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!

Can't believe it; signed up for Milwaukee Marathon instead of Chicago

I let my pocket book do the decision on this one.  I chose the Milwaukee Marathon over a Marathon Major; Chicago.  The price difference was $75 versus $150.  I had an incredible time at Chicago last year and the crowds can't be beat, but if I have a chance I'd like to do as many different marathons as I can and not double them up until I really have to when I'm back home living out the rest of my life.  I would imagine as I age that I will rack up quite a few San Francisco and San Jose marathons over the upcoming years, but while I'm still in the Army and in distant cities I should try to get as many under my belt as I can.  I'm looking at Grandma's marathon; maybe next year. 

Windburn 6 Hour Race

Had a great time out at Bartlett, IL with the NLUR crew.  I was able to log 31.4 miles.  I was in 16th place with an official distance of 30.6, but I detoured to my car and back off course twice which took my Garmin distance to 31.4 in 6:00:37, so that is what I will go with.  My splits for the 28 Jan 12 race were as follows:
9:40
9:16
10:59
9:06
9:04
11:44
9:16
10:45
9:28
12:58
10:10
11:40
14:01
10:36
13:08
12:10
15:05
11:54
12:16
11:52
12:09
11:50
12:37
12:22
13:34
13:02
15:02
13:19
9:41
10:03
8:48
3:01
31.44 mi
ave11:28

The conditions ranged from a temp of about 25 to about 35 with winds from about 10-25 mph.  There was some snow but it offered very little challenge (a few slick spots, but mostly packed solid and not a problem).  It is funny how I am happy with the time/distance this early in the year.  I would never be proud of a 11 minute pace if I were in a road mararathon or 50K, but this time seemed ok.  Maybe I'm getting really old, soft and slow?  Anyway it was fun being out in the fresh air with about 50 other NLUR runners and enjoying the day.  I wasn't the slowest by far and felt good that I stuck it out for the full six hours and take it as training for future 24 hour races.  If I kept up this pace I would be well over 100 miles for 24 hours, so it seems good to me.  I hope to have a good performance at one of my three planned 24 hour races this year; I really want to break into the 90's or maybe pop a hundred, but not sure I'm willing to work that hard.  I'll see how the year goes?  Anyway, the year is starting off right.   

Year 2011 Breakdown

Well 2011 turned out to be pretty sorry compared to past years of running.  I had three defeats where I left the races with my head hanging low.  I cannot blame anyone but myself; just didn't put in the required miles to be able to tackle some of the harder courses and distances.  Here are my monthly miles:

11-Jan	232.8
11-Feb	52.8
11-Mar	178.1
11-Apr	220.5
11-May	155.6
11-Jun	217.2
11-Jul	126.5
11-Aug	177.8
11-Sep	227.5
11-Oct	301.0
11-Nov	183.0
11-Dec	168.8

Total Miles = 2341 or an average of 6.4 miles a day. 

Maybe this year will be better, and at least I'm in the Master Category.  The big races I really want to do well in will be my second attempt at the Kettle Moraine 100K in Jun, and at my three 24 hour races that I have scheduled from May through Sep.  The final race of the year that I want to push it will be a 50 mile race on the Lakefront in Chicago.

Mangrove Marathon - 3:45:38

Nice time out in Florida; took advantage of being in a new state and ran a nice small town marathon.  I was able to go just a bit faster than Chicago.  My time  was 3:45:38, which was the official time.  I ended up going 27 miles flat so my actual pace per mile was 8:25 instead of the official pace of 8:37.  The problem was that I got off course twice. 

The course was beautiful, but with just over 100 people in the marathon we got spreadout and since there were a lot of turns and limited course marking in some areas, I went down a street that if I would have been thinking clearly instead of just following the person in front of me I would not have made the mistake. 

The Season Is Closed

It is sad that I have no more real races left in this season.  I will be running a marathon in Florida, the Mangrove Marathon on 11 Dec 11, but I almost think of that one as a bonus and one that I'm not really focusing on; I think I have enough base to just enjoy it and the great weather that I should be blessed with at this time of year. 

