Louisville Derby Marathon, April 24 2010
Clock time -- 3:01:03
Chip time -- 3:01:00
10K split -- 39:03
15K split -- 58:49
25K split -- 1:39:27
30K split -- 1:59:53
Overall -- 18
Gender -- 16/889
Division -- 7/116
Considering, I was pleased with my Louisville Derby Marathon in 2010. Leading up to the race I had the goal of under 3 hours and possibly a new PR of faster than 2:58. I felt in decent shape but had not done the necessary long runs and therefore was not properly prepared for the 26.2-mile distance. My only long runs were part of the 24-hour race and a 21-miler at General Butler State Park. I was nervous for past 20 miles, and for good reason.
The morning of the race, I woke up at around 4:45 a.m. and stretched out. I ate a granola bar and a banana while drinking plenty of water. I arrived at the start line at around 7 am. with the race starting at 7:30. I jogged about four minutes, did some easy stretching and ran one short strider. I felt fine waiting for the start.
I started towards the front of the field and felt good at the beginning. I went past the mile marker in 6:23 (right on my desired start pace of 6:20-6:30). I started to run in the 6:15-range, despite the early hills, and had a few miles around 6-flat. I came through the first 10K in 39:03 with my first mile slower then 6:30 being the mile through Churchill Downs at around seven. My pace felt fine at the time but I knew I was in trouble because of the fast early start.
I came through halfway in around 1:24:00, about three minutes faster than my goal time of 1:27:00. In the second set of hills at around 15 miles, I went through my first drought of the race, struggling on the up and down hills. The long downhill coming out of the park was really tough on me.
I started to feel a little better when I got back on the flats, but going over the bridge into Indiana was another tough stretch for me. I took gel packs at mile 15 and mile 23 (I dropped one going through the tunnel into Churchill Downs so only had two to take). The final few miles were really rough on me. My target splits were the 3-mile splits, wanting to keep them all under 20 minutes. I was on pace for each one except for at 24 miles. After turning left over the bridge back into Kentucky, the marathon runners and half runners converged into one group for the rest of the race, about 1.2 miles. This was particularly tough since I was running with the walkers in the half, zig-zaggin in and out. I had to jump on the sidewalk once to get around a group of walkers and could not run a straight line to the finish. My hamstring really started to tighten in the final mile and I was forced to stop and hobble most of the rest of the way in due to the cramps. My last 1.2 miles were slower than 10 minutes, which costed me a chance at under 3 hours and a possible PR. I did not enjoy the final 1.2 miles while running with the half walkers, and felt like that made a big difference in the cramps.
Considering my lack of long runs and too fast of an early start, I was still happy with a 3:01:00 on what I consider a very tough course. I know with proper training and better pacing, I can run much faster. Now it's time to get ready for the Louisville Ironman in August, and then I'll pick another marathon to go after a fast time. I have a lot of changes to make for my next one. It's changes I look forward to!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Week of April 19-April 25
Monday -- 6 miles steady
Tuesday -- 2 miles with plenty of stretching
Wednesday -- 5K at 19:15 on track = 5 miles
Thursday -- Off
Friday -- Off
Saturday -- Marathon = 27 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 40 miles
Took it easy in week leading up to the race, backing down to feel fresh for Saturday morning. MOnday was six miles at around 7-minute miles at the new park in New Castle; Tuesday was easy jogging with plenty of stretching; and Wednesday was a 5K run with the track team on the track in 19:15. I took Thursday and Friday off. Felt good on race day.
Tuesday -- 2 miles with plenty of stretching
Wednesday -- 5K at 19:15 on track = 5 miles
Thursday -- Off
Friday -- Off
Saturday -- Marathon = 27 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 40 miles
Took it easy in week leading up to the race, backing down to feel fresh for Saturday morning. MOnday was six miles at around 7-minute miles at the new park in New Castle; Tuesday was easy jogging with plenty of stretching; and Wednesday was a 5K run with the track team on the track in 19:15. I took Thursday and Friday off. Felt good on race day.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Week of April 12-18
Monday -- track workout of 1600 (5:15), 1200 (3:57), 800 (2:30), 400 (1:10) = 5 miles
Tuesday -- 6 miles steady
Wednesday -- Track, 3 miles in 19:00, 2 miles in 12:10 = 7 miles
Thursday -- 4 miles easy
Friday -- 30 minutes steady on treadmill = 4 miles
Saturday -- Off
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 26 miles
Tuesday -- 6 miles steady
Wednesday -- Track, 3 miles in 19:00, 2 miles in 12:10 = 7 miles
Thursday -- 4 miles easy
Friday -- 30 minutes steady on treadmill = 4 miles
Saturday -- Off
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 26 miles
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Week of April 5-11
Monday -- Track workout 1600, 3 x 800-400 (5:21, 2:33, 69, 2:34, 67, 2:35, 69) = 6 miles
Tuesday -- 9 miles steady
Wednesday -- Track workout 5x200, 3 x 200-100, 5x100, 300 = 6 miles
Thursday -- Off (back hurting so took off for precautionary reasons)
Friday -- 21 miles at General Butler State Park, 20 on the trails and 1 mile hard on the road, closing in 5:27 on measured course
Saturday -- 2 miles easy
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 44 miles
Not wanting to jump my mileage in the few weeks leading up to the race, the total was low but got in some quality work. Monday's track workout was with the Henry County distance runners, Wednesday's track workout was with the Henry County sprinters, and Friday's long run was partially (60 minutes) with Travis Farmer at General Butler State Park. The 21-mile long run was a great run as I slowly increased the pace as the run progressed on the up-and-down trails. Felt good. Closed with a final mile, measured on the roads, in 5:27. Pushed really hard to the finish. Overall, week was what I needed. Still a little nervous though with limited long runs. Not sure how 6:30-6:50 miles will feel past the 20-mile point.
