'd finish.
After the hill, I decided to run again for the final quarter mile or so. I even tried to use my usual strong kick. Whenever I picked up my stride, I nearly cramped. I was even limping as I crossed the finish line.
It was good to finish and I was happy that I correctly followed my easy early strategy. My longest run was 20 miles and my second longest was only 16.5 miles. I just didn't have enough really long runs. I wasn't trained well enough for the whole distance. I thought that I could just battle through the final 6+ miles.
The cramps were the most frustrating thing. I drank quite a bit before the race and almost all the water stations. I took Gatorade nearly every time. I was still dehydrated at the end though. I only drank about half of each cup. I guess next time, I'll drink the whole thing and take more time. Perhaps I'll grab a second cup.
I ate four GU Energy Gels throughout the race. I felt like I had a lot of energy. I didn't ever work very hard in the race. I never truely got to race. I just ran. My legs didn't have it.
I did some things right and some wrong. That's part of learning in your first marathon. Once my legs were losing it, I already began thinking about my next marathon and how great it'll be when I'm better trained.
Some people never imagined that they'd be able to run 26.2 miles, so it is impressed when they finish. I always knew that if I was in decent shape, I could do it. Now, I'm going to focus on qualifying for Boston. I figured that I'd do that in spring, but it might take until next fall to do so.
I'll rest up for the next week or so. After that, it's time to get into the spring training program. I start my new job on Tuesday, so it's not much of a rest. I'll be on my feet all day too, so that'll be interesting. One of the employees qualified for Boston. I'll have to get some advice from her and maybe run with her as well.
3:48:12 (8:42 pace)
51:39 (10K)
1:48:52 (half)
2:34:29 (30K)
Overall place: 2407/7464
Gender: 1825/4357
Age: 351/749
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Last Training Run
This morning was my final training run before the marathon. I ran an easy two miles in the neighborhood across from my parents house. It was cloudy and a bit cold.
I was at a comfortable and relaxed pace throughout the run. I didn't take the time to stretch before or after and I probably should have.
I wore a long sleeve shirt and the medium weight gloves. It was too hot for those. I'm definitely going with short sleeves. I'm still unsure whether to go lightweight or medium weight gloves though. I really dislike the lightweight ones, but the medium weight ones are kind of hot.
Shortly after my run, I drove back home. I went through Main Street Manayunk on the way back, so that I could drive along the course. I've ran there a few times, so I already have a good feel for the course. They already had the mile markers painted on the road.
They were still setting up along the parkway. I actually think I saw the race director. I thought that the start and finish areas would be setup, but that wasn't the case. Hopefully they'll have them up tomorrow. I want to grab a couple pictures. I'd like to drive some of the course that I've never ran on. Hopefully I find time tomorrow.
I'm sure keeping busy right now. Today, I filled out my working papers at City Sports. Tomorrow, I go in for a couple hours to go over checklists of either apparel, shoes or equipment. I start work on Tuesday. I'm working the afternoons and evenings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. There's going to be a lot of new stuff to learn. I'm eager though.
2 miles - 16:56 (8:28 pace)
I was at a comfortable and relaxed pace throughout the run. I didn't take the time to stretch before or after and I probably should have.
I wore a long sleeve shirt and the medium weight gloves. It was too hot for those. I'm definitely going with short sleeves. I'm still unsure whether to go lightweight or medium weight gloves though. I really dislike the lightweight ones, but the medium weight ones are kind of hot.
Shortly after my run, I drove back home. I went through Main Street Manayunk on the way back, so that I could drive along the course. I've ran there a few times, so I already have a good feel for the course. They already had the mile markers painted on the road.
They were still setting up along the parkway. I actually think I saw the race director. I thought that the start and finish areas would be setup, but that wasn't the case. Hopefully they'll have them up tomorrow. I want to grab a couple pictures. I'd like to drive some of the course that I've never ran on. Hopefully I find time tomorrow.
I'm sure keeping busy right now. Today, I filled out my working papers at City Sports. Tomorrow, I go in for a couple hours to go over checklists of either apparel, shoes or equipment. I start work on Tuesday. I'm working the afternoons and evenings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. There's going to be a lot of new stuff to learn. I'm eager though.
2 miles - 16:56 (8:28 pace)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
We're All on a Flyer
Today was my last fast run before the marathon. I ran a very hard 4 miles on Kelly Drive. I noticed that I wasn't alone. As I started out, I passed no fewer than 3 women who were coming in very fast along boathouse row.