Other than that I have a couple large Hash events upcoming the Pearl Harbor Day Hash in Milwaukee on 3 Dec, then the Anthrax Hash on 17 Dec. 

As for 2011 this is the line up so far

5 Feb John Dick Memorial Day 50K , WI - (will pay $15 at the door; bare bones race)
24 Mar - Kettle Moraine 50K, WI - (free event)
31 Mar - Clinton Lake 30 Miler, DeWitt, IL - (paid)
28 Apr - Jailbrake Marathon, WI - (paid)
5 May - Cornbelt 24 Hour, WI -  (not available yet)
2 Jun - Kettle Moraine 100K, WI - (not available yet)
3 Sep - Badgerland 24 Hour, IA - (not available yet)
7 Oct - Chicago Marathon, IL - (not available yet)
29 Oct - Lakefront 50 Miler, IL - (not available yet)

I may end up doing a few more,but these are the big ones.  As you can see I'm not taking on the 100 mile distance, but going for a 100K, two 24 hour races (less stress) and one 50 miler along with a couple other marathons.  I don't like to do the same race twice, but with the Kettle Moraine experience last year where I DNF'd makes me feel like I have unfinished business on that great course, and what can I say, I cannot pass up on a Marathon Major that is in my back yard, which is why I will probably do Chicago every year that I'm still living in this area.  Part of me is toying with making the KM100K a 100 mile effort, but I'm going to wait until at least May to see how my training is going before I sign up (it doesn't sell out), so just maybe I'll give it an effort, but I think I will need at least 1000 miles under my belt by 1 May before I think realistically that I can finish the task.  I'm actually looking forward to the 24 hour events and it training goes well that may be where I look to PR or possibly grab my next century.  I think I can easily top my 71 miles that I did in Sep, also NorthCoast 24 may be one more race that I sign up for, but I have to say I really hated that 7 hour drive out there and 7 hours back after the 24 hour effort; but the race was incredible and to spend it with the best in the nation is a hard one to pass up!!

Lakefront 50K Personal Record - 4:31:26 ave 8:39 pace

Who would have known that running extra miles and resting before a race would offer a better performance.  I pushed my miles up a notch to just over 300 miles for the month of October and as a result had a great 50K at the Lakefront 50K here in Chicago.  We had great weather and the flat course was just what I needed for a PR.  My time of 4:31:26 came without much pain and it was a very evenly paced event start to finish.  My splits are as follows:

8:43
8:11
9:51
8:19
8:14
8:45
8:15
8:17
8:13
8:14
10:04
8:17
8:23
8:30
8:35
10:10
8:04
8:24
8:13
8:15
9:05
8:20
8:51
8:22
9:22
8:43
9:05
8:47
9:11
8:40
8:10
2:51
4:31:26
ave 8:39

Chicago Marathon 3:47:24

I had a fantastic time at the marathon this weekend.  I swore that I would not bandit another race, but I just might do it next year.  This race is big enough that it will not hurt anyone; I'll start late and be sure not to take any water and stay way on any outside lane so not to hinder any of the competitors.  The race organizers had an area for "bandits" to exit the race course, so that will not be a problem.  The crowd was just incredible and I don't need another medal or shirt however, I couldn't pass up that experience and the feeling of over a million spectators out there pulling for you and the tour through the city was out of this world! 

My time wasn't the best, and I don't have an excuse.  I was having a hard time breathing after about mile 17 and just slugged it in for the last 10 miles.  I lost interest in my struggle and just focused on having a good time, so all in all I'm not too worried.  Maybe my fat gut that is sitting at 186 pounds is part of the problem.  I know that I have not trained seriously doing mostly junk miles; I'm sitting at 1687 for the year right now and that is only about half of what I need to preform at a higher level and I know that.  I'm a long way from qualifying for Boston again and I'm ok with my level of performance and I'm ok with the fact that I will probably take much of this winter off considering the cold weather that we will suffer in Chicago.  I'll see how it goes and have a 50K (John Dick Memorial; gotta love the name) that I'm thinking about signing up for in Feb, but we will see. 

