It comes in many forms, sometimes in the least expected arena, other times it is so in your face that it is literally impossible to ever forget. It forges the foundation for completion for many. It has a power unseen yet a force that beckons. As I traverse these hills and trails here I am always in awe of the accomplishments of others in regards to running and life in general. I ask myself how do they do that? I am quickly answered. That is the most amazing thing I have learned to love about running. The answers that flow as easily as my legs that propel me. They do it because they have simply decided that to not do it would be selling themselves and sometimes others short. I have run for many reasons, including family members, other athletes, and the age old adage that in order to improve anything in life it takes work, hard work, hill work and trail runs, elevation that scare many and humidity that fights you the entire way. I run for the love of nature and the inspiration that a cascading ravine or flowering tree can provide. I am inspired, believe it or not, by the utter stupidity of the human race to think we can ever defy nature. As I run through the National Park here daily I am always reminded how insignificant we really are as a race and often think about what my surroundings will look like when we are gone, because we will be gone. Evolution of the species is something that will eventually take our roll out of the equation for sharing this earth. And since we do such an utterly disgraceful job in sharing it with other species our time will be shortened and our marks of civilizations will be forgotten. How dare us to hold this "Superiority Complex" over other living things, and by doing so it filters into our beings and politics and religions until we ask a "God" to do things for us at the expense of others. You see, there is balance in ALL things, I see it so clearly when I am running here, the beauty of an Island Paradise, that when the balance is upset we all pay and suffer and our time here as a species is thus shortened. Inspiration to overcome this idea that I am better than my Muslim or Gay peers, to use an example, simple undermines our ability to utilize the earth as a true home. When you disturb the balance of one, all suffer. "God Blesses America" at the expense of other races and cultures and for that there is zero redemption on the ecological and spiritual scales, both tipping way to far to one side.
As the oil slowly creeps towards the shore line we are reminded of the upset in the balance of nature. Lust for the power that drives this laptop, or the car that I drive has given way to the worst oil disaster on record. Funny that we have survived tens of thousands of years without the oil, but now we are addicted, and in doing so once again have upset the Eco system and hence shortened our time as a species here. With the passing of my Brother 2 months ago I have used the term "All things must pass" on a number of occasions and must do so again. We are our own worse enemy, not terrorism, not flooding, not counter cultural thought, not oil spills, not political dissent, and surely not "unamerican" thoughts. No we are doomed because we have the worst disease any society can manifest, as most disease is self inflicted, that being "Superiority Complex" and as this cancerous form of thought permeates society, we are reduced to a constant state of sorrow and turmoil. We have a handful of generations to reverse this horrid plague or we will soon be gone for good. Laws were made to be broken, but solemn truths are embedded in the nature and survival mechanisms of our DNA. Either we peel the onion now or say goodbye.
The nature of a run is just that, nature. Running in literally programmed into our DNA, and by doing such we can connect with our ancients and understand and respect nature in general and in its purest form. When we run we are stripped down to primal forms and forces of nature, communing and accepting our surroundings for what they are, not what we want them to be. Wow, what a concept, accepting things as they are. A simple truth as far as nature goes but oh so hard to follow for a society that is out of control trying to change the rest of the world, yet ignoring our own short comings. A familiar human battle that each of us toil over for sure, but when governments start to oppress at the expense of others we take a few more years off out time here. Be it 2012, as the doomsayers say or 3150, it doesn't really matter, because the way in which we are killing ourselves is so avoidable, yet so far out of reach. Do we have inspiration to take back our earth from the corporations and politicians? Of course we do, but it remains to be seen if that alone is enough. As the dominant life form here we have a responsibility to all the other species and our selves to become better stewards of Planet Earth. I am going to run once again in the morning and in doing so I will be reminded of what future generations will be missing as we slowly destroy our fragile ecosystem. I will also be reminded that renewal is also Natures way, so it is up to us. A simple choice starts the process, then action must follow. Little things do matter, as they set examples and are sometimes influential on others.
I am following a fellow runner who is running from Amsterdam to Barcelona, the equivalent of 50 marathons in 56 days. He is my human inspiration for the next few months and beyond of course. My spiritual inspiration lays in the ancient rock formations and ravines I will traverse in the morning as my legs drive me across this ancient volcanic island that was here long before man arrived and will be here long after we are gone. Be Well
Showing posts with label Marathon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marathon. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Friday, June 26, 2009
STREET SMARTS
The age old debate, street smarts verses book smarts. As I stare at a 2 ft. high stack of running books as I write this , I can only ponder what the information enclosed within their covers has and will do for my running. I have learned from them and at times have obsessed over them. Today I was clearly reminded about street smarts from my 8 year old son. His foray into street vending in front of my store and his dedication and enthusiasm for his stand is inherent and can not be taught in books. Anything in life, be it running or street vending or the multitudes of other activities we choose to involve ourselves in can not and will not serve a useful and positive purpose without passion. As runners we are constantly reminded that without passion what we do becomes real work. Once the joy of running fades we are left with very little to keep us going. It is like running with very heavy boots, we move forward but it is not with the grace and agility our passion provides for us.
