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.
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.
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