So Many Excuses

One year and three days ago . . .

Yeah, that was my last post.  Sad, I know, but I'm full of excuses; so many in fact that I could probably fill entire pages with them.  I won't bore you.  Here is the Reader's Digest version: moved, finished basement, work, added additional people to the house, work, hunting season, un-cooperative weather, work, work, work, and have I mentioned I have 4 children?

Running so far this year has been a little rough.  Shorter distances (anything under 7 miles) have been relatively good.  Longer runs have been a real struggle.  Last week's attempted 16 miler ended 3 miles short.  Hoping this weekend's 15 doesn't end the same.

This will be a short post.  One to just let people know (myself included) that I still plan to manage this blog.  I have just over a month before the Flying Pig (10k, 5k, and full marathon in 2 days), and I hope to be in shape enough to at least finish all three races.

ORRRC Marathon

Not all races are created equal.  Some are much larger than others and have a jubilant feel to them, with spectators the entire length of the course. Others are small in scope, with little more than the volunteers every mile and a half or so at aid stations.  Some courses are hilly and challenging, while others are flat.  I have been in races with as little as 64 runners (local 10k), and as much as 34,000 runners (Chicago Marathon).  Regardless of type of course or size of participation, all races require those running/walking to finish in order to reap the benefits; or in the case of marathoners, bragging rights about how many and how fast.

This was my third marathon so far, and that in just under two and a half years.  From the first to the current I managed to drop an entire hour off of my running time.  The 2010 Chicago Marathon time was 5 hours, 5 minutes and change.  Yesterday’s official time was 4 hours 6 minutes and change.  59 minutes dropped over 26.2 miles!  By comparison, my time at the Air Force Marathon last September was 4 hours, 21 minutes and change; so even there I have made a pretty dramatic change for the better.  In terms of running, 15 minutes over 26 miles is still a sharp increase in ability.  It is an accomplishment in itself to complete a single marathon.  Best statistics show that less than 1 tenth of 1 percent of the population have completed a marathon, with the number completed increasing, those numbers drop significantly.  This was number three for me.

The night before I had a good carb loading dinner.  Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp, Italian Sausage, Bell Peppers and Mushrooms.  I was prepped and ready; belly full of pasta.

I was fortunate to have some familiar faces.  As soon as I parked and started walking toward the Start/Finish area a friend from high school greeted me.  We ran track together in high school, and a couple years ago she started back into running; and she’s outdone me by doing triathlons!  After picking up my packet, bib number and timing chip I found my cousin Molly, who also started distance running not too long ago.  I was able to run with both for at least a few minutes.  Somewhere around mile 8 I saw someone from the Road Runners’ Club that I first met at the Broken Toes 27k in 2010.  He was running the half and was already heading toward the finish line.  I was only able to say, “Nice job George, keep it up!”  He’s much taller and faster than I, but it was a face I remembered from a few previous races.  It’s always nice to have familiar faces throughout the course.

And then there are those new faces.  Some of them come with introductions like, “Hi, I’m Dan.  And you are?”  Others just come with a good conversational attitude.  There was only Dan and Randy that came with names yesterday, but the conversations didn’t end with just those two.  Didn’t get much about Dan, but Randy and I talked for quite a while about diets and minimalist footwear.  Randy was wearing little more than thin leather thongs strapped to his feet – looked like something out of ancient Rome or Greece.  There was the 63 year old man who, last weekend did a marathon distance trail race, and the ORRRC marathon put him well over 100 marathons completed.  Soft spoken, humble, but bright, spry and full of energy for his young age.  The other that caught me off guard was the 57 year old man who normally runs ultra marathons, typically 50 and 100 mile races.  And I thought running 26.2 miles was a long distance!  All told, I probably had someone to talk to for at least 17 of the 26.2 miles.  There were others here and there, some I gave an encouraging word as I passed them, others did the same for me.  Nice people can make for a great race experience.

My challenge was to keep the overall time around 4:10:00.  Deep down I had desired to post a time that was below the four hour time, but realistically I wasn’t sure it could happen.  But as I crossed mile markers and check my pace, the further I got the better I found my chances.  I had maintained a sub-9 minute mile pace up until around mile 16.  I maintained a 9 minute mile for the next two, and then I hit mile 18.  In races at various distances I have experienced all kinds of maladies.  Cramps, muscle fatigue, lactic acid build up, shin splints, and even broken bones, but what hit me at mile 18 was something completely different.

Dizziness is usually a bad thing when doing any kind of physical activity. The kind of dizziness I experienced was akin to spinning around in circles for a while, then trying to run straight.  This lasted between miles 18 and 20.  I slowed way down, took more and longer walk breaks until it subsided.  When I hit the 20 mile mark, I knew I only had 6.2 miles (10k) left.  I knew that if I maintained at least a 10 minute mile for the remainder I would be well within my 4:10:00 time, so I focused on breathing, pacing, and the other people on the course.  The dizziness subsided and I resumed a somewhat normal pace.  I thanked God several times for keeping me upright and moving forward for the rest of the race.

When I hit mile 23 I knew I was almost done.  Did a little math in my head and figured at worst I would have another 30 minutes, and at best 27 minutes.  Crossed mile 24, then 25, then turned off the bike path and onto surface streets.  I could see the finish line about four blocks away.  Crossed mile 26 and knew I only had 385 yards left; less than a quarter mile!  There wasn’t much left in the tank, but I gave all I had, thanking the volunteers at each street crossing who held traffic for me.  After crossing the last corner I knew it was almost over and I pushed with what little I had left – and I crossed my third marathon finish line.  More volunteers met me, one clipped the timing chip and another gave me a medal.  Others were there directing me to snacks and drinks.

A distance race is an immensely personal thing, and when I’ve finished each one I have had the emotional flood, or, the runner’s high.  I sat down with a Dr. Pepper to stretch and the weight of what I had done rushed over me.  I had bested my last time, come in under my goal time, and finished yet another full marathon.  Sure I shared multiple miles with lots of people, but they did not run for me, they ran with me.  This was something I did; a culmination of many weeks worth of training and dedication.