Being self employed over 30 years now has taught me a simple truth. Love what you do and you are doing what you love. Luca, my son, exemplifies that as I watch him set up, sell, tear down and do all the little things involved in running a business. He is astute and attentive, and also rewards himself and his friends with ice cream and slush puppies towards the end of his day. That natural rhythm of work hard and reward is the cornerstone of any success and kids seem to know it without the 2 ft. high stack of books. What is it that you really love to do? Then do it after your run. A self congratulatory approach to your accomplishments is as much a part of your training as the long runs and the daily workouts. Rest too is actually training. What a great sport, we are actually training when we are resting and in my case eating pasta and pizza! Talk about the best of both worlds.
Runners are a clan that will persist through almost anything to get their runs in. For example I will be running tomorrow afternoon, in the middle of the day, in 88 degree heat with high humidity on hills! Why you might ask. I only have control over which time of day I run, not the elements or the terrain. St. john is volcanic, thus the hills and it is summer time. I cannot run until 2 pm because of family commitments. So I will run, and It will be hot, but I will pace my self and let the passion provide the foundation for the run. There is very little that will keep me from running tomorrow. I have geared myself up and mentally prepared for a tough, hot mid day run. Knowing ahead of time why you are running and where and how long or far gives the mind and body an alert, thus making it feel easier. I have said before always know why you are doing a run and what you are expecting from it in terms of training. I have identified my next Marathon in early October so my training now begins to shift towards that goal. As much as I loved running my first Marathon in Portland last fall, I do not want the same outcome or experience. I must train with that in mind if I am to alter my result. My respect for the 26.2 mile distance is immense. No amount of book smarts could equal the knowledge gained during that run last fall.
Perhaps street smarts mean so much to me because of my inner city upbringing and the survival mode you must go on at times to get by. Instinct is essential for all types of survival and running and marathoning are no different. Listen very closely to your thoughts while you are out on the trails and roads and you will know what works best for you. The 2 ft stack of books will always be their to assist you but your gut and your heart will always lead you best. Be Well and enjoy the summer runs and race season!
Being self employed over 30 years now has taught me a simple truth. Love what you do and you are doing what you love. Luca, my son, exemplifies that as I watch him set up, sell, tear down and do all the little things involved in running a business. He is astute and attentive, and also rewards himself and his friends with ice cream and slush puppies towards the end of his day. That natural rhythm of work hard and reward is the cornerstone of any success and kids seem to know it without the 2 ft. high stack of books. What is it that you really love to do? Then do it after your run. A self congratulatory approach to your accomplishments is as much a part of your training as the long runs and the daily workouts. Rest too is actually training. What a great sport, we are actually training when we are resting and in my case eating pasta and pizza! Talk about the best of both worlds.
Runners are a clan that will persist through almost anything to get their runs in. For example I will be running tomorrow afternoon, in the middle of the day, in 88 degree heat with high humidity on hills! Why you might ask. I only have control over which time of day I run, not the elements or the terrain. St. john is volcanic, thus the hills and it is summer time. I cannot run until 2 pm because of family commitments. So I will run, and It will be hot, but I will pace my self and let the passion provide the foundation for the run. There is very little that will keep me from running tomorrow. I have geared myself up and mentally prepared for a tough, hot mid day run. Knowing ahead of time why you are running and where and how long or far gives the mind and body an alert, thus making it feel easier. I have said before always know why you are doing a run and what you are expecting from it in terms of training. I have identified my next Marathon in early October so my training now begins to shift towards that goal. As much as I loved running my first Marathon in Portland last fall, I do not want the same outcome or experience. I must train with that in mind if I am to alter my result. My respect for the 26.2 mile distance is immense. No amount of book smarts could equal the knowledge gained during that run last fall.
