This blog will house all of my marathon blogs that I have written (2001-Present). Originally these were published on my old Geocities site, which has closed on Oct 26, 2009.
April 17, 2006 - It was a day I will never forget. Below was my training for the 2006 Boston Marathon, which took place on April 17, 2006. I finished in 2:59:07, which was yet another Boston Marathon qualifying time and my fastest marathon time ever (PR). It has always been my dream to break 3 hours in a marathon and I finally did it! I always wanted to do it before I turned 30. "Under 3:00 by 30" used to be my motto. Well, I'm now 30 so my new motto became "Under 3:00 at 30". Based on my age I needed a 3:10:59 or faster marathon time to qualify for the Boston Marathon again. I have now run 5 qualifying times. A lot of hard work and sacrifice led up to this result. I averaged 47.27 miles per week for 17 weeks. Read below for a week-by-week description of my training cycle.
Felt ok on this first "official day" of organized training.
Dec. 20, 2005
5.0
38:00
My legs were heavy and I just got this run in. Today was my 30th bday! I feel old and my body is feeling even older. I am not the runner I once was. I know I need new shoes soon. These Kayanos are not cutting it anymore.
Dec. 21, 2005
5.0
37:00
I ran slower and did not feel good.
Dec. 22, 2005
4.6
33:00
I ran on the treadmill what started to be just a slower pace but then sped up and ran the last half at about 6:45s to average 7:10. I need to do a speed workout once a week at least and I think I will do it on the treadmill since it's easier on my knees.
Dec. 23 ,2005
12.1
1:25:32
This first long run after a two month absence was very hard. The watch said I averaged 7:26 but since it is 5.3 percent off (I hope it still is) then I really averaged 7:04 so not so bad. I know the watch is slow. I will go to a track soon and re-calibrate it and also see how off it really is. I had to stop and stretch a few times. At least I got this in. I know that I was working harder and for the watch to say I was going slower fucked with my mind.
Dec. 25, 2005
6.6
50:14
Merry Christmas! I was not in the mood to run but wanted to get one in. It was a sunny morning.
Week Ending Dec. 25, 2005
35
GOAL - 30
I definitely feel out of it. I have to get used to more structured training.
My legs were sore. I don't remember this run much.
Dec. 27, 2005
5.5
40:03
Felt a little better on this one.
Dec. 29, 2005
4.2
31:38
I did not feel good since the long run took a lot out of me yesterday.
Dec. 30, 2005
13.5
1:36:42
I felt not that great on this run. I had to stop to stretch. I need new shoes bad. I used Asics Empires I had that I have only ran in a few times and it they were not too comfortable. I could tell they absorbed more shock but at the same time they were not as supportive as the Kayanos. My watch said I did 13.1 miles but I know it was more since it's off.
Jan. 1, 2006
30:00
4.4
I ran a very fast pace on the treadmill at the gym. It was hard. I started out slower and then sped up. I want to get more speed in. Happy New Year to me!
Week Ending Jan. 1, 2006
32.7
GOAL - 30
I am still having calf problems. I barely got through this week and it shouldn't be this hard to train. New shoes will solve my problems I think. I hope...
I ran in my new shoes the Mizuno Nirvanas. They were ok. My calf was still tight though.
Jan. 3, 2006
6.8
50:00
I felt a little better in the new shoes but not great.
Jan. 4, 2006
5.4
40:00
I don't remember this run. Posting this after the fact.
Jan. 7, 2006
15.0
1:45:28
I took the last two days off. This run said I ran 14.4 but adjusting for it being 5.3 percent off then I think I ran around 15. That means a 7:01 pace. It felt hard to run so maybe I ran that. I am not sure. At times I felt good but then others it was awful. I stopped three times to stretch out my calves. They are so damn tight.
Jan. 8, 2006
3.6
26:11
I did a short recovery run. I didn't have much time to run.
Week Ending Jan. 8, 2006
36.9
GOAL - 35
I think the shoes are getting better but still I want to get rid the tightness in my lower calves. I need to start up some more faster-paced runs and I think I will do that on the treadmills at first and then gradually do some track work come February.
Another run cut short due to having to be somewhere. I wanted to do at least 6 today.
Jan. 11, 2006
8.0
1:00:00
I ran to the gym (19:50) and then I was going to use a treadmill for some speed workout but all were taken (those damn New Year's resolution people) so I ran into someone in Front Runners and he drove me down to their weekly run. I did a faster-paced tempo run 5.5 miles - my total time on the watch said 56:16 so the course really took 36:34 (a 6:38 pace). I am not sure their course if accurate but I felt spent on the run and that I was running faster than normal. I did a small cooldown of 4 min.
Jan. 12, 2006
5.5
37:00
I ran on the treadmill at the gym. I started out doing a 7:24 mile to warm up and then I increased the pace to 6:53. I kept upping it and did 6:40s or so then eventually 6:22 pace at the end for a half mile or so. I averaged 6:43. This was good since I really needed a good speed workout. It was hard at time though. I have to do a run like this every week so I can get stronger and be able to maintain faster paces easier. I now realize the importance of doing track workouts. I will head to a track soon but the majority of speed will be done on the treadmill until I feel ready. It's easier on my legs since it absorbs a lot of the shock.
Jan. 13, 2006
2.9
22:10
I should have taken the day off but felt guilty. I ran short and my legs were definitely sore. The pain in my calves are gone though. It was just sore shins.
Jan. 14, 2006
16.5
1:57:25
I had planned to run down to the track from my place so I could see once and for all how off my watch is. I ran down there but it was locked. That was at the 4-mile mark. I was not really feeling good. It was cool - in the upper 50s but sunny so I did sweat a lot. I at least escaped the rain forecast for later in the day. My legs were achy and the slight pain came back in my left hamstring. It is not as bad now so whatever is pulled is healing. I defintely will not run tomorrow. Maybe a walk but no running. I ran down through Balboa Park and then back up through Mission Hills and then back up to University Heights. It was a slight new loop. I wanted a change from the same-old running out to Kensington and back. It was more challenging. My watch said it was 15.8 miles at 7:25 pace. I adjusted for the 5 percent off so I really ran 7:06 pace, but I am not so sure. I can't tell anymore. I don't think the watch is off by that much. I will go to a track this week and calibrate it and see how off it really is. My body is definitely off. I feel stronger this week slightly. I think the speed on the treadmill is helping. Once my legs get stronger these long runs will get easier. I felt it bad today, BAD! I feel like I had to work so hard at times.
Week Ending Jan. 15, 2006
41.5
GOAL - 35
I hit my mileage goal pretty easily. I think it's because I only took one day off the entire week. Doing the speed work on the treadmill I think helped my legs loosen up. I forgot how speed can actually help your running. I hope to get stronger over the next few weeks so these long runs are not so brutal.
It was actually kind of chilly outside tonight. I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt but it was kind of cold. I think it was a little below 50. Compared to Boston, I'll take it though. I ran down to Balboa and back up to University Heights. I tried to push it at times but I know tomorrow I will do some speed work. My left hamstring is still slightly sore and definitely bothers me. I really hope it goes away soon.
Jan. 17, 2006
10.2
---
This was my first real track workout in over a year. I think my last one was Nov. of 2004. I forced myself to go. I was late for the SDTC start time so I did my own. I have a schedule from the SRR that I am using and adjusting. I ran a little over 3 miles down to the San Diego High School track (23:00). Then I did the following:
3 x 1 mile with 60 second rest in between.
1 mile = 5:50 - too fast and it was very difficult. It said I was at .97 so I knew the watch was off. I recalibrated by running around once and then continued my workout.
1 mile = 6:04. Much better and I should really be doing them at this pace or 6:10.
1 mile = 6:01. I was better on the last one but it hurt.
I then ran a 6:48 cooldown mile. It actually didn't feel so bad. I meant to run slower. The run home was very hard but my watch said I maintained a 7:02 pace for 21:58 and 3.1 miles.
Jan. 18, 2006
6.46
44:06
I tried to run slower today but wanted to get another decent workout in. My shins were hurting or achy, but still I was able to maintain a 6:49 pace. It wasn't easy and I was really breathing hard after. This pace is just below my goal pace for a sub 3-hour marathon, which is 6:53. It should be EASY but it wasn't. I need a lot of work. The next three months are going to be LONG. The marathon is exactly three months away from today.
Jan. 19, 2006
4.5
30:10
I ran on the treadmill at the gym. I was only going to do 4 but decided a little more would be ok. I averaged 6:42. I started out with a 7:22 mile but then increased the pace to 6:53 for the next mile and then kept it at 6:49 for another 3/4 mile and then finally left it at 6:40 and ended doing 6:22 pace and finally the last .3 or so I did at 6:00. It was tough but I feel my leg turnover is getting better. My legs are getting stronger. At the beginning I did not feel to well. Actually I felt this pressure in my stomach, like I needed to let out gas but couldn't. It's not a good feeling to run fast having that sensation! Tomorrow I will take as a rest day and then try for 14-16 miles on Sat. UGHH.
Jan. 21, 2006
15.3
1:44:30
I ran a new route this morning that incorporated the DREADED Bachman Place .7-mile hill that connects Hillcrest to Mission Valley on the way back at the end of my run, which was very difficult. I started from my place and did a mile loop before heading down to Hillcrest. Then I ran down Bachman Place to Hotel Circle South in Mission Valley. I ran west and ended up in Linda Vista on Morena Blvd. I then ran north all the way to Mission Bay Park. It was at about 8.5 miles on my watch and then ran back the way I came. About 3 miles into the run I had to stop and stretch my VERY TIGHT lower calves. It always seems to happen and feels like they are burning with pain. I had to stop a few more times to loosen my left shoe since it went numb at the 7 mile mark. Thankfully my lower calf issues went away by mile 5. So the most challenging part of the run was to run back from Mission Bay Park. I was tired since I had been averaging 6:43 min/mile pace for about 11 miles. I slowed to a 6:49 overall. The hill alone made it that much slower. I was happy I was able to run so fast throughout the run. On the hill itself I was trying to push through and run some of it faster but the fastest I got was 7:10 min pace and that was extremely tough. I could feel it so bad in my quads. I can tell that my legs are stronger than before. In a few more weeks I am sure these long runs will just get easier and easier.
Jan. 22, 2006
6.07
39:33
I don't know how I was able to run so fast the day after a long run. I wore my mileage watch again and I guess it helps to know what pace I am running at. I felt ok. It should have been a lot slower as a recovery run but I felt good enough. I am going to do tomorrow's run easier.
Week Ending Jan. 22, 2006
48.73
GOAL - 40
I knew I would be well over mileage this week. I worked extremely hard. I don't know if every week can be like this one but I am going to try to keep the intensity up there. I feel my legs getting stronger. I am definitely going to get at least one speed workout in per week.
I ended up taking yesterday completely off since I had a show to attend but I am ok with that. I drove the first mile and then ran to the track (2.18 miles - 14:34 - pace 6:40). Then I did the following:
2 X 800 at interval pace with 400 meter recovery in between. So the first one I did at 2:37 - very fast as I was aiming for 2:50. Then I did the second at 2:47 (better).
I was going to try to do 6 of these but I was too spent so I revised the workout.
I did 1 mile at TEMPO pace - 5:59 (too fast). Then I did another mile at TEMPO for 6:06. Both were really hard since I had went too fast in the 800s. Then I did another mile as a cooldown/ marathon pace at 6:37 (too fast- should have been 6:52.
I ran to my car in 16:09 for another 2.25 miles (pace7:10).
Jan. 25, 2006
5.72
38:40
I ended up running a lot harder than I had anticipated (6:45 pace). I technically should have taken this as an easier or "regular" training day but I just went with how my body felt. Actually I knew I was working hard. I could feel the pain. But no pain = no gain. That is how I look at my runs now.
Jan. 26, 2006
5.01
33:00
I ran on the treadmill at the gym for a sort of TEMPO workout for a 6:35 pace overall. My shins were slightly bothering me but the good news was that my calves were totally fine. I really pushed myself for most of this run. I started out with a 6:58 first mile and then kept upping the pace to 6:49, 6:40, 6:35. For at least 1.5 miles I ran it at 6:18 and the last half to quarter mile I was down to 6:10 and then was CRAZY and put the pace to 5:52 for the last .15 or so. I wanted to get 5 miles in under 33 min so I needed to do that. After I did chest and back weight work and I had ABSOLUTELY no energy.
Jan. 27, 2006
3.8
28:33
I did not wear the pace watch since I didn't want to go fast. It seems I run faster when I wear the watch since it causes me to be conscious of my pace. I end up running faster and it may not be a good thing. Tomorroe I run long at least 16 miles.
Jan. 28, 2006
17.5
2:01:00
I wanted to at least run two hours today. I timed it just perfectly as I arrived home shortly after on a perfect running morning with slight winds and semi-overcast skies. The temps were about 55 or so. My watch said I did 17.5 and I believe that it is very accurate now. It may, in fact, be slightly slow so I could have done more but since I recalibrated it a few weeks ago I trust it. I am so happy with this run. I really pushed myself and ended up averaging 6:54 pace! That's two seconds slower per mile than my goal pace for the marathon. Granted I was really hurting at certain points of the run. I pushed it to 6:30 pace on occasion. The calve issues I had before still came back but not as severe and I never had to stop and stretch. By mile 5 I was fine. It was more of a slight pain in my shins but my body is just sore from the week. I REALLY pushed myself all week. I am finding that my runs are getting easier and I am able to hold faster paces due to increased leg strength. I really forgot how important speed work is. I never did it before Long Beach and conseqently paid the price with a mediocre performance.
I ended up running a 4-mile loop through University Heights, which incorporated a decent hill at mile 2. Then I ran out to Normal Heights on my usual loop out to Kensington where I did another loop and then ran back.
