And there are no timeouts in running. To my knowledge, correct me if I'm wrong, but running and other endurance sports like triathlons are some of the only sports where there are no timeouts. In addition to no timeouts, two minute warnings, halftimes, or intermissions, endurance sports offer a non-stop continuous challenge from start to finish. In addition to not adhering to many conventional sport timing rules, running also comes without the ugly that seems to scar many of the traditional sports these days.
There are no scandals, no collective bargaining agreements (other than the self bargaining that goes on when deciding whether or not to get out of bed to complete a morning run), and there is little controversy. Sure, track and field and professional running events have had their fair share of scandal and illegal activity from Rosie Ruiz to Marian Jones. But in this day-and-age where the number of scandal stories outnumber the number highlights on any given night, running by comparison, has stay pretty untainted.
While the professional level of sport has had some controversy and scandal, for most of us casual runners, running club members, and Saturday Morning 5Kers, I'm confident when I say we have a clean record. I seriously doubt the average 5ker dopes before a race or even considers doing anything remotely illegal prior to or during a race. Most of us are out there because we love the sport. So take note college football, NBA basketball, and other professional athletes. Maybe you should all go for a run!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Not settling in...
Each marathon provides memories, lessons, and something to improve upon for the next one. Each marathon has also provided me with an amazing sense of accomplishment, not settling in until a few days after the race. I recently completed the Kansas City Marathon.
Three weeks before the marathon I felt like I was more prepared for the challenge of 26.2 miles than previous attempts. Even despite the forewarning of a difficult course and challenging hills I felt like I had a great shot at a PR.
Two weeks before the marathon I started experiencing sharp pain behind my knee. I don't know how it happened or when, but after I completed my last 20-mile training run, the usual leg pain that accompanies running that distance or further didn't go away.
Ten days prior to the marathon I told myself I wasn't going to run and had come to terms with not reaching my goals. I had decided that running would do more damage.
Seven days prior to the marathon I found myself at the physical therapist and masseuse for treatment and repair. I couldn't walk without pain and walked with a slight limp. Both physical therapy and an hour long massage helped. So...
Pride and non-refundable hotel rooms got me to the starting line and through the first 13.1 miles I was feeling fine and holding a nice, steady pace. That's when things fell apart. It took me 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the next 7.2 miles and 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete the last 6. I ran the first 15 miles until the pain was too much for me, both mentally and physical, to handle. I started run/walking until the small increments of running were too much too. I walked the final 4 miles, only running the final quarter mile to try to beat the approaching pace group (who coincidentally was 3-minutes of their stated time, so it didn't matter that I finished before them anyway) as I crossed the finish line. In hindsight I probably shouldn't have run, but I also felt I learned a lot about determination and perseverance, but it came at a price. I am still unable to run without pain two weeks out and the diagnosis is that that won't change for at least another 2 weeks. So as others enjoy the perfect fall running weather, I'm stuck inside frustrated, depressed, and annoyed.
Kansas City Marathon Review:
Awesome course, great expo vendors, & amazing course! (Thus far my favorite course)
Great race t-shirts (Long sleeve dri-fit finishers t-shirt & cotton event t-shirt)
Poor crowd support (Not in quality, but quantity) The fans that decided to come out were awesome, but there weren't many out on the course. The crowd really dissipated after Mile 3, which was really surprising.
Overall Grade: B+ (I would have given the race an A, but with sound check starting at 4:37AM right outside our hotel, I just can't do it! An "A-Rated Marathon" would not blare Celine Dion at 4:37AM.
Congratulations to my training partner and friend Tom for dominating the hills of the Kansas City Marathon.
Congratulations to my friend Jeremy for completing his first half-marathon at the Kansas City Half-Marathon! I'm glad I was able to share in your accomplishment and thanks for dealing with a hobbling travel companion and running the final stretch with me!
Congratulations to my friend Jess who dominated the Columbus Half-Marathon, setting a new PR by 23 minutes!