Tuesday -- 9 miles steady
Wednesday -- Track workout 5x200, 3 x 200-100, 5x100, 300 = 6 miles
Thursday -- Off (back hurting so took off for precautionary reasons)
Friday -- 21 miles at General Butler State Park, 20 on the trails and 1 mile hard on the road, closing in 5:27 on measured course
Saturday -- 2 miles easy
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 44 miles
Not wanting to jump my mileage in the few weeks leading up to the race, the total was low but got in some quality work. Monday's track workout was with the Henry County distance runners, Wednesday's track workout was with the Henry County sprinters, and Friday's long run was partially (60 minutes) with Travis Farmer at General Butler State Park. The 21-mile long run was a great run as I slowly increased the pace as the run progressed on the up-and-down trails. Felt good. Closed with a final mile, measured on the roads, in 5:27. Pushed really hard to the finish. Overall, week was what I needed. Still a little nervous though with limited long runs. Not sure how 6:30-6:50 miles will feel past the 20-mile point.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Week of March 29-April 4
Monday -- 20-minute progression into tempo run, 10x20-second hill sprints, cool down = 8 miles
Tuesday -- 9 miles steady
Wednesday -- (treadmill) 15 minutes steady, 3xmile at 5:59 each = 6 miles
Thursday -- 6 miles steady
Friday -- 1 mile easy
Saturday -- Papa John's 10-Mile Race (1:01:37)
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 42 miles
Mileage still low but it was a decent week of training and ran well in the Papa John's 10-Miler. Monday started with a 20-minute progression run and finished with hill sprints; Tuesday was a steady run on the roads at around 7-minute miles or under; Wednesday was mile repeats on the treadmill but legs really tired so just did three; Thursday was another steady run; Friday was an easy mile with the high school runners; and Saturday was the race.
Papa John's 10-Miler breakdown -- I started out slower than normal in this year's Papa John's 10-Miler, feeling really-really relaxed through the first mile in 6:07. I stayed relaxed through the first 3.5 miles, then the course got hilly through six miles with plenty of ups and downs. I passed two miles in 12:20 and three miles in 18:37. The halfway point was reached in 31:22 (6:16-average), which gave me a second half of 30:15 (6:03-average). I finished off with the last three miles at sub-6 miles and felt strong all the way to the finish line although I obviously started to tire. My final time of 61:37 was an average mile of 6:09. I think, after a few more weeks of training, that 6:30-6:40 miles should be my target pace for the marathon. That'll bring me through 10 miles in around 1:05-1:07, a pace that should be manageable. Though it wasn't super fast and I didn't push 100-percent, I was still pleased with the Papa John's 10-Miler. It should be beneficial to me. Now, I'm in desperate need of a hard long run this week.
Tuesday -- 9 miles steady
Wednesday -- (treadmill) 15 minutes steady, 3xmile at 5:59 each = 6 miles
Thursday -- 6 miles steady
Friday -- 1 mile easy
Saturday -- Papa John's 10-Mile Race (1:01:37)
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 42 miles
Mileage still low but it was a decent week of training and ran well in the Papa John's 10-Miler. Monday started with a 20-minute progression run and finished with hill sprints; Tuesday was a steady run on the roads at around 7-minute miles or under; Wednesday was mile repeats on the treadmill but legs really tired so just did three; Thursday was another steady run; Friday was an easy mile with the high school runners; and Saturday was the race.
Papa John's 10-Miler breakdown -- I started out slower than normal in this year's Papa John's 10-Miler, feeling really-really relaxed through the first mile in 6:07. I stayed relaxed through the first 3.5 miles, then the course got hilly through six miles with plenty of ups and downs. I passed two miles in 12:20 and three miles in 18:37. The halfway point was reached in 31:22 (6:16-average), which gave me a second half of 30:15 (6:03-average). I finished off with the last three miles at sub-6 miles and felt strong all the way to the finish line although I obviously started to tire. My final time of 61:37 was an average mile of 6:09. I think, after a few more weeks of training, that 6:30-6:40 miles should be my target pace for the marathon. That'll bring me through 10 miles in around 1:05-1:07, a pace that should be manageable. Though it wasn't super fast and I didn't push 100-percent, I was still pleased with the Papa John's 10-Miler. It should be beneficial to me. Now, I'm in desperate need of a hard long run this week.