Perhaps street smarts mean so much to me because of my inner city upbringing and the survival mode you must go on at times to get by. Instinct is essential for all types of survival and running and marathoning are no different. Listen very closely to your thoughts while you are out on the trails and roads and you will know what works best for you. The 2 ft stack of books will always be their to assist you but your gut and your heart will always lead you best. Be Well and enjoy the summer runs and race season!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
PERSONAL BEST
As runners most of us strive for better times when we race. We train and strain and hopefully gain. As a self trained runner I am in the constant state of experimentation with my runs. No coach or group leader to guide me. No one telling me my mistakes or showing me my pitfalls. Formulating a training program for myself is not always easy and not always possible to follow due to the runners triangle(see previous post). Case in point the training I did for the Half Marathon I ran this past Saturday. The last long run I did was 5 weeks prior to the race. I had planned more but they simply did not occur. I have valid excuses though, trust me!!!!! Right! LOL
I train hard most of the time I am running, Taking easy days of course to balance the intensity of the overall training, but in general run hard. I have been doing a lot of out and backs of 7 plus miles along the North Shore and once a week running 3 Loops around the Lind Point trail starting from town. Both of those runs are tough to say the least. I can sometimes literally feel myself getting stronger. I am pretty adamant about getting my 5 runs in weekly. Sometimes even 6 and once in a while it will go down to 4. I am hard on myself and consider 3 runs in a week in the category of total slacking. Sick running junkie that I am!
So what to my wondering feet do I achieve, a personal best in the half marathon you see! Oh Santa would be proud of me but he is very busy making sure my son and all the other children of the world have a very merry one in "09". It was my 4th half marathon and each one the times went lower and I ran a 1:42:01 at Disney this weekend. I am quite pleased, ever though I had my eyes on a 1:40. I tried to stay with that pacing group but did not want to go out too fast and I held them in sight for the first 6-7 miles then just lost sight of them. Having clocks at every mile is awesome and I knew I was still on pace for a PB. It is always an awesome feeling crossing the finish line.
My stats where as follows: Time:1:42:01, 419th overall out of 12,434 finishers, age group(50-54) 27th out of 580 males, age grade 66.8% and 348th overall out of 5253 for males.
So the question is this. Did I under train by not doing my long runs or did I amply train and have a PB because the hills of St. John are the most awesome place on the planet to run and they reward all who suffer through their wrath? Probably a little of both I would imagine. I always tell stateside runners that a 7 mile north shore run is equivalent to a flat 10 mile run in the states because of the 3H club(see previous post) Hills, Heat and Humidity. We run in high heat and high humidity pretty much year round and in the summer and fall it is just plain brutal. So when we get up to the states and run on flat ground in much lower temperatures and lower humidity it is like having an extra jolt of what ever all those cheating athlete take that disgrace themselves and their perspective sport. What a sad state for sports when the playing field is not level and our children must deal with the multitudes of issues surrounding these athletes and the dire backlash that occurs due to ignorance, greed and ego. All boost in sports and performance are not created equal!
The next race for me will be the 8 Tuff Miles right here on St. John on Feb. 28th. I will be fully trained for that race and will enjoy every minute of it, even the ones I plan on shedding off of last years time!
I train hard most of the time I am running, Taking easy days of course to balance the intensity of the overall training, but in general run hard. I have been doing a lot of out and backs of 7 plus miles along the North Shore and once a week running 3 Loops around the Lind Point trail starting from town. Both of those runs are tough to say the least. I can sometimes literally feel myself getting stronger. I am pretty adamant about getting my 5 runs in weekly. Sometimes even 6 and once in a while it will go down to 4. I am hard on myself and consider 3 runs in a week in the category of total slacking. Sick running junkie that I am!
So what to my wondering feet do I achieve, a personal best in the half marathon you see! Oh Santa would be proud of me but he is very busy making sure my son and all the other children of the world have a very merry one in "09". It was my 4th half marathon and each one the times went lower and I ran a 1:42:01 at Disney this weekend. I am quite pleased, ever though I had my eyes on a 1:40. I tried to stay with that pacing group but did not want to go out too fast and I held them in sight for the first 6-7 miles then just lost sight of them. Having clocks at every mile is awesome and I knew I was still on pace for a PB. It is always an awesome feeling crossing the finish line.
My stats where as follows: Time:1:42:01, 419th overall out of 12,434 finishers, age group(50-54) 27th out of 580 males, age grade 66.8% and 348th overall out of 5253 for males.
So the question is this. Did I under train by not doing my long runs or did I amply train and have a PB because the hills of St. John are the most awesome place on the planet to run and they reward all who suffer through their wrath? Probably a little of both I would imagine. I always tell stateside runners that a 7 mile north shore run is equivalent to a flat 10 mile run in the states because of the 3H club(see previous post) Hills, Heat and Humidity. We run in high heat and high humidity pretty much year round and in the summer and fall it is just plain brutal. So when we get up to the states and run on flat ground in much lower temperatures and lower humidity it is like having an extra jolt of what ever all those cheating athlete take that disgrace themselves and their perspective sport. What a sad state for sports when the playing field is not level and our children must deal with the multitudes of issues surrounding these athletes and the dire backlash that occurs due to ignorance, greed and ego. All boost in sports and performance are not created equal!
The next race for me will be the 8 Tuff Miles right here on St. John on Feb. 28th. I will be fully trained for that race and will enjoy every minute of it, even the ones I plan on shedding off of last years time!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Portland Marathon- OMG!!!