Jan. 29, 2006
4.3
32:30
I did not wear the mileage watch. I ended up going slower but it hurt - my shins hurt. I should have taken a rest day.
Week Ending Jan. 29, 2006
44.78
GOAL - 40
I'm right where I should be. The long runs are getting easier to maintain the faster paces. The track workout is taking a lot out of me. I will try to not do as much on Tuesdays. I will run less of a warm up and cooldown I think.
I didn't wear the pace watch but felt I ran well. My shins hurt at the beginning but then they were fine. I could have gone longer but kept it at 45 min.
Jan. 31, 2006
6.5
---
Tonight I did speed work at the track. I ran down there 1.75 miles from where I parked (12:20) and then I did the following:
3 X 1 mile at TEMPO pace with 400 recovery.
Mile 1 = 5:57 - too fast.
Mile 2 = 6:02 - better but still too fast.
Mile 3 = 5:59 - still too fast. I should be doing these at 6:07 or 6:15 at the slowest.
I ran another 1.75 back to my car (12:54).
Feb. 1, 2006
7.0
48:08
I ran kind of harder tonight. I just wanted to get it over. I ran down to Balboa Park and then back up. It was hard at the end. I did 6:52 pace - so marathon pace. I know I ran sections at much faster pace and then did slower for some so it averaged out. My stomach was very upset after the run.
Feb. 2, 2006
5.15
33:00
Another treadmill TEMPO-like run, averaging a 6:24 min/mile pace. It was very hard to maintain it. It seems on the treadmill I feel like I am working so much harder. I started out with a 6:51 first mile and then ran 6:48 in mile two. Then I really upped it to 6:22 for a while, then 6:18 for one mile and then the rest I did around 6:10 but then put it back down to 6:15. I finished doing 6:00 and 5:56 for the last half mile or so.
Feb. 4, 2006
15.7
1:48:08
I replaced the batteries in my foot pod and the mileage watch itself. Whenever I do that it seems I have to re-calibrate. I felt like I had to work a lot harder to maintain the paces today so I am going to assume it's 2 percent off, so it said I did 15.4 at 7:01 but I really did 6:53 pace. The run was more difficult as well since I incorporated hills. I ran from University Heights through Hillcrest down to Mission Hills near Presidio Park and then back up to University Heights. There was a steep hill at Presidio that I knew was going to be hard. I pushed it. I could feel my quads burning but I know they are a lot stronger than ever before due to the speed work and TEMPO runs I have been doing. Overall, I felt satisfied. I only needed 14 today so to do almost 16 was nice.
Feb. 5, 2006
5.6
41:07
My legs hurt today. I didn't wear the pace watch since I have a tendency to run faster. I still felt I ran too fast. I think I did 7:20 pace. I should have done like 7:40 - a more relaxed pace.
Week Ending Feb. 5, 2006
46.15
GOAL - 45
Another week and another on track week. well I was hoping that I was going to be around 50, but I was just shy. It's hard to do 50 so early. I will try next week, but if I do the half marathon then I will not have a high week. There is a half on Sunday the 12th. I am on the fence since I really don't want to run a half if I don't feel like I can race it at the pace I usually do half marathons at. I am scared and I am lazy. We'll see. I feel stronger but at the same time I don't want to get too burnt out. I need to save my legs and if I have a race I am pushing too hard. Granted, it's more than two months from the marathon.
I started out easy and then increased my pace. I think I did 7:15s or faster. At times I felt like I was working hard then at times I slowed down. I was not motivated to run at all when I got home from work. I was exhausted. Then I got out there. It was a relatively warm night since today's high was around 80 so it was probably 65 when I ran. I enjoyed that fact. I think it made me run better.
Feb. 7, 2006
7.5
---
Track night again. I was going to do this one workout but cut it a little short. I ran 1.8 miles to the track (13:14) then I did the following:
2 miles at TEMPO = 12:10. I felt like I went too fast for the first mile 6:00 then I slowed down.
1 mile at TEMPO = 5:56 . I went too fast.
1 mile at slower than tempo = 6:23. Actually I was going to do a cooldown but I was already on a 6:07 pace after a half mile. I then slowed since I was EXHAUSTED.
I ran another 1.7 miles back to my car (12:54).
Feb. 8, 2006
5.3
42:02
This run was absolute crap. Both my shins hurt a lot. It was not comfortable.. Achy, achy, achy! The track workout last night was probably too much. I was slow and I don't know if I can do a TEMPO run on the treadmill tomorrow night. I iced my legs for 20 min and felt better after. Let's hope this is not an injury in the making. I don't think I will do the half marathon Sunday due to not wanting to risk injury. I have to make it to the starting line of Boston. That is my GOAL - to get there in one piece, healthy.
Feb. 9, 2006
3.1
20:20
I wasn't even going to run tonight due to my shin issues yesterday. I went to the gym and did about 15 min on the elliptical then felt better so got on the treadmill. I knew I was only going to do a few miles. I ended up averaging 6:33 minute miles. I was happy. I didn't want to do 5 since it was too much and my legs needed a break. The shins didn't hurt as much. I take tomorrow (Fri) off and then Sat I will do a long run.
Feb. 11, 2006
18.5
2:13:00
Of course right away I think my watch is too fast. It's saying a faster pace than I am actually going. After my run I measured a section of the course where my watch said it was .5 miles and my car said it was almost that, more like something in between .46 or .47 miles. If you take that into consideration and my mileage at the end read 19.2 miles, really I ran 18.5. Just take the mileage it was off by .035 each half mile and multiply it by the 19.2 and you get .67 miles. Subtract that from 19.2 and you get 18.5 or there abouts for a 7:11 min/mile pace. I am this anal since I really want to know how far I ran. Overall I felt good compared to last week. I really pushed it on hills. After a 5 mile loop in University Heights I ran through Hillcrest to Mission Hills and then Presidio Park. Then reversed but this time I ran down through Balboa Park and back up (last week I did not do this). I added some side streets to tack on some more miles. I felt good most of it until around mile 15 or so I got tired but know. I didn't want to do 20 miles as I will try that next weekend. In lieu of not doing the half marathon tomorrow in Rancho Santa Fe, I did more miles today. I feel good about this decision considering my shin issues earlier in the week. The shin pain is completely gone thank God.
Feb. 12, 2006
4.5
36:00
My legs definitely hurt and I went a lot slower than normal. It was in the 70s so a bit too hot to run. I went out around 10 AM though. I needed to sleep in.
Week Ending Feb. 12, 2006
46.2
GOAL - 50
Almost identical mileage to last week. I was hoping for over 50 but did not get it. It's ok I was close enough. If I didn't have the shin issues mid week I could have done it. I'd rather not burn out my body with two months left.
I was only going to do 6 but since I was so close to the hour mark when I got back to my apt I continued to run 4 more minutes. I ran harder for the last 4 miles or so. My legs did not hurt as much. At the start I was a bit sore but got more into it as the minutes passed. It was a nice night and the temps were probably in the low to mid 60s. I love this warm spell we are having. Although later in the week it is going to be a bit cooler with highs in the low 60s.
Feb. 14, 2006
8.0
---
Track night again. I ran there 1.75 miles in 11:35, which was a bit too fast but there was this guy on the other side of the street who was running the same pace and I didn't want him to go ahead of me. I was being LAME! I tan ran a 400 to re-calibrate my watch. Hopefully it worked this time.
On the track I did the following:
1 mile @ TEMPO pace = 5:59. Too fast. I went straight into a 400 meter recovery jog after walking 30 seconds.
2 miles @ TEMPO pace = 12:10. It could have been 12:30 so I was too fast. I did slow the last mile though. Another 400 meter recovery jog after walking 30 seconds. I was dead tired.
Then I did 1 mile @ tempo pace = 6:05. I was very spent.
I then ran to my car 1.75 miles in 12:40.
Feb. 15, 2006
7.25
49:18
I wore the pace watch again. I was going to go easier but instead did a sub goal marathon pace (6:48). I felt ok but near the end my stomach was in knots. I had severe problems after I will not elborate on now. I think my watch is more accurate now.
Feb. 16, 2006
5.01
32:00
I was exhausted tonight and had no energy but I still went to the gym and did my usual TEMPO workout, then did weights after. I averaged 6:23 min/miles. I started out with a 6:54 mile. I was going to go slower but sucked it up. Then I did a 6:30 mile two and upped it to 6:15 for the next two miles. The final mile I was doing 6:10 and last quarter mile I was at 6:00 flat. It was hard but I actually got used to it. I really think my body is acclimating. My shins hurt a little after but not so bad. I think running on the treadmill takes away some of the shock so my legs are not as worn out. I would rather run hard on a softer surface than on the hard concrete streets. Tomorrow off then 18-20 on Sat. UGHH.
Feb. 18, 2006
19.2
2:13:42
Since my watch is more accurate I was able to maintain my pace easier today. I really ran well, averaging a 6:54 min/mile pace. I had so much energy for at least 60 percent of the run. I think it's because I ate a lot of carbs this week. Or it may be because I ran more miles this week. I am going to start a food log so I can keep track of my carbs and calories. I think I ate more food in general this week and it paid off. I ran around University Heights and then back through Normal Heights and into Kensington. I did a loop around Kensington and than looped back through the route I came out on. It was supposed to rain but it rained overnight so I did not have to deal with that. Temps were probably mid 50's with partly cloudy skies. The sun was really not a factor even though it was shining. I found I had to consciously drink as I was not that thirsty. I do need to take a gel around mile 14 next time. I was DEAD TIRED for the last 3-4 miles of this run.
Feb. 19, 2006
5.12
34:14
I wore the pace watch and ended up running a faster pace than I thought I could (6:42 min/mile pace). I didn't need to run this fast but I just went with it since I felt good. Actually I just read in Runner's World that you should run harder if you feel up to it on a scheduled "easy" day.
Week Ending Feb. 19, 2006
52.88
GOAL - 50
I'm proud of the hard work I put in this week. I was focused and I pushed through the pain of harder running on several occasions. I am getting stronger and stronger. The speed work is helping. I am going to try for another solid week like this next week (Week 10) then it's a taper/less intense week for Week 11.
I didn't wear the pace watch and felt tired and sore on this run. I had low-energy. My shins ached and my calves were tight. I went slower.
Feb. 21, 2006
8.0
---
The last thing I wanted to do tonight was a track workout. I was exhausted and I actually lied on my bed and was going to skip it but did not. I drove and then ran 1.7 miles to the track (12:06). Then I did the following:
2 miles @ TEMPO pace - 12:06. I did this too fast but felt ok. A 400 meter recovery job after 45 second rest/walk then into
1 mile @ TEMPO pace - 6:06. This was right where I should be, I could have done 6:10 slowest. 400 meter recovery jog after a 30 second rest/walk the into
1 mile @ a sub marathon pace - 6:40. I felt like I didn't have to work too hard for this one. I then did 13:08 for another 1.84 mile cooldown.
Feb. 22, 2006
7.25
46:16
I used the pace watch again and felt it was accurate. I ran faster than I would have liked but just went with it. I averaged a 6:47 pace, so a sub-goal marathon pace. My shins hurt after but not too bad. I still iced for at least 30 min anyway. It can't hurt.
Feb. 23, 2006
5.07
32:00
I ran on the treadmill at the gym. It was a really hard run and averaged a 6:18 pace overall. I FELT this run. I started out with a 6:54 min mile and then sped it up to 6:31 for a mile. Then I put it up to 6:18 for another half mile, then 6:11 and finally 6:07 for a good chunk. I ended on 6:00 pace for the last half mile, which was brutal.
Feb. 25, 2006
20.0
2:21:08
I wasn't feeling the best on this run but I still was able to maintain a 7:02 average pace overall. This has been my longest run yet. It was sunny and temps hovering around 60 when I left around 8:45 a.m. I didn't sleep too well the night before so that could explain my fatigue. I started slower and then ran faster for a good chunk in the middle of the run. I ran a 6 mile loop around University Heights and then headed out to Mission Hills and did the Presidio Park hill. I was really dehydrated and ran out of water and Gatorade at mile 15 or so. That's when I drank the last of it with a Carb Boom gel. I felt the gel helped me through those last 5 miles. I wish I had had more water though. I toughed it out however. I have a slight headache now due to the lack of water. I have drank a lot since. I got this slight pain in the bottom of my right calf around mile 9 but it went away. I think it's from my tempo treadmill run I did on Thursday.
Feb. 26, 2006
5.5
40:00
My legs weren't that bad today. I was very tired but slept in and went out there around 10 AM. It was sunny and a bit warmer - already in the 60s. I went slower and did not use the pace watch but felt I did at least a 7:15 pace or so. Maybe I did it faster.
Week Ending Feb. 26, 2006
52.12
GOAL - 50
Almost the same mileage as last week. That's what I wanted. This is not my peak week. My peak week will be the third week in March. I look forward to my taper week this week. I can relax a little. Next weekend's long run doesn't have to be over 15.
It was actually (if you can believe it) pouring outside and I did not want to get drenched so I ran inside on the treadmill. I was lucky I did not have to wait for one as Bally's tends to have tons of people on them but I got the last good one. I did a 6:50 pace and did not need to. I felt good so I went with it and just wanted to get it over with. I was very tired before but somehow got the energy. Tomorrow is track but not sure if I will do outside. I may do speed work on the treadmill if the rain has not ended.
Feb. 28, 2006
6.6
---
Track night. I was not in a good mood since I lost my mp3 player. I had to buy another one after I did my workout. I only did 3 x 1 mile. 6:01, 6:03, 6:07. I ran 11:48 there (1.66) and 14:20 back (2.0).
March 1, 2006
6.8
50:00
I had low-energy and was sluggish on this run. I did not wear the pace watch and ran slower but I did push it at times just because I wanted to get it over with. I wore my new mp3 player. It's the same exact one that I lost. $72 later!