Week of March 22-28
Monday -- track workout 4x500, 1200, 800, 400, 10x150, 300 = 8 miles
Tuesday -- 4 miles
Wednesday -- 2 miles
Thursday -- 8 miles / 5 miles = 13 miles
Friday -- track workout 5K (18:57), 4K (15:27), 3K (11:24), 2K (7:30), 1K (3:41) = 12 miles
Saturday -- 2 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 41 miles
Starting to feel a little better, shape-wise, my mileage was still down this week but I got in two solid track workouts. The first one, on Monday, I ran with the high school runners. After a warm up, I ran 4x500 with the first 400 at a cruise speed (around 73 seconds per 400) and the final 100 all out. Took a short break, then ran 1200 meters, 800 meters and 400 meters. Took another break, and then ran 10x150 at close to all out and 300 meters close to all out. Finished with a cool down. Tough workout since I'm not used to that much speed. Then, on Friday, my next track workout was by myself on the track and included kilometer cut downs. It was a very-very-very windy day so I decided against my pre-workout plan of running 1:30-second laps all the way through. Altering my pace, I ran the 5K in 18:57, the 4K in 15:27, the 3K in 11:24, the 2K in 7:30 and the 1K in 3:41. This seemed to be a very beneficial workout for the upcoming 10-miler and marathon with intensity and duration. OK week but I need more miles, and in a hurry. Time is running out.
Tuesday -- 4 miles
Wednesday -- 2 miles
Thursday -- 8 miles / 5 miles = 13 miles
Friday -- track workout 5K (18:57), 4K (15:27), 3K (11:24), 2K (7:30), 1K (3:41) = 12 miles
Saturday -- 2 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 41 miles
Starting to feel a little better, shape-wise, my mileage was still down this week but I got in two solid track workouts. The first one, on Monday, I ran with the high school runners. After a warm up, I ran 4x500 with the first 400 at a cruise speed (around 73 seconds per 400) and the final 100 all out. Took a short break, then ran 1200 meters, 800 meters and 400 meters. Took another break, and then ran 10x150 at close to all out and 300 meters close to all out. Finished with a cool down. Tough workout since I'm not used to that much speed. Then, on Friday, my next track workout was by myself on the track and included kilometer cut downs. It was a very-very-very windy day so I decided against my pre-workout plan of running 1:30-second laps all the way through. Altering my pace, I ran the 5K in 18:57, the 4K in 15:27, the 3K in 11:24, the 2K in 7:30 and the 1K in 3:41. This seemed to be a very beneficial workout for the upcoming 10-miler and marathon with intensity and duration. OK week but I need more miles, and in a hurry. Time is running out.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Week of March 15-21
Monday -- Off
Tuesday -- 3 miles easy
Wednesday -- 10 miles on treadmill in 1:05:55 = 12 miles total
Thursday -- 2 miles easy
Friday -- 6 miles at 6:20-mile pace
Saturday -- 4 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 27 miles
Coming off the Highland Renaissance 24-Hour Race over the weekend, my total mileage for the ensuing week was really-really low with just 27 miles total. However, Wednesday's hard tempo on the treadmill went very well with a five-mile split of 33:08 and a 10-mile time of 1:05:55. Also, Friday's run with the Henry County track team started out with a 6:05 opening mile and averaged 6:20s. Not a good week but legs really fatigued and two decent runs. still feel fit.
Tuesday -- 3 miles easy
Wednesday -- 10 miles on treadmill in 1:05:55 = 12 miles total
Thursday -- 2 miles easy
Friday -- 6 miles at 6:20-mile pace
Saturday -- 4 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 27 miles
Coming off the Highland Renaissance 24-Hour Race over the weekend, my total mileage for the ensuing week was really-really low with just 27 miles total. However, Wednesday's hard tempo on the treadmill went very well with a five-mile split of 33:08 and a 10-mile time of 1:05:55. Also, Friday's run with the Henry County track team started out with a 6:05 opening mile and averaged 6:20s. Not a good week but legs really fatigued and two decent runs. still feel fit.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
March 8-14
Monday -- 4 miles (still recovering from strep throat)
Tuesday -- 4 miles / 5 miles = 9 miles
Wednesday -- 5 miles with 2 sets of 1K, 2x400
Thursday -- Off
Friday -- 6 miles steady
Saturday -- 24-Hour Race, 38 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 62 miles
Still recovering from strep throat that has back-tracked my training, the week got off to a slow start before the Highland Renaissance 24-Hour Race over the weekend. In the first annual event, which I was the Race Director, I had not planned to compete but decided to do a long run in preperation for the Louisville Derby Marathon. The race started at 8 a.m. but I didn't start running until around 1 p.m. I ran 20 miles easy (on the two-mile long loops), took a break, then ran 14 miles progressingly increasing the pace to close to seven-minute miles. After the 34 miles, I took a long break, then walked four miles for 38 total during the event. I felt good considering I have been coming off the strep throat, had not been doing many long runs and ran 34 miles at a decent pace. From this point forward, I need to really start focusing on the marathon training with an emphasize on long runs and maraton-specific workouts. I will race the Papa John's 10-Miler on April 3 and the Derby Marathon on April 24.