Well I did it and finished my first marathon(bib # 1559) on Oct. 5th and it was an experience I will never forget. I had a good time overall, pun intended. Portland is a great city and put on a world class event, with very friendly staff, and was extremely well organized. I am starting to get a feel for the logistics of these racing events as I have run 11 races thus far this year. The Portland Marathon is a smaller marathon with 7,856 finishers in 2008 and a few other smaller runs and walks tied in, and that makes for intimacy in a major event and thus added to its over all charm. Some of the major marathons sell 25,000-45,000 bib numbers!
I had trained properly by my own newbie estimations for the 26.2 mile challenge and was prepared for race day. Running on the North Shore of St. John has given me an added edge as the hills are unforgiving and they teach me humility within myself and respect for my sport and the millions of other runners facing the same daily challenges as me. I had several runs of 4 hours in my training and ran 24 miles on 2 separate occasions. The 4 hour runs however where not on the North Shore as I am not ready to attempt such a mammoth feat just yet. One was in Southwest Michigan and the other on a Treadmill in the local gym. I despise treadmill running for a host of reasons and will post about that on another occasion, but had no choice as September in St. john has very high humidity and temperatures of 80-88 for highs and lows. I wanted to know what it felt like to be on my feet for 4 hours as I planned to finish between 4-4:30 hour range. By setting that goal I broke a golden rule of first time marathoning by setting a time for myself, but at least it was not the totally absurd assertion that I could Qualify for Boston(3:35:59 or less for my age group) in my first marathon, that I seriously entertained for a few months after running a 1:13 ten miler in April and running our local race the 8 tuff miles in 1:10 in Feb. The adrenaline of those two races and all the prediction charts led me to a false sense that I could pull off a 8:14 pace in my very first marathon. WTF was I thinking! As my marathon training progressed and I started to get into the longer runs of 16 plus miles I realized I would be making a huge mistake by putting myself under such massive pressure and would undoubtedly ruin the pleasure of my first marathon. On the long runs a lot of things fall into place for me and the respect for the distance and sheer logic began to permeate my thoughts and I backed off the BQ(Boston Qualifier) thing and really started to enjoy those runs through the corn and soybean fields of Michigan.
I was saving the official marathon distance for race day to enjoy and relish in my soon to be accomplishment. The expo was great and it had a lot to offer runners both in the way of necessities and frivolous fodder. I purchased the Ultima sports drink 2 days prior to the marathon at the expo to get my body use to that drink as it would be offered on the course along with a host of other consumable products designed to keep our stamina going. The Breakfast Cookies from Erin Bakers are the perfect food for health conscious runners, not to mention supporting a cottage industry small business. They also happen to taste fantastic! Save for some deals on running shoes I find the prices at these expos on running gear and clothes to be average, no major deals, although Portland does not have sales tax! The Expo was well organized and had lots of volunteers to help the masses as we made our way into the Portland Hilton for the event.
The morning of race day was typical for me with lots of nervous energy and anticipation. The temperature was in the low 50's and although I was a little cold before the start it is ideal running weather. Someone however forgot to advise mother nature about the marathon as it rained on the event for the first time in its history. Not just a little mist or occasional drizzle that I am told occurred in a few previous Portland marathons, but outright rain, although not at the start. I lined up with the 4 hour pace group to see how I would feel running at that pace. After all the pre race hoopla and announcements we where on our way. The warmth of the crowd soon gave way to the real air temperature as the race started and the field of runners opened up, but after the first half mile I warmed up and enjoyed the early segment of the race. As we approached the first water station I realized running with this group was not going to work for me as their is a lot of bottle necking and chaos sometimes at these stations so I went out ahead of the group just a little and that made a world of difference in space and perspective. Around the 3 or 4 mile marker I veered way off to the right to spit and avoid gracing another runner with an unwelcome surprise, when another runner said "hey, you are suppose to save that for the St. Johns Bridge" a tradition he told me, as he had run a few previous Portland marathons. He had also broken out of the pace group so we chatted and ran together for the next 13-14 miles and the time went by fast and I felt great. At the 10K(6.2 miles) I was at 53:57 or 8:41(minutes per mile pace) and the Half way point(13.1 miles) I was at 1:54 or 8:43. I was