March 2, 2006
5.04
32:00
Another treadmill TEMPO run. I was very tired on this one and did not think I could hold the paces. Started out with a 6:46 first mile. Then I went down to 6:31 pace and upped it to 6:22 for a while. Then 6:18 for a mile - that was really tough. I slowed it back down again to 6:27 for a half mile. Then upped it to 6:18, then 6:15, 6:10, 6:07 and finally 6:00 for the last quarter mile. I was dying at the end.
March 4, 2006
20.5
2:25:32
I decided to just do another 20-miler since I felt pretty good and I did not want to have three weeks in a row of running 20 milers. Next weekend I will scale down to 14 or 15. Then the following two I will go back up to a 22 and a 23. Then it's all taper from there.
This run started around University Heights and then through the back roads of Normal Heights into Kensington for a few loops and then back through Normal Heights. The sun was shining and it was in the mid 50s - very nice temps. I knew right away the watch was slightly off since it had a low battery signal and it said I was going faster than I really thought I was going. So I assumed it was about 3 percent slow. The watch read 21.2 miles for a 6:51 pace. I adjusted and my average pace was more along the lines of 7:05. It may have been around 7:00 but just to play it safe. I was pushing hard and kept up my intensity. I knew that it was going to be hard to maintain the faster pace near the end. I took a Gu gel at 16.5 and felt ok. My legs were getting weak and I could feel some small jolts of pain in my knees. Overall a great run and I was glad to have this in the bag.
March 5, 2006
6.0
41:19
I replaced the battery and did the run. I think it's more accurate now. I did not intend on doing a 6:52 pace but felt good enough. I was tired though after. I will go easy tomorrow (Mon).
Week Ending March 5, 2006
51.66
GOAL - 50
Now there are only 6 weeks of training left. I'm near the end and I am excited. This week was supposed to be a taper week but I changed that by adding in the 20-miler. I felt I needed to push it up one week so I would have more time to rest. So I will probably peak at 60 or 65 miles in my highest mileage week. We'll see. This week I really didn't change much from past weeks. I kept up the intensity and was a good week.
I was dead tired tonight. I didn't wear the mileage watch but knew I ran somewhat hard but at times took it easier than normal.
March 7, 2006
8.0
---
Track night. I really didn't want to go but forced myself. I did the following:
Warm up: 1.68 miles in 12:00
3 X 1 mile at TEMPO pace with 200 meter recovery job in between.
Mile 1 = 5:59 - felt good and strong.
Mile 2 = 6:01 - kept up the intensity but was falling fast. Needed an extra minute of recovery time.
Mile 3 = 5:59 - I was dying but I sucked it up and ran hard.
1 X 1 mile at faster than GOAL MARATHON PACE = 6:33 - I wanted 6:52 but it's ok as I just felt good enough to do faster and wanted to get it over with.
March 8, 2006
5.86
41:48
I was tired tonight and ran with the pace watch. I started out slow then sped up. My shins were a bit sore. I did not have energy but pushed through. I averaged 7:08 and it felt like it. I should try to run slower on my "easy" days but this is slower than what I normally do on the long runs.
March 9, 2006
14.0
1:40:20
I decided to do my long run tonight instead of on Saturday when we are to get heavy rains and the temps will only reach 54. I was going to run this on Friday morning (tomorrow) but with the forecast so unpredictable I did it todayinstead. I left work at 4:15 and was running by 4:30. I didn't escape the rain completely as with a little under 2 miles left it started to down pour. I got soaked and it was cold and miserable. I was exhausted for most of this run. I didn't get the usual rest day before so my legs were sore and not well-rested. I had no energy it seemed even though I ate two hours before (my usual bagel with PB and a little cereal.) I did maintain 7:10 pace throughout but it was a struggle and I had stomach/intenstinal problems during the last mile. At least now I can sleep in and relax this weekend. I will do a TEMPO run on Sat or Sunday since I usually do it on Thurs nights. I don't mind though. I'm glad this was a taper week.
March 11, 2006
5.0
31:37
I did a TEMPO run on the treadmill. Actually since I had the rest day yesterday I had a lot of energy. I started out with a 6:43 mile to warm up and then upped it to 6:31 for a half mile and eventually to 6:15 for a while. I did the last mile at like 6:10 pace and then had it at 6:00 and then finally 5:56 for the last quarter mile. I was INSANE to do that but felt I needed to push it.
March 12, 2006
5.4
40:12
I ran easier today. I was tired. I didn't want to run and felt sore.
Week Ending March 12, 2006
43.8
GOAL - 40
I was right on target this week. I could have run a little less but it's ok. I needed the respite from the very long runs. Now the hard work remains in the next two weeks. I really need to focus and keep the intensity up to a high level. I will try to run easier on my easy days to conserve energy.
I had a lot of energy tonight. The watch said I did 6:50 pace and 8.43. I am not sure it was accurate so I adjusted the distance. I think it's 3 percent off - too fast. It felt like I worked hard but at the same time it was easy to keep the pace. I wanted to get at least 8 in tonight. I was satisfied. I need a lot of miles this week. This is a good start.
March 14, 2006 (Run #1)
3.36
24:10
I ran this morning since I don't know if I can run a long time tonight. I will do a track workout but probably not an extended warm up and cool down. I really think my watch is fast so I adjusted 3 percent again (it said 3.46 miles at 6:59). I really think I did 7:11 pace.
March 14, 2006 (Run #2)
5.9
---
Track night. I didn't do a large warm up just (5:44) or .72 miles. Then I did 3X1 mile at TEMPO pace. This time I ran past exactly 4 times around since a mile is a bit longer than that so I ended about 30 feet past that marker. I did 6:04, 6:04 and 6:05. Then I did a 6:42 mile for a cool down. Then another .79 miles back to my car. I recalibrated my watch again just in case. I think it's accurate now.
March 15, 2006
9.18
1:04:01
I knew I was going to do at least 6.5 but felt good enough to do more. I want to make my mileage goal this week. I started out slower and then sped up. I averaged 6:58 but it felt easy at times. I know my watch is accurate now so I really think that was my pace. Even if it was off by 3 percent it's still close. Had to ice my shins a little after.
March 17, 2006
22.8
2:40:38
I took yesterday off (thurs) and did my long run in the late afternoon today instead of Sat since rain was once again in the forecast. I was happy with this run. It said I averaged 7:02 pace. I wanted to get at least 22 in and almost did 23. I tried to really fuel myself well before. I had protein-enhanced pasta at 12 and then a half a bagel at 1:30. Drinking water and Gatorade as well. I was at work until 3:15 so I had to eat it all there. I was on the road at 3:40. I knew it was going to rain by rush hour. As the time went by the skies were getting grayer and grayer. I almost beat the rain but the last 35 min it started to shower, then it got heavier, then let up the last mile or so. Right after the 2-hour mark it started. I took a GU gel at mile 16.5 or so. I was really doing well. I did feel tired and light-headed at times. The GU really helped. Then I saved one of my Fuel Belt bottles for when I had about 2.5 miles left. I should have had more to drink but can only carry so much. I pushed myself on this run. I tried not to go too fast but just fast enough. I am very confident now. I feel that my body is very strong. I can handle the distance and speed. I am so glad I started track again. It's really making a difference. And the TEMPO runs too.
March 18, 2006
5.8
40:00
I did this run on the treadmill. I wanted to go slower at first. Then I felt good so I sped up. I did the last 1.5 miles at 6:40 pace. I started at 7:15 pace. It felt easy at first.
March 19, 2006
5.23
32:08
I did this TEMPO run outside. I wasn't sure how it was going to go. I ran faster than normal. I wanted a fast 5K so I came through at 3.1 at 18:42 a 6:02 pace. Not bad. Then I slowed down the last two miles or so. Ended with 6:08 pace overall. Legs felt ok. Calves were a bit tight but that was due to pushing hard.
Week Ending March 19, 2006
60.45
GOAL - 60
I am extremely happy with this week. I really wanted to go over 60 and I did. It was one of my most gruelling weeks in probably years. I was strong and was able to get some mid-distance runs in during the week when usually I can only do about 6.5 at most I did 8 and 9 miles. Those were key to hitting the mileage mark. Next week I hope to do the same type of mileage and do at least 23 as a long run. My body and mind are both strong right now.
I ran in the morning. I may not have a lot of time tonight to run so I wanted to get one in. I did a hill at the end. I have to do more hills now.
March 20, 2006 (Run #2)
6.79
47:33
So it was my second run of the day. I actually felt good on the run. I purposely slowed down. I felt good enough to go faster. 7:01 pace. I'm so glad I was able to do a double run today.
March 21, 2006
8.0
---
Track night. I didn't want to go but FORCED myself. I ran 1.79 miles there for 12:54 as a warm up. Then I did 2 miles at TEMPO pace 12:15. I went slower so I was able to run the second mile faster. Then after a 400 meter recovery job I did 1 mile at TEMPO pace for 6:04. I was hurting. Then I did another recovery job and did a SUB MARATHON TEMPO mile at 6:41. Then I ran 13:00 back to my car for 1.8 miles.
March 22, 2006
7.56
53:10
I had to cut the run a half mile short (aiming for 8 or more today) due to severe "digestional" problem. It was the worst feeling. I ran for a mile having the problem and then had to just go home. I was very sick the rest of the night. I just think I ate too much fiber in the last few days. Also, I ate a PB sandwich at 4:15 and ran around 6:00 so I don't think it was enough time to properly digest.
March 23, 2006
5.4
33:04
I did a TEMPO run outside tonight. I started out slower than my last tempo run as I didn't want to do it too fast. I came through at the 5K mark at 19:00 exactly. Last time it was 18:42. I then tried to keep a consistent pace but it was hard. I would slow to 6:20/6:30 and then back up to 6:00 and even 5:45 at some points. I just wanted to get it over with. It felt hard but I was glad I did it and was able to last as long as I did. I definitely dealt with pain, just in my lungs, etc - nothing with muscles or tendons. Shins were a bit sore but nothing bad. I will take tomorrow off and then a 23-miler on Sat AM. Most of the hard work is done. I can't wait for the taper!
March 25, 2006
25.1
3:00:01
Yes you read correctly. I ran with people from the SDTC who were running Boston. I actually did 25 miles at a 7:09 pace according to my watch. I didn't plan on it but I took a few wrong turns near the end of the run. I was looking on a map and missed a final turn so it added more. My goal was 23 so I was really happy. It was good to actually meet some new people. Everyone is so nice. No one in the small group was at my pace so I had to figure out the course myself with my map in hand. I started out very slow for the first mile since I stayed with the group and was reading the map while running. We ran up in La Jolla from La Jolla Shores beach and and down through the Cove area and Pacific Beach/Mission Beach on the boardwalk and through Crown Point Shores on the walkway. Then through a bike path right along side the I-5. Then at around mile 19 a monstrous hill began. I was kicking ass and maintaining a 6:55 to 7:00 pace. I thought I could do this for a mile or so. I had no idea it was a 2-mile hill. I maintained the pace until I hit the UCSD entrance and then just slowed. The hill continued as I took a turn onto another road and then just succumbed to it and slowed to about 8:30 pace for a few min. I didn't care and knew I could make it up. I knew the run was almost over as I was around mile 21. I missed the turn on La Jolla Shores Drive to go back down a mile-long hill. I ended up going down a zig-zag hill through a residential area. I just guessed. When my watch said 23 I wanted to stop but kept going. It was stop or walk so I figured more mileage would not hurt. Finally I asked these people outside if the road went down to the shore. They said yes and I was less than a mile from the parking lot.
March 26, 2006
6.75
46:40
I was going to go a little easier but ended up doing 6:54 pace according to my watch. I felt good even though my legs were sore (not too bad considering yesterday's 25-miler). I ran down through Balboa so I could run on some grass and back up.
Week Ending March 26, 2006
63.71
GOAL - 65
Another solid week. I'm glad I can finally start to taper. I would have liked to get above 65 but two miles is not a big deal. My regular runs now feel easy and I have to hold back. My friend told me it's important to run at marathon pace as much as you can. He took 10 min off his best time. With that same philosophy I think I can do well. Maybe not a 10-min PR but a nice improvement.
I was only going to do 8 but felt went longer. I was VERY tired after. I did not use the mileage watch so I assume I did around a 7:10-7:15 pace. It felt like I pushed it hard in spots but also slowed in spots.
March 28, 2006 (Run #1)
4.4
31:15
I ran in the AM since I know it will rain later. I may do my speed workout on the treadmill at the gym if that's the case. I at least wanted to get mileage in so I can have a shorter warm up later. I think my watch is accurate but then again I don't know. It seems a bit fast. Either that, or it's getting easier and easier to maintain paces. It said I did a 7:07 pace. It felt slower than that.
March 28, 2006 (run #2)
6.0
---
Track night. Since I already did an AM run I just ran .5 miles before. Then I did the following:
1 mile @ TEMPO pace = 6:16. I was exhausted and my shins hurt. I didn't know if I was going to make it through the workout. I walked 30 seconds and then did a recovery jog.
1 mile @ TEMPO pace = 5:57 I really pushed hard. My legs felt better. Maybe I was not warmed up enough in the first one. Recovery jog.
1 mile @ TEMPO pace = 5:57. I was so done after this run. I could not muster another hard mile. I needed 5 min to recover. Then I did a warm down mile at 6:48. Then ran another mile 7:13 after as a cool down.