I had another goal besides finishing with a specific time.  I have been raising money for autism research throughout this training cycle, and it will continue for the next several weeks.  I wanted to have at least half of my $500 goal met before I crossed the finish line – and thanks to so many kind and wonderful people I did just that.  Before the race even started I was at 51%.  A big thanks to those of you who donated so far, and a thanks in advance for those who will no doubt push me beyond that $500 mark as I run the Flying Pig in five weeks.

Never say you can’t.  A piece of advice/knowledge/humor from the race:  On the back of one shirt I found inspiration, “You won’t die from running, you’ll pass out first”  I’ve heard and read people’s reactions when they know someone who has run a half or full marathon, “That would KILL ME!”  I’m living proof that is not the case.  

Sickness & Health

Winter never truly showed up.  Here it is, the middle of March and we’ve barely seen any snow, and the usual low temperatures have been replaced by mild 50 to 60 degree temperatures.  I’m not complaining, merely making an observation.  I realized the warmth after yesterday’s six mile run . . . there was much sweat, something that hasn’t been there lately.  Running in cooler temperatures and cold temperatures tends to keep the body cooler, and I don’t perspire nearly as much.  However, with yesterday being nearly 75 degrees I was practically pouring once I stopped.  Today is supposed to be even warmer, but I cannot run.

My typical day has me out of bed by 4:45 and at work no later than 5:40.  This morning I found that I was up on time, but could not leave the house - there’s a sick kid.

I new something was up as soon as I left my room.  There was a certain smell that rushed at me, one that I’m all too familiar with, yet one that I really never have grown accustomed to.  It certainly wasn’t a smell I wanted to encounter this early in the morning, but there it was and I had no choice but to investigate and take care of it.

Some of it was in the bathroom, but the majority of it was in the boys’ room.  Having kids is never easy, and when one or more is sick it gets even tougher.  Normally I would clean the mess, wake the wife, and head to work.  I don’t have the luxury of leaving the house right now since mama is in Alabama.  I’m also not one to miss work very often, but when I do it is typically because someone else is sick, not me.

Why talk about sick kids here?  Well, this keeps me from getting any miles in today, and it just so happens that the sick kid is also my autistic son.  Any time one has a child with any sort of disability, it is only compounded by otherwise non-existent circumstances like illness.  The “normal” behavior is ramped up and made even more apparent.  In this case I’ll sometimes tell him, “Noah, your autism is showing!”  He understands the implied meaning behind that now (tone it down a bit, you’re acting up).  Having a child with any disability can be difficult, but having sickness with it just doesn’t help matters.

At least I’m home with him for a day.  Our interactions may not be the typical or normal, but we will be seeing more of each other today.  It’s never easy being a parent, but looking at the downside does nothing to make the situations better.  I’ll take what I can get, even if it means a day off from work to care for a sick kid.

Inspirational Thoughts

For those of you who know me this may come as a bit of a shock.  As the title to this post would indicate, I have a couple inspirational things to share.  Yes, I said inspirational things to share - not something I normally do.  At any rate . . .

I made mention a few posts ago that I had watched a movie that made me rethink a few things.  Yesterday I saw another film that gave me pause, and I have been thinking even more about the future of this runner.  The first movie, Spirit of the Marathon, follows several runners at various levels training for marathons.  When watching it I realized there was more potential in me than I had given credit for.  The second movie, Running the Sahara, made me realize the potential for human spirit, and the limits to which the human body can go.

Both of these films brought to my attention the deep desire in most of us to push ourselves to limits we never thought possible, or to go even further than we had expected to push ourselves.  Personally, it drives home the point that I can do better, not just with my running, but with many other aspects of my life.  I can achieve more with the fundraising I am currently doing for OAR, I can do better as a husband and father, I can do more as a son, or any other aspect of my life.

Running is only part of who and what I am, though recently it has taken a higher priority than in years past.  I can hope that someone else will watch one, or even both of these films and something inspirational will be sparked.  Watch what these people go through, the lengths they strive towards to achieve something greater than they thought possible.  It may not be running, but I hope it drives you to do better in some part of your life.

Past, Present, Future

A year ago I was training for the Ohio River Road Runners’ Club half marathon and the Flying Pig half marathon.  I felt, at that time, that my training was going quite well.  I was getting decent miles each week, monitoring my pace and working on my running form.  At that time I was a smoker.

Fast forward a year and I find myself doing much of the same, though the training is ramped up this time.  Instead of two half marathons I am training for two full marathons (same as above), roughly five weeks apart.  Last year’s February mileage was about 55 miles for the month.  After yesterday’s 8.14 mile trek I stand at 99 miles for this February.  Another key thing to this year as opposed to last, is that I finally made the decision to quit smoking. 

This is now week 4, and so far I have only had a couple of occasions where I felt I wanted to smoke.  Times where I have tried before there had always been days, even weeks where I wanted one at least once a day, not this time.  I truly believe that this will be the last time I have to quit smoking – after almost 23 full years, I think I have finally kicked that bad habit!

I have already noticed changes in my running.  Where a fast 5k used to be around 26 – 27 minutes I am now running sub-24 minute 5k’s.  My mid-distance runs have steadily improved as well.  Take yesterday’s 8 miler, for example.  My average was an 8:53/mile pace which is only (1) one second slower than my fastest 10k (6.2 miles), and I didn’t feel like I was pushing myself hard.  Only 3.5 weeks into this and I’m already seeing remarkable changes, ones that will keep me around longer, make me stronger and faster.

Thankfully I’m not in this alone.  So many of my friends and family have been there with encouragement, kind words and no condemnation of the habit I have left behind.  Keep that in mind for those you know who are smokers, do not condemn for the addiction, love and help them through it in a positive way.  Showing them pictures of trashed lungs, cancer patients, or people with trach rings will not help, it only hurts – and for me it was something to show that would not happen to me, even if I did not quit.  So, be kind as you help those you know.

With my life span extending and my running times getting shorter I can only look forward to what will happen; those two things only getting better.  This weekend I’ll push my body to 16 miles, and the following week will see 20, distances that will only be easier now that I no longer smoke before and after a run.

