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.