Tuesday -- 4 miles / 5 miles = 9 miles
Wednesday -- 5 miles with 2 sets of 1K, 2x400
Thursday -- Off
Friday -- 6 miles steady
Saturday -- 24-Hour Race, 38 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 62 miles
Still recovering from strep throat that has back-tracked my training, the week got off to a slow start before the Highland Renaissance 24-Hour Race over the weekend. In the first annual event, which I was the Race Director, I had not planned to compete but decided to do a long run in preperation for the Louisville Derby Marathon. The race started at 8 a.m. but I didn't start running until around 1 p.m. I ran 20 miles easy (on the two-mile long loops), took a break, then ran 14 miles progressingly increasing the pace to close to seven-minute miles. After the 34 miles, I took a long break, then walked four miles for 38 total during the event. I felt good considering I have been coming off the strep throat, had not been doing many long runs and ran 34 miles at a decent pace. From this point forward, I need to really start focusing on the marathon training with an emphasize on long runs and maraton-specific workouts. I will race the Papa John's 10-Miler on April 3 and the Derby Marathon on April 24.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Week of March 1-7
Monday -- Off, sick
Tuesday -- 3 miles easy, sick
Wednesday -- off, sick
Thursday -- off, sick, tested positive for strep throat
Friday -- 2 miles with 7x200 controlled speed, still sick
Saturday -- Off
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 5 miles
Tuesday -- 3 miles easy, sick
Wednesday -- off, sick
Thursday -- off, sick, tested positive for strep throat
Friday -- 2 miles with 7x200 controlled speed, still sick
Saturday -- Off
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 5 miles
Week of Feb. 22-28
Monday -- 6 miles inside HCHS including relays with high school runners
Tuesday -- 8 miles outside in the morning / 4 miles insdie including fast relays with high school runners = 12 miles
Wednesday -- (treadmill) warm up, 2xmile, 5-mile hard, 2xmile, cool down = 11 miles
Times were 6:04, 5:59, 31:18, 5:59, 5:59
Thursday -- Off
Friday -- 6 miles with 3 miles hard racing the high school runners. Ran inside the high school on a 11-laps-to-the-mile loop with tight turns, 33 laps in 18:11.
Saturday -- Off, started feeling sick
Sunday -- Off, feeling sick
Total -- 31 miles
Tuesday -- 8 miles outside in the morning / 4 miles insdie including fast relays with high school runners = 12 miles
Wednesday -- (treadmill) warm up, 2xmile, 5-mile hard, 2xmile, cool down = 11 miles
Times were 6:04, 5:59, 31:18, 5:59, 5:59
Thursday -- Off
Friday -- 6 miles with 3 miles hard racing the high school runners. Ran inside the high school on a 11-laps-to-the-mile loop with tight turns, 33 laps in 18:11.
Saturday -- Off, started feeling sick
Sunday -- Off, feeling sick
Total -- 31 miles
Week of Feb. 15-21
Monday -- 8 miles in blizzard
Tuesday -- (treadmill) warm up, 2xmile, 4-mile tempo, 2xmile, cool down = 10 miles
Times were 6:16, 6:05, 26:30, 6:08, 5:58
Wednesday -- (treadmill) 12 miles
Tuursday -- 8 miles inside HCHS including relays with high school runners
Friday -- 6 miles inside HCHS including relays with high school runners
Saturdday -- 12 miles with road runners, finishing with final 3 miles 6:15-average
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 56 miles
Tuesday -- (treadmill) warm up, 2xmile, 4-mile tempo, 2xmile, cool down = 10 miles
Times were 6:16, 6:05, 26:30, 6:08, 5:58
Wednesday -- (treadmill) 12 miles
Tuursday -- 8 miles inside HCHS including relays with high school runners
Friday -- 6 miles inside HCHS including relays with high school runners
Saturdday -- 12 miles with road runners, finishing with final 3 miles 6:15-average
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 56 miles
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Week of Feb.8-14
Increased mileage to 50 miles this week in my first time reaching the milestone in my preparation for the Louisville Marathon. Wednesday and Thursday were my key days with Wednesday getting in 20 total miles on the treadmill in two separate runs (ran 12 miles early in the morning, then ran another 8 miles when the kids took a nap), then ran hill sprints with Cassey, Cathryn and Eric at the Fischers house in Campbellsburg on Thursday. Very good back-to-back days. Here was the week:
Monday -- 6 miles with two relays inside with HCHS track team
Tuesday -- 8 miles outside in snow
Wednesday -- 12 miles on treadmill/8 miles on treadmill = 20 miles
Thursday -- 6 miles with 15 x hill sprints (5x200, 5x150, 5x100) outside in snow
Friday -- 6 miles with two relays inside with HCHS track team
Saturday -- 4 miles easy on treadmill
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 50 miles
Monday -- 6 miles with two relays inside with HCHS track team
Tuesday -- 8 miles outside in snow
Wednesday -- 12 miles on treadmill/8 miles on treadmill = 20 miles
Thursday -- 6 miles with 15 x hill sprints (5x200, 5x150, 5x100) outside in snow
Friday -- 6 miles with two relays inside with HCHS track team
Saturday -- 4 miles easy on treadmill
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 50 miles
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Week of Feb. 1-Feb. 7
I increased my mileage by 11 in my second week back to training, getting up to 45 for the week. I also started to add more intense running into the training plan -- Monday I ran five strides at about 90-percent effort after a steady run, Tuesday I ran two miles at goal marathon pace during an 8-miler, Friday I ran a fast relay with my high school/middle school runners, and Saturday I ran a tempo in the cold weather. Here is the breakdown:
Monday -- 5 miles, plus 5x100
Tuesday -- 8 miles with 2 miles at 6:30-pace
Wednesday -- 16 miles on treadmill
Thursday -- 6 miles at site of Renaissance 24-Hour Race
Friday -- 4 miles, plus indoor relay with high school runners of about 2 miles of hard running
Saturday -- warmup, 42-minute tempo on snowy roads = 6 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 45 miles
Monday -- 5 miles, plus 5x100
Tuesday -- 8 miles with 2 miles at 6:30-pace
Wednesday -- 16 miles on treadmill
Thursday -- 6 miles at site of Renaissance 24-Hour Race
Friday -- 4 miles, plus indoor relay with high school runners of about 2 miles of hard running
Saturday -- warmup, 42-minute tempo on snowy roads = 6 miles
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 45 miles
Week of Jan. 25-Jan. 31
In my first week back to training, in preparation for the Louisville Marathon on April 24, I ran 34 miles with mostly easy to steady runs. I felt relatively good considering it was my first week back to training. Here is what I did:
Monday -- 4 miles in the morning / 4 miles in the afternoon = 8 miles
Tuesday -- Off
Wednesday -- 7 miles
Thursday -- 4 miles in the morning / 5 miles in the afternoon = 9 miles
Friday -- 3 miles in the morning / 3 miles in the afternoon = 6 miles
Saturday -- 4 miles with 25-minute tempo in the snow
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 34 miles
Monday -- 4 miles in the morning / 4 miles in the afternoon = 8 miles
Tuesday -- Off
Wednesday -- 7 miles
Thursday -- 4 miles in the morning / 5 miles in the afternoon = 9 miles
Friday -- 3 miles in the morning / 3 miles in the afternoon = 6 miles
Saturday -- 4 miles with 25-minute tempo in the snow
Sunday -- Off
Total -- 34 miles
Monday, November 30, 2009
I'm back...
Well, since my last post my life has been crazy. But in a good way. I now have a son -- Cruz who was born on April 27 -- to go along with my now 2-year-old daughter Emma. And I've started to coach the Henry County cross-country and track teams as an assistant. It's been a blast. I've been busy, busy, busy.
For some reason, I thought about this blog and decided to come back to it. (It took me about a million guesses to finally remember my password!) So, as for running, the intent of starting this blog, I signed up for the Louisville Marathon on April 24 and then will shift my attention to getting ready for the Louisville Ironman, which I have also signed up for and is on Aug. 29. Also, I'm putting on a 24-hour race in Eminence, the Highlands Renaissance 24-Hour Race, on March 13-14 and I plan on competing in the Papa John's 10-Miler on April 3 as a tune-up race for the marathon.
I will hopefully use this blog as a training log of sorts, and not neglect it like I've been known to do. I'm ready to get back on the roads again, and I'll let you know how it goes.
For some reason, I thought about this blog and decided to come back to it. (It took me about a million guesses to finally remember my password!) So, as for running, the intent of starting this blog, I signed up for the Louisville Marathon on April 24 and then will shift my attention to getting ready for the Louisville Ironman, which I have also signed up for and is on Aug. 29. Also, I'm putting on a 24-hour race in Eminence, the Highlands Renaissance 24-Hour Race, on March 13-14 and I plan on competing in the Papa John's 10-Miler on April 3 as a tune-up race for the marathon.
I will hopefully use this blog as a training log of sorts, and not neglect it like I've been known to do. I'm ready to get back on the roads again, and I'll let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Hoping to start running soon
After numerous setbacks since the Louisville Marathon Oct. 19, I'm crossing my fingers in hope that I can start back running soon. I've run very inconsistently since the marathon and have not run a step in at least two weeks. My back is giving me the most problems right now — bulging disc — which I'm trying to rest and then strengthen over the next few weeks so I can start back running pain free.
If everything goes the way I hope, I'll be back running again the week of Jan. 26, which will give me two more weeks off and 10 weeks of training before a possible marathon race. If I get in decent shape, I'll run the Rodes City Run 10K road race as a tune-up March 21, and run the Ohio River Road Runners Club Marathon April 5. That's a big "if" though. I would like to get in another marathon before the new baby, which is due in late April, early May. Before the Louisville Marathon I didn't get in very good training the two months leading up to the race and still ran a personal record of 2:58, so I think with 10 solid weeks I can go faster and possibly get closer to the 2:50 barrier — my next big marathon goal.
Hopefully I'll have good news in a couple of weeks.
If everything goes the way I hope, I'll be back running again the week of Jan. 26, which will give me two more weeks off and 10 weeks of training before a possible marathon race. If I get in decent shape, I'll run the Rodes City Run 10K road race as a tune-up March 21, and run the Ohio River Road Runners Club Marathon April 5. That's a big "if" though. I would like to get in another marathon before the new baby, which is due in late April, early May. Before the Louisville Marathon I didn't get in very good training the two months leading up to the race and still ran a personal record of 2:58, so I think with 10 solid weeks I can go faster and possibly get closer to the 2:50 barrier — my next big marathon goal.