New Shoes and Tattoos

New shoes . . . 

 and tattoos . . . right calf

left calf

so you know, when you run behind me, that I have my reasons

12 Miles, New Shoes & Tattoos

The title for this one may be a little deceiving.  I did run 12 miles today, but not in my new shoes. 

This morning was a little colder than I had expected.  When last I looked (yesterday afternoon) the temperature was only supposed to get to around 31 degrees as the low.  When I started my long run this morning it was 28 degrees, and I can assure you, those 3 degrees made a huge difference in how I started and continued from start to finish.

I was properly dressed for a 35 - 40 degree run.  I could take a couple degrees cooler and be okay, but nearly ten degrees was a bit much.  No gloves meant my hands were cold for almost two hours even though I had long sleeves on, pulled over my fingers.  No hat meant my head was loosing precious heat, but I did at least have a head band on to keep my forehead from freezing.

Once I got through the first three miles things settled down.  The sun had started to produce some light and raise the temperature slightly.  There were very few people out.  I think I saw about seven cars altogether, and only one other runner.  Usually at the lake I'll see much more than that, but I suppose the colder weather kept even the hardiest at home.  What I did see were deer, seven of them throughout the run. 

Part of the lake was frozen as well.  I was running across the dam while the sun was a glowing orange orb, slightly above the horizon, reflecting brightly on the frozen lake.  It was a gorgeous sight, one so many people missed, but I was there taking in the beauty of it all - all to myself, and I relished in that fact.

I finally warmed up around mile 9 and my calves did not feel tight any more.  Yesterday was an unscheduled speed workout.  Three miles in the Vibram FiveFingers made for really tight legs this morning, but it worked out over time.  By mile 11 I couldn't tell if my legs were tired, sore from yesterday, or just numb from the cold - it was actually nice not feeling anything!

At any rate, I did not do this run in my new Saucony Kinvara 2's.  I still have a bit of life left in the last pair, so I'll hold off on putting miles on the new ones until a couple of weeks before the ORRRC Marathon.  My hope is that this pair will get me through that race and the Flying Pig - mileage is a concern, but I'm hopeful.

Today's run was nice, though a tad cold.  Next week I add another 2 miles to the long run.  This week has been good.  No pain, five runs, 32 miles altogether.  Looking forward to another great week of running - and as a side note, possible tattoos, but I'll leave you hanging with that thought.

At It Again: Fundraising

Some of you may remember when this blog started about two years ago.  Some of you may not.  For those that have been around for a while you will remember that I used this blog heavily for my fundraising efforts for OAR as I raised money for the Chicago Marathon.  I am once again pursuing the same, but this time, twice over . . .

March 25^th I will be running the ORRRC Marathon in Xenia and five weeks after that the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati.  Since neither of these are sponsored OAR races I am a part of the iRun team.  In 2010 I raised over $700 for OAR, I hope to exceed that this spring.  If you would like to donate to the cause, please visit my personal giving page at: https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/aaron-mundy/irun-for-autism-2012

As I train for these two races I will once again be posting here, keeping all who read (at least seven of you) up to date.  For now, know that my long runs have been 6, 8 and 10 miles; this weekend I will be running 12 miles Saturday morning and next weekend will be a 14 miler!  I am nearing the end for my first pair of Saucony Kinvaras, but my new pair arrived via UPS the other day (those will be race shoes for both races).

I thank you all in advance for your support!

Day 3 Thoughts: Accountability

Growing up in a family of smokers had an impact on my life, one that lasted a couple of decades.  By the time I was 14 years old, I too had picked up the habit.  At first it was only a couple here and there, usually about two to three a day, but that only lasted a few months.  Before I knew it, I was smoking nearly a half a pack (10 cigarettes) a day.  By the time I graduated high school I was up to a pack a day.  Shortly after graduation I was smoking non-filtered Camels at almost two packs a day. 

I ran track in high school and managed to post sub-one minute ¼ miles.  I joined the US Marines and managed to post 19 minute 3 mile PFT runs (though my worst time was around 26 minutes), and all this while being a smoker.  After my honorable discharge in 1998 I vowed to myself not to run again.  I managed to keep that vow until a friend asked me to run a race that was to support a local autism unit.  Still smoking 20 years later I began running again.  Before I knew it I was running my first half marathon, then a second, and a third, but I was still smoking.  Then I ran a full marathon on my 36^th birthday.  Within an hour and a half of finishing I was lighting a cigarette while wearing my marathon t-shirt!  22 years of smoking and still running.

Before I go too far I must confess that my wife and kids have been on me forever about quitting.  Many of my running friends have been there too.  What surprises many is that I run, and smoke, and post times better than people my age or younger who do not smoke.  Why is that? 

Recently I watched a movie that sparked something inside me that has never been there before: a desire to honestly want to quit.  No, it wasn’t a movie about the damage smoking can do; nothing about lung cancer, COPD or emphysema, no it was nothing of the sort.  The movie was about running a marathon and followed several people on their quests (whether first or 31^st marathon).  Having already run the 26.2 miles twice as a smoker the movie made me wonder, how much faster could I be if I was smoke free?

When I finished my first marathon in 5 hours 5 minutes I was disappointed to say the least.  I was happy that I had finished, but not with the time.  However, I don’t believe it was my smoking that kept me from getting closer to my goal or 4 hours 45 minutes.  It was 89 degrees in Chicago when I crossed the finish line, heat more than anything else slowed me down that day.  When my next marathon came up 11 months later I posted a 4 hour 21 minute time, still as a smoker.  I have posted a sub-two hour half marathon time, a 54 minute 10k – all as a smoker.

The movie had got me thinking, what if I did quit?  Could I run faster, longer, better OR, would I notice very little change?  Either way, my life would be greatly enhanced by not smoking; not to mention lengthened!  So I made the decision, when what I had was gone, that was it.  I wouldn’t spend any more of my time or money on a habit that could wreak havoc on my body.  I’ve told my wife and kids the same thing.  I have been telling friends and co-workers the same thing; all to have a greater amount of accountability.  I have stopped smoking before for short periods of time (3 to 5 months), but have never decided that I was going to quit permanently.  My decision this time around is a planned quitting, something I hope never to return to.  By reading this, I hope you too will keep me accountable to this.