March 30, 2006
17.1
1:56:07
I did my long run before I went to work this AM. It was insane. I got up at 4:30 to eat my usual bagel with PB, cereal with vanilla soy and banana. Then I woke up at 6:20 - hit snooze a few times. Finally got up at 6:45 and was out the door on the road by 7:00 AM. I really ran well. I averaged 6:45 according to my watch. Even if it is fast, I still think I did at least a 6:52 pace minimum. I was just feeling very energized. Maybe it was because I knew I wanted to be done in less than two hours. I only wanted to do 16 miles but the way I ran I ended up doing more. Well if my watch is off then I know I at least did 16. I added some hills but not as many as I would like. I will work on hills this week. I think I may skip track next week and just do sets of hill repeats. The run was not easy today though. I felt tired and could feel the "burn". I took a GU gel at mile 12. It was the mocha caffeinated kind. I really think it gave me a huge boost. I may buy this kind again and use it in the marathon. I had no adverse effects and it tasted really good.
March 31, 2006
5.25
37:06
I ran in the AM since I am leaving for Phoenix this afternoon. I will be there for the weekend. I took it easier on this run. I did 7:03 pace so it wasn't too easy but it's hard for me to run slower now. I think my body has acclimated to faster paces now. Even if my watch is off I know I at least did 7:15 pace at the slowest. I measures a section of the route in my car and it said .5 miles. My watch said the same so I do think it's accurate. Anyway, I am glad I only have to log 8 miles over the weekend. One has to be a tempo run. I'll have fun running in Arizona.
April 1, 2006
5.5
36:45
I ran on the treadmill inside at the resort here in Tempe. It was a really nice gym. The treadmill was new but weird as it counted down the time instead of up. It only said how much time I had left and you had to pre-program the miles and time. I ran a 6:41 pace since I felt good enough. I started out slower but then sped up at the end. I didn't need to.
April 2, 2006
4.7
28:31
I did a TEMPO run outside this time at a 6:04 pace (my watch read). It is so dry here. Most of the run was nice and flat. It was sunny and about 70. I felt good but it was hard at times. At the end I ran uphill for a little under a half mile. The resort is up on a hill so it was difficult. I was really breathing hard. I think also the altitude makes a difference. Tempe is 1200 feet high so the air is slightly thinner I believe.
Week Ending April 2, 2006
52.45
GOAL - 50
Most of the hard work is done now. I am excited training is nearly over. This week went exactly as planned. Even with my trip to Phoenix, I was able to fit everything in, including my tempo/speed run. These next two weeks are going to be cake. I am still in shock as to how fast this training cycle went.
I was exhausted and ran slower at the beginning and then picked up the pace. I think my legs were dead from the tempo run yesterday morning and the fact I flew. I think flying does something to the blood.
April 4, 2006
8.0
52:10
Since it was like a monsoon outside tonight I went to Bally's and did my speed workout on the treadmill. I started off with two miles at around a 7:00 pace as a warm up. I then did 2 miles at a 6:03 pace. I upped it at times to 6:00 pace then put it back down to 6:03. Then I did a .25 recovery jog around 8:00 pace. Then straight into another mile at 6:02 pace. Then another recover jog for .25 and then into a mile done at 6:25. I was at 7 miles at that pount. Then I just kept it around 6:39 pace for a half mile. I upped it to 6:35 for another half, then up to 6:22 and finished the last .25 at 6:15 pace. Overall a great workout and I averaged 6:31 for the whole thing.
April 5, 2006
5.1
36:00
I did a shorter run due to a lack of time. It's ok. I will try 8 at sub-marathon tempo pace tomorrow.
April 6, 2006
8.45
54:00
I ran too hard and did 6:23 pace according to my watch. I wanted to make sure I was under 6:45. Even if my watch was not accurate, I bet it was still close to 6:30-something pace. It was hard at times but I did slow in the second half. I just wanted to get one more solid tempo-ish run in. In 2003 when I was training for the Boston Marathon guys in my runnning club did a sub-goal marathon pace run of 8 miles or more with some warm up and cool down miles mixed in for 12. I decided to skip the warm up and cool down. If I can do then a 6:45 should be easy.
April 8, 2006
12.1
1:22:01
So it was my last longish (double-digit) run before the marathon. I can't believe the marathon is in 8 days. I felt great and averaged 6:44 pace according to the watch. I slept until 6:45, ate my usual bagel with peanut butter. I was tired so when the alarm went off at 8:20 I hit snooze a bunch of times finally got out of bed at 9:15 and on the road by 9:30 or so. Basically I felt strong. It was a sunny day with not a lot of wind. I incorporated some hills. I ran around University Heights for a 5 mile loop and then ran through Hillcrest, added more hills and then back to my place and there was a half mile hill at the end. Even if my watch is fast, which I don't think it is that fast, I still ran fast. I could have taken it easier but figured it wouldn't hurt to push for the last time. The rest of my runs are going to be done easier.
April 9, 2006
5.0
36:00
I didn't use the pace watch. I ran more relaxed and estimated a 7:12 pace or a little faster.
Week Ending April 9, 2006
44.68
GOAL - 40
It's the home stretch now. I could have easily gone a little shorter on my long run this week. I could have also ran a little more relxed but it felt fine to push it harder. Now this next week I won't do much running. I'll do 3-4 runs before Marathon Monday. I am very excited the training is all over. It was been a brutal ride these last 4 months. It's time to rest the legs and let things transpire.
I ran a little later than usual. There was an amazing sunset at the end of Madison Ave. The sky was all orange and pink. I actually was able to see the sun go into the ocean from that view. I love that I can see the ocean from that cliff even though it's a few miles away. So I ran harder at times. I probably ran faster than 7:12 pace but just to play it safe I will assume I did that. The rest of my runs will be no more than 5 or 6. I will run do 3-4 more.
April 11, 2006
6.55
44:07
I wanted to do a sub-marathon pace run. I felt good. I ran strong. It wasn't the easiest but since there is no speed workout this week I wanted push a little harder one last time. Now the rest of the runs are easy.
April 12, 2006
5.0
36:20
I ran slower and did not use the pace watch. I ran in the AM since I can't run tonight. It was ok but my shin was slightly achy. I iced after.
April 14, 2006
5.2
37:00
I took yesterday off due to traveling and it was a good thing. This was my last run before the marathon. I felt great.
When I ran my first Boston Marathon five years ago in 2001 I told myself I was never going to run another marathon again. After the brutal nature of such a race I was through. Well, I lied.
Unbelievable – that is the single word I have to describe my experience running this year’s Boston Marathon. Due to injuries I haven’t been able to run it in three years. I have NEVER been able to run well at the Boston Marathon with my best time being 3:16:32 in 2003. This year was very different. Not only did I run another qualifying time for next year’s race, I ran my first-ever qualifying time on the course itself AND earned a PR to boot, coming in 1,005th place out of almost 20,000 runners. My result was my fastest marathon out of the 9 I have completed since I started this nonsense in 2001. My previous best took place at the San Diego Rock ‘n Roll Marathon in June 2004 when I ran 3:01:20. It took about 30 minutes after today’s race to really absorb exactly what I had just accomplished.
I was in the second starting corral (bib # 2656) so I only was delayed about 40 seconds from the actual gun/clock time. The first few miles were a bit crowded but it only took about 5 minutes or so to get to my goal pace of 6:50 or thereabouts. As I crossed the first mile at 6:40 pace I was a bit fast and my Fitsense watch was only .01 miles off. So I was relieved it was reading slower rather than faster. I just kept it together for the most part. I knew it would only get harder. I slowed slightly since I knew I was going too fast.
By mile 6 I was still about 45 seconds faster than the splits I had written on my left arm in green ink before the race started. I wrote them down based on a 2:59:00 marathon. I believe it really helped me in the long run. The times were ingrained in my head. Between miles 8 and 9 in Natick I passed by my college friends Cathy and Andrew, who gave me my bottle of Gatorade. I drank about a third of it before throwing it to the ground. Basically I had to keep myself from not running any faster during this section. The course is very flat during these miles and you can easily get carried away. I just wanted to get to the Wellesley halfway point so the REAL RACE could begin. The second half of the race is the most difficult and it proves to be most people’s downfall.
One strategy that really seemed to work for me throughout the marathon was to sing songs in my head. I tend to do that to calm my nerves. I sang Matt Wilder’s 1984 hit “Break My Stride” over and over in my head when I began to feel any doubts. I used it to block out my thoughts basically. I just kept singing the chorus over and over in my head: “Ain’t nothin’ gonna break my stride/Nobody’s gonna hold me down/Oh no, I got to keep on moving.” I know it sounds cheesy but it worked. It seemed to calm my nerves. I was able to carry on.
I slowed slightly before getting through the rest of Natick and by the time I entered Wellesley around mile 11, I was still feeling good. Everything was routine. I was taking water at every other stop and had already used two of my four bottles on my Fuel Belt.
The wall of sound as I entered the Wellesley College area around mile 12.5 was amazing. I ended up going a little faster during this stretch since I was so pumped up, but then caught myself getting too excited and slowed down slightly. My watch was reading 6:40 pace and I knew that was slow. I was probably doing 6:35 pace at times. For the sake of the rest of the race I had to put on the brakes a bit. I really wanted to have a decent split, but not too fast at the half marathon point. I crossed at 1:28:15 so I was right around where I wanted to be. The race had just started as far as I was concerned. I pretended the last 13.1 miles never happened. I pushed on.
Miles 13-15 went by pretty quickly since there was a decline as we entered Newton Lower Falls. As I ran across the bridge over Route 128, that was the first hill I faced. It’s minor but still not easy and I had to push some. A sense of dread came across me. I felt it. I kept on repeating the phrases, “Calm, cool and collected” over and over again when I got doubts. I didn’t let fear take control of me. At mile 16 the course flattened out a bit. It was a strange feeling as I passed the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. I knew I had only one mile left before the brutal Newton Hills began. I knew I had to stay strong and remain confident. Any doubts I had in my mind had to be erased immediately. This was truly crunch time.
At mile 17 I passed the fire station as we turned onto Commonwealth Ave. in Newton. Then, I saw it. The first hill was there right in front of me saying, “Come on Anthony, I know you want to beat the shit out of me. Take your best shot. I’ve had your number the last three times you tried to beat me.” I was extremely nervous at this point. Putting those fears aside, I attacked the hill and did not let up. I maintained my pace as I made my way up. I did not let my watch get below 7:00 pace. I knew that it was not the worst of the hills, but also knew I had to remain strong to get through the remaining two. I was so happy when it was over and I relaxed into my normal pace again. The watch still was reading 6:55 or so. I tried not to let my watch get below 6:55 on the flat portions between the hills. At that point I knew the watch was still reading slow so I figured I was going faster than 6:55.
The second hill came soon after and I was ready for it. It didn’t seem that bad. Actually I don’t remember much of it. I couldn’t wait to get to the 30K mark. The Somerville Road Runners (SRR) tent was there and I knew I was going to take my e-Gel (in the pocket of my Fuel Belt) at that point along with my Gatorade bottle I had given them. It was at the “SRR Elite” table (Thanks Sara R and Joe O!) In a change of plans I ended up taking half the e-Gel at exactly mile 18 before I got to the tent just past 18.6. Then I waited until after I passed the SRR tent to take the other half, downing it with about 1/3 of the 24 oz. bottle Sara literally threw into my hands. Soon after I saw my friend Mike right past the tent with his wife and that was a big surprise. He said, "you look good." I yelled back at him, "I feel pretty good." I was very confident at that point.
Now there’s some history here. Mike had taken a picture of me at Boston 2002 where I was struggling immensely as I was climbing up Heartbreak Hill and wanted to die. It was one of my worst running memories. I thought about the differences between 2002 and 2006. So much has changed in 4 years. It was incredible that I was running upright and strong, not slumped over and defeated. I got that image of myself out of my head quickly. I refused to let it affect my performance. It was smooth sailing until I got past the 20-mile marker to begin the third and final climb of the race – the fabled Heartbreak Hill. This is where you either have it or you don’t. Many people crash and burn here. Many people quit the race here – even the elite.
I knew it was going to be tough, but I was well prepared. I knew Heartbreak was a little more than a half mile long. I figured the pain would be temporary. I still had a lot of juice left in my legs/quads and needed them for the last 5 miles of the race. As I attacked I didn’t let up. I pushed and pushed. I could feel the burn in my quads and slowed slightly, to maybe a 7:10-7:15 pace. I saw the crest of Heartbreak approaching. The green buds on the trees contrasted against the top of the Boston College cathedrals in the distance. I knew after I reached its pinnacle I could relax somewhat.
I then coasted down in relief. As I passed the 21-mile marker I got this incredible sense of confidence. My chances for a sub-3 hour finish were still intact if I could hold on to my pace. I had trained on this course many times before when I lived here. I knew it was going to be a decline for a while as I approached Boston. I tend to run extremely well on down hills. I didn’t want to get too ahead of myself since I knew this was Boston and anything could happen in teh last 4 miles. A self-destruction could have been very likely. Cramps could have come into the equation at any moment.
I made my way through Brighton and into Cleveland Circle. After the 22-mile marker I was feeling good and on a high since I knew the race was almost over. I immediately thought, “You now just have one Khoury’s race left in you. You can pull out a 30 minute Khoury’s easily.” I had about 33-35 min before the clock would turn to 3:00. I then looked for my mother as she had planned to be watching from that area like in previous years. I got worried as there were a ton of people 5-6 deep in some sections and she was lost in the crowd. Usually it’s not so jam-packed. I didn’t see her so I kept my vision straight ahead instead of looking to the sidelines for her. I had thought I was not going to see her. I lost a Fuel Belt bottle at this point as I dropped it and could not get it back into the pouch. That was a sign of good luck.
FLASH BACK to 2004: The last time I lost a Fuel Belt bottle in a marathon was when I ran my previous best time (the 3:01:20 at San Diego Rock ‘n Roll) in 2004. I lost the bottle around mile 23 in that race too I believe.
At 23 miles I still didn't know I was going to break 3 hours. I just kept telling myself, “Imagine you’re on a track doing a 3-mile marathon tempo pace workout. Just pretend you are there and not on the Boston course. The pain will end.”