Hopefully I'll have good news in a couple of weeks.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Trying to start back
Since the Louisville Marathon Oct. 19, I've had some health issues that have backtracked my training and racing. My back has been giving me some problems along with some severe headaches and a few other more minimal issues I've encountered. I had an MRI on my head and lower back and they showed that I probably have a cyst on my brain along with some other more complicated problems, and my back has a few bulging discs, one that is pitching my nerve, and I might have some other problem that is a little more serious that I'm not that familiar with. I'm going to see a neurosurgeon this Friday. As you can tell, I'm a little banged up.
With that said, I recently bought a treadmill (which I've been wanting for a long time) and I'm going to start back running and continue running until a doctor tells me I shouldn't, which they have yet to do. But I am cutting my mileage, not running as many days per week and doing most of my running on the treadmill, which to me seems like less strain on my back with the even surface and no twists and turns. I'm not sure what (if any) races I'm going to attempt yet but they will most likely be low-key races around the area. If I get in good training and a few longer runs, I might attempt a marathon in early spring. I'm not sure about that, though. I guess I will just have to wait and see how it all unfolds.
With that said, I recently bought a treadmill (which I've been wanting for a long time) and I'm going to start back running and continue running until a doctor tells me I shouldn't, which they have yet to do. But I am cutting my mileage, not running as many days per week and doing most of my running on the treadmill, which to me seems like less strain on my back with the even surface and no twists and turns. I'm not sure what (if any) races I'm going to attempt yet but they will most likely be low-key races around the area. If I get in good training and a few longer runs, I might attempt a marathon in early spring. I'm not sure about that, though. I guess I will just have to wait and see how it all unfolds.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Getting back on the roads
Okay, so I took three weeks off after the Louisville Marathon Oct. 19 and now it's time to get back on the roads. I'm excited to get back to training but I haven't decided on what races to do yet. Right now, I'm thinking about the Otter Creek Trail Marathon Dec. 14 but that's just five weeks away so I'm not sure yet. I might opt to do the 8-mile race or the 16-mile race but would really like to run the marathon if my training is going okay the next few weeks.
I was thinking (actually I already decided) to run the Rocky Raccoon 100-mile race in Texas this February, but after a few days decided not to attempt it for money reasons. With the situation I'm in with trying to sell my Shelbyville house, I don't have the cash to spend on a weekend trip to Texas and a $120 race fee. I guess I'll just have to save those 100-milers for later when I'm more financially stable. If only they had a 100-miler in Kentucky?
Also, I was thinking about running Boston this year since I qualified again — and a few guys I know are running it — but my wife is pregnant with our second child which is due in late April. So that's out of the question.
I'll just see how my training is going and then pick a race to focus on. I'll just see how it goes.
I was thinking (actually I already decided) to run the Rocky Raccoon 100-mile race in Texas this February, but after a few days decided not to attempt it for money reasons. With the situation I'm in with trying to sell my Shelbyville house, I don't have the cash to spend on a weekend trip to Texas and a $120 race fee. I guess I'll just have to save those 100-milers for later when I'm more financially stable. If only they had a 100-miler in Kentucky?
Also, I was thinking about running Boston this year since I qualified again — and a few guys I know are running it — but my wife is pregnant with our second child which is due in late April. So that's out of the question.
I'll just see how my training is going and then pick a race to focus on. I'll just see how it goes.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Louisville Marathon, 2:58:53
Well, I achieved my No. 1 goal to set a new PR, and I felt relatively good most of the way so I was definitely pleased with my performance in the Louisville Marathon this past Sunday. I finished the course in 2:58:53 chip time (previous PR was 2:59:13 from the Kentucky Derby Marathon 2007), which placed me 8th overall and 1st in the Male 25-29 division. It was a 6:50-per-mile average.
In the week leading up to the race, I did low mileage with nothing but easy runs with light strides. I took off the day before the race to really rest up. I was planning on running a 5K at goal marathon pace about five days out from the marathon, but decided just to run easy when my hamstrings were tight. On race morning, I felt really good after a 5-minute easy jog and one light stride. As for nutrition (for future reference) I ate a large pasta meal two nights before the race, a large breakfast of pancakes, oatmeal and scrambled eggs the morning before the race and a lighter dinner of pasta and meatballs the night before the race. On race day, I ate one piece of toast with jelly, a yogurt and a healthy bar with some powerade at 5:45 a.m. The race started at 8 a.m. I sipped on just water up to the race, but didn't drink as much as I usually do, which I preferred. Too much water makes my bladder hurt for the first half of the race and it's hard for me to drink. During the race, I took water from every water table except for the first one and took two gel packs (at miles 15 and 20), which I carried with me. I liked this approach as this was the first marathon I felt like I had energy to finish strong and wasn't dehydrated.