With this brief history in mind, know this: at the end of March I will be running the Ohio River Road Runners Club Marathon in Xenia, the place where I posted my sub-two hour half marathon last April.  This time around though, I will be running the full 26.2 miles.  My goal?  Beat last year’s Air Force Marathon time of 4 hours 21 minutes.  By the time that race rolls around I would have been a non-smoker for at least 50 days.  Five weeks after that I will be running the Flying Pig Marathon here in Cincinnati, where I hope to get even faster!

Runner With a Reason has another reason: get better and faster as a non-smoker AND support those who are like me.  My focus and attention for autism has not diminished, but RWR is adding another facet to who and what I am, and why I run. 

This is day three of no smoking . . . so far, so good.

US Air Force Marathon

I find it amazing what the human body can accomplish.  I find it even more amazing at what MY body can accomplish.  However, it should come as no surprise that when someone trains the body to do something over a long period of time, that body will do what it should.  Yesterday my body accomplished what it set out to do, finish another full marathon.

As readers of this blog know, I haven’t kept up with keeping tabs of my training here.  Time, family, work, and all other things have kept me from writing any recent posts.  But, with having run my second marathon I felt it necessary to post, before my brain forgets what happened. 

Training Cycle:
I spent most of the summer preparing my body for the US Air Force Marathon.  Many of the runs were with my oldest’s cross country team, which has proved to be a useful tool as I am not getting any younger.  The youthfulness of the teens gave me something I did not see at the time; a desire to keep my body in decent shape, ready for something better, something more like my own youth.  These young people pushed me to keep up with them, to stay young myself.  To the Bethel-Tate Cross Country team I say thank you!

As for my long runs, well that story isn’t as good as I would have hoped.  This summer was hot!  With a streak of 18 consecutive days of over 90 degree weather my long runs kept getting pushed off.  I had several good runs, but when it came to anything over 16 miles, the weather proved too much for me.  My longest run was 19 miles; and that was five weeks before the marathon.  For those who do marathons, five weeks prior isn’t good enough, the last long run should be between 19 to 22 miles and about three to four weeks away from the race date.  That run should have been 20 miles, but at mile 19 I had to call my wife to come get me.  My body and the weather conspired against me that morning.  My last run of any significance came two weeks before the race, and it was a mere 12.75 miles - hardly anything I could count on.  Yet I continued.

The Race:
No surprise to myself that I woke up before my alarm went off, but I tried to close my eyes for another 15 minutes - it didn’t work.  I prepared myself mentally, stretched after getting dressed and had a cup of coffee with my cousin Molly (who, actually put me up for the night).  Gathered all my stuff and headed towards Wright Patterson Air Force Base.  The drive to the base was quick and easy, but getting in the gate was something else altogether.  The line of cars seemed endless, but after about thirty minutes I was in and parked, heading to the museum.

I met up with my friend Tim and we walked to the starting area where I met up with a friend from high school.  Stefanie and her husband Mike were about to run their first full marathon - together.  I wished them well and set myself to get a little further ahead.  The national anthem was sung, the plane flew over and the cannon started the race.

I had decided to not do what I have done in most races over the past couple of years, start too fast.  I did that in Chicago last year and I think that really hurt me in the end.  I started by running with the 4 hour 45 minute pace group, but after a couple of miles it felt too slow.  I caught up with the 4:30 pace group and ran with them for a couple of miles, but that too felt way too slow.  I was keeping a steady 10 minute mile pace through the first five miles, so when I caught the 4:20 pace group I decided to hang with them, and it felt comfortable.

I ran a few miles with a couple of nice fellows, one named Aaron and the other I never got.  We chit chatted, laughed and basically enjoyed the passing miles, but I eventually got ahead of them. 

As I made my way through Fairborn I came across Mike & Stefanie, they looked pretty good at mile 9.  We passed going different directions, said hey to each other and kept moving.  Shortly after that I noticed the Wright Flyer coming toward me.  So, right around mile 11 I stopped to take a picture of the replica in flight. I literally stopped for almost a full minute to watch, take in, and photograph it.  Truly an amazing thing.

And then I began running with a retired Army Lt. Col. who was running here again.  He shared how he had been here in the early 2000’s (2001 or 2003) and he really liked the course and had a soft spot for the Air Force.  While serving in the Army he found out that he had kidney cancer and happened to be stationed on an Air Force base.  The two services fought over who would care for him, but it was the Air Force who won and performed the necessary surgery to rid his body of the disease.  Here he was, much older than I, having survived cancer, and was running a marathon at the same pace that I was.  Not only was he running this marathon, but he told me how after next month he will have run a marathon in each of the 50 states (Illinois and Rhode Island were the only two left).  A living inspiration and testimony to the human body and human will. 

While running with this incredible man I had forgotten where on the course we were.  Our conversation blocked out just about everything.  My sense of time and distance was thrown off.  I asked him where we were and his response of, “about 16.6” floored me.  What happened to miles 14 and 15?  He looked at his GPS watch and told me we were running around a 9:45/mile pace and we both agreed it was a tad fast.  But we continued.  We both hit a hydration station, but I never saw him again.  His resolve to be there was enough inspiration for me to continue.

It all felt so effortless.  Maybe it was the cooler temperature.  Maybe it was all the great people I kept talking to.  Maybe it was my body doing what it was supposed to do.  I may never know.  But I kept going, looking at the mile marker clocks wondering at what point my body would fail.  I was still maintaining around a 10 minute mile . . .

After parting ways with the Lt. Col. I found myself running along side a nice young lady.  Never got her name or where she was from, but she did inform me that her father would probably be done before the three hour mark.  She is a college athlete that usually runs shorter distance races (800m, 1600m and 5000m).  This was her first full marathon.  Like with the others I ran with during the race, we chatted about all kinds of things.  Another great distraction.  We passed a hydration station with Elvis, and shortly after that I didn’t see her again, yet I continued.

I knew what to expect from the course, beginning to end.  I had run the half marathon two years ago, so much of the course was already embedded in my head.  There were no surprises.  I knew the elevation chart and where the hills would be, and I was mentally prepared for them.