feeling very strong still and was really enjoying the run despite the constant rain that started somewhere about the 5 or 6 mile mark and pretty much continued the entire race. Not torrential downpours, but a steady rain that began to leave puddles on the ground. Wet feet and blisters are a runners nightmare, but they would pale in contrast to what was to occur later in the race for me. I never did get the blisters, a little toe soreness was all around the 14 to 15 mile mark and I was use to this during my training so no big deal. About a mile before the upward accent to the Bridge I lost tract of my running mate and kept up my pace and felt great as I started to climb the steep hill that so many people at this race complain about and dread. I run hills like that every day so for me it was just another hill. Granted after running 16 miles it was a challenge, but I just kept going and although not going very fast, passed a lot of runners. They would have that same pleasure further up the road. My running partner kept saying that once you make it over the bridge the race is pretty much over and very easy, with only 9-10 miles to go and that they are easier miles as a lot of it is downhill or flat. At mile 20 I am at 2:59(8:59 pace) and although tired and starting to slow up a little still felt relatively good considering I have been running for 3 hours at sub 9 minute miles in the rain! Mile 20 in any type of Marathon lore is simply know as 'The Wall'. It is at this point the body may or may not defy your every will to continue and for some outright break you. With my type A personality I consumed any and all information about marathoning and read a lot about the wall, what to expect and how to avoid it. Nothing compares to hands on experience of course and there I was at mile 20 feeling like I could run an easy 10K, the remaining 6.2 miles and feel good about the experience and join the ranks of my fellow runners who have run this distance. Until this point I ran the whole race, no walk breaks or rest periods. I came to Portland to RUN a marathon. Although I have the utmost respect for any one who even starts to train for an event like this let alone finish it, I am of the opinion that there is a huge difference between running a marathon and finishing one that had planned walk breaks and rest periods. Bragging rights need to be clarified, for if you finished the race but did not run the entire race you did not RUN the marathon. Let us be very clear here, I did not RUN the Portland Marathon. Oh I tried but she broke me, chewed me up and spit me out, and reminded me of the utter challenge and preparation and strategy that must be Incorporated into RUNNING a marathon. The last timing mat was at 21.2 and I am at 3:11, averaging 9:04 per mile for the race. All these times I am quoting where furnished after the race, there where people calling out times at every mile marker and I had my watch on, but since I can not read without glasses my watch is difficult to see. Being ahead of the pace group also let me know that I was still on par to finish in 4 hours.
I am not exactly sure at what mile marker I was at but I started to feel a little Queasy. Maybe 12 or 13, but I just wrote it off. I was eating some shot blocks for energy along the way but started to have a lot of trouble swallowing them. My stomach bothered me but I was running a good pace and really did not feel fatigue in my legs the first 21-22 miles. I had been drinking along the course and making sure I had water and the Ultima sports drink they offered, even trying the glucose drink and the gel 'Liquid Gold' that I sampled at the expo. By mile 22 I was not well at all and began to walk and drink at the aid stations and was on survival mode at this point to just finish the race. It felt like the life force was draining out of me. Running became difficult. I thought of Steve Prefontaine running with 12 stitches in his foot and winning that race and all the guts he put out in his races, I thought of all my training and preparation and knew that I would finish this race and run the rest of the way. I am not sure either where the 4 hour pace group passed me, around 23 I think, but in a way it was a relief, because I felt so good the first 21-22 miles I actually started to think I would have a sub 4 hour marathon. I will NEVER forget me bent over hanging onto a pole and dry heaving at the 24 mile marker. It is so clear in my mind it is scary. The last 2.2 miles where absolutely the worst 2.2 miles I have ever attempted to run. Run a half mile then walk, run a 1/4 mile then walk. At the 25 mile marker the volunteer looked at me and knew I was hurting. 'Do Not Give Up Now' And although I knew I was crossing the finish line one way or another that started me running again, but not for very long, walk run walk run, and then it was into downtown and I sucked it up and started running. I will always remember the sound of my shoes dragging across the road, me being barely able to lift my feet at times. The roar of the crowd downtown as I turned into the last 1/4 mile was amazing and I ran to the finish line and crossed at 4:07:19, a 9:26 pace. That I will also never forget! Crossing the finish line in my first marathon is one of those moments that stays with you.