Okay, now for the actual race. I started out running with Jon Brenenstuhl at 6:30-6:40 pace, which was our pre-marathon plan. I don't really remember many splits but I know the first mile was 6:34 and we had a few (miles 8-10) right at or a little under 6:30s. Jon was feeling good and he started to pull away from me at around 12 miles (which I thought was about right). I ran by myself for a little while then got on the heels of a guy who went past me from miles 15 to 20. I think I passed the halfway point in around 1:27:30 (not exactly sure on this as it hasn't been posted yet). If I remember correctly, I passed 18 miles in 2:00:03, and 20 miles at around 2:13:30. Rewind the race a little, and at 6 miles I started to feel my hamstrings tighten up like they were about to start cramping, but I tried to ignore the pain in fear that I would tense up and cause it to cramp more. At 22 miles, though, the pain started to get worst so I slowed down to try to take shorter strides. When I opened up my stride, I could feel it tense up a little more. I have a history of cramping, and I wanted to get to the finish line cramp-free this time so I backed off even though I wasn't feeling that bad considering where I was at in the race. I'm not sure on my time, but at 25 miles I knew I had to pick it up if I wanted to get a new PR so I really tried to push it in from that point forward. I was still afraid of cramping so I ran 3 1-minute hard surges with short rests (a slower but steady pace) between each one. Then, I really kicked it in the final quarter mile to get under 2:59:00. It was tough, but I made it without cramping.
Like I said, I was pleased with the race. I think if it wasn't for the whole I'm-afraid-of-cramping scenario, I could have possibly ran at least a few minutes faster. By looking back at my training log from the 12 weeks leading up to the race (especially with the setbacks from injuries and sicknesses), it was a great race for me. This was probably the worst training I've done leading up to a marathon, but I was able to run a PR because I didn't cramp — that made all the difference.
A few days after the race, I'm obviously still sore but I'm feeling mentally fresh and ready for my next challenge. I'm not sure what that will be yet. My quads are the main thing that's hurting right now. I'll take this week completely off and might start jogging next week. Then, I'll look at my options and see how it unfolds.
By the way, Jon ran a 2:46:55 for 2nd overall off similar training that I did.
In the week leading up to the race, I did low mileage with nothing but easy runs with light strides. I took off the day before the race to really rest up. I was planning on running a 5K at goal marathon pace about five days out from the marathon, but decided just to run easy when my hamstrings were tight. On race morning, I felt really good after a 5-minute easy jog and one light stride. As for nutrition (for future reference) I ate a large pasta meal two nights before the race, a large breakfast of pancakes, oatmeal and scrambled eggs the morning before the race and a lighter dinner of pasta and meatballs the night before the race. On race day, I ate one piece of toast with jelly, a yogurt and a healthy bar with some powerade at 5:45 a.m. The race started at 8 a.m. I sipped on just water up to the race, but didn't drink as much as I usually do, which I preferred. Too much water makes my bladder hurt for the first half of the race and it's hard for me to drink. During the race, I took water from every water table except for the first one and took two gel packs (at miles 15 and 20), which I carried with me. I liked this approach as this was the first marathon I felt like I had energy to finish strong and wasn't dehydrated.
Okay, now for the actual race. I started out running with Jon Brenenstuhl at 6:30-6:40 pace, which was our pre-marathon plan. I don't really remember many splits but I know the first mile was 6:34 and we had a few (miles 8-10) right at or a little under 6:30s. Jon was feeling good and he started to pull away from me at around 12 miles (which I thought was about right). I ran by myself for a little while then got on the heels of a guy who went past me from miles 15 to 20. I think I passed the halfway point in around 1:27:30 (not exactly sure on this as it hasn't been posted yet). If I remember correctly, I passed 18 miles in 2:00:03, and 20 miles at around 2:13:30. Rewind the race a little, and at 6 miles I started to feel my hamstrings tighten up like they were about to start cramping, but I tried to ignore the pain in fear that I would tense up and cause it to cramp more. At 22 miles, though, the pain started to get worst so I slowed down to try to take shorter strides. When I opened up my stride, I could feel it tense up a little more. I have a history of cramping, and I wanted to get to the finish line cramp-free this time so I backed off even though I wasn't feeling that bad considering where I was at in the race. I'm not sure on my time, but at 25 miles I knew I had to pick it up if I wanted to get a new PR so I really tried to push it in from that point forward. I was still afraid of cramping so I ran 3 1-minute hard surges with short rests (a slower but steady pace) between each one. Then, I really kicked it in the final quarter mile to get under 2:59:00. It was tough, but I made it without cramping.
Like I said, I was pleased with the race. I think if it wasn't for the whole I'm-afraid-of-cramping scenario, I could have possibly ran at least a few minutes faster. By looking back at my training log from the 12 weeks leading up to the race (especially with the setbacks from injuries and sicknesses), it was a great race for me. This was probably the worst training I've done leading up to a marathon, but I was able to run a PR because I didn't cramp — that made all the difference.
A few days after the race, I'm obviously still sore but I'm feeling mentally fresh and ready for my next challenge. I'm not sure what that will be yet. My quads are the main thing that's hurting right now. I'll take this week completely off and might start jogging next week. Then, I'll look at my options and see how it unfolds.
By the way, Jon ran a 2:46:55 for 2nd overall off similar training that I did.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Week of Oct. 6-Oct. 12
In my final week of training before the Louisville Marathon Oct. 19, I got in lower-than-normal mileage but still maintained my fitness in an effort to rest up for the 26.2-miler. I ended up running 35 miles total with one workout on the roads, one steady-hard effort of 60 minutes and one day of speed work that included football.