Anyway, will I be a thief again next year for Chicago....maybe I will not be able to do it; all that negative feedback haunts me.  Don't cast your judgement yet, I'm just thinking about it; no thought crime.  If I do I will not be dumb enough to write about it; but hey I'm an outstanding American right and I owe it to Bank of America to pay the $140 to run on those city streets that I pay taxes for; and they need my money even though there is no opportunity cost lost on permits/protection; they will be the same.  If I don't bandit the runners will realize a lower cost, uhh no.  I will enjoy the benifits they get out of the race such as a t-shirt, medal, name in a lasting database, experience of going through the shoot, etc....oh I will get none of those, but still I will be very evil, I guess I will not do it because of what an evil guy I would be. Also, I will never post an electronic picture from a race that I didn't buy.  All those evil people who have done that and have them on their blogs are so un-American and thieves that should be rotting in jail; if they didn't do that the costs to us who pay for them would be so much cheaper; creeps.

Friday Night 50K - 32.3 miles in 6:49:43 ave 12:40 (day 39 taking train)

Friday night I did a nice 50K that started at 10PM.  It was in Warrenville, IL and on a nice flat groomed cinder trail which I really didn't need a flashlight.  Part of the trail was dark and you can see from this picture a little spooky as you went under the road "underpasses", so it made for an interesting race.  I'm happy that I stuck with it, especially just one week after posting 71 miles at NorthCoast.  The run was by no means fast.

2011/09/23
9:42
10:01
8:53
9:26
9:09
11:34
10:31
9:19
11:10
12:51
10:42
12:26
11:36
12:55
14:13
14:13
17:10
16:27
16:30
12:56
13:21
12:58
12:58
13:16
12:43
14:02
13:37
12:54
15:12
13:29
15:31
14:07
3:51
6:49:43
32.3 mi
ave 12:40

NorthCoast 24 Hour in the bag! Ave 20:16 for 71.1 miles

Had a pretty good time out in Cleveland this weekend.  I only bagged 71.1 miles, but pretty happy considering my terrible training this year. 

We had great conditions out there, and it was pretty social.  I had fun talking with Ric Munoz and Nathan while out there.  Also, got to see Connie Gardner almost break the American Record, with her performance of 144 miles!

I was really tired by the half way point and really wanted to pack it in, so I went into my car for some much needed warmth and sleep.  I slept for about 2.5 hours then felt guilty, because at that time I had not even gotten to my real goal of 62 miles.  So by 3:30 am I was back into the game walking slowly.  By 7 am I had my groove and was back to running.  The last hour I felt pretty good and broke through from 65 to 71 miles in the last hour.

The drive there and back was as tough as the race.  I left work at about 5 pm and drove through the night arriving in the bad side of town by 3:00 am and then tried to find a place to sleep in the car without getting killed.  I did end up at the park, which had parking restrictions, but I thought it was worth it.  After the race I was dead tired, but knew I had to get home.  I drove and slept taking almost 11 hours for what could be about a 6 hour trip.  Made it home took some muscle relaxers, vicodine and four beers later I was out cold!!  What an incredible weekend; not my best 24 Hour race, but I'm not ashamed of my performance.  I can say that I didn't quit. 

Off to North Coast 24 tomorrow!!!

Just returned from a short trip to Philadelphia, and ready for the long day tomorrow, epic weekend planned.  Big drive, 24 hour race followed by another almost 8 hour drive.

Fort 2 Base Race 11.5 Miles 79:50 ave 6:54 per mile // Day 36 taking train

Have been taking the train to work most days and settling in to that being my normal way of life.  I discovered there is a program that will help offset the cost, so that is a plus; I like money. 

Had a very meaningful race that I ran for Team RWB today.  The Fort 2 Base 10 Nautical Mile race 11.5 regular miles in 79:30, which was good for 19th place out of 413 and 8th place in my age group.  I felt pretty good and will feel good to rest the rest of the week before NorthCoast next week. 

I'll post my standings when the results come out.  I felt like about 80th place and if I'm lucky I might have gotten a third in my age group since they pull overall and special category people out of the age groups and since they are 5 year age groups!  I'll keep my fingers crossed; I like hardware (update; wrong way outside of the age group awards; even if I was 40 I wouldn't have placed; probably didn't help to have four beers the night before and stay up reading Michael Savage's Abuse of Power followed by an hour of Lost)! 