I went to the medical tent just for a little ice for my sore toes and sat out side the main tent in a chair, it being reserved for more serious cases and the injured. I would be getting a much closer look inside that tent, little did I know. After icing down I headed to most amazing after race runners Buffet! A true feast. Fruit, drinks, yogurt, ice cream, pretzels, potato chips, candy, juice and lots more in a very large area. I got a space blanket to keep warm as I was feeling a little chilly, got my well deserved Finishers medal and t-shirt and as I was chowing down I heard my name called and it was my running buddie, He said I looked strong going up the hill to the bridge and that was the last he saw me. He finished a few minutes behind me. We chatted a while then I started to walk towards the end of the enclosed runners area to go back to my hotel when I started shaking, first just a little and then literally uncontrollable. There was a very small medical station I was passing as I was walking so I went over and they sat me down and tried to warm me up and within a few minute it seemed like my whole body was starting to cramp and twist and ache. My Quads where sore almost immediately after I stopped running and I expected that and a host of other aches and pains, I am 52 years old, and just tried to run 26.2 miles! But these cramps and chills where different. They could not get me warm, remember it in the low 50's and I am soaked with rain and sweat, and not use to this type of weather ever! The medics decided I should go to the main medical tent where I iced my toes down 10-15 minutes earlier. I could hardly stand up as my body spasms continued and with one medic on each side they practically carried me to the main tent. All business in there! They where utterly fantastic. I can not say enough about all the volunteers. Doctors, Nurses, Interns, Masseuses, Medics and all volunteers! They laid me on a cot, I had made a gurney joke in a group e-mail a few days before the race, oops!, got me out of all my wet clothes and took my pulse and blood pressure and got me a little warm but the cramps and spasms continued. I was diagnosed with dehydration and hypothermia. I was in that tent for an hour and a half and 7 people initially worked on me and 2 stayed with me the whole time. The masseuse did accupressure and worked on me me the whole time and they got me strong enough to journey back to the hotel. I was taking baby steps but at least able to walk again. I found out later people can die from what happened to me and this experience will propel me to re-think my supplemental approach on my long runs.
I realize I did not drink enough on the course and did not realize how much sodium I probably lost. I lose 4 pounds just on an hour run on St. John, so I must be very careful the next time around. I met a fellow runner that night in the hotel and he had similar troubles and is also a heavy sweater. He swears by Karl King's S-Caps and all his products, so I will try them. When I called Karl's # listed on the web site to see if they ship to the US VI a women answered and we started talking and I told her what happened, she was Karl"s wife, and she was genuinely concerned about what happened to me and did not try to sell me anything! That speaks volumes about their business. They are Ultra Runners, and as I began researching them and their product a lot of testimony comes up. These S-Caps seem to be a staple in many ultra runners training and racing programs.
I could try to dissect and examine exactly what happened to me after the race, but for the most part I simply need to hydrate better, with better products. I never want to cramp up like that again. It was simply horrible!
I have a lot more respect for the 26.2 than before I finished the Portland Marathon. I have been running but not all out and not the 5-6 days I usually do. It's 3-4 and not to hard. In the last 3 1/2 weeks I only had 2 brisk runs. After election day I will resume full time training and get back into top Half Marathon shape, a fitness level I try to keep year round. My experience in Portland makes me want to run another marathon to get the kinks out of my training and to allow for a smoother post race recovery. I am looking to run the next 26.2 in the spring. The BQ will eventually come, I know I am a good enough runner to do that, but it may have to wait a year or two while I define a program that will work for me and get a lot more experience under my running shoes.
I want to thank all of you who have supported me in my running and especially to those who have rearranged parts of their lives so I can run. You all know who you are.
Be Well.
I had trained properly by my own newbie estimations for the 26.2 mile challenge and was prepared for race day. Running on the North Shore of St. John has given me an added edge as the hills are unforgiving and they teach me humility within myself and respect for my sport and the millions of other runners facing the same daily challenges as me. I had several runs of 4 hours in my training and ran 24 miles on 2 separate occasions. The 4 hour runs however where not on the North Shore as I am not ready to attempt such a mammoth feat just yet. One was in Southwest Michigan and the other on a Treadmill in the local gym. I despise treadmill running for a host of reasons and will post about that on another occasion, but had no choice as September in St. john has very high humidity and temperatures of 80-88 for highs and lows. I wanted to know what it felt like to be on my feet for 4 hours as I planned to finish between 4-4:30 hour range. By setting that goal I broke a golden rule of first time marathoning by setting a time for myself, but at least it was not the totally absurd assertion that I could Qualify for Boston(3:35:59 or less for my age group) in my first marathon, that I seriously entertained for a few months after running a 1:13 ten miler in April and running our local race the 8 tuff miles in 1:10 in Feb. The adrenaline of those two races and all the prediction charts led me to a false sense that I could pull off a 8:14 pace in my very first marathon. WTF was I thinking! As my marathon training progressed and I started to get into the longer runs of 16 plus miles I realized I would be making a huge mistake by putting myself under such massive pressure and would undoubtedly ruin the pleasure of my first marathon. On the long runs a lot of things fall into place for me and the respect for the distance and sheer logic began to permeate my thoughts and I backed off the BQ(Boston Qualifier) thing and really started to enjoy those runs through the corn and soybean fields of Michigan.
I was saving the official marathon distance for race day to enjoy and relish in my soon to be accomplishment. The expo was great and it had a lot to offer runners both in the way of necessities and frivolous fodder. I purchased the Ultima sports drink 2 days prior to the marathon at the expo to get my body use to that drink as it would be offered on the course along with a host of other consumable products designed to keep our stamina going. The Breakfast Cookies from Erin Bakers are the perfect food for health conscious runners, not to mention supporting a cottage industry small business. They also happen to taste fantastic! Save for some deals on running shoes I find the prices at these expos on running gear and clothes to be average, no major deals, although Portland does not have sales tax! The Expo was well organized and had lots of volunteers to help the masses as we made our way into the Portland Hilton for the event.
