Back to Running After Back Injury - Milwaukee Marathon 4:27:53

Well since 13 June 2012 I haven't run a lick.  I've really been down in the dumps and suffering with a bad back injury, but over the past two weeks I got it back together and was able to finish a marathon even though it was really slow.  It broke my heart to have to sit out the Woodstock 50 Miler and North Coast 24 Hour races; I hate wasting money, not to mention not to be able to run.  I'll give another shot at an ultra on 27 Oct when I try to go 50 flat pavement miles with little training (11 hour cut off time).  My splits for the marathon were:
10:59
12:06
9:56
10:06
9:47
10:00
9:50
9:59
10:44
10:09
11:45
11:07
10:30
10:23
10:26
10:23
9:57
10:20
10:07
10:11
9:46
10:07
10:03
9:57
8:48
8:18
3:37
Garmin Data 26.4 mi in 4:29:24 ave 10:11 pace.  Chip time was 4:27:53

The course was beautiful.  I placed 1361 out of 2112. 

Kettle Moraine 100KM - 15:33:14

Well had a great time at the race and was able to post a fair time of 15:33:14 or an average pace of 14:46 per mile for the 62.5 miles.  I was lucky that the temps didn't get up over mid 70s and I only had to run in the dark for about a half hour. 

Met a lot of cool people and didn't feel too bad after the race.  Rough split out was 7:00 and 8:33 back.  So glad not to repeat a DNF like last year.  I'm feeling good about my training, and feel like a PR at the 24 distance is possible; I'm thinking NC24 may be close to 100 miles.  I'll see how the rest of the season goes. 

Cornbelt 24 Hour - 71.4 mi

Well, just over the 20 minute per mile pace, but that is fine.  I was able to post 71.4 miles.  It seems like I am just stuck on that same distance; however, I really enjoyed myself and took two, two hour breaks so all-in-all I can only blame myself for not pushing harder in order to get over the 80 mile hump.  My 50 mile split was 12:40:36, so that tell you that it took me another 11 hours and almost 20 minutes to put on just 21 more miles.  That is pretty sad, but it is the reality of the distance/time.  Also, not to make excuses for myself but the four hour drive down and back doesn't help the issue (I will echo this when I drive 7 hours in Sep for North Coast 24; why do I torture myself and how can I expect a good performance after sleeping a couple hours in the car after driving all night after work on Friday?). 

I couldn't believe this race was manually timed, however, I loved the interaction with the volunteers and think I far favor this type of race instead of chip timed. 

I cannot say enough good things about this race, and to tell you the truth, even though my performance was lacking in distance, I had a great time and feel comfortable with it.  Maybe I will do better later in the season; I have two more 24 hour events scheduled later in the year, but for now I am focused on getting through the trail 100K scheduled for 2 June; odds are stacked against me because I will be flying in from Orlando late the night before and have to get up and perform early the next morning.  I will see how it goes.  My schedule over the next few weeks; work until 25 May when I fly home for four days; return to work for one day, then off to Orlando for three days then BAM; 100K race.  I'll be happy to make the 18 hour cut off; boy don't want to repeat last year's DNF.

3 Mile Race On Great Lakes - 18:45

Had a fun day yesterday and posted an 18:45 for the 3 mile race on Great Lakes, which was good enough for a win in my age group.  I'm taking a one day taper before the Cornbelt 24 Hour race that starts tomorrow morning at 0700 in Iowa. 

Jailbreak Marathon 3:30:08

Had a good time out in Wautoma, WI with the Jailbreak Marathon 3:30:08.  It was a small race; I was 6th out of only 48 and was able to get 3rd in my age group.  Anyway, it has been a long, long time since I have averaged under 8:00 per mile for a marthon.  Age seems to be getting to me, or at least I allow it to be an excuse.  This race got me pumped up for next weekend.  I feel pretty strong now and feel comfortable I can get 62 miles next weekend. 

  7:31
7:36
7:52
8:05
7:37
7:47
7:41
7:46
7:54
7:54
7:49
8:03
8:01
8:04
8:01
8:13
8:21
8:51
8:34
8:36
8:07
7:41
7:52
7:53
7:49
7:52
2:41
3:30:08
ave 7:58
3117 cal

Earth Day 50K - 5:35:29 ave 11:16 per mile

Had a great time out at Crystal Lake, IL running the Earth Day 50K.  The race was a little short, but that is fine with me.  Also, in comparison with many races it was very easy, probably less that 1000 ft climbing during the whole race.  I was able to post a fair time that I'm happy with, even though it is double digit pace. 

10:02
10:20
9:30
9:21
10:08
10:09
12:43
14:13
9:44
9:45
10:35
10:24
11:34
11:31
12:03
11:50
11:47
12:46
11:41
12:25
11:01
11:23
11:29
11:53
12:17
11:05
10:52
12:41
11:53
5:34
5:35:29 (official)
ave 11:16
29.5 mi

Clinton Lake Trail 28 Mile Race 5:58:33 ave 12:47

Had fun out in Dewitt, Il for the Clinton Lake Trail Race, I had a lot of fun, but it took a few days for my legs to get back under control.  My time was a slow 5:58:33 or an average of 12:47.  I haven't been doing any hills and it showed! 

Two days later I had a 5K where I was able to go the 3 miles in 18:55.  My legs felt like logs, but was able to perform on demand.

My next group of races; three weekends in a row starts on 22 Apr with a 50K, followed by a road marathon then 24 hour track race; so I better get ready!