I saw my mother on the sidelines and she was exactly in between the 23 and 24 mile markers. She whistled and I knew it was her and immediately looked to my right. There she was in clear view. I was surprised she was so far up and was able to get a clear view of me running past her. It turns out she parked 4 blocks away after pleading with a cop that she had to see her son run by. The cop let her park and she booked it to the side of the road.
As I passed the 24-mile marker, I now could see the huge Citgo sign and Kenmore Square in the distance. I knew my friends Jamie and Becc would be in front of the A Tua Nua bar right before the 40K mark (24.8 miles). As I approached I actually started waving to random people on the sidelines before I even saw them. Then I saw them and gave them a thumbs up and fist pump before running up the last small hill, which was a bridge.
The 25-mile marker was approaching and then I looked at my watch. I had 9 minutes or so to do 1.2 miles. I had to at least do a 7:00 mile I estimated. I pretended it was my last mile repeat on the track after a brutal workout. The mile repeats I do on the track are around 6:00 pace so this should be easy. It felt like I was doing that pace since my legs were on fire at this point. I knew I would have the sub-3 hour if I didn’t cramp up. I didn’t feel close to cramping yet. I then passed the “1 Mile left” sign. I looked at my watch and it read 2:52-something. I knew I could do a 7:30 pace and just make it in under 3 hours. I upped the ante even more. I ran down the rest of Beacon Street under Mass Ave. (a new section of the course). I was frustrated that there was a dip and small hill but knew I would turn onto Hereford Street and that would be the second to last turn. I knew there was only a half mile left!
I came around Hereford Street mostly looking ahead of me but glancing to the side to see if Sharon was in front of the Cactus bar. I didn’t see her. I turned left onto Boylston Street and saw the blue and gold finish area in the distance. All of a sudden I pretended I was on an 800-meter track. I just busted out and ran as fast as I could. My legs were aching, my lungs were hurting, my arms were pumping and my heart was racing. I didn’t care
that I was out of oxygen and on the verge of fainting. If I had to dive through that finish line to break 3 hours I would do it.
At this point weird noises from my throat were coming out. These awful sounding moans were emanating from my mouth like I was on a death bed or something. I could see the clock in the distance. I knew my chip time was going to be under 3 hours but also wanted my actual gun time to be as well. I figured I was about 45 seconds delayed. Upon crossing the finish line I looked up and the clock read 2:59:48. As I crossed I put my hands in the air. It was over. I had finally done it. My mind was blank. I took five steps and immediately fell to the ground.
I was a lot less emotional than I thought I would be. I had envisioned this moment so many times during the hardest parts of my training as a motivating factor. This moment of running down Boylston Street with my hands in the air and the clock reading 2:59 was a fantasy that had become real. I didn’t know how to process this. Was this real? Did this just happen? Was I going to wake up from a dream? I was very lightheaded at this point.
A medical person came up to me and asked if I was ok. I tried to get up and two people had to pull me off the ground and walk with me, holding me up. Then a wheelchair came and I was wheeled to the tent. It felt so good to sit down. I didn’t go inside the tent and walked it off. I lied on the ground after getting my chip removed from my shoe and medal put around my neck. It was well-deserved. I was done. Mission accomplished.
I feel so much relief that this monkey is off my back. I have done what I set out to do with the marathon. Maybe triathlons will come into the picture in 2007 or later this year. I have to get a bike. It would be great to do a full Ironman someday but I'll take my time. I'll be doing Boston next year anyway for sure, but there will be no fall marathons for me – maybe a half marathon. I want to RELAX and enjoy the summer months and then pick it back up maybe with some 10Ks in the fall. I know I’ll be running more marathons in the future. Do I want to quit? Not yet. I can’t picture my life without marathons just yet.
Four months of sacrifice had ended. I believe the keys to my success were all the things I listed as things I needed to work on after I ran 3:09:00 at Long Beach last October. First, I increased my mileage. Second, I started speed workouts again. And third, I ran more marathon and tempo-paced runs. I did not stray from these action items and came out on top.
Week Ending April 17, 2006
49.95
GOAL -
An unbelievable ending to a nice, solid training cycle.
June 3, 2007 - I finished the Rock n Roll Marathon (my 10th marathon overall) in 2:57:41!! I could not believe it. After the injuries that sidelined me this year I didn't expect much from this marathon.
If you want to see the race photos you can click here and check me out on the course at various points including the finish line.
Below was my training log for the 2007 Rock n Roll Marathon, which will took place on June 3 in San Diego. Last year, I accomplished my ultimate running goal and actually broke 3 hours in a marathon with a 2:59:07 finish at the 2006 Boston Marathon. This year I was hoping to go back to Boston and defend that time. I was on my way, but a tendonitis injury in early February sidelined me for a few weeks. I lost a lot of training. Instead, I decided to run the Rock n Roll Marathon since it would allow me have more time to train post-injury.
I didn't know I was going to start training this early but figured I had 19 weeks until the marathon. I've had a base of 20-30 miles throughout the fall.
Dec. 5, 2006
34:35
4.6
I ran at lunch and did not go that fast.
Dec. 6, 2006
32:30
5.12
I did this on the treadmill at the gym. It came out to 6:20 pace. I had to work hard but was glad to get through it. I need a lot of work when it comes to speed. It will come with time and I will feel better and improve.
Dec. 7, 2006
40:01
5.4
I took is easy and did not feel good.
Dec. 9, 2006
1:17:31
11.0
This was a hard run. I was not feeling good as it has been about a month since I ran over 9 miles. My watch is slow so it said I ran like 7:22 pace or something like that for 10.5 miles but I did a Gmaps and it came out to 11.
Dec. 10, 2006
30:00
4.2
Recovery run.
Week Ending Dec. 10, 2006
35.82
GOAL - 40
I didn't make goal but I wasn't sure if this week was going to count. It's ok.
A speed workout at the gym on the treadmill. A very fast 13:36 warm up and then switched and went to do 25:01 (4 miles).
Dec. 13, 2006
4.3
31:05
I didn't have much time today. Took it easy.
Dec. 14, 2006
6.7
48:22
I did another daytime run. I had lower energy but pushed it at times.
Dec. 15, 2006
12.0
1:22:17
It said 12.1 on gmaps but my watch screwd up at around 9.6 miles or there abouts and reset. I felt sluggish on the run for about half and then sped up. It took a while to get warmed up and then I really turned it on. If Gmaps is accurate then I did 6:51 pace, which would be great.
Dec. 17, 2006
5.5
41:00
I took Saturday off since my friend was here and hadn't had a day off yet. My legs definitely needed it. I ran much slower and struggled.
Week Ending Dec. 17, 2006
41.2
GOAL - 40
I just made goal. It was a tough week but was glad to get it in. The speed workouts are slowly but surely helping. I need to maybe go a bit slower on the long runs.
I did a speed workout on the treadmill at the gym. I did a 13:50 2-mile warm up and then 1X2 miles @ 6:07 pace. Then .25 and into 1X1.5 miles at 6:03 pace then slight cooldown. It was a very tough workout. I was dead afterwards. Then I did weights like a lunatic!
Dec. 19, 2006
6.8
48:30
I ran on my lunch break. I had some energy but it still was not great. I ran faster in the middle toward the end of the run.
Dec. 20, 2006
6.5
46:44
Happy 31st BDAY to me! I ran at lunch again and did not feel too great. My legs were very heavy.
Dec. 21, 2006
6.2
40:10
A mini-speed workout on the treadmill. Started at 6:48 pace, then 6:40 for a bit then up to 6:27 and final miles at 6:18 and 6:10 pace.
Dec. 23, 2006
11.6
1:18:26
After a much-needed off day my watch said I ran 11.2 @6:59 pace on watch but gmaps pedmoteter Web site said the route was 11.8 miles. I adjusted to what I think was the real pace because I am not confident I did 6:40, more like 6:50, but I could be wrong. I really need to re-calibrate the damn watch. I ran down through park and around University Heights.
Dec. 24, 2006
6.1
41:14
Gmaps Web site said 6.1 miles. My legs were not fresh but just ok.
Week Ending Dec. 24, 2006
43.7
GOAL - 40
I ran over what I should have done but that was ok. My legs are getting stronger and stronger. I do need to get new shoes soon. I still have a few weeks left on these.
I ran in the morning on this Christmas Day. It was ok and about 70 degrees. I felt strong at times and tired at times. I was dehydrated since I was not used to the warmth and ran too late in the morning.
Dec. 26, 2006
6.2
44:04
I ran after work. It was a mild night so I didn't mind it as much. I felt pretty good. I was going to do speed but figured I would tomorrow.
Dec. 27, 2006
6.6
37:00
I ran at the gym and did 2.1 miles in 14:20 as a warm up. Then I had to change treadmills since it would not go faster than 8.9 mph. Then when I changed I did a speed workout that consisted of 1X1 mile at 6:08 pace. Then a 1/4 mile slow down period put down to 8.3 mph, then back into 2 miles at 6:07 pace. That was hard. I was dying. I did another mile or so at around 6:45 pace. I kept changing the pace during that cool down, which really wasn't much of a cool down since I was still slighly pushing it. I did chest and back weight work afterwards and had absolutely no energy.
Dec. 28, 2006
5.5
38:17
I ran during my lunch break. My legs were so achy from yesterday's speed workout.
Dec. 30, 2006
11.5
1:18:09
I was only going to do 10 but ended up doing more. I ran around University Heights into Normal Heights and back. I was tired but kept the intensity up. I had to stop once around mile 4 to stretch my left calf for about 20 seconds. It was very tight. I need new shoes. It's time. The watch said I did 11.1 at 7:02 pace. I know it's slow so I estimated a bit longer for a 6:47 pace, which is probably why I felt very tired throughout. I ran too fast.
Dec. 31, 2006
31:11
4.6
I was going to go easier but felt good and ended up with a 6:46 pace per the Gmaps Web site. I felt like I worked that hard and did pick it up hard on a few spots.
Week Ending Dec. 31, 2006
40.8
GOAL - 40
It was a tiring week. I made the goal but honestly I was exhausted half the time. Maybe I just need to eat more before I run. Often, I ran on a very empty stomach. Other than that, I am at the paces I want to be at, but it's so hard. I know it will get easier in time, but I am so low energy. I need new shoes and have ordered them. I have to wait another week or so.
Happy New Year! I ran around 11:30 AM. I don't know if the Gmaps thing is accurate. It said I did 6.69 at 6:45 pace. I could have been doing that but it seems a bit high. I'll have to research with other to see if it is indeed accurate. I went online and heard it does not take into consideration elevation changes and will most likely read short. With that said, I am for now on going to trust that what it says is accurate and maybe even less than what I actually ran.
Jan. 2, 2007
6.75
43:30
I did a speed workout on the treadmill. A 2-mile warm up followed by 1X1miles at 6:08 pace. Then I did 1X3 miles at 6:10 pace. I felt pretty good on this. I wanted to do 3 miles at once. The total time after warm up with the small breaks was 33:05 for a 6:14 pace.
Jan. 3, 2007
5.4
38:17
I did an afternoon break run. It was my last day at work. I just wanted to have time after work to do social things. I felt ok.
Jan. 4, 2007
7.7
55:15
I ran during the day since this was the first day I did not have to work. I am unemployed baby! It was ok. I felt like I wanted to do a longer-ish run but knew that tomorrow I would most likely do my long run of 10+ miles. I have to start throwing in an 8-miler here and there.
Jan. 5, 2007
11.35
1:17:33
My watch said 6:59 pace and 11.1 but Gmaps said 11.35 for a 6:49 pace. I really tired. I was supposed to do 4 tempo miles within this run. I did about 1.5. I couldn't do it continuously. My legs had nothing really left in them. I did push it harder at the end. It was dry and crisp out today but sunny. I did drink all my water bottles. I still have 3 and need a 4th one.
Jan. 6, 2007
3.2
23:30
I was supposed to take today off but in order to meet mileage this week it was either a 7.2 miler tomorrow or break it up. My legs are definitely sore but the new shoes will take care of that.
Jan. 7, 2007
4.3
31:11
I was tired but got this in. I ran around 11:00 on this sunny and warm Sunday.
Week Ending Jan. 7, 2007
45.3
GOAL - 45
I was another tough week but I made the goal. I need to start to do more 7-8 mile runs in the middle of the week instead of 5-6. I don't want to do doubles just yet.
I ran around 4:15 and had light most of the run. It was a Santa Ana day so temps during mid-day were in the 70s. It still is very dry. I think it was about 65 when I ran. I felt weak and needed more water.
Jan. 9, 2007
7.5
50:30
I did a 19:00 warm up followed by 6 half mile repeats on the street. I was very tired. My legs did not feel fresh by any means. I tried to get the repeats at a 5:55 pace. Most were on. The last few I was probably 6:10 pace. I just didn't have anything left. I then did a 2-mile cooldown.
Jan. 10, 2007
8.0
58:46
I was absolute dead on this job. I was very tired. My legs were like lead blocks. I definitely needed to take today off so I will not run tomorrow. I was so hungry on the run as well. I ran in the middle of the day.
Jan. 12, 2007
13.3
1:30:00
I did my long run today on Friday instead of tomorrow since I had the time and I took yesterday off. My legs were a lot fresher but still not the greatest. It is taking forever for my running store to get in my Mizuno Nirvanas. It's a week longer than expected and I am paying the price with very tiring runs that take a lot out of me. This was not easy. I was able to keep a 6:52 pace or faster. The watch said 12.9 miles but I think it was off slightly so I think a 6:46 is what I actually did, which is great. Last week it was only off by .35 so I have not done a Gmaps yet on this route. I am too lazy.
Jan. 13, 2007
7.3
54:20
I knew I had to do 13.1 miles in the next two days to make 50 so I decided to do this one a little longer. I wanted to not have to do over 6 on Sunday since it was going to be speed.