The morning of race day was typical for me with lots of nervous energy and anticipation. The temperature was in the low 50's and although I was a little cold before the start it is ideal running weather. Someone however forgot to advise mother nature about the marathon as it rained on the event for the first time in its history. Not just a little mist or occasional drizzle that I am told occurred in a few previous Portland marathons, but outright rain, although not at the start. I lined up with the 4 hour pace group to see how I would feel running at that pace. After all the pre race hoopla and announcements we where on our way. The warmth of the crowd soon gave way to the real air temperature as the race started and the field of runners opened up, but after the first half mile I warmed up and enjoyed the early segment of the race. As we approached the first water station I realized running with this group was not going to work for me as their is a lot of bottle necking and chaos sometimes at these stations so I went out ahead of the group just a little and that made a world of difference in space and perspective. Around the 3 or 4 mile marker I veered way off to the right to spit and avoid gracing another runner with an unwelcome surprise, when another runner said "hey, you are suppose to save that for the St. Johns Bridge" a tradition he told me, as he had run a few previous Portland marathons. He had also broken out of the pace group so we chatted and ran together for the next 13-14 miles and the time went by fast and I felt great. At the 10K(6.2 miles) I was at 53:57 or 8:41(minutes per mile pace) and the Half way point(13.1 miles) I was at 1:54 or 8:43. I was feeling very strong still and was really enjoying the run despite the constant rain that started somewhere about the 5 or 6 mile mark and pretty much continued the entire race. Not torrential downpours, but a steady rain that began to leave puddles on the ground. Wet feet and blisters are a runners nightmare, but they would pale in contrast to what was to occur later in the race for me. I never did get the blisters, a little toe soreness was all around the 14 to 15 mile mark and I was use to this during my training so no big deal. About a mile before the upward accent to the Bridge I lost tract of my running mate and kept up my pace and felt great as I started to climb the steep hill that so many people at this race complain about and dread. I run hills like that every day so for me it was just another hill. Granted after running 16 miles it was a challenge, but I just kept going and although not going very fast, passed a lot of runners. They would have that same pleasure further up the road. My running partner kept saying that once you make it over the bridge the race is pretty much over and very easy, with only 9-10 miles to go and that they are easier miles as a lot of it is downhill or flat. At mile 20 I am at 2:59(8:59 pace) and although tired and starting to slow up a little still felt relatively good considering I have been running for 3 hours at sub 9 minute miles in the rain! Mile 20 in any type of Marathon lore is simply know as 'The Wall'. It is at this point the body may or may not defy your every will to continue and for some outright break you. With my type A personality I consumed any and all information about marathoning and read a lot about the wall, what to expect and how to avoid it. Nothing compares to hands on experience of course and there I was at mile 20 feeling like I could run an easy 10K, the remaining 6.2 miles and feel good about the experience and join the ranks of my fellow runners who have run this distance. Until this point I ran the whole race, no walk breaks or rest periods. I came to Portland to RUN a marathon. Although I have the utmost respect for any one who even starts to train for an event like this let alone finish it, I am of the opinion that there is a huge difference between running a marathon and finishing one that had planned walk breaks and rest periods. Bragging rights need to be clarified, for if you finished the race but did not run the entire race you did not RUN the marathon. Let us be very clear here, I did not RUN the Portland Marathon. Oh I tried but she broke me, chewed me up and spit me out, and reminded me of the utter challenge and preparation and strategy that must be Incorporated into RUNNING a marathon. The last timing mat was at 21.2 and I am at 3:11, averaging 9:04 per mile for the race. All these times I am quoting where furnished after the race, there where people calling out times at every mile marker and I had my watch on, but since I can not read without glasses my watch is difficult to see. Being ahead of the pace group also let me know that I was still on par to finish in 4 hours.