They gave out fantistic finisher medals!  I'll snag a picture shortly.

Finally a race I did NOT DNF//Palos Hills 32.4 Miler - 5:51:50//Day 30 taking the train.

You can see me there in 5th place.  It was a very rainy day and one to really remember!  I made sure to eat plenty during the race, and I think that made a big difference.  I still was reduced to walk run for about the final 10 miles, but at least I kept going.  This race was a 4 lap time 8.1 miles on very easy cinder trails with very little elevation change, so I have no real reason to be so slow, and the rain was actually refreshing and I can't blame it for my speed.  It was shocking to come through the marathon at 4:30; I'd be so embarrassed if that ends up being my time at Chicago.  I used to make fun of four hour marathoners, and now I may be one.  My strategy will be to run with the 3:50 pace crew at Chicago and if I feel good pick it up at about 20.  I feel like endurance at the 20+ mile time frame was not that big of a deal. 



I've still been taking the train, and like that feeling.  Oh the other big thing this weekend was the Air Show at North Beach.  I had a great time and the Thunder Birds put on a great show!! 

Here is a picture of me scared before the start of the race.  I was thinking; will I DNF again? 

Day 26 Taking the Train//The Tent Book Review//Duathlon on Thursday and 32 Mile Race on Sat

Well it is starting to get cool in the morings, and I'm  not sure how much longer I will be taking the train.  I'm at 26 days now and I hope that I will adjust and learn to dress and still make a green decision on how to get to work, plus it keeps me more active even on days that I sit my growing but behind the desk. 

I only got 29 miles last week.  I should get much more this week because I have a 32 miler on Saturday; hope not to have another failure.  Also I have a nice Duathlon on Thursday, where I will get to push my speed in competition/ 20 min bike followed by a 20 min run.  This weekend I took the PT test and did 53 push-up in 2 min, 72 sit ups in 2 min and 2 mile track run in 12:22. 

Read another great book:  The Tent by Margaret Atwood here is my Amazon Review:

Here Margaret packs a punch like no other writer I have read before.  This book is packed with a plethora of short essays with so much to say.  These stories allow you to get into the spiritual side of Atwood and challenge your beliefs in thoughtful ways. 

There were several that were particularly touching, "Orphan Stories", described thoughts that have gone through my head, but that I would rather not talk about.  The presentation was refreshingly dark if that is at all possible, yet it gave a very human perspective that cannot be ignored.  The essay goes far in forcing you to look at your own family life and cherishing it; almost no matter how good/bad it may be.   

Voice gave me a new perspective on how we look at our talents, and how one can be absorbed in our own narcissism yet lose our most human aspects in the race (I'm a runner and sometimes lose myself when I get to absorbed in thinking I'm such a good runner).  Margaret uses someone’s incredible voice and how the person can be de-humanized as people only search out her voice instead of the person that gives life to the voice. 

Margaret brings to life what it is to be a Mother and how they can be tossed aside easily by those who love them most.  Her story, "Bring back Mom, An Invocation" forces you to look at your relationship with your Mother and will probably give you pause to see if you have appreciated all the things that your Mother does on a day-to-day base.  She goes over the top with what can happen to an unappreciated Mom, but I think the message could not be clearer in most of our lives. 

Finally the namesake story, "The Tent" forces you to look at your life as if you are inside a paper tent and your life is what you make of it and your only protection is the quality of the story that your write yourself.  Paper cannot protect you, but if you live a worthwhile life and write it on the wall there is protection in the purity of the story.  She lets you come to your own conclusion as to what could happen if you destroy your own life story, your tent of paper that held the protection which was the story of your life; the essence of life.  This essay made me think that our stories are actually the only 'reality'; our immortality and once they are gone so may we be gone. 

There are so many more power thought provoking essays/poems that you will want to read them again and again, because sometimes you get a little different flavor, a gem that Margaret had hidden away in the precious few words.  I recommend this book!!