Thoughts and Thank Yous

10. Everything you read about a marathon is true and then harder.
I was officially introduced to “The Wall” around Mile 21. Today the Wall meant lower body cramping and lower back spasms. I tried to push through it, but was unable. I ran walked the last 4 miles.

9. Gatorade Endurance > G2
G2 is great, but apparently there is an Endurance Formula Gatorade with additional electrolytes and sodium. Upon drinking this magical elixir, I felt like I could finish without walking (at least for the next 500 yards).

8. 1st Marathon
Everyone along the course was amazing and super nice. The general consensus when they heard this was my first marathon was, “you chose a real tough one as your first.” So…if you decide to take on a full marathon, I recommend you choose a fast, flat course. Not that I have any regrets about choosing Omaha, but there were a few hills that I might avoid even in my car.

7. Dear Miley
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again… “Party in the U.S.A.” is pure gold. Without it I know I would not have crossed the finish line.

6. Dear apl.de.ap and Taboo
Because Fergie and will.i.am get all the recognition, let it be known that the Black Eyed Peas have the catchiest songs ever.

5. Thank You Body Glide
Enough said.

4. Runners are amazing people.
Today there was a participant who was blind. He was led 26.2 miles by bicycle and ran a great time. Also on the course today was a mother-father combo pushing their son in a wheel chair and a woman completing her 93rd marathon. All amazing. All inspiring.

3. PRs
The race director stated “I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of PRs (Personal Records) today.” I turned to my wife and said “Yeah, right!” To which she reminded me no matter what my time was I was going to PR. (Hey! It was like 6AM in the morning!)

2. Thank You Volunteers
Thank you to all the volunteers who acted as “Human Cones,” handed out water, and made the Omaha Marathon a memorable and special race.

1. Thank you Friends and Family
Thank you to all my friends and family who wished me luck, came to watch, and thought about me today. Without your support, this wouldn’t have been as special or as memorable. So...thank you so much everyone for your love and support.

Even though official training for the marathon has ended...the blog will continue. What's next? I don't know, but you can't start thinking about the next one until the pain from the first one goes away.

**Race for the Cure is next Sunday. If you haven't registered, DO IT. It's a great 5K for a great cause!

Let's talk about socks...

I was asked on two separate occasions this week about socks and running socks, so I’m taking that as I sign the readers (all 2 of you) are hungry for knowledge about socks. So…here is everything I know about socks!

1.) “Cotton Kills”
While light weight and comfortable, cotton absorbs moisture instead of letting it evaporate or “wick” away. Many backpackers and campers will recognize the saying “cotton kills” as it’s recommended you not where cotton clothing while enjoying the great outdoors. After a long day of hiking your damp, sweaty shirt may not seem like a big deal until the temperature drops leaving you with a wet cotton shirt sucking away your body heat, which can lead to hypothermia or in extreme cases, death. While wearing cotton running socks is unlikely to lead to hypothermia or death, the same principles apply. As you’re running or walking your foot will sweat. Cotton socks will be unable to evaporate the moisture, so as the sock continues to absorb, it can lead to “hot spots” and eventually blisters.

2.) Choose the right material
People will have different preferences as to the style and cut of the sock, but one thing we can all agree on is material. Avoid 100% cotton, for the reason stated above. Choose a sock made of synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic. With new advances in wool blends, wool socks also make great running socks. Apparently, wool can hold 22% more moisture than a cotton sock, so wool is great for keeping your feet dry and regulating temperature. I know what you’re thinking “Wool socks! My feet will burn up from heat.” But I’ve recently found this new wool technology to be amazing at wicking away moisture and your feet DO NOT get hot. For more details on this magic, check out smartwool.com.

3.) Black or White
Again it’s personal preference as to what color of socks you like, but a recent running-store clerk told me, “Choose black or grey socks! It will hide dirt better and you can wear them a couple times before washing them.” While I’m from the school of “one and done” meaning you wear a pair of socks once and then wash them, I know more people are going green and might appreciate saving the environment by way of wearing their socks multiple times.

4.) Specifics
If you are having specific problems, try a specific sock! I was amazed at the different types of socks you can buy (Apparently sock technology is a big deal), but there are socks for blister protection, arch support, maximum drying, cushioning, support, etc. So if you feel you need some additional arch support, try arch support socks. If you feel you need blister protection, grab some blister preventing socks.

5.) Don’t be surprised
Don’t be surprised by the price tag on some of these socks. One pair of special running socks might cost you the same amount as those 24-pack athletic socks from Wal-Mart, but don’t be discouraged by the price or quantity. Do you want 24 pairs of socks that will cause blisters or a few good pairs that will keep your feet happy and healthy?

In conclusion, pony up the money for a good pair of synthetic material socks that will wick away moisture during a run. Your feet will thank you!

A fortnight...

Apparently Monster Month was such a challenge that it prevented me from blogging. While that’s not entirely true, the last three weeks have presented some major hurdles in the quest for a marathon. The one that sticks out most in my mind and the one you’ll probably find most enjoyable was my first attempt at 20 miles. I had reached the pinnacle of my training and felt like I had 20 in the bag. The day started with me completing my normal pre-run routine: drinking some G1 Gatorade, a quick stretch, strapping on the running fanny pack (please hold your laughter…you need to drink water on long runs and the fanny pack is both fashionable and functional), and setting a stellar iPod play list.

Ten steps into my run, my water bottle flew out of the fanny pack and cracked on the pavement, spilling all but 2oz. of the water. Twenty steps into my run, the wind would not allow me to keep my earphones in, preventing me from listening to my stellar mega mix (which by the way includes my new guilty pleasure song: “Party In the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus). So right then and there I should have just stopped and called it a day, but the “run through challenges” mentality took over and I decided to continue.

Three miles into the run and my stomach began to slosh. I had chosen a hearty helping of beef stew for lunch (we’ve crossed beef stew off as an option for the pre-race meal) and around mile four, the beef stew and the “pinnacle” of training met.

After quickly tossing the contents of my undigested beef stew on the side of the trail, I decided to walk back to my car, dejected after not being able to go 20 miles. Immediately doubt seeped into my mind. “If I can’t go 20, I can’t go 26!” “Did I train enough?” “Did I train too hard?” “Did I not choose the right training plan?” “Why did I choose beef stew for lunch?”

Thankfully, all these questions were answered a few weeks later. After struggling through a few shorter runs with cramps in my right calf (cause still unknown), and a strain in my neck (probably caused by my arch nemesis: the treadmill), I was able to run 20 miles and near my race pace of 8:15 per mile. So…a fortnight away from the marathon I feel I can go 26.2 miles, I feel I’ve trained to the best of my ability (whether or not that was enough remains to be seen) and as to the beef stew…it was good, but we’ll leave it off the menu for awhile.