I am not exactly sure at what mile marker I was at but I started to feel a little Queasy. Maybe 12 or 13, but I just wrote it off. I was eating some shot blocks for energy along the way but started to have a lot of trouble swallowing them. My stomach bothered me but I was running a good pace and really did not feel fatigue in my legs the first 21-22 miles. I had been drinking along the course and making sure I had water and the Ultima sports drink they offered, even trying the glucose drink and the gel 'Liquid Gold' that I sampled at the expo. By mile 22 I was not well at all and began to walk and drink at the aid stations and was on survival mode at this point to just finish the race. It felt like the life force was draining out of me. Running became difficult. I thought of Steve Prefontaine running with 12 stitches in his foot and winning that race and all the guts he put out in his races, I thought of all my training and preparation and knew that I would finish this race and run the rest of the way. I am not sure either where the 4 hour pace group passed me, around 23 I think, but in a way it was a relief, because I felt so good the first 21-22 miles I actually started to think I would have a sub 4 hour marathon. I will NEVER forget me bent over hanging onto a pole and dry heaving at the 24 mile marker. It is so clear in my mind it is scary. The last 2.2 miles where absolutely the worst 2.2 miles I have ever attempted to run. Run a half mile then walk, run a 1/4 mile then walk. At the 25 mile marker the volunteer looked at me and knew I was hurting. 'Do Not Give Up Now' And although I knew I was crossing the finish line one way or another that started me running again, but not for very long, walk run walk run, and then it was into downtown and I sucked it up and started running. I will always remember the sound of my shoes dragging across the road, me being barely able to lift my feet at times. The roar of the crowd downtown as I turned into the last 1/4 mile was amazing and I ran to the finish line and crossed at 4:07:19, a 9:26 pace. That I will also never forget! Crossing the finish line in my first marathon is one of those moments that stays with you.
I went to the medical tent just for a little ice for my sore toes and sat out side the main tent in a chair, it being reserved for more serious cases and the injured. I would be getting a much closer look inside that tent, little did I know. After icing down I headed to most amazing after race runners Buffet! A true feast. Fruit, drinks, yogurt, ice cream, pretzels, potato chips, candy, juice and lots more in a very large area. I got a space blanket to keep warm as I was feeling a little chilly, got my well deserved Finishers medal and t-shirt and as I was chowing down I heard my name called and it was my running buddie, He said I looked strong going up the hill to the bridge and that was the last he saw me. He finished a few minutes behind me. We chatted a while then I started to walk towards the end of the enclosed runners area to go back to my hotel when I started shaking, first just a little and then literally uncontrollable. There was a very small medical station I was passing as I was walking so I went over and they sat me down and tried to warm me up and within a few minute it seemed like my whole body was starting to cramp and twist and ache. My Quads where sore almost immediately after I stopped running and I expected that and a host of other aches and pains, I am 52 years old, and just tried to run 26.2 miles! But these cramps and chills where different. They could not get me warm, remember it in the low 50's and I am soaked with rain and sweat, and not use to this type of weather ever! The medics decided I should go to the main medical tent where I iced my toes down 10-15 minutes earlier. I could hardly stand up as my body spasms continued and with one medic on each side they practically carried me to the main tent. All business in there! They where utterly fantastic. I can not say enough about all the volunteers. Doctors, Nurses, Interns, Masseuses, Medics and all volunteers! They laid me on a cot, I had made a gurney joke in a group e-mail a few days before the race, oops!, got me out of all my wet clothes and took my pulse and blood pressure and got me a little warm but the cramps and spasms continued. I was diagnosed with dehydration and hypothermia. I was in that tent for an hour and a half and 7 people initially worked on me and 2 stayed with me the whole time. The masseuse did accupressure and worked on me me the whole time and they got me strong enough to journey back to the hotel. I was taking baby steps but at least able to walk again. I found out later people can die from what happened to me and this experience will propel me to re-think my supplemental approach on my long runs.
I realize I did not drink enough on the course and did not realize how much sodium I probably lost. I lose 4 pounds just on an hour run on St. John, so I must be very careful the next time around. I met a fellow runner that night in the hotel and he had similar troubles and is also a heavy sweater. He swears by Karl King's S-Caps and all his products, so I will try them. When I called Karl's # listed on the web site to see if they ship to the US VI a women answered and we started talking and I told her what happened, she was Karl"s wife, and she was genuinely concerned about what happened to me and did not try to sell me anything! That speaks volumes about their business. They are Ultra Runners, and as I began researching them and their product a lot of testimony comes up. These S-Caps seem to be a staple in many ultra runners training and racing programs.
I could try to dissect and examine exactly what happened to me after the race, but for the most part I simply need to hydrate better, with better products. I never want to cramp up like that again. It was simply horrible!
I have a lot more respect for the 26.2 than before I finished the Portland Marathon. I have been running but not all out and not the 5-6 days I usually do. It's 3-4 and not to hard. In the last 3 1/2 weeks I only had 2 brisk runs. After election day I will resume full time training and get back into top Half Marathon shape, a fitness level I try to keep year round. My experience in Portland makes me want to run another marathon to get the kinks out of my training and to allow for a smoother post race recovery. I am looking to run the next 26.2 in the spring. The BQ will eventually come, I know I am a good enough runner to do that, but it may have to wait a year or two while I define a program that will work for me and get a lot more experience under my running shoes.
I want to thank all of you who have supported me in my running and especially to those who have rearranged parts of their lives so I can run. You all know who you are.
Be Well.
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