The workout on the road was run last Wednesday. I measured off a 3-mile course (1.5 miles out and back) on flood road in Cropper, which had some hills and some sharp curves. My goal was to run the first one at marathon effort (6:30-6:45) and the second one at close to 6-minute miles with a 5-minute jog recovery between the two. I started out a little too fast and ended up running the first one in 19:00 (6:20-pace) which felt fine, then I ran the second one in 18:05 (6:01-pace) which was just where I wanted to be. The workout went according to plan. I had to push towards the end of the second 3-miler, but otherwise I felt fine.
On the 60-minute run, I ran mainly on a looped course on the roads so I could work on drinking water out of a cup. I always say I need to work on that before a marathon but this is the first time I ever actually did it. I ran, what I calculated to be, around 7-minute pace for most of the run and really picked it up towards the end. I had six different cups to drink during the run, and I finally figured out the best way to drink while maintaining a pace close to marathon effort. (I won't go into details here.) The run went well. It was my final run this long and at this pace before the marathon.
As for the football game the following day, Saturday, I used it as a speed workout with tons, tons and tons of sprints during the three hours. We started out playing tackle and then switched over the flag. Let me say I am way more sore than I expected to be a few days later. When I play football, I pretty much run hard, all-out routes the entire time, and also run a lot on defense, so I got a very good workout in. I counted it as four miles, but I think I probably underestimated the distance I actually completed. The football game is an annual tradition with some of my friends (we played 8-against-8 most of the time) so I decided to go ahead and play - which might not have been such a great idea the weekend before the marathon. I did get in a good day of speed though, something I haven't done in a while, which could have led to my soreness.
Here is a breakdown of my week...
Monday: 4 miles easy
Tuesday: 6 miles easy
Wednesday: 5 minutes easy, 2 x 3 miles (19:00, 18:05) with 5 minutes jog recovery, 5 minutes easy = 8 miles
Thursday: 4 miles easy
Friday: 60 minutes at sub-7 pace, plus 5 x fast strides with jog between each one = 9 miles
Saturday: 3 hours of football — used it as a day for speed workout = 4 miles
Sunday: DNR. Sore from yesterday's football game.
This week I'm going to take it easy with light runs lasting no more than 30 minutes, light strides and maybe one 3-miler on the roads at 5K pace to keep my legs moving fast. With the marathon less than a week away, hopefully I'll be ready to go this coming Sunday.
Also, I found out today that the Louisville Marathon had to switch its course back to the same one they used last year, which means it will be very flat and mainly run along River Road and through some parks. It also means the half-marathon and marathon runners will be starting together. I was actually looking forward to just running with the marathoners the entire time, but it's all right. I guess I'll just see how I'm feeling Sunday.
The workout on the road was run last Wednesday. I measured off a 3-mile course (1.5 miles out and back) on flood road in Cropper, which had some hills and some sharp curves. My goal was to run the first one at marathon effort (6:30-6:45) and the second one at close to 6-minute miles with a 5-minute jog recovery between the two. I started out a little too fast and ended up running the first one in 19:00 (6:20-pace) which felt fine, then I ran the second one in 18:05 (6:01-pace) which was just where I wanted to be. The workout went according to plan. I had to push towards the end of the second 3-miler, but otherwise I felt fine.
On the 60-minute run, I ran mainly on a looped course on the roads so I could work on drinking water out of a cup. I always say I need to work on that before a marathon but this is the first time I ever actually did it. I ran, what I calculated to be, around 7-minute pace for most of the run and really picked it up towards the end. I had six different cups to drink during the run, and I finally figured out the best way to drink while maintaining a pace close to marathon effort. (I won't go into details here.) The run went well. It was my final run this long and at this pace before the marathon.
As for the football game the following day, Saturday, I used it as a speed workout with tons, tons and tons of sprints during the three hours. We started out playing tackle and then switched over the flag. Let me say I am way more sore than I expected to be a few days later. When I play football, I pretty much run hard, all-out routes the entire time, and also run a lot on defense, so I got a very good workout in. I counted it as four miles, but I think I probably underestimated the distance I actually completed. The football game is an annual tradition with some of my friends (we played 8-against-8 most of the time) so I decided to go ahead and play - which might not have been such a great idea the weekend before the marathon. I did get in a good day of speed though, something I haven't done in a while, which could have led to my soreness.
Here is a breakdown of my week...
Monday: 4 miles easy
Tuesday: 6 miles easy
Wednesday: 5 minutes easy, 2 x 3 miles (19:00, 18:05) with 5 minutes jog recovery, 5 minutes easy = 8 miles
Thursday: 4 miles easy
Friday: 60 minutes at sub-7 pace, plus 5 x fast strides with jog between each one = 9 miles
Saturday: 3 hours of football — used it as a day for speed workout = 4 miles
Sunday: DNR. Sore from yesterday's football game.
This week I'm going to take it easy with light runs lasting no more than 30 minutes, light strides and maybe one 3-miler on the roads at 5K pace to keep my legs moving fast. With the marathon less than a week away, hopefully I'll be ready to go this coming Sunday.
Also, I found out today that the Louisville Marathon had to switch its course back to the same one they used last year, which means it will be very flat and mainly run along River Road and through some parks. It also means the half-marathon and marathon runners will be starting together. I was actually looking forward to just running with the marathoners the entire time, but it's all right. I guess I'll just see how I'm feeling Sunday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