So with this awesome weather: Run one for me! (Kinda like drink one for me or win one for the Gipper!)
Three weeks before the marathon I felt like I was more prepared for the challenge of 26.2 miles than previous attempts. Even despite the forewarning of a difficult course and challenging hills I felt like I had a great shot at a PR.
Two weeks before the marathon I started experiencing sharp pain behind my knee. I don't know how it happened or when, but after I completed my last 20-mile training run, the usual leg pain that accompanies running that distance or further didn't go away.
Ten days prior to the marathon I told myself I wasn't going to run and had come to terms with not reaching my goals. I had decided that running would do more damage.
Seven days prior to the marathon I found myself at the physical therapist and masseuse for treatment and repair. I couldn't walk without pain and walked with a slight limp. Both physical therapy and an hour long massage helped. So...
Pride and non-refundable hotel rooms got me to the starting line and through the first 13.1 miles I was feeling fine and holding a nice, steady pace. That's when things fell apart. It took me 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the next 7.2 miles and 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete the last 6. I ran the first 15 miles until the pain was too much for me, both mentally and physical, to handle. I started run/walking until the small increments of running were too much too. I walked the final 4 miles, only running the final quarter mile to try to beat the approaching pace group (who coincidentally was 3-minutes of their stated time, so it didn't matter that I finished before them anyway) as I crossed the finish line. In hindsight I probably shouldn't have run, but I also felt I learned a lot about determination and perseverance, but it came at a price. I am still unable to run without pain two weeks out and the diagnosis is that that won't change for at least another 2 weeks. So as others enjoy the perfect fall running weather, I'm stuck inside frustrated, depressed, and annoyed.
Kansas City Marathon Review:
Awesome course, great expo vendors, & amazing course! (Thus far my favorite course)
Great race t-shirts (Long sleeve dri-fit finishers t-shirt & cotton event t-shirt)
Poor crowd support (Not in quality, but quantity) The fans that decided to come out were awesome, but there weren't many out on the course. The crowd really dissipated after Mile 3, which was really surprising.
Overall Grade: B+ (I would have given the race an A, but with sound check starting at 4:37AM right outside our hotel, I just can't do it! An "A-Rated Marathon" would not blare Celine Dion at 4:37AM.
Congratulations to my training partner and friend Tom for dominating the hills of the Kansas City Marathon.
Congratulations to my friend Jeremy for completing his first half-marathon at the Kansas City Half-Marathon! I'm glad I was able to share in your accomplishment and thanks for dealing with a hobbling travel companion and running the final stretch with me!
Congratulations to my friend Jess who dominated the Columbus Half-Marathon, setting a new PR by 23 minutes!
So with this awesome weather: Run one for me! (Kinda like drink one for me or win one for the Gipper!)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
HGTV and other distractions...
My wife and I recently purchased cable television. We've never had cable (never needed it and in my opinion still don't) but in order to watch our beloved football team and have a television where we could provide the programs guests and family members want to be entertained by, we caved in and purchased the service. Since purchasing cable, we've found ourselves in front of the television more than ever. Its hard to stay motivated to train and run in and of itself, and having 24 hour sports channels and my new favorite HGTV, its been easier to come home kick-off the shoes and catch a half-hour of House Hunters than getting in the necessary training run.
In addition to purchasing cable, we've been completing some remodeling (and by remodeling I mean some simple painting) but as we're learning there's nothing "simple" about painting projects. As we all know, painting takes time and its been cutting in to my running time and motivation to run after completing the project. We're almost done, but I'm sure that means just another project awaits. This fall and winter I'm going to have to make more of a commitment to my training. Is anyone else in the same boat?
Personal Update:
We just completed our 2nd year of Market-to-Market, a relay race from Omaha to Lincoln. It's one of my favorite and most anticipated events each year. Our team ran faster than last year and put forth a great effort.