Around mile 22 it began to sink in.  Nothing was hurting.  Nothing was slowing me down.  Emotions started to kick in.  When I saw mile 23 coming up I pulled my phone out, took a picture of the mile marker and posted it to Facebook.  Things were still going so well.  My friend Tim had run his half and texted to see where on the course I was.  My response, having recently passed the 24 mile marker was 24.3.  I put my phone back in my arm pocket, and then the pain set in.

Right above my knee on the inside was a dull, throbbing pain.  In my head I thought, this is it, I’ll have to bag it at 25 and walk the remainder.  That was worst case scenario.  I pulled off the side of the course, stretched the leg and rubbed the affected area, walked for a short time, and then it was gone!

I was still right behind the 4:20 pace group.  I could hear the pace leader in his Australian accent telling the group to get ready to push.  We had less than a mile to go!  I tried, but could not keep up as they pulled ahead, further and further.  But I kept running, knowing that the end was near, very near!  To my surprise I was passing people.  The crowds were getting thicker and heavier, and as I rounded the final turn and could see the finish line, I knew that I was not just going to beat my Chicago time, but I was also going to beat the time I wanted for the day, 4 hours 45 minutes.  Right before I got to the finish line I saw Tim, cheering me on as I ran past the museum planes - a final push to the end.

I crossed the line, still running, and got in line for the medal.

Officially, I crossed from start to finish in 4 hours, 21 minutes, 8 seconds.  I walked around for a few minutes, got some Gatorade and chips, and headed for the gate. 

Anyone who had asked me in the past couple of weeks if I would do another full marathon got the same answer, “not anytime soon!”  But after crossing that line, feeling like I had hardly run, I knew that answer would not hold up.  I set out to finish, finish without injury, and get my time, I did that.  My body did what I wanted it to do.  Am I planning on running another 26.2?  Not in the coming weeks, but I’m not ruling it out in the near future . . .

The Flying Pig 2011

For three straight years it has rained at the outset of the Flying Pig.  Thought we might catch a break this year, but that was not to happen.  Made the trek downtown with the lovely Mrs., the oldest son, and Running Sasquatch (my friend Tim) and made it to the starting area about 30 minutes before the race would start.  We all parted ways and headed towards our respective areas (corrals for the other three, volunteer tent for myself) and waited in the rain.  Unfortunately for me, the few people I came across that were supposed to be the “Info” people, we completely useless.  I never found the group I was supposed to help at the starting area.  I found out a day later that they had been disbursed to do something they should not have been doing.

I was going to work with Tina’s company picking up the shed clothing - that’s what they do each year.  For some reason, the volunteer coordinator at the starting area decided to have them milling around the corrals trying to get people into their appropriate places.  So after about 35 minutes of searching in the rain I left the starting area and headed towards the finish area.

What a completely different world!  I was greeted by Kevin and others, showed around quickly, and started right away at helping.  Several options were given to me, but I choose to work with the mylar (space) blankets.  Having passed them up once after a race, I know the importance of heat retention after a cooler race, and knew this was where I wanted to be.  I could watch all the runners come in, from first to last (well, last if I had stayed long enough), and most importantly (and quite selfishly) I could be there at the finish line when the Mrs. and the Oldest came through. 

Not only was this my first Pig volunteer job, but my first race volunteer job!  I have to admit that it was fun and demanding.  Each box contained a roll of the mylar material, perforated, and contained 200 blankets.  I think I went through about 5 boxes myself; pulling, tearing, handing out.  I watched as the runners trickled in at first, and found myself overwhelmed by the numbers after a while.  I would get between 15-20 blankets over an arm and hand them out - often barely getting away from the fence before I would have to reload!  This made the time go by so quickly and before I knew it, the race clock was nearing three hours; about the time I had guessed Tina and Jake would be coming through. 

It was awesome to see the two of them come across the finish line.  Jake first (as he sprinted the last 30-40 yards) and then Tina.  He looked fine, but she looked like a cross of overwhelmed emotion and serious pain (which is exactly what it was).  I had just loaded my arms with blankets, hugged them both, then headed out to empty my blankets to those who needed them.  This just happened to take place just as the second wave of volunteers was taking over; perfect timing!

We slowly crept through the gauntlet; water, chip removal, food, pictures.  Tina and Jake posed with one of the Flying Pigs and I snapped a quick shot.  Met up with Kevin so I could make formal introductions before we headed out the back into the post race party.  Yes, they had done it - even without their beloved coach, husband, father, friend.  I was excited, still am, and very proud of what they managed to accomplish.  We’ve much to work on for future races, but they did an amazing thing on a truly tough course. 

In my house there are six people ranging from 6 to 36 years of age.  Three of us have completed half marathons.  I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before that ratio changes.  I really do love running.  I really do love my family.  I really do love that I can run with those I love and share something out of the ordinary with them.  Some day I hope to run with all six of us, sprinting across a finish line together.

Flying Pig Weekend!

It’s Friday!

As soon as all four kids are off to school it will be time for the Mrs. and I to head to the Flying Pig expo downtown.  Yes, bibs and goodies, but we also have a short shopping list of things to look for while there.

Sadly I will not be running the half with my wonderful wife.  The foot is feeling much better, but I will listen to the Dr. and stay away from running until cleared.  However, I will be participating in the race come Sunday morning - not as a spectator as some may have guessed, but as a volunteer.

Over the past three years I have come to appreciate those who dedicate their time and energy at races to man water stations and work at other places from start to finish.  This will be my first and second time as a volunteer.  First, I will be working with Hospice of the Bluegrass around the starting area picking up shed clothing (sweatshirts, gloves, etc.) that will get donated.  My second volunteer job is working the finish line area.  What exactly I’ll be doing there is yet to be determined.  My friend Kevin is in charge of a group there and I will get my assignment once I’m done at the starting area.  In case you don’t know, Kevin has a couple of great podcasts (the Extra Mile & Extra Mile Galloway Edition).  I will cheer as friends and family cross the start, and I will cheer some more when they cross the “Finish Swine.”