Jan. 14, 2007
6.02
39:00
I did a tempo-ish run on the treadmill at the gym. I was not feeling good. My legs are dead. Still am waiting on the new shoes. I did this at 6:28 pace overall. I did it faster in the middle and at the end.
Week Ending Jan. 14, 2007
50.42
GOAL - 50
It was so hard to make goal this week but I did it. My shoes need to be replaced! I am so frustrated with my running store. Anyway, other than that, I hope next week will be less painful. Most of my runs felt so hard.
I don't have the new shoes yet but I found a pair of Asics Empires that sufficed since I had not used them that often. They actually weren't that bad. I felt better but still very sore in the quads. Tomorrow is speed work again. We'll see what happens.
Jan. 16, 2007
7.5
49:26
I did a 19:30 warm up and then did 3X1 mile repeats on Madison Ave with a 2-2:30 min rest/recovery in between. I was exhausted and my legs were not fresh. I did the first one at 5:51, second in 5:53 and third in 5:53. I then did a cool down. It hurt really bad. I really need to get those new shoes.
Jan. 18, 2007
7.7
57:07
My quads were really sore. I did speed up about half way through the run.
Jan. 19, 2007
41:20
6.5
This was a very hard run. I did about 6:45 pace for two miles as a warm up (!!) Then I went into 6:18 pace for one mile. Then 6:07 pace. Then I upped it to 6:03 pace for the third hard mile. Then finally 6:00 pace for the last mile. I was SPENT at the end and barely held on to the 6:35 pace as a slight cooldown. I need to do these harder tempo runs every week. I averaged 6:21 pace overall so not bad.
Jan. 20, 2007
14.5
1:41:07
I was spent on this run. My quads were a little better but halfway through I was hurting. I slowed down a bit the last 3 miles. I ended up with a 6:58 pace. My watch said 14.1 but I know it's off. I ran though University Heights and into Normal Heights to Kensington and back. I am sick of this run and next week I think I will do Mission Hills.
Jan. 21, 2007
4.4
31:30
I knew I only had to do 3 to make my total this week. I took it easy then sped up. My quads need a break.
Week Ending Jan. 21, 2007
48.5
GOAL - 45
This week felt better since I wasn't under the pressure of doing 50. I was close in any event. My quads were still not fresh. Next week has to be arond 55 so I will see how it goes. I am happy with how my tempo runs are becoming easier.
I know I have a 55-mile week ahead of me so I wanted to get some good miles in. I ran during the day (still unemployed) so it was nice to run in the sun. It's annoying that my left headphone went out. I pushed it at times but tried to run at a more relaxed pace.
Jan. 23, 2007
7.75
52:30
Today was speed. I did a 20:30 warm up. Then rested for 4:00. Then I did 2 miles at a tempo pace (6:20 or so). It was really dry out today, but sunny and relatively mild (temp about 60). I was spent after that. I did another mile and figured it was about a 6:10. I was exhausted.
Jan. 24, 2007
9.3
1:09:00
I ran a more relaxed run today. I still don't feel 100 percent. I am tired and my legs are tired. I think I will take off tomorrow and then do my 16 miler on Friday morning since I am still not working.
Jan. 26, 2007
16.4
2:00:20
I did not have a good run today. My body was aching, my knees hurt and my calves were really tight throughout. I had to stop several times to stretch and just rest. It said I ran 7:26 pace so I think it was more like 7:06-7:10. Still, at one point around mile 12 my heart hurt. Not good. I will take tomorrow off. I am trying to run too much. The pressure of 55 miles is getting to me. I need to scale back. I will re-evaluate my training plan and do less miles. Quality is better than quantity.
Jan. 28, 2007
3.2
26:30
I did elliptal at the gym. My knee hurts still. It was around 3.2 miles on the elliptical. I will not count that as miles.
Week Ending Jan. 28, 2007
45.65
GOAL - 55
Since my knee was huring I ended up taking another complete day off the day after the 16-miler (Sat) and then only did elliptical on Sunday. That meant I was well below goal. Next week may be a complete wash. I think I really need to rest it. I am going to count the miles on the elliptical machine
I did 5 miles on the elliptical in 40:00 at level 12. It was not that hard but my body was tired. I will try to run tomorrow to see how the left knee feels.
Jan. 30, 2007
6.5
45:30
I started out slow with the first mile at about 7:25 pace. My knee actually felt fine. I steadily increased the speed ending the last mile at 6:39 pace. I think my knee just needed rest. It is not completely healed, but good enough. I may or may not run tomorrow. I may just do every other day this week.
Jan. 31, 2007
7.2
52:54
I ran outside. It was ok. I did not go too fast and kept about a 7:20 pace I estimated. I will take tomorrow off and then try a long run on Friday. My knee felt better. It seems to be getting better each day.
Feb. 2, 2007
15.0
1:42:09
The first 8 miles were tough. I was tired and started this run at 9:50 a.m. I wanted to go earlier but kept hitting snooze on my alarm. I did get up to eat around 7:45, but should have got up at 6:45, but hit snooze for an hour. So everything was delayed. I struggled to maintain pace, but then something miraculous happened. I upped the pace and then I felt fine around mile 8 or 9. I had tightening in my left calf at first. I stopped to stretch twice and then it seemed to get better as time progressed. I felt really strong the last 6 miles or so. My watch said 14.5 miles at 7:02 pace so I think it was more like 15 miles at 6:52 pace overall - right where I should be. I was doing about 6:30 pace for a few miles and just kept pushing. My left knee did not really hurt. I am glad I escaped this without injury. The days off really helped. I have to try to do my miles in 5 days rather than 6. If I need to do doubles in order to have an extra day off then so be it.
Feb. 3, 2007
6.8
50:00
My legs were not fresh and they were just tired for this run. My knee hurt slightly but nothing like before. I will ice. Tomorrow I may just do 5 miles and call it a week.
Feb. 4, 2007
5.4
40:00
The legs were still not too great. I felt sore all around. No real pain, just soreness. I ran slower, took it easy.
Week Ending Feb. 4, 2007
45.9
GOAL - 45-50
Minimum I wanted to do 45. If you don't count the elliptical on Monday, then I really only had 40.9, but I am going to count it. Screw it. Why not count it? It's still miles? It's still moving my legs, just not on the road or a treadmill. I felt better this week. The long run went a lot better. I have not done speed though since Jan. 23. I will do it this week. My knee is healed as far as I'm concerned. I am also trying to eat more "Superfoods" so I can get more anti-oxidants. Those types of foods (spinach, soy, walnuts, salmon, blueberries) are supposed to help with inflammation, especially the oils in most fish. I remember last year I was eating salmon about 2-3 times a week and also tuna almost 5 times a week. I have to start doing that again. It helps my running. Less inflammation = less pain = faster running.
I took Monday off since I had no time after my interviews to run since I had to get ready to go to a catering gig. I did speed on the treadmill. After a 2.5 mile warm up I did 1 X 2 miles at 6:15 pace. Then I did a .25 recovery job and into 1 X 1.25 miles at 6:07 pace. It was hard but I made it. I did another 2 miles after for a cooldown but still at a good pace.
Feb. 7, 2007
9.6
1:10:00
I decided to do a longer run since I need the miles after taking Monday off. I started out fast and slowed down somewhat. It was sunny and cool temps in the upper 50s.
Feb. 9, 2007
15.0
1:45:00
I did a long run today. It was hard. I averaged I think 7:00 pace but my watch said 14.6 miles at 7:15. So I was considerably slower than last week. I had to stop once to stretch. My left quad was hurting and my left knee a little. I also noticed that the top of my right foot was hurting. I may have a torn ligament. I may take the rest of the weekend off and call it a week. I need to listen to my body. I did not run yesterday but had to stand for almost 7 hours doing a demo. And since I had done almost 10 the day before, I certainly did not have fresh legs.
Feb. 10, 2007
---
---
I may have tendonitis in my right foot. I can feel that "vibration" when I move it. I know this feeling when I had posterior tibial tendonitis. This is probably the same thing but on top of my foot. I will take 800 mg of ibuprophen 3 times a day for the next week and see if it goes down. I am not going to run at all today. I will see if I can run tomorrow. Maybe it will go away with icing and the anti-inflammation drugs.
Feb. 11, 2007
1.5
15:00
I used the elliptical machine at the gym.
Week Ending Feb. 11, 2007
32.62
GOAL - 45-50
I didn't run for two days straight. I have to let the tendinitis heal. I'm way off the goal but that was to be expected. I have to let my foot heal.
So it was my first run since Feb. 9's 15-miler. I had 3 rest days plus taking the 800 mg of ibuprophen 3 times a day. I did use the elliptical on Sunday for 1.5 miles though. I felt ok. My foot wasn't bad and didn't hurt.
Feb. 14, 2007
6.63
46:02
I was at the gym and did this on the treadmill. I felt fine. It wasn't hurting too bad after. I upped the speed here and there but kept it around 7:00 pace.
Feb. 15, 2007
6.2
42:33
I did 3.1 miles on the treadmill at work and then another 3.1 on a different machine. It was hard. My legs were ok. My right foot felt ok, it didn't hurt but I was worried. It felt a little sore after.
Feb. 17, 2007
14.4
1:44:51
This run did not go well at all. I had to stop at least 4 times to stretch. I started around 9:15 a.m. and it was very sunny (not a cloud in the sky) and at least 70 degrees. I knew it was going to be a Santa Ana day but I didn't think the dry and warm conditions would be here until at least the afternoon. So right off the bat I was thirsty. I think the problem is I am not hydrating enough in the days before a longer run. My left calf was burning. My right foot was hurting a little but not that bad. I tried to run fast on portions but had no luck. The heat was just too much, plus my hip flexors felt sore as well. My body was basically a mess. My watch said I did 14.0 at 7:29 pace. I know it's off so I added .4 to it for a 7:16 overall - my slowest training run yet.
If things don't get better I won't run Boston this year. I have to somehow let my foot heal. I am going to not run for 7 days. I know it will be hard but I have to do this at this point. I will just do elliptical and weights and bike and take the 800 mg of ibuprophen 3 times a day and HOPE that it heals. I may not run for 10 days. I will then try to gradually get back but it seems I will lose 2 weeks. I have 8 weeks left. I will sign up for Boston but may have to injury defer. I have a flight on hold until March 4. I won't book anything until then. I should know if I will run by then. I am sad that I may not get to run this year. I have trained hard so far. I guess if it wasn't meant it be, it wasn't meant to be. I'm pissed since all those demos I did for EmergenC were the likely cause of this tendinitis. If I hadn't been on my feet for all those hours, my foot would be a lote more rested. I do remember favoring my right foot since my left knee was hurting so I put all my weight on my right. I am pretty sure that is why I have the tendonitis. Not good.
Week Ending Feb. 18, 2007
32.23
GOAL - 50
Another short week. I am still dealing with the tendonitis in my right foot/toe. It's not going to go away unless I stop running for at least 8-10 days. So I will do that. I plan to take this week and only do elliptical and upper body weights. That's all I can do at this point. I will then run every other day 4-5 miles and see how it goes. I have 8 weeks left to fit in a lot of training. I basically only have 6 weeks if you don't count the next two weeks. I don't know if I can train at the same level as last year. It all depends on this injury healing. If it comes back I will not run Boston and try to do the Rock n Roll in San Diego on June 3. I am sad but I have to take care of my body. I don't want to run Boston poorly and not re-qualify. I can injury defer it to 2008 so I don't have the pressure of re-qualifying at another marathon. I can run Rock n Roll without the pressure.
I did elliptical today at the gym and chest and back weight work. My foot did not bother me at all. Just trying to stay in cardiovascular shape.
Feb. 21, 2007
---4.0
32:00
I did elliptical at the gym at work. The machine is the Ironman brand and harder to use. It said I burned half the calories as the Lifefitness ones at Bally's. It said I did like 9.4 miles, so I think it's almost like a bike, but upright. So I estimate it was really 4 miles if it were on the road.
Feb. 22, 2007
---5.0
45:20
I did elliptical at the gym. It was ok.
Feb. 24, 2007
---7.0
1:01:00
I did elliptical at the gym for a longer period of time since I wanted to get some intense cardio in place of my usual long run on the weekend. I actually miss running. As much as I complain about it, I truly miss it. I have a orthopedic appt on Monday (three days). I hope to get more insight into this injury. I don't feel any pain right now, but I think it is there still and won't fully heal unless I actually take more time off. I think I will start running mid-week next week. I'll try to get three 4-5 milers in. We'll see what the doc says next week.
I did elliptical at the gym at work. It felt ok. Again it said I did 9.6 miles or something like that.
Feb. 27, 2007
---
38:00
I did elliptical at the gym. I was tired. The mileage said 4.5.
Mar 1, 2007
---
50:00
I did elliptical at the gym. I really tried to push it at times. I was tired and hungry.
March 1, 2007
---
UPDATE
I went to the doctor on Monday, Feb 26. He recommended I do physical therapy on it for 2 weeks at 3 times a week. He took an X-ray and it was negative. He did say there may be a small bone spur on the top of my foot that may have caused the tendonitis. He said best bet would be to rest another week and see how it feels. I'm not sure what I will do. This weekend I think I will try 4 miles.
March 3, 2007
5.2
41:23
I am in San Francisco this weekend. I ran along the Embarcadero. I went 20:00 or so and then walked two minutes. Then I ran back down to the financial district. I felt energy. I did not feel pain in my right foot. Hopefully the 13 days off from running helped.
I ran on the treadmill at my work gym. I swear it is faster than normal. I felt like I was working so much harder to hold an easy pace. Still, it could just be that I have only run once since taking the 2 weeks off. My foot did not hurt, but I definitely did not feel strong. It will come with time. I will run every other day this week and next week start up normal again.