I'm running the Kansas City Marathon in a few weeks, but am currently suffering from runners knee, fluid, or tendinitis in my right knee (self-diagnosed). I pushed it too hard in the above mentioned Market-to-Market and might pay for my competitiveness in Kansas City.
I'm really excited for a big city marathon and hopefully the knee will heal and cooperate by then. I've never been to Kansas City in my life, so talk about a new running trail! I'm super stoked to see the city. (26.2 miles....what a cool way to see a city for the first time!)
We're still receiving great feedback from A Midsummer Night's Trail Run and I'm hearing great stories about people starting to run or making running more a part of their lives. Love hearing both! Keep 'em coming!
In addition to purchasing cable, we've been completing some remodeling (and by remodeling I mean some simple painting) but as we're learning there's nothing "simple" about painting projects. As we all know, painting takes time and its been cutting in to my running time and motivation to run after completing the project. We're almost done, but I'm sure that means just another project awaits. This fall and winter I'm going to have to make more of a commitment to my training. Is anyone else in the same boat?
Personal Update:
We just completed our 2nd year of Market-to-Market, a relay race from Omaha to Lincoln. It's one of my favorite and most anticipated events each year. Our team ran faster than last year and put forth a great effort.
I'm running the Kansas City Marathon in a few weeks, but am currently suffering from runners knee, fluid, or tendinitis in my right knee (self-diagnosed). I pushed it too hard in the above mentioned Market-to-Market and might pay for my competitiveness in Kansas City.
I'm really excited for a big city marathon and hopefully the knee will heal and cooperate by then. I've never been to Kansas City in my life, so talk about a new running trail! I'm super stoked to see the city. (26.2 miles....what a cool way to see a city for the first time!)
We're still receiving great feedback from A Midsummer Night's Trail Run and I'm hearing great stories about people starting to run or making running more a part of their lives. Love hearing both! Keep 'em coming!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Just remembered my login and password...
Wow! I'm not sure whether to start with apologies or just a long list of excuses. I'll spare you both and lead directly into "training and blogging are very similar" in the regards that you can get burned out on both and when you don't see the results desired, it's easy to give up. During the past 5-months I have kept up with training but I obviously haven't kept up with blogging. I highly doubt any of you who read this were hanging on my every entry or postponing major life events until the next blog was written but if you were, please accept my apologizes and also my recommendation that you need to get a life. Hopefully you enjoyed the "break" as much as I did and hopefully you return to reading this regularly.
Just to catch you (and myself) up...here's what I've been doing the last 5 months.
My wife and I moved. She moved first, I followed 10-weeks later. During that time apart I found solitude and peace in...what else? running! I lived with friends and co-workers in different areas in Omaha, NE and got to run some different routes that I normally wouldn't have found or gotten the chance to. During that time period I really solidified running as my hobby and passion and really enjoyed running (not necessarily being away from my wife). We are both happy with the move to our new town (an added benefit is its much flatter, so inherently I've become faster!)
In May I set a Marathon PR in the Lincoln Marathon. I was paced by my dad during the first half of the race as he completed his first half marathon. My wife also completed her first half-marathon, so it was "Family PR Day" in Lincoln. I think we all enjoyed the event and Lincoln vaulted itself to my favorite marathon thus far.
In addition to moving and running, I started a race called "A Midsummer Night's Trail Run." With the help of my best friend, an outdoor enthusiast, we combined our passions into a 4-mile trail run that took place at dusk, with the course leading you through hills, over rough terrain, and in tree covered forests. I could write 9-10 entries on the race and what it took to make it happen, but I'll save those for another day. For more information on the race, check out http://www.runhastings.com or Facebook search "A Midsummer Night's Trail Run."
As I get into the thick of training for my third marathon I'm sure they'll be stories to share, funny experiences, and some interesting findings along the way. I hope to be more diligent in sharing those with you. If again, there is a long absence in writing, believe me when I saw "it's me, not you." But, be sure to post your feedback, examples, stories, and questions.