This would have been my third year running this race, but alas, I’m sidelined.  I am still excited about the weekend and look forward to seeing familiar faces and making some new friends along the way.  If you’re on the course (whether beginning or ending) come see me for some high-5’s, hugs and congratulations!

I Can't Run, But I Can Read

This blog isn't just about me and my running.  It's about a condition my son, Noah, has.  Autism is, as I have said many times before, a strange thing indeed.  While his condition is no where near severe, he has his limitations, usually with socializing and appropriate words and behaviors.  At first glance and meeting, many people have no clue that Noah is even on the spectrum.  It usually doesn't show until he has an episode.

Two days ago Noah was in his room, screaming and crying.  Upon investigation I found him in front of his computer, pounding on the desk telling me, "it just doesn't work!  I didn't do anything to it!"  As it turns out, the PC had gotten a virus that wasn't allowing the darn thing to function properly on the internet.  So dear old dad took a bit of time to get the thing working again.  But fits like these are common in our house, and most of us have grown accustomed to them and deal with them with efficiency now.  But, sometimes the issue isn't that easy.

As the title of this post says, since I can't run due to the painful left foot, I am reading.  And today I came across an issue that is prevalent in our house, and apparently many other homes with those on the autism spectrum.  From time to time Noah will just disappear.  Yes, he disappears.  If he thinks of something he wants or wants to do he just goes.  No warning, no asking, no questions, he just does what he wants.  As a parent this scares me.  Read through the article I've linked on CNN's website, it's an eye opener.  To think that many children wander off to go swim, or go to the corner store, or whatever is frightening for parents; and it is something we deal with from time to time.

For Tina and I the worst fears come when we visit Kings Island during the summer, or when we go on vacations.  Fortunately we haven't had to deal with losing him for more than 30-45 seconds, but the fear is always present.  Even when we tell him to stay inside he goes out to play in the yard without even a peep as to his intentions, so taking him to an amusement park or to a not so familiar place for vacations is troubling to say the least.

Read the article, share it with others, and if you happen to see a young one wandering with poor verbal or no verbal skills, get help and try to reunite that little one with the parents as soon as possible.

More Than a Little Set Back

As I mentioned in an earlier post I was attacked by a shampoo bottle in the shower about a week and a half ago.  Whatever damage it did initially, the half marathon seemed to have only made things worse.  While I wasn’t running in pain during the race, it sure has come on strong since.  I had made the decision prior to the race that I wouldn’t run for at least five days, just to ensure I would get a decent recovery period, but my foot is telling me (as well as the doctor) something completely different.

I went yesterday morning to get the advice of a professional.  He sent me for x-rays on the foot.  Today I am heading to a specialist for a more in depth perspective on what could possibly be a stress fracture in the third metatarsal in the left foot.  The doctor said it appeared in the scans that there is in fact a small break, but he wanted an orthopedic opinion to get a better diagnosis.  Family doctor said, “No running until you’ve seen ortho.” 

So I go today, in hopes that the dark mark on the x-ray isn’t a real break, but I am expecting just that.  With the way my foot feels, I’d be shocked if it wasn’t actually broken.  It is difficult to walk, stand, pivot, and even lie down.  The nurse took my blood pressure yesterday and I was shocked that it was 135/88 - which is actually pretty high for me (I’m usually around 117/65), but from what I understand, pain can do some strange things to the body.  I haven’t slept well the last two nights either - pain spikes randomly and keeps me awake.  I’m running on just over 2 hours sleep right now.

What this has done has made me rethink my goals for the year.  Will I be able to hit that 900 mile mark by the end of the year?  If I’m out for six weeks with a broken toe bone, probably not.  Will I be able to run the Flying Pig with my wife?  Most likely not.  Will I be able to run the Air Force Marathon in September?  Not sure.  Only time and doctors will tell.  Set back?  Absolutely, and not one I’m happy with.

ORRRC Half Marathon

There are days when you just feel right. Everything clicks. Your body says, “it’s okay to leave it all out there today!” That was my Sunday . . .

I did next to nothing Saturday. Visited with some family as the Mrs. and I picked up the kids, and then drove back down towards Cincinnati. I made a simple, but effective linguine dinner, had one beer (for added worthless carbs), and took an nice soothing hot bath. Got the kids to bed and I did the same for myself. I better than I had expected and woke a tad (ok, three hours) early - but I quickly scurried back to bed until a more appropriate time.

Grabbed almost everything on the list (as I forgot my protein shake) and made it to Xenia about 40 minutes before the race would begin. I had eaten a small, but decent breakfast during the drive, had my coffee, and had switched to water - all was well so far. And after playing on my phone for a while I made my way to the start/finish area. It didn’t take long before I ran into someone I recognized. I had done that crazy trail run last September - the Broken Toes 27k - and met George, well, here he was again. We chatted for a few minutes before the race began, but he quickly left me in the dust!

The course was rather unique. The first few miles are through calm neighborhoods on streets. We passed a park I had seen from one view all my life, but now I could see it from a different perspective; not bad! A few more twists and turns and some slow, long, gradual inclines (more inclines than I would have thought) and the course turns onto the bike/run/walk path. This paved track goes the length (north/south) of the state of Ohio, and I managed to run only a short bit of it Sunday morning, but it was very scenic and pretty darn fun to run. I met some new people, chatted here and there, but for the most part I stayed focused on my pace.

Something different about this race for me. I didn’t use any of my running apps, I didn’t use the iPod feature on the iPhone, I just ran with the thoughts in my head and those that were shared with me through new friends. I have to admit, going this route had me worried prior, but excited about what I did after. If I felt I was getting off pace, I simply played one of three songs in my head to get me back on track.

I hit the mile 6 mark just over 52 minutes, so I knew I would be in good shape. Shortly after that I met up with another runner (name escapes me) and we talked for just over a mile. As we hit the turning spot I took a short walk break and he continued onward with his pace. Yes, I said walk break. I think I took one about every mile and a half starting around mile 3, usually at the water/gatorade stations. This was my plan to begin with, and it really helped me stay on track. The walk breaks brought the heart rate down a bit, rested the legs a touch, and provided a mental break from keeping pace - and it helped with recovery afterwards too.