March 8, 2007
5.5
40:30
I ran outside after work in the streets of Poway. Everything is so wide out there. It was nightime but it was lighted. I basically did some loops since I did not know where I was going. I was trying to avoid the montrous hills, but still had to do some of them. Poway is all hills so I stay mostly on the flat portions. I know that my company is at the top of one of the hills and it's somewhat flat, but I can't go too far so that is why I did the loops. My foot felt ok. I just didn't want to push it too hard. I felt like I had a lot of energy though.
March 10, 2007
5.7
40:00
I ran on the treadmill at a gym at my hotel since I was in a Anaheim for an expo for EmergenC. It was a good treadmill. I felt I was pushing it at times. Still, my foot did not hurt.
Week Ending Mar. 11, 2007
15.34
GOAL - 15
I wanted to run every other day and I did. I didn't want to over-do this week as it was a build week. I feel strong when I run now. I hope I can maintain this and build back to a long run.
I ran after work on the streets of Poway at dusk. I love daylight savings with the longer days. I felt really strong and ran hard on the hills.
March 13, 2007
5.8
43:00
I ran after work again around the streets of POway. It was lighter out and the sun looked amazing. No real pain, just slight. I will skip tomorrow running and just do weights. I don't think I am ready for 3 days in a row.
March 15, 2007
5.1
34:35
I ran at the gym on the treadmill. It went well. I felt strong. I kept increasin the pace after each mile. I did the first few at 7:08 and then I was at 6:35 pace for the last half mile or so.
March 17, 2007
12.3
1:28:00
I ran strong for about 3/4 of this run. I got fatigued in the last 3 miles or so. Overall, I felt good about the run. I did not have any pain in my foot. I do need new shoes so I will get those this week. I feel I can benefit from any extra cushioing. I pushed it hard at times on the run. I felt like I had the energy. I did feel a little out of it since I had not done this distance since Feb. 17. So it had been a month. I hope I can just continue to feel well. When I got home I took ibuprophen (4 pills - 800mg) and also iced for a good 25 min until my foot ached. I think this will help. I think Boston may still be a possibility. I will not run tomorrow, so I can rest it. I will try running 4 times a week - 3 weekday runs of 5-7 miles and then a long run on the weekend. That recipe will keep me uninjured. I will only have two days where I run in a row.
Week Ending Mar. 18, 2007
30
GOAL - 30
I made it through the week without the tendonitis coming back. I actually ran strong on my long run. I ran on consecutive days. I will hopefully become stronger and feel confident enough to run Boston in one month.
I felt really good on this run. I felt very strong. My quads, I think, are a lot stronger now. I think my body is getting back into it. The antioxidants I have been taking (pomegranate concentrated drops in the AM and Acai berry concentrate at night) seem to be helping. I feel that my body is more efficient. I don't have pain when I run. At least not now. I hope this keeps up.
March 21, 2007
6.6
46:30
I ran again after work. I have worked some good, gradual hills into this run. Poway is not easy to run with some of the hills up there. My foot felt fine. I was a bit winded after but I pushed it hard at times.
March 22, 2007
5.5
40:30
I ran after work since I was home early from a seminar. I ran around University Heights. I have not run around my neighborhood in months it seems since I have been doing the treadmill and up in Poway at work. I felt ok, but my stomach was off. I was burbing up the chicken sandwich I had at lunch. I had to eat out since I was stuck at the Sheraton in Harbor Island. My legs felt weak and I was not as strong as I would have liked. I also think I did not have enough water before.
March 24, 2007
17.2
2:05:32
Well, I was supposed to try to maintain my goal marathon pace for at least 12 miles of this run. I really didn't do it. The first 9 miles I felt ok, but I knew I was slowing more and more and more. My hamstrings were tight and I felt lactic acid building up in my legs. I just don't have enough long runs as a base to realistically do well at Boston. I have to be in tiptop shape to go there and do well, or at least requalify. So I think I am going to defer my qualification to 2008. I am a bit sad, but at the same time, it will give me more time to train and maybe I can do the Rock n Roll Marathon here on June 3. I will still train. I may need another week to make a final decision, but I think mind is mostly made up. I am going to see if I can pull out a 20-miler next weekend. My legs were just not strong today. It was sunny without much wind and temps were probably about 65. I actually felt like last weekend since it was cloudy and I ran around Mission Bay Park, I was a lot faster. I barely managed to maintain the minimum Boston qualifying speed of 7:17 min/mile pace. My watch said I ran 16.5, but I know it's slow. I also added a minute to my time since I stopped twice for at least 30 seconds each. I just was so tired. I had to stop and stretch. I also didn't even make it home. I was going to try for 18 miles but I ended up walking a mile home. I didn't have anything left and had gone through all my Fuel Belt bottles. I was so thirsty. Thoughts of asking random people for water out of their garden hose came across my mind.
Week Ending Mar. 25, 2007
35.9
GOAL - 40
I know I should really be about at 50 miles, but the building up process is taking time and I don't have much time left. So I will most likely not do Boston and just do Rock n Roll Marathon instead since I can build up more and feel more in shape. Just not strong enough at this point.
I ran after work. My legs were not fresh. I stood all day yesterday at a catering event so that was probably why. Add that to the fact that I had done the 17-miler on Sat and it's a recipe for heavy legs. I pushed through the pain in the last quarter of the run and felt like I was running faster.
March 27, 2007
5.5
38:15
I ran at the gym and did 2 miles in 14:00 and then accidentally shut it off. Then I ran the next three miles in 23:15 (6:38 pace). I kept increasing the pace each mile until I was working really hard. I felt ok but not great.
March 29, 2007
6.0
40:00
I ran after work at the gym on this different treadmill at the Scripps Ranch Bally's. I don't like their treadmills compared to Mission Valley's. It's the old kind and I feel like they are too fast for what pace it is reading. Anyway, I struggled to hold the pace for the entire run, averaging 6:44. I did the last miles at like 6:20 pace. My calves were kind of tight. Not sure if I needed more water or just didn't stretch enough.
March 31, 2007
18.5
2:18:04
Ok so I now know I definitely will not do Boston. I struggled again during this run. My left calf was SO TIGHT for about 6 miles of the run at the beginning. I had to stop several times. I added the minutes to my time for my stops. I also stopped at the end when I got to 17.5 miles and walked a good minute before I ran another mile and then just ended. I felt better during the time when my calf did not feel tight. I am not sure why this is happening. I had this before. I remember before Long Beach Marathon (Oct. 2005) and during that marathon had this tightness. I need to figure out what it is. I thought it was because I didn't have a lot of speed workouts in me. Basically, my calves are not strong enough so they burn? I have no freaking clue. If it wasn't for the tightness I may have decided to give Boston a shot. But, my upper hip flexors were really sore after mile 10. I am just not in top shape to run a marathon in 2 weeks. I'll be better off doing Rock n Roll on June 3.
I felt, at times, that I shouldn't even do a marathon this year. I should just focus on Boston 2008. I should take the rest of the year off, just do small races, maybe a half. Then I will gear up for my final marathon in 2008. Then I felt like I would miss it too much. I NEED to do marathons at least though my late 30s. I feel I should take advantage of the fact that runners peak in their 30s. I am only 31. I shouldn't be talking retirement already. I have so much more ahead of me. I know I can do even better than my 2:59:07 PR. I know it! I just need ideal training conditions. I need to be smarter. I wasn't smart at the start of this training cycle in December. I was too aggressive and I paid the price. Now I know. I will be more conservative. I won't kill myself to put in the miles early on.
Week Ending Apr. 1, 2007
36.8
GOAL - 40
I didn't really have a goal this week. I should be going over 40 but on only 4 days a week running it's tough. I wanted to gradually up my mileage so I don't get re-injured.
I ran after work. My legs were somewhat heavy but I felt pretty good in the middle to the end of the run. And no tightness in my calves!
Apr. 3, 2007
6.5
43:00
I ran on the treadmill at the gym. I did a slight speed workout. I don't want to go all out and reinjure myself. I ran for 1.5 miles at about 7:08 pace as a warmup and then went into 3 miles at about 6:27 pace. Then I slowed for .5 and then did the last mile at 6:15 pace. Then a small cooldown. I felt I had some energy. I still need a lot of work.
Apr. 5, 2007
6.2
41:00
I ran on the treadmill again. I did about 2 miles of warmup and then gradually increased the pace. At the end I was doing 6:10 pace for the last half mile. I felt I was struggling but I was at a tradeshow all days yesterday and stood for about 11 hours. It did not do wonders for my legs.
Apr. 7, 2007
12.0
1:26:12
It was a cloudy day, about 58 degrees - great running conditions and of course I ran stronger. I averaged 7:10 pace, doing the first 6 or 7 miles at 6:50. My legs were a bit sore, but I did not have any cramping in my calves. It must have been using the new Superfeet inserts that caused that last week on my long run. I feel a little more confident, but still have a lot of work to do.
Week Ending Apr. 8, 2007
32.3
GOAL - 35
This was a back off week. I did a shorter, but more intensive long run. I am going to try to do a 6-day run week next week. I have to get some decent mileage in now that my tendonitis has not come back.
I was dead tired but wanted to get a good run in tonight. I ran at home after work. I finally ran through Balboa Park. It had been a while. I was sick of running right after work. I think I need the commute time to unwind a bit. I was exhausted after this run and during it. It was a long weekend, so Monday runs are always harder.
Apr. 10, 2007
5.1
34:21
I ran at the gym on the treadmill. I was very tired. I did the first 1.5 miles at like 7:12 pace. Then I sped it up to 6:39 for a mile, then 6:35 for another mile. I did the last half mile at 6:22. Then I went down to 6:53 for a half mile. Then I did 6:03 pace for a half mile at the end. It was hard. I felt very tired. I'm very low energy this week.
Apr. 11, 2007
5.8
40:01
I was just exhausted on this run. My legs were sore. I basically was flat. I was surprised I was able to keep any decent pace at all. I felt this bump hitting against my arch. I wasn't sure what it was. It started to hurt. I regret not stopping immediately. I may have a serious injury now.
Apr. 14, 2007
20.0?
2:32:15
I took the last 2 days off due to the pain that developed in my arch. It had subsided so I tried my long run. I was ok for about 10-11 miles. Then the pain set in. I slowed considerably. It was sunny and about 65 degrees. Not ideal conditions. I ran a 6-mile loop around University Heights and then headed down to Balboa Park, then downtown, around Seaport Village, out to Harbor Island and then back to downtown. I took the #15 bus home. I had $2 in my Fuel Belt pocket, so at least I was able to get home without having to walk 3 miles after running 20. I was hurting bad as I approached the 2:00 mark. All these thoughts were running through my mind. I wanted to just stop, but wanted to at least get this 20 in. I thought about not even doing the marathon in June. I thought about resting and really recovering. 2007 has been a year of injuries. My right foot that had the tendonitis in Feb is completely healed. Now I have this arch pain. WHY!!!???? I am so pissed off. I just want to run healthy. Why did I run so well in 2006 and now, I am struggling?
I probably was only doing 9:00 pace for about 2 miles. I started to go faster nearing the last few miles simply because I wanted to get it over with. My pace watch battery died at 11.6 miles so I was without a pace monitor. That was my bad since I didn't replace the batteries in time. I run better knowing how fast I am going. In any event, I was not happy. My hip flexors really started to ache at the 2:00 mark. It was this gradual building of pain.
I don't think this was much of a jump to go from running 18.5 miles two weeks ago to running 20 this week. Granted I only ran 12 last weekend, but I was building up. I am not sure what I will do. I have a doctor's appt on 4/18, but will still need to see a orthopedic to really get assessed. I don't think it's Plantar Fasciitis. That is more in the heel. I have no pain in the heel. It is only on one specific part of the inside of my arch. This is so frustrating.
Week Ending Apr. 15, 2007
38.9
GOAL - 40
Honestly, this was not a great week. I should be EASILY doing 50-mile weeks at this point. Granted, I took 3 days off this week. I am evaluating what is wrong with my arch. I am set to go to the doctor on Wed of next week. I have a feeling it may be a stress fracture. We'll see. I felt good at the beginning of the week. Then after my speed workout on the treadmill, something was off. I think that was what did me in. I think doing the speed work gave me this potentially marathon-ending injury. All I can do is hope for the best.
I went to my Primary Care Physician today. We took three x-rays of my foot. We are trying to rule out a stress fracture. He said I can run if I want but stop if it starts to hurt. I am not running and have not run since the 20-miler. I have done a spin class and intend to do those only until I can run again. I will try to do 3-4 a week. I did my first one last night and it was hard, but I know it will make me stronger once I start running again. Who knows when that will be. I should get the result of the x-ray tomorrow. My doctor said he will refer me to the podiatrist in any event, whether the result is negative or not. I may need custom orthodics at this point.
Apr. 20, 2007
INJURY STATUS UPDATE
---
I got a call from my doctor. They said according to the x-ray I may have a stress fracture and have referred me to a podiatrist. I have that appt on 4/25. I am not happy, of course. I really wanted to get a marathon in this spring, but it looks like I will have to wait until the fall to do one. That means training over the summmer, which I don't like. I could just not do a marathon this year, but I have done a marathon every year since 2001. I want to keep the streak alive! We'll see what the doctor says. I am not running until I see him. I have been doing spin classes though. I did three this week and they have kicked my ass! It's a great workout though.
Apr. 25, 2007
INJURY STATUS UPDATE
---
I met with Dr. Richard Green, a podiatrist today. He informed me I DO NOT have a stress fracture and it was soft tissue damage. He said that I can do ellipitcal/bike/spinning the rest of the week and next week can start to run every other day. He said that I can still train for the Rock n Roll Marathon on June 3 if I want and feel ready. I think I can possibly pull the marathon out in a decent time if I heal appropriately and don't kill myself in training. I have some hope and am glad it is not a stress fracture.