Happy trails!
& Welcome Back!
Just to catch you (and myself) up...here's what I've been doing the last 5 months.
My wife and I moved. She moved first, I followed 10-weeks later. During that time apart I found solitude and peace in...what else? running! I lived with friends and co-workers in different areas in Omaha, NE and got to run some different routes that I normally wouldn't have found or gotten the chance to. During that time period I really solidified running as my hobby and passion and really enjoyed running (not necessarily being away from my wife). We are both happy with the move to our new town (an added benefit is its much flatter, so inherently I've become faster!)
In May I set a Marathon PR in the Lincoln Marathon. I was paced by my dad during the first half of the race as he completed his first half marathon. My wife also completed her first half-marathon, so it was "Family PR Day" in Lincoln. I think we all enjoyed the event and Lincoln vaulted itself to my favorite marathon thus far.
In addition to moving and running, I started a race called "A Midsummer Night's Trail Run." With the help of my best friend, an outdoor enthusiast, we combined our passions into a 4-mile trail run that took place at dusk, with the course leading you through hills, over rough terrain, and in tree covered forests. I could write 9-10 entries on the race and what it took to make it happen, but I'll save those for another day. For more information on the race, check out http://www.runhastings.com or Facebook search "A Midsummer Night's Trail Run."
As I get into the thick of training for my third marathon I'm sure they'll be stories to share, funny experiences, and some interesting findings along the way. I hope to be more diligent in sharing those with you. If again, there is a long absence in writing, believe me when I saw "it's me, not you." But, be sure to post your feedback, examples, stories, and questions.
Happy trails!
& Welcome Back!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Free therapy...
Many people find running therapeutic. It’s an escape from our busy lives and a time where you are “numero uno.” Some people do their best thinking while running, while others may work out their frustrations or personal problems by pounding the pavement. No matter your laundry list of problems or reasons to run, running is more than just meaningless exercise. Running can transcend “just another workout” into something more if you try.
Here are a few things you can do to transcend your run into something more:
1.) Leave the iPod at Home: I know what you’re thinking…How can I complete my run without my Lady Gaga Mega-Mix? Believe me, you can do it. Instead of listening to Gaga, listen to the rhythm of life (Okay that was cheesy, but for real)... Listen to the sound of cars, children laughing, the wind, nature, etc. Remember what you heard on your run and write it down. Instead of logging your miles, log your surroundings.
2.) Smell That? Piggy backing on the “rhythm of life” idea, write down what you smell on your run. Really get tuned into nature and your surroundings. After reading an article about this I tried it on one of my runs. It really is amazing what you smell when you really focus on it. Running/Smelling a few miles really transcends a normal run into an entirely new sensory experience. I noticed things I’ve run passed 100 times and never knew were there just because I followed my nose.
3.) A Night Cap: My dad always says “nothing good happens after midnight” and he’s probably right, but you can get plenty of miles in before the clock strikes twelve. Remember to wear reflective clothing, a headlamp or a flashing light so cars can see you, but don’t be afraid to hit the pavement after the sun goes down. I’ve found many trails become less populated, quieter, and more enjoyable when it’s just you, the night, and the light of your headlamp. Besides a few scary shadows, I was really surprised at how quiet the city is once the hustle and bustle stops. I do some of my best thinking on night runs including thinking of future topics to blog about.
4.) Find a trail: Get off the concrete and give your joints a nice cushioned break on a trail. I've done a few trail runs and talk about a sensory experience! Instead of thinking how much further do I have to run, you're thinking "step over rock, step on log, jump over creek, was that a deer? I think it was a deer! Oh crap..jump over large rock, duck some braches." Instead of looking ahead at a never ending road, you're looking at your feet and the next 2 ft. in front of you in preparation for a winding, always changing trail. Nothing will get you back to nature than running in nature.
So save the therapy bills and hit the pavement!