I started quite hard as I began at Lloyd Hall. I ran early in the morning this time, just after 7 AM. It was fairly cool at that time, in the mid 40s. I decided to go out wearing my new Under Armour ColdGear and Nike Running Tights. I knew it wasn't quite cold enough for them, but figured it wouldn't be a problem on the short distance.
I was very pleased as I hit the first mile at about 7:10. I felt like I had slowed a little through the second mile, but still came through there at about 14:20. I was very pleased with that first half.
The second half was even more impressive. I struggled at first because the clothes were causing me to overheat. I slowed down for a little, but then talked myself back into a faster pace.
The final was the best of them all as I ran in well under a 7 minute pace. I wanted to slow, but wouldn't allow myself to. I talked myself into continuing to push harder and harder. It hurt, but obviously it worked.
It was a very rewarding workout and I'm ready for the marathon. Only one more training run is left now. The extra day off before the marathon will be nice.
Tomorrow, I'm going in to fill out paperwork at City Sports. Friday is the marathon expo. I'm really looking forward to it.
4 miles - 27:58 (7:00 pace)
I started quite hard as I began at Lloyd Hall. I ran early in the morning this time, just after 7 AM. It was fairly cool at that time, in the mid 40s. I decided to go out wearing my new Under Armour ColdGear and Nike Running Tights. I knew it wasn't quite cold enough for them, but figured it wouldn't be a problem on the short distance.
I was very pleased as I hit the first mile at about 7:10. I felt like I had slowed a little through the second mile, but still came through there at about 14:20. I was very pleased with that first half.
The second half was even more impressive. I struggled at first because the clothes were causing me to overheat. I slowed down for a little, but then talked myself back into a faster pace.
The final was the best of them all as I ran in well under a 7 minute pace. I wanted to slow, but wouldn't allow myself to. I talked myself into continuing to push harder and harder. It hurt, but obviously it worked.
It was a very rewarding workout and I'm ready for the marathon. Only one more training run is left now. The extra day off before the marathon will be nice.
Tomorrow, I'm going in to fill out paperwork at City Sports. Friday is the marathon expo. I'm really looking forward to it.
4 miles - 27:58 (7:00 pace)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Fresh Legs
For a change I had fresh legs on a Tuesday. They weren't dead. I ran the three mile Schuykill River loop. It was nice weather and I felt very good.
I started off at a decent pace. I increased the pace a little more early on in the run. It was ideal running weather and I felt pretty good. Someone who was running really hard passed me. I elected not to battle with him. I wish people that passed me there would actually turn around and finish the loop, but they never do. Knowing that there are people running faster than me, will continue to motivate me.
That said, I passed a ton of people too. After hitting the halfway point in 11:22, I really picked it up in the 2nd half of the run. I still wasn't going all out. It was hard, but still a bit comfortable. I'd love to be able to end the marathon at that pace.
It's actually become a little difficult to get out the door during this taper period. I don't have much of a problem getting out for long runs, but short ones just seem so useless. I do understand that they are important. It's just difficult.
The biggest news of today is that I got hired at City Sports. I'm really excited to start the new job and especially one that is related to running. It should help me make new contacts and learn more about the gear.
I'm definitely ready to get the marathon going. I plan on going out at a very comfortable and relaxing first half. If I'm close to Boston qualifying pace, I'm going to pick it up a little then. If I'm not, then I'll take it easy until about mile 18. It looks like the weather will be pretty nice and I'll be able to wear shorts and a short sleeve shirt. I'm eager to get going.
Tomorrow will be a four mile run. I plan to run it extremely hard before taking it easy on Thursday's two miler. It is hard to believe that there are only two training runs left. Time has flown by pretty quickly, even though it was a lot of training runs ago.
3 miles - 22:33 (7:31 pace)
I started off at a decent pace. I increased the pace a little more early on in the run. It was ideal running weather and I felt pretty good. Someone who was running really hard passed me. I elected not to battle with him. I wish people that passed me there would actually turn around and finish the loop, but they never do. Knowing that there are people running faster than me, will continue to motivate me.
That said, I passed a ton of people too. After hitting the halfway point in 11:22, I really picked it up in the 2nd half of the run. I still wasn't going all out. It was hard, but still a bit comfortable. I'd love to be able to end the marathon at that pace.
It's actually become a little difficult to get out the door during this taper period. I don't have much of a problem getting out for long runs, but short ones just seem so useless. I do understand that they are important. It's just difficult.