One thing I started to notice after the turn around was how many people there were behind me. Some were runners some were walkers, but there were quite a few. I didn’t really look to see just how many people were lined up at the start, but I have a feeling the number was near 1,000 - much larger than I had expected for a race like this one. But there they were, behind ME! I knew my training had gone well, but this truly helped give me a confidence boost in the last 4 - 5 miles. I saw a few people I knew from dailymile, but they looked more focused than I was, so I said hello to them in my head. Sorry if you didn’t hear me!

I started paying attention to the mile markers painted in bright orange on the ground. There they were, both half and full marathon markers, separated by one tenth of a mile. Mile 10 had a smiley face in the zero. I knew I only had a 5k left, or, less than 30 minutes to go! When I saw the turn off of the bike path back onto the streets, I knew I was almost done. Mile 26 marker! That means I only have two tenths of a mile left - barely more than two blocks! I heard footsteps creeping up behind me, but I wasn’t about to let anyone pass me at this point! I dug deep to see what I had left in the tank - not much, but enough to keep three people from reaching the finish line before me. As I approached and then crossed the finish it read 1:57:05 - I couldn’t have been more excited! My goals were to finish, finish without injury, under two hours, and as close to 1:55:00 as possible. I had met my goals!

I caught up with George after, he posted a 1:31:00! The fella I ran with around the turn came in about two minutes before me. I wanted to stick around to cheer on other dailymilers, but I also had another 13 to deal with - my oldest son’s 13th birthday party! What a morning, what a race, what an end to some great training!

So I picked up my best half marathon time by more than eight minutes, got another shiny medal, and another race shirt. I had given just about all I had to give and left it on the course. I was happy and proud of my accomplishment. I am hoping to do this run again next year as it was not just a race to get something from, but it was a great course packed with some great people. If you’re looking for an early spring race (half or full), you should come to Ohio and join the Ohio River Road Runners for this annual race. It’s worth the time, money and effort for sure!

Race Week Excitement & Issues

I am only a few days away from my first race of 2011! With that comes the anticipation, excitement and a tad bit of anxiety. I keep running through my thick skull all kinds of things; pacing, packing, breathing, packet pick up, proper diet, and even a bit of rest. I really do enjoy it though.

However, there is a dark side to this week, one which I am battling even as I type. You see, this past weekend I managed to drop a shampoo bottle squarely on the top of my left foot. It didn’t seem like much of an issue Sunday, but as I went for my Monday run, I could feel pressure and pain. I did the usual, try ibuprofen and move on. It helped subside the stinging pain, but the dull throb was still present. Tuesday was about the same, mild pain for most of the day with sharp twinges here and there. Today, the sharp twinges aren’t as bad, but I still don’t feel like pressing my luck with a short run. I’m not upset with this as I’ve already surpassed my March goal by almost 19 miles, but it’s race week and I wanted to get in another 5 - 6 mile run before Sunday. That doesn’t look like it is going to happen, but I’m hopeful that Friday I will feel much better.

So what about this race? Well, it’s the Ohio River Road Runner’s marathon & half marathon. This is the oldest marathon in Ohio and takes place in Xenia. While I would have liked to have done the full 26.2, I decided it best to only take on the half this time around. 13.1 seems to be my favorite distance, followed closely by the 10k, and this is a pretty flat course out and back. My goal, foot permitting, is to get below 2 hours. But perhaps I should back up first. Goals for this race: finish, finish without injury, finish in less than 2 hours, finish as close to 1:50:00 as possible. Weather and temperature are sure to have an impact, but based on last year’s Flying Pig half, I hope that the elusive sub-two hour time will be more than achievable.

What else? Not sure. I hope to have a race report up within a couple days of the race, so keep your eyes open for that. In the mean time, as part of my race week rest, I am taking my wonderful training partner and wife to a hockey game Friday night between our Chicago Blackhawks and the Columbus Blue Jackets, rest in one of it’s finest forms!

Stress: Another Reason to Run

Without a doubt, one of the greatest advantages I have found to my running is stress relief. I’m sure there are a plethora of studies to show how this is true, but let me just tell you from experience what running, or exercise in general, does for me.

It’s no surprise that the world seems to be in a continuously growing state of chaos. Earthquakes in New Zealand, Japan, and just today, Myanmar have created unprecedented disruption of human life in recent weeks. STRESS. Family life is another chaos creator, and my family has it’s share of that too. STRESS. Work can often lead to even more chaos. STRESS. Relationships with friends and extended family members only adds to the already mounting level of chaos. STRESS. Can you see a pattern? Nearly everything we encounter can lead to high levels of chaos and stress, and, without some kind of mechanism in place all of that stress can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, and depression. Again, I’m sure there are plenty of studies to show this is true, but I’m not even going to start down that path.

How do I deal with it? Exercise. More specifically, I run. Whether you get out three times a week for a total of nine miles or you go out five to six times a week for 50 or more miles, the balance running can restore to your daily life is amazing. As I type this my blood pressure is starting to cool down after some strange interactions that have taken place, but I know that my exercise has already helped me cope with this elevated level of stress. When I run I hardly think about anything except what is in front of me. If I do have a complex thought, the time I spend running allows me to process all of the information, and from different angles - ultimately helping to reduce the impact of stress in my life. And I sometimes use that stress to my advantage . . .

It takes a lot to get me excited to the point of having elevated blood pressure, but this morning found me at that point. I tried to rationalize what had taken place, but it wasn’t helping. Talking with my wife about it only seemed to crystalize the thoughts I had swirling through my tiny little skull. What would really help would be a nice 3-4 mile run, even in the chilly 35 degree gloominess. I would be using my elevated heart rate for a good reason, negating the negative effects of the current stress and turning it into a much more positive experience. That time on the road or trail would also allow me more time to process and most likely come to a better conclusion about the stress monger.

I like having normal to slightly low blood pressure because of my exercise. I like that my exercise helps me process even the toughest circumstances and situations. I like being able to take an hour or less of my day to ensure my future health. And, I like being able to clear that bad stress from within and without at the same time.

How are you dealing with stress? Don’t run? Start walking a few times a week, even 20 - 30 minutes a day will help you too deal with all the stress creators in your life.