Here are a few things you can do to transcend your run into something more:
1.) Leave the iPod at Home: I know what you’re thinking…How can I complete my run without my Lady Gaga Mega-Mix? Believe me, you can do it. Instead of listening to Gaga, listen to the rhythm of life (Okay that was cheesy, but for real)... Listen to the sound of cars, children laughing, the wind, nature, etc. Remember what you heard on your run and write it down. Instead of logging your miles, log your surroundings.
2.) Smell That? Piggy backing on the “rhythm of life” idea, write down what you smell on your run. Really get tuned into nature and your surroundings. After reading an article about this I tried it on one of my runs. It really is amazing what you smell when you really focus on it. Running/Smelling a few miles really transcends a normal run into an entirely new sensory experience. I noticed things I’ve run passed 100 times and never knew were there just because I followed my nose.
3.) A Night Cap: My dad always says “nothing good happens after midnight” and he’s probably right, but you can get plenty of miles in before the clock strikes twelve. Remember to wear reflective clothing, a headlamp or a flashing light so cars can see you, but don’t be afraid to hit the pavement after the sun goes down. I’ve found many trails become less populated, quieter, and more enjoyable when it’s just you, the night, and the light of your headlamp. Besides a few scary shadows, I was really surprised at how quiet the city is once the hustle and bustle stops. I do some of my best thinking on night runs including thinking of future topics to blog about.
4.) Find a trail: Get off the concrete and give your joints a nice cushioned break on a trail. I've done a few trail runs and talk about a sensory experience! Instead of thinking how much further do I have to run, you're thinking "step over rock, step on log, jump over creek, was that a deer? I think it was a deer! Oh crap..jump over large rock, duck some braches." Instead of looking ahead at a never ending road, you're looking at your feet and the next 2 ft. in front of you in preparation for a winding, always changing trail. Nothing will get you back to nature than running in nature.
So save the therapy bills and hit the pavement!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Bald Eagles and Nose Bleeds...
Have you ever had a weird run? A run where some weird, unexplainable things happened during your run? Today was one of those runs. The first odd thing was it being 62 degrees in middle of February in Nebraska. I don't know if they'll be many times when I can run in shorts and a t-shirt in the middle of February. But I'm not complaining. Keep up the good work Global Warming.
During the run, maybe not so weird, but more along the lines of less frequent I saw a bald eagle. Nothing gets the red, white, and blue blood boiling like seeing a bald eagle. It was soaring overhead and really motivated me to finish the last 7 miles of my run.
As I began to make my way back across the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge I noticed lots of people were looking at me and looking at me kind of funny. At first I didn't think anything of it until I wiped my nose. For how long, I'm not sure, but I had a bloody nose and subsequently probably a bloody face. Without a Kleenex for next 6 miles I just decided to continuously wipe until the flow was too much. I stopped for a few brief moment and decided to stuff snow up my left nostril (it was the only thing I could think of and don't worry it wasn't yellow. I made sure to choose the cleanest, whitest looking snow available) in hoping to stop the bleeding or at least moisten the nostril. ( I'm pretty sure the nose bleed was caused by dry air and nothing to do with running or running too much.)
And finally, not really odd, but it made me laugh was I was running through the stoplights of downtown Omaha not wanting to stop so I'd check for traffic and make a dash for it if I thought it was clear. At one particular stop light I thought I could make it without having to make the cars stop or slow down, so I bolted across the street despite the "Don't Walk" sign beaming bright red. The cars were moving faster than I thought and were closer than I thought so...the car having to slow down for me? One of Omaha's finest. I picked up the pace hoping that he wouldn't speed around the block and ticket the idiot who chose to "jaywalk" right in front of an Omaha Police Officer. No ticket, no worries. Sorry OPD.
I'm not sure the events of the run qualify as weird. Similar to if events in Alanis Morissette's song "Ironic"are really irony, but maybe that what makes this blog, run, and today..."Weird."