It was my first day back to running. I felt very tired throughout. My body was not used to the pounding. I basically did spin class for the last two weeks with some elliptical mixed in. I stayed in shape. I am running every other day this week.
May 2, 2007
5.5
41:00
I felt a little better and ran a little longer. I did elliptical yesterday. Tomorrow I will do spin and then take Fri off before attempting 8 miles on Sat AM.
May 5, 2007
9.0
1:05:43
I felt really good on this run. It was sunny but not too hot yet. I actually had some coffee about an hour before. Maybe that is the key to running well, a little caffeine. My foot did not hurt at all. I was tired at some parts but I think it was because it was my first run over an hour in about a month.
Week Ending May 5, 2007
18.7
GOAL - 20
It was a low week since I am building back. I couldn't pull out a 40 mile week right out of the gates from being injured. So next week I will try for 30-35 by running 5 days.
I had yesterday completely off. My legs were really sore. Today I ran to go walk the dogs in Mission Hills for this couple. It took 21:00. Then I walked them and after ran home in 24:00 or so. It was HOT today. Santa Ana winds. Very dry. Not good breathing conditions. I felt sluggish.
May 9, 2007
8.2
1:00:10
I did 45 min spin class yesterday and my quads were feeling it today. I ran around University Heights and then down through Balboa Park and back up. It was hard at times but I pushed through. I felt like I was keeping a decent pace of about 7:15/20s or so, maybe faster. I can't really judge at this point, so I assume slower than faster.
May 10, 2007
4.2
32:20
My legs were crappy. I had a hard time running. Looking forward to having tomorrow completely off from exercising.
May 12, 2007
16.7
2:02:18
The run went great. I felt really good and did almost 3 miles more than I had intended. I am glad I got a 2-hour run in. I took Cliff shots with caffeine - one at the beginning and then another an hour into it. It gave me a good energy surge and I did not feel too sluggish. I think I at least maintained a 7:20 pace or so, probably faster but I did not wear my pace watch since it ran out of battery. I am going to configure my polar speed and distance monitor for next week. I have been lazy about it. I ran from University Heights through Normal Heights and Kensington and then back. It was a nice sunny morning, not too hot. I used EmergenC instead of Gatorade. I really think the time off from running and just doing the spin classed helped me since my quads and hip flexors did not get too sore. I am stronger and more confident now. I just need to maintain this into next weekend's 22-miler and have a 2 week taper.
Week Ending May 13, 2007
35.9
GOAL - 35
I was right where I wanted to be this week. I was glad my first long run in a long time went well. I need to continue on this path. Next weekend I will attempt 22 miles. If I feel decent during it I will then sign up for Rock n Roll.
I ran in Poway after work. I felt ok, a little sluggish. My quads were sore. I felt better the second half of the run. I really don't like running along side Scripps Poway Parkway. I feel that the cars will hit me even though I am on the side of the road. They're going at like 70-80 mph!
May 15, 2007
6.5
47:30
I ran around Balboa Park. I was not feeling too good on this run. My quads still are sore. My entire body did not want to run tonite. Maybe I will do spin tomorrow?
May 16, 2007
5.7
42:04
I ran tonight instead of spin and I regret it a little. My legs were not great, very heavy. I did run faster at the end. I will do spin tomorrow. Then take Fri off and then try 22 on Sat AM. YIKES! I think I can do it though.
May 19, 2007
22.3
2:42:32
Wow, this was a very, very tough run. I basically felt ok until around mile 14 and then got tired. My hip flexors got really sore but that was to be expected. Both feet were fine, calves, etc were fine, not tight. I ate the Cliff Shots again with caffeine - right before, at the 1:00 and 2:00 mark. If I had taken another it may have helped but I ran out of water at mile 18. I think it sort of helped me this week, but not as much as last week. I had moderate/lower engery overall. I think because my quads felt heavy all week. I did a spin class two days ago (which kicked my ass), and took yesterday (Fri) off completely like. I ran from my place around Univeristy Heights through Normal Heights, into Kensington where I did a few loops and then back again. It was a typical May Gray morning with the temps in the lower 60s. If it had been sunny I probably would have not run as fast. My pace watch said 21.5 at 7:33 pace, but I know it is at least a half mile slow if not more. I figured I did at least 7:17 pace, so I am going to go with that. I really need to get that reconfigured. I think it is at least 15-20 seconds off per mile as I have marked the first mile and it's always off. I am going to run Rock n Roll I decided. I just need to get this marathon in. If I run horribly so be it. I can make it through. I'm strong and I need this marathon for my mind and body.
Week Ending May 20, 2007
42
GOAL - 40
Another tough week but I made it through. I felt ok on most runs. The long run was tough, but at least over with. I am not expecting miracles at Rock n Roll, but hopefully I can pull out a decent time.
I didn't intend to this long but ran to Balboa and back. It was tough, my legs were still sore from the long run. I took Sun and Mon off. I should have done something on Mon but was busy with a focus group. It was probably better to rest. I am tapering after all.
May 23, 2007
5.7
42:31
I ran in Poway after work. My legs felt heavy. I did this long hill, probabaly about .6 miles. It was tough but I pushed through. The second half of the run was easier for some reason. My quads were sore.
May 24, 2007
6.2
42:02
I ran on the treadmill at the gym. I left work LATE around 7:20 or so. It sucked but after 3 miles I felt pretty good. I kept increasing the pace. Ended around 6:40 miles. I wanted to do a little faster workout tonite. I averaged 6:46 overall so not bad. I was getting into a groove at mile 4.
May 26, 2007
10.4
1:10:33
My pace watch said 7:03 pace and 10 miles. I know it's slow so I estimate 6:47 pace and 10.4. I worked hard and really pushed it on this run. I knew it was the last time I would be doing a longer run and made the most of it. I felt I was working too hard at times. Still, I did not have any pain in my feet, only a little in my shins. I signed up for the Rock n Roll today so it's settled. I'm in the race. The countdown is on - only 8 more days. I didn't use my fuel belt today. It seems I run faster when I don't use it. It got sunny so I really needed water but held out.
Week Ending May 27, 2007
30
GOAL - 30
This was the first of my two taper weeks. I felt good overall. I am glad this is almost over. One more week and I will be running the marathon.
I ran at a decent pace but felt awful on the run. My stomach was doing weird things and I had some indigestion from a pb sandwich I had about 2 hours earlier. I am running two more times this week then it's rest, rest, rest!
May 29, 2007
5.5
40:15
I felt a little better on this run but my legs felt tired. I am so looking forward to not running at all tomorrow and then Thursday being my last run before the marathon on Sunday.
May 31, 2007
5.1
35:09
I felt great on this run. I think not running yesterday really helped. I did it on the treadmill. I started at 7:13 then went to 7:03 pace for a half mile. I then kept it at 6:58 for a while. Then I ended up going faster. I had a lot of energy. I hope this is a sign of good things to come in the marathon. This was my last run before the big race. I take Friday (tomorrow) and Sat off completely. I averaged 6:53 and it felt almost effortless.
Overcoming adversity is basically the theme of this marathon. I overcame a 2 injuries during what seemed like an endless 25-week training cycle - a half a year! I missed Boston in April due to recovering from tendonitis in February. Then in April I had a soft tissue tear in my arch tendon. I didn't think a marathon this year was possible. I was wrong.
Well, the tenth time is certainly a charm. On the day of my 10th marathon I was able to pull out yet another sub-3:00 marathon effort, this time at a 6:47 minute per mile pace. Other stats: 110th place out of 15,958 people and 20th place in the 30-34 age group out of 1,358.
I just kept relaxed throughout the entire race and focused on calm thoughts. I kept repeating in my head "stay in this state" and "focus on now". It really helped. The first few miles were standard. I tried not to go out too fast. I was at 6:42 at the first mile and 13:30 at mile 2. I don't remember much about the next few miles. We headed downtown and I really didn't like this part of the course. It smelled like a dumpster and was just not appealing. As I passed by the 10K mark (6.2 miles) I got this sense of dread. I had 20 more miles. Was I going to be able to keep up the intensity? I actually had a thought of just dropping out. Then I realized how ridiculous that was. I knew I could pull out at least a sub-3:10 effort if I really wanted to. So I kept on.
Mile 7.5 began the 2.5 mile climb up Highway 163. It was strange being able to run on the highway. I knew about this hill from my 2004 race. I knew it was going to be tough, but it was early enough in the race that I only slowed about 10 seconds per mile. My mileage watch said I was doing 7:20s mostly. I knew at the top I had to step it up. I had taken a Cliff Shot block at the start that had caffeine in it. I think that gave me a little surge.
At mile 10 the Front Runners had their water stop. It was great. They announced my name on the microphone as I ran by. I felt great for the next 7 miles. I knew I had to put in a good solid chunk in the middle of this marathon to have any chance of a sub-3. So I glided down to mile 11 - all downhill. It was great. I felt relaxed. Then I got to the half marathon 13.1 miles at 1:27:14. I knew that I had some time in the bank. I could run the second half in 1:33 or so and be right around 3:00. I saw this guy Myles who had been running with me at the start but I let him pull ahead. I asked him what he was trying to maintain. He said 6:40 pace. So I kept with him for a few miles and around mile 15 I surged ahead. I still felt pretty good. I was totally zoning out. I was in a groove. It felt effortless at some portions. I tried to just keep my pace around 6:45 or so.
My boss Rich and co-workers Heidi and Charity were right after mile 16. They had a large sign with "Go Anthony" and my face blown up on it. I was so surprised. It was great. I then got the bottle of Gatorade I had asked for. After mile 17 I took another Cliff Shot Block. I wanted to do it around 2:00 or so but decided earlier. I knew I had 9.2 left. I did slow here. I was not feeling great but not bad. I knew I just wanted to get to 20 and then re-evaluate my options for breaking 3:00.
Now we were in the Crown Pointe area of Pacific Beach. I took my e-Gel Electrolyte Energy gel around 18.5 miles. I saw someone who worked at SDRI (the running store I frequent) and he gave me a bottle of water to wash it down with. I ate half and waited to get to 20 miles before ingesting the other half. I saw the clock, it was 2:14 or so. I knew I had 46:00 to run the last 10K (6.2 miles). I knew in my mind that I could do that if I did not have any major cramping. At that point it was a hill since we crossed a bridge. I really pushed hard up it, as I was not going to slow for any reason. I heard a guy next to me grunting in pain as we ran up. I yelled "Come on, let's do this" to him. I kept on. I kept on pushing and pushing. I wanted it. I knew I could do it. Still, I had doubts though.
As I passed mile 21 I saw Trevor (a pacer) who was waiting for the 3:00 pace group to arrive. He looked anxious for the group to come. Then he yelled out to me, "You are way ahead of the 3:00 group, keep it up!" That was cool and I felt pumped. My confidence soared. As I arrived at mile 22 I told myself I have a Khoury's Run left in me. Khoury's was a 4.13 mile run my old running group Somerville Road Runners did every Thursday night starting and ending in front of this small pub called Khoury's in Somerville, Mass. I saw that the clock read 2:28 so that meant I had 32:00 to run 4.2 finish in under 3 hours. I knew I could easily do that.
I upped my pace in the next mile and made it to mile 23 around 2:35 or so. I now had 25:00 to do 3.2 miles - a piece of cake, right? Then, all of sudden, I got a small twinge in my right calf muscle. SHIT! It was a small cramp though. I slowed slightly and told myself that I was not going to cramp up until AFTER it was over. I drank extra water. I got through that scare and was at mile 24 at 2:42 or so. I knew I had 18:00 to do the last 2.2 - that would very easy. I just kept pushing and pushing. I got to mile 25 at around 2:49:50 or so.
I knew I had it in the bag as long as the cramping did not start up again. There was 1.2 left and I had 10:10 to do it. I could surely do that. As soon as I made the final left turn into the front gates of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot I knew I only had less than a half mile left. I pushed as hard as I could. I was in so much pain. My hip flexors were burning as well as my calves. My lungs were burning as well. Still, I did not feel dizzy, which was great - a sign I was well hydrated. I heard the announcer's voice in the distance. I was so close! Then I saw a guy cramping up bigtime. He was hobbling his way with the help of his friend. I felt so bad. It could have been me.
I didn't even look at my watch at this point. I didn't want to know what the time on the clock said. I knew I was going to break 3 hours, but by how much? Finally, during the last straightaway, I glanced at my watch and it said 2:55 and change. I knew I could feasibly finish in under 2:58. I just sprinted. All out sprinted. I was ecstatic. As I passed the 26-mile mark, the last .2 miles were a complete blur. I did not notice anyone around me. I had a narrow vision to the clock. 2:56:30, 2:56:50, 2:57:20...tick, tick tick... At last, I ran through with both hands raised up high and smiled into the camera. I was well aware they were cameras up above the finish banner so I struck a decent pose. Then it was over. Was it really over?
In my excitement I tried to do a cartwheel unsuccessfully and fell to the ground scratching both my palms in the process. Still, I was excited. This guy Dennis from Front Runners was right there as a crossed. He said that I would be on the front page of the GL Times. I laughed. I didn't even expect to see him right at the finish as one of the volunteers.
After my breakup over a month ago, I think I gained extra motivation to focus on my running. I did this marathon for myself. I wanted it so bad. I'm glad I was able to run a PR after the struggles I had this year. I couldn't be happier. And this is why I continue to do this. I can't let go of the high of running a great race. I have no regrets about this one, that's for sure.
Week Ending June 3, 2007
43.3
GOAL - 40
What can I say? I kicked some serious ass! I'm so happy it's all over.
I run marathons, eat dark chocolate in moderation and enjoy singer/songwriter type music. Passionate about universal health care, human rights, equality for all, and all things progressive.