Short Term Plan

I am now two weeks and four days away from my first race for 2011. With this in mind I have to take a good look at my upcoming runs and the short term plan. I will hit my longest run this week at 13 miles, and cut back over the next two weeks on the long runs. My current goal for the Ohio River Road Runners half marathon is anything under 2 hours, but I’d really like to get it as close to 1:55:00 as possible.

So, what have I been doing to try to drop nearly ten minutes from my last half? Speed work. I used to just go out and get the miles, never really paying any attention to little things like speed workouts, intervals or fartleks, or anything else for that matter. Now, instead of just running, I set immediate goals for each run. Today, for example: I wanted between 3 - 4 miles of relatively up tempo running. I started with a 30 second walk on the treadmill, and over the next minute gradually increased the speed until I hit the 7:30/mile pace. I kept that up for about 3 minutes before backing down to a more comfortable 8:30 pace. Hit the first mile right around 8:05 - which is pretty fast for someone like myself (age does not make one better like a fine wine, and that’s for sure!). I pretty much kept this up over the course of the 3.1 miles and added short walk breaks between each mile. I have been using a similar concept on medium runs, but the speed bursts are limited to one minute (again, age is a limiting factor, but I do push myself). These speed bursts seem to have helped me, especially in the shorter runs, but also in the longer runs. I am confident that this work, along with the general aerobic runs will help push me below that, until now, elusive sub-two hour half marathon.

The other thing I think that has truly helped is my change in form. Last year’s Flying Pig half was good until I hit mile 12. I had the same issue there as I did at mile 19 in Chicago - my hips started to get incredibly tight. The main part of the problem was my running form, I was heal striking most of the run and crossing my feet. In Chicago I didn’t have the crossing problem until later in the race, and I wasn’t heel striking nearly as bad. During the Pig last year I actually had scrape marks on the insides of both ankles from crossing center. My shoes were rubbing the bones as they would cross, and it hurt! This caused some hip alignment issues, and the pain and tightness that ensued. Since Chicago I have focused on my form. I think it is safe to say I am no longer a heel striker (as I now run mid to fore foot), and I no longer have the crossing center issues. Shorter stride length and faster cadence have also helped me drop some time.

I have only missed one run so far this month, which for me is amazing! I still have two full weeks of training until the race, and I hope to make the most of each mile. I know I have been training better than I have in the past, and I know it will pay off come April 3rd.

When to Say, "When?"

Over the past couple days I haven’t been feeling so great. However, I know that in less than four weeks I will be pushing myself for a new PR at the half marathon distance - therefore, I cannot miss any of my scheduled runs. So I run.

Yesterday I was feeling more than a little sluggish. Had trouble breathing, legs felt like a ton of bricks (or anything else for that matter), and I had intermittent low-grade fevers; not exactly the ideal body conditions for running. I set out anyway. It was not a pretty sight as I barely managed to keep the 4.4 mile run at a 10:00/mile pace. But I finished.

Today was slightly better, but not by much. The schedule called for 6 miles. After I dropped 2 & 3 at school I headed to the walking path, a nice mile and a third loop. Checked the clock before exiting the truck, hit start on the RunKeeper, and started the trek. My breathing wasn’t much better than yesterday, but my legs felt pretty good. I just wanted to keep it around a 9:30 pace - nothing to strenuous. As I hit the part of the path where I knew I should be at about mile 1 I heard nothing from the RunKeeper wench - a quick check and the time was spinning, but the mileage never started. 30 second walk break, reset the GPS, and off I went. After about a quarter mile my phone (which also has the RunKeeper app) rang. So, no GPS again. I talked to my wonderful wife for a few minutes as I ran and kept plodding along. As I rounded the path the again I could tell I was starting to fall back on the pace. I neared the 3 mile mark and knew I would not be able to go all 6. I finished my 6 mile run without the last 2 miles. 4.01 miles in 37:30.

A check of the clock once back in the truck and I knew I would not have been able to keep it up another mile or two.

As I took my epsom salt bath I wondered, “Is it crazy that I run even when I’m sick? Is it really good for me to do that?” I don’t have answers, but I do know that I cannot afford to miss any runs over the next three weeks. Tomorrow I rest for the day after I run 12 miles. I am hopeful that whatever this crud is will be gone by Thursday, but even if it isn’t I will be out there, churning out the mileage and increasing my endurance factor. Stubborn? Yes. And I’m not sure when to say, “when?”

Those Shoes!

Well, I’ve been sporting the Vibram Five Fingers for just over a month, and between the two pairs I have I’ve put about 23 miles in them - my feet are getting used to them quite well. The one thing that never ceases to amaze me is how other people perceive them. Last night we went to an annual Mardi Gras party, and my feet were the object of attention most of the night. “Nice socks!” “What’s that on your feet?” “You actually run in those?” were the most asked questions.

I think I repeated myself at least five times on the answers to those and many other questions. Since I decided to look into the minimalist running about two years ago I have done much research, read many an article and blog post, and finally came to a conclusion about it. That said, I find myself often answering questions about my latest version of footwear. Last night was a prime example.

I am, by no means, an expert on this subject, I just happen to read a lot about it and retain most of what I have read. So, when people ask (whether runners or not), I feel compelled to answer as many questions as I can. If I can’t answer them I point them to a variety of sources on the subject. In my own experience I can say that I have found the benefits far outweigh any of the cons. I have noticed an increase in speed, a noticeable lack of knee pain, and a shorter recovery time after runs. Yet, when I give the description to others about such benefits they seem amused and taken aback by said benefits. It’s almost as if I’m lying about it (by the looks on their faces).

I’m not attributing all of these benefits solely to the shoes, but I do believe much of what I am experiencing is due to the change in running form, stride length, and stride rate (cadence) due to the change in shoes. Add that to the amount of good training I have had thus far this year, and I am seeing positive results beyond what I could have imagined.

The VFF’s are not the only minimalist shoe out there today. There are many other good alternatives, and some are sport specific. But for me, these shoes have provided a means by which I can train better, farther, longer, and with less problems. Yes, they do look strange at first, but you get used to that. However, I’m still not used to all the questions that go along with wearing them in public!