During the run, maybe not so weird, but more along the lines of less frequent I saw a bald eagle. Nothing gets the red, white, and blue blood boiling like seeing a bald eagle. It was soaring overhead and really motivated me to finish the last 7 miles of my run.
As I began to make my way back across the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge I noticed lots of people were looking at me and looking at me kind of funny. At first I didn't think anything of it until I wiped my nose. For how long, I'm not sure, but I had a bloody nose and subsequently probably a bloody face. Without a Kleenex for next 6 miles I just decided to continuously wipe until the flow was too much. I stopped for a few brief moment and decided to stuff snow up my left nostril (it was the only thing I could think of and don't worry it wasn't yellow. I made sure to choose the cleanest, whitest looking snow available) in hoping to stop the bleeding or at least moisten the nostril. ( I'm pretty sure the nose bleed was caused by dry air and nothing to do with running or running too much.)
And finally, not really odd, but it made me laugh was I was running through the stoplights of downtown Omaha not wanting to stop so I'd check for traffic and make a dash for it if I thought it was clear. At one particular stop light I thought I could make it without having to make the cars stop or slow down, so I bolted across the street despite the "Don't Walk" sign beaming bright red. The cars were moving faster than I thought and were closer than I thought so...the car having to slow down for me? One of Omaha's finest. I picked up the pace hoping that he wouldn't speed around the block and ticket the idiot who chose to "jaywalk" right in front of an Omaha Police Officer. No ticket, no worries. Sorry OPD.
I'm not sure the events of the run qualify as weird. Similar to if events in Alanis Morissette's song "Ironic"are really irony, but maybe that what makes this blog, run, and today..."Weird."
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
First BONK of training...
I had my first "bad" run today, my first BONK of the training program. I was kind of wondering when one of these days would rear it's ugly head. I've been sticking with an Intermediate Hal Higdon marathon training program for 6 weeks and have had 25 great runs. No pain, no energy loss, and great mental focus. Today that all came to an end. I needed to run 6 miles with tempo intervals. Before I even stepped on the treadmill I decided to run 6 miles, no tempo. (Probably the first sign it wasn't going to be a good day).
For the past two weeks I've been nursing some self diagnosed plantar fasciitis and pain in my left foot. I've been, thus far, pushing through it and trying to keep on schedule without risking serious injury. During the first few miles of my run I started to feel pain in my feet and some creaking in my knees. I stopped and stretched and then returned to the treadmill...no luck. I stopped and rode a stationary bike for a few minutes then tried the treadmill again...again, no luck. I stopped after just 3.5 miles probably because I just didn't have the drive and couldn't get myself mentally prepared for the task at hand, more so than the physical discomfort.
The great thing is this isn't the end, the start of a horrible trend, or failure. Bad days happen in running just like in life. I've never met someone who hasn't "bonked" at least once during their training program. If you recall an earlier post, I've bonked before and I'm sure I'll bonk again. I just wish I knew ahead of time so I wouldn't begin to wonder "Is something wrong?"
For the past two weeks I've been nursing some self diagnosed plantar fasciitis and pain in my left foot. I've been, thus far, pushing through it and trying to keep on schedule without risking serious injury. During the first few miles of my run I started to feel pain in my feet and some creaking in my knees. I stopped and stretched and then returned to the treadmill...no luck. I stopped and rode a stationary bike for a few minutes then tried the treadmill again...again, no luck. I stopped after just 3.5 miles probably because I just didn't have the drive and couldn't get myself mentally prepared for the task at hand, more so than the physical discomfort.
The great thing is this isn't the end, the start of a horrible trend, or failure. Bad days happen in running just like in life. I've never met someone who hasn't "bonked" at least once during their training program. If you recall an earlier post, I've bonked before and I'm sure I'll bonk again. I just wish I knew ahead of time so I wouldn't begin to wonder "Is something wrong?"
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