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!)

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!