The biggest news of today is that I got hired at City Sports. I'm really excited to start the new job and especially one that is related to running. It should help me make new contacts and learn more about the gear.
I'm definitely ready to get the marathon going. I plan on going out at a very comfortable and relaxing first half. If I'm close to Boston qualifying pace, I'm going to pick it up a little then. If I'm not, then I'll take it easy until about mile 18. It looks like the weather will be pretty nice and I'll be able to wear shorts and a short sleeve shirt. I'm eager to get going.
Tomorrow will be a four mile run. I plan to run it extremely hard before taking it easy on Thursday's two miler. It is hard to believe that there are only two training runs left. Time has flown by pretty quickly, even though it was a lot of training runs ago.
3 miles - 22:33 (7:31 pace)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Last Cross Training
Today was the last day of cross training. It was rather interesting. The weather was beautiful, near 70 degrees, but I didn't feel like biking. Instead, I decided to walk the half hour each way to the Drexel women's basketball game. I actually ended up running hope from Cav's.
I ran with a camera bag, long pants and a hat. I ran so that I could get back for the Eagles game. It took about 20 minutes. It was very hot.
Tomorrow, I'm going to do some clothes shopping with my mom tomorrow. I want to get some Under Armour Cold Gear. It's supposed to be pretty good.
It's now less than a week to the marathon. I'm ready to get going. I'm not overly excited yet. I really need to stick to my marathon plan. I want to run the first half at a very comfortable pace and see where I'm at. If I'm close to Boston pace, I might push it then. Either way, I don't want to push too hard before mile 18.
I ran with a camera bag, long pants and a hat. I ran so that I could get back for the Eagles game. It took about 20 minutes. It was very hot.
Tomorrow, I'm going to do some clothes shopping with my mom tomorrow. I want to get some Under Armour Cold Gear. It's supposed to be pretty good.
It's now less than a week to the marathon. I'm ready to get going. I'm not overly excited yet. I really need to stick to my marathon plan. I want to run the first half at a very comfortable pace and see where I'm at. If I'm close to Boston pace, I might push it then. Either way, I don't want to push too hard before mile 18.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Final Saturday Run
Today was my final Saturday run. I was in Connecticut so I had to make due with where I was. I managed to create a nice loop route that was 4.3 miles. I ran it twice for a little more than the planned 8 miles.
I didn't get to warm up, so I ran very slow to start. I coasted through most of the first loop. The layout was great. It was about 3 segments of 1.5 to 2.5 miles. There were rolling hills, which made it a little tough.
The nice thing is that there was a good shoulder to run on throughout most of the route. It was paved like the rest of the road and relatively flat. Early on, my IT band started bothering me along with my hip. It cleared up after a bit though.
The first loop was nice and I commented how great it was running without it raining. Of course during the second loop, it started to rain. I had to avoid puddles as well as cars then.
I had to stop at the end of the first loop and use my hotel bathroom. I actually had to stop running for a couple tenths of a mile before going. I pushed a little during the second loop, but it still wasn't too hard.
It feels great to have all easy runs left. I can't wait until next week. I didn't stretch as much as I would've liked after the run and it caused me to be sore during my 5 hour drive home from a football game.
I had an interview at City Sports yesterday. It went great. I had a lot of energy, asked questions and was quite talkative. I really think I'd like the job. They have a running club and I could run with them too.
8.6 miles - 1:11:04 (8:16 pace)
I didn't get to warm up, so I ran very slow to start. I coasted through most of the first loop. The layout was great. It was about 3 segments of 1.5 to 2.5 miles. There were rolling hills, which made it a little tough.
The nice thing is that there was a good shoulder to run on throughout most of the route. It was paved like the rest of the road and relatively flat. Early on, my IT band started bothering me along with my hip. It cleared up after a bit though.
The first loop was nice and I commented how great it was running without it raining. Of course during the second loop, it started to rain. I had to avoid puddles as well as cars then.
I had to stop at the end of the first loop and use my hotel bathroom. I actually had to stop running for a couple tenths of a mile before going. I pushed a little during the second loop, but it still wasn't too hard.
It feels great to have all easy runs left. I can't wait until next week. I didn't stretch as much as I would've liked after the run and it caused me to be sore during my 5 hour drive home from a football game.
I had an interview at City Sports yesterday. It went great. I had a lot of energy, asked questions and was quite talkative. I really think I'd like the job. They have a running club and I could run with them too.
8.6 miles - 1:11:04 (8:16 pace)
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